The Great Southern Star - December 31, 2013 by The Great Southern Star

Happy New Year

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Summer fun: Madison, Riley, Mark and Emily Gottschalk enjoyed the warm weather on Inverloch’s surf beach on Saturday.

SURF ALARM Mass rescue at Inverloch

By Jacob de Kunder VOLUNTEER lifesavers rescued 10 stranded swimmers at Inverloch Surf Beach on Saturday afternoon. “I had to do four trips in and out to rescue six of the swimmers. I am just glad we were there so we could avert a possible mass tragedy, ” In-

verloch Surf Lave Saving Club member Tristan Blizzard said. After a flat day on the water, a wind change caused choppy seas and difficult swimming conditions, restricting the four adults and six children to a sandbar 100 metres from the shore. Mr Blizzard paddled a rescue board towards the group while fellow lifesaver Kat Ellis swam with a rescue tube.

Off duty patrol member Nick Thomas assisted with another rescue tube while another lifesaver Julian Walker kept watch from shore. “Two children about five years of age were struggling in the water and I had to lean down with my arm well into the water to pluck them out and onto the board,” Mr Blizzard said. Mr Blizzard said swimmers need to recognise how weather changes impact surf conditions.

“People need to swim within their abilities and be aware of the change of conditions,” he said. “When they see signs like the wind picking up, they need to get out of the water if they don’t think they can cope. “It was the most obvious thing on Saturday. It was so calm, and then the wind and waves picked up and sand was everywhere.” Continued on page 2.

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PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Dog ban bites tourism By Tayla Kershaw THE dog ban in Inverloch will have a negative impact on the

town’s tourism industry, according to the Inverloch Tourism Association. Bass Coast Shire Coun-

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cil never consulted the association about the ban and its impacts. Association president Dom Brusamarello said, “The ITA has a good working relationship with the council and its officers. As an organisation we would like to strengthen this relationship and add value to council’s plans that affect Inverloch and Bass Coast tourism. “However we believe the angst generated in the community could have been avoided if proper consultation had been conducted with all stakeholders.” Association vice president Kate Edwards said making such decisions without consultation was “dangerous”. Ms Edwards also runs Big 4 Inverloch Holiday Park. The park does not accept dogs but Ms Edwards believed the ban would affect tourism. “I can’t imagine thousands of tourists will be coming down to Inverloch now,” she said. The park was most likely to become dog friendly this

summer. Its lease specifies dogs are not permitted but Ms Edwards was prepared to create a care facility. “Inverloch is missing out,” she said. “The council shouldn’t ever give a reason for people not to come to Inverloch.” Dog owner and visitor to Inverloch, Maria Marino of Morwell said, “I’m a bit confused and I reckon it has kept people away. There aren’t as many people here as there were last time.” Mr Brusamarello said the association hopes to work with council to find a positive outcome to the current situation that more closely meets the needs of visitors and locals alike. The holiday season brings a swell of tourists to the area. Many told The Star they had no knowledge of the dog ban. “I would’ve thought the decision was a little harsh but there are still plenty of places to walk the dog,” Ryan James from Berwick said. Frankston’s Michelle Ward said, “It’s not nice when dogs are all over you

Park walk: Emma Steendam and Natasha Brown with dogs Tessa and Grace were undeterred by the dog ban and found a lovely spot to walk along the footpath. on the beach, but I think it’s okay for a dog to be there if it is on a lead.” Ms Ward was not surprised the ban was enforced.

TAFEs unite GIPPSTAFE will work with other TAFE colleges and Federation University Australia to improve tertiary education options in Gippsland. Minister for Higher Education and Skills and Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession Peter Hall made the announcement on Friday. GippsTAFE will join with the new uni and Chisholm Institute and Advance TAFE to share resources. Mr Hall said the partnership would offer more employment opportunities in regional Victoria and maximise efficiency for TAFEs in Gippsland. “I am pleased that each has come to the same conclusion that an alliance involving

FedUni, Advance TAFE and GippsTAFE will maximise training opportunities and learning outcomes for the region,” hesaid. “The Victorian Coalition Government will continue to support the provision of vocational training in Gippsland and work with the local providers to consider how this alliance can best meet the needs of industry and the local community.” Mr Hall said Gippsland already benefits from partnerships between Chisholm, Advance TAFE and GippsTAFE. “This was shown with the establishment of the Technology Enabled Learning Centre network and a number of Regional Partnership Facilitation Funded projects. These partnerships will continue, and work to form new relationships with other vocational and higher education providers in the future,” he said.

Frankston City Council bans dogs on beaches between 9am and 7.30pm from November until March. Regular holidaymaker Natasha Brown of Neerim South supported the new dog ban between 9am and 6pm at Inverloch. “It has made me get up earlier to walk the dog,” she

Surf alarm Continued from page 1. “People need to be really aware of these changing conditions.” The incident came after a child was reported missing on the beach earlier that afternoon. Inverloch surf lifesavers searched the water with their inflatable rescue boat several times as other patrol members searched the

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LEONGATHA 6 Day

WEATHER FORECAST

TUES DEC 31

12°

22°

Mostly sunny

WED JAN 1

13° Rain

27°

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JAN 2

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FRI

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said. “I didn’t realise the extent of the ban,” past Inverloch resident Chris Green said. “I can still walk my dog but I think a better method would be to section off parts of the beach for dogs and owners to run around on.”

SAT

JAN 4

13°

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beach for the 10 year old. The boy was later discovered safe after being swept along the beach by the current. He had walked along an access track to the carpark to reach the main surf beach. Lifesaver Jordy Tomas said parents need to make sure their children were supervised on the beach. Peak numbers of visitors were reported on Bass Coast and South Gippsland beaches on Saturday as the temperature soared into the high 30s. The Inverloch surf beach hosted about 2420 people and fortunately the surf club had ample volunteers on patrol. After setting up their main beach patrol at the surf beach, patrol members established outposts at Anderson Inlet near the Angling Club and the caravan park, and another on the beach near the RACV Club. Club media and community relations officer Gayle Morris said people need to be aware of where they were swimming. “Not only do we have the surf beach here where people need to be aware of water and the conditions, but also up at the inlet, where people like to swim, we have currents that people need to be aware of,” she said.

SUN

JAN 5

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 3

Police ready to party POLICE numbers will increase in the lead up to 2014. A large contingent of 125 officers will be on patrol in South Gippsland to ensure safe New Year’s Eve celebrations tonight (Tuesday). Police will be maintaining public order, stopping thefts at caravan parks, car parks and beaches,

and ensuring everyone’s security remains in check. Cowes will have two extra officers and six troops, San Remo will have two more officers, and Venus Bay and Inverloch will have an extra sergeant and four troops for the duration of the holidays. These locations are the main New Year’s Eve destinations and will be strictly monitored, along with Wilson’s Promontory National Park and Walkerville. Foster Police will send a mem-

ber to Tidal River to keep an eye out over the holidays. Standard operations are underway, including the Bass Coast Highway Patrol’s Summer Stay program. A focus will be on drivers, licensed premises and underage drinking. Police are asking for fireworks to be left at home. They will work in conjunction with Bass Coast Shire Council to ensure these laws are enforced.

“If it is a warm night, watch how much you drink,” Sergeant Andy O’Brien said. Police believe there will be up to 8000 people in Cowes on New Year’s Eve. Crowds have been well behaved in previous years but a strong police presence will be maintained and council will erect extra lighting on the foreshore. “People are welcome to enjoy themselves but any antisocial behaviour will be dealt with,” Sergeant O’Brien said.

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Fireworks to bring in New Year THIS year will end with a bang and a swirl of colour when Waratah Bay celebrates New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display on the beach tonight (Tuesday). The first display is scheduled for 9.30pm or when it is dark for children, and the second show at midnight.

The fireworks will be held at the foreshore, accessible through Brown Street. The displays will be conducted for around 20 to 30 minutes. Due to the cost of insurance and the fireworks, a donation will be requested by caravan park staff and collectors on the foreshore. Inverloch will host a fireworks display at the family friendly time of 9.30pm, at the town’s recreation reserve. Bass Coast Shire Coun-

Fire guts house CFA volunteers battled to save a house in Leongatha’s Brumley Street on Sunday night. Leongatha CFA lieutenant and incident controller Dale Carruthers was one of the first to notice the smoke at the house and raise the alarm. “We got the call at 8.56pm on Sunday night and we had the truck out the door within four minutes,” Lt Carruthers said. “On our way to the fire we saw the smoke had got even more intense so we called for more trucks.” It took half an hour for nine trucks from Koonwarra, Korumburra, Leongatha, Leongatha South, Ruby and Traralgon brigades to get the devastating blaze under control. “Approximately 30 per cent of the house has been burnt but the whole house is full of smoke damage and heat damage,” Lt Carruthers said. No one was injured in the fire and the cause is subject to investigation.

cil’s acting community and economic development director, Antoinette Mitchell, said no midnight fireworks will be held at any location in Bass Coast. “These are great events for families,” Ms Mitchell said. “At the Inverloch Recreation Reserve, the carnival will be in full swing before the fireworks display at 9.30pm. “Both these events are in ‘dry’ locations, and drinking is not allowed. “We want these to be events families can come to and enjoy.” If you see or hear illegal fireworks being let off, please report the incident to police by ringing 000.

For the first time, Cowes will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a special festival. Thompson Avenue and The Esplanade will be closed from 1pm until 9pm today. The festival will include street stalls, buskers, family entertainment and carnival rides. Alberton West Recreation Reserve will host a community event, with gates opening at 5.30pm.

There will be plenty of activities for families to enjoy, including fireworks at 9.30pm and midnight. People should be aware if they are caught with fireworks they can expect to face severe penalties, including jail. Pet owners are also warned to stay vigilant of their animals, especially dogs, during the public fireworks displays.

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Cracking down: Senior Sergeant Trevor Teer, Senior Constable Travis Snelling, Sergeant Mick Felton and Sergeant Andy O’Brien will be among the police officers patrolling tonight - New Year’s Eve.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Farm theft warning By Jacob de Kunder A BUFFALO farmer is warning other rural property owners after an attempted burglary on his property. Ross Gilligan said he heard two offenders on his property around 2am one morning recently after spotting a suspicious car in the area two days earlier. “I saw a couple of people on the road pointing up towards our driveway this day, which I thought was a bit odd,” he said. “When I spotted them they all jumped in the car and took off slowly. “I thought this was a bit odd so I took some extra precaution locking things up and had my four-wheel-drive parked near the shed and hooked it up to the electric fence.” This innovative security measure turned out to Mr Gilligan’s best move. “In the middle of the night two days later I heard the electric fence going crazy at about 2am which isn’t normal, and then a scream and a yell,” he explained. “The guy must have touched the car and got the shock of his life. “I came out to see what was going on and they had jumped down and hid in the long grass in the paddock. By the time I had got to the fence they had jumped the other fence and run down the back gully.” Mr Gilligan then said he heard two car doors slam shortly after and a car speed off down the road. “I am very annoyed!” he said. “We all own stuff and these mongrels are in the area trying to nick it.” Mr Gilligan has now installed a number of security lights and has other measures to deter possible intruders. Detective Senior Constable Peter Johnston from the Bass Coast Criminal Investigate Unit said farmers need to be aware of potential thefts. “As a general rule, a lot of farmers tend to leave sheds open for ease of access with things like chainsaws lying about and those sort of things are the ones that tend to go missing,” he said. “They just need to secure their properties.” Det S/C Johnston said farmers can sometimes become complacent. “It’s the nature of the beast. Sheds are always open because the farmers are in and out of them all day long,” he said. “A lot of farmers think they are quite remote and that ‘no-one comes up here’, but that’s where the issues come up I guess. “A lot of them will say they have ‘been here for 30 years and we have never locked the doors’ but society is changing.” Police want to know of any suspicious activity, Det S/C Johnston said. “If a farmer does see something suspicious just call 000 and if they need police out there we will get them out there and patrol and have a look at it,” he said. “It could be that a car is out there that shouldn’t be or someone is cruising around slowly and looks suspicious. It is really worth letting the police know.”

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Not again: Buffalo farmer Ross Gilligan is taking precautions to prevent burglaries after some suspicious activity on his property.

Jetty in pieces By Sarah Vella THE Port Welshpool Long Jetty remains closed after another year of failing to attract Federal Government funding. Despite both McMillan MP Russell Broadbent and Gippsland South MLA and Deputy Premier Peter Ryan both claiming restoring the jetty is a priority, the project still remains stalled. Prior to the federal election earlier in the year, Mr Broadbent said he was still a strong proponent of restoring the Long Jetty and had made an application to Coalition Government to keep the commitment. Unfortunately the project was not supported by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his treasurer Joe Hockey, and Mr Broadbent had to go to the election without a specific promise of jetty funding. There is still $6 million available for the restoration of the Long Jetty: $5 million from the State Government and $1 million from South Gippsland Shire Council. Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government has committed $5 million from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund towards restoring the jetty. “The $5 million commitment from the Coalition Government has ensured the project is best placed to secure funding from the Commonwealth Government to complete restoration works,” he said. “This important regional project, expected to cost $11 million, now requires a commitment from the Commonwealth Government. “Structural assessment

work and design plans are complete and the site is ‘shovel-ready’.” Port Welshpool Long Jetty Redevelopment Project Control Group member Paul Macphail said he hasn’t heard any further information about the funding status of the jetty. Bob McDonald from Yanakie said the Long Jetty would generate income from tourism for the community. “The South Gippsland Shire Council estimated 80,000 people a year would visit the jetty. Even if they spend $50 each in the local economy that would mean $4 million a year,” he said. “If we can open it up, it will go well. It must have cost $30 to $40 million not having it open for the last 10 years.” Mr McDonald said the problem was those in charge of the jetty restoration believed concrete was a cheaper option. “If you have a wooden jetty, it does take a little but more work to maintain, but that’s another job!” he said. “We will leave no stone

unturned, we just want it open. People are well aware of the jetty’s historical importance and wherever they can, they rebuild jetties with wood.” Mr McDonald said the money needed to rebuild the jetty was sitting in a bank account. “The cost of pulling it down is greater than the cost of restoring it. We need to look at it from a tourism point of view, not industry. Nobody will object to spending a couple of bucks to get on to the jetty,” he said. Gippsland Trades and Labour Council secretary John Parker said he intends to pursue the jetty project in the early part of next year. “We will certainly make it a political issue if it is not restored as a timber jetty,” he said. A South Gippsland OR ShireFCouncil spokesperH I REthe Port Welshson said pool Long Jetty was managed by Gippsland Ports on behalf of the State Government. “South Gippsland Shire Council has supported the redevelopment of the Long

Money please: Paul Macphail is still waiting to hear from the Federal Government about a shortfall of funding for the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool. Jetty for many years, but as we understand it, the funding required to restore the Long Jetty was estimated to be $11 million,” the spokesperson said. “To date, the State Government has committed $5 million to the project and council has committed $1 million to the project.

“Unfortunately the federal funding that was sought, even with the change of Federal Government, has not been confirmed. “The detailed design and structural assessments have been completed by Gippsland Ports, however the project has not progressed at this stage.”

Pipi pair nabbed A CALL to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries’ 24-hour reporting line 13Fish alerted fisheries officers to two men allegedly taking too many pipis at Venus Bay beach five. Acting senior fisheries officer Joel Sedgwick said the caller provided accurate and timely information in relation to the volume, identity and number of people involved. “Two Bundoora men were apprehended with 34 litres of pipis in four buckets,” Mr Sedgwick said. “They will be charged on summons.” The daily catch limit for pipis at Venus Bay is two litres per person in the shell or half a litre of pipi meat. Mr Sedgwick said the vast majority of recreational pipi collectors at Venus Bay abided by the regulations. “However fisheries officers will continue to be active in this area throughout the rest of summer in order to maintain good levels of compliance,” he said. “We will not hesitate to prosecute those people who

Take note: pipi collectors at Venus Bay last Thursday. Fisheries officers have urged pipi collectors to obey catch limits. contravene the regulations. “Unless you have an exemption, people are required to have a current recreational fishing licence and can only use their hands and feet to take pipis.” Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call the 24 hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 34 74).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 5

Holiday explosion By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland’s population will swell by an estimated 70,000 people this summer, injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars into the region’s economy. Boxing Day through to the end of January is the region’s peak tourism season and this summer is set to be no different. More than 20,000 people are expected to flock to South Gippsland Shire and another 50,000 to Bass Coast Shire this summer. Wilsons Promontory National Park is booked out, with 5000 people in the park every day until the end of January. Latest figures show visitors spend more than $223 million in South Gippsland Shire each year. The region’s peak tourism body, Prom Country Regional Tourism, is predicting a bustling season, with South Gippsland offering coastal and country getaways. Executive officer Christine Legg said visitor information centre figures revealed 75 per cent of properties were booked between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

She expects more bookings should weather forecasters predict fine days ahead. “From Boxing Day to New Year’s Day is the biggest week of summer,” Ms Legg said. The influx of visitors is not only positive for tourism operators, but also retailers. “People not only stay here but they also shop and stop for lunch, so hopefully we will get a good tourism season,” Ms Legg said. South Gippsland Shire Council’s tourism development officer Danielle Todaro said the shire’s population would rise from 27,500 to 47,500 over summer. She expected any wet weather to have minimal impact on those figures. “In general, people want to get away. If the weather is not so great, they will be looking for other activities,” Ms Todaro said. “We have beautiful walks in South Gippsland. We have the walks at the national park and also the extension to the Great Southern Rail Trail at Toora. “There is the Grand Ridge Rail Trail and Lyrebird Forest Walk at Mirboo North, and there is

the drive along the Grand Ridge Road.” Brett Mitchell, ranger in charge at the Prom, said this time of year was always busy at the park. “We have a combination of campers, people staying in roofed accommodation and also people staying at the outstation camping areas at Sealers Cove, the lighthouse, Refuge Cove and Waterloo Bay,” he said. Other park visitors stay in accommodation beyond the park boundary, further benefiting the region’s economy. “It’s generally recognised the Prom generates

around $60 million for South Gippsland annually,” Mr Mitchell said. Inverloch is once again bustling, with families, young people and retirees converging on the coastal town. Inverloch Tourism Association vice president Kate Edwards said the town’s variety of beaches made Inverloch a popular destination for South Gippslanders, as well as visitors from Melbourne’s south east. “Everyone comes to Inverloch for the beach because they have got the choice. It’s similar to Noosa. A lot of people

like the calm inlet and you can go around the corner and you have the surf,” she said. “A lot of holiday home people are joining the yacht club and are leaving their boats and their kayaks there.” Ms Edwards also operates Big 4 Inverloch Holiday Park and the nearby foreshore camping reserve. Accommodation and camping is fully booked until mid-January, as per usual for this time of year. “From Boxing Day until the end of Australia Day is our busiest time because we have 2300

guests, and from February we have the retirees move in,” she said. The majority of holiday-makers are repeat visitors. Bernadette Harry of Waratah Bay Caravan Park shared that optimism. “We are booked for the school holidays in January and we are starting to get heavily booked in February, which is our second biggest month,” she said. Up to 700 people will be at the park from Christmas Day through to the end of the first week of January, and then around 400 people until the end of the month.

Ms Legg said tourist operators reported busy weekends throughout the year, but with some quiet periods. “The winter was not the best and there is some nervousness about the economy so it’s been a bit of a checkered year and hopefully it will be a busy 2014. “If we can get a really good, strong summer, that would be great.” In 2014, Prom Country Regional Tourism will promote South Gippsland’s drives, from the coast to the hills, including around Poowong and Loch.

Happy to help: Elisabeth Jones and Vicki Cochrane from the Inverloch Information Centre are always pleased to point visitors in the right direction.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Good morning Vietnam By Sarah Vella MIRBOO North Secondary College Year 12 students Ashleigh Gobel and Laura Robins recently embarked on the trip of a lifetime. The girls set off to volunteer in an orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. While there, they taught English to children. Two years in the planning, the trip promised to be a real eye opener for both Laura and Ashleigh who have never been overseas. “Throughout school, we have done a lot of hands on things. We have learnt about homelessness, refugees and immigration,” Ms Gobel said. “As part of our VCAL studies, we had to do a long term project so we decided to do this trip which counted towards our final mark.” Ms Gobel said throughout their preparation, the Mirboo North community supported their endeavours. “They really got behind us and helped with fundraising and we had various sponsors throughout the town,” she said. One of the things that drew the girls towards volunteering was the prospect of helping people, particularly children who live a life so different to their own. “The main motivation behind the trip was to help

children and to get an inside look at how people in Vietnam live,” Ms Gobel said. “It was also an opportunity to see how good we have it here in Australia and reminded us not to take everything for granted.” While overseas travel was a novel experience for both girls, they didn’t have too many concerns. “I was a little worried about not knowing the city,” Ms Gobel said. Ms Robins added: “I was a bit anxious about getting around and not understanding the currency.” Ms Robins thought going to Vietnam would give her a fresh outlook on life and direction for her future. “It was hard work; no-one at our school has done anything like this before. We have learnt a lot during the process,” she said. Both girls would like to thank their local community, the school and their families for the support they received in the lead up to their trip. “We are proud of our achievement,” Ms Gobel said.

Hands on experience: Laura Robins and Ashleigh Gobel from Mirboo North Secondary College have explored Vietnam.

