The Great Southern Star - February 21, 2012

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012 - $1.20 Page 6.

’B ’Burra delight ’Bu ’Bu

Page 9.

Page 16.

Farming passion

Koonwarra Koonwarra stink stink concern concern

Prom Country goes national THE eyes of Australian breakfast television viewers were on Wilsons Promontory last Thursday morning, when the Today Show broadcast live from Tidal River.

Weatherman Steve Jacobs camped overnight and then walked the beach, paddled and enjoyed a feast cooked by the team from Meeniyan restaurant, Moo’s, featuring South Gippsland produce.

People tucked into a gourmet barbecue of Garden Farm eggs and Terramirra Park venison sausage in Hope Farm sourdough rolls.

Enjoying the day were Emily Darmanin from Meeniyan, Elysa Sorahan from Destination Gippsland, Parks Victoria ranger Mark Mickelborough, Today Show weatherman Steve Jacobs, Parks Victoria ranger Brent Moran, and Marty Thomas from Moo’s at Meeniyan.

Read more on page 19.

Out of town Public exposed while ambulances called away

By Brad Lester LEONGATHA is left without an ambulance in town up to five times a week, leaving the district exposed during an emergency for up to eight hours at a time.

A 14-year-old boy died at Lakes

Entrance after waiting too long for an ambulance and another patient in Yarrawonga died while waiting for an ambulance from Wangaratta.

The issue is being blamed on a new emergency communications system that is resulting in the first available ambulance in a region being sent.

The Star has been told ambulances from Leongatha are being sent to emergencies as far away as the Latrobe Val-

ley, Warragul and Corinella, all areas with ambulance stations closer by.

The union representing paramedics, the Ambulance Employees Association of Victoria, is concerned the system will lead to South Gippslanders being without an ambulance when they really need it.

The union’s branch secretary Steve McGhie said the system must be overhauled.

“There needs to be a serious review of the system because it is a risk adverse system. The system is supposed to send the closest ambulance to an emergency case, even though it’s a long way from Leongatha to the Latrobe Valley, because the system does not know that an ambulance may be checking out of the hospital in the Latrobe Valley in a few minutes,” he said.

“The system will send an ambulance from Leongatha, leaving the area exposed when an ambulance would soon be available in the Latrobe Valley.”

Often the Leongatha ambulance will travel as far as Berrys Creek or Mirboo North before being turned back, due to a Latrobe Valley ambulance becoming available.

Continued on page 2.

Korumburra responds to sale proposal - page 3.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Catholics honour St Paul RED, white and green – the colours of Italy – complimented Catholic symbolism at the annual St Paul’s Festa in Mirboo North on Sunday.

The festa commemorated St Paul with a mass, followed by a procession featuring the statue of St Paul to the Mirboo North Shire Hall and entertainment.

St Joseph’s Catholic Church was nearly full for the mass, which was rich in Italian hymns and verses, attended by multiple generations.

Committee member Joe Alicata said the festa had been going for at least 20 years.

“It’s important to keep the traditions going, to celebrate the saint,” he said.

The musicians of the Morwell Caledonian Pipe Band led the procession and in the afternoon, goods were auctioned and a dinner dance was held at the hall.

Stirring songs: Dennis Brown and fellow members of the Morwell Caledonian Pipe Band led the procession.

Spectacular show: Joseph Chandrasegaran was among the children to adorn traditional costume and be amazed by the fireworks after mass.

Setting off: the procession makes its way around St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Public exposed while ambulances called away Continued from page 1.

Mr McGhie said ambulances are also being sent to non-emergency cases, as the new system requires call centre staff to ask rigid questions without allowing for a true assessment of an ailment.

“In some cases in rural areas, their caseloads have gone up by 100 per cent because of this system,” he said.

An ambulance from Leongatha was recently sent to Warragul to attend to a cut finger. Halfway there, the ambulance was

returned back, as a Warragul ambulance became available.

A Leongatha ambulance was sent to Corinella where a girl broke her leg, leaving the victim to wait an hour without pain relief.

Ambulances from Yarram have been to Wilsons Promontory when an ambulance from Foster is not available. If Leongatha and Wonthaggi ambulances are busy, that means no ambulance is on standby between Phillip Island and Sale.

Ambulances have also been engaged for long periods at Wonthaggi Hospital, waiting for emergency beds to be available during the hectic summer period, effectively taking those vehicles out of the system, The Star was told.

The Star also understands an ambulance from Cowes is often dispatched to Hastings by the computer system, as ambulances are assigned by proximity

as “the crow flies”, rather than considering geographical barriers.

Mick Stephenson, acting regional manager for Gippsland, said the dispatch system was adequate.

“Each ambulance is fitted with global positioning systems which show operators exactly where each vehicle is and a radio system that operates throughout the state,” he said.

“Consequently the closest and most appropriate ambulance resource can be dispatched immediately.

“Sending the closest appropriate ambulance to people who have called for our help can only serve to improve public safety.

“GPS data and state wide common dispatch procedures are a big part of guaranteeing the best level of ambulance care for those in Gippsland, as well as all other areas of Victoria.”

If an ambulance is dis-

patched to a patient and a closer ambulance resource becomes available, the closer ambulance is sent instead, Mr Stephenson said.

The other ambulance is then cleared from the case and made available for another patient.

“Ambulance Victoria routinely monitors the location of our ambulances and will relocate them if required, to provide all areas with a timely response,” Mr Stephenson said.

“AV has sophisticated technology and proven resource management procedures to always ensure the best available response and patient outcomes.”

Emergency ambulance call taking and dispatch for rural areas was centralised in August 2011.

Mr Stephenson said that provides consistent ambulance call taking and dispatch across the state, ensuring an equitable ap-

proach to immediate ambulance response when compared with all rural regions of Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.

Mr McGhie said he had raised the matter with Ambulance Victoria and the Minister for Health, David Davis.

“The government would never be able to supply enough ambulance resources to keep up with the way this system runs,” he said.

Mr McGhie said the system, Acute Medical Priority Dispatch System, was simply designed to reduce the likelihood of Ambulance Victoria being sued.

“If someone has got a sore toe, the call taker is required to ask them if they have shortness of breath and if they say ‘Yes’, they will send an ambulance. That’s why they’re sending ambulances to non-emergency cases,” he said.

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

Shire offices must stay until hub built

by Jacob de Kunder A NEW community hub in Korumburra must be built before the former Shire of Korumburra offices are sold, Korumburra Business Association president David Amor said.

Do it right: Korumburra Business Association president David Amor outside the former Shire of Korumburra offices.

South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Warren Raabe recently announced council had received an offer to buy the building, which houses the town’s art gallery, library and historical society, and is used

by the Korumburra Rotary, Apex and Lions clubs, and Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally committee.

The future of the offices was on everyone’s minds at the association’s meeting on Wednesday night.

Around 30 community members and businessowners gathered in those very offices.

Mr Amor chaired the meeting and said he supported progress but it must be done correctly.

“I’m all for progress and everything, but I don’t want what we have taken

Historical society faces move

By Jacob de Kunder

By Jacob de Kunder SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has revealed the old Korumburra Shire Offices site will be rezoned soon.

Under threat: Dorothy Boston, Doug Boston, Alwyn Mickie, Lyn Robertson and Jannette Wilson from the Korumburra Historical Society have mixed feelings about losing the society’s current home. thinking about a possible forced move for the past 12 months.

“We’ve thought about having to move for a while now,” Mr Boston said.

“It may not be such a bad thing if we get a great new facility, but we would certainly need to have a big input in the design of the new building.

“You need certain atmosphere controls to keep the old documents and books in the best condition, and they would be vital in a

new building.”

Mr Boston said the new historical society offices would be part of the proposed Korumburra Community Hub which is set to be built on a site in Mair Crescent, Korumburra.

“It’d be good to have everything together and in one new great facility,” he said.

“I just don’t think Mair Crescent is the right place for it. Who’s going to be able to find it all the way up there?”

Library CEO trusts council WEST Gippsland Regional Library has trust in South Gippsland Shire Council in relation to the possible sale of the former Shire of Korumburra offices.

Library CEO John Murrell said he was sure to be involved with discussions with council regarding the building. The Korumburra library is now based there.

“We’re pretty confident that the council will take the library’s needs into account before any proposal,” he said.

“Once they’ve got an adopted proposal, they

vealed at the meeting that IGA had been trying to expand for the past three years.

“There is about $100,000 worth of grocery shopping that is going outside the town and we would like to be able to expand to support this,” he said.

“But our research shows that two supermarkets are not viable to stay in the town.”

Mr Marinus said a big corporation such as Woolworths would be able to afford the site.

“Woolworths would easily make use of the site and would take away from our business considerably,” he said.

South Gippsland Shire

Council’s community strengthening manager Ned Dennis and strategic planning co-ordinator Craig Lyon attended the meeting to answer and take note of questions that arose.

Questions from the floor included things like: “Will we know who the developer who made the offer is during the consultation period?” and “If the land is already being rezoned, is the council’s decision already made about the site?”

Mr Dennis said questions unable to be answered would be answered at future community consultation sessions.

Rezoning to progress

THE current home of the Korumburra Historical Society is under threat.

If South Gippsland Shire Council sells the former Shire of Korumburra office building, the well established historical society will have to relocate.

“It’ll be a big job moving all of our stuff and setting up in a new building,” archivist Doug Boston said.

“Honestly, we’re quite happy where we are now.”

Fragile documents, photos and books will have to be moved with great care and catalogued once relocated.

The historical society has been in its current building since 1996 after the town’s library moved into the shire offices.

“This building is fantastic for us,” society member Alwyn Michie said.

“Apart from a small amount of dampness in some parts, it’s perfect. We feel very privileged to have such a great area already.”

The society has been

away and never replaced,” he said.

“We need this new hub that will house the library, historical society and everything else that this building (old shire offices) is used for before this building is even touched.

“We need to make sure this is done properly and that the town can grow into it.”

Mr Amor said Korumburra’s population of 4000 would grow to 10,000 people within eight years.

“These projects need to be able to cater for our growing town and be used for many years to come,” he said.

Craig Marinus, manager at Michael’s IGA Korumburra supermarket, re-

would be consulting with the community and ourselves about that in detail.”

Mr Murrell said any proposal to sell the library would also involve a relocation process.

“We’re pretty confident with the council that if they’re selling a site, they will come up with a proposal of where to relocate the library,” he said.

Mr Murrell even suggested the library could be included in a shopping complex.

“Shopping complexes open up some exciting opportunities for co-location. We pull through around 25,000 people per annum through the library,

which is a significant kick off for a commercial development, I would have thought,” he said.

“There are numerous examples of libraries and retail complexes existing together.”

Mr Murrell is awaiting the council’s proposal with eagerness.

The senior citizens centre, library, meeting rooms and Milpara Community House is set to all be included in the hub, according to Mr Boston.

“It’s a nice big piece of land but it’s just not close enough to the town,” he said.

“It would have been good to build off from this building here (old shire offices) and onto the old car yard but I guess they want us out of the main street.”

Throughout March, the site will be publicly exhibited for rezoning from a Public Use Zone to a Business Zone. Council will seek community submissions.

This comes after the recent announcement council had received an offer from a developer to buy the land.

Council’s strategic planning co-ordinator Craig Lyon told The Star that had been in the pipeline for years.

“The rezoning of the library site is a step in council working to assemble a site for a future major retail proposal.”

This rezoning is set to help council when selling the site to developers in the future.

“Rezoning the site to the adjoining Business Zone removes a statutory barrier to using the site for business purposes and allows council to pursue development opportunities on the site to realise the recommendations of the PDP,” Mr Lyon said.

The community groups in the complex will move into the new Korumburra Community Hub once it is built.

“Council is committed to ensuring that its community facilities will continue and improve into the future,” Mr Lyon said.

“It is working to identify community requirements and planning for new community facilities, which will take time and involve further community consultation.”

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Who’s scared of needles? Not Zoe

By Brad Lester ZOE Crimmons had led a life like few other teenagers.

Emergency relief: for Zoe Crimmons, jelly beans are comfort food and help control her blood sugar levels.

She plays netball, and enjoys parties and catching up with friends, typical of a 15-year-old.

But for Zoe, life is regimented by living with type one diabetes.

The Inverloch girl displays the discipline of an adult, constantly watching her food intake and adjusting a pump that feeds insulin into her body to maintain healthy levels of the hormone.

Should her insulin rise too high or too low, Zoe faces the risk of circulation issues or a coma.

She carries the pump in her pocket and insulin is fed via a tube and a permanent plastic needle in her skin.

“Now that I’ve had it for ages, I can roll on my pump in my sleep and I won’t even notice it,” Zoe said.

Before the pump, Zoe received insulin via up to eight injections a day and still undergoes finger pricks to measure her blood sugar.

The exposure to pain throughout the day, every day, as well as ensuring medical and food supplies are on hand, can emotionally drain children with diabetes.

“It’s like a job,” Zoe’s mother Andrea said.

“She will wake up in the middle of the night and she needs to have a feed on a couple of sugars and carbohydrates, and she has to get

up and go to school and she can’t concentrate. It’s like a drug and you can’t control it.”

Type one diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin, the hormone that allows the body to use glucose in the blood as energy. Glucose is sourced from food. Type one is different from type two diabetes, which is typically lifestyle related.

Blood sugar readings determine the type of food Zoe eats to ensure readings remain balanced.

As a result, she has learnt about sugar and carbohydrate levels in foods, and enters this information into her pump to ensure right insulin levels are given. Her diet is low fat and low sugar, and largely wholemeal. She always carries jelly beans in case her sugar drops too low.

“If your blood sugar is not stable, you can feel down in the dumps or become completely hypo and want to run around,” Zoe said.

“It interferes with sport. You have to make sure your blood sugar is stable before you do anything.

With some things like swimming, you can take your pump off but you’re limited to two hours.

“If I play in a netball tournament for six hours, I have to take the pump on and off all the time.”

Nonetheless, Zoe is making the most of life’s opportunities.

She recently attended a camp on the Mornington Peninsula for young diabetics run by the Royal

Children’s Hospital.

“The camp was good to get to know people and learn what they are going through and how they are managing it. The leaders were all volunteers and the majority of them had diabetes,” Zoe said.

Bowling at Rosebud, surfing at Gunnamatta, swimming with dolphins and seals at Portsea made for an adventurous week.

“The camp is a chance for the teenagers to see that there are other teenagers with diabetes like them and that they can do dayto-day activities,” said Dr Jarod Wong from the Royal Children’s Hospital.

The Year 10 student at Wonthaggi Secondary College has lived with diabetes since she was three.

Andrea said: “With most of the children, diabetes seems to start like a really bad flu. Now as a mother I’m concerned about where is she? What is she eating? Is she getting enough sleep?”

With her thorough knowledge of her condition, Zoe is well placed to pursue her ambition of possibly studying forensic or a field of science.

“You have to be positive. A lot of my friends are really good with me and my diabetes. Sometimes they can tell if I’m getting low.

Sometimes my face will turn pale or I will start talking dribble,” Zoe said.

Pinzones hit the road to NSW

By Matt Dunn

TOORA and Welshpool icons Joe and Kerry Pinzone have sold up and are on their way to live and work in Newcastle on the New South Wales coast.

The couple has been part of everything that kept the area ticking – Joe as an outspoken Toora Football Club president, Kerry as an integral part of the Welshpool Rural Transaction Centre and a host of other

community organisations, including the Welshpool and District Advisory Group.

Fisherman Joe said he was ready for a new challenge and had purchased a bigger fishing operation with this in mind.

“I’ve been fishing 39 years. This is a bigger operation, an off-shore trawler – a 50 foot boat,” he said.

Joe said it would be a return to the life he knew when he was younger. While he has been a commercial fisherman locally for many years, he has “never really revelled in it”.

“I’m an off-shore fisherman. I always

wanted to own my own big boat. I’m not getting any younger, so I thought I’d better do it now,” he said.

“I’ve got family – my brother, Gary, and his son - that are working out of Newcastle for six months of the year. Gary said it was a good place to work if I was sick of standing out in the rain and wind.”

Fortunately, he said, Kerry was okay with the idea.

“This is our one last challenge. I reckon you climb one mountain just so you can see the next one,” he said.

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President Liz Radcliffe last Wednesday told South Gippsland Shire Council: “We understand the importance of doing our bit to ensure the funds required for any improvements to our pool are raised in a manner that does not impose undue financial burden on the shire or reduce service provision in other areas.”

Ms Radcliffe was speaking at a public presentation session in relation to tomorrow’s (Wednesday) council meeting, at which council’s aquatic strategy could be adopted.

“I feel a good job has been done to redraft the strategy in a way that balances both community aspirations and the responsible fiscal management that is clearly your responsibility as our elected representatives,” she said.

Ms Radcliffe said the master planning process would ascertain the true condition of the pool shell.

The pool committee has commitments of financial support from the Mirboo North and District Community Bank and the Mirboo North Community Foundation, and other organisations for future investment in the pool.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 5

Dairying future at risk

By Matt Dunn WHILE new reports and export figures show a booming dairy sector, UDV DC6 central councillor Max Jelbart believes the long term viability of the industry is at risk.

“We need to get young people involved in the industry, but with land prices the way they are that’s very difficult. There’s an idea that the industry is going to expand and there’s all these opportunities but the economic climate is not there,” Mr Jelbart said.

The Leongatha South farmer believes skinny, or negative margins, are making life difficult for many dairy farmers.

“The on-farm costs are probably $3 to $3.50 to produce the milk, add another $1.20 for labour and another $1 or more for finance costs, and you’re adding somewhere between $5.30 and $5.80 a kilogram for milk solids,” he said.

“The projected payout this year is somewhere between $5.20 and $5.60.”

Mr Jelbart said that one of the major issues for Australian dairy farmers was their lack of competitiveness in the international market. New Zealand, in comparison, has a free trade agreement with China, meaning dairy exports did not attract a tariff.

“Yet all Australian products going into China have to pay a 10 per cent import duty. If we want to

get things going we need the Federal Government to negotiate a free trade agreement with China,” he said.

“I suppose if it’s too hot in the kitchen people need to get out, but I think that is what’s happening – people are getting out.”

“China’s a potentially huge market for us.”

The other big issue for dairy farmers is the major supermarkets driving down the price of milk and acting like “cowboys”.

“Everyone wants cheap, cheap, cheap. But everyone wants the market to grow too,” he said.

“When things are tough, after a while you just ask, why do I keep doing it? I suppose if it’s too hot in the kitchen people need to get out, but I think that is what’s happening – people are getting out.”

The Department of Primary Industry’s (DPI) Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report 2010-11, released recently, found the local dairy industry had rebounded strongly in the past season, “with higher world prices resulting in higher production volumes for Victoria this year”.

“Most of the extra production came from Gippsland, providing 23.6 per cent of Australia’s production. Overall the favourable spring and the wetter summer to autumn period assisted in lifting

the production over that period compared with what would normally be produced,” the report found.

Victoria made up 86 per cent of the value of Australia’s dairy exports alone, with a worth of $1.96 billion.

But the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is concerned that Federal Government policies could dampen the future of the industry.

“The Victorian dairy industry, one of the best export performers in 2011, will feel the effects of the carbon tax starting July 1,” VFF president Andrew Broad said.

“Dairy is an energy-intensive and trade-exposed industry and will be hurt by the carbon tax.

Research shows that it will cost dairy farms over $7000 on average per year.

“Victorian dairy farmers have responded to improved seasonal conditions by increasing milk production, which means more food choices for consumers and more export dollars for the economy. Adding further costs to farmers producing food jeopardises growth and the viability of their business.”

Mr Broad said that Victorian agriculture is well placed into the future as long as there is government policy that can support it.

“We have great farms, great people and great produce. If we get the policy right, exports of $8bn to $12bn are possible,” he said.

Sitting pretty: Robert Gray of Mardan took part in the social event held by the Harry Ferguson Tractor Club in and around Hallston and Allambee at the weekend. Mr Gray enjoyed the sights of the Latrobe Valley from the lookout at Mount Worth. More photos and full story in next week’s Star.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Smelly problem for families

By Tessa Hayward FAMILIES are disgusted by the sewage smell in Koonwarra when they are dropping off and picking up children from the bus stop.

While waiting for buses, parents and children are overwhelmed by the smell drifting by and would love for it to be fixed.

“It’s disgusting. It isn’t there all the time, however after a long weekend it is always worse because of the increase of people in the town,” Koonwarra resident Narelle Hanily said.

When The Star visited Koonwarra to discuss the smell with families, the stench was quite apparent and kids were blocking their noses.

Other residents waiting for the buses agreed with Mrs Hanily – that it would be much more pleasant if the smell was fixed.

Another Koonwarra resident, Denis Hawkins said, “There is a massive problem with drainage and sewerage but it will cost too much to fix.”

The drainage out the front of Mr Hawkins’ property was extremely bad until South Gippsland Shire Council fixed it late last year.

However, due to being at the bottom of a hill in Koonwarra, all water runs straight down the hill into Mr Hawkins’ backyard and in his back door.

“I can’t open my studio because of the drainage problem,” Mr Hawkins said.

His property is not the only one with drainage problems.

The drainage down the side of Swan Road is terrible and after a heavy downfall of rain, there is one spot that is normally always covered with water.

South Gippsland Shire Council acknowledged the issue was a council matter that was being investigated.

Parking problems Disgusting smell: Holly, Dylan and Tara Hanily blocked their noses as the sewage smell floated by in Koonwarra.

Deserted parkland

NOT many Koonwarra residents know Nirvana Park even exists because of the long grass, weeds and fallen branches.

They think it is just bushland, not aware it is a park that was dedicated to Ivee Strazzabosco in 1993.

The plaque located along the walking track in Nirvana Park states, “In memory of Ivee Strazzabosco who lovingly devoted her life to nurturing Nirvana Park, 1993”.

The park has a walking path, rotunda and picnic tables.

“It’s sad as it is a really beautiful piece of donated land and to have it look like it does is sad,” Koonwarra resident Narelle Hanily said.

Nirvana Park would be a fantastic spot for kids to explore as it is off the road and there is heaps of room for them to run around.

South Gippsland Shire Council’s parks and gardens co-ordinator Steve Missen said Nirvana Park is mown once a month.

“It used to be owned by a lady, Ivee Strazzabosco and she left it to council,” Mr Missen said.

He also mentioned that if maintenance was to be increased at Nirvana Park,

it would take away maintenance from another park or reserve.

According to Mr Missen, council did not think the park was used very often.

PARKING in Koonwarra can be a hassle when the farmers’ market is on due to the increased volume of people visiting the town for the popular event.

There are about 50 marked parks around Koonwarra, which is not nearly enough to accommodate the hundreds to thousands of people who attend the market.

Visitors have been known to park on other people’s property and in locations blocking other road users’ views.

“It is quite an issue as it can vary from 600 people to 2000 on a busy summer’s day,” Koonwarra Farmers’ Market manager Ron

Faudell said.

Mr Faudell said a carpark built closer to the South Gippsland Highway would solve a lot of problems.

“If there was a bigger car park people would walk past the local shops in town on the way to the market, as we are working together with the shops,” he said.

“The South Gippsland Shire Council has a bit of an issue with spending money on a car park which will only be used one day every month.”

The market received a grant last year to improve Memorial Park where the market is held.

“We put in a deck attached to the hall and have corrected the drainage under the hall,” Mr

Faudell said.

Mr Faudell would like to see the footpath extended up past Memorial Park to the newly opened school.

“When it is wet it becomes very dangerous, as the gravel is very slippery walking down the hill,” he said.

The market committee is looking to receive more grants in the future to fix the drainage at the rear of the park; however that is a longer term project.

The perfect solution to the car parking problem would be to build a bigger car park closer to the highway to ensure cars are not becoming a danger to other road users.

Disappointing scene: the walking track to the plaque mentioning the park is dedicated to Ivee Strazzabosco is overgrown and weedy.

Maintenance issues: Nirvana Park has a rotunda, picnic tables and a walking path around it yet many people do not visit it because of the lack of maintenance.

Sad memorial: the plaque in memory of the lady who nurtured Nirvana Park in Koonwarra is covered in weeds and branches.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 7

Dancer wins US scholarship

By Tony Giles L E O N G AT H A’ s Xavier Pellin has won a scholarship with the American Ballet Theatre.

Pellin was just one of a few selected from some 3000-4000 who auditioned throughout 25 US states and from around the world.

The Summer Intensive scholarship will run for three weeks from July 26 this year and will take place at the University of Irvine in Orange County, California.

When The Star rang Xavier’s mother Lisa for details, she said the family was very excited.

“We found out last Thursday that he had been accepted and I think I was the most excited in the room,” she said.

To audition, Xavier sent an audition tape through You Tube that was viewed and assessed.

When he arrives in the US, Xavier will enter the program which will cover aspects such as musical theatre, hip hop, jazz and male conditioning to name a few. As

well, there will be some planned trips.

“We’ll find out more about the trip when a booklet arrives in April,” Lisa said.

American Ballet Theatre is recognised as one of the great dance companies in the world. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope, and outreach.

Recognised as a living national treasure since its founding in 1940, ABT annually tours the United States, performing for more than 600,000 people, and is the only major cultural institution to do so.

“Whilst Xavier is still unsure of a future career, this trip may help him decide if he wants to go down this path,” Lisa said.

Xavier is currently attending the Australian Ballet School once a fortnight as part of an International Interstate Training Program. He was selected for this in August after national auditions.

Xavier, 14, is a Year 9 student at Mary MacKillop College, Leongatha.

Off to the States: Xavier Pellin has won a scholarship with the American Ballet Theatre.

Council to monitor mining

By Simone Short DESPITE mass angst among land-owners in the region regarding coal seam gas mining, Bass Coast Shire Councillor Phil Wright doubts it will happen.

The council carried a motion at last Wednesday night’s meeting promising to keep the community up-to-date with any action taken relating to coal seam gas.

The motion will ensure any current or future

exploration or mining licences, changes made to licences, and renewal and permit requests will be immediately forwarded to councillors and the community so any objections can be made in time.

The motion was originally moved by Cr Wright who used an example of a mining company withdrawing its licence application after public opposition in an area near Apollo Bay as motive behind his request.

“If the Department of Primary Industries knows of any exploration or mining permits in this area, I

would expect them to advise council so we could let the community know,” he said.

“However, I imagine that mining is not going to happen.”

Cr Wright said the council should not cast its decision on whether they supported coal seam gas or not, but because it was something the public had the right to know about.

Deputy mayor Cr John Duscher said the motion was another example of the council advocating for its community.

“We’re supporting community concerns in

relation to coal seam gas,” he said.

“There is angst out there, which comes from no understanding of the implications of mining on where they live and on their farms.”

Cr Ross Smith questioned whether or not farmers were able to take out exploration and mining licences on their own land to prevent companies doing so in the future.

According to state legislation, any individual person has the ability to apply for a licence; it is not restricted to mining companies.

Trail derailment verdict handed down EMERGENCY management skills at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum are “limited at best”, according to a recent investigation.

The investigation of the tramway derailment during Coal Creek’s Halloween celebrations last year has revealed the staff’s response was lacking in co-ordination, control and assistance.

The report reads: “The processes in respect to emergency management at Coal Creek are limited at best and do not involve exercises relating to a response to rail incidents such as the one that occurred.

“The post incidence response by staff and volunteers at Coal Creek was lacking in terms of co-ordination, control and the level of assistance to those involved in the derailment, however, they performed to

the best of their abilities, experience and training.”

Council’s director of development services Phil Stone said there are plans to amend this.

“We’ve got a plan for a project that will create an incident manager and an incident response process down at Coal Creek,” he said.

The findings were expected by council.

“That wasn’t a surprise to us when those findings came out. In fact it wouldn’t have taken much for anyone to come to that conclusion and we’re already taking steps to start planning to implement an incident response process in Coal Creek,” Mr Stone said.

“One of the things that came out of my investigation which was done before we kicked off the external one, was the need for evacuation drills for the whole park, which I suppose you

could say would be appropriate for a major disaster.”

Council will call for outside assistance in creating and implementing the emergency process in Coal Creek.

The investigation also found that the incident was caused by a mechanical failure.

CEO Tim Tamlin was pleased to receive the report and said the safety measures would determine when the service is back on track.

“We have also undertaken extensive testing and have programmed some extra safety measures to be carried out before the service reopens,” he said.

“The re-opening date will depend on when those works can be carried out but at this stage we wanted to honour our commitment to advise the community of the findings as soon as they came to hand.”

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Police chase burglar POLICE have released an identikit of a man they wish to speak to regarding an aggravated burglary last Tuesday.

Around 9.55pm a male entered a King Street premise in Wonthaggi via an unlocked rear door.

An occupant in the house became aware of the offender in the hallway.

The man gestured to the victim to be quiet by

placing a finger over his lips before approaching, however the victim then ran out of the house through the front door and down the street to the nearby McDonald’s restaurant.

The man followed the victim along the street for a short distance before disappearing.

Nothing was said by the offender during the incident and nothing was stolen.

The offender has been

described as being in his early 20s, 5’6” to 5’7” tall, overweight, Caucasian; brown hair with short soldier’s style haircut, clean shaven, and dressed in a dark coloured polo top with a red stripe on the collar, dark coloured shorts and work boots.

Anyone with information can call Senior Detective Daniel Mason at the Bass Coast Criminal Investigation Unit on 5672 2761 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Desal rates snub

By Simone Short IF THE Victorian Desalination Plant Project refuses to pay rates, the Bass Coast Shire Council must receive water, according to Cr Phil Wright.

Cr Wright said in the absence of rate payments, the council should receive a form of reimbursement from the desal on a yearly basis.

“Water is in abundance at the moment, but we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future,” he said.

“I think the Bass Coast should be allocated one per cent of water production from the desal every year.”

Cr Wright said as one of the major food bowls of Victoria, the council can transport water to farmers, supplying

them for up to 50 years.

“At the moment we’re getting absolutely nothing and if we don’t act now, we’re not going to get anything,” he said.

The matter was discussed at the monthly meeting last Wednesday night, with Cr Peter Paul moving a motion for a detailed report regarding the progress of the VDPP rates issue to be tabled at the May council meeting.

“In three years, three mayors have been involved in this process,” he said.

“It is important this is resolved; we cannot take negotiations of this property across to another council.”

Cr Paul said if council received rates from the desal, he expected them to be minimal; however acknowledged the shire had benefited from funding for the cultural precinct.

Aggravated burglary: police wish to speak to this man about a burglary that took place last Tuesday night in Wonthaggi.

Liquor coming LOW priced liquor superstore Dan Murphy’s is coming to Wonthaggi.

Bass Coast Shire Council supported an application at its monthly meeting last Wednesday night to amend the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, allowing the former site of the Cyclone Factory on Korumburra Road to be developed for retail use.

The application related to the construction of a bottle shop retail outlet, however council confirmed last Friday the business would be Dan Murphy’s.

The council will now seek authorisation from the State Government Minister for Planning Matthew Guy to prepare an amendment to the planning scheme, and will also exhibit a planning permit.

POLICE BRIEFS Man critical A BENDIGO man remains in a critical condition after he collapsed in Venus Bay yesterday (Monday).

At around 12.20pm, the 23-year-old collapsed in the water at Number One Beach.

His sister was on the beach at the time and pulled him out of the water, where passers-by commenced CPR. An ambulance was called and the local response team arrived followed by an air ambulance.

The man was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, with the cause of his collapse undetermined.

Staying safe THIEVES failed to open a safe at the Korumburra Golf Club last Thursday.

At around 11.20pm, offenders forced open a door with a screwdriver and attempted to force open the safe.

They then stole alcohol from the bar area.

Anyone with information can contact Wonthaggi Police on 5672 1222.

Smoking robbers A THEFT occurred at the BP service station in Anderson Street in Leongatha overnight last Sunday.

Offenders broke in through a wall cladding,

and stole cigarettes and possibly other items.

Anyone with information can contact Wonthaggi Police on 5672 1222.

teen three weeks ago.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident can contact Korumburra Police on 5655 1244.

Cash taken-away

Fake cash

CASH was stolen in a burglary at Korumburra last Sunday night.

The offenders forced open the door of BK’s Takeway in Mine Road and took a small amount of cash from the premises.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident can contact Korumburra Police on 5655 1244.

A MAN has used counterfeit cash while shopping in Leongatha.

Police are warning shopkeepers to keep an eye on the cash they are paid after the man used a fake $5 note in IGA on Wednesday.

If you come across any fake looking money, please contact Leongatha Police on 5662 2285.

Liquor thieves TWO youths have been charged with shop stealing and trespass.

The pair stole alcohol from Korumburra’s IGA on Sunday, and were interviewed later by police and subsequently changed.

The pair will face the Korumburra Magistrates Court at a later date.

Swimming vandals POLICE are looking for an unknown offender who entered the Korumburra Swimming Pool grounds overnight on Saturday night.

Damage was done to the pool’s solar cover using sticks and leaving holes.

The vandalism follows a burglary at the pool’s can-

Knife warning

POLICE have cautioned a 16-year-old male for carrying a regulated weapon.

The Foster teenager was found with a hunting knife in his backpack when police searched him in Pioneer Street in Foster on Monday, February 12.

Vandalism repeat

A NUMBER of vehicles at the Grantville Transfer station were damaged overnight last Wednesday.

Five work vehicles had their windows, lights and mirrors smashed by unknown means by unknown offenders.

Police believe rocks could have been used to cause the damage.

Woman’s death tragic BASS Coast Police Inspector Glenn Weir described the death of a 20-year-old Wonthaggi woman last Friday as a “waste of a young life”.

Talosia Gogo faced Dandenong Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday) afternoon, charged with dangerous driving causing death, culpable driving and driving whilst disqualified.

The 38-year-old Wonthaggi man was also detected driving under the influence of alcohol.

On his way home from work just before 6am, Mr Gogo was travelling along the Bass Highway at Bass when his Toyota Tarago hit a silver Mazda head on, about two kilo-

metres north of the Anderson roundabout in a road works zone.

The young woman, who was travelling alone on her way to work, died at the scene.

Insp Weir said Mr Gogo was taken to Dandenong Hospital under police guard and treated for minor injuries.

Upon release, he was arrested and interviewed by the Major Collision Investigation Unit at Dandenong Police Station.

Insp Weir said the incident was “unfair”.

“It’s an absolutely tragic waste of a young life,” he said.

“An innocent person driving to work has been killed by what we allege is reckless and criminal behaviour.”

Performers to shine

THE Bass Coast Community Foundation is proud to announce the second annual Young Performers Dinner.

The night will showcase the winners of the 2011 inaugural Performance Award, Josh Hooke (piano) and James Blair (trumpet), along with the Bass Coast’s finest young musicians from both Wonthaggi Secondary College and Newhaven College.

The Wonthaggi Club is a generous sponsor of the event and all proceeds will contribute to the development of young local talent through the Bass Coast Community Foundation Performance Award.

The dinner will be held on Friday, February 24 at The Wonthaggi Club. Tickets are $60 and include a three course meal and entertainment (drinks at bar prices).

Tickets are available from: Bass Coast Community Foundation, 45 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi. Phone: 5672 3356.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 9

Ryan praises dairy industry

By Jacob de Kunder EXPORTS of dairy products from the Gippsland region will significantly increase following the completion of a $54 million expansion at the Burra Foods manufacturing plant at Korumburra.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan last Friday officially opened the expanded Burra Foods facility and said the investment would have wide benefits for the region.

“The ambitious expansion at Burra Foods in-

cluded the installation of a major new milk powder evaporation, drying and packing facility designed to significantly increase the capacity of the plant,” Mr Ryan said.

“Fifty new jobs have been created in the process, increasing the number of employees at the site from 80 to 130, and the company forecasts a large jump in sales from around $55 million in 2011 up to $200 million in 2012.”

