The Great Southern Star - January 5, 2011 by The Great Southern Star

Celebrating 120 Years

INSIDE THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2011

Piano passion

Promise stands

Page 4

Page 11

$1.20

Beach is calling Page 42

THE sun was shining as friends Edward Allis-Pickett and Ricardo Alves-Ferreira created a sea themed sand sculpture on Saturday as part of the Prom Coast Summer Festival. The sticky sand from a local quarry was delicately shaped into a masterpiece over three days in front of the Port Welshpool Ferry Terminal. The annual Prom Coast Festival included events at Port Welshpool, Welshpool, Toora and Mount Best from Friday until Sunday.

Shopping spree Leongatha’s retail growth hopes rise By Brad Lester MORE land could be made available for commercial development in Leongatha, with the long-awaited sale of railway land imminent. The State Government rail agency, VicTrack, is ﬁnalising paperwork for the sale of the land to South Gippsland Shire Council. The land is earmarked by council’s Leongatha Town Centre Structure Plan

for future commercial development. VicTrack spokesperson Jason Murray said ofﬁcers would meet with council to ﬁnalise negotiations for the sale of former railway land. Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Darryl McGannon believes the land is ideal for future retail growth and should have been developed a long time ago. “I don’t think the railway line is going to be happening. These issues have been going on for too long. If it takes too long for these decisions to be made, then what sort of record does

that give the town?” he said. “We need to be looking to rezone land so that if for example Kmart wanted to come to town, we would know where we could put them. “At Wonthaggi, the council is in the process of rezoning land. The other guys (major retailers) are down there and the land is available.” Council’s director of development services, Phil Stone, was unaware of when the sale of the railway land would be complete but conﬁrmed the site was earmarked for an expansion of Leongatha’s town centre.

Mr McGannon said Leongatha urgently needed more land for commercial development. “The shire needs to be more progressive and get additional land rezoned for future development, so that if people want to start a new business, they will have land and the opportunity to do so,” he said. “At the moment, it is difﬁcult for a new business to come into town because there is not the land available.” Mr Stone said ample land had been rezoned for business purposes, but much of that land was now occupied

by housing. Sites suitable for commercial expansion, according to the Leongatha Town Centre Structure Plan, are: land either side of the railway station; a block bordered by Bruce, Church, Ritchie and Young streets; some land facing Young and Holt streets, some land in Bellingham Street; and Hughes Street. “Weekly, council gets various expressions of interest from businesses around the place. If businesses wanted to start up, they would be able to,” Mr Stone said. Continued on page 2.

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A celebration of the sea THE Prom Coast Summer Festival had plenty of attractions to keep people entertained over the New Year period.

Events were held across the region, with many at the Port Welshpool Ferry Terminal, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A highlight was the sand sculpture by Edward Allis-Pickett and Ricardo Alves-Ferreira who were working across the three days to create a massive sea themed master-

piece in Port Welshpool. The Kids’ Come and Try Fishing Day was extremely well attended with about 80 youngsters. Local identity John Woolley spoke about his experiences in the oil industry and the early boats. Other activities in Port Welshpool included a boat model display, Long Jetty talks, Parks Victoria touch tanks, face painting, ﬁshing information, sea grass walks, balloon bending and seafood cooking sampling. Welshpool hosted the Black Light Puppets and a display of work-

ing dogs. The puppets were controlled by Richard Hart who was supported by Julia Davis. She said audiences loved the show, with some children playing with the puppets backstage after the performance on Friday. At Toora the shops were open, there was a family history group and the heritage pear orchard was on show. Motorists could also take a self drive tour of the Strzeleckis by driving from Toora to Mount Best.

Water experience: Natalie Young of Stony Creek and Linden Demaria of Hedley hold scallops in the touch tank at Port Welshpool on Saturday.

Sea tales: John Woolley had some keen listeners as he told his old sea salt stories on Saturday at Port Welshpool.

Fishing try: Paul and James Cullen from Doreen on the Port Welshpool wharf on the weekend.

Pipis’ fate concern THE illicit over harvesting of pipis from the main beach at Venus Bay might be causing serious detriment to the breeding cycle of the local species.

Sea history: Ossie Whitley had his models of historic boats on display. He is with Fishcare’s Barry Hicks on Saturday.

That has been the concern amongst the community over recent years. Guest speaker at the Tarwin Lower Venus Bay Association’s annual general meeting will be Dick Bromley, senior fisheries management officer from the Department of Primary Industry. Supported by Parks Victoria ranger Gerard Delaney, each will brief the meeting on the various measures their organisations are employing to understand the problem and to enforce fisheries ‘bag limits’. It is believed some groups over the years have been harvesting pipis in close to commercial quantities. Mr Bromley will also advise the meeting of key results from a recent scientific study into sustainabilty issues around the Venus Bay pipis. Both speakers are happy to take questions from the floor of the meeting. The Tarwin Lower Venus Bay Association AGM is at 10.30am, Saturday, January 8 at the Venus Bay Community Centre. All interested people welcome.

Learning skills: Tige Brewer of Foster is in the driver’s seat as Cameron Crouch from Kids Car Ed helps him drive.

Shopping spree Continued from page 1. “Leongatha is not in a backward situation. It’s fairly well prepared. It just needs someone who is prepared to put money on the table and build.” Mr Stone said he was aware supermarket chain Aldi had wanted to open in Leongatha but was not able to ﬁnd land “prepared to go for the right rate”. He said growth in Leongatha could not be compared with the rapid rise of Wonthaggi, given the latter had 3000 more people and was therefore more appealing to major retailers seeking a greater return on their money. Council is continuing to push for the development of a bulky goods retail precinct in Leongatha along the South Gippsland Highway, towards Koonwarra. That proposal is currently on public exhibition and will attract more businesses to town. Mr McGannon has heard of the possibility of bedding retailer Forty Winks opening in the new Business Four zone. The availability of suitable land for rezoning at Wonthaggi is an advantage the town has over Leongatha, but that factor does hinder Leongatha’s poten-

tial to grow, he said. “We need to forget about Wonthaggi and think about what we need to do. The old Gleeson’s building could be ﬁlled with good retailers. To me, there is potential there as they are good sized shops,” Mr McGannon said. He believes Leongatha needs more small to medium scale businesses to add diversity to the town’s commercial precinct, rather than major players like Bunnings. “There are a lot of small businesses in Wonthaggi that potentially could lose out with the likes of Bunnings coming in,” he said. “Leongatha is lucky because we have small businesses like Smith’s. That is not too big but is a respected business.” The original Henrietta’s café and gift shop, destroyed by ﬁre in May, was a “huge drawcard” for the town and an iconic store that lured people from wide and far, Mr McGannon said. “Leongatha needs more shops like Henrietta’s that are very good at what they do. A lot of people do not want to go to places like Big W. It’s the places like Henrietta’s that people need,” he said.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 3

Assaults spoil New Year’s By Isaac McCallum TWO sexual assaults have marred what were otherwise family friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations in South Gippsland. A 22-year-old Bass man was charged with rape and possession of child pornography in Coronet Bay on New Year’s Eve. A group of people have also been interviewed in relation to a sexual assault of a 17-year-old woman at the Pyramid Rock Festival on Phillip Island. The Bass man will appear in Latrobe Magistrates Court on Friday. Investigators from the Morwell Sexual Offences and Child Abuse

Investigative Team believe a number of females may have witnessed the alleged incident and are keen to speak with them Police are also currently interviewing several people in relation to the assault at the Pyramid Rock Festival, but are yet to lay charges as the investigation continues. The rape allegedly occurred around 1am on December 31. Glenn Weir, Inspector for the Bass Coast and South Gippsland Police Service Areas, said that despite the sexual assault incidents, celebrations across the region were fairly subdued. “Inverloch and Phillip Island had ﬁreworks at 9.30pm, and both of those places had quite calm celebrations,” he said.

“There was large police presence at both areas but there wasn’t too much trouble.” Police stations around the area reported no serious behaviour problems, with only two people arrested for drunken behaviour. Ofﬁcers visited 72 licensed premises and issued 20 liquor licensing infringements on New Year’s Eve. Illegal ﬁreworks were set off at numerous locations. One drink driver was caught in one of the thousands of tests conducted so far as part of Victoria Police’s statewide AEGIS operation. In Leongatha alone, more than 1200 drivers were tested, with none exceeding the blood alcohol concentration limit.

Men saved at beach By Isaac McCallum TWO men nearly drowned at Venus Bay’s Number Three beach on Sunday. The young men were rescued by local board riders and Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club volunteers were quickly on the scene, 900m from the patrolled swimming area. The victims were treat-

ed for water inhalation and hypothermia by lifesavers and the Venus Bay Community Emergency Response Team, and were transported by ambulance to a Melbourne hospital. Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club media ofﬁcer Julian Seri said despite this incident and other small incidents occurring, few problems had occurred at the beach. “Generally people

Paramedics in demand PARAMEDICS have been busy over the Christmas-New Year period, especially during Friday night’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Ofﬁcers on that shift ﬁnished early in the morning. “There were obviously a few accidents we wouldn’t normally have had, thanks to alcohol,” Leongatha’s team manager Gordon Bowman said. He said it was quieter compared to previous years, but a new control system meant paramedics were called to jobs far from their normal work area. Leongatha paramedics travelled as far as the Latrobe Valley and even towards Cowes. “We’ve always helped out with Wonthaggi,” Mr Bowman said. His team will continue to be busy, as is always the case in summer. “When you get that mixture of hot weather, alcohol, bare feet, glass and people swimming there will always be something for us to do,” he said.

have been good. They just need to understand the areas better. We’ve had a small number of rescues and a couple of ﬁrst aid cases,” he said. Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club president Dean Manns said behaviour on the beach had been fantastic. “So far it’s been great. There have been some fairly big crowds, but everyone’s behaved really

well,” he said. “Our aim is to prevent it before anything happens, so we’ve kept the people in between the ﬂags. Everyone has responded well to instructions. “We’ll be prepared when the bigger crowds come down, which shouldn’t be too far away.”

No rest for CFA By Tessa Hayward INVERLOCH fire fighters were kept busy on New Year’s Eve with several callouts between midday and midnight. Inverloch CFA captain Alan Williamson said the first callout occurred just after midday. “There was a road accident on the Bass Highway. Apparently a spider crawled down the driver’s arm and the distraction made the driver run off the road,” he said. The man was not injured. Inverloch CFA was called to a grass and scrub fire in Kongwak at 6pm. “It was relatively small, about one hectare,” Mr Williamson said. On the way back from the grass and

scrub fire, fire fighters were called to a house in Inverloch after a gas bottle attached to a barbecue ignited. No one was hurt but the barbecue was destroyed. The fourth callout was to the Inverloch RACV Resort at 9.30pm after their alarm was set off by steam. Wonthaggi, Pound Creek and Inverloch units attended. At 11pm an illegal flare was thrown on a roof by young men. “Luckily no damage was caused,” Mr Williamson said. An illegal campfire on the foreshore was lit by kids trying to keep warm and another small fire was seen by CFA members, but Inverloch Big 4 Holiday Park staff had already managed to extinguish it by the time the CFA arrived.

Lives risked Pubs busier POOR mobile phone reception in the Dumbalk district is risking lives. Police involved in a siege at Dumbalk North last year, in which they shot a man, did not have mobile reception. They were left with no alternative but to make and receive calls from a nearby home. The Dumbalk and District Progress Association has petitioned South Gippsland Shire Council, urging council to write to Telstra asking for better reception. Cr David Lewis tabled that petition – with more than 1400 signatures - at the December 22 meeting. The petition stated that during the Black Saturday bushﬁres of 2009, many elderly residents were without mobile and even television reception. Cr Mimmie Jackson said council should also write to other mobile providers that operated in the area. CEO Tim Tamlin suggested council instead write to federal Communications Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy. Cr Lewis said the petition speciﬁed council contact Telstra only. Councillors voted to do just that.

Summer fun: Cassidy, Jaxon and Ella Brown of Mirboo North with Hadyn Channells of Koo Wee Rup cool off at the top of the Minne Ha Ha Falls at Hiawatha, north of Welshpool. They were camping along the Albert River at Hiawatha with their families last week.

than ever

By Tessa Hayward INVERLOCH is getting busier every New Year’s Eve, according to staff at the town’s two hotels. More than 620 patrons welcomed in 2011 at the Esplanade Hotel on Friday night. While the amount of meals and beers sold was unknown, employee Ryan Minns said sales were high. “It was busy all day New Year’s Eve and deﬁnitely busier than 2009,” he said. In 2009 the power went off for an hour in the pub, hurting business a little,

but this year there were no hitches. The Inlet Hotel also had a very busy night, pleasing manager John McInnes. “Everyone was very well behaved. There was no trouble that I know of,” he said.

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Fingers dance for music By Chris Brown DAVID Dower always plays the piano with every ounce of passion in him. So much passion in fact that he developed tendonitis in both arms. “The passion was becoming too physical and it’s too much for the body to handle,” David said. “I had to stop playing for about a month and I was getting regular massages from a hand specialist.” Music is everything to the 20-year-old former Foster resident with a part-time job teaching piano and drum to 12 music students at Monash University, and regular gigs with his funk band and as a pianist. Last month he was part of concerts at Foster and Fish Creek. How does a young man balance so many commitments? “You keep a good diary and you have to be polite to people when you know you’re doing too much. It’s not easy,” David said. He began learning the piano at the age of six by accident in place of an older brother. “Mum didn’t want to get a refund, so she sent me up with a note saying David is taking over the lessons she had paid for,” he said. From then on he was hooked, often turning up to lessons with Foster teacher David Allsop having taught himself new songs. At age 11 he started on the drum kit and percussion, but has never been as fond of those as

the piano. He comes from a musical family of five children born to Ray and Sue Dower of Foster. Brother Steve plays piano and percussion, Michael used to play drums and guitar, Patrick is a guitarist and singer, and Louise also sings. David started boarding at Scotch College in Melbourne in Year 7 and his music went to the next level as he was surrounded by dedicated teachers. In his final year of secondary college two years ago, he was the music captain at Scotch. He lists Ben Folds and Cat Empire pianist Ollie McGill as major influences. His current teacher Steve Sedergreen, who recently performed at Foster, has been a huge inspiration. David’s ultimate aim is to be a recognised musician. “I’d like to be able to travel and go to Europe. In Europe there’s a big jazz scene, which will help me to develop my craft and be a performer,” he said. A trip to New York in the middle of this year with Monash was the most amazing thing he has ever done. For three weeks David spent eight hours a day having lessons and at night saw performances. “It probably gave me the most motivation of my life and I came back ready to work,” he said. He also returned to Victoria with the story of the time he bought a keyboard in the United States and brought it back home.

Piano passion: former Foster resident David Dower. Photo courtesy Jason Sim. “I was in New York and there was this keyboard that was one of the best things I have ever seen in my life and it was about a sixth of the price compared to buying it here,” David said. “I bought it and then realised what that meant in terms of getting it back.” He ended up outside the shop in the dark trying to move the keyboard out of the box and into a case larger than he was.

Then he had to get it down to the subway in 40 degree heat to take it back to his accommodation. It cost him an extra $350 to ﬂy it home, but it still worked out cheaper than purchasing it here. Such are the lengths a passionate young man goes to to improve his craft. Hear some of David’s music at www.myspace.com/daviddower

Age no excuse to slow down JIM Cusack recently celebrated his 80th birthday with 70 family and friends at the Leongatha RSL.

Here’s cheers: Jim Cusack celebrates his 80th birthday with wife Gwen.

He received a beautiful recliner chair amongst his other gifts. Jim leads a busy life and is an active and most treasured and respected member of Leongatha Rotary Club. Jim enjoys golf and taking part in golﬁng tournaments held by the Retired Police Members and has been successful over the years, winning many trophies. Captain of the Victorian Police Golf Club for the past eight years, Jim was sergeant at Meeniyan Police Station for many years and upon his retirement, moved to Leongatha. He continues to be involved with the Meeniyan Golf Club and Leongatha Rotary Club, amongst other community interests. Jim has been a member of Rotary for 36 years and was recognised for his contributions by being bestowed a Paul Harris Fellowship.

Bass Coast too lovely to litter BASS Coast Shire Council has joined the Victoria’s Coast Too Lovely to Litter campaign to curb littering in the shire. Council’s waste services manager, David Owen, said the campaign aims to reduce litter along Victoria’s coastline. “Spanning almost the entire 2000km stretch of Victoria’s beautiful coastline, the campaign aims to reduce litter by at least 30 per cent between December and April,” Mr Owen said. “The campaign focuses on the most visible

types of litter including takeaway containers and wrappers, drink containers, cigarette butts and other types of packaging. “As school breaks up for the Christmas holidays, the coast becomes a focal point for families and holiday makers. “Residents and visitors are being asked to keep beaches, foreshores and roadsides clean of litter this summer. “Litter signiﬁcantly reduces the visual quality of the environment, and the health and safety of people and marine life.”

As well as causing environmental damage, litter also makes our beaches and foreshores look uncared for and therefore are less likely to be used. “It’s important to build a community that will do the right thing and dispose of their rubbish appropriately,” Mr Owen said. For more information about the campaign, log onto www.toolovelytolitter.com.au or contact Council’s Waste Management Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 5

Popular Prom still a tradition By Chris Brown WILSONS Promontory is busy as usual this summer. Up to 4000 people are camping or staying in roofed accommodation in Tidal River, which is fully booked out. Wilsons Promontory district chief ranger Craig Stubbings said almost 700 vehicles were entering the Prom on day trips. “For this time of year that is a bit higher (than normal, but) it is weather dependant and we have had some good weather and that has brought the day visitors out,” he said.

“With 700 vehicles I would say that means South Gippsland is doing very well with accommodation providers in the region.” Walks to Squeaky Beach and up Mount Oberon as well as the Lilly Pilly rainforest walk are popular with day trippers. Norman Bay, Squeaky and Picnic beaches are popular with those seeking some sand and sea. Mr Stubbings said outstations were pretty full, with many people hiking to the lighthouse. Sealers and Refuge coves are other popular camping areas and can hold about 40 people a night. Tidal River accommodation is

booked out until the end of January. “Many of the campers who are coming have been coming for generations. It has that historical connection with people,” Mr Stubbings said. There has been an increase in Indian campers and Chinese day visitors in recent years, giving Wilsons Promontory more of a multicultural feel. The Tidal River toilet blocks, store and café, and lifesaving and police services are all operating well. “People are down here enjoying themselves and we have very few issues,” Mr Stubbings said.

Carbon slash target set By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council will aim to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2021, and produce no waste. Council will also aspire to install recycling bins in public places; use renewable energy on public buildings; buy sustainably produced products; encourage councils, schools and hospitals to use local food; and promote an annual sustainable living festival. These goals are listed under council’s draft sustainability strategy, adopted by council for public exhibition. Council will develop a resource efficiency and greenhouse reduction action plan to tackle carbon emissions, and finance the plan through a “revolving resource efficiency fund”. Cr Mimmie Jackson, a commuter cyclist, spoke passionately about the strategy at a recent council meeting. “The majority of our ratepayers have applauded council’s approach to conserving its resources,” she said. Cr Kieran Kennedy added: “We have to be able to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. It’s about look-

ing towards the future generations.” Among the actions mooted in the strategy are: • green and bio-waste (such as food scraps) from households to be composted to reduce carbon emissions, and this could be extended to restaurants and supermarkets; • encourage farmers to use compost and biofertilisers instead of synthetic fertilisers, and also use renewable energy. Farmers could also grow crops typically grown in the Murray-Darling Basin, which is being affected by climate change; • advocate for government funding to replace street lighting with more sustainable lighting; • promote reduced car usage with the use of bicycles, walking, and public transport, and establish a car pooling website; • develop a municipal housing strategy underpinned by sustainability principles; • develop a South Gippsland Centre for Sustainability linked to Coal Creek as a centre for learning; • Home and Community Care program to assess clients’ energy use; • support the development of community vegetable gardens and orchards; • a sustainable living guide added to council’s

Gateway action AN ENTRANCE to Leongatha will be upgraded. The first stage will improve drainage in Anderson Street this financial year, as heavy rain floods the business, Shield Master. South Gippsland Shire Council will fund the $80,000 first stage, while the $287,000 second stage will be paid for by a special charge scheme. Businesses will be required to contribute. Gray Street, Leongatha, will also be improved. Council recently adopted a new special charge scheme policy for road and drainage works. The policy governs how council can require residents and businesses that benefit from such works to contribute towards costs. Council will initially be responsible for paying for all costs and will be recovered from contributors over a period of up to five years. Such schemes can only be implemented if council has the support of at least 70 per cent of affected property-owners, or without their support and council contributes a third of the costs. The policy will replace the existing Rural and Rural Type Living Special Charges, and Urban Street Construction. Both policies no longer meet current legislative requirements.

website and groups encouraged to apply for sustainability oriented grants; • communities will be urged to develop energy descent plans – action plans for coping with life beyond peak oil supply; • council will continue to advocate for additional funding to control weeds; and • council will also take part in the South Gippsland Sustainable Development Alliance and South Gippsland Local Food Network, and the development of the Energy Innovation Cooperative. A survey of 382 people found 54 per cent were happy to pay $20 or more in extra rates a year to fund sustainability measures. But Cr David Lewis was concerned about the cost of implementing the strategy, with council rates already twice the rate of inﬂation. An extra three council staff could be required, at a cost of about $300,000, plus a further $200,000 in project costs, he claimed. “I believe we should let community groups do the projects because they can give council more value than by employing staff,” he said. Cr Jim Fawcett said Cr Lewis was being liberal with his projected costs. CEO Tim Tamlin said the extra budget allocation required could be between

$120,000-$200,000, in addition to $80,000 to $100,000 worth of existing sustainability activities undertaken by council – a total of between $200,000 and $300,000. Cr Lewis said such projects as improving street lighting, could not be funded without state or federal help. Cr Mohya Davies said to ignore peak oil and climate change would be at council’s own peril. “We as a council should be taking a progressive stance on this,” she said. Comments on the strategy close on Monday, February 28. All submissions will be reviewed by the Project Control Group and considered for incorporation into the ﬁnal strategy, which will be submitted to council for adoption by the end of April 2011. The draft strategy is available on council’s website: www.southgippsland. vic.gov.au The draft was compiled by benchmarking against 20 best practice councils and consulting with a reference group of 19 organisations. More than 1500 people were involved through surveys and workshops, and 65 council staff consulted about existing and possible future sustainable activities.

Hall stays with schools THE Education Department has quashed rumours that Mesley Hall would be handed over to the Leongatha community as part of the education precinct changes. Mesley Hall is on the Horn Street end of the precinct and is used by groups such as Lyric Theatre as well as the secondary school. Regional director for the Department of Education in Gippsland Michonne van Rees said Mesley Hall will remain departmental property. “It will continue to be looked after by the department,” she said. However how the school will be used within the precinct is yet to be determined. Mesley Hall will be near the South Gippsland Specialist School and primary school, with the secondary college moving to the East Campus site. Ms van Rees said there was a strong push to have school facilities used by the community. “I think there is a view school property is not just for the school. If there is potential for more community use, we will look at it,” she said.

Prom fun: Tidal River is booked out with campers enjoying their summer holidays.

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Scrap charge schemes: ‘watchdog’ By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council should not charge ratepayers through special charge schemes, according to self proclaimed ‘council watchdog’, Paul Richardson.

The ratepayer objected to council’s adoption of a Special Charge Scheme and Policy for Road and Drainage Infrastructure. Mr Richardson, a longstanding critic of council, demanded councillors seek funding from governments before inflicting more financial burden on struggling ratepayers and treating ratepayers like “milking cows”. That is despite special charge schemes being a typical way of raising funds for projects of benefit to specific ratepayers. A council report stated such schemes are a “legitimate mechanism that council can use to enhance public amenity, and provide safe and functional infrastructure”. “Some people have to take out loans to pay for these schemes. It’s

criminal. The council is ripping people off. The money has got to come from the state or federal government, and possibly other private sources but not the ratepayers,” he said. A former City of Casey councillor, Mr Richardson has owned a block of vacant land at Korumburra for many years and lives in suburban Endeavour Hills. He also called for planning decisions of all kinds to return to the council table for discussion, overturning council’s decision this year to delegate responsibility for all but the most sensitive of planning matters to planning ofﬁcers. “Does the council acknowledge it has breached its responsibility to make decisions on behalf of ratepayers?” he said. Mr Richardson has also vowed to pursue relaxed planning rules, enabling people to develop rural land. He is a fervent objector to the C48 and C51 planning amendments that have restricted the development of rural land in South Gippsland, and has pledged to hold the new State Government to account on its prom-

ise to review such planning policy. “You want to build and someone comes along and changes the legislation and stops you. What audacity,” he said. “I will be putting pressure on the Liberals and Peter Ryan to work with me. This government needs to know that if they screw up like Jeff Kennett, then they will only be in for one term.” Of Aboriginal descent, Mr Richardson praised council’s raising of the Aboriginal flag outside council offices but claimed council was the last municipality in Victoria to do so. He also wants council to fly the flag beyond working hours and even at night. Mr Richardson has been operating as a ‘council watchdog’ for two years and has not ruled out contesting the next South Gippsland council elections in 2012. An independent candidate in the seat of Narre Warren North at this year’s state election, Mr Richardson polled 1.71 per cent of first preference votes.

On the job: Paul Richardson wants drains and roads funded by means other than special charge schemes.

Rain poured down By Tessa Hayward WEATHER in South Gippsland is unpredictable. Who would have thought the rainfall in December 2010 would be well above the amount recorded in December 2009? December is meant to be a hot and sunny month. Ruby rainfall recorder Margery Robson had 82.5mm of rain in December over 16 days, well above last year’s total of 67.5mm over 10 days. Total rainfall collected at Ruby in

Clever boy: Matt Sullivan with the wall unit that helped him become the top VCE/VET furnishing student in Victoria.

Sullivan siblings star By Jane Ross THE Sullivan siblings of Wonthaggi North are a very smart pair. Both feature in the resurgence of Wonthaggi Secondary College as an academic force to be reckoned with. Matt, who is 16, topped the state in VCE/VET furnishing with a score of 47 out of 50 and came second in VCE/VET engineering, with a score of 48. He took these subjects in Year 11 and he’ll do Year 12 this year. His older sister Emma, ﬁnished her Year 12 with 98.8, becoming the second highest student at the college.

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 10, 2011.

