The Great Southern Star - January 31, 2012

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012 - $1.20

Patriots Patriots party party Fun loving girls: Thea Cargill from Boolarra and Gemma Ingleton, Samantha Jones and Joanne Bishop from Inverloch turned flags into fashion at The Esplanade Hotel at Inverloch on Wednesday night. Turn to page 42 for more photos from the patriot filled beach party on the night before Australia Day.

Lucky escape Pothole nearly claims doctor’s life

By Jacob de Kunder A LEONGATHA doctor cheated death after escaping a traffic collision caused by a pothole last Tuesday.

Dr Corina Budileanu’s vehicle was sideswiped by a milk tanker at high speed after she hit a pothole on the Bass Highway.

Police said her vehicle bounced out of the pothole and into the truck between Cross Road and Whitelaws Track.

Page 2.

Beef icon retires

Luckily, Dr Budileanu and the truck driver were uninjured, but her car was written off. The driver’s side door was almost ripped clean away and the front axle was bent severely.

The accident occurred as Deputy Premier and Gippsland South MLA Peter Ryan defended the government’s level of roads funding.

Dr Budileanu criticised the state of the region’s roads.

“The roads are just horrible,” she said.

“I am very lucky not to be hurt; these roads are a health risk and are putting lives in danger.”

Dr Budileanu travels the road regularly to and from work and said the potholes are horrible.

“I have damaged my wheel on potholes when coming in the other direction around a month ago,” she said.

Continued on page 3. ►Roads funding high, says Deputy Premier Peter Ryan on page 13.

Lucky escape: Dr Corina Budileanu was lucky to walk away without serious injuries after colliding with a truck.

Page 22.

Pages 24-26.

Health boost

Australia Day festivities

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Bruce says goodbye to beef

By Isaac McCallum

after almost 50 years in the industry.

YANAKIE beef farmer Bruce Lester has decided to call it quits

Mr Lester has been a big player in the trade for quite some time, and the fact was obvious as he

strolled around his property last Friday.

A huge crowd attended his clearing sale, with plenty seeking him out for a chat.

And while he described the sales as a bit tough, he did manage to sell most of his items.

“I’ve been involved with the industry all my life, but I’ve decided to retire to a smaller block of land,” he said.

“I’m very sad to see it go, but there comes a time when you’ve got to do something about it.”

As well as saying good bye to his own site, Mr Lester bids adieu to experience many could not dream of.

He has been involved with Mundook Hereford Stud, and was the Australian Hereford Industry president for over a decade.

“There have been plenty of good memories,” Mr Lester said.

“Being involved with the people in the cattle industry is a standout, meeting all the people at the saleyards and through my time as the Hereford industry president, that sort of thing.”

He has been able to note many changes to the beef trade, though he feels not all are for the better.

“The industry has become a lot more accountable. Everything is more measured. Food quality issues require much more paperwork,” Mr Lester said.

“It’s a lot more complicated, the markets are so exact. You can’t just send something off anymore and hope you’re going to get paid for it.”

All over: Bruce Lester on his Yanakie property.

The beef farmer has decided to sell up and move away from the beef industry.

But he did admit a change in the transport has made his life a lot easier, as well as herbal health remedies keeping his cattle in check.

Even a dabble in the lamb industry lately saw Mr Lester’s magic touch reap benefits.

“We haven’t seen any huge prices for beef lately, but the lamb industry has been very kind to us in the last few years,” he said.

So what now for a retired farmer, whose whole life has been dedicated to beef?

“Well, I’m still going to run a few cattle. I’m going to travel a little bit, play a bit of golf and possibly get involved in a few community things, but we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

Won’t give up: South Gippsland Shire Councillor Jeanette Harding said the community is determined to gain approval for an upgrade to the Toora boat ramp.

Boat ramp delay ATTEMPTS to secure funding for the Toora boat ramp upgrade have continued into the new year, with the local community refusing to give up.

South Gippsland Shire Councillor Jeanette Harding said the 10 year process has been “very frustrating”, with the shire still waiting on a response from the Federal Government.

More paperwork addressing questions from the government was submitted at the end of last year, but the holiday break has delayed the process.

“We’ve dug our heels in and it’s going to happen,” Cr Harding said.

“There have been a lot of people coming down here over the holidays and enquiring about when it’s going to happen.”

Engineering and projects manager Tony Price said they will have to wait until the Federal Government makes their decision.

“We probably won’t know until late February or early March,” he said.

“We’re just waiting on everybody else at the moment.”

The current boat ramp is only accessible at high tide, meaning once boats go out into Corner Inlet, they have to

wait until the next high tide to return.

Cr Harding said this is an inconvenience for sailors, especially should they require urgent medical attention whilst out at sea.

“If someone gets sick or there is a medical emergency, they’d have to go all the way to Port Welshpool, which is a great deal further than Toora,” she said.

The boat ramp was a major item on the agenda at a council meeting held at the end of November, and Cr Harding said they will not be taking no for an answer.

“The town has suffered without it,” she said.

“Two shops selling fishing tackle and bait have closed down, and they were both run by families who had to go elsewhere.”

Cr Harding said John and Roz Tuffin, who own property surrounding the boat ramp, have offered land space to put the waste and spill from dredging.

“John said it was time he did something for the community and that we can use that land,” she said.

“So now it comes down to waiting on what the Federal Government says.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 3

Professor Caple honoured A PROFESSOR with connections to Leongatha has been named in the Australia Day honours list.

High achiever: Professor Ivan Caple has been recognised for his work with the veterinary industry. Photo courtesy Geelong Independent.

Professor Ivan Caple received a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the veterinary industry and education through his consultative work with animal welfare and professional groups.

The Lara man grew up on a dairy farm at Nerrena and was educated at the former Nerrena Primary School and Leongatha High School, before studying at the University of Melbourne.

His mother Meryl Caple lives at Mirboo North, and his brother Greg lives in Leongatha.

Professor Caple has retired from his work as a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Melbourne.

He served as faculty dean from 1990 until 2006, guiding the development of the faculty’s facilities to support top-class veterinary education and research.

He was also chairman of the RSPCA Scientific Advisory Committee for nine

years, chairman of the National Consultative Committee of Animal Welfare, deputy president of the Veterinary Practitioner Registration Board of Victoria and a member of the Livestock Export Standards Advisory Committee.

Professor Caple won the Australian Veterinary Association’s Gilruth Prize in 2001.

“It is not the person who has done the work, but it is really the people and the organisation they work with that are honoured by this award,” he said.

Professor Caple has been amazed by the rapid development of technology during his time in the industry.

“Finding something really new is exciting for the researcher,” he said.

He has also studied at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom and won the Ian Clunies Ross Memorial Award, Australian College of Veterinary Scientists, in 1980. He was named a Fellow of the Australian Veterinary Association in 2000.

Neglect sparks fire risk

By Simone Short and Matt Dunn

NEGLECTED private blocks of land are posing a high fire threat to communities this summer.

On the back of claims the State Government is failing to prioritise the difficult and strategic burns around fire-

prone communities, local CFA captains have denied any negligence by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

A leaked document revealed that 54 Victorian towns and suburbs assessed by the Country Fire Authority were facing extreme risk this summer.

Nyora, Harmer’s Haven, The Gurdies, and Walkerville

Pothole nearly claims a life Continued from page 1.

“The roads are just too dangerous.”

The pothole in question has been drawn to the attention of VicRoads. It had already been classed as a ‘traffic hazard’.

VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said: “This section of the Bass Highway has been earmarked for repair works and has had signs in place to warn motorists of the upcoming hazard.”

“VicRoads has today (Tuesday, January 17) carried out a temporary repair and has reduced the speed limit in the area to 60km/h, until permanent pavement strengthening works can be completed.”

VicRoads did not respond to a question about the risks posed by potholes.

South Gippsland Shire Councillor Bob Newton said roads are just not good enough.

“The roads really are disgusting,” he said.

“They need to be repaired completely and not just patched over; someone will get killed if they’re not fixed properly.”

Leongatha South resident Ross Johnson agreed.

“The whole road situation is pretty awful really. We’ve got VicRoads spending all this money on the barricades on the sides of the roads when they should be spending the money keeping the main part of the carriageway in a better state and a safer state for everyone using the roads,” he said.

Mr Johnson travels to and from work along the Bass Highway to Leongatha and said potholes are always getting bigger, with new ones appearing regularly.

“The one where the accident occurred has just been getting bigger and bigger over the past eight weeks,” he said.

“They need to be repaired before the damage goes so far that the whole road has to be ripped up and replaced.

“And the issue is not just on that road, it’s everywhere.”

After a recent driving trip to Adelaide, Mr Johnson said South Gippsland’s roads were by far the worst.

“The roads are much better even the other side of Melbourne, and in South Australia you’d struggle to find a pothole,” he said.

“I don’t know why they can’t get it right in our little corner of Victoria.”

Mr Ryan said the government had thrown more money than Labor at fixing roads.

“As a government, we are pouring as much resource as we can into this important area of investment,” he said.

“It is of course a two pronged issue of both the capital works to build better roads in the first place, coupled with the maintenance which is necessary to keep them at relevant standards.

“I do not underestimate, for one moment, the critical importance of the need while also asking you to recognise the enormity of the financial challenge.

have been named as local potential hot spots, along with Silverleaves on Phillip Island.

CFA captains in high risk areas however, deny claims a lack of DSE burnings have increased the fire threat to their townships and say it’s private blocks that require attention.

Nyora CFA captain Greg Hodge said while there is a fire risk, as there is every year, Nyora and surrounding areas do not require a great deal of back burning.

“We don’t have any issues with the DSE because we’ve only got a couple of places and they are going to burn them down the track,” he said.

“There’s always fire risks around areas where there’s long grass, but they tend to be private land. It’s usually up to the owners to slash on their own properties.”

Wonthaggi CFA captain Kim O’Connor, who is responsible for Harmer’s Haven, said the area remains a high fire threat; however prescribed burning would barely lower any risk.

“Harmer’s Haven is one of the major fire zones and always will be, but there is minimal prescribed burning they could do that would help,” he said.

“Most of the issues up there are not a result of a

lack of burning, but a lack of property owners clearing their own land. You can’t really be pointing the finger at DSE or Parks Victoria.”

The threat of grass fire is high; growth is greater than ever following a wet winter and spring, causing the fire risk to increase.

Grassland curing is at around 60 to 70 per cent according to Mr O’Connor, who described grass at 100 per cent “like a match ready to burn”.

“So that’s pretty high; on the coast here it’s a lot higher than inland,” he said.

Mr O’Connor, whose brigade works with DSE during prescribed burn-offs, said wet conditions have resulted in a “lack of opportunity” for back burning.

“They’ve tried burns and they haven’t been successful because it’s been so wet prior to now,” he said.

Shadow Minister for Bushfire Response Jacinta Allan has launched a blistering attack on Deputy Premier Peter Ryan for a “lack of leadership” in protecting bushfire-prone towns.

“Part of the problem is that the State Government has not ensured adequate enough oversight and leadership with the burning program and ensuring the highest priority of protecting life - which is what was

driving the Bushfire Royal Commission,” Ms Allan said.

Ms Allan criticised Minister for Bushfire Response and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan for his “lack of leadership” in protecting Victorian towns “most at risk”.

“Peter Ryan, as Minister for Bushfire Response, is ultimately responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission. He’s shown in a number of areas, a lack of leadership when it comes to implementing those recommendations,” she said.

The Coalition Government has denied these claims, stating the opposition has demonstrated “blatant ignorance and hypocrisy”.

A statement from the Minister for Environment

and Climate Change Ryan Smith stated: “Victorians can be confident that safety is the highest priority for the Coalition Government with regards to planned burning.

“Despite wet condi-

Meals roster (Leongatha) Lions Club and Leongatha Secondary College (all week), S. Birch (Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri), SG Specialist School (Wed) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning February 6, 2012.

tions and flooding, last year the planned burns program achieved the greatest amount of burning that has ever been conducted in Victoria and substantially more than the former Labor government ever achieved.”

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Schoolies Week with a difference LEONGATHA Rotary Club last week welcomed home six Mary MacKillop College students whom they helped sponsor on an unusual Schoolies Week.

Many students mark the end of their secondary education by joining with their fellow students to relax and enjoy a well earned break.

For many this means getting together with thousands of others for Schoolies Week, often on Queensland’s Gold Coast or at similar destinations.

This year however, eight students from Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha, decided to experience something different.

Rather than attend the traditional Schoolies in their own country, they visited The Philippines to experience firsthand its cultural differences, as well as the day-to-day life of the people who live in impoverished

circumstances in a Third World country.

With arrangements made with the help of Leongatha missionary David Gray, the students spent 10 days at the Cornerstone Home School for homeless and impoverished persons in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu, a province of The Philippines.

What will be long remembered by the students however, was that in spite of the desperate economic circumstances of the people they visited, they were nonetheless happy, cheerful and thrilled to have the students stay.

The experience gave the students an invaluable insight into the huge inequalities that exist in the world not far from our own shores and just how well off we in Australia are in comparison. Although material well being alone does not equate with happiness, the vital importance of overseas aid programs, whether through government agencies or pri-

vate assistance programs as provided

by David Gray and others, is now most apparent.

The students personally contributed to the expenses of the visit, but were also supplemented by the parish community of St Laurences in Leongatha and the Leongatha Lions and the Rotary clubs.

The students took goods and cash donations for distribution to the needy and homeless people they met and were involved directly in helping the mission in its daily programs and activities.

The students gave an excellent presentation to Rotarians. It was clear they had experienced a life changing excursion that will no doubt impact on how they view the world they live in and the importance they attach to being involved in assistance programs for fellow human beings, especially those in less fortunate circumstances than themselves.

International aid: Leongatha Rotary Club president Paul Beck thanks the Mary MacKillop students for their presentation. They are from left: Emalie Gordon, Beth Dortmans, Emily Smith, Paul Beck, Olivia Fiddelaers, Christie Panozzo and Jessica Shea. Absent: Hannah Beggs and Megan Ryan.

Market shines in sun THE Rotary Inverloch Craft Market was buzzing with shoppers on Saturday.

RESIDENTS of Bass Coast are invited to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) by visiting NBN Co’s Discovery Truck.

Everything from secondhand books and soap to furniture and jewellery was on offer, along with a lot more.

The sunshine meant a good turn out, with some stall-holders beating the heat inside the community hub.

The market was once again successful.

Books galore: Robin and Ted Sharkey were selling a wide range of books at the Rotary Inverloch Craft Market.

Discover National Broadband

On the grill: raising money for the South Coast Stars Soccer Club with a barbecue were, from left: Frank Parini, Julie Clements, Mark Donohue and Gene Parini.

Raffle time: Ian Turnbull and Susan Hacker were selling raffle tickets for the Inverloch Rotary Club.

Visiting Wonthaggi on February 21, the 23-tonne mobile interactive demonstration centre opens up to showcase impressive outdoor displays and contains high definition video screens, cameras and audio equipment.

It will bring to life the benefits that the network can deliver for health, education and business services across the region; educate communities about the network rollout and how the NBN can benefit them; and demonstrate the equipment that residents will have in their homes.

A dedicated team of NBN Co demonstrators will staff the truck and be on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through demonstrations including a simulated remote health consultation; video conferencing in high definition for small businesses and family and friends; interactive health demonstrations designed to help keep older Australians active, in their homes for longer; and interactive games and applications guests can trial.

The demonstrations aim to bring to life how the NBN can

enable families, businesses and institutions, including schools and hospitals, to share content faster, access better services, and stay in touch with family and friends, regardless of where they live.

The NBN Co Discovery Truck is part of a new community engagement program designed to meet the overwhelming demand for more information about the network and what it means for communities all over Australia.

Demonstration facilities general manager Cassandra Hayes said they receive thousands of emails and calls each week from individuals, businesses and local councils asking when the NBN is coming to their area, and wanting to know how it works, what they can use it for, and how to get connected.

“The demo truck makes it possible for people to experience for themselves some of the exciting applications in education, health and business that can be delivered over the NBN,” she said.

“When it comes to the benefits of high-speed broadband, seeing really is believing, and for the residents of Victoria this leg of the tour is all about answering those questions.”

To find out more or to book in for a session on the truck, visit www.nbnco.com.au/demos

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 5

St Clair wind farm stalls

By Matt Dunn THE proposed St Clair wind farm at Wonthaggi seems unlikely to go ahead, with the State Government’s new two kilometre buffer rule all but killing the plan.

Under the legislation, wind farm companies are forbidden from erecting turbines within two kilometres of residences.

Bass Coast Council director of planning and environment, Hannah Duncan-Jones, said: “Synergy Wind was in pre-application discussions with council when the changes to the buffer zone were introduced. The company is currently in contact with people in the two kilometre buffer, to determine whether it is feasible to continue with the project.

“Duetoprivacylegislationrequirements, council is assisting the company to make contact with people in this two kilometre buffer zone. The company has not to date made an application to council.”

The proposed site, on private farming land, would have seen turbines at a minimum distance of 850m from dwellings. The site is five kilometres east of the existing Wonthaggi wind farm.

The company planned to have 10 to 15 wind turbines, standing at a height between 120m and 130m.

Bass MLA Ken Smith couldn’t be happier that the wind farm has stalled, believing it would curb growth in the town.

“My original concerns were for the landholders there, but I now have great concerns it would be a blocker for development going out into the north and north-east of Wonthaggi,” he said.

“As the city grows, that is the general direction it will be heading out – over into the north/north-east area. If that buffer is in place it not only means they can’t put a

turbine within two kilometres of a house, a house can’t be put within two kilometres of a turbine. It works both ways.

“I just don’t want to see our town restricted in its growth.”

Mr Smith believes the turbines are “a waste of space and a waste of money”.

“They’re all subsidised by the government. I just don’t believe they’re a good form of alternative energy. If they want to stick it out in the middle of a paddock, miles away from anywhere, that’s their business. So long as my taxes don’t have to subsidise it, that also pleases me a great deal,” he said.

“There’s obviously far better uses of our dollars than subsidising a wind company that will put in something that will be an eyesore – some people think they look beautiful, I think they’re monsters – and don’t deliver the power they should deliver.”

Mr Smith said wind farms only generate up to 20 per cent of the amount of electricity they are designed to and therefore are not reliable.

Robbed at knife-point A MAN was threatened with a knife and told to give up his cash in San Remo over the weekend.

The man was allegedly broken down on the side of the Bass Highway in Kilcunda when passers-by offered to tow him to San Remo.

After taking them up on the offer and arriving in San Remo, the man offered the passers-by $50 for their troubles, when one of the attackers pulled a knife and demanded the rest of the cash in the man’s wallet. Police are investigating the incident.

Raising funds: Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club’s Hilary Hughes and Trevor Dando were collecting donations in Inverloch on Australia Day, to restock the club and keep it running over summer. Read how Inverloch celebrated on page 25.

No blockades at Prom

By Tessa Hayward WILSONS Promontory National Park remained open on Australia Day, unlike other parks in Victoria which were blockaded by union members.

Negotiations are still continuing between the government and union representatives to strike a pay settlement for Parks Victoria staff.

Early last week, members of the

Australian Workers Union (AWU), Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and Australian Services Union (ASU) announced that they would not open gates at parks and conduct a four hour stoppage from 7pm to 11pm on Australia Day. CPSU secretary Karen Batt said: “Workers had been forced to continue protected action in the face of the Baillieu Government’s lack of urgency to solve the bargaining malaise and shift from its pay ceiling for workers.”

Minister for Environment and

Climate Change Ryan Smith was disappointed to hear the unions were trying to prevent Victorians from enjoying a good day out on Australia Day. Before Australia Day, Mr Smith said: “My office has been working with Parks Victoria to make sure contingency staffing arrangements are put in place to ensure that parks across Victoria will remain open.”

At Wilsons Promontory the contingency staffing arrangements succeeded and visitors were able to enjoy the park on Australia Day.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Dog owners disrespect beaches

By Simone Short DOGS and their irresponsible owners are causing a stink on Inverloch beaches, and some residents are fed up.

By law, all dog owners are required to clean up after their pets; however a lack of dog waste bins and laziness means the beach is often littered with waste.

Inverloch Ratepayers and Residents Association president Dave Sutton said dog waste on the beach is an ongoing problem.

“It is always a major issue every summer, but it’s been particularly bad this year, especially on the tracks that line the beaches,” he said.

South Gippsland Conservation Society Inverloch branch member Ruth Glare said dogs cause a number of problems on the beaches, as many are also not restrained on leashes by their owners.

It is a council law for dogs to

be kept on leashes on all Inverloch beaches at all times in an effort to keep the beaches safe and clean, as well as protect the wildlife.

“Perhaps better signage is needed so people are very clear,” Ms Glare said.

“Something that could also be done is the instalment of dog waste bins with bags attached.

“Bags are sold at the shops and the vets, but I’ve seen dog poo bins in other towns and they would be useful in Inverloch.”

Dogs left to run free are also a threat to the endangered Hooded Plovers nesting on the beach.

“The worry about them being off the leash, apart from you can’t really trust dogs around lots of people and children, is the affect they have on the hooded plovers,” Ms Glare said.

“The plovers are not very good at picking good spots to scrape their nests in the sand. If dogs are anywhere in the vicinity it can scare the birds and they leave the nest,

which means the eggs won’t hatch, and when they’re only having one or two chicks at a time, it’s quite concerning.”

Mr Sutton, who is also the president of the South Gippsland Conservation Society, said dogs are just another issue the society has to contend with in protecting the plovers and keeping the beaches clean.

He said while the council does assist with signage and fencing when required, there is not a lot they can or will do.

“They can’t be everywhere all the time. Maybe more education needs to be involved by the conservation society, but it’s very difficult to get the message through,” he said.

“I don’t know that it’s going to ever work; I think dog owners just need to take a bit more responsibility and a bit more care.”

Public parks used privately RESIDENTS are invading public parks in Inverloch and taking over land set aside for nature reserves.

Dog owner responsibility: South Gippsland Conservation Society Inverloch branch member Ruth Glare, said despite signs, many dog owners do not clean up after their pets and let them run free.

South Gippsland Conservation Society president Dave Sutton said the group is concerned about people parking trailers and caravans on the blocks, or mowing blocks kept aside for native grasses.

“The shire is aware of it and again, they do

what they can but it hasn’t stopped happening yet,” he said.

“I think the residents need to be more aware of where the park is and what it’s for; look after it as it was intended, not as though it’s their property.”

South Gippsland Conservation Society Inverloch branch member Ruth Glare said in particular, people tend to encroach on blocks of preserved bushland in Thompson’s Estate.

“They are equivalent to the size of a house block and people seem to extend their property onto them,” she said.

“There’s always inappropriate planting or a caravan parked on park land, partly because no one seems to be looking after them.”

Ms Glare said there is one public park in Wallace Avenue residents successfully look after together.

“An empty block was

given to the community in exchange for land when the housing commission was building years ago,” she said.

“The council were going to sell the block but the people in the area rallied to keep it for public use. The idea is the householders themselves have to keep it; it’s a space for the kids to kick the footy around etcetera, and it’s been really successful.”

Flood action in CBD at last

By Brad Lester

FLOODING in the heart of Inverloch could be a problem of the past.

Bass Coast Shire Council will investigate engineering solutions to the problem, after previously ruling out works as too expensive.

Council will next

month start work on estimating the cost of the first stage of a project to divert water in the Williams Street drain from the A’Beckett Street drain by creating an alternate or second outfall.

Extreme rainfall coupled with small drainage in the CBD has caused A’Beckett Street to flood in the past, damaging carpet at The Esplanade Hotel.

Acting infrastructure director Mark Simpson said the initial investigation could be undertaken during the 2012-13 financial year and would need to be approved by council.

That project will consider whether council can alter a pit where water from William Street meets water from A’Beckett Street, at a tight right angle, causing water to bank up.

Alternatively, council may have to install a duplicate pipe from A’Beckett Street to the outfall at The Glade, which could cost up to $1 million.

“It’s a big pipe and you would have to go around all the other services that are there and then put the road back together again,” Mr Simpson said.

He said A’Beckett Street is at the bottom of a catchment that extended back to the Bass Highway.

During heavy rain, water from that catchment collides with water from William Street at the bottom of A’Beckett Street, causing water to bank up and overflow drains.

Mr Simpson said the drainage was adequate until a few years ago when weather patterns began changing.

“We have more hard paving around and more water because of the change in climate. We get these quick intense storms now, but the problem’s not just in Inverloch,” he said.

Council will also consider solutions to drainage problems in the car park behind the Bunurong Environment Centre.

Changes to internal drainage in the Inverloch Community Hub appear to have addressed drainage problems there, Mr Simpson said, with no issues reported during the last flood.

Wayne Cook of The Esplanade Hotel welcomed the action.

“It’s a positive thing that they are going to be

Thing of past?: A’Beckett Street, Inverloch, flooding in December 2010. doing something. At least they are starting to look at it,” he said.

Two floods early in 2011 resulted in the publicans replacing carpet in the gaming room and lifting carpet several times to enable it to dry.

Blair Hodges of Southcoast First National Real Estate said flooding has been a problem “at least 10 times over the years”.

“It’s all over in about half an hour. It’s just one of those things,” he said.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 7

New pipi laws needed

By Jacob de Kunder PIPI collecting was the outstanding issue at the Tarwin Lower Venus Bay Association annual general meeting on Saturday.

Committee member Beverley Walker presented findings from recent research into the situation and called for tougher regulations.

“The current harvesting of pipis on the Venus Bay beaches is unsustainable and rules need to be put in place,” she said.

A petition initiated by the Venus Bay Community Reference Group was presented to the meeting and included recommendations to the Legislative Assembly of Victoria.

The petition called for seven new regulations to be put in place: catch size be reduced to two litres (with shell), a minimum pipi size be set at 45mm with a count limit of no more than 100, and a fisheries officer supplied to the Venus

Bay beaches during the peak season.

Also included in the petition were: on the spot fines for unlicensed shore fishers, rules on the use of pipis for bait and regulations on the stress of current infrastructure such as toilets, bins and carparking.

Ms Walker explained the research done by Lewis Zac, a researcher from Deakin and Melbourne universities, discovered there are no adult sized pipis left on any Venus Bay beaches.

“Without these adult pipis, it is hard for the population to grow and continue on our beaches,” she told the meeting.

“Even the collectors know that there is a shortage of larger pipis. When I questioned one collector about his bucket of small sized pipis, he said there were no big ones left.”

Other members of the community added their concerns about the influx of pipi collectors.

These included the lack of parking and cars

Congratulations: Colin Suggett is congratulated by Cr Kieran Kennedy for again taking up the position of president for the Tarwin Lower Venus Bay Association. parked illegally, blocking access for emergency vehicles.

Safety on the beach was another issue, with the holes left behind by

collectors riddling the beach and making it easy to trip and roll ankles.

“We will be working hard to get these things in place for next season

to ensure the future of the pipi on our beaches,” Ms Walker said.

“It is a vital part of our ecosystem and cannot be lost.”

DAIRY POLL FORUM IN LEONGATHA Join Dairy Australia for a 1-2 hour forum on Dairy Poll 2012, from 11am at the Leongatha RSL on 8 February.

Dairy Poll 2012 will give farmers a say in how they will support their industry over the next five years. The poll will decide how much farmers will invest in industry-good activities.

Also attending will be representatives from GippsDairy and Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd.

Good as new: Foster Mirboo Road is looking safer than ever, after repairs by South Gippsland Shire Council’s road crew. The road was closed for six months after a landslip. Council’s operations manager Fred Huitema is happy with the job.

Millars Road at Pound Creek is also now open to all traffic. There is still work to be completed, but this can be conducted without impeding traffic.

Water storages remain steady WATER storages continue to be adequate during summer.

Rainfall recorded at South Gippsland Water’s storages last week was: Lance Creek 8.8mm, Ruby Creek 3.2mm, Coalition Creek 5.4mm, Deep Creek 7mm, Little Bass 11.2mm and Battery Creek 7mm.

Philippe du Plessis, managing

director of South Gippsland Water, said: “Storage levels continue to remain at very satisfactory levels for this time of the year.”

South Gippsland Water will continue to monitor all systems.

Reservoirs vary between 89 per cent (Ruby Creek – Leongatha and surrounds) and 100 per cent full (Foster Dam).

Permanent water saving measures continue to apply to the Tarwin, Agnes and Tarra river systems.

The Tarwin supplies Meeniyan and Dumbalk; Agnes supplies Welshpool, Port Welshpool, Toora and Port Franklin; and the Tarra supplies Yarram, Alberton and Port Albert.

Light meal provided. Please RSVP to brees@dairyaustralia.com.au for catering by 2 February.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Artist draws big crowd THE opening of the exhibition Fibrenaut by Meeniyan artist Leslie Monahan attracted one of the largest crowds seen at the Meeniyan Art Gallery for some time.

Visitors from Melbourne and interstate mingled with residents from all areas of South Gippsland.

In welcoming the gallery visitors, gallery director Winsome Richards stated her own appreciation of the works in the exhibition, as well as the way in which they were presented.

The exhibition was officially opened

by Marion Mapham who travelled from Canberra for the event.

She explained that in each and every year since Leslie and she met at high school, Leslie has been involved with one creative endeavour or another.

Marion referred to Leslie’s love of dressmaking and eye for design, colour, and fabric and added that it has been now matched by her passions for metal sculpture and photography.

Marion added that Leslie, with her helmet on, and welder in hand, transforms discarded bits and pieces of metal into amazing objects, all of which have been given a character which is brought to life with their own name and story.

Besides the sculptures in the exhibition,

she noted that Leslie is using her welders to make a unique range of jewellery.

In relation to the photographs in the exhibition, Marion believed that Leslie’s macro-photography allows the viewer an almost voyeuristic look at objects, in a way we could never view them with our own eyes.

“I particularly love the way the vibrant colours of these photographic works contrast with the rusty metal characters Leslie has created”, she said.

Leslie gave a short speech to thank all the people who had helped her in preparing the exhibition: Sacha Lamont and Winsome Richards of MAG. Heather McCaughan and Faye Boag, volunteers at the Meeniyan Op Shop, were also thanked for their help in obtaining the right recyclable fabrics, especially the silks, while Keith and Gloria Haycroft from Port Welshpool were responsible for the quality printing and framing of the photographic images.

Leslie’s father, Bill Shaw, had travelled from Bermagui for the opening. He received some special comments for teaching Leslie to weld and acting as a mentor in all aspects of her metalwork.

Fibrenaut is based on the theme of fibre and fabric. It is Leslie’s second solo exhibition at the Meeniyan Art Gallery and runs until February 16.

Creative bunch: Marion Mapham from Canberra and Meeniyan artist Leslie Monahan, after Marion officially opened Leslie’s exhibition Fibrenaut.

POLICE BRIEFS Surfboard theft A CUSTOM made surfboard was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Inverloch.

The theft occurred in Lohr Avenue between 10pm Sunday and 6am

Monday.

The vehicle was parked in the driveway of the property when the $750 six foot, one inch custom made Island surfboard was stolen.

If you know or have heard anything, contact

Movers, shakers: Andrew Mott, Sue Arney and Andrew Dale were young music teachers at Leongatha high and technical schools.

Musical memories to return THE Leongatha Secondary College band will be celebrating the school centenary in style at the centenary of secondary education on April 28-29.

The school music department is planning a Back to Bash with players from past and present staff and students.

After a strong foundation was laid over the years by various teachers, most notably Vic Riley, the modern era began in the mid eighties with the appointment of some brand new young teachers.

Andrew Mott, Sue Arney and Andrew Dale, along with Larry Hills and Ian McMullen took the school’s music program to new heights.

Many students have had their lives enriched by playing music and are looking forward to coming back to participate in the celebratory bash.

Inverloch Police on 5674 1202.

Quad-bikes roll THREE quad-bikes have rolled on the weekend, resulting in three people being taken to hospital with injuries.

Around 7.30pm on Friday, a 39-year-old man rolled his bike while spraying weeds on a property at Yarragon-Mirboo Road, Allambee.

He was pinned by the bike and received extensive facial injuries. He was flown by air ambulance to the Alfred Hospital.

An hour earlier, a 71-year-old man from Mossvale Park rolled his bike while spraying weeds and was taken by ambulance to the Leongatha Memorial Hospital with a possible fractured ankle and loss of consciousness.

The third incident happened on Saturday night when a man flipped his quad-bike on a property at Mardan Road, Mirboo North.

The man’s wife was on the back of the bike at the time, and suffered arm and chest injuries and was taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital by ambulance.

Police are urging farmers to take care when riding on steep terrain with extra and unbalanced weight on the bike.

$10,000 damage VANDALS caused around $10,000 damage to vehicles at the Grantville Recycle Centre overnight on Thursday, January 26.

Windows were smashed on a number of vehicles at the centre and panels were damaged.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident should contact Wonthaggi Police on 5672 1222.

Graffiti gang A GANG of vandals

graffitied Wonthaggi North Primary School and the Wonthaggi Table Tennis Club Rooms overnight on Thursday.

The group used a number of different tags including “EIGHT”, “GORE”, “FUNK” and “FUME”, with “TAK” following each of the tags.

Anyone who knows who uses these tags or has seen anything suspicious should contact Wonthaggi Police Station on 5672 1222.

Australia Day blitz

ONLY one drink driver was detected during a blitz in Wonthaggi by the Bass Coast Highway Patrol on Australia Day.

A female Wonthaggi woman was detected with a BAC of 0.115, over twice the legal limit.

Out of the 1030 vehicles checked, there were 21 defect notices issued, four disqualified drivers, two speeding tickets issued and nine other traffic offences.

Sergeant Jim Baum from the Bass Coast Highway Patrol said they are not backing off road safety.

“Even though the holidays are coming to a close, we are not going to be backing off,” he said.

“We are still going to have a strong presence when it comes to road policing.”

Clarification A MAN was not arrested at The Esplanade Hotel, Inverloch, recently, as reported in The Star last week.

Police rather arrested the man on drug related charges on The Esplanade, a road leading to the Inverloch boat ramp.

Neither Inverloch hotel was involved in the matter.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 9

Gun numbers no shock

By Jacob de Kunder

ALMOST every person in Port Franklin has a gun.

The seaside town near Foster has the highest gun to person ratio in the region, with a population of 121 people (11 of which are too young to use a firearm) who share 104 registered firearms.

This leaves almost one gun per person within the 3964 postcode.

There are more than 4000 registered guns in just three towns in South Gippsland.

These towns are Korumburra, Leongatha and Wonthaggi and their surrounds.

This equates to around 0.21 guns per person in the three postcodes population of 19,203.

Inspector Glen Weir from the Wonthaggi Police said he was not concerned by the statistics.

“We live in a rural area with lots of farmers and there has never been a high rate of gun crime here,” he said.

“The numbers don’t shock me and I don’t think they are cause for concern.”

Vice president of the Korumburra Gun Club Trent Tobyas said there is good reason for what seems to be a high number, as farmers need guns to combat vermin and predators.

“Most farmers would probably have a shotgun, a 0.22 and a larger calibre rifle,” Mr Tobyas said.

“Under the RSPCA, you’re not allowed to shoot if cattle have gone lame unless you have a gun of a certain calibre.

“For rabbits or vermin, they could be dealt with a shotgun or 0.22 while with deer you need a different calibre yet again, so it’s on and on and on.”

When it comes to shooting for recreation, a range of guns is needed.

“In the sporting side of it, in trap shooting, there’s DTL (down the line), skeet and sporting and they all require a different type of gun,” Mr Tobyas said.

“If you shoot every one of those, you need three different guns if you want to

Natural light with Solartube THE use of natural light indoors is better for the environment and your electricity bill, and can now be harnessed to its full potential.

Solartube is a high performance and affordable way to bring daylight into dark spaces where natural light may have not been an option.

This daylighting system is not a skylight, but rather uses advanced optics to significantly improve the way daylight is harnessed.

Shane Clayton from Energy Eco Sustainable Living in Korumburra said this product is safe and cost saving.

“These Solartubes easily fill a room with

light, even on an overcast day,” he said.