Mr Ryan said the upgrade works also had wider benefits for the South Gippsland community.

“The number of local milk suppliers to the plant has doubled to 150, creating more competition in the local milk market,” he

Art unveiled SCULPTOR Shane Cargill’s personal connection with the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi worked as inspiration when designing an art piece celebrating Wonthaggi’s centenary.

Mr Cargill, who grew up in Wonthaggi, dedicated his sculpture titled Shaft to his grandfather Fred Sloan, who worked in the coal mines, as well as “all those who were prepared to work underground”.

The artwork was unveiled at the new Centennial Centre at Wonthaggi last Friday.

Mr Cargill said the basic idea for his work was the average amount of coal brought above ground per man at the peak of coal production in 1930 in Wonthaggi.

“One thousand seven hundred and seventy six miners raised 666,000 tons of coal,” he said.

Mr Cargill said the purpose of the sculpture was to pose questions for the viewer, such as what types of conditions were endured underground, and how would they face the everyday reality of entering a dark, dangerous workplace underground?

“My own impressions are that I cannot honestly imagine the harsh conditions that were overcome by miners and families in order to put food on the table and to improve their prospects in a depressed world economy,” he said.

“What is clear to see is the character and culture created by these miners and their families; how they helped each other through tragic accidents, supported each other during strikes, and organised sporting clubs and entertainment.

“This effort and risk has contributed to the Wonthaggi that we know today. We should remember the qualities of the people who took the risks and built this community.

“We have a proud history to celebrate in the centenary of the State Coal Mine.”

Deputy mayor Cr John Duscher said he was delighted to see the Centennial Centre running and congratulated Mr Cargill.

“As part of this terrific project, this special sculpture was commissioned for the front of the now centre as part of the celebration of Wonthaggi’s 100th year,” he said.

“I think the sculpture is aptly named Shaft and not only is it quite magnificent, but it certainly is significant in several ways.”

said.

“In addition, a new high voltage power line from Leongatha to Korumburra was installed as part of the project which will support improved electrical capacity for the entire district.”

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government provided $2.1 million towards the overall $54 million Burra Foods expansion project.

Burra Foods CEO Grant Crothers was pleased with the new equipment.

“It opens up many more opportunities for us here,” he said.

The dryer has allowed more milk to be processed, more job opportunities and

more local suppliers are needed.

“We’re looking for our supplier numbers to receive moderate growth,” Mr Crothers said.

The new power line between Korumburra and Leongatha to support the dryer will benefit the whole Korumburra community as well.

“The power we have brought in on this new line for the dryer is about double what we need on site,” he said.

“This line is now open for the community to use for power for new housing developments and such.”

to or oon e f s v ha oom ing e W e r rriv ak a m ock st w ne

Helping hand: Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Burra Foods CEO Grant Crothers are both pleased with the new developments at the Korumburra milk processing plant.

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PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

IF YOU are interested in attending an arthritis seminar at Korumburra on Saturday, March 3, please note a new number for bookings: 8531 8000. The event will be held by Arthritis Victoria at the Austral Hotel.

INVERLOCH Primary School will celebrate Pancake Day this Friday, with a breakfast for staff.

The day raises money for UnitingCare.

AN opulent 13-part series airing on the ABC from this Friday, February 24 at 8.30pm is being co-produced by former Leongatha resident Fiona Eagger. The new big budget ABC series is called Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and

stars Essie Davis. The series is set in and around Melbourne during the late 1920s.

A NATIONAL Broadband Network (NBN) truck will spend the day in Wonthaggi today, February 21 from 10am until 5pm. The truck is fitted with an interactive demonstration of NBN, high definition video screens and equipment. A team of demonstrators will be on hand to answer questions and take people on tours through the truck. More information is at www. nbnco.com.au AS part of Clean Up Australia Day, members of the South Gippsland Boardriders Association are encouraging people to help them clean up rubbish at the Sandy Point beach. The event takes place on Sunday, March 4.

The meeting place is the Sandy Point Café at 10am and the clean-up is expected to take about two hours.

Disposable rubber gloves will be provided but in keeping with the spirit of the event, volunteers are asked to bring along their own gardening or rubber gloves. This is the fourth year the boardriders have conducted the clean-up day.

PASTOR Tony Smits is back at the Leongatha Christian Revival Crusade in Hughes Street.

On Saturday he will be teaching about biblical healing – still available to us today – from 9.30am until 4pm.

You can also hear him on Sunday at 10.30am and 6.30pm.

A CLASSICAL piano concert is set to be held on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 at 2pm in Poowong’s Pioneer Chapel. For more information, bookings and enquiries call 5627 5576 or 5659 2379.

K O O N WA R R A / L e o n -

gatha RSL Cricket Club held a trivia night and silent auction on Saturday night at the Dakers Centre in Leongatha.

The fundraiser was a great success for the club and a great night out as well.

ON Friday, March 2, more than three million people worldwide will be worshipping together during the World Day of Prayer.

This year’s service is prepared by Christian women in Malaysia, with the theme Let Justice Prevail for women of all races and classes in Malaysia, where they still face difficulties of discrimination and violence at all levels of society.

In Inverloch, the service is hosted by the Anglican Church of the Ascension and will begin at 10am to be followed by refreshments.

Services will be held in Leongatha at the Christian Reformed Church at 10.30am and in Meeniyan’s Uniting Church at 2pm.

LOCH famer Will Jelbart has received quite a lot of media attention lately after finding a wedding ring in an unusual place.

The ring was sucked off a man’s finger by a cow three years ago at Caldermeade Dairy Farm, which Mr Jelbart used to own.

When the animal was ready to be killed, Mr Jelbart had one final look for the jewellery and found it in the animal’s stomach.

This sparked a whirlwind of media attention including front page of The Weekly Times and an appearance on Channel 9’s Today Show in which Mr Jelbart tried to return the ring to its owner.

The ring was reunited with Adam Haxhi of Lynbrook yesterday, much to his delight.

PROUDLY SERVING OTHERS

MARY Matthews (nee Ratford) turned 100 on Friday, February 17 and celebrated with her family and friends in Canberra with music, flowers and a glass or two of champagne.

Now living in Jindalee Aged Care Residence in Canberra, Mrs Matthews was brought up in Allambee and lived on a dairy farm.

Mrs Matthews had a brother Oswald and two sisters Nell and Phyllis.

She left home at 21 and joined the nursing fraternity and eventually met her husband Les. Their two children, Geoffrey and Caroline came along and Mrs Matthews now has five grandchildren, Ben

and Joanne and Tim, Chris and Matthew and also three greatgrandchildren, Matilda, Django and William.

Mrs Matthews is still a member of the Victoria Golf Club where she has played many games of golf and made some lovely friends.

She is the niece of Anne Sagasser who the Sagasser Park in Toora was named after.

Four generations: 100-year-old Mary Matthews with daughter Caroline Dunnet, grand-daughter Joanne Matthews and great granddaughter Matilda Dunnet.

In love: Bonnie Mullins-Low, formerly of Leongatha and Inverloch, became engaged to Anthony Lane of Grafton, New South Wales, earlier this year. Bonnie attended South Coast Christian College and Inverloch Primary School. Bonnie is now living in Grafton. She is the daughter of Jim and Jenni McIndoe, also now living near Yamba in northern New South Wales.

Happy birthday, son: John and Lynne Tapscott wished son Mark a happy birthday as he celebrated his 21st on Saturday night at the Leongatha RSL. The beach-themed event saw around 70 guests attend and all reported they had a great night.

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

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

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

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 11

First school photo: twenty-seven Koonwarra Village School students were excited to finally come together for their first day of learning last Friday.

Newest school jumps hurdles

By Simone Short KOONWARRA Village School officially opened its doors last Wednesday, much to the excitement of staff, students and parents.

Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority granted the school a licence on Tuesday last week, enabling students to attend the next day.

Although originally planned to open at the start of the 2011 school year, co-ordinator Fiona McKenzie said the delay was a “silver lining” for the school.

“We didn’t know that at the time; it’s such a big project and seemed like a big disappointment at the time,” she said.

“But every delay means we’ve just come into our first day even stronger, with a great structure coming into place.”

Ms McKenzie thanked all the

parents for being patient with the delays, and helping the original idea get off the ground and emerge to opening day.

“It would have been impossible to get to this stage without the commitment from parents and their willingness to stick with it,” she said.

Students were divided into two groups for orientation days held on Wednesday and Thursday; with parents welcome, they explored the new grounds, made new friends and toured the different classrooms.

All 27 students, coming from Fish Creek, Venus Bay, Foster, Leongatha, Korumburra, Inverloch and Koonwarra, finally came together on Friday for their first day of class.

Two full-time teachers, Sarah Maclean and Hadassah Wanstall, will be working with the children while Elizabeth Collins will be teaching part-time.

Ms Maclean said the students had settled in well to the school and

enjoyed orientation.

“It’s a nice way to start with the parents here and have it a bit more as a family day, and get some ground rules and things established, but still celebrate and enjoy being in each others’ company,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to establishing relationships with the kids.

For me, that’s my biggest buzz in teaching; making connections with the families really and working out with them what makes their kid tick and fly.”

Ms Maclean said the structure of the school gave both teachers and students more “freedom” than in a conventional setting.

“We’ll have the time to actually discuss things and involve the kids, unlike the constraints of a mainstream system, and it has to be because it’s a big school, but you’re really tied into bells and doing certain things at certain times; we actually have some room to move and that’s when you get into innovative

new things,” she said.

The school is divided into three classrooms designed for all students; a tool room, a meeting room and a computer room containing four computers and a netbook.

A kitchen, put together with recycled parts, will also be used by students to make organic morning tea and lunch for their peers every day, eventually using fruit and vegetables they grow in the school’s gardens.

Ms McKenzie said rather than all students having a cooking class once a week, it will become “daily life”.

“The kids will be rostered on for morning tea and lunch duty; they’ll be responsible for managing their time so they can help in the kitchen, where they’ll be working with Elizabeth,” she said.

Students will attend school as normal, with Wednesday an optional ‘rest’ day.

Legacy cares for 500 widows LEGACY continues to support nearly 500 widows in South Gippsland.

Widows of military servicemen come together for activities and outings through widows clubs, and supported by members of Legacy, known as Legatees.

Those facts were proudly shared by Russell Spencer, returning president of the South Gippsland Group of Melbourne Legacy, at the group’s annual President’s Luncheon at the Leongatha RSL on Sunday.

“We are fortunate that we have such wonderful Legatees that make it their task to get around and see the widows,” he said.

Mr Spencer believed

the number of widows had now reached a peak given their ages, but said: “The need is still there and we are still at war,” referring to Australia’s ongoing involvement with the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The South Gippsland Group also cares for two junior Legatees, whose late mother was a servicewoman.

Office-bearers remain as per 2011, with Mr Spencer assisted by immediate past president Ken Marshman, secretary Sue Loughridge, treasurer Tony Kamphuis, sergeant at arms Alex Moon, public officer Rod Gregg and pensions officer Peter Fraser.

“This year, as in previous years, Legatees extended themselves in

Movers, shakers: the 2012 executive of Legacy in South Gippsland. Front: Tony Kamphuis, Alex Moon and Sue Loughridge. Back: Russell Spencer, Peter Fraser and Rod Gregg. supporting our widows at various functions including trips to the theatre, concerts, Legacy Sunday, a day at the races and the junior public speaking competition and other

events,” Mr Spencer said in his annual report.

During the past year, the group presented a lone pine tree to Foster Primary School, and took students from Phillip Is-

land and Korumburra to the Shrine of Remembrance for a memorial Anzac Service.

• More photos of the lunch in next week’s Star.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Sale not on

E D I T O R I A L Look after paramedics THE fact ambulances are being sent from Leongatha to attend emergencies in other areas suggests they are inadequately staffed and resourced.

The Star reports this week that Leongatha ambulances are being sent to treat patients as far away as the Latrobe Valley, Warragul and even Corinella.

In the meantime, the Leongatha and broader community is left without an ambulance on hand to respond to an emergency nearby.

Given the high elderly population in this area, as well as a mix of young families, we cannot afford to be without adequate ambulance cover.

Nor should our paramedics, many of whom are also valuable community members, be put under additional stress by having to travel further to emergencies than they otherwise should, nor carry the emotional burden of a patient dying due to waiting too long for an ambulance to arrive.

The fact paramedics are also travelling to minor cases is also a concern, given such patients should be directed by the 000 communications centre to attend the emergency department at Wonthaggi Hospital rather than consume paramedics’ time and cost taxpayers unnecessarily.

The ambulance service seems to constantly be the subject of controversy: claims of inadequate staffing levels, sending paramedics far afield to fill vacancies and now this latest issue with the communications system.

Last month, the union reported Ambulance Victoria had asked rural paramedics in Gippsland to work overtime 10 minutes before and after a shift, but then refused to pay them. There is no faster way to demoralise a workforce than to fail to forward payment due. Such issues are a worry in any public service, yet alone in a sector relating to one’s health.

Ambulance Victoria clearly has the right intention of trying to respond to an emergency as fast as it can, but if paramedics are telling their union the system is not working, Ambulance Victoria has the responsibility to listen to them.

Paramedics are the ones experiencing just how the system works on the ground.

SO the saleyard saga of a couple of years ago is to be revisited on Korumburra.

This time the last vestiges of local government are to be flogged off.

No doubt there would be a great deal of smug satisfaction for the Shire of South Gippsland to realise the asset value of a neighbouring ex shire, pocketing the proceeds in the process, whilst developers do what developers do – in their own interests.

The good citizens of Korumburra would be well advised to look with a very cynical eye at the shire’s aspirations, using the forthcoming local government election with great care.

Further, it might be time to consider petitioning for the return of local government to Korumburra. If you want to run your local affairs in the best local interests, then you don’t leave them to the neighbours.

Charles Envall, Korumburra.

Pool support IT’S heartening to see that the almighty dollar hasn’t again been the sole ruler of measurement in judging whether to extend support to community swimming pools in South Gippsland.

Watching a recent program from ABC Foreign

Correspondent on Bavaria and its propensity to retain its historical values stirred within me a deep underlying passion and sadness that it would seem in Australia everything these days is judged on “dollar” value.

Well, if that’s how society judges its values and its infrastructure, then we will struggle to hold onto much of “value” at all as society seemingly drifts from fad to fad.

I hold vivid memories of my early days splashing around in the wonderful setting of the Leongatha and Mirboo North pools as a young lad, admiring the ladies, and dearly want to see other kids enjoy the benefits like I was fortunate enough to have experienced.

It was how I managed to escape the farm for a day and

mix it with the town kids!

It’s also how I and many others learnt to swim, something that benefits my career as a rescue pilot to even today!

Life and community activities and infrastructure are not all about money. Social cohesion starts at the athletics track and swimming pool and not just on the football field!

Let’s now make the case to ensure that rather than bull dust projects and divert monies to all manner of left field (socialist) causes, that councils and communities work together to look after their sporting and leisure infrastructure for today and into the future as a priority.

Thanks to Councillor David Lewis for his sterling efforts in this regard.

Tony Griggs, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

VOXPOP! VOX Have you been to any of the local shows?

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.

No, I wasn’t aware it was on until I drove past one.

Sue Giardina, Mirboo North

No, we have been too busy at work to attend.

Kay Puru, Leongatha

No, I run a business on weekends so I don’t have time.

Kerry Spokes, Fish Creek

No, we are not really interested in local shows.

Sue Musinskas, Yanakie

Old and new blood saves RSL Men’s shed gets a start

THE Meeniyan and District RSL subbranch faced the reality of possible closure last month.

With their January AGM looming, the president and secretary, who had served the branch long and well, had both given notice.

After much advertising and notice to existing members and the public, no real offers came forward to fill the positions.

Richard Powell, secretary, had the foresight to contact ANZAC House Melbourne to look at options and any assistance they could give.

Peter Smith, director of appeals and membership, and John F Cullen OAM, the state honorary treasurer, both attended the AGM and were vocal and involved with the AGM process.

After much discussion, hands were raised and the position filled.

The new office bearers are a real break from tradition, with the first female president and a youthful secretary aged 22.

Heather Scott is the new president. Her family

THE Leongatha Men’s Shed took another step towards becoming a reality on Thursday, with a good turnout at the inaugural meeting.

Around 25 interested Leongatha residents were joined by Victorian Men’s Shed Association community development officer Peter Carr as well as representatives from other men’s sheds in Mirboo North, Korumburra and Venus Bay. The group decided their initial

working committee, and discussed important issues such as activities, location and fundraising.

Mr Carr suggested the men’s shed team with another local group to help keep the cost of finding a location down.

Leongatha Lyric Theatre president Mark Eva was present at the meeting and suggested the two sheds currently owned by the theatre group could be used by the men’s shed.

There are currently 180 men’s sheds in Victoria and 800 Australia wide.

New leaders: the new executive of the Meeniyan RSL sub-branch, from left: Heather Scott, Mark Coulter, Tarnya Wilson and Bev Coulter. has had a long association with the Meeniyan RSL. Her late father Frank was with Meeniyan RSL from its early days and was an office bearer for decades.

Secretary Mark Coulter is a third generation member of the RSL. His grandfather Harry Prosser has been a stalwart of the branch and is protective of its future.

Vice president Bev Coulter was a great support to her father Harry and son Mark.

Treasurer Tarnya Wilson remains in the position she

has held since 2006.

Members are asked to attend the next general meeting on Tuesday, February 28 at 1.30pm at the Meeniyan Infant Health Centre.

A welfare officer is still required and help is needed in selling Anzac tokens and other duties.

The recommendation of having the general meetings every second month will be discussed at the February meeting.

The new committee and Richard Powell met this week to lay the ground

work for the Anzac Day Commemoration Service in Meeniyan. The early planning ensures what is always a poignant and well attended ceremony.

In closing, the branch would like to thank and acknowledge the hard work of Peter Hill and Richard Powell as they leave their positions, and welcome Heather Scott and Mark Coulter.

Any new membership or enquiries can be made to Tarnya Wilson 5664 7473 or Heather Scott 5662 2175.

Getting it going: men’s shed volunteers who are hoping to help drive the idea. From left: Terry Aeschlimann, Peter Carr (Victorian Men’s Shed Association), Frank McGarvey, Don Couper, Ron Campbell and Rolf Taylor.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 13

Team cannot be beaten SAVING on energy bills appeals to everyone and solar power is a great way to do this.

Power up: Shane Clayton from Energy Eco Korumburra said that Q-Cell panels and SMA inverters are a great combination for a solar power system.

Council powerless to help couple

By Brad Lester A KORUMBURRA couple has suffered stress and financial hardship as a result of a shortcoming in council bylaws.

Keith and Beverley Button’s house block has been saturated by stormwater from a neighbouring property over the last six months.

South Gippsland Shire Council does not have the legal capacity to force the neighbour to correct the problem, as the topic is not contained within council’s bylaws.

Council is one of few municipalities in Victoria to not require property-owners to contain stormwater on their land, Mr Button said.

Council was unable to confirm this.

To address this issue and others, council will consider reviewing its local laws in 2012-13 instead of 2015 as planned.

Mr Button addressed council last Wednesday night, venting his frustration.

He showed photographs depicting torrents of water running from his neighbour’s land into his own, including flooding his driveway.

“In five months, we were flooded out six times,” he said.

“Water cascades down our driveway from next door and in our back garden, there is water everywhere.”

Mr Button said council’s building surveyor was unable to act given there was no relevant bylaw.

In November, the Buttons

called the State Emergency Service to sandbag their yard as protection against flooding water.

“It is a bit disappointing to watch all this water cascading through your property and there is nothing you can do about it,” Mr Button said.

“When you have worked all your life and something like this happens, there is no one you can turn to for assistance.”

The couple spent $1000 installing their own drain.

In July last year, a mound of mud left behind by earthworks resulted in water running into the Buttons’ land and contaminating their underground water tank.

A large barn type shed has since been erected on the neighbouring block and Mr Button said one downpipe

runs into his garden.

Mr Button said the private building inspector responsible, told him that to issue a building notice forcing the neighbour to address the problem would require a lot of paperwork.

Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said council had discussed the Buttons’ plight and had decided to review local laws early, “to begin the process of looking at the gaps in our local laws”.

The team from the Energy Eco Sustainable Living Centre in Korumburra has the best products when it comes to solar energy and can offer some great know-how in the field as well.

Shane Clayton from Energy Eco said the combination of Q-Cell panels and an SMA inverter is hard to beat when it comes to solar power.

“We have two of the leading Q-Cell panels available in store,” he said.

Both the Q-Smart 90w CIGS Panel and the Q-Pro 235w Multicrystalline Panel have proven themselves as great solar panels.

“Data from the Solar Centre Desert Knowledge in Alice Springs where they have been stationed, proves that they are the best performers when put up against other brands,” Shane said.

For more information about how Q-Cell panels stack up against other brands, go to www.dkasolarcentre.com.au.

“They are very high quality panels which are made in Germany from top materials,” Shane said.

“They have some of the best warranties in the in-

dustry which are definitely backed up by a quality product.”

When it comes to an inverter to match with these excellent panels, you can’t go past an SMA, according to Shane.

“They’re the only people to work with in the industry,” he said.

“SMA have been industry leaders for over

10 years and really have some of the best and most reliable products on the market.”

The combination of the Q-Cell panels and an SMA inverter makes for a great solar system.

“The combination of both these products makes for a great package that works great together,” Shane said.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.

Highway drains worry Cr Newton

By Jacob de Kunder SAFETY for motorists on the Bass Highway between Leongatha and Inverloch is being compromised.

South Gippsland Shire Councillor Bob Newton said it’s time that VicRoads got the ball rolling.

“There is an open road side drain just out of Leongatha that is dangerously close to the road,” he said.

“I have been trying to get something done about it ever since I’ve been on council.”

The drain in question lies between Soldiers Road and Simons Lane on the Bass Highway, and is just over a foot from the road’s edge.

“Somebody is going to end up pulling off the road to answer their phone or something and slip straight off into the ditch,” Cr Newton said.

“It’s not a shallow drain either. The high grass may disguise the depth but it would definitely be dangerous to roll off

the edge.”

Black and white striped signs are on both sides of the drain to warn motorists.

“I know that there are those signs there but they’re just not enough,” Cr Newton said.

“If it was someone putting in a cattle underpass that close to the road, they would have to have some large barriers up around the edge.

“It’s double standards.”

VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said there was no space for barriers.

“VicRoads has previously looked at this site to determine whether barriers could be installed and found that there is inadequate space between the traffic lane and the open drain to install them,” she said.

“They would be too close to the road and become a hazard themselves.

“VicRoads urges all drivers to carefully consider the road conditions, sight distance and road shoulder width before pulling off to the side of the road.”

On the edge: Cr Bob Newton said this drain on the Bass Highway at Leongatha is dangerously close to the road.

Claims limit too low VICROADS should increase threshthe old ld att which hi h claims can be lodged for vehicle damage caused by road conditions.

Less than impressed: Bill Brown faces a damage bill of around $500 after hitting a pothole.

That is the view of Bill Brown of Inverloch, after he hit a pothole on the Bass Highway at Kilcunda.

The impact damaged a wheel of his car, resulting in the need for a new tyre, rim repairs and a wheel alignment that could cost $500.

VicRoads’ threshold for claims however is $1220, effectively ruling out many claims caused by the proliferation of potholes on South Gippsland roads.

Mr Brown described the threshold as “stupid”.

“It makes you want to do fraudulent claims just to get your money back,” he said.

“It rules out a lot of minor claims.”

The pothole was on the Phillip Island side of Kilcunda. Mr Brown was approaching Kilcunda when he came over a crest and found himself on top of the hole.

“I tried to dodge it but when there is oncoming traffic, it’s not that easy. You don’t want to put yourself in danger,” he said.

“I know the car went bang when I hit the hole.”

Mr Brown has been without a spare tyre while he waits for repairs to be done, restricting him to travelling only locally.

He believes road crews are too slow in repairing roads and said the quality of repairs is typically poor.

“There are a couple of holes on the other side of Kongwak that are opposite each other and people were going over the double lines to get around them,” Mr Brown said.

Speeding slows you down.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 15

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Farming has a future

By Brad Lester YOUNG people with a passion for the future of farming are urged to take part in a youth forum being held at Parliament House next week.

The forum will be held on Monday, February 27 as part of the Parliament of Victoria’s bipartisan Rural and Regional Committee.

The Parliament of Victoria’s bipartisan Rural and Regional Committee has been conducting an inquiry into the capacity of the farming sector to attract and retain young people since May last year.

Among the people attending the Melbourne forum will be James Clark of Inverloch. The farm manager and agricultural contractor addressed the committee when it sat in Leongatha last year and will next week be one of those leading discussions.

“It is great for younger people to get up there and give their views and opinions,” Mr Clark said.

He believes agriculture needs a positive image in a bid to appeal to, and retain, young people.

To aid that, Mr Clark will tell the forum the sector needs: • more accessible training and focus on safety, such as all-terrain vehicle use; • improving access to finance to enable young farmers to grow; and • developing support and network groups.

Mr Clark founded the networking group South Gippsland Agribusiness Professionals and believes such groups are vital to supporting young people in the field.

The group now has up to 20 members who meet bi-monthly at Inverloch for dinner and to hear from a guest speaker.

At the February meeting, the group heard an Elders representative discuss risk management in small business, including insurance and relationship breakdown.

The group has been operating for a year and has attracted members from as far as Sale and central Victoria.

“The idea of starting up this group was that when I started my business at 16, there was no one that was at the same level as me,” Mr Clark said.

Committee chairman, Rodney MP Paul Weller, said hearing from young people in the farming sector was essential if the committee was to effectively represent their views in its report to Parliament in May. “We have concluded our hearings for this inquiry and we are currently preparing a report for consideration by the government: the Youth Forum will give us a chance to discuss our findings about the future of the sector,” he said.

“I encourage young people working in agriculture – or wishing to – to come along and tell us what is needed to encourage the growth of the farming sector and more new entrants to it.”

The Youth Forum will include discussion on key issues for the sector, led by a number of impressive young people, including: • Chris Walsh, Access Farming (Geelong): succession planning; • Prue Addlem, VFF Young Agribusiness Professionals: agriculture in schools; and • Caitlin Scholfield, AgNext: the image of agriculture.

The committee invites interested members of the farming community to participate in the forum.

Information is available at: http://www. parliament.vic.gov.au/rrc/article/1730 or phone the secretariat on 8682 2884.

23,500 ,5 00 Driveaway

Come farming: James Clark of Inverloch is keen for young people to share their views about farming.

Road Cut $4m for farmers closure

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council should forgo nearly $4 million worth of infrastructure upgrades to save farmers paying “unfair” rates, a farmer said.

Wild Dog Valley farmer and teacher Don Hill said council could eliminate certain upgrades to cover the $3.88 million he believed farmers are being overcharged in rates.

That is the difference between what farmers pay now and what they should pay under residential rates, Mr Hill told council at its public presentation session.

Council CEO Tim Tamlin said the model of how rates are collected is

consistent across local government in Australia.

Cr Jim Fawcett did not agree with Mr Hill’s assertion.

“When you are pulling out one segment of business and say they need relief, I start to question why farmers need relief as opposed to other businesses,” Cr Fawcett said.

“There are lots of businesses that have real estate that is worth millions and they pay rates that are appropriate.”

Cr David Lewis said farmers were charged rates based on the value of their properties but received services commensurate with a residence.

$

32,888 ,8 88 Driveaway

*

29,888 ,8 88 Driveaway

$

$

*

BAIRNSDALE Dwyers Toyota, LMCT 1702 5152 9797 BALLARAT Ballarat Toyota, LMCT 2003 5331 2666 BENALLA Benalla Toyota, LMCT 10791 5762 2022 Toyota, LMCT 8445 5448 4844 BENDIGO Bendigo Toyota CASTLEMAINE Castlemaine Toyota, LMCT 4221 5470 5255 COBRAM Cobram Toyota, LMCT 8717 5872 1088 COLAC Colac Toyota, LMCT 8792 5231 5222 DENILIQUIN Deniliquin Toyota, LMCT 9254 5881 2933

ECHUCA CA Echuc EEchuca chucaa Toyota, Toyota, LMCT Toyota LMCT 10294 10294 5482 3377 HAMILTON D.S. Taylor Motors, LMCT 403 5572 4244 HAY Lugsdin Toyota, LMCT 17590 02 6993 1661 HORSHAM Howden Toyota, Toyota LMCT 7426 5381 6111 KANIVA Robot Motors, LMCT 1162 5392 2335 KERANG, Kerang Toyota, LMCT 10139 5450 4233 KYABRAM Albion Motors, LMCT 102 5852 1977 KYNETON Kyneton Toyota, LMCT 10613 5421 0200

1257 5662 2302 LEONGATHA Knights Toyota, LMCT 125 10791 5775 1777 MANSFIELD Mansfield Toyota, LMCT 10 Toyota, LMCT 589 5461 1666 MARYBOROUGH Maryborough Toyota SALE Turnbull Toyota, LMCT 2140 5144 514 9898 SEYMOUR Seymour Toyota, LMCT 808 5735 3000 SHEPPARTON Shepparton Toyota, LMCT 9207 5823 1301 STAWELL Howden Toyota, LMCT 7426 5358 1555 SWAN HILL Swan Hill Toyota, LMCT 10139 5033 2800

TRARALGON, Wights Toyota, LMCT 9648 5174 8200 WANGARATTA, Wangaratta Toyota, LMCT 543 5722 2000 WARRACKNABEAL, B. Schilling & Sons, LMCT 1142 5394 1237 WARRAGUL, Ted Neill Motors, LMCT 1720 5623 1331 WARRNAMBOOL, Warrnambool Toyota, LMCT 8021 5559 0000 WODONGA, Jacob Toyota, LMCT 7082 02 6055 9999 WONTHAGGI, Wonthaggi Toyota, LMCT 7985 5672 1722 YARRAM, Turnbull Toyota, LMCT 2140 5182 5722

*

A ROAD at Poowong East will be closed temporarily.

South Gippsland Shire Council will shut Olsens Road south of the Cromie property from Monday, February 20 until Friday, March 2, pending weather conditions, for culvert replacement works by council.

Emergency services and local users are being advised.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 17

Family fun: New Zealand is a great place for a family ski and snowboarding holiday.

Snow sport heaven in NZ

WHEN it comes to snow sport, New Zealand is the best choice for memorable skiing and snowboarding experiences.

The majestic mountains and reliable snowfall make it a great choice.

New Zealand itself is home to seven major ski fields within five main ski areas through both the north and south islands.

The varied terrain means there is something for everyone, from those just starting out through to the experienced.

Queenstown is considered the heart of New Zealand’s premier ski and snowboard region.

The area is home to two of the country’s leading areas in Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, as well as providing easy access to Cardrona, which is just an hour’s drive away.

Direct flights are offered from Melbourne to Queenstown throughout the ski season, which is perfect for those who want to get out on the slopes as soon as possible.

You may even want to co-ordinate your snow sports trip to New Zealand with the 10 day long Winter Festival.

The festival is full of fun activities

and events in Queenstown, and runs from June 22 through to July 1.

For a more family orientated trip, Wanaka is the place for you.

Just 70km from Queenstown, this town has a great resort atmosphere and when it comes to winter, is all about the snow.

Wanaka hosts access to high mountains and extensive terrain with reliable snow and powder days, which makes it one of the most preferred skiing and snowboarding resorts in the country.

For those looking for something extreme, the Southern Alps that surround the resort are well known for heli-skiing and heli-boarding, while Snow Park NZ is located just 40 minutes away.

This freestyle wonderland filled with boxes, jumps, rails and New Zealand’s only quarter pipe and super pipe can suit all the way from beginners to the freestyle professionals.

New Zealand is definitely a stand out choice for a skiing holiday.

The team at Jetset Leongatha can set up a wide range of packages for wherever you want to venture on your New Zealand holiday, taking the stress out of planning your trip.

Big air: the variety of parks and resorts in New Zealand draw all types of riders.

NEW ZEALAND WINTER SKI EARLYBIRD SPECIALS WITH JETSET TRAVEL LEONGATHA

Action packed: New Zealand’s slopes are perfect for any type of skier or snowboarder.

Bus service boost A service from Mirboo North to Leongatha via Dumbalk will continue, as will a Poowong to Warragul link.

However a service from Venus Bay to Leongatha will not proceed due to lack of support during the trial.

Those were the messages delivered to South Gippsland Shire Council by South Gippsland Transport Connections coordinator, Fred Boreham, last Wednesday, as he gave an update of the project over the last 12 months.

The Mirboo North service received solid support over the six month trial, with a core group using the service every week.

The Dumbalk and District Progress Association could oversee the permanent service, with funding from private and philanthropic organisations.

Up to 25 passengers have been using the Poowong-Poowong EastRipplebrook-Warragul service, as well as schools. Funding has been obtained from the Department of Transport for a

permanent service.

Mr Boreham’s role will continue to be funded by the State Government until June 2013.

Another highlight of the project was the Medical Companions Project, providing volunteer companions to accompany public transport users arriving at Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross train and bus terminals, to medical appointments in Melbourne.

The Foster to Tidal River summer holiday trial bus service did not receive state funding after poor usage in 2008-09 and 2010-11.

A trial taxi shuttle between Port Welshpool and Welshpool was also not well supported by locals and discontinued.

This year, South Gippsland Transport Connections will establish a 12 month trial car pool that will apply across Gippsland.

Council will also run an internal car pooling program, with prizes.

Mr Boreham is also hoping to encourage shops to allow people on electrical scooters to recharge their vehicles.

Queenstown Stay Pay Deal

Ski ‘Remarkable’ Queenstown

Includes:

Includes:

Ū Stay 6 nights pay 5 special offer at the Goldridge Resort Queenstown Ū Return airport & 2 day mountain transfers to Coronet Peak & The Remarkables Ū 2 day NZSuperpass for 2 adults, valid at 5 main South Island ski fields

Ū Stay 7 nights pay 6 special offer at the Heartland Hotel Queenstown in a family chalet Ū 7 days Britz car hire including 1 FREE day, ski chains and Tourism Radio Ū 3 day NZSuperpass for 2 adults Ū Kids U11 ski free at The Remarkables

$459

$399

*pp

from

from

^pp AU0477

NEW permanent bus services will be offered in South Gippland, after trials proved successful.

Terms & Conditions: *Queenstown Stay Pay: price based on twin share for travel in July 2012. To book quote 2F8MF. ^Ski Remarkable Queenstown: price based on quad share (2 adults & 2 children under 11 years) for travel in June 2012. To book quote 2F7TT. General terms & conditions: packages valid for travel 15/06/12 - 30/09/12. Valid for new bookings until 31/05/2012.

Packages exclude airfares, taxes, visas, insurance and compulsory payments to third parties and are not valid in conjunction with any other offers. Prices correct as at 13/02/2012. Discounts and free days have been applied to advertised prices. Seasonal surcharge and blackouts may apply. Britz car hire subject to Britz terms & conditions. Priced based on IWAB category and free day has been applied to advertised price. Upon collection of your Britz vehicle an NZ$1800 excess applies and a NZ$30 pick up fee is applicable to all collections from Queenstown Airport.

Prices subject to change & availability. Kirra Holidays Lic No. TTA 164197.

For further information contact:

Jetset Travel Leongatha Ph:

03 5662 3601

16 McCartin st, Compass Arcade Leongatha

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”,, Tuesday, y, February y 21,, 2012

Jazz festival back in swing

By B Bra Brad rad dL Lester ester t THIS timee last last year, yea yearr, the the InverI lloch och Jazz Festival was was facing fac facin ingg its its fina fi nall ttune. une

Struggling finances and a shortage of volunteers were signalling the end of the event that had been an icon in Inverloch on the Labour Day long weekend for 18 years.

