The Great Southern Star - January 5, 2010

Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland

36 McCartin Street, Leongatha 3953 PHONE: (03) 5662 2294, FAX: (03) 5662 4350 ACN 006 507 580 ABN 61 318 952 541 PRINT POST 336735 10006 Email - news@thestar.com.au advertising@thestar.com.au

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PAGES 13-18

The Great Southern

Star

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2010

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PUBLISHED TUESDAY 56 PAGES

Beach rescues

Stony ponies

Page 3.

Sport

Rhythm stick

Park brake Caravan park shortage costs millions in tourism dollars

By Brad Lester MILLIONS of tourist dollars are being lost as a shortage of caravan park spaces forces thousands of visitors away from the South Gippsland coast.

THE Watbalimba Dancers were happy to do a traditional dance routine for The Star when the paper visited the Welshpool Sea Days festival on Saturday. The dancers are from the Gunnai people of Gippsland.

The troupe has a strong history in performance and the troupe is very much a family affair. Headed by Wayne Thorpe (back) and Allan Williams Snr. (second from back), the renowned performers also include young and talented artists Allan Williams Jnr., Teekin Thorpe and Wayen Thorpe.

Up to 3000 tourists have already been turned away from the Cape Paterson Caravan Park this summer.

And the problem is expected to worsen dramatically with the closure of two caravan parks at Phillip Island and another at Inverloch.

The park closures will result in tourists leaving the district, stripping about 600 caravan and camping sites from the shire, and vital tourism dollars from the economy.

Cape Paterson Caravan Park proprietor David Wilson, estimates he will have to turn a further 1000 people away for the Labour Day long weekend in March and up to 2000 people at Easter.

He believes another park should be opened in foreshore bushland at Cape Paterson and is calling on the State Government to encourage the development of more caravan parks along coastal Victoria.

“The phone has just been ringing hot today with people wanting to stay one or two nights. It’s a disaster the way it is happening, but the government is not doing anything about it,” Mr Wilson

said last Wednesday.

“The opportunities for people wanting short cheap stays are limited. It’s not just here but also in shires in other coastal areas as well.”

Mr Wilson has approached the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to create another caravan park in existing bush between the caravan park and the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club.

But he said Bass Coast Shire Council told him the DSE would be unlikely to approve such a development.

“The State Government needs to sit down and seriously think about the future of caravanning and camping in Victoria,” Mr Wilson said.

“Lots of international tourists drive around and look for sites but they can’t find any and end up staying on the roadside. It’s the same with interstate tourists.”

Mr Wilson believes the bushland also poses a major fire risk to his park. A fire in that vicinity several years ago nearly destroyed the park.

“It should be thinned out a bit because if we got a fire with a south-westerly wind behind it, it could go through the park,” he said.

With 98 per cent of sites re-booked from summer to summer at Cape Paterson, the opportunities for new guests are limited.

Continued on page 5.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Water in the red

By Jane Ross

SOUTH Gippsland Water ended the last financial year with a loss of $288,000.

When the $100,000 profit that the authority had budgeted for is taken into account, the loss is closer to $400,000.

Its causes are complex said managing director Steve Evans, but they include borrowings for capital works and reduced water consumption.

The good news is there’s no plan at this stage to recoup the money from increased tariffs.

Mr Evans said South Gippsland Water is a $22 million-a-year business which “is fairly well on budget” so far this year and the 2008/09 loss should not cause any long term problems.

Times have changed since the debt-free days demanded by the Kennett Government after the forced merger of water boards.

Tariffs are now set by the Essential Services Commission with input from individual water authorities.

The tariffs are set for a five year period but can, on application, be altered. South Gippsland Water has three years of the current five-year agreement to go.

While some other Victorian rural water groups are having to meet deficits through raised tariffs, Mr Evans said South Gippsland has not reached that stage.

He said the authority relied on income from its customers, particularly through water usage.

Consumers are no longer on the tight water restrictions of recent years but their willingness to reduce water consumption has stayed with them.

That’s a good thing from a water conservation point of view said Mr Evans, but it’s had an impact on income.

The authority’s capital works include ongo-

ing pipe upgrades and a $16 million sewerage scheme for Poowong, Loch and Nyora. The $5 million pipe between Wonthaggi’s Lance Creek Reservoir and the desalination plant site at Williamsons Beach is not included because it is being paid for by the desalination project. Mr Evans said the pipe is not finished yet, but South Gippsland Water has been reimbursed for the work so far.

He said his staff are preparing financial documentation to present to the authority board when it meets in three weeks’ time.

“Board members already know the situation but we need to confirm that.”

Meanwhile, an annual independent survey has shown that 98 per cent of South Gippsland Water customers were satisfied with the service provided by authority staff.

“One of the best results was in managing service difficulties and faults, with 100 per cent of customers satisfied,” said Mr Evans.

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The survey also found that 99 per cent of customers whose properties were connected to the authority’s wastewater services, were satisfied with those and 98 per cent were content with their water supply.

“The past year has been a challenge in terms of securing supply and ensuring quality,” said Mr Evans. “It is heartening to see that our customers have benefited from our efforts.”

The telephone survey involved more than 400 customers in 15 towns across 10 water supply districts.

Mr Evans said South Gippsland Water excelled in a number of areas, notably in how it treated and disposed of trade waste and overall satisfaction.

Survey results are used to focus on areas needing improvement.

The authority has undertaken regular customer satisfaction surveys since 1999.

Change fire levy: VFF THE Fire Service Levy attached to property insurance is “inequitable” and demanded review, the state’s peak farmer body said last week.

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The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) made a submission to the Bushfire Royal Commission regarding its Fire Service Levy (FSL) and Insurance Discussion Paper.

That submission highlighted the problems associated with an insurance-based system for the funding of fire services and proposed a more equitable alternative.

VFF president Andrew Broad said that the current system of linking fire services funding with insurance was inequitable and the government needed to take heed of suggested alternative models.

“The VFF has long argued that the funding of fire services via a levy on insurance is wrong. It is an outdated system which most of the other Australian states moved away from a long time ago,” he said.

“We are very pleased that the Bushfire Royal Commission is looking at the funding of fire services as a part of its review.

“We hope that the Royal Commission will prove independently that the current model is inequitable, and that these findings will prompt the State Government to listen to those organisations providing evidence of a more appropriate alternative.”

The VFF supports a charge on building values and car registrations to provide funding for fire services.

“This is a fairer and more broad-based funding system which will ultimately translate into lower costs for every Victorian,” Mr Broad said.

The discussion paper released by the Bushfire Royal Commission poses 10 questions relating to the funding of fire services in Victoria.

The VFF’s submission is available at www. vff.org.au and the discussion paper is available at http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/Discussion-Paper.

Season spirit THERE was goodwill aplenty at the Meeniyan Uniting Church as more than 40 people gathered to share Christmas lunch.

Dilene Hunter of Venus Bay, shared Christmas with her family before December 25, so that she could go to Meeniyan and help out. She hadn’t been before.

She said the community atmosphere there was wonderful.

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It brought back the goodwill of Christmas.”

Dilene said one of the most appealing aspects of the day was that the people attending were aged between two and 90.

“That really touched me. The day was about people just wanting to be with others. I felt privileged to be part of it.”

Run by the combined churches of Meeniyan, the lunch is designed for those who would otherwise be without extended family or on their own on Christmas day.

Bill Comans, who is one of the organisers, said the event was “a great success”.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 3

To the rescue

By Brad Lester and Matt Dunn THE summer saving season is in full swing, with lifesavers across the region rescuing stricken beach goers and hapless fishermen.

Inverloch lifesavers alone have performed 13 rescues since Boxing Day, with “most of those occurring in the two days before New Year’s Eve”.

Speaking yesterday, Inverloch Lifesaving president Phillipe du Plessis, said he believed more rescues would need to be performed in the coming days with the weather again hotting up.

“It’s definitely higher than normal. It’s a product of the amount of people and the weather. We certainly had some trouble with the crowds over that warm period,” he said.

Mr du Plessis said most of the rescues are for children who have been lost and those who have strayed outside the flags that designate patrolled waters.

“We had 10 lost children and 16 first aid incidents. There hasn’t been any huge incidents where we’ve had to call an ambulance,” Mr du Plessis said.

Venus Bay has been less busy than Inverloch, with a natural phenomenon making life a little easier for the lifesavers there.

“It’s been very quiet. The way the beach has developed, we’ve got a trough, with a sandbar about 200m out. We’ve got this sort of protected area right near the beach,” Venus Bay publicity officer Julian Seri said.

At Waratah Bay there was more action, with lifesavers returning a stricken vessel to shore on the evening of Sunday, December 27.

A boat with two on board broke down three kilometres directly south of the Shallow Inlet entrance.

Four members of the Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving club responded in a Rigid Inflatable Boat, towing the six metre boat inside the inlet by 8.30pm.

Rescuer and club past president Tim Barbour said the inlet entrance was fortunately calm, allowing the rescue to be fin-

Sea patrol: the Waratah Beach Surf Lifesaving Club’s inflatable boat has been a handy acquisition.

Baby of the year A BOY was the first baby born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital in 2010.

Ryder Mitchell Walters was born at 5.25am on January 1.

He is the second child of Trent and Deanna Walters of Leongatha and a brother for 13-month-old Aydan.

Ryder was due on January 4, but perhaps knew there was no status in that arrival time.

Mum said Ryder had been a really good baby so far.

2010’s first born: baby Ryder Walters with midwives Chris Busuttil and Sharyn Rayson, and student midwife Cheryl Green.

ished before darkness fell.

“The inlet is a trap. It’s easy to find your way out but it’s hard to pick the entrance mouth because it’s on such a long beach,” he said.

“It’s nearly impossible to identify the inlet unless you are experienced. You really need to know your landmarks.”

Mr Barbour has known boaters to direct their vessels into the surf, mistakenly believing they were approaching the inlet bar.

“With the wrong type of boat, you can be trapped by the breakers and you’re in all sorts of trouble,” he said.

Three young lifesavers joined Mr Barbour on board the rescue boat: daughter Courtney, Jack Alexander and Tim Halkier.

“Luckily the boat owner was aware of his position and we were able to spot him on the horizon exactly where he said he was,” he said.

“There has been a lot of activity on the beach and so far, so good. We have not had any other rescues. The weather has been beautiful and there’s lots of boating, sailing and water skiing on the inlet.”

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Wedded bliss: the couple was married in India in 2002.

Burma bound

By Matt Dunn WHEN cyclone Nargis hit Burma on May 2, 2008, Gary Nelson did not know whether his wife, Laywah, was dead or alive.

For five painfully long days he waited for news of her, constantly calling a number that was forever dead.

Laywah was visiting relatives back home at a village along the Irrawaddy Delta when the cyclone tore through, while Gary was back in Australia.

“I didn’t know if she was dead or alive or what was going on. It was pretty scary for a while.

Fortunately the place where she was, was a little more on the edge of it,” the Leongatha resident told The Star.

“Fortunately it wasn’t affected as badly as other parts.”

But Laywah still counts her blessings. A large tree fell across her path during the cyclone, missing her by mere centimetres.

How close? She holds her thumb and index finger close together.

Would she have been killed if it had fallen on her? “Oh, yes.”

While the villages along the delta area are two metres above sea level, the wall of water that swept through the region topped five meters.

Stories abound of tragedies and miracles.

“One chap I spoke to who was in his little house, said the water was coming up and it was up to his neck. He had his baby with him, so he decided the only way to do this was to tie the baby to his back, so he could hold onto things and keep himself secure,” Gary recounted.

Burma bound: Gary Nelson, baby Priya and Laywah, at home in Leongatha.

“The next thing, a strong gust of wind blew the wall of his house down on him and he was scrambling in the water. When he came up his baby was gone. The man found himself outside, and because the wind was so strong, he was just blown in the water for hours.

“Finally he was going past a tree and someone grabbed him and helped him get up into it. People were climbing into trees all over the place.”

He said the people’s backs were “completely shredded” because of the debris tossed by the wind: “It was like getting sandblasted.”

“In the morning there were no leaves on the trees.

They just had all these people hanging in them, like fruits hanging in trees.

Most of them were dead, and they went for miles and miles around,” he said.

The couple, who now have an eight month old

baby, Priya, have been madly collecting toys, clothes and other items to take back to a country still trying to find its feet.

They are likely to stay there.

Gary said the cyclone had left more than destruction and death in its wake. Superstitious rice farmers refuse to till the land where people have died, leaving masses of arable land unused.

Superstition may well lead to a food crisis.

Gary, who has been volunteering his services as a handyman and educator at Leongatha Primary School, said much of the impetus for the aid mission came through Laywah.

“Laywah is very much the driving force behind this, because she is very keen to take stuff down into the village where she was born,” he said.

“People are always suffering in Burma, but

they’re suffering even more because of the cyclone.

That’s what the aid was all about.”

Laywah’s cousin had a family of eight, who were all swept away in the storm surge.

Local people and charities have been keen to show their support for the Nelsons’ mission.

“It’s one of those things you start and it begins to snowball. I’m not sure when or if I should put the brakes on,” Gary said.

“Vinnies op shop is collecting stuff for us, the Anglican op shop is still collecting stuff for us and the Leongatha Primary School has been helping out too.”

To date there are probably “one or two very large crates” worth of materials, which will be sent by ship. But the generosity of people has been overwhelming and the donated goods continue

to flow in.

The family is planning its departure for late February or early March and can only guess how much stuff they will have by then.

Cyclone Nargis was the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma.

Causing catastrophic damage, the cyclone claimed at least 146,000 lives, with thousands more people still missing.

Some figures put the death toll at more than 300,000.

Damage was estimated at over $10 billion (USD), which made it the most damaging cyclone ever recorded in this basin.

“I was over in Burma for over 10 years. I went there originally to purchase some rubies – they have the best rubies in the world. I had a client who wanted a flawless three carat ruby, which was a $30,000 to $40,000 stone back then in those days,” he said.

He was in the business of selling high quality stones. But he found a greater jewel in the country itself.

“I fell in love with the place. It’s a very special spot, and it’s an incredibly safe spot for a foreigner,” he said.

His greater love, of course, was Laywah, who he met at a village Christmas party in 2001.

The couple was married in India in 2002.

Those five days when he did not know her fate were like a death to him.

“I thought I’d never see her again.”

Donations can be left at Gary’s house at 32 Parr Street, Leongatha, near the garage. The garage is located at James Crt. Call Gary on 0408 053 010.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 5

Campers’ wicked ways are often parked in a row at the Rotary Centenary Park along the foreshore.

With million dollar views of Anderson Inlet, the car park is one of South Gippsland’s most popular sites for illegal camping in vans.

Inverloch Foreshore Camping Reserve operator, Adrian Edwards, said he had noticed the increase in illegal parked vans over recent years.

“The illegal camping is something we do ring the shire about,” he said.

“Right now we have one right outside … that happens a fair bit at this time of year.”

Mr Edwards believes that many of the vans’ occupants are overseas travellers who do not realise that campsites are

By Danny Buttler AN influx of illegal campers in hired minivans has seen calls for greater enforcement of camping regulations.

Local tourist park operators are concerned about the increasing number of travellers who use roadside reserves and car parks instead of paying for a camping site in the region’s numerous parks.

“Wicked” campers, which are cheap mini-vans popular with overseas tourists, are regularly seen parked illegally overnight around South Gippsland. They are distinguished by their colourful, sometimes bawdy, paint jobs.

There are now numerous other companies that have followed the success of Wicked in hiring out no-frills vans to low-budget tourists.

Waratah Bay caravan park operator Jimmy Harry, said the illegal campers were not only refusing to pay for sites, but were sneaking into the park to use the shower facilities.

“They park down the road and then drive up here, park on the corner and have a hot shower,” he said.

“It is happening everywhere.”

Mr Harry said the “gap” camping ground, which was shut down several years ago, had become a mini-van car park.

“All the fiasco of the gap shutting down and they just go down and camp there now,” he said.

“All it has done has created a carpark

for them to pull in and do what they please.

“We even have the (more luxurious) Maui vans and Britz vans down there.”

Mr Harry conceded that local councils are unable to police the entire shire, but believes responsible locals should be given the power to tell illegal campers to move along.

“Give someone in the area some sort of authority to do something like that,” he said.

“I’ve even seen them at the gate of the prom … they just park the van on the side of the road and head off into the bushes with a roll of toilet paper and do their business.”

Geoff Clark from the Long Jetty

Caravan Park in Port Welshpool said the parade of Wicked vans going along the South Gippsland Highway had drastically increased in recent years.

“You see a lot of them on the South Gippsland highways; I could tell you half a dozen sites where they just pull up and camp along the side of the road,” he said.

Mr Clark said some camper van travellers even have the temerity to walk in and ask for showers.

“We get a lot of them asking to use the showers, but at this time of the year we won’t let them,” he said.

“We’ll save the showers for the people who actually pay for a camping site.”

The same problems are occurring at Inverloch, where small camper vans

Park brake Continued from page 1.

“We like to take repeat bookings because we are guaranteed income from them, but if we were to put aside 10 sites or so and allow them to be occupied for one or two nights, then we could nearly get the same revenue,” Mr Wilson said.

Being located on Crown land, Mr Wilson is unable to expand without government approval.

All 105 camping and caravanning sites, plus eight cabins, are booked out at the park until January 30.

The Inverloch Holiday Park and foreshore camping reserve are fully booked, with most of the 41 tourist cabins, 60 powered sites and 186 foreshore sites occupied until January 17. Proprietor Adrian Edwards said many guests are repeat visitors lured by the attraction of a coastal retreat.

“It’s pretty usual for this time of year and the only difference is that we are booking out marginally earlier every year,” he said.

“It’s the busiest time of the year for us and I would imagine that most Victorian coastal parks would be pretty much the same.”

POLICE BRIEFS Knife attack on Wonthaggi police

WONTHAGGI Police arrested a 41-year-old man after he threatened to kill an officer with a carving knife and punch another on Saturday, December 27.

The police were responding to a domestic dispute at a Dowling Street address at about 5.20pm.

A neighbour reported hearing screaming and property being damaged.

As police escorted a woman and two children to a police vehicle, the man who had been involved in the incident produced a large carving knife and threatened to kill Acting Sergeant Glen Riley.

“We were talking to him out in the middle of the street, when he produced a large carving knife and threatened to kill me,” Act. Sgt Riley said.

Act. Sgt Riley said it was “fortunate” that situations like these were not a regular occurrence.

The man was known to police, and the members were able to persuade him to throw down his knife. However, he threatened to punch another police officer.

Police overpowered the man, placing him in handcuffs.

The man was charged with threats to kill, threats to intentionally cause injury, criminal damage, assaulting police and weapons offences.

He was remanded in custody and appeared

Tractor crash

A 21-YEAR-OLD Korumburra man fled his vehicle with a friend after crashing it into a tractor on the Fairbank Road at Arawata on Monday, December 21.

Emergency services crews responded to the incident at about 8pm.

It was the end of a busy day for the pair.

“They were questioned for a petrol drive off.

There were also allegations that there were false plates on the vehicle. There were also concerns about the sobriety of the driver,” Korumburra Police Sergeant Clive Smith said.

“That’s why blood tests were taken and we’ll wait for analysis there.”

The driver of the tractor is still believed to be shaken by the crash, which destroyed both the tractor and the Commodore the man was driving.

at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court. He was bailed and will appear in the court again on January 19.

San Remo drowning A 43-YEAR-OLD Kew man drowned after being swept off rocks while fishing on Wednesday, December 30.

The man was swept away by a wave on the southern end of Potters Road at about 1.30pm.

He had been fishing with another man who was able to pull himself back onto the rocks and raise the alarm.

A search was conducted from the air by police air wing and Westpac chopper and in the water by water police units as well as jet skis and land searches by the SES. The man’s body was recovered by police search and rescue approximately 20 metres from where he was seen to enter the water just after 6.30pm.

Bin rage A LARGE window of an unoccupied shop was broken in Hyland Place, Leongatha, between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

“Investigation is ongoing. That probably happened at two or three in the morning when the pub tipped out. A Sulo bin was thrown through the shop window,” Leongatha Police’s Senior Constable Michael Thomas said.

“If anyone has information please contact Leongatha Police.”

Quick pitstop THIEVES broke into Meeniyan’s Pit Stop The car burst into flames upon impact.

Incident controller and Ruby CFA captain Darren Hardacre attended the scene of the crash.

“You occasionally hear of tractors and vehicles colliding, but I think this one was just some young fools going a bit too hard. They’ve come around the corner on the wrong side, nearly gone over the edge and crashed into the tractor,” he said.

“The tractor driver couldn’t have got any further off the road. If he had he would have been climbing the banks. The tractor was well and truly in his rights and wasn’t doing anything stupid.”

Mr Hardacre said the car was “fully ablaze” when his crew arrived.

“We had to protect the tractor and extinguish the blaze, which we did successfully,” he said.

Police caught up with the two occupants of the car further down the road.

usually booked out at this time of year.

Bass Coast Shire said the majority of its problems with illegal camping involved younger people from Melbourne who pitched tents on nature strips or on beaches.

A shire spokeswoman told The Star that it had received reports of camper vans setting up illegally.

A ranger would usually attend and decide what action needed to be taken.

“There have been some instances where they were overseas tourists who do not realise that they can’t camp where they want,” she said.

If people do wish to report illegally parked camper vans in Bass Coast, they can call 1300 226 278.

Café in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Snr Constable Paul McDonald said $2500 worth of cigarettes and cash were taken after the front door was forced open. It is estimated the burglary occurred between midnight and 4am, when the theft was discovered. Anyone with information can call Meeniyan Police on 5664 7281.

Fiery crash A CAR crashed on the Wonthaggi Korumburra Road, between Wonthaggi and Korumburra in the early hours of New Year’s Day. “The car ended up catching on fire. Korumburra and Kongwak CFA crews were called to put it out,” Wonthaggi Police’s Sergeant Dale McCahon said.

“No one was injured, fortunately. The man ran off the road and some time later the car caught on fire.”

Stubby attack TWO Wonthaggi men were attacked by men throwing stubbies of beer on Wednesday, December 23, at 11pm.

“The 22-year-old victim was walking home when he was hit by a stubby thrown by someone passing him in a vehicle. It hit him in the face, causing lacerations,” Wonthaggi Police’s Sergeant Dale McCahon said.

“They then threw another stubby and hit him again. A second victim – an 18-year-old - who was with the man, was punched in the left eye.

“The attackers got back in the car and drove away.”

Enquiries into the attack are pending.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Halls of learning

By Jane Ross

RESEARCH in the booming and fascinating world of nanotechnology is being spearheaded by two young brothers from Inverloch.

Liam and Greg Hall, the sons of Terry and Lois, are scientific whizz kids.

Both went to Newhaven College, although Greg completed his schooling at Gippsland Grammar.

Liam, 27, credits his father with igniting a keen interest in maths which lead to his path in physics, while Greg said his passion for chemistry was engendered when Liam started studying science at Newhaven College.

“I was amazed at how chemistry explained things,” he said.

Now the brothers, both PhD candidates, plan to pool their respective skills on cutting edge joint research in the field of nanotechnology.

They will write a paper together in the new year, the prospect of which excites them greatly both professionally and personally.

“Not many people get the chance to write a paper,” said Greg, “least of all with their brother.”

Liam was dux of Newhaven College in 2000.

He recalls a school life of good help from his teachers in maths and science, and many hours of guidance from staff member John Ward and principal Michael Brewin. Liam was, he admits, a bit of a handful.

Greg, aged 23, said he was “very lucky” to have had good teachers at school, particularly in chemistry.

Liam won a scholarship to the

Brothers in science: Liam (left) and Greg Hall at home in Inverloch with the family dog “Buffy”.

University of Melbourne and between 2001 and 2008, took a double degree in science and engineering. He graduated from both with first class honours, distinguishing himself with a pass mark of 99 per cent for his honours research project.

He is undertaking his PhD at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Quantum Physics, where, under the supervision of Professor Lloyd Hollenberg, he has made a discovery and written a paper on nanoscale magnetic

fields that has the potential to advance aspects of medicine in a major way.

The paper was published in the American Physical Society journal Physical Review Letters and is likely to be picked up by the highly-regarded Nature.

A review of the paper by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, included this comment, “Cell biologists ought to be turning back flips over this.”

Very basically, Liam’s research relates to ion channels, cell walls and

magnetic fields. The potential end result he explained, could replace CAT scans and medical imaging with much faster systems, as well as reducing from years to months, the amount of time needed to test new drugs.

Greg, who graduated in 2009 from Monash University with first class honours in his Bachelor of Science degree, has a post graduate scholarship to undertake his PhD at Monash, starting this year. According to Greg, the university has the best chemistry department in

Australia.

As part of his honours work, he has been creating nano balls which have no magnetic activity at low temperatures but change when heated.

The nano balls are used to create a safe and efficient means of storing the hydrogen gas used in hydrogen-fuelled cars.

Without such storage, the gas is dangerous.

Both young men have been lecturing at their respective universities, with Greg in particular wanting to continue this in the years ahead.

Liam is expecting “there is every chance” his research will lead to a position overseas but in the long run, he’d like to head up his own research group in Melbourne. Greg wants to stay in research too.

Brilliant boffins they may be, but Liam and Greg know how to relax and have fun.

They surf, they practise karate to keep fit and share a common brand of humour.

Liam is married to the former Emily Edwards, whom he met at Newhaven College. She studied science at Melbourne University too and now teaches maths, physical and general science at a secondary school in Melbourne.

Greg’s girlfriend Sanae Roberts gained first class honours in 2008 in a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree at Deakin University. She remains with the university as a health and nutrition researcher.

Terry and Lois Hall are proud of them all, particularly of their sons.

“They’ve worked very hard,” said their father.

Heavy weather

By Jane Ross MOTHER Nature turned on an unexpected spectacle at the annual Pyramid Rock Festival at Phillip Island on New Year’s Eve. The storm was so fearsome, the main stage and bar had to be evacuated, with patrons advised to sit in their cars with the windows shut or lie low and keep still in the main arena.