“And you don’t need to worry about harmful sun rays, with the system blocking out 98 per cent of the harmful UV.” With the Solartube having the world’s most reflective tubing inside, you don’t lose any of the sunlight.

The versatile tubing does not need to be straight either, with up to a 12 to 15 foot winding tube not losing significant performance.

“It’s great for commercial and residential use,” Shane said.

“There was a factory that was running 40 overhead high bay lights and then they replaced them with 38 Solartubes, which provided the

same light.

“They would be saving a large amount on electricity costs.”

There is a dimmer available that allows you to dim daylight from 100 per cent down to just two per cent, providing you with exactly the amount of light you want, no matter what time of day it is.

“We also have a full working installation in the Korumburra centre, so customers can see the product and its performance first hand,” Shane said.

He and his colleague Lance Jobling are now Solartube certified installation consultants and can handle all your needs.

Certified: Shane Clayton is a Solartube certified installation consultant and fully supports the product.

be good at something.”

Mr Tobyas likened the use of the different guns to the need for a range of equipment in other sports.

“If you said to someone, tee off with their putter, they’d be very confused,” he said.

“You can have fun and try to do the sport with the same gun, but only in a non-competitive way.

“When you start getting serious and trying to win events, you need the right equipment.”

Gun laws are strict in relation to transporting and storing firearms.

“You have to have the guns kept

in a locked firearm safe and if it’s under a certain weight, it needs to be bolted to the wall,” Mr Tobyas said.

“I have had the police come around and check my guns and my safe.”

Club secretary Iona McJames agreed.

“I have had mine checked by the police as well,” she said.

“And your ammunition needs to be kept in a separate place to the firearm as well.

“It’s all very safe and secure.”

Shooting is a popular sport in South Gippsland, with around 150

shooters turning up to just the Korumburra Gun Club on a big day.

“At the club we’ve got Australian representatives. We’ve got people who have shot in the world titles, national champions in skeet, the list goes on and on,” Mr Tobyas said.

“We all go up and shoot in the nationals. In those you need the right gun for your sport or you might as well not do it. You’d be kidding yourself.” *Statistics courtesy of the Herald Sun and Victoria Police.

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PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

LISA Pellin Dancers are straight back into training after a three-day troop training session over the weekend.

The local dance company has been training dancers for years and is always willing to take new dancers on, running classes from three-yearolds through to advanced.

If you are interested, call them on 5662 5452.

HAPPY birthday to Tarwin Lower’s Todd Lomax, who turned 21 last Thursday. Todd celebrated the milestone with a few of his closest friends. They had plenty of reason to celebrate as it was also Australia Day.

LEONGATHA’S Memorial Hall set the scene for the 21st birthday celebrations for local Todd Mackie on Saturday night.

Todd doesn’t turn 21 until next month, but thought he would have the celebrations a little earlier. Plenty of Todd’s family and friends attended the event.

THE hunt is on for the best dancers at government schools in the region to take the stage in this year’s State Schools Spectacular.

Education Minister Martin Dixon said the performance extravaganza would feature 2500 students from primary and secondary schools around the state.

The spectacular is an initiative of the Victorian Government to engage students in the arts, de-

velop their skills, discipline and confidence, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Previous participants have gone on to professional careers such as Vanessa Amorosi and Hairspray lead Jaz Flowers.

Auditions will be held at Standing Ovation Studios (69 Sutton Street, Warragul) on Wednesday, February 15 from 5pm.

AUSTRALIANS are once again being asked to go online and share their stories about organ and tissue donation during this year’s DonateLife Week, which starts on February 19.

The DonateLife Book of Life is an inspiring collection of the positive impacts and life changing benefits of organ and tissue donation.

The book is available on the DonateLife website.

Go to www.donatelife. gov.au and click on ‘submit a story’ which will take you through to the DonateLife Book of Life.

LOCALLY owned, Melbourne based swimming pool company Compass Pools Victoria, held their annual company picnic day in Inverloch recently. (pictured right) There were around 45 adults and 30 kids with at least 10 apologies.

It was a big day held at Ted and Lyn Martin’s home with all catering done locally.

The weather was at its best, with lots of

Aussie showpiece: some places have the Big Banana and the Big Merino, but Foster had the Big Lamington at Australia Day celebrations last week.

Party time: everyone was celebrating at the Compass Pools Victoria company picnic day. swimming and a great jumping castle from Party Rocking of Leon-

RENT is a rock musical written

by Jonathan Larson and based on Giacomo Puccini’s Opera La Bohème.

Since opening in 1996, it has had several West End productions, UK and North American tours and was adapted into a feature length film in 2005. Rent is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

Rent has eight main characters and a chorus of 20 plus, and covers many issues relevant to today’s society.

With great music and some dance/ movement, this is sure to be an exciting show for Leongatha Lyric Theatre.

Aids and both its physical and emotional complications pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel

gatha making the event a great success. People travelled from all over

Melbourne to join the local staff for the day.

while Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art.

Her partner Joanne wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble.

Benjamin has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends.

Mark, an aspiring film-maker, feels like an outsider to life in general, always behind the camera recording the events but never playing a part.

First time director for Lyric, Scott Miller is extremely excited and motivated to make Rent a success for Lyric.

Lyric has gathered a stellar team to assist Scott, with Colin Chandler and Cheryl Connor as joint musical directors, band and voice.

These two were also part of Jekyll and Hyde in 2011. They have a proven record of providing a solid base to Lyric’s music, and besides they are both great to work with.

Performers are still sought for all voice groups: bass, baritone, tenor, alto and soprano.

All ages (over 18) are required, from 18 to 88. Some movement/dancing will be required, along with 100 per cent effort and enthusiasm.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, February 12 from 2.30 to 7.30pm, and Monday, February 13 from 7 to 10pm at Lyric Studio, 13 Watson Road, Leongatha.

Contact Peter McAlpine on 0407 538 245 to book your audition time.

Share your passion for people

Are you a “people person”?

Did you know the South Gippsland Citizens Advice Bureau helps people in our community in all sorts of ways?

The bureau provides information to clients with regard to benefits, pen-

RUSSELL Hemming celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday night with family and friends at the Leongatha Football Club Rooms.

He played a set with his band Lionel Loves Vinyl before spending the rest of the night mingling.

If you want to catch Russell’s band in action, get to the Kilcunda pub this Saturday night. Happy birthday to Russell for tomorrow (February 1).

Centenary year party starts

Theatre up for Rent

DO YOU have skills you would like to use to help the community in a voluntary capacity?

Happy birthday: Russell Hemming (centre) is pictured with his fiancé Alisha Twite and his parents Paul and Ann.

sions and concessions, youth issues, consumer affairs, health and lots more.

It helps with referral to social workers, and legal services.

For clients on low incomes, the bureau’s tax office trained volunteers can provide assistance with tax returns.

The bureau is also the body overseeing the Community and Visitor Information Centre in Le-

ongatha which provides tourism information to travellers passing through South Gippsland.

The bureau is currently looking to increase its team of committed volunteers.

New volunteers will be required to attend a three-day orientation course from late March to May with the option to attend an additional three days.

The bureau might just be the right place

for you, if what you’ve just read seems a fulfilling way to help people in our community.

If you are interested please contact the Citizens Advice Bureau to arrange a meeting with the co-ordinator before training commences. You can contact the bureau on 5662 2111 from Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm for further details and to register your interest.

THE Leongatha and District Historical Society started the celebrations of the centenary of state secondary education in Leongatha with a walk through the old Leongatha High School site last Thursday.

Those in attendance heard stories about the history of Leongatha high and technical schools, and secondary college.

One interesting story told by one of the participants was about eels. These slimy creatures used to get up into the drinking trough pipes and make the water smell and taste fishy. This walk was followed by the opening of the society’s exhibition entitled A Century of Class.

100 Years of State Secondary Education in Leongatha.

Former high school identity and secondary college principal, Vic Rowlands, opened the wonderful exhibition and complmented the historical society on its efforts in setting up such a comprehensive exhibition.

The displays contained wonderful items covering the entire 100 year period.

The Leongatha Agricultural High School opened on February 6, 1912 with around 60 students and three staff.

The Leongatha Technical School started in 1967 in portables in the grounds of Leongatha High and moved into their own building in 1971.

This building was constructed on the site of the old Leongatha High School farm. Leongatha Secondary College was formed when the high and technical schools amalgamated in 1990.

Looking back: historian Lyn Skillern with a grey tunic from the days of Leongatha High School.

Regaling tales: Vic Rowlands told a few good stories at the opening of the exhibition.

The exhibition contains items of uniform dating from the 1920s, school workbooks from 1912 and 1913, photographs, newspaper articles, written documents, report books, sports and speech night programs and many more items of interest.

The Leongatha and District Historical Society is located in The Leongatha Mechanics’ Institute, next to Memorial Hall, and is open on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12 to 4pm, or by appointment. The exhibition will run for most of 2012.

The centenary reunion will be on April 28 and 29.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 11

Thousands boost Tarwin’s coffers

By Isaac McCallum TARWIN Lower’s Grants only Group has won the exact thing it was designed to win – grants.

The group was formed following the Strengthening Dairy Communities sessions run by the Gardiner Foundation and the Our Community enterprise.

Their main role is to help community groups to write submissions, contact the shire and implement their plans.

They received a cheque for $500 from Our Community director Patrick Moriarty to help the group in setting up.

But it is the group’s two other grant successes that have chins wagging in Tarwin Lower.

The group has secured grants for a retirement village ($10,000) and the Venus Bay Men’s Shed ($5000) through the Gardiner Foundation.

Mr Moriarty said the revolutionary idea of a grants only group should be taken and used elsewhere.

“This is great to see. The template should be adapted across all communities. So often we see groups struggle because they don’t have the resources,” he said.

“This helps bring the whole community together. It’s a perfect idea.”

Group chairperson Wendy Don said the group was happy to help any group in the community.

“We’re more than happy to help anyone, whether they’re from Foster, Leongatha, Meeniyan or Fish Creek,” she said.

To contact the grants only group, simply email grantsonlygroup@ y7mail.com.

The next round of Strengthening Dairy Communities grant sessions will be held in Fish Creek and Dumbalk.

The Fish Creek sessions are on February 29, March 21 and April 4 and 18. The Dumbalk sessions will be held on March 4 and 25 and April 15 and 29.

Further confirmation will be sent out in the future.

Big cheque: Tarwin Lower’s Grants Only Group (GOG) has secured a $500 cheque from Our Community, in conjuction with the Gardiner Foundation. Celebrating the cheque presentation are from left: Don Kennedy (Venus Bay Men’s Shed), Simon Moriarty (Our Community), Kathy Lagoudis (GOG), Tony Abbott (GOG), Bob Skannells (GOG), Wendy Don (GOG chairperson), Paul Ford (Gardiner Foundation), Doug Grigg (GOG) and Marzia Maurilli (South Gippsland Shire Council community facilitator).

Phone hopes rise THE Dumbalk community is hoping to receive better mobile phone coverage as a result of a Federal Government review of telecommunications.

Dumbalk campaigner Ed Hanley said residents were tired of inadequate mobile phone coverage, which is leaving the community vulnerable, particularly during emergencies.

The State Government has lodged a submission to the review, calling for a national strategy to fix the major gaps in access to mobile telecommunications and broadband in regional Victoria.

“Hopefully the State Government will finally get some action,” Mr Hanley said.

“Inadequate coverage has been an issue at Dumbalk for 15 to 18 years.”

The community’s ire attracted the attention of a former federal communications minister when Peter McGauran was federal Gippsland MP, but the people of Dumbalk and district are still waiting for a resolution.

“I can walk out onto Nerrena Road to get reception but if you go up the valley towards Dumbalk North, you can’t get anything. It’s not only Dumbalk; there are other areas too,” Mr Hanley said.

The Dumbalk and District Progress Association submitted a petition with 1400 signatures to South Gippsland Shire Council in December 2010, calling for council to lobby Telstra to improve mobile coverage in the town.

Council wrote a letter to Telstra in support.

Mr Hanley and other Dumbalk residents are urging people experiencing

poor mobile phone reception to phone Telstra’s faults line on 132203-FAULTS (132203-328587).

The government’s Regional Telecommunications Review, being undertaken by the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, will advise the government on the state of regional and rural telecommunications in Australia.

The State Government’s submission recommends the Federal Government: • improve mobile phone coverage; • develop a high quality broadband roll-out strategy; and • support development of the digital economy in regional areas to drive productivity and social improvements.

Victorian Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said the Federal Government has primary responsibility for ensuring all Victorians have access to adequate telecommunications services.

“Victoria’s rural and regional areas are disproportionately affected by problems including: mobile and broadband coverage blackspots, a lack of telecommunication service competition and low uptake of services,” he said.

“The Victorian Government is applying a balanced and practical approach to ensure that Victorian industry and broadband users get the best possible outcome from the NBN, however more can be done to support a competitive regional telecommunications market and an environment in which broadband enables greater business productivity and more efficient government services.”

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Council must act

E D I T O R I A L

Enough

A POTHOLE on the Bass Highway at Leongatha South had been crumbling and patched up by road crews for weeks before causing a serious collision last Tuesday.

The hole between Whitelaws Track and Cross Road has long forced drivers to swerve into the path of oncoming traffic, or simply plough through and hope no damage was caused to their vehicles.

Last Tuesday, Leongatha doctor Corina Budileanu was fortunate to escape with her life after police said she bounced out of the pothole and into an oncoming milk tanker.

VicRoads has a case to answer. Why is it that residents of South Gippsland and Bass Coast are seemingly treated as second class citizens, with poor roads compared with the rest of Victoria?

It took a near fatality for VicRoads to reduce the speed limit around the pothole and now motorists are forced to slow to 60km/h on what is a highway.

How long that speed limit will be in place before adequate roadworks are undertaken is a mystery.

When this region experienced a particularly wet winter in 2011, VicRoads said drought followed by high rainfall was largely to blame for potholes suddenly emerging in the region’s roads. The same organisation stated repairs would be undertaken once finer weather arrived.

Here we are with the last month of summer to start tomorrow and adequate repairs are yet to be undertaken on the Bass Highway.

The South Gippsland Highway too is awaiting proper pothole repairs. With all the potholes on that thoroughfare, perhaps a motorist will bounce in and out of a hole and into the new wire rope barriers being installed sooner rather than later.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan – the Member for Gippsland South – states in The Star today that roads funding under the Coalition Government is higher than under Labor.

That is pleasing to know but why then are roads in this region in such a deplorable state?

Will VicRoads only take notice when someone is killed?

Fatalities on dangerous roads have been known to prompt much needed roadworks but such earlier action is needed, especially when Dr Budileanu’s experience serves as a warning.

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.

Gateway closer to facelift A NEW look for the northern entrance to Leongatha could be revealed within months.

South Gippsland Shire Council is working on a design for the Anderson Street entrance, after receiving $555,246 from the State Government recently, to bring the project forward.

Council also received $102,428 for a footpath in Anderson Street.

Council’s engineering services director Anthony Seabrook said discussions are continuing with VicRoads and is hopeful of a design within months.

“We were looking at a service lane but we do not think that will work with the businesses there, so VicRoads is looking at other options,” he said.

“The road widths are not suitable for what we want to

do. We wanted to do something similar to Wonthaggi outside the nursery (Inverloch approach), where they have 90 degree parking but we need a reasonable width.

“It’s just one of those things where we will have to think outside the square. We’re trying to improve the town entrance and have it looking smart.

“We will be going back to council once we have worked out what we are doing, so there will be some future discussion.”

John Burke from SG Hire – one of the businesses that will be affected - is against a service lane.

“I think it should be a clear way. You can’t turn a B-double around in a small street,” he said.

“It comes straight across the front of shop. It won’t be safe to operate for us or any of the businesses along there.”

LEONGATHA is desperately short of parking for travellers with trailer/caravans and for those wanting to stop for a break.

Yet every day we see cars parked along the South Gippsland Highway Korumburra side with a for sale sign on them. They can sometimes be there for days or even weeks. These are private sale vehicles.

The shire is responsible for parking along the highway and yet they do nothing about this private car sale parking situation.

If shop-keepers in Bair or McCartin street dared to put something on the footpath or park outside their shop all day, they would very soon feel the wrath of the by-laws officer.

They have to pay for permission to do so.

But to sell your car privately it seems you are able to park where ever, even in the reserved parking for the CFA volunteers when they are called out for a fire.

Come on shire, and it is a shire problem. The entrance to Leongatha is scrappy enough with it being a private car sale lot.

Fix the problem!

Graeme Dell, Leongatha.

Pine hope I WROTE in a few weeks ago encouraging people to look at two websites that list possible solutions for the Pine Tree Canker that is sweeping through Gippsland.

I noticed in the same week the DPI had an article in the paper stating there was “no hope” for the pine trees and made a point of mentioning that the advice I referred to was not proven or tested.

Well I’d like to inform interested members of the community that after injecting my four large pine trees with the appropriate fungicide, I have noticed that the browning off of my trees has stopped.

In fact, I have noticed new green growth on the tips of two of my most healthy pine trees.

The other two pine trees have likewise not continued to brown off, however they weren’t the most healthy specimens to begin with, so I’m still monitoring the result of these.

My conifers are also doing really well since being treated.

I would like to mention a big thanks to my friend Greg who identified the problem and gave me the solution, having lived around Europe and seen firsthand what this canker can do and how to treat it.

From what I understand the fungi prevents sap from circulating around the tree and therefore kills it over a short period of time. It easily spreads through rain splash in humid weather.

I would like to encourage people to give it a go if the pine trees are not too far gone. Although they are not indigenous, and are considered a pest, my research has informed me that the canker can spread to native plants within close proximity and I have noticed numerous casuarinas around South Gippsland inflicted with a similar looking problem.

Whilst the DPI was happy to offer doom and gloom and a no hope approach, I would encourage anyone concerned to give it a go, as the potential new growth on my own trees has saved me thousands of dollars in their removal and has potentially stopped its spread to nearby indigenous trees.

April Harrick, Pound Creek.

Regional outlook I READ recently that our famous South Gippsland Shire Council is attempting to save money by closing certain small town swimming pools.

I can understand their rationale. After all, why spoil the public with unnecessary facilities when the resources could be available to employ more public servants?

I should not be so cynical.

After all, we do enjoy the excellent library system which I certainly put to good use.

In fact the library in Mirboo North enjoyed my presence last week. I parked my vehicle in the car park opposite.

Whilst doing so, I saw a young man studying a display board that was new to me. I went across to see what was capturing his attention.

The Latrobe Shire Council obviously comprises intelligent forward thinking leaders and isn’t that important?

Those persons have produced an attractive and simple graphic description showing places of interest that travellers can visit.

I was impressed with this most important product, however I do have a suggestion to make, even a criticism. Wouldn’t it have been more valuable if the map was regional in scope and not restricted to places north of the Grand Ridge?

Certain readers may be aware of my rejection of the State Government system, that privileged, unnecessary and often destructive club for the boys.

I believe we must simplify our constitution by having central government and regional authorities only.

With such an arrangement the Latrobe and South Gippsland shires might be a region.

A region could have provided the impetus for comprehensive planning of local resources. This would include tourism and recreation and, of course, the protection of bio-diversity. Might I suggest that the tourist map provided would then be really valuable.

South Gippsland is a treasure that needs development and protection.

The very conservative, unimaginative South Gippsland council should consider examining the display and then collaborate with the Latrobe shire to extend the map south of the Grand Ridge.

The councillors might even consider relying more on intelligent members of the general public for their ideas. Their typical professional minds have never shown progressive imagination.

I look forward to the time

when every town displays such a guide for the tourist.

Ron Brown, Turtons Creek.

Not convinced KEN Davidson, senior The Age journalist, spoke on Radio National’s Ockhams Razor on Sunday, January 29 (link below).

He detailed the potential health damage to humans, animals and plants by unacceptably high levels of boron in desalinated water.

In particular, in lab tests using boron, male animals have suffered lesions in the testicles.

Given Aquasure’s record of unreliability and spying, no assurances from CEO Chris Herbert on “safe levels”, the EES, EU etc etc will convince me that the plant will provide water that is safe for my family to drink.

I am so glad I have a water tank. http://www.abc.net.au/ radionational/programs/ ockhamsrazor/ Jessica Harrison, Wonthaggi.

Disappointed

I would just like to say I and my family saw all the ads and posters for the Stony Creek Rodeo and they all said the rodeo started at 12pm. We got there and nothing was happening.

So we asked twice and both times the people said all the things and activities did not start till 4 30pm.

So we went away for a bit and came back at 4 30pm. We saw a sign saying 7pm then, we looked at the arena and only little demonstrations were on.

The staff told us nothing much was happening till 7pm.

We left because my bed time is at 7.30pm.

We felt ripped off and we were thinking , gee it seems like footballers don’t know how to tell the time.

Jemima Gray, Venus Bay.

VOXPOP! VOX Do you and your family have a fire plan ready?

Parking progress A PARKING plan for Leongatha will go before South Gippsland Shire Council’s February meeting.

Council planners are now preparing a “scoping document” for the plan that will govern the development of new car parking in the town.

The proposal will also consider the implications of a heavy vehicle alternate route in Leongatha, council’s director of development services, Phil Stone, said.

No we don’t, but when we were on the farm we did.

Judy Hoy, Leongatha

No I don’t. I just haven’t got around to it yet.

Eric Rogge, Trida

Yes we have a plan and a certain spot to go to if there is a fire.

Paige Richards, Ruby

Yes, I live at the caravan park and we have a plan there.

Phil Hay, Leongatha

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 13

A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.

Roads funding high: Ryan

funding was allocated to Eastern Region, which includes South Gippsland, regional director Patricia Liew said.

“In the past 18 months, a number of major flood and storm events have occurred throughout Victoria includHe said the current ing in Gippsland, causing poor state of the region’s the surface of many roads to roads was the culminadeteriorate more rapidly than tion of wet weather and usual,” she said. neglect by the previous VicRoads regularly inLabor government. spects the arterial road netAs potholes continue work to ensure all roads are to force cars to swerve in a safe condition. across the region’s “In most cases, maintehighways and hollows nance crews are able to carry damage vehicles, the out repairs quickly after a Gippsland South MLA hazard is reported,” Ms Liew said the government has said. thrown more money than During the 2011-12 Labor at fixing roads.

Close together: there are potholes on either side of financial year, about 26 “As a government we are pouring as much re- the South Gippsland Highway between Leongatha and kilometres of the South source as we can into this Koonwarra and in close proximity, forcing vehicles to Gippsland Highway between Lang Lang and Yarimportant area of invest- swerve to avoid each other as well as the potholes. ram will be resurfaced after ment,” he said. pounding problems it has produced patching and smoothing out “It is of course a two pronged issue of both the capital works to build bet- is that a road system that was already of rough areas to improve ride quality.

“Along the Bass Highway, signifiter roads in the first place, coupled with struggling, is now facing further diffithe maintenance which is necessary to culties because of the added influence cant resurfacing works have also been of the consistent rain. completed around the Bass area, with keep them at relevant standards.

“As a general comment I can as- remaining works to be carried out near “I do not underestimate, for one moment, the critical importance of the sure you that VicRoads is receiving Wonthaggi and Lang Lang in the next need, while also asking you to recog- more funding under our government few months,” Ms Liew said.

“The duplication of the Bass Highnise the enormity of the financial chal- than occurred under Labor.”

Mr Ryan said the government had way is also progressing well, with the lenge.

“We are directing every cent allocated an extra $160 million to 40 final stage of the project under conthat we can to the task and we will local government areas in regional struction. This includes the continuaVictoria. tion of the duplication works to Coast continue to do so.”

South Gippsland Shire Council is Road, and a new link road from the Mr Ryan said poor roads were not highway to Phillip Island Road. unique to South Gippsland, with “ev- one of them.

“It means that in the case of the “Along the Strzelecki Highway, ery community across country VictoSouth Gippsland Shire, there will be from just outside Morwell to the Delria facing the challenge of dealing with provided an extra $1 million for each burn area, seven sites will be resealed this issue”.

“A system which has suffered of the four years of our term in govern- during this financial year. Most of this from 10 or 11 years of neglect under ment - over and above existing fund- work has already been completed.

“Asphalt patching works were carour predecessors, is having that situ- ing arrangements,” he said.

Work continues on building pass- ried out along the Meeniyan-Promonation further complicated because of the break in drought conditions,” Mr ing lanes on the Strzelecki and the Hy- tory Road prior to the holiday period, land highways. in early December 2011. More patchRyan said.

During the 2011-12 fi naning has also occurred in recent weeks “Without a doubt, the fact of now having rain available on such a regular cial year, VicRoads received $391 at the Buffalo turn-off.” million in maintenance funding The $7.13 million South Gippsland basis is nothing less than a joy.

“Be that as it may and welcome from the Victorian Government. Highway - Bena to Meeniyan Road though it is, one of the ironic and com- About $34.6 million in maintenance Safety Project is nearing completion.

ROADS are receiving more funding than ever under the currentt St State Govt G ernment, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan told The Star.

Accident awaiting: the stretch of highway between Leongatha and Koonwarra is currently very slow moving due to roadworks.

Beilby’s Road intersection action applauded ROADWORKS along the South Gippsland Highway at the Gwythers Siding-Beilby’s roads intersection at Koonwarra are part of a $7.13 million road safety project along the highway from Bena to Meeniyan.

The intersection will be widened by trimming back the roadside embankments

and extending the road shoulders.

“This will allow drivers turning from the side roads to see vehicles travelling along the highway much more easily and vice versa,” VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said.

New left turn lanes from the highway into both Gwythers Siding and Beilby’s roads will also be built.

“The entire project, including this intersection

upgrade, aims to reduce the risk and severity of crashes where vehicles leave the road and collide with objects on the roadside,” Ms Liew said.

Over the six year period to the end of 2009, there were 46 run-off road crashes including five fatalities on this stretch of highway.

The intersection has been the subject of many crashes over the years.

School’s back, so drive carefully

By Tessa Hayward

SCHOOL returns this Thursday (February 2), which means drivers need to be even more careful when driving in school zones.

Drivers need to watch out for the 40km/h speed signs and for children running across roads.

TAC senior manager road safety and marketing, John Thompson wants all Victorians to be aware that school is back.

“School’s back and so are the 40km/h speed zones, which means every Victorian passing a school should slow down and take extra care,” he said.

The slow speed zones are there to pro-

tect school children’s lives.

“The 40km/h zones are there to protect the lives of our youngest Victorians and there is absolutely no excuse for anyone to ignore the speed signs,” Mr Thompson said.

St Laurence’s Primary School in Leongatha has a permanent 40km/h speed zone in Brumley Street.

Mr Thompson said: “It’s not good enough for only some members of the community to stick to the limit – everyone has to understand the message that speed kills.

“Small reductions in speed can be the difference between life and death, so remember to take extra care and stick to the limit.”

Choose a car that could save your life.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

“Horror budget” looms, warns Smith

By Brad Lester VICTORIA will face a “horror budget” this financial year, Bass MLA Ken Smith revealed recently.

The State Government will be forced to further restrain spending to “try and get the budget under control”, after discovering hidden expenses Mr Smith blamed directly on the previous Labor government.

“They put us in a difficult financial position so the Treasurer is working hard to try to get some of that solved.

After that, things will improve a bit,” he said.

The Wonthaggi desalination plant, the troubled myki public transport ticketing system, school improvements and the new Royal Children’s Hospital were pledged but not fully funded under Labor, Mr Smith said.

Despite the gloom prognosis for the state in May when the budget is released, this year Mr Smith remains committed to lobbying for the Wonthaggi Hospital to be upgraded to a sub-regional status. He wants more acute beds, more surgeons and more doctors to save South Gippslanders travelling to Melbourne or the Latrobe Valley for medical treatment.

The MP wants more specialist services at Wonthaggi and a medical clinic on Phillip Island with ample medical services to cater for the island’s growing population, in addition to an upgraded ambulance station at Cowes.

A V/Line ticket agency is needed in Wonthaggi to help people access a bus service Mr Smith believed most

Still going: Bass MLA Ken Smith, with new electorate officer Shelley Applebee in Graham Street, Wonthaggi, has no plans to retire. people were satisfied with.

The duplication of the Bass Highway from Bass to Anderson is progressing well, and Mr Smith said an overpass north of the Anderson roundabout will guarantee smooth flow of traffic to and from Phillip Island, without hindering traffic bound for Wonthaggi.

Plans for the Koo Wee Rup bypass are now being prepared. The “difficult” project will entail passing over five drains and the staged construction of pylons. Costs are escalating from the initial $50 million to $90 million, but Mr Smith said the project will

still proceed and be funded over two budgets.

The bypass will link Rossiter and Manks roads, with a roundabout to be constructed on Rossiter Road.

“We hope that construction will start this financial year. We have to purchase land and talk to farmers too,” Mr Smith said.

Ideally, he would like to see the Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road upgraded to improve safety for drivers and motorcyclists, as well as the many cyclists who now travel the scenic route.

“It’s not easy to form another road because you do have to go on the reserve on the beach side or on private land,” he said.

While Mr Smith believed the construction of the Wonthaggi desalination plant is too expensive, he believes Victorians may one day embrace it.

“At the end of the day, if we have a drought in the future, we will have a piece of equipment that will be useful if we need it,” he said.

The government does not have a specific plan for managing the impact

on Wonthaggi of losing 3000 desal workers, but Mr Smith said the effects will be lessened by the number of workers being scaled back over the next six months.

“Our town will return to normal.

A lot of rental accommodation will come on to the market again but I can’t imagine they will be pulling the same rent as they were with the desal workers,” he said.

“Naturally there will still be a lot of tourists in the area and they will be of benefit to the retail community.”

Mr Smith said the government will monitor any issues that arise in relation to the withdrawal of workers.

“The change in this town is that it’s becoming a retail service area.

We have all of the speciality shops that people have been asking for. We have Bunnings coming. There is still recognition that this town has a big future,” he said.

“We have gone from the building up of this town from being a mining town to the town becoming a retail capital, and the desal plant will put the town on the map.”

Despite the challenges of being Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Smith said his priorities lay firmly with his constituents and he has no plans to retire.

“I love what I do. I’m taking it as I find it,” he said.

“We will see how we go in the lead up to the next election. I love dealing with the public. I love solving people’s problems. I love working with the staff I have here because they care about their communities.”

Aaron grabs chance to excel AFTER four years completing his mechanic’s apprenticeship at Edney’s Leongatha, Aaron Clarke has moved to the other side of the business.

He is Edney’s newest sales consultant.

He completed his mechanic’s apprenticeship on Thursday, January 12 and stepped into the full time position as sales consultant on Monday, January 16.

“The change has been very different, but I wanted to give myself a challenge,” Aaron said.

Aaron completed work experience with Edney’s while attending Leongatha Secondary College and he believes that gave him a step in the door when applying for the mechanic’s apprenticeship.

Edney’s advertised for a sale consultant in the middle of 2011 and that is when Aaron started contemplating switching positions.

“I have since been working once a week, front of office, to get my head around it,” Aaron said.

“They (Edney’s) have been very

supportive of my choice and have given me every opportunity.”

Aaron has joined Heather Walker and dealer principal Darryl McGannon on the sales team at Edney’s Leongatha and has enjoyed every moment of it so far.

He said it is a big step sideways but forward at the same time.

Having already sold a few cars, Aaron has proved to himself that he can do it.

“Edney’s have given me the confidence to become a sales consultant and I can see myself doing it in the future,” he said.

At the moment, Aaron is taking things one step at a time and is looking forward to the year ahead of him.

“I am looking forward to the new release of the Hyundai i30 as it is a very popular car,” Aaron said.

He also said that working at Edney’s is like working with your friends; it is a great place to work.

As well as promoting their newest sales consultant, Edney’s are also endorsing the addition of an efficient common-rail turbo diesel engine to the Hyundai Accent.

Available only in the Active

model, the new fuel-efficient diesel engine is mated to either Hyundai’s six-speed manual, or four speed electronic HiVec automatic transmission, featuring a lock-up torque converter, overdrive and driver style adaption programming.

The new U-II 1.6 litre VGT CRDi diesel engine uses a Common Rail Direct injection fuel system, intercooled with Variable Geometry Turbo to deliver excellent fuel economy figures - as efficient as 4.4L/100km combined fuel consumption for the Accent Active CRDi manual sedan.

All Accent models come complete with a full suite of safety features, both active and passive, earning it the maximum crash performance 5-star rating in the ANCAP assessment program.

Standard safety technology includes Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Fourchannel, four-season Anti-skid Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and six airbags.

This car is Australia’s most affordable diesel car.

Above: Ready to serve: Stony Creek faithful Scott Browne and Kayla McIndoe kept the patrons refreshed at the Stony Creek Rodeo recently.

Natural touch: Danny Upton had fun getting acquainted with the animals at the patting zoo at the Stony Creek Rodeo recently.

Wheelchairs overcome limits ENJOYING summer and being active will become easier for many people, with two new beach wheelchairs now available for the community to borrow for free.

Diesel addition: Edney’s Leongatha new sales consultant Aaron Clarke and dealer principal Darryl McGannon are promoting the Hyundai Accent CRDi, Australia’s most affordable diesel car.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s community strengthening manager, Antoinette Mitchell, said council has upgraded the beach wheelchair in Cowes to an All Terrain wheelchair and Scope has provided a Hippocampe wheelchair to be loaned from Inverloch.

“Offering the two different styles of wheelchairs means that a broader range of the community can be catered for,” she said.

“The wheelchairs are available at

different locations for easier access by people across Bass Coast.”

Both the wheelchairs are suitable for people who have mobility limitations, including those with a permanent disability, a temporary disability or those who find accessing the beach difficult due to age.

The wheelchairs can be dismantled to fit in a car, and delivery of the All Terrain wheelchair can be pre arranged upon request, for a charge.

The Hippocampe is available for loan from the Inverloch Visitor Information Centre.

It can be packed up into a storage bag for easy transporting.

Contact the Inverloch Visitor Information Centre on 1300 762 433 for bookings and information.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 15

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Adventures to be had THE South Gippsland Walking and Adventure Club spent a very pleasant Sunday afternoon recently at the property owned by a member.

The weather was hot but members were able to wander the surrounds and then return to the shade of some lovely big trees.

Activities are now in full swing with the arrival of pleasant weather.

Tuesday walkers have increased in numbers and are enjoying hikes of varying distances in the local area.

Most days finish by lunch-time to avoid the heat of the day.

Cyclists also start early on a Monday and Thursday and ride 40-50km before temperatures rise. Recently bike riders chose a

moonlight night to ride the rail trail from Mirboo North to Boolarra and to have tea at the local hotel.

Unfortunately, cloud cover forced the use of bike lights for the return trip.

Panniers have been purchased, with riders taking the train to Ballarat and riding the GisborneSkipton area with overnight stops. A weekend day ride is scheduled for the Welshpool area in March.

Canoeists have been paddling the Tarwin River and the Bass River.

Recently there was a base camp at the Bass River for canoeists, walkers and cyclists catering for all abilities and tastes.

In April there will be a weekend base camp and paddle at Lake Tyers and Nowa Nowa Arm.

Day walks are on the program to French Island, Cape Woolami, Punchbowl to Kilcunda, Dalyston to Wonthaggi return, Lilly Pilly Gully and Mount Bishop, and the annual beach walk at Inverloch followed by dinner at the hotel.

The club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 8pm at the Leongatha Community House.

New members are most welcome.

President Ros can be contacted on 5664 2358.

Sitting back: South Gippsland Walking and Adventure Club members Charlie Giliam, Marg Waldron, Sue Marriot and Kaye Walton enjoy the shade at the Ripplebrook property.

Milpara Community House news MILPARA Community House in Korumburra is open again after the holidays for enrolments in our blue Term One program which was delivered by householder mail last week. The program is also available on our website: sgcommunityhouses.org. au and is packed full of activities for all ages, from playgroup for pre-school children to internet training for seniors. **** Work Readiness is a brand new course on offer this term to give people looking for work the confidence to apply for jobs that match their skills and to put together a suitable resume and letter of application. This course will also prepare participants for a job interview and inform them about workplace rights and responsibilities.