The 2010 festival attracted more than 3000 visitors who enjoyed music by 90 bands.

How far the musical extravaganza has come.

A new committee will present the 19th festival with passion and enthusiasm, promising to return the festival to the people with free outdoor music as well as concerts at venues around town.

President Bob Pritchard can’t wait for March 9-12 when the festival is held with the theme, The Age of Jazz.

“The whole format has changed. It’s a themed festival now and each venue will have a particular type of jazz, such as dance, divas and crooners, blues and traditional,” he said.

“We are all pumped and ready to go.”

This year’s festival will attract musicians that have never played at Inverloch before as well as some old favourites.

A highlight will be the New Melbourne Jazz Band, a well known Dixieland group that has just previously supported the Dutch Swing College

Music time: the committee of the Inverloch Jazz Festival is looking forward to this year’s festival. From left: Frank Thomas, Gordon Peters, president Bob Pritchard, Ann Warren, treasurer Jim Warren, Evelyn Hogg, secretary Sue Ford, Simon Ford and Ken Hogg.

Band in Melbourne, one of the premier Dixieland bands in the world.

A marquee on a vacant block of land near the Inverloch Community Hub off A’Beckett Street will be open to the public, providing free music.

Venue themes will include Moments to Remember, Crooners and Divas, Jazz Souffle, Broadway Jazz and the Friday night concert in the hub, Dancing the Night Away.

For the first time, the Inverloch Rotary Club will hold a craft and produce market in A’Beckett Street on

Saturday, offering another drawcard for locals and visitors alike.

The festival officially starts at 6pm Friday, March 9 when the best young performers in the region feature and take to the stage as the South Gippsland Allstars in a free performance. All musicians are part of the South Gippsland Secondary College’s music program.

The popular Saturday morning parade will be held again from 10am to 11am, with a monetary prize for the best float and $100 for every

Looking for leaders FOR Gippsland Community Leadership Program (GCLP) manager Renae Littlejohn, the value of finding local leaders is invaluable.

“I believe if we don’t nurture leadership Gippsland-wide, we don’t retain the knowledge that Gippsland has. We need young people to know

they can be educated in Gippsland, they can access very good career opportunities in Gippsland, and they don’t always have to go to Melbourne or a big city for that,” she said.

GCLP participants will meet in Leongatha on Friday, February 23 to officially launch this year’s 11-month program.

The GCLP set up many years ago to put people with ideas for events or

programs on the right track to seeing them realised.

While the program invites applications each year and selects a broad group of people from across Gippsland, Ms Littlejohn said many participants take time to achieve their goals.

Scouts district commissioner Sue Kemp is a case in point.

Ms Kemp, who is organising a free Scouts family fun day at Coal Creek on Sunday, March 4, did the initial course with Ms Littlejohn in 2010.

It has taken two years of struggle and careful negotiation, but Ms Kemp will soon see her dream come true. It will also see her graduate as a GCLP alumni.

“For Sue that day has been a real work in progress for her. Because Sue is heavily involved with the Scouts she just saw this opportunity to create something that combines something she loves to contribute with the requirements of the program – that it be of community benefit,” Ms Littlejohn said.

Ms Littlejohn said the needs of the community always remained paramount for GCLP students. But they remain secure in the knowledge they have the backing of the alumni.

“There’s an ongoing commitment to the GCLP as an alumni member to help support the people that are going through the program. That’s what makes it so powerful.

organisation that takes part, courtesy of Inverloch Rotary Club.

A combined church service will be held in the hub on Sunday morning from 10am to 11am, featuring jazz.

Food will be available at Warrawee Senior Citizens Club on Saturday and Sunday courtesy of the Anglican ladies.

Inverloch Lions Club will provide food at the hub on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The bar will also be open at the Inverloch RSL. Venues for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the Inverloch RSL,

Family fun at the Creek A SCOUTS Free Family Fun Day at Coal Creek on Sunday, March 4 will feature everything from jumping castles to medieval knights.

Renae Littlejohn: the program manager of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program believes the value of finding local leaders is invaluable.

We’ve got a 400-strong alumni,” Ms Littlejohn said.

“While we have some really high profile people amongst that group, we also have some leaders who fly under the radar – but who are making a massive impact within their own communities.”

Ms Littlejohn, a renowned artist and teacher, graduated from the GCLP in the same year she signed up, 2010, doing design work for Landcare’s Save the Strzelecki Koala campaign.

“It took me out of my comfort zone a bit and I wanted to tap into an area I hadn’t reached before, making new connections, and understand what other people were doing,” she said.

Applications will open in July for the 2013 program.

Warrawee, marquee and Inverloch Community Hub. The Picnic in the Park on Monday will bring live music to The Glade, along with food and wine with many prizes to be won from 11am to 5pm.

Music will be played at all venues until midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

“The festival will certainly satisfy the appetites of jazz lovers,” committee member Simon Ford said.

Weekend passes are available at venue doors and on the website www. inverlochjazzfestival.com Tickets are also available from Eventix or Jim Warren on 5674 3406.

“This is the biggest community run event in Bass Coast Shire,” Mr Warren said.

All profits are returned to the Inverloch community. The festival committee thanked major sponsors: Inverloch branch of the Bendigo Community Bank, RACV Resort Inverloch and Bass Coast Shire Council, along with other generous companies and individuals.

The festival began with the intention to raise funds to erect a new aged care centre in Inverloch.

Since then, the festival has returned more than $200,000 to the community over 18 years.

Inverloch Lions Club has catering rights to the festival and the event is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers.

Organiser and Scouts district commissioner Sue Kemp said she “fully expected” to attract new members to Scouting, but that was not what the day was all about.

“What we particularly want to do is do something for the community. But we also want to flag the fact that Scouts is still around. We want to increase the number of adults who see Scouting as really worthwhile and of benefit to the community,” Sue said.

Sue was a Venturer at 15, then a Rover, a Cub leader, a Venturer leader, and on and on, finally becoming district commissioner in the past two-and-ahalf years.

“I love seeing kids doing all sorts

of things they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do. My kids have had the most amazing opportunities through Scouting. They’ve done all sorts of things: abseiling, flying, canoeing.

They’ve been on interstate trips to jamborees without any of the family.

They’ve had a ball,” she said.

The fun day is a collaborative effort

by Scouts, CFA, SES, vintage car enthusiasts and a host of others.

Among the more notable guests will be adventurer Andrew Lock, the most accomplished high altitude mountaineer in Australian history.

The Scouts ambassador is the only Australian to climb all 14 of the world’s 8000 metre mountains, including Mount Everest twice (once without oxygen).

He will talk to attendees about “responsible risk taking”.

“He’s an amazing man. In terms of ‘responsible risk taking’ he knows what he’s talking about,” Sue said.

Ready for fun: organiser and Scouts district commissioner Sue Kemp is expecting big crowds at the Free Family Fun Day.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 19

Sunny support for the Prom ALL OF Wilsons ALL W Wil ilsons Promontory’s Promontory’ P ys glory the glor gl oryy wa or wass on display dis dis ispl play ffor pl or th he nation last Thursday Thur Th ursd sday ay morning morning i when the Today Show broadcast live from Tidal River.

Weatherman Steve Jacobs camped the night, strolled along the beach, had a go at ocean canoeing and fossicked with Parks Victoria rangers throughout the morning.

Mount Dandenong Primary School students also starred on the screen as they took part in a surfing lesson.

Although taking to the beach like a natural, Steve proved he was slightly better suited to dry land when he dropped his microphone in the water whilst canoeing, momentarily muting the forecast.

For the final cross of the morning, Steve met with Marty Thomas from Moo’s at Meeniyan who was cooking up a storm, showcasing a range of local produce.

Everyone was treated to a gourmet barbecue of Garden Farm eggs and Terramirra Park venison sausage in Hope Farm sourdough rolls, showing off

what South Gippsland offer. wh hat S So outh oou th G Gip ipps psla land nd has has to to of offe ferr.

Regulars Regu ulars at the Coal Creek Farmers’Market Farmers’’Market at Korumburra, Hope Farm Bakery makes traditional organic sourdough bread and will also be featured at the Inverloch Food and Wine Festival.

The secret of their taste is in the simplicity of their ingredients and long fermentation process. All their breads are made from only organic flour, sea salt and filtered water.

Plenty of curious campers and dedicated locals braved the early morning alarm to come down and watch, while Belle and Levi Cocksedge and Zack Stephenson from Yanakie ducked down before school with a sign for their friends at Foster Primary, and were thrilled to end up on national television.

This is the second time the Today Show has broadcast live from a South Gippsland location, with the Toora Tourist Park also featuring late last year.

Stars of the surf: Mount Dandenong Primary School students became sudden stars, featuring on the Today Show’s weather forecast with Steve Jacobs whilst taking part in a surfing lesson with Offshore Surf School at the Tidal River beach.

Below: Breakfast with Today: Weatherman for the Today Show, Steve Jacobs (centre), tries out some local produce, kindly prepared by Emily Darmanin and Marty Thomas from Moo's at Meeniyan.

Above: G’day from the Prom: Zack Stephenson, Levi and Belle Cocksedge and (front) Brooklyn and Lyla Cocksedge from Yanakie made a special sign for the Today Show, saying hello to their friends at Foster Primary School.

Left: Moo’s biggest fans: Richard Powell, June Metcalf, Lizzie Street, Lindsay and Robyn Moore and Sue Buckner travelled down to the Prom from Meeniyan to support Moo’s at Meeniyan and enjoy breakfast as part of the Today Show.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

THE 105th annual Foster and District Agricultural Show will be rolling into town on Saturday, February 25.

From horse and cattle events, home produce, art, craft and photography on show, an animal nursery, vintage tractors and much more, the show is not to be missed. Show society secretary Denis O’Neill said there was lots for the whole family to do.

“The show will be opened by Celia Rosser, a prominent artist in South Gippsland known for her banksia artwork at 12pm,” Mr O’Neill said.

Paul Macphail will be herding sheep with his dogs, there will be dog high-jumping and a display of native mammals, birds and some presentations about them through the day.

“The South Gippsland Hospital is doing a fruit and vegetable stop with free give-aways, barbecued vegetables and a survey for people to go in the running for $100 cash prize,” Mr O’Neill said.

There will also be a $200 gate prize for one lucky person.

The Foster Show Idol has become quite popular and has grown a lot over the years.

A mechanical bull will be featured to entice those who are brave enough to have a go.

“It is a generally old-style traditional show, with all its usual amusements and the grand parade,” Mr O’Neill said.

“People come here because they like the closeness, and competitors meet up from previous years and get together to have a chat.”

It is a compact and cosy show as there is only one oval and display areas around the perimeter. It has been busy over the previous years.

This year they are expecting about 2000-2500 people.

The Casey City Pipe Band will be playing during the day and there will be trade sites showing different items of food and drink around the oval.

The busy show will also include alpacas, pigs and goats as well as a poultry section for competition.

“The pigs are new this year. We haven’t had them for a while,” Mr O’Neill said.

Tickets are $10 per adult and $20 for a family and gates are open between 9am and 5pm on February 25.

Scary ride: there was a big line for the Midnight Madness ride all day as people looked to get some thrills at the 2011 show.

Loved tractor: Alan Carbender of Bairnsdale had his 1948 Massy Ferguson at the Foster Show last year.

Left: Feeding time: Kirsty and Gracie Sunderland made sure this lamb had his daily feed at last year’s Foster Show.

Giddy up: Emily Rerden and granddad Steve Simpson with pony Charlotte.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 21

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Kinder kids thrive ALLORA Kindergarten is back in full swing for 2012, with a batch of new kids and some older (though of course, very young) veterans. With the focus on fun and learning, everyone has a good time at the Leongatha kindergarten.

Colourful character: Georgie Dunn experiments with the paints and brush at Allora.

Great mates: Archie, Cody and Jai have a great time at Allora.

Artistic girl: Bree loves to paint whenever she’s at Allora.

Family feel at Welshpool WELSHPOOL Primary School is looking forward to a big 2012.

Principal Geoff Cooling said the school boasted a “very stable group of students, with the support of a close-knit community”.

“We’ve got an excellent staff, with a balance of enthusiastic and experienced teachers. And we’ve got great class sizes,” Mr Cooling said.

“It’s really a very special little school, with a wonderful level of co-operation from every staff member and a lot of goodwill towards the students.”

Close knit: Katelyn, Thomas, Sophie, Gloria, Charlie and Cara at Welshpool Primary School.

Mayor’s message Cr Veronica Dowman

New breed: Toora Primary School’s Prep students are ready to take on the world. Back, from left, are Olivia, Tannah, Django and Jai; middle, from left, are Chelsea, Erin, Kaylee and Jasper; front, Aaron and Holley.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Rotary Club (Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri), Yooralla (Tue), Bendigo Bank (Mon), National Bank (Tue), SG Specialist School (Wed), Sth Gipps Council (Thur, Fri), Catholic Women’s League (all week) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning February 27, 2012.

OVER the warmer seasons, the floral and vegetation displays in our township roundabouts are full of colour and add interest to our streetscapes.

A letter in one of last week’s local papers raised a question about how council chooses plants for our roundabouts.

Each township has its own characteristics and roundabout plants are a chance to show this character and enhance the experience of visiting the town centre.

We have found that the community on Phillip Island for instance, prefers native plants in the roundabouts, so we have responded to this in the planting design and specimen selection. Many parts of the island are conservation areas, so native plants fit well within the context of the local natural environment and match with the community’s awareness for conservation.

We also try to re-plant the roundabouts at Phillip Island with different native plants every 18 months to two years to give the community variation and interest.

Local communities in our other townships have tended towards other types of plants such as the annual flowering plants, both native and non-native, that we have recently planted in the roundabouts in the Wonthaggi area.

We have provided variety in these roundabouts too. In spring we created a design in Wonthaggi that included parsley and spring onions which recognised the location of Wonthaggi as being surrounded by agricultural areas.

We believe that native or annual types of plants are equally appealing and the difference adds interest and diversity in the roundabouts across the shire.

Council is fortunate to have highly skilled and creative horticulturalists who take pride in the design, layout and selection of plant species for the roundabouts, using different textures and colours to achieve the desired effect.

There is also the schedule of upkeep they maintain so the displays always look their best. The horticultural team have diverse skills and also receive praise for their expert turf management at several football ovals in the shire.

Formal design of plantings in roundabouts is a municipal tradition that has disappeared from many major town centres. Bass Coast Shire Council however receives very positive feedback about our roundabout plantings from the local community and visitors to the area.

Cr Veronica Dowman, mayor Bass Coast Shire Council

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 23

Show magic excites all

RIDES, animals, produce and more bedazzled visitors to the Korumburra Show on February 11. The Star was there to capture the atmosphere of the day on camera.

Goodie bags: Kate Russell and Shelby Fincher from Leongatha, Tayla Oldham from Poowong and Blake Tomada from Dumbalk went for the biggest show bag in the sideshow alley.

Tractor from the past: Kelvin Wyatt from the Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally shows off a Farmall Cub tractor dating back to 1947.

Fun in the sun: Darcey Clearihan-Jervies, Koby Elmore, Ashlee Caddell, Michaela Anderson, Blair Clearihan-Jervies and Ebony Clavarino from Foster had a girls’ day out.

Blooms galore: members of the Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally, Coral Rudd and Shirley Watt, both from Korumburra, browse the floral displays in the exhibits shed.

Blowing bubbles: Tayla and Robert Cowie from Fairbank had fun with their bubble guns at the show.

Round and round they go: Darcie Lia, Renee Mizza and Misty Hentry, all from Korumburra, had a wild time on the Cha Cha ride at the show.

All ears: Callan and Bonnie Crawford from Ranceby cuddle up with a rabbit in the petting zoo.

Looking good: in the Best Presented Mountain Rider 10 Years and Under 14 years, Shayla Rigby and her horse Bob were awarded second place, while Jade Falcone won the blue first place ribbon on her horse Arty.

Bumping around: Connor Murrell from Korumburra took his dodgem car driving very seriously.

Choosing chickens: produce judge Arie Bos from Welshpool, Jane Humphrey from Leongatha, floral art judge Barbara Partridge from Port Franklin and Greg Humphrey from Leongatha check out some of the chooks Greg entered in the show.

Family fun: Gemma Taylor from Berwick visited the show with her older cousin Charlotte Anthony from Korumburra and was impressed with the children’s artworks.

Baby animals: Brody Veerlow from Wonthaggi has a go at feeding a lamb with the help of his dad Brett.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Teacher journeys from London to Tarwin TARWIN Lower is quite a contrast to the bustling suburbs of the English capital London, but teacher Stephanie McDonald is glad to be back in South Gippsland.

Ms McDonald is the new Prep teacher at Tarwin Lower Primary School – her first teaching position in Australia since graduating from Deakin University in 2008.

She worked at a summer camp in the United States of America for four months and then moved to London for two years, teaching at the coeducation school, St Leonard’s Church of England.

Ms McDonald was responsible for Year One children – the equivalent of Australia’s Prep.

Classes of 30 children were common and students received hot dinners. Teachers were tight-knit in a bid to cope with so many students.

“The school was set up like a jail.

You had to be buzzed in and out,” the Korumburra woman said.

She attended Korumburra primary and secondary colleges, and was lured to teaching by the diversity of the job.

“It’s just something that I always wanted to do. I like working with kids. I used to teach swimming as well, so I’ve been around kids for

nearly 10 years. I started teaching swimming when I was 16,” Ms McDonald said.

“Every day is different. Just some of the stuff they come out with; it makes you smile. They can be very funny.”

Ms McDonald treats every student as an individual and recognises they learn in a different way.

“I have 10 lovely Preps. They all had a good start and they are enjoying the school. They are ready to learn,” she said.

Even though she has not lived in a country setting since she was 18, Ms McDonald is relishing the return to her roots.

In shape: Tarwin Lower Primary School students enjoy morning exercise sessions, from left: Tess Rainey (Grade 2), Tom Vander Kolk (Grade 5), Jai Lancaster (Grade 4) and Aiden Elliott.

Dine, wine by sea SPEND a day on the stunning Inverloch foreshore enjoying Gippsland’s finest food, produce and wines at Inverloch Food and Wine Fest on Saturday, March 3.

Having fun: Prep teacher Stephanie McDonald with her energetic class: Scarlett, Kye, Skaylah, Celeste, Brodie, Sienna, Jack, Archie, Emily and Shanae.

New year, new friends

By Tessa Hayward CHILDREN at Inverloch Pre-School had a fantastic start to the year by settling in well to their new classrooms and making new friends.

There are 60 threeyear-old children and 75 four-year-old children.

The centre can accommodate 135 students and they normally have a waiting list.

“It is very popular and is great for Inverloch kids,” assistant Sam Morcom said.

The majority of chil-

dren attending the preschool are from Inverloch, however some also come from Wonthaggi, Venus Bay, Outtrim and Kongwak.

The $520,000 complex which officially opened in October 2011 allowed the pre-school to have room for more children.

It included a new classroom, kitchen, toilets and outdoor area.

Before the new complex was built, they had to say no to a lot of families because there was not enough room.

Those families then had to travel further to either Wonthaggi or Leongatha.

Eat well: Ben and Luke sat down at Inverloch Pre-School to have their fruit morning tea before their next activity.

Fun learning: back, Elisha, Tyla, Ben, Bomber and Liam; and front, Lucas, Jayden, Thomas, Luke, Sarah and Sonia are one group of kids attending Inverloch Pre-School.

Now in its seventh year, Inverloch Food and Wine Fest is a celebration of the unique food, wine, producers, wine-makers and chefs of Inverloch and surrounding Gippsland.

Gather your friends, bring a picnic rug, pick up your tasting glass and stroll amongst the incredible array of stalls showcasing the tastes, textures and talents of Gippsland.

The emphasis is on the delicious ‘paddock to plate’ and ‘grape to glass’ experience of Gippsland.

Local musicians provide the backdrop to this popular day that also features interviews by celebrity MC, Caterina Borsato ‘on the couch’ with local wine-makers, producers and foodies along with cooking demonstrations by inspired Gippsland chefs.

The festival will also showcase the people everyone is talking about in Gippsland’s food and wine scene.

Like Elenore Biro from Djinta Djinta Winery whose award-winning wines are produced in the idyllic Gippsland hills.

Executive chef Graeme Heenan from one of Gippsland’s star foodie establishments, Archies on the Creek, which recently won an Australian Good Food and Wine Guide Hat Award, will attend the festival and entertain the crowds with a cooking demonstration in the festival’s open-air kitchen.

Another exciting addition is the combination of Sean Marshal, senior sous chef PM24

Fine cuisine: Tony Richardson from Vela9 restaurant in Inverloch is helping to promote the Inverloch Food and Wine Festival.

Philippe Mouchel, Melbourne and Sahrizal Bin Zarinan, head chef at the Australia Club fine dinning restaurant de cuisine.

Sean and Sahrizal trained as apprentices in Inverloch under the direction of owner Brent Davis of Café Tsunami.

The pair will prepare inspired dishes using the finest Gippsland produce.

Other Gippsland delights include sampling award-winning Berrys Creek cheeses (Barry and his team just won Best Australian Cheese in the World for their Mossvale Blue) and enjoying freshly cooked trout with a bush food influence from the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm on nearby Phillip Island, which recently took out a major Victorian tourism award.

Enjoy the spectacle of cooking demonstrations, savour delectable chocolates, sample local chees-

es and seafood, taste superb boutique wines and much more throughout the day.

Aligned with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Inverloch Food and Wine Fest is now the region’s largest food and wine event.

The grassy, natural amphitheatre of The Glade, right next to the blue waters of Anderson Inlet at Inverloch, is the perfect setting for this memorable day of sublime food and wine.

Make a weekend of it in the seaside village of Inverloch, which offers stunning beaches, great restaurants, funky cafes and shops and a range of quality accommodation.

The event is held on Saturday, March 3, from 11am until 5pm. Adults $5 and tasting glass $10.

Kids are free.

Tickets on sale at www.visitbasscoast.com and at the gate on the day.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 25

Judge praises art quality THIS year’s Korumburra Rotary Club Art Show judge John Adam commented on the excellent standard of oils and watercolours at the show, which concluded last week.

“The best items at this show are exceptional, with professional quality oil paintings and watercolours,” Mr Adam told The Star.

“The winning entries were technically top class works, with plenty of imagination and originality.”

This year’s winning work was Joan Denner’s oil painting Studio Bench, which John described as “a traditional subject but beautifully composed.”

“The painting shows the confidence of

the artist. Its tonal values are superb. This work is absolutely top class,” Mr Adam said.

The evening was marked by the awarding of an appreciation certificate to Rotary Club stalwart, John Kurrle.

In all, the art show attracted a huge 365 entries, of which 25 paintings were sold over the weekend.

A new addition to the show was the People’s Choice Award, which was won by artist Penny Ursell with her graphite work A Wise Smile.

Art show director Jenny Rowe organised the show perfectly, ensuring the job is hers for the taking next year!

Local businesses were all thanked for their ongoing support of the art show.

Home ready for elderly R E N O VAT I O N S have now been completed to upgrade two units at Linton Court Retirement Village, Foster.

One unit remains available.

The unit is run by Linton Court Elderly People’s Homes Society, a fully voluntary local charitable body whose charter is to provide good local accommodation for older members of our community.

The society has 23 units at McDonald Street, Foster, within easy walking distance of the town centre.

The substantial renovations involved remodelling the kitchens

and bathrooms, and installing all new appliances and full repainting throughout.

The units have come up beautifully, with an ultra modern feel. They thoughtfully incorporate many extra features that make for easy living: a dishwasher, oven and cupboards kept a little off floor level, shower without a step, and reverse cycle air conditioner.

The unit available has two good sized bedrooms, a well - appointed kitchen which opens out to a large living area, as well as a nice bathroom and laundry.

The units are available to singles or couples.

Normal arrangements involve residents paying an ingoing donation to the

society, with a fortnightly payment (currently $120 per fortnight for two bedroom units) to cover ongoing costs.

The society pays the rates, maintenance and building insurance, leaving the resident responsible only for their owner power, gas and phone, and costs of maintenance of their own furniture and other items.

This leaves residents free to enjoy life without any of the normal home ownership worries.

Anyone interested is welcome to have an inspection.

Simply contact secretary Clive White on 5682 2211 or treasurer Lloyd McKenzie on 5682 1293.

Students lead the way BASS Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Veronica Dowman presented Wonthaggi North Primary School’s new student leaders with their badges recently.

Cr Dowman also spoke of the importance of leadership and the qualities of a good leader while many proud parents, grandparents and friends watched on at a whole school assembly.

The leaders are full of new ideas to

successfully lead the student body at the school.

Some of these ideas will be taken to the 2012 Primary Schools Student Leaders’ Conference next month, where students will be attending workshops and lectures with a focus on developing their skills as leaders.

The students went through a tough selection process at the end of the 2011 school year.

New student leaders: Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Veronica Dowman (pictured centre) presented Wonthaggi North Primary School students Heidi Fisher (vice captain), Lucas Ion (vice captain), Kyle Wright (school captain) and Elly Wingfield (school captain) with their badges at an assembly.

Great work: from left, Rotarians Ken Sim and Bill O’Neill admire the works of Phillip Island’s Tom Tyrell. Tom won a highly commended for his work, Heyson Range, Flinders Ranges.

Wind and solar reduce power bills: Groundswell

By Neil Rankine and Bernie McComb, Groundswell Bass Coast THIS will be a surprise to some, but the International Energy Agency says that large renewable electricity generators like wind and solar thermal plants keep wholesale electricity prices lower than they otherwise would be.

We are paying less for our electricity now because of the wind we have installed, and new renewable generators will help keep future electricity prices lower than they would be if we relied just on coal and gas.

It’s true that it costs more at the moment to build these clean energy plants, but, unlike coal, gas or even nuclear, they rely on free energy to operate.

Their marginal, or up front (fuel) costs to produce energy are near zero, and so they are always happy to bid into the electricity spot market at a low price.

This means that the more expensive generators (usually peaking gas plants with high marginal costs) are often kept out of the “pool” or wholesale price all generators are paid, and so we all benefit.

In fact a new study by Windlab Systems (a CSIRO off-shoot) looking at South Australia’s electricity prices, where 21 per cent of their electricity comes from wind farms, shows that the savings are more than paying for the subsidies paid to build the wind farms in the first place.

In fact wholesale electricity prices in SA are at their lowest since the study began in 2005-06.

Studies in the US are showing the same trend, with the five states having the most wind, seeing the lowest price increases, and

Wind push: backing wind farms are members of Groundswell Bass Coast at the Wonthaggi wind farm, from left: Richard Kentwell, Jessica Harrison, Vilya Congreave, Lauren Miller, Nicky Miller (and child), Neil Rankine and Aileen Vening. the five states with the least wind having the highest price increases.

In the electricity market, the generators bid to sell a certain amount of power for each five minute block of time through the day.

For that five minutes all the generators that are needed get paid the amount bid by the last generator needed to meet demand.

This is called the “merit order effect”, and the fossil fuel generators don’t like it one bit that renewables are muscling in.

In the past, generators have jacked the spot electricity price higher than 200 times the average price when peak demands occur.

When renewables are available, the generators won’t be making as much and our electricity prices won’t be as high.

It is sometimes incorrectly assumed that wind will need lots of gas as backup generation for when the wind isn’t blowing.

The SA example shows otherwise, with their gas and coal generation remain-

ing relatively stable, but importantly electricity imported from Victorian coal plants reducing, and by about the same as wind has increased.

Despite an increase in electricity use in SA, their greenhouse gas emissions have declined from 9.8 to 8 million tonnes CO2 equivalent in the same period.

A similar thing might happen here if new and expensive coal powered generators were built in Victoria.

They might find themselves regularly pushed out of the market by wind or solar thermal if we build it.

Currently coal plants make a profit as they have land, water, vehicle, fuel, resource and others subsidised, low debt, a lack of triple bottom line accounting for their emissions damage and future free carbon permits, all at our expense.

You’d wonder why anyone would even be considering a new coal plant now that they will have to be far more efficient and won’t get so many subsidies.

Unfortunately at the mo-

ment, Victoria’s State Government is making it almost impossible to get approval for new wind farms, but there are quite a few already approved, soon to be, or already under construction.

These will be reducing our power bills in the future.

If the government improves its policy and allows sensible new wind farms, then far into the future we won’t be paying as much for our electricity as we otherwise would.

Our electricity bills are made up of more than just the wholesale electricity price discussed here unfortunately. Since the privatisation of the Victorian electricity system, very little had been spent on poles and wires and maintenance at the generators.

It will be increases in these areas, and a small cost on greenhouse pollution to fossil fuel generators, that see our electricity bills rising.

It’s worth remembering that other than using renewables with free fuel, the only other way to keep our electricity bills down is the cheapest electrons of all, the ones you never use in the first place.

And some might be surprised to see how many dollars can be saved by using more efficient appliances and planning electricity use.

Victorian households struggling to pay ever increasing electricity bills were hit with an average 10 per cent increase on January 1. We’ll get compensation under the carbon tax package for a similar slug on July 1 this year (but will we make the connection). The predictions are for a 33 per cent increase over the three years to 2014.

The subsidies to renewable energy make up a tiny fraction of the overall price increase, and if renewables cut wholesale prices nationwide, then this could well outweigh the investment in subsidising them. Will Victoria play its part?

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Lintons wander great southern land

By Tessa Hayward

IMAGINE spending three months in a remote community called Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula at the northern tip of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.

That is exactly what Andy and Catherine Linton did with their two-and-a-halfyear-old daughter, Georgi.

Andy and Catherine are originally from Leongatha and come from Leongatha families involved in medicine: the Lintons and Toohills. Andy is now a general practitioner and Catherine a trained nurse.

Currently in Bourke, New South Wales for a short one month medical stint, Andy spared a few minutes from attending his sick patients to talk to The Star.

“I left Leongatha in 2002 to study medicine at Monash University in Clayton after finishing school at South Coast Christian College and taking a gap year,” Andy said.

He did a few years of clinical medical study at Traralgon and then went on to Bairnsdale, having married Catherine Toohill in 2005.

“She was in her graduate year of nursing after completing the nursing course at Monash University Gippsland,” Andy said.

From there, the couple went to Mel-

bourne and then overseas to Nepal for three months through a medical student elective course. Both families have ties with i h Nepal. l After finishing his medicine course, Andy did general practice training as well as learning obstetrics and paediatrics.

“There was a bit of influence to follow in my parents’ footsteps of being doctors,” Andy laughed.

Working in Nhulunbuy was a different experience to anything Andy had experienced before.

“It is a really different place to work as there are so many different health services and I met a lot of special aboriginal people who are really part of the community,” he said.

“It really did feel like a different culture and world.”

Andy and Catherine have enjoyed travelling to different places and thinking about where they may want to stay.

In April through to August this year, they will be back living in Leongatha while Andy fills in for his parents, doctors Joy and Tim Linton and his father-in-law Dr Graham Toohill so that they can have some time off.

This will be the first time Andy has lived in Leongatha since he left for university in 2002.

From there, they will take life as it comes and travel on to their next adventure, wherever that may be.

Tourist attractions: Andy, Georgi and Catherine Linton have enjoyed travelling to remote places in Australia. They are currently in Bourke, New South Wales.

Classical music to mesmerise You’d have to be MADS THE Pioneer Chapel in Poowong is holding a first class classical music concert on March 3 and 4, starting at 2pm.

Max Cooke and Darryl Coote from the Team of Pianists will perform on piano, with a special guest appearance of an extremely talented young 17-year-old pianist Kevin Kanisius Suherman.

Concert co-ordinator Laurie Gregg said, “I have had the pleasure

of seeing Kevin perform Carnaval at a concert at Ripponlea back in July 2011.”

Tickets for the Poowong concerts can be obtained by sending a cheque made payable to Poowong Historical Group to: Hon Sec Stephen Halliday, PO Box 72 Poowong 3988, including a stamped self-addressed envelope for the return of your tickets.

Alternatively, tickets can be held for collection at the door.

Admission prices are $40 per person. Full time students under 25

years of age, pensioners, (not senior’s card) and children may attend the event for $25 (proof required).

The program for the afternoon is Max Cooke and Darryl Coote, Piano four hands; Kuhlau – Sonata Op66, Rondo on British Grenadiers; Stolz (arr. Cooke) – Three Melodies; Ravel – Bolero; Kevin Kanisius Suherman (piano) and Schumann – Carnaval, Op 9.

Don’t forget to bring a cushion to soften the historic Wesleyan pews.

Mayor’s message Cr Warren Raabe FEBRUARY is always a bright month in our South Gippsland calendar, heralding that time of year when we can pack a picnic and head to beautiful Mossvale Park to enjoy the iconic Music for the People Concert on Sunday, February 26 from 11am to 4pm.

We really are privileged to have the Victorian Concert Orchestra join us each year. This is the only rural venue in Victoria where they perform and for 44 years they have returned to deliver us a superlative treat.

Also performing are the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, the South Gippsland Wind Orchestra and the Browns Cows Orchestra.

If this is your first time attending, bring a picnic/chair/blanket and make yourselves comfortable under one of the magnificent European trees that make the park such a delight.

With tasty morsels and a glass of wine, this South Gippsland tradition of five hours of popular classics, light opera, old favourites and excerpts from modern musicals is an absolute treat to share with friends!

The concert is sponsored by

council and operated by volunteers in partnership with council staff.

With an entrance fee of only $10 per person and children under 15 admitted free, it represents a very affordable day out for the whole family.

It’s also a great lure to draw friends down from the city for the weekend and to introduce them to the delights of the area.

In March you can also enjoy the Mossvale Music Festival run by Lyrebird Arts Council and Council’s Youth Music Festival, Raw Vibes.

While superficial repairs were made to Mossvale Park after last year’s floods, the funding announced last week by Minister Ryan will allow council to undertake more complex work to bring the park up to full strength once again.

You can use Mossvale Park for weddings, parties and general events, but a permit from council is required to ensure infrastructure is used appropriately. A brochure outlining the conditions of hire can be viewed on our website.

You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful setting for wedding photos and with autumn bearing down on us, the park puts

on a dazzling display.

Mossvale Park is an example of the many amazing resources that council maintains for your enjoyment and that of travellers.

This week we have our first council meeting for the year, with 19 matters on the agenda. I’d like to reiterate that all members of the community are welcome to attend council meetings to learn more about issues that interest them, and that there are opportunities each month for you to address Council on these issues if you wish to.

The agenda items and relevant reports are loaded onto the website (www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au) approximately 10 days before the meeting and these reports provide a comprehensive outline of the issues.

Council prides itself on transparency of process and it is only occasionally when a matter might require commercial confidentiality that an item is closed to the public.

I hope to see you along for an issue of interest, or simply to observe democracy at work at a local level.

Cr Warren Raabe, mayor.

THE Meeniyan Amateur Dramatic Arts Society (MADS) is looking for new members.

As president Pat Hendry says: “You don’t have to be MAD to join us, but it sure helps. We try to have fun while we are practicing for our shows and events because, if you aren’t having fun, why would you do it?”

For Pat, who heads the group with secretary and husband Paul, the training theatre group is an outlet for “many young and older people who have been unable to get an audition at any of the other local theatre groups”.

“We endeavour to give these people a chance to learn theatre craft: acting, singing and dancing,” she said, “as well as giving them an opportunity to perform in front of live audiences to gain the experience that can gain them an audition elsewhere in the future.

“Many of our trainees have gone on to take leading roles with some of the other theatre groups and a few of our younger members have even gone on to study theatre arts at university.”

Since the couple started the group in 2008, it has staged the This Is It inaugural cabaret show, Lord Chatterley’s Demise (a farce tribute to Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau), and a host of other productions.

