The Great Southern Star - November 3, 209 by The Great Southern Star

Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland

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

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PAGES 43 - 47

The Great Southern

Star

INSIDE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2009 Page 3

PUBLISHED TUESDAY 68 PAGES

Page 3

More road tragedy

Page 7

Bridge gone

Supermarket back

Halloween has Coal Creek laughing HALLOWEEN at Coal Creek was an absolute sell-out last Saturday evening.

Scary stuff: There’s nothing like Halloween to scare people; council’s transport connections ofﬁcer Kathryn Cousins with daughter Chloe are doing their bit on the night.

It was believed to be the biggest crowd that had ever turned up at Coal Creek and unexpected, with visitors coming from Melbourne, Latrobe Valley and Bairnsdale. Some people stayed overnight in motels just to attend. Organisers estimated some 2000 children and parents descended on Korumburra’s favourite heritage village to take part in several free activities, including a monster bash disco, roving performers and apple bobbing. There were food stalls and the Pig and Whistle cafe was kept busy. The train rides were also much in demand and the scarecrow competition was a big hit. Entries will be on display until November 8. The trick or treat for kids was running out of tickets. Only 600 had been printed but the demand was much more than that. The event was “the talk of the market” at Kongwak on Sunday morning. South Gippsland shire council staff members were kept on their toes. One staff member said the day was “absolutely awesome”. “A great night was had. We had over 2000 people through the gate,” a pleased Coal Creek co-ordinator Rowena Ashley said. “It was wonderful to see the streets of Coal Creek ﬁlled with families.”

MILK MONEY

Step-up puts cash in struggling dairy farmers’ pockets By Brad Lester and Jane Ross DAIRY farmers could get an extra $28,000 in their pockets in time for Christmas, after two companies announced further price increases last week. Murray Goulburn and Burra Foods both announced step-ups of 30 cents a kilogram for protein and 12 cents a kilogram for butterfat, payable in November. Fonterra will continue to assess the market before initiating more increases.

The price rise will help farmers’ cash flow after 10 months of financial hardship when dairy prices were slashed as world export prices plummeted. Farmers’ annual incomes were reduced by between $150,000 and $250,000. The South Gippsland economy stands to benefit, especially as the busy pre-Christmas trading season begins. The rise equates to an increase of between 1.5 and 2 cents a litre. Based on the average farm producing 1.4 million litres of milk per year, the stepup results in a cash boost of about $28,000. Third generation Korumburra dairy farmer Colin Dowel, welcomed the second Burra Foods step

up since the end of August. “We certainly needed it,” he said. Mr Dowel hopes the latest rise would be “the ﬁrst of a few more”, but said it gave some conﬁdence the industry was improving. “All reports are that things are moving forward,” he said. Mr Dowel said the two step-ups resulted in a total of 19 cents more for butterfat and 47 cents more for protein. Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Darryl McGannon welcomed the economic boost. Continued on page 11.

Looking good: Korumburra dairy farmer Colin Dowel is happy with the news.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Mirboo North bushfire expo SATURDAY’S Bushﬁre Expo and market at Mirboo North was a sizzling success.

Urgent message: Tanya Doig of the Grainstore Youth Centre in Mirboo North, with texting experts Emily Loh, Aleisha Loh and Emmily Ebison, were on call to teach people how to send emergency texts. Left: Getting clucky: Tiana-Lee of Mirboo North met some ﬁne poultry at the animal nursery.

Although the focus was on looking after you and your property, many people were there just to have fun. Kids had a great time on the jumping castle and in the Camel Corner animal nursery. SES, CFA and any number of other agencies were putting out the message about ﬁre preparedness, with Rotary cooking the food and supplying the drinks for hot and dusty travellers. The market always draws a crowd, with a huge supply of bric-abrac, pottery, lollies and other treasures.

Sister act: Paige and Carly from Boolarra had a great day out.

All fired up: Mirboo North firefighters captain Mark Bourke and Mick Bristow dispensed some useful advice at the Mirboo North Bushfire Expo on the weekend.

Creative type: Michelle Murden let her pottery do the talking at the Mirboo North market.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 3

Laughter and song

LEONGATHA Primary Pi School students are a musical bunch.