Work Readiness will run over eight Wednesdays from February 8 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. For enrolments or further information contact Milpara on 5655 2524. **** If you are thinking about studying Aged Care, Home and Community Care, Disability, Child Care or Community Services the Introduction to Community Services course will help you make the right choice. You will also complete part of a unit towards a qualification in the above areas. This course will outline workplace expectations as well

as study and placement requirements and will be held over four days: February 20, 21, 27 and 28. **** This week sees the return of Kerry Coutts and the Creative Writing class which commences Thursday, February 2 from 9.30 to 11.30am. The creative writers are working on a radio play as well as honing their individual writing skills. **** For the Blokes with Colin Hardy starts back on Friday, February 3 at 10am. This discussion group for men welcomes new members to enjoy a cuppa and start talking on a subject that anyone can bring up. Camaraderie and friendships develop from there. **** Gift Cards with Barb will also start on Friday, February 3 without Barb Hosking for the first few weeks as the ladies were keen to start making their beautiful cards as soon as possible. **** Next week sees the return of Yoga, Adult Literacy, ESL. Migrant English, Tai Chi and Playgroup as well as a Support Workers’ Luncheon for workers and volunteers in the health and welfare area. If you would like any information about Milpara, the co-ordinators Sandra and Belinda will be pleased to talk to you.

Calling volunteers WHEN devastating natural disasters such as the 2009 bushfires occur, the safety of communities often lies in the hands of volunteers.

Victorians willing to assist during an emergency are encouraged to submit their details to a new Emergency Volunteer Register launched by the Victorian Government.

Leongatha CFA Captain Andy Kay said the register is a great idea to get more people involved in volunteering for emergency services such as the CFA. “What we need is people with expertise in administration and things like that,” Mr Kay said.

“I’d like to have a few more to do admin work, community education, fundraising, and even stuff as mundane as a bit of gardening and cleaning the station.”

To register as an emergency volunteer or to check out the range of other volunteering opportunities across the state, visit Victoria’s Volunteering Portal www.volunteer. vic.gov.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 17

Teens experience science

The 20 students from across Gippsland were part of The Science Experience, a three-day program of hands-on activities, experiments and field trips designed to help increase the number of young people studying science, engineering and related disciplines.

In between conducting a range of experiments in Monash University Gippsland’s science laboratories, students in this year’s The Science Experience visited Melbourne’s largest water

reservoir, the Thomson Dam in the Baw Baw National Park, and went “behind the hangar doors” at GippsAero’s Airvan manufacturing facility at the Latrobe Regional Airport.

Program co-ordinator and Monash University Associate Professor in Biochemistry, Jenny Mosse, said the diverse industries and environments in Gippsland provided the ideal location for The Science Experience, allowing students to get a first-hand perspective of how science and engineering shape our daily lives.

“Through visiting major infrastructure projects such as the Thomson Dam and technology-based manufacturers like GippsAero, we can take learning about science and engineering out of the classroom, and into a much more engaging setting,” she said.

“With these sorts of opportunities,

Education doors open MORE people will be able to take part in higher education, after GippsTAFE secured $24.8 million from the Federal Government.

students are much more likely to see the relevance and contribution science, engineering and related disciplines make in our world, and begin thinking about options for their own future study and careers.”

In addition to highlighting the diverse opportunities in science, Associate Professor Mosse said The Science Experience provided an exciting way for students in Gippsland to meet like-minded peers, and access teaching and research spaces not usually available to students in regional areas.

“By hosting an event like The Science Experience at a campus like Monash Gippsland, not only can we show students the sorts of learning spaces they’ll experience at university, but we can help them connect with peers from Science reality: Austen Roth of Mirboo North Secondary College (rear) other schools across the region who with Llewy Thomas of Swifts Creek P-12 School in a GippsAero GA8 share the same interests,” she said. aircraft as part of The Science Experience 2012.

OGR0216_SON

FROM the supply of water for four million people, to the manufacture of one of the world’s leading commercial aircraft, secondary students have used their summer holidays to discover more about the science that surrounds our daily lives.

The funding was received in collaboration with the University of Ballarat and other TAFE colleges in Victoria.

GippsTAFE CEO, Dr Peter Whitley, said access to undergraduate degree pathways was difficult for Victorian regional students, and the funding would make a difference.

“With the assistance of this funding, GippsTAFE will continue to develop its capacity to assist with the delivery of undergraduate degree programs. This will provide local students with further opportunities for their tertiary education,” he said.

The funding will be used to help with student support and resources, the purchase of new learning and software materials, staff training and development, and the provision of facilities, such as video conferencing.

GippsTAFE board president David Gittins was delighted with the outcome.

“The funding is a real boost to our region and will enable GippsTAFE to continue to support jobs and the development of employment opportunities which supports Gippsland’s economic growth,” he said.

The initial suite of degree programs will be in: business management, hospitality, public administration, IT, children’s services, manufacturing, transport logistics, health and rural/agribusiness.

Some 32,000 Victorian regional residents aged less than 40 years hold or are completing diplomas or advanced diplomas with regional TAFE institutes.

Mayor’s message Cr Veronica Dowman

COUNCIL is involved in two road and traffic improvement projects on Phillip Island at the moment.

Both are located in the south coast estates area of Surf Beach, Sunset Strip, Smiths Beach and Sunderland Bay. To gauge community views and resolve these issues, council has been in discussion with local community members, members of the Phillip Island South Coast Communities Community Planning Group and other relevant authorities.

One project is to re-align The Esplanade at Surf Beach. This re-alignment is needed because there is currently a vehicle access track around an environmentally sensitive foreshore area that is partially outside the road reservation and encroaches onto private land.

A concept plan and covering letter for the road alignment project was circulated to residents in the vicinity of The Esplanade at Surf Beach on December 8, 2011.

We have already received some well considered views and alternative plans and we will take these into consideration in the next steps for this project.

The other project involves another complex problem in the south coast estate area. This relates to traffic management, including safer turning on and off Phillip Island Road between Newhaven and Cowes.

It does take time to fully consult on these complex issues, and we are confident VicRoads listened to the community concerns about the roads in this area of Phillip Island.

Cr Veronica Dowman, mayor Bass Coast Shire Council.

I lost my dad then he came back When you gamble, it affects your entire family.

Rory’s dad made the call, got help and his gambling hasn’t interfered with his life since.

Two-thirds of people who contact Gambler’s Help end up gambling a lot less.

Free and confidential one-on-one counselling, group support, online counselling or financial advice is available anytime.

It’s working for Rory’s dad. Why not you?

take the problem out of gambling

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Elderly warned about salespeople

By Jacob de Kunder SOUTH Gippslanders are being warned about door-todoor salespeople in the area.

Smart sales: back, from left: Chris Childs from Consumer Affairs Victoria, Toni Williams from Gippsland Southern Health Service, and Planned Activity Group co-ordinator Brendan Kellow showed Joan Cole, Doris Hastie and Ruby Shearman how to deal with door-to-door salespeople.

Chris Childs from Consumer Affairs Victoria spoke to the members of Gippsland Southern Health’s Planned Activity Group in Korumburra on Wednesday.

“There have been a few groups of people going around trying to sell elderly people their product,” she told the group.

“They mention that the ‘government’ have said your energy bill is too high and you should change companies.

“You have every right to tell them to go away.”

Ms Childs told the group the salespeople will try every trick in the book to get into a person’s house.

“They say things like ‘I’ve got

all this paperwork to show you how you could save’ and ‘It’s really hot out here. Can I just grab a glass of water?’,” she said.

“You would be surprised what lengths they go to.”

There are many laws door-todoor salesmen have to abide by when selling their product.

“Once you tell them to leave, they have to leave,” Ms Childs said.

“If they don’t, they are breaking the law and you should call the police.”

Other things you need to remember include: • you have up to 10 business days to cool off (change your mind) about an agreement; • salespeople must have identification and must immediately leave your premises when you ask them to; • if a door-to-door salesperson asks to see your energy bill, you do

not have to provide it; • the government does not own any energy service providers – claims by salespeople that they represent the government are misleading; • if you don’t want to be contacted by phone salespeople, register on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au or by calling 1300 792 958; and • you also have the option of ordering a do not knock sticker from donotknock.org.au if you want to deter door-to-door salespeople.

Ms Childs also warned about telemarketers and being wary of other scams in the form of letters and emails.

A Consumer Affairs representative is available by appointment at the Korumburra Court House two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Appointments can be made by contacting 5116 5701.

Back to school and struggling? Help is here AS THE dawn of a new school year rapidly approaches, low income families throughout the Bass Coast region have received a welcome gift from the Bass Coast Community Foundation.

Board members have been busy distributing $18,500 worth of $50 Target vouchers to schools and community service agencies in the Bass Coast area, who in turn will pass on the vouchers to families they have identified as needing some assistance at this very expensive time of the year.

The Back to School program is an initiative of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

This is the eighth consecutive year the Bass Coast foundation has participated, with a total of around $120,000 distributed to assist families with purchases of school supplies and uniform items.

Foundation chairman Alan Brown said more vouchers than ever before were being distributed around the region this year, which is an indication of the financial pressure families are currently experiencing.

“It is a very expensive time of year for families, with school supplies and uniforms sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars. When families have to find the money to cover these costs for two, three and four children, they are put under enormous financial stress,” Mr Brown said.

“There is much evidence to suggest that children settle in to school more quickly and feel a sense of belonging when they have appropriate equipment and uniform.

They are more likely to concentrate on their learning and the family’s income is freed up to pay for the essential costs of living.”

If you would like more information about the foundation, please call Kate Dwyer in the office on 5672 3356.

School again: all set for the school year were Emma Dwyer, Olivia Zuidema, Eloise Zuidema and Abbey Dwyer (obscured).

In shape: toning their bodies at Warrawee’s exercise class were Myrtle Beecroft (front) with Dawn Jolly, Betty Farrant, Val Holt, Lillian Smith and Johanna van den Elst.

From pages past Seniors have a ball Historical snippets from The Star

30 years ago, February 2, 1982 THE first performance in the new sound shell at Mossvale Park, near Leongatha will be on Sunday, February 28.

10 years ago, January 29, 2002 A 51-year-old man from Upwey in Victoria was killed when the ultralight plane he was flying crashed into the sea, about 100 metres from shore at Number Four beach, Venus Bay last Saturday morning. **** WONTHAGGI will receive $35,000 from the State Government for improvements to the western entrance to the town.

Five years ago, January 30, 2007 BASS Coast Shire has distributed $198,487 in

community grants. The largest sum, $7000, has gone to the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club to conduct the annual San Remo Channel Challenge. **** A TOTAL of 100 firefighters from the 13 brigades in the CFA’s Leongatha/Korumburra Group have joined the battle to fight fires that have raged across Victoria since December 1.

One year ago, February 1, 2011 SIX local Gippsland cricketers played out boyhood dreams when they strode onto the MCG last Monday. The group was part of the Gippsland Pride cricket team that won the state title.

LIFE gets ge more fun the older they for get fo or the t members of Inverloch’s Warrawee Senior Citizens Club.

Warra

Card games, table tennis, snooker and bbowls owls are a among the activities offered by the thriving club, which now has more than 150 members.

Every Wednesday from 10am, members come together for exercise classes.

The oldest participant is 93-year-old

Myrtle Beecroft, who has been having a go for the last 20 years.

“It’s senior citizens exercises so there is nothing that goes fast and nothing that is too strenuous,” she said.

Lillian Smith added: “We do not do floor exercises either because if we got down, we couldn’t get up.”

Membership of Warrawee is just $5 a year and Gladys Wheeler reckons the company is worth it.

Fighting fit: Vi Beard, Cynthia Lambie, Gladys Wheeler, Nancy Sandercombe, Claire Nicholson, Kath Edmonds and Lorraine Stelfox use balls to workout.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 19

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Woodworkers’ festival bound for Loch LOCH is set to be full of activity this weekend with the Loch Woodworking Festival.

The festival, which is being held in conjunction with the Loch Craft and Quilt Festival, will host all the woodworking supplies and knowledge woodworking enthusiasts need.

Co-ordinator of the festival Terry Oakley from Aus Woodcraft, is looking forward to the weekend’s festivities.

“Both Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be having stalls to cater for all woodworkers,” he said.

“We’ll have lots of woodworking demonstrations happening, with experts that will be more than helpful in providing advice for all levels of craftsmen.”

All your wood working products like glues, oils and much more will be available for purchase, as well as many timbers.

Large and small cuts of black heart sassafras, ash, cypress, white sassafras, cedar,

red gum and lots of recycled wood will be available.

Custom-built furniture and other finished products will also be on sale throughout the weekend.

Now in its second year, Terry is hoping for a good turnout for the festival.

“Last year was very wet and I thought it may have been a dud, but lots of people showed up, which was great,” he said.

“From what I’ve heard, there’s a fair bit of interest in the festival, so it should be a good weekend.”

Activities, displays and stalls will be in the Aus Woodcraft shed in Victoria Street (across from the police station) and the Loch Masonic Hall.

Come down to Loch on Saturday or Sunday (or both), February 4 and 5 for some great woodworking action.

Hand crafted: Terry Oakley from Aus Woodcraft is preparing for the Loch Woodworking Festival this weekend.

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And Don’t Forget Your Salad Dressing...Refills only $5!

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 21

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Michael reaches out

By Simone Short

SOUTH Gippsland Indigenous Health Service is not only the first, but the sole aboriginal corporation in South Gippsland and Bass Coast.

A project of the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation, the centre is primarily focused on aboriginal youth, maintaining a partnership with the Department of Justice, but hopes to offer other services in the future.

To offer these services however, business manager and youth worker at the centre, Michael Moyle, said it is vital people in the indigenous community connect with the service.

“It has not been an easy task collecting accurate numbers,” he said.

“Most of the people who live here of aboriginal origins are not from this country, and in that context, the community is not closely connected with each other.”

The 2006 census recorded 282 indigenous people living within South Gippsland and Bass Coast, however 3033 people did not identify, meaning the aboriginal community could be larger.

At present, Mr Moyle has met with around 100 indigenous people face-toface, but said he’d like to get in contact with more.

“I don’t have any problems with people not identifying, but for our purposes we want them to communicate or register with us so we can keep them in the loop for consultation purposes and

Indigenous services: business manager and youth worker at South Gippsland Indigenous Health Services, Michael Moyle, encourages all aboriginal community members to register at the centre. that sort of thing,” he said.

“That’s a really big need for us to be able to expand our services.”

In the meantime, Mr Moyle said they can bring the required service providers from other sites in Sale, Morwell and Drouin “until we’ve got the complete mapping done here”.

Having moved into a new residence in Wonthaggi last July, the centre helps young people aged from 12 to 25, however it’s an “elastic” age group, with the centre helping many other people in need.

“We work with young offenders coming through the system or people

we’re aware of who have potential to offend. That’s why we want to make that community connection, so we can get ahead of the game,” Mr Moyle said.

“We get referrals from other places for young people who are in the school system who are having difficulties with family life or peer pressure problems,

and drugs and alcohol, so they’re coming from different sources.”

The service also offers maternal and child health services in conjunction with Bass Coast Community Health’s Best Start Program, with a nurse available on the second Tuesday of every month, providing pre-birth education, breastfeeding advice, post-birth care for mothers and babies, and mother and child help and advice.

In partnership with Bass Coast Community Health and the PaCe Program (Parents and Community Engagement), plans have also begun to establish a Koori Community Kitchen and playgroup, so indigenous families can meet, cook and socialise together.

Mr Moyle said the existence of the service is important for the indigenous community, as services they require may not be delivered through normal agencies.

“Aboriginal people like to deal with aboriginal people; not all the time, but sometimes they have an opinion that the mainstream services are not satisfactory to their particular needs, whether it be cultural or otherwise,” he said.

Mr Moyle also hopes to build an advisory board with an aim of reaching out to the aboriginal community to find and resolve problems, or discover any needs they may be able to meet.

Mr Moyle invites all members of the South Gippsland indigenous population to make contact with the Ramahyuck office on 5672 1444, so that information regarding a proposed community consultative meeting can be distributed widely.

Funding target closer

By Simone Short A BASS Coast group continues to work tirelessly to raise funds to build a school in Kongor, South Sudan.

For the past six months, Kongor School Support Group members have been selling raffle tickets, holding market stalls and selling cards, with their first goal of $20,000 close in sight.

All proceeds are going towards building a primary school for the 1612 children in Kongor, South Sudan who currently use the protection of the trees as their classrooms.

Support group member Felicia Di Stefano said schools are of “paramount

Fundraising to learn: the Kongor School Support Group in the Bass Coast is raising funds to build a school for 1612 students in Kongor, South Sudan. importance” in the new Republic of South Sudan.

“With education, people are able to overcome the injustices of poverty. A more affluent society will lead to a more tolerant society

when people do not have to compete for inadequate resources,” she said.

“With an improvement in the standard of living and safety, people will not seek to leave their homeland to

seek refuge from war and hunger in other lands.”

The next event for the support group will be an art and craft exhibition at Over 2 Kel’s in Wonthaggi.

The exhibition will run for the whole month of February, and all art and craft has been kindly donated to raise funds for the school.

The cafe gallery is also providing the venue free of charge to further the cause.

“On Saturday February 11, we are holding a party at Over 2 Kel’s to allow people to view and possibly purchase the art and craft in a jolly atmosphere, to celebrate the beginning of 2012, to listen to live music by the talented Ian McMullan and to dance, eat, drink and laugh a lot,” Ms Di Stefano said.

“Everyone and their family and friends are cordially welcome.”

Entry is by donation.

For bookings or enquiries, email Felicia Di Stefano at sgrar07@gmail.com or phone 5678 3294 (evenings only).

Raising awareness: community rangers, Jantje and Corin, are prepared with on-the-spot rewards for dog owners doing the right thing.

Winning owners: Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Veronica Dowman presents George Zidis and his daughters Chloe, Alannah and Georgia with a gift hamper.

Dog owners reap rewards DOG owners doing the right thing are getting more than a pat on the back.

Bass Coast Shire Council community rangers took a positive approach as part of a two week campaign to increase awareness of responsible pet ownership and council’s local regulations.

“Rangers handed out on-the-spot rewards to owners walking their dogs on leashes and entered them into a special prize draw,” acting community safety rangers team leader, Jill Broomhall said.

“We used a soft approach when the rangers saw people doing the wrong thing.”

With an amnesty in place, they also gave out information sheets instead of fines.

“Rangers also provided leads for dogs that were not on a leash and gave out handy dog poo bags to encourage people to clean up after their pet,” Ms Broomhall said.

“We chose to run this education program during the busiest time of the year

so we could reach both residents and visitors.”

Rangers were on patrol right across Bass Coast to ensure people were aware of the local regulations.

“We do want to remind owners that they should have their dog on a lead except in designated areas and carry a poo disposal bag, to pick up after their dog,” Ms Broomhall said.

The Zidis family were the first winners of a hamper drawn out during the campaign.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s community safety manager Philippa O’Halloran said Mrs Zidis and the girls were spotted on Smiths Beach a number of times during the two weeks of the awareness campaign.

“Each time the rangers saw the family they had their dog, Zoe, a Shih Tzu Pomeranian on the lead and were carrying waste bags,” Mrs O’Halloran said.

Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Veronica Dowman congratulated the family who were holidaying at their home at Smiths Beach.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 23

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Leongatha welcomes new citizens AUSTRALIA Day celebrations in Leongatha welcomed two of the country’s newest citizens last Thursday.

Katherine Lagoudis, originally from New Zealand and now a resident of Venus Bay, and Jack Verlaat from the Netherlands, and now from Nyora, were sworn in as Australian citizens by South Gippsland Shire Council deputy mayor Cr Mohya Davies.

The Leongatha community and neighbours celebrated Australia Day at McIndoe Park, under a brilliant blue sky the country is famous for.

Guest speaker for the day, CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson, paid tribute to the indigenous people in a moving speech, also reciting My Country by Dorothy Mackellar.

Leonnie McCluskey was the guest MC for the ceremony and Sarah Brown was accompanied by the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, singing Advance Australia Fair, I Am Australian and I Still Call Australia Home.

The ceremony also honoured three dedicated women in the Leongatha community: Kit Boag, Marj Jarvis and Florence Haw.

All three women were nominated for Citizen of the Year and have individually devoted decades to volunteer work in the community, although as Ms Boag commented, “Everything I did was by accident.”

Great Southern Saddlery was named the winner of the Australia Day window display, with NewsXpress awarded runner-up and a highly commended going to A.W Smith and Sons.

The morning was followed by a sausage sizzle and a variety of activities and face painting to entertain the children.

Australian songs: Sarah Brown performed the national anthem, as well as Australian favourites such as I Am Australian and I Still Call Australia Home with the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band.

Mirboo North thanks Brian SHAWN Cosgrove is famous for his catch cry of “Come on down” on the television show The Price is Right, but he has created a new name for himself in Mirboo North.

Captain and the chief: Leongatha Fire Brigade captain Andy Kay and CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson at the Leongatha celebrations.

New Australian citizens: former New Zealand citizen Katherine Lagoudis and former Netherlands citizen Jack Verlaat were all smiles after receiving their Australian citizenship.

The jolly Australia Day ambassador had the local crowd captivated with his various anecdotes, ranging from life on the farm in far north Queensland to his travels around the world and working on TV. All of his stories held an underlying value of what being Australian means to him and by the end of his talk, the crowd was completely sold by his ideas.

Another local hero, Brian Ahearne, was honoured with the Citizen of the Year prize.

He was a touch emotional as he received his certificate from last year’s win-

ner Karen Anton, thanking the crowd and all of those who have helped him along the way.

He made reference to runners-up Maxine Kiel and Mary-anne Sanderson, noting their brilliant work during the year as well.

The Mirboo North Arty Gras and Art Show was an obvious choice for Event of the Year, given it took out the shire award.

It came in ahead of the historical society’s triple opening day, as well as Mirboo North Idol at the pool.

It was the last year the current organising committee, led by Ian Bristow, will be taking the reins and new candidates have been asked to throw their hat in the ring.

The ceremony finished and the crowd wandered down to the town’s pool to share a sausage and plenty of chit chat.

Important people: Kathryn Smith, Emily Wilson, John Van Wamel, Dorothy Parker, Ben Thomas, Lawrence Money and Pat Hendry all played important roles on the day.

Proud to be in Meeniyan MEENIYAN’S Australia Day celebrations were a huge event.

Ambassador and experienced The Age columnist Lawrence Money regaled the crowd with some entertaining anecdotes, most of which included some classic Australian vernacular.

His pride in the country’s unique culture rubbed off on the crowd, who whooped and cheered with his every “drongo” and “bonza”.

John Van Wamel was awarded the town’s Citizen of the Year Award, nominated for his power of work in helping around the town with the Meeniyan Progress Association.

“I feel I’ve cheated a bit. I do all of this work for me; I love doing it.

But an award is nice,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the Meeniyan choir singing WaltzWe are Australian: Harold Ball, Judy Ball and Faye Bland have a chat ing Matilda and I am Australian.

after the Meeniyan ceremony.

Great influences: Australia Day ambassador Shawn Cosgrove with Citizen of the Year nominee Maxine Kiel, winner Brian Ahearne and last year’s winner Karen Anton.

Arty Aussies: ambassador Shawn Cosgrove (second from the left) with the successful Arty Gras committee, from left: Ian Southall, Geraldine Bate, Paul Evans, Yvette Atkins, Ann-Marie Diperdink and Graham Dale.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 25

Bass Coast flies flag AUSTRALIA Day is a time to celebrate and that is what Wonthaggi did last Thursday.

Festivities began with a delicious breakfast sponsored by Bass Coast Shire Council and Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, and continued into entertainment and award ceremonies.

Australia Day Ambassador Maggie Maguire - the CEO of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, Australia’s landmark arts, culture and learning precinct - urged the community to learn from mistakes and capitalise on strengths.

Bass Coast Shire Council Citizen of the Year was Neville Goodwin of Woodleigh.

He is an organiser and a motivator, and has formed many partnerships with businesses to benefit the community.

Mr Goodwin was humbled by the award and became emotional when thanking his wife Lyn, as she had supported him.

He served as a councillor for both the Shire of Bass and Bass Coast Shire Council, including four consecutive years as mayor.

Mr Goodwin is always there to help anyone in a time of need and his catch cry “leave it with me” is always followed through.

Over the years, he has been involved with Wonthaggi Rotary, Wonthaggi Hospital Board, Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Authority, Grantville Market Committee, Grantville Hall and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, Moonya, Bass Valley and Wonthaggi District Football League, Loch branch UDV and Loch Football Club.

He is also continually successful at obtaining sponsorship, grants and donations to assist in fundraising efforts for various Bass Coast charities and events.

Young Citizen of the year went to Holly du Plessis of Inverloch.

She has been involved with the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club since she was six, and has served as vice captain and captain of her patrol. She attended the Under 15 State Leadership Camp and the Bass District Development Camp, and holds numerous qualifications.

In 2010-11, Miss du Plessis was awarded Gold Level for Life Saving Victoria’s Youth Involvement Program, only achieved by about 20 other young lifesavers in Victoria.

She has volunteered as first aid officer at community events, including Inverloch’s Food and Wine Festival and Billy Cart Derby.

Miss du Plessis is a part of the Phillip Island Swim Club, and a keen netballer and umpire with the Inverloch-Kongwak Netball Club.

She has been appointed various leadership roles at Newhaven College, including Year 9 vice captain, house vice captain, and is a member of the college’s fundraising team. She has also completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

Ms du Plessis has been offered a position in Sports and Exercise Science at the Australian Catholic University as part of their Early Achievers Program.

Sports Person of the Year was Nikki Van Dijk of Smiths Beach.

She is the Australian Under 18 champion, Victorian Under 18 champion and Victorian open champion, and came third in the World Under 18 championship.

“With the whole community backing me, it is awesome,” Miss Van Dijk said.

Arts and Cultural Ambassador of the Year went to Kirk Skinner of Bass.

Recognised nationally, he continues to contribute to the arts locally through his involvement with Wonthaggi Citizens Band, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group, tutoring and mentoring and through

financial support.

He has served as music director for the Victorian Education Department, an education consultant to Musica Viva Schools, music examiner and instrumental music teacher.

Community Event of the Year went to the San Remo Channel Challenge, which has been running for 26 consecutive years. The event comprises a swim across the channel separating Phillip Island from the mainland, followed by a run across the bridge.

The challenge raises funds for local voluntary organisations, including surf lifesaving and Lions.

Environmental Ambassador of the Year went to Beth Banks of Wonthaggi for committing time and energy to community projects.

With a professional background in nursing and teaching, Ms Banks supervises school, TAFE, mental health groups and other community groups in community planting and education sessions.

Ms Banks is involved in numerous community groups and organisations focusing on environmental sustainability, including the Wonthaggi Welcomes Wetlands, Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve, Wonthaggi Lifesaving Club and Tent Town Project, Rifle Range Project, Cape Paterson Coastal Plains Landcare Group and Friends of the Wonthaggi Heathland and Coastal Reserve.

She has also been a founding member of various environmental initiatives, including the Wonthaggi Seed Bank and Wonthaggi Urban Landcare.

The Family Achievement Award went to Thomas and Marjorie Beaton of Cowes for their tireless efforts which have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

The pair has made an outstanding contribution to the Bass Coast community over more than 50 years, and has passed their community mindedness on to their two daughters, Sue and Kaye.

Mr Beaton was involved in the initiation of Masonic Lodge, has held numerous committee positions with local sporting clubs, was a member of the Cowes Ambulance Service for 46 years and was awarded a life governor. He is also a Life Governor of the Cowes Bush Nursing Hospital and an honorary member of the Phillip Island Rotary Club.

Ms Beaton was an original committee member of the Cowes Ambulance Service, has held various executive positions, including the Warley Hospital Board, Phillip Island Ladies Masonic lodge Auxiliary and various sporting clubs.

She has co-ordinated the Good Friday Appeal Collection for Phillip Island for more than 12 years and is a life governor of the Wonthaggi Hospital, Warley Hospital, Masonic Homes and Royal Children’s Hospital.

Bass Coast mayor Cr Veronica Dowman said: “It was a privilege to be able to make these presentations, recognising the achievements of these remarkable community members.

“The awards focus on a select group of people and the distinctive work they do. However, the entire day is a celebration of our community and its achievements, making it a better place to live and visit.”

Eight new citizens were announced.

They were Suveena Angelucci of Bass and formerly of Thailand; Devakumar Jayakumar, Wonthaggi, from India; Neil Jordan, Wonthaggi, from Scotland; Michael, Cheryl and Megan Jury, Cape Paterson, from South Africa; Jason Pribadi, Wonthaggi, from Indonesia; and Gislene Stewart, Wonthaggi, from Brazil.

Above: Joyful Australians: Bass Coast Australia Day Awards were received

by Thomas and Marjorie Beaten (Family Achievement Award), Kirk Skinner (Arts and Cultural Ambassador of the Year), Nikki Van Dijk (Sports Person of the Year), Beth Banks (Environmental Ambassador of the Year), Holly Du Plessis (Young Citizen of the Year), Ron Nicholson from the Cape Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club, representing San Remo Channel Challenge (ComFlag waving: Seasaidh Jackson of Beaconsfield, Sharlimae and Eira Thom- munity Event of the Year son of Wonthaggi and Joan Woods of Wonthaggi attended the Wonthaggi award) and Neville Goodwin (Citizen of the Year). celebrations.

Great location: eight new citizens were announced at Wonthaggi’s Australia Day celebrations.

Hub of Aussie spirit INVERLOCH was a sea of Australian colours on Australia Day. From kids wearing Australia Day hats to those waving the national flag and dressed in Australian customised clothes, Inverloch was a hub of patriotism.

The official celebrations were held at the Inverloch War Memorial and sponsored by the Inverloch RSL Sub-Branch.

The U3A choir did an incredible job singing a number of Australian themed songs, including

Road to Gundagai and I Am Australian.

The MC for the celebration was Inverloch RSL vice president Trevor Scott, who said he was lucky to live in such a great country.

Other speakers were Inverloch RSL president Bob Lambie and Jean Melzer OAM, who gave the Australia Day address.

Ms Melzer spoke about Australia Day before it became known as such, and appreciated the substantial public support given to the Inverloch celebrations: the MC for the celevent.

The Inverloch Lions Club ebration at Inverloch was the Inverloch RSL staged a sausage sizzle. vice president Trevor Scott.

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Poowong stages spectacular POOWONG was a hive of activity for Australia Day. The country style celebrations for Korumburra and district were a hit, with tugof-war, hand milking competitions, live music plus much, much more.

After a live cross to Channel 9, it was time for the official presentations up on the stage surrounded by gum tree branches, hay bales and Australian flags.

McMillan MP Russell Broadbent presented citizenship awards.

After Michael Fowler was sworn in as an Australian citizen by acting South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Mohya Davies, it was time for award presentations.

Youth Community Contribution awards were presented to Grace Davidson, Krystal Clark, Genevieve Abbott, Glen Halliday, Lauren Trani, Ashleigh Parr and Lauren Jacobson for their work in the communities.

Community Event of the Year nominees were announced, with the Loch Food and Wine Festival, the South Gippsland Dairy Expo and the Poowong Mower Muster all receiving nominations. The mower muster took out the award.

Citizen of the Year nominees Geoff Douglas, Joan Henry and Laurie Gregg

were all recognised for their great work in the community as well.

South Gippsland’s Citizen of the Year Greig Barry was presented with his accolade by Mr Broadbent.

Greig’s voluntary contributions extended well beyond the local area.

The Loch man is a trained and experienced Critical Incident Stress (CIS) Peer who has helped many CFA volunteers from Gippsland and interstate deal with stressful incidents, such as the Longford gas explosion and the Linton fires.

He is a member of the Loch Fire Brigade and the Loch Road Rescue, and the Working Horse and Tractor Rally Committee, a life member of the Nyora Car Club, active Landcare member, president of the Loch Public Hall/Historical Group for the past 20 years, and organises monthly old time dances in the hall.

“When Greig was told of his nomination, he said that he doesn’t do enough and someone else should be nominated,” Mr Broadbent said when announcing the award.

Greig humbly accepted his award saying: “I’m still a bit in shock about it all.”

The celebrations didn’t stop with an outdoor showing of the Australian classic film Kenny.

Young stars: Youth Community Contribution award winners were Grace Davidson, Krystal Clark, Genevieve Abbott, Glen Halliday, Lauren Trani, Ashleigh Parr and Lauren Jacobson.

CFA chief Euan honours Pound Creek CFA POUND Creek celebrated its biggest Australia Day yet when around 200 people came to the fire station last Thursday.

Citizens of the year: South Gippsland’s Citizen of the Year Greig Barry with other nominees Geoff Douglas, Joan Henry and Laurie Gregg.

Patriotic in Foster KEEPING it local was the theme at Corner Inlet’s Australia Day celebration in Foster.

Hard working member of the Corner Inlet community, Prue Fleming, was awarded Corner Inlet Citizen of the Year.

South Gippsland Shire Council deputy mayor Cr Moyha Davies presented Ms Fleming with the award, saying: “Prue is a very worthy recipient and I am sure she will represent Corner Inlet admirably.”

Ms Fleming was chosen because of her involvement with FAMDA, hospital

auxiliary, Welshpool and District Horticultural Society, the Seachange Festival as well as the Foster Show and the Foster Uniting Church.

Pieter Burghoef and Eva Hendrie were awarded Community Service Awards for their efforts in the community while the Prom Coast Summer Festival took out event of the year.

Lots of activities were on offer at Foster’s museum precinct before and after the official ceremony.

Local band Soul Purpose provided the music, including some great Australian favourites.

Winners: Lyn Lucas (representing the Prom Coast Summer Festival, which was awarded Corner Inlet community event of the year), Eva Hendrie (Community Service Award recipient), Prue Fleming (Corner Inlet Citizen of the Year) and Pieter Burghoef (Community Service Award recipient).

With entertainment by the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, a delicious lunch provided by the CFA Ladies Auxiliary and guest-of-honour CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson, the day was a great success.

Mr Ferguson had been invited to Canberra on the day and would have been caught up in the protest chaos at the presentation of the inaugural National Emergency Medals.

But the chief held his commitment to South Gippsland by attending both the Pound Creek and Leongatha celebrations.

Mr Ferguson presented awards of his own in Pound Creek, with service medals going to 15 brigade

volunteers, totalling 355 years of service between them.

Six women’s auxiliary members were also recognised for 25 years of service, with medallions presented

by Australian Fire Service Medal recipient Bill Rodda.

Mr Ferguson, who presented a moving version of Henry Lawson’s The Fire at Ross’s Farm, said it was his “pleasure and my privilege” to attend the celebrations.

“I’ve had a fantastic morning celebrating Australia Day with Gippslanders, it’s been great to be with both the Leongatha and District CFA members and Pound Creek CFA members,” he said.

“I think they provide outstanding leadership in the community and what we’ve been able to do today is to recognise their selfless service, their commitment to their communities and CFA, and to also

see how well integrated our emergency service volunteers are with their local communities.

“It’s an opportunity for me to meet our volunteers, and get to know them. My role is to support them, make sure they’re happy and comfortable, well equipped in what they’re doing and it’s opportunities like this where I get to ask them questions and they can come up and talk to me, so it’s been a great day.”

Captain Peter Vanzuyden said it was an “absolute privilege to have the boss” at Pound Creek.

“It was a wonderful speech and had everyone enthralled; he spoke for close on 25 minutes and no one left their seat, everybody listened,” he said.

Bass Coast Shire Councillor Ross Smith and Division 9 Operations Officer Ian Pattie also attended the ceremony.

Very special guest: Pound Creek Fire Brigade captain Peter Vanzuyden said it was an “absolute privilege” to host CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson at the town’s Australia Day celebrations.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 27

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

SUDOKUPUZZLE

Q&A

WITH

THE BAMBOOS Lance Ferguson speaks to The Star’s journalist Simone Short.

WHAT do you get when you bring seven suave looking guys in suits, two outstanding female vocalists and a whole lotta’ funk and soul to Mossvale Park?