Come and play By Laura Gibb SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has drafted a recreational vehicle (RV) strategy to attract more tourists to the South Gippsland area. The draft document will be on public exhibition and open to comment until Friday, February 28, 2014. RVs are generally larger than traditional caravans, tend to have the driving cabin and the motor home joined together, and can appear more like a bus or truck. The trend of tourists travelling in RVs is growing, particularly among baby boomers, a demographic sometimes called ‘grey nomads’. The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia has developed a scheme called RV Friendly that encourages short stays for RV users. To be considered for the RV Friendly Town Scheme, a town must have provision of appropriate parking within the town centre; provision of shortterm parking for self-con-

tained vehicles; access to potable water; access to a free dump point within the town precinct; and one contact person on the council. In return the town receives RV Friendly Destination signs at cost price and promotion on the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia website and in The Wanderer and The Wanderer’s Mate. While creating the draft, council consulted the operators of existing caravan and tourist parks in South Gippsland. The council’s agenda states that “it is important that RVs staying at free/ low cost sites are not in competition with commercial operators”. Since Leongatha, Korumburra, Foster and Toora all have caravan parks, the council document says, locating free/low cost sites in these towns would be “inappropriate”. The draft strategy proposes free/low cost sites in other locations that do not have existing caravan or tourist parks. Buckley Park on the outskirts of Fish Creek is one such site. “It is intended that

these sites will have a maximum stay of 48 hours to encourage the RV market to extend their stay in commercial parks. These travellers will be able to utilise commercial parks’ facilities to shower, replenish supplies and dump their waste,” the document states. Dump points are a facility required by RV users. RVs collect used water in tanks which must be emptied periodically at dump points. The water is either grey water (waste water) or black water (sewerage) or both. The location of dump points could be contentious and the responsibility for public liability. Meeniyan Recreation Reserve was named during the council meeting as one possible location for a dump point.

Kinder committee: the 2013 and 2014 committees for Allora and Hassett Street kindergartens, Leongatha.

Kinder ready for 2014 LEONGATHA’S Allora and Hassett Street kindergartens are set to provide another exciting year of experiences for children in 2014. Kirsty Bolge, co-president of the kindergarten committee in 2013,

will stay on in the role in 2014, while Andrea Clifford also becomes co-president. Michelle Tumino, co-president during 2013, has become a general committee member. New and outgoing committee members gathered at Allora Kinder-

garten to assign roles and plan for 2014. The incoming committee also thanked the outgoing committee much for work that included fundraising, commissioning new play equipment and providing meals on wheels.

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 7

Rich pickings: Abbie Watchorn of Nextra Leongatha shows a taste of Tattslotto’s $30 million draw on January 4. Leongatha retailers enjoyed a busy pre-Christmas season.

Retail relief By Laura Gibb and Brad Lester

CHRISTMAS trading across South Gippsland has been buoyant, boosting retailers’ confidence ahead of the new year. But some retailers are experiencing fewer sales due to customers buying online instead. Retail trade in Leongatha before Christmas was as strong as could be expected said Peter Watchorn, president of Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “It’s been OK considering you hear retail is still a bit slow, even in Melbourne,” he said. Saturday, December 21 was a busy trading day for his Nextra Leongatha newsagency due to the chamber’s carnival, he said. Online shopping “does affect us”, he said of the town traders, “but hopefully people will keep shopping locally.” “People did try and in turn it helps the local economy,” Mr Watchorn said.

CDs sold well at his newsagency in the lead-up to Christmas and even books, which many people prefer to buy online, sold relatively well. Mr Watchorn said farmers’ prospects were rising and that optimism should filter in to help the retailers of the town, who in turn sponsor schools and local events. Joan Smith of AW Smith and Sons Gifts and Homewares in Leongatha also said Christmas trading was “good”. When asked if she thought the giftware shop had been affected by online shopping, she said, “I don’t think (it has been affected) a lot, with what we sell.” Wonthaggi’s streets were bustling with shoppers in the lead-up to Christmas, reported Wonthaggi Business Association president Ross Langlois. “Sometimes it takes you 15 minutes to get from one end of the town to the other at this time of year,” he said. “I would say that retail has been pretty good. Prior to Christmas we were down in Wonthaggi on previous years and I just think that is due to internet shopping. “We are killing off our own shops by buying from the internet.”

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Booming business: Cathy Waldron has been running Catherine's Hair Techniques for 25 successful years.

Meeniyan salon hits milestone CATHERINE'S Hair Techniques is celebrating 25 years since it first opened on January 7, 1989. The Meeniyan salon will be hosting a party on Tuesday, January 7 from 5pm. Everyone is invited to enjoy party fare and drinks to commemorate the milestone. It is a celebration of longevity and personal achievement. Proprietor Cathy Waldron opened her salon when she was 19 after working in Wonthaggi. “I decided to give it a go and see what happened,” Ms Waldron said. Time went by and today she still loves hairdressing and the town she works in. “I love the people who live in Meeniyan. They are all very supportive and loyal,” Ms Waldron said. 25 years ago: a 19 year old Cathy Waldron cuts “They show a real the hair of Tamika Hanily in the early days of appreciation for the town and its businesses and give the Catherine's Hair Techniques.

the town a great community feel.” She has experienced other successes in her life and is now married with three children, has taught hairdressing at TAFE, is actively involved in the community and still manages to run her own business. Over the 25 years, the salon has experienced changes of its own including changes in decor, painting jobs and 30 past staff members. The salon now sports the bright and bubbly purple paint job and four current staff members including Ms Waldron herself. The range of services has increased and Ms Waldron branched out from hairdressing to also offer beauty services to give her business extra appeal. Ms Waldron is always looking forward and plans to enter hair competitions in May 2014.

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PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Giving back to the community By Tayla Kershaw

munity for those who need it. This will provide clothing, bedding and food when it is necessary. St Vincent’s will distribute the money as the need arises.

“We’ve always had a great relationship with IGA and it gives a fantastic sense of community togetherness,” Ms Read said.

ST VINCENT de Paul’s Leongatha received a lovely surprise when Michael’s IGA’s manager and assistant dropped by to give them a cheque WONTHAGGI firefighters are pleading for public information to help police apprehend valued at $1330. Essentially, this is a the people who vandalised the bell at the front grant given to the organi- of the fire station on Saturday night.

CFA vandalised

sation by the community when the right amount of community rewards points are tallied up. “It was nice. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” centre manager Anne Read said. The money received will go back into the com-

Generous gift: Marg Parry, centre manager Anne Read and Bev Stewart were excited to receive $1330 thanks to the community rewards program.

The brigade now faces a bill of $1500 to sandblast and paint the bell. But the repairs are unlikely to be completed in time for the official opening of the new station in February, said the brigade’s Jamie Moresco. “We are gutted,” he said. Vandals used a rock to bash and dent the bell. Police are now investigating.

Childcare win By Brad Lester

Police find missing boy By Tayla Kershaw A BOY missing at Venus Bay for more than three and a half hours on Christmas Day was reunited with his family. Police were notified of the missing seven year old at 4.10pm. By that time, he had been missing for about 40 minutes. The boy had been with his parents on beach four. The beach was packed, making it difficult to spot a missing child.

His family was unsure whether he was on the edge of the surf beach or had wandered into the bush behind the sand dunes. The search became extensive with police, surf rescue, air wing and SES all notified. At around 8pm a boy fitting that of the missing boy was found at a shop in Venus Bay, about five kilometres from the beach. Police believe it was possible the boy had wandered to beach three with his 80 year old grandmother who spoke little English.

They believe someone noticed the pair looking lost and unfamiliar with the area, and drove them to the shop believing they would be safe there. Police were dealing with a second missing child at the time. In this instance, police had found the child but could not locate the parents. Both cases were resolved. Police would like to warn people about the dangers of parking illegally at beaches. Vehicles parked illegally cause difficulty for emergency services.

CHILD care services will remain in Mirboo North for at least an extra two months. The Mirboo North and District Community Foundation last week voted to fund the child care service in town from the end of February until the end of April, to the tune of up to $24,000 - $12,000 per month. UnitingCare Gippsland was to withdraw from providing child care at the end of February, but agreed to continue to run the centre until the end of April if another source of funding was found. The community foundation came to the party, delighting South Gippsland Shire Council acting CEO Jan Martin. “We are really thrilled. It could not have been a better Christmas present for the Mirboo North community,” she said. Derrick Ehmke, executive officer of the Mirboo North and District Community Foundation, said the child care centre was an important social and economic asset for the

community. “It is very important for the future of the parents and for the children of the facility to keep it going. Our foundation believes in capacity building for the community for the future,” he said. “It helps retain some of the younger people in the town, the people with young children and the ones who are in need of the service.” Mr Ehmke said the decision to fund up to $24,000 was made unanimously by the board. Council has named YMCA Ballarat as the preferred provider of child care services at Mirboo North once UnitingCare Gippsland withdraws. The YMCA is yet to confirm such an involvement. The YMCA operates the adjoining kindergarten. “Hopefully the YMCA will finalise its decision sometime in early February,” Mr Ehmke said. He praised efforts made by council and in particular Ms Martin in trying to find alternate operators of the child care service.

POLICE BRIEFS Car thefts cause distress A SPATE of attacks on vehicles took place in Wonthaggi overnight on December 23. An iPod was stolen from the centre console of a car after an offender gained access by smashing the front passenger side window. The car was parked in the victim’s driveway in Fincher Street. A handbag, purse and personal papers were stolen from the neighbour’s unlocked car that had been in left in the front yard of the victim’s Fincher Street home. A mobile phone was stolen from the glove box of a vehicle in Graham Street. The car was parked in the carport of the victim’s home and the windows were partially wound down. Police believe the offender reached through the window and opened the door. A camera, binoculars and cash were stolen from the centre console of a car in Gordon Street. The car was parked in the victim’s front yard and had been left unlocked. An open car door caused some concern in Fahey Street. Nothing had been stolen from the unlocked vehicle but the open door caused alarm that someone may have entered it.

Two surfboards were stolen from the rear of a ute in Settlement Road, Cowes overnight on Saturday. The victim had left the surfboards overnight and noticed they were missing when he returned to his car the following morning.

Charity theft A LARGE wine flagon was stolen from outside St Vincent De Paul’s Opportunity Shop in Leongatha. The 70cm high vessel made of wood and glass was taken from a donation point at the front of the store around 5.10pm, December 23. A large man was seen loading the bottle into his champagne coloured Holden Statesman. Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to call Leongatha Police on 56622 2285 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Minor accident A MALE driver was travelling to Wilson’s Promontory when he lost control of the car and hit an embankment in Nyora on the South Gippsland Highway. Police believed the 30 year old man was an inexperienced driver and panicked when he could not regain control. Minimal injuries were

suffered as a result.

Jewellery theft JEWELLERY and hats were stolen from a shop on Thompson Avenue in Cowes during the Christmas period. The offender forced through the side window of the shop and reached in to retrieve the stolen goods.

Taxi damage A ROCK was thrown through the window of a taxi and smashed the rear passenger’s window. The taxi was travelling along Thompson Avenue in Cowes at midnight on Saturday when the damage occurred.

Trespassing in Mirboo North PROPERTY damage occurred after five young people entered the Mirboo North Secondary College after hours on December 16. All five youths assisted police with enquiries into the damage. The Mirboo North pool has also been targeted and has been entered after hours. Police would like to remind young people that entering property after hours is an offence and offenders will be charged.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 9

Route backed By Laura Gibb SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has adopted the design of an alternative route for heavy vehicles passing through Leongatha. The vote to support the design and to seek funding for construction of the route was supported unanimously. Trucks will travel on Long Street instead of through the retail area of Bair Street. Cr Nigel Hutchinson-Brooks said although council knows the design is “not perfect”, VicRoads had “come up with something that’s better than what we have now”. “A vehicle bypass of Leongatha township has been sought since the 1970s,” the council agenda stated. “Extensive consultation has taken place with property owners, heavy vehicle operators and the community. “Affected land owners and occupiers along and adjacent to the route were contacted for their input, particularly in relation to the three proposed left-in, left-out intersections on Long Street, Leongatha.” The left-in, left-out intersections are planned for the corners of Hughes Street and the Strzelecki Highway, and Long Street and A’Beckett and Jeffrey streets. Mayor Cr James Fawcett said, “I do apologise to those people who will be affected,” but he expressed his feeling that the change would be for the “greater good”. The left-in, left-out intersections are intended to assist safety and traffic flow. At Long Street, the Strzelecki Highway will have right of way over the alternative route. Slowing the heavy vehicles is intended to help them negotiate the angle and camber of the road and improve safety. Heavy traffic travelling towards Melbourne will no longer have to give way to traffic to enter the South Gippsland Highway. The intersection at Ogilvy Street and Long Street is designed as a signalled intersection. No private land is required for the construction of the route.

Winners: Grade 5 and 6 students from Fish Creek and District Primary School with their Peace Prize Awards with Nigel Plowright (back, left) from Toora Lions Club and art teacher Anda Banikos.

Peace prizes awarded STUDENTS from Fish Creek and District Primary School were presented with certiﬁcates recognising their contribution to the annual Lions Club International Peace Poster Competition recently.

The art contest for children encourages young people worldwide to express their visions of peace. For more than 25 years, millions of children from nearly 100 countries have participated in the contest. ► Fish Creek school award winners, page 25.

Foreshore concept Garden club celebrates plan unveiled BASS Coast Shire Council is seeking community input on the draft Cape Paterson Bay Beach Precinct Master Plan. “The master plan is important, as it provides a vision for the Cape Paterson Foreshore. Once adopted by council, with our partners we use this master plan to seek funding for the various projects,” council’s planning and environment director Hannah DuncanJones said. “Development of the draft has been informed by input from key users of the foreshore including Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association, Cape Paterson Coast Action and the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club. “It contains 30 different improvement options for the Bay Beach area of the Cape Paterson foreshore and we want to hear from the community what it thinks. Are these improvement options what they want? If so, which ones are more important? If we were successful in obtaining funding, which one would they like to see implemented ﬁrst?” Ms Duncan-Jones said the draft plan was being released to the public

over the busy summer holidays to get as much feedback as possible. “The master plan deals with things such as the boat ramp, the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club facilities, the existing car parks, pedestrian access points, including the provision of beach access for people with limited mobility,” Ms Duncan-Jones said. “On Friday, January 10, council will hold a walk through the areas covered in the plan, so people can fully understand the concepts before ﬁnalising their submissions. The walk will commence at 10am. “Anyone interested in taking part should register with council’s environment team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).” Copies of the draft master plan are available from council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au, by calling council’s environment team or by visiting a council customer service centre. Submissions must be made in writing and contain the name and contact details of the person making the submission, and must be received by council by Friday, February 14, 2014.

Cheaper farm rates mooted BASS Coast Shire Council will consider a differential rate for the farming sector as part of its 201415 rating strategy. Cr Clare Le Serve raised a motion to do so in urgent business at a recent council meeting, which was supported unanimously by her fellow councillors. Cr Le Serve tabled a press release from Victorian Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell from April encouraging all rural municipalities to consider a differential rate. Cr Phil Wright seconded the motion.

“The farming sector delivers a fabulous bonus to the tourism industry,” he said. “The spatial differences they give as you travel through the shire - well managed paddocks, healthy animals - it’s a wonderful add on to our visitors and we never reward them for their efforts. Cr Wright said council needed to support the farmers in as many ways as possible. “It’s a signal that we appreciate what they do and that we want them to keep doing it,” he said.

of people,” she said. The club meets at the Inverloch RSL on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. All are welcome.

INVERLOCH Garden Club celebrated a successful year with a Christmas party at the Inverloch RSL.

years and is seeking new members. Members meet once a month to make day trips to gardens, listen to guest speakers and trade plants

Club president Joan Cavallaro presented prizes to several keen gardeners. First prize went to Dawn Wangman, second prize to Karen Valk and third prize to Robyn Allen, all of Inverloch. The winners had amassed points during the year through the club’s monthly competitions in areas such as succulents, picked ﬂowers, shrubs or ferns. Maureen Gallagher, also of Inverloch, received an encouragement award. Music for the party was provided by the string trio Alan Lender, Laura Gibb and Louise Hesketh. Inverloch Garden Club has been running for 24

Green thumbs: Maureen Gallagher, Robyn Allen, Karen Valk and Dawn Wangman, all of Inverloch, received gardening prizes.

and cuttings. It’s an interesting club, said Ms Cavallaro, which members enjoy taking part in. “It’s a friendly bunch

Reviews AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (M) Genre: Comedy/Drama. Starring: Meryl Streep, Dermot Mulroney, Julia Roberts. Beverly Weston, a poet and alcoholic, hires Johnna, a Native American, as live-in cook, housekeeper and caregiver to look after his wife, Violet who suffers from oral cancer and has developed an addiction to drugs. A few weeks after Johnna is hired, Beverly disappears which motivates the Weston family, whose lives have diverged, to come back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them, where the stage is set for some lively family confrontations with revelations and repercussions galore.

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PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Starry, starry Loch: a star shone over the township of Loch over Christmas. A star erected on a pole behind St Vincent’s Catholic Church was in full view of traffic passing by on the South Gippsland Highway. BEE Cramp, who recently turned 100, had 120 people attend her party at the RSL in Leongatha. She would like to thank the RSL and the Leongatha community for their love

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and support and wishes everyone a happy new year. THE owner of mailbox stolen from Nerrena Hall Road, Nerrena is reminding the thief they issued a call for information on Facebook. “Good luck mounting it on another pole as a lot of people are on the lookout for our very unique mailbox,” the owner said. FRIENDS of Leongatha Library will hold their January book sale in the Leongatha Courthouse on January 9 and 10, from 10am-4pm each day. Bring your friends and family along to this 101 year old building and buy some great holiday reading at bargain prices. Funds raised are used to buy items for library shelves and to sponsor various library related activities. SOUTH Gippslanders have a chance to win a houseboat getaway on the Murray River just by enjoying their local waterways this summer. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries is running an Instagram competition to encourage people to enjoy waterways. “With a $1000 houseboat experience as the prize, it’s not surprising that the competition has attracted over 200 entries so far, and with a month to go, we are hoping more people will take up the opportunity,” said West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

CEO, Martin Fuller. Images that have been entered so far range from people boating on Barmah Lake and Lake Eildon, kayaking on the Mitchell River, cycling by Gardiner’s Creek in Glen Iris and lots of fishing shots from all around the state. To enter the competition, take a picture of yourself enjoying a river, estuary or wetland in Victoria, and upload your picture to Instagram. Don’t forget to add @ depivictoria and #lovewaterways in the caption. The competition closes on January 31. PEOPLE in Wonthaggi can become mentors for not-for-profit organisation Whitelion’s Community Integration Program. The program matches volunteer mentors with young people living in the out-of-home care system

Father Aju was joined by parishioners from St Vincent’s in blessing the star. The attraction was illuminated at night and gave the impression of hovering in the sky, reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas.

where they develop oneon-one relationships to help them reconnect with their local community by getting involved in local activities. This can range from involvement with sport clubs, to scrapbooking activities, to cooking and dance lessons. Young people who are actively involved in their local communities are more likely to remain in school, get a job and lead a healthy, positive life. There are no prerequisites in relation to age, status or background to become a Whitelion mentor. You can find out more about Whitelion at www. whitelion.asn.au READERS may remember The Star’s recent story about the launch of the book, Being Peta, about the life of the late Peta Margetts, who succumbed to leukaemia.

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Can’t wait: from left, Ryan and Zara Harland, Zara Jones, Henry Wynee, Kirra Jones and Connor Richards immersed themselves in the Christmas spirit at the Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry Christmas Carnival recently.

SECOND Leongatha Scout Group is looking at restarting its Joey Scout section for children aged five to eight. Joey Scouts normally runs one afternoon a week, for around one hour. Youth members are ready to join but for this to happen the groups needs two leaders to run the Joey Scout section. Second Leongatha Scout Group will supply all the training needed at no cost to the leaders. The group already has all other scouting sections running in the hall. These are: Cub Scouts (for youth members from eight to 10), Scouts (11 to 14 years), Venturer Scouts (15 to 17 years) and Rover Scouts (18 to 25 years). The aim of all Scout sections is to encourage the social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual growth of young people so that they take a constructive place in society as a member of their local, national and international community. If you know of anyone that would like to join as a Joey Scout Leader or you would like more information, please contact the group leader on 0428 996 503.

LEONGATHA doctor Graham Toohill is urging patients to seek advice as soon as possible if they notice a spot or mole changing on their bodies.

Q: I am over 18, but I haven’t got a drivers licence, how can I prove my age?

ing her original goal of $1500. “This number was smashed due to the generosity of our community,” Bree said.

Scouts seek leaders

Watch for skin cancer Citizens Advice Bureau Corner

Bree Polato of Leongatha North shaved her head in honour of Peta and raised an amazing $4176 for the Leukaemia Foundation, far surpass-

With the warm weather here, Leongatha Healthcare’s Skin Cancer Clinics provide a local option for the community instead of driving to Melbourne for an appointment. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, and more than 2000 Australians died from skin cancer in 2011. Skin cancers account for around 80 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers and over the past decades, the incidence of skin cancer has risen in Australia.

Touch and feel: Prom Coast Centre for Children students inspect the new artwork at the centre.