Some revellers packed their bags and fled home in fear of their lives.

Organiser Angus Cameron, said the storm raged for about 40 minutes, with “amazing” lightning including the horizontal sheet variety and horizontal rain.

Winds of up to 100km/h were recorded in the main stage area.

“It was like end of the world-type stuff, it was quite incredible.”

No one was hurt but Angus said the storm disabled lighting and the audio system on the main stage and the last four bands on the 58-act program, had to be cancelled.

The second stage was safe and operational, so the 15,000 festival-goers weren’t left entirely without entertainment.

According to Angus, the sky went “black as midnight” as the storm hit at around 9pm. He said he and his colleagues had had four hours’ notice of the storm’s intensity.

He said he was grateful that everyone had come through it safely.

Thunder and lightning disturbed holidaymakers at Sandy Point on Friday night.

Rain fell heavily, leaving lots of puddles for the following day.

The weather and its affects on agriculture and horticulture fascinate Margery Robson of Ruby.

Noting that 68.5mm of rain fell over 10 days of December, Margery said the total for the year was 899.5 over 159 days, just slightly more than 2008, with 829mm over 162 days.

“It’s interesting to note the differences in things like fruit crops,” she mused.

“Last year there were heaps of apricots, nectarines and pears – this year, hardly any.

“Last year, not a lot of grass for stock, this year there is plenty.

“If I was younger, I’d think about studying meteorology!”

Meeniyan recorded 52mm in December, taking the annual tally to 814.2, rather more than the not-quite-700m in 2008 and well up on the 635mm in the dry year that was 2006.

At Fish Creek, December’s 53mm was below average and the year’s total of 970 was about 75mm below average. Nevertheless, it was better than 2008’s 820mm.

So far in January, 9mm has fallen.

There was no rain at Wonthaggi’s Lance Creek Reservoir over the period of December 28 to January 4. Nevertheless, the holding is 91 per cent full.

During that time, 4.8mm fell at Leongatha’s Ruby Creek which stands at 84 per cent. There are no further rainfall details for Leongatha because recorder Kay Puru is away.

At Korumburra, Coalition Creek recorded 6.6mm and the reservoir holds 83 per cent. Fish Creek’s Battery Creek is 94 per cent full, Foster’s Deep Creek Dam where 10.2mm fell between December 28 and January 4 is full and Little Bass which serves Poowong, Nyora and Loch, is 86 per cent full. That area recorded 7.4mm of rain.

The Tarwin, Agnes and Tarra rivers are flowing well, which is good news for the people of Meeniyan, Dumbalk, Welshpool, Port Welshpool, Toora, Port Franklin, Port Albert, Alberton and Yarram, who draw their water supplies from those rivers.

AN outbreak of blue green algae at Wonthaggi’s Lance Creek Reservoir has been contained.

The algae was discovered just before Christmas.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 7

Rabbits hop back

By Chris Brown RABBITS are breeding like, well, rabbits.

According to locals there’s more around this year, with places like Waratah Bay and the rail trail at Meeniyan overrun with the furry creatures.

A great spring and plenty of green grass have made it a good breeding season for the introduced pest.

Rabbit research co-ordinator for the Department of Primary Industries, Steve McPhee, said the longer the grass stays green the better breeding season rabbits will have.

“As soon as the autumn break occurs and the feed becomes green, rabbits start to breed, and at the end of the breeding season, which is about now, rabbits are at the peak,” he said.

Mr McPhee said there were always enquiries about the rabbit population increasing at this time of the year.

State Government monitoring shows that in areas where warrens have been destroyed, rabbit numbers are significantly lower than before the introduction of the calicivirus in 1996.

Numbers are returning to 1990s levels in places where conventional control techniques, such as baiting followed by ripping up rabbit warrens then fumigation, haven’t been used.

Mr McPhee said that in areas where there’s been no additional management, rabbit numbers are about 65-70 per cent of pre-calicivirus levels.

The DPI has rabbit monitoring sites at 17 locations in Victoria.

One of these is at Woodside, near Yarram.

Between 1985 and 1996 there was an average of 23 rabbits per spotlight kilometre in the monitoring area.

Now only about three rabbits are spotted over a kilometre.

This is despite a “pretty average” control operation in the Yarram region due to the reliance on landholders working together.

Mr McPhee said rabbits could be managed if people work together.

“Where groups of landholders have worked in a co-ordinated control program, based on the destruction of rabbit warrens and follow-up fumigation of ripped warrens, rabbit populations have been reduced by more than 90 per cent,”

he said.

Summer was a critical time to take out rabbits that are immune to the calicivirus to reduce numbers next season.

Mr McPhee said the key was to hit them hard with a co-ordinated approach to get the numbers down.

“There are lots of hurdles to overcome, but numbers need to be less than one rabbit per hectare for native vegetation to re-establish,” he said.

Recently released research states that where all rabbit warrens are ripped up with heavy equipment there is a 97 per cent reduction in the animal numbers a decade later.

There are more than 40 million rabbits across Victoria that are responsible for about $24 million in annual agricultural losses.

A pair of breeding rabbits can multiply to 184 rabbits in 18 months.

Resistance to biological control agents such as calicivirus and myxomatosis is increasing among rabbit populations.

Mr McPhee said the majority of adult rabbits have survived a previous exposure to the calicivirus.

“This gives them protection from fu-

Introduced pest: favourable weather means rabbit numbers are high this year. ture exposure,” he said.

“Rabbits less than six weeks of age have more than a 50 per cent chance of survival if they come in contact with calicivirus and are then immune for life.

“Furthermore, immune breeding rabbits are capable of transferring passive immunity across the placenta to their young.”

Love of the land

By Matt Dunn WHEN a farmer is lovesick, sometimes only a doctor can provide the cure.

And so it was for newly arrived Korumburra South dairy farmer Evan De Gooyer, whose GP wife Sinead proved the perfect antidote to a lonely life on the land.

The couple has travelled all over, but was drawn to the region by dreams of a country idyll.

With young children Cecily, 2 ½ and Manning, five months, the share farm seemed the perfect spot to etch out the preliminary sketches of a new life.

“I was 38 weeks pregnant when we arrived here on July 1 last year. I had Manning 25 minutes after midnight on July 15,” Sinead said.

The doctor, who has begun working on a part time basis at Leongatha Healthcare, has nothing but praise for the local hospital, where her infant

Milk of human kindness: Evan and Sinead De Gooyer with children Manning and Cecily, at their Korumburra South property. son was born.

Sinead has done a lot of GP obstetrics, but said the service at the hospital was “great”.

“I’ve been used to regional facilities.

Certainly the hospital here does need some work,” she said.

While she could see the

Award winners CATEGORIES for the environment and family achievement will be added to the Bass Coast Australia Day Awards.

Councillors agreed to the additions as recommended by the Bass Coast Australia Day Committee, which met earlier this month.

obvious signs of decay in the building itself, she said the friendly staff were first class.

She and Evan met in Timboon, in the south west of the state. Like South Gippsland, the region is prime dairy country.

“We’ve been to a few different places. We started

off in Warrnambool, had a year travelling around Victoria. Ev really wanted to go into dairy farming,” she said.

“We found out about this place and we’d been looking at it for a while.

Thankfully, that was it.

“It’s been a fairly fullon 12 months.”

The former dairy veterinarian knew enough about cows and felt a yearning to earn his living from the land.

“Share farming’s still a pretty good opportunity for someone to get into the industry and build equity. I suppose there’s always that ultimate goal to buy your own place,” Evan said.

“We’ll see what we feel like in five or 10 years time.”

For Sinead, the benefits of having a man on the land are clear. Even when he’s busy, he’s still around.

She said the children love knowing their dad is nearby.

For Evan, explaining why he loves farming is not easy, but the “variables and challenges” have a lot to do with it.

“When everything goes well, there’s satisfaction in that,” he said.

“I had friends and relations who had dairy farms, and I guess I was exposed enough as a kid to want to do it.”

In DPI trials, all rabbits older than 15 months have survived when exposed to calcivirus after developing antibodies.

“While the disease still kills rabbits without antibodies, it leaves a population of immune rabbits for the next breeding season. If left unchecked the immune population gradually increases,” he said.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Festival of fun THE Port Welshpool Sea Days festival draws people from all over. And why not? With surf, sun, Aboriginal dancers, vintage cars, jumping castles, renowned sand sculptors and more, it’s a fun place to be.

Father and son rule: practicing their sand sculpting skills were father and son team Jack and Michael.

Caught out: Peter Bohn from Foster was looking for a big catch.

Left: King of the castle: Lachlan Judd took a moment out from bouncing to smile for The Star.

Classic not plastic: Vintage cars were a favourite for festival-goers, with members of the South Gippsland Historical Car Club putting their most prized possessions on display. Photo G.S.Bruning, www.fourcornersframing.biz.

The Watbalimba Dancers: the Aboriginal dance troupe thrilled crowds with a traditional tribal dance of Gippsland’s Gunnai people. Photo G.S.Bruning, www.fourcornersframing.biz.

Queen of the castle: Leongatha’s Dale Allen was the friendly attendant for the jumping castle.

Driving force: mother and daughter, Tania and Abbie, had a great time driving around.

Hooking in: Foster’s Yasmine Bohn was hoping to land a whopper.

Sand sculpting extraordinaire: artist Ricardo Alves-Ferreira’s work was a big hit.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 9

Market strikes a chord THE Venus Bay Farmers Market struck a popular chord with visitors last Wednesday.

Held for the first time, at Jupiter Boulevard next to the Fishing Village Cafe between 8am and 1pm, the market had more than 20 stalls, selling fresh local produce.

Fresh vegetables, fruit, cheeses, eggs, honey, olive oil, jams, cakes and local wines were on offer.

Property owner John Ockenga donated the use of his land for use by the market, which was appreciated by the organisers.

The market concept originated from an idea by two local business women, Lyne Hodges, from Southcoast First National Real Estate, and Diana Burns from the Fishing Village Cafe.

They wanted to add to the holiday spirit of Venus Bay and for the benefit of local organisations.

There were 21 stalls showcasing local products. Market convenors, Regional Farmers Markets were the convenors of the event.

Around 1000 people passed through the gates in the morning. The Tarwin Lower CFA was delighted with the response. It raised $1200 from stallholder donations and a public raffle. Two hampers of produce were donated by the stallholders. The winner was Debbie Draper, from Melbourne, who stayed with friends in Venus Bay. The local fire fighters also received acknowledgement from the public for their magnificent contribution to the community.

The next market is on Wednesday January 6, again from 8am to 1pm and

every following Wednesday in January.

Other local organisations to benefit from the community support will be the Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, CERTS (the emergency response unit), The Men’s Shed and the Venus Bay Community Centre.

Raffle winner: The Venus Bay Market and raffle raised $1200 for the Tarwin Lower CFA. From Melbourne at her Venus Bay holiday house, Michelle Godfrey accepted the hampers on behalf of her friend Debbie Draper who won the raffle last Wednesday. “She was staying with us, but she’d gone back to Melbourne before we got the call,” Michelle said.

Could improve MOST South Gippsland secondary schools gained VCE median study scores in the 20 to 30 range, regarded by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority as at or below average.

The exception is Newhaven College, with a median study score of 33, regarded as above average.

In a statement the VCAA says, “The median study score has been chosen as the best indicator of the typical level of achievement in a school.”

But, it adds, ranking schools according to the proportion of students with top study scores is not a measure of a school’s worth, just as a high VCE study score is not the only measure of a student’s worth.

Newhaven College also recorded the region’s highest percentage of study scores of 40 and over, rated by the VCAA as exceptional. Fifteen per cent of the school’s 2009 VCE students gained study scores in this range.

Both Leongatha Secondary and Mary MacKillop College had median study scores of 30, with eight per cent of Mary MacKillop’s students and three per cent of LSC’s gaining study scores of 40 or over.

Wonthaggi Secondary College, South Coast Christian College and Mirboo North Secondary had a study score median of 29. Wonthaggi had six per cent of its students with study scores of 40 or more, the Christian school and Mirboo North Secondary each had two per cent.

Korumburra Secondary’s result was a median study score of 28, with five per cent of students gaining study scores of 40 or over, while South Gippsland Secondary College had a median study score of 27 and three per cent of students with study scores 40 or above.

Wonthaggi Secondary had 186 students enrolled in at least one VCE unit during the year, the biggest group in the region.

THIS SUMMER YOUR TASK IS

NCASP-495

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

THE end of the 2009 school year signalled the end of a long term association between many families and St Joseph’s Primary School at Korumburra. The school community bid farewell to the Arestia, Auddino, Buttegieg, Condoluci, Donohue, Dunlevie, Fraser, Orchard and Provan families.

RIDING the rail trail between Leongatha and Foster is one of 34 aims for a Melbourne woman this year. Shan wrote on her blog that she wanted to do 34 things in the year she turns 34. As well as pedalling down the Great Southern Rail Trail, Shan wants to make a cheese-

cake, go on a hot air balloon ride and see a movie once a month. Best of luck with it.

Free food. That’s just what is available all over South Gippsland at the moment. Roadside fruit trees are in season, with apples, plums and other summer fruits ripening to perfection. Many of the trees seem to have grown from left over fruit being thrown out of car windows. People can be seen stopping their cars and filling up bags of the seasonal bounty.

31. Sue’s exhibition will show a variety of figure, landscape and contemporary paintings as well as photographs. Many are based on Coal Creek where Sue has sketched and photographed for many years. For details, call 5655 1811.

DON’T forget the Friends of Leongatha Library book sale at the Leongatha Courthouse

on Thursday and Friday of this week. There’ll be great books at bargain prices and money raised will buy items for the library.

tain John Classon can be contacted on 0408 058 158 for further information. Other meetings will

be held at Walkerville Hall, Thursday, January 7, 6.30pm; Waratah Bay, Rotunda Park, Wednes-

day, January 13, 12-4pm; and Sandy Point, opposite shops, Thursday, January 14, 12-4pm.

DON’T forget tonight’s CFA information session at the Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club at 6.30pm and at Jupiter Park in Venus Bay on Wednesday, 12-4pm.

CFA Tarwin Lower cap-

THE art of Sue Jarvis will be on display at the Coal Creek Community Gallery until January

Two workshops: Janice Orchard will hold two workshops to learn the art of outdoor painting.

WONTHAGGI artist Janice Orchard is running a series of workshops to introduce people to the art of outdoor or “on location” painting.

The series opens with a workshop on the beach at Inverloch on Saturday, January 9 to learn the art

A SURPRISE 21st birthday party for Daniel (Duck) Hales was held recently at his family home ‘Glen Moidart’.

Daniel is the youngest son of Paul and Carolyn. Family and friends celebrated this occasion - and did very well to keep the surprise.

THE Opening at Moo’s restaurant in Meeniyan on Boxing Day was a great affair, with lots of local residents and tourists lunching inside or on the verandah (pictured), said owner Marty Thomas. Marty said many patrons came from Venus Bay, where lots of Melburnians have holiday homes or stay for the Christmas break. Moo’s regional dinners begin on Friday, January 8, and then every Friday and Saturday night from 6pm. For bookings, call 5664 0010.

New year’s revellers rebel

By Matt Dunn

NEW Year’s Eve revellers have rebelled against type, with a very few being nabbed for misdemeanours during what is typically a busy time for police.

There are always those who feel a need to misbehave and maintain the status quo, however.

Korumburra Police were involved in a high speed chase of a stolen vehicle on that night.

“The car was stolen

from Foster and we located it at Korumburra getting petrol. We had a pursuit with them until about half way to Warragul,” Korumburra Police’s Leading Senior Constable Fleur Bevis said.

Two males and a female have been charged over the theft of the vehicle. The offenders were from Foster and Toora.

“They were interviewed at Warragul police station and have been charged and bailed to appear at the Korumburra Magistrates Court,” Leading Snr Const. Bevis said.

“The driver is being

charged with theft of the motor vehicle plus various other offences, and the other two occupants have been charged with theft of the motor vehicle.”

Despite the pursuit drama, Leading Snr Const.

Bevis said that things were relatively quiet in the town.

“There were a few little fireworks here, but we had no other issues. It was pretty good,” she said.

In Leongatha two men

were issued with penalty notices of $234 for drunkenness, after they were found wandering the streets of the town on New Year’s Eve. “On the same night a 35-year-old Korumburra woman was intercepted by police in a vehicle bearing no registration plates.

She’ll be summonsed to court for unlicensed driving,” Leongatha Police’s Senior Constable Michael Thomas said.

of painting sea, cliffs and sky.

On Saturday, January 16, the focus shifts to Rhyll on Phillip Island to paint boats, jetties, sea and sky.

The series finishes with a full day at Archies Creek and includes a deli-

cious lunch at the newly opened Archies on the Creek restaurant.

The workshops are suitable for beginners and intermediate painters using oil or acrylics. For details, call Janice 0419 301 363 after 6pm.

Locals win ’Gatha vouchers LOCALS who spent their money in Leongatha before Christmas were the big winners of a Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry promotion.

The five winners of vouchers worth $1000 all

came from the area.

They were Leongatha residents Diane Haw, Elise Manning, Cheryl Pellicano and Margaret Hyde.

Koonwarra resident Kate Walsh also won a voucher.

Diane had already bought a six-seat outdoor setting from A. W. Smith

and Sons with some of her prize money.

Winners receive 20 vouchers valued at $50 to spend at businesses operated by chamber members.

Chamber president Darryl McGannon drew the winning entries on Christmas Eve.

Shopping locally: chamber vice-president Tony Giles congratulates Leongatha resident Diane Haw on her voucher win. They are with A. W. Smith and Sons staff Jaimee McLeod, Jane Gardner and Sarah Riley

Marketing success

Ready to serve: Koonwarra CFA member and local farmer Fabio Dal Pozzo kept up with consumer demand as the brigade raised money at the South Gippsland Farmers market on Saturday. Organisers said there were more than 2000 people at the event, with crowds flocking to local wine producers Lyrebird Hill, Windy Ridge and Waratah Hills.

Family affair: siblings Rachel, Tom and Will Barker prove you don’t have to fight just because it’s the school holidays.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 11

Making Victoria FireReady:

These media outlets are now official emergency broadcasters.

Official emergency warnings will now be broadcast on ABC Local Radio, commercial radio stations across Victoria and SkyNews television. During emergencies, updates will be issued by authorised emergency services such as the CFA, and emergency warnings will interrupt normal programming when necessary.

If you live or travel through any bushfire prone areas during the fire season, make sure you are aware of the conditions and listen to warnings by tuning into one of these stations or SkyNews television or by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au Melbourne ABC Melbourne 774 AM, 3AW 693 AM, 3MP 1377 AM, FOX 101.9 FM, Gold 104.3 FM, Magic 1278 AM, Mix 101.1 FM, NOVA 100.3 FM, SEN 1116 AM, Sport 927 AM, Triple M 105.1 FM, Vega 91.5 FM

Albury Albury Albury - Wodonga Albury - Wodonga Albury - Wodonga Alexandra Anglesea Apollo Bay Apollo Bay Apollo Bay Ararat Ararat Avoca Bacchus Marsh Bairnsdale Bairnsdale Bairnsdale Bairnsdale Ballarat Ballarat Ballarat Ballarat Beaufort Beechworth Benalla Benalla Bendigo Bendigo Bendigo Bendigo Bendigo Bendigo Bright Camperdown Cann River Casterton Castlemaine Central Victoria Charlton Cobden Cobram Cohuna Colac Colac Colac Coleraine Corryong Daylesford Deniliquin Deniliquin Dimboola Donald Echuca Echuca Echuca - Moama Echuca - Moama Edenhope Eildon Euroa Foster Foster Geelong

ABC Local 675 AM ABC Local 106.5 FM 2AY 1494 AM The River 105.7 FM Star 104.9 FM ABC Local 102.9 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 89.5 FM Mixx 95.9 FM ABC Local 107.9 FM Mixx 98.5 FM ABC Local 107.9 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 828 FM ABC Local 100.7 FM Sport 927 87.6 FM TRFM 99.9 FM ABC Local 107.9 FM 3BA 102.3 FM Power 103.1 FM Sport 927 1314 AM ABC Local 107.9 FM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM 3BO 93.5 FM Easymix Ten-71 AM Easymix 98.3 FM Sport 927 945 AM Star 91.9 FM ABC Local 89.7 FM ABC Local 107.9 FM ABC Local 106.1 FM ABC Local 94.1 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 107.9 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 94.1 FM ABC Local 594 AM 3CS 1134 AM Mixx 106.3 FM ABC Local 94.1 FM ABC Local 99.7 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM 2QN 1521 AM Classic Rock 102.5 FM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM 2QN 1521 AM Classic Rock 102.5 FM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 97.3 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM

For more information contact:

1800 240 667 www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Geelong Geelong Gippsland Gisborne Goulburn Murray Goulburn Valley Hamilton Hamilton Hamilton Hastings Healesville Heyfield Heywood Hopetown Horsham Horsham Horsham Horsham Kerang Kerang Kilmore Koo-wee-rup Kyabram Kyabram Kyneton Lakes Entrance Lakes Entrance Lakes Entrance Latrobe Valley Leongatha Lorne Lorne Maffra Maffra Mallacoota Mansfield Maryborough Maryborough Melton Mildura Mildura Mildura Mildura Mildura Mildura – Swan Hill Moe Moe Moe Mooroopna Mooroopna Mooroopna Mortlake Mortlake Morwell Morwell Morwell Murray Valley Myrtleford Nagambie Nagambie Nathalia Nhill Nhill - Kaniva Ocean Grove Omeo Orbost Orbost Ouyen

Bay 93.9 FM K-Rock 95.5 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 94.1 FM 3HA 981 AM Mixx 88.9 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Melbourne 774 AM Sport 927 88 FM ABC Local 94.1 FM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 594 AM 3WM 1089 AM Mixx 101.3 FM Sport 927 88 FM ABC Local 102.1 FM Mixx 98.7 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM Sport 927 89.9 FM ABC Local 100.7 FM ABC Local 100.7 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM Mixx 92.7 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM ABC Local 104.9 FM ABC Local 103.7 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 107.9 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 104.3 FM 3MA 97.9 FM Easymix 1467 AM Sport 927 1359 AM Star 99.5 FM ABC Local 102.1 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM Sport 927 88 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM 3SR 95.3 FM Star 96.9 FM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 107.9 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM Sport 927 88 FM ABC Local 102.1 FM ABC Local 91.7 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 104.3 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 594 AM Mixx 94.5 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 720 AM ABC Local 97.1 FM Sport 927 95.5 FM ABC Local 594 AM

Ouyen Phillip Island Port Fairy Portland Portland Queenscliff Robinvale Robinvale Rosebud Rushworth Rutherglen Sale Sale Sale Sale - Gippsland Sale - Gippsland Seymour Shepparton Shepparton Shepparton Shepparton St. Arnaud St. Arnaud Stanhope Stanhope Stawell Sunbury Swan Hill Swan Hill Swan Hill Swan Hill Swifts Creek Tallangatta Torquay Trafalgar Trafalgar Traralgon Traralgon Traralgon Upper Murray Wangaratta Wangaratta Wangaratta Wangaratta Warburton Warracknabeal Warragul Warragul Warragul Warrnambool Warrnambool Warrnambool Western Victoria Western Victoria Winchelsea Wodonga Wodonga Wonthaggi Woodend Woodend Yallourn Yallourn Yarram Yarram Yarram Yarrawonga Yarrawonga Yea

ABC Local 104.3 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 1602 AM ABC Local 96.9 FM Mixx 93.7 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 104.3 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM Sport 927 87.6 FM 3GV Gold 1242 AM TRFM 99.5 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM 3SR 95.3 FM Sport 927 1260 AM Star 96.9 FM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 675 AM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 107.9 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 102.1 FM 3SH 1332 AM Mixx 107.7 FM Sport 927 106.9 FM ABC Local 720 AM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM Sport 927 86.6 FM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Local 106.5 FM Edge 102.1 FM 3NE 1566 AM Sport 927 99.3 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM 3GG 531 AM STAR 94.3 FM ABC Local 1602 AM Coast 95.3 FM 3YB 882 AM ABC Local 594 AM ABC Local 94.1 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 675 AM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Melbourne 774 AM ABC Local 91.1 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM ABC Local 828 AM ABC Local 100.7 FM Sport 927 92.7 FM ABC Local 97.7 FM ABC Local 106.5 FM ABC Local 91.1 FM

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Not so evil Lost dollars

THE lack of caravan park spaces must be looked at.

Thousands of people being turned away from local caravan parks is a situation that cannot be tolerated.

We need every tourism dollar that is available. We certainly cannot afford to be knocking back the chance for visitors to come to the region.

With three caravan parks in the region already going or gone, the situation would only appear to be getting worse.

A strategic investigation into the future of caravan parks is desperately needed. Private parks along the coast would seem to be under immense threat as real estate prices go through the roof.

But council and government-owned entities must be preserved at all costs.

Parks not only offer short term access for visitors, they are an affordable alternative to those who have been frozen out of the coastal property market or can’t access rental properties.

Caravan parks bring in thousands of people, many of whom spend a lot of money at local shops and on local services.

The family beachside holiday is a great tradition that is also a boon for the local economy.

Let’s hope it is not disappearing like so many other Australian traditions.

BRIAN Handley (Opinions, The Star, Dec 22) applauded Tony Abbott’s call for Bible studies in the schools system apparently on the premise that Christianity is essential for moral and social order.

Of course, good social conduct that would generally be considered necessary for any civil community to exist in reasonable harmony simply requires the application of some basic, logical philosophies and behaviours that contribute to a co-operative, functional, respectful co-existence.

While Christians may promote good social ideals, they are not exclusive practitioners or the owners of them.

It is entirely possible to follow such principles whilst embracing atheism, although Mr. Handley may be loathe to admit it.