The results in her four subjects of English, health and human development, maths methods and specialist maths were all above 40. She will go to Monash University to study a Bachelor of Science Advanced with honours and has already been offered a place in campus accommodation. Having topped her class of specialist maths, the hardest at VCE level, Emma, who is 18, is expecting to pursue her interest in that ﬁeld. How does a maths whizz manage such a good score for English? “That surprised me!” she smiled. She boosted her VCE result by taking two Year 12 subjects in Year 11: further maths and biology, ending that year with a 44 in each. Matt is the fourth WSC student in recent years to come at or near the top of the state in VET furnishing. He was taught by Alistair McLeod, but has a genetic advantage too. Matt’s grandfather is Ian “Slugger” Sullivan, who taught woodwork at Wonthaggi Tech for 25

years from 1969. This has been a stellar year for Matt. He plays in the Leongatha Football Club’s Under 18 side that won the premiership. The talented youngsters are the children of Glenn and Heather Sullivan, herself a teacher at WSC. Glenn is the McBride Campus manager. Their Wonthaggi North home is graced by the two pieces of furniture which Matt crafted this year. They are an occasional table which combines red gum legs with a Victorian ash top and a Victorian ash wall unit. The latter boasts three large drawers and shelves on each side for knick knacks, CDs or similar. For his engineering subject, he made a recumbent tricycle, with parts from all over the world, bought on ebay. Glenn said his son plans to use this mode of transport when he goes to Melbourne University to study mechanical engineering. But he has to ﬁnish Year 12 ﬁrst. He’ll study two maths subjects, chemistry, physics and English.

2010 was 1110mm over 186 days. Compared to the 2009 total of 899.5mm over 159 days, 2010 was a very wet year. “It has been our wettest year since we came to Ruby and began the records in 1998,” Ms Robson said. “Only twice previously have we had over a metre of rain; once in 2004 with 1003mm over 173 days and once in 2001 with 1027mm over 160 wet days,” she said. Ms Robson wonders what this year will bring. Rainfall recorder at Fish Creek Neville Buckland said he noted 101.5mm in December, well above

the average for December: 67.5mm. “The total rainfall for 2010 was 1214mm, 150mm above average,” Mr Buckland said. “It has been our wettest year since 1993 which was also 1214mm.” The Pound Creek weather monitoring station recorded 75mm for December 2010, much higher than the 2009 amount of 45.4mm. It also measured 944.2mm for the total of 2010. Rainfall in December in South Gippsland was dramatically more than previous years, as was the yearly total.

Meeting swap looks likely SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council meetings look likely to be held on the third Wednesday of the month. The ﬁrst meeting of 2011 will be held on Wednesday, February 23 at 7pm. At that meeting, council will determine when meetings will be held for the next year, but a proposal before council recently suggested the third Wednesday of the month. Councillors debated the success of a new meeting structure over the past six months. They agreed allowing the public to present to council a week before the meeting gave people more time to talk and councillors more time to understand their concerns.

Public presentations will be held on the second Wednesday of the month. Council decided to oppose a seven month trial of starting meetings at 4pm, saying such a time would not allow working people to attend. Cr David Lewis wondered where the suggestion of 4pm came from. “A 7pm meeting is critical because people need to be able to engage with council,” he said. A report to council said councillors had been willing to trial a 4pm meeting to allow staff more time to spend with family. Councillors also believed a monthly meeting was more suitable than the previous fortnightly meetings.

New Zealand celebration CAITLYN Hughes is enjoying a break from study, after achieving dux of Korumburra Secondary College last year. The daughter of Adrian and Kelly Hughes is working with Morrison Jefferis and Associates accountants, and will holiday in New Zealand with boyfriend Josh Brammar in February. Caitlyn obtained an ATAR score of 98.7 and perfect scores for two subjects, while battling illness and juggling work.

High achiever: Caitlyn Hughes with boyfriend Josh Brammar and outdoor education teacher Mike Shone.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 7

Costs prompt budget review By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council will review its budget for this ﬁnancial year to cover the $525,655 cost of restructuring management.

Council spent the money employing new directors and changing other managerial positions last year. While council’s financial performance report for October indicated some changes were “nil cost initiatives”, the report revealed the process would result in budget adjustments being “made over the coming months”, with “longer term financial implications” to be “addressed during the mid year review process”. Council’s corporate services director June Ernst said the savings would be made through fewer salary expenses, including redundancies. “The predominant cost of the organisation restructure will be carried through October to January as a result of new staff commencing, and prior to the finalisation of redundancies

associated with the restructure,” she said. “Budget adjustments created through various salary savings will be used in coming months to offset the higher costs incurred in the last quarter. “Salary savings from current vacancies and redundant positions all contribute to the overall budget adjustments that are being considered in the mid year review.” In relation to the management restructure, the report indicated council spent: • $33,143 on executive management; • $62,360 on corporate services management; • $57,115 on human resources (including advertising costs); • $53,593 on social and economic development management, to be offset by cost savings in other budgets; • $163,504 in development services management; • $91,892 on asset management; and • $64,048 on property develop-

ment co-ordination. Ms Ernst did not answer a question about whether the cost also included the appointment of a part-time planning officer, at a cost of $12,267. Cr Jennie Deane was concerned by the “weakening trend in the budget”, but believed the expansion of the number of directors from three to four was warranted. “Most councils have four, five, even seven directors, so we have been underserviced in our leadership team and have put undue onerous responsibilities on our directors,” she said. “While this is a short term problem, I expect the leadership team will come up with a new budget to cover this.” Council’s forecast surplus for the 2010-11 financial year is set to be $320,000 less than the $4.47 million surplus predicted. Council’s capital expenditure is “significantly behind year to date budgets” according to council’s financial performance report for October 2010.

Water safety: providing support at the recent nipper camp held by Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club were Naomi Eaton and Mia Harrison. Both girls have family holiday houses at Sandy Point. More photos on page 16.

‘Everybody loses’ under C51 Coastal meeting called By Brad Lester PLANNING restrictions imposed on South Gippsland Shire by the former State Government are hindering development in the municipality.

The controversial C51 amendment to council’s planning scheme is restricting the building of homes in the Farming Zone. This is particularly so for lots between two and eight hectares subdivided before 1999, of which there are many, Cr David Lewis said. Council has received only nine applications for development on such lots, with just three approved and two refused. “If that does not say there is a problem, I do not know what does,” Cr Lewis said at the December council meeting. He added: “Under C51, everybody loses and something needs to be done

about it.” He disagreed with council ofﬁcer comments made about C51 in the Planning Scheme Review 2010, which he described as “laudatory”. That review commented: “The introduction of C51 is seen to be both a step forward in the use and development of rural land but also an opportunity for council to implement a holistic Rural Strategy. “South Gippsland has attributes that make it one of the most productive agricultural areas in the state. These attributes must be protected to ensure that agricultural production is maintained and increased to ensure that the shire’s economy is protected.” Self proclaimed council watchdog Paul Richardson, said council must do more to overturn the C51 amendment. “Why has this council disregarded the views of property-owners under

40ha, particularly up to 2ha, and treated them as nobodies in this community?” he said. “What is this council going to do to look after people like that in this community? Is your intention to let them go under and not let them build?” Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said Mr Richardson would receive a response at council’s February meeting. Enquiries to council’s planning department about C51 have declined, allowing planners to finalise more applications than they received between July and September. This was also due to coastal applications and applications subject to the Wildfire Management Overlay being finalised after being delayed by initial issues. In council’s planning

department’s quarterly report, the number of applications received was around the annual average. Of applications received, 56.6 per cent were decided within 60 days, below the target of 60 per cent. Planners attribute this to staff changes within the department. Council planners have prepared a Rural Strategy but that is yet to be adopted by council. The strategy was prepared at the request of the former Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, to be implemented into the Planning Scheme to complement C51 by December 31, 2011. As part of that strategy, planners were to consider whether any current Farming Zone land should be rezoned to the Rural Activity Zone.

BASS Coast Shire Council will hold a special meeting to further debate the future of coastal communities. Mayor Cr Veronica Dowman has called a special meeting of council on January 18 to consider a rescission motion for amendment C93. Cr Dowman said amendment C93 deals with structure plans for 10 coastal communities which establish clear town boundaries and plan for growth over the next 15 years. “Council considered C93 at the December council meeting,” she said. “The decision made at this meeting meant C93 would not be adopted in the form recommended by

the independent panel and future development plans of the coastal communities would be delayed.” Cr Barlow has lodged a rescission motion and has also given notice of his intention to move a new motion relating to C93 if the rescission is successful. “I’ve agreed to call a special meeting so we can resolve the uncertainty surrounding C93 as quickly as possible,” Cr Dowman said. “If Cr Barlow’s motion is successful, C93 will be adopted and forwarded to the Minister for approval,

as recommended by the planning panel. “There has been eight years of work by council, community members and consultants to get to this stage and I can understand some people are frustrated this amendment is still yet to be adopted.” Cr Barlow’s notice of motion also requests the Minister for Planning to reassess land to the west of Cape Paterson for a future zero carbon development in a manner consistent with the ‘eco village’ proposal.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Thanks for 30 years of service GWEN Wiggins has been recognised for her 30 years of volunteering with the Bass Recreation Reserve Committee. She was presented with a certiﬁcate at a Bass Coast Shire Council meeting by mayor Cr Veronica Dowman. Cr Dowman said the reserve was “very important for our shire” because it was the only source of recreation for many remote rural dwellers at the northern end of the shire. Without volunteers such as Gwen, such facilities wouldn’t exist. Since the early 1980s, improvements to the recreation reserve have included two lots of new netball courts, construction of the Bass and District Sports Club, celebrations

marking 150 years of permanent settlement at Bass and 200 years since the coming of explorer George Bass, construction of a caretaker house following a number of break ins, the planting of trees on either side of Bass River, creation of a second oval for cricket and extending the change rooms. “All of this was done by Gwen and the committee,” said the mayor. Gwen said she had worked with “some very good people” over the years. When she started, risk management was “common sense” and volunteers were willing and plentiful. Obtaining grants was a simple matter of “going to the shire secretary and asking him”. “Grants are now an art form. The expectations of the public are more

demanding. Clubs have codes of conduct and risk management. “But overall, there is a lot of satisfaction in working together.” Gwen complimented her husband Ron, “who’s been working with me for 21 years”. Cr Dowman said council’s arts and leisure co-ordinator Jenny Churchill, had been a great support to Gwen and her committee.

Thank you: Bass Coast mayor Cr Veronica Dowman (left) congratulates Gwen Wiggins on her 30 years of service with the Bass Recreation Reserve Committee.

Sculpture display opens SCULPTURE in the Vineyard exhibition opened at the Lyre Bird Hill Winery, Koonwarra recently. Despite the threatening skies, a good number turned out for the opening of the unique display featuring sculptures from 19 artists. The exhibition continues daily from 10am5pm until January 30.

Stunning: Owen Schmidt of the Lyre Bird Hill Winery admires this work from Andrew Kasper.

Scholarships available STUDENTS in rural areas are invited to apply to the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank for their scholarship program. This offers funding for one year of study, with the possibility of renewal for a second year depending on academic results. Inverloch and District Community Bank Branch chairperson Alan Gostelow, said young regional people faced huge costs to go to university in the city and the scholarship means dreams of gaining a degree can be realised. Applications close at 4pm on Friday, January 28. Go to www. bendigoadelaide.com. au for more details.

Draw: Tarwin Valley Primary School principal Brett Smith having his portrait drawn by student Belinda Delaney.

Putting ‘fun’ in fundraising THE TARWIN Valley Primary School Community celebrated the end of the school year with a Fete and Fun Day. The students, parents and teachers enjoyed a range of fun activities including mini golf, face painting, nail shoppe, quoits and basketball competition organised and manned by the senior students.

The talented Prep students drew portraits while other classes sold toys, show bags and lucky dips. The crowd indulged in many tasty treats including a cake stall, lolly shop, drinks, ice creams, show bags and the ever popular fairy ﬂoss. Many students entered the Christmas Cooking Competition which brought out their inner ‘MasterChef’, making the judges’ role very difﬁcult.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 9

’Gatha’s parking pain By Matt Dunn LEONGATHA has outgrown its parking capabilities, with the buying or compulsory acquisition of land one of the few probable solutions. “You either buy it or compulsorily acquire land that provides the space if it becomes pressing,” South Gippsland Shire Councillor Jim Fawcett said. “It’s an issue that surfaces from time to time. And I think it’s an issue that surfaces because traders see space being taken up by other traders, and it gets up their noses.” Council policy once dictated new businesses, or those expanding, buy parking spaces to accommodate extra prospective customers. Now, because there is nowhere to place extra parking, the policy has lapsed. Bair Street has become a particularly difﬁcult place to park. Three new businesses are being established on the old Gleesons Holden site, but no new parking provisions have been made. One Bair Street trader has sent letters to business neighbours asking them not to park along the street.

But one of those who received the letter begged the question: “If the car park near the rail crossing is full, where do we go?” “Parking is an issue in the sense that at the moment we’ve got reasonable parking, despite what anecdotal conversations might suggest. Our problem is that we have a very black and white system at the moment,” Cr Fawcett said. “If someone wants to develop they have to provide parking on site or they then have to go and buy a property to provide sufﬁcient space for car parks. “It’s either all or nothing. What we want to get to is a position where we have appropriate planning strategies in place where we can say to developers, we realise you can’t provide parking on site, but you’ll pay us for the parking spaces.” Council’s new director of development services Phil Stone said a “car park precinct plan” could be considered as a solution. “That allows us to consider the parking needs of the CBD strategically and put an instrument into the planning scheme that allows us to get cash in lieu contributions toward a single car park, perhaps,

or a number of car parks that are strategically placed in the town and grow them,” he said. “That’s a way to fund the provision of a centralised car park. Unfortunately that provides an issue for shoppers who are probably used to parking in front of the shop they want to attend. We probably have to change our habits over time, much like the Fountain Gates or Mid Valleys of the world, where you park in a central place then walk to the shops.” Proprietor of Hays Jewellers, Brian Hogan, said parking was often hard to ﬁnd in the town. The Bair Street trader said there was “plenty of railway land out here we could park on”. “How hard would it be to put a staircase up to Bair Street? You could park down there and be up in the main street quite easily,” he said. The disused land in question, which sits behind Bair Street and abuts the Leongatha Railway Station, has been seen as a potential development site for some years. The land is owned by VicTrack, an arm of government that sells and leases railway land. Council is expected to buy the land soon.

On the lookout: a ﬁsheries ofﬁcer monitors the coastline for illegal activity.

South Gippsland Shire Council briefs

Fisheries swoop

ANGLERS be warned – fishfisheries officers will be out in force this summer.

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be undertaking a compliance operation targeting offences in the intertidal zone. During Operation Lava, Cowesbased officers will focus on the coast from the Nobbies to Inverloch, and Yarram based officers will target from Wilsons Promontory to Cape Liptrap. Senior Fisheries officer Chris Angwin said: “Fisheries Regulations from 2009 prohibited the taking of most shellfish (molluscs) from the intertidal zone along the entire Victorian coast. “Collection of abalone, turbo, whelks and other molluscs is now prohibited in the area from the high

tide mark to where the water is two metres deep. “Collection by diving in waters deeper than two metres is still permitted.” Acting director field services, Ian Parks said the intertidal zone was a sensitive area, highly vulnerable to over harvest. “The impact of harvest pressure has led to a decline in some key shellfish species in the intertidal zone,” Mr Parks said. “This summer Operation Lava will ensure greater compliance with the regulations and afford the intertidal zone time to recover.” As part of resource sharing, some fishing activities are allowed in the intertidal zone including line fishing, collection of crabs and bivalve molluscs (such as pipi and mussels), use of hoop nets to take rock lobster and crabs, plus the use of bait pumps

for marine worms and bburrowing urrro ur ro rowing shrimp. A valid recreational fishing licence or exemption is required to harvest any fish (including molluscs, crabs, marine worms) in Victoria. “All fishers need to be aware that in order to have fish for the future, catch limits and other restrictions apply to most species and must be adhered to,” Mr Parks said. People seeking further information on the intertidal zone and other fisheries regulations, should get a copy of the 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Guide from DPI offices or check the DPI Fisheries website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing Anyone who sees illegal activity in the intertidal zone is encouraged to report illegal activity via the 13FISH (133474) 24 hour offence reporting line.

Councillors back ’Burra club THE Korumburra Gun Club has received $1200 from South Gippsland Shire councillors to help them recover from a ﬁre. The club will get funding to buy furniture destroyed by the blaze. The furniture will also be used by competitors

Busy, busy: parking has become difﬁcult in Leongatha.

when the club hosts a state title shoot. Cr Jennie Deane and Cr Bob Newton gave $400 each from their discretionary funds, while Cr Warren Raabe and Cr Jim Fawcett gave $200 each. Cr Fawcett’s contribution came from his mayoral fund. The Jumbunna Public Hall received a total of

$600 from Cr Newton and Cr Raabe towards spout repairs, and $210 from Cr Deane to reproduce old photos of Jumbunna. The Kongwak Community Group received $100 from Cr Newton to help with barbecue expenses for a combined Christmas family celebration. The Port Franklin

Tennis and Sports Club received $500 in sponsorship for the Alf Wilder Memorial Junior Fishing Competition from Cr Mohya Davies, Cr Jeanette Harding and Cr Kieran Kennedy. Cr Deane also gave $500 to the Poowong Pre-School to help with equipment costs.

News from council’s December 22 meeting Chairing his first council meeting as mayor, Cr Warren Raabe invited deputy mayor Cr Mimmie Jackson to read the opening prayer. An atheist, he felt it was a conflict of interest to perform the task. But he was quite happy to read the acknowledgement of traditional custodians, recognising the indigenous owners of South Gippsland. **** Cr Jennie Deane presented a petition from residents concerned about the state of the Loch-Wonthaggi Road. They claimed the last 700m of the road in the shire, before the Bass Coast boundary, was riddled with potholes and had poor visibility due to hills. Val Kirk led the petition, signed by 60 residents and eight members of abattoir, Victorian Petfood Processors. The petition stated the road is popular with motorcyclists, being en route to the grand prix track at Phillip Island, and also used by B-double trucks, tractors and cars. The petition called for council to fix the road and install more signs and railing. **** The management committee of a Leongatha retirement village has called on council to offer a rates rebate. Peter Griffiths and Dr Jim Whitelaw, members of The Grange Owners Corporation, submitted a petition through Cr Lewis, requesting a rates discount. They said council received $41,000 in rates every year from the village, yet did not maintain the private road in the complex. Residents are paying two sets of fees: a management fee to the corporation and also council rates. A report will come before council in February. “The petition raises some important equity issues so a report is warranted,” Cr Lewis said. **** Cr Deane attended the graduation ceremony of the Korumburra Secondary College Conservation and Land Management Program at Coal Creek. The program has trained students at risk of leaving school in making vegetable gardens, building picnic furniture, drainage and gardening. Some students are now considering further studies in the field. “It’s a personal triumph for the kids,” Cr Deane said. The training organisation involved lost money on the project but was keen to continue, given the benefits. Other secondary col-

leges are now interested in taking part. **** Cr Kieran Kennedy urged council to finalise its fuel contracts for fleet vehicles, as fuel prices will skyrocket once the United States of America recovers from the Global Financial Crisis and demands more oil. **** Cr Jeannette Harding attended the presentation evening held by South Gippsland Secondary College at Foster and was impressed by the quality of students. “After seeing how they behaved and listening to what their marks were, I can say our country is in safe hands,” she said. **** Council adopted the Meeniyan, Loch, Nyora and Poowong structure plan discussion papers to place on public exhibition. The plans suggest how the towns should develop. Public feedback will be incorporated within the draft structure plans and the final plans confirmed before the end of the financial year. **** Council will fix two bridges and a culvert as part of urgent capital works this financial year. Lower Twites Bridge at Kongwak will be rehabilitated at a cost of $90,000; Scotts Bridge at Wild Dog Valley rehabilitated to the tune of $100,000; and a guard rail and fish passage built at Kings Flat Culvert at Buffalo, to the value of $45,000. **** A government road at Toora could be opened to provide access to a landlocked block. The 221m section of unused road is off Grip Road. Council will advertise the proposal. **** At a recent Timber Towns Victoria meeting, Cr Lewis said councils were advised to determine roads used for timber haulage in the municipality and apply for more state and federal funding to maintain such roads. Roads around Foster North are used for timber transportation. **** The chair of council’s audit committee, Cliff Hammond, addressed council about the group’s activities over the past year. Allocated just 12 hours to meet over the year, the committee checks council’s compliance with regulations, risk management, rates reviews, procurements and other financial matters.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

THE FRIENDS of Leongatha Library January book sale will be held on Thursday, January 6 and Friday, January 7 in the Leongatha Courthouse. Members are urged to bring friends and family along to the historic building from 10am-4pm each day and purchase some good quality holiday reading at bargain prices. Funds raised will be used to purchase items for library shelves, furnishing or to sponsor reading competitions. ACTORS are urged to audition for Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s season of one act plays from March 18-26, over two weekends. A Dog’s Life by Pam Valentine will be directed by Peter McAlpine. The play is a compassionate drama/comedy for young

people aged 12 to 18. Auditions will be held on January 9 from 11am to 1pm at 13 Watson Road, Leongatha. Contact Peter on 0407 538 245. No Chocolates By Request by Chris Hodson will be directed by Jack Millar. The play is a comedy with roles for ﬁve men and three women, middle aged to older. Auditions will be held on January 9 from 1pm to 3pm at 13 Watson Road, Leongatha. Contact Jack on 5668 2605. Lost by Alex Broun is a contemporary comedy with roles for men and women, directed by Sacha Lamont. Auditions are on January 9 from 3pm to 5pm at 13 Watson Road, Leongatha. Contact Sacha on 0422 257 081. For more information, see the advertisement in this issue.

Will be missed: Alan and Lauris Clark.

Enjoying Christmas: Saya, from Tokyshima, Japan, was an exchange student ﬁve years ago and came back for a visit. She is with Karen Lawson, Cossie, Claire and Emily Park at Dumbalk. THE Dumbalk community turned out to celebrate Christmas last year. Many people took advantage of celebrations in the town to mark the festive season.

Final hurrah NEARLY 60 people gathered to bid a fond farewell to organist Alan Clark from Leongatha, who has retired after nearly 50 years of playing for dances and other venues. His last gig was at the Nilma Lillico Hall. Alan has played at places such as aged care facilities, church functions, dances and other events at many places for those who have enjoyed his music, from Leongatha to Grantville, Dumbalk, Mount Erica and Mardan, and from Longwarry to Sale and places in between. On the night, Alan was presented with a certiﬁcate of appreciation and a photo of himself at his organ. Cards and ﬂowers were presented to his wife Lauris who also attended the night. Presentations were made by Judy Williams on behalf of the aged care facilities

and Leanne Bateson, Brian Ballantine and Sue Reed on behalf of everyone at Nilma North dance. A card was also given to him from the local dance group who attend nursing homes with their dancing. Everyone stood up and sang For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow which Alan played, and gave Alan and Lauris a standing ovation. At the end of the night Alan put his organ on automatic and joined in with the singing of Auld Lang Syne in which for the second half, he and Lauris got in the middle of the circle as everyone went in and out. He also played the National Anthem and ﬁnished up with Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye. Everyone then wished Alan and Lauris all the best for his retirement and for the future.

CHRIS Grimmond graduated from University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Music (Piano) with Honours on December 18.

She is a former student of Leongatha Secondary College, and the daughter of David and Dianne Grimmond of Inverloch. Chris will undertake a Masters at the University of Melbourne in 2011.

Koalas surprise

AN INVERLOCH man received a pleasant surprise when he opened his front door.

Ken Gray of Manna Gum Close was greeted by a koala and her baby, creating much excitement in the front yard for Ken’s visiting grandchildren and nearby neighbours several in dressing gowns. The koalas’ intended path to food and a safe haven had become blocked by houses and fences being built at the end of the court. Mother and baby were seen later safely relocated high in a nearby manna gum tree.

Amazing sight: the koalas make their way through Ken Gray’s garden.

Beatles ‘sponsors’ sought

THE Rotary Club of Leongatha is now seeking sponsors for a premier charity fund raising event.

The club will host the concert A Hard Day’s Night on Saturday, February 19, featuring four musicians performing The Beatles’ hits. To be held at Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College, the event will raise funds for community groups that beneﬁt Leongatha, including Rotary’s Turkish Students Exchange Program. This was instigated by Rotary acting as the catalyst in bringing together Leongatha’s three secondary colleges and Leongatha RSL. Students are sponsored to visit Turkey on a short cultural and educational exchange including the unforgettable experience of being present at Anzac Cove on April 25. This is then complemented by a reciprocal visit by students from Turkey for a short exchange later in the year. The night will also support other worthy causes such as Rotary’s Centenary House in Traralgon. Members of the Rotary Club of Leongatha are community minded individuals who work in partnership with many worthy causes during the year. For further information, contact the club’s fundraising chair, Col Byatt, on 5662 4153 (BH) or 0427 313 686; or auction co-ordinators, Colin McKenzie-McHarg 5662 3401 (BH) or 0409 623 400; or Kerrie Baker, 5662 2504 (BH) or 0408 422 690.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 11

Jetty revamp ‘underway’ By Brad Lester THE long-awaited restoration of the iconic Long Jetty at Port Welshpool is already underway – albeit on paper. Just two months after the Coalition made an election pledge of $3 million towards the project, the newly elected State Government has undertaken an initial inquiry, including canvassing the possibility of commercial use of the jetty. Deputy Premier and Gippsland South MLA, Peter Ryan, remains committed to fulfilling his pre-election pledge to the electorate. “The process is in train and we have been waiting for this for a long time and I will be pushing for this to come to fruition,” he said. Mr Ryan has promised the South Gippsland community updates about the jetty redevelopment over the coming months. Belinda Kimball, manager of the Long Jetty Caravan Park at Port Welshpool, is one of those business-people eager for the jetty to re-open. The 906m structure has been closed since being damaged by fire in 2003. “They used to get 1500 people a day down here fishing. It was really full on. Once they get the jetty done, I would not be surprised if we get a few more developments down here,” she said. South Gippsland Shire Council recently adopted a business case, supporting the restoration of the Long Jetty based around income generated by the proposed underwater observatory. Council will now support restoration of the jetty by the State Government and endorse that as a priority project

Still campaigning: Belinda Kimball, and Anne and Geoff Clark of the Long Jetty Caravan Park want the jetty restored. for South Gippsland. Undertaken by consultancy, AECgroup, the case states the jetty would attract more visitors to the area and beneﬁt businesses offering accommodation, food and fuel. But the case also said restoration and ongoing maintenance would be costly – a point that concerned Cr Jennie Deane. She was worried how the project would be funded and whether council would be liable for ongoing costs.

Parks Victoria has estimated an annual maintenance budget of $365,000$511,000. Council’s development services director Phil Stone said the observatory would contribute funds and believed the State Government would too. The case considered two scenarios. The ﬁrst assumed the jetty was restored with no further development and attracted 60,000 visitors a year. Revenue would fall short by $7.755 million over 30 years, but visitor

Ten new Aussies, officially AUSTRALIANS can be a laid back lot and it’s evidently catching.