Children embrace art THE outdoor play area at the Prom Coast Centre for Children has been enhanced with the installation of a mosaic tiled wall. The Make your Mark community art project features terracotta tiles with staff and children’s hand prints, surrounded by colourful glass and ceramic tiles. The wall forms a centrepiece to a sensory garden and the mosaic materials were chosen to engage children and invite touch. Jan Bell, a potter in Foster, volunteered her time to collect more than 80 hand printed tiles from the centre during Children’s Week in 2012, and later fire them in her home studio. “This community project has relied on

the work of many local volunteer artists,” said parent advisory group member and project manager Rebecca Matthews. “Jan Bell spent several days working on the terracotta tile in her studio in Foster. “The mosaic was completed with the help of Catherine Wheeler, Liana Casson, Janie Frith, Margaret Balfe and Sylvia Saulwick. David Bell has consulted along the way with design, structural advice and the installation. “The parent advisory group is also very grateful for the generous financial support from the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation which enabled us to purchase the materials to complete the project.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 11

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Ken Smith MLA responds IN RESPONSE to Mr Bernie McComb’s letter to the editor published in The Great Southern Star on December 3, 2013 where he questioned me and my change in attitude toward the desalination plant I would like to share some facts which, over time, have been a part of the reasoning for my change of thinking. After the Brack’s Government first announced a desalination plant would be constructed in Bass Coast back in 2007, I was inundated with letters, phone calls and visits from my constituents. Some were directly affected, some were in favour of the project but most were against having our beautiful coastline destroyed by the monstrosity we all thought the plant would be, as I was. Thousands of names were submitted on a petition against the construction. Questions were raised by me in Parliament on behalf of my constituents and I believed I represented the majority of them well. I participated in protests I wrote letters and pounded the footpath for answers when I could not get any from the government of the day When the Liberal National Party Coalition came into government in 2010 we immediately requested reports on the desalination — the purpose, cost, reasoning as to its location, the ability of the people of Victoria to be able to afford the construction and further, afford the supply of the water. By this time though, the Brack’s Government had committed the Victorian people to the project and a contract for construction had been signed, a construction company appointed. I was extremely disappointed with the choice of location. I, as did all those who contacted me and were against the project, visualised a great monstrosity of a complex ruining our pristine coastline forever when other op-

tions seemed to be available at a much lesser cost to each and every Victorian. I didn’t just resign myself to the fact it was going ahead, I kept hounding the stakeholders and kept them accountable — for everything. Cost, environmental issues, power supply matters, making sure people were being fairly compensated for property acquisitions etc, etc. As the plant became a visible reality, I saw workers coming into all areas of Bass Coast. They were renting and buying homes, purchasing cars, spending their earnings on entertainment, food, petrol, services, retail and trade. I became involved in the project as much as I could to ensure nothing was swept under the carpet. I, at one time was banned from visiting the site because of the trouble I had caused in making sure my constituents were getting the very best they could from what I had openly and publicly noted as a poorly researched and located project. Then the unions began giving to our communities. They or their workers supported just about every fundraiser in our area. They donated goods, purchased raffle tickets, attended events. We saw 1.3 million cubic metres of soil moved during the project which created huge dunes around the site. These dunes have now been planted out with native plants, creating a visual and environmentally balanced site, quite oblivious to the passer-by, both resident of Bass Coast and visitor to our area. The roof of the complex has been planted out with around 26,000 square metres of plants creating a green roof, blending the whole project into our coastline. Something I am very pleased about but was not confident could be achieved at the beginning of the announcement the project would be undertaken. Businesses right across the electorate were growing. Business was booming for the majority of

E D I T O R I A L Waiting too long HOPES for the reconstruction of the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool have risen and fallen over the years, just as have the tides that surround it. The Star this week reports restoring the jetty is still a funding priority for our federal parliamentary representative Russell Broadbent and our state MP Peter Ryan. But the jetty has been a priority for many years and promises for funding – or at least to campaign for it - have been made in the lead-up to previous elections. The community has even mooted building an underwater observation area at the end of the jetty, similar to that visited by tourists at Busselton in Western Australia. Given this issue has been dragging on for many years, it is time for authorities to make a decision about whether or not the jetty will be rebuilt. If yes, well at least the community’s hopes won’t be in vain and in this case, a timeline for reconstruction and eventual reopening should be spelled out. If not, then at least the $5 million allocated by the State Government and $1 million pledged by South Gippsland Shire Council towards restoring the jetty can be spent elsewhere to the community’s benefit. Yes, times are tough financially but there are always going to be other areas for governments to spend millions upon and unless the jetty receives Federal Government support, it will never be reopen. At this rate, the jetty will only further deteriorate and cost more to restore – but no doubt less to remove.

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.

them. Houses were being built. The real estate industry as a whole surged forward with resounding success. Some workers purchased houses they were going to keep at the end of their contract and use as a holiday house for their family. New businesses opened up. Some catered for trades/services/ retail products not previously available here and they are still operating today. Ancillary services improved as a direct consequence of the increase in population, such as medical services. Not only did we notice an increase in patients presenting to the medical centres and hospitals, we also saw more doctors, nurses and associated workers move into the area. They are still here. As the project progressed, my opinions of the project and the syndicate constructing the plant changed: • roads were re-instated by the syndicate; • over $500,000 was contributed directly to the community from the syndicate; • over 90 per cent of the civil, mechanical and electrical components on the pipeline were procured from Victorian or Australian companies and 100 per cent of the civil component on the plant site procured from either Victoria or Australia; • many locals were employed either as one of the 10,500 workers at the site or by the increase in business as a direct consequence of the increased workforce living here; and • seven water delivery points have been constructed along the pipeline to supply water to local communities if and when required. I was recently invited to be a part of the final planting of the desalination project’s ecological reserve which will open to the general public early next year for recreational activities including walking, riding both horses and bicycles, bird watching and other family orientated activities. This reserve has been planted out with millions of indigenous plants, restoring the area back to its original state before the desalination construction, before mining, before farming. The desalination plant was a Labor government initiative which, when the Coalition Government came into power was something we inherited and were unable to rescind. I would still not agree to build such a plant here if the slate was wiped clean and we could start again but I have moved on and can appreciate the good which, aside from the purpose of the plant being built such as providing Melbourne and large rural areas with water,

can see the benefits this project has brought to our area. In closing yes, I am now a supporter of the desalination plant for the reasons above. I understand that we could provide less fortunate countries with the expertise, the components and/or the funds to provide water for their people. I am also proud the Coalition Government worked hard with the desalination construction stakeholders to ensure we have a plant built with the least amount of intrusion on our people, wildlife and environment as economical as possible. The costing of water supply is something we do not have control over but we will ensure the consumer will be charged the fairest water tariff we can. Had the previous government taken more care, done more research and considered more options, Victoria may not have had to have the desalination plant at all, but we do have to work with what we have and move on the best way we can. I thank him for his interest in this matter and for asking me, albeit not directly, my opinions. Ken Smith, Bass MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Parliament of Victoria.

Wind farm support RECENT articles on the Bald Hills wind farm are speculative. They make big assumptions about the sound of turbines that haven’t even been built. Yet this speculation is nothing new in the wind energy debate. Fear mongering about the sound of wind farms championed by Senator John Madigana, politician with a track record of antiwind activism-is part of a larger campaign. The other side of the coin is a scare campaign alleging wind farms make people sick. Despite a lack of credible evidence, anti-wind farm groups persistently link wind turbines to a bizarre collection of 234 diseases and symptoms. All this hysteria promoted by wind energy opponents is having real impacts. Academic research shows it’s the anti-wind farm fear mongering that’s causing some to experience adverse health impacts, not the turbines. The anti-wind campaign can also be pinned for dividing communities. The contrast between the community response to the Cherry Tree Range and Coonooer Bridge wind farms projects is telling. It shows us that when the antiwind campaign comes to town,

there’s fear and division. And when they don’t, there’s civil deliberation of wind farm proposals and acceptance of planning decisions. Anti-wind farm groups aren’t just dividing communities, they’re costing them money. The Waubra Foundation and Landscape Guardians dominated the VCAT hearings on the Cherry Tree Range wind farm. While Mitchell Shire representatives stated at the outset they did not reject the wind farm on health grounds, it was health arguments that dragged out the proceedings. A Freedom of Information request made by Friends of the Earth discovered the VCAT hearing cost the Mitchell Shire at least $165,000. Ratepayers are the collateral damage in an ideological fight against clean and safe wind energy. With anti-wind activists present in South Gippsland, there’s a risk that the community will focus on unsubstantiated claims wind turbines are a health risk, despite the growing body of evidence that they are clean and safe. This will distract the community from the broader context of transitioning from polluting fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources. It will also distract from the benefits of the Bald Hills project. Based on Sinclair Knight Merz analysis, the Bald Hills wind farm will create 96 construction jobs and 10 ongoing positions for the 30 year life of the project; generate $500,000 worth of income for turbine hosts; and deliver $2.4 million worth of flow on benefit to the regional economy. Once operational, this wind farm will produce enough clean electricity to power 52,000 Victorian homes and avoid 315,400 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Wind energy can be a win win for regional Victoria. People in South Gippsland can shirk off the anti-wind myths and focus on the benefits of clean energy, or get sucked in to whirlpool of negativity, suspicion, and resentment. The choice is yours. Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth, Yes 2 Renewables community coordinator.

Hurray! IT must be Christmas. At long last, over five years in the making, the Korumburra Saleyards, outside the fenced area, has been slashed. Thank you to whoever did it. It’s a good start. Now, inside the fence needs doing. But once again thank you. David Amor,

Korumburra.

Sorry dogs I LOVE my walk to the beach early in the morning. I can run and play ball, talk to all my friends, play with them, and during the day I used to be allowed to come to the beach and walk along on my lead for a nice long walk along the water’s edge. But I can’t have a stroll along the beach during the day now because the council has banned me from that pleasure. So to all you fellow dogs that have come down to Inverloch for a nice holiday and a walk on the beach while you are on your lead, I apologise for our council’s lack of reasoning for this totally bad anti-dog and anti-social rule. What used to be a friendly tourist town with a beach to stroll along is becoming a town you would rather not visit. “Lucy” Scott, owned by Robert Scott, Inverloch.

Road to ruin AN open letter to Deputy Premier and Gippsland South MLA, Peter Ryan. We own a caravan park in Yarram. Our customers are drawn from many areas, and traverse several different routes to reach their destination here in Commercial Road. A few days ago, we travelled to Leongatha via the South Gippsland Highway and were absolutely appalled at the state of the road. There are hazard warning signs placed randomly along the highway and in other places, there are huge holes and washouts which are extremely deep. We have observed cars, trucks and cars towing caravans swerve to avoid these holes, thereby crossing inadvertently to the wrong side of the road. We are convinced if the situation is not rectified soon, there could be serious accidents and possible fatalities. As ratepayers and as payers of several vehicle registrations, we request immediate response from you in regard to this matter. We are forwarding a copy of this letter to the local papers, the State Minister for Roads, and VicRoads office manager in Traralgon and to Gippsland MP Darren Chester. Bastiaan and Joan de Bondt, Yarram.

VOXPOP! VOX

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?

“I’m just spending it down at Venus Bay at the inlet. I’ll go fishing with friends and watch the fireworks.” Shaun Birkett, Leongatha.

“I’ll probably go to Inverloch to hang out with mates. I’m not 100 per cent sure yet though.” Adam Turner, Leongatha.

“I think we will just be catching up with family and friends and having a barbecue like we do every year.” Phoebe and Sophie Clarkson, Leongatha.

“I’m going to Cobram. There’s a beach party at Thompson’s Beach and I have friends there.” Aaron Hansch, Leongatha.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 13

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

HOLIDAY HANDYMAN Big choice: Luke Watson, store manager at Paint Place Leongatha, can advise on the decking oil that is right for your needs.

Time to restore your deck WARMER weather is here and that means relaxing evenings on the deck with family and friends.

SOUTH GET GIPPSL AND INTO... H I R E A N D S A L E S

Before you throw out the invitation to guests for summer gatherings, be sure to ensure your deck is looking its best by applying decking oil. Paint Place in Leongatha and Wonthaggi stocks an extensive range of deck oils, and is now offering special deals on five brands. Choose from Haymes Dexpress, Wattyl, Sikken, Cutek and Aussie Clear. Dexpress has been tested and proven to withstand Australia’s harsh climate and won’t crack or peel, is easy to apply and fast drying. Wattyl decking oils give advanced UV protection and offer water repellent properties, while resisting mould and fungus. Founded in 1792, Sikkens has maintained a strong reputation for protection as an international paint brand. Cutek is simple to apply, easy to maintain and cost effective, and provides outstanding protection of exterior timber, proven over decades.

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Aussie Clear stabilises timber as it repels moisture, reducing checking or splitting. No film is allowed to form, so peeling or cracking is never a problem. It also inhibits unsightly mould growth with its powerful mouldicide. It has been specially formulated and tinted to use on a broad range of hardwoods. Applying deck oil will prolong the life of your deck, ensuring it withstands not only the harshness of a South Gippsland winter but also summer fun and relaxation. Luke Watson, store manager at Paint Place Leongatha, recommends applying decking oil annually, although the water based Deck Express will last you two or three years, depending on weather exposure. “Decking oil will bring your decking up to look like new again,” he said. With the holidays here and summer offering a greater likelihood of consecutive days of fine weather, now is the ideal time to apply decking oil. Luke recommends using a lambswool applicator, although oil can just as easily be applied with a brush or roller, all available at the Paint Place. The special oils can be applied to any type of timber, as well as external cladding.

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pressure washers for cleaning your courtyard. A new forklift is in stock to make light work of moving heavy objects. Brand new excavators are ideal for summer backyard landscaping projects while the mini chipper will turn overhanging tree branches into mulch to help protect your garden from the sun’s rays. SG Hire and Sales services the public as well as trades, and offers competitive prices. This January, the company is ready

to service festivals at Mossvale Park and the Stony Creek Rodeo. “We have pretty much everything here and if we have not got it, we can get it in,” office manager Donna Wilson said. New staff member Ryan Barton recently joined the team, overseen by owner John Burke. To explore the full range of items available, head online to www.sghire. com.au or visit the store at 17 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway), Leongatha. Phone 5662 3783.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 15

CAPEVIEW

GET THE JOB DONE THIS NEW YEAR On sale Tuesday y 31st December 2013 - Sunday y 19th January 2014 WORX 250W HYPERLOCK SONICRAFTER KIT s 3$3 CLAMP SYSTEM MAKES SWITCHING BETWEEN ACCESSORIES EFFORTLESS s /SCILLATION SPEED MIN s )NCLUDES PCE ACCESSORY KIT

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PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Life savers seek your support COMMUNITY spirit will be high at the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club over the next few weeks with opportunities for everyone to get involved. The club will be holding an open day on Sunday, January 5 from 11am to 2pm. Community relations director, Gayle Morris is excited. “We’re opening the doors of our clubhouse so everyone in the community can come along, experience our fantastic club and learn a bit more about lifesaving,” she said. “Every role, whether it’s on or off the beach, helps to save lives. There will be the opportunity to ask plenty of questions, find out about the nipper and bronze medallion programs and see CPR demonstrations.” Those in Inverloch will also see volunteer members around the township on New Year’s Eve as the club holds its annual tin rattle. All of the donations go directly to the club and this year’s fundraising will be directed towards replacing the patrol tower which was removed from the beach in October due to the

high tides causing erosion of the sand dunes. “We are extremely proud to announce that a Zodiac Inflatable Rescue Boat, rescue board and rescue tube have been donated to Lifesaving Sri Lanka in a program co-ordinated through Life Saving Victoria (LSV),” Ms Morris said. “Last year one of our members went to Sri Lanka with LSV and the building leader’s scholarship program.” The program consisted of a number of workshops teaching issues from conflict management and teamwork to lifeguarding skills. Drownings in Sri Lanka are a serious and yet still largely ignored issue, and it became evident they are desperate for more training, resources and assistance. “Inverloch SLSC was keen to help this worthwhile cause and hope the items can aid Sri Lanka in their lifesaving endeavors,” Ms Morris said.

Rattle, rattle: look out for Inverloch Surf Life Savers like Ollie Collett and Xavier Hughes with their New Year’s Eve tin rattle.

Library draws record crowd MORE than 2400 people turned out for the Bass Coast principal library opening celebration in Wonthaggi recently – an incredible new record for libraries across the region. The day began with a smoking ceremony by Boon Wurrung representative Steve Parker and a ‘Welcome to Country’ by senior Boon Wurrung elder Carolyn Briggs. Ms Briggs was the first person to enter the officially opened building and she greeted library staff with the Boon Wurrung word for welcome of ‘Womin djeka’. “The celebration was fabulous, starting with a Welcome to Country, and continuing with the official opening by the Hon Ken Smith MP,” Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Neil Rankine said. “There was face painting, give-aways and a very special visit by Playschool’s Justine Clarke, who absolutely delighted both young and not-so-young library goers, but for many it was just an opportunity to check out the new space and borrow from the expanded library collection.

“The new library is certainly a space the community can be proud of.” West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation Board chair, South Gippsland Shire’s Cr Bob Newton said crowd numbers at the opening were beyond expectations. “We knew people were excited about our opening day but we absolutely were blown away by the turn out,” he said. The performance by recent Aria-award winner Justine Clarke drew the biggest crowd with an estimated 500 children queuing to get a spot. A visit from Santa and a performance by local musician Willy Golightly also drew in large numbers. Bass Coast principal librarian Colin Waring said the library would continue to be a magnet for the community. “It doesn’t stop here - we’ve got a raft of programs ready to go over the summer period including Lego club, holiday story time and a special performance in January by Carp Productions,” he said. The Bass Coast principal library can be found at 23-27 Murray Street, Wonthaggi.

Council backs growth plan BASS Coast Shire Council voiced its support for the draft Plan Melbourne, but also asked for greater emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable housing when its Draft Bass Coast Submission was adopted at this week’s meeting. Council’s planning and environment director Hannah Duncan-Jones said while the plan builds on council’s strategy for the shire and the regional growth plan, council’s submission detailed a number of key points that could be improved. “Overall council supports the vision and key objectives and directions identified in Plan Melbourne which has built on a number of policy objectives and initiatives such as activity centres, growth corridors and settlement boundaries,” Ms Duncan-Jones said. “The greatest concern with a strategic document of this magnitude is how its objectives and strategies will be prioritised. “Who will be the winners and losers and how do we ensure that Plan Melbourne, regional growth plans and local planning policies provide greater certainty and direction for the community. “It is a matter of having

the policy framework integrated and not tangled.” Some of the key points council listed in its submission include: • how to plan for and protect viable agricultural land, particularly in the periurban locations; • the need to maintain the competitiveness of employment land in not only Melbourne’s growth areas, but in each of the regional centres identified in Plan Melbourne; • the outcomes and objectives around ‘housing choice and affordability’ seem to imply that by fixing the urban growth boundary it will drive housing demand to

the peri-urban and regional locations. This is a relatively simplistic view, with home purchasers (particularly families) also looking at schooling, health services, and transport services as well as affordability and choice; and • the plan lacks vision in regards to renewable energy and sustainable housing, with council suggesting renewable energy as an industry opportunity for regional Victoria to support the economic development of Melbourne. Council will now advise the departments of transport, planning and local infrastructure of its decision.

Now open: opening the Bass Coast principal library were Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Neil Rankine, Cr Jordan Crugnale, senior Boon Wurrung elder Carolyn Briggs, West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation Board chair Cr Bob Newton, Bass MLA Ken Smith, Koorie engagement officer for South Gippsland John Murray, Bass Coast principal librarian Colin Waring and Regional Library CEO John Murrell. Image courtesy of Drift Media.

Drive Korumburra’s future VISUALISE an arts council supporting street art projects and a busy, coordinated and promoted town events calendar for Korumburra? Maybe a revamped and landscaped Little Commercial Street, and vacant buildings lively with temporary shops run by people and community groups inspired to raise money or trial products from local produce to inventions and crafts? Now South Gippsland Shire Council has adopted

Mirboo North funding MCMILLAN MP Russell Broadbent has welcomed funding for the Mirboo North Arty Gras Committee, providing more opportunities for audiences and artists in South Gippsland to experience and participate in the arts. “This funding will ensure a continued and vibrant arts program in South Gippsland that the whole community can enjoy,” Mr Broadbent said. The funding of $9500 was given to the committee by the Federal Government to develop and expand the Arty Gras Community Music and Theatre program for the 2014 festival, giving a boost to

the resources of the Arty Gras Big Band, The Arty Gras Acoustic Band, The Arty Gras Electric Parade Band and First Time Theatre Performances. More than $1.3 million was provided for 84 projects in regional areas across Australia under the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund Community Grants Program. The Regional Arts Fund supports artists and community-based arts organisations to pursue creative excellence Australia’s regional and rural centres. The Regional Arts Fund is administered by Regional Arts Australia and its member network of regional arts organisations in states and territories.

the Korumburra Town Centre Framework Plan, the door is wide open to a range of projects that could cumulatively revitalise the town centre. “As the result of a very successful six month community engagement process we now have a good document that reflects what people would like to see happening in the town centre,” council’s director of development services Phil Stone said. “It’s a blueprint for the future and its adoption by council gives direction to investors, government agencies and the community on the preferred way it sees Korumburra developing and improving.”

Council encourages groups and individuals to consider which of the recommended projects they may want to drive, based on their passion for Korumburra and special area of interest, whether it is a short term initiative or something that will bring benefits in the longer term. “Come and talk to us if you feel we can help you pursue an action you are enthusiastic about!” Mr Stone urged. Some of the identified projects can be undertaken as part of normal council operations, while others can be among those items requiring detailed planning or referral to future budgets and grant applications.

The plan can also be used by community groups as documented evidence for funding applications and by government agencies when making infrastructure decisions Council will also be contacting relevant community groups and government agencies to encourage participation in the various projects within the plan. Steps to see the plan introduced into the South Gippsland Planning Scheme will be progressed in the New Year. Enquiries to Fiona Mottram on 5662 9837 Tuesdays to Thursdays or email fiona.mottram@ southgippsland.vic.gov.au.

Carnival gets cash A PHILLIP Island New Year’s Eve carnival is the big benefactor of the last round of Bass Coast Councillor Discretionary Funds for 2013. Four councillors have provided funds for the Cowes NYE Family Carnival which entertains visitors and locals, as well as benefiting traders and community associations.