The point was again proved last week when they launched the song for their The Music is Everything concert. With parents, grandparents, and friends all gathered to soak up the happy sounds, the children did not disappoint. While the Grade 4s got funky and the Grade 5s celebrated Australia, the real beauty of the evening was the emergence of some rare talents. Technical glitches aside, the magic of the music made the concert a must-hear event. Grade Two students Amelia Dunn (second from left) and Siobhan Beecroft had a great time singing a Simple Melody. See more pictures page 48.

Stop carnage: police By Matt Dunn LEONGATHA Police are pleading with drivers to take more care on local roads after a “horrendous and tragic” week, in which three people have died in separate incidents. The latest was a 90-year-old Nerrena woman, who was killed in a horror head-on collision last Friday at about 11am. “My head’s been spinning this week, with all that’s been happening. You sort of wonder how much more you can do to stop this sort of thing,” Leongatha Police Sergeant Scott Bodycomb said. He said there were several other accidents during the week, which may easily have resulted in more fatalities. In one, a young woman ran her car off the road and narrowly missed a row of trees. Sgt Bodycomb has written a letter to The Star this week reﬂecting on the accidents and asking people to change their behaviour in the lead-up to Christmas.

“I think it’s time some people in the community start taking some responsibility for their actions,” he said. On the same day as the elderly woman’s death, mourners buried a 21-yearold Leongatha man who was crushed by a fourwheel-drive vehicle after a mishap on a Hallston property. The same day also saw two men identified hooning in town, with one, a motorcyclist, found to be above the legal alcohol limit. “The level of frustration everyone is feeling here is extreme. You just shake your head at the end of the day. I walk into the office today and I’m told they’re looking at another individual for doing burnouts,” Sgt Bodycomb said. “The message isn’t getting through.” Proof of the statement is not hard to find: the motorcyclist was a 46-year-old man from Mirboo North, who had been warned earlier in the day to curtail his behaviour. Sgt Bodycomb described the man’s actions as “absolutely stupid”. “At the end of the day it’s little mistakes that can

turn into really big issues. People don’t really think about the consequences of their actions and some are displaying sheer stupidity on the roads,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s worst than it was, but we’ve just had a particularly bad week. I’ve never seen anything like this, but if you look for a pattern you’re not going to ﬁnd it. The only pattern you’ll ﬁnd is that driver error is a factor in a lot of these sort of incidents. “I’m not just talking about the fatalities. We’ve had probably eight or nine other accidents around here recently where there easily could have been fatalities. I can’t put it down to just one thing.” The human toll of the tragedy extended far beyond the accidents themselves, Sgt Bodycomb said. “You think about when you’re driving home, you think when you’re at work. Different people react differently to different situations. You wouldn’t be human if it didn’t have an impact on you,” he said. “It certainly has an impact. And it’s not just police, it’s ambulance,

it’s emergency services like the ﬁries and the SES workers who turn up to the accident sites…people who are involved in road recovery, the tow truck drivers, members of the public that are passing through. “It has an impact on everyone.” The elderly Nerrena woman died following a collision between three vehicles on Nerrena Road, just outside Leongatha. Police believe a red Ford sedan driven by the woman was travelling in a north-westerly direction on Nerrena Road when it appears to have sideswiped an oncoming blue Ford Falcon utility. The Ford sedan has then collided head on with an oncoming blue Holden Commodore sedan. The driver and passenger of the blue Ford, a 58-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman from Nerrena, were uninjured. The driver of the blue Holden, a 22-year-old woman, also from Nerrena, was taken by ambulance to the Leongatha Hospital for observation.

End of their tether: Leongatha Police’s Leading Senior Constable Pete Barry and Sergeant Scott Bodycomb have been frustrated at the behaviour of some drivers, in light of the recent spate of deaths on local roads.

Horror week: an elderly Nerrena woman was killed when her car ploughed head-on into another on the Nerrena Road, just outside Leongatha last Friday.

Bridge demolished LEONGATHA’S landmark footbridge behind Bair St came down yesterday. Demolition works to remove the pedestrian bridge over the railway line was carried out by engineering ﬁrm Pearcedale Plant Hire. Demolition works, costing $25,000, are expected to be completed during the week. The bridge is the property and responsibility of VicTrack, the State Government railway body. The project also includes the installation of a purposebuilt staircase to provide ac-

cess to a Bair Street shop. Reason for its demolition is that “the bridge is in a dilapidated and unsafe state,” said VicTrack general manager stakeholder and community relations, Mac Henshall. “It has been demolished to protect community safety.” VicTrack’s $35,000 pedestrian crossing upgrade project improved the surface of the crossing and widened it to provide easier access for wheelchair and scooter users. New fencing and signage was also installed. VicTrack’s total contribution is more than $100,000.