He seems to be implying that atheists are merely an “Evil Empire”, incapable of acceptable social interaction, a notion that is clearly and demonstrably incorrect.

Mr. Handley asserted that the “West rose to greatness on the back of Christianity”.

Perhaps it also rose on the backs of

adventure, discovery, science, industrialisation, war, destruction, entrepreneurialism, finance, scepticism and so on.

The fact that some of those involved in the West’s evolution were Christians does not prove that faith was necessarily an essential ingredient of the outcome.

History is littered with Christians behaving badly, so there is no assurance that faith produces a good person.

If the West is “falling to its abyss on the back of amoral secular humanism” it is perhaps interesting to remember that some of that appalling amoral behaviour has been infamously perpetrated upon innocent children by some Christians of relative power and influence.

One must also wonder how nonChristian societies have been able to function for a very long time.

The teaching and promotion of good social behaviour in an effort to produce respectful and respectable individuals is to be applauded and encouraged in the home, at school and in the work place but does not require the inclusion of Christianity or any other faith in order to be effective.

Stephen Green Leongatha

Broadbent broadside

It is quite fascinating.

Up until about three weeks ago, your newspaper was regularly swamped with photos and articles on Russell Broadbent, the local Liberal hero and darling of the Star, often alongside Peter Ryan.

Suddenly, after the Abbott and National Party coup over throwing Turnbull on climate change issues - and Russell was a known supporter of Turnbull - no photos of Russell in your newspaper - except for that scandalous article about him being questioned about links to the mafia.Your newspaper wouldn’t happen to be a front for the National Party now would it?

No....of course not. You are a balanced reporter of the truth!

Andrew McFarland Venus Bay.

Russel Broadbent

Thanking you

VOXPOP! VOX

THE lifesavers are at it again, doing what they do best – saving lives.

What do you want to happen in 2010?

These dedicated volunteers have already been busy across South Gippsland beaches.

Let’s do them all a favour and act responsibly around the water.

It might save your life and it might save them having to risk theirs.

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.

The Great Southern Star Address: 36 McCartin St Leongatha, 3953 Ph: (03) 5662 2294 Fax: (03) 5662 4350 Editor: Danny Buttler Email: news@thestar.com.au

Advertising Manager: Joy Morgan Email: advertising@thestar.com.au ACN 006507580 ABN 61 318 952 541 Print Post 336735 10006

Just for people to be nice to each other.

Tim Davis Sandy Point

I’d like it to be very different from 2009 with less disasters and conflicts, and people trying to understand themselves a bit more as sometimes there is a knee jerk reaction and people don’t step back and have a good look.

Pat Foster Meeniyan

I want to get a car and get into university. I just finished Year 12 and I want to get into Arts (global) at Monash.

Erin Sanders Berrys Creek

Vale Des Tuff Anderson fatal

ONE of South Gippsland’s best known and loved diggers has died.

Des Tuff’s life ended in the Monash Medical Centre on Sunday. He would have been 87 in April.

Des lived at Koorooman House aged care facility where, as he had done throughout his life, he was always ready to have a chat.

He served in the Army, was a past president of the Leongatha RSL and had been on its committee for years.

He and his late wife Bessie had four children, 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. They farmed near Meeniyan before retiring in to town.

Des’s sister Dorothy Tuff died two days before Christmas.

His funeral will be held at 11am on Friday at the Meeniyan Uniting Church.

He will be buried in the Meeniyan Cemetery.

POLICE and emergency service crews were called to the intersection of the Phillip Island Tourist Road and the Bass Highway at Anderson, after a two car collision claimed the life of a man in his 20s.

Well remembered: this photograph of Des Tuff was taken in September last year, to mark the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II.

The man, from Phillip Island, was killed when the car he was travelling in collided head on with another.

The collision occurred just after 12noon yesterday.

Four other passengers from the two vehicles were believed to have been airlifted from the scene and transferred to hospital in Melbourne. They included three women - one of whom was thought to be pregnant - and a child between the age of six and nine.

Traffic in and out of Phillip Island was blocked for more than four hours as police investigated the circumstances surrounding the crash.

It would be good if there was no war, but I can’t see it happening. Peace would be good if everyone got along with each other.

Mark Fry Leongatha

White paper on water THE State Government’s newly-released white paper, called Securing Our Natural Future, is likely to have desalination protestors frothing at the mouth.

They are against the Wonthaggi desalination plant on the grounds of its cost – which varies between $4.6 and $6 billion and their preference for alternatives such as recycling and storm water harvesting.

Under the heading “ecosystems and ecosystem services” fact sheet, one of the white papers

states the following: “Protecting ecosystems so that nature continues providing these services is usually cheaper and more effective than engineering solutions.

“For example, New York City decided to spend $US1.5 billion to restore ecosystems around water rather than building a $US6 billion water filtration facility.

“Investing in these natural assets provided the same water purification services but at a much lower cost and with positive outcomes for the environment.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 13

Pumped up and prepared TO beat the fire threat you need to be prepared.

Pumps, hoses, hose reels and sprinklers are some of the equipment that will help protect your home or business.

They are all available from Action Pumps and Irrigation in Leongatha.

The Black Saturday bushfires in February last year helped people realise they need to prepare their properties with the best equipment available.

Already this fire season people from across South Gippsland have been purchasing resources to deal with a nasty summer.

Manager at Action Pumps, Ken Wardle, said no one knew Black Saturday was going to happen.

“You just don’t know whether that day will come again. Was it a one in 100 year event or will it be two in 100?” he said.

“No one can forecast that.

“People are more aware and trying to be more prepared because of that day.”

Davey has released new model pumps in the past couple of years, but depending on the fire situation it may be difficult to get hold of one.

Fires in New South Wales and East Gippsland as well as CFA requirements may affect availability.

With the possible shortage if you need to buy a pump get in early.

Davey Firefighter pumps, which are engine driven and self priming, are easily Australia’s most popular in their category.

They have class leading performance, superior priming and suction lift performance and a choice of single or impeller models.

Action Pumps and Irrigation is at 26 Hughes Street in Leongatha.

They can be contacted on 5662 2692.

Fire preparedness: Action Pumps and Irrigation manager, Ken Wardle, with fire ready equipment available from the Leongatha business.

Helping hand still available to fire victims

By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippslanders afflicted by the February bushfires are being urged to ensure they receive all monetary assistance they are entitled to.

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund still has $65 million to give to fire victims.

Just $3.15 million has been distributed through the Boolarra and Yinnar Community Recovery Centre, which also services Darlimurla fire victims.

The outstanding money will eventually be distributed by the Department of Human Services, which administers the fund, in conjunction with the Victorian Bushfire Rebuilding and Reconstruction Authority.

Fund spokesperson Elisabeth Tuckey said

the DHS is pleased with the uptake of funds, but is encouraging people who still have not applied to do so.

“To date we have paid 17,808 claims. We are working closely with the DHS case managers, local governments and grant officers in community centres to make people aware of what’s available,” she said.

All of the funding was collected through Red Cross fundraising efforts. Immediately after the fires the State Government, in partnership with

Australian Red Cross and the Federal Government, established the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

When the appeal officially closed in April, $379 million had been raised.

Money is available to help people whose home was destroyed or damaged, farmers, orphans, for psychological help and for rent assistance.

More than $100 million has been given to people whose homes were destroyed and almost $25 million to

those whose homes were damaged.

For more information about applying for gifts, visit the Department of Human Services website www.dhs. vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal. All application forms are listed on the website.

People whose home was destroyed can receive $5000 plus $2000 for each person aged over 18 living there and $1500 for children aged under 18.

A lump sum of $3000 is available for household repairs sustained due to fire, water or smoke damage.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Keeping cool in shade

Cocktail hour: Sales assistant Michelle Armstrong and store manager Ben Davey relax at the Illuka Womersley five-piece table and chairs outdoor setting with cantilever cocktail umbrella.

KEEPING cool in and outdoors is as easy as going to Capeview Mitre 10 in Leongatha. There’s a wide range of shades to choose from at competitive prices.

Pink Batts have been a staple ceiling insulation method for many years now.

The advantage is that they not only keep you cool in summer but also warm in winter.

Mitre 10 can help you turn your home into an insulation protected environment, which will become highly desirable as climate change increases, but it’s the current outdoor specials that make the store such an attractive supplier post-Christmas.

Available are a quality range of Coolaroo exterior window shades, that will keep the heat out of the house as much as possible and offer an effective solution to temperature reduction, as well as a range of outdoor shade sails from the same manufacturer that are “made for life” and will make lunch on the verandas so much more comfortable. A range of umbrellas is also available.

The outdoor sails are suitable over patios, play equipment and courtyards.

Easy to install, they are made with UV stabilised commercial grade fabric for greater strength and durability. They can block up to 90 per cent of ultra-violet rays and come with a 10-year fabric warranty

against UV breakdown.

Leongatha Mitre 10 store manager, Ben Davey, said the store provided a full range of fans as well. The Summit pedestal fan at $17.99 was a popular item, used throughout the house and suitable in the bedroom for a restful sleep.

With three-speed settings, a tilt adjustable head, height adjustable stand and an oscillating function it is an ideal fan to give heat relief at minimum cost. Models are available in 40 and 45cm, with the Summit box fan comes as a 30cm model.

An ideal garden combination is the Illuka Womersley five-piece table and chairs outdoor setting with cantilever cocktail umbrella. The outdoor setting is stainless steel and comes with cushions and comfortable chairs.

A major advantage of the umbrella is that there’s no need for a centre pole, leaving the table completely free. The cantilever is also a great sun screener compared with a traditional pole umbrella, because it can be moved around 360 degrees to provide shade as the sun moves.

The cantilever umbrellas come in different sizes and are grounded with a solid base, made from cast iron, granite or concrete.

For inquiries of any of the items or other outdoor needs, call Mitre 10 on 5662 5666, or visit the store on Cusack Rd.

Shade sails: The Coolaroo shade sails are ideal for blocking UV outdoors.

They come in 3.6 x 3.6m sizes.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 15

What’s new: Invisage has recently become agents for Markilux and iShade, representing the ultimate in external sun shading systems.

Off you go: the youngest nippers are sent off by the instructor for their turn in the water.

Nippers away!

SANDY Point was the venue for the start of the nippers program run by the Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

The program, similar to many other nippers events throughout Victoria, began on Monday, December 28 and will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through January.

A great way to cool off, the emphasis is on having fun and playing safe in the water.

Looking good too THE most efficient and the cheapest way of keeping your home or office cool is by keeping the heat out.

Final run: this nipper heads to shore after taking place in a board event.

The best way to ensure hot summer rays stay away is by putting blinds and curtains on windows, according to Trina Anderson of Invisage interiors and quality window furnishings.

“Blinds and curtains save on energy costs and add to your comfort during hot weather,” she said.

The latest trend is to double up with a sheer blind for the day and another when the building is closed for the night.

Invisage knows what looks good and is functional too. The company of-

fers an extensive range of window furnishings: chain operated roller blinds, Roman blinds, timber venetian blinds, plantation shutters, curtains, aluminium venetian blinds, panel glide blinds and motorised blinds.

“I’ve been in the business for sixand-a-half years. We mainly do curtains and blinds, but we do all types of interior design too,” Trina said.

“Looks, functionality and price are all very important to us – the whole service. We do a lot of new houses and people like to keep up with the latest trends.

“People like roller blinds and nice fabrics and drapes. People with established houses like to update and look for something new.”

Invisage staff specialise in suggesting types of coverings to suit windows.

“The secret is to find out the most important factor, whether it be design, functionality or whatever else,” she said.

“Some people know what they want and that’s fine. But some people have no idea. We take a range of samples out to the home-owner and we can decide together what works best.”

Call for a no-obligation free measure and quote, and advice with your decorating needs.

Invisage is located at 22a Cashin Street, Inverloch. Visit the showroom between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or after hours by appointment.

Alternatively, phone 5674 6247.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

KELVIN JOHNS Retravision has some sizzling hot summer bargains to help keep you cool this summer.

With an extensive range of Kelvinator and Fujitsu air conditioners in store at super low prices, now is the best time to get some respite from the summer heat.

Imagine sleeping through the night in air conditioned comfort, rather than tossing and turning and waking up tired and cranky to another insufferably hot day.

Air conditioning is more than just a way to beat the heat. It’s an investment.

Kelvin Johns doesn’t just sell air conditioning. With great back up service and attention to detail, you aren’t just walking out the door and wondering what to do next.

“We arrange professional installation by local qualified installers,” manager Kelvin Smith said.

Mr Smith said many people were coming into the store now, desperate for a cool break. Wander around the store and you see

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 17

many shoppers standing around near air conditioners and fans.

The Dyson air multiplier fan is a little wonder. While it barrels out the cold air, it has no external fan blades. It’s perfect for people with children – perfect for little fingers.

Mr Smith said as far as the bigger units went, Kelvinator and Fujitsu were the brands people kept coming back for.

Unlike old-style air conditioners, these coolers are made with air quality in mind.

People with asthma and other allergies need not fear.

With their hospital grade filtration systems, these modern marvels circulate nothing but cool air throughout your house.

And with a sleep timer and other modern attachments, you can set it and forget it.

Right: Modern marvel: the Dyson air multiplier has no blades at all, so is perfectly safe for children as Kelvin demonstrated.

Cool and proud: Kelvin Smith loves the range of Fujitsu air conditioners.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Water cooled SOUTH Gippslanders love heading to the beach over summer - and why wouldn’t they?

With some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, our local beaches are the perfect place to keep cool when the mercury rises.

The photo above was taken on sunset at Waratah Bay, with the upper left picture showing a young girl celebrating life on the same stretch of sand.

At Inverloch, things were moving at a faster speed, with wind surfers and kite surfers adding a splash of colour to Anderson Inlet.

Kids and hot cars a deadly mix

AS the summer holiday season heats up, Acting Premier Rob Hulls has warned parents about the dangers of leaving young children unattended in cars.

Mr Hulls joined Kidsafe Victoria at Parliament House to demonstrate how quickly the inside temperature of a car can increase to dangerous levels.

“All parents must be aware that in most states, including Victoria, it is against the law to leave a child unattended in a vehicle,” Mr Hulls said.

“In Victoria alone, the RACV was called out to rescue 1543 children locked in cars from November 2008 to October 2009.

“Despite repeated warnings, yesterday, as the temperature reached almost 40 degrees in Melbourne and climbing higher in some regional centres, there were two ambulance call-outs to instances where children had been left in cars and needed medical attention.

“Leaving a child unsupervised in a car – even for a short amount of time – can cause injury and potentially death.”

On a typical summer’s day, the temperature inside a parked car can be as high as 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

Tests conducted on a 29°C day, with the car’s air conditioning having cooled the interior to 19.2°C, it took just 1.5 minutes to reach the out-

side temperature (30.4°C). It took 6.5 minutes to reach 40.5°C, more than double the initial interior temperature.

Mr Hulls said these dangerous temperatures could rapidly lead to heat distress, to which children were likely to succumb very quickly.

“Research has shown that leaving the window down has little effect, so take your child with you after parking your car, even to run a quick errand,” Mr Hulls said.

President of Kidsafe Victoria, Dr Mark Stokes, said children in the past had died after being left in parked cars.

“Due to their smaller body size and underdeveloped nervous system, children have an inef-

fective cooling system,” Dr Stokes said. “Information for parents and carers about the impact of leaving a child in a hot car is available on the Kidsafe website.”

The fact sheet Kids in Hot Cars provides information and advice for parents about summer safety issues including: Providing plenty of cool fluids to avoid dehydration during long trips; dressing children appropriately in hot weather; ensuring all children wear well fitted, and age appropriate restraints; and plan travel in the cool hours of the day.

The Kidsafe website can be viewed at www. kidsafevic.com.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 19

Through music, family emerges A BALLAD about a pioneer of South Gippsland has earned a singer a nomination at the Tamworth Country Music Festival this month.

Bec Hance, who grew up at between Nyora and Lang Lang, has been nominated for five awards at the Tamworth Song Writers Association National Awards.

The Bullocky and his Bullock Team, nominated for bush ballad, is a tribute to her great-grandfather Walter Hance, a bullock driver who helped build one of the early routes in to the region, McDonald’s Track, through Lang Lang and Poowong.

Bec is also nominated for new song writer, best comedy song and best children’s song. She will take to the stage at the highest stage on the Australian music scene, as a graduate of the CMAA College of Country Music and grand finalist in the Toyota Star Maker quest.

“Bullockies are the people who helped to build the country to what it is today. I want to make people aware of people like Walter and to be thankful for all of the hard work they did,” she said.

The daughter of Frank and Martess of Lang Lang East took singing lessons while at paramedic school and has not looked back. Her second album, The Tranquility, was released in June.

Self-describing her style as “traditional Australian” with hints of Slim Dusty and John Williamson, she draws on her life events, particularly her 19 years on the family farm, a property in the Hance clan for four generations.

“I had a really great childhood. I grew up on a farm and did not have to rely on TV for fun. On Saturday nights we were not allowed to watch TV but had old vinyls playing country,” she said.

“Eventually you go back to your roots and I met some great people growing up.”

Two of those, brothers Lou and Ray Clark, were friends of her grandfather and inspired the song, Lou and

The Bullocky And His Bullock Team

Bec Hance Ray on her latest album.

The Bushfire was written in response to the Black Saturday bushfires of February last year.

“There were times in my childhood where I was threatened by bushfire and the song remembers how I used to feel,” she said.

Bec’s works are now played

by Gippsland country performer Truck’n with Tim, plus Gippsland radio stations, including 3MFM. Now a paramedic working at Emerald in central Queensland, Bec will soon move back to Victoria to be based at Murchison near Shepparton.

“I get a couple of patients recognising me but I don’t sing to them in the back,” she laughed.

While she concedes singing to patients is not part of official treatment procedures, Bec’s songs have been influenced by her personal encounters.

I’ll Cry explores the feelings encountered by farmers along the Murray River after losing their properties

to drought.

“I saw them suffer from depression because of the financial pressure. I’ll Cry comes from that because a lot of them could not hold their emotions back anymore,” Bec said.

My Mother’s Words was penned after Bec moved to Queensland, to her mother’s distress. The song is a reminder to never forget the place she calls home and the people who make it so.

“It’s good to move away but it’s also good to stay in touch with your family as well,” she said.

Combining performing with challenging work as a paramedic is not an easy but a challenge Bec relishes nonetheless.

“Everyone’s got to have a hobby and this is my hobby,” she said.

Beyond Tamworth, Bec will play at the Whittlesea Country Music Festival on February 12-14 and the Bunyip Country Music Festival on February 28.

There was a man called the bullocky, and he drove a bullock team It was the likes of my great grandfather working back in the 1920’s With a ginka and a yoke, he broke young steers in With a team of 14, a stock whip, the bullocky ploughed the scenery And he cleared the land, the trees and shrubs where the homes lie today There was no such thing as a bulldozer, tipper trucks or cranes He carted posts, cleared the tracks and made the railway The Australian legacy of the bullocky and his bullock team He ploughed paddocks for 50 years, so many miles on his feet And those bullocks never let him down, they could climb a mountain so steep He drove them far and wide, to the crack of his whip In the mud, the rain, the wind and the dust, Never once did he loose grip And he cleared the land, the trees, and shrubs where the cars drive today There was no such thing as an excavator, loaders or grader blades He crossed the rivers, dug the dams and made the fire breaks The Australian legacy of the bullocky and his bullock team And he cleared the land, the trees and shrubs were the city lies today He carted wool, hauled the wood, with 100 tonnes of weight He worked the land, carried the food, and aided every state The Australian legacy of the bullocky and his bullock team He carted posts, cleared the tracks and made the railway He crossed the rivers, dug the dams and made the fire breaks He carted wool, hauled the wood, with 100 tonnes of weight He helped develop our country with an industry so great Its all thanks to the bullocky, and his bullock team So thanks to the bullocky.

Prom lures thousands WILSON’S Promontory continues to remain a popular summer holiday destination for families, with up to 3000 people now staying at Tidal River.

Successful team: GippsTAFE Board Member Joanne Stringer, left, is pictured with members of the team, from left, Sue Nelsun, Bronwyn Beach, Lynda Jobling and Deb Bray.

All 484 campsites and 300 accommodation beds are booked out until January 24, with families lured to the national park to camp, swim, surf, paddle, hike and relax.

Up to 500 cars – or about 1200 – people visited the park every day since Christmas.

Acting chief ranger, Graeme Baxter, said the summer bookings reflect the park’s popularity of previous holi-

day periods.

“It’s so important for the region to have people visiting the Prom as they will contribute financially and hopefully come back again and again,” he said.

Vacancies for overnight hiking camping permits and lighthouse accommodation still exist – usual for this time of year.

“The holiday-makers have been waking up late, having long lazy breakfasts, heading down to the beach, riding bikes or just having a relaxing time,” Mr Baxter said.

“It’s really great to see people relaxing, chilling out and having a good time.”

Top award for TAFE Developing new ways of meeting the needs of students far and wide has earned the Health and Community Studies staff at Leongatha Campus of GippsTAFE an award for excellence.

The team - including Paul Banks, Bronwyn Beach, Debra Bray, Lynda Jobling, Lisa Kuhne, Martine Maurizio, Sue Nelsun, Amber Richardson, Tania Ryan and Robin Stevens - won the Staff Award for Excellence because of its innovation and best practice efforts.

The team managed to develop

the flexible learning capacity of the department to the extent that almost 100,000 student contact hours were delivered during 2009. The Health and Community Studies team at Leongatha consists of a number of specialised areas, including Alcohol and Other Drugs, Education Support, Outside School Hours Care, Disability, Aged Care, and Allied Health and Nursing.

Leongatha campus manager, David Bruce, said the team had successfully used a range of new technologies to engage and retain students.

“The teaching staff are very passionate about their industry sectors,”

Mr Bruce said.

“They recognised that they had to provide more flexible delivery modes, as traditional study options are not feasible for the majority of their learners.

“The staff have successfully adapted their delivery styles to continue to engage their learners via innovative teaching methods, ranging from the use of voice journals, toolboxes, teaching online using the Elluminate synchronous online classroom, delivering Recognition of Prior Learning to a high standard and offering workshops at various locations across Gippsland.”

Holiday time: a family relaxes at the Tidal River camp ground.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Fuel for fun

THE night before this Saturday’s Bass Coast Agricultural Show, Carmel Lynch and Barbara Culph will gather with a handful of volunteers to make sandwich fillings.

They need to do this ahead of the midday lunch that the show society puts on for its volunteers because there are 400 plates of sandwiches to prepare.

From 7am on show day itself, teams of rostered sandwich makers will take two hour shifts in order to get the job done on time.

They are members of the Wonthaggi View Club, which has undertaken this aspect of the catering at the show for the past few years.

Carmel has been a member for six years. As a former Wonthaggi girl with strong links to the town’s mining heritage, she is looking forward to this year’s show because it is one more event that marks Wonthaggi’s centenary year.

Carmel was born in Wonthaggi. Her father Harry Sainsbury was a miner. His father before him was Robert Sainsbury, one of the first men to mine the rich coal seams.

“His dog tag was number 28,” said Carmel, with a hint of pride.

She has enjoyed the range of celebrations that are marking the centenary of both Wonthaggi and the State Coal Mine. There’s more to come.

The View Club will have a float in the Wonthaggi Hospital centenary garden party, to be held in March and Carmel is an integral part of that.

She and Barbara have mustered a team of 24 volunteers to help with their big catering job.

The two women do the shopping and organise the food, but they need a lot of help to

Eat well: there are plenty of catering options at the Bass Coast Agricultural Show. The Wonthaggi View Club caters for the lunch provided to show volunteers. The Wonthaggi Tennis Club does a Devonshire tea. At last year’s show Margaret Williamson and Burt Blackburne of Wattlebank enjoyed their scones. make that number of sandwiches.

The View Club also provides platters of fruit and sweet treats which they buy from Connell’s Bakery in Murray Street, Wonthaggi.

As well as doing all of that, View Club members set up lunch tables in Wonthaggi Power’s Football Club rooms next to the recreation reserve where the show is staged.

Tea, coffee and cool drinks are the finishing touches to the volunteers’ repast.

The catering acts as a fund raiser for the

club but also helps meet its obligations as an active member of the community.

View Clubs (the View stands for Voice Interests and Education of Women) support The Smith Family, an independent children’s charity committed to helping disadvantaged Australian children through education and learning.

View women sponsor more than 500 students on The Smith Family Learning for Life program.

Heaps to do at show THE Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show in Wonthaggi boasts heaps of things to do.

And while some people will go along just to see those brave people from FMX take their bikes to the air, there are many more things to recommend the show.

Here are just a few: • Woodchop carnival • Psycho Wombat band full band, live music • Model railway set up and operating • Vintage cars and steam engines • Free pony rides • Paul’s working kelpies sorting out the ducks and sheep • Wonthaggi Citizen’s Band • Dog scramble and dog fly ball arena • Sand sculpturing and sandcastle playshop

• Medieval pageantry and tournaments, hands on archery • Beef cattle, including a Murray Grey feature, dairy cattle • Stilt walker, balloon clown, magician, juggler and some new surprises • Australia Fair – largest outdoor pipe organ in Oz * Full equestrian program including showjumping and harness • Children’s farmyard - animal nursery, poultry show, chook washing, rabbit show • Creative Arts Exhibition - flowers, vegies, cookery, art, craft, photography-free food tasting, and photography exhibition.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 21

Show goes on

By Jane Ross THE remarkably successful Bass Coast Agricultural Show, to be held in Wonthaggi this Saturday, January 9, is pitched at families.

And it’s organised by families too.

Margaret Eskildsen is the president of the Wonthaggi and District Agricultural Pastoral and Horticultural Society which runs the Bass Coast Show. Her sister Elsie Hope is on the committee too.