Councillors are providing $11,000 worth of funds for the $11,638 project with Cr Kimberly Brown and Cr Andrew Phillips both attributing $5000. Councillors Bradley Drew and Neil Rankine added $500 each to the cause as well. Cr Drew and Cr Rankine also contributed $465.95 to Wonthaggi Genealogy Inc to help them establish

themselves in the new Bass Coast Library Complex. The money will be used to install an onsite modem router and wireless connection for the incorporations computers. The Inverloch Community Garden will also benefit with some ongoing maintenance and costs being covered by Cr Jordan Crugnale with $650 from her discretionary fund.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 17

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Worthy’s worth it THERE’S a new mechanic in town but with a familiar face at the helm. Jess Worthy has branched out to start his own mechanical business in Leongatha, Worthy Automotive. Mr Worthy has more than 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry and has knowledge of a wide variety of cars. “I completed my apprenticeship

with the VACC in Melbourne and they went on to work with Toyota vehicles,” he said. “From then I worked on a lot of European models like Saab and Renault.” More recently Jess has found himself working on Holdens at Wonthaggi Holden and the Colin Watson Holden service centre in Leongatha. This wide range of experience

means he has the knowledge to work on any car. “I can do any mechanical repairs that need to be done,” he said. Mr Worthy offers prompt, quality work at reasonable prices. You can find Worthy Automotive at factory 2, 50 Yarragon Road, Leongatha but enter the workshop from Watson Road and look out for the big red sign.

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Motorcyclists less likely to crash in Gippsland The insurance statistics show in 2012 there were 36 motorbike claims, mostly related to collisions, in Gippsland compared with 35 for the same period in 2011. RACV motorcycle insurance claims state wide increased by 48 per cent from 294 in 2011 to 436 in 2012. RACV received two insurance claims for each of South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires in 2012, down from the four received in both shires in 2011. RACV general manager insurance Paul Northey said the surge in claims was despite a modest 2.6 per cent increase in the number of motorcycles registered on Victorian roads in 2012. “As in previous years, RACV Insurance’s analysis shows motorcyclists are most likely to be involved in a collision between 10am and 6pm,” he said. “This may be due to higher traffic volumes on the roads during these hours, however RACV urges users to be vigilant at all times when riding or driving.” The RACV data show motorcycle claims during the past year were most commonly reported as the result of a motorcyclist losing control, especially in the wet and on corners, or being hit by another vehicle. “RACV encourages road users to be constantly aware of the road and traffic conditions and potential hazards such as blind corners, crests and intersections,” Mr Northey said. “Speed should always be within the speed limit, tempered by prevailing road and weather conditions. “It is also important all road users be conscious of others around them, particularly when turning, overtaking and changing lanes. This is especially the case when

driving around vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians, where keeping a safe distance is critical. “By respecting the rights of others and ensuring we take extra care around vulnerable road users, we can all share the road more safely.” TAC figures show that of the 282 people killed on Victoria’s roads in 2012, 41 were riders and passengers of motorcycles, representing 15 per cent of the road toll. Males aged between 19 and 40 represent almost 30 per cent of motorcycle accidents. RACV paid on average $5300 per motorcycle insurance claim in 2012, representing a rise of approximately $1000 from 2011.

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PAGE 18 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 David Amor runs for parliament - page 4

Education in the spotlight - pages 21-26

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 - $1.20

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2013 - $1.40

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013 - $1.20

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2013 - $1.20

All smiles at show

MORE than 2500 music fans filled Mossvale Park at Berrys Creek on Sunday for the annual Summer of Soul Festival. With 72 musicians performing from afternoon till late, the fes-

tival has been hailed one of the best in the 13 years of the Mossvale Music Festival, staged by the music loving volunteers of the Lyrebird Arts Council. Sisters Georgie and Charlotte Huntington travelled from their holiday spot at Waratah Bay to savour the music, while Mel-

bourne band Saskwatch enthralled. The group featured former South Gippsland and Leongatha secondary collegesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; student Robert Muinos on guitar (second from right). Check out more photos and story on page 2.

Street melts

By Simone Short

ANGRY traders want Leongathaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bair Street sealed properly after the street melted during the high temperatures last week and yesterday (Monday). Bair Street became so hot, the tar beMelting away: angry traders want Bair Street fixed properly after gan to melt, sticking to the feet of pedesthe tar melted in the hot weather last week.

Arson n attack attta ttack a ack ck c k

P Police Poli Po o ce blitz blitz ittz itz z

trians as they crossed the road. People could be seen jumping across sticky patches of asphalt to avoid sticking to the road. VicRoads attempted to patch up the road by pouring grit across the tar, however dust from the short term solution only worsened the situation. A group of business owners from Bair Street couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe the state of the

road considering the condition of neighbouring McCartin Street was fine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just disgusting,â&#x20AC;? Shanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lingerie and Leisure owner Shirleyanne Wright said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the pits. When it gets hot the tar melts and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve very kindly come and put down a bit of rock, but now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got dust flying everywhere.â&#x20AC;? Continued on page 3.

P Pothole Poth Po otth oth o th o ollle ole e danger dang d anger a ger ang er

Page

March 8

FRI

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TUES

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33.8Â°

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On back of the heat wave of the past seven days, farmers are buying in feed as pastures wither in the heat. Dairy farmer Colin Dowel (pictured) of Korumburra showed how dry his paddocks are just weeks into autumn. Despite heavy rain a fortnight ago, paddocks have since dried out. Turn to page 3 for the full story.

Jumping for joy: Leongatha CFA members are over the moon after a VCAT hearing granted them permission to build a new fire station in Bair Street. Showing their enthusiasm were Scott Hillis, Scott Cameron, Nathan Hawkins, Andy Kay and Gary Burns. Young Noah Cameron (front) also gave the thumbs up to the new site.

UNDER FIRE

Korumburra publicanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death still unresolved

Last Friday (February 8), Melbourne coroner Audrey Jamieson ruled that the murder â&#x20AC;&#x153;remains openâ&#x20AC;?. Twelve years on from the shooting and eventual death of the businessman and politician, there are no new leads in the case. Ms Jamieson, delivering her finding in the Melbourne Coroners Court, said the evidence against Ms Wyhoon was circumstantial. But, despite not being convicted of the murder, Ms Wyhoon said little had changed for her.

March 7

30.2Â°

FARMERS are facing massive feed bills of up to $25,000 a month as the dry weather continues.

MURDER MYSTERY VICKI Wyhoon, the Leongatha woman accused of murdering Korumburra publican Mike Lowry in 2001, said the stigma had never gone away.

THUR

32.8Â°

TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013 - $1.40

Dried out

Maneisha Rogers-Trickey of Poowong and Bec Moon of Korumburra got in on the clownsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; act and show organisers also had every reason to feel chirpy, after show attendances were up by about 50 per cent on last year. More sideshows and a focus on celebrating country life and the achievements of South Gippslanders appealed to visitors, from teenagers to families and groups of friends, continuing a proud Korumburra tradition. The future of the show looks positive, with a record 1300 junior entries across art, cookery, needlework, floral art and handwriting, with the latter attracting 550 entries alone. Turn to pages 14 and 15 for pictorial coverage and results.

By Matt Dunn

WEDS March 6

THE laughing clowns at the Korumburra Show were not the only ones smiling on the weekend.

Summer tunes enrich soul

Record heat wave - seven days above 30 0c

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still the suspect. But I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind talking about it, because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m innocent,â&#x20AC;? she told The Star. Ms Wyhoon was charged with the murder, and was committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court of Victoria on November 16, 2002. But the case against her was dropped, with a successful argument mounted that she would be at risk of self-incrimination if she took the stand. While Ms Jamieson noted Ms Wyhoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;history of harassment and hostilityâ&#x20AC;? toward Mr Lowry in the lead up to the murder, she also said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am unable to find on the evidence, to the requisite standard, the identity of the person who fired the gunshot at Michael Lowry on 18 January, 2001.â&#x20AC;? Mr Lowryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death was slow. Hospitalised at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, he succumbed to his

injury â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a single gunshot wound to the left side of the head â&#x20AC;&#x201C; almost six months after the shooting, on July 14, 2001. The attack occurred at the Korumburra Hotel, where he was the publican. It was about 11.45pm on oor offi a Thursday, and he was in a top fl floor fice. Mr Lowry was 52 at the time of his death, and was found to have died as a direct result of the shooting. An autopsy would discover a â&#x20AC;&#x153;deformed metallic fragmentâ&#x20AC;? in his brain. Ms Wyhoon said that if Mr Lowry had recovered from the attack, her life would have been far different. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just wish heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d woken up, so he could have told everyone who shot him. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a horrible life since the shooting,â&#x20AC;? she said. Continued on page 4.

SIZZLING Record heatwave lures long weekend crowds

By Simone Short NEW weather records have been set for South Gippsland, and tourists seized the opportunity to visit events and destinations over the weekend.

â&#x20AC;˘ The late Korumburra publican, blican, Mike Lowry. Lowr

Pound Creek and Wonthaggi recorded seven consecutive days above ay (TuesTu 30 degrees between yesterday W Wedn basedd on day) and last Wednesday, based au of Meteorology Meteorolog readings from Bureau ti weather stations at both locations.

The previous record for Pound Creek was five consecutive days from January 27-31, 2009, and in Wonthaggi from February 1-6, 1999. Thousands dashed to the region over the Labour Day long weekend for what could be their last chance to soak up the sun, boosting the tourism industry, with many venues booked out. Wilsonss Promontory Nationa National Parkk attra Park attracte attractedd more than 17,000 cars for day visits over the weekend, peakinn at 750 ca ing rs on Sunday Su a equatcars and ing to about 2000 people. About Abou 2100

camped each night. There was plenty on for music lovers, including the Inverloch Jazz Festival and the Phillip Island Music Festival, whilst the Leongatha Rotary Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shine attracted a large crowd on Sunday. The Stony Creek Cup was also a popular choice for some. But there was no doubt the beach was the place to be, with any free fr sandy spot quickly snapped up by families f eager to cool ool o off with a swim. s Not surprisin gly ly accommodation accommodation on surprisingly, was completel w y booked out along the completely

coast, including caravan parks in Cape Paterson, Inverloch and Waratah Bay. BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park owner Adrian Edwards said both of their parks were full, but said the numerous events happening around the area were not the sole reason. uld be booked â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be honest, we would don think thee events add add out anyway. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anything and would actually be better n a differe different weekend,â&#x20AC;? he said. ai on different â&#x20AC;&#x153;The truth of the matter is anyy ng weekend weeek ekend anywher March long anywheree in the coast is busy. nnot booked boo ooked ooked ked ed d out, ou out ssome out someom meeâ&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ree not

thing is seriously wrong. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a great weekend; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got great beach weather and a lot of repeat guests.â&#x20AC;? Leongatha Police Sergeant Dale McCahon said whilst motorists behaved themselves ves coming to and from the he region, regi tthere here was some hold-up in tourists reaching their destinations. Sgt McCahon said when he h knocked off from work around ndd 6pm 6 Friday, traffic traffi fic was backed up down ownn the th the highway ay y from the th hee McCartin M Mc McCa McCar McC McCarti cCartin cCartin C rrtin rttti tin i andd AnAn A streetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deerso derson der de erson rrson son onn street sstre stree str stttreet ree eetssâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; intersection int intersect intersecti i r on to McDonMcDo D restaurant alds restau restaura nt in Leongatha. Leon ha.. Leongat

Ex-CFA captain criticises station site No work?

By Jane Ross and Matt Dunn

FORMER Leongatha CFA captain Ray Pearson has labelled the location of the new Leongatha Fire Station as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ridiculousâ&#x20AC;?.

VCAT has ruled in favour of the CFA building its new Leongatha station next to the BP Service Station in Bair Street. The decision disappoints objectors and the South Gippsland Shire Council, and could have cost the town a large national retailer (see story page 4). Mr Pearson, also a former Ruby CFA captain, has been vocal in his opposition to the stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re They re putting it next to the biggest service station in town. If there was a major incident at the service station they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to get to the trucks. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the number one problem,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Number Nu two o iiss that hat h att iitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ri rrig i ht ht on a bend bend, right with w ith th h ccars cars flying ca iin around there.â&#x20AC;? there.â&#x20AC;? her here. Mr Pearson Pear believes a p believes propos al to have lights proposal near the stati attion w would also cause ause us headache station headachess with i traffi fic flow around round ound nd the station. t

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got no idea why they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t choose a different site, like the old Shell depot opposite Knightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Hughes Street) or even the vacant block up behind Marriottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (corner of Allison Street and Anderson Street). Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re perfect locations,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can pull out in every direction and there are no problems. The decisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made, but I was annoyed.â&#x20AC;? However, the CFA hierarchy is delighted. The fire station will be built to a CFA formula and will cost around $1.5 million. It should be ready for use by next April. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very pleased with the decision of VCAT,â&#x20AC;? CFA region nine operations manager Mark Jones said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to getting the planning permit, then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll work with the brigade to fi finalise nalise a construction schedule. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plans are in place but we need to sit with the brigade and tweak any ny y inter inte in intern ntern rnall design ddes esig esign siign si sign gn gn m matt mat ma tters internal matters that hatt won wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t on nnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tt aaf aff fffect ff feect ctt the tth he pla pplanni plan pl l ing permit. permit affect planning â&#x20AC;&#x153;W hope â&#x20AC;&#x153;W â&#x20AC;&#x153;We h to pu o tender tend soon.â&#x20AC;? putt it outt to But utt Mr Jones ssaid aid the CFA A un derstands st the understands council has 28 8 days day in which to lodge an appeal with the Supreme C Court. ou According to sshire hire planning and environmental health manager Bryan Sword,

there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be an appeal. The Supreme Court is the only avenue through which appeals against VCAT decisions can be pursued. The costs are prohibitive. The old fire station would be sold and the resulting capital would go into revenue for the next CFA building. A sale would not go ahead until the brigade had shifted to its new headquarters. Mr Jones said construction would take around 125 days. Fire stations are built to a standard design, with variations to accommodate different sized blocks of land, but the facilities are the same. It will accommodate odate the brigadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs n d for f meetings training meetings, tr and the maintenance of trucks and firefi fighting equipment. Lack of grounds in Anderson Street to undertake the latter iss onee ooff the major reasons forr a move m mo ove. move. Mrr Jo M Jones Jone oones nnes ne es ssa es said aid dm maintenance, w maintenance, which hich ch constitut co es constitutes a large part of of volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, has had tto be undertaken on the apron on of tthe he Anderson And on St reett Street building, ccrea ting a hazard for pedestrians pedestrians and creating volunteers working in proxim ox ity oof a bbusy proximity highway. y All documentation and tender work is expected to be ready by September this year, with construction sstarting iin n the he new e ye year year..

Ye Yeeha! Y Yee eeh eh aa!! eha Retire Retirement R tii mentt ffeature, eature,, Pages 18-20

Wizard W Wiiizard izza arrd rd ttoo wow wow ow

THE Wizard of Oz is shaping up as a sum sumptuous feast. Full of magic and wonder, the Lyric Theatre Fu production â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which features an army of Munchprodu kins, good and bad witches, a wizard (obviously), ly) a tinman, a scarecrow, a cowardly lion and a lost girl searching for a way home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is one for the th he whole wh family. Kicking off its season on Friday night at MesKic ley leey Hall, Ha Leongatha, the Wizard is set to wow. The Star was given a backstage pass throughout and has been privileged to watch o rehearsals reh something ssomethi very special in the making. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wizard is going well. It may seem like organised gani ni d chaos at times, but everything is going well and a going goin to plan,â&#x20AC;? director Peter McAlpine said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting a great opening night on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Friday.â&#x20AC;? Friday. F Peter said the younger members of the cast â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

most notably the Munchkins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were â&#x20AC;&#x153;doing better than most of usâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have stress. They just come and do what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supposed to do. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing a wonderful job,â&#x20AC;? he said. Equally, the girl cast in the prize role of Dorothy, Olivia Winchcombe, is excelling. Although she only recently turned 13, Olivia is mature beyond her years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around about the same age as some of our Munchkins, and younger than some of our dancers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coasting along, doing a beautiful job,â&#x20AC;? Peter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing fabulously well and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in her element on Friday night.â&#x20AC;? Other leads Charles Gruen (Lion), Terry Lay (Tin Man), Chris Gale (Scarecrow) are also doing brilliantly well, Peter said. Discover more in The Starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special feature from pages 21-24.

SAM SAME ME DAY AY Y APPOINTMENTS A APP AP POIN OI TM M ENWEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL TS EXPERTT DENTAL DENTA SO FAS FFAST, FA FAST ASSSTT, W A AST Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL HAVE

TAEGE DIRECT DRILLS DRIL S D DRILL Calibration Calibr ation extremely extremely ey accurate q quick, accur u ate te and and easy. easy.

SMILING AGAIN YOU SM MIILING A MILING AG AIN A N IIN N NO O TIME TTIME. I .

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GEN8720214

A/H Kevin Kevin Smith S 55664 664 5463

Over the rainbow: before their dramatic transformation, Terry Lay (Tin Man), Charles Gruen (Lion), Olivia Winchcombe (Dorothy), Sprout (Toto) and Chris Gale (Scarecrow), were just simple farm folk from Kansas.

1st Floor Floor, Flo oor, 3 Lyo oo Lyon yo yon on o n Stree Street LLeongatha eongattha

s w e n e Making th...in 2013 New New Leongatha Leongatha hospital hospital

January SOUTH Gippsland is facing its highest fire risk this summer since Black Saturday in 2009. Recent weather conditions, c a wet winter and a dry spring, have resulted in i significant grass growth causing concern for local fire brigades. b The warning comes as the region is expected to face t temperatures in the mid thirties later this week. ANGRY traders want Leongathaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bair Street sealed p properly after the street melted during high temperatures l week and yesterday (Monday). Bair Street became last so hot, the tar began to melt, sticking to the feet of ped destrians as they crossed the road. People could be seen j jumping across melted patches of asphalt to avoid sticki to the road. ing THE future of the Dalyston Mud Run remains uncertain after a four-wheel-drive ploughed into the crowd c at a the event, hospitalising six people. Five children were among the victims and some were local residents. The a incident has shocked volunteers from the Dalyston Footi ball b Netball Club, who helped run the event as a major fundraiser.

Bush fires

February LEONGATHA has been crowned Gippsland Cricket Le League champion after an eight wicket victory. The easy win by LDCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best 12 started almost as soon as its opwi ponents took to the crease. Two quick run outs of the po Sa Sale/Maffra openers had the home side at 2/16, setting Le Leongatha up confidently for the rest of the innings.

Road collapse

MORE than 450 people united in Poowong on Sun day to mark the declaration of the first CSG free com munity in Victoria. Event-goers made a human sign ov 50 metres long on the Poowong Recreation Reserv spelling out â&#x20AC;&#x153;WE R CSG FREEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, while a Cesna Big Do plane flew from Melbourne to photograph the spectac from the sky.

MORE than 4000 people have signed a petition cal ing on the Victorian Legislative Assembly to properly r pair South Gippslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roads. The petition began circlin across the region on February 5 and was wound up o February 22. Organiser Marg Denbrok of Leongatha wa thrilled with the response.

March

PEOPLE dreaming of a rural life are facing yet an other obstacle in South Gippsland. The State Governme has introduced new rules that limit the number of hous that can be built in a drinking water supple catchmen eight houses within a one kilometre radius of a propose dwelling. The rules also specify just one unsewered hou per 40 hectares and minimum lot sizes of 40ha.

NEW weather records have been set for Sou Gippsland, and tourists seized the opportunity to vis events and destinations over the weekend. Pound Cree and Wonthaggi recorded seven consecutive days abov 30 degrees, according to readings from Bureau of Meteo rology stations at both locations. The previous record fo both towns was five days.

TOP Alberton Football League players are nettin more than $30,000 a season, with payments of up

Sun, sand and surf

Showtime fun

Leon Leo Wiza

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 19

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 - $1.40

www.thestar.com.au

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7 2013 - $1 $1.40 40

Kilcunda Bass Seniors

Phone 03 5662 2294 ~ www.thestar.com.au

KILCUNDA-Bass won its third Seniors premiership in a row on Saturday by claiming the flag over Korumburra-Bena.

Left, Rescue team: Joel Poletti (left) helps a police officer secure the elderly man before he was airlifted to the helicopter above, during the second incident at Middle Tarwin last Thursday. Photo: Channel Seven. Above, Nowhere to go: a car belonging to an Agnes woman remains stranded on the flooded Buffalo-Tarwin Lower Road after the first incident.

Phone saved life, page 2 Men hailed as heroes, page 3

Flood chaos Drivers stranded as road stays open

By Brad Lester A FLOODED road appears to not have been formally shut until at least three and a half hours after a woman was rescued from her trapped car at Middle Tarwin last Thursday. Three hours after the first rescue, another driver entered the flooded Tarwin River on the Buffalo-Tarwin Lower Road, and was rescued by local farmers and the Police Airwing helicopter from Melbourne. VicRoads said signs closing the road were erected on both sides of the flooded road by mid morning. However that time clashes with times given by a nearby resident and Fish Creek CFA captain Mick Dorling. The resident, Tania Eygenraam, said no signs

MG cuts staff again Page 5

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contractors were immediately sent out to inspect the site and set up signs to close the road,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One approach to the floodwater had closure signs in place shortly after crews arrived, but extra time was needed to close the other approach to the floodwater site, due to many other nearby roads also being impacted by water, making access difficult. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Signs on both sides of the floodwater were in place by mid morning.â&#x20AC;? Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations manager Fred Huitema said council crews diverted traffic until VicRoads arrived. Mr Dorling urged drivers to take responsibility for their own actions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Common sense went out the window when you see how deep it was because the posts were under water,â&#x20AC;? he said. Tarwin Lower CFA captain Robb Lawrie, who

oversaw the first rescue, said a woman was airlifted by helicopter from her car last year after becoming stranded by flood at the same location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem is that people do not realise the force of the water,â&#x20AC;? he said. When the woman was rescued last Thursday, water was over the seats of her car. Mr Pauwels said VicRoads urged all road users not to drive through any flooded roads, even if signs were not in place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The nature of flooding is that it can often be sudden and severe, so water may be over the road before crews have had a chance to place road closure signs on site,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For your own safety it is important that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drive on roads covered with water.â&#x20AC;? The State Government last week announced $700,000 to repair 1.36km of the Buffalo-Tarwin Lower Road.