When 10 South Gippsland residents pledged their allegiance to Australia at the final Citizenship Ceremony for 2010, it was revealed five had lived here for more than 20years. “No matter how long you’ve been here, we’re delighted that you’ve taken the final steps to become an Australian citizen,” Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said. “It’s a significant step and people take it when the process becomes meaningful to them for one reason or another.” McMillan MP Russell Broadbent delivered a welcome message to the candidates on behalf of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen. “On this happy occasion it is sobering to hear today of 27 people who lost their

spending would be between $20.6 million and $37.9 million. The second scenario assumes the jetty is restored with the addition of the observatory. At least 157,000 people would visit annually and revenue would still fall short, but by $250,000. Over 30 years, the jetty would bring $381.8 million into the shire through visitor spending. The case states the jetty is close to Melbourne and a population of 4.53 million within 200km, and is along

Spare us noise, residents plead LIVING near a motorcycle track continues to cause havoc for some Yanakie residents.

Ofﬁcially Australian: front, McMillan MP Russell Broadent, Lucy Treacy, Edward Treacy, Fe Kenny and Hyung Yi. Back: Chi Chiu, Marie Gestrin, Noel Martin, Eric Garrow, John Brown and Mayor, Cr Warren Raabe. lives in a tragic boat accident on Christmas Island, in their dramatic attempt to reach Australia,” he said. “We are blessed with a wonderful country that so many wish to share with us.” Mr Broadbent also noted that 43 per cent of people in McMillan were born overseas or their

parents were. The new citizens are: John Brown, Nyora, formerly of Malta; Sophie Marie Gestrin, Mirboo North, Sweden; Fe ‘Peachy’ Kenny, Poowong, Philippines; Hyung Yi, Poowong, South Korea; Noel Martin, Korumburra, New Zealand; Edward Treacy, Leongatha, Ireland; Lucy

Treacy, Leongatha, Ireland; Christian Anstice, Koonwarra, Wales; Chi Chiu, Foster, Hong Kong; Eric Garrow, Foster, Britain. After the formalities, the new citizens and their families and friends shared supper with councillors and ofﬁcers.

Gardeners angry and rightly so GARDENERS are unhappy after some nature strips in Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson were sprayed with weed killer. Operator error on a street sweeping and weed spraying machine was the cause, said Bass Coast Shire Council’s infrastructure maintenance manager, Jamie Sutherland. He said the usual practice was to spray the kerbs and the edge of the grass to help maintain drains. “On this occasion the staff member had the spray bar set too far from the machine and has inadvertently sprayed a strip of grass along some nature strips,” he said.

“Some residents take a lot of care of the nature strips and obviously they are upset. “I’d like to publicly apologise for this mistake.” Council ofﬁcers have inspected some of the effected nature strips and notice that agrass is starting to grow again. Staff expect this to continue until the nature strips have fully regenerated. “We will continue to monitor the progress of the sprayed strip and will take further action if required,” Mr Sutherland said. “We’re also offering further training to street sweeper operators to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

the Sydney-Melbourne coastal touring route. AECgroup estimates about 61,000 people visit Port Welshpool a year, including 42,000 day trippers and 19,000 overnight visitors. Most come to fish. Accommodation providers in Port Welshpool have noted an up to 30 per cent decline in the number of visitors per year since the jetty was closed, and also a reduction in the length of stay. Should the jetty re-open, accommodation occupancy is expected to rise by 10 per cent. Cr Jeanette Harding, a member of the jetty steering committee with Cr Mohya Davies, said: “We have been working very hard to encourage the government, the DSE and the coastal board to assist wherever possible.” Cr Davies praised the Welshpool and Port Welshpool communities for lobbying for the restoration of the jetty, including establishing a Facebook page. Cr David Lewis questioned the case’s claim the average recreational angler spends $250 per visit, but Mr Stone said the figure was most likely an average amount, including jetty and boat anglers, and day and overnight visitors. The jetty has received minimal maintenance since it was closed and has deteriorated. Until it was closed, the jetty provided access to the deep waters of Lewis Channel for the fishing industry, residents and recreational anglers and boaters. Council has committed to supporting the Port Welshpool and Welshpool communities in lobbying for the jetty to be restored and redeveloped.

Concerns over noise and dust created by riders at the Corner Inlet Motorcycle Club’s Yanakie track were raised at South Gippsland Shire Council’s public presentation. Residents of nearby Leslea Court, Matthew Marriott, and Brian and Meg Thornburrow, said council had failed to enforce the conditions of the club’s lease of the track from council. Mr Marriott said the club had not broken from racing from 12.30-1.15pm during a recent event, as council CEO Tim Tamlin had told him in a letter, and neither had stewards been monitoring sound levels. “Leslea Court was supported by council and is being turned into a ghetto to

appease the motorcycling fraternity,” he said. Mr Marriott said Mr Tamlin’s response had been “spin doctored” and was a “blatant lie”. Mr Tamlin said he was simply responding based on information supplied by club ofﬁcials and invited Mr Marriott to supply evidence of noise limits being exceeded. Mr Marriott said residents did not wish to pursue legal action as neither party would win and urged council to ﬁnd another location for the track. Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said the issue warranted more discussion and suggested council meet with the parties concerned in March or April this year. The residents had addressed council at a previous presentation.

Nyora calls for new hall THE Nyora community desperately needs a new hall to accomodate the growing population of the town. Nyora Hall Committee representatives have asked South Gippsland Shire Council to list a new hall as a priority in its capital works program. Robyn Mills of the hall committee told council Nyora has few public amenities and warranted more, given 1450 people

could live in Nyora by 2030. “We can’t afford to lose more people,” she said. The new hall would include a purpose-built soft-fall playground area for playgroup children. The hall is currently poorly designed to suit modern needs with an Lshaped room restricting use, the lack of a foyer inconvenient on wet days, toilets opening outside, the courtyard getting little use, and major maintenance needed to

ﬁx leaking roofs and rotting timbers. The hall is used by a playgroup, women’s activity group, Bass Valley Lodge, scrapbooking group, for immunisations and community clubs. Adult education classes, maternal and child health sessions and dance groups could be future uses. Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said council would respond to the hall committee by April 2011.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Watchdog bites

E D I T O R I A L Costs, please council THE existence of climate change and the need for a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme have been debated long and hard, and claimed political scalps. Regardless of which side of the fence one sits on when it comes to climate change, the benefits of caring for our planet surely cannot be overlooked. South Gippsland Shire Council is in the throes of adopting a sustainability strategy, with the draft plan now released for public exhibition. Amongst many projects, the strategy aims to increase recycling, use renewable energy on public buildings, encourage the consumption of locally produced food and reduce council’s carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2021. While this move will no doubt save council and the community in the long run, with the inevitable introduction of a nation-wide carbon trading scheme, council deserves praise for showing leadership by adopting such a strategy. This is especially so when bin loads of waste produce are seen leaving supermarkets, people still dispose of recyclable goods in bins, and too many cars in the streets vie for limited parking spaces. Local farmers applying natural fertilisers have already noticed the benefits, with more grass and higher levels of soil organisms guaranteeing productive soil, long term. Council’s strategy encourages such fertiliser choice. But while ideally monetary cost would not be a factor in caring for the environment, pragmatically it must be. Ratepayers must know exactly how much they will be asked to contribute in extra rates to make the sustainability strategy a reality. Cr David Lewis suggested council could be faced with $500,000 in extra costs, but CEO Tim Tamlin projected anywhere between $120,000 and $200,000 in additional spending. That is on top of up to $100,000 already being spent by council on suggestions mentioned in the strategy. That variation in costs is vast and indicates a lack of thorough consideration of the financial implications on council’s part. Councillors should have been presented with a specific sum, or at least a tighter price range, when asked to consider adopting the draft strategy. The ideas listed in the draft strategy appear sound, but the strategy must be fine-tuned to determine the impact on hip pockets, public and private.

Tough job

I READ with interest the views of F.A. Murphy of Leongatha in The Star on December 21, 2010 stating he has no need of a South Gippsland Community Watchdog. It appears F.A. Murphy is complacent with the current sitting Councillors Warren Raabe, Jim Fawcett, Jennie Deane, Mimmie Jackson, Kieren Kennedy, Mohya Davies and Robert Newton in their dictatorial, despotic and undemocratic practices and attitudes inside and outside the council chambers. Like most local community members and councils generally, few residents and ratepayers regularly attend, shire council meetings to observe the actions, abuses to specific ward councillors i.e. Cr David Lewis, and rarely do they really get to know the true agendas and characters of their fellow ward councillor representatives. This is obviously the problem of Mr Murphy who openly stated to me that he does not attend any shire Council meetings, so what factual information would he have on these elected councillors and their effectiveness and efficiency in their local communities and across the South Gippsland Shire Council Municipality? If F.A. Murphy is not interested, that is his problem he has to deal with. The rest of the local community members in the South Gippsland Shire can form their own views. Thank goodness he is not the official spokesman representing the people of South Gippsland. Where is his leadership skills and his duty of care to us community members when this council has continually openly abused and

bullied its ratepayers over parking fines, high council rates, and future proposed financial costs, as regards the compulsive introduction of special charge scheme costs of local sealed roads and drainage infrastructure as discussed at the recent council meeting on December 22, 2010? As a former Casey Councillor and shire ratepayer, the need for a South Gippsland Community Watchdog Group in this area is both necessary and urgent to expose, scrutinise and monitor the arrogance, the dictatorship and despotic council decisions and practices of this shire council, its management team and seven councillors. The actions of Cr Warren Raabe and Cr Jim Fawcett at the recent council meeting demonstrated the sheer arrogance, attitudes and pathetic views of the majority of the shire councillors towards Cr David Lewis. This is one of the reasons we need a watchdog group to observe these bullying, dictatorial and biased out of control practices by our elected councillors. The next step is to report these unprofessional, biased and bullying practices to the Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell MP, to have this shire council fully investigated and hopefully sacked, replacing it with commissioners. On the same note of course, council management allows these practices to occur, not with standing the ineffective and inefficient councillors code of conduct which doesn’t exist, as the numbers game in council determines who is right and wrong. I encourage local community members of this shire to join me in my plight to keep this council totally accountable, visible and

transparent in its actions, behaviours to each other and its decision making in this council. As a matter of interest to F. A. Murphy, I don’t bark, I bite. At least I stand up to my commitments. Paul Richardson, C48/C51 Community Watchdog, South Gippsland Community Watchdog.

Speed kills WITH Victoria heading for another near-record low road toll, we are once again confronted with a debate about the role speed cameras play in keeping our roads safe. Again the opponents of speed cameras suggest they are little more than revenue raisers for the state government. There’s no doubt it’s a debate that stirs strong emotions, but it’s important we also talk about the facts. The total cost of road trauma from speeding motorists far exceeds any revenue gained through speed cameras. In his 2006 report into Victoria’s speed enforcement program the Auditor General found “no evidence that the speed enforcement program is focused on raising revenue.” In fact the Auditor General put the total cost of trauma at $4 billion every year. That’s $4 billion the community is already paying to deal with the cost of road trauma. That figure goes well beyond the $900 million in benefits and support services that the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) paid to transport accident victims last financial year. The $4 billion figure takes into account damage to public property, lost productivity and the cost of providing emergency

services (police, ambulance, fire brigade, etc) to deal with the consequences of an accident. Now let’s remember that speed is the primary cause of around 30 per cent of all crashes resulting in death and serious injury in Victoria. That means the total cost of speed-related trauma in Victoria is approximately $1.3 billion per year. This is well in excess of $226 million raised annually by speeding fines. These figures make it clear that fine revenue barely puts a dent in the costs we already pay for reducing road trauma and caring for those people affected by transport accidents. Since speed cameras were introduced in 1990 our road toll has dropped from 776 to 290 and the number of people seriously injured has also dropped significantly. While this has been due to many factors, improved speed compliance has been a major part of our road safety strategy. Speed cameras slow the average speed on roads down and this has a direct impact on the level of road trauma. Speed kills – it’s that simple. The argument “I was only a little bit over” applies as much to those who speed as to those who drink and drive. We can have differing views of the best way to reduce road trauma, but it is a fact that the costs outweigh any money received by fines. The argument that revenue-raising is the primary purpose of speed cameras is a myth. It’s time the debate moved on. Philip Reed, Head of Community Relations,Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

VOXPOP! VOX What is your ideal way of spending the holidays?

NEW Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the end of another chapter and the chance to make a fresh beginning, but every party creates a mess and last Friday night was no different. So full praise is due to the cleaners who had the onerous task of cleaning up after party-goers on New Year’s Day, on behalf of councils. Bottles, cans, pizza boxes and other litter were scattered around party spots around South Gippsland, but by the middle of the day, many locations had been returned to the tidy state they are renowned for, thanks to some nifty handiwork.

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.

I would love to go back to Cairns, Queensland even though the weather is always changing at the moment. Rebecca Julio Leongatha

I am semi retired so I enjoy reading a good book and travelling on a small scale. Brian Millard Yarck

I like catching up with friends and family and getting out into my garden during the holidays. Pauline Braumann Buffalo

I would like to be up in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast with my wife and kids. Shane Ferrone Jeetho

Bass Coast Council briefs NEW mayor Cr Veronica Dowman chaired her ﬁrst council meeting. Her husband Gary Shaw came along, gallantly sitting out the meeting in the gallery, looking dapper in his grey suit. He agreed that his wife deserved to be mayor because “she works very hard”. **** CEO Allan Bawden was absent, with corporate services director Danny Luna, standing in. The meeting was set up in the cavernous hall of the Cowes Cultural Centre because a large number of onlookers had been expected. They failed to materialise. **** Well known Phillip Island resident Anne Davie, made the unusual request of wanting to sing a song of joy for the festive season. Invited to do so by the

mayor, Ms Davie said she’d spare the gathering the tune. But, she wanted to congratulate the council on three major achievements: reinstating the cypress avenue in Thompson Avenue, ﬁrst planted in1912, starting the Cowes Children’s Hub and buying land in Church Street for future use. **** Veteran gallery member Maurice Schinkel, said neither AquaSure nor the desalination community liaison committee had answered a question he put some weeks ago about the number of dead shearwaters (mutton birds) that were found at Williamsons Beach Wonthaggi, where the desalination plant is being built. He asked if council would seek a response. Mr Luna said “yes”. **** While the three journalists at the press table had

carafes of water and glasses to slake their thirst, the councillors and directors were issued with bottled water. This prompted mutterings from Margaret Hancock and Pauline Taylor in the public gallery. “I’m appalled,” said Ms Hancock, “why does anyone need bottled water?” **** A petition with 215 signatures was tabled calling for all bull terrier breed dogs to be muzzled and on a lead at all times. According to council local law, the petition must “lie on the table” for four weeks before being dealt with. **** The council is taking a stronger approach to law enforcement. Sixty cases went before the court recently, with offences ranging from littering, lighting ﬁres and camping to drinking in public places.

One offender was fined $1000 for littering, another $650 for lighting a fire and camping on a beach, and a property owner was fined $500 for failing to keep the grass cut during the fire season. **** A number of spelling and zoning mistakes in the Bass Coast Planning Scheme will be corrected, but the State Minister for Planning has to approve the changes first. **** The final steps in the sale of an unused lane off John Street, Wonthaggi, have been undertaken. The land in question is an undeveloped grassy paddock. Councillors resolved to sell the lane to the adjacent landowner for $38,830, which includes $3430 GST plus a $1000 administration fee.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 13

Hospitals, fires and roads – what a year! By Isaac McCallum EVEN after 120 years of reporting local events, last year The Star found plenty of interesting stories to publish. There was the promise of a new hospital in Leongatha, the Henriettas fire, and the battle for better roads in South Gippsland. We saw changes of government at federal and state levels, and the emergence of talented footballer Dyson Heppell, recruited by Essendon. But it was the fire in Henrietta’s café and gift store that really hit the people of Leongatha hard. The icon of the town was gone, burnt down in a few hours. As the old Knight’s Garage was engulfed by flames, hundreds of people stood on the street. Some were distraught, others simply speechless. But the front page picture captured a smiling Alan Steenholdt, as if he knew that no fire could stop his business. Alas it did, but four months later the resurrection was complete. Henriettas had reopened albeit a little smaller, but

with the same charm it had been famous for since 2002. Earlier in the year, the people of South Gippsland were rejoicing. The headline read ‘Hooray’ as Leongatha was granted $25 million for a new hospital. The Save our Hospital campaign run each week in The Star followed the cries for help, as well as the joy when the announcement was made. Another more recent crusade in the papers has been to save our roads. The community has played a huge role in coming forward with information and continuing the push to improve roads more travelled. Hopefully all the good work will pay off and we will see safer, more reliable roads. Speaking of the community, the police have had their work cut out in 2010 after armed robberies at the Korumburra news gency, Mirboo North bank and pharmacy, and Meeniyan post ofﬁce, along with many other smaller scale offences. The region was shocked when it heard about the attempted murder of

What a day: Foster took home the Alberton Football League premiership in front of a record crowd at Inverloch.

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star 30 years ago, January 6, 1981 LEONGATHA’S parking has become a ﬁrst rate headache for business houses in the town’s ‘golden mile’. Pressure exists in the adjoining side streets, however, during the Christmas shopping spree Bair Street became hopeless. **** LEONGATHA’S commercial sector enjoyed its greatest ever retail boom during the run up to the Christmas period. All shops in the town reported record sales, some far in excess of normal expectations. 10 years ago, January 9, 2001 LIFESAVERS rescued 16 people from the water at Venus Bay on New Year’s Day. Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club said most of the people rescued were aged under 12, and had drifted from between the ﬂags. **** THE expansion of Leongatha’s commercial area looks set to continue into 2001 with news that Tar-

get Country is coming to town. Five years ago, January 10, 2006 WONTHAGGI Recreation Reserve was a hive of activity on Saturday, when LDCA hosted a premier cricket match between Ringwood and Dandenong. One year ago, January 5, 2010 A BALLAD about a pioneer of South Gippsland has earned Bec Hance, who grew up at between Nyora and Lang Lang, a nomination at the Tamworth Country Music Festival this month. **** 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.

Gutted: Henriettas burnt down in late May, only to return in October. Owner Alan Steenholdt remained brave. Venus Bay resident Ian Coe. While mowing his lawns, Mr Coe was run over by a car four times before being saved by his son Glenn. This region was promised more police officers to combat the rise in crime by Shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan, who has since become Deputy Premier. The Coalition’s win may also prove to be South Gippsland’s, as plenty of money has been promised for the region during the new government’s term. From politics to sport, and football in 2010 proved extremely newsworthy; from Wonthaggi’s controversial cross into the bigger Gippsland League, to their first game and their initial rivalry with Leongatha. Foster won the Alberton League grand final for the first time in 17 years, knocking off reigning premier Stony Creek in the process. In national football news, Collingwood was crowned champions of the AFL and in doing so, immortalised two South Gippsland youngsters. Wonthaggi’s Jarryd Blair, who made his debut just 11 games earlier, and Kilcunda-Bass junior star Brent McCaffer were part of the winning team.

Hooray: Leongatha was granted $25 million for its new hospital. St Kilda defender and former Leongatha resident, Robert Eddy was not; he was forced to watch on as the other two received their medals. Leongatha’s Dyson Heppell has stamped his name as one to watch after being selected number eight in the national draft. We recently just saw the year 12 students running amok when formal

classes ﬁnished, then buckling down to complete their VCE. Now, after receiving their results they have moved into the big world and will be hoping to ﬁnd their place. And as we all grow one year older, we step into the year 2011 with the hope that next year might be just as exciting as the last.

Party of the year TARWIN River Venturers celebrated the end of the year with a weekend party with thousands of other Venturers and Rovers. The camp, at Pax Hill Scout Camp near Ballarat, was ranked by some as the best camp for the year. Among the amazing activities were 24 hour abseiling, 4WDs, jelly wrestling, laser tag and sumo wrestling. Plus there were discos, battle of the bands and great movies for night entertainment.

Tarwin River Venturer Joshua Baker loved the experience: “It was great doing all the activities, but what we most enjoyed was being able to not only catch up with old mates, but make a few new ones as well! The Venturers’ next activity is a weekend called “Anything Goes”. The name pretty much explains it all. If you would like to get involved in more activities like this one or Tarwin River Venturers, please call Josh on 0432 978 622.

All aboard: Kelly Hanks and Brittany Tennyenhuis found a bumpy ride on the camels.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Planes ready to battle fire FIRE-BOMBING planes dropped water over Outtrim recently, when authorities held a training exercise to prepare for the bushfire season. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) conducted an aircraft training day at the Leongatha Airfield and the Outtrim bushland reserve. Emergency management staff from DSE, Parks Victoria, VicForests and CFA brigades from the Leongatha Group were involved. DSE’s district manager for South Gippsland, Geoff Pike said the activity was important to help crews maintain their skills. “This training is part of DSE and CFA’s comprehensive training program for fire-

fighters and fire managers in preparation for the coming fire season,” he said. “We haven’t used aircraft to support ground crews for initial attack in South Gippsland since the 2008-09 season. It is really important that we give both the air and ground crews an opportunity to refresh their knowledge and capabilities. “The training day will include air and on ground simulation activities including an opportunity to revise airbase operation procedures, like loading and refuelling of operating aircraft.” Aircraft are used to help locate and map the fire edge, and inform ground crew about fire behaviour. Helicopters can deploy firefighters who rappel to the fire edge instead of having to bush bash for kilometres through the scrub.

All set: DSE ofﬁcers Geoff Pike and Darrul Kennedy discuss tactics.

Left: Getting ready: a ﬁre bomber prepares to leave Leongatha Airﬁeld.

Watch out: an aerial bomber in action over Outtrim.

All the fun of summer Don’t be alarmed THE Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show has such a good reputation, the organisers of the Victorian Woodchopping Championships have chosen that as the venue for their special event.

The state titles will be held at the Wonthaggi event with six classes of competition feature underhand and standing block positions. Six log stands will be set up on the arena allowing up to six axemen to compete at any one time across the whole day. This event is sponsored by Wonthaggi Motorcycles and Power Equipment. Other highlights include a circus workshop for kids, a display of the history of the Archies Creek Butter Factory and the opportunity to see some steam powered small machines. Rosemary Loughnan, who helps co-ordinate the show, said the committee has put in a good word for a pleasant day weatherwise. Last year was very hot and that had an impact on the number of people who attended. There’s a host of activities for all the family, including musical entertainment by the Wonthaggi Citizens Band and local group the Psycho Wombat Band. Free food tasting will be a feature of the creative arts exhibition and there will be home produce and cookery, sideshows, show

bags and rides, displays of commercial businesses and local history. The latter is especially relevant as last year was the centenary year of the Wonthaggi township. Environment and community groups will have displays too. Show jumping, stilt walking, clowns and a circus workshop are always popular, as is the animal nursery. Chook washing is a feature of the poultry show which includes ducks and eggs. There’s no show without an equestrian arena and cattle exhibits. Show-goers will be able to have some fun with The Biscuit Readings. These are predicated on the belief that people’s choice in biscuits says much about them. You can have your biscuit “read” from the roving tea trolley and as an added bonus, you’ll be able to eat your biscuit too. A medieval pageantry, tournaments and archery will add interest, as will a ﬁshing centre, working kelpies, dog ﬂy ball and Tubby the Robot. Tubby the Robot? This is a fun attraction which appeals to all. Tubby goes shopping on the look out for special prices on mixed nuts – and bolts. He wheels L’il Tub in a pram, rides an electro scooter and has a friend called Flapper the Fish. Free pony rides for children will be on offer too. The show is on Saturday January 8, at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.

THIS month, people may see an unusual sight in Western Port Bay. A section of a new oil and gas platform will be sailing in to the bay and mooring off Cowes. Esso Australia, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, is currently building a platform to be installed in Bass Strait as part of the Kipper Tuna Turrum Oil and Gas Project. In mid-January, a section of this platform - called the jacket - will sail in to Western Port on a large heavy lift vessel. The jacket will be ofﬂoaded from

the vessel just off the coast of Cowes by lowering the heavy lift vessel into the water. From a distance, this may look like the heavy lift vessel is sinking, but the method enables the jacket to ﬂoat off the vessel rather than be lifted by a crane. The jacket will then be towed to Corner Inlet in preparation to be towed into Bass Strait for installation in March. Esso Australia expects this process to take several days, depending on weather conditions. The jacket alone weighs 4,700 tonnes and is 75 metres long, 50 metres wide and 45 metres high. It will be accompanied by additional vessels.

Coming to the show: the wood chopping state titles will be a highlight of this year’s Bass Coast Show in Wonthaggi. It starts at 9am and will run until about 5pm. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for pensioners, seniors and those under 14, while children under ﬁve are free. A group ticket for

$25 covers two adults and two children. To ﬁnd out more, ring 5672 3259, 0402 868 922 or email hicksborough@ hotmail.com

Momentous occasion: the jacket is loaded on to its barge in preparation for the sail down to Western Port.

O’Donohue’s transport promotion EASTERN Region Victoria Upper House member Edward O’Donohue, has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Transport. This means he will be responsible for assisting Transport Minister Terry Mulder. Mr O’Donohue said he may be given particular areas of the portfolio to attend to, but the finer detail is yet to be worked out. Mr O’Donohue said one of the first things he and Mr Mulder will attend to is to try to find out why transport infrastructure has become so

expensive. Mr O’Donohue said he hoped to ﬁnd ways of spreading the money further. In his second term as a Member of Parliament, Mr O’Donohue said he felt “very lucky” to be given the opportunity as Parliamentary Secretary for Transport. He sees the role as an exciting one, but is well aware of its challenges. Mr O’Donohue said he is looking forward to working with Mr Mulder, whom he describes as a “no nonsense person”. “Being a broad portfolio, I am really looking

forward to working with the community and the many interested stakeholders in improving our transport systems.” Mr O’Donohue is the latest in a list of Coalition Gippsland representatives to take on senior roles in the new government. Gippsland South MP Peter Ryan is deputy premier, Bass MLA Ken Smith is Speaker of the Lower House and Mr O’Donohue’s regional National Party colleague Peter Hall, is Minister for Higher Education and Skills and the Teaching Profession.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 15

The jacket being loaded on to its barge earlier this year.