Then there’s Rosemary Loughnan, whose name is synonymous with the show. She and her sisters Joan Munday and Brenda Asquith are part of the well oiled machine that helps make the event as popular as it is.

Joan’s husband Bill and their daughter Narelle are involved too, as are Rosemary’s husband Wayne and their sons Adrian and Chris.

“We’re trying to encourage others,” said Wayne. “We’re always looking for new people to come and help. It’s good to have new people and new ideas.”

Margaret and Elsie were glad to be able to pitch in.

They moved to Wonthaggi after

retiring from work around 16 years ago. So did their older sister Jean and her daughter Judith.

The three siblings live close to each other and find nothing unusual in their habit of doing things together.

“We travel together too,” declared Elsie. “We’ve been half way round the world!”

Having lived in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, the sisters had holidayed at Coronet Bay since the late 1960s and taken a liking to South Gippsland. When they moved to Wonthaggi, they looked around for activities and found plenty.

They love the A and P and H Society.

“They’re an amazing group,” said their president. “They all work in together and know what their positions are, with their designated jobs.”

Margaret and Elsie had no experience with shows, other than attending the Royal Melbourne.

The Bass Coast event, said Margaret, “is run so professionally.

Rosemary and her sisters could run a business for me any day”!

They are also impressed with the generosity shown by business people in backing the show.

The sisters are pleased that this year, they won’t be catering for hot

meals for those showing cattle. They enjoy the interaction with cattle handlers, not to mention the cattle themselves. This year’s food will be picnic style, catered for by the Wonthaggi View Club.

“The animals are just amazing,” said Margaret, “they have shampoo and hair brushing, they’re beautiful!”

Staging an event as big as the show takes a lot of organising. Planning for the next begins the day after the show is over. Putting it all together starts this afternoon.

“The men take the stuff over and we start setting up,” said Margaret.

On the day itself, volunteers are on deck from 6am.

“They’re all young like us!” laughed Margaret.

She and Elsie think they have contributed in their own way. Through their involvement with other groups in Wonthaggi such as the Mitchell House craft group, they believe they have increased the interest of local people in entering their craft work.

In Margaret’s view it’s more like art.

Which is probably a metaphor for the show itself.

The show will continue on Sunday, January 10 with an equestrian only event.

Show organisers: Margaret Eskildsen (left) and her sister Elsie Hope help run the Bass Coast Agricultural Show. Margaret is the president of the organising committee. With them is their friend Kayla, who’ll be roped in for a 6am start on show day.

Dairy judge THE dairy cattle at this year’s Bass Coast Agricultural Show will be judged

by Dave Orchard.

He lives at Drouin West but grew up on Wonthaggi.

He judged the show’s dairy cattle last year and is looking forward to doing so again.

Dave grew up on a dairy farm and has been a successful Holstein Friesian breeder, competing and winning championships at both the Royal Melbourne and Sydney shows.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

History in the making LYN Skillern doesn’t live in the past, but she certainly enjoys visiting it. Leongatha’s number one history buff is currently looking into the 2012 centenary of Leongatha Secondary College. But if she didn’t have that job, Lyn would still be poring over old photographs or flipping through the pages of musty books in her search for treasures of the past.

researching, but I also hope that people gain something from it. If two children go home from the ANZAC Day school service and decide to look up their great-grandfather, then I am glad.

What do you love about history?

What I love best is finding new things that I didn’t know or the uncovering of interesting stories that no-one knows much about. The interesting thing is the finding of something new. There are so many interesting stories out there.

How has the internet changed your job?

Enormously. When I first researched the soldiers I wanted to research, I had to go to Canberra to the national archives and read them there. So at least for the First World War, you now have everything on line and for the Second World War, if they have been digitalised, then they are online as well.

But some of the things I want to do are still just a hard slog. Going to the State Library to read The Star. Most of the things I have to do for the Leongatha High mean I go to the public records office or the State Library.

People tend to look at big events of history – wars, gold rushes etc – but you seem to like delving into school histories and the like.

I like things that are local or have a local interest. My first delving into local history was the Tarwin River and the changes to the river system over time. That was my first interest and that just led me onto local history and wanting to find out more about other things. The Leongatha High School honour role always interested me.

The name would be read out every year and I always thought it would be interesting to know what happened to those 22 people.

Eventually I researched the 22 to find out what happened to them.

That has led me on to other topics.

Do you think younger people have such a desire to know those stories these days?

Generally, I think not. But you go into Year 10 and say we are going to look at some local men who were killed in the First World War and they are interested in it.

Everything I research leads me onto something else.

Unlike other parts of the state, the history of Leongatha and surrounds is devoid of momentous events. Lyn believes that is why history is not as celebrated in the region as well as it should be.

There’s never been a really grand event.

This area was settled and the forest cleared. It took a long time, it was just a long hard slog. There are no major events.

Because of that do you think our history has been neglected?

I think Gippsland’s history as a whole is neglected. You always had Ballarat, Bendigo, Melbourne, Portland. Samuel Anderson settled the Corinella area at the same time as the Hentys went to Portland, but he is totally ignored by history. The history of Gippsland is very interesting and it is such a big area, but it is not at all well known except by history enthusiasts.

Do you ever reflect on the importance of your work?

I think it is very important (laughs).

But it isn’t recognised as being important by that many people.

I think it is. I think preserving heritage is really important. If I’d had any role in preserving any heritage in the local area, I’m pleased that I was involved in it. I believe if the Historical Society hadn’t gone into the mechanics institute 26 years ago, I wonder what might of happened to it. Now I think the community values it. As far as writing history, I do it because I enjoy it. I love

Why do we need history?

I really believe that a community has to have a history just like people have to have a history. Just like people study their family history so they know where they come from, the community is the same thing. Every community has a really unique history of its own and if you don’t preserve that and those memories you have lost something of your soul.

From pages past Teacher’s Fellowship Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, January 6, 2009 Leongatha’s water situation is looking good in the middle of summer, with the four reservoirs supplying the township now 86 per cent full. The storages sank to an all time low of about 10 per cent in 2006. **** Leongatha Police have taken possession of a state-of-the-art speed radar.

Known as the Golden Eagles, the radar can detect speeding motorist in front or from the opposite direction as far away as 800m.

10 years ago, January 5, 2000 Gippsland Southern Health Service’s Gary Templeton welcomed in the new century by monitoring the health service’s computer system, just in case the Y2L bug struck. The health chief was required to lodge regular updates with the Department of Health, to ensure the Korumburra and Leongatha hospitals kept ticking along nicely. Areas of con-

cern were telecommunications and water, but fortunately, all went well. **** Tarwin Lower farmer John Arbuthnot has won the Big Bunny Shoot with a 157 rabbits for December. The shoot was held by the South Gippsland Coastal Rabbit Busters Program and John’s efforts prevented a potential 3000 rabbits from being born.

30 years ago, January 8, 1980 Darren Bone has typed a thank you letter to the Ruby community with the new Braille machine they gave to him.

The 10-year-old received the machine at a Christmas party for nearly 100 children, at which he was special guest. **** Ken Caithness of Koonwarra is the running for a National Farm Inventors Award after creating an effective post saw. Driven by a tractor, the saw is capable of cutting 80 logs an hour with two men.

Beach theft warning POLICE are warning beachgoers not to leave valuables in their cars.

Foster Police’s Leading Senior Constable, Karen McDonald, said the holiday season was a peak time for thefts from vehicles.

“You get carloads up from Melbourne, Pakenham or Cranbourne, coming up to, say, Tidal River for the day, and they’ll hit every car park

between Tidal River and Wonthaggi on the way home,” she said.

“Or Tidal River to Cowes on the way home. If you get hit for one computer here, one GPS there, it soon adds up.”

She said the simple message was “look, lock, leave”.

“If you’ve got valuables, leave them at home,” she said.

Favoured theft items include laptops, iPods, wallets and money.

GIPPSTAFE teacher Linda Austin has graduated from the 2009 Gippsland Community Leadership Program.

The program identifies emerging leaders and supports the continuing development of future community leaders by bringing together selected leaders from diverse backgrounds across Gippsland.

GippsTAFE Leongatha Campus Manager, David Bruce, said it was a great achievement by Ms Austin, who undertook the program on top of her heavy workload and a busy private life.

“It is great to see Linda earn her Fellowship, which is an important personal development initiative,” Mr Bruce said.

“Linda has shown a lot of leadership within GippsTAFE and this formally recognises her efforts.”

Ms Austin has been in Gippsland most of her life and lives in Mirboo North.

She has worked at GippsTAFE for the past 18 years at both the Morwell and Leongatha campuses.

Ms Austin’s current role is in the hospitality department at the Leongatha

Well done: Linda Austin (centre) is congratulated on completing the Gippsland Community Leadership Program by GippsTAFE Leongatha campus manager, David Bruce, and team leader, Leongatha programs, Vanessa Marsh. campus of GippsTAFE, with a major part of her job managing the student training restaurant.

Her work involves students from VCE levels through to the Diploma level and she also has a background in online learning, having completed an Online Facilitation Course globally.

Ms Austin has been

involved in a number of community organisations including the Leongatha Children’s Centre Inc, where she has served as president for a number of years. She was also involved in the feasibility, funding and development of the St Andrews Childcare Centre in Mirboo North, is on the Walker Tuck Recreation Reserve

Committee and the Mirboo North Kindergarten Committee.

She can now add her Fellowship of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program to her teaching qualifications, a Bachelor of Vocational Education and Training, a Diploma of Teaching (TAFE) and a Diploma of Hospitality.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 23

Landcare donation boost LANDCARE in South Gippsland is expected to receive an influx of donations to help protect the environment.

The South Gippsland Landcare Network is one of just 11 organisations around Australia to be granted tax deductible status by the Federal Government.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, recently revealed the successful organisations, to help the fight against climate change and preserve and protect the environment.

The Landcare network was added to the register of environmental organisations, meaning Australians can now claim a tax deduction for gifts.

Network co-ordinator Belinda Brennan was delighted with the news.

“It is hoped that this will allow the network to attract a greater

range and more funds to protect and enhance the environment in South Gippsland,” she said.

The network helps to preserve, protect and enhance the environment of South Gippsland by working with government agencies and businesses to complete natural resource projects.

Senator Sherry said the government was acting to help the organisations protect the environment and Australia from the impacts of climate change.

“At a time when the Australian community is watching international developments in climate change and the environment very closely, these 11 environmental organisations can now step forward and make an even bigger contribution,” the Assistant Treasurer said.

Mr Garrett said volunteers play a crucial part in protecting the environment.

“These groups span a remarkable array of Australian environmental causes, from wildlife

rescue, waterway protection and rehabilitation and work to protect our sea country and coral reefs, reflecting the wide range of environmental priorities that we have in this country,” he said.

The other organisations are: • The Climate Institute (Australia) Ltd; • The Australian Coral Reef Society Inc; • Little River Landcare Group Inc; • Millennium Kids Inc; • Namoi Valley Environmental Protection Association Inc; • River, Lakes and Coorong Action Group Inc; • RiverSmart Australia Ltd; • Save Our Waterways – Now Inc; • Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter Inc; and • The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust.

More details about projects donations can be made towards are expected to be revealed this month.

Hopes soar: changes to tax regulations will help Landcare rehabilitate more land.

Becoming region’s own master chef THE challenge is out to all South Gippsland chefs and cooks to win the 2010 Gippsland Signature Dish Competition.

The winner will take home over $2000 of prizes, including a Kitchen Aid mixer (valued at $799), $1000 cash and $1000 of advertising with either Southern Cross Ten or Star FM Radio, not to mention great kudos for their kitchen and the shire.

“It’s not just for fine dining chefs,” Christian Stefani, South Gippsland Shire Council’s tourism co-ordinator, said. “Last year’s winner was the ca-

tering manager of the Maryvale Private Hospital in Morwell, so the field is wide open to any cooks and chefs working in the local hospitality industry.”

Christian is keen to have local chefs represented in the competition.

“South Gippsland was a pioneer of Australia’s current burgeoning farmer’s market culture, and small producers have been encouraged and supported to develop their products well,” he said.

“Succulent organic lamb and beef from Tarwin Lower, mouth watering seafood from Port Franklin,

internationally award winning cheeses from Poowong, fresh picked herbs from Koonwarra and great local wines and beer; half the work is done with this amazing produce - all it needs is the creativity and panache of a local chef to put us on the map.”

Chefs and cooks need to submit a recipe of their signature dish, which should showcase as much Gippsland produce as possible and be matched to a Gippsland wine or beer.

Written entries close on Friday, January 29, 2010, and should also include a photograph of the

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8203

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Expect to be called on to assume a family related obligation, but consider all the implications before committing yourself. This is not the week for shortcuts. Everything taking a bit longer is best.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

You can make important gains now, provided you resist impulsive moves. Your popularity dips before the weekend, but by Sunday you are the top name on the social roster.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

The trouble this week is that every problem has two good solutions.

The best plan is to aim for long-range success. You are extremely popular Wednesday - Thursday, enjoy the company, but watch out for rich foods.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

The beginning of this week is frantic. Plans are rearranged and it seems that cancellations are unavoidable - but dig for a solution and you will find it. Children are in the picture on the weekend and you will enjoy their sense of humour immensely.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

Messages seem to be weighted with hidden meanings, but only because they really are so simple. This is the weekend for entering contests, attending sports events and taking on a new physical activity.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

A barter system could be the answer to decrease costs. A family deadlock is broken by the weekend. Simplicity is the key this week in everything you do, including your dress.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Be more careful in choosing words and phrases. If you are not prepared with the facts, embarassment will follow. Friday favours financial gains. The weekend features outstanding entertainment.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

This is a great week for putting on those finishing touches. Money matters may improve after the weekend. Weekend plans may be cancelled - the reason is legitimate, though not completely understood.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

This week you seem unusually clever in financial matters. Still major risks should be avoided as your intuition is weak. News from a distant corner could cheer you and your family.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

Don’t be secretive or coy with your worries. It’s easy to be accident prone in the work environment, so take a more relaxed approach.

Some financial gains after the weekend.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

For health’s sake, make balance your present keyword. Balance work with recreation and a balanced diet. An unexpected expense may be required on Thursday, meaning the delay of a longed-for luxury.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

A phone call from a relative may answer an important question but open up a new area of concern. Don’t get carried away with recent success at the workplace. Your love life brightens by the end of the week.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

The first impression you present is a lasting one. You are determined, supportive, reliable, ambitious and slightly aloof. In all realms - romance, finance and friendship, there are a lot of options in the year ahead. It’s your choice.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, January 6: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Sunday, January 10: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Exploring Worship; 10.30am Union Church, Tarwin Lower, HC. Tuesday, January 12: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk / St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship.

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.

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.

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.

Leongatha South Gippsland Liberty Fellowship - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha.

Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm.

All enquiries contact Pastor David Stegmann 5662 2785. Office: 5662 3100.

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; Kids Club Thursdays 4pm Guide Hall. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

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 WOMEN’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 Senior Citizens Centre, 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: Kid’s Club - Tuesday, 4 - 5pm; 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. Teaching service at 7.30pm.

Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2762. Minister: Rev. Ron Nauta.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, January 10, Combined 10am (HC). Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Geoff Smith and Rev. Jim Foley, 5655 1997.

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.

dish and a list of all ingredients, in particular details of any local produce used. Entry is free and participants can enter as many dishes as they like.

The 2010 Gippsland Signature Dish Competition is supported by South Gippsland, Baw Baw, Cardinia, Latrobe, Bass Coast, and Wellington Shire Councils, Lardner Park Events, Tourism Victoria, Destination Gippsland, Southern Cross Television, Star FM, and KitchenAid. Entry forms can be downloaded from www. southgippsland.vic.gov.au.

7.

8.

9.

10.

12.

15.

16.

18.

20.

22.

ACROSS Aggressiveness (12) Expedition (6) Fruit (6) Widely spread (7) Condition (5) Bird (5) Problem (7) Alter (6) Searched (6) Bathrobe (8-4)

DOWN Tranquilliser (8) Insect (4) Versus (7) Ruse (5) Disturb (8) King (Shakespeare) (4) 11. Fish (8) 13. Axe (8) 14. Astray (7) 17. Taut (5) 19. Leather (4) 21. Press (4) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8203 ACROSS 7. Is embezzling money one? (7,5). 8. View as a ricochet (6). 9. He’s right on the green (6). 10. Prepare the pie, make it better and he’ll enjoy it! (7). 12. Awful person, wicked, that came to a bad end (5). 15. Allow through and make no secret of the fact (5). 16. Surrprise that’s arranged at mid-term (7). 18. I hunt about for trasnport (6). 20.

Shake, which does perturb one (6). 22. Dust on a special tray (9,3).

DOWN 1. After all the work we’d got through, beaten! (8). 2. The animal is first left standing (4). 3. Jobs in which one flies (7). 4. Dish out some fresh news (5). 5. I cover up with “The gentleman is hard-working” (8). 6. Used to come to the point, before (4). 11. At the top limits, the ice’s melting round the fish (8). 13. Table of suggestions produced by someone impractical (8). 14. Wary about it being a handout (7). 17. Showing compassion and warmth right through (5). 19. The kick of a horse (4). 21. Not now, in that case (4).

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Vision of trees everywhere

Gavin Jennings

A MASS of trees linking Wilsons Promontory with the Gippsland Lakes is the vision of the State Government.

Environment and Climate Change Minister, Gavin Jennings, wants a “biolink” stretching between two of the state’s natural icons, as part of a $105 million land and biodiversity plan.

The biolink will be similar to others stretching from western Melbourne to the Grampians, from the Mallee to the Wimmera, and the Murray River to the Alps.

The route of the biolink and how it will be created are yet to be specified.

The plans are listed in the Securing our Natural Future – a white paper for land and biodiversity at a time of climate change.

That paper sets out a blueprint for protecting habitat and ecosystems in the face of the looming threat of climate change.

“We know that creating habitat corridors is one of the best ways to ensure our environment builds up resilience to climate change-

induced drought,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Victorian Government will invest $1.5 million in 2010 to improve the ecological connectivity within this important landscape.

“This funding will be used for threatened species protection and recovery, and securing permanent protection of high value ecosystems.

“Incentives will be offered to landholders along the link to protect and restore high-value native vegetation in key locations.

“On-ground works, such as habitat improvement, pest control and fencing to protect native vegetation along waterways, will be undertaken to improve the condition of threatened species, which will, in turn, improve the functioning of these ecosystems.”

Mr Jennings said the new funding includes $3 million over the next 3 years to improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes by reducing the nutrient and sediment run-off into the lakes, to reduce the risk of algal blooms.

Under the changes flagged in the strategy, catchment management authorities and re-

gional coastal boards will form the basis of new regionally-based natural resource and catchment authorities responsible for coordinated management across catchments, and coastal and marine ecosystems.

“The aim is to build on the best aspects of our regional community-based approach while improving decision making, clarifying roles and responsibilities and adopting a broader approach to catchment management,” Mr Jennings said.

A new peak body, the Victorian Natural Resource and Catchment Council will provide coordinated land, water and biodiversity advice to government.

It will encompass the current Victorian Catchment Management Council, and in due course, the Victorian Coastal Council, and the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council.

For further information or to obtain a copy of Securing our Natural Future, please call 136 186 or visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/landwhitepaper.

LUCIUS Benjamin Oakley was born on December 21, 2009. Lucius is a gorgeous little boy for Alicia and Ben of Wonthaggi and a little brother for Kaitlin aged 7.

ISLA Joan Edwards was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on December 7, 2009 to Danielle Skinner and David Edwards of Cape Woolamai. Isla is a new sister to Jack 3yrs and Ashleigh 14yrs.

TILLIRAH Joyce Eldred was born on December 16, 2009. Tillirah is a gorgeous little girl for Brett Eldred and Kirstie Redpath of Leongatha.

CHARLIE Thomas Potter was born on December 13, 2009. Rhian and Matthew of Leongatha are the proud parents of their first child.

COHEN Darcy Harrison was born on December 15, 2009. Cohen is a new baby boy for Ashley and Jane Harrison of Nerrena.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Woorayl Lodge Auxiliary, Lions Club and Catholic Women’s League will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning January 11, 2010.

Above: THOMAS William Landry was born on December 15, 2009. Thomas is another gorgeous little boy for Stuart and Susan of Leongatha South.

Thomas has a big brother - Mitchell aged 19 months.

KIAN Bailey AtyeoPeters was born December 15, 2009. Kian is the second child and a son for Stuart Peters and Kerri Atyeo of Inverloch. Kian is a little brother for Tayla.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 25

BE enchanted by this special 13 acres, with Swiss Chalet, for sale through Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha. Read about it on page 28.

Prom Country BENA ~

5 acres & brand new DUMBALK ~ $165,500 - 179,000

$440,000 - $480,000

holiday townie FOSTER NTH ~ retro delights, 3 brms $525,000 - $575,000

lifestyle selection 16 acres PORT ALBERT ~

+ brick workshop, garage $550,000 - $600,000

live & earn cafe, gallery, residence

Selling Properties nearly an acre TOORA ~ 6 acres stunning views MIRBOO NTH ~

MEENIYAN ~ $325,000 - $350,000

4 bedrooms, 3 living areas $180,000 - $190,000 river frontage, views, permit $625,000 - $675,000

KARDELLA ~

150 acres MIRBOO NTH ~

$750,000 farmhouse to renovate, + cottage, views $310,000 - $340,000

LEONGATHA ~ $375,000 - $410,000

live & earn FISH CREEK ~

town 4 acres KOONWARRA ~ 15 acre estate

shop, residence, in town $430,000 - $460,00 creek, koalas, platypus’, 4brm $1.4m winery, vineyard, 4 bedroom luxury home

1 acre MIRBOO NTH ~ town 1.5 acres STONY CK ~ 3brm home, farm views $310,000 - $339,000

4 acres KORUMBURRA STH ~ 23 acres gorgeous dual occ, dam $580,000 - $640,000 2 homes, views, dam, sheds

2 acre “resort”! KOONWARRA ~

charm & views $300,000 - $330,000 house, shed/showrm, lagoon $160,000 - $175,000

town .5 acre

24/7

lisa williams 0438 133 385

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

town water, power

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan

promcountryrealestate.com.au

5664 0224

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Idyllic Inverloch beach pad I

F you’re seeking an iconic beach location then don’t look any further than this Inverloch home.

This rare gem is set on 548 square metres of land and is only 100 metres to the beach.

The home is on a gorgeous east-west running block with a perfectly presented three bedroom.

There is an open plan kitchen, living and dining area.

All three bedrooms have built-in robes.

Timber floors throughout are complemented by a spacious bathroom and laundry.

If you are looking for an investment property or holiday home then look no further.

For more information on 3 Grandview Grove in Inverloch call Alex Scott & Staff on 5674 1111.

At a glance Location: 3 Grandview Grove, Inverloch.

Price: $528,000.

Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Inverloch.

Contact: 5674 1111.

New Year special T

HIS quality built brick home, with four bedrooms, is just perfect for the growing or large family.

Located in charming Callaway Crescent, and just a short stroll to all local schools, the home offers four bedrooms with en suite to master, and a bathroom with both bath and shower.

This home is perfect as an entertainer offering two living areas, plus formal dining.

A servery is located in the wall between the dining and the kitchen and has doors to shut when it’s not needed.

A roomy kitchen features an electric wall oven and griller, gas hotplates, rangehood, dishwasher, and a downlight directly over the double bowl sink.

Vertical blinds, gas heating and a reverse cycle take care of heating and cooling needs.

Outside has loads of room for the active family.

A timber deck runs along the side of the home with steps down into the back yard, which is packed with shrubs, and trees.

This home projects an air of peace and tranquillity in the middle of mother nature’s bloom.

Contact Andrew or Peter for further details or to arrange an inspection.

At a glance Location: 37 Callaway Crescent, Leongatha.

Price: $305,000.

Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 0922.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 27

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Tarra Valley heaven T

HE hills are alive with the product of one’s imagination.

“Brookleigh” is an idyllic hideaway situated on approximately 13 glorious acres of absolute heaven, plus river lease.

Ideal as a bed and breakfast, wedding receptions, host farm stay (subject to council approval) or retirement living.

Accommodation consists of four buildings, being a four bedroom tri-level Swiss Chalet with an inbuilt wood heater and two outdoor decks.

Then a three bedroom log cabin with slate flooring, pine lined walls and billiard/library room.

There’s also a small one bedroom cottage, and a separate building with a heated pool, large entertainment area and bedroom with en suite.

Scattered throughout the grounds are countless attractions and artistic pieces.

Walk around and you will find a wooden sphere balanced at the edge of an ornamental dam, an aviary in the shape of a dice tipped on its point, and a French Dovecote.

Outbuildings include a large shearing shed with undercover stockyards, a Japanese tea house complete with mats to sit on, and a disused dairy.

A further inspection will find a Turkish pavilion overlooking the ornamental dam, and numerous rustic sheds.

As you step out of your car, listen to the sounds of nature at its best with the calming water flow of the pristine Tarra River meandering along the edge of the property. Inspection is definitely a must; just allow yourself time to see everything that’s on offer.

At a glance Location: 1649 Tarra Valley Road, Tarra Valley.

Price: $895,000.

Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 0922.

Becoming a real estate agent T

O become a licensed real estate agent in Victoria you must fulfil certain requirements outlined by the State Government.

The system of licensing was established by the government with an understanding that most consumers are not experienced in buying and selling property.

Accordingly the licensing requirements ensure that all people engaged in selling or buying property have a sound understanding of the legislation and regulatory requirements underpinning real estate transactions.

There are two categories of licensing for real estate professionals in Victoria, a licensed estate agent and an agent’s representative.

A licensed estate agent has the capacity to own or manage an estate agency and may conduct themselves

as an auctioneer.

An agent’s representative is a person employed by a licensed estate agent and may work in sales or property management.

The estate agents license requirement is much more extensive and requires the completion of 24 units of study encompassing trust accounting, business finance, leasing, sales, marketing and auctions.