Millions not enough Rural land Page 7 Page 5 merry-go-round

$22m GAS WIN GROW

Leongatha

By Jane Ross MURRAY Goulburn is investing $22 million to convert its Leongatha plant to natural gas. Announcing on Friday the State Government would be putting $1.5 million towards the cost, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rest assured this

investment will have profound consequences for the site and the region.â&#x20AC;? The gas gate at Pakenham will have to be altered, seven kilometres of line around Leongatha and 26 different points will have to be upgraded, and the factory boiler will need to be changed. Such increase in capacity will pave the way for other industries to come to the town. Early works are underway and the advent of the

Page 3

gas will mean MGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extended UHT plant will be able to further increase its capacity. It will save the company money as well as cut its carbon emissions by 43 per cent. Board chairman Phil Tracy said the $19.1 million UHT extension is due to be completed next February and the advent of natural gas will mean an extra 100 million litres will be produced each year. Continued on page 6.

Pages 34-39

Page 6

Hospital impresses

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Leongatha needs giant cow By Sarah Vella A GIANT cow at the entrance to Leongatha could be the shot in the arm the town needs to boost tourism and cement its claim to being the dairy capital of Australia. The oversized bovine on the western entrance to town could be complemented by a dairy museum, cheese tasting centre and cow sculptures around town. The proposal would further add to optimism within the town on the back of the new hospital, Holden dealership, Murray Goulburn upgrade, new

Salvation Army complex, the impending arrival of an Aldi supermarket and a heavy vehicle alternate route. Australia is renowned for big attractions, including The Big Prawn, The Big Merino and The Big Banana at towns throughout New South Wales. Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Peter Watchorn said the idea of a giant cow had been raised in the past and was a proposal warranting discussion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dairy is our main industry in the area and I have even thought that something like the former Australian Dairy Centre Museum at Phillip Island should really have been here,â&#x20AC;? he said. Continued on page 4.

Call 5662 0940 Today 1st Floor, 3 Lyon Street Leongatha

RESIDENTS and firefighters have expressed anger and disbelief at the DEPIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handling of a controlled burn that razed 625 hectares of land around Hallston. The blaze threatened houses, burned grazing land and destroyed haysheds and fences. It also forced 46 residents to evacuate their homes, fleeing to the safety of relatives and friends. LEONGATHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S commercial future is on the rise, after Murray Goulburn announced a $19.1 million expansion of the Leongatha factoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UHT plant last week. Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Daryl McGannon welcomed the news and took the opportunity to spruik the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial attractions. WHEN The Star exclusively broke the story Aldi will open in Leongatha last Tuesday, on its website and Facebook, the news went viral. The story created so much interest that by Monday afternoon, The Starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page had received almost 10,000 hits. Leongatha has been given a desperately needed economic shot in the arm thanks to the German supermarket giant.

May BURSTING onto the Wonthaggi stage last week, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat musical was another brilliant show for Newhaven College with packed houses for all five shows. This feel good musical may well be some 45 years old but it continues its relevance today. DRUG overdose cases are on the rise, with warning of a local ice (crystal methamphetamine) epidemic. A well placed source said South Gippsland hospitals had revived a number of drug overdose patients in recent times, with some airlifted to Melbourne for treatment. THE Alberton Football League was pummelled by a smaller and quicker Ellinbank and District Football League side in the Country Championships on Sunday. The makeup of the EDFL suited the conditions at Inverloch perfectly.

June LOCAL paramedics took their case for better wages and conditions to the office of Gippsland South MLA and Deputy Premier Peter Ryan on Friday. Paramedics protested outside Mr Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sale office in the latest stage of their 12 month dispute with the State Government and Ambulance Victoria for better wages and conditions. A 20 YEAR old Leongatha man will face the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court today (Wednesday) charged with the blackmail, possession of child pornography and grooming offences. According to Leongatha Police Senior Constable Rohan Michael, a meeting with parents last Thursday night had provided useful results for the investigation.

ngathaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ard of Oz

Photo courtesy David Tarbotton.

DOG FIGHT

BAIR NOT BARE

FORMER Leongatha CFA captain Ray Pearson has labelled the location of the new Leongatha Fire Station as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ridiculousâ&#x20AC;?. VCAT has ruled in favour of the CFA building its new Leongatha station next to the BP service station on Bair Street. The decision disappointed objectors and South Gippsland Shire Council.

July GREEN waste is no longer free at tips in South Gippsland Shire. Council started charging $10 a cubic metre for green waste from yesterday (Monday), despite opposition from the community, including a petition signed by 707 people from Mirboo North. Council stands to make $510,000 a year by introducing the green waste fee. LEONGATHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Eleanor Patterson has been named world junior high jump champion after winning gold at the IAAF Junior World Championships in the Ukraine at the weekend. Patterson jumped a personal best of 1.88 metres to take the honour. After being the last to qualify for the final, the 17 year old left all but one competitor behind when she cleared 1.82m. THE closer the new Leongatha Hospital comes to completion, the tackier its predecessor looks. In a masterstroke of planning, the new facility has been constructed towards the back of the site, overlooking the current buildings. As a result, there will be as little disruption as possible to patients when they move sometime in early September.

August SOUTH Gippsland teenagers will have access to first class training in their home towns. The Federal and State governments last week approved the $7.745 million South Gippsland Trade Training Centre for the region, to be operational as early as 2015.

by Tayla Kershaw

Great and small: Rob Scott and Toby, Joan Lucas and Jupiter, Karen Chugg and Shanty and John Resuggan and Ella demonstrate that dogs of all shapes and sizes love the beach.

BASS MLA Ken Smith will give dog owners hope when he meets with new Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Paul Buckley to discuss his concerns about councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to ban dogs from Inverlochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beaches during the day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find it a little bit hard to understand,â&#x20AC;? Mr Smith said of the rules banning dogs from council managed beaches at Inverloch from 8am to 8pm until April 30. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the council is being a bit harsh. I understand the concern for birds and the environment but if dogs are on a leash and under control there shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a problem.â&#x20AC;? Many Inverloch dog lovers will be holding their breath tomorrow (Wednesday) when council debates the dog ban trial at the final council meeting for the year. More than 200 people and their dogs protested the council trial at Pensionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Point, Inverloch last Thursday. Continued on page 4.

Bright outlook for Leongathaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bair Street

By Jacob de Kunder A BOOST for Leongathaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bair Street is coming soon. A building contract to reconstruct the shop space in the old Knightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garage, formerly Henriettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafe is currently being finalised. Site owner Tony Westaway confirmed this with The Star last week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are just about ready to finalise a building contract in there,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to rebuild what was there. Around 1000m2 of shop space which will allow one shop at the front and one at the back.â&#x20AC;? Building is set to start just after

Christmas but Mr Westaway said he would like to have tenants lined up for the shops. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will not mean there will be any tenants in there which is a bit unfortunate,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would feel a lot more confident if there were some keen tenants or if the council was doing something about it.â&#x20AC;? Owner of the former â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gatha Hardware building on the opposite side of the street Robert Clark said he is likely to be selling his building soon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just want them to start building the CFA station and I think I will sell it,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have someone who will want to

GROW

Leongatha

buy it.â&#x20AC;? Mr Clark said the buyer will â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;presumablyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bring a business to the empty shop as well. Leongatha Chamber of Commerce president Peter Watchorn was pleased when he heard about both cases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be great if that was hap-

pening and very encouraging and hopefully all goes through,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If things like that are happening it is very encouraging for business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully this will be a win for the town and it will encourage investors to buy in the town. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is good for them and good for everyone.â&#x20AC;? Mr Watchorn said retail on the whole is going well in Leongatha. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Retail is a little bit buoyant at the moment with the new government,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully the government is going to look after people with services and the cost of living so retail will keep improving.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It might create something and spur people to come into these empty shops as well.â&#x20AC;? This comes as councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manager of economic development Ken Fraser told The Star of a new project to revitalise the town. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have received funding from the State Government to do a Street Life Program in Leongatha and that will be starting very soon,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have received more than $20,000 in funding for it.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will be doing research and analysing trade now and looking at how things are going and then come up with some new innovative ideas. Continued on page 4.

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$1500 a game and sign on fees of up to $5000. A football insider who has become disgruntled with the spiralling player payments said money was undermining the future of the local game.

The 17 year old cleared a staggering 1.96m at the Australian All Schools Championships in Townsville on Saturday, smashing her personal best and Australian Under 18 record she set in Cairns two weeks ago, as well as bettering the Australian Under 20 record, which previously stood at 1.93m. Read more on page 66.

Family fun: enjoying a snag and a sit on the fire truck at Leongatha CFA were youngsters (from left) Jemason and Noah Cameron, Heath Clifford, Claire Wilson, Brandyn Clifford, Patch Wilson, Rafaela Ball and (front) Emalia Ball.

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LEONGATHA athlete Eleanor Patterson soared into the record books on the weekend by setting a world youth high jump record.

Young and old were invited to look through their local fire station, sit in the fire tankers and pumpers and look over all the equipment used by the crews. Fire safety information was also promoted including what to do in the case of various fires and setting up emergency and action plans for those who could be under threat from bush fires. The CFA members were on hand to answer any questions the public had while at some stations a free sausage was on offer. More photographs on page 6.

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CFA opens doors COUNTRY Fire Authority brigades across the region opened their station doors on Sunday to share with the community their role.

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were in place by 11.34am when she alerted South Gippsland Shire Council to the flood, despite informing VicRoads of the danger at 8.24am. Mr Dorling said signs were erected half an hour after the CFA received the call to the second emergency at 11.25am. By then, the time was nearly 12pm. Council crews inspected the road after being notified of the flood by police, but did not close the road because it is a VicRoadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; road and council did not have the authority to shut it. Ms Eygenraam said council officers should have closed the road earlier. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t life more important than the bureaucracy and red tape that goes on?â&#x20AC;? she said. VicRoads acting regional director Brendan Pauwels said VicRoads was notified of water over the Buffalo-Tarwin Lower Road around 7.40am and posted the closure on its website at that time.

Triple treat

The minor premiers came into the match as favourites and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint, holding a strong lead all day. More than 4500 spectators walked through the gate to watch the Panthers win by six goals. Despite the Seniors loss, Korumburra-Bena was able to take out the A Grade netball as well as three other flags on the day. The Panthers team included back, from left, Leigh Harrison, Jimmy Evans, Jacob Dakin, Mat Hutchinson, Luke Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donohue, Dale Crawford, Adam Miller, Rory Gilliatte, Kele Asa Leusa, middle, Brett Anthony, Jess Attenborough, Ryan Fitzgerald, Ben Law, Ben Arnold, front, Bronson Interlanti, Kael Bergles, Jason Wells, Jared Attenborough, Tim Smith, Danny Wells, Chris Endres and Kane Ricketts. More Alberton finals coverage on page 2 and in sport.

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MURRAY Goulburn is investing $22 million to convert its Leongatha plant to natural gas. Announcing on Friday the State Government would be putting $1.5 million towards the cost, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rest assured this investment will have profound consequences for the site and the region.

October LAST Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, felling trees, closing roads contributing to car accidents, driving devastating king tides and cutting power. A South Gippsland Shire Council spokesperson reported its crews responded to calls on 1230 of the shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road, working until 10pm to clear the debris.

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need to develop onshore gas reserves to ensure adequate supply, competitive price and the security of manufacturing. FARMERS could face outbreaks of weeds as a result of cost shifting by the State Government. Councils now officially have responsibility for controlling roadside weeds and pests after the Victorian Parliament amended the Catchment and Land Protection Act. DOG owners will have to find a new place to walk their furry best friends from December 1, when new Inverloch dog laws are put into place. From December 1 to April 30, dogs will not be permitted on any Inverloch beaches between 8am and 8pm under the management of the Bass Coast Shire Council.

December

KEEPING the Toora Post Office open was the force behind a mass gathering yesterday (Monday) morning, when around 100 people turned out to show their support for the flailing business. The post office, operated by the Stewart family, is threatened with closure due to the loss of the local mail delivery contract.

WHILE the Australian cricket team is making inroads in the Ashes Series, Chelsea Moscript is aiming for her own cricket goals. The 18 year old is in the final squad for the Victorian 18 and under womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cricket side. The Leongatha South cricketer hopes this leads to possible selection into an Australian squad in the future.

THE future vitality of Mirboo North and Foster could rest on the continuation of childcare services in the towns. Families have signalled they would leave the towns to find childcare elsewhere, reducing the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s populations and stripping the communities of business and volunteers.

THE Korumburra Integrated Children Centre has missed out on $477,000 worth of funding promised by the former federal government. The Coalition Government last week announced it would not fulfil funding promises under stage five of Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Development Fund.

November

DEPUTY Premier Peter Ryan will lobby for Korumburra Secondary Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ailing buildings to be rebuilt if he is re-elected at next Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state election. In announcing he will recontest his seat of Gippsland South, Mr Ryan said he wants to initiate a master plan for the redevelopment of the school.

THE prospect of coal seam gas mining in South Gippsland appears closer than ever. In a new report, Peter Reith, chairman of the Victorian Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taskforce on the eastern gas market, has cited the

INVERLOCH is in danger of losing iconic vegetation as residents appear to be misusing Victorian Government legislation to clear blocks. The revelation follows The Starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report of increasing incidence of tree poisoning to give a sea view and increase property values. A FLOODED road appears to not have formally been closed until at least three and a half hours after a woman was rescued from her trapped car in Middle Tarwin last Thursday. Three hours after the first rescue, another driver entered the flooded Tarwin River on the Buffalo-Tarwin Lower Road, and was rescued by local farmers and the Police Airwing helicopter.

September A SHOCK new heavy vehicle alternate route has been announced for Leongatha. Instead of travelling along Hughes Street and across an intersection into Long Street, trucks will be forced to negotiate a left turn from Anderson Street into Roughead Street, followed by a right hand turn into Long Street. MIRBOO North took home the Mid Gippsland Premiership Cup on Saturday after a tight win over Newborough. A decisive last quarter goal allowed the Tigers to grab the lead in time-on. It was Mirboo

Halloween at Coal Creek

Inverloch Jazz Festival

Potholes everywhere

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Market will surprise LOOKING for fresh produce this Saturday? Be sure to check out the Koonwarra Farmers’ Market from 8am-12.30pm at Memorial Park in Koonwarra for a delectable range of goods.

Berries, vegetables, cheese, wine, preserves, roses and soap will be among the delights. To find out more, ring Rod Faudell, market manager on 0408 619 182 or head online to www.kfm.org.au

Caffeine fix: John McKeown of Leongatha is the number customer of Coffee’s Up at the Koonwarra Farmers’ Market, and was served by Sunny Weymouth (left) of Leongatha and her mother Sharon Weymouth of Koonwarra.

Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show Saturday, January 11, Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve ENTRY: Group Ticket $30 (2 adults, 2 kids). Adults $15. Pensioner (card required) and child U14 $5. Enquiries: 5672 3259 basscoastagshow@hotmail.com. Website www.basscoastagshow.org.au Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Check the timetable on the day

Island Marquees & Island Marquees and Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy Woodchop- Including a Victorian State title qualifying Event Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy

10am - Trimmer Tree, Coastal Fresh Peas & PD Allan 4pm Entertainment Arena- Music ,Entertainment & Fun

Woodchop Arena - near Alex Scott Pavilion. Trimmer Tree, Coastal Fresh Peas & PD Allan Entertainment Arena

All Day All Day All Day All Day All Day

Dog Flyball Arena. No 2 Oval Island Secure Storage Dog Flyball Adjacent to Main Arena CFA and SES demonstrations and displays Holden Australia Arena Holden Australia Equestrian Show Poultry Pavilion Poultry Exhibition, egg laying, ducks Perimeter, Main Arena Clydesdales/heavy horses Harry Fergie Tractors; Bass Coast Vintage cars Perimeter, Main Arena All Day Leongatha Medieval Tournament All Day Coates Hire proudly supports Black Snake Productions Near Alex Scott Pavilion 10am - KFC supported clown; stilt walker; circus workshop All over the place 2pm Alex Scott & Staff Creative All Day Alex Scott & Staff Creative Arts, Craft needlework Arts Pavilion (Table Tennis Rooms) Wylies Truevalue Hardware Horticulture Bakers Delight Home produce Angling Club Rooms All Day RACV Wonthaggi Shop Photography Exhibition Dell Icious Nolan (Insanknitty) Display and yarn bombing All over the place All Day Stockdale & Leggo Beef Cattle judging Stockdale & Leggo Cattle Exhibition Arena VLE Junior competitions - handling, rearing and grooming. All Day Doug Goodman One Man Band Near Show Rooms All Day Buskers All over the place All Day Barn Buddies Animal Nursery, alpacas and pigs Near Poultry Pavilion All Day Nick Nicholas magician and comedian Everywhere All Day Carnival, sideshows, showbags and rides Perimeter Main Arena All Day Commercial stalls and stands - huge variety All over the place All Day Devonshire Teas, sandwiches - Wonthaggi Tennis Club Show Rooms verandah Alex Scott Pavilion All Day Wonthaggi Historical Society, Aust Rare flora & fauna and verandah South Gippsland Animal Aid – Paws Galore 10.30am LIVING HEALTHY- BASS COAST - Healthy Alex Scott Pavilion -12.30pm Communities Innitiative with Bass Coast Community and verandah Health Service & Wonthaggi Community Garden Cooking demos of healthy summer recipes Near Dog Fly Ball All Day LIVING HEALTHY – BASS COAST BCSC Healthy Communites Innitiative with Bass Coast Community Health Service Frisbee Golf course, clinics at 11am & 1pm. All Day South Gippsland Hydro (water) Station near main arena Perimeter of Main Arena All Day Woodcrafters Woodturning and Children with Wood Angling Club Rooms All Day Tubby The Robot All over the place All Day Island Marquees Sun shade for general public use All over the place Sunday John and Margaret Oldham Equestrian Arena featuring Main Arena Landmark Open Hack and pony Rings

Fresh meat, guaranteed: Wattlebank Park Farm sold smoked goods such as beef and lamb at December’s Koonwarra Farmers’ Market, as well as slow cooked lamb and pork gravy rolls. Tempting shoppers were the business’ Alyssia Verboon (left) and her mother Nadine Verboon.

TRIMMER TREE, COASTAL FRESH PEAS PD ALLAN REGISTERED BUILDER ENTERTAINMENT ARENA PROGRAM 6 hours of continuous fabulous entertainment engaging with the Show day crowd

Program may be subject to last minute changes, and times are approximate. Apologies for any inconvenience

WON2590070

10.00am Wonthaggi Citizens Band 10.30am Geoffrey W. Graham (also entertains & MC between acts ) 11.00am Bethany Fisher –"Interactive, non-stop singing and dancing for the whole family to your favourite songs by One Direction, High School Musical, Austin and Ally & Hannah Montana." 11.45am WHIP Industries –Motocross stunt performers with amazing natural ability and a huge bag of tricks. Exciting daredevils and just breathtaking 12.30pm Official opening-Honorable Ken Smith Presentation to recipients following the Show Ball 12.45pm Nick Nicholas magician and comedian 1.15 m Tom Green – years of guitar playing and oves singing…… Music is his life 2.00pm Paul McPhail Kelpies, sheep and ducks 2.45pm Wulaba African Drummers 3.30pm WHIP Industries Stunt Motor Bikes

Healthy produce: Bev Mustchin (left) of Leongatha South and Gina Cowling of Outtrim sold fresh produce on behalf of Grow Lightly at the Koonwarra Farmers’ Market in December. Grow Lightly is a local business offering boxes of vegetables, fruit, nuts, herbs and eggs to South Gippslanders. To find out more, email growlightly@dsci.net.au

Soul this Saturday

MOSSVALE Park is the home of the Summer of Soul music event on January 4. The gates open at 1pm and the music kicks off at 3pm with Melbourne bands Pony Face and Hiatus Kaiyote. See such bands as The Bombay Royale, The Basics, Clairy Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes, and Lee Fields and his band the Expressions. Purchase tickets online via Oztix or at: Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek; Duck Hutt, Meeniyan; Main Street Revelations, Foster; Dear Antiques, Leongatha; Continental Drift, Mirboo North; Upbeet Cafe and Juice Bar, Wonthaggi; Book and Massage (17 A’Beckett Street) at Inverloch; or Rusty Windmill Cafe, Leongatha. Westernport Road Lines is running buses to the park. Enquire and book with them directly on 5662 2891. Buses for Mossvale Park will leave Inverloch at 1.30pm and Leongatha at 2pm. If driving from Leongatha, follow signs towards Mirboo North for 13km; Mossvale Park is on the left and signposted.

H LEE FIELDS H & THE EXPRESSIONS H CLAIRY BROWNE H & THE BAGIN' RACKETTES H THE BASICS H H THE BOMBAY ROYALE H H HIATUS KAIYOTE H H PONY FACE H H Tickets available via Oztix H LYREBIRDARTSCOUNCIL.COM.AU BHS5596

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 21

STAR Real

THE GREAT SOUTHERN STAR

Fantastic rural living Page 24

Nerrena landmarkharcourts.com.au

SARAH PRICE GLENYS FOSTER BARRY REDMOND 0439 885 078 0477 622 298 0477 622 292

AUCTION

NEW LISTING

Friday, January 17, 2014 1.30pm on Site Prom Aged Care Facility 25 Welshpool Rd, Toora OFI: SaturdayJanuary 4 10.30am - 11.30am

NEW LISTING

Large land holding of 5643 m² situated on two (2) Titles ? Includes 18 room facility (accommodating 30-32 residents) ? Large fully equipped commercial kitchen & laundry

LEONGATHA, 6 STAR RATED QUALITY HOME

? ? ?