The latest pantomime

Scary stuff: MADS members get involved in many things, including the terrifying Halloween events at Coal Creek. show, Into The Future, featured younger members of the group – who not only act and pitch ideas, but also produce the show - under the tutelage of Paul.

Paul has more than 50 years of experience in theatre, acting, directing and writing plays, comedy drama, pantomimes and cabaret shows. He uses his wealth of experience to help newcomers to the stage to learn the skills to become actors themselves.

Pat is an accomplished singer in her own right, and undertakes most of the organising behind the scenes, designing and constructing nearly all of the

costumes used by MADS on stage.

“We hope to continue to be able to present good theatre and organise fun events into the future but, as we are getting older and less able to undertake all of the hard work ourselves, we badly need some additional helpers from the district to become involved,” Paul said.

“We need help to ensure that the up and coming young actors of the future have somewhere that they can learn and practice their craft.”

If you’d like to find out more about MADS contact Pat and Paul on 5681 2229, or 0418 325 247 (Paul), 0425 787 600 (Pat).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 27

Highly sought after location With a large sized living area, this meticulously maintained home is available through Alex Scott and Staff, Leongatha. See page 32 for more details.

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

All set in Somerset A

S immaculately presented as the day it was built, this three bedroom brick home has been much loved and the owner’s pride is evident upon inspection.

A peaceful court and an easy walk to the shops as well as all the schools, make this property a much sought after location. Some of the attributes of this home include an open plan living area with gaslog fire; reverse cycle air conditioning, modern laminate kitchen with quality St George wall oven, island bench and din-

ing area and views of the manicured garden from most windows.

There is also a delightful sunroom, built-in robes and a tiled en suite to master bedroom.

The kitchen and sunroom overlook the back yard boasting an array of established plants, a lock-up shed and the open space of St Laurence’s Primary School oval adjoining the back boundary.

A carport allows adequate car storage plus direct undercover entry into the house.

It is a must see property.

LEONGATHA Location: 2 Somerset Court Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $315,000 Agent: Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha Contact: 5662 5800

Five acre affordable lifestyle

L WALKERVILLE Location: 1645 Buffalo-Waratah Road Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $349,000 Agent: Elders Real Estate, Leongatha Contact: Zel Svenson, 0438 636 290

OCATED under 10 minutes drive to Walkerville beach, and central to Tarwin Lower, Fish Creek and Buffalo, this five acres and home is well worth a look.

Set amongst farming land with no view of your neighbours in sight, the home is extremely neat and tidy, offering three spacious bedrooms with built-in robes, good sized lounge opening onto a verandah overlooking the well-established native gardens.

The kitchen is also of a good size, with electric cooking.

Another feature of the property is the shedding, which includes a double lockup garage with concrete floor and power, lock up storage shed - ideal for a caravan or boat, and chook pens.

The five acres is divided into two paddocks watered by a dam.

The price has just been reduced to $349,000; very motivated vendors are hoping to start their new project.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Hidden oasis with something for everyone A

T the end of a long driveway, you will discover this nine-year-old, lowmaintenance home with privacy, rural views, excellent garaging, and within walking distance of shops and parks.

A north-facing living zone features a quality kitchen with stainless steel appliances and huge island bench, dining with bay windows, and a living area that spills onto a verandah and elevated entertaining/ barbecue deck.

There are four bedrooms in total, the main having a walk-in robe, en suite and bay windows to capture the northerly views over farmland.

The additional bedrooms are all doubles and

have built-in robes (bedroom three has cupboards in the wardrobe cavity perfect for storing office or hobby equipment).

A central bathroom provides for the children/ guest bedrooms, and there are three toilets.

A double garage under roof line gives direct access to the home, and being already lined with plasterboard, could easily convert to a rumpus room/ office/pool room, should you need or desire a second living zone.

There is also a double carport with concrete floor and another lock-up garage/workshop complete with wood heater that will house another vehicle with space to spare.

The gardens are enchanting and would make the perfect spot for children to explore or indulge

in a game of hide and seek. For those past the age of outdoor games, there are winding paths to stroll along and admire the range of colourful shrubs and mature exotic trees.

Allen Street is just two blocks away from Mirboo

North’s shops and Baromi Park, and a short stroll from the property will take you to the local pool in one direction and the Rail Trail in the other.

Beautifully presented inside and out, we recommend your inspection.

MIRBOO NORTH Location: 9 Allen Street Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $315,000 - $340,000 Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Allen Bartlett, 0417 274 624

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 31

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PAGE 32 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Deco style family space T

HIS solid brick home still features much of its art deco heritage, and with a large family sized living area extension at the rear, it offers generous living space.

Situated on a 1230 square metre block with rear lane access, and less than a 200 metre walk to Safeway, it really does rep-

LEONGATHA Location: 13 Watt Street Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $369,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff, Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922

resent great family living.

Offering three bedrooms (main with en suite), a centrally located solid timber kitchen, a large covered outdoor area, garage with access off the rear lane, and presentation that only comes from a meticulously maintained home.

A home that is well worth your inspection!

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 33

Enjoy this summer entertainer S

ITUATED in The Crescent, which is only a couple of minutes walk to the shops, and beach, this lovely as new apartment is light filled, beachy and just the place to live or invest in.

The ideal entertainer has approximately 25 square metres of living over two levels, including three bedrooms, two bathrooms plus a powder room.

All living is downstairs, which has polished concrete floors, beautiful bi-fold doors, which bring the outside in, and perfect for entertaining friends and family.

The living space has a northerly aspect.

There are CaesarStone benches, lots of cupboard and storage space, 900ml Blanco appliances and in-floor heating.

Upstairs consists of three bedrooms, main with walkin robe and en suite, main bathroom, and some slight water views. Luxury like this leaves more time to enjoy the beach and your Inverloch summer vacation.

The property is rented out and is currently returning $2000 per month.

INVERLOCH Location: 5 The Crescent Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Price: $545,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff, Inverloch Contact: 5674 1111

Choose a house you like. Create a home you love.

escape hatches

Byron design

Inverloch / Leongatha 2 Ramsey Boulevard Ph: Caroline 5674 3058 Find out how you can tailor our plans

Licence: DBU-3480/DBU3480

Start making plans

1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

HOT5128_BYR099

Your local office:

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Fine arts are highlighted through the week. You may be pursuing interests in painting, sculpture, or photography. Your partner may be more even tempered this week. A financial review is a must.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

A childhood dream may start to come true this week and an older relative provides emotional support. A fact finding mission proves successful. Expect a surprise invitation before the weekend.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Your career path may take a slight detour this week, but you reach your goal nonetheless. You understand more than one point of view, so don’t feel compelled to take a stand.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

The financial strain begins to ease and a new relationship could be off to a great start. Leave time for expressing your thoughts to your best friend. Some interesting coincidences may occur on the weekend.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

A joint effort brings results. You don’t necessarily have to work with someone who thinks exactly the way you do. Small financial gains may appear.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

The pace quickens through the week and communication problems disappear. A loved one shows his/her sentimental side. Friends respond to your upbeat and affectionate approach.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Challenges stimulate you through all of the week, leading to a personal accomplishment. A logical solution to a family dilemma is within reach. this is a good time to put on your thinking cap.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

New beginnings are accented this week and it is a great time for making those hard to make decisions. Watch a tendency to reveal too much information prematurely.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

This is a great time to collect debts and balance accounts. Prestige is highlighted now. A minor difference of opinion should be resolved by the weekend and a reunion could be just around the corner.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

This week could find you developing a key idea at work that brings personal satisfaction and a possible bonus. Your partner is unexpectedly generous and helpful, especially in a family matter.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

New interests dominate the week. You may find yourself involved in an educational or recreational program. The romance situation becomes more complicated - then you see where your relationship is headed.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Your partner’s accomplishments are highlighted over your own.

Be sure to offer support and congratulations as required. A good friend from the past returns to the scene.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are witty, extremely generous and not always practical. You sometimes promise more than you can deliver, but those who love you know your heart is in the right place. Career shifts may take over the next few months. You may find yourself involved in something you always wanted to do.

Church Times ANGLICAN: Wednesday, February 22: 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Sunday, February 26: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Family Service; 10.30am Union Church, Tarwin Lower MP. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am.

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion.

CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984.

AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (AOG): Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248.

A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466.

Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Rob Davey 5625 3226. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219.

Equip Church - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday service 10am.

Contact: John 0408 305 880.

Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984.

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Every first Sunday at Seventh Heaven Youth Church.

Sunday Morning 11am - 12.30pm.

Fun and games, all ages, all are welcome. Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST:

Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School 11.30am.

CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday.

Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday.

Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass.

Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass.

Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass.

KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214.

GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at The Grain Store, Mirboo North, Sundays: 4-5.10pm Communion, 5.15-6pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children. Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5668 2226 Bob Stevens.

SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Sagala - Tuesday, 4 - 5.30pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome.

Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122.

SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship.

Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228.

PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump

5662 2107.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. All Sunday evening services at 5pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2527.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, February 26, 10am.

Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi.

Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8313

1.

6.

8.

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13.

15.

17.

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22.

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24.

25.

ACROSS Tree (8) Vent (4) Pit (4) Delightful (8) Undress (5) Basket (6) Quick tempo (6) One (6) Wrench (6) Slap (5) Plant (8) Bird (4) Repose (4) Immaculate (8)

2.

3.

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5.

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DOWN Jack up (5) Kind (7) Pleasant (4) Monk (8) Devil (5) Hide (7) Title (8) Drive back (7) Number (7) Turn away (5) Peeved (5) Singing voice (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8313 ACROSS 1. The very latest, in spite of everything (5,3). 6. Take a task about the tempo (4). 8. On that account, see alone (4). 9. Think back again to me and Doctor Elizabeth (8).

10. Aim to get a series (5). 11. Cheated by Castle? (6). 13.

Such a headline as “He vetoes” is? (6). 15. Claim writing out the figure is the most exciting part (6). 17. The silly ass took the boy in food (6). 19. Since I have been put beside an Oriental (5). 22. Conclude it’s all there (8). 23.

A monther and a father to us all (4). 24. A sou found in the vegetable garden (4). 25. “An Hour In Control Of The Ship” is an exciting story (8).

DOWN 2. Stump you knock down (5). 3. What made you cry “First take the book back”? (7). 4. Land and are caught infiltrating (4). 5. What rhymes with fruit, cock? (8). 6. “Tragic lover” has a capital ring to it (5). 7. She is, at the point, equally upset (7). 12. View as the chance for future success (8). 14. Taking a beer round to the Frenchman (7).

16. Furnish with, when not out to grass (7). 18. It trembles when you put it down (5). 20. Notice, a long time afterwards, the saw (5). 21. Move in the direction of the animal (4).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 35

Watch soil moisture levels FEBRUARY FE EBR BRU UA ARY RY is is a diffi ddiiffic fficcul ffi cult uullt lt the garden. tiime time me iinn tth he gga arrd dden en n.

Weather W We eat eathe atheer iss vvariable at aria ar iabblle wi w with ith th llong oonnngg dry spells and thunder storms. After a very wet winter and spring, it is amazing how quickly the ground dries out and if you are on heavy soils, you may have noticed that even after a heavy shower of rain the ground is not very wet.

To overcome this, the quick fix is to apply a wetting agent such as Saturaid or Wetta soil. The long fix is the continuous application of compost and mulches.

Saturaid (a brand name distributed by Debco) makes water soak down to the root zone of garden beds, pots and lawns for stronger, deeper, root systems and healthier plants and lawns.

Simply sprinkle the granules on to the surface of garden beds and pots or mix in when planting.

Saturaid is totally safe and nontoxic to all plant types and works immediately for instant results.

This time of year is also a good time to plan and order trees and roses for winter when supply

iiss plentiful pleenttif iful ul and andd much muc uch cheaper. ch heaappeer.

Nurseries Nurs Nu rser erie ies place ies ppllac ace their ace tthhei eir orders ordder or derrss at at this th his i time tim ime off year yea ear so so if if you yyoou want waant a specific rose or tree that has been difficult to find it is advisable to order it now.

New for winter 2012 are dwarf apricot trees, but supplies are limited so order early. There are several dwarf fruit trees such as apples, cherries, nectarine and peaches plus most citrus are available as dwarf which are ideal for pots or small backyards.

Popular new roses for this year include the Enterprise rose a beautiful, vibrant red floribunda with fully double pompom style blooms.

The Enterprise rose is a symbolic rose for immigrants and refugees (and their descendants) who entered Australia through the Enterprise Migrant Hostel in Springvale, Victoria between 1970 and 1992.

Another new commemorative rose is Transplant Australia’s Thank you Rose. This award winning rose is a floribunda with fully petalled blooms of

deep d epp mauve de mau auve ve with w wit iitth a delicate ith deliiccaate de te ppererrfume. fume fu m . Treloar Trelloar Tr oar roses oa roossees will wiilll donate w donnaatte $11 from fro rom the tthhe sale sale sa le of of each eaacchh rose rros ose to os t Transplant Australia.

In March, the nursery industry will start a promotion to encourage people to plant more trees.

Research has shown that planting trees cools our planet, improves the air we breathe, cools hard environments by up to seven degrees, protects us from sun, wind and rain, makes streets safer, provides spaces for health and recreation, and lastly adds value to our community and our homes.

Thanks to modern science there is now a tree for any situation. The Flemings website has a very detailed website and for those not computer literate they have also produced a book that details all their stock.

Bright bloom: Ellie Gosling and Claire Stanley admire new mystic dahlias.

Lady killers spotted in Leongatha AS summer warms up, Backyard Buddies is warning Leongatha residents to be on the look-out for exterminators wearing spotted outfits in their gardens.

Nature’s pest controllers, ladybirds, are most active in warm weather and are now out in force to care for your prized plants.

Backyard Buddies is a free program run by Australia’s Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. Each month, you get a Backyard Buddies email (B-mail) with tips to make your backyard inviting and safe for native animals. Sign up for B-mail and download a free factsheet about ladybirds at www.backyardbuddies.net.au.

“Ditch the chemicals and pesticides if you’ve got aphids in your garden,” said Steve Corbett, CEO of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

“These sprays could unwittingly be getting rid of your best bug controller yet – the ladybird.

“If given the chance ladybirds, also known as ladybugs and lady beetles, will happily eat up your aphids, scale insects and mites. An adult ladybird can consume 2500 aphids during its lifetime. Ladybirds are thought to live for about two months, but some species can live for up to two years.

“There are many easy things Leongatha residents can

do to attract ladybirds to their gardens.”

• avoid using even low toxicity environmentallyfriendly insecticides such as pyrethrum or garlic spray, as these will also kill ladybirds; • plant nectar and pollen-bearing native plants as ladybirds also eat flower nectar and plant material including fungus; • mix up a tasty brew of honey mixed with water and brewer’s yeast and spread it in the garden; • put up with a few unwanted bugs in the garden if you want to see ladybirds as well. Ladybirds need a food source if they are going to visit, so be patient; • water your plants early in the morning as this gives ladybirds a welcome drink and helps their feet to stick to leaves and stems; • ladybirds prefer moist, warm conditions so mulch the garden to retain water; and • plants such as marigold, parsley, coriander, dill, fennel, alfalfa, zucchini, melons and cucumbers attract ladybirds. After you’ve harvested the vegies, leave the plants in the ground even after the leaves become mouldy. Look on the underside of a mouldy leaf and you may find little black critters with many legs – these are ladybird babies!

Contact Melanie Wagner on mwagner@fnpw.org.au for more information.

Famous koala woos public PHILLIP Island’s Koala Conservation Centre is celebrating the emergence of the 100th koala joey born at the park.

At just eight months old, Howqua, named after the river near Victoria’s high country, is delighting visitors as she explores the world beyond mother Harriet’s pouch.

Senior ranger at the Koala Conservation Centre, Ashley Reed, said he was extremely proud of the Centre’s success in koala conservation and breeding.

“Howqua is the 100th koala joey born here in our 20 year history and the fourth born in the last 12 months.

She joins three male joeys in the park this year: Mitta, Huon and Kiewa,” he said.

Koalas are born at just 34 to 36 days at the size and weight of a jelly bean.

Howqua has spent her first six

Up high: Howqua the koala delights on-lookers. months in mother Harriet’s pouch without emerging, but has now begun to spend time out of the pouch on her mother’s back.

At nine months and approximately two kilograms, she will become

increasingly independent and spend time away from her mother. She will be fully independent by 18 months.

A koala population survey conducted in December detected just 10 koalas across the island outside of the Conservation Centre’s grounds.

“Based on those sightings we estimate less than 50 koalas remain in the wild on Phillip Island – a significant drop since 1973 when 847 koalas were counted across the island,” Mr Reed said.

“Habitat loss, road mortalities, disease and dog attacks have put significant pressure on wild koala populations - the Koala Conservation Centre is a vital safe haven of koala habitat.”

The Koala Conservation Centre is open from 10am to 5pm, daily.

Two tree-top boardwalks offer upclose viewing of the koalas in their natural habitat.

Nature’s wonder: a striped ladybird.

Photo: Michael Jefferies.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

THE Star this week launches an occasional series, Still on the Map, about the lesser known, smaller communities in South Gippsland.

Journalists will explore how these communities began and why they experienced population decline or did not grow at all.

Whitelaw dream never realised

By Jacob de Kunder THERE were once big plans for the railway town of Whitelaw but they never seemed to take off.

Gate keeper: to cross the railway lines at Whitelaw, one had to wait for whoever was occupying the gate house to lift the gate.

Founding family: Alfred Blew (centre) and his family were influential in the subdivision of Whitelaw. This photo of the family was taken in 1890.

The small area east of Korumburra was cleared and subdivided in the late 1800s but the small village never blossomed.

Being on the railway line, Alfred Blew, founder of the town, thought it would be an excellent site for a settlement just out from the hustle and bustle of Korumburra.

The town is thought to be named after the surveyor of the land, Oliver Peter Whitelaw, who helped with the subdivision of blocks and the town’s design. Four town sections with a total of 94 blocks were marked out and were selling from 10 to 40 pounds each, depending on their size and location.

The blocks went up for sale in July of 1887, with 43 allotments sold by 1895.

Many of the blocks were abandoned, with the land reverting to the original owners due to the non-payment of monies due.

Promotions for the town had several selling points.

These included the fact it was to be the junction of several main roads, it had rich agricultural promise and that it was set to be one of the principal stations on the Great Southern Railway Line.

The land around Whitelaw was advertised for sale with claims the land would produce more than 20 tonnes of onions per acre per year.

The advertisement also claimed that with a little work, the land could

be worth from 50 to 100 pounds per acre in just a few years.

“Any industrious man taking up a few acres of this land need have no fear of the consequences,” one advertisement read.

Whitelaw never took off despite the optimistic advertising, said Korumburra Historical Society archivist Doug Boston.

“There wasn’t really much there at all,” he said.

“Just a store, a couple of houses and a gate house at the train line.

“You had to toot the car horn or

yell out to whoever was in the gate house to open it up for you as you went though Whitelaw.”

The railway line was the biggest draw card for Whitelaw, yet Korumburra’s coal industry and already established township was the more popular choice.

“Everyone opted for the bigger and busier population of Korumburra, as it boasted most of the same perks with similar land and the railway line,” Mr Boston said.

“I guess a quiet little town was what people wanted back then. Things sure have changed.”

The town’s train station - which originally had a post office and was a main stop on the line in 1891 - was reduced to a flag station by 1902.

The station eventually fell into disrepair and was demolished.

The township of Whitelaw is now non-existent but instead just a selection of farms surrounding the South Gippsland Highway west of Korumburra.

Grand residence: the Blew family home was large and magnificent.

Alfred Blew was one of the founders of Whitelaw.

Volunteers keep park running MANY community organisations rely on volunteers to keep them running smoothly and so does one of the area’s major tourist attractions.

Coal Creek Community Park and Museum has an army of volunteers who give their time to keep the park functioning and looking great.

Park co-ordinator Rowena Ashley said the volunteers keep the park operating the way it does.

“It’s great having so many passionate people willing to give their time,” she said.

“Everyone who works in the park wants to help preserve the history and have the park being as successful as possible.

“We’re like one big family here.”

Young and old volunteer at the park, with the youngest member,

Ben Peachey working outside doing some hands-on maintenance and restoration.

“It’s great to socialise with the other guys and do my bit for the community,” he said.

“I’ve made some good friends here and I’m always learning lots of new skills.”

Long time volunteer of 22 years, Liz Leigh, loves working in the General Store.

“I love talking to all the people that come through as well as all the school groups,” she said.

“I also love when the kids from the school groups come back and have brought their parents.”

Noelle Walker is one of the volunteers manning the front desk at Coal Creek and greats visitors.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

“We do all kinds of things here

Long serving: Dawn Wylie is Coal Creek’s longest serving volunteer, with 32 years under her belt.

in the office, from answering phones and handing out maps to cleaning and filling duck food bags.”

A 32-year stint of volunteering is a valiant effort for Dawn Wylie and she’s not slowing down.

Dawn runs the spinning wheel demonstrations in one of the shops in the main street of the village.

“It’s great to let visitors see a real life example of what needed to be done in the early years,” she said.

Coal Creek’s newest volunteer, with only one week of work done is Liz Alger.

“I just love local history and wanted to be involved with the community,” she said.

“I’m prepared to do a bit of everything.”

All the volunteers who put in effort to Coal Creek are appreciated greatly.

Shopkeeper: Liz Leigh has spent 22 years volunteering at Coal Creek and has spent the past three years running the General Store.

Good team: volunteers Noelle Walker, Liz Alger, Karen Wolswinkel and coordinator Rowena Ashley.

Hands on: Bill Klauer, Chris Gornall, Rob Faudell and Ben Peachey all enjoy working outdoors restoring various parts of Coal Creek.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 37

Band marks 120 years THE South Gippsland Shire Brass Band will celebrate its 120th anniversary this year.

A perpetuity fund has been established to help raise funds to enable the band to grow and continue to serve the community.

The band’s predecessor, the Leongatha Town Band, was formed at a meeting on February 19, 1892.

The committee of what was to become the oldest community group in Leongatha, was president Mr J. W. Symmons, secretary Mr Roberts, bandmaster Mr King and committee members Mr Bryce and Mr Crook.

Although the musicians probably entertained the locals before officially becoming a band, their first concert was in the Mechanics Institute in 1893, and their first official engagement, welcoming home a wounded soldier from the Boer War at the Leongatha Railway Station.

On November 7, 1907, the band

played at the opening of the Bowls Club (where Edney’s Garage now stands), thus beginning a long tradition of performing at ceremonial occasions.

In 1919, the band performed at a concert and social evening for soldiers returning after World War One, beginning a long association with the RSL since its inception.

In 1945, after World War Two, the band greeted all soldiers coming home at the Leongatha Railway Station.

Also in 1945, the band changed its name to Woorayl Municipal Band, a title it carried until 1995 when it became the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band.

During its 120 years, the band has been active in the South Gippsland community and beyond, performing at most important occasions in the shire, in many cases without payment, bringing music to the people. Music brings joy to both players and listeners, and at ceremonial occasions

SHYLAH May Coote was born on February 6 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the first daughter for Sheree and Stephen of Korumburra.

SIENNA Rose Hender was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on December 29, 2011. She is the second child for Ian and Christine Hender of Newhaven and a sister for Lenny Ray Hender, 3.

engenders a sense of community and togetherness.

Dedicated musicians and committees have kept the band running and done much fundraising during these years.

The band’s list of life members includes many former shire councillors, shire presidents, and even a Member of Parliament, Sir Herbert Hyland.

The band committee and members would like to ensure the band continues for at least another 120 years and has opened a perpetuity fund with a view to using the interest to buy instruments, music and uniforms. Donations from the community and businesses to raise a substantial amount of money are welcome.

To find out more, contact president Darryl Hunt on 5662 3623 or 0407 444 210, email darjud@ bigpond.com or mail PO Box 57, Leongatha, 3953.

NATALIA Ada Riccardi was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on December 23, 2011. She is the second child of Daniel and Anna Riccardi, and a sister for Mattea, 2.

Left: OSCAR Eddie Richards was born on February 2 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital to Matt and Brooke of Boolarra. He has two brothers, Miller, 2, and Harper, 17 months.

Below: CHARLEE Margaret Vanderland was born to Jade Newey and Mark Vanderland of Leongatha at South Gippsland Hospital, Foster, on Wednesday, February 8.

Where it began: the musicians of the Leongatha Town Band in 1903.

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star 30 years ago, February 23, 1982 LOCAL textile firm JJ Cash Pty Ltd is under threat from New Zealand imports. It believes that “unfair competition” from across the Tasman could result in workers being laid off if it continues. **** WOOLWORTHS has been refused a liquor licence for its Leongatha supermarket.

An application for the licence was refused at a hearing in Korumburra last week before the Liquor Control Commission.

10 years ago, February 19, 2002 THE Federal Government will provide more

than $850,000 to help job seekers with a disability obtain work in Gippsland. **** THE Leongatha medical clinic has welcomed four new doctors, two of whom have come from overseas.

Five years ago, February 20, 2007 THE murder of a 79-year-old man, discovered last Tuesday, has shocked residents of Wonthaggi’s Coalfields Caravan and Residential Park. **** SOUTH Gippsland sporting clubs are continuing to look for ways to beat the drought. The Leongatha Tennis Club has been forced to lock up

eight of its courts to protect them from wear and tear.

One year ago, February 22, 2011 TWO trucks rolled in separate incidents in South Gippsland last week. A garbage truck rolled in Loch on Friday and a cattle truck overturned near Buffalo on Wednesday. **** TWO local cricket grounds were vandalised on Thursday night. A vehicle believed to be a four-wheel-drive caused considerable damage to the Koonwarra Recreation Reserve and the Leongatha Secondary College West Campus’ second oval.

Milpara Community House news IT IS the International Year of Reading and most of us find enjoyment losing ourselves in a good book and being transported to another place and time. However, there are people who find it difficult to read for a variety of reasons. At Milpara Community House in Korumburra we have classes to help adults learn to read and write better and even to help them make sense of numbers.

On Mondays we have a qualified teacher who meets students individually to help with literacy. Then a second weekly session can be set up with a volunteer tutor if required.

If English is not your first language we have an English as a Second Language class on Tuesdays at 10am and on Thursdays at 2pm a conversational English for Migrants class is held. **** A three week Excel Spreadsheets course starts on Friday, February 24 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. This course will teach you how to create tables, invoices, budgets and graphs. To complete the Computer Office Essentials Course, Excel is followed by a three week Publisher course to be held on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 9pm. **** If art and craft is more your passion, there is a weekly gift card making class on Friday afternoons. Local artist Lance Rogers teaches painting and drawing on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm for beginners or those with some experience for five weeks commencing February 29. **** Your Business Online workshop will be presented by Small Business Victoria.

This workshop will help you make the most of the internet and is ideal for business owners wanting to increase their online presence and utilise the internet to manage and market their business more effectively. The workshop is designed for business operators who already have a website. The workshop will be held on Thursday, March 15 from 6pm to 9.30pm and includes a light meal. Please contact Milpara on 5655 2524 for further information and to book your place. **** Responsible Service of Alcohol course will be run on Wednesday, March 7 from 9.30am to 1.30pm. This course meets the requirements for bar and hospitality staff, people handling packaged liquor or planning on being the licensee. **** A free community information session will be held at Milpara Community House at 21 Shellcott’s Road, Korumburra on Tuesday, March 6 from 1pm to 2pm. Learn how the South Gippsland Community Register can help you feel more confident and enhance the safety of people who are living alone, socially isolated or disabled. This is a free service supported by the Leongatha Police, South Gippsland Shire Council and managed by the South Gippsland Citizens Advice Bureau. **** Course in Construction (OH&S Induction) will be held on Wednesday March 7 from 3.30pm to 9.30pm. This qualification is now mandatory and legally qualifies the holder for entry to building and construction sites. Certificates are issued by Worksafe. Please call Milpara on 5655 2524 to book your place.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 39

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Postcards tell Loch’s story HOW does a town tell its own story? How does it do justice to a history that might go back 140 years?

Loch is tackling the challenge with enthusiasm.

There are stories of humour, loss and resilience gleaned from historical

records and interviews. There are talented songwriters who compose songs based on those stories. And there is a cast of 26 actors and singers and a five piece band who tell those stories in the way they know best: in performance.

Postcards from Loch traces the arrival of the first selectors in the

Great South Gippsland Forest and the fortunes of the generations that have followed.

There’s an early selector’s account of how he lobbied for the railway; the recollections of a dairy farming couple; a letter written by a young war widow to the grieving friend of her dead husband; and the

Looking back: Kevin Moriarty and Geoff Birnie in good form as they call the last quarter of the 1967 Bass Valley-Wonthaggi Football League grand final in Postcards from Loch. resurrection of the local pub.

In another segment, two radio commentators bring us the last quarter of the 1967 Bass Valley – Wonthaggi Football League grand final.

The match is being played between Loch and Inverloch-Kongwak. The commentary is electric, the game frighteningly close, the victory glorious.

Highly regarded Wonthaggi composer, Larry Hills, has composed and arranged a piece specially for the production.

Those people who saw the early

version of this show, A Walk Through Time last March, will not want to miss Postcards from Loch, which has double the scenes and eight additional songs.

At the first performance at the Loch Public Hall, Saturday, March 3 at 8pm, seats will be reserved at tables (BYO drinks and nibbles). At the second performance on Sunday, March 4, 2pm, there will be no reserved seating.

Tickets can be bought at the Loch Post Office for $10 and are selling fast.

Enquiries: 0427 511 507.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 41

Rocking with Ricki RICKI Wood has been performing live now for over 15 years in bands and as a solo artist, and has encoun-

tered most live scenarios along the way.

Whether it’s pubs, weddings, corporate functions, festivals, charity functions

Lulu in Leongatha: treat yourself by dropping in to Lulu Cafe and seeing barista Tim Renggli for a quality coffee or a quick bite to indulge in. With delectable gourmet pies and quiches, a mouth-watering selection of cakes and cookies and freshly made sushi (available Wednesdays to Fridays) all on the menu, you won’t be stuck for choice!

or birthdays, Ricki has done it all and will be adding The Esplanade Hotel in Inverloch to his long list of venues this Friday.

Described by audience members as a “talented, versatile performer”, his repertoire includes something for all ages and music lovers of all styles, from easy listening, pop, reggae, classic hits, rock and even country; it’s all wrapped up in one show.

Ricki has travelled and performed extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan and Canada. Performing five nights a week for Novotel Hotel in Hong Kong for most of 2010, he encountered people from all over the world and catered for their song requests.

His ability to communicate and entertain through music has become a tool that has kept him in high demand.

Ricki has a personal passion for snow sports and is a resident performer every year at Mount Hotham, doing six shows per week in three venues during the ski season.

For seven years straight, Ricki has been invited to perform at the Beach Hop Festival in Whangamata in New Zealand, one of the country’s largest non-profit

Lyric changes musical tack LEONGATHA Lyric Theatre has been forced to re-think its musical for 2012.

Live at the Espy: versatile and talented musician Ricki Wood will be performing in Inverloch this Friday night. festivals.

Other events Ricki has performed at are Muscle Car Madness in Christchurch for three years running; the 2010 Bledisloe Cup pre and post parties for the teams and selected guests; Hong Kong Police annual boxing charity events and more.

He has also been invited to perform in Hong Kong this coming March for the Hong Kong 7s Rugby event.

Ricki independently wrote, recorded and released a five track EP in 2011 called We Fall, We Rise inspired

by the Christchurch earthquake and the Queensland Floods, with 20 per cent of profits from sales donated to charities involving both tragedies.

A new album is in the works featuring more original music focusing on being raw, both musically and emotionally, and deals with the turning points in one’s life that defines what makes us who we are as people.

The new album will be called All Roads Lead to Now and is aiming for release later this year.

The proposed RENT has been abandoned due to casting difficulties.

So in a complete turnaround of mood, a selection has been made and the company is excited to announce the 2012 musical to be The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a magical story with enjoyment for the whole family.

Many people will know that this show is based on the C.S. Lewis stories, The Chronicles of Narnia.

Lyric’s Peter McAlpine said the group would be looking to cast people aged from 8 to 88.

“It is a broad spectrum, with a big mixture of roles,” he said.

The storyline features four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy who flee war torn London, separated from their parents. They arrive at the old rambling house of Professor Kirk and his housekeeper.

In the spare room, there is only a wardrobe and when Lucy opens it and pushes past the coats, she finds herself in a snow covered wood.

She has entered the magical land of Narnia, where it is permanently winter and where animals talk, trees walk and magic is common.

The other children enter Narnia after hearing of Lucy’s adventure and they meet a lion, a witch and various other inhabitants of Narnia. And so the magical adventures begin.

Lyric Theatre is holding an information day about the show next week on Sunday, February 26 at 3pm at the theatre’s premises, 13 Watson Road, Leongatha.

Auditions are planned for Sunday, March 4 at 2.30pm to 7.30pm and Tuesday, March 6 from 7pm to 10pm.

For further enquiries, contact Peter on 0407 538 245.

Lyric Theatre is also currently preparing for the play Habeas Corpus which will be running from March 23 to 31.

Tickets will be available from March 7 at Mushroom Crafts in Leongatha.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

• Prom Country Regional Tourism lunch, Leongatha • Windmill Ag harvest barbecue, Leongatha South • Korumburra Rotary Art Show •Melbourne Football Club visit to Wonthaggi

More support: Ron and Bev Smith of Fish Creek and Norm Wilkins of Waratah North wanted to learn more about Inclusive Tourism.

Good business: Foster Visitor Information Centre volunteers Bill Davies and Adrian Rathjen attended the Inclusive Tourism luncheon hosted by Prom Country Regional Tourism.

Flautists: a flute ensemble provided a musical back-drop for the recent Rotary Club of Korumburra Art Show. From left: Maddie Cant, Ann-Marie Fleming, Beth O’Brien and flute teacher Justin Abicare.

Local winner: one of the organisers of the Korumburra Art Show was Rotarian Jenny Rowe, with the winning local entry by Andrew Paul Smith, entitled Lovers. Jenny’s business, Picture This Framed, sponsored the award.

Change of game: Jordie McKenzie and Aldo Sartori before their bowls match in Wonthaggi last week.

Footy fans: Jack Trengove (centre) met with Melbourne fans Daryl Pease and Dylan van Steensel at the Wonthaggi Bowls club last week when the Demons were in town.

Ironic sponsorship: Mark Holmes of Korumburra Car Co sponsored this entry which features a digital photo of a wrecked ute entitled Redundance. The photographer was Rob McGrath.

Staff celebrates: all Windmill Ag staff were on hand at the end of season barbecue. From left: Ben Hansch, Neil Johnson and Brad Renden.

Chewing the fat: contractor ‘Rabbit’ Lustgraaf from Binginwarri chats with Windmill Ag’s Mark Allott at the harvest barbecue.

What’s new: contractor John Matheson and dealer principal of Windmill Ag, Jason Henry, talk about the season at the harvest day barbecue.

Contractor’s talk: Malcolm Gray, John Uren and Don McNaughton were pretty happy with how the season had panned out.

Accessible venues: Steve Brewster, Margo Hill and Jill Ayers of Ripplebrook were fascinated by the presentation at the Prom Country Regional Tourism lunch.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 43

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A Ruralco Partner

WANTED FOR EXPORT Friesian Heifers 120kg + over Price: $1250.00 - $1300.00 + GST Friesian Heifers 200kg + over Price: $1450.00 - $1500.00 + GST Registered Holstein Heifers Price: POA Andrew Mackie 0419 595 932

PRELIMINARY NOTICE SPECIAL DAIRY SALE Koonwarra VLE Tuesday 13th March 11.00am Entries include: 30 Jersey Autumn calving Heifers 35 Frieisan-JerseyX Heifers - Due April

FURTHER ENTRIES INVITED Andrew Mackie 0419 595 932 Luke Russell 0408 313815 Phil Malcolm 0408 559408

Ph: (03) 9338 9259 PO Box 462, Tullamarine Business Centre, Tullamarine VIC 3043 www.dairylivestockservices.com.au

Rotary Club of Foster Inc. P.O. Box 55, Foster 3960 ABN 73 274 768 920 2012

• VLE LEONGATHA

Prices cheaper across sale THERE was a larger penning of cattle being offered, and selling to all of the same buyers.