Activity in Western Port In January, you may see an unusual sight in Western Port – a section of a new oil and gas platform sailing in to the bay and mooring just off Cowes. Esso Australia (a subsidiary of ExxonMobil) is currently building a platform to be installed in Bass Strait as part of the Kipper Tuna Turrum Oil and Gas Project. In mid-January, a section of this platform (called the “jacket”) will sail in to Western Port on a large heavy lift vessel. The jacket will be offloaded from the vessel just off the coast of Cowes. This activity will involve lowering the heavy lift vessel down into the water. From a distance this may look like the heavy lift vessel is sinking, but this method enables the jacket to float off the vessel rather than be lifted by a crane. The jacket will then be towed to Corner Inlet in preparation to be towed out into Bass Strait for installation in March. This activity will take several days depending on weather conditions. The jacket alone weighs 4,700 tonnes and is 75 metres long, 50 metres wide and 45 metres high. It will be accompanied by additional vessels. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact ExxonMobil Public Affairs on 03 9270 3124. You can find out more about the Kipper Tuna Turrum Project at www.exxonmobil.com.au/ktt.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A bit chilly: the wind made a few nippers shiver but they soon warmed up with a beach activity.

WARATAH Beach Surf Life Saving club started its nipper program last Wednesday,

Helping hand: helping out at the opening of nippers at Waratah Bay were, from left, Kathie Gay, Robyn Galloway and Cini Sharp.

December 29 at Sandy Point beach. A huge participation of more than 100 saw a variety of on-beach and in

Useful tips: Robyn Galloway, who has been assisting in the nippers program at Waratah Bay for many years, was happy to step in and help again in 2011.

the water activities conducted. Activities included running, swimming, board work and, of course, the important topic of safety in

Close call: competition was close in this water and running activity for the nippers.

the water. The weather was ﬁne on Wednesday with a breeze, with conditions warming up for Friday nippers on

Education: water safety education is one of the main ingredients of the nippers program.

New Year’s Eve. Nippers enjoyed more comfortable conditions on Monday, January 3. Nippers continues until the end of the month.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 17

Take care with barbecues CFA is warning Victorians that barbecues can pose a serious ﬁre risk over the holidays.

Chief officer Euan Ferguson said it was important to ensure your LP gas barbecue was in good working order before firing it up. “For many people, summer will be the first time they have used their barbecue so it is important to check the gas cylinder, hose and connections before use to ensure it is safe,” he said. “You can check the hose and regulator connections by spraying them with soapy water. Bubbles will form if gas is escaping. If you’ve got any doubts about the connections, turn off the gas and contact a licensed gasfitter. You should leak-test the

Extensive range: A.W. Smith and Sons in Leongatha offers a variety of barbecues and accessories. Sales assistant Annie Mackin shows off the collection.

connection to the gas cylinder every time you connect it.” Mr Ferguson said CFA firefighters were often called to fires caused by barbecues and most of them could be avoided if a little more care was taken with use and maintenance. Barbecue checklist check the LP gas cylinder on your barbecue before you turn it on. A cylinder must not be refilled if it hasn’t been tested for more than 10 years or if the cylinder has been damaged. You can exchange LP gas cylinders at a reputable supplier; • Check the hose to make sure it has not perished; • Check the connections to make sure they are tight and that O rings are in good condition and have not cracked or split;

• Use your barbecue in a clear space. Never use it indoors or in a confined area and ensure there is adequate clearance; • Cook with barbecue utensils and wear an apron to protect from hot fat; • Remove excess fat from the barbecue after each use to prevent fires; • Do not use barbecues in windy conditions as the burners may blow out, risking a gas leak. Barbecues don’t have a safety device to turn off the gas if the flame goes out; and • If a fire occurs, don’t try to extinguish the flames if is not safe. Turn off the gas at the meter or cylinder but only if you can do so safely. For further information go to: www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Defy heat, in style THERE are myriad ways of staying cool during summer, but the most effective is keeping the heat away. That’s where invisage interiors and quality window furnishings is essential in helping South Gippslanders stay cool. The Inverloch business run by Trina and Brock Anderson offers an extensive range of awnings and blinds, for inside and outside your home or business. A range of external awnings are available, including folding awnings that are ideal for shading outdoor entertaining areas, drop arm awnings, and conservatory awnings for providing a roof over structures such as patios. Awnings offer the advantage of being retractable to allow light and warmth in during the cool winter months. “If you can keep the heat out, that is so much more efﬁcient than letting it hit the glass,” Trina said. Awnings can reduce your reliance on air-conditioning and so lower your electricity bill and greenhouse emissions. Awnings are available in either manual or motorised modes, and can also be ﬁtted with wind and sun sensors. On windy days, the awnings will retract automatically, averting the need to worry when you’re away and the wind comes up. Sun sensors will lower the awnings automatically when the day

Modern style: Trina Anderson and a folding awning ideal for covering entertaining areas. warms, guaranteeing the house will be cool when you come home. invisage supplies awnings from the quality Markilux and iShade ranges. A variety of internal blinds and curtains are also available. Sheer roller blinds are ideal for use during the day, allowing light in but preventing heat from entering. A block-put function with dual roller blinds offers privacy at night. Drapes and pelmets are a magical way of managing heat control, ensuring minimum heat can enter the room. “We do measuring, quotes and

installation,” Trina said. Customers can select from an extensive range of fabrics, from fully block to light ﬁltering that keep UV rays and heat away but allow you to still see out. Summer also signals insect time and with that in mind, invisage now offers retractable insect screens for doors that save space and look stylish too. invisage also offers interior decorating and colour selection advice for interiors and exteriors, and supplies furnishings. invisage is located at 22a Cashin Street, Inverloch. Phone 5674 6247.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 19

Fires can ruin holidays HOLIDAY-MAKERS planning a camping holiday or visiting parks and forests are being urged to be careful with campfires and to check fire restrictions before leaving home. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria are urging campers and other users of parks and state forests to be extra careful with open air fires this year.

DSE state duty officer Peter Billing said wet weather has made a number of camping spots difficult to access, so some people may need to find alternative places to camp. It is important holiday-makers find a clearing to set up camp. “Be sure to use properly constructed fireplaces where provided, or light the fire in a 30-centimetredeep trench to stop embers from flying out,” he said. “Clear the ground of any flammable material like leaves and twigs within three metres of your camp-

fire and make sure there is nothing overhead that could catch fire.” There is increased risk of campfires escaping when they are left unattended, to avoid this: • make sure an adult is present at all times; • keep your campfire just big enough for cooking and keeping warm; • don’t light a campfire, or keep one alight, on windy days; and • put your fire out with water not soil, even if going for a short walk. Mr Billing reminded visitors to

Stay cool: from just $9.90 a simple fan can provide some relief from the recent hot weather. New Year’s Eve saw the start of things to come with temperatures soaring into the thirties. After a slow start to summer, a fan from Capeview Mitre 10 may just be the thing to get you through the hot days. Manager at the Leongatha store, Ben Davey, is pictured with some of the huge range in stock.

parks and forests that all it takes to start a bushfire is one spark from a campfire. A fire not extinguished properly can smoulder for weeks and flare up when weather conditions change. The safest option is to choose not to have a campfire, Mr Billing said. “If people do choose to have a

campfire, I remind them that on days of Total Fire Ban it is prohibited to light a fire in the open air.” For more information about campfires, contact the DSE office nearest to the park or forest you are planning to camp or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Pumped up: Landmark merchandise salesmen Pat Flynn and Brian Trotman are looking to sell many more pumps this summer.

Pumping out products LANDMARK’S preparations for the summer have already begun. Tanks, pumps, hoses and wheelbarrows are selling quickly as people prepare their homes for the bushfire season. Landmark have two firefighting pumps available – a dual outlet, twin impeller and a single outlet, single impeller pump. Both pumps come with heavy duty roll over frames and a range of accessories including filters, clamps,

hose ends and tools. There are also a range of hoses available that will connect with the pumps. Five thousand gallon (22,000 litre) and 10,000 gallon (45,500 litre) tanks can be bought to save water. The tanks are made from light plastic, so they can be moved around with minimum fuss. They are also built to last as they are UV stabilized, and will not bend or burn in the sun. Wheelbarrows on special have been pushing themselves out of

Landmark lately, with the heavy duty 100 litre models selling cheaply. All the items are selling well, but branch manager Barry Svenson will make sure there are always some in stock. And when buying a tank, pump, hose or wheelbarrow, customers will receive reward points. Accumulated points can be used to purchase goods. Almost anything is available from remote control cars, to fridges, TVs and even holidays. Catalogues are available online or in store.

Save water, save money RESIDENTIAL customers of South Gippsland Water are eligible for a rebate when buying water efﬁcient products such as water tanks, grey water systems, dual ﬂush toilets, and even mulch and composting bins.

The Water Smart Gardens and Homes rebate scheme is backed by the State Government and aims to assist property owners to develop life long water saving habits. The rebate covers a wide rage of goods and services. Smaller items such as mulch, drip watering systems and moisture sensors attract a rebate of $30 if the

combined total of smaller items purchased is over $100. Up to $1000 can be claimed when installing a 4,000 litre tank that is connected to the household toilet and laundry. On larger items some conditions apply, such as the tank must be installed by a licensed plumber. South Gippsland Water

have been processing water smart rebate applications since the inception of the program in 2003. Further information on the rebate scheme can be found by calling South Gippsland Water customer service team on 1300 851 636 or visit www.ourwater.vic.gov. au.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 21

This property in beautiful rolling hills at Mardan must have been the inspiration for the term ‘lifestyle property’. Set on 4.8 acres ‘Loves Lane Cottages’ offers a unique lifestyle opportunity with the added advantage of earning an income from an established and growing business. See page 24 for more details.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 23

Rural lifestyle A

RE you looking for your own slice of country life?

These rural properties of varying acreage all have a planning permit in place or underway. 2.38 acre: Located 16.1km east of Leongatha, this approximately 2.38 acre block is one of the best of its size on the market. Boasting: sealed road frontage, awesome views in all directions, protected to the west, power poles on boundary and connected to site, recent subdivision, three minute drive to shops, and a planning permit underway. Priced at $189,000. 13 acre: this land only 10 minutes from Leongatha is located on the Nerrena-Meeniyan Road, Nerrena and is ideally suited and set up for horse grazing. This property offers good house sites (subject

to council approval), small stables and a central dam. Priced at $230,000. 9.65 acres: on Loves Lane, Mardan, this block of approximately 9.65 acres features exceptional rural views. Located on a sealed road frontage and

offering, timber entrance fencing, good boundary fencing, a dam, and some native trees. Priced at $250,000. 74 acres: Located around 15 minutes drive north of Leongatha is this 74 acres of hill grazing

country with great house sites. Featuring clean 74 acres, planning permit in place, grey soil hill country, small shed, great house sites with fantastic views, great fencing, and sealed and gravel road frontage. Priced at $450,000.

2.38 acres on Mardan-Dumbalk Road. 74 acres on Lehmons Road.

9.65 acres on Loves Lane.

Attention builders L

OCATED in Shingler Street Leongatha, this vacant block has approval for two, three bedroom townhouses.

13 acres on Nerrena-Meeniyan Road.

Offering a block size of 878m², this block is part of the Shinglers Ridge Estate and is accessed off Shingler Street. The hard work has already been done with permits applied for and granted for two townhouses of about 18 squares including garage and three bedrooms. You have options here, either buy the block, build then re-sell or keep one and rent or sell the other. Full plans are available on request from our ofﬁce. Call in and have a chat with Andrew.

At a glance Location: Lot 12 Shinglers Ridge, Leongatha. Price: $150,000. Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 0922.

At a glance Size: two to 74 acres. Price: from $189,000 $450,000. Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 0922.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Make a grand getaway T

HIS property just must have been the inspiration for the term ‘lifestyle property’.

Set on 4.8 acres with sensational panoramic views of South Gippsland’s iconic rolling hills, ‘Loves Lane Cottages’ offers a unique lifestyle opportunity with the added advantage of earning an income from an established and growing business. Located between Leongatha and Mirboo North, the property is ideally positioned within a short drive of the region’s major attractions. The accommodation comprises a spacious four bedroom ‘Host’s homestead’ with private verandahs and garden, and at a discreet distance of approx 50 metres are two architecturally captivating cottages, also with stunning views- particularly at sunset. The homestead’s aspect is away from the cottages, allowing privacy for all parties, and may be accessed through the formal entrance from a wrap-around verandah which allows views over a near-level garden to the Dumbalk Valley below. The living zone is open-plan, with Tasmanian Oak floors, decorative cornices and corbelled arches adding grace and style to the home. A wood heater in the living room adds metaphoric and physical warmth and a split system provides comfort year round. A recently renovated timber kitchen with an abundance of cupboards is at the heart of the home, and there are three bedrooms and family bathroom at one end, and a main bedroom suite with walk-in robe and ensuite at the other. The main bedroom looks across the verandah to the ornamental lake just beyond, and with the windows open on a balmy summer’s night you may be serenaded to sleep by a choir of frogs. The ‘Orchard’ and ‘Sunset’ cottages both feature high-pitched ceilings which add to the sense of space as well as providing glimpses of sky – and at night, stars – through high gable and dormer windows. Cosy wood fires, reverse cycle air conditioning and ceiling fans ensure guests are comfortable all year round. Both cottages consist of an open plan design in the living zone, with a separate bathroom and luxurious spa bath, polished timber floors, timber dado walls, and verandahs for BBQs and... doing nothing! The Orchard Cottage sleeps two guests in a studio-style layout with a dining area and kitchenette. The Sunset Cottage, the larger of the two, sleeps four guests, and has an additional separate bedroom as

well as a dining area and fully-equipped kitchen. The cottages were built in 2006 and commenced operating as a self-cater accommodation business in January 2007. With an AAAT 4 star rating, the Orchard and Sunset Cottages are fully furnished and stocked with quality items such as leather lounge suites, queen sized beds, complete entertainment systems including PS3, DVD, HD LCD TVs and surround sound systems. All bedroom and bathroom linen and kitchenware are of the highest quality. Each has its own BBQ and outdoor furniture on the deck. Between the homestead and the cottages, adjacent a circular drive, you will find a multi-purpose building which houses the office/reception for the cottages, a large, separate guest laundry, and a double carport. The picture-perfect gardens are a blend of mature gums towering over massed, colourful plantings which flank meandering paths opening onto quiet spots to sit, relax and enjoy the vistas. A number of water features are dotted throughout the garden, the largest being an ornamental lake complete with a gazebo and jetty. There are areas of lawn for a garden stroll or boules and an area next to the lake, perfect for a large garden marquee. The ‘Orchard’ cottage derives its name from the orchard that sits behind, providing the freshest of fruit through the seasons. At the bottom of the garden - with the same postcard views - is a colorbond barn/workshop - with a mezzanine level - set on a concrete base, as well as a wood/storage shed, chicken run and raised vegetable beds (think farm-fresh produce for family and friends!). There is ample water supply with plenty of catchment surfaces and separate storage for the house and cottages. A separate paddock provides space for a few sheep, goats or alpacas, or perhaps for the neighbour’s cattle to munch down in the growing season. Continue operating the successful ‘Loves Lane Cottages’, or develop your own dream. Subject to council approval, there may be other avenues to explore... a wedding ceremony and photography venue, art gallery, health/yoga/day spa retreat or perhaps you might just like to use the cottages for a home-based business, art or music studio or extended family. There are many inclusions being offered to the successful purchaser. Please call the Agent to inspect and to find out more.

At A Glance Location: 1445 Meeniyan-Mirboo North Road, Mardan Price: $720,000 - $750,000 Agent: First National Prom Country Contact: Lisa Williams 0438 133 385

House prices Stamp duty cuts to help THE REIV has welcomed the comdown mitment by the new State GovernLEONGATHA’S median house price took a dive in the second quarter of last year after a particularly strong first quarter. The median (middle number) house price between April and June in 2010 was $259,800 compared to $285,000 between January and March 2010. There were 30 house sales in Leongatha for the second quarter period and 26 for the first quarter. Leongatha’s second quarter median is slightly above the figures recorded in the second half of 2009. Wonthaggi led the large town median with $285,000 for April to June last year from 26 sales. Korumburra’s median was $253,500 from 28 sales. Figures for Mirboo North show a median of $270,000 for the second quarter while Foster reached $250,000, but both figures are skewed by the small number of sales.

ment to cut stamp duty for all eligible first home buyers by 50 per cent over the next four years. This policy will be implemented in stages, with a 20 per cent cut on 1 July 2011 and then 10 per cent each year thereafter until 2014. The REIV have also welcomed the commitment to maintain the existing current first home buyers grant and bonus for new homes. These policies will assist in addressing affordability for first home buyers. This means that as of 1 July 2011 the first home buyer of an established home with a value of under $600,000 will be entitled to a 20 per cent cut to stamp duty and the $7000 First Home Buyer Grant. • On a home that cost the buyer $450,000, the current stamp duty payable is $18,970. On 1 July that will drop to

$15,176. In addition, the first home buyer will be entitled to the $7,000 grant. • On a home that cost the buyer $565,000 the current stamp duty payable is $28,970. On 1 July that will drop to $23,176. In addition, the first home buyer will be entitled to the $7,000 grant. Buyers of a new home in metropolitan Melbourne will retain an entitlement to the bonus worth $13,000 and those buying a new home in regional Victoria will retain their entitlement to a total of $20,500. A promised new policy will see farmers aged under 35 exempt from stamp duty on the first $300,000 worth of agricultural land purchased. Depending on the final details, this could save them up to $11,370. First home buyers who are planning to buy a home from the middle of next year should take the time to study the detail, including eligibility requirements, when they are deciding what and where to buy.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 25

Prom Country N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

Make a Grand Getaway This property just MUST have been the inspiration for the term “lifestyle property”. On 4.8 acres, fulﬁl your life-style wishes with sensational views, a beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with Tas Oak ﬂoors and private verandahs, 2 SC cottages, a multi-use building, barn/workshop, orchard, ornamental lake with gazebo and jetty, meandering gardens plus a separate paddock. Continue operating the successful ‘Loves Lane Cottages’, or develop your own dream. Many inclusions. LOVELY! INSPECT By Appointment Address 1445 Meeniyan-Mirboo North Road MARDAN

$720,000 - $750,000

ROMANCING THE HOME! Be prompt to secure this rare offering in heart of Meeniyan township. A gorgeous white weatherboard house, with deep verandas and no need to talk of “period features”: this home IS a period feature! More than 100 years of character and development have gone into making this spacious, warm and welcoming property what it is today. Enhanced with leadlights and highlights, high panelled ceilings, many big picture windows and warmly elegant décor. Three bedrooms plus study, fully ﬁtted country kitchen with pantry, enormous family dining room, two bathrooms, generous living room with French doors to patios, massive block (nearly ¾ acre), garage and carport, studio/workshop, established gardens and a very short walk into Meeniyan village. INSPECT Sunday @ 1.00 - 1.30pm Address 57-59 Whitelaw Street, MEENIYAN $400,000 - $440,000 N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

A Touch of French Provincial

Ten-Plus Acres Holiday Haven!

With options for tourism or relaxed living, this property comprises a 3BR, 2 bath home with wide verandahs, tea rooms URL, 1+ acre lavender, drying shed/cottage, orchard, veggies, chooks & water. INSPECT By Appointment Address 1 Porter Lane, MIRBOO NORTH $625,000

Open plan home with three big brms. Outdoor facilities include 13 paddocks, dam, stock/horse facilities. Gentle north sloping pastures, productive gardens. Ideal permanent home or weekender. INSPECT By Appointment Address 36 Main Street, BUFFALO $380,000 - $410,000

Selling Properties

24/7

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

Executive Style on Giles

Location, Location, Location!

Something for Everyone

Owner Says SELL! Renovated home has selfcontained retreat downstairs with computer network for teenagers, in-laws or home business! 3-4 brms, 4 living, 3 bath. Furniture available too! INSPECT Sunday @ 1.00 - 1.30pm Address 29 Giles Street, MIRBOO NORTH $375,000 - $415,000

Family friendly home, renovated and extended, 4 bedrooms incl. an upstairs retreat, and two separate living zones downstairs. Great outdoor areas, fully re-clad and insulated. Side street access. INSPECT By Appointment Address 8 Brumley Street, LEONGATHA $340,000 - $370,000

...For entertainers, romantics, chefs, outdoor adventurers, and those in need (or want) of a big workshop! Clad in radial-sawn boards, this warm and inviting 3BR home features a new hostess kitchen, 2 living rooms (1 upstairs, 1 down), ensuite with luxury corner spa, & huge upstairs deck. Double garage URL plus an 18 x 7.6m workshop designed to garage earth-moving equipment. All this, plus lush garden & a rock-climbing wall on 1670sqms (approx) within walking distance of schools. INSPECT Sunday @ 11.00 - 11.30am Address 44 Wanke Road, MIRBOO NORTH

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

$380,000 - $420,000

lisa williams 0438 133 385

Cottage Style-Town Convenience

“Ferndale Cottage”

Federation-inspired 3 brm character home on a 650sqm (approx) level block, in heart of Leongatha. Two spacious living zones, 2 bath, kitchen with 5 burner range, carport, shed. Lots of inclusions. INSPECT By Appointment Address 3 Leslie Street, LEONGATHA $250,000 - $265,000 $280,000 - $300,000

“Ferndale Cottage” is an original timber cutter’s cottage, & has undergone a thoughtful renovation to provide upgraded facilities and a warm, modern décor. Set on a delightful landscaped acre, with a perfect balance of mature trees, shrubs, and ﬂowing lawns, Ferndale Cottage has a tranquil country getaway feel which is enjoyed as a weekender by the current owners as well as providing charming guest accommodation (visit ferndalecottage.com to view additional details). INSPECT By Appointment Address 12 Old Thorpdale Road, MIRBOO NORTH

Nest or Invest Step inside & be surprised by polished timber ﬂoors, art deco ceilings, & fresh paintwork.3 BRs, bathroom with spa, & 2 loos. Great location - walk everywhere. INVEST-$12,000+ pa return or NEST- and enjoy! INSPECT By Appointment Address 1 Giles Street, MIRBOO NORTH $215,000 - $235,000

glenys foster property management

julie fowkes property management

Perfection and Peace on 1.5 Arces

Share Your Air With Eagles

Idyllic, private country residence on around an acre and a half, surrounded by rolling hills & broadacre farmland. The master-crafted home provides expansive casual living & entertaining spaces, elegant formal rooms, gorgeous kitchen, 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, all appointed to perfection. Beautiful timber ﬂoors, decorative ﬁreplace surrounds, lead-lighting, internal pillars, period cornices, ducted air conditioning, storage galore, & oversized garage & meticulous gardens.

Rising above the Valley, this sheltered 8 acre parcel, with spectacular views is within easy commute of Morwell & Mirboo Nth. The 2-4 bedroom, 2 bathroom homestead (plus 1 bedroom, self contained cottage) include features such as ﬂoor length windows, open ﬁre, wood heater, split level design, full length verandas and complete privacy. Terraced orchard and stunning, easy care gardens, great shedding, all beautifully maintained, make this a perfect haven for people, chooks, and wombats.

INSPECT By Appointment Address 54 Newtons Road, ARAWATA

5664 0224

INSPECT By Appointment $600,000 - $650,000 Address 973 Whitelaws Track,YINNAR SOUTH

93 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan 84 Ridgway, Mirboo North promcountryre.com.au

emma sullings marketing

$380,000 - $420,000

5668 1660

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

SHIYAO Du was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on December 22 to Qi Yao and Li Jun Du of Wonthaggi.

CARYS Gillian Armstrong was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on December 5 to Rebecca and Phil Armstrong of Wonthaggi.

JORDYN Charles Mackin was born on December 23 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. He is the ﬁrst son for Charles and Charelle of Korumburra and the ﬁrst grandchild on both sides.

MOLLY Joan Munday was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on December 22 to Bronwyn and David Munday of Wonthaggi. Molly is a new sister to Thomas John Munday, aged 19 months.

HECTOR George Leggett was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on December 16 to Lisa Archibald and David Leggett of Cape Paterson. Hector is a new brother for Archie Leggett, aged 12.

MATILDA Rose Passarin was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on December 6 to Kayla Roney and Sean Passarin of Wonthaggi.

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

For singles, this is a great time for lighthearted romance, perhaps with a Sagittarian friend. Thrift should be a current byword - it’s to your advantage to play the miser this week. TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

Enjoy quiet dinners and pleasant jaunts to romantic spots. Behindthe-scenes happenings will lead to increased status in the near future. Accent the practical in-home improvement schemes. GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Relatives turn to you with their aches and pains, and patience is the keyword. Pets ﬁgure in the picture - perhaps you are asked to ﬁnd them a home. CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Cash may arrive from a surprise source, but avoid making risky investments. An obstacle in your career path cannot be ignored. Travel information should be veriﬁed by someone in the know. LEO - July 23 - August 22

Your self-conﬁdence gets a boost when you are called on to meet an exciting challenge. Thursday and Friday the accent is on legal matters. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

You can be drawn into the inner circle at work or in a community group. News from far away is encouraging, but have all the details before drawing conclusions or making arrangements. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Small feuds can blossom into a battle of wits, so sign a peace treaty as soon as possible. Your partner may be preoccupied with a family problem. Be supportive, but don’t intrude. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

This week sees you participating actively in community affairs. Sales people can tempt you with sundry, but unnecessary wares. This is a great time to catch up on miscellaneous health needs. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Saving is the current byword. With ingenuity you can save a signiﬁcant sum. A colleague or neighbour may appear aloof earlier in the week. CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

The week includes a blend of intrigue, glamour and local travel. Thursday and Friday are outstanding for concluding projects. Earlier in the week emphasises reconciliations and conferences. AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

You may ﬁnd yourself in a mood for fun, but your partner is subdued, and possessive individuals try to to cramp your style. Finding lost items is a current trend. Celebrations happen in pairs. PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Healthwise, be sure to question instructions that are not clear. The accent is on quality over quantity, especially if shopping for antiques or hobby related items. BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You have a way with words and your wit wins you admirers from all walks of life. Your year ahead finds you mingling with a more intellectual crowd. Being more outspoken and determined could lead to a career advancement.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, January 5: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Friday, January 7: 7.30pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk HC. Sunday, January 9: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Exploring Worship; 10.30am Union Church, Tarwin Lower HC. Tuesday, January 11: 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. 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 Eve Service, December 24 7pm. 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. 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. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School 11.30am. CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday. Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday. Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays. St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass. Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass. Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass. KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214. GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Summer program, meeting at Baromi Centre, Mirboo North, communion from 4pm 5.15pm followed by refreshments. All enquiries: Bob Stevens 0400 403 765. 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 Claire Emerton or Lieutenant Rachael Collins, 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. 7.30pm service: All Sunday evenings except 1st Sunday of the month, 5pm service. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2527. UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday 10.30am, with morning tea at 10am. Tarwin Lower: 10.30am. Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday. BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Phone 5658 1366. BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769. MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall. COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm. SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627. FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8254

1. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 18. 20. 23. 24. 25.