47 BAIR STREET. LEONGATHA OFFICE 5662 2292

968m² block boasting 4 big bdrms, 2 bthrms, 3 toilets. Double glazed windows, ducted natural gas heating, Professionally sound proofed for a cinema room.

$439,000

BERRY’S CREEK, UNIQUE & WONDERFUL ? ? ?

165 acres 2 residences set amongst cottage gardens One 3 bdrm plus study, 2nd residence 2 plus study Well looked after pasture divided into 11 paddocks

$975,000 NEW LISTING

POUND CREEK, TWELVE OAKS

LEONGATHA, DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

KOONWARRA, 83 ACRES (APPROX)

LEONGATHA, HIGHLY SORT AFTER LOCATION

Upwards $675,000

$200,000-$220,00

$6,500 per acre

$599,000

? ? ?

49 acres lifestyle property with 4 bdrm BV home Gently rolling, watered by dams & underground bore Inlet views and only minutes drive to Inverloch

? ? ?

2 potential building sites for Units or build own home The choice is yours, do with it what you will! Zoned Residential and fully serviced, 1 min Safeway

? ? ?

Ideal turnout paddock, with excellent shelter belts Heavy duty stockyards, race and cattle crush Good fencing with solar electric

? ? ?

Contemporary 4 b/r brick residence plus study Separate lounge/dining & rumpus room 1858 m2 block with lovely established gardens

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Quality, design and space combined R

ARELY does a property like this come onto the market and it will be auctioned on January 4 at 11am.

STAR RealEstate www.thestar.com.au

Set on a huge fully fenced block of over 1000 square metres with lovely park-like gardens including a premium front gazebo area, this is a truly magnificent two storey home. Downstairs boasts a double garage combined with two large storage rooms and much more. Upstairs proudly sports three huge bedrooms, two of which have built-in robes. The master bedroom has a walk in robe and an ensuite. The family bathroom is also large and includes a spa bath. The beautiful open plan living space takes in a light filled living/dining area with split system and a galley kitchen is included with oodles of storage space for even the keenest of chefs. The beautiful polished boards lead you out onto a massive entertaining deck overlooking the front yard and not to mention lovely views over Anderson’s Inlet. Extra features include a large laundry, huge rear deck, rear vegetable greenhouse, and backyard storage for up to four cars and the boat. Call us today to arrange your inspection. Your brand new lifestyle awaits you.

Real Estate Sales Joy Morgan e: joy@thestar.com.au For more information on Advertising in The Star phone Joy on 5662 2294

VENUS BAY 78 Louis Road Alex Scott and Staff Venus Bay Daniel Lawrie 0417 631 252

Auction

INVERLOCH 25 Venus Street

Large two-storey home First time offered in over 30 years Over 1,000m2 allotment Owner built and occupied until now Sea views, easy walking distance to beach & shops

LJH8880021

DECEASED ESTATE ? ? ? ? ?

Auction: Sunday, January 26, 2014 11am on site Terms:10% Deposit, Balance 60 days Contact: Allan Mann 0409 855 753

LJ Hooker Inverloch 6 Williams Street, Inverloch (03) 5674 2888

LEONGATHA 3 Norview Drive Landmark Harcourts Leongatha Glenys Foster 0477 622 298

$465,000

CLASSIC BEACHSIDE LIFESTYLE 3 / 27 The Esplanade INVERLOCH

Offering front row water view position with relaxing light filled open plan living entertainment area, 3/4 bedrooms, double bathrooms including spa, ample storage plus secluded sunny rear patio. Situated opposite the jetty and only minutes to town centre. Drop your anchor here at Inverloch by the sea. Price $750,000

CONTACT A/H Dennis Ginn 0412 317360

Inverloch Office

7 A’Beckett Street Inverloch

56741111

Flawless Presentation T

HIS immaculate family brick home in a quiet sought after area, located close to local schools and town centre with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study is presented to sell. Open to the entry hall is the formal lounge which has a warm ambience. Opposite is the main bedroom with a walk-in robe, ensuite and a large shower. One of the main features of this stunning home is the wonderful open plan living area complete with a ‘master chef kitchen’ with granite bench tops, quality appliances, a large pantry and

views towards the hills of Nerrena and Mardan. The home is very well appointed with ducted heating, two reverse cycle split systems, ducted vacuum system, instant natural gas hot water, quality carpet, tiles and blinds in-

cluding block out blinds. The home has access from the double garage and the backyard has everything you would need including an outdoor entertaining area, garden shed and a vegetable patch.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 23

5 2 5

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tick the boxes

ERE’S a fantastic little property that ticks all the boxes.

It includes eight gently sloping acres; it is a tidy three bedroom brick home; it’s on a sealed road that is a five minute drive to Leongatha and it comes with a variety of sheds. With views over Leongatha from the main lounge, or out over the property from the kitchen/dining area and

rumpus room, this home offers relaxed rural living. The land is subdivided into two paddocks with plenty of water pumped from the dam for the troughs and garden. Double carport, single garage, hayshed, chook shed and more are offered on this property. Bring your checklist and tick off the boxes!

NERRENA

60 Garvies Road Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha 5662 0922

$475, 000

AUCTION 78 LOUIS ROAD, VENUS BAY ON SITE - SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 AT 11AM

Huge potential on auction T

HIS is a prime opportunity to secure this two storey brick home which is on offer for the first time in over 30 years. This solid residence stands tall on over a 1,000m2 allotment with sea views to Anderson’s Inlet, and is within easy walk-

ing distance of the beach and shops. The home also features a pool room, study and sitting room downstairs. A large shed stands in the back garden. The potential is huge as to how you may develop the site in the future (STCA) or as a large family or holiday home.

QUALITY, DESIGN AND SPACE COMBINED Rarely does a property like this come onto the market. Set on a huge fully fenced block of over 1000sqm and with lovely park like gardens including a premium front gazebo area, sits this magnificent 2 storey home. Downstairs boasts a double garage combined with 2 large storage rooms and much more! Upstairs boasts 3 huge bedrooms, 2 with built-in robes, and walk in robe and ensuite to the master bedroom. The family bathroom is also large and includes spa bath. Beautiful open plan living takes in a light filled living/dining area with split system, and a galley kitchen with oodles of storage space for even the keenest of chefs. The beautiful polished boards lead you out onto a massive entertaining deck overlooking the front yard and not to mention lovely views over Anderson's Inlet. Extra features include a large laundry, huge rear deck, rear vegetable greenhouse, and backyard storage for up to 4 cars and the boat. Call us today to arrange your inspection. Your brand new lifestyle awaits you!

CONTACT Robb Lawrie 0409 531 408 | Daniel Lawrie 0417 631 252 Venus Bay Office

133 Jupiter Boulevard

ALE5200028

5663 7111

INVERLOCH 25 Venus Street LJ Hooker Inverloch 5674 2888

Auction 2

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 25

Fish Creek award winners FISH Creek and District Primary School held its annual Grade 6 awards ceremony recently. Recipients were: • South Gippsland Radiology Services Award for science and health: Tamara Lavarda; • The Jerry Seuren Kindness award: Mick McKay; • Principal’s Blue Light Award – all round achievements: Alice Howard; • Lance Moon Award - most improved: Ella Schauble; • Anne Bright Art Award: Mackie O’Sullivan; • The South Gippsland Shire Youth Council

Award - outstanding leadership: Lauren Gale; and • Jaycees Award: for

general attitude and selfachievement – Alyssa Davies.

All rounder: Principal’s Blue Light Award winner Alice Howard and Anthony Wilson from Foster Police Station.

Right attitude: Jaycees Award winner Alyssa Davies with Fish Creek and District Primary School Council president Marion Bowron. Most improved: Lance Moon Award winner Ella Schauble with Fish Creek and District Primary School Council president Marion Bowron.

Country COOKING WITH

Meg Viney Santa’s helpers: front, Katie, Charlie, Lorna, Lachie, Lacie, Georgia and Jacob, and back, Evan and Will were decked in Christmas colours at Wonthaggi North Primary School.

Graduates say goodbye By Tayla Kershaw WONTHAGGI North Primary School celebrated Christmas in style by putting on their annual Christmas concert recently. The concert commemorated the final day of the school term and bid farewell to Grade 6 students. For the past four weeks, students learnt Christmas themed dances to perform for friends and family as a final group activity. The Prep students performed Santa’s Workshop while Grade 3 students put together a piece to Feliz Navidad. Grade 2 students got back to tradition by performing the well known Part of my Heart in Wonthaggi, to the delight of the

audience. Grade 1 students danced to Reindeer Pokey and Grade 5 students did a fantastic rendition of Here Comes Santa Clause.

It was Grade 4 students who really impressed the audience as they strutted to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. “It was fabulous; the Grade 4 kids did great,”

classroom teacher Kylie Campbell said. Emotions ran high as Grade 6 students performed their graduation dance to a combination of songs and

finished off with Roar by Katy Perry. Plenty of past students also made an appearance to show support for their old school.

A VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

I was asked to teach a delightful Japanese lady to make felt, which she wants to make and sell in her shop in Japan. They arrived with some gifts a sumi ink painting Nobuko had done, plus some tangy cheese and mustard fruits. I had prepared some lunch, but at the end of the meal we opened the cheese and fruits and sighed with delight. We are adding this to our list of Christmas gifts to family and friends. Make sure you use good quality dried fruits. You can use a mixture of pears, peaches and figs, but we prefer just dried apricots, because of the tang of the sweet apricots and vinegar and mustard.

MUSTARD FRUITS

End of school: Grade 5 students, front, Dakota, Molly and Joel, and back, Leah, Katie, Ella, Ben, Riley, Rohan and Callum were excited about the looming holidays.

All wrapped up at Welshpool THE last week of the school year at Welshpool and District Primary School was anything but dull. Kate Fawcett from Pier Port Social Club presented a cheque for $250 to support the school’s Junior Red Cross Program. As part of the program, students travel to Prom Country House once a term and entertain residents. The students also got ready for Christmas, making trees from 100 per cent recycled materials.

The end of year concert, A Truly Ridiculous Christmas, saw students singing and dancing, capped off with a visit from Santa Claus himself. School resumes for Welshpool students on Thursday, January 30.

Donation: Kate Fawcett from Pier Port Social Club presented a cheque for $250 to support Welshpool and District Primary School’s Junior Red Cross Program recently.

1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 ½ cups white sugar ¼ cup white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 6 small fresh Bay leaves 200 gm dried apricots (or your choice) 1 teaspoon sea salt 125 ml water Wrap the spices in muslin and tie with kitchen string. Boil a kettle and soak the fruit in boiling water to just cover, for 20 minutes. Combine sugar, vinegar, mustard and sea salt and water over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add muslin bag and bay leaves and bring to the boil. Cook until reduced to 1 ½ cups. Add fruit and return to the boil. Cook until fruit is soft and translucent (5 - 10 minutes) Spoon into sterilized jars, seal and invert until cool.

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

BAG A BARGAIN in The Star! FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

TOTAL VALUE OF ITEMS PER ADVERT MUST NOT EXCEED $50 MARY MACKILLOP SUMMER DRESS. Size 14. $25. Ph. 5662 2549. SOUTH COAST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE SPORTS UNIFORM. Size 16. $30. Ph. 0468 354 145. DECK CHAIRS. Two. Powder coated steel frames. Blue and white striped canvas. as new never used. $50 RAMMER STAR STAKE. Excellent condition. $25. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. 2 recorders, 1 tin whistle, 1 harmonica and 1 guiro. 5 items for $25. Excellent condition. ph. 5662 5141. GIRLS CLOTHES. Size 8 to 16. $5 a bag. Ph. 5668 1886. BOYS CLOTHES. Size 8 to 18. $5 a bag Ph. 5668 1886. 2 CUPBOARDS/SELFING MAL/CHIPBOARD. $25 each ono. Ph. 5668 1886. CRICKET SPIKES. Size 10. Excellent condition $30. Ph. 0437 891 243. GUITAR. Valencia. Acoustic. Youth size. $50. Ph 0427 313 813. PRINTER. Canon. With cables and new ink. Pixma IP3000 $50. Ph. 0488 069 004. DISHWASHER. $50. Ph. 0418 515 342 BEDSIDE TABLES. x2. $50. Ph. 0418 515 342. SIDE BY SIDE OVEN AND COOK TOP. $50. Ph. 0418 515 342. BASKETBALL RING. Adjustable. old but still working. $50. Ph. 0439 361 718. LSC WOOLEN SCHOOL JUMPER. Size 16. new condition. $50. Ph. 0439 361 718. AUTO RADIATOR. XD XE XF. $50. Ph. 0438 578 107. SINGLE BED. Ensemble. Good clean condition. $30. Ph. 5659 8297. MICROWAVE. Daevoo. 2 years old. $50. Ph.0413 452 686. JAPANESE LOW DINING ROOM TABLE. $50. ph. 0413 452 686. BABY BOUNCER. With cute hanging character. Calming vibration. Near new. $20. ph. 0458 942 517. JOLLY JUMPER & BABY FLOOR GYM. Plays music with hanging characters. near new. $35. Ph. 0458 942 517. 3 WHEEL STROLLER. Double. swivel wheel. Birth to 4 years. Harness. Adjustable back rest. $50. Ph. 5663 5439. MATTRESS. Double bed. Good condition. Hardly used was in guest bedroom. Tarwin Lower. $50. Ph. 5663 5439, HONDA RACING TEDDY BEAR. Brand new in box. $20. Proceeds to

Royal Children’s Hospital. Ph. 5674 2010. CAROLS FOR A CURE Christmas CD. $4 each. Proceeds to Royal Children’s Hospital. Ph. 5674 2010. DOUBLE BED BASE and mattress. $40. Ph. 0407 300 329. ANTIQUE VICTORIAN LADY’S ARMCHAIR. VGC. $50. Ph. 0428 285 304. TWO ANTIQUE DINING CHAIRS, balloon back, VGC. $40 the pair. Ph. 0428 285 304. HP PRINTER, SCAN, COPY PRINTER. Very good condition but needs new print cartridges. $10. Ph. 5662 5141. CANON PRINTER. With four as new print cartridges and all cables. $40. ph. 5662 2954. SODIUM HYDROXIDE/CAUSTIC SODA. 2kg. For soap making or cleaning. Loch. $12. Ph. 5659 6127. FULL VINYL BACK SEAT COVER. To suit Holden Omega 2006. $50. Ph. 0407 825 488. JARS. Fowlers Vacola. Size 27. $2 each. Ph. 0427 506 446. COFFEE TABLE. Solid pine. Smoked Glass top. 18” high x 2.5ft2. $40. Ph. 0458 142 301 CEILING FANS. Two. White. 48”. complete. Reversable for summer/winter. $25 each. Ph. 0419 301 463. DOG COAT. Drizabone. For a large dog. Good condition. $20. Ph. 5668 8180. CHAIRS. 2 Antique timber dining chairs. Teak stain colour. Cottage style. good condition. $40. Ph. 5663 5439. GARDEN STATUE. Large concrete. Old world. $50. ph. 5674 5601. POLYPROPYLENE COVER. For above ground pool. Will fit 18-20 ft pool. (5.5-6 metres). $50. Ph. 5662 4162. ROOF OR WALL DECKING, Cliplock. 20 sheets. 8’ long. $20. Ph. 5657 3291. LOUNGE SUITE. 3 Piece. very good condition. $50. ph. 5657 3291. OLD RED BRICKS. 70 cents each. Ph. 0409 957 298. CREAM BRICKS. 40 cents each. Ph. 0409 957 298. CORRUGATE IRON.6ft sheets. No rust. 10 sheets. $50. ph. 0409 957 298. ESPRESSO/CAPUCCINO MAKER. Breville. New in box. 3.5 steam pressure system enhancer stainless steel frothing jug included.$50. Ph. 0412 084 966. MARY MACKILLOP COLLEGE GIRLS SUMMER UNIFORM. Size 10. $40. Good condition. Ph. 0438 982 729. RIPSTICKS. 2 at $25 each. Ph. 0427 313 813. OLD BOOKS. $50 the lot. Ph. 0427 622 405.

Advertisements must be received at The Star by Friday 12 noon *The Star reserves the right to refuse any advertisement PRIVATE ADVERTISEMENTS ONLY - NO BUSINESSES Max. 2 advs. per week - Single phone number for contact NOTE: No advertisements for animals, birds or fish accepted

MAXIMUM 15 WORDS STAR OFFICE - 36 McCARTIN STREET, LEONGATHA EMAIL : bagabargain@thestar.com.au

OR PHONE :

5662 5555

situations vacant

BEAUTY THERAPIST LEONGATHA The Leongatha Terry White Chemist is seeking a motivated and passionate part time Beauty Therapist to join its team. The successful candidate will be fully competent with skin care, waxing, meeting the beauty needs of our customers and have a strong sales focus. This role would see you building and maintaining a loyal client base through highly developed people skills and the desire to drive the business to the next level. If you are customer service focused, have a professional approach and exceptional references, please contact the chemist on 5662 2183 to arrange a copy of the position description, prior to sending your resumé and covering letter outlining your previous experience, current certiﬁcates and how you would meet the criteria within the position description.

JOURNALIST

A full time position exists for a journalist on the award winning South Gippsland newspaper, The Great Southern Star, Leongatha. The successful applicant will need to live in or close to Leongatha, be highly motivated and have excellent communication skills. The Star welcomes applications from recently ﬁnished VCE students with a high English score to study a cadetship through the newspaper or from experienced journalists. THE POSITION WILL COMMENCE MID TO LATE JANUARY All applications to: Manager Helen Bowering Email helen@thestar.com.au Enquiries phone 0418 556 038 Applications close Monday, January 6

public notices FRIENDS OF LEONGATHA LIBRARY

BOOK SALE LEONGATHA COURT HOUSE

Thursday, January 9 Friday, January 10 10am - 4pm

BOAT LICENCE COURSE Vic. Marine Licence with Jetski endorsement

INVERLOCH Tuesday, January 7 6pm - 10pm BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Phone Bob: 0417 524 005 Approved TSV course www.abcboating.com ABN 43080057923

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

situations vacant

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING GRADE 5 Part time - 24 hours per week

An exciting opportunity exists for a senior nurse to work closely with the Nursing Executive and Senior Managers at Gippsland Southern Health Service. To succeed in this position you will ideally possess the following skills: • Senior nursing experience in a wide range of disciplines including acute, residential care and staff development. • The ability to promote change throughout an organisation. • Provide support to the Directors of Nursing and the Executive team. • Excellent people skills with the ability to communicate at all levels. • A commitment to maintaining and delivering high quality patient care. • Clinical leadership and education skills. • Certiﬁcate IV in Training & Development - desirable. • Registration with AHPRA. The successful applicant will be primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of clinical practices/processes, policy and procedure development, oversight of staff development and undertaking project work as required by the Director of Nursing. --------------------------------------------------------GSHS offers a comprehensive orientation program on commencement of employment. All staff have access to excellent staff mentoring, education and support programs. Salary Packaging is available to all staff. All applicants will be required to supply a current satisfactory police check. If you are interested in joining a supportive and progressive team, please contact the Executive Assistant, Dianna Mollica on 5667 5504 to obtain an application kit and position description or download from www.gshs.com.au Applicants are also encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5507 to discuss employment opportunities at GSHS. Completed application kits can be forwarded by Friday, 10th January 2014 to: Neil Langstaff Director of Nursing Inpatient/Residential Care Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA VIC 3953

situations vacant

HUMAN RESOURCE & PAYROLL COORDINATOR 14 Month Maternity Leave Position South Gippsland Water is a leading and innovative participant in the Water Industry committed to providing and managing quality water supply and wastewater systems in an ecologically sustainable and cost efficient manner. A 14 month maternity leave vacancy exists within the corporation with a view to an ongoing part-time role as payroll and training officer. Working as part of a small business services team based in Foster and reporting to the Business Services & Governance Manager you will be primarily responsible for the coordination of the Corporations human resource and payroll functions. Additional responsibilities include monthly reconciliations, fleet and database administration, end of year and ad hoc HR and payroll reporting. The successful applicant will have: • Experience in HR processes such as employee relations, enterprise bargaining, recruitment and a good knowledge of relevant legislation • A strong finance background with the associated administration experience • A working knowledge of payroll and EBA/Award interpretation from a similar role • Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate across all levels of the organisation • Strong computer skills and be able to produce accurate information in a timely manner The full position description and information regarding South Gippsland Water can be downloaded from our website www.sgwater.com.au or by calling Paula Smith 03 5682 0403. To apply send your resumé marked confidential to: HR & Payroll Coordinator South Gippsland Water PO Box 102 Foster Vic 3960. or email to: psmith@sgwater.com.au Applications close Friday 10 January 2013

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 27

situations vacant

DUMP TRUCK DRIVER Must have all relevant tickets and licences Phone 0438 056 987

situations vacant

MILKING POSITION KORUMBURRA SOUTH Milking and general farm duties Experienced required Phone 0427 667 114

used vehicles NISSAN PATROL 2008 wagon, 3L TD, 120,000km, manual, bullbar, snorkel, driving lights, 3” exhaust, 12 months reg. YBL774, $31,000. Foster, call 0439317743.