Demand varied across the different classes.

There were some good results for some cattle, but most sold to weaker demand and were 2c to 8c/ kg cheaper. Some of the lower price trends were created by price for quality, with a lot of the cattle sold being in very good condition.

The sale of 90 vealers was mostly cheaper, with most making from 175c to 215c/kg. The top price was 233c/kg for a single sale.

Most of the 145 yearling heifers, and 60 steers

Wednesday, February 15

4 D. & H. Bassed, Waratah North 611kg 185.6 $1134.48 9 J. Scarbossa, Tarwin Lower 580kg 185.0 $1073.00 15 R. Lawson, Tanjil South 565kg 185.0 $1045.25 STEERS 1 K.J. & N.M. Reid, Korumburra 375kg 230.0 $862.50 1 J.B., M.E., C.J. & J.M. Moscript 355kg 215.0 $763.25 Leongatha South 1 B. Schmidt, Meeniyan 387kg 210.0 $813.75 1 T.J. & J.M. Hayward, Leongatha Sth 415kg 210.0 $871.50 1 R.D. & D.J. Collins, Waratah North 380kg 210.0 $798.00 1 W.N. & P.A. Joyce, Jumbunna South 410kg 207.6 $851.16 COWS 7 Maxray Nominees, Buffalo 730kg 157.6 $1151.61 1 R.J. & C.M. Pearson, Hedley 605kg 154.0 $931.70 1 R.J. Harris, Korumburra South 625kg 154.0 $692.50 2 N. Belcher, Woodside 777kg 153.0 $1189.58 13 T. & J. McRae, Buffalo 579kg 151.6 $878.70 1 J.B. Drewett, Yinnar 825kg 151.6 $1250.70 HEIFERS 3 N.M. & M.E. Wight, Hedley 338kg 219.6 $742.98 1 P. McMahon, Thorpdale 320kg 215.0 $688.00 1 J. Matthews, Meeniyan 440kg 208.6 $917.84 1 J.B., M.E., C.J. & J.M. Moscript 325kg 207.2 $673.40 Leongatha South 1 A. Maruzza, Dumbalk 340kg 207.2 $704.48 3 B. Schmidt, Meeniyan 311kg 205.0 $638.92 BULLS 1 R.M. Missen, Gormandale 865kg 171.6 $1484.34 1 R.J. Harris, Korumburra South 940kg 171.2 $1609.28 1 M. & K. Nicholls, Toora 955kg 168.6 $1610.13 1 G. & S. Couper, Dumbalk 1130kg 168.0 $1898.40 1 P. & I.L. Tiziani, Doomburrim 990kg 168.0 $1663.20 1 R. & V. Perks, Korumburra 830kg 166.6 $1382.78

BULLOCKS 1 P. McMahon, Thorpdale 2 S.J. & S.G. Collins, Dumbalk 12 Andco P/L, Mardan

On the Property of R & J Edwards 895 Waratah Rd Fish Creek 10am Start. Large items 12.30PM

Dairy outlook positive

Full list available at http://rotaryclubfoster.blogspot.com.au/ For information Contact Barry Richards 0418 566 316 or rich.bar@bigpond.net.au Auctioneering services being donated by Stevens Egan & Johnston Pty Ltd

OAKLEYS WHITE

DUESBURYS GIPPSLAND

LAWYERS

ACCOUNTANTS

TOORA

159c to 174c for crossbred bullocks, and 140c to 165c/kg for Friesians.

The sale of just over 500 cows generally returned an unchanged result for producers. Prices did vary either side of firm, with better quality beef cows making 142c to 158c/kg.

Most other cows sold from 120c to 145c, while the poorest quality sold from 65c to 128c/kg. The carcass weight price average was estimated to be 283c/kg.

Another very large penning of 128 bulls sold between 152c and 172c for high quality heavy bulls.

Others sold from 120c to 152c and included a lot of lightweight young bulls.

CLEARING SALE FISH CREEK FRIDAY, MARCH 2

The Rotary Club of Foster is pleased to be able to offer this fine range of items on behalf of various vendors and donors. All profits from the sale will be donated to Prom Country Aged Care Building Fund.

Trucks. Mitsubishi 417 5 ton tip tray 94 148K VGO, Stemco quad axle float 12mtr deck hyd ramps RWC.excel, Fork Lift 4Ton 4cyl Perkins Tractors. Claas Ares 2006 135hp 3300h, JD 6300 cab 95hp 7200hrs Deutz Agratron 4wd cab 110 hp, Chamberlain Industrial Loaders x2, Class Arion 620 140hp 4in1 Loader 1600 hrs.Vintage Tractors BMC Nuffield 4 cyl diesel, Fergy 18 1952 Vinelander Fergy Grey/Gold 35 petrol 1958. Mixer Wagon Kuhn 5168E 2011, Balers. Case 628 silage knives 6000 rolls, Claas Rollant 46 4x4, JD 592 High Flow 2002 net 22000 R Baler JD 592 High Flow 2003 net 23500 R, Vermeer 504H parts. Rakes. Claas 650 24' pto Twin Rotor, Howard MX 10 reel, New Holland 56 Roller bar X2, Rotary Krone Swadro 46T, Tonutti 8 wheel v X2, Ferguson 10ft Roller Bar X2, Sirtex Explorer MX 10, Howard V 8 W X2, Fransguard T15000. Mowers. Ferguson 5' Finger Mower, International 5' Finger Mower, JD 8 ft, Claas 7 Disc 3m, JF 460, Tarrup 227, UFO Type 4 drum 3.1 Mtr, Topping 10', Mulcher 8 ft Nobili Tedders. 4 rotor 3.5 mtr Kuhn X2, 3pl Niemerer , 3pl Lely, 12ft Fahr. Silage. Baler Wrapper Vicon 2160 5000 Rolls, Silage Wrapper Tanco 550S Auto, Silage grab fits Loader. Hay Feeders. Roll master, Lyco 2 bale, Hulls,Stephens. Hay rings 3. Hay Forks FEL, Hay Forks 3pl. Super Spreaders. 1 ton trailing, 1 ton Crump, Kurrajong 2 Ton PTO, 3 PL Silvan, 3pl Fergy, 800 Ltr Cosmo Pendular, Kurrajong 1Ton PTO Drive, 1.5 ton Seymour Hydraulic, For 4 wheel Bike X2. Ploughs. Fergy 3 Furrow Disc, International 4 Disc Plough, Chisel Yoemans 7 tyne 3 Furrow Mouldboard, Chisel Berends 9 Spring Tyne, Berends Flexi Tyne Cultivator, Diamond Harrows. Cultivators. Maschio 3.5mtr power harrow, Maschio 8 ft Power Harrow, Rotary Hoe 5' Howard, Rotary Hoe Celli 2.5mtr, Power Harrow Kuhn HRB 302 10’. Motors. TWM 6.5 Hp X 3, TWM 6.5 Hp electric start, 16hp Briggs & Stratton, Robin 10HP. Generators. 10 hp 5.5 KVA Diesel silenced, 6.5 HP 3.5 KVA, Briggs and Stratton 2600, Honda EU20i 2kva.

Stock Handling. Calf cradle, Calf feeder Polymaster 10 bays, Calf Feeders with 5 teats X 5, Bale Head, Cattle Crush Cribben, Cattle Clippers Lister, Technipharm Bail head, Gun Crutcha Sheep Cradle, Shearing Plant 240 volt, Wool Press Ajax, Wool Sorting Table. Grain. Auger 37' X 7" Keogh, Silo 28 ton 50 cub/mtr Nelson X2 (Call for inspection),Larsen Dairy Gates x 2, Macey Auger Drives x2, Other. Trailer Car 14' Ramps and Winch, Lathe Jacobs Wood with tools, Fuel Trailer 1200 ltr electric pump, Petrol bowser , Poly Tarp 30’X50 New, Manure Grader for FEL, Manure Gator, Manure Pump Reeve 7.5 Hp, Pump Fire Fighting 6.5 Hp, 5 X Quart Stroke Fuel Pumps, Spray Honda 200 ltr 20mtr hose, Railway Line 12 X 2.2m, Milk Vat 1200ltr, Roller Flat 10', Saddle Northern River Drafter X 2, Post driver Massey Ferguson.

Quad Bikes. Suzuki 500, Honda 300, Suzuki Eiger 400c, 1997 Honda Suit Parts.

Suzuki DR200 motor cycle, Boats. Mirror Yacht, 4.3 Stacer c/cons 70 hp Jon, 14' alum, 8' alum, Wind surfer, Sea Kayak 4.5mtr. Garden. Ride On Mower, Husqvarna LT1536 15hp, 36", Massey Ferguson , 15hp, 38", J Deere L110 , 17.5hp, 42"cut, Cox mower 13hp, 32"cut, Pizza Oven, 2 x Garden Cultivators. 2X Freezers 2X W/ machines.

HEAPS OF SUNDRIES over 220 lots sample listed above Payment. Absolute: By cash or approved Cheque on day of sale Number system to apply ID. Required. No buyer premium. GSTwhere applicable.

Luncheon available.

10 klm from Fish Creek follow signs off road parking.

Storr Transport Pty. Ltd.

were cheaper, which saw most make from 167c to 200c for steers, and 158c to 184c/kg for heifers.

Close to 900 grown steers and bullocks were penned, and included some light and medium weight steers mouthed 0 to 2 teeth. These sold from 175c to 187c, as did the grown steers. Prices were 4c to 7c/kg cheaper.

Solid demand for Angus bullocks saw these sell unchanged to 3c/kg cheaper, making from 176c to 182c/kg. Other prime bullocks sold anywhere between 166c and 178c/kg, prices varying due mostly to weight issues.

Manufacturing steers and bullocks made from

Foster & Toora Community Bank

ONE hundred and fifty of Australia’s dairy leaders met recently to hear briefings on the future of the industry.

565kg 187.6 $1059.94 607kg 187.2 $1137.24 591kg 185.6 $1098.13

Representation included directors and dairy leaders from 11 of Australia’s most progressive dairy companies, funding bodies, science providers and advocacy groups.

The picture presented by speakers was universally positive for the Australian dairy industry.

Increasingly affluent markets for dairy, particularly in Asia, are leading to demand for dairy far exceeding global supply.

MG’s Gary Helou said Australia exports eight per

cent of the world trade in dairy products and needs to build on its reputation as a preferred supplier to carefully targeted and selected markets.

A priority issue for government is going to be improving market access for Australian dairy products into China through negotiation to lower tariff barriers.

In recent years India had taken 17 years and China 12 years to double their GDP and had now “arrived’ as global powers.

Premier Ted Baillieu reinforced the importance of emerging economies by announcing he would lead Victorian trade delegations to both countries in the next two months.

Joe Giblin from Terang and member of the Western Region Extension Committee said: “As a dairy farmer I found the meeting to be a positive environment with all dairy leaders so upbeat about the future and potential markets that our dairy products can reach.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 45

Rust beats blackberries WITH blackberry infesting roughly 8.8 million hectares of temperate Australia, biological control remains the only viable management option for many infestations, according to the CSIRO.

In South Gippsland, there is a great deal of community interest in blackberry leaf rust-fungus (a biological control agent) as a tool for controlling blackberry.

The rust-fungus is a defoliating disease host specific to European blackberries approved for use in Australia.

The rust-fungus has fruiting bodies (spores) that damage leaves, occasionally green stems, stalks, sepals and unripened fruit and is capable of causing severe defoliation in susceptible species given the right conditions.

In terms of how effective the rust-fungus is in suppressing growth, light is one of the more important requirements.

Generally sites that have full sun and or very little shade are suitable, sites in open woodland, open creek lines and fence lines are preferable. Shaded sites are typically not suitable.

Rainfall and temperature are the other important factors. Sites receiving an annual rainfall of 800mm or greater with an average maximum daily temperature of about 20°C for the month of January are more likely to be successful (Weeds CRC 2005), making South Gippsland the ideal place for leaf-rust

establishment.

In response to community interest, the South Gippsland Landcare Network in partnership with VicRoads and the DPI hosted a community rust collection day in Leongatha recently.

Thirty landholders from the region received blackberry leaves infected with the leaf rust fungus to take home and distribute on blackberries on or adjoining their properties.

VicRoads environmental officer Kelly Blackall provided the group with their infected leaves and gave a practical demonstration on how to distribute the rust onto uninfected blackberry plants as a means of spreading the rust-fungus.

The blackberry leaves provided were infected with a relatively new strain of rustfungus that has been showing promising results.

Older strains of rust-fungus were first released into the environment in the 1980s.

South Gippsland Landcare Network project officer Kate Williams said: “The leaf-rust relies upon its host to survive. It’s not going to eat itself out of house and home now is it? Also keep in mind that biological control will not be effective across the range where blackberry infestations occur and therefore an integrated weed management approach will be necessary if effective control is what you’re after.”

For further information please contact Ms Williams on 5662 5759 or email katew@wgcma.vic.gov.au.

Offering tips: VicRoads environmental officer Kelly Blackall demonstrated to the group how the blackberry leaf rust-fungus is released onto a blackberry plant.

Success to be revealed WHEN the GippsDairy Focus Farm started at Kevin and Helen Jones’ dairy farm near Foster in September 2009, the dairy industry was in survival mode, said John Mulvany, the facilitator at the Focus Farm.

As a result, the farm became a very deliberate focus in the 2009-2010 season.

In addition there were infrastructure issues related to taking the farm from 260 to 360 cows. The farm was growing plenty of pasture but dairy shed capacity, farm tracks, and staffing were evident as being important

in the future. Questions like, do you just employ more staff or improve dairy throughput by increasing dairy shed size, needed to be carefully evaluated.

Those factors needed to be considered in an environment where the Jones family, Kevin, Helen, and children Katie and Mitchell were keen to improve lifestyle and reduce debt.

John Mulvany says all of the goals have been achieved. Debt is lower despite substantial spending on the farm, lifestyle is better because there are significantly more paid hours than in 2009, and the farm facili-

ties now match the milking area and pasture production ability of the farm.

The Focus Farm Support Group has been meeting each month to review progress and new issues as they arise. Developing a fertiliser strategy and with assistance dealing with a mastitis problem were also resolved.

A field day at this Focus Farm on Wednesday, February 29 from 11am to 2.30pm will explain how this farm has successfully operated. Lunch provided.

For more information phone John Gallienne on 0407 863 493.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

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ATSI Community Consultation on Monday, March 19 from 11am - 2pm for any person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent or in care of any ATSI children to come along and discuss being part of a Koori playgroup and/or Koori Kitchen for the Bass Coast area, at Bass Coast Shire foyer at Wonthaggi, and on March 22 from 11am - 2pm at Gipps Tafe Leongatha.

Mike Moule at Ramahyuck, Wonthaggi 5672-1455.

Appointments to the Board of the South Gippsland Region Water Corporation Do you have the skills, experience and commitment to lead as a board member of one of Victoria’s key essential service providers? Are you a strategic problem solver with a passion for tackling challenges head on?

Do you have regional expertise and key knowledge of local issues?

The Victorian Government invites suitably qualified and experienced people to register an expression of interest for the position of board director of South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (trading as South Gippsland Water).

South Gippsland Water provides water and sewerage services to customers within its region which includes Cape Paterson, Leongatha, and Yarram. The terms of three board directors expire in 2012, and this is an opportunity for people with leadership and vision to be considered for these positions.

CHURCH SERVICE for World Day of prayer.

Theme: Let Justice Prevail.

Christian Reformed Church, cnr Brown-Peart Sts, Leongatha, 10.30am Friday March 2, 2012.

Followed by a cuppa. All welcome.

Under board direction, corporations must build strong partnerships with their communities and customers to deliver high quality and sustainable water services to their regions. Each director is required to contribute to the effective operation of the board.

Directors must demonstrate a commitment to integrated water resource management, with a focus on environmental, economic and social sustainability. Directors must also show a personal commitment to integrity, disclosure of interests and be able to maintain confidentiality on relevant board matters.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring the diversity of our boards represents the diversity of our communities. Women, indigenous persons, people with a disability, young people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER”

Under government policy, remuneration of between $20,000 and $29,999 is currently paid to South Gippsland Water board directors. The terms of office for directors will commence on 1 October 2012 and expire on 30 September 2015.

Background information on South Gippsland Water can be obtained by contacting Mr Philippe du Plessis, Managing Director on (03) 5682 0425, or by visiting www.sgwater.com.au.

Essential information for applicants and expressions of interest forms may be obtained at: www.water.vic.gov.au/boardappointments. Alternatively applicants can contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Expressions of interest close Friday 9 March 2012.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Unsuccessful applicants from the 2011 water board appointment process who wish to be considered in 2012 are not required to submit a new application.

They are invited to register their interest in their application being reconsidered via email to: water.governance@dse.vic.gov.au.

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

mitch44775

CHIROPRACTOR

www.dse.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186

Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

Appointments to the Board of the Gippsland and Southern Rural Water Corporation

RUSSELL IN THE RuSLe

Do you have the skills, experience and commitment to lead as a board member of one of Victoria’s key essential service providers? Are you a strategic problem solver with a passion for tackling challenges head on?

Do you have regional expertise and key knowledge of local issues?

Hosted by the South Gippsland Branch of the Liberal Party

The Victorian Government invites suitably qualified and experienced people to register an expression of interest for the position of board director of Gippsland and Southern Rural Water Corporation (trading as Southern Rural Water).

Southern Rural Water provides bulk water supplies, irrigation and drainage services and domestic and stock water to customers within its region which covers the southern half of country Victoria. The terms of three board directors expire in 2012, and this is an opportunity for people with leadership and vision to be considered for these positions.

Under board direction, corporations must build strong partnerships with their communities and customers to deliver high quality and sustainable water services to their regions. Each director is required to contribute to the effective operation of the board.

Directors must demonstrate a commitment to integrated water resource management, with a focus on environmental, economic and social sustainability. Directors must also show a personal commitment to integrity, disclosure of interests and be able to maintain confidentiality on relevant board matters.

Jetski endorsement included

SAN REMO Tuesday February 28 6pm - 10.15pm

Under government policy, remuneration of between $20,000 and $29,999 is currently paid to Southern Rural Water board directors. The terms of office for directors will commence on 1 October 2012 and expire on 30 September 2015.

Bookings essential Phone Bob 0417 524 005

Background information on Southern Rural Water can be obtained by contacting Mr Brian Carr, Corporation Secretary on 0409 428 521, or by visiting www.srw.com.au.

Essential information for applicants and expressions of interest forms may be obtained at: www.water.vic.gov.au/boardappointments. Alternatively applicants can contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Expressions of interest close Friday 9 March 2012.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Approved MSV course Australian Boating College.

Provider No. 3399

Mirboo North COUNTRY MARKET BAROMI PARK Saturday, February 25 (Morning)

mitch44776

www.dse.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186

AT LEONGATHA RSL Cnr Smith St & Michael Place, Leongatha Come and meet your local Member of Parliament to discuss issues that matter to you. $10 per person, inc. finger food - drinks available at bar prices - with a raffle RSVP by Monday February 20 to 5662 3492 or Geoff 0419 576 156

BOAT LICENCE COURSE

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring the diversity of our boards represents the diversity of our communities. Women, indigenous persons, people with a disability, young people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Unsuccessful applicants from the 2011 water board appointment process who wish to be considered in 2012 are not required to submit a new application. They are invited to register their interest in their application being reconsidered via email to: water.governance@dse.vic.gov.au.

Wednesday February 22 6.45pm for 7pm

Stalls may be set up from 7.30am Plants, toys, bric-a-brac, books, crafts, flowers

Contact Maxine 5668 2465

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 47

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business opportunities BUSINESS FOR SALE THE HUB CYCLE CENTRE

SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Wonthaggi Est. for over 30 years Great opportunity in a growing region Price on application For further information call Jeremy at Sell A Business on 0421 720 661

Music for the People CONCERT

accommodation

for rent VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Permanent rental also available. Contact: 0408-320001.

for hire SHIPPING CONTAINER hire, $25 per week, site hut $35 per week. Your place or mine. 0419-313483.

public notices SPRAYLINE SURFACING SERVICES Subject to weather, SprayLine will be conducting Bituminous Surfacing works on the South Gippsland Highway Leongatha between 130.69km and 130.95km on Sunday February 26, 2012.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Sam Campbell on 0418 513 014

Featuring the Victorian Concert Orchestra and local artists Mossvale Park - Mossvale Park Rd, Strzelecki Hwy (between Leongatha and Mirboo North)

11:00am - 4:30pm Sunday 26 February 2012 Entry - $10 - Tickets available at the Gate

public notices

Do you have the skills, experience and commitment to lead as a board member of one of Victoria’s key essential service providers? Are you a strategic problem solver with a passion for tackling challenges head on?

Do you have regional expertise and key knowledge of local issues?

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

public notices

Training recommencing for 2012 on 30/1/12 Sandy Pt, Foster, Toora and Inverloch New students always welcome Accredited I.M.A instructors, 25 yrs exp For all info call Andy Law on 0409 871 305

ALLOW CLEAR ACCESS TO WATER METERS South Gippsland Water reads water meters 3 times a year, in March, July and November. This ensures you receive accurate accounts based on the amount of water you have used over the 4 month period between accounts. You can help the meter readers to continue this service by maintaining the area around the water meter, so that it is easy to locate, and easy to read.

Clear away shrubs and vegetation around the water meter and make sure it is above the ground.

Allow a clear track to the meter so that the meter readers can get close enough without having to side step plants and shrubs or step over garden beds. These simple actions will make the reading of meters quick and easy and help keep your accounts as accurate as possible.

mitch44779

The Victorian Government invites suitably qualified and experienced people to register an expression of interest for the position of board director of Westernport Region Water Corporation (trading as Westernport Water).

Westernport Water provides water and sewerage services to customers within its region which includes Corinella, Newhaven and San Remo. The terms of three board directors and the chair expire in 2012, and this is an opportunity for people with leadership and vision to be considered for these positions.

Under board direction, corporations must build strong partnerships with their communities and customers to deliver high quality and sustainable water services to their regions. Each director is required to contribute to the effective operation of the board.

Directors must demonstrate a commitment to integrated water resource management, with a focus on environmental, economic and social sustainability. Directors must also show a personal commitment to integrity, disclosure of interests and be able to maintain confidentiality on relevant board matters.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring the diversity of our boards represents the diversity of our communities. Women, indigenous persons, people with a disability, young people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Under government policy, remuneration of between $10,000 and $19,999 is currently paid to Westernport Water board directors. The terms of office for directors will commence on 1 October 2012 and expire on 30 September 2015.

Background information on Westernport Water can be obtained by contacting Ms Christine Hammond, Executive Assistant on (03) 5956 4118, or by visiting www.westernportwater.com.au.

Essential information for applicants and expressions of interest forms may be obtained at: www.water.vic.gov.au/boardappointments. Alternatively applicants can contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Expressions of interest close Friday 9 March 2012.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Unsuccessful applicants from the 2011 water board appointment process who wish to be considered in 2012 are not required to submit a new application.

They are invited to register their interest in their application being reconsidered via email to: water.governance@dse.vic.gov.au. www.dse.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186

lost BLACK COWS (two), in the Mt Eccles area. Missing since early January. Ph: 5668-9266.

PROM COAST MARTIAL ARTS CLUB Tai Chi / Qigong & Karate

Appointments to the Board of the Westernport Region Water Corporation

For more information contact our Customer Service Staff on 1300 851 636 or 5682 0444

public notices

situations vacant

public notices

TRUCK DRIVER Capeview requires the services of a suitably licensed truck and crane operator. The position includes deliveries of windows, doors and general building materials.

The applicant would need to be fit as this position includes some heavy lifting. Some overtime is required also.

Please apply in writing to: Peter Sheerin, Capeview Building Products P.O Box 115, Wonthaggi 3995 Applications close on Friday February 24, 2012

UnitingCare Gippsland is a quality accredited community service agency. Staff and volunteers provide a range of community services in Gippsland for children, young people, families and individuals. The Agency has a vision of a healthy Gippsland, where disadvantage and inequity are challenged.

UnitingCare Gippsland has the following vacancies:

Youth Development Workers x 3 positions Latrobe Valley - 15 hours South Gippsland - 30 hours Bass Coast - 30 hours, with potential for 38 hours Post secondary qualifications in Welfare, Youth, Community Development or related field (minimum requirement – Diploma Level) Certificate level qualifications will be considered if applicant is willing to further their study.

For further information on the above position please telephone Barbara Livingstone on (03) 5662 5150

South Coast Child FIRST & Integrated Family Services Workers x 2 positions Child FIRST Intake Worker - 38 hours Integrated Family Services Case Manager - 38 hours Based in Leongatha Post secondary qualifications in Welfare or related field (minimum requirement – Degree Level) Diploma level qualifications will be considered if applicant is willing to further their study.

For further information on the above position please telephone Marie Jones-French on 5662 5150 Application forms and position descriptions are available at www.ucgipps.org.au or call Kirstie Pearce on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you.

Applications close 5pm Friday 2nd March 2012 and are to be sent to: Kirstie Pearce, HR Co-ordinator UnitingCare Gippsland PO Box 454 Bairnsdale Vic 3875 UnitingCare Gippsland offers a family friendly workplace UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

public notices

Strengthening Small Dairy Communities

Community project funding now available!

Strengthening Small Dairy Communities - Lower Tarwin Valley

This training will provide participants with practical hands on skills to successfully develop a community project from the idea stage through to applying for funds and project implementation.

Training will be delivered over 4 sessions from 10am to 2pm with a choice of 2 locations.

Lunch will be provided.

Session 1: Dumbalk, Wednesday February 29 or Fish Creek Sunday March 4 Session 2: Dumbalk, Wednesday March 21 or Fish Creek, Sunday March 25

Session 3: Dumbalk, Wednesday April 4 or Fish Creek, Sunday April 15 Session 4: Dumbalk, Wednesday April 18 or Fish Creek, Sunday April 29

Our Community is offering a $500 Grant to one of the participating groups to put toward a community project that is developed through the training.

This training is being offered as part of the Gardiner Foundation’s Strengthening Small Dairy Communities pilot project in the Lower Tarwin Valley district. It coincides with the second Gardiner Foundation funding round through which participating communities can apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Gardiner grants info: http://www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/ programs/strengthening.htm To register and discuss eligibility contact Marzia Maurilli ph: 5662 9805 or email marziam@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

situations vacant EXPERIENCED BAR PERSON

Free Community Training Project Management Grant Writing Team Management

situations vacant

PROFESSIONAL person seeks midweek self contained accommodation in or close to Leongatha.

Ph: 0431-380089.

As part of its “Strengthening Small Dairy Communities” project in the Lower Tarwin Valley, the Gardiner Foundation is pleased to offer a further $60,000 in funding for community projects.

The Lower Tarwin Valley project district is made up of the communities of Buffalo, Dumbalk, Fish Creek, Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Tarwin Lower, and Venus Bay, and the district in between.

These communities are now invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support community projects. These grants can help fund new community infrastructure and events, or provide seed funding which communities can leverage with other funding bodies.

Funding Round 2 - $60,000 available in grants of up to $10,000: • Opens Wednesday 29th February 2012 • Closes 5pm Friday 11th May 2012 Application forms and funding guidelines can be downloaded from www.gardinerfoundation.com. au/programs/strengthening.htm Please read the funding guidelines carefully and check your eligibility, before submitting an application.

Need help to write a winning grant application?

Come and receive some free training in grant writing and project planning! Workshop your project right through from concept development to planning, budgeting and implementation. Our Community will run a series of 4 workshops with the Lower Tarwin Valley communities commencing 29th February.

For more information contact: Marzia Maurilli Kate Randall South Gippsland Shire Council Gardiner Foundation 5662 9805 9606 1919 marziam@southgippsland.vic.gov.au kate.randall@gardinerfoundation.com.au The “Strengthening Small Dairy Communities” Lower Tarwin Valley project is supported by the Gardiner Foundation and delivered in partnership with South Gippsland Shire Council and GippsDairy.

Must have current RSA and at least 2 years experience in bar and bistro areas.

Hours will be covering Thurs, Fri & Sat day and/or evening shifts.

Resumés to ctaylor-reed@wppipe.com.au

EARN $50-$300+ Drop & collect catalogues and deliver orders in your area.

IMMEDIATE START Phone 1300 306 306 www.homecare.com.au

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

free

situations vacant

FREE Pick-up and delivery in Leongatha/Meeniyan areas for MOTOR MOWERS,

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

wanted to buy FRIESIAN heifer young calves. Ph: 0447-398822.

OLD FARM four wheelers, ag bikes, machinery, to do up. Call and let me know what you have. Will pay cash. Phone Matt 0401194601.

situations vacant

BOILERMAKER The Vemco Group currently has a vacancy for an experienced, reliable and enthusiastic Boilermaker to join our team in our Leongatha workshop.

Applicants will have proven experience building new and challenging vehicles in a clean, friendly, and professional work environment. A heavy endorsed vehicle and forklift licence would be favourable. Experience in a similar role together with a strong commitment to safety and the ability to work well in a team is essential.

Please forward applications to: Attn: Amanda Fonovic P O Box 478 MOUNT WAVERLEY VIC 3149 Email: applications@vemco.com.au

wanted DUST AWAY CLEANING SERVICE Family owned business DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING Pensioner rates COVERING SOUTH GIPPSLAND AREA Phone 0400 614 056 or 0409 547 461

SEMI DRIVER

Capeview requires the services of a suitably HC licensed semi and crane operator. The position includes deliveries of frames, trusses and associated building materials.

The applicant would need to be fit as this position includes some heavy lifting. Some overtime is required also.

Please apply in writing to: Peter Sheerin, Capeview Building Products PO Box 115, Wonthaggi 3995 Applications close Friday March 2, 2012

CARAVANS WANTED CASH PAID 0417 592 169

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

situations vacant

situations vacant

Full time Admin Officer required for very busy property valuations company located in Wonthaggi.

A positive and mature outlook is necessary for dealing with our clients and a can do and proactive attitude is required to work within a professional environment.

Ability to work under pressure and meet time lines.

Accurate typing skills of 60wpm, Advanced MS Office Suite, super organised, ability to multi task, excellent telephone manner, ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

Please send Application and CV to Tamara.wilson@prp.com.au Applications close 2/3/12

Bookkeeper/Administration Officer Building a Healthy Community

Counsellor 0.5 EFT BCCHS seeks expressions of interest for the part time employment of an enthusiastic person to provide an effective and supportive generalist counselling practice to meet the needs of clients.

Remuneration for this 2.5 days per week position as per relevant professional qualifications.

Enquiries to Louk Thiele, Acting Coordinator Allied Health Team.

To obtain a position description and an employment application form, please telephone reception on 5671 9200 or refer to our website: www.bcchs.com.au Applicants must address the key selection criteria and submit an Application for Employment form.

Applications close 5 pm Tuesday 13 March 2012 and should be addressed to: HR Administrator Bass Coast Community Health Service 1 Back Beach Road, San Remo 3925 Or by email to: HR@bcchs.com.au

South Gippsland Shire Council

Temporary Part time – until 30 June 2012 22.8 hours per week $33.42 per hour An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably qualified Waste Water Officer to join our Planning & Environmental Health Team.

Your focus will be to review and develop the Municipal Domestic Waste Water Management Plan and to develop and implement a domestic waste water compliance program.

A degree in Applied Science or eligibility for membership with Environmental Health Australia along with demonstrated experience in environmental health or the waste water field is essential.

Enquiries to: Tim Brown, Environmental Health Coordinator on (03) 5662 9200.

Do you enjoy making a difference?

All applicants must submit an Application Form and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description, by 5pm Wednesday 29 February 2012.

people

situations vacant

SITUATIONS VACANT

Strategic Waste Water Officer

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

situations vacant

Further information and a position description is available from our website.

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Are you an experienced Bookkeeper seeking a rewarding position with a local, well established and reputable company?

Meeniyan Stockfeeds is a successful company offering a wide range of feeds to suit most livestock sectors. They now have an exciting opportunity for a Bookkeeper/ Administration Officer to join their team on a part-time basis. They pride themselves on their exceptional service and are seeking someone who can offer the same.

The successful applicant for this role will have proven experience in a Bookkeeping position and extensive experience with QuickBooks. You will need to have the ability to accurately complete a high volume of data entry and possess excellent administration skills. The successful applicant must be a proactive, organised and self-motivated person with high attention to detail.

Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills is imperative for this role.

If you want to join a company which looks after its staff in a friendly and supportive environment then we want to hear from you!

Please forward your written application, including 3 referees, to: Meeniyan Stockfeeds 24 Hanily Street Meeniyan VIC 3956

South Gippsland Shire Council

Café Attendants • Permanent Part Time • 15 hours per week • $24.20 per hour Do you enjoy customer service?

Do you love working with food?

This is an ideal opportunity to bring your customer service skills to our friendly team at Coal Creek Community Park & Museum located in Korumburra.

You will be required to work part time Thursday to Monday. Your responsibilities will be to provide quick, friendly service to customers, including sandwich making and the operation of coffee machines and all other facets of food and beverage services.

A Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate is a requirement of this role.

Enquiries to Rowena Ashley, Coal Creek Coordinator, on (03) 5655 1811.

All applicants must submit an Application Form and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description, by 5pm Wednesday 7 March 2012.

Further information and a position description is available from our website.

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Customer Relationship Officer Can you listen and talk with people?

Are you passionate about delivering real service and solutions?

Full time position located in Leongatha, VIC Bendigo Bank branches are all about people working together to build stronger communities. To be successful as a Customer Relationship Officer you’ll be committed to putting customers’ needs first, developing financial solutions to suit their needs.

You will use your interpersonal skills to build relationships with new and existing customers, developing and implementing customer communication and marketing strategies.

You will assist the Branch Manager with the tailoring of financial solutions encompassing all facets of consumer solutions. In addition, your work will play an important role in the local community.

In return you’ll become a key part of a diverse team in a rewarding work environment where you can continue your career development.

So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be part of the Bendigo team, we want to hear from you. Visit careers.bendigobank.com.au to find out more or to submit your application, quoting reference number VIC796927. Or write to Mark Hoffman, Retail Operations Officer, PO Box 698, Warragul 3820. Applications close on Monday 27 February 2012.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178. AFSL 237879. (148899_v5)

South Gippsland Shire Council

Tourism Information Officer Maternity leave replacement Temporary Part time 30.4 hours per week Council has an exciting opportunity for a Tourism Information Officer to join the Prom Country Visitor Information Centres located in Korumburra and Foster.

You will be responsible for assisting the Visitor Services Coordinator in key administration tasks, development of promotional material, and management of the online accommodation reservation system and the delivery of information to visitors. The role requires weekend work on a rotating roster between the two centres.

You will have Year 12 secondary education or equivalent and experience in Visitor Centre operations or in a similar tourism, customer service or administration role.

Knowledge of the tourism sector would be a distinct advantage.

Enquiries to: Danielle Todaro, Tourism Coordinator on (03) 5662 9200.

All applicants must submit an Application Form and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description, by 5pm Wednesday 29 February 2012.

(10/02/2012)

Further information and a position description is available from our website.

careers.bendigobank.com.au

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Vacancy for an APPRENTICE IN HORTICULTURE (TURF) Leongatha Golf Club is seeking a motivated person, who must be able to work well in a team environment and take the responsibilities of an apprenticeship. (eg. hands on work and all required written assignments.)