ACROSS Thoughtless (13) Obvious (5) Vehicle (7) Calm down (6) Sell (6) Break (5) Drive (5) Shake (6) Immune (6) Plant (7) Class (5) Triangular (5-8)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 13. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21. 22.

DOWN Lay on (6) Map (5) Confound (7) Edge (4) Delete (5) Shake (7) Praises (6) Bull-fighter (7) Nationality (7) Scare (6) Be present (6) Limber (5) Niggard (5) Ring (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8254 ACROSS 1. Stopped reading for a while and made some toast (6,7). 8. Die out in the cold and rain, though may be quite strong (5). 9. Such a fright as there will be if you don’t keep the date? 5-2). 10. Has poured into the crack, but it’s no good (6). 11. A light house, the head holds (6). 12. Hiding a quantity in the coat (5). 14. A brusque “Deficient” (5). 18. On two accounts I get a flowering plant (6). 20. Not shaking the building (6). 23. Is he crumpled up in the car boot? (7). 24. Not real fleas hopping about (5). 25. Said farewell - to work for a while? (4,4,5). DOWN 1. Give us the works, audibly! (6). 2. A country girl embracing another (5). 3. Make the inside of clay (7). 4. Note the snake and be clearly surprised (4). 5. A rate that’s fast (5). 6. Having competed, is back having a drink (7). 7. About the brooch, the woman is lying (6). 13. Sadly so, I find, in part of Italy (7). 15. Laugh at the flute-playing, which is disgusting (7). 16. Its lucky the man’s gone back to bed (6). 17. Always points out it’s tough (6). 19. I shot in before him (5). 21. Female it’s all wrong to behead (5). 22. Let out father with the duplicate keys (4).

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 27

Youthful tale to be told THE young cast of The Yellow Mick Toad has been working hard on remembering their lines and singing.

Counting down: the cast of The Yellow Mick Toad rehearse. Front, from left: Lachlan Ball, Benjamin Cantwell, Amy Tudor, Brielle Tudor and Naomi Cantwell. Back: Rebecca Dowthwaite, Paul Hendry, Vivian Braggins, Madelaine Cantwell and Kate Ball.

Director of the MADS Theatre Group production, Paul Hendry, has been most impressed with the actors’ commitment. The pantomime in true English fashion features hilarious comedy, beautiful songs and a theme that is an Australianised and very different version of The Wizard of Oz. The cast is almost entirely under 20 years of age. Tickets can be booked

Local scenes intrigue THE opening of South Gippsland Scapes by Linda Gibbs at Gecko Studio Gallery lured a large crowd despite wet weather. A contingent of family members from around the area attended the Fish Creek gallery to wish Linda well for her exhibition. Among them were the Kerr family, owners of “Summerlea”, a property depicted in one of Linda’s artworks. There was a lot of talk at the opening as locals identiﬁed scenes Linda has painted.

Local focus: Linda Gibbs and her dramatic works depicting South Gippsland scenes.

Portrait entries Folk line-up now sought IN 2011, Prom Coast Arts will present The Great Southern Portrait Prize as a part of the Seachange Festival. In the past, the portrait prize was held in the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre in conjunction with the Taste of the Prom Country food and wine event but as that event is in abeyance, Prom Coast Arts Council felt that it was untenable to present the prize in the arts centre. The 2011 Great Southern Portrait Prize will be shown at Stockyard Gallery from Thursday, April 7 to Tuesday, April 19 to provide everybody with greater opportunity to view the show. Selected works from the show will travel to the Latrobe Regional Art Gallery in June to be displayed in the international Power Hazelwood Community Gallery. Prom Coast Arts is delighted to be able to give local artists the

chance to present their work outside of the shire in a premium regional art gallery. The junior section of the prize is always lively. In 2011 this aspect of the show will be further bolstered with Prom Coast Arts conducting a series of workshops with children, providing them with a context for portraiture and the materials to participate. Other features of next year’s prize are a planned public forum featuring a visiting artist with a special interest in portraiture. As with other years The Great Southern Portrait Prize is open to any artist from anywhere and in any media, however the portrait must be of a Gippsland resident. Entry forms will be available early in the New Year. Email: secretary@promcoastarts.com.au

confirmed

THE Boolarra Folk Festival is a free event that takes place in one of Gippsland’s prettiest little towns. The festival has become one of Gippsland’s most anticipated events and will happen on March 5. Boolarra is privileged to have the perfect shady setting for a music festival where patrons can hear eight hours of music and browse over 60 art, craft and food market stalls. The music line-up for the 2011 festival will contain a variety of performers from Gippsland and Melbourne. The ﬁrst of 13 acts kicks off at 11am with the much

anticipated school drumming percussion segment. The return of The Go Set should not to be missed, and Khristian Mizzi and The Sirens is another great act. The Stetson Family and John Flanagan and the Begin Agains will also complement the line up. The festival in the park winds up around 8pm, however music continues at the recreation reserve with an ‘open mic’ event that runs until after midnight. There is free camping at the reserve where toilets and showers are available. More information can be found on the website: www. boolarrafolkfestival.com

at Meeniyan Newsagency or pay at the door. Cost $15, children and concession $10. See the show at the Meeniyan Hall in January: Friday 14th at 7pm, Saturday 15th at 7pm, Sunday 16th at 2pm, Wednesday

19th at 4pm, Friday 21st at 7pm, Saturday 22nd at 7pm and Sunday 23rd at 2pm. For further enquiries, contact Pat Hendry on 5681 2229, 0425 787 600 or patsyfagan@dcsi.net. au

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Buckley explores spectrum ANTONIA Buckley is no stranger to the Meeniyan Art Gallery. The space of the Main Gallery at 84 Whitelaw Street has featured her paintings earlier this year. Like many talented, inspired artists of the area, she lives and works in Fish Creek, one of Gippsland’s unofﬁcial art communes, a hub of galleries and studios. She is now exhibiting a collection of paintings, mosaics and mixed media, entitled Still Alive!!! until January 27. Buckley - a consummate artist, mother of eight, once an art teacher, theatre director and producer, community art co-ordinator, art promoter, traveller - is every bit as exciting as her work. And her work, her paintings, mosaics and installations never fail to excite. She describes

herself as a “domestic painter” whatever in her immediate surroundings captures her attention, she paints. In Buckley’s own words: “What really happens is, something catches my eye and I take it from there, and anything can and does distract me so, I never know how it will finish.” It can finish as a painting. It can finish as a mosaic. It can finish as God knows what. Quirky still lives rotate and swirl in spiral motion on sumptuous oriental fabrics that would dazzle Matisse. Whoever introduced the term “still life” or “natura morta” (“dead life”), probably was not an artist and hardly knew anything about art, and not much about life either. Life will not be still. It is an endless dance of forms and patterns morphing into each other.

Artwork is a way, a gateway, a window opened into the world, both near and far, in which we ﬁnd ourselves. The world which is a paradise, we need only grasp it. Buckley’s colourful mosaic Tribute to Hundertwasser starts the exhibition. Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) - a multifaceted, controversial architect and a fellow painter - is a kindred spirit. Floors in his buildings are undulating and uneven – “a music to the feet”. Trees grow inside rooms, on the roofs, and a kaleidoscope of colours mocks the general gray drabness of conformity. A closing party will be held from 2-4pm on January 23 to mark the end of the exhibition, giving art-lovers the chance to meet Buckley in person.

Creative mind: multi-talented artist Antonia y Buckley. Left: Poetic theme: In Xanadu refers to the poem that began: “In Xanadu did Kubla Khan; A stately pleasure-dome decree; Where Alph, the sacred river run; Through caverns measureless to man; Down to a sunless sea.”

Architectural praise: Buckley’s mosaic Tribute to Hundertwasser.

Spoilt for summer produce AFTER a slow start to summer, wonderful local produce is now available at South Gippsland’s farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets are a win-win for shoppers and producers alike because they reconnect the two ends of the supply chain. The quality of the produce is second to none because it is so fresh and the prices are great, because the produce doesn’t change hands more than from the farmer

direct to customers. This Saturday (January 8) from 8am-1pm is the next date for South Gippsland’s newest community-run farmers’ market at Coal Creek in Korumburra. The line up of produce will include spuds and asparagus from Warragul, berries and goats cheese from Korumburra, fresh ﬁsh from Port Franklin, roses from Bena, handmade preserves from Koonwarra, mixed vegies from Lang Lang and Allambee South, wine from Leongatha South and Kardella, free range meat from Yarragon, olives and olive oil from Fish Creek, and fresh pasta and vegies from Thorpdale South. Plus there will be orange juice squeezed on the spot, frozen berry sorbets, homemade apple strudel, honey, beer, vegie seedlings and much more. In the shady picnic area, the espresso coffee cart hums away all morning, local community groups do a brisk trade in egg and bacon rolls and sausages

in bread, all made with local produce. The Bena CWA cake stall is a popular feature, showcasing wonderful baking skills. The market is right next to the highway with plenty of easy parking, playground for the kids and a great atmosphere for everyone. The Coal Creek Farmers’ Market has been awarded full accreditation by the Victorian Farmers’ Market - a guarantee that stallholders grow or make the goods they sell. Applications are always welcome from growers and makers who meet the criteria. On Saturday, January 15 it’s the Foster farmers’ market, Koonwarra’s on February 5 and then back to Coal Creek on February 12. For information about the market or to apply for a stall, call 0459 629000, fax 5655 1480, email farmersmarket@ coalcreekvillage.com. au or online at: www. coalcreekvillage.com.au/ farmersmarket

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Hit the water THE middle of summer is here and with the onset of warmer weather, the beach is calling. South Gippsland offers a diversity of venues, from surf to inlet, suitable for experienced board riders and families seeking a safe place to splash. The Star team this week shares some favourite destinations from Port Welshpool through to Harmers Haven. Port Welshpool Locals are proud of Port Welshpool beach and the improvements that have made it magniﬁcent. Jeanie Causon at the Welshpool and District Rural Transaction Centre said native grasses and plants to stop the sand erosion and treated pine rails to keep people off sections, are among the improvements at the wide sweeping beach. The clean beach is safe. At high tide you can walk a long way out and still only be waist deep. Sandy Point Strikingly beautiful scenery is what is seen on the beach at Sandy Point. Overlooking Wilsons Promontory, the beach is covered in people over summer enjoying the surf and sand. The beach is patrolled by the Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club. “It is a great, family friendly beach which has surf,” Sandy Point General Store proprietor, Andrew Cummings said. Surfers are a part of the landscape over summer with some big swells occasionally rolling in. The beach gets busier every year

because of its stunning location and accessibility. Waratah Bay One of South Gippsland’s greatest assets, Waratah Bay is a magnificent sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. Bernadette Harry of the Waratah Bay Caravan Park said it is one of the safest beaches in Victoria. “It is a gentle, spacious beach which has a low-key relaxed atmosphere,” she said. The beach is popular with surfers and swimmers and is away from the hustle and bustle, so is not crowded. “It is one of Australia’s best kept secrets,” Mrs Harry said. Walkerville A beach full of exciting and intriguing things to see and do, Walkerville is known to be a great fishing spot, on the beach and offshore. Manager of the Walkerville Foreshore Camping Reserve, Cameron Walker said: “There is car access to the beach which allows beach launching of boats.” There are burnt out lime kilns on the beach which are interesting to explore and a short walk from the beach leads to a historic graveyard. Walkerville beach is full of history and exploration. Venus Bay This beach is loved for its clean waves and consistent swell. It can be a beach of high risk for beginners because of the possibility of rips, but for those with surfing experience this is the place to be.

Venus Bay also offers a nice offshore wind; with big waves, good surfers can have a great time. “It’s important to make sure people check conditions before going in, just to make sure,” said surf teacher, Shane Hogan. Inverloch The Inverloch surf beach is known as a much safer spot for beginner surfers. Swim and surf schools often take new groups there, as it has little swell, smaller waves and much less chance of danger. The beach is also great for a swim, boogey board or just dipping in toes. With a large sand area, the beach is one of the most popular in the region at this time of year. Cape Paterson There are two patrolled beaches at Cape Paterson – the surf beach and the Bay beach. The surf beach is ideal for novice surfers who are learning the ropes of the sport. The Bay beach, has a rock pool, and is great for those who like to snorkel, dive or walk around. There is also a boat ramp for those wishing to get further out and explore. Harmers Haven A non patrolled beach, Harmers Haven is perfect for anglers, ﬁshermen and divers. There is not a lot of swimming area, but there is plenty of rocks which make for great views of ﬂora and fauna.

Beautiful vision: a surfer enjoys clean waves at Waratah Bay overlooking Wilson’s Promontory.

Learners: Fiona Bromiley and Rosanne Croker picked Venus Bay for their surf lesson.

Oberon image wins prize KIM Holian is jumping for joy after winning $7000 for a photo promoting walking in Gippsland.

Her image depicting a friend leaping atop of Mount Oberon at Wilsons Promontory was one of 150 images received by Destination Gippsland in their recent Inspiring Gippsland Walks competition. The contest was held in spring as part of Destination Gippsland’s seasonal marketing campaign. Destination Gippsland used a dedicated webpage to attract entries and advertised the competition on its Facebook page “Inspired by Gippsland”. Photos were uploaded by entrants and fans were asked to comment on the ones they liked. Terry Robinson, CEO of Destination Gippsland, is delighted with the results. “This is the ﬁrst year the competition

has been run and it has proved a great success,” he said. “We are promoting a healthy activity for visitors to enjoy in our fantastic national parks. Through our use of social media and with the support of our sponsors, we have been very encouraged by the results. We deﬁnitely plan to run the competition in 2011 and beyond.” The Mount Oberon summit walk is one of 40 walks featured in Destination Gippsland’s new marketing product named Inspiring Gippsland walks. The product is marketed to Melbourne consumers through a dedicated website and a IPhone/IPad Walks App. The competition was sponsored by Gondwana outdoor clothing, Parks Victoria and Australian Photo Tours with prizes totalling $7000 in value.

Up high: Kim Holian’s winning image, taken on Mount Oberon.

Fond farewell: Rolf and Beate Wacker are heading to Queensland’s Hervey Bay.

Golf, giggles and goodbyes MELALEUCA Golf Links hosted the Christmas gathering of the Inverloch Lions Club. A mix of novices and experts played together, some putting, some playing 18 holes. Some results were startling, providing hilarity before formalities began. A sad farewell was given to much loved members Rolf and Beate Wacker who are departing for warmer territory. Their transfer to Hervey Bay will be a great next adventure. Rolf and Beate have been committed members of the club, always making themselves available for community work on BBQs selling rafﬂe tickets and Christmas cakes, maintaining contact with other clubs, attending working bees and taking positions of responsibility. Both have acted in vice-pres-

idential roles and Rolf is current president. Rolf and Beate have put a lot of effort into maintaining Lions Licola Village and been staunch advocates of the work Lions do to support local and international people in need. The club is proud to have had them with us and envy their new club as they will have two hard working cheerful friends to add to their membership. Another major item of business was the induction of new member, David Butler. David was presented to the club by president Rolf in his last official job before handing his role to the new acting president, Terry Hall. Terry’s first formal act was to present a cheque for $5000 to the acting principal of Inverloch Kongwak Primary School, Andrea Pearson at the final school assembly for the year. The money was raised by one of

Inverloch’s biggest events, the Billycart Derby and Fun Run. Each year Lions go to great lengths to put on a fabulous day for locals and visitors. This year a new bond was forged between the Club and the primary school, as Lions, kids, teachers and parents worked together to build billycarts. Many parents and teachers encouraged their children to train and participate both as runners and marshals on the big day. This great example of a community working together resulted in not just the ﬁnancial reward, but a demonstration to young people of how much joy there is to be had by working co-operatively with people from all walks of life and of all ages. Inverloch Lions welcomes new members, if you would like to know more call Palma on 5674 1690 or 0418 582 668.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 31

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Steering the show: 3MFM manager Kate Lindsay compered the evening. She is with children Hayden, Xavier and Julia.

Getting together: Julie and Brock Kew with son Taj, of Kongwak, and Brock’s mother Dawn Kew of Inverloch.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 33

THE spirit of Christmas echoed from the Inverloch Community Hub recently, when young and old joined for a festive celebration. The Inverloch Community Carols attracted a packed house to sing a selection of traditional carols. On stage was the Wonthaggi University of the Third Age choir, backed by live music performed by a band from the Inverloch Jazz Society and Stringz, a local ensemble. Bass Coast Shire Councillor Ross Smith welcomed guests and compere Kate Lindsay, of radio station 3MFM, guided the evening, offering touching insights into the meaning of Christmas. A highlight was a performance by parents and children of the Mainly Music program, which offers weekly sing-a-long sessions for families at Imagine church, Inverloch. The annual event is presented by the Inverloch Christian Churches.

Family night: Inverloch brothers Dylan and Ashley Turley enjoy the festive atmosphere.

In tune: members of the Wonthaggi U3A choir, Robyn Allen, Herbert Roberts, Kevin Allen and Lorna White.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Record prices at sale

Prices high: Landmark enjoyed unprecedented success at its special Christmas sale last Wednesday at VLE, Leongatha.

- Vealers break $1000 LANDMARK Leongatha celebrated record prices at its 41st Christmas Special Sale last Wednesday, December 29. Stock agent Brian McCormack said in the 20 years he had worked for Landmark it was “the best sale I’ve seen”. Up for auction at the sale were trade cattle with extremely competitive bidding from a number of butchers in attendance including Hardwicks in Kyneton, Coles, Cardinia markets, Colonial, Kyneton, Robert Radford and others. On offer were grass steers and heifers, steer vealers and heifer vealers.

‘ ... best sale I’ve seen’ agent Brian McCormack Graeme and Roe Jarvie of Yinnar sold the top pen of calves by weight and price, selling six steer vealers at 543 kg for an average price of a whopping $1169 each, equating to 215.6 cents. Mr McCormack said the highest average at the sale was 231.2 cents for seven steer vealers weighing 357kgs average for a price of $825 each. He said there were a number of reasons for the high prices. “The feed about this year is making the cattle bigger and better. There is a shortage of numbers in the north of the state and there is a shortage in supply of milk calves at the moment,” Mr McCormack said. “We are in for a good season. Prices per head are much dearer. Our clients are extremely happy. “This sets things up for a good season and it will be interesting to see how the markets fare these coming weeks.”

Prices Grass steers 15-16 mths: Mrs M. Hayes, Pound Creek, 36 x 450kg @ 204.5c $919. Grass heifers 15-16 mths: Mrs M. Hayes, Pound Creek, 44 x 400kg @ 200, $800; A., P. & S. Harris, Dumbalk, 3 x 457kg @ 195.6, $893; C.E. & M.A. Hams, Ruby, 9 x 476kg @ 190.9, $907; N. & R. Kubale, 4 x 403kg @ 198.6, $799.

Steer vealers: G. & R. Jarvie, Yinnar, 32 x 448kg @ 218.5, $978. Tops 4 x 431kg @ 2.30, $991; heaviest 6 x 543kg @ 215.6, $1169. Harris Past, Dumbalk, 8 x 391kg @ 220.5, $862; T.R. & I.R. Harrison, Milford, 14 x 405kg @ 213.3, $864; L.M. Peters, Mirboo North, 8 x 358kg @ 211.8, $757; J. & A. Blackshaw, Koonwarra, 20 x 388kg @ 212, $822; N. & L. Andrews, Mirboo, 19 x 391kg @ 215.5, $841; Est. L.G. Blew, Korumburra, 16 x 375kg @ 218.5, $818; T. & E. Bruns, Yarram, 2 x 385kg @ 215, $827; B.W. & S.J. Harris, Korumburra, 3 x 370kg @ 205, $758; A.R. Hopkins, Yinnar, 12 x 385kg @ 213.8, $822; Z. & M. Spehar, Yinnar, 20 x 364kg @ 217.4, $791; G.L. & M.L. Tuckett, Leongatha, 4 x 403kg @ 216.9, $872; R. & S. Holt, Mt Eccles, 9 x 329kg @ 221.6, $728. Heifer vealers: G. & R. Jarvie, 29 x 421kg @ 211.6, $891. Tops 5 x 378kg @ 214.6, $811; heaviest 1 x 525kg @ 205, $1076. Harris Past. Dumbalk, 13 x 350kg @ 211.5, $741; T.R. & I.R. Harrison, Milford, 5 x 354kg @ 207, $732; N.R. & L. Andrews, Mirboo, 15 x 372kg @ 209.3, $778; Est. L.G. Blew, Korumburra, 6 x 363kg @ 212, $768; T. & E. Bruns, Yarram, 8 x 344kg @ 204.9, $704; B.W. & S.J. Harris, Korumburra, 15 x 337kg @ 215.2, $724; A.R. Hopkins, Yinnar, 8 x 357kg @ 210, $749; Z. & M. Spehar, Yinnar, 7 x 341kg @ 210.9, $719; G.L. & M.L. Tuckett, Leongatha, 3 x 350kg @ 212, $742.

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

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw January 5 & 6 1. David Phelan 2. Rodwells 3. Alex Scott 4. Landmark 5. SEJ 6. Elders

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 35

Erosion risk THE Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is urging landholders to watch for signs of soil erosion after recent rains across Victoria. DPI soils and water project manager, Brad Costin said recent rain has exacerbated soil erosion on many properties. “This may not always be visible due to long grass that may hide areas of gully erosion and tunnel erosion.” he said. “Landholders are reminded to check existing control works to monitor their effectiveness in light of the recent

heavy rains.” Mr Costin also reminded landholders to check erosion sensitive areas that may have been stable in drier times. “If these areas are left unchecked soil erosion may end up costing you much more to fix in the long-term,” he said. He said soil sediments often end up in local streams and rivers, degrading their quality and impacting on water users further downstream. Landholders concerned about soil erosion can contact their local DPI field officer for further information or visit the DPI website at: www.dpi.vic.gov.au

Book celebrates zucchini’s virtues STAR recipe writer Meg Viney has just launched her new book, The Not So Humble Zucchini. Cooking is a wonderful form of play for Meg Viney. This has been so for Meg since she was a child. Born in Melbourne, Meg’s parents were keen gardeners – mother did the herb and flower gardens, father did the vegetable garden, which was abundant – they did not buy vegetables. Although Meg’s interest in food began at a young age, a course with Mme Vivienne de Stoop in her early 20s sparked her imagination and confidence, teaching her that food is an art-form to be enjoyed. Meg’s aim with this book is to encourage readers to have the confidence to use their imagination, to express themselves creatively in the kitchen and to share the feast with friends. And, of course, to enjoy the play. Meg had written about food for many years, writing books for students and a cooking column for The Star. However, it was Bill, her soul mate, whose love of food is sophisticated and knows no bounds, who set up the challenge to eat his entire crop of zucchini, and who, walking into the kitchen with buckets of beautiful produce, would ask “what are we going to do with this darlsie?” It was Bill who suggested that she write this book. The decision to illustrate came about because Meg wanted the book to have a relaxed country feel, and Pauline John, a talented artist friend who does exquisite line drawings, agreed to illustrate the book. Meg’s lifelong friend Susan Hall did a beautiful job with the photography. The following is an excerpt from the introduction to the book: “After years of growing our own zucchini and retaining a vigilant attitude to picking them when they are at their most succulent, between 10 and 15 cm long, I have discovered what a truly magnificent vegetable they are. “No wonder the Italians utilise them extensively – they grow them knowing what a freshly picked zucchini tastes like, how a freshly picked zucchini flower tastes, stuffed and fried.

New book: Meg Viney has just launched her new book, The Not So Humble Zucchini. “A home grown zucchini plant is a proliﬁc producer. For every ﬂower, there is a zucchini, ready to race away from you and turn into a cricket bat, (and just about as tasty), so a daily visit to the bed with a knife to cut the little darlings from their plant is a must. “As I was growing up, zucchini met with disdain because home gardeners did not grow them and the greengrocer was often left with tired, limp specimens. “Being adventurous, I tried to sauté them in butter with a few herbs. My boys used to slide them under the table, hoping Sam the beagle would help out, but even Sam found them unpalatable. “Whilst living in America from 1969 to 1983, I found that the cuisine of the time was predicated upon pre-packaged, pre-prepared food that could be decanted into a casserole and baked. “No fresh herbs, no fresh sauces. Friends invited to dinner became suspicious. Why did the food taste so alive? I showed them the herb garden on the deck, showed them the jars of sauces I made (fresh tomato sauce: brown sauces: hollandaise, béarnaise, charon, my mayonnaise with fresh herbs tossed through). “They were incredulous at the absence of tins and packets in my pantry. They decided that they would come to dinner, but come at noon to watch the production. “Amused, I consented, and

this began my foray into teaching food. And on it went to catering, writing, cooking fresh breads for a health food shop and finally, returning in Australia, with a qualification to teach food and nutrition in schools and to adults. “My friends and my clients questioned me endlessly about food combinations of flavours, technical questions about how and why an emulsion is formed, why a pan of water is placed in the oven for breadmaking, why one par-boils certain foods. As I said, it was all encompassing, and although I knew many of the answers I was fascinated to research other facts so I could learn and help others. “All of this led to a desire to create my own recipes. Based on experience and a curious ability to read a list of ingredients and taste the result in my mind, I began to compile my own recipes. “Then came the day we put in some zucchini seeds and ended up with a dozen or more plants that produced an extraordinary amount of bright green, firm and lustrous cylinders that challenged my imagination.” The book is available for $20 at the following venues: Leongatha Newsagency, The Star office, Paw’s Café, Meeniyan, and Moos of Meeniyan. Meg would be most happy to sign the book for you.