One Perfect Day – and that’s not just the name of the festival.

The Bamboos are generally acknowledged as Australia’s greatest modern funk and soul band. Emerging from the Deep Funk scene of the early 2000s, The Bamboos have since forged a unique sound of their own, combining elements of OldSchool Funk, Hip Hop, Mod Rock, Psychedelic and Northern Soul.

The nine-piece line-up led by guitarist Lance Ferguson and featuring the power-house vocals of Kylie Auldist are renowned for their blistering, high energy live sets which will guarantee to have Mossvale Park up and dancing. Lance spoke to The Star about the band and their upcoming visit to South Gippsland at the Mossvale Music Festival on Saturday, March 17.

Are you excited about coming down to play at Mossvale Park’s One Perfect Day? We are because we’ve got a new album coming out this year in April and we’ve been getting a lot of newer material that’s on the album ready to play live, so there will be a bit of new stuff we’re playing on the day. It’s always exciting to get out there and play new songs.

Will it be one of the first places we hear your new music live?

We’ve got a couple of festival dates around that time where

we’ll be bringing the new stuff into the set, but that will be one of the first times. I guess we’ve been playing the same set in a way for quite a while, so it’s not only exciting for an audience to hear new stuff, but for the band. It really reinvigorates what we do, because there’s new music to get our teeth stuck into.

What other festivals and venues have you been playing lately?

As it’s summer, we’ve been doing a bit of a festival circuit.

Highlights for this summer were definitely the Pyramid Rock Festival, and the Queenscliff Music Festival was really good fun; although it was nearly rained out it was actually one of the cooler gigs we did. Rain is cool, because when it gets too hot most of us are on stage in suits and when the temperature soars, it’s not cool.

Do you always perform in suits?

Yeah, but if it’s a 38 degree day, it’s okay for the guys to take their suit jackets off. We will make that concession.

Quite a few people make up The Bamboos group. How did you all start together?

The band started with a fourpiece in 2001 and we added members along the way. The original core of the band, we were definitely friends from university; we studied music at the Victorian College of the Arts.

It’s going back 10 years now or so, and the band has really changed and evolved over that time, and the music we play has too. We added a horn section, and originally we didn’t even have a vocalist, it was an instrumental band. Now the band on stage is nine people.

Even now in the last three months we’ve added another person to the fold; our newest member is an amazing singer called

E l l a Thompson who joins Kylie on vocals and she’s great. I don’t think we can really get too much bigger than it is now though.

How do you describe your music now?

The Bamboos started off trying to really nail that old school funk sound, and as we added vocals, we started exploring soul music. I think, especially with the material on the new record, I really don’t want the band to be locked into genres so much.

We definitely draw upon the influences of funk and soul, and that where we’ve come from and the essence of our sound, but especially with this new record, it sounds more like The Bamboos than someone going “It’s a funk album” or “It’s a soul album”. That was a great goal of my own to go “This will sound like a Bamboos record”.

So would you say you create your own genre?

I’m not really commenting on what it is, but what it is does sound like us and that’s quite a battle, just to achieve that.

Why should people come down to Mossvale to see you play?

Just going over what I’ve said, we’re going to be previewing some music off the new record which will be really cool, and we’ve got Ella Thompson, our newest member, on board on vocals and glockenspiel and tambourine; she plays a bit of everything. And I think the band is in a good place at the moment in our headspace, and everyone’s pretty excited about getting out there and playing new music to everyone.

I think everyone should come down because whatever The Bamboos does, we always aim for people to have a good time and dance; that’s what it’s about.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 29

Relaxed, resort-like feel A value valu va lue p lue pa package ack ckagge th tthat at has hass appeal, a location, loccat atio ion, sspace ion, paccee pa aand an nd a pool poooll is po is available aavvai ailabl labl la blee th tthrough hroough Prom Prrom m Country Cou ount ntryy First National.

See page details.

F Fi irsst Nati N Na attiioon naall. l. Se S ee pa p ge 330 ge 0 fo ffor or d de etail tail ta ils. s.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

‘Funky Town’ resort house HEN Funky Town was playing on the radio back in the seventies, they were building these really cool houses that have now made a comeback, and now everybody wants one.

W

The strong colours and boxy look are faithful to the style in this stunning, concrete rendered, solid brick example, in a quiet, established Leongatha street that’s much closer to the shops than any of the newer zones.

Park the car under cover and walk directly to the front door.

Inside, the separate entry introduces the main level of the house.

Here, rich, earthy paint tones mix with timber architraves and the result is striking.

It’s an ‘easy living’ home, with living areas oriented towards a north-east facing balcony that overlooks a dazzling in-ground pool, giving the home a relaxed, resort-like feel.

The main living room has a wall of glass to bring in the view and a large wood fired heater on a raised brick surround. Complementing the wood heater for climate control, are two split system air conditioners upstairs, and gas ducted heating is also included.

Recent improvements provide modern fixtures and fittings in the kitchen and bathroom.

Dishwasher and stainless steel wall

oven and hot plates, pantry, island bench and oodles of cupboards make it a very workable and roomy kitchen.

New toilets and vanities in the bathroom and en suite have them feeling like new.

A cleverly positioned study, close to the main action of the house, is already fitted with bench tops space with enough for two computers and peripherals.

Three upstairs bedrooms all have robes, and the main enjoys direct access to the pool balcony: swing open the door at night to enjoy the gorgeous summer breezes.

A central stairway leads to a lower level room which has plenty of scope – fourth bedroom/living; home gym or

office; rumpus.

It has a long, extra big laundry running off it so it could even convert to a third bathroom downstairs if required.

This room opens straight onto the pool zone with extensive brick paving, grassed areas, and an undercover area too.

Beyond the pool zone, there is a big water tank for pool top-ups and garden watering, and a decent garden shed.

If you are not into the blandness of many of the newer homes, this one is for you – appeal, location, space, and pool – a value package that is not to be passed over.

Inspect at advertised open times or by appointment.

LEONGATHA Location: 29 Blackmore Avenue Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $350,000 Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Kaz Hughes 0417 516 998

Garden of Eden with sheds galore U

NLIMITED potential is on offer at this 11 acre paradise with a spacious four bedroom brick veneer residence with north facing entertainment area offering protected views to the Powlett River valley and beyond.

Features include bull-nose verandahs, hydronic floor heating and Coonara-style heater in lounge/home theatre, gourmet kitchen, and spa in the en suite.

Shedding that is a combination of yesteryear and practical storage/work spaces, offers the purchaser scope to develop a myriad of uses for the

entrepreneurial minded.

The land is fenced into seven paddocks suitable for horses or cattle, complete with cattle race.

A superb produce garden, orchard, hothouse and pond/water storage entrance enhance the self-sufficient values of this lifestyle oasis situated in Wattle Bank, only a short distance to the Inverloch beaches and Wonthaggi.

Inspect now to appreciate Nirvana, and serenity will be yours forever.

The property would suit a tradesperson, retiree or the family.

Only 10 minutes from Wonthaggi or Inverloch.

WATTLE BANK Location: 280 McCraws Road Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $790,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Inverloch Contact: 5674 1111

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 31

MIRBOO NORTH

MEENIYAN

MIRBOO NORTH

NEW LISTING

INSPECT Sun 11.00 - 11.30am

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

Corner the Mirboo North market

Peace of Perfect Patchwork

How about a dozen beds of roses! Business with lifestyle thrown in!

Perfectly positioned, on a corner allotment with side street access and subdivisional potential, this home has high ceilings, good size rooms including 3 big bedrooms, a comfy lounge, and kitchen.

Just minutes to Mirboo North, this 4.5ha (approx) property comprises pasture, with a permanent dam & treed boundary. Suited to horses or horticulture, it has a permit to build.

40 Baromi Road

31 Munros Road $225,000 - $250,000

With 12 rooms including a family suite, plus modest manager’s quarters, this exciting motel business is equipped with quality accommodation, inground pool and BBQ facilities. High level of repeat business, database, website, tourism and Budget memberships, regular tourism events, Meeniyan’s reputation as an art / music destination, local eateries and the motel’s standing as a clean, friendly destination make this the rural business lifestyle opportunity of the year! Move to Meeniyan!

Meeniyan Motel P.O.A

NEW LISTING

LEONGATHA

$225,000 - $250,000

LEONGATHA INSPECT Sun 12.00 - 12.30pm

NEW LISTING

INSPECT Sun 1.00 - 1.30pm

kaz hughes

0417 516 998

B-I-G living spaces ‌ on the schools side of the highway New blocks of land are NOT available so close to the shops, so if that is important to you, this well +

:

; Four bedrooms all with robes (ensuite & WIR to main), big lounge and dining, massive family room adjoining good kitchen, two decent bathrooms, double carport PLUS a 3 bay shed, all add up to big value. Potential to update if you like, but very comfortable, and liveable, right now!

6 James Court

$320,000

MARDAN INSPECT Sun 1.30 - 2.00pm

allen bartlett

0417 274 624

Views to Die for, House to Live for! Five Gentle Acres.

“Funky Town� Resort House!

Looking down across the Dumbalk Valley from the top of Loves Lane, this is a complete surprise package. At the end of a tree-lined drive, the brick house with a deceptively modest exterior opens up like the Tardis into an enormous open plan living expanse of polished boards and big picture windows. Stunning new granite and Jarrah kitchen, new laundry and bathroom, three bedrooms. < % =

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Stunning, rendered brick example of a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s special. Featuring living areas oriented towards a north-east facing balcony overlooking a dazzling inground pool, a renovated kitchen with modern *

$ $ *

upstairs bedrooms all with robes (main with direct balcony access). Lower level living room, large laundry, gas ducted heating, 2 aircons, wood heater.

1630 Meeniyan Mirboo North Road

29 Blackmore Avenue

$435,000 - $465,000

MIRBOO NORTH

$350,000

MARDAN

NEW LISTING

INSPECT Sun 12.00 - 12.30pm

lisa williams

0438 133 385

janine pepyat

0409 292 808

Pure and perfect â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where people and platypus play!

Country Farmhouse, Metro Make-Over

Superb, ultra-modern, contemporary home set in a pristine, natural environment to suit very particular people. Not wanting to compete, but rather to blend harmoniously with, its surrounds, the dĂŠcor is deliberately minimalist and elegantly relaxed. Open plan living spills to deck overlooking a platypus-popular dam with a planted woodlot beyond. Impossible to fault the presentation, planning and provision.

This 9 acre property has breathtaking panoramic views for as far as the eye can see. Original country farmhouse is extended & renovated, to be contemporary, & chic! High ceilings,

"

# $ % '

huge water capacity, garaging, sheds, & farm facilities too.

79 Thorpdale Road

185 Smiths Road

Mirboo Nth

$590,000 - $630,000

5668 1660

www.promcountryre.com.au Prom Country

@fnpromcountry

$430,000 - $460,000

5662 3100

Leongatha

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 33

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Newly completed and opulence abounds A

N impressive facade sets the tone for the rest of this nearly new four bedroom residence, situated on a 1200 square metre block.

A formal entrance provides a great first impression, with stunning Spotted Gum floors and a view right through the family area to the elevated deck at the rear of the home.

Large windows provide natural light to the living area, which is well appointed to the master bedroom with walk-in robe, stylish en suite with CaesarStone bench tops and

double vanity.

Each bedroom is sizeable and contains built-in robes, plus a separate office with built-in bench is handy for students or a home business.

The bedrooms and master bathroom are separated from the main living area by a hallway with a more than generous amount of storage space.

An open plan kitchen, dining and family area is ultra-modern with quality light fittings, CaesarStone bench tops, dishwasher and walkin pantry plus access to the outdoor

entertaining areas.

The home is heated and cooled throughout by a ducted gas and electric system and the water wise will appreciate the fresh water tank supplying the toilets for extra water and energy efficiency.

The double garage provides adequate car parking, as does the driveway, and storage space under the deck never goes astray.

All the hard work has been done with the utmost of quality, therefore this is a home sure not to disappoint the most discerning buyer.

LEONGATHA Location: 6 Eccles Way Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $479,000 Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 5800

Picturesque 6.27 acres G

ROWING families will enjoy the country lifestyle this property has to offer, all within a stone’s throw of the township of Meeniyan.

Boasting a sizeable home and delightful acreage plus approximately two acres of road lease, the property comprises a five bedroom residence with large living area, Blackwood kitchen and dining area, en suite and walk-in robe, verandahs and large windows with views.

The three paddocks are well fenced and are handy to the Rail Trail, with direct access to the Meeniyan township. A 40x20ft shed with power, carport and lean-to provide all the utilities needed for a hobby farm.

Inspection is by appointment.

MEENIYAN Location: 1585 South Gippsland Highway Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $439,000 Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 5800

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 35

Large affordable family home L

OCATED on the school side of Leongatha in Chamberlain Drive, this home could suit a number of people.

It is currently occupied by quality tenants, however would easily accommodate a family wanting to move in, and perhaps even an extended family situation.

The house is double storey; up-

stairs offers three spacious bedrooms, near new bathroom with bath and separate shower, lounge (heated by a gas heater, and cooled by a wall air-conditioner), meals area and light-filled kitchen.

There is an excellent sized deck which would be ideal for entertaining overlooking the large backyard and beyond to farming land.

Downstairs, a large rumpus room, walk-in storage room, fourth

bedroom and en suite, perfect for a teenager’s retreat or perhaps for an extended family member.

The block is a total of 1108 square metres, allowing plenty of room for many pets and for children to play.

A carport is conveniently located under the deck and for storage, a good-sized garden shed.

Inspection is strictly by appointment.

LEONGATHA Location: 7 Chamberlain Drive Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $310,000 Agent: Elders Leongatha Contact: 5662 3523

Choose a house you like. Create a home you love. r

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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

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PAGE 36 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Redbank homestead P

OSITION, privacy, views, acres....break out your wish list and start ticking.

This brick country homestead is situated on approximately 10.9 acres of flat to gently sloping productive red soil.

Subdivided into five paddocks and serviced by town, tank and bore water, this land is perfect for horses, cattle or horticulture.

Offering five bedrooms plus a study, three bathrooms and generous living areas, this impressive homestead is awash with natural light, courtesy of generous windows in every room.

The central hallway (which approach-

es the dimension of a cricket pitch), opens out into the kitchen/dining living area.

The C-shaped kitchen has loads of storage, t a walk-in lk i pantry, t and d a new ddouble wall oven.

Glass double doors lead from the casual living into the large formal lounge.

A 15x8 metre machinery shed, 10x4 metre workshop, double garage and a set of cattle yards complete this property.

Located less than four kilometres from the Leongatha Post Office, at the end of a no through road, surrounded by farmland and with views in every direction, there are not too many boxes that this premier property wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tick.

Come and see for yourself!

LEONGATHA L Lo Location: 110 Mitchells Road ell Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Price: $725,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922

Opposite the green wood on Greenwood Location: 42 Greenwood Parade Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $180,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922

Lovingly maintained over many years, this home offers an L-shaped lounge with air conditioner, galley kitchen and dining, bathroom with separate bath and shower, and robes in all three bedrooms.

There is also a carport and garage, and all an easy walk to the main street.

FOR LEASE OR SALE Â&#x2021; VKRSV VLGH E\ VLGH WRWDO RI VTP Â&#x2021; ([FHOOHQW KLJK H[SRVXUH ORFDWLRQ Â&#x2021; $PSOH FDU SDUNLQJ DYDLODEOH Â&#x2021; $GMDFHQW WR EXV\ ,*$ VKRSSLQJ FHQWUH Â&#x2021; %DWKURRP IDFLOLWLHV WR ERWK VKRSV 9HU\ UHDVRQDEOH UHQW SOXV XS WR PRQWKV UHQW IUHH LQ WKH ILUVW \HDU (conditions apply)

PRICE: WEB ID:

Elders Leongatha - 5662 3523 16 McCartin Street, Leongatha 3953 Zel Svenson 0438 636 290

$110,000 per shop or $150 rent per shop/pw 3990173

BHS4337

LEONGATHA

STRAIGHT across the road from the gum trees lining the Rail Trail, this spotless three bedroom home would make an ideal first home or investment property.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 37

Clear message for RBA T

HE latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures show that the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) consumer price measure of inflation is within their target zone.

The analytical series of trimmed mean and weighted median increased by 0.6 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively for the December quarter 2011, compared to 0.4 per cent for both measures in the previous quarter.

“The annual change in trimmed mean and weighted median is 2.6 per cent for both measures for the December quarter, compared to 2.4 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively for the September 2011 quarter,” Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) president, Ms Pamela Bennett said.

“The latest figures are well within the RBA’s target zone of 2-3 per cent and should provide a clear message to the RBA to reduce official interest rates at its Febru-

ary meeting,” Ms Bennett continued.

The housing group showed a slowing down in the quarterly rate - from 1.9 per cent in the September quarter 2011 to 0.4 per cent in December quarter 2011. The annual rate decreased from 4.2 per cent for the 12 months to September 2011 and to 4.0 per cent for the 12 months to December 2011.

The main contributor to the December quarter increase for the housing group was

rents which increased 1.0 per cent.

For the year to December 2011 the biggest increases in the housing group were for electricity (12.2 per cent), water and sewerage (8.6 per cent), and gas and other household fuels (6.7 per cent), with inflation within the RBA’s target zone and given the latest outlook for the Australian and global economies, it is appropriate to have a third consecutive cut in interest rates, continued Ms Bennett.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Country farmhouse, metro make-over A

T the end of a quiet country lane, and secluded behind a maturing cypress-lined driveway, this nine acre property has a breathtaking panorama for as far as the eye can see.

Set on level, landscaped surrounds, in a commanding position on the desirable land parcel, the original country farmhouse lines have been retained externally but inside, an extension and renovation is contemporary, and chic.

Vaulted and high ceilings flow through expansive living spaces where unreserved use of glass encourages light in, and aspects out. Cool country air flows easily too, through sashless shugg windows and numerous glazed doors, opening to extensive timber decks on two sides.

At the heart of the main living zone

MARDAN Location: 185 Smiths Road, Mardan

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $430,000-$460,000 Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Lisa Williams 0438 133 385

is a sophisticated chef’s kitchen, fitted with a Falcon Toledo double range and appointed with granite tops and ample storage, and the bathrooms are equally impressive, with a spa-bath-for-two and garden windows to the en suite.

All three bedrooms, home office, and both living/entertaining zones feature hardwood floors, heating and cooling options, and a stylish, modern décor. Outdoors, the home gardens are planted to be colourful and calming, the vegetable gardens are thriving, and koalas visit the more mature trees.

There is substantial water capacity, and abundant garaging, parking, and sheds adjoining the circular driveway. Farm infrastructure includes stock loading facilities, yards, shearing shed and shedding. This is the complete tree-change or country getaway opportunity, with flair to spare.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 39

Pound Creek Reserve comes to life A NATURAL secret awaits discovery at Pound Creek.

All aboard: setting out for a farm tour with Daryl Hook (front, left), were Oliver Hibbert, Jennie Brown, Bass Coast Landcare Network co-ordinator Kellie Nichols and Aisha Hibbert. Back: Ian Turnbull, Jade Pettigrew and Callum, Scott and Sheona Bugbird.

The Pound Creek Reserve offers visitors walking tracks and bush to explore, and was recently beautified by the members of the Anderson Inlet Landcare Group.

The group held a working bee with support from the Bass Coast Landcare Network and RACV Inverloch Resort.

Landcare members joined with volunteers to learn about the environment, control weeds, collect indigenous seeds for revegetation and experience a farm walk.

Landcarer Ian Turnbull said the eight acre reserve had long been neglected, overgrown with ivy, blackberries and boxthorn.

“We plan to have a bridge over the creek and we will build a picnic table too,” he said.

“You can walk around the track because we’ve mown it, but it would be nice to get off the track and see what is there.”

Mr Turnbull said the reserve is the only one of its kind with native cherries and one of the few places in the area where the cherries grow.

The project has been funded with $10,000 sponsorship from the RACV, received by the Landcare group. The first project funded by the grant was the revegetation of wetlands next to the RACV. The group has spent more than $1 million in replanting trees and other Landcare works, member Daryl Hook said.

“Then we buy the posts, the wire and the trees from the nursery, so we’re really glad that we have stimulated the economy and made our farms more productive at the same time,” he said.

Films booked for Fishy THE Prom Coast Film Society Committee is excited to announce its 2012 film screening program.

The first film for 2012 is Slumdog Millionaire which will be shown at the Fish Creek Hall on Friday, February 3 at 8pm, so mark your diaries.

After a busy first year for the Prom Coast Society, the committee undertook a survey of members late in 2011 to get feedback on a variety of aspects including whether there was sufficient support to continue with the monthly film screenings.

The overwhelming response was positive and the committee has come up with a diverse range of films for its 2012 program.

The 2012 program brings to Corner Inlet audiences many highly acclaimed films including three Australian films, an Oscar winning Bollywood-style Indian film, a Japanese film and a newly released documentary.

The committee has also decided to have a light hearted comedy evening, showing two films to help deal with the winter blues.

On June 6 they will screen A Fish Called

Movie drivers: Catherine McGlead and Andrew Oldroyd, two of the prime movers in Prom Coast Film Society, are ready to welcome new and returning members.

Wanda at 6pm and at 8pm a hilarious film from Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein. Members can attend either or both films for the price of one film – an extra bonus.

The Prom Coast Film Society was set up in 2011 to provide the communities in the Corner Inlet and Prom Coast area with regular access to quality, predominantly non–mainstream films in an affordable, social setting.

Films are shown on the first Friday of the month at the Fish Creek Hall on the basis of its centrality, low cost and suitability for screening films to a small audience.

The committee has also investigated improvements to the sound quality throughout the year and will continue to work to improve this in the future.

Sound is always difficult in halls given the nature of the construction including

the walls and flooring, and sound tends to ‘bounce’ off the hard surfaces to some extent.

The 2012 committee members are: Jackie Dargaville, Richard Dargaville, Dianne Frey, Catherine McGlead, Genevieve Moore and Andrew Oldroyd.

You can check the program at: www.famda. org,au, or contact the film society through: famda@ dcsi.net.au

International expert to talk economics ARE you a decision-maker in business, education or government?

Are you a small business person wondering what kind of environment we might face over the next five to 10 years?

Are you managing money for yourself or others, or are you just concerned with how to plan a viable future for yourself and those you care for?

The big problem is getting the right information. It’s become clear over the past few years that our economists and financial advisors are falling well short of providing reliable advice. So who can really give us a proper handle on reality?

One of the most clear-sighted analysts of the current situation is coming to Australia as part of a world tour and she is to give a public lecture in Leongatha.

Nicole Foss has been delivering a lecture entitled A Century of

Challenges to audiences in Europe and North America for the past year.

Nicole is a polymath who ties together observations of economics, society and the environment so we can better understand our present financial predicament. Her academic qualifications include degrees in biology, neuroscience and psychology and later degrees in international law and post-graduate diplomas in air and water pollution.

At Warwick University in the UK, she was top science graduate in 1988 and in 1997 top law graduate.

While living in the UK, she was a Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, where she specialised in nuclear safety.

At The Automatic Earth blog, writing under the name Stoneleigh with her writing partner Illargi, she chronicles and interprets the on-going credit crunch as the most pressing aspect of our current multi-faceted

predicament.

The site integrates finance, peak energy, environment, psychology, population and real politik, explaining why we find ourselves in a state of crisis and what we can do about it. Prior to the establishment of The Automatic Earth she was editor of The Oil Drum Canada, where she wrote on peak oil and finance. The lecture will take place in the South Gippsland Shire Council chambers at 2 Michael Place, Leongatha on February 21 at 7.30pm.

Cost will be $10 per person.

Places are limited to we advise you contact us and book early to avoid disappointment. Ring Malcolm McKelvie on 0417 364 615 or Lloyd Morcom on 0427 331 068.

This lecture is being organised

by Baw Baw Sustainability Network and Transition Corner Inlet District Inc, with sponsorship from South Gippsland Shire Council and Baw Baw Shire.

Lending hand: Scott Bugbird and son Callum of Cape Paterson helped at the Pound Creek working bee, with Jennie Brown from RACV head office, Noble Park.

High tea by the creek JOHN Armstrong and Katharine Hall were among many visitors enjoying high tea on the verandah of the Pig ‘n’ Whistle Café at Coal Creek, Korumburra recently.

Mirboo North chef Jacinta Hicken has been enjoying producing the delicious treats for visitors. Jacinta grew up in South Gippsland and learnt to prepare high tea at the Sofitel on Collins in Melbourne.

“Customers have really been enjoying their high teas,” she said.

“As you can see, it is an abundant spread and from this week we will be adding hand-made chocolate truffles to the menu. Plus I’m absolutely happy to cater for customers with special dietary needs.”

Price for high tea is $25 for a single serve, $35 for two people or $45 for two including a glass of local sparkling each.

High tea comprises freshly brewed tea and coffee, finger sandwiches, scones served with jam and cream, and an array of patisseries that may include Portuguese custard tarts, Danish pastries, lemon meringue pies and mini pavlovas.

Customers are asked to book their high tea to avoid disappointment on 5655 1811. Originally scheduled just to run in January, the high teas will now continue indefinitely subject to popular demand.

“Bring your friends, or your mum and dad down for a delicious treat in a delightful setting!” Jacinta said.

Yum, yum: John Armstrong and Katharine Hall enjoy a meal served by chef Jacinta Hicken.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES - March 21 - April 20

It is important that you remain accessible. An influential individual may be trying to reach you. In general, concentrate both on details and the broad picture. Balance is essential.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

You are adventurous and may be enjoying some local travel this week. Uninvited guests can be a way of life on the weekend. Cultural events are highlighted through the week.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Relationships flourish more on an intellectual level than on an emotional plane. Intuition is surprisingly sharp and your perception of the motives of others may be right on target.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Expect to be in the limelight for much of the week. Romancewise, this is a quiet time. Opportunities arise for joining a prestigious organisation. Communications improve.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

Praise from a very important person comes your way. The week will be stimulating from an intellectual point of view. Your partner surprises you with a combination of generosity and gentleness.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

Career advancement is lively but avoid taking unnecessary risks. A partnership venture could be risky, especially if you and your partner are not in total agreement on everything.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Be more willing to share the limelight, both with loved ones and your workmates. An important goal is within your grasp, but don’t rush the natural process. Check guarantees carefully.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

Experitmentation is the key in a week that features a mix of trial and error and eventual success. Opportunities for travel open up. A friend from out of town may be contacting you.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

A person may approach you for confidential information. Discretion is all important. Mapping your plans ahead is a worthwhile task, especially where financial goals are involved.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

Staying informed of community happenings may help you professionally. Children seek you out for advice. Don’t indulge in petty arguments at work.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

You are in demand for much of this week. You can do a good deal to help your favourite cause. A surprise gift may arrive on the weekend.

A partnership venture is favoured.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

A change of scene may prove helpful, especially if you are experiencing difficulties getting motivated. Your artistic abilities are highlighted and may lead to a profitable venture.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are determined and careful, always planning ahead for that proverbial rainy day. Your sense of humour is a dry one and you are very thrifty. A maturing of an important relationship grows, thanks to a willingness to think in the terms of ‘we’ rather than ‘I’.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8310

Church Times ANGLICAN: Wednesday, February 1: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Friday, February 3: 7.30pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk HC. Sunday, February 5: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Contemporary Worship with HC. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am.

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: 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.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: 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 and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. 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: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: 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 5, 10am. Tarwin Lower: 10.30am (HC). Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am.

Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi.

Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

6.

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ACROSS Dog (4-7) Blond (4) Fidgety (8) Parsimonious (6) Rely (6) Tallied (6) Planet (6) Pastry (8) Kind (4) Good gracious!

(5,2,4)

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DOWN Italian city (8) Strong (6) Levered (6) Beak (4) Jail (6) Brag (5) Request (8) Dirty (6) Deprive (6) Wanders (6) Stave off (5) Require (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8310 ACROSS 6. The future is bleak for the bank robbers who have it (4,7). 7. Move in before the end of March (4). 8. Stuffs the crab and does make a mess of it (8). 9. The drama’s set somewhere in India (6). 10. When back, the boys will have food (6). 12. Left mother taken aback and more annoyed (6). 15. Show the war ending and a riotous leave (6). 17.

Does have savoir faire in finding useful people (8). 19.

There’s a disagreement over the time (4). 20. Suitable colour for Swiss uniforms? (7,4).

DOWN 1. The two deer are upset and worried (8). 2. The spheres of the classroom (6). 3. Drives the missus round, too, foolishly (6). 4. She doesn’t end up alone (4). 5. Be there at ten the day after (6). 6. A gentle and a furry creature (5).

11. A resident left one French wine and gin 6-2). 13. On a skip, are very plentiful (6). 14. The best ever dossier? (6).

15. Lift out of the corral? (6). 16. More or less on the subject of (5). 18. Trip stumbling out, right after (4).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 41

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

• Australia Day Eve Beach Party @ The Espy, Inverloch, January 25

Beach party: Emma Lardner and Abbey Taylor from Boolarra get into the Australian spirit.

Gippsland visitors: Kyal Wingfiell from Frankston South, Terry Wheeler from Sale and Sarah Grzegorczyn from Traralgon trekked over to The Espy for the beach party.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie: Aaron Tangusso, Justin Caporale, Frank Thomas, Daniel Salmon, and Travis Thomas, all from Korumburra.

Crazy hair: Christopher ‘Zinga’ Paterson and Nathan Cant from Inverloch went all out in green and gold.

Red, white and blue: Kylie Davies and Bec Litterbach from Wonthaggi were picture perfect for Australia Day Eve.

Beach party at The Espy: Kayla McIndoe, Vanessa Kotzun and Karli Brislin from Stony Creek donned national colours.

Watch out for the croc!: Joe Brooks and Lachlan Gronow, chose to dress a little wild on the night.

Wednesday night at the Espy: Brenton Arnup from Leongatha and Barry Withers from Inverloch, who was rocking the standard Aussie mullet for the occasion.

Aussie beach party: Kelly Newman from Tenby Point and Tiff Burchell from Coronet Bay wore appropriate dresses for the celebrations.

Mixing tracks: DJ Dboy (Daniel Riccardi) kept the crowds on the dancefloor all night long.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 43

DAKOTA Rae Dowel is the first child for Liza Pearce and Cameron Dowel of Mirboo North. She was born on January 12, 2012 at Latrobe Regional Hospital.

ZARA Lynette Subritzky was born on at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on December 28, 2011 to Craig and Anna of Wonthaggi. Zara is a sister for Sean, 11.

COOPER Alex Maurizio was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on January 16 to Lauren Dinger and Tim Maurizio of Wonthaggi.

MAISIE Isobel Johnson was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on January 16 to Carly and Matthew Johnson of Wonthaggi.

JOSEPHINE Hannah Morter was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on January 13. She is a daughter for Ashley and Kaylene Morter, and a sister to Samantha and Benjamin.

ANGELINE Grace Stuart was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on January 18 to Neville and Mierrasol of Nerrena. She is a sister for Mierrabell, 2.

Garden of artwork fills Mushroom THROUGHOUT her life, Joyce Calder has found inspiration for her artworks from the beautiful surroundings South Gippsland has to offer.

Her newest exhibition Garden Interlude, currently displayed at Mushroom Gallery in Leongatha, combines intricate and colourful sketches of a variety of flora.

The daughter of pioneers, Joyce grew up on a dairy farm in the picturesque hills of Mount Eccles South.

This environment, especially her mother’s beautiful garden, instilled in her a love of nature.

She spent most of her life farming and raising three daughters on a property in Fairbank.

It was there Joyce started her real artwork, placing pieces of bark together to create landscapes. Finding this limiting, she soon began to use other natural materials including wool, sand, clay, seeds

and feathers for a variety of subjects.

After completing numerous natural collages, Joyce exhibited her work in the AMP Building, Melbourne.

Later, she bought a house in Leongatha and her life was filled with renovating, gardening and establishing an orchard.

Her new passion was growing unusual fruits and berries.

Now in her eighties, she has settled into Woorayl Lodge, where she met Harry.

They’ve shared many hours together and enjoy each other’s company.

In the care of wonderful staff, she has had the time to rediscover her artistic talent using pencil. Choosing colours carefully, these bright and well-defined illustrations are inspired by real plant samples.

Garden Interlude will be on display in Mushroom Gallery until the end of February.

Latest exhibition: Margaret Tattersall from Mushroom Gallery displays one of Joyce Calder’s artwork as part of the Garden Interlude exhibition.

Left: SOPHIA Aggie Licciardello was born on January 6 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the third beautiful daughter for Lucas and Kylie Licciardello of Ruby. Sophia has two sisters Bella, 5, and Amelia, 3.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Keeping cool: Elizabeth and David Stevens spent plenty of time in the pool at Mirboo North on Australia Day.

Swim time: Adam and George Stevens had fun splashing around at the Mirboo North pool last Thursday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 45

Cooling down in the surf at Sandy Point

COMPETITORS have been hard at it recently, with Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club hosting both their surf club championships and the Nipper Carnival last Wednesday, January 25.

The warmer weather has provided mostly ideal conditions for swimmers and competitors to cool down whilst engaging in events.

The surf championships saw difficult conditions, with choppy surf

meaning some competitors had trouble reaching the buoys in the board event. Paul O’Neill was one who was picked up from the difficult surf.

Paul and other more “senior” members of the club, Martin Tobin and Mike Shinton had to be treated for injuries, most occurring when they pulled up short in the sprint event along the beach.

There was some great competition coming from the likes of Luke O’Neill, Darcy Tobin, and Maxi and Jaimee Worboys, who showed how fit you can get with great training

and dedication to the club.

More pleasant conditions returned for the annual Nipper carnival which rounded out a great season for the club. Other activities at the club included a bronze camp, a responsible serving of alcohol course for 15 participants, a number of club barbecues, with the clubhouse being used for the fun run, some music nights and an upcoming club auction night.

It certainly has been a massive season for the club-well done to all.

Listen to me: Robyn Galloway makes sure she is heard amongst the big turn-up for nippers at Waratah Bay recently. Robyn is one of many volunteers help who the program run successfully.

Making the job easier: Jaimee Worboys was pleased to use one of the new boards in the club championships at Sandy Point recently.

Strong competitiors: both Darcy Tobin (left) and Luke O’Neill (right) showed their fitness in the board and other events at the club championships recently.

Safety first: water safety members, back, Alex Rowland and Elice Connor, pictured with front, from left, Bridget Duncan, Milly Boltwood and Ruby Lam at a recent Nipppers event at Sandy Point.

Not that easy: it may have looked easy, but Martin Tobin (centre) takes on the young guns in the sprint into the water.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 47

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

• VLE LEONGATHA

Cows lead yarding

SUPPLY was heavily reduced leading into the Australia Day holiday.

Cows made up the majority of the small offering with only 14 trade cattle sold, the balance being grown cattle. Competition was solid, with most of the previous week’s buyers purchasing, and prices were unchanged to 3c/kg cheaper.

The 14 young cattle penned sold between 146c and 183c/kg, and the larger percentage were heifers of varying weights. Price for the 39 grown steers were from 176c to 187c/kg and averaged unchanged overall. Prime bullocks sold from 174c to 184c/kg.

Most of the 178 cows were dairy breeds, which included a few pens of good to very good quality. These sold from 143c to 150c, and the best beef cows sold to 153c/kg. These prices were mostly equal to 3c/kg dearer.

A large number of the cows were larger frame dairy cows in lean one score condition, which sold from 100c to 130c with 2 scores to 144c/kg. Prices for these were equal to 4c/kg cheaper. Other poor quality cows sold from 88c to 126c/kg. The carcass weight price average was estimated to be 281c/kg equal to the previous week.

There were 15 bulls sold, ranging from 114c to 159c/kg.