No more bridge: a Leongatha landmark for many years, the railway bridge behind Bair St was demolished yesterday. A footpath down Station St and along the railway crossing to Bair St is being constructed.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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Making a difference: Berrys Creek CFA captain Danielle O’Loughlin with sons Angus and Billy and second lieutenant, Glenn Dalgarno.

Ms. CFA

By Brad Lester

THE firefighters of the Berrys Creek Rural Fire Brigade have something special to celebrate. They are a tight knit bunch, which recovered from the brink of closure and they have one person to thank for that – the only female captain of a brigade in South Gippsland. Danielle O’Loughlin combines the challenging roles of dairy farmer and mother of four with her volunteer service as captain and firefighter. She has battled the Delburn complex and Bunyip Ridge fires last summer, and also the Moondarra and Alpine campaigns of past years. Her male colleagues respect her and she gets the job done, despite many demands on her time. “It was a learning curve earlier on and it still is. I just do it,” Danielle said. The captaincy demands overseeing the brigade, organising firefighters and vehicles, making decisions with lieutenants and ensuring the safety of firefighters. Danielle is up to the challenge, having completed on and off road driving courses, and studied fire behaviour and weather impacts. The Noojee brigade is the only

other CFA unit in Gippsland to boast a female captain. Berrys Creek has three women in a membership of 15. Apart from Danielle, the others are secretary Jenny Hulshof and firefighter Caroline Brown. Brigade second lieutenant, Glenn Dalgarno, has been with the CFA for 10 years and just two at Berrys Creek. He speaks highly of his superior officer. “Danielle is a good captain. She is direct, decisive and she definitely thinks of her crew first and foremost,” he said. “Whether it’s a male or female in that position does not matter.” Like many CFA volunteers, for Danielle, firefighting is in the family. Her brother Mark Bourke is a captain of Mirboo North CFA and Mirboo group officer. She stepped up to the role after the previous captain Robert Clark, resigned after 18 years in the job. With a limited pool of ageing members, the brigade looked liked folding, but despite only 18 months as a firefighter, Danielle volunteered for the captaincy and embarked on a recruiting spree. Over time, 10 extra volunteers joined. “We needed a younger group to

come through. We were looking for non-dairy farmers because a lot of our incidents occur morning and night when farmers are milking and they’re unable to turn out,” she said. Berrys Creek is the only brigade in the 30km between Leongatha and Mirboo North, so retaining the service was vital to guarantee a fast response time. While fighting fires poses challenges, the high level of training offered to CFA volunteers prepares them for surprises that arise. “The training you do with the CFA will actually help you with everyday life,” Glenn said. The Berrys Creek CFA recently received a secondhand truck to replace a 26-year-old vehicle, and members are raising funds for a Nissan Patrol slip-on unit with a 560 litre tank. “We need to raise $19,000 and the State Government will put in $101,000 towards it,” Danielle said. The annual Mossvale Music Festival is the brigade’s major fundraiser. A site is being finalised for the brigade’s new station to replace the existing shed on the side of the Strzelecki Highway. To find out more about the Berrys Creek CFA, contact Danielle on 0438 688 269.

Are ewe ready? UP to 100 highly skilled canines will take part in the annual sheepdog trials at Korumburra Showgrounds. The trials will be held over three days from November 9. They provide an interesting spectacle that draws bus loads of onlookers of all ages, from school children to aged care residents.

Bill Goldsack of Five Ways has been scheduled to judge the trials, together with Gerald Kenny of Cobram. Brian and James Kyle from Bairnsdale will supply and cart the sheep. Judy Macdonald, who co-ordinates the trials, said spectators are welcome. Ladies of the Korumburra Agricultural and Pastoral Society cater for morning and afternoon teas and lunches.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 5