Burra Foods CEO on new business board BURRA Foods CEO Grant Crothers, is on the new interim board of the Committee for Gippsland, a new business leadership group. He is the only South Gippslander on the interim board. Harry Rijs, who built Patties Foods in East Gippsland from a small bakery into a multi million dollar business, is chair of the board. His deputy is Jon McNaught Gippsland region manager of GHD, an engineering consultancy company. Mr McNaught told The Star such committees are a worldwide phenomenon advocating a voice for business. “The committees are funded by business for business with the role to advocate and push.” He said the need for

such a body in Gippsland was highlighted by the previous State Government’s transport plan. “There was no mention of Gippsland!” Attracting new business to the area, making things easier and more competitive for existing businesses in the form of reducing red tape, for example, could be some of the committee’s activities. Education and the availability of a skilled workforce, communication and technology ability and making government aware of the broader impact of regulation changes are other areas that are likely to be tackled. Although he was unaware of the ﬁner detail, Mr McNaught said the proposed Bass Coast Education Precinct could be something the committee might support. Those behind the precinct hope its initial stages

will be funded in the next State budget. Membership of the new body is drawn from a wide range of businesses across Gippsland. The committee is in its early stages and Mr McNaught said a membership drive would begin next year, when a paid executive officer will also be appointed. A forum held in October last year, gave a mandate for the committee to form. Peter Dorling, executive officer of the Committee for Geelong, is available on a contract basis for the next few months to help the Committee for Gippsland become established. Mr Rijs said the role of the interim board was to set up the appropriate procedures to guide the Committee for Gippsland through its first year. Mr McNaught said the

new group will work in with other regional structures such at the Gippsland Local Government Network. “GLGN is from the government point of view. We are augmenting that with business to get business opinion heard. “The Committee for Gippsland will be a point of contact for business needs.” Other interim board members are Rowan Dowland from mecu, Toni Wakeﬁeld from SafeTech, Ian Needham of LV Printers and Needhan PR, Rob Radford from R Radford and Son Pty Ltd, David Power of Davine Fitzpatrick Solicitors, Moe businessman Manny Gelagotis, Jane Oakley from Telstra Country Wide and John Mitchell of John Mitchell Consulting.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Classifieds public notices

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350 public notices

Berries You Pick IN LEONGATHA 5 Sawyer Street

Saturday and Sunday OPEN ALL DAY Monday to Friday by appointment 5662 4801 FRESH IN DECEMBER FROZEN ALL YEAR ROUND

Email your adverts to “The Star” ads@thestar.com.au

public notices

BERRIES PICK NOW AT YILEEN BERRY FARM

ICE CREAM Made fresh at Yileen Organic Berry Farm 1345 Leongatha Yarragon Road Hallston, VIC 3953 Ph (03) 5668 5268

Gippy Waste Cleaning • Septic Tanks • Portable Toilets • Water Tanks Phone Stephen

0422 998 025 1800 611 368

To ensure the best possible management for the Crown land known as the Inverloch Recreation Reserve, the Minister for Environment & Climate Change is seeking expressions of interests from the community to form part of the new Inverloch Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated. It is the department’s intention to appoint no more than three community representatives together with representatives of each user group of the reserve for a three-year appointment. Applications will be assessed by a panel appointed by the department who will recommend appointment to the Minister. ‘Expression of Interest’ forms and further information on the role and responsibilities of the Committee of Management are available from Kylie Douglas at the Department of Sustainability and Environment in Traralgon Phone (03) 5172 2149.

New Dermatology Service to Begin on January 28, 2011 Wonthaggi Medical Group is pleased to announce that a visiting specialist dermatologist service will start on January 28, 2011 at our Murray Street premises. This is a private service provided by dermatologists from St Vincent’s Hospital under the direction of renowned dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair. The frequency of the service will be determined by demand. Initially it is planned to be a weekly service. To obtain an appointment to see the dermatologist requires a referral from your usual GP, for appointments call 56721333. www.wonthaggimedical.com.au Accredited to the highest level (edition 3) of the Royal Australian College of General Practice Standards

personal $ 70

day time special

hallam

situations vacant

for rent 3 BEDROOM house for rent. Central location in Leongatha, $240 pw. Ph: 0417-073312. WONTHAGGI - LARGE FACTORY: Prominent location, $385 p.w. including GST. Refer to Page 7 of this week’s paper. Phone 0408981 819.

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

situations vacant

personal

pca 4609b

mitch39228

Expressions of Interest should be marked EOI: 1510198 and lodged at the Gippsland Regional Office at 71 Hotham Street, Traralgon 3844.

www.dse.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186

public notices 42 Murray St, Wonthaggi and 25 A’Beckett St, Inverloch

Expressions of Interest Appointment to the Inverloch Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated

Expressions of Interest close 5pm Friday 21 January 2011.

Sell it in the "Star"

penthouse make us your 1st stop

9702 4744

7 rimfire dr. hallam

situations vacant

Energy Innovation Co-Operative Ltd. Southern Solar Hub Project: Are you tertiary qualified, with experience in project management and/or community engagement, informed on and committed to energy efficiency/renewable energy, linked to Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Cardinia shires? Applications invited: 1. Project Manager: 4 days pw, 18 month initial contract 2. Community Engagement Officer: 3 days pw, 12 month initial contract. Plus: 3. Book-keeper: 1 day pw, need MYOB or QUICKEN on a cash basis to trial balance For info/position descriptions: Ph: 03 5657 3108, Email: susand@eico-op.com.au Applications Due: Friday, January 14, 2011.

situations vacant

DAIRY FARM HAND Experience required Flexible hours/days INVERLOCH AREA 0407 825 275

DAIRY TECHNICIAN A long established family business is seeking 2 Dairy Technicians for immediate start in South Gippsland. Positions are full time. Applicants must be able to work independently and within a team, be highly motivated, have good verbal and written skills, and hold a current forklift and Victorian driver’s licence. Knowledge of dairies, water pumps, computers and some experience in welding would be useful but not essential. Applications to: The Manager 62 Old Waratah Road Fish Creek 3959 Closing date: January 12

BLUEBERRY PICKERS required Leongatha North. Immediate start, own transport essential. Ph: 0429-686297. RELIEF MILKER Korumburra South. Immediate start. Ph: 0419369455.

situations vacant

42 Murray St, Wonthaggi and 25 A’Beckett St, Inverloch

Prevent Skin Cancer It is advisable to get any skin blemishes or moles checked by your doctor on a regular basis. particularly if they appear to be changing eg growth in size, dark or black areas, bleeding, pain. Early action to identify and remove potentially cancerous skin lesions can be a life saver. In some cases your GP may refer you to a specialist dermatologist. Everyone should ensure that they take proper precautions against excessive sun exposure, particularly during periods of extreme UV. Avoid exposure during hazardous times of day in summer (10am to 3pm), wear protective clothing, eg hats and long-sleeved shirts, and use sunscreen on exposed and vulnerable areas, especially face, backs of hands and forearms, ears.

For Appointments Call 03 5672 1333 www.wonthaggimedical.com.au Accredited to the highest level (edition 3) of the Royal Australian College of General Practice Standards

UnitingCare Gippsland is a quality accredited community service agency. Staff and volunteers provide a range of community services in Gippsland for children, young people, families and individuals. The agency has a vision of a healthy Gippsland, where disadvantage and inequity are challenged. UnitingCare Gippsland has vacancy:

Child Care Worker Outside School Hours - Poowong Qualified and Unqualified 17.5 hours per week For further information including closure dates, application form and position descriptions are available at: www.ucgipps.org.au Or call Kirstie on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you. UnitingCare Gippsland 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. UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and wellbeing of children and young people

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 37

situations vacant

for sale

SEWING MACHINE

CARAVAN - Jayco 15ft poptop, 1987, 2 rear bunks, side kitchen, front lounge/ dble bed, full oven, plus annex, all in VG condition, $9,000 ONO. Ph: 0418513540

REPAIRS & SALES

VICTORIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING BEACH CAMP

FREE QUOTES

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you enjoy working with children? Are you energetic and enthusiastic?

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

We require a:

CASUAL AFTERNOON / EVENING ACTIVITY LEADER Must be able to communicate with teachers and students. Work Monday - Thursday, except school holidays. A Working with Children Check required. Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Licence essential. Training provided. Please send applications to Camp Waratah Bay Email: campwaratahbay@bigpond.com Post: 30 Gale Street, Waratah Bay 3959 Ph: 5684 1426 Applications close January 11, 2011

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

5672 3127

situations vacant

CARDS, Bibles, CDs, gifts available, New Beginnings Christian Bookshop, 38 Bair St, Leongatha. 56620999.

situations vacant

CABINET MAKER A vacancy exists for a qualified full time Cabinet Maker. Applicants should be skilled in custom kitchen and joinery manufacturing and installation, be self motivated, reliable and able to work unsupervised. Please apply in writing to:

KEVIN GARDINER KITCHENS 104 Horn Street Leongatha 3953 Applications close January 14, 2011

for sale

CLYDESDALE, 5 years old, pure bred. Gentle giant, no vices. Comes when heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called. Regretful sale. $2,500 ONO. 0428647287. DEXTER CATTLE - 4 heifers, 2 steers. Friendly, small, manageable animals. Ideal lawn mowers for small acreage. $500 each. Ruby. 0429-139242. FIRE PUMP 5hp, little use, is on a trolley, $350. 56640037 or 0408-314057. HAY - small square bales, new seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, $8 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan - 5664-1320, 0428999691. HAY - small squares, good quality, Leongatha, $6. Ph:5662-3501. HAY - this season, $7 per bale. Ph: 0419-313483. HAY for sale, standing in paddock, approx. 30 acres. Best offer. Ph: 5668-2118. HEN HOUSES, large or small, made locally. Ring Dennis 5664-2443.

PLANT SHUTDOWN STAFF CASUAL/POTENTIAL FULL TIME The Dasma Group is seeking suitably skilled personnel to undertake a plant shut at the Australian Paper, Maryvale Mill commencing in February 2011. Expressions of interest are invited for the following positions: â&#x20AC;˘ High Pressure Water Blasting preferred (MediumHeavy Rigid Licence) â&#x20AC;˘ Vacuum Loader operators (Heavy Rigid Licence) â&#x20AC;˘ Abrasive blasters â&#x20AC;˘ Painters Experienced and well qualified applicants have the opportunity to be appointed to a full time position. To apply please forward your current resume with evidence of qualifications and reference contacts via email to dasma@dasma.com.au or post to the Dasma Group P.O. Box 3369, Gippsland Mail Centre, Morwell 3841, by Monday 10 January, 2011.

ADMINISTRATION TRAINEESHIP Cert 3 Business Administration

22.8 hours Fixed Term Contract: Jan - Dec 2011 The Parent and Community Engagement (PaCE) project is a partnership project between The South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN and the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Indigenous Action Group. The main objectives of the PaCE funding are to enhance the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities to: â&#x20AC;˘ Engage with schools and education providers in order to support improved educational outcomes for their children; â&#x20AC;˘ build community understanding and support to ensure high expectations of Indigenous studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; educational outcomes Remuneration packages are based on the Public Services Award VPS 3.1 according to qualifications/ experience. A Working with Children Check and National police check will be required. A position description can be obtained via our website www.sgbcllen.org.au or by phoning 0427 304 445. Any enquiries should be forwarded to Wendy Major or via email at: wendy@sgbcllen.org.au Written applications addressing the key selection criteria and the details of three referees (including a current or recent manager/supervisor) should be forwarded to: The Executive Officer South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN PO Box 63 Leongatha, 3953 Applications close 4pm Monday, January 10

GREENFIELD 2004 25hp 34â&#x20AC;? fast cut. Well maintained, regular service history, $4,000 ONO. Phone Tim 0418-500868.

SHIPPING CONTAINER for hire, your place or mine, $25 per week. Can deliver. Ph: 0419-313483.

MINI-BIKE Suzuki JR 80, seldom used, rider out grown, VGC, $1,550. 0438635339.

FOR SALE MILLARD POP TOP CARAVAN Registered T55-156 to July 23, 2011 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 13â&#x20AC;&#x2122; - 750kg - 4 berth Oven, 2 burner stove, gas/ elec fridge Full annexe CLEAN, NO LEAKS V.G.O.

PRICE $5,500

used motorcycles

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

agistment AGISTMENT available for cattle, Mirboo North, moderate rates. Ph: 56681376 evenings.

livestock

BULLS FOR HIRE OR SALE

FRIESIAN BULLS 2-3 yr old Never worked

Please forward applications and resume to: Jason Henry Windmill Ag 110-116 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan VIC 3956 jason.henry@windmillag.com.au Enquiries to Jason or Marilyn - phone 5664 7365

We currently have the above full time position available within the Administration Department at MG Leongatha. Responsibilities include but not limited to the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Daily data entry of suppliers milk intake (Madcap) and data entry for all milk movements relating to transfers and sales; â&#x20AC;˘ Relief reception duties and â&#x20AC;˘ SAP data entry Pre-requisites (previous skills and/or experience): â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent communication, literacy, numeracy and high level data entry skills required; â&#x20AC;˘ Knowledge of Microsoft applications preferred; and â&#x20AC;˘ Knowledge of SAP would be an advantage. Wages and other benefits will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Please send resumĂŠ to: Heidi Greenwood Murray Goulburn Co-Op Co Ltd 18 Yarragon Road LEONGATHA 3953 Email to: heidi.greenwood@mgc.com.au For more information, please call 5662 9666 Applications close: January 7, 2011

used machinery

RAMS - Poll Dorset and Border Leicester. Registered, brucellosis accredited. $300 each. Ewes and lambs available. Can deliver. 0428-356376 or 5686-2699.

Phone: 0416 175 635 5662 3961

Qualities â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent people skills â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent communication skills â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent time management and organisational skills are necessary as well as being able to liaise with customer and fellow employees â&#x20AC;˘ Must be computer literate with Windows, Excel and Word â&#x20AC;˘ Reliable and honest â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to adapt to different tasks â&#x20AC;˘ Have a strong dedication to superior customer service and display a positive outlook â&#x20AC;˘ Must demonstrate a willingness to learn

Madcap & Administration Clerk

lost

BROOCH, dragonfly shape, diamond body, sapphire wings, amethyst centre, gold trim. Sentimental value. Lost InverlochWonthaggi January 2. Reward. 0434-397574.

wanted to buy

Windmill Ag Meeniyan, a leading distributor of John Deere and other quality farm machinery has an administration traineeship position available at our Meeniyan branch. The full time position provides an opportunity for an enthusiastic person to become involved with an expanding and progressive company.

MURRAY GOULBURN

PINORA Poll Dorset rams, 1 years old. Phone Kelvin 0408-482759.

MERCURY OUTBOARD 15hp, $1,000. Ph: 0428871376.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, January 14, 2011

Parent and Community Engagement (PACE) Worker

OUTBOARD motor, Johnson 25hp, approx. 100 hours use, comes with forward controls, VGC, $1,550. 0438-635339.

MOST BEEF BREEDS AVAILABLE

OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344. OLD HOLDEN panel van, any condition. Ph: 56648344.

wanted to rent

WANTED TO RENT IMMEDIATELY 3-4 BEDROOM HOME LEONGATHA AREA 1 well behaved dog Professional will pay $350 plus per week for the right property Phone 0407 081 957

0447 331 762

garage sales tenders

tenders

Contract 2010 - 064 Gippsland Local Government Network Secretariat Services 6XLWDEO\ TXDOLÂżHG DQG H[SHULHQFHG FRQWUDFWRUV SHUVRQV DUH LQYLWHG WR WHQGHU IRU WKH SURYLVLRQ RI VHFUHWDULDW VHUYLFHV WR WKH *LSSVODQG /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW 1HWZRUN $OO 7HQGHUHUV PXVW REWDLQ WKH 7HQGHU 'RFXPHQWV ZKLFK DUH DYDLODEOH IRU GRZQORDGLQJ IURP &RXQFLOÂśV ZHEVLWH ZZZ ZHOOLQJWRQ YLF JRY DX &RQGLWLRQV RI WHQGHULQJ VSHFLÂżFDWLRQV UHOHYDQW VFKHGXOHV DQG JHQHUDO FRQGLWLRQV DUH SURYLGHG LQ WKH 7HQGHU 'RFXPHQWV 7HQGHUV PDUNHG Âł7(1'(5 )25 &2175$&7 12 *LSSVODQG /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW 1HWZRUN 6HFUHWDULDW 6HUYLFHVÂ´ PXVW EH ORGJHG LQ WKH 7HQGHU %R[ LQ WKH :HOOLQJWRQ 6KLUH &RXQFLO &LYLF &HQWUH )RVWHU 6WUHHW 6DOH QR ODWHU WKDQ SP 7XHVGD\ -DQXDU\ 7KH ORZHVW RU DQ\ WHQGHU ZLOO QRW QHFHVVDULO\ EH DFFHSWHG /DWH HPDLO RU IDFVLPLOH WHQGHUV ZLOO QRW EH DFFHSWHG $OO WHQGHU HQTXLULHV DUH WR EH GLUHFWHG WR WKH *HQHUDO 0DQDJHU *RYHUQDQFH /L] &ROOLQV RQ w w w. w e l l i n g t o n . v i c . g o v. a u

FAMILY Garage Sale. Bargains galore. January 15, 9am, corner Brown and Worthy Streets, Leongatha.

MASSIVE GARAGE SALE

EVERYTHING MUST GO 2 Arcardia Court LEONGATHA Saturday, January 8 8am - No earlybirds Kids clothes, shoes, cots, prams and furniture, adults clothing and shoes

MONSTER GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 10am start 29 Giles Street MIRBOO NORTH

Heaps of stuff available, moving interstate Everything must go!

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

garage sales

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

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90)

births

engagements

CANTWELL (Moore) - Leanne and Tony are so happy to announce the safe arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Olive Margaret, born 20/12/2010 at 10.20am, weighing 8lb 7oz. Tony and Leanne would like to thank parents, friends, Buzz & Java staff and clients for your love, support and generosity.

• 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Marker Pen • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

MALI BAKOS was born at Angliss Hospital, Upper Ferntree Gully, on December 23 to Travis and Laurel. Mali is the couple’s first son.

marriage celebrant

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

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

message of hope HOW good it is to give thanks to you, O Lord, to sing in your honour, O Most high God, to proclaim your constant love every morning and your faithfulness every night. Psalm 92:1&2.

births BAKOS (Hogan) - Travis and Laurel are very happy to announce the safe arrival of a baby boy, Mali.

PATERSON - Leanne Sharon 15/3/80 - 1/1/98 We who knew you love you still, Forget you we never will. Forever in our hearts. Loving parents Daisy, Norman, brothers Michael, Steven, Shane, Colin, sister Veronica. R.I.P. Leanne xo xo xo

deaths

anniversaries Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary 3/1/2011 Congratulations

in memoriam OLLE - Graham. 31.12.07 Still missing you heaps. Love Elaine, Bev, Denise, Rhonda, Jeff and families.

Total package valued at $39 ADVERTISE by calling 5662 5555 or emailing classiﬁeds@thestar.com.au or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement

GONG - BUCHANAN Russell and Josie, Bena and Aiju and Yanzhen, China are pleased to announce on Christmas Day the engagement of Andrew and Angie (Hongyuan).

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

engagements CLARKE - LANGSTAFF Neil, Coral and Diana, together with Neil and Jude have pleasure in announcing the engagement of Chris and Jo on Christmas Day. Our love and congratulations to you both.

COLE - Ted. 28.12.10 Our dear friend. John, Phyl, Ron, Gail, Gary, Wendy and families. Great memories. COLE - Edwin Charles (Ted). Passed away suddenly at home on December 26, 2010. Aged 78 years. Loving husband of Gwen for 55 years, father and father-in-law of Lorna and Donald Grant, Bow and Ray Allchin. Pa to Leigh, Mark, Owen, Kim, Cameron (dec.), Lyndon and their partners. The memory of you will remain in our hearts forever. The funeral service for Ted was held on Friday, December 31 at the Gulwarra Heights Memorial Park Chapel, Warragul, followed by burial in the cemetery grounds. NIELSEN & HANDLEY FUNERALS 5623-2771

deaths COOK - Eric Stanley (Stan). 17.08.1915 - 30.12.2010. Passed away peacefully at Hazelwood House, Churchill. Late of Yinnar. Loved and loving husband of May (dec.) and Jean (dec.). Father and father-in-law of Albert and Lynne, Edith and Edgar, Ray and Gwenda, Len and Cheryl and their families. Much loved stepfather to the Houghton family. Loving Pop of 11 grandchildren, great Pop of 17 and great great Pop of 1 grandchild. Reunited with May and Jean. Funeral held today, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 11am. LATROBE VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Moe Morwell Traralgon Morwell 5134-4937 DAVIS - Ruby Olive (Olive). Passed away peacefully at Leongatha Hospital on December 19, 2010. Aged 96 years. Late of Leongatha. Beloved wife of Gordon (dec.). Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of John and Marg, Ted and Shirley, Barb (dec.) and Wally, Bev and Ray, and Ross. Much loved by all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lovingly remembered. A Private Family Funeral has been held. LANG - Ethel, formerly Dennert (nee Ireland). Passed peacefully at Moura, Qld, January 1, 2011, 87 years. Beloved mother of Eda, Ian, Jan, Merv, Shirley and Noelene. Grandmother of 17, great grandmother and great great grandmother. Always in our hearts.

Setting direction: Cr Jennie Deane, Bill Stathem, Maree Ludenia and Jennie Kennedy of the Loch Community Plan Working Group and Mayor Cr Warren Raabe.

Loch launches plan THE Loch community celebrated the completion of their Community Plan at Sunnyside Park. In launching the plan, working group member Maree Ludenia spoke of the broad community consultation process that started with a community dinner at the Hard Loch Café in May, when volunteers from various community groups committed to be part of the group. “We met fortnightly, bringing community feed-

back to the working documents which were the basis of a community workshop we held in September in the Masonic Lodge,” she said. “From this, the community identiﬁed their priority projects.” These included: • pathways and trails, in particular the Loch Lap; • development of Sunnyside Park, including a second set of toilets for the town; • Loch streetscape; • establishment of a district based soccer club;

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8254 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Raised glasses. 8, C-ide-r. 9, Stand-up. 10, Trash-y. 11, Bea-Co-n. 12, P-a-int. 14, Short. 18, Ac-ac-I-a. 20, Stable. 23, Ca-shie-r. 24, False (anag.). 25, Took one’s leave . Down - 1, Recite. 2,In-Di-a. 3, Ear-the-n. 4, G-asp. 5, Apace. 6, Si-decar (rev.). 7, Su-pin-e. 13, Alas-s-I-o. 15, Ha-teful . 16, MaS-cot. 17, S-ever-E. 19, In-I-go. 21, Bella. 22, Fr-EE. QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8254 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Inconsiderate. 8, Plain. 9, Chariot. 10, Settle. 11, Retail. 12, Smash. 14, Impel. 18, Rattle. 20, Exempt. 23, Godetia. 24, Caste. 25, Three-cornered. Down - 1, Impose. 2, Chart. 3, Nonplus. 4, Inch. 5, Erase. 6, Agitate. 7, Extols. 13, Matador. 15, Mexican. 16, Fright. 17, Attend. 19, Lithe. 21,Miser. 22, Halo.

• car parking at the preschool and public hall; and • establishment of a theatre group. Mayor Cr Warren Raabe was pleased to note project teams were already established for these projects and several projects were already in the current council Capital Works program and underway. “The ﬁnal plan has a lovely heritage feel, and my congratulations go to the Loch community for their strong commitment to this process, with the assistance of council’s community strengthening facilitators,” Cr Raabe said. “This is the fourth community plan to be launched this year, following Meeniyan, Poowong, and Nyora, and Toora will launch theirs early in the New Year.” The launch followed the Loch Christmas Carols and a visit from Santa who in true Aussie style, arrived on a ﬁre truck and handed out lollies and gifts.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 39

Recipe book evokes heritage By Jane Ross AH how it takes you back.

For those of us who have been around for a decade or six, the delightful new Rescue Station Heritage Recipe Book evokes memories of grandmothers and their simple, delicious and comforting cooking. For others, it offers a window into a world that may still exist in some domestic kitchens, but they’d be rare. Most women have jobs out of home now and it’s easier to buy a packet of biscuits in the supermarket than whip up a batch of peanut biscuits (see page 89), shortbread fingers (page 91) or yo-yos (page 92). And please don’t call them cookies, that’s a recent phenomenon. In the scones and buns section you’ll find rock cakes (page 98) and black bun to serve at Hogmanay (page 99). If you don’t know what Hogmanay is, the recipe book will tell you. It’s full of all sorts of information about the families who settled in Wonthaggi and the women who handed their treasured recipes down through the generations. In the salad section, you’ll find a threeingredient recipe for salad dressing which “every mother” made. There’s cheese souffle, Ivy Brown’s Pasties, Mother’s Stuffed Vegetable Marrow, Pot Roast, Chicken with Coke (a chook, packet of French Onion Soup and

can of Coke), Smoked Cod Casserole, Mock Fish and a heap of other recipes. But this is not just a recipe book. It’s also a potted personal history of Wonthaggi and surrounds and many of the recipes have been handed down through families. The book took three years to bring to fruition and contains nearly 200 recipes from more than 90 families. Noted South Gippsland artist Dennis Leversha, has added some delightful illustrations. Greta Bremna co-ordinated the book and former chef of the year Philippa Sibley launched it. An internationally renowned pastry chef, Philippa was so impressed with the book, she agreed to come to Wonthaggi to launch it during the recent Rescue Station Art and Craft Twilight Market. She told those at the launch that her parents lived in Wonthaggi for nearly 20 years. She congratulated the committee responsible for the recipe book, commenting on the generosity of those sharing their recipes. “In my profession, people can be quite precious when it comes to their recipes. I’ve always thought this silly. “Good food is so much better shared.” Copies can be bought from Clancy’s Printing Service, McBride Avenue Wonthaggi.

Hard work: from left, Dennis Leversha, Greta Bremna, Philippa Sibley and Wendy Crellin at the launch of the Rescue Station Heritage Recipe Book, which was three years in the making.

Launched: chef Philippa Sibley signs copies of the Rescue Station Heritage Recipe Book after launching it.

Cakes in demand BETWEEN Christmas and New Year, members of the Lions Club of Inverloch spread cheer and sold Lions

cakes at camp sites and caravan parks. Funds raised from cake sales go towards supporting people with sight and hearing problems around

the world. The ﬁrst customer this year was Lena from Dandenong who waits for Lions to arrive at her van each year.

Thanks Lions: Katrina Maxwell and children Kate and Alex represented Wonthaggi Little Athletics when receiving $4000 from acting Inverloch Lions president Terry Hall and Lion Ewan Wightman. Fun run registrar Lion Jill Hill shared the moment.

Lions donate THE Inverloch Lions Club has donated $5000 to Inverloch-Kongwak Primary School. The funds were raised at the club’s annual Billy Cart and Fun Run event. Last year’s event was enhanced by students, teachers and parents building carts for the day. Funds will go towards new school buildings and grounds. Wonthaggi Little Athletics Club also received $4000 towards building a new shed. That money was also raised at the derby.

Splash out

WITH warmer days and school holidays upon us, South Gippsland Shire Council’s swimming pools are a great option for keeping the family entertained and cool throughout summer. “Council has outdoor pools at Toora, Foster, Korumburra, Mirboo North and Poowong, all ably managed and supervised by Section 86 Committees of wonderful local people,” recreation co-ordinator Ian Murphy said.

“And as well, we have the all-weather indoor pools at SPLASH in Leongatha which are open all year and kept at a constant 29 degrees for your comfort. Many of the pools have holiday activities for children to keep them active too”. A schedule of the opening hours and locations of each pool can be obtained from www. southgippsland.vic.gov.au, or by phoning 5662 9200. Whether at the beach, in private or public pools, parents are reminded to be vigilant in the supervision of their children around

water and in providing sun protection. “Our pools are about more than the water too,” Mr Murphy said. ”They are a great spot to gather with family and friends, have a picnic, read a book and just enjoy the social atmosphere. The pools are maintained by council in partnership with the Section 86 Committees, so we are keen to see the community enjoying the facilities.” Council expects to complete its Aquatic Strategy in 2011.