In addition, people applying for this category of licence need to also demonstrate 12 months experience as an agent’s representative.

Before you engage or deal with an estate agent check that the agent you are dealing with is properly licensed.

You can do this easily by contacting the Business Licensing Authority on 1300 13 54 52 or accessing the estate agents register at www.bla.vic. gov.au.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 29

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Walkerville South auction Y

OU have an opportunity to purchase a property in a very exclusive coastal area.

This Walkerville South home has about 22 squares of easy living and will be auctioned by Alex Scott & Staff, Venus Bay on January 16.

The property boasts panoramic ocean views from a triple level home.

There are huge living areas with separate lounge and a library that could be a third bedroom.

Two large bedrooms lead on to an extensive deck overlooking scenic gardens and ocean views.

The top level boasts a huge living area leading to extensive decking and brilliant views.

Other features include two bathrooms, hydrondic wall heaters throughout, a mixture of carpets and polished floors, and garage with automatic doors.

This property has many features that must be seen to be appreciated.

The home is situated just a few minutes walk to the safe pristine beaches of Walkerville South.

This is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss. Prior offers considered.

At a glance Location: 9 Casuarina Grove, Walkerville South.

Auction: January 16 at 2pm on site.

Agent: Alex Scott & Staff,Venus Bay. Contact: Robb Lawrie 5663 7111.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 31

Before and After Under construction: new toilets being built next to the Fish Creek Memorial Hall last year.

Holding on for toilets FISH Creek Memorial Hall has new toilets.

They have been constructed on the left hand side of the hall where the old women’s facilities were.

A wheelchair access toilet is new.

Hall secretary/treasurer, Doug Knez, said the ceilings are painted white, the walls cream and the floors are sealed with a dark epoxy floor solution.

“A sensor light greets you when you walk through the doorway and turns off after a couple minutes after vacating the rooms,” he said.

When the hall or op shop is open the new toilets will also be.

The old toilets were built in the 1930s with the mens only accessible from outside the hall.

The toilets needed replacing as they were difficult to keep clean and exposed to the weather conditions.

Glass windows were also being broken by vandals, making the area insecure.

Demolition of the old women’s toilets began on April 27 with the new toilets completed by December 11.

The official opening included a showing of movie Kenny, Getting the toilets built wasn’t easy.

Firstly the hall committee didn’t realise they needed a demolishing permit, which was an initial holdup.

Mr Knez said when the concrete footings were waiting to be poured there was a hold-up and down came

the rain for two days delaying the concreting pour until it was safe to do so.

“Grant Flaver measures all his work nowadays on the problems, hold-ups and issues he experienced with the footings pour at the hall toilets,” Mr Knez said.

“Nothing, he says, ‘compares with the problems of the Fishy Hall.’”

Assistance was provided through the Federal Government stimulus package, South Gippsland Shire Council, Veteran’s Affairs Department, Bendigo Bank and locals through the Memorial Hall op shop.

Mr Knez said only local tradesmen were used and they were excellent.

New restrooms: Pat Petersen (Fish Creek Memorial Hall vice president), Margaret Comrie (hall president), Doug Knez (hall secretary/treasurer) and South Gippsland Shire’s Cr Mimmie Jackson at the official opening of the new hall toilets.

WINTER in England is cold and Inverloch woman Sarah Billington is happily surviving one of the most severe freezing spells on record in windy and white Leeds, where she studies at university. The Star’s regular correspondent writes she’s enjoying the wintery change.

A white Christmas

YES, it’s cold here and it’s snowing.

I’m not really a fan of -2 degrees Celsius weather, but I can endure it. The city is covered in white. I’ve been grinning from ear to ear walking around in the snow since I’ve never seen it before.

I always thought it would come straight down, like rain does, but it’s so light it actually swirls around in the air a lot - and I’ve discovered that under the lovely fluffy white snow is ice – and under the ice there is still cement, which is quite painful when you slip, so I’ve learned.

The semester is over and the previously bustling city of Leeds has gone quiet over Christmas.

The English students have headed home to their towns and most international students have flown home to their own countries.

Of the people I know, there’s only a few of us left now.

I’d never thought about that, that international students can just pop home on a flight for the weekend. Pay five pounds, spend an hour in the air and you’re home. Wish it was that easy for me.

Last weekend I spent Saturday performing with the Leeds University Swing Dancing Society for

five hours at a charity gig, doing a routine every hour and social dancing in the middle.

It was a fabulous day and we raised nearly 4000 pounds. I headed to London for a couple of days straight after and had to leave early. I was bombarded with hugs from everyone before I left as it was my last swing society event with them.

I’m so glad I joined the swing society, not only because I love swing dancing and it’s always such a laugh, but because otherwise I wouldn’t have made so many British friends.

Most of my regular friends are also international students, but now I have friends not only elsewhere in the world but also all over England, with all the different accents.

I spent a couple of days with family friends in London and caught up with a friend I made on my last trip to Paris.

We went to the Sherlock Holmes premiere - not to actually see the movie, but watch people like Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams and the cast of the Vampire Diaries. The Royal Princes William and Harry were there as well.

We were there to scream and

shout. I’ve got to say, as interesting an experience as it was, it’s not something I’d like to do all that often.

Back in Leeds, I’m determined to write my two essays that are due later this month, so that I have time to cram for my exams as well.

Cold snap: Star correspondent Sarah Billington is enjoying winter in Leeds.

Left: Snow time: The Billington residence in Leeds is covered in snow.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

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A lifetime together ALBIE and Pat Rodwell have known each other for most of their lives.

They first met when they were pupils together at the Leongatha North State School.

Albie was born in Leongatha but his father was a share farmer and moved “all over the place”, so Albie’s primary schooling also included Wooreen, Jeetho West, Lance Creek and Tarwin Lower.

As a result, Albie and Pat didn’t see that much of each other. That is, until they started going to dances as teenagers.

When she was 18 and he 19, the couple married in the old St Peter’s Church of England Leongatha.

Pat wore a dress in the delicate pale green called eau de nil.

That was 60 years ago and on the last day of 2009, the Rodwells celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Some time after their marriage,

they lived opposite the Murray Goulburn factory, which was handy for Albie because he worked there. He retired in 1994 after 45 years with the co-operative.

“I started on the cheese, I did everything, worked on the casein and milk powder.”

Pat worked too. She had a job in the blouse factory downstairs near the corner of Bair and McCartin streets, sewed at home and was employed by a motel.

The Rodwells raised four children, three daughters and a son and now have 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren – with a 12th on the way.

Pat enjoys being the matriarch of her brood, the more so because her family had few relatives.

She and Albie decided that the best way to mark their 60 years of married life, was to gather with family for afternoon tea and have a good talk.

December 31is also their grand-

daughter Eliza Hoekstra’s birthday, so it was a double celebration.

The Rodwells moved to Koonwarra 34 years ago and enjoy a life that involves Probus and gardening – Albie deals with the vegetable patch and Pat the flower beds, which include roses.

They say they don’t have a particular recipe for a long marriage.

“It’s just luck,” said Albie.

“In our generation, you didn’t throw in the towel,” mused Pat. “You argue, but you just think tomorrow’s a better day. You just get over it.”

Diamond day: Albie and Pat Rodwell in the garden of their Koonwarra home on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Less waste haste Tarwin Lower Red Cross THE State Government has given more than $134,000 to help Gippsland reduce its compostable waste.

A major study will be undertaken in the next 18 months into ways to reduce the volume of green and food organics in kerbside collection as well as developing commercial composting opportunities.

The Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group has been allocated $134,200 from Sustainability Victoria’s Regional Towards Zero Waste Support Program.

“It is a priority for the region that there is an ongoing focus on the responsibility everyone has to minimise the volume of useful material sent to landfill,” executive officer Matthew Peake said.

“One aspect of that process is to encour-

age people to minimise the volume of food and garden organics to landfill, and instead use them as a resource.

“Judicious purchasing also has a role to play because that means there is less waste generated in the first place, as well as savings for householders.”

As well as encouraging more composting at home, the study will look at larger scale commercial composting activities that could develop from combined organic material pickup from the kerbside.

“Naturally, economics will be a major driver for short to medium term change to existing services,” Mr Peake said.

“If the financial outcome of the trial indicates commercial gains can be achieved, changes could be implemented as soon as existing contracts and practicalities allow.”

DECEMBER saw the last meeting for 2009, with 25 members attending.

It was interesting to note the unit had raised $4188.90 for the year, including the bushfire appeal.

Telecross is still running smoothly, with four clients telephoned each morning to see if they are okay.

Two team leaders attended the training day for emergency catering and registration.

The next big day is Australia Day on Tuesday, January 26 at Fisher’s Park, Tarwin Lower. The ceremony starts at 8pm, followed by breakfast.

Glenda, president, closed the meeting by wishing everyone a merry Christmas and happy new year.

The unit walked over to the primary school where we were entertained with music and Christmas songs by the students. They were terrific.

The parents club then put on a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. We were so full we thought we should all walk home afterwards.

The unit had a special guest from Sale office, Lauren Carey, who presented a 10 year service badge to Ian Latham, and a 20 year service badge to Evelyn Indian.

Heather Marshall thanked the parents club for the scrumptious lunch, Glenda thanked Lauren for attending our Christmas function, and Val thanked Glenda for the effort she has shown throughout the year, as well as all the members, as without the members there would be no unit.

In December our members spent the mornings of the weekends selling Christmas hamper tickets at Venus Bay, Tarwin Lower and Fish Creek. The raffle was won by Greg Mackey who holidays at Venus Bay, and the second hamper was won by Kataline, Melbourne.

The raffle raised approximately $800 and we thank everyone who supported it.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, February 2 at 1.30pm at Tarwin Lower Community Health Centre, all welcome to come and join us.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Oliver’s right at home

LEONGATHA’S young performers are well represented in Oliver, the British musical, which is this year’s production by the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group in May. Based on the novel Oliver Twist by

Charles Dickens, the musical needs a young cast which is required to act, sing and dance.

Among the cast are Jackson Patterson, who shares the title role of Oliver Twist.

Adam Turner will share the role of Artful Dodger.

Wilde night WILBUR Wilde, and lifelong friends Joe Camilleri and Lisa Edwards are joining together with their band that also includes one of Australia’s most recognised drummers, Skyhooks’ Freddie Strauks.

They will play on Saturday, January 9 at the Foster Memorial Hall.

Wilbur, along with his family and many talented local musicians, has entertained the people of South Gippsland for the previous 10 years.

This year is a special event to mark that 10-year milestone, brought to you by the Foster Football club.

As the founding member of Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Joe Camilleri gained national prominence as the lead singer and songwriter.

The band also included Wilbur on saxophone.

Hit singles for the Falcons included The Shape I’m In and Hit and Run. Joe went on to form the Black Sorrows as well as performing as a solo artist that continues to this day.

Earlier last year, Joe performed with his band to a packed house

• Wilbur Wilde that was acknowledged as one of the best nights in Foster.

Lisa Edwards began her career as a solo artist and was invited to join John Farnham’s band in 1988.

She has worked with, amongst others, Yoko Ono, Olivia Newton John, Billy Thorpe and The Black Sorrows.

She was also part of the “Tour Of

Duty” in appreciation of our peace keeping effort in East Timor.

She continues with her solo career and as a permanent member of the John Farnham band.

Wilbur Wilde has a special association with Foster and the South Gippsland community that goes back to the 70’s and has made a significant contribution over the previous 10 years to this event.

He initially rose to prominence with the bands OL’ 55 and Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons and over a 35 year career has also performed with Skyhooks, Elvis Costello, Split Enz, Dire Straits, The Angels, Dragon, Cold Chisel and James Reyne.

He is most famous for his 15 year association with Hey, Hey it’s Saturday, which is back on the air again in 2010.

Tickets are $30 each or $15 for under 18s.

It’s a BYO event, so bring everything you need for a good night out.

The support band this year will be local Secondary College entities, Stereo Disfunction, who will commence at 8.30pm followed

by Wilbur, Joe, Lisa and band at 9.30pm.

This will be a great night. Don’t miss it.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 37

Point of view AGNES artist Marilyn Ardley has a privileged view that has inspired her to create a new series of work; she can see Wilsons Promontory from where she lives.

Called the Waratah Series, it refers to seascapes around the area of Waratah Bay. “I have holidayed at Waratah Bay and Sandy Point as our daughters (with husband Garry) were growing up,” Marilyn said. “So the mist, the waves and the changes in the seasons are an integral part of our lifestyle.”

The new series is also a profound change from previous subjects that have preoccupied Marilyn in the past.

“Although my work has always been about family and the environment, these works have been strongly influenced by the Corner Inlet area: Waratah Bay and Wilsons Promontory,” Marilyn said.

“So while past works have often related to the earth with strong tonal reds, this

show expresses my response to the subtle tones of the seascape and the sky, capturing both energy and serenity.”

The Waratah exhibition will show at the Stockyard Gallery in Foster for 10 days only, so come early, if you don’t want to miss out. The opening is on Friday, January 8, 6.30 to 8.30pm. The show will run until January 17.

Marilyn has been prolific recently. She has just finished a joint exhibition at the Meeniyan Art Gallery and is preparing for a Melbourne show later in 2010.

“The intention is that the combination of some of the art from both exhibitions (Meeniyan and Stockyard) will be exhibited in Melbourne later this year,” Marilyn said.

“However, all the art at Stockyard gallery ranging from small framed works on paper to larger paintings on canvas will be for sale.”

For inquiries or gallery details, call 5682 1125.

Three of the artists: were at the opening, from left are Carol Monson, Yvonne Renfree and Winsome Richards (Marion Dawson was unable attend).

Waratah series: Agnes artist Marilyn Ardley will show a series of Waratah Bay paintings at Stockyard Gallery until January 17.

Smooth as silk SILK and fibres took centre stage in Meeniyan recently.

The opening of the Shared Visions in Textile Art exhibition at the Meeniyan Art Gallery on December 27 attracted many admirers of this specific branch of creativity, which has a large following in the region.

People from all over Gippsland attended the opening and were not disappointed.

The exhibition displayed works by prominent artists Marion Dawson, Yvonne Renfree, Carol Monson and MAG curator Winsome Richards, who is also a well-

known artist, experienced in various mediums.

“A variety of works featuring natural fibres, silks, exotic cottons and beading are on display until January 28,” Winsome said.

“These are recent artworks. They were inspired by the beautiful colours of our environment: sea and country. Also, the wall

hangings were inspired by ancient peoples’ artworks of ceremonial swans.”

The Meeniyan gallery will hold a variety of workshops.

For gallery and exhibition details call the gallery on 5664 0101. For workshop details, call Education Centre Gippsland on 5662 6700.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

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Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

public notices

FREE CAR REMOVAL Trucks, tractors & farm machinery ALL AREAS 5658 1577 Complete vehicles

public notices Dr R.P. Delbridge DENTIST FALLS RD,FISH CREEK Phone 5683 2292 Wishes to advise the surgery will be CLOSED FROM December 23 until February 2, 2010 Sorry for any inconvenience

public notices BOAT LICENCE COURSE (incl. PWC end)

INVERLOCH Monday, January 11 6 - 10.15pm LEONGATHA Tuesday, January 12 6pm - 10pm Bookings essential

Phone Bob: 0417 524 005 Approved Marine Safety Vic. course Australian Boating College.

Provider No. 3399

public notices

ART CLASSES Painting on location

INVERLOCH Saturday, January 9 10am to 2pm cost $60 RHYLL, PHILLIP ISLAND Saturday, January 16 10am to 2pm cost $60 ARCHIES on the CREEK Saturday, January 23 10am to 4pm Cost $85 includes lunch Bookings Janice Orchard Phone 0419 301 363 www.janiceorchard.com

public notices CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropratic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

MEENIYAN REC RESERVE TRI-ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, January 14

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS GIPPSLAND PORTS The following Notice to Mariners is published for general information.

DATE DECEMBER 23, 2009 AUSTRALIA - VICTORIA No. 178 / 2009

OLD INVERLOCH BOAT RAMP DATE: DETAILS:

Effective immediately.

Due to sea bed scouring the old Inverloch boat ramp adjacent to the current ramp has been undermined and collapsed. It is now in a potentially dangerous state of repair.

Mariners and waterway users are advised to avoid this site.

An isolated Danger Buoy has been established at this site to alert the public to its condition.

CHARTS AFFECTED: Nil. PUBLICATIONS AFFECTED: Nil. FURTHER This notice is self cancelling and no NOTICE: further notice will be issued.

CAPT BRUCE GREEN HARBOUR MASTER

7pm MEENIYAN BOWLS CLUBROOMS Enquiries: F. Sinclair 5664 4354

public notices

CHIROPRACTOR Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson This practice will be closed until further notice due to family illness THE ORGANIC HAIR & BEAUTY SALON: 150 Bald Hills Road, Tarwin Lower, Deanne Dakers. Ph. 5663-5439, website: www. theorganicbeautysalon. com

for lease

55 ACRE property with 3 bdrm house at Foster North. Suitable for cattle.

Ph: (07)4094-3182 a/h.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

public notices KONGWAK MARKET THIS SUNDAY 10AM &

Special Twilight Market Wednesday, January 20 4pm - 8pm (a little bit of Sunday on a Wednesday)

Collectables, vintage, retro, this & that, bits & bobs, treasure, junk, books, plants, coffee, curry, live music and more...

It's fun - come!

For more info, please call 0417 142 478 Kongwak Market is a smoke free event

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 43

for sale

for sale

VACUUM CLEANER Repairs DUST BAGS

Sales

FREE

QUOTES

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE 167 Graham Street, Wonthaggi (opp. Ritchies IGA)

5672 3127

TIMBER - kiln dried blackwood, clear pine, silver wattle. Most sizes for furniture and craft. Also builder’s graded structural pine. Phone 5681-2261.

free

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 TO good home, 2 kittens, 1 male, 1 female, ready to go now. Ph: 5664-8344.

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 CLEARANCE SALE, Dollar - property sold.

Various tools, welder, Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw, spray units, sundry equipment and items. Ph: 5664-6588.

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175 HAY - 800 square bales $8 each. Will separate. Tarwin.

Ph: 0408-836885.

HAY - 5x4 round $50, small squares $7. Excellent quality. Outtrim. Ph: 0419313483.

HEN HOUSES, fox proof, good quality, 6-8 chooks.

Plus dog kennels. Ph: 5664-2443.

GREENFIELD ride-on lawn mower, 12.5hp Briggs & Stratton motor, 32” cut, good condition, reliable mower. $1,200 ONO. Tel: 5662-3510.

LOUNGE SUITE, floral, 1 2-seater couch and 2 chairs in ‘as new’ condition, $500. Ph: 5662-4232 or 0408-355866.

MARY MACKILLOP - 2 blazers size 10, jumper, sports top size 12, shorts M, dresses size 8, 1 kilt size 10. Ph: 5674-1512.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

public notices

BOAT LICENCE 3 HOUR COURSE MSV approved $85 PWC available

INVERLOCH

Sunday, January 17 12.30pm Contact Joan 0427 275 632 Marine Training Services

wanted to buy FURNITURE: Parker, Noblett, Tessa, Chiswell, Moran, or any quality brand name used furniture. Phone Wendy on 0409-234482.

OLD CARS, Holden, Ford, Valiant, Chevrolet, hot rods, also Mazda 1300 coupe.

Abandoned projects, wrecks or parts. Not for scrap. 0488-294894.

OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.

situations vacant

garage sales

situations vacant

situations vacant

GIANT GARAGE SALE January 23, 2010

Furniture, Books, Manchester, Toys, Bric-a-Brac, & more...

LIONS SHED Inverloch Rec Reserve 8am to 2pm All proceeds to local hospitals in Wonthaggi and Leongatha To make donations of quality goods call Geoff Cole on 5674 6030 or 0400 261 350 LIONS CLUB OF INVERLOCH & DISTRICT

HUGE CLEARING SALE

COOK WANTED YMCA Victoria - Phillip Island Coastal Discovery Camp We prepare simple, fresh food for young people engaged in strenuous activity throughout the day.

Morning, daytime and evening shifts available, plus weekends. Regular weekday and weekend hours available until June 2010.

Flexible hours, great working conditions on casual hourly rate.

Prefer level 1 or 2 Food Safety Certificate, but experience not necessary.

Reply in person to The Manager 03 5952 2467.

70% off all remaining stock

11AM - 5PM EACH DAY

Kilmany UnitingCare 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.

ANTIQUE SHOP

Youth Development Worker - South Gippsland

At Poowong roundabout

Full Time The Youth Development Worker for South Gippsland will work with a team of Youth Workers in the Gippsland Region and will be responsible for developing and delivering youth related programs across the Shire of South Gippsland. This position is funded through the Office for Youth, Youth Participation and Access Program, FReeZA and the Youth Bush Fire Response Gift.

For further information on the above positions please telephone Tracey Gibson on 5662 5150.

Kilmany UnitingCare offers a family friendly workplace.

You can negotiate to pick the kids up from school, or to have school holidays off, and we offer many other forms of practical family friendly opportunities.

Application forms and position descriptions are available at www.kilmany.org.au or call 5662 5150 to have copies emailed/sent to you.

Applications close 5pm Monday, January 18, 2010 and are to be addressed to: Kirstie Pearce HR Coordinator Kilmany Uniting Care PO Box 454 BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875 Or email to kirstie.pearce@kilmany.org.au Kilmany UnitingCare interviews in the interests of safety and well being of children and young people

and

Thursday, January 14 to Sunday, January 17

GARAGE SALE Saturday, Jan 9 from 10am to 5pm & to 1pm Sunday 30 ALFRED CRES. VENUS BAY Take Lees Rd then turn right at St Ives Cres, then left into Alfred Cres.

Number 30 is on the right, the white house with the green roof. The house has been sold and all is for sale.

Pool table with dining table top, fridge, lounge, 4 white metal single beds and mattresses, family size washing machine, 2 bdrm clothing drawers, microwave oven, TV, parquetry coffee table, video player, Digital set top box, kitchen ware, LPG gas heater etc.

work wanted FULLY Qualified Painter.

No job too small. Good rates. Call Drew on 56624238 or 0418-517443.

situations vacant

FULL TIME DAIRY FARM HAND

CATALOGUE DISTRIBUTORS AND COLLECTORS REQUIRED

Position available on a progressive 450+ cow dairy farm at Waratah Bay with modern rotary dairy.

Involves milkings and general farm duties.

Earn $100 to $200 a week for 2 hours max daily NO OUTLAY

Call 1300 663 161

Please phone Stuart or Jacqui on 5684 1425 or 0428 841 425

Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha

OPEN THE FOLLOWING DAYS

Thursday, January 7 to Sunday, January 10

situations vacant

FRENCH TEACHER See www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au for details

NEWHAVEN COLLEGE In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength

FOOD TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT This is a full time, leave replacement position, from Wednesday 27 January to Friday 12 March 2010.

(Possibility of a two week extension to 26 March 2010.)

Forward application including names of two referees to: Michael Brewin, Principal Newhaven College Boys Home Road, Newhaven 3925 Ph: 5956 7505 Fax: 5956 7131 email: mary.brown@newhavencol.vic.edu.au www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au Applications close: Monday 18 January 2010

An Independent Co-Educational School on Phillip Island, Prep to Year 12

situations vacant

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS Gippsland Southern Health Service faces an exciting and challenging period of facility redevelopment.

Due to routine retirements, the opportunity exists for committed local community members to join the Board of Management and make a positive contribution to the provision of high quality health service in South Gippsland. These positions will be appointed from July 1, 2010.

Applications are sought from people with a longterm commitment to and involvement in their local communities. Skills and expertise in business management, legal issues, people management and/or organisation change will be highly regarded.

Recommendations are made by the Minister and formal appointments are made by the Governor in Council, having regard for the need to ensure that the Board includes a balance of expertise in areas such as business and management, community knowledge, health, finance, law, human resources, etc.

Be involved and make a difference!

For further information on these honorary positions and to obtain an application form, please contact the Executive Assistant on 5667 5504 or the application form and relevant background information can be downloaded from http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ ruralhealth/hservices/bom.htm.

Applications close on Friday, January 22, 2010 and should be addressed to Mrs Tracey Gibson, President, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Private Bag 13, Leongatha VIC 3953.

POSITIONS VACANT

Staff Educator Registered Nurse - Division 1 Grade 4 Gippsland Southern Health Service is seeking an enthusiastic Staff Educator to join our organisation.

The successful applicant should have the following: • Extensive clinical experience in acute and residential care.

• Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment or an undertaking to complete this is mandatory.

• A post graduate education qualification (or working towards same) is desirable.

• Ability to be able to communicate at all levels.

• The ability to be able to plan, develop and evaluate education programs to achieve best practice.

GSHS offers a comprehensive orientation program on commencement of employment. All staff have access to excellent staff mentoring, education and support programs.

Salary Packaging is available to all permanent staff.

All applicants will be required to supply a current satisfactory police check.

If you are interested in joining a supportive and progressive team, please contact the Executive Assistant, Dianna Mollica on 5667 5504 to obtain an application kit.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5507 to discuss the employment opportunities at GSHS. Completed application kits can be forwarded by Thursday January 22, 2010 to:Neil Langstaff Director of Nursing Inpatient/Residential Care Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA VIC 3953

MERCHANDISE SALES LEONGATHA A vacancy exists at Rodwells in our Leongatha Branch for a Merchandise Sales Person.

The main responsibilities of the position are to: • Sell rural merchandise to clients specialising in, animal health, pastures, snow peas, potatoes and a range of horticultural and farming activities; • Assist with instore counter requirements including serving customers, ordering, maintaining merchandise displays, deliveries and inventory management; • Provide professional, efficient, safe and quality service to our clients.

• Assist at the Livestock market one day per week.

The following qualifications are desirable: • A minimum of Year 12 VCE qualification.

• An understanding of or experience in selling rural merchandise, preferably with a basic knowledge of the products and requirements of rural producers within the Leongatha region.