This role includes but is not limited to: the mowing of all surfaces, course set up, application of non-toxic chemicals/fertilisers, pruning and removal of vegetation, preparation and maintenance of bunkers.

The position is full time and available immediately.

Apprenticeship rates and conditions apply. This position would suit those wishing to begin an apprenticeship in golf course maintenance, or those already undertaking 1st or 2nd year apprenticeship in this field.

Enquiries can be made to the Club on (03) 5664 3314 or by emailing lgc@skymesh.com.au Attention Course Manager.

Applications must be in writing with suitable referees included.

Applications close Tuesday February 28th and must be sent to Leongatha Golf Club, PO Box 578, Leongatha Vic, 3953 or hand delivered to the club at 855 Inverloch-Koonwarra Rd, Leongatha South.

DRIVER’S LICENCE PREFERRED This is your opportunity to become part of the team at one of Victoria’s best country golf courses.

The Board, Leongatha Golf Club

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 49

situations vacant

situations vacant

for sale

for sale

VACUUM CLEANER

No Bank Qualifying

DUST BAGS

3 br. Wonthaggi

Repairs

Library Opportunity BRANCH MANAGER - INVERLOCH LIBRARY Are you motivated, enthusiastic and looking for an exciting opportunity to deliver library services to a beachside community?

West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation is seeking a friendly, enthusiastic and service oriented professional to manage the Inverloch Library and Customer Service Centre.

A salary range of $53,539 to $61,727 per annum is on offer.

Interested? Go to our website at www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au for a Position Description and application details or give Mrs Carol Harper a call on 5622 2849.

Applications close 27th February, 2012 John Murrell Chief Executive Officer

PAYROLL OFFICER - JOB SHARE Part Time

Applications are invited for the above position to undertake the above role.

We are seeking a person with the ability to analyse complex payroll scenarios, with a high level of interpersonal skills and with a strong customer service focus.

The successful applicant will be required to meet strict deadlines.

Candidates must have an experienced payroll background with the ability to interpret and maintain award provisions, taxation and superannuation legislation.

Previous experience with SAP and Kronos systems, while not essential, will be considered favourably.

Applications should be made to Janet Arrott-Watt addressing the selection criteria listed in the position description.

Further information for this position can be obtained by contacting The Personnel Manager 5667 5503.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a current satisfactory police record check.

Applications close 24th February and should be addressed to: Janet Arrott-Watt Personnel Manager Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA 3953

Building a Healthy Community

Adult Drug & Alcohol Diversion Worker (Minimum requirements: Diploma in Alcohol & Other Drugs & Mental Health, Welfare or related fields) 0.6 EFT – 3Days 9am – 5.06pm BCCHS seeks expressions of interest for the part time employment of an enthusiastic person to work with adults in the Bass Coast Shire. You will work with a team of Drug & Alcohol workers, supported by a Team Coordinator, and provide a range of innovative interventions to service users via comprehensive assessment, counselling and case summaries for clients whose substance use contributes to their involvement in the forensic justice system (Court).

The successful applicant will also need to demonstrate the ability to deliver health and education sessions/ groups to service users.

Remuneration for this position as per relevant professional qualifications.

Inquiries to Karley Oakley, Coordinator Drug & Alcohol Services. To obtain a position description and an employment application form, please telephone reception on 5671 3500 or refer to our website: www.bcchs.com.au.

Applications must address the key selection criteria, and include the Application for Employment form.

Applications close 5 pm, February 24th, 2012 and should be addressed to: HR Administrator Bass Coast Community Health Service 1 Back Beach Road San Remo Vic 3925 Or by email to: hr@bcchs.com.au

Sales

FREE

QUOTES

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE 167 Graham Street, Wonthaggi (opp. Ritchies IGA)

5672 3127

situations vacant

Own It Now $497 / wk

8677-9130 situations vacant

ASSOCIATE NURSE UNIT MANAGER Minimum of 7 shifts per fortnight – 0.73 EFT (56 hours/fortnight) Applications are invited for the position of Associate Nurse Unit Manager. Applicants with experience in Medical/Surgical Nursing – Midwifery or Critical Care will be highly regarded. The successful applicant must be prepared to relieve the Nurse Unit Manager, undertake delegated portfolio work, work all tours of duty and will have completed or be prepared to undertake Advanced Life Support competencies.

You will possess the following: • Current and well developed nursing care skills with a commitment to share knowledge and skill with others • Current registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency • Current Police Check • Clinical Nursing Skills as listed in P.I. 4 in the position description • Middle management skills including (but not restricted to): o Good Interpersonal skills o Organisational and problem solving skills o Time management skills • Evidence of ongoing self development • Understanding of ANCI competencies and Codes of Ethics/Professional conduct • Practices and promotes commitment to Australian Confederation of Operating Room Nurses Limited Competency Standards (Perioperative Nurses) • Practices and promotes commitment to Australian College of Midwives incorporated Competency Standards (Midwives) The successful applicant will have proven clinical and management experience or be working towards this.

REGISTERED NURSE / REGISTERED MIDWIFE Full time / Part time / Casual Applications are invited for the position of Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife. The successful applicant will need to provide all facets of care, while working as part of a team in our midwifery and acute area.

You will possess the following: Essential: • Current registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency • Current Police Check • Successful completion of Graduate Year/Transition program incl. beginning development of: o Good Interpersonal skills o Organisational and problem solving skills o Time management and decision making skills • Evidence of ongoing self development • Understanding of ANCI competencies and Codes of Ethics/Professional conduct • Practices and promotes commitment to Australian College of Midwives incorporated Competency Standards (Midwives) Desirable: • Current clinical experience in Midwifery The successful applicant will have proven clinical and midwifery experience and be enthusiastic for a challenge whilst working within a team environment.

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 permanent staff. All applicants will be required to provide 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 or visit our website at www.gshs.com.au Applicants are also encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5504 to discuss employment opportunities at GSHS. Completed application kits can be forwarded

by Friday 2nd March 2012 to: Neil Langstaff, Director of Nursing Inpatient/Residential Care Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA VIC 3953

for sale

for sale

TRACTOR McCormack CX105 2006 Bucket and forks Only 500km, no heavy work $52,000 No GST Phone 5657 3277 or 0419 379 101

FOR SALE JOHN DEERE 1120 51HP 2 WHEEL DRIVE TRACTOR 4768 hours Fully resprayed Full engine rebuild $9,000 Paul 0438 961 377 CAMPER TRAILER Tru Blu off-road 2010, 12 foot tent, awning, kitchen, ex.

Cond. $15,000. Ph: 0407343796.

CARAVAN Coromal 1984 pop-top low line with annex.

Good condition $8,500 ONO. Ph: 0427-343498.

FIREWOOD available, cut to order. At Nerrena. Ph: 0417-141559.

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175.

HAY - small square bales, $7 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 5664-1320, 0428-999691.

HAY FOR SALE Compact small squares, lucerne / clover / straw.

Now available.

BROWNS STOCKFEED 23-31 Geary Road, Leongatha. 5662-3199.

HAY for sale, 500 small squares $6.50. Can arrange delivery. 5664-0028.

tenders

tenders

ISA BROWN pullets, 17 weeks, fully immunised, not debeaked, $20 each.

Also laying hens 30 weeks old, $25. Taking orders now. Trade-ins welcome.

Pick up on Friday, February 24 between 3 and 4.30pm at the old Korumburra Saleyards. Chook food available on the day.

Unwanted animals taken, other animals for sale. Call Mark at Animals From The Farm, 0419-425257 or 5629-9685.

LUCERNE HAY and mulch, LSQ, rolls, sml sq. ASK Ag., Cowwarr. Ph: 5148-9397.

PASTURE HAY premium quality, all bale types. ASK Ag., Cowwarr. Ph: 51489397.

SHIPPING CONTAINER 20ft, weatherproof, good condition $2,000. Ph: 0428629756 or 0429-634245.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

TIMBER Kiln dried blackwood, silver wattle, cypress, celery top pine, most sizes for furniture and craft, also slabs and structural pine. Ph: 56812261.

tenders

PROM COUNTRY AGED CARE Expression of Interest for

Head Contractors PCAC requests EOI’s from head contractors for the construction of their new 60 bed Aged Care Facility in O’Connell Foster.

EOI’s should include company profile, relevant experience and be limited to no more than 6 pages. Only head contractors that are Accredited under the National Code of Practice for Occupational Health & Safety need apply.

The National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry, in conjunction with the Australian Government Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry, August 2009, apply to this project.

EOI’s must be submitted in hard copy to: Connect PM Pty Ltd, Level 4, 210 Kings Way, South Melbourne, no later than Friday the 24th of February at 2pm

tenders

INVITATION TO TENDER BUILDING WORKS LINTON COURT ELDERLY PEOPLES HOMES SOCIETY INC LCEPHS is a voluntary society which provides independent living units for older people. The society proposes to carry out extensions & internal renovation work to 2 of its adjacent units beings units 23 & 24, at McDonald Street, Foster.

Registered builders interested in the project are invited to tender for the works. Builders should contact Bob Austin on telephone number 5689 1208 to arrange a site inspection and obtain relevant plans and specifications.

Tenders close at 5pm on Friday 16th March 2012.

They should be submitted to the Society C/o Mr Bob Austin, 250 O’Grady’s Ridge Road, Foster 3960.

CW White Honorary Secretary

tenders

tenders

MAIL DELIVERY CONTRACTS Australia Post is seeking tenders from companies, or persons willing to form companies, to deliver mail under contract arrangements in the Delivery Area listed below. Australia Post has a commitment to providing a consistent and personal service to its customers. Therefore, as far as practicable, the successful tenderer should be able to supply the same personnel to deliver the articles each day in the Delivery Area.

The successful tenderer will have sufficient time to make arrangements to comply with the conditions of the contract, including the procurement of a suitable vehicle. Training will initially be provided to the successful tenderer, who is then required to train its own personnel.

All genuine tenders and enquiries are welcome. However, Australia Post is not obliged to accept the lowest or indeed any tender, and reserves the right to accept or reject any or all tenders if it considers that it is in the interests of Australia Post to do so.

INVITATIONS TO TENDER FOR MAIL DELIVERY Tenders are invited for the delivery of Mail and Parcel Products commencing 1st July 2012 for the following area: Bid No 7002 6870 7008

MS No V00048 V00876 V03626

Service Description Meeniyan-Tarwin Lwr- Venus Bay Korumburra Rnd 1 SMD Inverloch Rnd 1 SMD

Frequency 5 days per week 5 days per week 5 days per week

Aprox Hrs per Week 39 hrs 40 min 38 hrs 40 min 101 hrs 25 min

This Mail Service can be viewed on the internet by referencing the Bid Number noted above on www.auspost.com.au/etendering Tender forms for the Mail Service, full details and further information is also available online and a tenderer can submit their tender via the Internet by registering their details online.

Tenderers can also obtain tender details and forms by contacting: (between 9:00am – 1:00pm) The Manager, Bendigo Delivery Centre, 14-16 Deborah Street, Golden Square 3555 Tele: 03 5434 9530 Tenders must be submitted online via the Australia Post e-tendering website www.auspost.com.au/etendering by the closing time and date or in the envelope provided, to the Mail Contracts Distribution Centre, Locked Bag 13000, South Melbourne Vic 3205 or lodged by hand in the provided Tender Box at cnr Woodruff & Bertie Streets Port Melbourne.

TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT 2PM ON MONDAY 19TH MARCH 2012

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

tenders LAWN MOWING / Garden Maintenance The Foster Medical Centre requires the services of a contractor to look after the mowing and basic garden maintenance of six properties currently under their control. Interested parties should contact the Medical Centre for a list of the properties to view.

Please forward a quote to do the work to the Medical Centre by Friday March 2. Lowest price will not necessarily be successful.

Price will be for a fixed term. Contractors should provide copies of liability insurance documents.

Contact Maureen Buckley, Practice Manager for more information on 5682-2088.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

garage sales

GARAGE SALE 15 Allison Street Leongatha Saturday February 25 8am Including outdoor clothes line, doors, light fittings, vertical blinds, bath, vanity, stove, curtains, kitchen, table tennis table, and much, much more

BERRYS CREEK FIRE BRIGADE

GARAGE SALE Saturday February 25 8am -2pm Cnr Strzelecki Hwy & Wooreen-Mirboo Rd Berrys Creek

Donations can be made to the brigade to sell or you can bring a table and hold your own stall for a $10 donation.

Call Dannielle on 0438 688 269 for more details

GARAGE SALE Saturday February 25 21 Youll Grove Inverloch 8am to 3pm

Household goods, gym equipment, dining setting, camping, tools, and much more

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

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $39 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

used vehicles

bereavement thanks

FOR SALE 2001 FORD LASER Well looked after Excellent condition 5 speed manual with 9 months rego. $5,900 ONO 0408 556 764

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 SSANGYONG MUSSO ute, 4 door, 2006 with M-B turbo diesel engine, only 78,000km. Service books, a/c, p/s, CD player.

With RWC. Top cond. Reg. TZO396. $16,500. 56640037 or 0408-314057.

TOYOTA AURION 2009, ex. cond, reg. and roadworthy, remainder new car warranty, $20,000 ONO. Reg. 222RUD. 0418998833.

births BRODERS (Morgan) Sarah, Maris and Morgan are thrilled to welcome their daughter and sister ‘MILLA ISABEL’, born on February 16 weighing 3kg.

Precious cherub No. 9 for Joy and Jim.

marriage celebrant

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

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

engagements DAFFEY - GOWERS Jenny and Kevin, together with Sue and Peter are thrilled to announce the engagement of Jess and Luke. Love and happiness alway.s xxxx HUMPHREY - COLLIER Sharon and John, together with Vicky and Brian are happy to announce the engagement of Sharee and Shane.

TAYLOR - Margaret.

The committee, members, players and supporters of the MDU FNC, both past and present are deeply saddened by the passing of Marg. She was a valued and respected follower of our club.

Our deepest sympathy to Paul, Kate, Jo, Mark, Guy, Donna, and family.

WARREN - Kevin George.

31.12.1934 - 29.01.2012 Noelene, Peter, Andrew and Suzie, Fergus, Felicity, Zachary and Oliver wish to thank all of our friends for their support and kindness over many years. Also for the beautiful food, flowers and cards at the time of Kevin’s passing.

Please accept this as our personal thanks to all.

in memoriam SALMONS - John Leonard (Jack).

26.3.1936 - 21.2.2002 A daily thought, a silent tear, A secret wish that you were here.

An empty space no one can fill, We miss you Dad, and always will.

Sarah.

TUCKETT - Harriet Jessie (Hetty).

February 24, 2003.

Thinking of you Mum. Ronda, Rob and family.

deaths ARNUP - Faye.

13.2.12 Loved friend and neighbour for many years of Pat and Pauline.

Now at peace.

ARNUP - Dorothy Faye (Faye).

Passed away peacefully on February 13, 2012 at Koorooman House Leongatha.

Loved wife of Harry (dec).

Loving mother of Lynne, Kerry and Trevor (dec).

Nana of Julieanne and Peter, Jacqui and Reggie; Linc and Enza, Blake and Kirsti, and Alex. Nana Faye of Dylan and Lilly; Natalina and Roman, and Mia. Rest peacefully.

deaths NORTON Thelma Lurleen.

14.04.1925 - 17.02.2012 Passed away peacefully at Domain Seahaven, Inverloch on February 17, 2012 aged 87 years.

Late of Leongatha.

Dearly beloved wife of Arthur James (dec) and Jack Norton (dec).

Dearly loved mother of Heather and Graeme, Ken and Chris, Rob and Melinda.

Loved grandma of her ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Forever in our hearts.

TAYLOR (Humphries) Margaret Joy. Dearly loved wife of Rodney (dec), fond daughter-inlaw of the late Mercia and Len Taylor, with admiration of your courage and determination for 18 years.

Together again.

Marlin and John, Robyn and Geoff, Bronwyn and John, and their families.

See you later Auntie Marg.

TAYLOR - Margaret.

February 14.

My beautiful, long time friend. We shared our fun, sorrows and secrets.

My heart is aching, but I smile when I visualise the promised reunion with Rod. Happy St Valentine’s Day Marg.

Love Joan.

Marg, it was an honour to be able to say goodbye.

Ewan.

bereavement thanks GRANT - June.

Passed away January 15, 2012.

June’s family would like to thank all of her friends and our friends for their cards, flowers, food, and messages of sympathy. Special thanks to Leongatha Hospital, Joy Linton, Catholic Women’s League. Huge thanks to Cath and Naomi, Krystal, Prue, Marg and Paul Beck. Please accept this as our personal thanks to everyone.

John, Lynn, Christine, Gez and families.

Champions: Division 2 premiers were Leongatha.

funerals NORTON - The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of the late Mrs Thelma Lurleen Norton will be held at our Leongatha Chapel (cnr South Gippsland Hwy and Bellingham St) on Friday February 24, 2012 at 10.30am.

The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Leongatha Lawn Cemetery.

Toora the best: Toora were the winners of the Division 3 ladies pennant.

South Gippsland Golf Classic deaths

message of hope AS each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10.

Premiers: Division 1 premiers Inverloch celebrate after their win.

TAYLOR - Margaret Joy. Our memories are ours forever of a true friend who will be sadly missed.

John and Sandra, Louise, Lauren and Ben, and families.

A Funeral Service for Faye took place on Friday February 17, 2012.

deaths

Ladies pennant bowls

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

Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

THE 23rd South Gippsland Golf Classic Inc. which ran from February 11 to 19 was once again very successful.

Entries this year were marginally down, averaging 177 players for each of the nine days.

We welcomed visitors

from most golf districts of Victoria as well as many interstate players and all seem to enjoy the social aspect of nine days of golf.

The 36 hole South Gippsland Classic champion this year is Peter Kane with a total of 149 for the men, from Paterson River golf club and for the ladies Heather Harley with a total of 167 from Karingal golf club.

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8313 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1,After all. 6, Rate. 8, So-lo. 9, Re-me-MB-ER. 10, Train. 11, Rooked. 13, Banner (headline). 15, ClimaX. 17, Sa-lad-s. 19, As-I-an. 22, Complete. 23, A-dam.

24, Bean. 25, T-hr-iller.

Down - 2, Floor. 3, Emot-I-on. 4, A-c-re. 5, Lime-rick. 6, Rome-O. 7, There-sa. 12, Prospect. 14, An-a-to-le. 16, In-stall. 18, As-pen. 20, AD-age. 21, Bear.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8313 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Chestnut. 6, Duct. 8, Mine. 9, Charming. 10, Strip. 11, Punnet. 13, Presto. 15, Single. 17, Sprain. 19, Smack. 22, Bluebell. 23, Rook. 24, Rest. 25, Spotless.

Down - 2, Hoist. 3, Species. 4, Nice. 5, Trappist. 6, Demon. 7, Conceal. 12, Countess. 14, Repulse. 16, Numeral.

18, Avert. 20, Cross. 21, Alto.

We thank our sponsors for thier continued support, especially Yamaha Gof Carts. Also the Pambula Golf Club who in conjunction with the Fairway Motor Inn of Merimbula so generously provide two nights’ accommodation and three days of Golf for two lucky couples.

Congratualtions to this year’s winners, Graeme Bishop from Eastwood Golf Club and Ruth Iser from Axedale Golf club.

The winners of the R. Durran Memorial Marathon trophy for the men is Robert Volk from Howlong Golf Club and for the ladies, Gloria Haycroft from Traralgon Golf Club.

The committee would also like to congratulate all the local clubs and their volunteers on the way each day’s events were run and in particular the excellent conditions all courses were presented in.

Results and more photos next week.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 51

AN UPDATE FROM AQUASURE

I would like to begin this column by acknowledging the people that helped save the life of a worker at the plant recently.

The man collapsed and was revived by nearby employees and the site’s own Red Alert team.

He received further treatment from Ambulance Victoria paramedics and was then airlifted to hospital.

He is now recovering well.

The desalination plant site is equipped with its own 24-hour emergency service crew and rescue vehicle, its own doctor, onsite clinic and there are more than 415 employees with advanced level 3 first aid training working across the site.

I have spoken regularly in the past about the project’s excellent safety record and this is just another example of the efforts that have been invested to ensure people return home safe and well from work each day.

Next, I would like to address some letters that have appeared in local papers recently, suggesting that solid waste from the desalination plant will be disposed of in the ocean.

This is not correct.

The desalination process will generate three streams – the drinking water produced during the reverse osmosis process, seawater concentrate or ‘brine,’ which is returned to the sea, and solid waste.

Once the plant starts producing solid waste, it will be classified by the EPA. This classification will determine at which landfill facility the waste can be disposed. Waste from similar plants in Australia has been classified as general waste and sent to landfill.

The fact is the environmental performance requirements for the plant, including information about waste disposal and monitoring of marine impacts, have been on the public record for some time.

EPA requirements will be clearly stated in the licence issued for the operation of the plant.

Quite categorically, the plant will be operated in accordance with the environment performance requirements stated in the contract with the Government, and in accordance with the EPA licence.

Out on the pipe and power easement, construction work is complete and crews are now focused on the reinstatement of local roads and properties.

Since pipeline crews returned to work after the Christmas break, temporary maintenance work has been carried out on Gurdies-St Helliers Road, Turnbull-Woolamai Road and Stewart Road. Peacock Road has also been graded.

In recent columns, I reported that pipeline crews would continue to use local roads while they worked to remove bulk spoil stockpiles from their work sites.

Most of this spoil has now been removed, so local residents will soon begin to notice the amount of heavy truck traffic on their roads progressively decreasing.

www.aquasure.com.au

In other good news, agreement has been reached with Bass Coast Shire Council over the process for permanent road reinstatement, and this work will commence in the coming weeks.

I would like to express my thanks to local road users once again, for bearing with us and sharing their roads during the construction phase.

Reinstatement of the easement has also commenced. Members of the community may have noticed agricultural treatments and topsoil spreading underway in various locations.

Crews planned to sow pasture in autumn, when seasonal conditions are most favourable.

However, a stretch of good weather allowed pasture to be sown on a number of properties prior to Christmas and I am pleased to report it is thriving.

In closing, I would like to remind readers about the Serenade at Sunset event coming up on Saturday 11 February in Corinella.

The event is being presented by the Bass Valley Music Festival and will feature a range of performances by local artists and the internationally renowned “Pot Pourri” ensemble.

AquaSure is very proud to sponsor this popular event, in cooperation with the Bass Coast Community Foundation, to reflect our wish to support the development of young talent from the region.

Chris Herbert CEO, AquaSure

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Leongatha

TUESDAY February 14 saw the final of the South Gipplsand bowls Division ladies pennant Division 2 in action at Foster, Leongatha v Phillip Island.

Tuesday evening saw round four of the business bowls in action again and the competition as usual very fierce. At the end of round four there is only one team with four wins and that is Sports First having won to date the four rounds.

They are followed by Nescis Transport on three wins plus a draw and tied with Retravision also on three wins plus a draw, all other teams having had a win or loss along the way.

The ladder after round three showed the top 10 as follows; Sports First followed by Edneys, Tennis club, Retravison, NAB, Nescis Trans-

Pennant set for grand finals

THE preliminary finals of the South Gippsland Bowls Division were played last Saturday in absolutely magnificent conditions.

It was the exact opposite to the previous week when players were subjected to what most ‘locals’ would say, “typically South Gippsland.”

In Division 1 played at Korumburra Leongatha, who had been strong all season in the battle for top spot were no match for Phillip Island, going down by 20 shots.

In Division 2, it was a much closer affair which saw San Remo get up by four shots over Phillip Island.

In Division 3 Corinella again showed their strength,

port, The Chalkies, A.W. Smith (2), A.W.Smith (1) and Mini Skips. When the ladder for round four comes out there could be some surprise changes.

Next round round five will be on Tuesday evening February 21 at 6pm and this will be the last round before the finals, and play offs will be held Tuesday evening February 28.

Wednesday February 15 saw only a very samll field take to the greens for the social bowls afternoon. The winners were Barry Davidson (s) and Bev Watt on two wins plus 21.

Saturday February 18 saw our Division 1 mens pennant teams travel to Korumburra to take on Phillip Island in the preliminary final. This was a must win if Leongatha were to face off in the final. However Leongatha were unable to come away with win, going down to the Island 75 shots to 55.

Reminders: Sunday Feb-

ruary 26 will see the Leongatha bowls club and our club sponsors open pairs tournament take place. The ladies triples tournament is scheduled for Friday March 2.

SGDB ladies pennant Division 2 Premiers 2011/2012 Leongatha.

Tuesday February 14 saw our Division 2 ladies pennant teams travel to Foster to take on the overseas ladies from Phillip Island in the final.

It was from all points of view expected to be a very close final, however it would appear that our ladies had other ideas, everyone to put their best foot forward and bowl well.

This they did and came out victorious, defeating the Island ladies 103 shots to 43.

A massive 60 shots win.

Results were as follows: Team 1 Trish McCormack (s) with her team Laura Cox, Elaine White and Glenda

A Grade Men Predators ........................158.3 3 Rollers ............................140.0 3 Amberfluids .....................71.4 1 Burra ................................63.1 1 B Grade Men Magic ..............................134.6 3 What a Team..................128.9 3 Macca Mad Boys ...........122.2 3 Gatha Tigers .............................3 Grain Train ......................100.0 2 The Who Knows .............100.0 2 Semi Pro ............................81.8 1 Timberwolves....................77.5 1 Tropics ..............................74.2 1

giving Fish Creek no chance, getting up by 15 shots.

In Division 4 Wonthaggi, who were shock losers last week, made no mistake the second time, easily accounting for San Remo by 25 shots.

In the close one of the day, Loch scraped home by the slimmest of margins over Tarwin Lower by one shot, whilst in Division 6, Korumburra easily accounted for Foster by 19 shots.

The results of all preliminary finals were: Division 1: Phillip Island 75 d Leongatha 55.

Division 2: San Remo 66 d Phillip Island 62.

Division 3: Corinella 71 d Fish Creek 56.

Division 4: Wonthaggi 82 d San Remo 57.

Division 5: Loch 75 d

Tarwin Lower 74.

Division 6: Korumburra 56 d Foster 37.

Next week’s grand finals will be played as follows: Division 1: Inverloch v Phillip Island played at Korumburra; Division 2: San Remo v Mirboo North played at Leongatha; Division 3: Corinella v Inverloch played at Korumburra; Division 4: Wonthaggi v Phillip Island Blue played at Korumburra; Division 5: Loch v Meeniyan played at Leongatha; Division 6: Toora v Korumburra played at Leongatha.

My “Kiss of Death’ tips for the grand finals are: Div 1: Phillip Island by eight shots over Inverloch; Div 2: Mirboo North by six shots over San Remo. Div 3: Inverloch will prove too good for Corinella winning by 18 shots. Div 4: Wonthaggi to cause a major upset getting up by seven shots over Phillip Island Blue. Div 5: Meeniyan by the big margin of the day to win by 24 shots, whilst in Div 6: Toora who have headed the ladder all season to win by 13 shots.

Allambee Mirboo & District tennis

A Grade Gold had a good match against Koony, winning five sets but missing by a game, Koony the winners.

Korumburra recorded their second win for the season at Green’s expense.

Leongatha North had their second loss. Baromi won quite well.

A Reserve have been a very close contest all season.

With one round to go Berrys Creek and Baromi will be hard pressed now to play finals. A great season by all teams.

Koony and Berrys Creek had a good game. Koony won the close sets two tiebreakers and 7/5.

Korumburra won 7/2, Mardan won two mens sets.

Hallston kept Outtrim trying. Outtrim are in fourth spot.

Baromi were out played

by Leongatha.

Leongatha have won well over the last six weeks and hold second position and the second chance.

Koony ended Berrys Creek’s chance for a finals berth, only a six games win but 6/3 in sets.

B Grade Mardan and Koony are the teams out of the four, their game against each other Koony big winners. A tiebreaker was Mardan’s only set. Korumburra won by five games against Outtrim. Foster winners over Baromi.

Top teams playing each other. Next week is the final round.

Finals: Teams will be notified the venues for each section. All teams not in the finals are expected to umpire.

Please be sure your club has three umpires at your grade’s venue.

Teams can leave their raffle donations with the score secretary or the Hallston officials or players.

Tickets for presentation night are on sale, see Frank Dekker now or during the first two weeks of the finals.

Well done to the country week players winners and losers.

Results A Grade: Korumburra 6.59, Leongatha Green 3.54;Koonwarra 4.54, Leongatha Gold 5.33; Baromi 6.63, Leongatha North 3.47.

A Reserve: Korumburra 7.51, Mardan 2.30; Outtrim 6.49, Hallston 3.33; Leongatha 7.51, Baromi 2.33;Koonwarra 6.46, Berrys Creek 3.40.

B Grade: Koonwarra 8.55, Mardan 1.32; Korumburra 5.42, Outtrim 4.37; Foster 6.46, Baromi 3.34.

Ladders A Grade Leongatha North ........ 116.0 Baromi ......................... 109.0 Leongatha Green .......... 98.0 Koonwarra .................... 93.5 Leongatha Gold.............. 79.0 Korumburra .................... 63.5 A Reserve Koonwarra .................. 122.0 Leongatha ................... 109.5 Korumburra..............102.5 Outtrim........................102.0 Baromi............................ 94.5 Berrys Creek .................. 93.5 Mardan ........................... 66.0 Hallston...........................58.0 B Grade Outtrim ....................... 116.0 Foster........................... 111.0 Korumburra ................. 97.0 Baromi ........................... 96.5 Koonwarra...................... 79.5 Mardan ........................... 61.0

Trotman defeating their opponents 39 shots to 12.

Team 2 Fay Turner (s) with her team of Jo Runciman, Mary Jepson and Thelma Dean defeating their opponents 32 shots to 15.

Team 3 Ellie McIntyre (s) with her team Bev Watt, Lyn Davidson and Joy Todd defeating their Phillip Island opponents 32 shots to 16.

Leongatha basketball

ladders

Korumburra Parlor bowls ON Thursday, February 16 round Four of the parlor bowls competition saw the replay of last year’s grand finalists, Pretenders and Kookaburras, a battle between last placed Sicilians and top of the ladder team, VRI and a struggle for The Burra against battle-hardened Battlers.

For the first half of the match the grand final replay see-sawed end to end.

Pretenders scored pairs of ends by one shot at a time only to lose the advantage to Kookaburras who scored two shots on their winning ends.

But two loose ends from Kookaburras, allowing Pretenders five shots on each, marred their performance and gave Pretenders a buffer that Kookaburras couldn’t breach.

Unfortunately, The Burra was outclassed by Battlers throughout their game.

The Burra players rolled many winning bowls only to see the Gammaldi pair, Arc and Sally, steal the ends.

The Burra players were disappointed but against a strong, well-established team the result was expected. Hopefully, next week, The Burra will bounce back and build on the good bowling they have shown.

The third game of the evening, Sicilians versus VRI, looked like an easy victory to VRI as Sicilians had struggled in their previous games and VRI sat solidly on top of the ladder.

Meeniyan FEBRUARY monthly triples was sponsored by Bendigo Bank (Foster) and Toora and District Community Bank.

Alison Drury attended to present the trophies.

Locals fared well with Max Brown, Paul Holmes and Dave Gillett winners, while the runners-up were Doug Kuhne, Kevin McMillan and Ron Gloster.

Peter Shaw’s Inverloch team also had three games.

With corporate bowls

Inverloch FIRSTLY we must congratulate our first Division ladies, who were successful in the Division 1 grand final, winning another premiership flag last Tuesday in a rather comfortable win.

Our February triples was held last Thursday when only our visiting teams played, due to our number one green was not used.

Fourteen teams played and after four games of 12 ends of two bowl triples there was no four game winners, but there were three three game winners.

Winners with a score of 59 points were the Meeniyan team of A. Hanks (sk), M. Brown second and R. Graeme (ld).

Runners - up on 56 points were the Mirboo North trio of P. Stimson (sk), M. Arnold second and G. Roberts (ld).

The other three game winner was the Korumburra team of R. Snooks (sk), R. Williams second and G. Hams (ld) on 54 points.

The lucky drawn card prize went to R. Blackman’s team from Phillip Island.

Our sponsors for the day were Wonthaggi Toyota, to whom our club express their appreciation.

The February triples for our local teams will be held on Thursday of this week.

It will be a sponsored day, played under the usual conditions.

Last Saturday in preparation for our grand final next Saturday we held a 15

But, to Sicilians’ credit, they were determined the outcome would be different.

With Ross P Lomagno now acting as skipper, the Sicilians warmed into the game and were ahead by the sixth end, maintaining a one point lead to the halfway when they scored five shots and consolidated it with another two.

This lead was never relinquished and they won the last three ends of the game which put a halt to any VRI thoughts of challenging.

John Arestia was so “cock-a-hoop” with the win that he planted a “kiss” on the kitty in the Single Bowl competition that followed the match, thus finishing the night well.

Final results were Pretenders 25 d Kookaburras 14, Battlers 32 d The Burra 12, Sicilians 25 d VRI 19, Kardella – bye.

Michael Matthews, Arc Gammaldi and visitor, Jeanette Grady bowled the competition over at bias bowls on Monday, February 13.

The trio combined well to win their three games by +12 shots. Second place went to Sally Gammaldi, Charlie Tumino and Joanna Lomagno with two wins +8 shots.

They lost one game to the third team of Margo Maher and Lee Armstrong (2W +5 shots) who, in turn, were pipped in a close game by the overall winners.

just over half way through it is pleasing to see the improvement of the novice teams.

Tuesday leaders are Prom Country 24, Triple Trouble 20, with Meeniyan Gentlemens Club, Bombers, Espy and Windmill Ag 1 all on 16.

Wednesday leaders are Dumblak Nth, McBrowns, Greg Hogan and Prom Country all on 16 with Deans closely behind on 14.

On Saturday Meeniyan hosted the Division 5 and 6 preliminary fi-

nals with a big crowd in attendance.

Korumburra defeated Foster in Division 6 and in a game that relied on the last bowl of the day, Loch defeated Tarwin Lower by one shot.

In next week’s grand final our Division five have a rematch against Loch who they defeated in the first semi-final.

Dates for the diary include our annual presentation night on Friday April 20 and the AGM on Wednesday April 2 at 2.30 pm.

end practice match.

The two teams chosen to compete against last week’s semi final sides gave those players a great workout, with some very good bowling.

Last Wednesday evening was the third of five matches in our second series of business bowls and the winners were Quality Meats with 24 shots up. Runners-up with 20 shots up were Manna-Gum. The biggest day on our bowling calender, the four man medley was held last Sunday with 28 teams coming from Ballarat, the Latrobe Valley and the Metropolitan area, as well as many clubs in our association.

This is a six game event and only one team won their six games to take first prize.

This team from Mordialloc was P. Van Debryl (sk), W. Soulsby third, D. Harley second and G. Dickenson (ld) in second place with five wins and a draw were S. Tatnall (sk), M. Coram third, V. Tatnall second and D. Miller (ld). This team with the exception of our Mick Coram were from Heathmont.

Third prize went to the Traralgon team of R. Sizeconas (sk), A. Rodda third, G. Keast second and former

Loch TUESDAY afternoon our Primary School children’s after school activity was an introduction to lawn bowls at our club. Thanks to Alan Provis for organising this activity.

Wednesday the ladies played the second last round of their 21up comp.

Twilight Bowls this week saw Jim Stinson, Bep Mandermaker and Alan Provis come up the winning team.

Thursday our ladies played the first round of their club pairs.

Inverloch Bowler N. Davis (ld). They won five games.

Also winning five games and taking fourth prize was a local team, R. Lawson (sk), C. Buccilli third, K. Gardiner second and N. West (ld).