Shark leaps on to surfboard A SURFER had the fright of his life when a shark leapt on to the back of his board near Kilcunda last week. Sam Bell of Inverloch was waiting for waves off the Powlett River beach when a five foot bronze whaler landed on his board. Mr Bell pushed the shark away and the animal swam into the depths, at about 7am last Tuesday. “I don’t know anyone who got this close to a shark while they were surfing,” he said. The parts manager at Inverloch Marine was surfing with a colleague when he felt a nudge in his back. “I turned and thought I had a seal on my board, but there was a brown coloured shark. I could see its tail in the water,” Mr Bell said. The shark’s jaws were virtually touching him, sending fear

through the experienced surfer. “We both just basically got out of there as quick as we could. The shock of it was the biggest thing but when I saw it was just ﬁve feet, I realised it was not that bad,” Mr Bell said. “If it had been a 10 foot shark, it would have been a lot worse. But this was the biggest shark I’ve seen in the water, that’s for sure. You rarely see a shark of that size in the shallows.” Mr Bell said the shark may have been chasing salmon and inadvertently landed on his board. “Another couple of guys a couple of hundred metres down the beach saw it come out of the water and didn’t know what it was,” he said.

Safe and sound: Sam Bell reﬂects on his close encounter with a shark while surﬁng.

Minister, here we come By Brad Lester THE future of the Leongatha Memorial Hospital will be known on Thursday, December 10. That is the date Victorian Health Minister, Daniel Andrews, will meet a deputation from the hospital board and Gippsland South MLA, Peter Ryan, pressing the urgency for a new hospital. Mr Andrews has told Mr Ryan he is aware the hospital needs rebuilding but has stopped short of committing funds. Mr Ryan estimated the cost at between $30 and $40 million. Gippsland Southern Health Service board president Tracey Gibson, will meet the Minster, along with CEO Gary Templeton and Cr Jim Fawcett, health service life governor and South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor. “We will be trying to convince the Minister of the seriousness of the situation we are in. We have waited for three budget rounds for conﬁrmation of funding,”

Ms Gibson said. “I have full conﬁdence that we can manage an infrastructure collapse but we can’t wait for it.” The deputation will take place after a public meeting this month to be hosted by the Leongatha Progress Association and Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A date is yet to be set, but the timing will enable the deputation to meet Mr Andrews, armed with the community’s ire. Mr Ryan paid credit to Mr Andrews for personally inspecting the hospital this year, but said the lack of action continued to frustrate the community. “I am hopeful the Minister’s decision to grant this deputation is an indication that the Brumby Government has decided to break this impasse and allocate the money so the rebuilding process can begin. Now is the time to act,” he said. Mr Ryan is also circulating a petition drawing the attention of the Legislative Assembly to the “serious state of disrepair of the Leongatha Hospital” and calling on the government to build a new one

“as a matter of urgency”. Mr Ryan and Ms Gibson emphasised any redevelopment of Wonthaggi hospital as a sub-regional facility should not affect the rebuilding of the Leongatha hospital. But politically, the need for the Wonthaggi hospital to expand in order to satisfy that area’s growing population would be an obstacle. “That will be part of the challenge but we do not want our effort here to be forgotten because of what is happening at a sub-regional level,” Mr Ryan said. “There are certainly needs at Wonthaggi but our needs here are discrete from Wonthaggi. Leongatha needs to be dealt with in its own right.” Mr Ryan said the board of management and South Gippsland community had repeatedly highlighted the need for a new hospital to the State Government. “Their efforts to lobby the Minister’s department to provide funding to upgrade the outdated facilities have to date been unsuccessful,” Mr Ryan said. “The community will now have the opportunity to put its case to the Minister directly.” In Gippsland Southern Health’s 2009 annual re-

port, tabled in Parliament last month, Ms Gibson stated: “…over the last ﬁve (and more) years the ongoing struggle to deliver high quality services, in poor facilities, has become steadily more difﬁcult. “It is disappointing that in this annual report we are again uncertain about what the Government and DHS are doing to address these critical issues.” Mr Ryan described hospital staff as “nothing less than brilliant” .

Action stations: Gippsland South MLA and Victorian Nationals Leader, Peter Ryan, and Gippsland Southern Health Service board president, Tracey Gibson, will next month press the need for Leongatha Memorial Hospital to be rebuilt.

ATM for Meeniyan MEENIYAN looks set to get a Bendigo Bank ATM in the coming weeks after an application was sent to South Gippsland Shire Council. The bank was hoping to have the machine in place before the coming Meeniyan Carnivale. The bank’s regional manager Rob Francis presented the organisers with a $1000 cheque last week. Another $1000 came from the Meeniyan and District Community Bank Steering Committee. A total of about $320,000 has already been pledged to the establishment of the bank, with more than $700,000 wanted.