Cake sellers: a happy bunch of Inverloch Lions and friends gather before selling cakes at caravan and camping parks in Inverloch. From left: Ewan Wightman, Alex Katrina and Kate Maxwell from Wonthaggi Little Athletics, and Lions Helen Cole, Neill Everrit, Ken and Linda Aly, Terry Hall, Jill Hill, Geoff Cole and Dennis Turner.

Seniors get online THE Leongatha Veterans Welfare Centre is proud to announce that it has been selected to host a free Broadband for Seniors class as a community service. Broadband for Seniors is part of the Australian Government initiative to increase the skills of older Australian using computers and the internet. The aim is to get seniors better connected, enabling them to discover a whole new social experience on the web and to help them stay in touch online with friends and family, along with offering access to the wealth of information available online. According to David Cooke, group manager, NEC Australia: “The Broadband for Seniors initiative not only provides free access to computers and broadband, but offers training in order to increase the conﬁdence and skills of older Australians in using computers and the internet.

“This can help to build their community participation and levels of social inclusion and will address the issue of older Australians feeling isolated and left behind in a technological age.” The Leongatha Veterans Welfare Centre Broadband for Seniors Kiosk comprises two computers with broadband access and will offer training and support to those who are new to computers and the internet. Ros Bryan, chairperson of the organisation, said: “The new Seniors Kiosk will offer a resource to veterans and their families when they attend the Centre. However the service is also open for all older residents.” The kiosk is located at the Leongatha Veterans Welfare Centre, 6 Smith Street, Leongatha and will be open every Thursday and Friday between 10am and 4pm. It is hoped to extend these days in the near future. Training, session bookings or further information can be obtained by contacting the centre on 5662 0979.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 41

Helping families touched by cancer By Tessa Hayward A CHEQUE for $855.40 was presented to South Gippsland Relay for Life’s Walter Aich on Thursday. The money was raised at the Literary Festival held at Coal Creek on October 9. The Literary Festival featured authors and workshops throughout the day and Leongatha Lyric Theatre put on a show that night. All the money raised from the night is going to Relay for Life. Wine for the event was donated by djinta djinta winery. Mr Aich said the money is going towards education, research and supporting families ﬁghting cancer. “The Relay for Life event celebrates survivors, those who have fought back

against cancer and remembers those who did not survive,” he said. President of Leongatha Lyric Theatre, Mark Eva, was glad they were able put on a show to raise money for Relay for Life. “It’s great to be involved in something like this,” he said. Mr Aich said it was great to raise money for such a worthy cause.

Cancer council: South Gippsland Relay for Life’s Walter Aich (centre) accepts a cheque for $855.40 from the co-ordinator of Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, Rowena Ashley (left), and the president of Leongatha Lyric Theatre, Mark Eva (right).

Santa train takes off MORE than 50 enthusiastic passengers boarded the South Gippsland Railway at Korumburra for the annual Santa train. Father Christmas arrived on cue at the platform to hand out lollies and then boarded the guard’s van for the trip. In a busy day for South Gippsland Tourist Railway, another train left for Leongatha 10 minutes later, with further trains to Loch throughout the afternoon.

Jingle bells: Father Christmas was greeted with the song Jingle Bells as he arrived to hand out lollies on the platform.

Kids find their haven By Matt Dunn DESPITE the impressive scale of Leongatha’s South Gippsland Specialist School, it started life in the most modest of circumstances.

While it has existed in the town since 1996, it was little more than a jumble of portable classrooms in those early days. With just one teacher giving lessons to a handful of students, it had a humble curriculum and a humble vision. “It’s grown since then and ﬁnally we’ve had a purpose-built facility. But that’s been a long time coming. We have students who have travelled from all over South Gippsland to be here. It’s been a big need,” the school’s health and welfare co-ordinator Michelle Ward said. Clearly it is a need that is growing. Michelle believes the proliferation of specialist schools is something that “just needs to grow with the population”. “At the moment this is quite adequate for this area, but we do have students who come from Welshpool. That’s a long way to come. Some people can either choose a specialist school

Independent outlook: South Gippsland Specialist School student Breelle with one of the school’s chooks. or mainstream school for their children. That’s totally a choice for them to make,” she said. The South Gippsland Specialist School is a haven for children with all sorts of disabilities, be they mild or severe. “We have students who have got very, very high levels of disability and very low cognitive skills, right up to students who could be in the secondary school. They will be people who will work and live independently,” she said. One of those independent types is Deanne Battaglia. The 17-year-old singer/ songwriter is a vocal part

of the school’s musical group, The Croft. Michelle said the vivacious teen had a “bit of a gift for singing”. “We have a musical program and Deanne plays ﬂute and clarinet, but her voice is her most outstanding instrument,” she said. Deanne is shy about her musical talents, but they are obviously prodigious. She said she “always enjoyed singing”. “When I was a little girl I kind of taught myself how to sing, then I got lessons. Then I started singing with the band,” she said. The Croft recently performed at San Remo

with Rudely Interrupted, a band whose fame has grown through a killer set of hard rock anthems. Like The Croft, Rudely Interrupted’s members have various disabilities. While Deanne has been wowing audiences with her singing, she has also been lauded for her song writing abilities. A recent tune called L.O.L (Laugh Out Loud), was submitted to the ACMF National Song Writing Competition, where it took third prize. “We’ve got some really interesting characters here, who are really doing well. Deanne’s a good example of that. She does work experience at the council and a lot of our senior students do work in various places,” Michelle said. For Deanne the future is bright and she hopes “to get somewhere” with her singing. “I really want to get out there,” she said. In many ways, Deanne is symbolic of what the school is striving toward, for getting “out there” is its main focus. “Independent living and life skills are a very important part of the kids’ educations. There’s a very heavy emphasis on personal development,” Michelle said.

Appreciative: Neil Warren, controller from the Leongatha SES, collects the $800 proceeds of the South Gippsland Singers concert from Singers’ president, Rob Vertigan.

Singers donate $800 to SES FOR the 29th year the South Gippsland Singers presented their annual Christmas concert, this year at the Dakers Centre, Leongatha. Proceeds of $800 were donated to the Leongatha SES with the money going towards the $42,000 the group is raising to purchase a lighting tower to assist at the scene of accidents and other emergencies. Controller Neil Warren received the donation, thanking the singers for helping fund this important piece of

equipment. Compere Peter Gilbert provided a lively and entertaining introduction to favourite carols and traditional songs, with the audience participating in several items. Baritone Patrick Lanigan was unable to appear as a guest artist owing to throat problems, but soprano Joyce Brown fulﬁlled her solo role beautifully. A highlight was the haunting piece, Pie Jesu, presented by Joyce and choir conductor Larry Hills. Accompanist was Dorothy Warren.

Matchbox surprise INVERLOCH CWA’s last meeting for 2010 featured a break-up luncheon. A small group of 15 enjoyed a variety of delicious salads and desserts. Ladies at the previous meeting were asked to bring along a matchbox filled with as many items as would possibly fit in. Pat Griggs won, with 53 items in her box and Santa brought everyone a gift. Isabel Butterfield is leaving us after 10 years’ membership. She will be sadly missed as she has been a good worker for the group. We all wish her well in her new life. We wish the sick members a speedy recovery and a happy and healthier new year to you all. For the best flower for the day, Marj White won first prize. Second prize was split between Pat Griggs and Dorothy Riddiford.

Arts aplenty BASS Coast has a thriving arts community.

There are plenty of exhibitions, markets, festivals and galleries to visit during the summer break. Bass Coast Council has produced a 24 page 2011 arts brochure, which contains all the information anyone would want, including dance, singing and writing groups. The brochure is free and can be collected from a council customer service centre, visitor information centre or from www.bass. coast.vic.gov.au

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Play explores God’s value A CONVERSATION adapted from the book Listen to your Mother-in-Law by Cecily Cupit, was conducted at St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Loch as part of the last Sunday of Advent celebrations. It was an unlikely conversation between St Joseph and his mother-in-law, Ann who became St Anna. The imagined conversation painted a dramatised picture to the congregation of how God can come into our lives in totally unexpected ways; such as when Joseph found his betrothed Mary to be pregnant - not to him, but the Holy Spirit. A teenage girl was to become the Mother of God and a carpenter was going to be a midwife. This is an example of how amazing things can occur, if people have hope and trust in God’s word. The conversation was as follows: Anna: “You’re taking her where? I don’t believe my ears! Joseph: “Bethlehem. I have to go there to register our names, so I’ll take her with me.”

Anna: “My daughter. Nine months pregnant! You want to walk to Bethlehem? You want to take her with you? She has just returned from visiting her cousin Elizabeth – for goodness sake!” Joseph: “Not want to take her with me. I’m going to take her with me. If she’s out of town the gossips can’t pin down the date of birth. Besides, a son of David should be born in David’s town. Where else?” Anna: “A son, is it? Where else, you say is a good birth place? On the road there, maybe? That’s if the robbers don’t get you ﬁrst. God forbid. Joseph, nobody knows when the baby is due. This is not the moment to take her on a walking tour.” Joseph: “It is a long way to walk. Perhaps, I could ﬁnd her a donkey.” Anna: “A donkey! Why not a chariot? You should try being pregnant and riding a donkey! Joseph, be reasonable. Please leave her here, in her mother’s care.” Joseph: “She’s in my care now; I take care of her. How can I take care of her if I leave her behind?” Anna: “You’ll take care of her?

Suddenly, you want to be a midwife as well as a carpenter? Joseph, this is her ﬁrst baby. The only one who knows less about it is you.” Joseph: “Don’t try to frighten us out of it; we were both told by the angel, ‘Do not be afraid’.” Anna: “Did the angel mention any other details? Like how you will manage? In her condition, in a strange town, with no one to help, but Joseph, the midwife carpenter! Who dreamed it would be all right?” Joseph: “I dreamed that I was told not to be afraid to take her. So, if I have to go to Bethlehem, then, she’s coming with me.” Anna: “Oh well, if an angel comes to your dreams with a special message, then, why listen to the voice of common sense? Your mother-in-law!” Joseph: “He also told me it was going to be a boy; and to name him Jesus.” Anna: “Jesus? My grandson? What about Rouven after my father? Or David, even? Why Jesus? What sort of name is that? Oh, Joseph, you are im- Talking issues: Dianne Stewart and Joseph Karipel dramatising the conversation to the congregation in St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Loch. possible, I give up!”

Inverloch’s digital TV boost INVERLOCH residents will have improved digital TV reception soon. Broadcasters are installing a new digital TV transmitter for Inverloch, which should now be operating. The Inverloch transmitter is located at the Telstra site at the Inverloch Football Ground. Until now, digital TV services were transmitted from Mount Tassie, which provided unreliable digital TV reception in some areas of Inverloch. To watch digital TV services from the new transmitter, you will need to be able to receive digital TV signals with a new TV, set top box or digital video recorder. You may need to retune or rescan your digital set top box or TV to pick up the new Inverloch channels.

If you have digital TV channels already saved on your set top box or TV, you may end up with two sets of channels. Keep the set of channels which provide the best reception for you. If you have a booster or ampliﬁer on your antenna, you may need to switch it off to receive the services from the new local transmitter. You may also need to repoint your antenna to the new transmitter location in Inverloch. Analog TV signals are being switched off across regional Victoria on May 5, including those for the Inverloch area. More information on switching to digital TV, including assistance for eligible households through the Household Assistance Scheme, is available from the Digital Ready Information line on 1800 20 10 13.

Extra hands on deck By Chris Brown THE region’s surf lifesaving clubs have plenty of new members keen to patrol this summer. Inverloch, Venus Bay and Waratah Beach clubs all ran bronze medallion camps recently to train the next generation of lifesavers. Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club lifesaving operations vice president Nick Leman said patrolling members were up from 160 last season to 200 this year. They held a bronze camp in late December with about 25 participants. Mr Leman said at low tide the Inverloch surf beach had dumpy waves. “The main danger is they break onto shallow water, so they are a little bit of a hazard when you are body surfing,” he said. “There is often a bit of a trough at low tide, which will pull the swimmers parallel to the shore. “We realise the surf beach gets very busy and we try to make our flags quite big, but we would appreciate if everyone could swim between the flags.” He said people unfamiliar with water or who can not swim need to be cautious. The new clubhouse is now being occupied. Mr Leman said a competition team of about 30 people had been set up to attend statewide carnivals. The club will host its nipper and senior carnival on January 15. Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club has about 80 patrolling members and 150 nippers this season. Mr Stewart said the majority of members were returning from previous

seasons. The club had 29 surf rescue certificate and bronze medallion candidates training recently. Most of them come from Melbourne with a couple of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower residents also. Ten adults, many of whom had children in the nipper program, received their bronze medallions last year as well. Russell’s sister Kim is club chief instructor and said the beach had changed a little this season. “We often get troughs, gullies and holes in the floor and that can create the rips, so where we had rips last season can change to this season,” she said. “We have king tides every summer as well. At the moment the tide is very high and it eats away at some of the dunes.” There are also changes every day such as flash rips and moving sand bars. Ms Stewart said the club recently finished second in the state in the patrol efficiency competition. Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club has 90 candidates for the bronze medallion this season. Last year there were only about 75. Club captain Claire Steenhuis said many candidates who came up through the nippers, were from Melbourne or have friends at the club. “We found last season we had a lot of 13 to 16-year-olds, but they are starting to grow up and there are a few older people as well,” she said. The peak season at Waratah Beach is January, with a decrease in numbers once students return to school.

Running: Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club bronze medallion trainees are put through their paces.

Next generation lifesavers learn VENUS Bay Surf Lifesaving Club hosted a surf rescue certiﬁcate and bronze medallion training camp recently. There were 12 SRC candidates and 17 bronze medallion candidates along with nine training ofﬁcers. The SRC candidates have mostly come up through the nippers and will do their bronze medallion when they are older. Club chief instructor Kim Stewart said the group was excited about going for their bronze medallion.

Under training: Rose Starlight of Venus Bay and Lauren Robertson of Tarwin Lower were going for their surf rescue certiﬁcate.

Rescue completed: Ben Murphy, Matthew Clarke and Chris Turner were part of the training by the surf lifesaving club. Rescue practice: Ben Murphy brings Andrew Thompson in on Friday morning at Venus Bay.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 43

LBA spring comp winners

Bike shop for sale AFTER seven years running Great Southern Bicycles in Leongatha, Don Taylor has put the business on the market. The business is very much viable, says Don, whose only reason for selling is to return to Melbourne to be with his extended family. “It has expanded a lot since the time I started in the old Goller’s store in McCartin Street,” Mr Taylor said. “The most expensive bike back then was a $400 mountain bike. Now that’s regarded as an entry level price.” “People are taking their riding very seriously; consequently the quality of bike people are asking about can cost them into the thousands of dollars.” Great Southern Bikes stocks leading brands like Trek and Cannondale. The business has become one of Victoria’s leading sellers of the Trek brand. When Don purchased the business from Ash Turner, it was one of the oldest businesses in Leongatha, originally under the ownership of the late Hec Goller. Having moved to Smith Street and then

LEONGATHA Basketball Association recently held the grand ﬁnals for their spring competition. Winners are pictured. Under 14 boys: Royal Blue: Terry Ginnane (coach), Jack Ginnane, Ethan Stephenson and Kyle Materia; front: Damon Ginnane, Kyle Cooper and Brodie Chadwick.

Under 12 boys winners: back Caleb Webb, Zac Caughey, Thomas Martin and Kathy Brooker (coach); front: Hayden Funnell and Joel Brooker. Absent: Sam Bainbridge. Under 10 boys/Under 11 girls mixed winners: back: Trina Lindsay (coach) Ben Kewming, Connor Krohn and Rhys Lindsay; front: Jay Lindsay, Hayden Kewming, Chelsie Geary and Kelly Geary.

out to the current highway site, Don has been able to expand his range of bikes for all uses, including touring, road, and mountain bikes. With Don’s motto being you can’t sell them if you don’t stock them, Don’s shop is overloaded with bikes. Bike accessories also abound, with helmets, lights, tubes and clothing and more available. “Fortunately bike prices have reduced because in many cases we receive our bikes direct from the manufacturer.” Don said it would be a shame if the business didn’t sell as it certainly ﬁlls a need in Leongatha where there is a strong cycling club and the start of the rail trail. “The business is a good one; anyone with an interest in bikes who can maintain them should deﬁnitely come and chat with me,” he said. After a quiet few months in winter, the business took off in October and November with an increase in business of 15 per cent. For enquiries about the business call Don Taylor at the shop on 5662 2065 or Mick Hanily at Stockdale and Leggo on 5662 5800.

Business strong: owner of Great Southern Bikes, Don Taylor is trying to sell so he can join his extended family in Melbounre.

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments

Home team Away Team Ground Grade A1 Korumburra v Nerrena Kor Inverloch v Imperials I Turf Koon-Leon RSL v OMK Koon Won Workmens v Won Miners MR Grade A2 Fish Creek-Tarwin v Town FC Turf Glen Alvie v Kilcunda/Bass GA as Foster v MDU FGC an Phillip Island v Poowong-Loch Cowes Grade B1 Nerrena v Glen Alvie Ner Imperials v Inverloch EC mins OMK v Phillip Island OMK Won Miners v Won Workmens WNPS? Grade B2 Town v Fish Crk-Tarwin WC1 Kilcunda-Bass v Koon-Leon RSL Bass MDU v OMK Dum Lanyon Poowong-Loch v Korumburra Loch Grade C1 Phillip Island v Nerrena New Korumburra v Town KSC Inverloch v Foster Inv Won Workmens v Won Miners WSC Grade C2 Poowong-Loch v Imperials Poow? MDU v OMK Meen Koon-Leon RSL v Kilcunda-Bass MM Phillip Island v Glen Alvie RH Town v Won Workmens WC2

Umpire Graham Laird Clive Salmon Terry Rogers Alan Jordan Ken Lester Brendan ThomMichael HeenAlan Roberts John Lea Paddy CumDave Harris Dallas Wyatt Ian Thomas Herb Roberts S t e p h e n Bob Allan TBA TBA TBA Marian Wishart TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

C O N G R AT U L A TIONS to the ﬁve Wonthaggi youngsters who were successful at the Gippsland Sports Academy trials last month.

Jarrod Donohue, Dean Snelling, Brittney Taylor and Tanya Milnes were four of the 18 Gippsland players selected for the 2011 Academy table tennis training program, while Daniel Chetland was one of eight selected in the Regional Development Program. All ﬁve will be involved with the Gippsland Sports Academy for the next 12 months and will also compete in Victoria wide tournaments to improve their skills. The selection of these youngsters is a credit to local coach Bruce Harmer, who has spent many years coaching and encouraging school age local players. Wonthaggi players and supporters, Nancy Pattinson and Stephen Snelling, have been appointed to the program advisory panel. Nancy has also been appointed regional administrator on the program for the Wonthaggi Table Tennis Association. Bruce will continue as a ‘satellite coach’ providing extra coaching for these ﬁve talented young players.

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.

EVANS PETROLEUM Round 9 - January 8, 12.30 start

Wonthaggi table tennis

Westernport Bay THE snapper have slowed a little this week with everyone having to work a bit harder for a feed. Last Thursday, Tim from Pioneer Bay got a few good pinkies and a bag of whiting around the Boy’s Home Channel. The area off The Corals still sees some one or two kg fish in the deeper patches of water. Quite a few bigger fish were taken in the deep water in front of Cowes, with Neville and Nathan from Cranbourne bagging three fish over 6kg last Wednesday. On Friday they fished the eastern channel out the the entrance and got sweep and kingfish. Coronet Bay, Tortoise Head bank and the middle spit have all been good for whiting between 40cm and 55cm, with squid and praes the best bait. Several snapper over 6kg around Lysaghts. Gummys have shown up in better numbers all around the bay with Tenby Channel, Elizabeth Channel and the western entrance producing good numbers. Cowes jetty has enjoyed a good run of flathead as well as couta after dark. Rhyll jetty still has smaller flathead as well as some silver trevally and ling. Newhaven jetty

still fishing well for snapper on the start of the run-in tide. Several gummys also being caught as well as some very big mullet. San Remo still good for squid around the change of the tide. Andrew and Eddy from Grantville got some good whiting on Wednesday night fishing the pontoon jetty. Corinella fishing well for flathead, with a few trevally still around. Some small elephants have started to show up here as well as at Grantville. Punchbowl Big flathead as well as salmon, parrots and a few leather jackets. Kilcunda A bit slow on the surf at the moment. A few salmon around 800gm, with some mullet thrown in. One flathead measuring 64cm taken on Thursday afternoon at Shelly Beach. Inverloch Anderson Inlet still having a good run of trevally along with whiting and salmon. Bass yabbies and bluebait doing best. Port Welshpool A lot of big snapper still around with fish over 8kg being taken on most days. A fair few small flathead around.

Port Albert The big story here has been the terrific run of King George whiting over the Christmas period. The fish are only around 40cm on average but they are in big numbers. Still a lot of good flathead around but the snapper have slowed dramatically. Lakes Entrance The town jetties producing some nice silver trevally on prawns. Very few flathead around, however those being taken are big. With the warmer weather arriving the influx of tourists really starts to become evident. These folk bring very much needed money to regional Victoria, so please be patient and courteous on the roads, in the shops, and especially on the boat ramps. Too many towns receive too much bad publicity for all the wrong reasons. (Remember Rex Hunt’s punchup in Byron Bay). This kind of thing costs money to areas, thus costing jobs. Word of mouth advertising can do so much for an area and it’s free. I hope everyone has a happy and safe new year. If you have a report or a question, call Fishnutt on 0409 865 843. Stay safe and good fishing to you all.

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

5 WED

6 THUR

7 FRI

8 SAT

9 SUN

10 MON

11 TUE

0349 0950 1430 2148

0.86 0.48 0.78 0.16

0437 1043 1540 2236

0.87 0.44 0.78 0.17

0516 1128 1638 2318

0.88 0.40 0.78 0.19

0551 1207 1728 2356

0.88 0.37 0.78 0.21

0623 1243 1813

0.87 0.34 0.78

0030 0652 1315 1856

0.24 0.87 0.32 0.77

0102 0719 1348 1937

0.27 0.87 0.30 0.77

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

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Jackson’s bowls champion THE South Gippsland Bowls Association, Champion of Champions was played over Saturday and Sunday last weekend at Wonthaggi Bowls Club.

With the green in immaculate order and running at around 15 to 16 seconds, conditions could not have been better for such a prestigious event. In the Saturday rounds, the surprise was the loss of Ted Bott (Inverloch) who made an early exit being upset by Vic Piasente (Wonthaggi). In the afternoon round, it was expected that the John Turner (Leongatha) v Ian Painter (Lang Lang) would be a cliff hanger, however this was not to be as Ian Painter won easily 25/15. The closest and most hard fought game was between Rob Cosson (Korumburra) and Stephen Cook (Toora). Rob Cosson proved too good in the ﬁnish, winning 25/22. Sunday morning saw the semi-ﬁnals with Ian

Painter (Lang Lang) v Tim McLean (Fish Creek), with the result going the way of Tim McLean. In the other semi-ﬁnal, it was a tight game right throughout between Rod Jackson (Meeniyan) and Rob Cosson (Korumburra), with Rod Jackson proving too good, winning 25/22. This set the scene for what was expected to be a knock down, shoot ‘em out affair between Tim McLean (Fish Creek) and Rod Jackson (Meeniyan). Both players come from some of the smaller clubs within the district. By the 11th end, which turned out to be the half way mark of the ﬁnal, Rod Jackson was a mere two shots ahead, leading 10/8. By the 13th end, Jackson had surged further ahead picking up a further six shots, however over the next three ends, McLean managed to claw back four shots. This proved to be the end of Tim McLean’s run, as he only picked up a further four shots over six ends, whilst Rod Jack-

Results meet 6 - at Wonthaggi on December 14

Champion of Champions: runner-up Tim McLean (Fish Creek), chairman of the SGBA match committee Jack Kuiper, winner Rod Jackson (Meeniyan) and chairman of the SGBA umpires committee David Marsh. son pulled away to win 25 shots to 16. It was a great game to watch, and the spectators were not disappointed. The results of all games were J. Turner (Leongatha) walkover (Port (Welshpool). I. Painter (Lang Lang d M. Dillon (Mirboo Nth); B. Edwards (Corinella) d P. Facey (Foster); T. McLean (Fish Creek)

Williams wins ’Burra

Season success: Korumburra Bowling Club ladies A Grade championship winner Jan McLaren and runner-up Debbie Williams on Wednesday, December 22 last year.