• Competent computer skills.

• Good organisational, customer service and communication skills.

• A current driver’s.

For further information contact Tim Sargant, Merchandise Manager on 0428 943 853.

This position offers a career opportunity with a progressive and growing company and a competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Only motivated and honest people need to apply.

Hand written applications close on January 15 and should be sent to: Tim Sargant Rodwells 10 - 12 Hughes St, Leongatha, VIC, 3953

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

births

engagements

CALDER - Glenn and Sarah are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Harrison on 11/12/09, weighing 8lb 10oz. A beautiful baby brother for Anabelle and Lucinda. Special thanks to Drs Chisholm and Linton, and all the midwifery staff LMH.

DUNLOP - RUSSELL Steve and Joanne of Middle Tarwin are delighted to announce their engagement. All the families are thrilled to bits.

message of hope YOU will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11.

marriage celebrant

deaths

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

PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON

situations vacant

situations vacant

Computer Specialist Technician Cool Bananas Services is a provider of IT Specialist Technicians to the education sector in Victoria. The School Specialist Technician will be responsible for the support for all school technology including hardware, software, server and network related issues.

Minimum working knowledge: Windows/Mac experience, server/workstation, install-configure computer hardwaresoftware, excellent written and verbal communication skills. Minimum 12 months experience in IT sector.

For further information and full job description email us your details and we will be in contact with you shortly. admin@coolbananasservices.com.au

NEWHAVEN COLLEGE In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength

VISITING INSTRUMENTAL TEACHER of GUITAR 1.5 days a week, to commence in term one, 2010.

Potential for increase in hours (dependent on Music enrolments).

Applicants need to be experienced, enthusiastic, and have the ability to teach both contemporary and classical styles on acoustic and electric guitar.

CV and names of three referees to: Mrs Elaine Epifano, Director of Music Newhaven College Boys Home Road, Newhaven, 3925 Ph: 5956 7505 Fax: 5956 7131 email: epifanoe@newhavencol.vic.edu.au www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au Applications close: Friday 22 January 2010

An Independent Co-Educational School on Phillip Island, Prep to Year 12

Leongatha 5662 2574

in memoriam OLLE - Graham.

Passed away 31/12/07.

Miss you and think of you every day. Loved always.

Elaine and family.

PATERSON - Leanne Sharon. 15/3/80 - 1/1/98.

This day comes with deep regret, For a daughter and sister we will never forget.

The tears in our eyes we can wipe away, The pain in our hearts is there to stay.

Loving mother Daisy, father Norman, brothers Michael, Steven, Shane, Colin, sister Veronica.

XO XO XO

funerals TUFF - The Funeral Service for the late Mr Desmond Tuff will be held at the Uniting Church, Meeniyan on Friday, January 8, commencing at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Meeniyan Cemetery.

All ex-service personnel and Masonic brethren are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Melbourne Legacy. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Paul & Margaret Beck Handley Funeral Services Leongatha / Korumburra 5662-2717 AFDA

Account Manager - Merchandise Foster At Landmark you can explore the many roles and activities of an industry leader in Australian agribusiness. Across our national network, our people have unrivalled expertise and the ability to grow with the business as they work with the customers to grow theirs.

Our Foster branch are looking to appoint a Key Account Manager. As part of Landmark Fosters’ team you will manage customers merchandise requirements and look for opportunities to protect, maintain and grow the business.

You will be able to build long lasting partnerships with customers using your specialist knowledge of animal health and other agricultural products. You will have proven experience in sales and local farming activities is favourable.

careers.landmark.com.au Ref: JOO2429

Applications close January 22, 2010

57972

Landmark offer a competitive package including performance based incentives and access to a wide range of employee benefits. For further information please contact Chris Geisler on 03 5682 2623 or 0400 157 850. Please apply on-line at our website:

GORDON - Freda May. 05/05/1925 - 21/12/2009.

Wife of Robert Edward Gordon (dec.), mother to John and Cheryl (dec.), mother-in-law to Olga. Grandmother to Michelle and Renee. Great grandmother of Kiara and friend of Alistair and Luke.

You will always be in our hearts and will be sadly missed.

Be at peace.

Mum, a sweet, kind natured, sharing, loving woman.

You were always there for me in my times of need, loving me unconditionally.

I am blessed to have been your son and am proud of you, my mother. You will be forever in my thoughts and in my heart.

- John.

The things I will miss are many and varied: Watching Jane, Lizzy, Kitty, Lydia and Mary; learning about tapestry and ceramics and craft; and browsing through photos and having a laugh; all the time that we spent is now fond memories.

To my Nana, I hope you now rest in peace. With all my love - your granddaughter Renee.

MEADOWS - Elza.

Born February 8, 1927.

Passed away peacefully December 30, 2009 at Alchera Nursing Home, Korumburra.

Originally from Frankston.

Loving wife of Joseph (dec.), loving mother to David, Joy, Fay and Lisa (dec.). Loved and cherished mum of Fay Sullivan, mother-in-law of Martin, and adored nan of Meg. Such a sweet and special mum.

PEARCE - David Henry.

October 22, 1918 December 23, 2009.

Passed away peacefully at Leongatha Hospital, aged 91 years.

Dearly loved husband of Daphne (dec.). Greatly loved father of Martin, Christine, Helen (U.K.), Isabelle and Charles.

Respected father-in-law of Maggie, Col, Howard, Des and Ros. Much loved grandpa of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Reunited with Mum in God’s loving care.

Special thanks to Leongatha Hospital for their loving care of Dad in the last short time in his life. Particular thanks to Woorayl Lodge, staff and residents, who made Dad’s last years so happy and comfortable through their warmth and kindness.

PRITCHARD - Alan Leslie.

Late of Caboolture (Qld), formerly of Leongatha, passed away on December 26, 2009. Aged 74 years.

Loved and cherished husband to Norma, loving father to Cheryl and Brian, father-in-law to Neil.

deaths Devoted pa to Travis, Beau, Cindy and Laurel, and great granddaughter Stevie-Grace.

Loved brother, brother-inlaw, uncle and good friend to many.

A funeral service for Alan was held in Brisbane on Thursday, December 31, 2009.

TRADITIONAL FUNERALS Burpengary Qld. Ph: 07-3888-6633 PRITCHARD - Alan Leslie.

My dear husband Alan, my best friend, my rock, my soul mate for 57 years.

I loved you for your sense of humour, your caring for others. You called a spade a spade and couldn’t tolerate fools. You were called Grumps by many with fondness, I’ll miss you mate.

Your loving wife Norma.

Dear dad. Thanks for everything mate. I love you always. I cry with you. I laugh with you. I miss you.

Your loving son Fred.

My beautiful dad, my friend, my hero, will miss you so much, will miss your jokes, most of all will miss our chats.

Your loving daughter Chick.

Wonderful buddy and mate to Neil. Will miss our fun times together.

Pa, rest well old mate. A hard nut from the back blocks of Collingwood, yet your cheeky smile underlined your soft side.

Trav and Laurel.

To our much loved pa and great grand pa. How sad it is that you are no longer with us, but such is the circle of life to make way for the new generation like the recent birth of your beautiful great granddaughter. You will be sadly missed.

Much love, Beau, Cindy and Stevie-Grace.

ROBERTS (Humphries) Vera Alice.

Passed away peacefully at Domain Seahaven, Inverloch on December 22, 2009. In her 90th year. Late of Meeniyan.

Loving wife of Bernie for 72 wonderful years. Loved mum of Vincent, Dorothy and Shirley. Loved motherin-law of Hilda, Merv and David. Wonderful grandmother of 10, great grandmother of 24 and great great grandmother of 1.

Loving sister to Willie, Dulcie, Clive, Kevin (all dec.) and Val. Now at rest.

A private family funeral service will be held.

Email your adverts to “The Star” ads@thestar.com.au

deaths TUFF - Desmond R. Son of the late “Bert” and Mable Tuff.

Brother of Thelma, Dorothy (dec.), and Robert (Bob dec.).

Loved husband of Bessie (dec.). Father of Graeme and Lorna, Brian, Marlene and Richard, Wendy and Noel, Sharyn and Calvin. Grandfather of Natalie, Stephen, Sherrie, Lisa, Douglas, Desleigh, Carrie, Luke, Heath, Troy, Michaela and Koh, and great grandfather of 22.

Full long life now with his beloved Bessie.

TUFF - Desmond R. Passed away peacefully at Monash Medical Centre on January 3, 2010. Late of Koorooman House.

Dearly loved husband of Bessie (dec.). Father of Graeme and Lorna.

Grandfather to Natalie and Brad, Stephen and Laura. Great grandfather to Kinesha and Mackenna.

A great man, a great father now together with Bessie forever.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

deaths

TUFF - Desmond.

We will miss you Des, just as we missed Tom. Our weekly visits were full of chatter, criticism and gossip. You’ve been a great man, husband and father, and a great friend. Enjoy your rest with Bess.

Our sympathy to all your family.

Norm and Mike.

TUFF - Des. Our condolences to Calvin, Sharon, and family.

He will be sorely missed.

What a great man he was.

Amy, Troy, Donna, Steve, and kids.

TUFF - Dorothy.

Passed away December 23, 2009.

Dearly loved daughter of the late “Bert” and Mable Tuff.

Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Des and the late Bess Tuff, Meeniyan.

Dear aunt of Graeme, Brian, Marlene, Wendy and Sharyn, and their families.

A Special Lady.

WORT Maureen Margaret.

Late of Wattlebank.

Passed away on December 26, 2009, aged 75 years, at Korumburra Hospital, after a long battle with cancer.

Loving wife of Charles (dec.).

Sister of Eileen and Daphne.

Now at peace with Charlie.

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8203 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Capital crime. 8, Glance. 9, Olive-r. 10, Epicure. 12, (ba)D-evil. 15, Admit. 16, Shatt-(t)er(m). 18, Cha-I-se. 20, Rattle. 22, Cigarette ash Down - 1, W-all-op-e’d. 2, L-I-on (rev.) 3, Careers. 4, Scoop. 5, Dil-I-gent. 6, W-ere. 11, Cei-ling-s. 13, Idealist. 14, Char-it-y. 17, Hea-r-t. 19, Hack. 21, Then.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8203 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Belligerence. 8, Safari. 9, Cherry. 10, Diffuse.

12, State. 15, Heron. 16, Dilemma. 18, Change. 20, Sought.

22, Dressing-gown.

Down - 1, Sedative. 2, Flea. 3, Against. 4, Trick. 5, Unsettle. 6, Lear. 11, Flounder. 13, Tomahawk. 14, Missing. 17, Tense. 19, Hide. 21, Urge.

Polly backs powers MEMBER for Eastern Victoria Johan Scheffer believes new police powers will keep Bass Coast residents safe this summer.

The new random search and move on powers will help prevent unruly behaviour and help keep Bass Coast residents safe, Mr Scheffer said.

“These critical new reforms will strengthen our local police’s ability to deal with drunkenness and disorder in public places and particularly violence involving the use of weapons,” he said.

“Anti-social behaviour has no place on our streets and these new laws will help keep Bass Coast residents safe so that people can enjoy public spaces.”

The new police powers include: • Introducing tougher random search powers for weapons in designated areas; • Giving police the power to direct people to move-on from a certain area where there is a fear there will be a breach of the peace; • Creating a new offence of disorderly conduct; and • Establishing on-the-spot penalties with a fine of $234 for the new offence of disorderly conduct and for existing offences of “drunk and disorderly” and “drunk”.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 45

Invy market a roaring success THE air was thick with the smell of cooking sausages and onions and the delighted squeals of children, as market goers looked for that very special bargain.

The Inverloch Market is a Mecca for visiting tourists and those locals who just like to get out and about.

With the best handmade local art and bric-a-brac and the tastiest food on offer, it’s undoubtedly the place to be. No longer one of those ‘best kept secrets’ the market draws a massive crowd and this weekend’s was no exception.

Big crowds: the Inverloch Market drew heaps of people on Saturday.

Madame president: incoming Inverloch Rotary Club president Marilyn Warren was all smiles as she helped out at the Inverloch Market on Saturday.

Helping out: Inverloch Rotary Club members Paul Everett and Margaret Blackwell helped raise some money in a time-honoured tradition at Inverloch Market on Saturday.

Great day out: Emma Clarkson was having fun with daughters Cate and Ella at the Inverloch Market on Saturday.

POLICE BRIEFS Home assault A 62-year-old man was attacked in his home in Billson Street, Wonthaggi, on Monday, December 28.

The attacker was a 46-year-old Wonthaggi man.

“The offender has attended the victim’s place at 9pm and has assaulted him – punched him, kicked him. He also broke a front window on the property,” Wonthaggi Police’s Sergeant

Wonthaggi clay target

Dale McCahon said.

“The man is going to be charged with assault and criminal damage on summons.

He’ll appear in court at a later date.”

Esky theft A MAN was interviewed and charged by police on Wednesday, December 30 in relation to a number of esky thefts.

The 22-year-old from Balwyn was staying at the Tidal River camp ground, where he was plundering other campers’ food and alcohol supplies.

Foster Police’s Leading Senior Constable Karen McDonald said fellow campers were incensed at the man’s behaviour.

A 30-year-old man from Golden Square near Bendigo was interviewed on New Year’s Day in relation to theft of alcohol in the Yanakie area.

Meeniyan crash A CRASH in the main strip of Meeniyan on January 1 at 3.30pm has been blamed on carelessness.

The collision occurred at the intersection of Whitelaw Street and Royston Street.

“A Leongatha man and a lady from Meeniyan were involved in the collision, which was caused when one driver looked away from the road for a moment,” Meeniyan Police’s Leading Senior Constable Paul McDonald said.

The result was a rear end collision, with extensive damage done to the vehicles.

Leading Snr Const. McDonald said that “even the slightest lapse in concentration can result in a serious collision.

“One driver suffered minor injuries and one of the vehicles was written off in the collision. This demonstrates that even at 60 km/h, substantial damage can occur,” he said.

Meeting clears the air MEMBERS of the Bass Coast Boardriders Club have met with desalination plant consortium AquaSure with a view to acting as a conduit between the surfing community and the plant’s construction.

The aim is to encourage “a clear flow” of information said boardriders’ president Ron Anderson.

“Despite how we may all

Sharon Hoober: the versatile Leongatha woman can turn her hand to many things. On Saturday she was at the Inverloch Market, selling her unique range of shower caps.

feel about it as individuals, the desalination plant is coming.

“We as a committee want to ensure you all know what is happening, how it affects us and most of all that we are all safe in the water.”

But most of all said Ron, members want to focus on fun.

“We want to encourage as many people in the Bass Coast region to surf and really enjoy a sense of community.”

Activities include a family fun day for juniors and beginners at

Inverloch Main Beach on Sunday January 18 from 9am to noon, and a similar event from 10am to 1pm at the same venue for juniors and beginners on Sunday February 7.

Anniversary celebrations are being planned for the club’s offshoot, Swell Mamas and there will be intermediate and advanced coaching sessions on dates to be advised.

The club is a non profit organisation run by volunteers to promote a sense of community among surfers, provide positive

role models and a safe environment for young surfers, a forum for the surfboard riding community and a means of passing on information about environmental and social issues.

It costs only $10 a year to belong, or $20 for families.

To find out more, ring Ron on 0407 903 853 or ron@vigour. net.au Contacts for Swell Mamas are Geraldine Archibald 0400 683 857 or Lucy Cousens 5674 1059.

Results - January 1 100 T DB championship: AA and overall: Wayne Parks 99/100, 2nd Lynne Curtis 132/135.

A: 1st Frank Ibbott 112/115, 2nd Laurie Mirabella 111/115.

B: 1st Leigh Cross 100/106, 2nd Arthur Bird 99/106.

C: 1st Rhyan Weatherald 96/100, 2nd Jim Maffett 88/100.

20 pair double rise: 1st Tony Plum 37/40, 2nd Lynne Curtis 36/40.

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments EVANS PETROLEUM Round 10 - Sunday, January 10 Home team Grade A1 Inverloch Nerrena

Away Team

Ground Umpire

v Imperials I/Turf v Won Workmens Nerr

Brendon Thomas Alan Jordan / Michael Heenan

Saturday, January 9 OMK v Won Miners

OMK

Ken Lester

Grade A2 Poowong/Loch Koonwarra/RSL MDU Won Miners

Inverloch Fish Crk/Tarwin Town Phillip Island

Loch L/T Meen Tar

Paddy Cummins Clive Salmon Bernie McDonald Les White / Graham Laird

Foster Glen Alvie Nerrena

EC Kor MR

Daryl Sinclair Hank Boltong Richard Poole

OMK

Cowes

Alan Roberts

v v v v

Grade B Imperials v Korumburra v Won Workmens v Saturday, January 9 Phillip Island v Grade C Town v Fish Crk/Tarwin v MDU v Saturday, January 9 OMK v

Poowong/Loch WC1 Koonwarra/RSL FCT Won Workmens Dum

Ian Thomas John Lea Stephen Lanyon

Won Miners

KSC

Luke Sullivan

Grade D Inverloch Glen Alvie Nerrena Phillip Island

v v v v

Imperials Korumburra Koonwarra/RSL Town

Inv GA LV New

Herb Roberts Kevin Smith Rod Grylls Bob Allan

Grade E Foster Won Miners Phillip Island Won Workmens

v v v v

Poowong/Loch Town MDU OMK

FGC Tar RH Tar

TBA Marian Wishart Alan Roberts TBA

Victoria Premier Cricket - Saturday, January 9 Richmond v Melbourne L/Turf

Clive Salmon

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Tourism on the farm PAULINE Porcaro is passionate about agritourism.

The Agritourism Australia guru sees great potential for farming areas to value add to their businesses through tourism.

Pauline spoke to Star reporter Chris Brown late last year.

What is agritourism?

Agritourism is any form of hospitality or tourism on-farm organised by entrepreneurial farmers opening up their farms for visitors. That could be to buy goods at the cellar door or gate or to stay on the farm or have an event on the farm.

What kind of experiences would be attractive agritourism ventures?

It depends on where you are. Farmers have to look at what type of visitors come to the area and what type of experiences they should put on. If it’s a group of young visitors maybe trail bike rides or if it’s older women you

might do some craft.

I did an agritourism study in Italy…we saw a lot of agricampings especially in seaside areas.

One farmer had an adopta-sheep program where he would send wool or cheese once a year to the adopter. People driving through the country can drive into a farm and have a good food experience of local produce.

People aren’t only looking for organic produce, but produce that is connected to a place.

The trend is no longer buying something from Woolworths.

One of the properties we thought was fantastic in Western Australia had a beautiful converted barn and they created a bush bath area where you go in the four foot bath surrounded by candles.

People are looking for something a little bit different; they are looking for pampering.

What sparked your interest in agritourism?

I am a tourism teacher

Agritourism Australia: Pauline Porcaro. in the TAFE system and I help my students develop business plans for new businesses. I kept seeing this idea of businesses on farms and started exploring it with my students and I found we were lacking enough exposure for agritourism.

I’ve been talking to farmers who were desperate for added income and that’s when I became passionate about it.

Is there a big demand for agritourism?

I think there will be a bigger need as we make people more aware of what it is and we grow the amount of businesses.

I go to Brunswick St for a coffee because I know there’s a whole line of coffee shops and bars. I don’t go to a little one in the back streets because I don’t know if I will get a seat, so the more there are in an area the more hope we have of drawing business.

With Agritourism Australia we are trying to create an interest in agritourism…15 or 20 years ago no one knew what eco tourism was and now everyone wants to be an eco tourist.

We believe by growing more farm tourism busi-

Farming future: the Villa il Crocicchio pool area overlooks the vineyard and olive grove with products sold to guests.

nesses we’ll grow more interest and draw more people into rural areas.

At the moment it’s not a major focus but it’s starting to be. The state tourism bodies are starting to talk about agritourism as something that should be built up and then they will put more advertising in it.

Does South Gippsland offer agritourism opportunities?

Yeah, I think it’s a fabulous area. It’s so fertile and rich and has so much land and so many farmers who are really excited about agritourism ventures. It’s near the beach in a lot of areas.

You’ve got some fabulous food and wines that are being produced. It’s also a reasonable distance from Melbourne.

Would an agritourism enterprise be profitable?

You have to really invest money in a business to help it make money.

There are a couple of really key things they need to get the word out about their business and they need to be customer focused. It needs to be accessible, perhaps with a pick up from the local public transport or car. They need to have a unique selling point; coming up with some little idea, whether that’s a bath in the middle of the bush.

Are there lots of legal requirements to meet?

Obviously, yes. If you are going to have accommodation on a farm, there are a whole lot of planning regulations. You have to go through the local council because you can only have so many people staying. If you are going to have any food or drink you need a food safety permit.

Italian agritourism: Villa il Crocicchio in Reggello Tuscany was a deserted farmhouse converted in the 1980s. They have created a resort with a pool, its own restaurant and they host events as well.

Strike out flystrike THE Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is advising Gippsland producers to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of flystrike in their flocks, particularly after early summer rains.

DPI District Veterinary officer Dianne Phillips said flystrike was a common external parasitic disease of sheep in Australia, and many producers suffer economic losses each year due to reduced production and stock losses as a result of the toxic effects and painful injuries it causes.

The Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, is the major pest species in Australia and responsible for initiating more than 90 per cent of all flystrikes.

“Lucilia cuprina is metallic green/ bronze in colour and unlike the native blowfly, it breeds mostly on living sheep. The females are attracted to the odour, moisture, rain affected wool, pizzle rot, daggy sheep and sheep with diarrhoea,” Dr Phillips said.

“It has the potential of laying about 250 eggs in clusters in damp fleece and cost the Australian sheep industry well over $100 million per year in deaths, lost production and treatment costs.

“The other significant cause of flystrike in Australia is the brown blowfly. This is a bigger and slower

blowfly, which is not as active, but can cause just as much damage as the Australian sheep blowfly.”

Dr Phillips said the timely use of appropriate preventive treatments was essential to limit the severity of flies and flystrike.

“Sheep producers should observe weather conditions and carefully watch for the presence of and types of flies,” she said.

“There are a number of treatments, applications and remedies available and the proper application and choice of treatment will depend on the length of wool, time off shears and the future of the sheep. The use of an appropriate preparation is important for maximum efficacy.

“Careful consideration of product choice is essential and producers should consider the relevant Withholding Periods (WHP) that may apply. These will vary for different chemicals and local Withholding Periods can also vary from the Export Slaughter Interval (ESI).”

For information on the different treatments and applications, contact your local veterinary adviser, DPI Animal Health officer or call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 47

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw

Improve on-farm herd reproduction IF you are serious about getting cows in calf and would like to improve results, then here are some questions to ask of your system and your plan.

Heifer Program • Are they grown enough, 355 kg at joining (HF)?

• Are you mating your heifers early? Remember this is the only group that you can bring forward – giving you a better chance of getting them in calf the next year. In some herds, this may be 20-30 per cent of your herd the next year.

• Will you synchronise and AI the heifers?

• How many Jersey bulls will you need? Three bulls per 100 heifers or four bulls per 100 heifers if you synchronise to start with.

• Are the bulls fertility tested, vaccinated for VIBRIO and tested negative for BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus)?

• Are the bulls in good body condition? Skinny bulls have very poor sperm quality.

• How long will you leave the bulls in for?

• Do you really want late calving heifers?

Improving submission rate • Are the cows still losing condition? Do you have enough feed in front of the cows?

• Have you treated your cows for metritis (infected uterus)? They will have a lot less chance of getting in calf with metritis. Remember, you can’t easily diagnose metritis in cows. Talk to your vet about which cows should be examined.

• Have you got a plan to address non-cyclers? When will you do it?

• Who will be responsible for heat detection?

• What heat detection aids will you use? Do you have them ordered or on farm? Do people know how to get the best from them?

• When will you do your paddock checks for heat detection?

• How are heats recorded – book, board, back of an envelope?

• Are the freeze brands clipped and have poorly visible ear tags been addressed? Being able to clearly identify cows is important.

• Do you think that synchronising may improve submission rates?

When will this be done, by whom and which program method?

• Have you organised your AI tech for once or twice a day?

• Have you informed the AI tech of any bigger synchronisation days?

Improving conception rates • Who is responsible for checking the Liquid Nitrogen Tank regularly?

• Is the semen ordered? Have you taken time to select well proven bulls for your breeding goals?

Have you checked information at www.adhis.com.au regarding bull fertility?

• When is the Mating Start Date (MSD)? How long will you AI for?

• Have you practiced AI on some cull cows before MSD? • Do you need a refresher on handling semen straws, is your water bath accurate for 32-38 degrees Celsius? Have you got a good system for identifying the bulls quickly without lifting the goblet out of the neck of the LN2 tank?

• Do you use tweezers to get the straws out? Do you keep the goblet less than 5cm from the top of the neck of the tank?

Bull Management • InCalf Rules of Thumb: three bulls per 100 cows or four bulls per 100 cows if you have used synchronisation • How many cows to mate at the start of mating?

• Are the bulls fertility tested, VIBRIO vaccinated and tested negative for BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus) and vaccinated for BVDV? So that the bulls don’t get infected from a positive BVDV cow in the herd.

• Are the bulls in good body

condition?

• Will you train the bulls to stay in the paddock or off the dairy yard?

• How often will you rotate them (between four-seven days is recommended) • Are they virgin bulls?

• If they are leased bulls are they virgin bulls that are vaccinated and tested negative for BVDV, if not, forget about it!

• Will the bulls be on farm at Mating Start Date (AI that is)? For getting used to other bulls, the farm and improving their nutrition.

• Do all farm staff know how to identify lame bulls quickly and treat them? Remember, a bull with an abscess may end up being sterile for the rest of the season.

• How long will you leave the bulls in for? Less time means higher empty rates, longer mating leads to longer calving pattern.

For more information contact Mark Humphris, InCalf Advisor at the Maffra Vet Centre on 5147 1177.