Affordable cars at drive away prices

DEVELOP A CAREER IN THE MEAT INDUSTRY Meat Processors, labourers and Skilled Staff Required For large Export Meat processing facilities in the Wonthaggi Region. Stability and Long term Employment Opportunities Available Duties include: • General Labouring • Process Work • Rendering • Boning/Slicing/Knife Hand • Picking & Packing Experience not essential. Full training provided. MUST be Australian citizen or permanent resident. Full time & casual positions available. Early starts. MUST be prepared to attend INFORMATION SESSION. Eligibility Criteria Applies. To apply please call 8398 1728 or email your most recent resumé to madmin@miss.vic.edu.au

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

for sale

MOWERS We stock the largest range of New push and ride-on mowers in South Gippsland, including - Honda,Victa, Greenﬁeld, Deutscher, Cab Cadet, MTD, Masport, Toro, Yard Machines & Rover from $149. Professional repairs and service for ALL mower makes and models. Husqvarna Specialist. Also stocking a large range of parts and accessories. We also have a large range of secondhand mowers available.

MOTORCYCLES & POWER EQUIPMENT Cnr Allison & South Gippsland Hwy, Leongatha. L.M.C.T. 2714

Ph: 5662 2028

www.marriottsmpe.com.au

CLUB DRIFTER camper trailer, 3x3 annex, gas/elec fridge, mattress, $3,800. 0400-640019. ENGEL FRIDGE/FREEZER large size, great for camping, ac/dc sockets and insulated cover included. Works perfectly. New $1,000 sell for $250. Located at Waratah Bay. Ph: 0407-528192. FIREWOOD Local messmate / stringy. Discount for bulk loads, cut and split, $90 per metre. Ph: 0437-176187. FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175. HAY $8 per bale, excellent quality. Free local delivery for 100 bales or more. 0419-313483. HAY: small squares, excellent quality, shedded, suitable for horses. New season, $10 each. Can deliver, conditions apply. 5664-1320. SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each, 200x75x3.0 $ 20.90 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: 56812261. TYRES near new (4), Dunlop Monza 205/65 15”, $240 ONO. 0466-965992.

for sale

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

5672 3127

garage sales

GARAGE SALE The “STAR” can help you promote your event with our

$27.50 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $33.00) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $41 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 GARAGE SALE Continuous from Saturday, January 4, 18 Ritchie Street, Leongatha. All must go. 10am start.

livestock RAMS Southdown, Poll Dorset, Border Leicester. Flock registered, brucellosis accredited, well bred, established breeder, from $150 each. Can deliver. 0428-356376.

used vehicles

FREE CAR REMOVAL 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

marriage celebrant PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

Jenny Milkins All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

message of hope SG CHEAPEST CARS Geary Road Leongatha

“GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.

in memoriam

LMCT 10804

Phone Judy or Geoff 0428 920 095 for full range of vehicles Or visit: www.sgcheapestcars.com NOTE: drive away means no more to pay. All on road costs paid.

OLLE - Graham. December 31, 2007. Loved and remembered always. Elaine, Bev, Denise, Rhonda, Jeff and family.

deaths

wanted to buy AAAA OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4 wheelers, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5668-2232 or 0488-294894. CASH PAID farm four wheelers, ag bikes, trucks, 4WDs and ride-on mowers. Any condition. Phone Matt 0401-194601.

wanted to rent URGENT Accommodation wanted. Professional businesswoman seeks short term accommodation in/close to Leongatha. Would prefer ‘house sitting’ for several months if possible and/or month by month rental in 2BR home/unit. Room for one small dog also necessary. Required by end January. Reliable, trustworthy, tidy and quiet 50yo lady. Please contact asap: 0438742367.

work wanted

TRACTOR WORK, LABOURER OR FARM WORK

SILK - Margaret Olive ‘Peg’. Peacefully at Korumburra Hospital on December 27, 2013. Aged 93 years. Formerly of Koonwarra. Loved wife of Gordon (dec). Cherished mother of Rodney (dec) and Robyn, Joan and John (dec). Loved Grandma of six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Reunited with Dad and Rodney. SILK - Peg. Passed away 26.12.13. A lifetime dear friend of Val and Ken. At peace with Gordon and Rod.

funerals SILK - The Funeral Service for the late Mrs Margaret Olive ‘Peg’ Silk will be held at the Blair Chapel, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway, Springvale on Thursday, January 2, 2014 commencing at 11.45am. No flowers by request please. Donations may be made to Heart Foundation Victoria. Envelopes will be available at the service.

WARRAGUL OR LEONGATHA AREA Phone Jake 5668 5250

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

Most photos that appear in The Star can be purchased by calling 5662 2294

Back then: an early home at Wooreen.

Celebrating pioneers THE Leongatha and District Historical Society’s Australia Day display entitled Celebrating our Pioneers will be based on the diary of Emily Jane Funnell. Emily lived with her brother George Alma Funnell on his selection at what we now know as Wooreen from 1886 until she married in 1888 and left the district. During this time George, with the help of his father and brothers, was working to clear his block, build a house and establish pasture and a milking herd. The society is attempting to find information about the people mentioned in the diary in the days before Leongatha existed. Those who stayed on into the 1890s and later are covered in most cases. It is the likes of Phelans who had a store on their selection, which much later in the 1920s, became Bill Gunn’s Wilkur

and the Staffords, who were Funnell neighbours, and may have been operating the mail service to and from Mirboo. There are also Lugsdin, Borrow, Kneale, Fred Moss, Boyle, Morter, Hulls, and Farmer for whom we have been able to find some information. Is there someone out there who knows what happened to or anything about any of the people mentioned below? There is a Parr (who receives several mentions but no given name), McMahon (he may have had a bullock wagon), Hanley, Gunn, Murray, Moorhouse, J. Coyle and Willis are all mentioned in the diary. Every bit of information adds to our knowledge of those very early pioneers and how they lived. If you can help please contact the society 5662 2492 or Pat Spinks 5668 6365. Pat is working on the new display and new material would be welcome.

Commemorating The Great War By Lyn Skillern AUGUST 2014 will be 100 years since the beginning of The Great War (World War One). This war dramatically affected the lives of people living in Australia and the rest of the British Empire and it dramatically changed the world. In order to commemorate the war, the Leongatha and District Historical Society will be organising several displays and events. Research is currently being carried out on the men from the area who were killed in The Great War and this information will be available to the public when it is completed. The society want to collect as many

photographs as possible of the men and women from the old Woorayl Shire who served in this war. Original photographs will be copied and catalogued. This will enable the society to have a collection of photographs to use in commemorative exhibitions. It is hoped to have the photographs, once printed, properly mounted to form a collection which will last for many years. It is also hoped the family stories of our local soldiers will be recorded. Members of the public with photographs or other memorabilia from The Great War are asked to contact Lyn Skillern on 56686304 or the Leongatha Historical Society on 56622492 on a Thursday or Friday afternoon.

Nyora Hall approved NYORA will benefit from an upgraded town hall if funding can be obtained from Regional Development Victoria (RDV). South Gippsland Shire Council has allocated $38,000 toward the project. The money comes from the 2013-14 financial budget for recreation – future unplanned works, with an additional

$4500 proposed. The Nyora Hall committee of management is also putting in $42,500. RDV may then invite council to apply for $250,000 through the Putting Locals First Program. The current hall’s roof is leaking, damaging the interior. It is not a council asset but is built on crown land. Cr Mohya Davies said the hall was “part of the heart of Nyora” and the

amount of money granted is “not extraordinary” when weighed against the benefit to the community. Council documents state Nyora has “minimal community infrastructure”, although it supports a population of 1332. “Nyora Hall is the only community meeting space available to the public all year round,” the report stated. However, the project will not go ahead unless the application to RDV is successful.

HERE'S MY CARD

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

ELECTRONICS

Simply write your advert in this space and post it to:

Here’s My Card, The Great Southern Star P.O. Box 84, Leongatha 3953. or phone Leonie for more information on 5662 2294.

8 WEEKS MINIMUM BOOKINGS

PHONE: 5662 3891, 5662 2861

Jared Lovie SALES & SERVICE

BJE3470003

Bobcat & Tipper Hire 5 Tonne excavator with auger Site levelling & clean-ups Rubbish removal Farm tracks

48 Yarragon Road, Leongatha

Phone 5662 3933

JSL Light Engine Repairs “Old fashioned service at competitive rates”

SERVICING ALL MAKES & MODELS 4x4 Motor Bikes • Power Equipment • Lawn Mowers • Chainsaws • Brushcutters • Pumps etc. • Chain Sharpening & Bar Reconditioning

Stock owners - have your own stock killed, Brenton Williams cut, packed and frozen to your requirements

0433 033 347

2 Douglas Court, Leongatha

SUP2350008

AIR CONDITIONING

FENCING

BUILDER/CARPENTER Over 25 years experience

STUART SLEE

• • • • •

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Repairs RTA AU21680

STU0700027

• Car, Truck, Tractor, Earthmoving • Domestic Air Conditioners • Fridges • Washers • Dryers • Dishwashers 16 Tilson Court, Leongatha. Phone 5662 3070 Mobile 0418 364 559

ENGINE REPAIRS

BOBCAT FOR HIRE

Aerial Agricultural Services

AIR CONDITIONING

DECKINGS BATHROOMS PLASTERING PAINTING PERGOLAS

“Your LOCAL fencing contractors”

• • • •

CARPORTS KITCHENS GENERAL REPAIRS DOORS & WINDOW INSTALLATIONS • RENOVATIONS

Specialising in all types of residential fencing and outdoor maintenance

PAUL VANDERMEER - 5664 4419 NO JOB TOO SMALL

Mobile: 0427 750 568 FREE QUOTES

Servicing ALL areas.

Call Mick Adkins on 5662 2360 Mobile 0428 595 686

ADK3600016

VAN8970009

CONCRETING

GARAGE DOORS

Newton Concreting Pty. Ltd.

Garage Doors & Remote Controls

ACN 075 828 581

Phone: 5672 2426

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

House slabs - foundations floors - paths - dairy work stencil concrete NEW390010

For a free, no obligation quote Phone Jim Newton Ph/Fax 5668 8292 Mobile 0407 505 507

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Vin Slee Appliance Service WASHER & FRIDGE SERVICE

Phone 5662 3070 Prompt and efficient service to: Refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric ranges and cook tops. Full range of stove elements and accessories in stock. 16 TILSON COURT, LEONGATHA VIN1780055

ANTENNAS

INSURED JAG CLEANING & FULLY POLICE CHECK CLEANING MAINTENANCE HANDYMAN CARPET CLEANING SERVICES DEODORISING

ABN 84 341 891 261

JAG7770001

Phone: 0498 600 777 jag_services@bigpond.com |

JAG - Cleaning & Maintenance

ELECTRICIAN

GREY ARMY OLD FASHIONED VALUES AND INTEGRITY

INTRODUCING YOUR EXPERIENCED LOCAL HANDYMAN FOR SOUTH GIPPSLAND FOR PROMPT COURTEOUS SERVICE, FULLY INSURED, RELIABLE, FREE QUOTES, POLICE CHECKED

13 11 98

RAN5290006

GRE9880002

KYM HOLNESS 0427 513 618

WORK WANTED •All types of maintenance •Plaster hanging, “Victaboard" sheets •Painting & tiling •Broken windows •Free quotes given •Wooden window sashes made to order.

New homes | Extensions | Power points Safety switches | Split system AC units Ceiling fans | Switchboard upgrades

Matt Haines | 0404 864 381 REC 20316 DOMESTIC | COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL

POW3810001-V2

Please Ring Geoff Ph/Fax: 5662 3496 or 0409 868 504

MEMBER

Reg. 532654

PEST CONTROL

25 years experience

BATHROOMS

MAS3050009

l Complete bathroom renovations l Stepless showers (for the elderly & people with impaired mobility) l Tiling l En suites & spas l Vanities (supplied and installed) l No job too small l Hassle free

5658 1827 - 0429 387 162 WILL TRAVEL ANYWHERE

HANDYMAN

HOME RENOVATIONS & BUILDER

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

GRAEME MASTERS

PAU9480009

LIGHT AND POWER

These are all signs of poor TV reception, you may need your television system updated for Digital TV! We service your area! Call us for a free estimate

5672 4774

Paul Deering Ph 0408 335 948

SOUTHERN CROSS

Sound dropping out? Blocks appearing on the screen? ‘No signal’ message on your TV? Sound but no video or vice versa? Missing channels?

Wonthaggi E Electronics

ROLLADOORS • PANELIFTS • TILTA-A-DOORS • SERVICE & REPAIRS

BOL1340008

AU33404

BAS4260001

BASS COAST REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING Shop 1, 13 Inverloch Rd, Wonthaggi 3995 Servicing all of Bass Coast & South Gippsland

GAR1370056

LOV8190081

Joe & Chris McDonald

Phone/Fax 03 5662 4833 Mobile 0409 234 951 Superplanes@budgetbits.net

n TELEVISION n VIDEO n DVD n HI-FI n COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT ANTENNAS

Now operating from Sparrow Lane, Leongatha (At the rear of 62 McCartin Street)

SUPER PLANES 3 Davis Court Leongatha Vic 3953

REPAIRS, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS

Payment in advance required

AERIAL AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

FOR SUPER SERVICE

GARDNER ELECTRONICS

PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL

Tim Clark

ELECTRICAL REC. 14772

Treatment of ALL PESTS: TERMITES | RODENTS | SPIDERS COCKROACHES | BEES & WASPS Gippsland’s largest installer of physical termite barriers - commercial and domestic

OUT8950015

Domestic - Commercial - Industrial - Rural

MOB. 0418 126 646 885 Nerrena Road, Nerrena

TIM3080009

SOUTH GIPPSLAND PEST CONTROL Incorporating ADRIAN KELLS PEST CONTROL

Ph: 5657 3300 | Mob: 0488 135 895 VIC HEALTH LICENCE NO. L 2709

HERE'S MY CARD

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 29

ACCOUNTANTS, BUILDERS, CARPET CLEANERS, DRIVING SCHOOLS, ELECTRICIANS, FLORISTS, GARDENERS, HANDYMEN......

ATTENTION:

Would you like to get your message to over 18,000 readers a week for just $25.30 per week? With just one response you could pay for a year’s advertising. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GENERAL GREEN

S PLASTERERS S OUTHERN CEILING

STUMP GRINDING SERVICE

BIG STUMPS? NO PROBLEM!

Property management service for Private • commercial • rental holiday • lawn cutting weed control • basic pruning trimming • rubbish removal

INTERNAL WALLS & CEILINGS

Unitex

LARGE MACHINE

FREE QUOTES FULL INSURANCE

Call for a quote today SOU2610051

Renders, Textures, Mouldings and Styrene Cladding

Phone: 5672 2497

PLASTER & CONSTRUCTION

Mark & Brendan Franks 0498 592 777 e: info@generalgreenpm.com.au www.generalgreenpm.com.au

GEN7770001

PH GEOFF 0419 008 486 TRINA 0400 772 840

Fully insured & registered business

TRAILERS

RUBBER STAMPS

WEST GIPPSLAND

ORDER YOUR

WON9060054

PLUMBING

ALL MAKES

Phone 5662 2692, AH Mobile 0418 302 594

ROOF REPAIRS

Matt Price Plumbing

SHIELD MASTER Roofing

Water General Sanitary Roofing & spouting Full Bathroom Renovations New homes

ALL AREAS

Phil Jones

WES4020001

T O TA L

TREE

CARE

0458 733 227 JON4020035

• Hazard tree & confined space tree removals • Qualified arborist - tree reports • Pruning and removals • Certified climbers • Chipper, cherry picker • Commercial contracting • Powerline clearing • Free Quotes

5662 5553

0418 319 436 Leongatha

TREE FELLING

South Gippsland Security Services

0413 335 149 or 5663 2238. Tarwin Lower

l Lopping l Firewood Sawing l Tree Removal

Your local security company for Leongatha, Korumburra & district

Call Peter & Lesley Allman 5662 4280 Mob. 0427 516 317. Fax 5662 4259. Lic. No. 655-194-50S

SEC2800007

TAY2380001

• Patrols • Guards • Alarm responses • Alarm monitoring

SHOWERS/SECURITYDOORS

PRINTING

at Capeview Mitre 10 Store, Cape Paterson Rd., Wonthaggi Email: jean.jackson@cv-bp.com.au

COL110229

LAR9200022

For a free measure and quote (doors, showers and insect screens),

call Jean Jackson 5672 0630 or call in to our showroom

HOL7370012

5663 6300

UPHOLSTERY HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE CARPET OVERLOCKING

YARRAM UPHOLSTERY & AUTO TRIM Est. 1991

BISTRO BLINDS Ph/Fax 5182 5566 Mob 0407 846 086

(CLEAR) YA26580010

51 Lawler Street Yarram

MOTOR BIKE SEATS

YOUR ONE CALL SPECIALIST Insect Screens Security & Flywire Doors Shower Screens www.capeviewbuilding products.com.au Windows With over 40 years experience, our products are manufactured locally to withstand the harsh coastal conditions of Phillip Island and South Gippsland.

l Clear Felling l Stump Grinding l Rubbish Removal l Fully Insured

Norm Hollier 0438 636 201

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PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.

Racks, trailers tips now online THE RACV is urging motorists to make sure they properly secure items to their trailer or roof racks.

Stay safe: TAC head of community relations Joe Calafiore and media manager Emily Bogue with one of the TAC’s new Designated Driver vouchers. Anyone wanting to see a loved one get home safely from a holiday season barbecue or party can gift them a voucher and make a pledge to be their chauffeur for the night. Check out www.tac.vic.gov.au to find out more.

Stay safe on roads THIS year has seen a huge reduction in casualty crashes in South Gippsland but despite this deaths continue to occur. The South Gippsland Road Safety Partnerships Group has been focusing heavily on reducing crashes involving trucks. This has been done by regularly bringing police and VicRoads around the table with both drivers and transport operators to discuss ways of working together to improve the safety of all drivers. While truck crashes have reduced by more the 50 per cent over the last 12 months, the number of truck/car collisions has increased. In fact the problem is growing across the whole region of Gippsland. Invariably most of these collisions have resulted in the car drivers being found at fault. Of those that survived many car drivers are saying

they didn’t see the truck. Car drivers are urged to not turn on front of trucks assuming they are going any slower as being t-boned by a truck will almost certainly result in the car driver and any passengers coming off second best. Before you go anywhere in a car, think about: • is the journey really necessary? • your condition to drive both physically and mentally; • the condition of the car; • the load you are carrying and how it might impact on the handling of the car; • the expected traffic conditions; • the time you need to be there and have you allowed enough time? • the route you might take (older drivers might find the quickest way may not be the safest way); • the danger points on that journey;

• when you will be taking rest breaks (plan them before hand)? • posted speeds are limits not targets and 5km/h under the posted speed limit is both legal and safe; • when you come across a cyclist remember they are the most vulnerable road user. Leave a gap no less than one metre between your car and them, and you are not allowed to cross double lines to get past them and contrary to popular opinion they are entitled to ride on the whole lane of a road, by law. Remember as the weather improves it is also an opportunity for road repairs to occur. If you build this into your trip planning, you will avoid getting frustrated. Also there are many roads that still need repairing so drive accordingly and be aware other may be avoiding road hazards on their side of the road as well.

RACV manager vehicle engineering Michael Case said whether residents were getting their properties ready for the fire season or hitting the road for a holiday it was important to remember to secure items correctly. “Every year, about 1000 tonnes of debris is removed from Victorian roads – much of it fallen from trailers, roof racks or the backs of utes,” Mr Case said. “Items falling on the road cause delays, damage to other vehicles and of most concern, injuries to other road users. Road workers are also at risk having to remove debris from busy roads.” Mr Case said RACV has two YouTube videos which outline how to safely secure a load to a trailer or roof racks. “RACV’s website features videos which demonstrate how to safely secure a load to your trailer, and also outline some of the legal requirements for when transporting goods on roof racks or in a trailer,” Mr Case said. Mr Case said key tips for motorists when transporting goods on trailers and roof racks are: • ensure both the vehicle and trailer are in good mechanical condition and roadworthy. • if you are carrying small items (such as garden waste) or debris, cover the load with a tarp so they cannot fall or fly out; • do not use restraints if they are frayed, cut or damaged in any way; • do not use ‘bungy straps’ or cords; • evenly distribute the loads as much as possible, ensuring that they are secured to prevent the load moving sideways, backwards or forwards from the trailer or vehicle; • remember that loads can move and settle during a journey, allowing restraints to loosen. If possible, re-check the restraints shortly after beginning the journey; and • make sure your number plate is not obscured by the load you are carrying. Mr Case also reminded motorists they were breaking the law if they failed to correctly secure their load. “Legally, motorists are required to secure their load to ensure nothing comes loose and can face fines of up to $11,000 for individuals or $58,000 for companies for breaking the law,” Mr Case said. To view the videos, go to www.racv.com.au/roadsafety.

If you drink or take drugs then drive, if you speed, if you drive unlicensed or an unregistered car, the party’s over.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 31

Farming Insight

Hay producer: Colin Kelly from Hallston said the quality of this season’s hay was lower than previous years, however yield has increased.

Hay yield varies A LATE spring coupled with cooler summer conditions has played havoc with South Gippsland’s hay season. Hallston hay grower Colin Kelly said the late spring meant a lot of grass locked up for hay has gone to head, reducing the quality of the final product. “We have also had nonfavourable conditioning conditions, such as days with high humidity, so you end up with a bale with a high moisture content and therefore lower quality,” he said.

“The silage yield is probably down a little this year. I think hay will be up a bit, but it will be a lower quality product.” Mr Kelly also grows and cuts hay in northern and western Victoria and said the quality on those farms also varied. “Some of it was hit by frost which turned it into lower quality, straw like hay, but in western Victoria, we have got export quality hay cut,” he said. Following several hard seasons, hay and fodder reserves on many farms have been depleted. Mr Kelly thought most farmers would have hoped to make as much hay and silage as they could.