Wednesday, January 25

BULLOCKS 2 Pronesti Partnership, Korumburra

587kg 186.0 $1093.00

1 C. Fryer, Doomburrim 565kg 14 R.J. & R.J. Findlay, Leongatha 654kg 5 R.G. & L.G. Gray, Mardan 687kg 2 D. Wood, Leongatha 640kg 8 G.R. & G.J. Hutchinson, Stony Creek 785kg STEERS 1 M. Munckton, Mirboo 335kg 1 D.E. & G.E. Gow, Moyarra 435kg COWS 6 R.J. & C.M. McGill, Kongwak 576kg 1 R.B. & J.M. Templeton, Tarwin 835kg 1 C. & N. Puccio, Yarram 860kg 1 D. & T. Heiser, Yanakie 410kg 1 R.G. & L.R. Gray, Mardan 620kg 1 H. Staben, Poowong East 495kg HEIFERS 1 J. Van Den Brand & L. McKendry Boolarra South 462kg 1 J. Vuillermin, Doomburrim 600kg 1 L. Gray, Mardan 545kg 1 M. & D. Marrotti, Korumburra 490kg 1 R.G. & L.R. Gray, Mardan 615kg 2 C. Delbridge, Doomburrim 380kg BULLS 1 Bland Dairies, Wonga Wonga 635kg 1 G. & C. Kelly, Poowong North 715kg 1 C. & N. Puccio, Yarram 1190kg 1 I.H. & J.C. Cash, Korumburra 635kg 1 R.P. & G.M. Moss, Yanakie 720kg 1 M. & B. Armstrong, Kongwak 830kg

185.0 181.6 178.0 176.6 173.0

$1045.00 $1188.18 $1222.86 $1130.24 $1359.13

185.2 182.6

$620.42 $794.31

152.6 $879.99 150.0 $1252.50 150.0 $1290.00 148.2 $607.62 148.2 $918.84 145.6 $720.72

175.6 $812.15 175.2 $1051.20 175.2 $954.84 168.2 $824.18 166.0 $1020.90 162.0 $615.60 154.6 150.0 148.6 145.0 143.6 142.6

$981.71 $1075.50 $1768.34 $920.75 $1033.92 $1183.58

Tour invitation YOUNG Gippslanders are being invited to take part in a free tour of the Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) National Centre for Dairy Excellence at Ellinbank.

The day is being organised by Agribusiness Gippsland. The centre is home to scientists and researchers whose work aims to improve the production and profitability of Australia’s dairy sector.

Participants will learn about some of the research being conducted at the site and have the opportunity to speak to some of DPI’s leading researchers.

They will hear how DPI’s scientists got to where they are today and how their work has ben-

efited the industry. Participants will be able to speak to experts in agricultural greenhouse gases, rumen-based systems and soil science.

The day will include a tour of the research dairy where valuable data on each cow’s milk production is collected.

Visitors will also see the animal nutrition shed and biodigesters.

The free tour will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 10am to 2pm.

Ellinbank is a 10 minute drive from Yarragon and Warragul and the DPI office is at 1301 Hazeldean Road, Ellinbank.

Lunch is provided.

Please RSVP to Agribusiness Gippsland’s Sue Webster on 0402 267 802 or ptarmigan2@internode. on.net.

• GippsDairy executive officer, Danielle Auldist.

Q&A on dairy levy DAIRY farmers will soon be asked to vote on the dairy levy.

It’s an important time for the industry that will decide the direction it takes over the next five years and beyond.

The Young Dairy Development Program has invited South Gippsland farmers to an informal evening in Leongatha to discuss the dairy levy vote.

Held at Bairs Hotel on February 14, the evening will see presentations from GippsDairy executive officer Dr Danielle Auldist, Dairy Australia’s Ross Bawden, and well known Gippsland dairy farmer and UDV vice president Ron Paynter.

YDDP co-ordinator Kylie Barry said the night would offer a great chance for farmers to ask questions about the levy, helping them to make an informed decision when it comes time to vote.

“Every farmer who pays the levy should know exactly where their

money is going and what it does to help the growth and sustainability of the industry,” she said.

“There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the dairy levy, so we would love farmers to come along and ask plenty of questions about how much they pay and how it is being spent.”

Kylie said the evening would be interactive, with opportunities during each presentation for questions to be asked.

“This is all about being open and clear about the levy spend, so we want people asking questions that they might not otherwise have the chance to have answered,” she said.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Kylie on 5624 3900, mobile 0428 889 337 or email yddpgipps@ gippsdairy.com.au by February 10.

Tea/coffee and a light supper will be provided, with hotel meals available at the diner’s own expense.

Water outlook comforting MAJOR irrigation restrictions are unlikely to be faced by farmers sourcing water from the Tarwin River this summer.

Research also suggests groundwater levels around the river are recovering towards pre-drought levels and are above sea level.

Groundwater levels in deep bores around Leongatha are also constant, while one bore north of Leongatha shows fluctuations due to nearby extraction, but looks likely to be stable in the long run.

Southern Rural Water’s South Gippsland Basin Local Water Report December 2011 stated the Tarwin River now has excellent flows and based on current conditions, significant irrigation restrictions over summer are unlikely.

There are 219 irrigation licences operating on the Tarwin River, totalling 4428 megalitres, however just 1655 megalitres was extracted in 2010-11, the lowest volume since 2006-07.

In the Tarwin groundwater management area, bore water is used for domestic and stock uses. The report stated groundwater levels are recovering towards pre-drought levels and are above sea level.

Three licences operate in the Tarwin area, with a total licence volume of 38ML. Only nine megalitres were extracted in 2010-11.

In the Leongatha groundwater area, 33 licences allow 1838 megalitres to be extracted and 31ML was removed in 2010-11.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 49

Plan ahead FARMERS have an opportunity to bolster their operations and improve farm efficiency at Whole Farm Planning workshops running across South Gippsland.

Two Farmplan21 workshops are being run by the Department of Primary Industries in Poowong and Meeniyan.

The workshops provide participants with state of the art aerial mapping and computer software, best practice farm information and tools to help you create informed farm business decisions.

Jon Graftdyk from Meat and Wool Services at the Department of Primary Industries believes farm planning aids production and sustainability.

“The process of developing a whole farm plan will enable farmers to identify areas of their farm where productivity gains can be made,”

he said.

“The FarmPlan21 course will contain information on soils, pastures, natural resource and weed management which will be vital to new farmers and even the most experienced farmer.”

Beef and dairy farmers looking to improve overall efficiency with grazing rotations, and spray and sowing quantities, have benefited from past workshops.

Participants receive an aerial photo and easy to use agricultural software which enables them to draw in fence lines, drainage, pipeline and proposed works, and calculate areas and distances automatically including paddocks, fence lines and roads.

After a season fraught with a very high number of landslips and erosion, farmers in the steep Strzelecki hills are being encouraged to participate to identify and manage high risk landslip and erosion country.

South Gippsland

Landcare Network project officer Kathleen Bartlett said: “Many of the landslips that occurred in the Strzeleckis this year were in areas that should not have been as heavily grazed as they were.

“Now because of this, farmers are losing more land than they would have if they had planned properly. Whole Farm Planning will help farmers identify these areas and strategies to manage this.”

The dates for the courses are Poowong (Fridays between February 10 and March 16, 10am to 3pm) cost $330 and Meeniyan (Mondays, April 30 until June 4; times to be decided by the participants) cost $350.

WILTIPOL Ewes & rams for sale from $250 Phone Colin 0414 912 137

PAGE 50 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

public notices

public notices

public notices

public notices

% % ! ! #

! % ! ! $ " & !

# ! ! # ! ! ! ! ! # ! & &

VicRoads has engaged Bitu-mill (Vic) Pty Ltd to undertake the Motorcycle Safety Improvement works on Bunurong Road.

Works are scheduled to commence on Monday the 6th of February until Thursday the 8th of March between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

There will be some delays to trafďŹ c although every effort will be made to keep the disruption to a minimum.

If you require any further information, please contact Paul Bunn, Bitu-mill Project Engineer on 03 9357 0770.

Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program Reference Group General Practice Alliance South Gippsland (GPA) GPA is seeking expressions of interest from people wishing to form part of this new reference group. The reference group will provide support and direction for the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Project in our divisional region.

The reference group will comprise of members under the following categories: â&#x20AC;˘ a person who has received services under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program (also known as Access to Allied Psychological Support Services - ATAPS) â&#x20AC;˘ a person who cares for someone who has utilised the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program â&#x20AC;˘ A General Practitioner â&#x20AC;˘ A registered psychological services provider with the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program â&#x20AC;˘ Community members with an interest and experience in Federal Mental Health Policy The group will meet quarterly in Inverloch.

Please forward expressions of interest outlining your experience and including your membership category by 20th February 2012 to Mental Health Coordinator, GPA South Gippsland PO Box 105, Inverloch 3996.

For further information visit www.gpasouthgippsland.com.au or contact Anna Langley or Judy Tiziani at GPA on 03 5674 0900.

FORM B SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT An Application for Planning Permit has been made which may affect you The land affected by the application is located at 8 Koonwarra Road, Leongatha VIC being CA 37C S5 Parish of Leongatha Township.

The application is for a permit to: Car dealership proposal.

The applicant for the permit is: Web Lease Property Trust.

The application number is: 2011/357.

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority. This can be done during office hours (8.30am to 5pm) and is free of charge.

The Responsible Authority is: South Gippsland Shire Council Private Bag 4 9 Smith Street, Leongatha 3953 Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority. An objection must be sent to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you its decision.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on this application until 14 days after the date of this Notice.

Dated: 31/1/2012. * Please be aware that copies of submissions received

by Council may be made available for inspection to any person for the purpose of consideration as part of the planning process.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 51

public notices

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

Rock n Roll

DAIRY HAND

Thursday nights 7.30pm

No partner necessary - Cost $6

Starting again February 9 Enquiries to: John and Judy Kerville 0418 586 324, 5662 4004 (AH), Diane 5662 2136 (BH), 5662 3195 (AH)

Leongatha Football/Netball Club Ladies Committee

AGM

Monday, February 6 at 7.30pm LEONGATHA FUNCTION ROOMS All welcome

QUIT SMOKING WEIGHT LOSS Achieve Success in 60 Mins

John Simmons

Clinical Hypnotherapist Group & Private Sessions Wonthaggi - Thur. Feb 16 Leongatha - Fri. Feb 17

New Year, New Career!

The RACV Inverloch Resort is an award winning resort on the Bass Coast and is looking for enthusiastic and hardworking individuals to join its Housekeeping and Food and Beverage service teams.

As a result of an upcoming resort expansion a number of opportunities have become available within:

• Housekeeping • Food and Beverage • Kitchen These teams have a range of positions available so if you are looking for work and have the flexibility to work days, evenings and weekends then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

If you would like to know more, please attend our Information Sessions being held at the Resort. We will be running a session for each department as follows:

Housekeeping at 10.30am Food and Beverage/Kitchen at 2.30pm Thursday 9th February 2012 RACV Inverloch Resort 70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd Each session will include a brief presentation which will be followed by a quick interview for interested candidates, so please bring along an updated resumé.

As part of the recruitment process, we will need to complete a police check on all successful candidates.

Interested and like to attend? Simply register either by contacting Mailin Dando on 03 9944 8221 or just turn up on the day to find out more about these amazing opportunities and what the resort has to offer!

Bookings: 5333 1565 or 1800 110 660 simmonshypnotherapy.com.au

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropractic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

CHIROPRACTOR Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday By appointment Ph: 5674 8290 HORSE RIDING in Fish Creek. Beginners welcome.

Non conflict relationship developed with the horse.

Children’s groups weekly.

Ph: 5687-1396.

MATHEMATICS and Science tutoring, Primary to Specialist. Business skills and VET catered for.

Patient and experienced tutor. Ph: 5687-1396.

situations vacant SITUATION VACANT Reliable person required for Saturday and Sunday shifts at PAUSE CAFE MEENIYAN Call Michael 5638 4506

situations vacant

FULL or PART TIME

DANCE LESSONS

New venue - DAKERS CENTRE Cnr Smith & Watt Streets, Leongatha

situations vacant

Service Technician Windmill Ag is a growing company with a big future in the agriculture machinery market. Due to the expansion of the company we are seeking motivated, punctual individuals with the right attitude towards their career and our company. With the agricultural industry growing significantly in this area we are always in demand for Service Technicians with a strong work ethic to tend to our valued customers needs in the service department.

Essential Duties: 1. Follow all safety rules and regulations in performing work assignments.

2. Diagnose problems and determine what repairs are required.

3. Develop skills in disassembly, assembly and repair of machines.

4. Perform all service tasks as assigned by the Service Manager or Shop Foreman.

5. Report any additional work required on equipment to the Service Manager, for proper and safe operation by the customer.

6. Participate in all training programs as directed by the Service Manager.

7. Maintain a clean work area and perform work in a neat and orderly fashion.

8. Bring to the attention of the Service Manager any shop tools, equipment or vehicle that is not in a serviceable condition or is unsafe to use.

9. Always conduct self so as to present a professional image of the dealership.

Skills & Qualifications: • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

• Ability to write diagnosis and work completed on routine reports and correspondence.

• Ability to speak effectively one on one or before groups.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measurement using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

• Have a basic set of tools • Ability to fill out all required paperwork such as Time Sheets and Repair Orders.

Please forward cover letter and resumé to: Jason Henry Windmill Ag PO Box 231 Leongatha VIC 3953 Jason.henry@windmillag.com.au

JOHN DEERE

RETAIL VACANCY

Store Manager – Leongatha • Make a difference in a community-focused organisation • Monday – Friday 38 hrs per week - no late nights or weekends • Above award salary + Tax-effective salary packaging + Super Applicants should submit their CV together with a covering letter stating how their experience and qualifications meet the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description which is available at www.vinnies.org.au/vic & email to jobs@svdp-vic.org.au Or by post to: HR - Recruitment, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. Locked Bag 4800 Box Hill 3128 Applications close: Sunday 12th February 2012 Previous applicants need not apply

JOURNALIST • Cadet (VCE completed) A position exists for a full time cadet journalist on the award winning South Gippsland newspaper, The Great Southern Star, Leongatha.

The successful applicant will need to live in or close to Leongatha, be highly motivated and have excellent communication skills.

The cadet position would suit a person with VCE recently completed with a high English score.

On the job training will be provided including enrolment in the Cadet Journalism Course through Deakin University.

Immediate start All applications to: Manager Tony Giles Email tony@thestar.com.au Enquiries phone 0407 528 192 Applications close Friday, February 10

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.

An additional person is required for safe, modern and well maintained dairy with the opportunity to join an experienced team and learn the industry’s best practice.

No special qualifications are required but must be adaptable, willing to learn and physically fit.

Generally rostered 5 days on, 2 days off, 1 milking per day, paid weekly by the hour. Koonwarra area.

Punctual habits and own reliable transport are essential.

Contact Pauline 0438 745 593

SERVICE ADVISOR TRACTOR DIESEL MECHANIC Wanted a full time diesel mechanic in tractors or heavy machinery.

You must have computer diagnostics experience to work in the field and carry out service and repairs competently.

You will be required to have excellent communication skills, liaise with our valued customers and organise our daily service repairs, plus workshop staff.

Manufacturers training will be undertaken for the right person.

Current driver’s licence is essential, excellent wages and conditions for the right person, good communication and customer relation skills are a must, with flexible working hours with some overtime required.

All applications will be held in strictest confidence.

If this is you and you need a change, please send a copy of your resumé to: The Manager PO Box 315, Leongatha 3953 email: dealerprincipal@dcsi.net.au

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER A new opportunity to join Leongatha Basketball Association exists in 2012 The Association Committee is looking to appoint an Administration Officer to assist our committee with the day-to day activities. The role involves management of the basketball office and attendance courtside for a variety of tasks.

We are seeking a self-motivated and well managed person to work within this role. A remuneration package available.

The Position Description can be obtained by sending an email to leongatha.basketball@gmail.com or contacting President Morgan Fisher on 0409 647 554.

Applications to be in writing submitted via email or sent to PO Box 134, Leongatha 3953 by the closing date Friday 17 February

UnitingCare Gippsland has the following vacancy:

KOORIE PRE-SCHOOL ASSISTANT 20 hours per week Baw Baw and South Gippsland The Koorie Pre-school Assistant works as a member of the teaching team to ensure that kindergarten programs are able to effectively meet the needs of all children, including Koorie children.

Koorie Pre-school Assistants assist with the implementation of kindergarten programs within the context of the principles and philosophy to: • Increase and enhance the participation of Koorie children in preschool service • Work in preschool services to encourage the attendance of Koorie children • Encourage and assist Koorie families to enrol their children in preschool services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders encouraged to apply. Certificate III in Children’s Services required.

Application forms and position descriptions are available at www.ucgipps.org.au or call Kirstie on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you.

Applications addressing the key selection criteria close: 5pm 13th February 2012 and are to be addressed to: Kirstie Pearce, HR Co-ordinator UnitingCare Gippsland PO Box 454 BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875 Or email humanresources@ucgipps.org.au UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and well-being of children and young people.

UnitingCare Gippsland is a quality accredited community service agency. Staff and volunteers provide a range of community services in Gippsland for children, youth, families and individuals. The Agency has a vision of a healthy Gippsland, where disadvantage and inequity are challenged.

UnitingCare Gippsland has the following vacancies:

KINDERGARTEN CLEANER Based at JLM Kindergarten Corinella 4 hours per week

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER - 3 yo group Based at JLM Kindergarten Corinella 5.75 hours per week

DIPLOMA QUALIFIED CHILDCARE WORKER Based at Foster 15-37 hours per week

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR/COOK Based at Foster 15-37 hours per week Further information including closure dates, application form and position descriptions are available at www.ucgipps.org.au Or call Kirstie on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you.

UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and well-being of children and young people.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

for hire

free

SHIPPING CONTAINER hire, $25 per week, site hut $35 per week. Your place or mine. 0419-313483.

for rent VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Permanent rental also available. Contact: 0408-320001.

situations vacant

for sale

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

situations vacant

TRAVEL CONSULTANT We are seeking an experienced Travel Consultant to join the award-winning team at our Leongatha office Contact Jill at Jetset Leongatha Phone 5662 3601 Email: jill@travelexcellence.com.au

SEWING MACHINE

CHISWELL lounge suite, light brown velvet, 30 yrs old, VGC, 2x2 seater and 1x1 seater, $140. Berrys Creek. 0407-883144.

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

DINING SET Colonial 7-piece, 1 x table 6’x3’ or 1840 x 920, chairs 6 includes 2 carvers.

Excellent condition $600 ONO. 5687-1317, 0412376262.

FIREWOOD, customer to cut, $35 per metre. Organic fruit and vegetables for sale. At Nerrena. Ph: 0417141559.

FRIDGE Simpson 440 ltr.

Old but in good condition, $200. Ph: 5662-3946.

HAY - $7 per bale, excellent quality, free delivery for 100 or more. Ph: 0419-313483.

HAY - small square bales, $7 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 5664-1320, 0428-999691.

JACK RUSSELL puppies, 4 males, 2 females, tricolour, vaccinated, wormed and vet checked. Ready to go. Ph: 0417-435008.

WINDOWS FABRICATOR An opportunity exists for a suitably qualified person to join our Aluminium Windows production team.

Experience is preferred but not essential. Full training is provided.

The successful applicant will have the ability to work unsupervised, have excellent communication skills and be able to work in a busy team environment. The ability to be accurate and have an eye for detail are key requirements for this position.

Applications close on Friday February 3rd 2012 and should be forwarded to: Peter Sheerin C/- Capeview Building Products P.O Box 115 Wonthaggi 3995

situations vacant

situations vacant

for sale

BIRD AVIARY $80, outside set, 6 chairs, 1 glass table $80; garden swing set still in box $80; 6’x3’x3’ fish tank with stand cupboard, all things to go $100; Fowlers jars, all sizes. Susanne 5662-3947.

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.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

livestock ISA BROWN pullets, point of lay, free range, beautiful and quiet, $20 or price neg. for number. Ph: 0417143218.

situations vacant

REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

5672 3127

Taaffe Roses

A bucket of perfumed cut roses delivered or picked up

FROM $15 a bucket ALL ENQUIRIES: David 0434 355 991 Barb 0434 925 640

used vehicles

FREE CAR REMOVAL Will pay up to $300 for complete car Buyers of scrap metal All machinery Bins provided

Bass Coast Metal Recyclers 5672 2946 0417 556 593 FORD FOCUS 2003, VGC, auto, RWC. Excellent first car. Reg.SHD190 to 31.3.2012. $8,900 ONO. Ph: 0418-998833.

SUBARU Impreza hatch, 1995, 295,000km, goes well, TDU447, no RWC. Price $1,900 ONO. Ph: 0418-343013.

VW GOLF 2001 green hatchback, 129,000km, excellent condition, RWC, registered April 2012. Ideal first car $8,500. Stony Creek 0407-376137.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

room to let ROOM for rent Bundoora area, near Latrobe Uni. Contact Naomi 0488981584.

South Gippsland Shire Council

Operations Team Member - Parks & Gardens Permanent Full Time Position $49k including super and allowances Fortnightly RDO As a member of the Parks & Gardens Team, your primary responsibility will be to assist in the delivery of Councils parks & gardens maintenance and construction programs.

A Certificate III or IV in Horticulture along with relevant work experience or relevant experience in parks and gardens maintenance role is essential.

Enquiries to: Steve Missen, Coordinator Parks & Gardens on (03) 5662 9100.

Community Services Project Officer Permanent Part Time $33.42 per hour An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced project manager to work in Community Services focusing on Early Years, Aged & Disability Services and Public Health & Wellbeing.

You will work across two departments and be competent in planning and project management, your well developed communication, consultation and community engagement skills will complement our dedicated team.

The successful applicant will have tertiary qualifications in the field of Community Services or a related discipline together with relevant experience including a demonstrated understanding of the early years and aged and disability policy environment.

This part time position is 3 days per week with the requirement to attend occasional after hours meetings.

Enquiries to: Sally Baker, Manager Children and Family Services on (03) 5662 9200.

All applicants must submit an Application form and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description, by 5pm Wednesday 8 February 2012.

Further information and position descriptions are available from our website.

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

ROOM for rent, $150 pw, Meeniyan, utilities included.

Employed preferred. 56640213.

garage sales

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

garage sales GARAGE SALE Saturday 4.2.12 from 7.30am, 26 Callaway Crescent, Leongatha.

Camping gear, household furniture and goods, clothing, gas heaters.

wanted to buy OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.

deaths BOUCHER - Reginald James.

19.06.1935 - 29.01.2012 Loved and loving husband to Valda (dec) and Dianne (dec).

Loved and loving dad to Caroline and Peter, Jenni and Mick, Fiona and Daniel and Rosemary.

Loved and loving granpa and papa of Hayden, Dylan, Kristie, Darius and Jake.

At peace.

OLD ride-on lawn mowers.

Ph: 0488-294894.

wanted DUST AWAY CLEANING SERVICE Family owned business DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL CLEANERS Pensioner rates COVERING SOUTH GIPPSLAND AREA Phone 0400 614 056 or 0409 547 461

marriage celebrant

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

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

BOUCHER - Reg. Long time past member and sponsor of the Woorayl Golf Club.

Condolences to the family.

CRIGHTON Hazel Florence.

Died peacefully at Koorooman House, January 22, 2012. Aged 95 years.

Loving wife of Fred (dec).

Loved mother of Don (dec), Reg and Florence.

Loved grandma of Rosalie, Eleanor and Stephen, Natalie and Steven, and Aaron. Loved great grandma of Grant, Alex and Max, and Zach and Cassie.

Reunited with Fred.

Privately interred.

PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

Dianne Smart It’s all about you 0427 075 660

engagements CARSON - WEBSTER Congratulations Wendy and Matthew on your engagement on January 20, 2012. So very pleased for you both. Lots and lots of love. Mum, Alan and David. x x x GRABHAM - FAWCETT Maureen and Russell, Joan and Jim are proud to announce the engagement of Kristy and Michael, and welcome with joy our granddaughter Asha Iris (10.1.2012).

bereavement thanks WATCHORN - Gwenda Mary, who passed away December 29, 2011.

The Watchorn family would like to thank all of her and our friends for their support, visits, generosity, food, cards, flowers, etc. Special thanks to her carers at Koorooman House and all who visited Gwenda there. Please accept this as our personal thanks to everyone.

Terry, Dean, Debbie, Peter, Sharon and Troy, and families.

in memoriam HARVEY - Pat. 2.2.11 Our thoughts are with Roy and family.

Nick, Di and Strawny.

Email your adverts to The Star ads@thestar.com.au

RAYSON - Jack.

Respected past President and long serving member of the Woorayl Golf Club.

Condolences to Dawn and the family.

WARREN - Kevin George.

Passed away peacefully at Cabrini Hospital on January 29, 2012.

Aged 77 years, late of Leongatha.

Dearly loved husband of Noelene. Much loved father of Peter, Andrew and Suzie. Adored Poppa Kev to Fergus and Felicity; Zachary and Oliver.

He was my rock and I loved him so.

Noelene.

He was our inspiration.

Peter and Andrew.

A very special man with incredible strength.

deaths

deaths

WARREN - Kevin.

The MS Auxiliary is deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Warren, an inspiration to all.

Kevin’s outstanding contribution was to both fundraising and building awareness of MS within our community.

Our love to Noelene, Peter, Andrew and their families.

Leongatha MS Auxiliary.

WARREN - Kevin.

Farewell to a true gentleman.

His courage and tenacity for life is something for us to admire. He is now at a better place.

Rest in peace.

Always in our hearts.

Dennis and family, Colin and family, and staff at Financial Blueprint.

WARREN - Kevin.

Will be sadly missed.

Saturdays won’t be the same “Shonkey”.

Condolences from the Challis family.

funerals

BOUCHER The Funeral Service for the late Mr Reginald James Boucher will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Leongatha on Wednesday February 1, 2012 commencing at 2pm.

The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Leongatha Lawn Cemetery.

WARREN - The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of the late Mr Kevin George Warren will be held at the Dakers Centre, corner Smith and Watt Streets, Leongatha on Monday February 6, 2012 commencing at 2pm.

A private family interment will precede the above service.

Garden flowers welcome or donations in lieu to MS Australia. Envelopes will be available at the service.

deaths

Paul & Margaret Beck proprietors Caring for our Community, personal dignified service to all areas 5662 2717 Pre-need Funeral Plans available Office and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha hfs1@vic.australis.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

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

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 53

Leongatha farmer tops dairy week A LEONGATHA bred heifer has received the highest price at International Dairy Week.

Rob Calder’s Wandilla Goldwyn Amelie IV earned $28,000 when it went under the hammer at the Semex Spectacular Sale.

“It’s really the feather in our cap,” Mr Calder said.

“And to get that price at Dairy Week makes the whole dairy world look at you.”

Mr Calder said the animal drew the crowds with around 20 different bidders making an offer.

“Once it got past $20,000, there were three strong bidders left, then one left at $28,000,” he said.

“I’m very happy with the price.”

The 18-month-old heifer was

bred from an embryo from the leading Canadian female Holstein and was fertilised by leading sire Braedale Goldwyn.

“We’ve got four sisters to this heifer that are just as good, so this was just a gauge of what we could get for them as well,” Mr Calder said.

Garry and Bev Carpenter from South Riana in Tasmania were the proud buyers of the heifer.

Leading auctioneer Brian Leslie called the sale of the Holstein.

Other locals had success at IDW with Bushlea Farms (Pat and Keith Kuhne) from Leongatha and Hill Valley Holsteins (Roger and Helen Perrett) both winning awards.

Bushlea Farms’ First Choice Com

Iola was named Reserve Intermediate Champion in the National Jersey Feature Show on Wednesday.

The National Holstein Feature Show saw Hill Valley Holsteins’ Page House Shottle Noni take out Grand and Supreme Champion in the final day of showing.

Roger Perrett from Hill Valley Holsteins was more than pleased with the win.

“It was a great thrill. She’s done very, very well for us,” he said.

“She’s won up there before getting intermediate champion two years ago. She was one of the contenders and she came through with flying colours.”

Roger also purchased a cow for $17,000 at IDW.

Top price: Leongatha dairy farmer Robert Calder with his heifer Wandilla Goldwyn Amelie 4 and Tasmanian producer Jayde Lee from South Riana, who purchased the heifer on behalf of her parents Garry and Bev Carpenter for $28,000.

Walk, ride for charity THE annual Tour de Tarwin will again be held on Easter Saturday, April 7.

7

Acting together: Phillip Island Nature Parks CEO Matthew Jackson signs the Gippsland Youth Commitment with Wendy Major, executive officer for South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network.

Walk or ride between Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower, to raise money for the Tarwin Lower District CFA and Venus Bay Community Emergency Response Team.

The success of Tour De Tarwin lies in its inclusiveness of people of all ages, levels of fitness, drawing together the themes of community, health and leisure in a safely managed environment.

The event has steadily grown from 200 participants in its first year (2007) to around 1300 last year.

More than 1500 people are expected to take part this year and a recorded $14,000 was raised last year.

Festivities begin on Good Friday, April 6, with the official launch at the Riverview Hotel, Tarwin Lower at 7pm.

On Saturday, a farmers’ market will

be held at Venus Bay Shopping Village, with registration outside Venus Bay Store at 9am.

Riders or walkers are $7 per person and families $15 (a family is considered parents and three children). Entry includes tour lanyards and showbags.

From10am, enjoy market stalls, free face painting and live music from Beggs to Differ.

The walk, bike ride and picnic starts at noon from the Venus Bay Village.

Tour teams are welcome to dress to impress.

At 1pm, tour participants will arrive at the Tarwin Lower Long Table picnic area for sausage sizzle, food stalls, music and much more.

The You Beaut Raffle Draw and lucky prizes will be drawn at 2pm.

The tour was named South Gippsland Shire Council Community Event of the Year in 2010.

Tarraleaha draws buyers IT was a successful day for Tarraleaha Li i on Sunday’s open day.

Limousin The day was held in conjunction with Stock and Land’s Beef Week and drew around 30 people.

“It was a very successful day,” stud owner Col Willmott said.

“We sold all our females and a fair amount of our bulls as well.”

The numbers were lower on last year but Mr Willmott said those who came were looking to buy.

“A lot of the people who came made a purchase, with one couple taking a bull and a female,” he said.

“Overall it was a very successful day.”

Nature and youth unite PHILLIP Island Nature Parks has re-signed a three year agreement with Gippsland Youth Commitment (GYC) to support local youth with education and training opportunities.

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8310 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Poor lookout. 7, In-(Mar)ch. 8, Brocades (anag.). 9, Madras (anag.). 10, Sa-lads. 12, Mad-der (rev.).

15, (wa)R-eveal. 17, Con-tact-s. 19, No-on. 20, Neutral tint .

Down - 1, Both-ered. 2, Globes. 3, M-oto-rs. 4, (e)Nola (rev.). 5, At-ten-d. 6, P-and-a. 11, L-I-vin-g. 13, A-bound. 14, Record. 15, Rustle. 16, About. 18, Tou-r.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8310 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Bull-terrier. 7, Fair. 8, Restless. 9, Stingy. 10, Depend. 12, Agreed. 15, Saturn. 17, Turnover. 19, Type.

20, Bless my soul.

Down - 1, Florence. 2, Sturdy. 3, Prised. 4, Bill. 5, Prison.

6, Boast. 11, Petition. 13, Grubby. 14, Divest. 15, Strays.

16, Repel. 18, Need.

Worldwide recognition: daughters of Tarraleaha Limousin Stud’s famous bull Sympa have gone as far as Scotland.

All set: Tour de Tarwin participants set off in a past event.

Sales pleasing at Tarwin Poll STOCK and Land Beef Week was in full swing in the region, as Tarwin Poll Herefords held an on farm sale on Friday.

The day was successful according to stud manager David Meikle.

“We had a good day,” he said.

“Visitor numbers were about average, with around 40 people attending.”

Sales were good as well for the Meeniyan based stud.

“There were good sales with approximately twothirds of bulls on offer sold,” Mr Meikle said.

“We had the first five sell by 10am.”

All sales were made to previous clients who commented on how quiet the cattle they already bought were.

Graham Street, Wonthaggi Phone 5672 3593 www.wonthaggicinema.com.au Sessions from Thursday, February 2 to Sunday, February 5

SHERLOCK HOLMES Game of Shadows (M) Thurs. 11am; Fri 2.30pm; Sat. 4.30pm; Sun. 5pm.

Ends Sunday Feb. 5

THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN (PG) Adults at child prices Fri. 5pm; Sat. 2.30pm; Sun 1pm

IRON LADY

(M) Thurs. 1.30pm; Fri. 12.30pm & 7pm; Sat. 2.30pm & 7pm; Sun. 3pm

COMING SOON: Admiring top cattle: Anne and Stephen Blennerhassett, Bengworden with David Meikle of Tarwin Poll Herefords.

The Descendants - Feb 10 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Feb 16 Wonthaggi International Film Festival Feb 24, 25 & 26 Brochures now available

MP4092

Under the agreement the nature parks will help mentor youth, provide access to facilities for student groups, offer work experience opportunities and support and offer education programs.

“As the largest employer on Phillip Island, and one of the largest in the Gippsland region, Phillip Island Nature Parks is proud to support GYC and invest in the potential of local youth,” said Matthew Jackson, the nature parks CEO. Wendy Major, executive officer of South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network and member of the GYC Project Management Team, added: “Local industry has a lot to offer young people in assisting them to discover and plan a career pathway, and we are pleased that Phillip Island Nature Parks has once again partnered with us in the GYC.” GYC seeks to bring communities and businesses together with education providers to support young people with education and training opportunities.

The program supports Koorie education and training, skills training, maths and science participation and tertiary education participation rates of young people.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

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

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 55

Allambee Mirboo & District tennis LEONGATHA North were big winners against Korumburra to keep top of this grade.

Baromi were big winners too over Gold and are now in second spot.

Green had the win over Koony.

plays as a lady date of birth should be written on the back of the score sheet.

Sunday 5 the mixed doubles tournament will be held at the Leongatha Tennis courts. A barbecue will be available during the day.

Come and enjoy a family day.

All matches in this grade were 6/3.

Outtrim, now in second spot kept Berrys Creek at bay. Berrys Creek is still playing for a spot in the finals in sixth position and need to win over the next few rounds.

Leongatha will be pleased with a win over top team Koony and in the four. A number of weeks since they held a top four position.

Korumburra’s win keeps them in third spot this week.

Mardan had the win over Hallston. Hallston won the tie - breaker but Mardan the match with a consistent team effort.

Matches in B Grade were 6/3. Foster won over Outtrim.

Outtrim haven’t lost many this season. Well done Foster, they hold second position.

Korumburra have done well this season and are in third after the win against Mardan.

Baromi kept fourth, winning against Koony by eight games. When a junior boy

A Grade: Leongatha Green 6.62, Koonwarra 3.47; Leongatha North 8.69, Korumburra 1.38; Baromi 8.70, Leongatha Gold 1.35.

Results

A Reserve: Mardan 6.53, Hallston 3.37; Korumburra 6.42, Baromi 3.33; Leongatha 6.49, Koonwarra 3.36; Outtrim 6.49, Berrys Creek 3.41.

B Grade: Korumburra 6.45, Mardan 3.35; Baromi 6.45, Koonwarra 3.37;Foster 6.49, Outtrim 3.33.

Ladders

A Grade Leongatha North ...............101.5 Baromi ..................................87.5 Leongatha Green .................85.5 Koonwarra ...........................79.0 Leongatha Gold.....................59.5

Korumburra ...........................48.0 A Reserve Koonwarra ...........................96.0 Outtrim ................................87.0 Korumburra ........................83.5 Leongatha ............................83.5 Baromi...................................80.0 Berrys Creek .........................78.0 Mardan ..................................57.0 Hallston..................................51.0 B Grade Outtrim ................................95.5 Foster....................................89.5 Korumburra ........................83.0 Baromi ..................................77.0 Koonwarra.............................62.5 Mardan ..................................54.5

Good day: Sherrill Winkler and Matt Howard were enjoying the lovely weather for tennis at Leongatha on Saturday.

Meeniyan basketball Results January 25

MBA ladders

Women: Team A 38 (C. McRae, K. Schelling 8) d Test Tubes 24 (H. Flanders 8); Hogs 40 (D. Mackie 10) d Mixtures 23 (B. Eygenraam 12).