The club thanks the sponsors for their very generous support of this great day.

The sponsors were local business firms - South Coast First National Real Estate, Inverloch Gas and Hire, Paul the Pieman and FCAA Accountants.

Summer pool Results Round 12

Gladiators 6 d Gingers 3, Meeniyan 5 d Otago 4, Bairs 6 d Gunners 3, Grizzlys 6 d Titans 3.

Round 13: Titans v Bairs, Grizzlys v Otago, Meeniyan v Gingers, Gladiators v Gunners.

Ladder Games Gladiators ........62.46 Gunners ...........67.41 Grizzlys ............61.47 Titans ...............62.46 Bairs ..................59.49 Gingers ..............45.63 Meeniyan...........35.73 Otago .................41.67

% 134.7 163.4 129.7 134.7 120.4 71.4 47.9 61.1

Pts 40 32 32 28 20 20 12 8

On Friday our green keeper Finlay and his team spent most of the day grooming the green.

Saturday saw some 40 folks take part in what has become an annual tradies day. Thanks to Finlay for organising the program.

Our Division 5 pennant team played the preliminary final on Saturday and won on the last bowl of the day by one shot. Great bowl Andrew under a lot of pressure.

The final is to be played at Leongatha next Saturday.

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

FEBRUARY Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

22 WED

23 THUR

24 FRI

25 SAT

26 SUN

27 MON

28 TUE

0000 0539 1200 1800

1.37 0.63 1.28 0.37

0053 0641 1301 1855

1.43 0.52 1.35 0.36

0138 0730 1354 1941

1.47 0.42 1.41 0.37

0215 0811 1440 2020

1.49 0.34 1.46 0.38

0248 0847 1518 2056

1.50 0.29 1.48 0.41

0318 0921 1554 2129

1.49 0.26 1.49 0.44

0347 0954 1627 2202

1.48 0.24 1.47 0.48

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

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 53

Foster

THE course was the venue for the South Gippsland Classic on Tuesday. A big field took part and the feedback was all good.

Phil Nightingall (16) continued his stellar run to have 41 points and beat a small field on Thursday.

Phil has now reduced his handicap by 11 strokes (from 26 to 15 after that round) since March 2011.

Rhys Ireland made a rare appearance and got the chook with the hot score of 24 points on Friday.

Other good scores who got down the line balls were visitor Julia Allen, Kane Esler and Daniel Clymo – all on 22 points. . The nearest the pins went to Kane Esler and Julia Allen.

Noel Black (five) parred the course to have plus five and win A Grade on

Saturday.

Neil Chandler (18) continued his good run to have plus six and win B Grade.

Neil has now reduced his handicap by six strokes (from 23 to 17 after this round) in the last three months.

Down the line balls: Phil Schofield (18) on plus four, John Mathers (14) on plus three and John Ellis (17) on square.

Nearest the pins were both won by Peter Dight.

Rod Coughlan-Lane took out the encouragement award with four under.

The best ladies score in a small field was Jocelyn Towns (32) with 30 points.

Our tournament is in three weeks, so please enter on the sheets on the noticeboard.

Thursday March 15 - Ladies Day and Mens Ambrose (teams of four). Friday March 16 - mens and ladies 4BBB. Satur-

day March 17 - Mens Day. Sunday March 18 - Mixed Canadian.

The first round of both the singles and the mixed knockout must be played by next Sunday February 26.

Julie Atwell was not on hand to collect the $500, so it remains available next week. You must be in the clubhouse between 7pm and 8 pm to be eligible to win the cash.

Life member Athol McGrath has celebrated his 80th birthday. Athol is a marvel and still plays off 18 handicap, and still does a lot of work around the course.

Coming events: Thursday February 23 - stableford. Friday February 24 - Foodworks chicken run - nine holes stableford - holes 1-9. Saturday February 25 - stableford - third round Stig Nelander Trophy. Tuesday February 28 - par.

Junior golf lessons THE Meeniyan Golf Club held a junior golf clinic on Sunday February 12 which was well attended by 11 juniors.

Under the guidance of professional golf

teacher Trevor Hollingsworth the juniors were able to fine tune their grip and stance and were delighted to see the golf balls fly straight.

These clinics are free to the juniors due to a grant the golf club obtained from the Victorian Golf Foundation for junior development.

Like this: Trevor Hollingsworth shows the junior golfers how it is done.

Leongatha

SATURDAY’S stableford event drew 73 players and for once, no one managed to reach 40 points.

Ryan Jacka with 37 points won A Grade, his first victory at the club.

David Barrack has returned to the club and he took B Grade with a steady 37 while Max Kavanagh had the day’s high score of 38 to be best in C Grade.

Pro pin went to John Feddersen. Nearest the pin to Denis McDonald and the following scored well enough to win balls: J. Feddersen 37, J. Keays, P. Browne, P. du Plessis 36, N. Cairns, P. Hart, G. Morrision, R. Davies, J. Fraser, R. Findlay 34, A. Sparkes, P. Stivic, J. Burt, B. Hutton, K. Castwood, M. Street, T. Bruinewoud 33, G. Sharrock, R. Burnell 32.

Tuesday

It was a good day for Hugh Goodman who was three points better than his nearest rival and winner with 40 points. Allan Edney and Keith Godridge were nearest the pin winners.

Down the line balls: K. Godridge 37, J. Arnott 34, B. Stevens, G. Linguey 33, D. Clemann, D. Vorwerg, J. Cummins 32.

Thursday A couple of week age Geoff McDonald parred the course and he had another run at it on Thursday. Geoff’s 40

points off eight handicap represents 74 off the stick, though he only just held off Russell Williams on a countback.

Rob Martin with his metronome swing took B Grade on 38 points and Trevor Moss joined the 40 club to win C Grade. Nearest the pin winners were Michael Thomas and Ross McRobert.

Ball winners: R. Williams 40, R. Nelson 38, G. Sharrock, P. Seth, A. Sperling 37, G. Morrison 36, B. Cathie, D. Hanna, M. Thomas, J. Cummins, B. Hutton, C. Leaver 35, N. Hughes, J. Renwick 34, K. Castwood 33.

Saturdays even is 4BBB stableford with the A E Edney qualifying round on Saturday March 3.

Ladies Wednesday February 8 FORTY-FIVE ladies played a stableford event sponsored

by Colin Watson Holden. We thank them for their generous sponsorship.

A Grade winner - Val Brydon 36 points on countback from Toni West.

B Grade winner - Marion Bellingham 35 points on countback from Jan Bissett.

C Grade winner - Audree Wyhoon 36 points on countback from Fay Quilford.

Down the line balls: Toni West 36, F. Quilford 36, D. Stubbs 35, J. Bissett 35, K. Hogan 34, M. Eabry 34, T. Owen 34, C. Gray 33, W. Brown 33, M. Leaver 33, J. Howard 33.

Nearest the pins: 14th Wen-

dy Parker, 16th Marg Berry.

Saturday February 11 Eleven ladies played par, with Coral Gray (22) winning with square on a countback from Marilyn Williams.

Down the line balls: Marilyn Williams sq, Wendy Brown -1, Kerry Hogan -2.

Nearest the pins - Coral Gray.

Wednesday February 15 4BBB stableford was the event for the day kindly sponsored by Chris and Marianne Leaver from Leaver Landscapes, Inverloch. Thanks for your generous sponsorship.

Marg Berry and Marea Maher had a real day out with 51 points to win the event, followed closely by runners-up Deb Miller and Ev Indian with 48 points.

Down the line balls: Joc Howson and Glenyce McRobert 44 points, Shirley Welsford and Libby Seebeck 43 points, Anne Gibson and Julie Howard 43 points, Noreen Webster and Marion Chalmers 42 points.

Nearest the pins: 14th Glenyce McRobert, 16th Coral Gray.

Saturday February 18 Twelve ladies played stableford in almost perfect conditions. Marg Griffiths (32) was the winner with 36 points on a countback from Coral Gray.

Down the line balls: Coral Gray 36, Elaine Dempsey 32, Wendy Brown 32.

Nearest the pins - Coral Gray.

Lang Lang to host opening day THE South Gippsland District Golf Association will conduct its opening of the 2012 golfing season at Lang Lang Golf Club on Sunday February 26.

The day will consist of an 18 hole mixed foursomes event, with prizes for both A and B Grades.

This year, the District Mixed Foursomes Championship has been amalgamated with the opening day.

Entrant pairs are restricted to those who are

members of South Gippsland Clubs.

The entry fee for all district events is now free, however each event will still have an optional ball competition, which is payable on the day of the event only.

A good field is expected to contest the event.

Entry forms are now available at all South Gippsland Golf Clubs, and entries should be forwarded to the tournament manager, Mr. D. Stanes, 14 Drysdale Street, Wonthaggi, 3995.

Late or telephone entries will only be accepted if the field capacity is not reached.

Woorayl ON Saturday we held a fourball stableford event sponsored by Troy Williams signs.

The winners on a countback with 47 points were Jim Newton and Rod Goodwin.

They won from the Hogans, Ty and Brian.

Balls down the line went to K.Riseley, I. Atcheson; J. Barton, J. Maynard; G. Johnson.

P. Wallace; G. Calder, D. Lim. Nearest the pins one only went to Brett Stubbs on the eighth hole.

The ladies competition was won by D. O’Connor with 39 points and balls to S. Thomas and P. Lancaster.Nearest the pin was won by Pauline Lancaster.

Our Thursday competition went to our captain Peter Burgess with 39 points with a ball going to Bob Beilby.

On Sunday we held the Forrester plate with the winners being Doug Clemann, John Hassett, Ed Poole and Bob Beilby with 124 points.

Meeniyan SATURDAY was a single stableford event with the sponsor for the day being Reg Hannay which is much appreciated.

The A Grade winner was Graham Hoskin with 37 points. A Grade runner-up was Michael Darmanin with 35 points.

The B Grade winner was Wino Reilly with 40 points.

B Grade runner-up was Peter Riddle with 37 points.

Balls down the line went to Reg Hannay 36 points, Fred Stalker 36 points, Lloyd Hemphill 35 points and Jeff Buckland with 35 points.

Nearest the pins: 2nd Phil Johnston, 8th Peter Riddle, 11th Alan Kuhne, 14th Alan Kuhne.

Pro pin on the 5th was won

by Graeme Hughes. The raffle winners were Brian Dewar and Russ Evans.

The members draw was Chris Buckland, but he was not there so it jackpots to next week. This week’s super 66 winners were Cheryl White and Margi Roe. Sunday saw the final round of junior pennant with the side recording another win and now progressing to the final next Sunday at Wonthaggi, so please come along and support the kids as they are the future of our club.

Sunday was also the final day of the South Gippsland Golf Classic held at Meeniyan and thanks to all who helped to make this day happen and operate smoothly.

The winners for the day were as follows: Mens A Grade: scratch Peter Kane with 76 on a countback; handicap Graeme Watt with a net 68.

Mens B Grade: scratch Peter Wilson with 84; handicap Chris Buckland with a net 67.

Mens C Grade: winner Tony Craiarella with 38 points; runner-up was Norm Bambury with 37 points.

Ladies A Grade: scratch

Smooth swing: Tony Ciavarella, Bob Heard, Barry Brown and Nick Farrell enjoyed competing in the Meeniyan round of the South Gippsland Golf Classic on Sunday.

The A Grade winner was Trent Walters on a countback with 39 points. B Grade went to Ed Poole with 43 points and C Grade was won by Bob Beilby also with 43 points.

Nearest the pins went to Ian Atcheson and A. Sparks. We also had three eagles going to Tom Cowie, Trent Walters and Clin Walker.

Next week we will play for our monthly medal.

hope to see them again soon.

This week the stableford round was generously sponsored by Buzz Hair Design and Karin McKenzie (18) was the winner of A Grade with 36 points.

B Grade was won by Marg Tuckett (24), also with 36 points and C Grade winner was Melinda Martin (29) with 37 points.

Balls down the line went to Fay Maynard and Iris McLeod with 35 points and Ann Poole and Jenny Riseley with 34 points. Nearest the pin on the 11th was Lyn Burchell and on the 17th was Anne Patterson.

Next week L’Oreal will sponsor a stroke round with hitting off from 9am (or earlier if players choose to avoid the heat).

Ladies OUR opening day last week was a three person ambrose sponsored by Capeview Mitre 10. The winning team was Marg Higgins, Melinda Martin and Thel Scoble, with Sue Wakefield, Ros Blew, Fay Maynard and Karin McKenzie coming in as runners-up.

Balls down the line went to Sue Symmons, Jenny Riseley and Anne Patterson. Nearest the pin on the 11th was Lois Young and on the 17th was Marg Tuckett.

It was great to have some new golfers join us and we winner Stacey Nimmo with 82; handicap Faye Morris with a net 73.

Ladies B Grade: scratch Jan Brown with 89; handicap Sue Hoskin with a net 67.

Ladies C Grade: Bev Bellman with 37 points; runner-up Judy Fairhurst with 35 points.

Mens nearest the pin: the 8th Alan Shatten and Michael Higgingbottom 11th.

Ladies nearest the pin: 2nd Anna de Bondt, Heather Harley 14th.

Next week is the Col Heppell 4BBB knockout qualifying round. The winner of Tuesday’s single stableford event was Reg Hannay with 38 points.

Balls down the line went to John Mortensen with 38 points. Best nine was won by Matt Van Boven with 19 points on a countback.

Nearest the pin: 2nd Phil Johnston. The 4BBB winners were Reg Hannay and Jim Cusack with 44 points.

The winner of Thursday’s single stableford event was Matt Van Boven with 39 points.

Balls down the line went to John Mortensen 36 points, Col Stewart 36 points and Fred Stalker with 36 points.

Best nine was Bob McGeary with 20 points on a countback. Nearest the pin on the 14th Frank Peile.

Ladies THERE were 25 ladies playing stableford on the very warm Wednesday, February 15.

Thank you to Marie McIntosh for coming out to present her trophies to: Section 1 winner Jan Trease 42 points, Section 2 Nereda Scholte 39 points (2 Gobblers), Section 3 Marilyn McGeary 26 points.

Down the line balls: Faye LePage 38 points, Tanya Thorson 34 points, Kristen Elliott 34 points, Jan Roberts 33 points, Dot Christie 32 points.

Nearest the pin 14th Marilyn McGeary, 2nd Jenny Cope.

On ball: Gayle Reid of the Foster Golf Club approaches the 18th tee at Meeniyan during the South Gippsland classic.

Korumburra SEVENTY players attended the 2 B Ambrose competition on February 18.

Trophies: Noel Ladgrove.

A Grade: T. Marotti and L. Sharp 57, G. Best and B. Maskell 61 3/4, R Spokes and P. Van 62 3/4, C. Clements and P. Hopkins 63 1/2, T. Fowles and B. Hessels 63 1/2, J. Stein and M. Webb 63 1/2, N. Wardle and T. Scott 64.

B Grade: D. Sorrell and P. Hislop 59 3/4, W. Perks and B. Hill 62 1/2.

Putting: 1st D. Sorrell, 7th B. Pap, 10th D. Bronsema, 13th R. Fields.

Tuesday’s winner was L. Sharp 38 points.

Thursday winner was T. Scott 43 points.

Mirboo North THERE were 24 starters for the mid week competition on February 16.

The CCR was 71.

Day winner - Jason Winderlick (17) 41 points countback.

Down the line: 1st S. Mills 41, 2nd Richie Robbins 40, 3rd Cec Eden 38.

Birdies: 6th S. Mills.

Results for the ladies stableford event on February 15.

Winner was Sandy Taylor (40) 38 points.

Nearest the pin: 6th Joyce Dyke.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tarwin offers helping hand to forgotten kids TARWIN Football Club is urging all young footballers to have a crack this season.

Here to help: Thirds coach Pete Houston, Fourths assistant Luke Thwaites and Fourths coach Mick Owen.

The club is currently looking for a few more players to top up its ranks, and is promising a full four quarters every week to anyone willing to play.

President Dean Ellen said younger children are often worried about playing for smaller clubs due to the the lack of success they normally achieve, but he says that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Our kids get four quarters every week and a strong focus at training and on game day alike on enjoyment, participation in a team environment as well as skills,” he said.

“What better way to develop a young person’s skills than in this situation?”

It has long been policy at Tarwin to encourage strong skills from

a young age and to retain young players long term following their development from the juniors right through to their journey into the Senior ranks.

This is reflected in the number of local players in the Senior team, and indeed 12 members of the 2004 premiership squad had been juniors at the club.

Under 15 and 18s coaches Mick Owen and Pete Houston agree with Mr Ellen.

Mr Owen says a small town like Tarwin will always struggle for numbers and have done so in the junior ranks since their inception.

“We have a really strong core group of players, but are lacking in numbers and we encourage any parent in bigger towns where kids do not necessarily get a chance to play a full game every week in football or netball to give us a call.”

“Kids are even welcome to come

down to training one Thursday night to check us out.”

“We’re quite simply, a great club to be around. It’s a really friendly environment that welcomes newcomers, with meals on Thursdays and a home game Saturdays right throughout the season.”

Mr Ellen said the club is currently experiencing a baby boom, but the young ones will not be right for football for quite some time.

“With the baby boom Tarwin is experiencing right now we look to have a boost in future generations but a few more families to fill the gap in the interim would be fantastic,” he said.

“I’m excited about the 2012 season and coaching the Fourths – they’re a really great bunch.”

Anyone wanting more information on the club, training nights and transport arrangements is welcome to call Dean 0408 587 712

Rain holds off for karts Records in danger at aths • WONTHAGGI LITTLE ATHLETICS

THE first race day of the year for Stony Creek Go Karts threatened to follow the trend set last season and be declared a wet track contest.

However, the rain managed to stay away for most of the day, leaving the track relatively dry for the racers.

A promising turn out of drivers and spectators arrived for the day, providing a competitive atmosphere for all those involved.

A field of 10 drivers contested both the 100cc and 125cc classes, while the 4 stroke entrants had 14 competitors in their races.

Stony Creek Go Karts owner Graeme McCaughan was encouraged by the large turn out of drivers, who came from near and far to enjoy the first class facilities provided by the club.

Graeme hopes this will be a good indication of the level of competition drivers can expect for the rest of the racing season.

The four stroke class winner, Kevin Teasdale deserves a special mention, as he will be turning 70 years old in two weeks.

This is a great result for Kevin in such a hotly contested class.

The next race meeting will be held on March 18.

Results 100cc class: 1st Trevor Campbell - 1796 points, 2nd Russell Campbell - 1708 points and 3rd Tim McGinley - 1600 points.

125cc class: 1st Ross Miller - 2011 points, 2nd James Humphrey - 1985 points and 3rd Damon Piercy - 1387 points.

4 Stroke class: 1st Kevin Teasdale - 1913 points, 2nd David Bradshaw - 1808 points and 3rd Jeremy Johnson 1539 points.

Track champs bring out best

THE 2012 year track championships were run on Friday night in good conditions – mild night and no wind.

The titles were run as a senior event and a junior event and with seven juniors in attendance there was some good racing and fierce competition between the riders.

The first event of the night was a six lap scratch race for the juniors and with the bunch all together as they headed for bell lap it was Oscar Perri who made the first move.

However he was quickly marked by Will Lumby who handled the attacks over the last 200m to claim the win from Josh Chiavaroli and Aaron Fraser.

The seniors followed with an eight lap scratch race and this produced a very close finish with Thomas McFarlane just getting home ahead of Ronald Purtle and Kevin Feely.

The first of the championship events was a 500m time trial. The riders have been doing 400m time trials for the last few weeks and the extra 100m impacted substantially on the times.

In the junior event it was Josh Chiavaroli in 45.30 sec with the win ahead of Will Lumby 47.03 and Matt Minogue in 48.00 sec. In the senior event it was Ronald Purtle in 38.08 sec with the win ahead of Thomas McFarlane on 39.00 sec and Kevin Feely at 43.80 sec.

The second event for the track titles was the sprint races. For the juniors this took an initial heat and a repechage round to reduce the numbers to four riders.

The initial heat winners were Josh, Will and Matt. The repechage was won by Oscar.

Just got there: Thomas McFarlane (with the front wheel in the air) wins narrowly from Ronald Purtle.

In the semi -final rounds it was Will winning from Matt and Josh ahead of Oscar. The ride off for first saw an extremely close affair with Will getting the win by the narrowest of margins.

The lunge at the line by Josh saw him get his rear wheel of the ground in a spectacular throw.

The third place ride saw Matt take the win ahead of Oscar.

In the senior sprint series this was run over the best out of three rides.

Ronald Purtle claimed the win with straight heat wins.

The second came by attacking with 1.5 laps to go.

However, the effort was too much for Ronald to recover for the scratch race decider. The minor places went to Thomas and Kevin.

The last and deciding races for the evening were scratch races. Josh prevailed at the end of eight laps to claim the win ahead of Will and Matt.

Matt was lucky to get the third place as Hamish Bissett flashed home down the outside

but just missed at the line. The senior scratch went to Thomas McFarlane.

The overall results in the Junior titles saw Josh Chiavaroli win from Will Lumby and Matt Minogue. The senior title saw Thomas McFarlane win from Ronald Purtle and Kevin Feely.

Wednesday night track training has been busy with another new rider trying his hand at the track. It is keeping officials busy getting riders onto bikes.

With three more nights of track racing and good fields there should be some interesting race nights.

The monthly club meeting is scheduled for Phil Ewington’s at Inverloch on Tuesday night.

The road season fixture has been posted on the web site and plenty of riders have been making the most of the summer weather to get fit.

The early start to road season – March 17 – should produce some well contested racing.

WEDNESDAY’S twilight meet saw 56 athletes try their hardest to beat club records.

There were six near misses.

Jett Garnham missed the Under 6 Boys 80 m hurdles by 0.13 seconds and the shot put record by 39 cm. Jai Williamson was short of the Under 7 Boys triple jump record by 20 cm and Lanni Pryor missed the Under 10 Girls 80m hurdles by 031 seconds. Under 12 Boy Brodie Anderson was shy of the 400m record by 0.42 seconds and Ethan Slade missed out on the Under 14 Boys 100m record by 0.08 seconds.

It’s good to see athletes peaking at the right end of the season. Louis Armstrong, Under 9 Boys, and Matthew Bruce, Under 10 Boys, both achieved five personal bests for the night. Under 6 Boy Tate Slade and Under 13 Boy Chris Battista both netted four PBs. Junior athlete Tevuro Ihomana Montgomery travelled to Traralgon last week to compete in the Traralgon Little Athletics Open Day. She was lucky enough to win four silver medals in the Under 7 Girls division. She came second in the 60m sprint, the 100m sprint, the long jump and the discus.

The weather was unkind with the hurdles, Tevuro’s favourite event, cancelled due to the rain. However she excelled herself in the long jump with a personal best of 2.44m.

Results Under 6 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Jett Garnham 18.85. 400 metres: 1 Jett Garnham 1:47.6.

80 metre hurdles: 1 Jett Garnham 21.15.

Shot put: 1 Jett Garnham 4.85. Triple jump: 1 Jett Garnham 3.10.

Under 6 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Jaelina Kiley 19.85. 400 metres: 1 Olivia Bramley 1:58.0. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Jaelina Kiley 21.63. Shot put: 1 Olivia Bramley 2.77.

Triple jump: 1 Jaelina Kiley 2.54.

Under 7 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Saher Biggs 18.20.

400 metres: 1 Jai Williamson 1:43.3. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Tadgh Mcgrath 18.64.

Shot put: 1 Saher Biggs 5.68. Triple jump: 1 Jai Williamson 5.04.

Under 7 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Tevuro IhomanaMontgomery 19.64. 400 metres: 1 Tess Wingfield 1:47.4. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 19.10. Shot put: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 3.29. Triple jump: 1 Tevuro IhomanaMontgomery 4.28.

Under 8 Boys 200 metre sprint: 1 Jacob Timmermans 4138. 70 metre sprint: 1 Fraser Clark 12.27. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Jacob Timmermans 18.35. Discus: 1 Fraser Clark 15.25. High jump: 1 Fraser Clark 0.87.

Under 8 Girls 200 metre sprint: 1 Dallas Loughridge 40.63. 70 metre sprint: 1 Dallas Loughridge 12.39. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Dallas Loughridge 17.49. Discus: 1 Dallas Loughridge 12.16. High jump: 1 Dallas Loughridge 0.81.

Under 9 Boys 400 metres: 1 Jenson Garnham 1:34.0.

70 metre sprint: 1 Jenson Garnham 11.93.

80 metre hurdles: 1 Jenson Garnham 17.10. Shot put: 1 Jenson Garnham 5.92.

Triple jump: 1 Jenson Garnham 5.66.

Under 9 Girls 400 metres: 1 Chloe Bramley 1:35.0.

70 metre sprint: 1 Chloe Bramley 12.49: 80 metre hurdles: 1 Harriet Fallaw 1843.

Shot put: 1 Chloe Bramley 4.83. Triple jump: 1 Nicola Slade 5.40.

Under 10 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Patrick Ryan 16.69. 400 metres: 1 Patrick Ryan 1:23.6.

80 metre hurdles: 1 Ben Wingfield 18.71.

Discus: 1 Ben Wingfield 14.85. Long jump: 1 Patrick Ryan 2.93.

Under 10 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Lanni Pryor 16.05.

400 metres: 1 Lanni Pryor 1:17.4. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Lanni Pryor 17.00. Discus:

1 Samara Clark 13.28. Long jump: 1 Lanni Pryor 2.97.

Under 11 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 marcus toussaint 15.65. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Marcus Toussaint 17.70. 800 metres: 1 Martin Peters 3:45.8. Discus: 1 Marcus Toussaint 16.69.

Triple jump: 1 Marcus Toussaint 8.10.

Under 11 Girls 100 metre sprint:1 Taylah Cook 16.30. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Taylah Cook 17.03. 800 metres: 1 Taylah Cook 3:26.0.

Discus: 1 Melody Notley 14.58. Triple jump: 1 Taylah Cook 6.96.

Under 12 Boys 400 metres: 1 Brodie Anderson 1:10.7. 70 metre sprint: 1 Mitchell Fallaw 11.12: 80 metre hurdles: 1 Mitchell Fallaw 17.77. Long jump: 1 Mitchell Fallaw 3.57. Shot put: 1 Mitchell Fallaw 5.75.

Under 12 Girls 400 metres: 1 Ciara Ryan 1:19.5. 70 metre sprint: 1 Ciara Ryan 10.82. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Bridget Lowe 17.52. Long jump: 1 Ciara Ryan 3.22. Shot put: 1 Bridget Lowe 5.39 Under 13 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Andre Toussaint 1473. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Andre Toussaint 17.32. 800 metres: 1 Andre Toussaint 3:19.9. High jump: 1 Andre Toussaint 1.20. Javelin: 1 Andre Toussaint 18.59.

Under 13 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Stephanie Slade 16.99. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Georgia Filippi 19.65. 800 metres: 1 Daisy Filippi 3:55.7. High jump: 1 Georgia Filippi 1.15. Javelin: 1 Georgia Filippi 10.67.

Under 14 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Ethan Slade 12.47. 800 metres: 1 Declan Ryan 2:42.5.

High jump: 1 Declan Ryan 1.44. Javelin: 1 Declan Ryan 16.60.

Under 14 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Nicole Davis 15.83. 80 metre hurdles: 1 Tegan Lowe 17.63. 800 metres: 1 Lily Geyle 3:20.9.

High jump: 1 Nicole Davis 1.15. Javelin: 1 Jade Dalton 19.70.

South Gippsland Bridge

Time to sit test before season starts

Meeniyan – Monday evening: 1st Susan Ruffin, Clive Hope, 2nd Sally and Brian Hoskins, 3rd Pat West, Barbara Axten, 4th Faye Rowlands and Frank Arndt.

Tarwin Lower – Tuesday Afternoon: 1st Frank Arndt, Clive Hope, 2nd Faye Rowlands, Pat West, 3rd Anne Gibson, Althea Drew, 4th Kathryn Smith and Colin Cameron.

Inverloch – Friday - North/ South: 1st John Sutton, Arendina Drury, 2nd Jack Kuiper, Jean Barbour, 3rd Anne and Bruce Gibson, 4th Frank Arndt and Clive Hope.

East/West: 1st John Sullivan, Alan Johnston, 2nd Yvonne Mears, John Farr, 3rd Leila Bell, Margaret Munro, 4th Colin Cameron and Hannah Martin.

NEW duck hunters will need to start studying soon if they want to pass their Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT) prior to the opening of the 2012 Victorian duck season on Saturday, March 17.

Hunters applying for a Game Licence endorsed for duck must have passed the WIT, which is this year being administered

by Game Victoria, within the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

DPI has worked with Field and Game Australia (FGA) to set dates for hunters to sit their WIT in various locations across Victoria.

Game Victoria’s director Simon Toop said that hunters could also participate in a duck identification course run by FGA branches prior to sitting the test.

There are various resources that new hunters can use to help them learn to identify waterfowl, such as the booklet A Guide to Australian Waterfowl, which is

available on DPI’s website at www.dpi. vic.gov.au/game-hunting.

If hunters wish to participate in the training course run by Field and Game Australia, they should call the FGA national office on (03) 5799 0960.

Hunters who wish to sit the test without doing the FGA training course should view the game hunting pages on the DPI website for locations and contacts or call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for details.

Hunters must know the regulations that apply to the hunting of ducks in Victoria and are urged to check the current regulations by reading the Victorian Hunting Guide 2012, which is posted to the holders of a Game Licence and also may be viewed on the DPI website.

The duck season for 2012 will open on Saturday March 17 and close on Monday June 11, 2012.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 55

LPS swimming sports LEONGATHA

Prima-

ry School hosted its annual

house

swimming

sports at Mirboo North last Wednesday.

And while there were some tough competitors doing battle in

the pool, the emphasis was more on having fun. Winners from the events will compete at the regional swimming sports.

Mellow yellows: Strzelecki team mates Maddy Birrell and Tomei Del Pozzo line up to race.

Great mates: Dylan, Levi, Noah, Nick and Dan were ready to race last week at Mirboo North.

Desalinators are touch champs L E O N G AT H A Touch Football celebrated its inaugural year in a classic grand final showdown between the Leongatha team ‘Untouchables’ and the Wonthaggi team ‘Desalinators’.

Untouchables were crowned 2012 Champions after a monumental game of touch football which went down to the wire.

The final score was Untouchables 14, Desalinators13.

The Desalinators were well down on troops, with only four of their original squad left due to big layoffs and shift work in the desal plant.

But with the addition of some quality players from another team, they were able to compete hard and produce the quality match that it was.

Half time was locked up at six-all with female tries from Scarlet Mokaraka and Jodie Chisholm making an impact for both teams.

The second half was tit for tat with Zeb Tawha and Brendan Tomada dominating with plenty of tries of their own. Jason Tomada from Untouchables scored what seemed to be the winning try late in the second half.

Untouchables were up by one with only one minute to go before Haami Wharerau from Desalinators made a break down the sideline, diving into the corner to bring the game to a draw at full time.

This brought the game to a drop-off! The drop-off rule is the next to score wins, with every two minutes one person dropping off each team! This left five on five to continue the game in frantic pace.

Desalinators started quickly, driving hard down the field with Untouch-

ables barely keeping up, only to drop the ball on the fifth touch.

With three hard dumps to start off the set, Untouchables found some broken play in which interchanging passes from Chris Cronin and Jason Cooke meant they were able to find space for Jason Tomada to use his speed to shoot through a gap only to be chased hard to the try line by Lukus Fouche in an attempt to thwart the winning try!

A worthy finish to a great game.

Presentations rounded out the night with Most Improved female and male trophies going to Jade Pettigrew and Gary Miller.

The best and fairest went to Haami Wharerau for his outstanding attitude toward our beginners, as well as his awesome touch footy skills.

Big thanks to Leongatha’s Mary MacKillop Catholic College for the use of their grounds, and also to Vic Touch for their support in setting up the comp.

If you are interested in playing Touch Footy next season, whether male or female aged 10 years and over, please call Jason Cooke on

0437 646 736 or send an email to jacintacooke79@ bigpond.com.

There is also a website, just Google ‘Leongatha touch’.

Terrific trio: Amelia Dunn, Alex Wildes and Chelsea Funnell had a great time on the day.

Surf pros bring safety to students PROFESSIONAL surfers Adam Robertson and Phil McDonald brought the important safety message to South Gippsland students last week at VicRoads Surf with the Boys Tour.

Best and fairest: Haami Wharerau accepted the inaugural best and fairest award from grounds co-ordinator Jason Cooke. He is pictured with his son, who holds the trophy.

Premiers: back: Paul Jones, Gary Miller, Sam Clark, Teagan Matthews, middle: Matthew Miller, Chris Cronin, Jason Tomada, Jason Cooke, front: Gary Goodwin, Jack Miller, Brendan Tomada, Jodie Chisholm and Tinotenda Ngamundru.

Some 35 young boys and girls gathered to chat about the importance of being safe in the water and on the roads before going for a surf on at Sandy Point on Wednesday, Kilcunda on Thursday and Phillip Island on Friday.

A joint initiative between Surfing Victoria, VicRoads and Play it Safe by the Water, the program aims to develop male surfers’ water skills and knowledge of road safety.

“The kids were great. They were all pretty keen to have a chat and hear what we had to say”, Robertson said.

“The program is a great opportunity for the kids to see what some of the dangers are on the road and in the water,” he said.

All participants received a heap of prizes on the day including a signed poster from both Adam and Phil.

VicRoads’ purpose is to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to communities throughout Victoria by managing the Victorian arterial road network and its use as an integral part of the overall transport system.

VicRoads is aiming to get across four key messages through the program.

• Make sure you get your 120 hours of practice driving when you are learning to

drive. Experience makes you a better and safer driver.

• Don’t text or talk on your mobile when you’re driving.

• Assess the road conditions just as you would when you want to go for a surf and drive within the limitations of your experience as well as current conditions on the road.

• Respect on the road is important, just like respecting the ocean and your mates.

For the past 35 years, Metricon has grown to become one of the largest new homebuilders in Australia. We are committed to remaining a leader. We do not build houses. We design homes. Homes that celebrate family life in all its wonderful variety. For more information check out www.metricon.com.au Global Surf Industries is made up of a passionate group of people who love what we do, we love our brands and our surfboards, we also love the lives that we are living and that we are passionate about our mantra: Life is Better When You Surf and sharing it with the world. This mantra incorporates everything that we appreciate about our lives and the wonderful industry that we work in. We know what a difference surfing has made in our lives and we love to share it as much as we can.

Global Surf Industries has a portfolio of 15 brands of surfboards from novice to high performance level. We operate businesses in Australia and the USA and have a distribution network of over 70 countries around the world. The tour moved to Lakes Entrance on Monday.

Surf’s up: Inverloch surfer Taj McEntee, a student at the Wonthaggi Secondary College was tearing up the waves at Kilcunda on Thursday during the VicRoads Surf with the Boys Tour. Photos courtesy of Liam Robertson, VicRoads Surf with the Boys Tour.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

• B GRADE DIVISION 1

Symmons enjoys big day out

NERRENA has scored a mammoth 342 runs, as Damien Symmons whacked a century against Wonthaggi Miners on Saturday.

He was finally out, caught on 129 but the damage was already done. He was well supported by Dave Trotman (63) and Ash Harrison (36).

Miners bowler Joe Armstrong snared 5/95 in one bright moment for his side. They will be needing a miracle or two to chase down this target on Saturday.

The Wonthaggi Workmens also put on a huge score, churning out 8/334 before declaring and giving Glen Alvie 10 overs at the crease.

They were in trouble right from the outset, scoring just 12 runs and losing two wickets.