“Funds would have been exhausted from having to buy in hay for the last couple of seasons, so most farmers would be hoping to catch up,” he said. Mr Kelly makes around 5000 round bales and 2500 big squares bales a year, between his southern and northern properties. “From October we cut up north, then we finish down here are the end of January. Then in March and April we are ready to sow again,” he said. “It works out well because the seasons between Gippsland and northern Victoria differ.” One positive that comes from the cooler, wetter spring and summer period is the extended grass growth period. “The grass is still green and we are seeing good regrowth. For many farmers, this Christmas will be one without having to feed out hay,” Mr Kelly said.

“In other years, they would probably be coming to the end of their silage and be starting to feed hay by now. “The negative from this type of season is lower quality hay, but the positive is there is more grass in the paddocks.” Mr Kelly said locally, demand for hay was not high just now, however there were steady requests for the higher quality northern hay. “Saying that, it could dry off any minute now. We sell most of our hay through the autumn for dry cows,” he said. “If people are thinking of buying hay in now is the time, but they need to be aware of what they are buying and should aim to source their hay from a reputable producer. “Feed testing is also a good idea. “We put a lot of effort into our hay. We spray out all the weeds and regularly

re-sow the grass. For some, cutting hay is their weed control, so there will be a bit of that stuff around.” Mr Kelly said there was a lot of hay around in November, however due to the drought in Queensland, a lot of that hay had now gone north.

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CLEARING SALE

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

SPORT |

thestar.com.au

Speedy services at Stony Creek GoKarts By Tayla Kershaw STONY Creek GoKarts are set for the summer to offer fun the whole family can enjoy at any speed. Stony Creek GoKarts is one of the newest establishments in Victoria to offer an exciting hire kart track. Business is running as usual over the holiday period and is booming as the season is picking up. It is a hotspot for tourists who come into the area but every now and then the locals can’t resist the thrill.

The venue welcomes everyone for every occasion including the individual racers, parties and large groups of up to 50 people. The option is there to either hire a kart to speed around the track or bring your own as many people do. Stony Creek GoKarts is one of the only tracks to provide the “bring your own” service. For those who prefer their fun at a much slower speed, the venue is equipped with a cafe and other games facilities to keep everyone entertained. High speeds: Stony Creek GoKarts is a highly popular destination for tourists With 2014 right around the corner, Stony Creek who travel to South Gippsland. GoKarts are already impressed with the holiday turn out and have seen many happy customers go through. award went to N Fountain on petition on Boxing Day with Osboldstone, 7th S. Webster, 12 points. Geoff Eddy was not there to collect the $850 available in the Friday evening members draw, so it will be $900 next week. Captain Trevor Jones was delighted to accept the $300 available in the golfers Saturday afternoon cash draw – so it’s back to $200 next week.

Korumburra ladies

Bring your own: Michael Hibbert from Rowville and Luke Grech-Cumbo from Ferntree Gully used Stony Creek GoKarts’ service to race their own go karts.

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. 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

JANUARY Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

1 WED

2 THUR

3 FRI

4 SAT

5 SUN

6 MON

7 TUE

0403 1027 1628

0.81 1.30 0.23

0000 0517 1139 1736

1.52 0.75 1.34 0.17

0058 0621 1244 1837

1.61 0.65 1.41 0.13

0419 0718 1342 1932

1.67 0.54 1.47 0.13

0238 0812 1436 2025

1.71 0.43 1.52 0.15

0324 0904 1530 2115

1.71 0.34 1.53 0.21

0407 0954 1623 2202

1.69 0.28 1.52 0.29

All times shown in 24 hour clock 0001 - 1200..................AM 1201 - 2400..................PM

Golf Foster IT is now summer golf conditions and there is plenty of bounce around – requiring changes to strategy, especially around the greens. Tuesday - Dave Hutchinson (14) celebrated Christmas early with his hot round of 45 points. DTL balls went to Geoff McKenzie (14) on 40 points and Peter Dight (8) on 37 points. NTP was Kevin Witheridge. Thursday - Paul Spencer (23) returned to form after some time on the dark side to win with 37 points from John Mathers (16) and Steve Reid (10) both on 34 points. NTP was James Freeman. Friday - Peter Cambridge (12) continued his resurgence to win the chook with 21 points. With the increasing numbers there was also a ladies competition and Rachel Brown (32) took this out with

TOORA NETBALL CLUB ALBERTON FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE Welcome Applications for A Grade Coaching Position for the 2014 Season We are looking for an A Grade coach for the 2014 Netball season, We are offering a negotiable remuneration package for the right applicant. For More Information Please Contact Kelly Boyd (Club President) 0417165163 or Send CV Directly To PO Box 72, Toora 3962

19 points. DTL balls went to Scott Rathjen on 20 points, Steve Reid on 19 points, Paul Spencer on 18 points, and Randy Reusch, Paul Street and Val Soderlund all on 17 points. The NTP’s were Rachel Brown and Scott Rathjen. It was great to see Trevor Punchard (20) make a rare appearance and he showed glimpses of something special in scoring 15 points. Saturday was the Sandy Point Challenge Day with trophies provided by Ray Stewart. Ray put in a big effort this year to recruit a large and strong Sandy Point team and it duly saluted – returning an average score of 30.8 points to defeat the Foster team that averaged 30.3 points. There had been an air of complacency in the Foster team after regular wins in recent years, and this seemed to fire up the Sandy boys who took this challenge very seriously. The day’s best score was David Knee (13) who was in great form to shoot 44 points to take the Foster trophy. The Sandy Point trophy went to Paul Spencer (22) with 41 points. DTL balls were Bob Lees (29) and Bruce Knee (15) both on 40 points, Alec Morley (5) 38 points, and Kevin Flett (8) and Owen Kindellan (18) both on 37 points. The encouragement

DUE to the Christmas season, many golfers have been busier with other activities this week. There was no women’s competition on Thursday and insufficient numbers for twilight golf on Thursday night. A small field beat the heat by playing earlier on Saturday. Chris Rickard (24) won with 34 points, closely followed by runner-up, Barb Twite (27) with 33 points. Heather Grist was nearest the pin on the 1st. Next week, there will be a women’s and men’s competition on Wednesday, January 1, New Year’s Day. You can add your name to the time sheet in the foyer if you are able to play. The usual Thursday competition, as well as twilight golf on Thursday evening, will be running if there are enough people available to play. There is R.B. Stroke next Saturday, January 4. The Monthly Medal will be Wednesday, January 15. Please contact Lee Clements, if you haven’t already entered, but are interested in participating in the novelty events and new putting knock-out competition for 2014. Looking ahead, Wednesday, February 5 is opening day, monthly medal, 1st matchplay qualifying round and Round 2 of the Silver Spoon.

Leongatha A STABLEFORD competition was held on last Tuesday with Andrew Smith (15) having a day out scoring 42 points to win the A Grade section. John Housey had 38 points to win on a countback in B Grade from Nathan Richards (visitor) and Mick Oliver. NTP’s were won by Darryl Prior on the 14th and John Housey on the 16th. DTL Balls were awarded to Nathan Richards, Mick Oliver, Doug Clemann, John Eabry, Bruce Hutton, Geoff McDonald, Russell Williams, Bo Fiek, Peter Hobson and Marilyn Williams. A small field took part in another Stableford com-

Ian Murchie (13) scoring 39 points to win the day. George Hines took out NPT on the 14th and Geoff McDonald was closest on the 16th. DTL Balls went to Rebecca Wilson, Eddie Pool, George Hines, David Forbes, Peter Hobson, Anthony Brown and John Dalton. A large field took part in a Stableford event on Saturday with Tom Sorrell (12) having a very good day in scoring 42 points and taking out the A Grade section. In B Grade John Housey (16) continued his good form, after winning on Tuesday, to win again with 37 points in a countback. Steve Collier (21) was successful in C Grade with 38 points. The Pro Pin on the 14th was won by Ron Findlay and Bruce Hutton was NTP on the 16th. DTL Balls went down to 34 points on a countback and were awarded to Russell Williams, Ron Findlay, Colin Moyle, A Bassett, N Gillin, Chris Leaver, Peter Hart, Anthony Brown, Fred De Bono, M Keating, John Dalton, D Smith, Dale Comrie, Evan Jenkins and Grant McRitchie.

Mirboo North THE day winner of the stableford competition played on Thursday, December 26 was Josh Robbins (36) 46 pts. Down the line: Mal Payne 42 pts, Jeff Hughes 41, Joe Kus 41, Sue Traill 41. Results of the Saturday, December 28 par competition: Day winner (A Grade): Mal Payne (9) +5 countback. Winner B Grade: Gordon Graeme (16) +5. Down the line: Joe Kus +3, Josh Robbins +3, Peter Draper +2, Brandon Bradshaw +2. 2nd shot nearest the pin 1st hole: Terry Bradshaw. Nearest the pin: 4th Simon Duff, 6th Gordon Graeme, 13th Joe Taylor, 16th Gordon Graeme.

Korumburra THERE were 48 players for the stableford competition played on Saturday, December 28, and trophies were by Peter Vanagtmaal. A Grade: D. Austin (8 hcp) 39 pts, T. Marotti 38, C. Clements 38, L. Guilfoyle 36, R. Spokes 36. B Grade: M. Foote (13 hcp) 37 pts, N. Ladgrove 35. C Grade: W. Hopkins (22 hcp) 41 pts, C. Corr 38, R. Blay 36, A. Twite 36, R. Ware 36. Nearest the pin: 1st S.

10th R. Blay, 13th P. Vanagtmaal. NAGA - G. Cosgriff 24 pts. Tuesday’s winner was B. Perks 39 pts and Thursday’s winner was C. Thornton 42 pts. Notices: Brian Pope eagled 18th hole.

Wonthaggi ON a great Saturday we played a stableford event with a field of 76 players. A Grade winner was G. Turner 39 points, B Grade J. McEachern 41 points, C Grade A. Briggs 41 points. Balls down the line: J. Jordan 41, C. Pallat, R. Walker, T. Aplin, D. Williams, I. Cunningham 39; D. Dye, P. Schultz 38; P. Magnussen, M. Bowman, Matt Johnson 37. Nearest the pin: 2nd R. Sheean, 8th D. Williams, 13th M. Johnson, 17th B. Fennel. This Saturday is monthly medal and medal of medallists. Check the time sheet as those 12 players who won a monthly medal in 2013 will hit off from 11am. Have a safe and happy start to 2014 and I will see you all on the course on Saturday.

Woorayl OUR Medal Day was sponsored by The Shed and our medallist was Dennis Lim, his net 68 also won C Grade. Trent Walters won A Grade with a net 70. We distributed balls to T. Ryan, G. Fennell, G. Johnson, I. McLennan, J. Newton, A. McEachern, R. Warren, G. Winkler and A. Clemann. Nearest the pins went to Stephen Miller and Al McEachern. Our ladies event, a stableford, was won by Laura Tsindos with 39 points, with balls to Shirley Thomas and Elsie McBride. The Tsindos family kept things going with Alice and Susan winning the nearest the pins on Boxing Day. The club sponsored a stableford event with Stephen Herrald winning with 40 points. Balls going to A. Clemann, P. Burgess, J. Newton, J. Bolge and G. McKinnon. Geoff also eagled the 16th and our nearest the pins went to George Johnson and Stephen Herrald. Next Saturday is a stableford event and on New Year’s Day the club will sponsor a stableford event for men and ladies. Membership fees are now due. Farewell Damian.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 33

| SPORT

thestar.com.au

Grants close soon GRASSROOTS football and netball clubs are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $100,000 to improve their facilities through the Country Football and Netball Program before applications close on January 31. Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said the Country Football and Netball Program grants program was part of the State Government’s commitment to deliver high quality, accessible sport and recreation facilities across Victoria. “The Country Football and Netball Program enables our local football and netball clubs to make the improvements needed to deliver facilities where residents can play the sports they love,” Mr Delahunty said. “Funding assistance of up to $100,000 was available for upgrades to new or existing infrastructure including sports lighting installations, netball court developments, football oval resurfacing and development of change spaces for umpires and female participants. “The program is open to country football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations.” Mr Delahunty said that as well as encouraging participation in football and netball, the initiative helped stimulate local economies by creating jobs during construction. Mr Delahunty thanked program partners AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria for their ongoing combined financial contributions and support of the program. Applications for the latest round of the Country Football Netball Program will close on January 31. For application guidelines and more information about the Country Football Netball Program, as well as other community sporting facility funding programs, please visit www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/sport. • Korumburra Badminton

Patrolling the beaches By Tayla Kershaw WITH summer heating up, surf life saving clubs are back on patrol and making sure everyone stays safe this holiday break. Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club has 200 nippers joining their ranks for this year’s program from under 6 to under 13. As well as the regular beach patrols, there is much more excitement to come. The Bronze Medallion Camp was run on Saturday and the competition team competed in Summer Surf Series #1 in Torquay on Sunday. The Annual New Year’s Eve Tin Rattle will go ahead this year and there will be an open day at the clubhouse on January 5. Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club has grown to 910 members this year. As well as numbers, their initiatives are beginning to grow with good progress being made to funding and achieving the necessary permits to build a shelter on Smith’s Beach and eight locals raising their hands to train in the Jet Ski program. 350 spots were filled in the nippers program and

patrols are off to a good start. 50 parents and 20 lifesavers will be helping to deliver the program between December 29 and January 5. Murray Adams is celebrating his 50 year membership with the club and will be coming back to re-qualify and enjoy a beer with lifelong friends. Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club will have 400 participating members and 150 nippers in their program this season. This is roughly the same numbers as last year and they are always looking for more to join. The program started on December 27 and a trivia night will be conducted on January 3. Saturday night dinners will be held on Saturdays in January. “It will be a good season. We have a very strong leadership group and very strong nippers coming through,” president Ken Schell said. Waratah Surf Life Saving Club will welcome 120 nippers and 300 family members, roughly the numbers they have experienced in previous years. There will be usual patrols, social nights to look forward to and the nippers program will run

on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between December 27 and January 2, working towards the Bronze Medallion Development Camp. “I should think it will be a spectacular year as it usually is,” Janet Connor said. Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club has 80 nippers and a total of 250 members. Patrols started around the beginning of

December to ensure everyone was safe on the beach in the lead up to Christmas. This year the normal nipper program will run as well as the family festival on January 18 and a hike. The beach has had a rough window but is looking good. The visibility is great and patrolling will continue every weekend and on public holidays during the summer with

the exception of Christmas. Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club has roughly 120-130 members and will hold their Bronze Medallion Camp from January 6 to January 11. On January 19 they are looking forward to their fitness event which will include a three and a half kilometre run and a 400 metre swim around Cape Paterson.

Junior lifesavers: the Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club conducted their Nippers program on Sunday morning.

Purple premiers KORUMBURRA Badminton wrapped up in December with some thrilling games in the senior grand final between Purple and Red. Purple took the win 13/197 to Red’s 4/155. David Creed and Josh Almond provided the quality game of the night. The set had many fine rallies, either player could have won but David managed to pull away in the end to win 15/10. Jonathan Austin did every thing to win but Fraser Drew somehow pulled this one out of the fire and won 17/16 in a thrilling set. The other close game was between Ash Meek and John Drew, it was fought out to the end with Ash getting the better of John in the last couple of points to win 15/13. The grand final was played in great spirits and we look forward to another good year in 2014. The club held their presentation night held at Austral Hotel in Korumburra.

The 2014 competition starts at Korumburra Secondary College in early February new players welcome or become a friend of ‘korumburraba’ on Facebook.

Results: Josh Almond /Ryan Cruickshank - 6 Vs David Creed / Paul O’conner - 15, Josh Almond / Ian Cole- 9 Vs David Creed / Don Creed - 15, Josh Almond / Ash Meek- 12 Vs David Creed / John Drew - 15, Ryan Cruickshank / Ian Cole - 15 Vs Paul O’conner / Don Creed - 6, Ryan Cruickshank / Jon Austin - 8 Vs Paul O’conner / Fraser Drew - 15, Ian Cole / Michael Austin - 14 Vs Don Creed / Aiden Baumgartner - 15, Ash Meek / Jon Austin - 13 Vs John Drew / Fraser Drew - 15, Ash Meek / Michael Austin - 2 Vs John Drew / Aiden Baumgartner - 15, Jon Austin / Michael Austin - 4 Vs Fraser Drew / Aiden Baumgartner - 15, Josh Almond - 10 Vs David Creed - 15, Ryan Cruickshank - 15 Vs Paul O’Conner - 5, Ian Cole - 15 Vs Don Creed - 6, Ash Meek - 15 Vs John Drew - 13, Jonathan Austin - 16 Vs Fraser Drew - 17, Michael Austin - 1 Vs Aiden Baumgartner - 15.

Winners: from left, John Drew, Aiden Baumgartner, Don Creed and Fraser Drew. Absent David Creed and Paul O’Connor.

Runners-up: from left, Josh Almond, Ian Cole, Michael Austin, Jonathan Austin and Ash Meek. Absent Noel Creed and Ryan Cruickshank.

Section winners: from left, Fraser Drew, Best 5 and Most Consistent, Aiden Baumgartner, Best 6 and Most Improved, Arthur Grabham, Best 2, Robin Provan, Best 1, Don Creed, Best 3. Absent Graham Deny, Best 4.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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Barracudas give Cape Paterson a tri By Tayla Kershaw LOCAL athletes were put on show once again as the Bass Coast Barracudas participated in the Dune to Dune Triathlon at the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club in Cape Paterson. After weeks of training, around 50 local participants took part in either the short or long course event beginning at 9am on Sunday. Many junior athletes have joined in on the triathlon and local families participated in teams. The event also attracted elite athletes who wished to have the road closed to attract a larger contingent. “It was a very successful day. The calm Cape Paterson waves were threatening to become six foot waves but Mother Nature stepped in and we only had three foot waves. The weather turned out to be lovely too,” Deb Rielly said. The swim was almost cancelled but the athletes battled on. 14 people were pulled out of the swim but were given the option to continue on to the cycling event.

The short course was 600m swim, a 20km cycle and 3.6km run. The long course was a massive 1.2km swim, a 40km cycle and a 9.6km run. Spaniard Hilario Real took out the short course event with a time of 50:47 in the 25 to 29 age group. The first female to cross the line was Alice Baquie from Melbourne with a time of 59:31 in the short course event. The first local to cross the line was Inverloch’s Adam Cross who ran through at 59:33. He ran the final leg of the short course on behalf of Team Voyage. Team Voyage’s swimmer was Jade Taylor and their cyclist was Darrin Taylor. The winner from the long course event was Monty Frankish with a time of 1:43:56. The first female winner for the long event was Zoe Fergusson placing 14th with a time of 2:03:32. The first team to cross was Team Deb’s Harem with a time of 1:58:52. Brett Franklin ran in third and was the first local to cross the line in the long course event. The triathlon has inspired more interest and there hopes to be more local athletes competing on February 22 at the Anderson’s Inlet triathlon.

Family event: Clare, Ash and Scott Peterson each participated in the Dune to Dune triathlon.

Winning pair: Hilario Real and Alice Baquie were the first male and female to finish the short course. Second leg: the cycling event was up to 40km for the long course athletes.

Team spirit: Inverloch’s Adam Cross, Jade Taylor and Darrin Taylor from Team Voyage represented the locals by being the first team to finish the short course triathlon. Victory run: Hilario Real was the first to cross the line, smashing it with a time of 50.47.

Crashing waves: despite the conditions the Dune to Dune athletes were keen to head out to the water.

Local talent: Leongatha’s Darcy O’Connor participated in his first triathlon event on Sunday morning.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - PAGE 35

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Families gather at Stony Creek By Tayla Kershaw STONY Creek Racing Club welcomed all on Saturday with a family day as part of their season’s meeting. Among the trainers who participated in the event was Toora’s Tracey Josephs. Stony Creek is her training home. Ms Josephs works closely with Joey Boy who has competed in eight other races throughout the season in Pakenham, Werribee, Sale and Bairnsdale. Joey Boy has been consistent right through the season and crossed the line just shy of the top three. Ms Josephs lightheartedly said, “as long as he gets around, I’m happy.” The track was in good condition and Joey Boy was set to run in the third race,

the Betfair Maiden Plate. This race was won by Invidia and jockey Jason Benbow. Those on the sidelines were content with a family picnic and about 1000 people braved the heat for an enjoyable day. Plenty of children came along for the family orientated day and activities were provided to cater for them. The first race was scheduled for 1pm and the final race was run at 5pm. “The weather is beautiful with a nice breeze coming through. Everyone is laid back and it has been a great day,” Renald Buhagiar said.

Right, Bright and colourful: Barbara Power, Donna Hall and Gail Robbins showed off floral designs at the Stony Creek races.

Winning leg: jockey Jason Benbow and Invidia took out the Betfair Maiden Plate.

Winners are grinners: Jason Benbow after the Betfair Maiden Plate.

Activities provided: Leongatha and Pakenham kids Hayley, Will, Olivia, Sharni and Maddi were kept entertained as well.

Dressed to impress: Foster’s Brittany Wymer and Laura Parry were looking stunning at the Stony Creek Races.

Local boy: Toora’s horse trainer Tracey Josephs with Joey Boy.

Sunday January 5

Picnic racing at its best! Don’t Drink & Drive Buses from Cowes, San Remo - Bookings 5952 2500. From Inverloch, Cape Paterson, Wonthaggi, Dalyston & Kilcunda - Bookings 0407 343 930.

Kicking back: Christoph Dummersmuth, Hayden Sinclair and Denis McDonald were chuffed to have a relaxing day at the Stony Creek races.

Secretary: 5678 7585 All race day inquiries 5678 2344 WOO8160056

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 31, 2013