Herd production: there’s plenty of questions farmers can ask themselves if they want to do it better.

January 6 & 7 1. Rodwells 2. Elders 3. David Phelan & Co 4. Landmark 5. SEJ 6. Alex Scott

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Kool Kustomised Kraziness THE eighth Kustom Nationals will be held at Phillip Island from January 8 to 10.

It’s hosted by Kustoms of Australia.

Many builders and owners debut their latest “kustomized” rides, cruise the fabled race track, and enjoy the huge Rockabilly Festival at the Kustoms of Australia hosted event.

The weekend begins on Friday, January 8 at San Remo, which will be invaded by the coolest cars you could ever hope to see.

Kustoms of Australia has exclusive use of the main drag and foreshore area.

Entrants will be cruising San Remo until the bands set up on the foreshore from 6pm.

The centre of town as well as part of the esplanade will be cool car heaven, as only entrant cars will be allowed to display there for the rest of the evening.

Saturday the party continues at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit where Chopper and the John’s Rod and Custom crew will demonstrate how to make the cool even cooler.

Famous and novice pinstripers will showcase their talent on Pinstriping Alley, where a large variety of lifestyle traders will display their wares on the weekend as well as the extensive Kustom Kulture exhibition

and the model car show.

Saturday evening entertainment begins with a cruise to San Remo where there’ll be preferential parking on the foreshore.

Rockabilly bands will set up for the annual Kustoms Rant N’ Rave Party at the local hotel where the party lasts until late at night.

Sunday get ready for a full day’s entertainment at the track, with the continuation of the Kustom Workshop, trade alley, cruising the track, lowrider bikes, minirods, Kustom Kulture exhibition, model car show, tattoo show, muffler rap, flamethrower exhibition, auction, Rockabilly Festival and much more.

The Rockabilly Festival will feature

the largest gathering of Rockabilly bands in the land, including the Flyin’ Saucers, Atomic Hi-Tones, Blackhill Ramblers, Wild Turkey, Detonators, Ignition, Infernos, Loan Sharks, Australian Kingswood Factory, Sin and Tonics, Firebird, Jump ‘N’ Jive, Headliners, Voodoo Kreepers, Bone Rattlers, Creepers and Vaudevillians with a few original compositions leaving you breathless.

This event is open to the public.

Attendance on Friday at San Remo is free, but there is a fee to enter the Grand Prix Circuit on Saturday and Sunday. Single day entry at the track is $15 per day, family entry $30 and children under 14 $5.

No dogs are allowed.

Cool cars: the eighth Kustom Nationals will bring plenty of vehicles to Phillip Island.

Great attraction: plenty of people enjoy everything the Kustom Nationals offers.

Badminton presentation THE senior grand final saw Transformers defeat Matrix 165 to 154.

This was a close fought contest, with the game decided in the last set of the night between Matt Peters and Les Swift. Les was up early but Matt steadied and came away in the end to give his side the win. Both teams won six sets on the night.

The junior grand final saw Phoenix defeat Ravenous Do Dos 59 to 33. Phoenix was too strong on the night. All members of the team contributed to a very good win.

What a hit: young tennis champions Glenn Dawes, Kieren Watkins, Jennifer Dawes and Holly Monaghan take a few moments to pose for The Star.

The doubles players were competing at the Inverloch Junior Tennis Classic on Saturday.

Seniors individual winners: back, from left, David Creed (Best no 1), Matt Peters (Best no 2) and Gary Baumgartner (Best no 4). Front, from left, Don Creed (Best no 3), Jessica Allen (Best no 5) and Lauren Jacobson (Best no 6).

Net success: Inverloch Junior Tennis Classic competitors Jack Keating, Millie Thomas, Rebecca Woods and Scott Binder.

Junior individual winners: Brae Byrne (Best No 2) and Philip Moon (Best no 1). Absent Darcy Goad (Best no 3).

Consistently good: Most Consistent and Most Improved senior Don Creed with Most Consistent and Most Improved Davis Loo.

Web of intrigue: Matrix, back from left, Les Swift, Davis Loo and Josh Almond. Front, from left, Jessica Allen, Jacinta Hudson, Jeanette Fowkes (fill-in for Colleen Lockhart).

Changing tact: Transformers, back, from left, Don Creed, Matt Peters, Robin Provan; Front, from left, Jake Peters and Andrew Provan. Absent Dao Green.

Great mates: Lauren Browne and Val Dohl were at the Inverloch Tennis Classic to support Jackie Carr.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 49

Venus Bay Angling Club THIS competition commenced on Friday, January 1 and finished on Sunday, January 3.

Fun run flying start ON Sunday 226 enthusiastic runners and walkers faced the starter’s gun in the annual Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club “Surf & Sand” Fun Run. In 2010 runners faced overcast conditions, with the threat of showers, along with a very stiff south westerly wind.

Fun Run events manger George Misson, said the strong winds led to much slower times than last year.

Even though the number of entrants was up by four, he believed that the inclement weather kept many people away.

Along with the Anderson Inlet 1.2 km Swim Classic on Australia Day, the Fun Run will be an ongoing annual event for the club.

Funds raised from these events will go towards the building of the new clubhouse, and if all goes as presently planned, next year’s runners will be able to use the new clubhouse before and after their run.

Mr Misson was pleased with the mix of local and holiday makers

participating.

Along with the main aim of raising funds for the building of the clubhouse, the club also uses the event to promote itself in the community, as more than just a lifesaving establishment.

Along with other community groups, they like to offer some form of summer holiday activities for the locals as well as the many holiday makers that come into the area.

Well known middle distant runner Suzie Michelson from Aspendale, came home in the fastest time for the 10 km run.

Box Hill North runner Andrew Nagle, was the first runner over the line in the 5km event.

Ex-Leongatha, middle distant runner and mother, Robyn (Misson) Salisbury, is starting to find her form once more by winning the over 35 women’s 5 km run.

Leongatha father and son pair, Andrew and Dylan Westaway showed everyone a clean pair of heels by winning their respective age

Team Leongatha: Alice and Prue Tyson with cousin April Barlow, with their treasures from the day.

Family affair: the Chisholms from Archies Creek.

Linda took second place in the 10 km run.

groups in the 5km run.

Youngest entrant in the 5km run, seven-year-old Will McDonell from Ashburton ran a great time of 38.41.

Sixty-five-year-old Vicki Thomson from Chelsea Heights, even though last over the line in the 10 km run in a time of one hour and 21 minutes, showed us all that she is still very young at heart with the effort that she put in.

10 km results: Open Men Greg Semmler 42.56.

O/35 Men Shane Pettingel 42.10.

O/50 men Roy Hamilton 48.14.

Open Women Suzie Michelson 41.37.

O/35 Women Sue Burt 46.04.

O/50 Heather Crosbie 56.17.

5km results: Open Men Andrew Nagle 20.03.

U/19 Men Dylan Westaway 22.26.

U/16 Boy’s Patrick Roger 20.44.

O/35 Men Mark Walton 22.25.

O/50 Men Andrew Westaway 24.13.

What a great show of support for this competition with 33 adult members, 12 junior members and eight non members entering.

Although the weather over the weekend wasn’t favorable every day, a lot of people still managed to land some great catches.

The winners for this competition were.

Senior members: 1st Tom Aulsebrook, Pinkie Snapper 1300g.

2nd Phil Nebel, Perch 540g.

3rd Tyrone Nebel, Perch

480g.

Junior members: 1st Madi Klevercamp, Mullet 140g.

Junior non-member: 1st Finn McMahon, Pinkie Snapper 1060g.

The club held its annual general meeting on Saturday, January 2, at the Venus Bay Community Centre.

Again what a great turn out of members who attended.

Trophies were awarded in many categories and the winners were: Paul de Hamer, Michael de Hamer, Lucy Aulsebrook, Jake Nebel and Leon Webb.

Congratulations to all winners of our annual awards. Lifetime membership to the club was

Above: Jake Nebel: was recognised for his angling club success.

Tom Aulsebrook: won the senior category in the Venus Bay Angling Club January competition.

Lucy Aulsebrook: award winner. awarded to our outgoing president Alick Purchase, who we thank for his long time service to the club.

This honour was given to Elise Turnedge who was extremely humbled to receive this award.

All positions were vacated, and a new committee was chosen.

For 2010 the new committee is: Gary Young (president), Ian McIntyre (vice president), Doug Grigg (treasurer), Maria Kostakos (secretary), Anne McIntyre (assistant secretary), and John Blezard and Tony Swindon (general committee).

The next competition will be held on the Australia Day weekend.

Commencing on January 24, and finishing on January 26, as this is a three day competition, it will start at 6am and the final weigh-in on the last day will be at 3pm.

For more information about the club visit www. venusbayanglingclub.org. au or email us at vbanglingclub@primusonline. com.au.

• JUNIOR BASKETBALL

Lightning strikes Moe THE Under 12 boys Leongatha Lightning basketball team recently travelled to Moe to compete in the Moe Basketball 2009 tournament.

Team Traralgon Harries: Shane Pettingel, Susie Michelson and Greg Semmler.

Great day: ISLSC president Phillipe du Plessis with the youngest 5km runner, Will McDonell.

With temperatures in the high 30s all weekend, it was always going to be a hard fought battle on the court.

The Lightning’s first match against Warragul saw this young team finding its feet, with new players who hadn’t played together before battling bravely, despite losing the match.

The next game against Traralgon saw the team pull together to ensure a hard fought win, displaying skills and determination for all to see. In the final game for the first day the boys battled it out with Maffra, and were all feeling the heat after hard competition all day.

Despite only one winning match on Saturday, the team’s high percentages secured them a spot in the quarter final against

Ready to strike: back from left, Lachlan Thomas, Nicholas Battersby, Vincent Monaghan, Joel Brooker, Trent Westaway and Rick Coleman (coach); front from left, Cameron Olden, Sam McGannon, Joel Norton and Riley Coleman.

Traralgon.

The young team was unable to win this match, but showed everyone a great effort and was able to score well.

Everyone should be proud of their achievements. Thanks to coach Rick Coleman and a special thank you to Kate Norton for filling in for Michael Westaway as the team manager for the

weekend - great job Kate.

Another special thanks to Tye McGannon for stepping in to coach the team in the quarter finals - well done Tye. Lightning training recommences on Thursday, February 4. Any queries should be directed to Michael Westaway on 0418 557 572.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Wonthaggi table tennis presentation night A BIG crowd attended the breakup barbecue and presentation night held recently at the Wonthaggi Table Tennis Centre in Wonthaggi.

Trophies were presented to the premier teams and runners-up in all three grades of the spring competition, and to the winners and runners-up in the junior tournament held in November.

Other trophies were presented as follows: Leading player A Grade - Michael

Ede, leading player A Reserve - Beau Thompson, leading player B Grade Brittney Taylor, most improved B Grade player - Georgia Filippi, most improved juniors (beginners winners) - Jesse Condron and Rory McRae. Table tennis coaching for juniors recommences on the first Thursday in February 2010 at the table tennis centre, 6 to 7pm. Practice for other grades commences shortly after, at a date to be advised.

Runner-up: A Grade Justin Licis.

A Reserve: runners-up White Port, from left, Nancy Pattinson, Helen Wall and Kaye Craddock.

A Grade: grand final Dirkash (Dirk Holwerda, Ashley Hewlett) d J’n’T (Justin Licic, Trish Denier 3-1). Photo: Ashley Hewlett.

A Reserve: grand final winners Thin Culture, from left, Beau Thompson, Jayden Hallett and Michael Veal. Jayden was also runner-up in the junior open singles championship.

Georgia Filippi: most improved B Grade player.

TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area.

To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below.

Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90

At Port Phillip Heads

JANUARY Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

6 WED

7 THUR

8 FRI

9 SAT

10 SUN

11 MON

12 TUE

0352 0938 1602 2146

1.64 0.30 1.48 0.26

0432 1027 1700 2233

1.62 0.23 1.47 0.36

0511 1114 1800 2318

1.57 0.19 1.44 0.47

0551 1200 1901

1.51 0.19 1.41

0003 0632 1245 2001

0.58 1.44 0.21 1.37

0050 1718 1334 2101

0.68 1.36 0.26 1.35

0143 0811 1430 2202

0.77 1.28 0.30 1.34

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

Brittney Taylor: U15 girls singles and leading B Grade player.

Rory McRae: equal most improved junior player (Beginners Winners).

Jesse Condron: most improved junior player (Beginners Winners) with Micah Condron (right) runner-up handicap singles event.

Rochelle Savrimoothoo: (Diamonds) B Grade premiers runner-up. Rochelle also won the junior handicap singles event.

Above: Sam Watson: junior champion open singles.

Left: B Grade: grand final premiers, from left, Jackson Pitts, Niki Neducic (Daly Boyz).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 51

New crop: the new Under 8 group of nippers are pictured with instructors and the water safety team at the opening day.

Flag time: these three boys lift their heads in readiness for their sprint on the sand to the flags.

THE Waratah Beach SLSC Nipper Program for Season 2009/2010 has more than 120 participants.

The program runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until January 22 and features both beach and water events.

Emphasis at the nippers is focused on fun and playing it safe in the water as well as testing their sporting skills.

On Fridays, the nippers enjoy a barbecue while the last day features a nipper’s club championship.

The nippers doesn’t happen without the support of volunteers, with most regulars and a few new faces making sure the event can operate effectively.

The club held a family barbecue last Saturday night which was sold out, with more than 120 attending. It was a great social event to introduce new members.

The clubrooms are also available for hire to the community; the South Coast Boardriders are using the facility this Saturday night while weddings can be held there as well, with beautiful views across the surf beach.

“The aim of the program is to give kids an education about surf safety and first aid, as well as identifying wave types

and rips,” club president Julian Meagher told The Star.

“Some of our nippers have gone on to do their surf rescue certificates, while others have participated in our bronze camps.

“It is great to see some of our former nippers return to help us out.”

Hard going: this nipper tires after surfing in on his board at Sandy Point.

Being aware of beach safety THIS summer, the Victorian Government and Life Saving Victoria will again be holding their Play it safe by the Water campaign, which creates community awareness and promotes safe and responsible behaviour around beaches, waterways and pools.

Board event: nippers collect their boards in readiness for the surf.

Water important: having a well earned drink are Max Shuttleworth and Lochlan Brookes.

Wetsuits help: on cooler days the nippers find that wetsuits keep them in the water longer.

One of the most important rules to be aware of is to always swim between the flags on a patrolled beach.

Any beach can be dangerous. Beachgoers should be careful and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which indicate that the beach is patrolled.

When swimming between the red and yellow flags, always look back to the beach to check that you are still between the flags. If you choose to swim outside these flags, you could be moving into a more dangerous location.

Patrolled beaches are identified by the red and yellow flags. With 67 of Victoria’s most popular beaches having lifesaving patrols during the summer months, there’s no reason for you not to swim between the flags.

Because beaches are not patrolled every day of the year, please remember to check if it is safe to swim. Never swim alone, and read and obey the water

safety signs.

Be aware of rips. A rip is a strong water current running out to sea from a beach. Rips can easily sweep swimmers out to sea from shallow water, sometimes several hundred metres offshore.

Rips occur at all beach locations, including bays. Common signs of a rip are murky brown water caused by sand and seaweed being stirred up off the sea bed; foam on the surface extending beyond the break; waves breaking on both sides of the rip but not inside the rip (the rip may seem calm and inviting); water that appears dark, indicating deeper water; and debris floating out to sea.

If you are caught in a rip when at a beach patrolled by lifesavers, obey the Rs; relax, stay calm and float with the current; swim across it, not against it.

Raise an arm to signal for help, float and wait for assistance.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Koram’s association champion THE Wonthaggi Bowls Club hosted the South Gippsland Bowls Association ‘Champion of Champions’ last weekend.

The Wonthaggi greens were in perfect condition given the importance of the event, and weather conditions could not have been better.

Saturday’s play saw the round of 16 followed by the quarter finals.

Following play there were no great surprises.

By Sunday morning there were four players left: Rod Beech (Wonthaggi) playing Brendan Ryan (San Remo), and Michael Coram (Inverloch) playing David Lenden (Phillip Island).

In a magnificent display of draw bowls in which it was expected that Rod Beech would prove too good for Brendan Ryan, it was the ‘underdog’ Brendan Ryan who made the final, defeating Rod

Beech 25-15.

In the second semi final Michael Coram got off to a flyer, leading David Lenden 10-2 within a matter of seven ends.

From there David Lenden whittled the lead away to be ahead by one by the time the scores reached the 20s.

As scores drew toward 25 it was ‘nip and tuck’ and again after a magnificent display of draw bowls, it was Michael Coram who made the final with a score of 25-22.

Following lunch, the final was expected to have the large crowd on edge as both bowlers had played excellent games of draw bowls to win their semifinals.

It turned out to be a very one-sided affair as Michael Coram simply won end after end to build up a mighty lead by the 10th end, leading 18-4.

Whilst Brendan Ryan picked up a few shots, it was Michael Coram who

Loch and District bowls

SINCE my last report the final of the men’s championship has been played between Alan Provis and Col Cochrane.

A great match to watch and the result could have gone either way but Alan eventually came out the winner. He then went on to play in the district champion of champions where he enjoyed the experience.

Two days of the men’s annual tournament were played last weekend. On Saturday 14 teams enjoyed the triples which was beautifully catered for by our ladies.

Best last game went to the local team of G. Barber, J. Riddell and J. Tuckfield. The runners-up were M. Collett, W. Soulsby and P. van der Byl from Mordialloc, with the winners being R. Williams, R. Hutton and G. Field from Korumburra.

On Sunday the men’s pairs were played, with the best last game going to B. McNamara and P. Stebbings from Loch.

The runners-up were P. Snedden and G. Prowd from Toora, and the winners were R. Trotman and I. Todd from Leongatha. Well done to all.

Social bowls starts again on Thursday, with twilight bowls commencing on the following Wednesday (13th).

400M SURF SWIM 3.5KM RUN BASS COAST SERIES - RACE 1 Sunday 17th January 2010 10am Start Entries/info: aquathon.cpslsc.org.au

did not let up and went on to win 25-8.

After bowling so well throughout the two days, it must have been a little disappointing for Brendan Ryan to be beaten so easily.

The results of all matches were: Saturday (round of 16) R. Anderson (Lang Lang) d A. Provis (Loch); B. Ryan (San Remo) d D. Galloway (Toora); P. Stimson (Mirboo North) d I. Park (Foster); R. Beech (Wonthaggi) d J. Turner (Leongatha); M. Coram (Inverloch) d C. Hair (Meeniyan); G. Crowley (Pt Welshpool) won on a walkover; R. McKenzie (Fish Creek) d B. Edwards (Corinella); D. Lenden (Phillip Island) d R. Besley (Korumburra).

Quarter finals: B. Ryan (San Remo) d R. Anderson (Lang Lang); R. Beech (Wonthaggi) d P. Stimson (Mirboo North); M. Coram (Inverloch) d G. Crowley (Pt Welshpool); D. Lenden

Inverloch ladies bowls THIS morning is the final of the ladies singles championship, between Anne Tschiderer and Robyn Dennis starting at 9.30 am, it would be nice to see any who are free supporting this match.

Wednesday, January 6, the ladies will be running a mixed day of bowls starting at 1pm, whites or mufti, your choice.

Wednesday, January 13 is back to ladies social bowls, whites, starting at 1pm.

Wednesday, January 20, is monthly triples again, sponsored by Baradene Interiors.

Please put your names down for this special sponsored day, the more the merrier.

Keep watching the board at the club for the next Friday meal, which will be sometime in February.

The final of the state pairs was won by Hazel Crewsdon and Rebecca Allen from Phillip Island, with Robyn Dennis and Cynthia Hensley runners-up.

(Phillip Island) d R. McKenzie (Fish Creek).

Semi finals: B. Ryan (San Remo) d R. Beech 2515; M. Coram (Inverloch) d D. Lenden (Phillip Island) 25-22.

Final: Michael Coram (Inverloch) d Brendan Ryan (San Remo) 25-8.

Michael Coram will now go on to play in the state finals at a date and venue yet to be decided.

Bowls talent: Brendan Ryan, San Remo (runnerup), Jack Charlton (association president) and Michael Coram (winner of champion of champions).

Left Winning way: Michael Coram puts one down nearing the end of the final.

Korumburra bowls WITH the festive season a memory, and the start of a new decade, bowlers are reminded that pennant will be starting very soon.

The ladies start on January 12 when Division 2 go over the bridge to Phillip Island, while the Division 3 lasses are heading down the track to Foster, with the lads starting the following week.

The last week of pennant prior to Christmas saw the Burra having mixed results, with both ladies divisions having wins, and the Division 4 Gold lads keeping the flag flying with a win against Mirboo North.

Some of the winners over the last weeks of bowls have been Chas Blogg, Ross Lomagno, Ken Myors, John Elstub, John Myors, Emanual Sgarioto, Wilf O’Flaherty, Ken Cecil, Ross Lomagno and Maurie Rielly.

The club’s Christmas evening dinner was a very happy event, thanks to the members who organised the evening, with the ladies drawing their wonderful hamper, with Norma Rielly winning the first prize, Brenda Eastman second draw and Marge Woolley third draw.

Dates to remember: Due to the ladies tournament this Friday there will be no counter tea this month. The men’s tournament will be held on January 21, men’s pairs, January 24 mixed fours, January 26 men’s fours. Entries are required for all these days, with twilight bowls recommencing January 14.

Presidents Bill and Mary wish all bowlers and friends a happy new year.

Woorayl golf BOXING Day saw Retire and Wealth sponsor our stableford day.

Thirty-seven players faced the starter and the CCR was 69 or 39 points. Each grade shared the best score of the day.

The winner of A Grade was Ian Atcheson with 42 points, B Grade went to Denis Lim, and C Grade was won by Kev Riseley.

Balls went to G. Young beaten on a countback in B Grade, T. Charlton, J. Howard, J. Hassett, M. Wallace, M. Livingstone, D. Burge on a countback from many others, all with 37 points.

The nearest the pins went to D. Lim and J. Lovie.

The Thursday bar voucher was won by Tim Burgess with 41 points, and balls went to M. Wood, G. Calder and R. Warren.

Saturday, January 2 Our medal on Saturday was sponsored by Colin Watson Holden.

A Grade went to Jared Lovie with a net 70, B Grade, on a countback, went to Rod Goodwin, also with a net 70 whilst C Grade and the medal went to Vic Haasjes with a net 68.

Balls went to J. Hassett, G. Maisey, W. Turner, M. Herrald, K. Riseley, B. Fitzpatrick, G. Fixter and B. Wilson; the last three on a countback.

The hole-in-one for a new Holden was not won, but the men’s nearest the pins went to K. Riseley and D. Clemann.

The ladies event was won by Ann Grist with a net 69. Balls went to S. Wakefield and T. Scoble. Rumour has it that one of the ladies pulled on the handbrake going up the 18th hole.

The ladies nearest the pins went to Barb James and Sue Wakefield.

A highlight of the week was the hole-in-one by Graeme Calder at Warragul Golf Club. Well done Graeme, next time do it at your home club.

Thursday’s bar voucher went to Ben Fitzpatrick with 41 points, probably gives the vouchers to his father. A ball went to Roy Fisher.

Next Saturday our stableford event will be sponsored by the new owners of the Opal Motel. Thank you for continuing the sponsorship.

Leongatha golf THE holiday season swelled the field to 101 players on Saturday, which enabled four grades.

Neville Wright plays a very solid game and he will always be a threat in A Grade. He won with 36 points.

Paul Schultz scored a handy 37 to win B Grade.

Kevin Castwood had the day’s best score of 38 points in winning C Grade, while the extra grade gave Dave Bethune the chance to come up trumps with 36.

Andrew McFarlane won pro-pin on the 14th and Colin McKenzie took nearest the pin on the 16th.

Ball winners: S. Hansen 37, S. Chisholm, B. Attwood 36; I. Sutherland, B. Dicker, D. Hastings, N. Gillin, A. Macfarlane, M. Monaghan, G. Morrison, N. Cairns 35; A. Magpantay 34, M. Kavanagh, R. Brown, G. McRitchie, K. Wardle 33; C. McKenzie, J. Housey, P. Hartigan, M. Fraser 32.

Results from the previous Saturday saw Russell Williams the A Grade winner on 37 and P. Du Plessis successful in B Grade with 38. Max Kavanagh and Barry Hughes were the one-shot winners.

Tuesday All grades required a score of 40 points or more for success. T. Brown had 41 to win A Grade, Tim McCarthy had 41 to win B Grade, and Peter Horman took out C Grade with 40. Nearest the pin winners were P. Churchill (14th) and G. McRitchie (16th).

Ball winners: N. Gillin, P. Hobson, D. Hanna 39; A. Leadingham 38, R. McRobert, S. Chisholm, K. Gardner, J. Smith 37; J. Eabry, P. Hartigan, B.

Jamieson 36; J. Dalton, R. Jenkins, N. Cairns, T. Walker 35.

The previous Tuesday was a good day for father and son, Andrew and Nick Cairns. Andy made a hole-in-one on the 14th hole which obviously gave him nearest the pin. Congratulations Andrew, and also to Nick who won B Grade with an excellent 41 points.

Doug Clemann scored 41 points off a nine handicap which is excellent golf, while Noel Smith took C Grade with 37 points. Rod Brown won nearest the pin on the 16th hole.

Thursday The final day of 2009 was very hot, but that didn’t deter 77 golfers from having a go.

A Grade went to Neville Wright (again) who made a mockery of a nine handicap to snare 40 points.

Colin Manley was successful in B Grade with 35 points, an indication that the B graders must have struggled with the heat. R. Rumian had a fine round of 41 points to win C Grade.

Frank Smedley (14th) and Jack Curtis (16th) were nearest the pin winners, while balls went to: K. Gardner 40, P. Smedley 39, P. Hobson, G. Kurrle 37; F. Smedley, J. Jordan 36; T. Walters 35, P. Horman, B. Jamieson, K. Scott, K. Briggs, B. Attwood, R. McRobert, K. Godridge, G. McDonald 34.