Men: Yound Guns 51 (T. Pate 14) d Lightning 36 (J. Stewart 17); Goatriders 47 (T. Manne 15) d Rebels 43 (B. Byrnes 9); Predators (J. Bacon 15) d Chocos 30 (R Caratello 11).

Women Team A.........................267.35 21 Hogs.............................100.00 20 Test Tubes................... 112.89 16 Mixtures .....................38.10 13 Julish Jebeka ............. 100.97 11 Men Renegades ..................104.56 21 Goat Riders ................144.92 19 Predators ....................108.07 17 Rebels .........................106.18 16 Young Guns................. 94.02 11 Chocos......................... 84.35 11 Lightning .......................76.20 6 * Points have been deducted for non attendance at AGM

Leongatha THE Australia Day weekend swelled the fields for Thursday and Saturday to over 100 each day.

On Saturday Peter Hart played well as he usually does to win A Grade with 37 points off a nine handicap.

An appropriately named visitor D. Winning took out B Grade. Sam Nasreddin was the day’s high scorer, taking C Grade with an impressive 42 points and Rob Jenkins’ 38 was best in D Grade.

Mark Pritchard won pro-pin and Stuart de Bondt was nearest the pin on the 16th hole.

Balls went to the following: R. Davies, S. Miller, R. Jacka 39, G. Sharrock 38, I. Murchie, P. Tierney, M. Pugh, P. Seth, S. Law 37, K. Castwood, M. Hunter, J. Karabatsos, J. Feddersen 36, M. Thomas, J. Housey, T. Moss, B. Woodall, W. Norden, R. Williams, F. de Bondt, R. Thurston, D. Carter, P. Baron, G. Sherman 35, P. Bates, S. Earle, D.

Meeniyan

SATURDAY was the Norm Wells Memorial day with the Cheltenham boys coming to Meeniyan for a singles stableford event, with a very good field of 63 players.

The sponsor for the day was Craig Buckland which is much appreciated.

The winner of A Grade was Craig Wells with 33 points. Runner up in A Grade was Craig Buckland with 32 points.

The B Grade winner was Paul Vandermeer with 37 points. The runner up in B Grade was Rob Crowhurst with 36 points.

The C Grade winner was Marty Horton with 36 points on a count back.

The runner up in C Grade was Col Stewart on a count back.

Korumburra SEVENTY - FIVE players attended the stableford event on January 28.

Trophies: Alan and Barb Twite. The CCR was 70.

A Grade: T. O’Neill 39, J. Solly 38, D. Austin 38, S. Hislop 37.

B Grade: D. Enbom 42, R. Young 39, G. J. Best 37, I. Dixon 36, D. Vanrooye 36, R. Newton 36, N. Walker 36.

C Grade: N. Alger 40, D. Olgen 40, P. Broady 40, E.

Forbes 34.

Hams 39, D. Otto 38, C. Rielly 37, R. Olsen 37, G. Wilson 37, A. Twite 36.

Putting: 1st D. Vanrooye, 7th B. Newton, 10th T. Jones, 13th S. Rose.

NAGA T. Humphrey countback D. McKivor 23 points.

The Tuesday winner was A. Worthy 44 points. Thursday’s winner was D. Goad 41 points.

Notices: C. Clasby eagled (18th).

Once again the top card in the A Grade pile belonged to that sweet swinger Peter Hart. Peter won A Grade with 37 and reduced his handicap to nine.

John Eabry took B Grade on 37 and Len Petersen played very well to top the C Graders with 42.

Sam Nasreddin was this week’s star player, top scorer for the day with 44 points in D Grade. Sam went on to repeat that top scoring effort on Saturday.

L. Shannon (14th) and A. Sparkes (16th) were nearest the pin winners.

Down the line balls: R. Evans 41, R. Monacella 40, W. Norden 39, T. Brown, J. Housey 38, J. Curtis, M. Hunter, J. Lowell, A. Hawkins, D. Forbes 37, T. McCarthy. P. Bates, M. Pritchard, D. Hanna, H. Goodman, F. de Bondt, S. Chisholm, J. Hickey, L. Shannon 36, T. Steer, J. Tuck, L. Page, R. Chaplin, A. Sparkes 35.

This Thursday all mid week competitions will revert to shotgun starts with a 9am hit off.

Saturday’s event is the February montly medal and the Valentines 4BBB mixed event is on this Sunday.

Round 5 of the Gordon West nine hole competition will be played on Sunday February 12.

Our day of the South Gipplsand Classic is Friday 17.

The three rounds of the club championships will be played on three consecutive March Saturdays 17, 24 and 31.

Balls down the line went to Alan Kuhne 36 points, Chris Buckland 35 points, Frank Peile 35 points, Rod Matthews 34 points, Reg Hannay 34 points, Col Graeme 33 points, Nev Williams 33 points, Lloyd Hemphill 32 points, Brett McKnight 32 points, Ron Wells 32 points and Richard Boyce 32 points.

Nearest the pin on the eighth was won

by Frank Peile.

Pro pin on the 14th was won by David Wigg.

The Norm Wells Trophy was easily won by the Meeniyan Golf Club which is the first time we have won it.

Thanks very much to Ian Inglis for helping out with the field.

This week’s super 66 winners were Mary Trease and Phil Hutcheson. Next

week is Medal Day. The winner of Tuesday’s single stableford event was Matt Olden with 39 points.

Balls down the line went to Otto Vandervorm 36 points and John Mortensen with 36 points.

Best nine was won by Wilf Richards with 20 points. Nearest the pin on the 11th was won by Michael Darmanin.

The 4bbb aggregate winners were Matt Olden and Cam Harris with 71 points.

The winner of Thursday’s single stableford event was Russ Evans with 42 points.

Balls down the line went to Wilf Richards, 36 points and Will Bullock with 36 points. Best nine was Cam Harris with 19 points on a count back. Nearest the pin on the 14th was won by Frank Peile.

Tuesday A pretty hot day limited the field but a couple had hot scores to match. Doug Carter won the event on 41 points, just ahead of runners-up Joe Lowell on 40.

Doug also won nearest the pin on the 14th hole with Keith Macfarlane successful on the 16th.

Ball winners: H. Goodman 39, J. Battye, E. Poole 38, G. Maher 37, K. Godridge, D. Hanna 36, P. Waters, F. Smedley, J. Curtis 35.

Thursday

Foster ANOTHER dry week but the course is in great condition and the greens are excellent – as reflected in the outstanding scores.

Robert Fulton (13) has been in top form of late and he fired up again on Tuesday to have 77 off the stick and record 44 points and win easily from Phil Nightingall (18) who picked up a down the line ball with 36 points.

Doc Menzies (18) had 39 points to win from a good field on Australia Day. Down the line balls went to Phil Harris (14) with 37 points, Robert Fulton (12) and Clarke Gray (34) both with 36 points, and Kevin Witheridge (nine) with 35 points. The nearest the pin was won by Robert Fulton.

Alayne McKenzie returned to form to shoot 24 points and easily win the chook on Friday. The down the line balls were won by S. Lacy 21 points, Ross Mackenzie 20 points, and Denham Grierson and Geoff Eddy both on 18 points. Lloyd McKenzie took out the nearest the pin.

We played the second round of the Stig Nelander Trophy on Saturday.

Chris Foulds (25) continued his astounding run of form to have the day’s best score of 44 points and win B Grade. Chris has now reduced his handicap by seven strokes (from 30 to his new handicap of 23) in the last four weeks.

John Mathers (16) took out A Grade with 43 points on a countback from the unlucky Steve Reid (11).

The down the line balls went to Steve Reid, Norm Cooper (10) 42 points, Owen Kindellan (22) 41 points, Brian Robinson (26) 40 points, and Noel Black (six) and Andrew Naylor (20) both on 39 points.

The nearest the pins were won by John Ellis,

Woorayl IT was our medal day on Saturday sponsored

by Autobarn.

A Grade went to Brett Stubbs his net 69 the same as the B Grade winner Craig Hall.

The medal and C Grade went to Brian Wilson with a net 68 continuing on his good golf from Thursday.

Balls down the line went to B. Hogan, T. Ryan, N. Lovie, P. Burgess, T. Hogan, J. Redmond, J. Redman (our visitor from Wonthaggi),O. Vandervorm and J. Newton.

The nearest the pins went to Brett Stubbs and Dale Burge.

The ladies event was won by Marg Harris on countback with 33 points. Balls going to E. McBride and M. Tuckett.

The nearest the pin on the eighth went to Shirley Thomas.

The ball raffle winner was again the BW syndicate. On Thursday (Australia Day).we

Mirboo North THERE were 27 starters for the midweek competition.

The winner was Stan Evison (hcp 19) 41 points.

Down the line: Mark Britt, Gordon Graeme, Warren Warner, Nigel Bracecamp and Ray Mathews.

Birdies: 4th Tom Whitelaw, John Blunsden, Terry Bradshaw; 6th Tom Whitelaw, 13th Stan Evison, Ron Funnell; 16th Kevin Smith.

The winner of the ladies stableford competition was Sandra Hughes (hcp 27) 42 points.

Down the line: Maree Thompson (13) 39 points.

Nearest the pin: 4th Sandy Taylor, 16th Chris Gunn.

Birdie 13th Sue Traill.

On Australia Day 19 pairs played a mixed competition. The CCR was 71.

A Grade winners, Steven Bickerton and Jeanne St Ellen 68½ net (13½), runnersup Glenn Laity and Jeanette Mitchell 707/8 (131/8).

B Grade winners Terry Davison and Sharon Langdon 68½ (19½), runners-up Graham Geisler and Hanna Geisler 705/8 (153/8).

Welshpool TUESDAY’S nine hole stableford pub event was won by Bill Matthews with 22 points from countback Don Harris and Merv Lowe 20 nearest the pin sixth Tom Welsh.

Achievers award Joe Paynting.

Other scores Ken Hallett and Andrew Brown 17, Jim Roberts 16.

Pub Points - Welshpool 14.8, Pier Port 14.25, Toora 14.25, Port Albert 13.66.

Friday’s chicken run saw a good field of 18 players for the chicken. The winner with a good score of 22 points was Phil Janssen followed by Bill Matthews 21 and balls down the line to Ken Hallett 20, K. Lear 19.

Nearest the pin 15th Jeanette Swann.

Others to score were - J. Paynting, E. Bren-

Kevin Flett (two holes), Damien Soderlund and Owen Kindellan. George Draegar got the encouragement award with 23 points.

Special mention to Terry Parnall (20) who returned to form with 37 points and is not far away from a big one.

The ladies winner was Judy Prain (24) with 40 points on a countback from Gayle Reid (28) - luck was out for the Reids this weekend.

The down the line ball went to Gayle. The nearest the pins went to Judy Prain and Jocelyn Towns.

Progressive leaders in Stig Nelander Trophy: Chris Foulds 83, Norm Cooper 81, John Mathers 79, Steve Reid 78, Andrew Naylor 77 and Brian Robinson 75.

We played a mixed 4BBB stableford for trophies donated by Kevin and Pam Witheridge on Sunday.

The runaway winners with the excellent score of 50 points were John Stone and Judy Prain.

Steve and Gayle Reid combined to be runners-up yet again with 44 points, along with James McIntyre and Jocelyn Towns also on 44 points. The mens nearest the pins went to John Stone, Ray Prain, Athol McGrath and Norm Cooper. The ladies nearest the pins went to Jocelyn Towns (two holes), Beth Curram and the comeback girl Jeany Ryan.

Christa Pulham was not in the clubhouse to collect the $500 members cash, so it is up for grabs again this Friday.

Coming events: Thursday February 2 stableford.

Friday February 3 - Foodworks chicken run - nine holes stableford – holes 10 - 18.

Saturday February 4 - Medal Day - Bruce and Rae Knee Trophy.

Tuesday February 7 - stableford. held a men’s and a mixed fourball event again sponsored by Lois and Graham Young.

The men’s event went to Graeme Salmon and Rod Walker with 45 points balls going to J. Newton, G. Young and G. Winkler, J. Howard.

The nearest the pins went to Geoff McKinnon and Ed Poole.

The mixed event went to Brian Wilson and Thel Scoble on a countback from Les Wakefield and Marg Tuckett who where runners-up both with 48 points.

Balls went to J and F Maynard, L and P Lancaster, D and C Perrett and B and S Thomas.

The ladies nearest the pin went to Chris Perrett and Shirley Thomas.

The ball raffle winner was B W syndicate.

Next Saturday we will play a stablefored event sponsored by Bairs Hotel.

Down the line: Greg and Chris Gunn 71½, Ray and Maree Thomson 715/8, Joe Taylor and Sandra Hughes 72.

Nearest the pin: (men) 4th Terry Annison, 6th Sashi Nair, 13th Ron Anderson, 16th Steven Bickerton; (ladies) 4th Jess Clark, 6th Chris Gunn, 13th Jeanne St Ellen, 16th Maree Thompson.

There were 40 starters for the stableford event on Saturday January 28. The CCR was 71.

The day winner was Graham Watson (5) 39 points.

The B Grade winner was Peter Whittaker (25) 38 points.

Down the line: Peter Draper 38 points, Neil Rutledge, Terry Bradshaw, Mike Higginbottom 37 points, Wayne Reynolds 36 points.

Nearest the pin: R. Funnell 4th, D. Napier 6th, R. Hoskins and Freeda Nair 13th and Nigel Bracecamp 16th. Nearest the pin second shot first Terry Bradshaw.

Birdies: R. Funnell 4th, N. Rutledge, N. Whitelaw, J. Blansden, P. Chapman, S. Traill 6th.

The winner for the ladies competiton was Freeda Nair (32) 40 points 1 ball. nan, K. Murphy. J. Swan 17, B. MacPherson, R. Barwick, R. Wiggins 15.

Saturday’s Welshpool hotel meal voucher saw a clean sweep occur by Les Taylor with 38 points and nearest the pins on the 6th and 17th.

Balls down the line to Peter Westaway 37. Others following were Russ Barwick 36, Graeme English 35, J. Swann and K. Lear 30.

Sunday’s 18 hole 4BBB stableford draw for partners saw Bob Wiggins and Joc Paynting team up for a very good score of 50 points.

Balls down the line Graeme English and Pat Carroll 47.

Nearest the pin 8th Bob Wiggins.

Other scores were Brian MacPherson and Merv Lowe 46, Alan Hayes and Russ Barwick 41, Ken Hallett and Chris Bailey 36.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Inverloch

IN our second last round of pennant matches last Saturday we had a fairly good overall result.

Divisions 1, 2 and 4 won their matches with seven rinks winning and a draw on one other from our 12 rinks.

Division 1 travelled to Phillip Island to win on their home green, never an easy task, but on this visit they reigned supreme with a 31 shot win with two winning rinks and a draw on the other.

A very good result after their disappointing loss to Korumburra. This win now assures them of a second chance in the finals.

Division 2 were home to Phillip Island and two winning rinks had a well deserved win which have been few and far between this season.

Harry Rybalka’s rink was the best performed rink with a 12 shot win.

Division 3 played at Corinella in the battle of two top teams on the ladder, but we could not repeat our 47 shot win at Inverloch in the first round, only to see the home side take the match by 14 shots.

Trevor Scott’s rink scored a good come from behind win snatching victory by one shot on the last end of their match.

The other two rinks lost by seven and eight shots.

A loss of seven shots on one end made John Hedley’s rink’s task of winning very difficult.

A win against Foster next Saturday is a must for us to retain second place and a second chance in the finals.

Division 4 were home to Phillip Island White and scored another good win, winning on all three rinks with Stan Drew’s rink for the second week in a row having their best winning rink.

This win now gives them a good chance of avoiding relegation.

The club has arranged a barbecue after next Saturday’s

pennant matches and all our women folk are most welcome.

As last Thursday was Australia Day the usual social bowl for men was changed to include our women and 29 players played five triples and 4 fours.

After two games of 12 ends there were three two game winners each with 35 points, which meant the winner was decided by shot up.

The winners were Pyll Peterson (ld), Ken Peterson second, Huie Nation third, and Rob Howard (sk) with 35 points and 19 shots up.

Runners-up also with 35 points but only 16 shots up were F. Fryer (ld), S. Nation second and R. Kee (sk).

Last Sunday was a sponsored mixed pairs event with sponsors being the Wonthaggi medical group. Twelve teams competed and at the end of play there were three two game winners.

The winners were the mother and son pairing of Mick Coram (ld) and Esma Coram with 23 shots up.

Ladies CONGRATULATIONS to Robyn Dennis and Joy Brown for winning the state pairs. Next they will play at Yallourn.

First division has had a successful season and are in the finals. The first final will be at Meeniyan on Tuesday against Wonthaggi.

We have had a very busy week with our end of season dinner on Tuesday night.

Also our monthly triples on Wednesday and our annual tournament on Friday.

Wednesday monthly triples were won by Marg Flett, Carole Baines and Pam Sutcliffe for the second month in a row.

Could be the matching shirts.

Runners-up were Veronica Muir, Helen Twite and Shirley Cook. Best last game winners were Elaine Miller, Sue Nation And Sophie Brusamarello.

The raffle was won by Car-

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

1 WED

2 THUR

3 FRI

4 SAT

5 SUN

6 MON

7 TUE

0522 1134 1815 2339

1.42 0.28 1.32 0.60

0556 1209 1901

1.37 0.30 1.28

0017 0632 1247 1954

0.67 1.31 0.33 1.25

0100 0716 1330 2055

0.75 1.25 0.36 1.23

0152 0810 1424 2200

0.81 1.20 0.39 1.24

0259 0917 1530 2305

0.85 1.16 0.40 2.28

0418 1033 1642

0.83 1.16 0.38

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

ol Hughes, Shirley Phillipson and Leonie Hanks.

The sponsor of the day was Harcourts Real Estate.

Thanks to Ray Paynting for doing the board and Marg Flett for the envelopes.

The tournament on Friday was a great success with 22 teams participating, winners of the day were Jay Allen-Dale, Marg Pearson, Pam Cameron and Jan Dyer.

Runners-up were Veronica Muir, Shirley Cook, Maureen Pynting and Carol Waters.

Best last game winners were Garry’s team from Loch.

Spiders were won by Joan Burns and Wendy Braun and the lucky door prize was won

by Robyn Dennis.

Once again a big thank you to Ray Paynting for doing the board and Lois Luby and her helpers for all their hard work.

Korumburra Parlor bowls

when VRI put three ends together to break the dead-lock by 10 points.

Unfortunately, Kookaburras couldn’t manage to fully close the gap, finishing seven points in arrears.

Kardella played Battlers which, on paper, seemed a onesided tournament.

The inaugural Rob Armstrong Memorial Trophy winner, Michael Corless played a champion’s game and his wife, Denise, was “awesome” (so the scribe was informed).

Let’s hope this turnaround of fortune continues for Kardella.

Final scores were Kardella 24 d Battlers 16, VRI 24 d Kookaburras 17, Pretenders 40 d The Burra 7, Sicilians - bye.

The social bias bowlers have returned to Outtrim on Monday nights.

Parlor bowls continues to be played on Thursday evenings.

If anyone is interested to join either/both types of indoor bowls please phone Keith on 5657 3365 for more details.

THE 2012 season for the Korumburra Parlor Bowls Association has begun in earnest.

Last year’s outgoing committee members all accepted proposals for their return this year and congratulations are passed on to them all for their enthusiasm and for the interest they show to the parlor bowls game.

The Burra was decimated at the end of last season with the sad losses of two of its players and the early retirement of a third due to ill-health but, a new re-vitalised team emerged, and performed encouragingly considering they had to face reigning premiers, Pretenders.

After a shaky start, The Burra, guided by new skipper Graeme Smith, began to show good, steady improvement with better grouping of bowls and a more consistent effort - signs of strength for the future.

VRI and Kookaburras were involved in a close tussle until the mid-point of the match

South Gippsland Pennant bowls Division 1: Leongatha 2-69 lt Korumburra 14-80; Phillip Island 1-50 lt Inverloch 15-81; Wonthaggi 14-69 d Toora 2-60; Lang Lang 16-97 d Foster 0-54.

Division 2: San Remo 14-64 d Mirboo North 2-58; Meeniyan 2-63 lt Wonthaggi 14-67: Inverloch 14-74 d Phillip Island 2-64: Loch 14-82 d Leongatha 2-68 Division 3: Foster 7-68 drew Korumburra Maroon 9-68: Corinella 14-68 d Inverloch 2-54; Wonthaggi 3-66 lt Tarwin Lower 13-68; Korumburra Gold 2-69 lt Fish Creek 14-73.

Division 4: Leongatha 16-75 d Mirboo North 0-54: Phillip Island Blue 8-69 drew Wonthaggi 8-69: Inverloch 1476 d Phillip Island White 2-67; Lang Lang 12-68 d San Remo 4-65.

Division 5: Loch 14-69 d Tarwin Lower 2-50; Meeniyan 16-15 d Inverloch 0-0 (Forfeit); Port Welshpool 14-77 d Fish Creek 2-69.

Division 6: Foster 12-52 d Corinella 2-47; San Remo 14-64 d Meeniyan 0-37; Phillip Island 0-36 lt Toora 14-60; Wonthaggi 2-51 lt Korumburra12-67.

The last round before the finals will be played next Saturday, and following Saturday’s results there are a number of finals spots still up for grabs.

Whilst Division 1 is settled, in Division 2 there are four clubs

which can make it. Division 3 is settled, whilst in Division 4, 4th place is still undecided. It is a similar situation in Division 5 with fourth place undecided.

In Division 6, Wonthaggi should hold onto fourthth spot.

For next week’s round my ‘Kiss of death’ tips are not for Division 1, but for all those places still undecided.

Division 2, Wonthaggi (home) to claim fourth place with a win over top team San Remo, Mirboo North will have no trouble against Meeniyan, whilst Leongatha (home) should account for Inverloch.

Division 4, the tussle for forth place will see Phillip Island White (home) too good for Lang Lang, whilst Wonthaggi (home) put paid to Leongatha, Philip Island White to claim 4th place.

Ladders Division 1 Leongatha ............. +206 161 Inverloch .............. +196 160 Phillip Island ........ +163 133

Korumburra ................ +136 Wonthaggi ........................ -51 Lang Lang ...................... -217 Toora ............................... -200 Foster .............................. -233 Division 2 San Remo ....................... +49 Mirboo North ................ +68 Phillip Island .................. +37 Wonthaggi ........................ +3 Meeniyan ......................... +78 Leongatha ....................... -109 Loch .................................. -30 Inverloch ........................... -96 Division 3 Corinella ....................... +164 Inverloch ........................ +61 Fish Creek ...................... +60 Korumburra Gold ........ +28

Meeniyan Bowling Club TUESDAY was the last home and away pennant game for the season.

At home to top team Wonthaggi, Division 1 won two rinks but went down overall 66 shots to 70.

Division 3 were home to Leongatha and needed to win to make the finals.

Unfortunately they went down 43 shots to 49 with one rink getting the points.

Even though neither team made the four they have been very competitive.

Meeniyan was the venue for the Division 1 semi-finals on Tuesday January 31.

Saturday 28 was the second last week of pennant. Division 2 at home to Wonthaggi

128 86 58 57 50 143 133 102 102 101 98 94 59

165 133 126 111

Leongatha TUESDAY January 24 our Division 2 ladies’ pennant teams were away to Phillip Island, but were unable to bring home a win, going down to the Island ladies by a margin of six shots.

Division 3 travelled to Meeniyan and came away with a win overall by eight shots.

This was the last round of the home and away games for ladies’ pennant and the semi finals will take place on Tuesday January 31. Division 2 ladies will play Phillip Island at Corinella, while Division 3 also play Phillip Island at San Remo.

Tuesday evening, January 24 saw the start of the business bowls’ summer competition, with plenty of action.

Wednesday January 25 the first of the 2012 affiliated monthly triples got under way, with some 72 players taking to the greens. Winners on the day were the Leongatha team of G. Greenaway, F. Sauvarin and F. Filomeno, with four wins plus 35.

Sponsors for the day were Larkins Printers of Leongatha, and the club thanks them for their support.

Saturday January 28 saw the second last round of men’s pennant in action, with Division 1 at home to Korumburra.

They could not overcome the powerful Burra teams, going down by 21 shots. Division 2 travelled to Loch and they also went down to Loch 82 shots to 68. Division 4 were Tarwin Lower .................. +10 Wonthaggi ........................ -21 Korumburra Maroon ...... -120 Foster .............................. -182 Division 4 Phillip Island Blue ....... +176 Wonthaggi .................... +149 San Remo ....................... +40 Leongatha .......................... -1 Phillip Island White ......... -50 Inverloch ........................... -58 Lang Lang ...................... -145 Mirboo North ................. -111 Division 5 Loch .............................. +190 Meeniyan ........................ +66 Port Welshpool ............... -33 Fish Creek ....................... -61 Tarwin Lower ................... -39 Inverloch ......................... -189 Division 6 Toora ............................. +115 Foster .............................. +41 Korumburra .................. +79 Wonthaggi ...................... +20 Phillip Island ................... +32 San Remo ........................... -1 Corinella ........................... -92 Meeniyan ........................ -194

93 86 72 46 144 144 118 105 105 80 79 57 163 141 115 112 103 38 138 118 107 88 87 77 75 38

Loch and District bowls TUESDAY pennant saw our ladies defeated by Wonthaggi and so have missed out of getting into the final four.

Twilight bowls winners this week were Bep Mandermaker and Jim Stinson.

Saturday pennant saw both our Division 2 team and our Division 5 team have wins.

There is one round to go for this season.

Our match committee request club members to play club games as soon as possible.

played in a very tight game going down by four shots 63 to 67 with one rink getting the points.

The ladder in this division is very close.

Meeniyan is just out of the four and must win against Mirboo North next week.

Division 5 had a forfeit from Inverloch and maintain second place. Next week they are away to Tarwin Lower.

Division 6 travelled to San Remo where they found the opposition too strong going down 37 shots to 64. Next week they are home to Corinella.

Coming events include monthly triples on Thursday February 2 and married couple pairs on Sunday February 5 with two fills starting at 9am and 11.45am.

Burra boys: Korumburra’s Kevin Watson and Bill Dilg prepare to face off with Leongatha on Saturday. home to Mirboo North teams and managed to come out victors, all three rinks scoring wins.

Don McIntyre’s team, who went down the week before to San Remo by one shot, was able to score a one win shot over their Mirboo North rivals. Jack Embleton who won by five shots at San Remo got home by five shots.

R. Saunders’ team were a little slow to get out of the blocks, but came away on the day with a 15 shot win.

The next round of men’s pennant will be the last of the home and away games and sees Division 1 away to Inverloch, Division 2 teams will be at home to Inverloch, and Division 4 will travel to Wonthaggi to what will be a very testing round.

Men’s pennant finals will commence on Saturday February 11.

SGBD Tuesday pennant bowls Results - January 24 Division 1 Wonthaggi 70 (4 shots) d Meeniyan 66 (K. Simpson 29 d A. Van Wamel 16, I. Donohue 22 lt M. Pearson 23, J. Clarkson 19 lt L. Hanks 27).

Foster 74 (14 shots) d Korumburra 60 (R. Richardson 29 d J. McLaren 18, J. Bohn 26 d B. Button 20, R. Speers 19 lt D. Williams 22).

Phillip Island 76 (7 shots) d San Remo 69 (J. Boyce 24 d K. Hale 17, P. Davis 29 d J. Allen-Dayle 24, P. Francis 23 lt S. Carvosso 28).

Inverloch 81 (32 shots) d Lang Lang 49 (A. Tschiderer 23 d J. Dowson 16, I. Sheppard 21 d D. Motton 19, R. Dennis 37 d J. Prowd 14).

Division 2 Wonthaggi 66 (7 shots) d Loch 59 (K Bird 29 d J. Miller 20, T. Kavanagh 18 d V. Kennedy 14, A. Green 19 lt A. Miller 25).

Phillip Island 79 (8 shots) d Leongatha 71 (J. Farmer 35 d G. Trotman 25, D. Coleman 22 drew E. McIntyre 22, G. Caile 22 lt F. Turner 24).

Mirboo North 68 (12 shots) d Corinella 56 (R. Spark 25 d E. Johnston 18, D. McFarland 21 d B. O’Keefe 17, L. Roberts 22 d T. Durbridge 21).

Port Welshpool 95 (35.5 shots) d Fish Creek 59.5 (M. McDonald 33 d N. Van Dyk 21, L. Greaves 42 d D. Buckland 8.5, A. Collins 20 lt P. Hazeltine 30).

Tarwin 62 (8 shots) d Inverloch 54 H. Twite 20 d P. Lawson 18, R. Griffiths 24 d N. Martin 16, B. De Rooy 18 lt V. Muir 20).

Division 3 Leongatha 49 (6 shots) d Meeniyan 43 (M. Rayson 33 d D. Lindhard 19, G. Emmerson 16 lt K. Brown 24).

Toora 46 (4 shots) d Inverloch 42 (K. Barwick 25 d G. Growse 20, B. Curram 21 lt B. Kurrle 22).

San Remo 49 (2 shots) d Korumburra 47 (P. Cameron 30 d W. Pepperell 17, E. Dwyer 19 lt B. Waycott 30).

The next round of Leongatha Bowls Club sponsors tournaments for 2011/2012 will be the open pairs to be held on Sunday February 26.

There are still vacancies for teams to enter this event, so any club wishing to enter please contact Jeff Pendergast 5662 0974, David Bee 5662 2605 or Glenda Trotman 5662 3439. Entry fee is $20 per team member, with lunch provided. This event is a 9.30am start.

The Leongatha Bowls Club ladies’ triples tournament will be held Friday March 2 at 9.30am. The entry fee is $12 per person and BYO lunch.

For further information, or if you wish to put a team entry in please contact either Glenda Trotman 5662 3439 or Glennis Emmerson 5662 2082.

Tarwin 47 (16 shots) d Phillip Island 31 (M. Emmett 27 d J. Christie 14, J. Stafferton 20 d M. Puncher 17).

Foster forfeited to Wonthaggi (Wonthaggi received 14 pts and 15 shots).

Ladders Division 1 Wonthaggi ......................+240 182 Inverloch ........................+102 145 Phillip Island....................+18 132 Korumburra .....................-15 112 San Remo ..........................+39 102 Foster .................................+35 93 Meeniyan ............................-26 80 Lang Lang ........................-393 50 Division 2 Leongatha.......................+234 164 Phillip Island..................+182 141 Tarwin Lower ..................+20 134 Wonthaggi .....................+65.5 130 Loch .....................................+6 117 Port Welshpool ...............+134.5 96 Fish Creek .......................-207.5 93 Inverloch...............................-46 87 Corinella .............................-197 81 Mirboo North ..................-191.5 77 Division 3 Toora ......................... +159.25 159 Wonthaggi ......................+183 140 Leongatha.........................+69 116 Phillip Island.......................-3 113 Meeniyan .......................-27.75 100 Korumburra ..........................+3 90 Inverloch...............................+1 81 San Remo .............................-63 64 Tarwin Lower .....................-222 60 Foster .................................-99.5 57

Buffalo indoor

ON Wednesday January 25 there were seven players on a nice night to bowl, which saw them play two games of 10 ends.

Tim Wolswinkle had to lead for both teams. Skipper Rod McConchie, Toni Heldens, Carolyn Benson and Tim Wolswinkle d skipper Bill Wolswinkle, Ian Benson and Tim Wolswinkle 14-10.

In the second game Peter Heldens and Carolyn Benson changed teams, also Ian Benson went skipper. The winning skipper for the second was Ian Benson, Bill Wolswinkle, Carolyn Benson and Tim Wolswinkle who defeated skipper Rod McConchie, Toni Heldens, Peter Heldens and Tim Wolswinkle 10-8.

Monday February 6 is the annual meeting at the Buffalo Hall at 7.30pm. We hope to see you all next Wednesday at 7.30pm.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 57

What a start for Laity and Wright SANDY Point’s Kelly Laity and Phillip Island’s Carl Wright have taken out the first round of the Toll/IPEC Victorian Open Series in amazing surf at Gunnamatta on Sunday, January 29.

With a pulsing 4ft swell and light offshore winds, the competition was hot from the beginning.

Standout surfers in the men’s were Jack Perry (Jan Juc), Lincoln Eather (Jan Juc), Steve Noble (Cape Patterson) and Adam Morris (Mornington Peninsula).

Morris took out the VB Wave of the day for an amazing left hand barrel, which saw him, net a 9.77 (out of a possible 10), the highest wave of the day.

The final saw Wright get off to a flying start with a 6.33 however was only able to find a 5.00 back up ride.

In the shifting conditions, Perry placed second and was unable to find the scoring rides needed to overtake Wright, scoring a heat total of 7.50 (out of a possible 20). Cahill BellWarren (Bells Beach) placed in third with Morris in fourth.

Wright was happy with the win considering the tricky conditions.

“It was pretty hard to find the right waves all day. I didn’t get much at all in the first two heats; I was really

Great surfing: Kelly Laity was the eventual winner in the Open Women’s. Photo courtesy Liam Robertson. lucky to get through. I got a bit of luck (in the final) and got a couple of waves that allowed a few moves.”

In the Women’s, it was Kelly Laity (Sandy Point) who found the waves needed to get the win. In a wave-starved final, Laity was able to find two average scoring rides to score a total heat score of 11.93.

Jan Juc’s Zoe Clarke was hot on the heels of Laity all heat scoring a 7.50 (out of a possible 10) on her final

wave, however it was not enough to put Clarke in front. Clarke finished on a total heat score of 11.17.

On Saturday, January 28 the top juniors from around the state took over Gunnamatta for the first round of the Victorian Junior Surfing Titles.

Meg Sweeney (Jan Juc) was the standout surfer in the Under 18 Girls taking out the final in the deteriorating conditions. Sweeney was able to take down Kelly Laity (Sandy Point) who on Sunday went on to win the Open Women’s final.

The standout division was the Under 16 Boys, with a massive rivalry between Phillip Island’s Joe Van Dijk and Jan Juc’s Cody Robinson.

The two went wave for wave in the final, which saw the biggest maneuver of the day. Robinson threw a massive full rotation aerial landing cleanly which the judges rewarded with a perfect 10.This rocketed Robinson to a lead, which Van Dijk was unable to catch up to.

The next round of the Toll/IPEC Victorian Open Series will be held at Phillip Island on February 18 and 19.

For more information please contact Surfing Victoria (52612907). The Toll/ IPEC Victorian Open Series is presented by VB and Supported by Play it Safe by the Water and Surfing Victoria.

Great rivalry: Phillip Island’s Joe Van Dijk (pictured) finished second to Jan Juc’s Cody Robinson in the boy’s Under 16 event on the Saturday. Photo courtesy Liam Robertson.

Battle for royalty IT was all action on the beach at Inverloch as the competitors strived for the crown.

The King and Queen of Inverloch competition was on again with lots of

competitors testing themselves against one another.

There was a great level of competition between the field and lovely weather for the whole weekend of activities.

Results will be in next week’s Star.

Plenty to swim about IT HAS been a big month of swimming for some local Leongatha Amateur Swimming Club members who are also members of Swimming Victoria clubs, Traralgon Swimming Club and South Gippsland Bass Swimming Club.

Victorian Age Championships On December 17-22 Mikaela Cornelissen, Locke DeGaris and Oscar Harry, representing Traralgon, and Lochie Nunn, representing South Gippsland Bass, competed at the Victorian Age Championships in several individual events as well as a number of relays. The championships were held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC).

Thirteen-year-old Mikaela did particularly well swimming PB’s in all her events and just missing out on an individual medal by coming fourth in the 100 metre Butterfly.

Her 14 and Under 4x50 metre Medley Relay Team won gold with Mikaela swimming the butterfly leg in an awesome 28.64 seconds; her 4x50 Freestyle team also got into the medals coming third.

This was Locke DeGaris’ first season competing with a Swimming Victoria club and he qualified for five individual events as well as two relays.

Locke swam very impressive PB’s in all events.

His relay team was very competitive with a fifth and sixth in the 12 and Under age group even with three out of the four swimmers still only 11 years of age. So look out next year!