Hoy to surf Sandy Point SOUTH Coast Boardriders will welcome one of the country’s most accomplished surfers, Matt Hoy to Sandy Point for the weekend of January 22 and 23. Newcastle-based Hoy, spent several years as one of the world’s top 44 surfers on the exclusive World Championship Tour, retiring in 2000 with three competition victories to his name. Hoy will be conducting a series of surﬁng clinics on Saturday, January 22 at Sandy Point for junior and intermediate surfers. South Coast Boardriders Club president and fully accredited surf coach Trevor “Bones” Eckersgill will also be running lessons for beginners at this time. Participation in the clinics will be open to members and non-members of South Coast Boardriders. The clinics will be followed by a ﬁlm night in the Sandy Point hall, featuring a latest release from Quik-

South Coast Athletics meet

silver starring 10-time world champion Kelly Slater. The film night will be open to the general public and include a barbecue and live music. On Sunday the boardriders club will be running a series of super heats where Hoy will be surfing against top local junior and open surfers. South Coast Boardriders vice president, Paul ONeill said this event promises to offer a spectacular display of surfing talent. The location will be determined closer to the day to take advantage of the best surfing conditions. Quiksilver and Cactus Black will be providing prizes and giveaways for what is guaranteed to be a weekend that will take local surfing to new heights. For more information or to register your interest in attending the surf clinics contact either Paul ONeill 0427 332 294 or Richard Grange 0411 127 220 from South Coast Boardriders.

d G. Cohen (San Remo); V. Piasente (Wonthaggi) d T. Bott (Inverloch); R. Jackson (Meeniyan) walkover (Phillip Island); S. Cook (Toora) d G. Hodge (Loch); R. Cosson (Korumburra) d A. Newsome (Tarwin Lower). Round 2 (quarter ﬁnals) I. Painter d J. Turner 25/15; T. McLean def B. Edwards 25/8; R. Jackson

Inverloch bowls THE final of our club’s singles championship between last season’s champion Mick Coram and Ted Bott was played on Christmas Eve. Despite the scorecards showing a comfortable 25-13 shot win to Ted, he had to display some of his best bowling to take this season’s championship, and in doing so recorded his 10th singles championship of our club. Ted got away to a good start in the match, going to an 11-3 lead but Mick staged a great fightback with some very good bowling to bring the score to 1113 in Ted’s favour. From that point Ted produced some of his best form and no matter how close Mick got his bowls to the kitty, Ted with his best draw bowling continually beat Mick’s bowl and did not allow Mick another shot for the rest of the match. He went on to register another milestone championship. Ten championship wins for one club is a great feat, but Ted is the holder of another fine statistic in another sport, cricket, playing in 12 premierships with the Yarroweah Cricket Club in the Murray Valley Cricket Association when he was farming in the nearby Cobram area before coming to live in Inverloch. Then we can add to that his 10 or 11 Division 1 premierships with our club as well as many other successes in other events at club, association and group level. It is no wonder Ted says sport has been good to him. Ted went on to play in the South Gippsland Association’s champion of champions at Wonthaggi last Saturday against the other 15 club champions. In the first round he was drawn to play Wonthaggi’s champion Vic Piasente who defeated Ted 25-23 after a tight match, but he said Vic deserved his win as he was the better bowler on the day. The results of the two days

d V. Piasente 25/7; R. Cosson d S. Cook 25/22. Semi ﬁnals: T. McLean d I. Painter 25/15; R. Jackson d R. Cosson 25/22. Final: R. Jackson d T. McLean 25/16. Rod Jackson will now go on to compete in the Group 8 ﬁnal of the Champion of Champions in February.

of the social bowls, 16 bowlers played pairs on December 23. When play ended there were three two-game winners with 36 points. The winners were Cliff Coram (sk) and Bob Huntley (ld). Runners-up with 35 points were Gavin Butler (sk) and Graeme Dunlop (ld). The other two-game winners were Brian Browse (sk) and Ian Bulloch with 33 points. Last Thursday we saw a full green of eight rinks on green two play pairs. After two games of 12 ends there were three two-game winners. Despite a 27-3.10 end win in the first game Norm West (sk) and Harry Sanders (ld), although winning their second game with their two game tally of 35 points, were runners-up. The winners with 37 points were Lew Caile (sk) and Gary Hardy (ld). It is good to see Lew back on the greens and winning his first game back after a lengthy absence with health problems. His partner Gary in his first year or so of bowling is showing great improvement and making a big contribution to their win. After our last Thursday monthly triples on December 16 our greenkeeper Kieran undertook the annual reconditioning of our Tift Dwarf green, and in less than two weeks it has shown a great response. It is a lovely rich green and the patches are already showing recovery. At this stage it is hoped it will be ready for play for the return of pennant on January 22.

Inverloch ladies REMINDERS for this week. First of all the ladies singles between Joy Brown and Robyn Dennis will be played at 10am Tuesday. Wednesday, our ﬁrst social game of the year is a mixed mufti game starting at 10am. Last, but not least, the ﬁrst Friday night dinner will be held on January 7.

Discus: U/20 Men: Patrick Ryan 31.04m; U/16 Women: Sinead Ryan 11.66m; U/18 Women: Lauren Goldie 25.54m; Open Men: Mark Coulter 17.49m, Peter Cardilini 17.99m, Brenton Taber 23.05m, Open Women: Zoe Plumb 11.80m, Sarah Lewis 13.91m. Shotput: U/14 Women: Jade Dalton 6.17; U/16 Men: Patrick Ryan 12.06m; U/16 Women: Sadie Plumb 6.13m, Sinead Ryan 4.48m; U/18 Women: Lauren Goldie 8.18m; U/20 Men: Josh Plumb 8.86m; Open Men: Mark Coulter 6.74m, Peter Cardilini 7.11m, Brenton Taber 8.14m; Open Women: Zoe Plumb 4.53m, Sarah Lewis 5.05m. 200m: U/14 Women: Jade Dalton 33.03 sec;

U/16 Women: Sandra Plumb 31.65 sec, Sadie Plumb 32.98 sec, Sinead Ryan 36.80 sec; U/20 Men: Josh Plumb 26.71 sec; Open Men: Mark Coulter 29.00 sec, Peter Cardilini 33.00 sec, Brenton Taber 26.15 sec; Open Women: Sarah Lewis 31.22 sec. 100m: U/18 Women: Lauren Goldie 14.85 sec; U/20 Men: Josh Plumb 12.05 sec; Open Men: Mark Cosulter 12.62 sec, Peter Cardilini 14.85 sec, Brenton Taber 11.88 sec; Open Women: Sarah Lewis 13.78 sec. High Jump: U/14 Women: Jade Dalton 1.20m, Tegan Lowe 1.23m; U/20 Men: Josh Plumb 1.55m; Open Men: Peter Cardilini 1.30m, Steve Plumb 1.25m, Brenton Taber 1.55m; Open Women: Sarah Lewis NH, Marien Hawker 1.20m.

Continued improvement: Sarah Lewis continued her good form, obtaining another personal best in the 100m (13.78 sec) at the most recent South Coast Aths meet.

Clay target club shoot DAY one of 2011 saw a good crowd attend the 100 target double barrel championship at Wonthaggi. After dropping his last target, Wayne Parks was still on top with a 99/100 to take out overall champion. Mitch Foon, Bernie Stokes and Daryl Hunt on 98/100 shot off for second, with Daryl, a Victorian state team representative, ﬁnishing ahead with 155/157. Visiting Melbourne members Mathew Dunkley and Paul Pingham took out A and C Grades with great scores of 98 and 89 respectively. After a 12 month lay-off, Wonthaggi’s life member Fred Foon overtook Chris Wilkinson in a shoot-off for A Grade second. Good to see you back Fred.

Morwell visitor Frank Balcolm was happy with his second in C Grade and B Grade was undecided with Andrew Daff and Brian Barlow leaving before they shot off. Wonthaggi’s next shoot will be big. A South-East Zone team shoot with an expected 100 plus attendance, Saturday, February 5, 9am start. Many of Victoria’s top shooters will be here for a great day’s shooting.

Results

100T DB championship: AA and overall: Wayne Parks 99/100, Daryl Hunt 155/157. A: Mathew Dunkley 98/100, Fred Foon 100/105. B: Andrew Daff 90/100, Brian Barlow 90/100. C: Paul Pingham 89/100, Frank Balcolm 86/100.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 45

Leongatha

IN the past, scoring 36 points was regarded as a good effort, playing to your handicap. The new system has changed the game as 36 now hardly qualiﬁes for a down the line ball. Alan Monahan scored 40 points to win A Grade. The handicapper hasn’t caught up with Glen Marsham yet and he continued his dominance in B Grade, winning with 42 points. In C Grade, Bruce Gibson topped the list with his round of 38 points. Brendan Simon didn’t appear among the ball winners but he struck form on the par three holes, winning pro-pin on the 16th and nearest the pin on the 14th. Ball winners: P. Du Plessis 42, N. Lafferty, K. Castwood, S. Petherick 38; J. Eabry, W. Norden 37; B. Jamieson, F. Gill, G. Cameron 36; I. Watson, R. Williams, M. Stubbs 35, P. Rayson, J. Housey 34. Tuesday Nine golfers recorded a score of 40 points or better. Peter Rayson was best of the A graders with 40 points, though he had to survive a complex countback. Glen Marsham must surely be in A Grade next time he plays. Glen blitzed the course to amass 45 points and he included near-

est the pin wins on both the 14th and 16th holes. Rebecca Wilson was the runaway winner of C Grade with an excellent 43 points. Ball winners: T. Brown 41, R. Thurston, J. Feddersen, B. Attwood, J. Lowell, K. Columb 40; C. Leaver 39, D. Hastings, P. Du Plessis 38; E. Jenkins, T. Moss, M. Williams, P. Hartigan, F. Gill, R. Rees, D. Brown 37; B. Gibson, R. Williams, P. Stivic, M. Fraser 36. Thursday A big ﬁeld of 94 contested the last comp of 2010. Again a score of 36 points (22nd best score of the day) was required just for a down the line ball. Youngster Nic Cairns is going beautifully, scoring 77 off-the-stick in his 39 point effort to win A Grade. John Housey was very steady in taking B Grade on 38, Frank Smedley took the honours in C Grade with 39, while Ian Sutherland had the day’s best score (41 points) to win D Grade. Ross McRobert (14th) and Nic Cairns (16th) were nearest the pin winners and down the line balls went to: P. Hobson, J. Fraser, L. Collier, D. Vorwerg 39; R. Rumian, A. Cairns, W. Norden, F. Welsford, K. Castwood 38; D. Clemann, A. Sparkes, C. Leaver, B. Attwood, I. Watson, G. Hines 37; M. Stubbs, B. Gibson, D. Bar-

rack 36. The January monthly medal will be decided this Saturday, January 8 and the Gordon West nine hole comp round four is on Sunday, January 16. Apart from those just assume that practically everything else will be stableford.

Ladies ON Wednesday, December 29, 27 ladies and 14 men played stableford in near perfect weather conditions. The club welcomed several players visiting from other districts. Forty-two points was the winning score in both A Grade and B Grade. Val Brydon was the winner in A Grade and our president Loris Clark won B Grade. Down the line balls went to Anne Gibson 39, Emma O’Halloran 38, Marilyn Williams 38, Rita de Bondt 37, Sharryn Rayson 36, Marg Grifﬁths 36, Glenyce Mc Robert 35 (on a count back). Nearest the pin was won by Danielle Jones. The stableford event on Saturday was won by Coral Gray with 38 points. Down the line balls went to Marg Grifﬁths 37, Di Williams 36 and Anne Gibson 34. Nearest the pin: Marg Berry.

Woorayl

Meeniyan

AS Christmas Day fell on a Saturday we started our golfing week on Monday with a stableford event sponsored by Retire and Wealth. Two things we all look forward to. The winner of A Grade with 41 points was the ever steady Doug Clemann. B Grade went to one of our up and coming juniors Tim Burgess with 39 points, and C Grade was won by John Hassett, also with 41 points. No doubt the A and C Grade winners played together and someone won on a countback. Balls went to J. Lovie, M. Carruthers, I. Atcheson, G. Fennell, M. Wood and T. Johnston. The ladies event went to our visitor from Bermagui with 43 points, Marion Calder, with a ball going to J. Hockey. As usual we ran our Thursday competition, with the bar voucher going to Bo Fiek with 41 points. The holidays brought out some unusual names. Balls went to T. Jackson, W. Turner and G. Winkler while the nearest the pin on the 17th hole went to P. Burgess. On Saturday we played for our December monthly medal sponsored by Colin Watson Holden. A Grade was won by Geoff McKinnon with a net 68, B Grade went to Tom Ryan, despite the gout, with a net 70, and C Grade and the medal went to Craig Hall with a fine net 63. Balls went to M. Grist, C. James, D. Lim, O. Vander Vorm, J. Hassett, B. Wilson and L. Wakefield. The nearest the pins went to Col James 8th and Michael Grist 17th. The ladies stableford competition was won by Thel Scoble with 40 points and a ball going to Sue Wakefield. The 8th hole went begging in the ladies’ nearest the pins while Marg Tuckett was the winner on 17. Next Saturday we will play a stroke event again sponsored by the Opal Motel.

THE winner of Tuesday’s single stableford was Chris Buckland with 39 points. Down the line balls went to L. Hemphill, W. Richards and W. Reilly all with 37 points. The fourball aggregate winners were C. Buckland and B. Challis with 71 points. Best nine was J. Dumont with 22 points, and nearest to the pin on the 8th was won by R. Thomas. Thursday Thursday’s winner was R. Matthews with 41 points on a countback from J. Cusack. Balls went to C. Stewart and best nine to A. Shatten 23 points. Fourball winners were again the red hot combination of J. Dumont and J. Cusack

Mirboo North THERE were 27 starters for the stableford event on Thursday, December 23. The CCR was 69. A Grade winner was Gordon Graeme (17) 42. Down the line: Andy Van Zuylen (22) 40, Ray Matthews (9) 39, Peter Draper (10) 38 and Jack Oddy (28) 38. Birdie: Cec Eden 6th. Thursday, Dec 30 Stableford event was played, there were 41 starters and the CCR was 69. A Grade winner was Ray Matthews (9) 42 pts, B Grade Connor Williams (25) 45 pts. Down the line: Adrian Williams 44, Ron Anderson 42, Max Fletcher 42, Eddie Dudek 41, Cec Eden 41 and Tom Whitelaw 40. Birdies: 4th Ron Funnell,

with 79 points. nearest the pin went to H. Muller. Saturday Saturday saw us welcome in 2011 with a singles stableford event and some very hot scores. The winner of A Grade saw curator Dave ﬁnally ﬁnd his way around the course with an excellent 43 points, with the runner-up P. Kuhne on 40 points. B Grade winner was R. Evans with 41 points and runner-up W. Reilly on 37. Balls went to B. McKnight 38 points, S. Collins, W. Richards, B. Hutchinson 37, A. Kuhne 36 and S. Browne 35 pts. Nearest the pins were won by A. Kuhne on the 2nd and B. Hutchinson on the 14th.

6th Cec Eden, Tim Traill; 16th Max Fletcher. Saturday, Jan 1 There were 34 starters for the stroke monthly medal played on Saturday. The CCR was 69. A Grade winner was Richie Robbins (17) 63, B Grade Doug Taylor (23) 66. Down the line: Max Fletcher (24) 66, Joe Kus (15) 67, Graham Watson (7) 69, Nigel Bracecamp (22) 70 countback. Nearest the pin: 4th Joe Taylor, 6th Tom Whitelaw (pro pin), 13th John McFarlane, 16th Tom Whitelaw, 1st hole 2nd shot Ray Matthews. Birdies: Dave Woodall 6th, John Woodall 4th, Joe Kus 6th, Tom Whitelaw 6th, Ray Matthews 4th, Max Fletcher 16th, Joe Taylor 4th.

Above: Enjoying a drink: Rowland Jubb, Andrew Robinson and Brett Thurston after playing at Leongatha on Saturday. Game on: brothers Chris and Shawn Howden were staying at Venus Bay and playing at Leongatha.

South Gippsland challenge: member of Berwick Montuna Golf Club George Toth was trying out the Leongatha course with friend Paul Carroll.

Kustom Nats this weekend

ON January 7-9 Kustoms Of Australia will be hosting the eighth Kustom Nationals, with many builders and owners coming to debut their latest customised rides, cruise the fabled race track, and enjoy the huge Rockabilly Festival. The Kustom Nationals are held at Phillip Island starting on Friday January 7, at San Remo which will be invaded by the coolest cars, with Kustoms Of Australia being granted the exclusive use of the main drag and foreshore area. Entrants will be cruising

San Remo until the bands set up on the foreshore in the heart of town 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. On Saturday the party continues at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit where Chopper and the John’s Rod & Custom crew will be demonstrating how to chop a 1950 Ford Single Spinner Tudor. Further along there will be a hive of activity at the Pinstriping Alley, where some famous as well as novice pinstripers will be showcasing their talents. There will also be a large variety of lifestyle traders displaying their wares 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, while top Rockabilly bands will be setting up for the annual Kustoms Rant N’ Rave Party at the local hotel where people party until late. Sunday at the track sees 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, Pin Up Contest, auction and Rockabilly Festival. The Rockabilly Festival will feature the largest

gathering of Rockabilly bands in the land, including the Flyin’ Saucers, Atomic HiTones, Blackhill Ramblers, Wild Turkey, Detonators, Ignition, Infernos, Headliners, Itchy Fingers, Dive Bombers, Vampire Boogie, Honkey Tonk Boogie, Sonyta and the Incinerators, 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 nominal fee to enter the Grand Prix Circuit on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the largest Rockabilly Festival in the southern hemisphere. Single day entry at the track is $15 per day, family entry $30, and children under 14 $5.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

On the course: Steve Chisholm of Rowville and Tony Brown of Warrenwood at Leongatha Golf Club on the weekend.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Rogaining third in world AN Inverloch couple placed third in their division at the World Rogaining Championships in New Zealand.

Paula and Steve Horton placed third in the mixed super veterans category of the cross country navigation sport, covering more than 70km on foot over 24 hours. They placed 112th overall from 600 competitors from New Zealand, Australia, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, USA and the Czech Republic. Rogaining is the sport of long-distance, cross-country navigation. Competitors must ﬁnd as many checkpoints as possible by only using a magnetic compass and map. “Both skill in navigation and speed across the ground are important, so slower teams with good navigation skills can actually beat faster teams with not-so-good nav skills,” Paula said. “Physical endurance, mental strength and teamwork are other important factors. Teams must learn to pace themselves through 24 hours of physical activity with minimal food intake and zero sleep. “Staying calm and rational at three in the morning in the rain in the pitch black, when you can’t ﬁnd a checkpoint and you can’t see the map is not an easy task.” Fortunately for the Hortons, few mixed

super veterans ran or jogged during the event, giving them a chance. Place-getters in most other categories jogged for most of the race. The outright winners, two young New Zealand men, ran for 18 hours and power walked the other six, covering about 150km. The Hortons regularly compete in Victoria, rogaining in bushland using a 1:25,000 scale map with 10m contours. The NZ course was set in steep farmland and the map showed less detail at a scale of 1:40,000 with 20m intervals between contours. “This made it much harder to ‘read’ the terrain; smaller gullies and spurs simply did not show up on the map,” Paula said. “Rain made the night navigation very difﬁcult, especially as we both wear glasses. Our glasses were constantly fogged up, making map reading almost impossible. “We got precious little sleep the night before due to heavy trafﬁc on the highway next to where we were camped and lots of loudly snoring fellow rogainers in the tents around us.” The course covered 220 square kilometres and 93 checkpoints valued at between 10 and 100 points. Checkpoints were about 2km apart. “Our task then was to try to plan a course which would maximise our score over the dis-

tance which we estimated we could cover. Not an easy task!” Paula said. “Fortunately, our planned route avoided an area where many of our fellow Victorians came to grief. Some of them spent many hours between checkpoints.” The event was held at Cheviot on the South Island. Paula became involved with rogaining after helping Mary MacKillop College teams as an assisting staff member at the annual schools rogaine in 2005. She was addicted straight away and eventually talked Steve into it. “As an ex-maths teacher, the mathematical side of me really loves the navigational nature of the sport, and the child in me likes the ‘treasure hunt’ aspect,” Paula said. They now train by completing regular ﬁve kilometre loops around Inverloch, frequent walking from Kilcunda to Punchbowl and return, and up and down the steps at Shack Bay 20 times, several times a week. They also cycle, hike around Wilsons Promontory and compete in monthly rogaines around Victoria, including two other 24 hour events last year and a night-time 12 hour event. To ﬁnd out more about rogaining, visit the Victorian Rogaining Association website: www.vra.rogaine.asn.au

Still smiling: Paula and Steve Horton celebrate their World Rogaining Championship success.

Ashenden recognised AFTER a year of hard work by a group of keen volunteers, the Dumbalk Recreation Reserve Committee held a barbecue in early December to formally dedicate the refurbished pavilion. Paddling away: Wonthaggi resident Gary Hamilton participates in day two of the Murray Marathon last week.

Taking on the Murray Marathon challenge A SOUTH Gippsland team participated in the Murray Marathon paddling event last week.

The New Level Body Therapy team was led by Wonthaggi massage therapist Gary Hamilton in a kayak. He was supported by family members Jacqueline, Trent and Ty Hamilton as he paddled in the great adventure open category. The 404km race started at Yarrawonga on December 27 and was scheduled to finish in Swan Hill on New Year’s Eve, but the final day was cancelled due to extreme weather and bushfire concerns. Gary averaged 9km/h over the four days of competition at a rate of six minutes and 38 seconds a kilometre. Other Wonthaggi residents to compete were Neil Waters and Alan Foon in the half marathon. They were also supported by their families. Hamilton always wanted to compete in the Murray Marathon. “It’s very tough physically as well as mentally,” he said “The first day was 96km and that was into a really strong headwind, so that was nine and a half hours of paddling.” Though Hamilton was in a non-competing class he still had to spend many hours preparing in local waterways including the Powlett River, Anderson Inlet and the Tarwin River.

After a day paddling in the restricted space of a kayak, Hamilton was slightly sore and very tired. “When you are paddling every day you are starting to think about your recovery for the next morning (of paddling) with nutrition and stretching,” he said. Participants and competitors in the Murray Marathon are careful to show respect to each other. One example of this was when Hamilton had to help school students competing in the relay who had tipped over. Over the four days Hamilton paddled about 300km in around 33 hours. “It was very satisfying to compete and it was very gruelling,” he said. “It’s something I wanted to do once and I’m not sure I want to compete in it again.” The Hamilton family land crew packed up and set up camp each day and brought food to checkpoints. After four days of paddling 62-yearold paddling veteran, Tom Simmat from New South Wales was announced as the winner with a handicapped time of 17h52m26s. The open full distance women’s winner is another paddling veteran, Elizabeth Van Reece, of Nabiac, NSW, who ﬁnished 34minutes ahead of the next competitor in her category.

The building was named in honor of Arthur Ashenden, for his 39 years as president of the recreation reserve committee, and his tireless work in the community. His two sisters, Gwen Helliwell and Marj Hillier, his son Robert, and daughter Glenda Xuereb, and son-in-law John were there for the unveiling, as was Cr David Lewis who kindly MC’d

Unveiling: Arthur’s daughter Glenda Xuereb (left) and son Robert Ashenden (right) unveiling the plaque with sister Mardi Hillier, niece Judy , Cr David Lewis and sister Gwen Helliwell. the event. The refurbished hall now boasts a new kitchen, complete with gas stove, and fresh new amenities comprising a unisex disabled toilet with shower, and male and female toilets, and a separate show-

er. The hall interior has also been repainted, and the concrete porch re-done to facilitate wheelchair access. These works were made possible thanks to a grant from the South Gippsland Shire Council,

a generous donation from the Dumbalk Progress Association, and many others who donated goods or services. The hall is now available for hire, by contacting Steve Riley on 5664 4266.

South Gippsland Field and Game Club THE club held its junior club championship on Sunday, January 2. The trophy and case of shot gun cartridges is donated by life member

Leigh Johnson. The trophy is given to the junior with the highest aggregate score and attendance over 12 months. Charlie Batten, a young shooter who ﬁrst arrived at the Hallston

Well done: junior South Gippsland Field and Game Club champion Charlie Batten receives his award from life member Leigh Johnson.

club with his father Ross Batten has slowly improved to junior club champion. This is the highest award and achievement a junior can achieve. Well done Charlie.

Winners: junior winner Charlie Batten, C Grade Mark Goulburn, B Grade Ross Batten, ladies Tracey Jacobs, vets Gordon Hart and AA Grade Kevin Jacobs. Absent A Grade Geoff Cooper.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - PAGE 47

STONYCREEK New Year race THE sun was shining and the atmosphere was cheerful at the Stony Creek racing club yesterday (Tuesday). Women and girls were dressed to impress in summer dresses and high heels. Children ran around on the green grass and were fascinated every time a horse galloped past. A sausage sizzle and betting booths were set up to entice race goers to eat and to bet. Left: Melinda and daughters Tayla and Madison Oldham.

Right: Young eyes: from front, Henry and Pip Lowenstein with friend Andre Mashaal watched as the horses went past.

Everitt . Natalie Morgan and Bob

rger. Jo Sapir and Carl So

Frank and Margaret Henn ing.

a Simpson, Reie Heywood, Biannc Carmel Snyder, Soph lly Shannon. Mo becca Jurgens and

Michelle Comb, Maz French and Trevor Comb.

Sporting dollars

Surfer honoured

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council will support upgrades to sporting facilities at Foster and Toora.

NIKKI van Dijk has been congratulated by Bass Coast Council for winning the Australian Junior Surﬁng Championship.

Lights at the Foster Recreation Reserve could be improved, with council to ask for $60,000 from the Department and Community Planning’s 2011-12 Country Football Netball grants program. That project will also help light the way for helicopter ambulances that land at the reserve, which is close to the hospital. The community and council will each contribute $25,000 to the $135,000 project. The remaining $25,000 will be sourced from a low interest loan the Foster Football Club has obtained preliminary approval for. The $60,000 Toora netball courts redevelopment will be the subject of a council application to the same program. Council will seek $40,000, with the Toora Netball Club and council to each contribute $10,000. “These projects will allow the majority of people in Toora and Foster area to take part in their chosen sport,” Cr Jeanette Harding said.

Held on Phillip Island, Nikki made a final day surge to gain enough points to win an award for the highest heats score. The 16-year-old is aiming for the world scene, but told Cr Phil Wright that she had to finish school first. She attends Newhaven College. Cr Wright and mayor

Veronica

Dowman,

presented Nikki with a certiﬁcate

during

last

week’s council meeting.

Heather Kerr an d Colette Parnia k.

Jo Cope and Pam and Kaitlyn Jackson .

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Fun day: Kayla McKenzie, Ellen Moon, Lauren Wylie, Katie Young and Sarah Wylie liked catching up with old friends at the Stony Creek races on Tuesday.

Heels and hoofs SPLENDID summer sun welcomed the first race of 2011 at Stony Creek yesterday (Tuesday). Dressed up ladies and galloping race horses filled the spectator area and track. Winning post: On the Rocks galloped past the finSee all the social pictures from the event on page 47.

ishing line with a fair lead.

Riley goes Dakar LEONGATHA dairy farmer Steve Riley is now racing across the Argentine countryside, competing in the Dakar Rally. Riley left the country’s capital of Buenos Aires on New Year’s Day on the ﬁrst day of the world’s toughest off road rally, spanning 9000km. He is racing with the Coconut Resort Race Team, travelling in a three litre BMW diesel, four-wheel drive. Riley is a former Australian motorcycle enduro champion and two-time winner

of the Australian Safari. The most recent results published yesterday (Tuesday) on the team’s Facebook page said Riley and co-driver Cairns resident Geoff Olholm were now 39th overall. “Another very good day, after starting the day in 52nd, Geoff and Steve put in an excellent drive and came 33rd on the stage and have moved up to 39th overall,” the status update said. “This means they’ll be starting from a higher position tomorrow.” The car began the day’s stage with mud terrain tyres, which turned out to be a wise

choice as rain began to bucket down. The Dakar Rally goes through Argentina and Chile before ﬁnishing in Buenos Aires again. This year there are expected to be 430 vehicles (including 146 cars, 183 bikes, 33 quads and 68 trucks) taking part. Competitors will represent 51 nationalities. Riley is a former Australian motorcycle enduro champion and two-time winner of the Australian Safari. He is driving a three litre BMW diesel four wheel drive.

Thorough test: Steve Riley tested his car in Egypt late last year, in the Pharions Rally.

Next continent: Steve Riley and Geoff Olholm are racing in South America.