The previous Tuesday event was won by Trevor Steer in A Grade with 39 points. Ali Wright had 42 points plus nearest the pin to win B Grade.

Mirboo North golf

THERE were 19 starters for the stableford event on Thursday, December 24. The CCR was 70.

A Grade winner was Darren McCafferty (20) 43.

Down the line: Max Fletcher (26) 42 and Chris Bracecamp (21) 42. Birdies: Mal Payne 4th, Phil Stimson 4th and 6th.

Thursday, December 31

A stableford event was played with 26 starters, and the CCR was 69.

A Grade winner was John Blunsden (22) 43 countback.

Down the line: Tom Traill (10) 43, Tony Tomada (19) 40, Brian Godenzi (19) 39.

Saturday, January 2

There were 40 starters for the stroke - monthly medal played on Saturday. The CCR was 69. A Grade winner was Ray Matthews (8) 66 (medallist) countback, B Grade Ron Funnell (19) 66.

Down the line: Mal Payne (11) 67, John McFarlane (13) 67, Ian Evison (11) 68 countback, Tom Whitelaw (6) 68 countback, Darryl Woodall (11) 68 countback.

Nearest the pin: 4th Max Fletcher, 6th Bryan Randall (pro pin), 13th Ray Matthews, 16th Chris Bracecamp, 2nd shot 1st hole Graham Watson.

Birdies: John McFarlane 13th, Mal Payne 13th, Max Fletcher 4th, Chris Bracecamp 16th, Ray Matthews 13th.

Eagle 1st Graham Watson.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 53

Junior tennis a hit

The Finance Consulting and Accounting 29th Annual Inverloch Junior Tennis Classic and the 10th Annual South Gippsland Junior Tennis Classic, held at the Leongatha Tennis Club, are about to kick off early in January.

The Inverloch tournament ran from January 2 to 4, and the Leongatha tournament starts today and runs until Thursday. The tournament features 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 and under in boys and girls events.

All singles matches feature a consolation event for first round losers so there is no shortage of tennis, irre-

spective of the players’ ability levels.

Doubles and mixed events are also featured.

The tournaments have grown in stature with entries coming from all over Gippsland, Melbourne and some from interstate. The tournament also attracts large local support, where the younger players of South Gippsland and surrounding areas can test their abilities against seasoned campaigners. The tournament is very friendly and of an excellent standard, with a fantastic canteen being run daily.

The Inverloch and Leongatha tennis clubs are very excited to be staging these tournaments and the involvement of so many people, particularly the sponsors, Finance Consulting and

Accounting and McDonalds, who help make events of this magnitude possible.

“Finance Consulting and Accounting are proud to be associated and continue their long involvement with such a worthwhile event where the youth of the area will prosper,” Keryn Benetti from Finance Consulting and Accounting said.

The Inverloch Tennis Club also acknowledges the strong and ongoing support of its major sponsor the Bendigo Bank, who have been generous supporters and backers of the Inverloch Tennis Club. For further information or if you would like an entry form, please contact Mark Sheppard on 5674 1866 or 0418 591 101.

South Gippsland Field and Game Club EIGHTY-six shooters started the New Year with a 75 target shoot at Hallston on Sunday.

The main topic of conversation wasn’t the weather or the great start to the year, but the fact that the government has announced a duck hunting season for 2010.

The season starts on March 20 and ends on

May 30, which is 23 days longer than last year.

Bag limits have been increased for 2010 and hunters will be allowed to take five ducks per bag (with a maximum of one Australasian Shoveler), plus an additional three Wood Ducks.

With the great rains over the state in the last week, we can look forward to a great season with wild duck a large part of the

Well done: Leith Johnson presents the junior aggregate trophy to Arron Notman.

menu.

Every year a South Gippsland Field and Game Life member donates a trophy and a half case of cartridges to our junior member who shoots the highest aggregate score for the year.

This year’s winner was Arron Notman.

Other winners on the day were: AA: S. Busana 64/75, K. Jacobs 62/75, G. Couper 60/75.

A: D. Knopp 59/75, R. Evans 59/75, J. Power 59/75.

B: R. Batten 62/75, T. Hardman 58/75, S. White 56/75.

C: J. White 53/75, I. Perry 51/75, M. Goulden 41/75.

Vets: R. Carmody 64/75, G. Hart 54/75, J. Burns 52/75.

Ladies: M. Hogan 49/75, B. Hart 54/75, S. Couper 41/75.

Juniors: C. Batten 52/75, E. Foster 50/75, R. Collins 43/75.

Leongatha Little Athletics COOLER conditions were experienced by 150 athletes who turned out for the last Leongatha Little Athletics competition for 2009 on December 12.

Ready for a hit: from left, Kahlia Truman, Bradley Perks, Kerryn Benetti (Finance Consulting and Accounting), Mark Sheppard (tournament organiser), Georgia du Plessis, Josh Truman and Caleb PollardVirtue are ready for the summer tennis.

Serving for success LEONGATHA North resident, Sarah Ford, 17, is still working hard towards achieving her tennis goals, and recent successes have only spurred her on.

At the Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Championships in Moe she won the 18s girls singles and doubles for the second year running.

She played exceptionally well to have an impressive win in the singles final, 8-0, against a strong competitor from Traralgon, Sheridan Kourtis. Sheridan, 18, then teamed up with Sarah to win the doubles final 8-3, as they did the previous year.

This success follows an impressive performance at the Kilmore Tennis Classic, where Sarah won all three events she entered - the 18s girls doubles, the 18s mixed doubles and the women’s open singles. This came a week after she was runnerup in the 18s girls doubles at the Traralgon Open.

All this stands her in good stead as she heads into January’s hectic tournament schedule, and she also intends to play her first money event in early February.

The next step for Sarah is at Bendigo from January 18-20 where she plays in qualifying matches for the Australian Open juniors.

Two thousand and nine was a hard year for Sarah, with many in-

juries and a major illness severely hampering her fitness, but the recent wins have been encouraging, as was playing her first junior ITF (International Tennis Federation) event in Darwin in July, where she played some of the world’s top juniors, and learned what she has to do better to be a winner at that level.

Sarah also managed to find the balance between study and training, proving her work ethic and dedication is paying off in both, as she did extremely well in her Year 11 studies at Mary MacKillop College, winning an academic award for excellence at the end of year assembly.

This year she will complete her VCE and also concentrate on building her fitness and getting as much match play as possible, so she is ready to launch herself full time into her tennis as soon as her exams are finished.

Sarah will work towards the best possible ENTER score to ensure a place at university, should something prevent her from achieving her sporting goals.

On top of her daily training and study, tournaments and coaching, Sarah also plays night tennis at Leongatha and Traralgon, and plays pennant juniors and Section 1 seniors, alongside her coach Graham Charlton, on Saturdays at Traralgon.

Sarah knows that next year will

be a challenge, but she is up for it and hopes to do herself and her community proud.

Her favourite slogan is ‘impossible is nothing’, words she picked up on the back of a T-shirt.

Sarah is constantly motivated by words of advice from her unofficial mentor, V8 supercar driver and 2006 driver champion, Rick Kelly, who is always inspiring her to never give in and keep fighting until she wins.

Hopefully 2010 will be a successful year for Sarah and the next step towards a successful sporting career.

Big win: Sarah Ford (left) won the Under 18 schoolgirls doubles with Sheridan Kourtis.

Earlier Sarah won the singles final.

There were 187 PBs achieved.

Congratulations to the following athletes who broke centre records: Julian Patterson U12 Boys High Jump (1.48m) and Eleanor Patterson U14 Girls Triple Jump (10.08m).

It was the final week of the On Track program run by Paula O’Loughlin.

Paula does a wonderful job teaching new skills to our young athletes and preparing them for their first season of athletics.

Each of the On Track athletes were presented with a medal and a certificate for completion of the program.

Well done to the following athletes who were presented with awards: Tara Funnell, Holly Proudlock, Tiffany-Blossom Matheson, Rhien Hall, Grace Patterson, Ariella Francis, Alex Ritchie, Erin Mantel, Harrison Herbert, Lachlan Smith, Jazmine Findlay, Jessica Zubcic, Tyson Bolam, Ethan Woodall, Max Hosie, Ruby Adkins, Alexander Battersby, Emma Trease, Sophie Close, Gemma VanDerRydt, William Lewis, Briella Tudor, Brianna McNaugton and David Phillips.

All On Track athletes are reminded that they may compete in the New Year in the Under 6 age group.

There is no additional charge.

PB’s as follows:Under 6 Boys: Mark Mancarella - 200m and Shotput.

Under 6 Girls: Taylah Cunningham - Long Jump, Ashley Geary -Vortex and Long Jump and Chelsea Elliot - Vortex and Shotput.

Under 7 Boys: Ryan Knight - Shotput and Vortex, Ryan Giliam - Shotput, Vortex and 200m, Maverick Matheson – Shotput and 200m, Mathew Fowkes – 100m and 200m, Sullivan Herbert – Shotput and 200m, Lachlan Murrell – Shotput, 100m and 200m, Ethan Tudor – Shotput, Callum Buckland – Vortex and Shotput, Lian Waldron – Vortex and Shotput and Beau Fennell – 200m, Vortex and Shotput.

Under 7 Girls: Hayley Proudlock -Vortex, Long Jump and 200m, Merrin Giles – Long Jump and Vortex, Jessie Fowkes – Vortex, 200m and Long Jump, Mackenzie Findlay – Vortex and 200m, Chelsie Geary – Vortex, Long Jump and 200m, Laura Richmond – 100m and Vortex, and Georgia Spencer – Vortex, 100m, Long Jump and 200m.

Under 8 Boys: Angus Ritchie – Shotput, Daniel Sturtevant – Vortex, Alfred Herbert – 50m, 200m and Shotput, Royce Patterson – Vortex, Connor Murrell – 50m, Zachary Reid – Vortex, Ryan Frank – 200m, Riley de Geus – 200m, Patrick Lewis – Vortex and 200m, Oliver McLean – 200m, Shotput and 100m, Aaron Trease – Shotput Under 8 Girls: Maddi Cruikshank – 200m, 100m, 50m, Discus and Long Jump, Ella Roberts

– 100m, 50m, 200m, Discus and Long Jump, Hannah Giliam – Discus and Long Jump, Bianca Proudlock – Discus, Tori Duckworth – 200m and 50m, Madeline Smith – Discus, Darcie Holmes – Long Jump and 200m, Kiara McJames-Court – 200m, Jessica Geary – Discus, 200m, Long Jump and 50m, and Alison Mancarella – 200m.

Under 9 Boys: Shannon Kennedy – Discus and High Jump, Nicholas Matheson – Discus and 199m, Kye Casbolt – 50m, High Jump, Discus, 200m and 100m, Mitchell Boasman – High Jump and 100m, Eugene Douglas – Discus, 100m, 50m and High Jump, Tim Boler – Discus, 200m and 50m, Joshuah Hill – 200m, Samuel Chadwick – 50m, Discus and 100m, Douglas Mancarella – Discus, 100m, 50m and High Jump, and Jake Waldron – 100m, Discus and High Jump.

Under 9 Girls: Amber Hansson – Javelin Turbo, Discus and 50m, Kasey Thorson – 200m, Amy Tudor – Javelin Turbo, Irene Thorson – Discus, Kate Marshman – Discus and Javelin Turbo, Casey Walker – Javelin Turbo, 200m and Discus, and Hannah Martin- 50m.

Under 10 Boys: Rohan Baudinette – 1500m and 100m, Jackson Patterson – Triple Jump, Brett Thorson – 200m and 50m, and Jack Stockdale – 50m.

Under 10 Girls: Amber Standfield – 100m and High Jump, Ellie Holmes – 1500m and High Jump, Shannon Mellings – High Jump, Katelyn Jackson – 50m Shotput and High Jump, Jasmine McJames- Court-1500m, 100m and High Jump and Hayley Phillips – Shotput, 1500m and 100m.

Under 11 Boys: Joel Norton – High Jump, Ben Phillips – High Jump, Harrison McLean – 100m, Shotput and High Jump, Nicholas Battersby – 50m and Jordi Geary – Shotput.

Under 11 Girl: Christine Byrne – Javelin, Lily Akers- 50m and Javelin, Nikki Stockdale – Javelin and 100m, and Emily Cashin – Long Jump.

Under 12 Boys: Julian Patterson – High Jump, Wesley Graeme – High Jump, Kaj Patterson – Discus, Dean Thorson – Triple Jump and Matthew Minogue – 1500m and Triple Jump.

Under 12 Girls: Gemma Martin – 100m, Shotput and Triple Jump.

Under 13 Boys: Leo Byrne – Triple Jump.

Under 14 Girls: Mikaela Witherow – Triple Jump and 100m, Eleanor Patterson – Triple Jump and Olivia Cope – 100m, Discus and Triple Jump.

Under 15 Boys: Michael Green – Triple Jump, 100m and High Jump.

Under 15 Girls: Erin Baudinette – Discus and 100m, Lauren Goldie – High Jump and 100m and Brydie McKenzie-Edwards – High Jump.

Well done to all athletes and parents for a great first half of the Track and Field season. Special mention to the committee who have worked hard throughout the year and to those who help out to officiate each week. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

Competition resumes on Saturday, January 30.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

STONY Creek enjoyed another successful day, with over 2000 punters on track to enjoy Saturday’s race meeting.

A similar size crowd flocked to the track on the previous Sunday, making it a great holiday period for the club.

The weekend event saw Kelvin John’s

Retravision sponsoring every race.

The Retravision team enjoyed the day in a marquee, which protected them from the sometimes rainy and often windy conditions.

But the enthusiasm for a good day out couldn’t be dampened or blown away, as the racegoers partied in true holiday spirit.

Fine food: Dyson Hoggett from the Koonwarra Store’s stall was kept busy during the afternoon.

Fun times: Kelvin and Kathy Smith entertain Asko state manager, Tony Biggs.

All the gang: the Kelvin John’s Retravision team enjoyed a big day out.

Windy weather: Lynne Arnup, Trevor Smith and Marg Klingenberg get into the spirit of the day.

One with the lot: Stony Creek Football Club operated the popular hamburger stall. Kayla McIndoe, Simone Jans and Karli Brislin were ready to help.

Gate keeper: Meeniyan’s Aileen Hughes was keeping an eye on the comings and goings of horses.

Three’s company: Angie Corbett, Tish Hanks and Karyn Leicester were having a fun time at the races.

Helping hand: Robert Beilby, Kevin Warren and Kelvin Smith man the MS raffle stand.

Relax: Enjoying the races were local girls Izzy Le Roy, Alex O’Sullivan, Sophie Landy and Imogen Whittaker.

Magnificent six: Phil Western, Matt Holm, Anthony, Laurissa and Lucy Falls and Emma Smith enjoy the day.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - PAGE 55

Keane’s hot meeting STONY Creek Racing Club has staged two very successful meetings in the past six days and the big story to come out of Saturday’s fixture was the emergence of apprentice jockey, Patrick Keane, who rode four winners in a terrific performance.

Keane had only 17 career wins coming into the meeting, after having his first ride at Bairnsdale just on 12 months ago.

To ride a quartet of winners at this stage of his career is an incredible effort and signals a bright future for the youngster, who has astute trainer, Doug Harrison, as his master.

Keane had never ridden a double prior to the meeting, and after riding his first two winners (for Harrison) he was delighted to have notched his first double.

“I’ve got a couple more good rides later in the day, so hopefully it is not over yet,” he quipped and was all smiles as he returned to scale after the final event of the day with four under his belt.

The first of the Harrison winners was Tarantalina, a mare that has a strong connection with Gippsland and in particular, Bairnsdale.

She is the daughter of Triantular, a mare formerly trained by the late Greg Counihan in Bairnsdale and Tarantalina was the final horse Greg bred.

“Greg’s wife Robyn is a part owner as well as some other relations and he asked me to train her

before he died, so to win this race is quite special,” Harrison said.

“To be honest she has been a real handful to train. She will kick you if she gets the chance and is very hard to handle. She even put a good dent in my car.

“It has taken some time to get her to settle and get her mind on the job, but she is as tough as anything.”

His second winner, Humiliton, is a mare Harrison said has had her share of problems.

“She showed us a fair bit early and then has just had little things go wrong, and we have sorted out the best way to ride her,” he said.

Trainer Bec Kelly and her husband Travis are heading off for a week’s holiday after the Stony Creek meeting, so the win of their galloper, Beautiful Light was very timely.

“He was trained at Quirindi and this was only his fifth start for us.

He’s been very consistent, but it was good to break through,” Kelly said.

“He won his last run for his previous trainer on a quick back up and that was one of the reasons we backed him up today, after running here Monday.”

Travis pointed out the six-yearold is a metropolitan winner (at Warwick Farm) and that although he had been competitive over 2000m plus, they now believe his best distances were between a mile and a mile and a quarter.

Monday’s meeting saw two of the more promising horses in Gippsland salute, and the first was Shaemist Mountain, prepared on the track by Jack Wilson.

“He came into this off a trial win at Moe and he has come back very well. He hadn’t raced for five months and has grown an inch,” Wilson said.

“The likely plan is to give him one more start in the country, possibly at Moe and then we might look at a race in town, perhaps a night meeting at Moonee Valley. After one more run in the bush he should be cherry ripe.

“It was a good effort today. He missed the start but the jockey (apprentice Jack Hill) never panicked and he settled midfield before finishing off nicely.”

Another Stony Creek galloper, Set Shot, trained by Earle Fischer, finished second and on Saturday Erica Eldred produced Special Warning for a close second, indicating the local trainers are in form.

The second up and comer to greet the judge was Yasey San, which made it impressive victories at the past two Stony Creek meetings.

Moe trainer, John Pascoe will now target a midweek race at Sandown on January 13.

“I had her in at Sandown last week, but she was second emergency and never got a run, which was a shame, because I thought she would have been very competitive,” he said.

“The race on January 13 is over 1800 metres, which will be ideal as she is very clean winded and will certainly stay. The further they went today the more she would have won by, so the 1800 metres will be no trouble.”

Apprentice jockey: Patrick Keane returns to scale on Contrive in the final event at Stony Creek - his fourth winner of the day!

Premier grade match this Saturday ALL LDCA fixtures will be played this Sunday to make way for the Premier cricket match between Richmond and Dandenong this Saturday, January 9.

The fixture will be played on the Leongatha turf with local umpire Clive Salmon officiating with the VCA’s John Ward.

Richmond has Bushrangers’ skipper, Cameron White, in its team but he is unlikely to feature as he is involved in the KFC Big Bash series during this period.

However there will still be plenty of talent for the Tigers, including medium pacer and middle order bat Will Sheridan and wicketkeeper and number three bat Ryan Carters.

The Dandenong side features Darren Dempsey as its captain. Dempsey has made more than 9000 Premier Cricket runs at an average of 46.

Victorian contracted rookie, Brett Forsyth is another Dandenong player to watch. He has scored centuries

for Victoria’s second XI. Kookaburra Premier Cricket’s Country Round continues to be an annual feature of the Kookaburra Premier Cricket Program. Clubs, players, umpires and VCCL host associations all enjoy the sojourn to regional Victoria. Country matches do not feature on the tour itineraries of international teams these days and, as a result, Cricket Victoria sees the Country Round concept as crucial in maintaining the excellent relationship that exists between Premier Clubs and country areas.

Cricket Victoria hopes that, by delivering a high standard of cricket to regional areas, this relationship will be maintained and enhanced.

Two thousand and nine-10 is the twelfth successive season that Cricket Victoria’s Premier Clubs have taken a round of matches to country Victoria. The Leongatha association is encouraging spectators to come along and watch the match; play starts at 11am and will be a 50 overs a side contest. Drinks available and activities for the family are planned.

Air cooled: Sonia Gaire, ridden by Linda Meech, salutes in the Fujitsu F&M Handicap.

• LDCA CRICKET

One match decided GLEN Alvie defeated Korumburra in the only match decided in the LDCA, in A Grade Division One cricket.

All other matches in all grades will take place this Sunday, due to the Premier cricket match on Leongatha turf this Saturday.

Korumburra won the toss and sent Glen Alvie in.

Udara Weerasinghe was playing havoc with the ball and claimed 5/17, gutting Glen Alvie’s middle order.

Glen Alvie made 8/130 but perhaps thought this wouldn’t be enough. Paul Jordan top scored with 37 with M. Roberts mak-

ing 27. Extras was third best, with 25 including 16 wides!

In reply Korumburra was soon in big trouble with opener and number one bat, Weerasinghe, in the pavilion with a duck against his name. The ‘Burra quickly slumped to 5/21 and things looked hopeless.

P. Edwards 16 and K. Doman 50 not out set about a recovery but this was short lived as the tail failed to respond; the Cobras all out for just 108.

Alex Simpson 4/15 and P. Roberts 3/7 proved the difference. Glen Alvie has now secured two wins on the trot and has gained a lot in confidence. They face

Miners next round full of confidence.

A GRADE DIVISION 1 KORUMBURRA v GLEN ALVIE 1st Innings Glen Alvie M. Roberts c. A. Balfour b. D. Wyhoon ......................27 A. Donohue c. A. Balfour b. M. Patching ..................... 11 P. Jordan c&b. U. Weerasinghe ..........37 A. Simpson c. A. Balfour b. D. Scott ...........................13 S. Lowe b. U. Weerasinghe ........0 C. Tait stp. A. Balfour b. U. Weerasinghe .................7 P. Roberts stp. A. Balfour b. U. Weerasinghe .................8 S. Edwards stp. A. Balfour b. U. Weerasinghe .................2 R. Bolding n.o. ...........................0 L. Gennicarro r.o. .......................0 K. Simpson n.o...........................0 Extras .......................................25 Total .............................(cc) 8/130

Bowling: K. Dorman 0/38, M. Patching 1/19, D. Scott 1/24, D. Wyhoon 1/25, U. Weerasinghe 5/17.

1st Innings Korumburra U. Weerasinghe c. K. Simpson b. P. Roberts ..........................0 I. Osman b. P. Roberts................2 J. Cook c. C. Tait b. A. Simpson ........................0 D. Salmon lbw. A. Simpson .......1 P. Edwards b. A. Donohue .......16 B. Hayes c. R. Bolding b. P. Roberts ..........................3 K. Dorman n.o..........................50 D. Wyhoon c. C. Tait b. K. Simpson........................4 D. Scott c. C. Tait b. A. Donohue .......................7 A. Balfour c&b. A. Simpson ......3 M. Patching c. M. Roberts b. A. Simpson ........................2 Extras .......................................20 Total .......................................108 Bowling: A. Simpson 4/15, P. Roberts 3/7, L. Gennicarro 0/13, K. Simpson 1/29, A. Donohue 2/29, M. Roberts 0/13.

Front runner: sometimes out in front is the best place to be at Stony Creek.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

By Matt Dunn ERIKA Eldred has been training horses for “about 20 years,” and although she has enjoyed her share of winners in that time, the search for a genuinely great horse continues.

Like many others in this tough caper, she still dreams big dreams – though not quite as big as her husband Graham.

“He wants to win a Melbourne Cup, but I reckon a Stony Creek Cup would be good,” Erika said with a laugh.

“It’s very hard going. My husband keeps saying, ‘Just one more, just one more.’”

A dreamer Graham may be, but he knows the realities of the business.

“We do it together, but he works on oil rigs and I do the horses. We plan and do everything together, but I stay home and he works on the rigs,” Erika said.

“He makes the money, because you’ve got to make money to keep the horses going.”

As anyone in the training business will tell you, the track to glory has many bends and the infrequent prize purses rarely cover what is spent in upkeep.

Super horses are as rare as proverbial needles in haystacks. It’s a hit and miss affair.

“You have your wins and then you have your quiet times. It’s very hard to get a winner now,” Erika said.

The task was made that much more difficult for bush trainers, she said, because they were often up against better-resourced city trainers.

Even at Stony Creek, where few locally trained horses were running on Saturday.

“You’ve got the top city trainers coming up. You look at the fields.

You’ve got Tony Noonan, Robbie Lang, Wendy Kelly – big clientele.

We just plod along on our own,” she said.

Finding that top horse is hard, but sometimes hidden gems are uncovered

– horses that need that little bit of tender loving care.

An old horse “from the back of the bush” in New South Wales was one that proved an unlikely winner.

“We had this one nutty horse off the internet called Taking Charge.

He won one after the other, then had about eight seconds – he was just that sort of horse,” she said.

“We cleaned him up. I think he was ready to die up there. Anyway he won by 10-and-a-half lengths at Stony Creek. He was our only ever winner there.

“It’s funny that. He was very good. I think he ran on fear that day. He placed after that. Mind you he was nine years old when he won that race.”

She almost had another winner at Stony on Saturday, when Special Warning was pipped at the post after leading down the home straight.

Erika has had some good horses in the past two decades.

The sometimes fractious Special Warning is a case in point.

“Beat a smart couple of city horses and he did it standing on

his ears. So we sort of had a lot of expectations of him,” she said.

After the race she was ecstatic and hopes the horse has now turned a corner in his racing career.

Erika started her training career after working as a lightweight rider, putting horses through their track work.

She quickly caught the bug though and moved into training.

“I couldn’t honestly tell you how many horses I’ve had over the years, but not every one wins you a race. When I started off we had Cool Hand Luke and Buckeye Blue. All the locals knew those two,” she said.

“They were really good country horses. Cool Hand Luke ran a second at Sandown, then he ran a very good race at Ballarat – it wasn’t a group race, but it was a sort of classic – and the prize money was good.

“He was our best classed runner

and the rest, well - I’ve had six individual winners. A lot of them have placed.”

While Cool Hand Luke was good, he never came close to winning a Melbourne Cup. But who knows what the next horse may bring?

Graham’s mantra of “just one more, just one more” may yet pay a big dividend.