Oscar Harry qualified and swam three individual events at states.

Unfortunately one of Oscars relay teammates was injured leading up to the event so their team was scratched from both relays.

The lowest age group at the Victorian Age Championships is 11 and Under, so it was an

Life savers: Rupert Hudd-Baillie, Lindsey Ritchie, Katrina Morris and Stephanie Duncan from the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club were helping out for the King and Queen of Inverloch event.

Medal winners: Locke DeGaris, Mikaela Cornelissen and Oscar Harry after their successful swimming campaign. awesome effort for 10-year-old Oscar to get there.

Lochie Nunn swam in three individual events easily breaking his freestyle and breaststroke PB’s. Lochie also swam in relays for SG Bass.

Victorian Open Championships Mikaela Cornelissen has been swimming so well of late she qualified for the Victorian Open Championships, held at MSAC on January 13-15.

This was a great experience for Mikaela, warming up in the same lanes as big swimming names including Ash Delaney, Ian Thorpe and Michael Klim.

She also swam in heats against some of the top Australian swimmers including Alice Mills, Alicia Coutts, Marieke Guehrer along with international competitors from New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan.

Victorian Country Championships Traralgon once again dominated the Victorian Country Championships, held in Bendigo on January 21-23, winning the event 12 times in the last 13 years.

Oscar Harry swam some amazing PB’s, once again in the 11 and Under age group.

He made the final of the 50 metre Butterfly, missing third by the smallest of margins – 0.03 seconds, and was first emergency for the 50 metre Backstroke final.

His Medley Relay team, which included a 9-year-old swimmer, made the 12 and Under Medley final. Look out for Oscar next year when most of his competition from this year will be in the next age group.

Locke had an awesome meet, making the final in every event he qualified for. Both Locke’s Freestyle and Medley 12 and Under Relay teams won Gold easily.

But the highlight for Locke was swimming a huge PB to get the silver medal in the 50 metre Freestyle, a fantastic effort!

Locke also competed in the 50 metre backstroke – fifth and the 50 metre butterfly – seventh.

This was another successful meet for Mikaela, coming home with one gold and five silver medals.

The gold and three silvers were from relay events. The two individual silvers were for the 13-year-old 100 metre freestyle and 100 metre butterfly.

Lochie Nunn also competed at the Victorian Country Championships, making the final in three individual events.

Lochie swam an awesome 100 metre breaststroke final, improving his entry time by 3.5 seconds.

This effort secured him the Bronze medal. Lochie also took a total of an amazing 4.25 seconds off his butterfly time, but this still wasn’t quite enough

to get him a medal, coming fifth in the final.

Lochie also took off more than four seconds in both the 100 Backstroke and 200 Individual Medley.

Lochie’s 14 and Under Freestyle and Medley Relay teams made the finals, finishing sixth in both.

Ingrid Nunn also competed for South Gippsland Bass over the weekend in the 14 and Under Medley relay team. She swam the breaststroke leg with an impressive PB. Ingrid is only 11-years-old and unfortunately her 12 and under relay team had to scratch due to one swimmer being injured.

As you can see we have some fantastic swimmers in the area who spend many, many hours in the pool and gym training hard to get to where they are now and we wish them all the best in the future.

Mikaela has qualified for the Australian Age Championships being held in Brisbane on April 9-14.

Lochie Nunn is only 2.5 seconds off qualifying for the 100 metre Breaststroke at Nationals and with improvements like we saw at Bendigo he could also be off to Brisbane in April.

Cheer squad: brothers (back) Will, Jack, (front) Hugo, Harry and Mitch Tuffley were supporting their Dad in the King and Queen of Inverloch competition.

Proud daughters: Jazmin and Indiana Kruss congratulate their father Jeff after a great paddle in the kayak leg of the King and Queen of Inverloch.

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

• BASKETBALL

Lightning strikes once in tournament LAST weekend saw the Leongatha Lightning take on other Under 12 representative teams at a lightning tournament in Dandenong.

The team played three games on Saturday, going down to Mornington, Frankston and Cranbourne before a win against Pakenham on Sunday.

Game reports First game against Mornington.

Starting five Alfred, Jack, Jayden, Sean and Tim took, the court, moving the ball up and down.

Mason and Sean were subbed on after a few minutes.

Mornington were winning nine to four just before the end of the first half but with some clever and clean offensive plays the game got tied at 11 to 11.

The second half saw Alfred and Mason with several fast breaks, Jack with some great defensive plays and offensive re-

bounds, Jayden, Sean and Charlie helped out with key way defensive with Tim bringing the ball up and hassling the defence.

Unfortunately their shots did not drop in the ring as they should have.

In the last 20 seconds we were down by two points and the team had about four shots - with us going down by two points and the score being 17-15.

Second game at Dandenong Stadium The score at the end of the first half was two to 24 their way. Alfie stole the ball - passed it off to Jack who scored our first two points. Mason went on and went up for a big rebound and hurt his ankle.

At half time break Morgan with Nic and Rachel reminded the team about a few game plays and Tim went straight out stole the ball and headed off for a fast break.

Sean and Charles hassled the ball and looked for rebounds. Jayden chased their fast breaks and helped with getting

the ball up the court.

Alfie got fouled on a shot and got his second free throw in. Jack took the ball from one end of the court all the way to the other end and you could tell that when he shot the ball its purpose was to go in the hoop and it did beautifully.

A minute to go and Jayden, Sean, Mason, Tim and and Charles set up a zone and worked hard right to when the siren sounded.

The score was 5 to 44 Frankston’s way.

Third game against Cranbourne It was a thriller from the jump ball. Evenly matched - players and the voices of the coaches.

Back and forth both teams went - point for point - half time saw the score six to eight their way.

Second half started with a score going our way from Tim. Mason got several free throws, Alfie got a few steals and a swish, Jack dominated the boards

• ISLAND CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES

Australia wins International Challenge

TEAM Australia has easily retained the International Challenge team’s event at Phillip Island, the centrepiece of the 2012 Island Classic historic meeting held this past weekend (January 27-29).

Australia was never headed, with the extraordinary depth of talent in the local team proving to be the trump card in its 312pt victory (1198 to 885) over the Jeremy McWilliamsled UK team. The World 13, an amalgam of riders from France, New Zealand, Australia and America, was well back in third on 596pts.

McWilliams finished 4-3-3-1 across the four legs to complete the challenge on 149pts, just in front of the extremely impressive Beaton (3-4-4-2, 147pts), Phillis (5-6-5-3, 141pts), Martin (2-2-118, 137pts) and Campbell (6-7-6-5, 136pts).

McWilliams also received the inaugural Ken Wootton International

Perpetual Trophy for his victory, in memory of the late Aussie motorcycle journalist and a key driver of the Island Classic event.

International Challenge – 2012 AMCN International Island Classic

Final point score – Team: Australia - 1198; UK - 885.15; World 13 596.62 Final point score – Individual: 1. Jeremy McWilliams (UK) 149 points; 2. Beau Beaton (AUS) 147 points; 3.

Robbie Phillis (AUS) 141 points; 4. Steve Martin (AUS) 137 points; 5.

Malcolm Campbell (AUS) 136 points; 6. Scott Webster (AUS) 131 points; 7. Ryan Farquhar (AUS) 130 points 8. Laurie Fyffe (AUS) 125 points 9. Leo Cash (AUS) 118 points 10.

Shawn Giles (AUS) 116 points Race One (decl after three laps): 1st Shawn Giles (AUS) - Suzuki Katana, 2nd Steve Martin (AUS) - Suzuki Katana, 3rd Beau Beaton (AUS) - Irving Vincent,

Wonthaggi table tennis THE 2012 season commences next Monday (February 6) with practice nights for intending A Reserve players.

This will be at the Wonthaggi Table Tennis Centre, Korumburra Rd from 7 to 9pm.

Intending players are reminded that they will not be eligible for competition play unless they turn up for the practice nights.

The season is expected

to commence on the first Monday night in March.

Junior coaching will commence for 2012 on Thursday February 9 at the Table Tennis Centre from 6 to 7pm.

B Grade teams for the coming season will be selected from the players participating.

New players for Junior Coaching, B Grade and A Reserve are very welcome.

A Grade practice nights are to be advised.

4th Jeremy McWilliams (UK) - Suzuki Harris F1, 5th Robbie Phillis (AUS) - Suzuki Katana, 6th Malcolm Campbell (AUS) - Honda CBR 1100, 7th Ryan Farquhar (UK) - Suzuki Harris F1, 8th Scott Webster (AUS) - Kawa Moto-Martin.

Race Two: 1st Shawn Giles, 2nd Steve Martin, 3rd Jeremy McWilliams, 4th Beau Beaton, 5th Ryan Farquhar, 6th Robbie Phillis, 7th Malcolm Campbell, 8th Scott Webster.

Race Three: 1st Steve Martin (set new historic lap record - 1:38.707), 2nd Shawn Giles, 3rd Jeremy McWilliams, 4th Beau Beaton, 5th Robbie Phillis, 6th Malcolm Campbell, 7th Scott Webster, 8th Stuart Loly (AUS) - Suzuki GSX 1170.

both ends and led off with fast breaks, Charles and Jayden rebounding and Sean working hard in defence.

Four minutes to go and the score was 10 to 13 with Leongatha down.

Both team coaches were up off the bench, voices were booming, hands were waving and the ball going crazy.

One minute, 30 seconds left and still the score remained the same, 10-13.

Both teams had been shooting but again the ball didn’t drop in the hoop.

They scored, then Leongatha scored but as the buzzer went they were down 12-14 in yet another great game.

Game four against Pakenhan Warriors The team set out with a mission. They were determined to win this one.

Shots were going up both ends of the court with good passes, steals, turnovers and great defensive plays. Half time score was locked at four all.

In the break coaches Mor-

Meeniyan basketball Results January 25 Women: Team A 38 (C. McRae, K. Schelling 8) d Test Tubes 24 (H. Flanders 8); Hogs 40 (D. Mackie 10) d Mixtures 23 (B. Eygenraam 12). Men: Yound Guns 51 (T. Pate 14) d Lightning 36 (J. Stewart 17); Goatriders 47 (T. Manne 15) d Rebels 43 (B. Byrnes 9); Predators (J. Bacon 15) d Chocos 30 (R Caratello 11).

MBA ladders Women Team A ............................267.35 21 Hogs.............................100.00 20 Test Tubes ...................... 112.89 16 Mixtures ........................38.10 13 Julish Jebeka.................100.97 11 Men Renegades......................104.56 21 Goat Riders ...................144.92 19 Predators .......................108.07 17 Rebels.............................106.18 16 Young Guns.................... 94.02 11 Chocos ............................ 84.35 11 Lightning ..........................76.20 6 * Points have been deducted for non attendance at AGM

Lightning team: coaches Morgan Fisher and Nic Summers with players, back, from left: Charles, Jack Hume, Mason McGannon, Jayden Battersby, front: Sean Coleman, Tim Boler and Alfred Herbert. gan and Nic were asking the boys for another 100 per cent in the second half - the same as they gave in the first half. The team was told positions on the ladder and where a win would put them and the other team.

Both coaches were up,

arms waving, voices turned up, telling their teams to press as the clock counted down.

Pakenham warriors stole the ball and get a fast break Alfie chased after him, he fouled as the shot went up and he went to

the line.

The last three minutes of the game took a long time to get through, with Leongatha only up by one point. Mason went to the line again and made it count, which saw the final score at 13 to 11.

• CYCLING

Two on the track FRIDAY night was a great night for racing but the holiday period conspired to produce a very quiet night with only two riders fronting.

However, these two were evenly matched so they had some good rides.

The first event was a one lap time trial and Hamish Bissett clocked a 39.44 sec lap even though he was slow out of the start. Matt Minogue, having his first night back from holidays was also slow on the start and recorded a 40.17 sec lap.

With only two riders, some new events had to be trialled so the next event was a 2000m pursuit – one rider starting each side of the track.

Hamish Bissett went out fast and opened a gap of around 25m but as is his style Matt Minogue worked into the contest and after 1600m there was nothing in the contest.

Over the last lap Matt pulled ahead to win by 15m.

Following a short rest the riders were given a one lap handicap.

A further fast start saw Hamish make the most of his handicap start to score an easy win over Matt.

Following this the riders were given some two lap sprint races with some talk on tactics between.

Try as he might Hamish could not quite match Matt with his final burst up the finish straight.

With school due back next week, officials expect to see a return to good numbers at training on Wednesday night and racing on Friday night.

Members are also reminded that there is paper loading on Sunday february 5 at 1pm.

It was also decided at the Club meeting last week to start road season on March 17 so riders will have to lift their training intensity.

Croquet Summer pool is back Results Round 9

Gingers 6, Gunners 3; Grizzlys 5, Gladiators 4; Titans 6, Otago 3; Meeniyan 5, Bairs 4.

Round 10: Bairs v Grizzlys, Otago v Gunners, Meeniyan v Gladiators, Titans v Gingers.

Ladder Games F A Gladiators . .....42 39 Gunners.......... 51 30 Titans...............48 33 Grizzlys ...........45 36 Gingers .............34 47 Bairs ................. 43.38 Otago ................34 47 Meeniyan..........27 54

%

Pts

110.7 170.0 145.4 125.0 72.3 113.1 72.3 50.0

28 24 24 24 16 12 8 8

South Gippsland Bridge Tarwin Lower – Tuesday Afternoon - North/South: 1st Frank Arndt, Clive Hope, 2nd Jack Kuiper, John Sutton, 3rd Margaret Smith and Anne Gibson.

East/West: 1st Alan Johnston, John Sullivan, 2nd Jean Barbour, Greg Nicholson, 3rd George Geekie and Mavis Parks.

Inverloch – Friday - North/South: 1st John Sutton, Kaye Douglas, 2nd Jack Kuiper, Jean Barbour, 3rd Frank Arndt, Clive Hope, 4th John Farr and Anne Williams.

East/West: 1st John Sullivan, Alan Johnston, 2nd Greg Nicholson, Margot Moylan, 3rd Debbie Anglim, Shirley Stewart, 4th Kathy Geyer and Leila Bell.

Note: Subs are now due. AGM on February 17 at 11.30am.

CROQUET is back in action on Wednesdays and Saturdays after our Christmas break.

Members visited Morwell for their Australia Day fun day.

This week Sandra Birch and Thelma Arnup are competing at Swan Hill for country week. We wish them well.

A member from Melbourne Croquet Club has been visiting and picking up a few croquet shots. He has a holiday house in Inverloch.

On February 21 we are running an open day, all visitors will be invited and welcome.

Here we go: Elvie Olden and Tom Kudelk prepare to have a hit of croquet in Leongatha last week.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 59

Gippsland cricket in good stead YEAR 2011 and 2012 has been a successful period with Gippsland cricket, being the top cricket region in the state including boys and girls.

The Gippsland Pride were premiers in girls Under 16s, runnersup in Gippsland Under 16 boys, third in the Gippsland Under 14 boys, fourth in the Gippsland Under 18 girls and in the top eight Gippsland Under 18 and Under 14 boys.

This proves Gippsland cricket is strong and also Leongatha Junior cricket boys and girls is very strong, with a number of Leongatha District players in all teams. This is on top of the Under 18s winning the State Championships with six LDCA representatives.

Matt Willcocks made an appearance for Victorian Under 19s and in the Seniors, LDCA winning Country Week and proceeding to Provincial, the highest Country level at Country Week.

Boys Alex Manteit, Eli Richards, Thomas Wyatt, Ben Foon, (Under 18s) and Michael Manteit, Jakeb Thomas and Matt Borschman Under 16s) played important roles for their teams.

So did girls Under 16 premiers Chelsea Moscript (Koonwarra/ Leongatha RSL), Loretta Chumley and Ella Cargill (Wonthaggi) and Louise Dower (Foster).

Other girls who represented Gippsland: Hannah Keiley (Inverloch), Mel Gheller (Wonthaggi), Tayla Stahl (Inverloch), Kate Rodda (Korumburra), Rachael Brown (Poowong-Loch) and Tegan Lourens and Hanna Watson (Phillip Island), Holly Forsyth (Wonthaggi Miners) and Nellie Noye (Nyora).

Congratulations also to the Gippsland Cricket co-ordinator Rob Wood on another great year for Gippsland Cricket.

In Dowling Under 16 state final (boys) Gippsland batted first and

made 159 but were defeated by Northern Metro Falcons (8/161).

LDCA representatives: Michael Manteit 1, Jakeb Thomas 2 and 1 for 23.

Taylor Tatterson of Sale took the most state wickets with 14 and broke the Gippsland record of 13 held by two LDCA boys Liam Brandon (MDU) and Thomas Wyatt (OMK).

Michael Manteit made 161 runs with a top score of 90, while Jakeb Thomas took five wickets off 33.4 overs.

Unfortunately Matt Borschman was injured prior to the week commencing.

Girls Under 16s final was played at Melbourne University Gippsland 9/104 off 25 overs (C. Moscript 15, L Dower 9, E. Cargill 0 not out and L. Chumley 1) defeated Mallee Murray Heat 47 (C Moscript 3/13, L. Chumley 2/10).

Above: Man of the match: Phillip Island’s Mitch Price took 4/6 and was voted as man of the match by umpires Terry Rogers and Les White.

Right: Quick runs: Phillip Island’s Alex Manteit plays the ball along the deck in search of runs on Sunday.

GCL side announced LEONGATHA District Cricket Association has announced its Senior and Under 18 GCL representative side for the final against Traralgon at Warragul on Sunday February 5.

Star of the show: Chelsea Moscript’s 3/13 and 15 runs were enough to see her take out the player of the match award. Chelsea also won the cricketer of the year for the Under 18 competition, a truly remarkable effort.

Seniors Tim Wightman – Nerrena, Gavin Britt - Workmens, Jason Wilson OMK (captain), Barry Wyatt – OMK, Greg Pickles - OMK, Mitchell Clark - Nerrena, Alan Jenkins - Poowong/ Loch, Ryan Thomas - Workmens, Dylan Clark - Inverloch, Daniel Lloyd - OMK, Shane Murdoch - Phillip Island, Ryan B. Thomas - Inverloch.

Meet at Leongatha football ground at 8am sharp. If unavailable, contact Gary Sauvarin 0407 343204 or Kris-

tian Gray 0439 825168.

Under 18s The LDCA U/18 team which finished on top of the ladder will contest the final, also against Traralgon.

Coach Brad Parker and his assistant Dave Harris have an excellent young squad comprising: Eli Richards - Phillip Island, Josh Toner - Foster, Alex Mainteit - Phillip Island, Thomas Wyatt - OMK, Sam Huitema - Workmens, Ryan Olden MDU, Joel Liddle - Workmens, Mark McCall - Workmens, Jake Burge Town, Jake Cochrane - OMK, Ben Foon - Miners, Cameron Harris MDU. Their game will be played at Eastern Park in Warragul.

Toora receives $30,000 funding TOORA’S recreation reserve has received up to $30,000 in community grants, including a $10,000 Community Safety Fund grant from the State Government.

The reserve also received a $10,000 community grant from the South Gippsland Shire as well as $5000 from the Toora Bendigo Bank and $5000 from volunteers.

Secretary Danny Jenkins said $20,000 will be used to purchase a new mower for the ground and surroundings.

“We currently operate on a tractor and mower, both of which are very old; the mower is 25 years old and getting fairly rusty,” he said.

“It’s costing us more to keep up with repairs than it’s worth and we’ve been aiming at getting a new one for a couple of years now.”

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan welcomed the announcement of $1 million worth of Commu-

nity Safety Fund grants that have been awarded to more than 150 community organisations across Victoria including two in the South Gippsland Shire.

Mr Ryan said the Toora Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and the Mirboo North Community Shed Co-operative would each receive funding worth up to $10,000 for new security infrastructure.

“The Toora Recreation Reserve Committee of Management will receive funding for the installation of internal and external sensor lighting and a security alarm system at the Toora Recreation Reserve. The alarm system will be linked to local police,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Mirboo North Community Shed Co-operative will receive funding for the installation of lighting and a security system at the Mirboo North Community Shed,” he said.

Mr Jenkins said security has been a problem at the reserve for a while, with several break-ins over the past year and the new sys-

tem would be installed as soon as they received the funding.

Mr Ryan said the Community Safety Fund grants were part of the Coalition Government’s four-year $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program, committed to supporting community action on crime prevention to help make communities across Victoria safer. There will be further grant funding rounds over the next three years.

Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh

said Community Safety Grants were about finding community solutions for community problems.

“Through these grants, the Coalition Government is empowering communities to decide what’s best for them, and giving them funding to make those solutions a reality,” Mr McIntosh said.

Mr McIntosh said many of these grants had been awarded to local sporting and social clubs, scout groups, community centres and neighbourhood houses

to improve security and reduce the risk of theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“These facilities are the heart of our local communities, and are often managed by local volunteers, as crime and anti-social behaviour has a significant impact,” Mr McIntosh said.

“I’m delighted to be able to help so many communities to provide safer and more secure facilities for residents.”

Out with the old: Toora Recreation Reserve secretary Danny Jenkins said grants from the South Gippsland Shire, the Toora Bendigo Bank and volunteers would be used to the replace the old tractor and mower with new equipment.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

• WONTHAGGI LITTLE ATHLETICS

Two records broken FIFTY-eight Wonthaggi Little Athletes turned in a solid effort on Saturday morning in preparation for the regional competitions in February.

There were 91 personal bests on the day. Well done to Avril Sampson in the Under 9 Girls and Brodie Anderson in the Under 12 Boys who both bagged four out of five PBs. Results Under 6 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Jett Garnham 21.77. 200 metre sprint: 1 Jett Garnham 45.30. 70 metre sprint: 1 Jett Garnham 14.55. Discus: 1 Zac Mabilia 10.05.

Long jump: 1 Jett Garnham 2.22.

Under 6 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Ania Todd 23.60. 200 metre sprint: 1 Ania Todd 53.94. 70 metre sprint: 1 Ania Todd 15.69. Discus: 1 Olivia Bramley 5.33.

Long jump: 1 Ania Todd 1.42.

Under 7 Boy 100 metre sprint: 1 Saher Biggs 18.91. 200 metre sprint: 1 Saher Biggs 42.38. 70 metre sprint: 1 Saher Biggs 12.46. Discus: 1 Tadgh Mcgrath 10.47. Long jump: 1 Saher Biggs 2.37.

Under 7 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 19.37. 200 metre sprint: 1 Tevuro IhomanaMontgomery 44.53. 70 metre sprint: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 13.45. Discus: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 10.55. Long jump: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 2.28.

Under 8 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Fraser Clark 17.73. 200 metre sprint. 1 Jordan 41.6. 400 metres: 1 Jacob Timmermans 1:36.6. Dis-

cus: 1 Jordan 14.69. High jump: 1 Jacob Timmermans 0.88. Long jump: 1 Jordan 1.94. Shot put: 1 Fraser Clark 4.86.

Under 8 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Jade Anderson 19.21. 200 metre sprint: 1 Alicia Smith 46.94. 400 metres: 1 Alicia Smith 1:41.4. High jump: 1 Jade Anderson 0.80.

Shot put: 1 Jade Anderson 2.53, 2 Alicia Smith 2.05.

Under 9 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Jenson Garnham 16.94. 1100 metre walk: 1 Jenson Garnham 11:26. 400 metres: 1 Jenson Garnham 1:34.4.

Discus: 1 Jenson Garnham 13.80. Triple jump: 1 Jenson Garnham 5.61.

Under 9 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Chloe Bramley 18.67.

1100 metre walk: 1 Chloe Bramley 9:28.0. 400 metres: 1 Chloe Bramley 1:34.9. Discus: 1 Chloe Bramley 11.26. Triple jump: 1 Mikaela Notley 5.02.

Under 10 Boys 1100 metre walk: 1 William Speed 9:50.2. 400 metres: 1 Patrick Ryan 1:22.0. 70 metre sprint: 1 Patrick Ryan 11.82. Long jump: 1 Patrick Ryan 2.94.

Shot put: 1 Patrick Ryan 5.15.

Under 10 Girls 1100 metre walk: 1 Kayleigh Allworth 8:24.2.

400 metres: 1 Kayleigh Allworth 1:23.9. 70 metre sprint: 1 Kayleigh Allworth 11.51. Long jump: 1 Kayleigh Allworth 2.89.

Shot put: 1 Kayleigh Allworth 5.47.

Under 11 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Marcus Toussaint 15.96.

1500 metre walk: 1 Martin Peters 11:22. 800 metres: 1 Leigh Ibrahim 3:23.2.

DiscusL: 1 Marcus Toussaint 15.62. Triple jump: 1 Marcus Toussaint 7.64.

Under 11 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1

Taylah Cook 16.20. 1500 metre walk: 1 Taylah Cook 11:40. 800 metres: 1 Taylah Cook 3:17.4.

Discus: 1 Melody Notley 13.66. Triple jump: 1 Taylah Cook 7.10.

Under 12 Boys 1500 metre walk: 1 Brodie Anderson 13:30..

400 metres: 1 Brodie Anderson 1:12.3. 70 metre sprint: 1 Brodie Anderson 11.17. Long jump: 1 Brodie Anderson 3.23. Shot put: 1 Brodie Anderson 5.77.

Under 12 Girls 1500 metre walk: 1 Ciara Ryan 11:40. 400 metres: 1 Ciara Ryan 1:23.6.

70 metre sprint: 1 Ciara Ryan 10.87. Long jump: 1 Ciara Ryan 3.30. Shot put: 1 Bridget Lowe 6.15.

Under 13 Boys 1500 metre walk: 1 Andre Toussaint 11:12.

200 metre sprint: 1 Andre Toussaint 33.90. 800 metres: 1 Andre Toussaint 3:33.0. High jump: 1 Andre Toussaint 1.31.

Javelin: 1 Andre Toussaint 10.75.

Under 13 Girls 1500 metre walk: 1 Daisy Filippi 11:42. 200 metre sprint: 1 Stephanie Slade 40.19. 800 metres: 1 Stephanie Slade 3:48.5.

High jump: 1 Georgia Filippi 1.10. Javelin: 1 Stephanie Slade 12.64.

Under 14 Boys 1500 metre walk: 1 Ethan Slade 11:37. 200 metre sprint: 1 Ethan Slade 27.72. 800 metres: 1 Declan Ryan 2:47.2. High jump: 1 Declan Ryan 1.34.

Javelin: 1 Declan Ryan 19.48.

Under 14 Girls 1500 metre walk: 1 Jade Dalton 13:29. 200 metre sprint: 1 Tegan Lowe 35.06. 800 metres: 1 Tegan Lowe 3:21.1. High jump: 1 Tegan Lowe 1.25.

Javelin: 1 Jade Dalton 21.74.

Travel grants for Victorian athletes DEPUTY Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan is encouraging Gippsland’s elite athletes to apply for up to $2000 worth of Victorian Government grants to help travel to major competitions and events.

Mr Ryan said today that applications for a share in the Victorian Government’s new $2 million Elite Athlete Travel Grants Program were now open; part of a 2010 election commitment.

“Victoria’s top up-and-coming athletes can face numerous hurdles throughout their sporting careers, especially when travelling to qualifying events around Australia and the world,” Mr Ryan said.

“These grants will go a long way towards removing the barrier of travel and accommodation costs, so our top Victorian athletes can focus on the task at hand; to represent their communities, Victoria or Australia at the highest level.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said: “The grants cover a range of sports from Olympic and Commonwealth Games sports to any other sport with formal national and international competitions.”

“The grants provide more opportunity for all our top sportspeople to take their careers to the next level by offering valuable financial support toward travel to major events.”

Mr Delahunty said eligible athletes must be recognised by their State Sporting Association as a representative of Victoria or Australia; or be eligible to compete at the highest level nationally and internationally.

Tier One VIS and AIS scholarship holders are not eligible, as they already receive assistance.

“Supporting our top athletes on their journey towards success is one of the many ways the Victorian Government is ensuring even more people can play sport, reach their full potential and get more active more often,” he said.

He added that the $2 million funding towards the Elite Athlete Travel Grants Program will be spread over four years, allowing even more athletes the opportunity to apply for the grants in the future.

The first two closing dates for the program are on February 1 and May 1 2012.

For more information about the Elite Athlete Travel Grants Program visit www. dpcd.vic.gov.au/home/grants.

Young athletes in state relays THREE teams of tenacious young athletes represented Leongatha Little Athletics Club at the 2012 State Relay Championships at Albert Park last Saturday.

In hot conditions on the dazzling blue synthetic surface at Melbourne’s new world-class track, the relay teams all performed with great enthusiasm and gusto in their respective 4x100m events against the top athletes in the state, having qualified from the regional championships in Cranbourne last month.

The Under 9 Mixed team placed seventh in their heat in a time of 1:10.17, the Under 10 Girls finished eighth in 1:11.07 and the Under 12 Girls crossed the line in sixth place in 1:01.16.

Congratulations to all competitors and thanks to Annette Marshman for a first-rate job as team manager.

Budding champs: The Leongatha Under 9 team of Niamh Martin, Ryan Giliam, Merrin Giles and Cambell Riseley.

Ready to race: The Under 12 Girls team of Ebony Burns, Aleisha Wrigley, Jasmine McJames-Court and Sara Riseley.

Leongatha little aths back on track AN ENTHUSIASTIC group of about 80 young competitors from Leongatha Little Athletics Club returned to the velodrome oval on Saturday after the Christmas and New Year break.

Despite the hot weather, the athletes were pumped and primed, and turned in excellent performances, with junior on-track athletes ‘graduating’ to the Under 6 class and more than 100 personal bests (PBs) recorded across all age groups.

Clay Alexander achieved five PBs, and Ethan Tudor, Lily Akers, Madisyn Kenzie, Joshua Wight, Taleisha Snell and Wes Graeme all notched up four PBs. A great effort.

Wes also bagged a centre record, jumping 11.13m in the Under 14 Boys triple jump to break the record he set earlier in the season by a whopping 42cm.

PBs recorded last weekend were as follows: Under 7 Boys E. Colwill 50m; H. Barnes vortex; D. Abernethy 50m, long jump, vortex.

Under 7 Girls M. Kenzie vortex, long jump, 50m, shotput; C. Caithness long jump, vortex, shotput; L. Bevis long jump, vortex; J. Bevis vortex, shotput; N. Crimp long jump, shotput, vortex; C. Molloy shotput, 50m, vortex; E. Snell long

jump, vortex.

Under 8 Boys L. Marshman 200m; R. Carter 200m, shotput; J. Wright 200m, 50m, shotput, triple jump; M. Mancarella shotput.

Under 8 Girls D. Kemp 200m, triple jump, 50m; A. Ritchie triple jump, 200m; J. Findlay 50m, shotput, 200m; M. Birrell shotput; E. Trease 50m, 200m.

Under 9 Boys R. Kemp 50m, javelin; C. Riseley long jump; E. Tudor 50m, 200m, long jump, javelin.

Under 9 Girls A. Crimp javelin; C. Allen javelin, long jump; T. Snell 50m, javelin, 200m, 100m.

Under 10 Boys H. Chandler 50m, 200m; R. Frank 200m; A. Ritchie 200m; N. Bongers long jump; R. Patterson high jump; A. Trease high jump, 200m; S. Cross high jump, 200m.

Under 10 Girls C. Standfield 200m.

Under 11 Boys D. Mancarella 300m hurdles;

A. Hendriske discus.

Under 11 Girls G. Caithness discus; L. Graeme high jump, 300m hurdles; R. Martin discus; H. Wright discus, 200m; S. Allen 300m hurdles; P. Hendriske 300m hurdles.

Under 12 Boys C. White discus.

Under 12 Girls A. Standfield javelin; S. Riseley 300m hurdles, javelin; T. Swan 200m, javelin; N. Allen 300m hurdles.

Under 13 Boys C. Alexander 50m, triple jump, 300m hurdles, 800m, 200m; M. Hendriske 800m, shotput Under 13 Girls L. Akers 200m, shotput, 300m hurdles, 800m.

Under 14 Boys W. Graeme 300m hurdles, shotput, 200m, triple jump.

Under 14 Girls G. Riseley 300m hurdles, shotput, 200m.

Great finish: Dayne Abernethy hits the line to record a PB in the Under 7 Boys 50m sprint.

Fast start: Under 13/14 athletes leap from the blocks in a fast-paced 50m sprint.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 61

Windsurfing takes off at Inverloch INVERLOCH Windsurfing Club (IWC) started one glorious summer afternoon when a group of six beginner windsurfers sat out on the sandbar at Anderson Inlet.

In between runs down the sandbar, someone suggested a club be formed to build a sense of community and to help others to improve.

Never thinking numbers would get beyond a small handful, the club now boasts a membership of more than 140 and has grown to be one of the largest windsurfing organisations in Australia.

Club president Doug “Old Salty” Hocken is clear about what the club is there for.

“The focus of the club is fun, learning and a great social atmosphere,” Mr Hocken said.

“The club is free and we have a growing list of members from all over Melbourne, country Victoria and even from as far away as Queensland and Western Australia who enjoy the trip to Inverloch and the safe sailing on Anderson Inlet. It really is a special place.”

The club has a strong commitment to helping newcomers experience the rush of windsurfing.

Throughout the year, there are several come and try

events, as well as family days and social activities.

Through the generous assistance of the local sailboard retailers, the club also boasts a number of beginner rigs and boards that are available for all to use, along with expert instruction from club members.

Anderson Inlet has large areas of sand banks that makes it beginner friendly, but when the tide drops, these banks also serve as potential speed runs at low tide.

The Southerly Busters GPS speed sailing team, which consists of a number of IWC members, can also be seen tearing it up at speeds up to 70 km/h on the inlet whenever the wind starts to blow. The Southerly Busters compete against teams from all around the world, chasing the fastest speeds and greatest distances recorded in a single day.

The club runs activities year round and has organised many successful events over the last few years, including the Allison Shreeve (Australian Champion) Weekend Teaching Clinics, the Longboard Challenge, the Inverloch Speed Invitational, various mentor days, come and try days, road trips and social nights. Most of these events are free.

Vice president Mick Green invited locals to be

Fast paced: members of the Inverloch Windsurfing Club appreciate the suitable waters of Anderson Inlet. Photo courtesy Drift Media. part of the fun.

“Many people still think of windsurfing as big boards and heavy sails, but modern designs have made it fun and accessible for anyone. All you need is a bit of breeze and a few basic skills and you are away,” he said.

Club member Roy Worner drives from Caroline Springs every

weekend.

“For us it’s about a family friendly environment - both at Inverloch itself and IWC. Both create a safe environment for our kids along with a club focus on promoting our sport.

Making a four hour round trip every weekend is well worth the effort,” he said.

Fellow member

Ernest Gal loves the safe environment.

“The generosity, friendship and camaraderie the club offers is what brings me back every time,” he said.

For more information on the club, please visit http://inverlochwindsurf. org.au or facebook “Inverloch Windsurfing Club”

Nipper of the year THE Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club held their presentations on January 12 at the Inverloch Tennis Club.

This year about 162 kids were involved in the Nippers program.

The Nippers program runs for three weeks, beginning on December 28.

For their efforts over the three weeks, Ollie Collett and Sarah Edney became the male and female Nippers of the Year for Under 12s, 13s and 14s.

This award was given not just for their athleticism but also for their ability to be an active member of the group, challenge themselves,

push themselves forward and demonstrate sportsmanship.

The pair was given a bag with an mp3 player, a pen and a ruler.

Everyone who participated in the program received a certificate.

The night involved the award presentation, speeches and a round of tennis from 6 to 8pm.

Sarah has been involved with the club for three years.

Her father, Tim Edney from Inverloch Marine, sponsors the club and wanted her to become involved. She has enjoyed the experience.

“I’ve always loved the water and I have friends in the club,” she said.

Nipping away: Sarah Edney, Teagan Thom, director of Youth and Leadership Development and Ollie Colett.

Australia Day angling at Venus Bay THE Venus Bay Angling Club held its 2012 Australia Day competition on January 27, 28 and 29.