Dave Britt (69) and

Shane Osborne (61) were the heroes with the bat for the Workers.

Paul Harper (98) has gone so close to scoring a century for OMK at the weekend, but fell just short as his side scored 235 before declaring.

Harper batted beautifully and helped guide his side to the score, and at the end of the day his score was even better.

The Imps lost two wickets for 22 runs from 14 overs and will need a couple of players to stand up if they are to win next weekend.

Inverloch produced another fine performance on Saturday, helping their chances of leap-frogging Phillip Island into second spot after scoring 8/270 on Saturday.

While batsmen earlier in the day struggled to find their feet, they had no such trouble late in the day when James Ogden (66*) and Joe

Courtenay (50) got their side to a fine score. The Island will need to be at their best to run this score down.

OMK v IMPERIALS 1st innings OMK P. Harper lbw. b. L. Ballagh .................... 98 R. Quaife c. L. Ballagh b. L. Wright...................... 21 R. White c. L. Ballagh b. J. Forrester ................... 16 L. Lamers c. J. Riseley b. R. Higgins ...................... 8 J. Cochrane b. L. Ballagh ........ 2 D. Jeffries c. A. Hosking b. L. Ballagh ...................... 7 N. Audino c. R. Higgins b. G. Forrester .................... 2 B. McGrath lbw. b. R. Higgins .................... 23 B. Maguire lbw. b. L. Ballagh .................... 19 M. Hems n.o. ........................ 26 Extras .................................... 13 Total ....................... 9/235 (dec) Bowling: Z. Price 0/45, L. Wright 1/40, J. Forrester 1/55, R. Higgins 1/17, G. Forrester 1/41, L. Ballagh 4/24.

1st innings Imperials R. Higgins n.o. ........................ 4 Z. Price c. P. Harper b. J. Cochrane .................... 0 A. Pellin c. M. Hems b. J. Cochrane .................... 3 L. Ballagh n.o. ...................... 11 Extras ...................................... 4 Total ................................... 2/22

Bowling: R. White 0/6, J. Cochrane 2/8, D. Jeffries 0/1, B. Maguire 0/7, M. Hems 0/0.

PHILLIP ISLAND v INVERLOCH 1st innings Inverloch L. Sharrock c. b. G. Odgers ..... 8 J. Belli c. b. M. Francis ........... 4 W. Holmes c. b. M. Francis ..... 0 N. Goodall c. b. Z. Brown ..... 32 M. Anderson b. G. Odgers....... 6 J. Courtney c. b. Z. Brown .... 50 B. Sword lbw. b. J. Blackwell ................. 49 J. Ogden n.o. ......................... 66 J. Dalmau r.o. ........................ 32 Extras .................................... 23 Total ......................... 8/270 (cc) Bowling: G. Odgers 2/72, M. Francis 2/22, J. Blackwell 1/55, P. Francis 0/50, Z. Brown 2/62.

GLEN ALVIE v WON WORKMENS 1st innings Won Workmens S. Osborne c. ......................... 61 D. Dutchman b. ..................... 12 D. Britt b. .............................. 69 A. Yann b. ............................. 28 D. Turton b............................ 44 L. Sawyer c. .......................... 26 A. McLean c. ........................ 45 S. Williams c. .......................... 6 Extras .................................... 45 Total ....................... 8/334 (dec) Bowling: A. Russell 1/69, S. Nippers 1/38, W. Luke 1/45, A. McBride 1/38, L. McRae 1/11, J. Wheeler 1/41, S. Poole 0/18, S. Kniese 0/27, D. Gilbert 1/14, T. Tack 1/2.

1st innings Glen Alvie W. Luke c. ............................... 6 A. McBride b. A. McLean ....... 0 A. Russell n.o.......................... 4 J. Wheeler n.o. ........................ 2 Extras ...................................... 0 Total .................................. 2/12 Bowling: S. Williams 1/6, J. Thomas 0/0, L. McGuirk 0/4, A. McLean 1/2.

NERRENA v WON MINERS 1st innings Nerrena A. Harrison c. b. P. Owen ...... 36 D. Trotman b. J. Armstrong ... 63 T. Clark c. P. Owen b. B. Mattock ................... 23 D. Symmons c. B. Mattock b. J. Armstrong ............... 129 C. Baudinette c. D. Beesey b. P. Owen ........................ 16 B. Standfield c. D. Beesey b. J. Armstrong ................... 3 T. Renden b. J. Armstrong ..... 16 Z. Trease n.o. ........................ 25 B. Croatto b. J. Armstrong ...... 2 T. West b. J. Armstrong ........... 0 Extras .................................... 28 Total ................................... 342 Bowling: D. Beesey 1/64, J. Armstrong 5/95, P. Owen 2/95, B. Mattock 1/33, T. Hamilton 0/35.

Cool head: Imperials A1 batsman Andrew Meyer managed to hang around while a few of his team mates fell around him in their match against OMK.

• B GRADE DIVISION 2

Three teams race to the top THREE teams are vying for top spot on the B Grade Division 2 ladder this week.

OMK, Korumburra and Kilcunda-Bass are all favoured to win their matches and make the competition even tighter for this year’s flag.

Korumburra needs just four wickets to ensure victory over Fish Creek-Tarwin, and have a chance to outright them after scoring 257 and keeping Fishy to 6/56.

OMK will need to chase down 203 runs to snare a victory over Koonwarra/ Leongatha RSL after the Cougars batted well.

Darcy O’Connor (54) and Eamon Charles (32) were the best batsmen for Koony, but a five wicket haul to Gary Adams kept

his side in the frame.

Kilcunda-Bass are already well on their way to a win against MDU after bowling them out for 140.

They have already scored 54 runs for no loss, as Trevor Aplin scored 40 not out.

Earlier in the day it was Brett Spokes (50) and Matt Martin (36) keeping their team’s hopes alive.

In the other match played, Matt Davies (85) and Brett Moore (65) led Town to a score of 4/219 before they declared.

They currently have Poowong-Loch 2/45.

KOONWARRA-RSL v OMK 1st innings Koonwarra-RSL Extras .......................................13 Total .......................................202 Bowling: G. Lomagno 1/40, C. Truscott 2/43, G. Adams 5/26, G. Knox 0/17, M. Walker 0/36, D. Halliday 2/30.

KILCUNDA-BASS V MDU 1st innings MDU D. Jones c T. Aplin b C. Davidson.............................3 C. Harris c R. Gardiner b J. Dakin. ................................10 T. Zukovskis b D. Masinovic .....3 B. Spokes b C. Davidson .........50 M. Martin c B Egeberg b J. Dakin .................................36 B. Thomas c R.Gardiner..............0 L. Mercer b C. Davidson..........13 B. Coulter b B. Nicholls.............2 S. Riley n o..................................9 G. Peters lbw b B. Egeberg.........5 K. Sinclair c T. Aplin b B. Egeberg...............................0 Extras .........................................9 Total .......................................140 Bowling: C. Davidson 3/25, D. Masinovic 1/16, B. Egeberg 2/15, H. Grace 0/16, J. Dakin 2/24, S. Blake 1/40, B. Nicholls 1/1 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass T. Aplin n o...............................40 R.Gardiner n o...........................10 Extras.........................................4 Total.......................................0/54 POOWONG - LOCH v TOWN 1st innings Poowong - Loch S. Magnusson no .....................18 R. Carvill lbw b W. Turner .......13 G. Staindl b J. Bolge ..................9

B. Murphy n o ............................0 Extras .........................................6 Total ......................................2/45 Bowling: M. Davies 0/16, W. Turner 1/8, D. Goss 0/12, J. Bolge 1/4, G. Goss 0/2.

1st innings Town G. Young c G. Staindl b N. Hancock ............................24 B. Moore c R. Knox b G. Staindl................................65 M. Davies b S. McKinnon .......85 W. Turner c R. Humphrey b G. Staindl ...............................2 M. Wilson n o ..........................24 Extras .......................................19 Total .......................... 4/219 (dec) Bowling: D. Norton 0/58, S. McKinnon 1/29, V. Rawat 0/16, N. Hancock 1/22, R. Knox 0/38, G. Staindl 2/48.

KORUMBURRA V FISH CREEK TARWIN 1st innings Korumburra K. Miller c M. Bright b A. Straw.................................34 P. Dunlevie c & b M. Watkins. ...1 J. Greenwood b A Straw...........24 T. Allen c G. Buckland b T. Smith .................................56 A Balfour c M. Watkins b T. Stybosh................................1 J. Oxlee c T. Stybosh

Clean bowled: Rob Gale misses this shot and hears the sound of his leg stump getting removed.

b T. Smith....................................8 J. Richards c M. Watkins b G. Buckland ............................2 N. Allen b A . Straw .................30 J. Turnbull n o ..........................65 N. Arney c G. Buckland A. Straw......................................0 H. James lbw b A. Straw ............1 Extras .......................................35 Total .......................................257 Bowling: J. Pouw 0/45, M.

Watkins 1/66, A. Straw 5/37, J. Darcy 0/16, T. Stybosh 1/29, G. Buckland 1/27, T. Smith 2/21, A. Watkins 0/10.

1st innings Fish Creek Tarwin M. Watkins st K. Miller b P. Dunlevie ............................20 J. Pouw b H. James. ...................0 G. Buckland c J. Richards b H. James ..................................6 M. Bright lbw b P. Dunlevie ....10

T. Smith c J. Greenwood b N. Arney ..................................5 T. Stybosh c J. Turnbull b N. Arney...................................7 A. Straw .....................................3 J. Darcy n o ................................3 Extras .........................................2 Total ......................................6/56 Bowling: H. James 2/14, J. Turnbull 0/6, N. Allen 0/14, P. Dunlevie 2/18, N. Arney 2/3.

C Grade Division 1

Kilcunda-Bass 232 (D. O’Neill 86, P. Palmer 3/40) v Glen Alvie.

MDU Red 0/49 (P. Robinson n.o. 27, S. Opray 0/10) v MDU Blue 92 (J. Hodder 18, M. Olden 4/25).

Koonwarra-RSL 8/174 (cc) (P. Kennedy 37, P. McGavin 3/23) v Imperials.

50, C. Moscript 3/40).

Foster 168 (R. Prain 44, L. Green 3/36) lt Poowong Loch-GA 4/185 (R. Carvill ret. n.o. 76, F. Griggs 3/31).

Phillip Island 2/100 (J. Black ret. 43, D. Ginnane 1/6) d Imperials 7/96 (cc) (B. Davidson n.o. 40, T. Officer 1/11).

Under 16 ladder East Zone Fish Creek-Tarwin ... 111.21 Imperials ..................... 97.89 Korumburra ............... 90.27 Koonwarra RSL-Town ........ ......................................85.16 MDU ............................ 55.10 Foster............................ 41.94 West Zone Phillip Island............. 133.42 Won Workmens ........ 116.29 Inverloch ..................... 86.93 Poowong Loch-GA ..... 54.08 Kilcunda-Bass .............. 39.33

Town 4/47 (P. Carter 17, T. Stacey-Van Steensel 3/17) v Kilcunda-Bass 151 (I. Brown 43, L. Ashton 3/29).

Korumburra 99 (S. Hall 27, J. Jackson 4/14) v Inverloch 3/69 (J. Brosnan 24, S. Hall 1/7).

Won Workmens v Phillip Island 8/310 (cc) (A. Finlayson n.o. 117, R. Geyer 2/27).

Won Miners v Nerrena 167 (W. Telfer 69, T. Walker 4/44).

C Grade Division 2 Phillip Island 0/52 (L. Papa n.o. 28, J. Chaseling 0/8) v Foster 110 (T. Garvey 25, S. Furniss 3/12).

Won Workmens 171 (D. Beaumont 63, M. Chizzonitti 2/25) v OMK (T. Eustace 12, A. Ray 0/10).

Under 16 Fish Creek-Tarwin 4/180 (cc) H. Buckland 39, J. Dalmau 3/18) d Inverloch 120 (N. Brayley 26, A. Straw 3/8).

Kilcunda-Bass 72 & 9/62 (J. Honeysett 26, B. Jeffries 6/27; B. Caille 25, Z. Macdermid 2/8) lt Won Workmens 3/142 (dec) (L. McLean 40, D. Clay 2/72).

Koonwarra RSL-Town 7/198 (S. Clark 44, P. Dunlevie 2/35) lt Korumburra 4/212 (cc) (N. Amey ret. n.o.

Going the tonk: Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL batsman Nick Summers takes to his opposition’s bowling.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 57

• A GRADE DIVISION 1

Invy looks set for outright win INVERLOCH will continue their strong finish to the 2011/12 season next week as they look almost certain to pull off an outright against Glen Alvie.

The Alvie won the toss and decided to bat, a decision that backfired immediately, as they were bowled out for just 38 runs in 17.1 overs.

Nathan Cant took 5/8 and Kit Rothier 4/22. They then went in to bat, smashing up a quickfire 200 runs thanks to skipper Dylan Clark (69) and Wal Taberner (70).

Glen Alvie were back in again after Invy declared and will need to bat for a long time this Saturday if they’re to avoid the outright win.

Korumburra played Wonthaggi Workmens in a potential grand final preview, and the Cobras will be hoping the final travels a similar path after they

had their opponents all out for 125.

Anoj Katipearachchi was once again the hero, taking three Glen Alvie scalps and adding (55*) later on in the afternoon.

Darren Scott took 4/11 with the ball for the Cobras and helped clean up the tail.

The Cobras are currently 3/82, needing just 44 runs for victory.

The Wonthaggi Miners will be hoping their 7/240 will be enough against Nerrena this weekend.

Led once again by the Donohue brothers Matt (82) and Andrew (63), the Miners scored consistently throughout the day.

In the last match played, the Imperials were all out for 216. They were led bravely by middle order batsmen Luke Rogers (44) and Andrew Meyer (64).

IMPERIALS v OMK 1st innings Imperials T. Williams lbw. b. A. Meade ...........................4 G. Sauvarin b. P. Dell .................5 S. Vagg b. P. Dell......................10

L. Rogers c. J. Wilson b. P. Dell ..............................44 A. Meyer b. P. Dell...................64 M. Lafferty c. J. Wilson b. G. Pickles ........................25 D. Johnson c. K. Kerr b. G. Pickles ..........................3 M. Elliott c. B. Wyatt b. P. Dell ..............................26 K. Gray c. P. Dell b. D. McMeekin ....................0 B. Davidson c. J. Wilson b. G. Pickles ........................19 A. DeGennaro n.o. .....................8 Extras .........................................8 Total .......................................216 Bowling: P. Dell 5/81, A. Meade 1/29, B. Wyatt 0/35, J. Wilson 0/16, G. Pickles 3/38, D. McMeekin 1/12.

INVERLOCH v GLEN ALVIE 1st innings Glen Alvie S. Smith lbw. ..............................8 S. Lowe lbw. ..............................3 A. Hamilton c. ............................3 D. Tiziani c. ................................0 J. Tiziani c. .................................3 D. Fletcher c. ..............................2 B. Ould c. ...................................7 R. Matthews b. ...........................5 K. Simpson c. .............................0 J. Hales b. ...................................3 D. Williams n.o. .........................0 Extras .........................................4 Total .........................................38 Bowling: R. Thomas 1/7, K. Rothier 4/22, N. Cant 5/8.

1st innings Inverloch W. Taberner c. B. Ould b. K. Simpson......................70 T. Thornby lbw. b. D. Tiziani.........................24 J. Smith lbw.

b. K. Simpson........................9 D. Clark c. D. Williams b. J. Hales ............................69 D. Ruffin n.o. ...........................22 Extras .........................................5 Total .......................... 4/200 (dec) Bowling: B. Ould 0/49, J. Hales 1/30, K. Simpson 2/52, D. Tiziani 1/41, D. Williams 0/24.

2nd innings Glen Alvie S. Smith n.o. .............................30 S. Lowe r.o. ..............................13 A. Hamilton n.o..........................9 Extras .........................................7 Total ......................................1/59 Bowling: R. Thomas 0/8, K. Rothier 0/7, N. Cant 0/7, L. Rankin 0/17, D. Clark 0/15, B. Debono 0/0.

WON WORKMENS v KORUMBURRA 1st innings Won Workmens R. Hassett c. K. Rigby b. A. Katipearachchi ............18 S. Huitema c. A. Katipearachchi b. D. Wyhoon ........................2 R. Thomas lbw. b. A. Katipearachchi ............16 G. Britt b. A. Katipearachchi .....6 C. Harvey c. U. Weerasinghe b. D. Wyhoon ........................0 M. Thomas c. K. Dorman b. D. Scott ...........................25 G. Bolding c. K. Dorman b. U. Weerasinghe ............... 11 J. Sheerin c. A. Katipearachchi b. D. Scott ...........................15 T. Hooper c. K. Dorman b. D. Scott ...........................19 J. Liddle c. b. D. Scott .............................0 M. McCall n.o. ...........................0

Bowling, Jase: Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL’s Jason Kennedy sends down another ball en route to a five wicket haul against Foster.

Extras .......................................13 Total .......................................125 Bowling: A. Katipearachchi 3/48, D. Wyhoon 2/33, L. Williams 0/1, U. Weerasinghe 1/20, D. Scott 4/11.

1st innings Korumburra K. Rigby c. R. Hassett b. R. Thomas .........................5 J. Cook c. C. Harvey b. G. Britt ..............................0 A. Katipearachchi n.o. .............55 I. Osman r.o. .............................19

U. Weerasinghe n.o. ...................1 Extras .........................................2 Total ....................................3/182 Bowling: R. Thomas 1/21, G. Britt 1/29, G. Bolding 0/22, M. Thomas 0/8.

WON MINERS v NERRENA 1st innings Won Miners M. Donohue b. G. Murphy.......82 K. Smith b. R. Clark.................20 A. Donohue lbw. b. P. Matheson .....................63

J. O’Reilly c. J. Renden b. P. Matheson .....................22 M. Johnson c. G. Murphy b. T. Wightman .................... 11 J. Andrighetto c. J. Renden b. T. Wightman ....................15 C. Thomas r.o. (J. Renden)....... 11 Extras .......................................16 Total .............................7/240 (cc) Bowling: P. Matheson 2/58, R. Clark 1/36, T. Wightman 2/62, G. Murphy 1/39, M. Clark 0/20, B. Castles 0/15.

• A GRADE DIVISION 2

Seven wickets for Al Jenkins POOWONG-Loch opening bowler Alan Jenkins has snagged seven wickets in a brilliant display of bowling on Saturday.

The quick grabbed wickets on the second and third balls of the day as Town were reeling at 2/1.

Jenkins’ 7/37 came from 20.5 overs, with only Jay Withers (46) and Matt Smith (21) getting starts for the Scorpions.

Poowong-Loch had 26 overs to bat and made the most of them, knocking up 2/73 with Colin Knox (37) leading the way for his side.

A ton to KilcundaBass’ Steven Oates has helped set his side up for a big day next weekend.

Playing against MDU, Oates opened the batting and, along with opening partner Paul Mohacsy (50) the pair put on 155 for the first wicket.

Killy-Bass finished up the day with 8/294, leaving MDU a big task next week.

Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL’s Jason Kennedy has taken five wickets in a great spell of bowling on Saturday.

The Cougars’ opening bowler snared 5/44 from his 18 overs, and managed to restrict Foster to a score of 140 all out.

Foster got one of their own back, snaring the wicket of Leo Enter for a duck, leaving Koony 1/18 chasing their score next week.

Phillip Island has already taken the points again Fish Creek-Tarwin

after bowling well on the weekend.

The Island bowled Fishy out for 90 before scoring 6/106 themselves.

FOSTER v KOONWARRA-RSL 1st innings Foster M. Lynch c. J. Hughes b. J. Kennedy.......................13 P. Dower c&b. J. Kennedy .......21 J. Prain b. T. Gordon ..................3 J. Toner c. N. Grimes b. B. Moscript .....................46 D. Clearihan-Jervies b. J. Kennedy.......................10 N. Vening c. N. Grimes b. B. Moscript .......................5 G. Tanner n.o. ...........................16 S. Chaseling b. S. Sperling....... 11 R. Dower b. J. Kennedy .............3 F. Griggs b. J. Kennedy ..............3 P. Cardilini c. J. Kennedy b. T. Gordon ..........................1 Extras .........................................8 Total .......................................140 Bowling: T. Gordon 2/47, J. Kennedy 5/44, B. Moscript 2/20, S. Sperling 1/19, N. Arnup 0/3, B. Thomas 0/4.

1st innings Koonwarra-RSL B. Moscript n.o. ....................... 11 L. Enter c....................................0 S. Moore n.o...............................6 Extras .........................................1 Total ......................................1/18 Bowling: F. Griggs 0/4, P. Dower 1/10, D. Clearihan-Jervies 0/4.

MDU v KILCUNDA-BASS 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass S. Oates c. W. Prosser b. M. Patching ...................109 P. Mohascy c. C. Le Page b. M. Patching .....................50 J. Dakin c. R. Olden b. M. Patching .....................33 A. Larcombe c. b. M. Le Page ......................17 A. Shackelford lbw. b. M. Patching .....................10 T. Miller b. M. Patching ...........31 C. Hart c. M. Patching b. M. Le Page ......................10 D. Pipicelli r.o. (W. Prosser) ......5 J. Tregear n.o. .............................3 S. Tapscott n.o. ...........................8 Extras .......................................18 Total .............................8/294 (cc) Bowling: T. Harris 0/30, M. Patching 5/100, S. McRae 0/25, J. Sinclair 0/15, M. Le Page 2/49, S. Arnup 0/59, C. Le Page 0/1.

TOWN v POOWONG-LOCH 1st innings Town I. McCallum c. C. Fraser b. A. Jenkins ..........................3

I. Hanks c. C. Fraser b. A. Jenkins ..........................0 M. Borschman c. C. Fraser b. A. Jenkins ..........................0 J. Withers c. C. Fraser b. A. Jenkins ........................46 C. Bruce b. A. Jenkins................3 A. Hickey c. M. Adderley b. S. Jenkins ..........................5 M. Smith c. D. Brown b. A. Jenkins ........................21 J. Schelling r.o. (D. Brain) .........0 S. Fixter b. G. Birnie ..................0 S. Clark n.o. ...............................0 J. Hume b. A. Jenkins...............10 Extras .......................................15 Total .......................................104 Bowling: A. Jenkins 7/37, D. Brain 0/14, G. Birnie 1/16, S. Jenkins 1/22.

1st innings Poowong-Loch C. Knox lbw. b. J. Withers.........................37 C. Fraser c. J. Hume b. J. Schelling ...................... 11 G. Birnie n.o.............................16 S. Jenkins n.o. ............................0 Extras .........................................9 Total ......................................2/73 Bowling: J. Schelling 1/13, S. Clark 0/11, C. Bruce 0/8, M. Borschman 0/14, S. Fixter 0/9, J. Hume 0/8, J. Withers 1/2.

FISH CREEK-TARWIN V PHILLIP ISLAND 1st innings Fish Creek-Tarwin G. Watkins c. M. Price b. S. Kirton ..........................38 G. Webster c. S. Boyack b. S. Kirton ............................0 J. Law c. M. Price b. S. Kirton ............................8 N. Wilkins c. A. Manteit b. S. Kirton ............................0 S. Rabbitt lbw. b. C. Wilson...........................4 C. Bawden c. S. Murdoch b. S. Boyack ..........................2 C. Fisher n.o. ............................25 H. Buckland b. D. Johnston .......3 D. Britton c. E. Richards b. D. Johnston .......................3 M. Van Boven r.o. (S. Murdoch)..3 Extras .........................................4 Total .........................................90 Bowling: T. Hornsby 0/5, S. Kirton 4/29, C. Wilson 1/11, S. Murdoch 0/15, S. Boyack 1/13, D. Johnston 2/15.

1st innings Phillip Island P. Colla c. D. Britton b. S. Rabbitt...........................0 S. Murdoch b. S. Rabbitt............8 T. Hornsby b. S. Rabbitt.............0 E. Richards c. D. Britton b. C. Bawden .......................20 A. Manteit b. C. Bawden .........15 M. Price c. N. Wilkins

b. C. Fisher ..........................30 S. Boyack n.o. .......................... 11 A. Matthews n.o. ........................1 Extras .......................................20 Total ....................................6/106 Bowling: S. Rabbitt 3/36, N. Wilkins 0/17, C. Bawden 2/33, M. Van Boven 0/4, C. Fisher 1/6.

Ouch, that’s gotta hurt: Town’s Ash Hickey feels the brunt of an Alan Jenkins delivery to the groin, but was able to have a laugh about it a few minutes after with team-mate Jay Withers (below).

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

More rain on LDCA parade LEONGATHA has once again fallen victim to rain as its Country Week onslaught was brought to a close thanks to a downpour.

After rain terminated a definite win in the GCL final, team manager Kristian Gray said the players were “shattered” when they found out they would not be advancing to the final.

After losing a close game on day three LDCA needed a win on day four, but after comfortably arriving at 5/148, needing 40 with 15 overs to go, the rain poured down.

“We had the radars out checking

when the rain was coming, the boys stepped it up but there was nothing we could do,” he said.

Gray said there was no doubt the side would have won the match and made it through to the last day had the rain held off.

The loss on the third day hurt the league’s chances when a score of 150 set the bowlers up for a tough day.

Gray said “150 was never going to be enough. The match was theirs to lose really. Our bowlers bowled beautifully and nearly got us home.”

Eventual finalists Murray Valley needed two runs from the last over when Inverloch’s Kit Rothier was tossed the ball.

Rothier bowled five balls before a lucky swing by Murray Valley’s number 11 batsman got them home.

LDCA had planned ahead and rested their key performers, with only Tim Wightman and Gav Britt playing every day.

And while the medal for best player has not been presented yet, Gray said the better players for the week were Wightman, Shane Murdoch, Britt and Udara Weerasinghe.

Wightman took 10 wickets for the week, which was up there with the better performances.

Gavin Britt contributed well with the bat as always, as did Murdoch and Weerasinghe.

So close again: Leongatha’s Country Week team, which narrowly missed the final thanks to a heavy downpour on Thursday. They are, back from left: team manager Kristian Gray, Udara Wheerasinghe, Ryan Thomas, Gavin Britt, Ryan Thomas, Greg Pickles, Troy Williams, middle: Alan Jenkins, scorer Scott Boyack, front: Shane Murdoch, Matt Johnson, Jason Wilson, Tim Wightman, Barry Wyatt, Damien Symmons and selector Gary Sauvarin.

Hot tennis at Swan Hill SWAN Hill once again played host to the annual draw card for teams to join together at the Victorian Country Week Tennis Tournament last week.

Leongatha entered the tournament with eight teams resplendent in their new purple strips. Of this four reached semis and three teams made grand finals.

The Leongatha C1 men’s team of Mick Hemming, Steve Charlton, Max Beard, Taylor Beard and Danny Maloney went on to claim the pennant.

Figuring in the runners-up team and defeated by just six games was the B Special 1 ladies team of Michelle Krohn, Bronwyn Williams, Guilia Joyce and Janine Thomas.

The ladies B Special 2 team of Shelley Walker, Ang Williams and Wendy Gervasi (plus two Swan Hill locals) finished runner-up as well.

Inverloch Tennis Club had two women’s teams representing their club and they both arrived home with silverwear.

The section C team won over Buninyong Gold to take the premiership, whilst the section B team came home runners-up to Shepparton having only been defeated by four games.

It was a fantastic effort by both, with all games played on grass and in much warmer temperatures than have been experienced locally of late.

C Grade champs: Leanne du Plessis, Rhonda Evans, Donna O’Loughlin, Denise Burke, Judy Blogg and Anne Thornby.

Given a chance: junior LDCA players were recently given a chance to train with premier club CaseySouth Melbourne. They are, from left: Max Francis, Brodie Johnston, Brok Davidson, Jai Prain, Jake Cochrane, Jake Best (Casey-South Melbourne firsts captain) Brayden Pickersgill, Lachie Sperling (Casey-South Melbourne), Thomas Wyatt, Ryan Olden, Keanu Miller, Michael Olden, Royston McGavin and Lachie Wright.

Training with the big boys THIRTEEN local cricketers had the chance to train with premier club Casey-South Melbourne on Tuesday February 14.

Eleven were selected by the Association and two at Casey-South Melbourne’s invitation and they joined

local players playing at the club in training with firsts captain Jake Best (exFoster player), Lachie Sperling and Sam Hughes (both from Koonwarra RSL).

The session was organised through Mick Taylor and the club and the league hopes they can continue these training sessions at least once a year as the participants received excellent technical

help from Rob Elston, Jake Best and the senior batting and bowling coaches.

They all took the opportunity to bowl at Jake Best and Joel Lever, first grade players.

These training sessions for local players together with the players in the Damien Fleming Development Squad can only improve our local cricket.

Pennant win: the Leongatha men’s team of, from left, Mick Hemming, Max Beard, Taylor Beard, Danny Maloney and Steve Charlton won the C1 section at country week tennis in Swan Hill.

C Grade champs: Leanne du Plessis, Rhonda Evans, Donna O’Loughlin, Denise Burke, Judy Blogg and Anne Thornby.

B Grade champs: Joanne Dow, Wendy Scott, Chris Malone, Virginia McEntee and Debbie Wells.

Coach for junior cricket NEXT Sunday, S February 26 at Outtrim

at 10.30am the Leongatha and District Cricket Association will host a coaching day and clubs have been asked to send junior representatives players and coaches.

John Harmer, a very qualified and experienced cricket coach, will be attending the clinic.

John was involved with the Australian Cricket Academy and the

Australian and English women’s teams and his knowledge and expertise will be a benefit to all coaches and players.

He is very high on hand eye co-ordination drills and bio mechanics.

Gippsland region coach Rob Wood, Udara Weerasinghe, Anoj Katipearachchi, both from Sri Lanka and Greg Pickles and Daniel Lloyd from England, as well as some A Grade players will help out for an hour or two.

It will be an excellent opportunity for clubs to take back some training drills to their clubs and for players to work on techniques.

Check with your club for nominations. The limit of five players per club does not include coaches.

Training is from 10.30am to 1.30pm and a sausage sizzle will be available.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - PAGE 59

Big season ahead for Parrots AS A fully uniformed group of around 40 Leongatha footballers strides around the local oval, former AFL footballer and new coach Will Thursfield hardly stands out.

The 25-year-old seems to have slid in seamlessly amongst the crowd, learning the coaching craft as he goes.

“I’m going to be doing a lot of learning on the job, but that’s what the practice games are for,” he said.

“I’ll have to keep a few extra eyes out on the field that’s for sure, but I’ve got a quality team of assistants to help out.”

Senior players Tas Clingan and Rhett McLennan have been announced as on field assistant coaches, while he will have two further assistants in the coach’s box.

“We think we’ll have all our bases covered, with blokes on the ground as well as watching from the box,” Thursfield said.

And while he has been leading from the front, the former Richmond defender’s reputation seems to have preceded him.

The club has seen at least 50 listed players on the track, often all at once.

“A lot of the boys are saying they are the fittest they’ve ever been, which is great,” Thursfield said.

“Even the older guys are getting along and look like they’re enjoying themselves.”

With fresh ideas, fit players and an influx of gun recruits, there has been plenty of speculation in the community

New boys: Paul O’Connor, Ben Vagg, Will Thursfield, Tas Clingan and Cameron Stone have joined Leongatha Football Club’s ranks this season. Ben has played previously, but all are coming into what promises to be a very exciting time for the club. about the possibility of the club’s first Senior flag since 2001.

But the first year coach doesn’t feel under any pressure, laughing off the suggestion that the cup could be theirs already.

“Yeah people have been saying things along those lines, but it’s much

too early to even think of that,” he said.

“We’ll just keep doing what we can. Of course there’s going to be hiccups during the season so we’ll do our best to deal with them.”

And while Thursfield and Clingan will bring in a wealth of knowledge

and experience, they know little about the Gippsland League competition, but it’s not something they see as a negative.

“I think it’s good. We won’t have any ideas on them and we’ll just take them as they come,” Clingan said.

With plenty of Leongatha’s new

players unseen by Gippsland League opponents, it could be favourable to the Parrots.

And there can be no arguing with the calibre of recruits. Thursfield himself has 77 AFL caps, while two other former Richmond-listed players David Gourdis and Clingan will be adding some class to an already talented midfield pool.

Along with those players come smaller recruits Cam Stone (Stony Creek), Paul O’Connor and forwards Jake Best (Foster), Mick Otto and Dwayne Holt, who is returning after a year away from the club.

With plenty of midfield additions, Thursfield ruled out concern that ‘too many cooks may spoil the broth’.

“There are some good players there. You can never have enough midfielders. If they can play in the midfield they can play anywhere,” he said.

Where does Thursfield play?

IT’S the question many have been asking since the former Richmond key defender was signed with Leongatha.

And for those who have had trouble guessing – rest easy, the coach himself doesn’t even know yet.

“That’s the million dollar question at the minute isn’t it?” joked teammate and assistant coach Tas Clingan.

“I’m not sure yet, I’m still waiting to figure that out. I might try myself across half back, maybe half forward,” Thursfield said.

“It’s going to depend where other guys are playing and where I can slot myself in!”

Spanish ride for Kris AUSSIE Superbike rider Kris Maclaren will have to miss the 2012 Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island next week as he prepares for a busy race season in Spain.

Kris has been training hard and getting miles on his Moto2 Superbike before he heads to Spain.

He has one more test this Thursday before his motorcycle and all his gear is air freighted to Spain by the end of the month.

Kris will head to Spain on March 9 for the first test at Jerez on March12 and 13; following this he will stay until the first race meeting on March 30 and race day April 1.

Another race will follow on April 22 at Navarra and he should be back home at the end of April.

According to his parents Craig and Pam, Kris is very excited and itching to get there.

His race bike and according to his parents his speeds on the thrilling Phillip Island track are now a lot faster than they were at the Australian Motorcylce Grand Prix last year.

The Superbike World Championship opening round at Phillip Island runs from February 24-26 and promises to be a huge economic winner for the local region.

Hundreds of motorcyclists will be making

Racing to Spain: while Kris Maclaren will miss racing at the World Superbike Championships on Phillip Island, February 24-26 he is hard at it training for a big racing stint in Spain. their way to the event next week, many stopping off to refuel, eat, shop and stay in towns across the South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires.

With the 2012 grid for world supers set – including newly crowned world champion Carlos Checa on the Althea Ducati, Italy’s Max Biaggi on an Aprilia, Castol Honda’s Jonathan Rea (who has been living and training in Melbourne’s St Kilda for the past four months), and BMW’s Leon Haslam and Marco Melandri – racing

will be spectacular.

With the retirement of Troy Corser and departure of Chris Vermeulen, Australia will be represented

by Mark Aitchison from Gosford on a privateer BMW; Adelaide’s David Johnson with a wildcard ride on a privateer BMW; and 2010 ASBK champion Bryan Staring deputising for injured Pedercini Kawasaki rider, Leandro Mercado.

Chaz Davies (Aprilia ParkinGO) and David Salom (Pedercini Kawasaki), who finished 1-2 in

the 2011 world Supersport title, are also new recruits for 2012.

Two world championship classes head the bill – the premier world superbikes and the supporting world supersport championship featuring a 32 strong grid.

Backing them are the Australian support classes including the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship, Australian Supersport, Australian Prostock, Australian Superstock and Australian 250 Production

along with the classic Australian Historic machines.

World supers is known for its super friendly atmosphere and six superscreens to ensure great viewing from whatever vantage point. Bring your bike to the circuit, cruise the spectator areas from Gardner Straight to Siberia to Lukey Heights and sit back and enjoy the action.

If you would like to attend this event go to www. worldsbk.com.au or ring the SBK toll free Hotline on 1 300 728 007 to book.

Email your stories news@thestar.com.au

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 21, 2012