The weather was kind, with summer finally putting in an appearance for the weekend, making it an ideal weekend for the anglers.

There were 17 seniors who entered the competition and four juniors.

Results Seniors 1st Phil Nebel, trevally 1040g, 2nd Jake Nebel, flathead 1140g, 3rd Bill Gilliam, perch 700g.

Juniors 1st Thomas Grech, mullet 160g.

The club was open on Australia Day late in the afternoon and a good time was had by all who attended.

Our competition Saturday night barbecue was also well attended. Many people enjoyed the breeze blowing in off the water on what turned out to be quite a balmy evening.

Our next competition is scheduled for February 17, 18 and 19. This will be a two and a half day competition which will start at 12noon on Friday and fi-

nal weigh in is 3pm on Sunday.

For more information about our club, please email mail@venusbayanglingclub.org.au, visit us on the web www.venusbayanglingclub.org.au or you can now find us on Facebook, search Venus Bay Angling Club.

Pleased fisherman: this Venus Bay Angling Club fisherman reeled in a couple of big catches.

PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

• B GRADE DIVISION ONE

No worries for Workers WONTHAGGI Workmen’s had no trouble in overhauling Nerrena’s 182 in B2 Division thanks to a fine century by David Britt.

Britt’s 107 was the backbone of the innings to ensure Workers finished on 6/331 and a huge points booster!

He and David Dutchman, 72 runs, shared in a 122 run partnership while Britt and Craig Harvey, also 72 runs, made a 114 run partnership.

When Britt was caught and bowled Workers were sitting pretty at 4/288 and victory was theirs.

Shaun Helms was superb for Nerrena, taking

5/80 from 20 overs.

Imperials were always under the pump chasing the Island’s 9/309 made last week. The Imps finished all out 172 with veteran Geof Forrester making a fine 44 not out down the order. At 6/63 at one stage Geof and James Forrester 30 staged a rescue mission but the Imps could never get there.

Niven 4/31 and Odgers 3/38 were the standouts for the Island bowlers.

OMK steered themselves to victory on the back of some good batting from Rohan White 62, Tim Miller 42 and Jake Cochrane 44. The Diggers finished with 8/255 chasing Inverloch’s 5/235. It was a narrow win and at

7/208 at one stage OMK didn’t have it all their own way. Dean Jeffries 43 not out was invaluable to the final result for OMK. Glen Alvie managed to defend its 162 made last week when it bowled out Wonthaggi Miners for just 81.

Steve Nippers was again prominent with the ball, taking 6/37 for Glen Alvie. Glen Alvie had another crack with the bat, openers Russell, 64, and Slade, 39, hitting a century opening stand.

WON WORKMENS v NERRENA 1st innings Nerrena 182 1st innings Won Workmens D. Dutchman c. T. Trotman b. J. Hoy ..............................72 D. Turton c&b. S. Helms ...........7 D. Britt c&b. S. Helms ...........107 C. Harvey c. B. Castles

b. S. Helms ..........................72 L. Sawyer n.o. ..........................32 J. Sheerin c. C. Baudinette b. S. Helms ............................5 S. Coldebella b. S. Helms ........14 L. McLean n.o. ...........................1 Extras .......................................21 Total ....................................6/331 Bowling: B. Croatto 0/47, B. Castles 0/24, S. Helms 5/80, J. Trease 0/50, T. Clark 0/38, J. Hoy 1/58, D. Trotman 0/25.

IMPERIALS v PHILLIP ISLAND 1st innings Phillip Island 9/309 (cc) 1st innings Imperials R. Higgins c. L. Keating b. S. Niven.............................7 Z. Price c. L. Keating b. G. Odgers ........................27 A. Pellin c. M. Francis b. G. Odgers ..........................9 L. Ballagh lbw. b. S. Niven ........0 D. Johnson b. S. Niven...............5 S. McLennan b. S. Niven .........13 B. Maskell b. A. Matthews.......20 J. Forrester c. L. Keating b. A. Matthews ....................30 G. Forrester n.o. .......................44 M. O’Loughlin c. M. Francis

b. G. Odgers ..........................5 T. Sauvarin c. L. Keating b. P. Francis ...........................2 Extras .......................................10 Total .......................................172 Bowling: A. Matthews 2/23, M. Francis 0/13, S. Niven 4/31, G. Odgers 3/38, Z. Brown 0/28, P. Francis 1/19, R. Cleeland 0/1, J. Blackwell 0/15.

2nd innings Phillip Island M. Francis c. S. McLennan b. M. O’Loughlin ................26 R. Cleeland c. B. Maskell b. J. Forrester.......................37 A. Matthews n.o. ......................42 J. Blackwell c. D. Johnson b. A. Pellin...........................13 J. Manning n.o............................5 Extras .........................................6 Total ....................................3/128 Bowling: S. McLennan 0/18, B. Maskell 0/20, J. Forrester 1/20, R. Higgins 0/14, M. O’Loughlin 1/18, A. Pellin 1/13, T. Sauvarin 0/11, Z. Price 0/10.

OMK v INVERLOCH 1st innings Inverloch 5/235 (cc) 1st innings OMK T. Miller c. J. Griffiths b. J. Courtenay ....................42

A. Miller c. W. Rankin b. A. Hall .............................15 R. White c. M. Anderson b. A. Hall .............................62 J. Van Rooye stp. L. Sharrock b. J. Griffiths .......................17 J. Paterson lbw. b. J. Griffiths .........................0 J. Cochrane r.o..........................44 P. Harper c. J. Griffiths b. A. Hall ...............................0 D. Jeffries n.o. ..........................43 M. Hems c. M. Anderson b. J. Dalmau ........................13 N. Paterson n.o. ..........................3 Extras .......................................16 Total .............................8/255 (cc) Bowling: J. Dalmau 1/35, M. Anderson 0/67, J. Courtenay 1/31, A. Hall 3/54, J. Griffiths 2/16, W. Holmes 0/36, N. Brayley 0/2, A. Cross 0/7.

GLEN ALVIE v WON MINERS 1st innings Glen Alvie 162 1st innings Won Miners P. Hammer c. ..............................3 J. Armstrong b. ...........................6 D. Beesey b. ............................. 11 L. Earl c......................................4 J. Piasente b................................1 P. Owen n.o. ...............................3

B. Foon c. .................................15 B. Mattock lbw. ..........................0 C. Waters n.o. .............................0 Extras .......................................15 Total .........................................81 Bowling: A. Russell 3/28, S. Nippers 6/37, A. McBride 0/4, D. Gilbert 0/5.

2nd innings Glen Alvie A. Russell lbw. b. D. Beesey ....64 R. Slade lbw. b. B. Mattock .....39 M. Hull c. J. Armstrong b. B. Mattock.........................2 J. Wheeler lbw. b. B. Mattock ....0 D. Gilbert c. B. Foon b. B. Mattock.........................0 A. McBride c. b. D. Beesey ..........................1 J. Huitson r.o. (L. Earl) ..............6 L. McRae stp. B. Foon b. P. Owen .............................6 S. Nippers c&b. P. Owen .........27 C. Sherriff c. B. Foon b. J. Armstrong ......................0 D. Wylie n.o. ..............................0 Extras .........................................7 Total .......................................152

• B GRADE DIVISION TWO

Super Schelling snares seven TOWN’S Josh Schelling has bowled one of the finer spells in B Grade cricket to grab seven wickets on Saturday.

The youngster bowled 23 overs and leaked just 61 runs for his wickets, completely dominating the batsmen.

He was well supported

by fellow bowlers Warren Turner and Sam Clark, who took the other three wickets.

Town won the match by 65 runs, and it would have been a lot more if not for a fighting innings from youngster Pierre Dunlevie.

The junior batsmen hung around and played some brilliant strokes to

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments EVANS PETROLEUM Round 12 - February 4 and 11 Home team Away Team Ground Umpire Grade A1 Imperials v Won Miners L Turf C. Salmon Won Workmens v Inverloch McM T. Rogers Korumburra v Glen Alvie Kor K. Lester OMK v Nerrena W Turf G. Laird Grade A2 Phillip Island v Koonwarra-RSL Cowes A. Roberts Kilcunda-Bass v Poowong-Loch Bass 1 A. Jordan Fish Creek-Tarwin v Foster F Turf L .

White MDU v Leongatha Town Dumbalk M. Heenan Grade B1 Won Miners v Imperials Won FG P. Absolon Inverloch v Won Workmens I Turf B .

Bek Nerrena v OMK Nerena S. Lanyon Phillip Island v Glen Alvie NHaven D. Brown Grade B2 Koonwarra-RSL v Korumburra Koon J. Lea Poowong-Loch v Kilcunda-Bass Loch A. Stride OMK v Fish Ck-Tarwin Outtrim B. Thomas Leongatha Town v MDU West 1 N.A Grade C1 Leongatha Town v Won Miners West 2 N. A Won Workmens v Korumburra T.B.A B. Allan Kilcunda-Bass v Nerrena Bass 2 N.A Inverloch v Phillip Island Inverloch M .

Wishart Grade C2 OMK v Koonwarra KSC N.A. Foster v MDU Foster N.A. Won Workmans v Kilcunda Bass Dalyston N.A Glen Alvie v Phillip Island Glen Alvie N.A. Imperials v MDU East C N.A

help his side.

And in one of the best matches in recent times, Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL and MDU have played out a tie.

In a shock result the Cougars were able to reduce the seemingly comfortable Demons from 5/133 to all out for 147.

The man of the hour was Ben Thomas, who snared 4/42 but it was Hugh Langenberg who took the last wicket to seal the match as a tie.

Earlier on Brett Spokes had made it seem like an MDU rout, scoring 66 fluently before he fell, also to Langenberg.

The Fishy turf was again suspect as the home side scored an outright win against Poowong Loch.

Fish Creek-Tarwin de-

clared at 6/131 and sent Poowong Loch back in.

They had little trouble removing them for just 62 runs.

Clayton Bawden took an unbelievable 5/8 to take player of the match honours.

Kilcunda/Bass 7/227 defeated OMK 169 with Killy’s opener T Aplin top scoring with 68 with R Daff chipping in with 55.

FISH CREEK-TARWIN v POOWONG-LOCH 1st innings Fish Creek-Tarwin 109 1st innings Poowong-Loch G. Staindl c. G. Buckland b. J. Pouw .............................4 R. Carvill c. C. Bawden b. J. Pouw .............................0 R. Knox c. J. Pouw b. C. Bawden ........................5 N. Hancock lbw. b. J. Pouw .............................3 M. Hancock b. C. Bawden ........2 S. Magnusson c. b. C. Bawden ........................0 R. Humphrey r.o. ....................15

LDCA ladders A Grade Division 1 Won Workmens ...............145.61 Inverloch ..........................120.95 Korumburra .................... 115.06 Won Miners .....................109.42 OMK ...................................90.46 Imperials .............................90.16 Nerrena ................................89.83 Glen Alvie ...........................39.29 A Grade Division 2 Phillip Island....................146.80 Kilcunda-Bass..................131.07 MDU .................................121.59 Koonwarra-RSL.............. 113.58 Poowong - Loch ................ 103.11 Town....................................80.13 Fish creek-Tarwin ...............75.73 Foster...................................36.24 B Grade Division 1 Won Workmens ...............153.86 Inverloch ..........................130.12 Phillip Island....................126.74 OMK................................. 116.73 Glen Alvie ...........................87.13 Won Miners .........................76.81 Nerrena ................................75.44 Imperials .............................39.09 B Grade Division 2 Korumburra ....................131.41 Kilcunda-Bass..................126.51 MDU .................................123.51 OMK................................. 115.84 Town..................................100.94 Fish Creek-Tarwin...............89.70 Koonwarra RSL ..................74.29 Poowong-Loch ....................39.15

C Grade Division 1 Won Workmens ...............137.88 Won Miners .....................128.32 Inverloch .......................... 111.85 Kilcunda-Bass..................103.71 Nerrena ................................83.79 Town....................................76.27 Phillip Island .......................68.61 Korumburra .........................62.62 C Grade Division 2 OMK.................................132.41 Phillip Island....................131.26 Imperials ..........................122.69 MDU .................................122.66 Koonwarra RSL ..............120.10 Kilcunda-Bass .....................72.46 Glen Alvie ...........................70.53 Won Workmens ...................70.45 Foster...................................69.06 MDU Blue...........................41.40 Poowong-Loch ....................37.69 Town......................................0.00

H. Elms c. G. Buckland b. T. Stybosh .........................0 R. Staindl c. M. Bright b. C. Bawden ........................4 B. Murphy c. G. Buckland b. T. Stybosh .........................0 S. McKinnon n.o. .....................1 Extras .....................................14 Total .......................................48 Bowling: J. Spokes 0/10, J. Pouw 3/14, C. Bawden 4/8, T. Stybosh 3/5, T. Smith 0/5.

2nd innings Fish Creek-Tarwin J. Buckland b. G. Staindl ........23 R. McGannon b. H. Hancock....0 J. Pouw b. M. Hancock ...........36 M. Bright c. S. Farbus b. S. McKinnon ................. 11 J. Spokes b. S. McKinnon.......13 C. Bawden b. S. McKinnon ......0 G. Buckland n.o. .....................17 T. Stybosh n.o. ........................20 Extras ..................................... 11 Total .........................6/131 (dec) Bowling: S. McKinnon 3/54, M. Hancock 1/48, G. Staindl 1/15, N. Hancock 0/7.

2nd innings Poowong-Loch R. Knox c&b. L. Buckland .....19 G. Staindl c. M. Bright b. C. Bawden .......................8 N. Hancock lbw. b. C. Bawden .......................8 M. Hancock c. M. Bright b. L. Buckland .....................0 R. Staindl c. J. Spokes b. C. Bawden .......................1 R. Humphrey n.o. .....................4 S. McKinnon b. C. Bawden ......0 S. Magnusson b. C. Bawden .....0 H. Elms lbw. b. T. Stybosh .......2 B. Murphy c. G. Buckland b. T. Stybosh ........................2 S. Farbus b. T. Stybosh .............0 Extras .....................................18 Total .......................................62 Bowling: J. Spokes 0/19, J. Pouw 0/9, C. Bawden 5/8, L. Buckland 2/16, G. Buckland 0/2,

T. Stybosh 3/2.

MDU v KOONWARRA-RSL 1st innings Koonwarra-RSL 147 1st innings MDU D. Jones c. b. S. Paterson .....................26 C. Harris c. b. J. Moore...........................9 D. Thomas b. S. Paterson .........3 B. Spokes c. H. Langenburg b. B. Thomas .....................66 T. Harris lbw. b. S. Turner ......13 S. McRae c&b. B. Thomas .......3 M. Martin c. b. S. Turner ..........................6 L. Mercer n.o. ...........................5 S. Riley c. C. Moscript b. B. Thomas .......................0 K. Sinclair lbw. b. B. Thomas ...3 B. Coulter c. b. H. Langenburg .................0 Extras .....................................13 Total ..................................... 147 Bowling: S. Paterson 2/17, J. Moore 1/17, S. Turner 2/33, E. Charles 0/13, B. Thomas 4/42, H. Langenberg 1/10, J. Pickersgill 0/8.

KILCUNDA-BASS v OMK 1st innings OMK 169 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass T. Aplin c. C. Maguire b. G. Adams .......................68 D. Clay b. G. Lomagno.............2 J. Tregear b. G. Lomagno ....... 11 A. Larcombe c&b. b. D. Halliday .................... 11 S. Blake b. C. O’Brien ............17 H. Grace c. b. L. Wilson .......................36 S. Shelton b. G. Knox ...............0 R. Duff n.o. .............................55 R. Gardiner n.o. ......................10 Extras .....................................17 Total ..................................7/227 Bowling: G. Adams 1/47, C. O’Brien 1/42, G. Lomagno 2/41, G. Knox 2/19, D. Halliday 0/13,

N. Audino 0/20, L. Wilson 1/30, C. Maguire 0/11.

KORUMBURRA v TOWN 1st innings Town 204 1st innings Korumburra T. Allen c. S. Fixter b. W. Turner ..........................6 J. Turnbull b. J. Schelling .........1 J. Richards c&b. J. Schelling ....8 P. Dunlevie c. S. Fixter b. S. Clark ..........................41 J. Oxlee c. G. Goss b. J. Schelling ......................4 C. Smith c. G. Goss b. J. Schelling ....................20 A. Balfour c. J. Schelling b. J. Schelling ....................12 D. Fearnley b. J. Schelling........0 N. Allen c. I. McCallum b. W. Turner .......................21 T. Gray c. K. Fleming b. J. Schelling ......................5 H. James n.o. ............................4 Extras .....................................17 Total ..................................... 139 Bowling: J. Schelling 7/61, W. Turner 2/44, D. Goss 0/5, S. Clark 1/23, S. Fixter 0/5.

2nd innings Town B. Moore c. J. Oxlee b. H. James ........................24 G. Fleming b. H. James ..........10 I. McCallum lbw. b. H. James 10 W. Turner n.o. .........................71 K. Fleming b. J. Oxlee ............20 J. Schelling n.o. ......................29 Extras .....................................12 Total ..................................4/176 Bowling: N. Allen 0/31, H. James 3/27, P. Dunlevie 0/22, T. Gray 0/24, J. Oxlee 1/14, D. Fearnley 0/17, C. Smith 0/34, T. Allen 0/2.

Under 16 East Zone Fish Creek- Tarwin..............79.77 Koonwarra-RSL/Town.........79.26 Imperials...............................79.21 Korumburra..........................57.84 MDU....................................37.68 Foster....................................37.42 West Zone Phillip Island .....................102.72 Won Workmens....................74.73 Inverloch..............................69.45 Poowong-Loch/GA..............35.78 Kilcunda-Bass......................31.85

Paceman: Col Bruce putting some heat on the ball against Phillip Island.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - PAGE 63

• A GRADE DIVISION 1

Miners begin run to finals WONTHAGGI Miners have found some confidence heading into the business end of the season, after a convincing win over Korumburra.

The Miners were underdogs heading into the match, but skittled the Cobras for 125 before launching a massive score of 320.

No batsman was relied upon too heavily, with five players scoring above 30.

Cam Thomas was the best with 64 not out.

The Miners could prove the dark horse this season, with their remaining three matches coming up against teams outside

the top four.

Glen Alvie’s Darren Tiziani almost got his side over the line with a fighting knock of 94 on the weekend, but when the lower order batsman was trapped LBW their hopes were dashed.

The Alvie were chasing 215 for victory, but at 4/17 the signs weren’t good.

But Tiziani, along with David Hales (51), hung around and got the score to 194 before he was dismissed.

Unfortunately the last wicket fell with the Alvie just seven runs short of a draw.

Inverloch and OMK also played out a tight match, with key Stingrays bowlers Lewie Rankin and

Ryan Thomas’ 10 run partnership one of the most important they’ll play.

While Rankin didn’t score, Thomas made 11 to help their side over the line by two runs before he was removed by Peter Dell.

The win was set up earlier in the day by runs from Jason Smith (53) and Brett DeBono (47).

Nerrena did their best to chase down Wonthaggi Workmens’ 275, but fell 41 runs short as they were bowled out.

Gerard Murphy was the best with the bat, scoring 48. Gav Bolding was the pick of the bowlers with 3/32.

NERRENA v WON WORKMENS 1st innings Won Workmens 275

1st innings Nerrena C. Friebe c. C. Harvey b. M. McCall ........................34 M. Clark c. G. Bolding b. J. Sherrin ..........................18 T. Wightman c. C. Harvey b. R. Thomas ........................28 D. Symmons c. J. Liddle b. R. Thomas ........................19 G. Murphy c. M. Thomas b. G. Bolding ........................48 D. Baldi c. J. Sheerin b. M. McCall ........................27 L. Roberts lbw. b. G. Bolding ..10 P. Matheson c. T. Hooper b. G. Britt ...............................7 L. Jongebloed c. G. Britt b. G. Bolding ..........................2 R. Clark n.o. .............................23 A. Trotto c. J. Liddle b. R. Thomas ..........................8 Extras .........................................8 Total .......................................232 Bowling: R. Thomas 3/52, G. Bolding 3/32, M. McCall 2/42, J. Sheerin 1/34, J. Thomas 0/25, M. Thomas 0/22, G. Britt 1/20.

GLEN ALVIE v IMPERIALS 1st innings Imperials (cc) 9/214 1st innings Glen Alvie S. Smith b. L. Rogers .................0

S. Lowe c. T. Williams b. M. Adkins...........................6 A. Hamilton c. S. Vagg b. L. Rogers ............................4 P. Roberts c. T. Williams b. L. Rogers ............................5 D. Hales c. A. DeGennaro b. M. Elliott ..........................51 D. Tiziani lbw. b. L. Rogers .....94 J. Tiziani b. M. Elliott ................0 B. Ould b. B. Davidson ..............5 K. Simpson b. B. Davidson......12 J. Hales c. B. Davidson b. M. Elliott ..........................17 D. Williams n.o. .........................5 Extras .........................................8 Total .......................................207 Bowling: L. Rogers 4/32, M. Adkins 1/29, K. Gray 0/48, A. De Gennaro 0/28, M. Elliott 3/46, B. Davidson 2/21.

INVERLOCH v OMK 1st innings OMK 233 1st innings Inverloch W. Taberner lbw. b. G. Pickles .........................22 T. Thornby b. B. Wyatt...............6 J. Smith b. P. Dell .....................53 B. Sword c. D. Lloyd b. J. Wilson ...........................15

D. Clark c. W. Dowell b. D. McMeekin ...................19 D. Ruffin c. W. Dowell b. G. Pickles .........................33 B. Debono c. D. Lloyd b. J. Wilson ...........................47 K. Rothier c. D. Lloyd b. D. McMeekin ...................10 N. Cant b. J. Wilson ................. 11 R. Thomas b. P. Dell ................ 11 L. Rankin n.o..............................0 Extras .........................................8 Total .......................................235 Bowling: A. Meade 0/21, P. Dell 2/79, B. Wyatt 1/41, G. Pickles 2/35, J. Wilson 3/31, D. McMeekin 2/16, K. Kerr 0/4.

WON MINERS v KORUMBURRA

1st innings Korumburra 125 1st innings Won Miners M. Donohue c. D. Salmon b. A. Katipearachchi ............58 A. Donohue c. K. Dorman b. U. Weerasinghe ................48 J. O’Reilly lbw. b. A. Katipearachchi ...............0 M. Johnson c. K. Dorman b. A. Katipearachchi ...............1 P. Jordan lbw. b. D. Scott .........30

J. Andrighetto c. K. Miller b. D. Wyhoon .......................35 C. Thomas n.o. .........................64 B. Foon b. D. Wyhoon .............10 R. Birkett b. A. Katipearachchi ..0 D. Foon b. A. Katipearachchi.....0 P. Burgess lbw. b. U. Weerasinghe ................34 Extras .......................................40 Total .......................................320 Bowling: A. Katipearachchi 5/96, L. Williams 0/16, U. Weerasinghe 2/80, D. Wyhoon 2/34, K. Dorman 0/18, I. Osman 0/32, D. Scott 1/20, D. Salmon 0/6, J. Cook 0/2, K. Rigby 0/6.

2nd innings Korumburra D. Salmon c. A. Donohue b. P. Burgess .........................12 K. Rigby c. D. Foon b. P. Burgess .........................20 U. Weerasinghe n.o. .................10 D. Scott n.o. ...............................0 Extras .........................................9 Total ......................................2/51 Bowling: B. Foon 0/10, D. Foon 0/16, P. Burgess 2/12, A. Donohue 0/9.

• A GRADE DIVISION 2

Outright pain for ’Gatha Town LEONGATHA Town was hammered at the hands of Phillip Island on Saturday.

The Scorpions were beaten outright as the Island took wickets at will.

After rolling Town for 88 the Island piled on 173 runs, but were bowled out and Town took to the crease again.

But none of their batsmen lasted very long, and a brilliant spell from bowler Simon Kirton (4/6 off 5.4) had Town reeling again.

They were bowled out for the paltry score of 47.

Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL did it easy against MDU, but it was heartbreak for number three batsman Sam Sperling.

The left hander batted brilliantly, scoring at a

fast pace to find himself 81 at tea.

He continued on his merry way, and a ton looked a formality until Mark LePage bowled him on 96.

LePage finished with the best figures for the day with 3/59 from 16 overs.

Kilcunda-Bass managed to get a buffer on the Demons courtesy of their win over Foster.

Josh Toner made a crafty 75, and Nathan Vening 55 as the Tigers looked like they may produce an upset.

But the Bass boys managed to get wickets whenever they were required and had the Tigers all out 33 runs short of their target.

Poowong-Loch kept themselves in touch with the top four with a nice win against Fish Creek-

Tarwin.

The Poowong bats made 207 after rolling Fishy for 120 the week before. Paul Dyer (55) and Russell Greaves (44) were the heroes.

POOWONG-LOCH v FISH CREEK-TARWIN 1st innings Fish Creek-Tarwin 120 1st innings Poowong-Loch M. Adderley c&b. J. Flanders 25 C. Fraser c. D. Britton b. J. Flanders ....................... 0 P. Dyer c. b. N. Wilkins .................... 55 G. Birnie c. N. Wilkins b. J. Law .......................... 29 R. Greaves b. J. Flanders....... 44 L. Green c. D. Britton b. J. Flanders ...................... 2 D. Brown b. S. Rabbitt ............ 3 V. Rawat c. b. S. Rabbitt ....................... 0 T. Hancock b. S. Rabbitt ......... 1 A. Jenkins c. G. Watkins b. M. Van Boven ................ 5 D. Brain n.o. ........................... 0 Extras .................................... 44 Total ................................... 207 Bowling: S. Rabbitt 3/64, J. Flanders 4/45, H. Buckland 0/21, N. Wilkins 1/25, J. Law 1/25, C. Fisher 0/12, M. Van Boven 1/1.

2nd innings Fish Creek-

Tarwin G. Watkins c. P. Dyer b. R. Greaves ..................... 8 G. Webster b. A. Jenkins ......... 3 N. Wilkins c&b. T. Hancock . 37 J. Law b. R. Greaves ............. 24 C. Fisher c. T. Hancock b. A. Jenkins .................... 26 S. Rabbitt c. D. Brown b. D. Brain ....................... 19 H. Buckland c. P. Dyer b. D. Brain ......................... 1 H. Flanders n.o. ....................... 6 D. Britton n.o. ......................... 0 Extras .................................... 10 Total ......................... 7/134 (cc) Bowling: A. Jenkins 1/28, R. Greaves 2/23, S. Jenkins 1/27, D. Brain 2/21, T. Hancock 1/12, G. Birnie 0/10, D. Brown 0/4.

KOONWARRA-RSL v MDU 1st innings MDU 269 1st innings Koonwarra-RSL B. Moscript c. R. Olden b. M. Cantwell ................... 2 L. Enter b. S. Arnup .............. 15 S. Sperling b. M. Le Page ..... 96 S. Moore stp. R. Olden b. B. Thomas .................... 12 B. Anderson c. M. Cantwell b. M. Le Page ................... 22 N. Grimes b. M. Patching ...... 35 J. Kennedy c. J. Sinclair b. S. Arnup ......................... 9 T. Gordon c. R. Olden b. M. Cantwell ................. 24 N. Arnup n.o. ........................ 38

T. Davison c. R. Olden b. M. Olden ...................... 18 J. Hughes c&b. M. Le Page ... 39 Extras .................................... 23 Total ................................... 333 Bowling: M. Cantwell 2/27, M. Patching 1/76, M. Le Page 3/59, S. Arnup 2/61, B. Thomas 1/51, J. Sinclair 0/27, C. Le Page 0/13, M. Olden 1/7.

FOSTER v KILCUNDA-BASS 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass 8/274 (dec) 1st innings Foster M. Lynch lbw. b. D. Pipicelli ................... 13 S. Chaseling b. A. Schackelford .............. 0 F. Griggs c. S. Oates b. J. Dakin ........................... 2 J. Toner c. S. Oates b. A. Shackelford ............. 75 L. Toner b. J. Dakin .............. 14 P. Dower c. T. Miller b. J. Dakin ....................... 23 P. Cardilini c. S. Oates b. A. Shackelford ............... 0 N. Vening c. P. Mohascy b. D. Pipicelli ................... 55 J. Prain b. D. Pipicelli ............. 7 D. Clearihan-Jervies c. T. Miller b. C. Davidson ................. 29 R. Dower n.o. ........................ 21 Extras ...................................... 1 Total ................................... 241 Bowling: A. Shackelford 2/41, J. Dakin 3/53, C. Davidson

1/40, J. Dakin 1/25, J. Mahood 0/43, D. Pipicelli 3/39.

2nd innings Kilcunda-Bass J. Mahood r.o. ....................... 10 S. Tapscott c. P. Dower b. F. Griggs ........................ 7 T. Miller lbw. b. D. Clearihan-Jervies ..... 20 C. Hart c. M. Lynch b. D. Clearihan-Jervies ..... 25 C. Davidson c. J. Toner b. L. Toner ....................... 23 A. Shackelford n.o. ............... 37 S. Oates n.o. .......................... 45 Extras .................................... 13 Total ................................ 5/181 Bowling: F. Griggs 1/13, P. Dower 0/26, D. ClearihanJervies 2/26, L. Toner 1/34, S. Chaseling 0/33, J. Prain 0/19, J. Toner 0/21.

TOWN v PHILLIP ISLAND 1st innings Town 88 1st innings Phillip Island S. Murdoch b. R. McLennan . 15 M. Manteit c. M. Smith b. J. Burge ......................... 25 T. Hornsby lbw. b. R. McLennan ................ 25 E. Richards c. b. C. Bruce ..... 14 A. Manteit c. M. Borschman b. J. Hume ......................... 24 L. Cleeland b. R. McLennan . 10 C. Wilson c. b. C. Bruce .......... 1 M. Price c. I. Hanks b. C. Bruce ......................... 9 J. Broomhall n.o. ................... 16

S. Boyack b. C. Bruce ............. 3 S. Kirton b. R. McLennan ....... 8 Extras .................................... 23 Total ................................... 173 Bowling: R. McLennan 4/62, A. Hickey 0/19, J. Bolge 0/18, J. Burge 1/21, J. Hume 1/4, M. Borschman 0/12, C. Bruce 4/24.

2nd innings Town C. Bruce c. C. Wilson b. L. Cleeland................... 18 J. Burge b. S. Boyack .............. 2 M. Borschman c&b. S. Boyack .................. 1 J. Withers c. A. Manteit b. L. Cleeland................... 11 R. McLennan lbw. b. S. Kirton ........................ 1 M. Smith c. C. Wilson b. L. Cleeland..................... 1 A. Hickey c. L. Cleeland b. S. Kirton ........................ 4 I. Hanks c&b. S. Kirton........... 2 J. Bolge n.o. ............................ 0 J. Hume c. L. Cleeland b. S. Kirton ........................ 0 Extras ...................................... 7 Total ..................................... 47 Bowling: S. Boyack 2/5, S. Murdoch 0/4, C. Wilson 0/5, L. Cleeland 3/22, S. Kirton 4/6.

C Grade Gavin 2/35) d Imperials 70 & 3/68 (R. McGavin 23 & 40, L. McFee 2/1 & 1/6).

Kilcunda-Bass d Poowong-Loch (won on forfeit).

Koonwarra-RSL 5/88 (dec) & 1/55 (P. Buckley 25, A. Kaushik 2/11; B. Pickersgill 23, S. Opray 1/20) d MDU 66 & 74 (S. Dunlop 15, S. Anderson 3/10; K. Robinson 18, M. Clarke 5/10).

Glen Alvie 9/188 (R. Matthews 89, S. Lanyon 4/47) d Foster 158 (T. Byrnes 34, S. Singh 3/21).

MDU Red 301 (T. Zukovskis 114, B. Evans 3/54) d Wonthaggi Workmens 147 & 2/50 (J. Turner 72 & 19, M. Olden 5/18).

Wildcats

AUTUMN 2012 DOMESTIC SEASON To commence

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 GRADES AVAILABLE: MEN: A, B and Masters (over 35) grades. WOMEN: A and B grades ENTRIES CLOSE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012 WITH: The Secretary, PO Box 80, Korumburra, 3950 or at Korumburra Recreation Centre. Phone 5655 2112, fax 5658 1419, email: kbainc@dcsi.net.au

Under 16 Kilcunda-Bass v Fish Creek-Tarwin 4/184 (cc) (J. Buckland 70, K. Condick 2/19).

Poowong-Loch 65 (J. Hamilton 25) v Phillip Island 0/62.

Korumburra 4-251 (cc) (T. Byrnes 2/27) v Foster.

Wonthaggi Workmens v Koonwarra RSL-Town 152 (L. Hanks 96, Z. Macdermid 2/36).

Imperials 0/13 (L. Thwaites 10, M. Trotto 0/1) v MDU 94 (B. Amato 22, B. Davidson 3/9).

Shot mate: Sam Sperling hits straight on his way to 96. The young batsmen kept a cool head all day until he was finally removed. Photo courtesy Mark Drury.

JUNIOR TEAMS Entry forms available at Korumburra Recreation Centre.

The REGISTRATION DAY for all junior grades (Under 10 through to Under 18 girls and boys) will be on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012 at 5pm Persons interested in coaching junior teams are asked to attend.

The K.B.A. Inc. offers the strongest senior domestic competitions in South Gippsland and the opportunity to play top quality basketball at CBL and Vic. Country Championship levels.

K.B.A. Inc. Committee

MP4090

Division 1 Wonthaggi Workmens 286 (A. Yann 64, J. Hoy 2/18) d Nerrena 143 (T. Clark 45, S. Roche 4/32).

Inverloch 270 (W. Williams 130, M. O’Loughlin 4/20) d Town 154 (G. Young 64, W. Williams 6/26).

Korumburra 157 (M. Femley 71, A. Blackney 5/38) d Kilcunda-Bass 112 (I. Brown 26, S. Hall 4/26).

Wonthaggi Miners 9/175 (cc) (G. Peters 39, D. Johnston 3/33) d Phillip Island 9/174 (cc) (B. Johnston 52, P. Loos 3/36).

Division 2 Phillip Island 7/280 (cc) (R. Good 72, R. Mc-

PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Phillip Island takes 20/20 title PHILLIP Island has taken out the LDCA Twenty20 tournament.

The h A Grade G d Division i i i 2 ladder l dd leaders l d defeatd f ed the other 15 A Grade sides to claim the games shortest form title.

Some late hitting from OMK’s James Paterson threatened to take the game away from the Island, as he hit two balls large over mid wicket.

OMK reached 120 with 11 balls to spare, and a slog out to cow corner saw the batsmen charging back for a second, but a brilliant throw from fielder Tim Hornsby found Ash Meade short of the crease.

Man of the match went to Phillip Island’s Mitch Price, who took 4/6 in the middle overs, taking the game away from the Diggers.

The Island has shown they are capable of matching it with their higher level opponents, with captain Shane Murdoch saying he hoped he would see the Diggers again next season.

“It’s a real credit to the boys that we’ve been able to win this against an A1 side, and we hope we can get up there and take them on next year,” he said.

The Island defeated Wonthaggi Miners, Korumburra and OMK, all A1 teams on their way to the title.

Champions: the winning Phillip Island Cricket Club A Grade Twenty20 side following their win on Saturday. They are, back from left: Tony Hornsby, Peter Colla, James Blackwell, Mitch Price, Andrew Matthews, Brent Murdoch, Simon Kirton, front: Eli Richards, Shane Murdoch (captain), Lochie Cleeland and Alex Manteit.

Gippsland Pride’s Under 16 girls team has taken out the state title. The girls celebrate here after being presented with their shield.

Chelsea Moscript (Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL) led the girls onslaught, taking 3/13 and hitting 15 runs to earn the player of the match title. The talented all rounder was also the winner of the Under 18 girls player of the series.

Loretta Chumley of Wonthaggi grabbed two wickets in a great effort with the ball.

It was a convincing win for Gippsland, who knocked over their opponents, the Mallee Murray Heat for just 47 runs.

The match was played on the pristine Melbourne University ground.

For more details see page 59 of today’s sport.