Banking on success: back row, from left, Frank Arndt, Bendigo Bank’s Rob Francis, Anne Bateman, Kaye Bourke and Lyrebird Arts Council’s Anita Jones and David Vance; front row, from left, Kathryn Smith, Kaz Hughes, Sally Hoskins, Lorraine Hughes, Astrid Cecil and Ethel Hanks.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Boom times ahead By Jane Ross WONTHAGGI traders are planning for a huge increase in staff numbers in the next one to three years. This is one of the startling facts to emerge from a survey of local businesses and consumers. Another is the push for extended trading hours. Part of the impetus is the Wonthaggi desalination plant, but Bass Coast mayor Cr John Duscher also attributes it to general growth. He was part of a steering committee which conducted the business and consumer survey. Cr Duscher said Wonthaggi’s population is expected to increase by 8000 in the years ahead and business owners will need to look at how they will cater for that. “Especially the hours they are open,” he said. “They may have to open earlier, open later and at weekends.” The pressure is on to free up more land in Wonthaggi to accommodate the boom. Council has developed a structure plan for the town and this is now awaiting Planning Minister Justin Madden’s imprimatur. “The biggest thing holding us back is the

lack of land. We really believe that will be answered shortly. “The plan is a very solid one.” A spokeperson for Mr Madden said, “The plan and all of the issues involved are under consideration and I cannot comment on when the ﬁnal decisions will be made.” The structure plan identiﬁes future commercial development areas on Wonthaggi’s fringes, for example along the frontage to Inverloch Road. The mayor expects availability of this land to attract businesses such as white goods and “bigger players”. “There is a lot of optimism in the future of the town.” He said the projected staff needs highlighted in the survey were very encouraging. “Wonthaggi has always been recognised as the hub of South Gippsland,” continued Cr Duscher. “What also helps is having a major hospital, natural gas and access to services like Broadband; these make a huge difference. “Broadband will provide opportunities for business to expand and move towards more modern technology.” The growth, he added, means council will have to remain on the front foot.

“We have been doing a lot of work in the last couple of years to position Bass Coast for the future. That’s one of the reasons we were selected for Broadband. “We’ve been developing strong networks.” Among these is the Gippsland Local Government Network, which represents the region’s six councils, including Bass Coast. The mayor said there has been some concern among Wonthaggi businesses people about how they are going to deal with the desalination plant construction boom. “We’ve been channeling them to the desalination people AquaSure. “They’re still working on their rosters and the provision of housing. It’s not just Wonthaggi, it’s across the shire. “There will be other opportunities such as catering and cleaning. “People are going to very busy; the whole place will be under a lot of pressure.” Results of the Wonthaggi business survey will be presented to a function at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on November 9. Representatives from the Wonthaggi Business Association, Chisholm TAFE, town businesses and council’s business development ofﬁcer Margaret Murray, were involved in the survey.

Roll call: from left, some of the former students of the Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College who attended the Class of 19941999 reunion, Perrin Trease, David Tumino, Belinda Bordignon, Simon Maher, Maydia Parry, Amanda Murphy, Marnie Hallas, Gabrielle McBain, Brian Jefferis, Janelle Brosnan, Tim Calder, Ross McDonald, Brendan Fowles and Glen O’Neil.

Decade of school memories MARY MacKillop College Class of 1999 10 year reunion was held in Leongatha on Saturday. During the reunion a school tour was held for the group to see the new and improved buildings at the college, including the gymnasium and extra classrooms. A special reunion dinner was held at the Leongatha RSL, attended by some 30 former staff members and students. Students travelled from Melbourne and Gippsland to attend this event, and teachers in attendance included Ms Materia, Mr McKeown and Mr and Mrs Bleeser. Mr Curtis and Ms Hogan were at a family function at the same time. Event co-ordinators Janelle Brosnan and Gabrielle McBain (nee Vaughan) were thanked for organising the reunion.

Friends: from left, former Mary MacKillop college students from left, Amanda Murphy, Belinda Bordignon and Erin Foster attended the Class of 19941999 reunion in Leongatha on Saturday.

Weekend of wine and races CUP weekend was a busy time for Robyn and Owen Schmidt at Lyre Bird Hill Winery in Koonwarra, with wine, food, entertainment and horse racing setting the festive tone.

Art show: Leongatha artists (from left) June Marshman, Florence Stone and Peg Elliott will exhibit at the Lyre Bird Hill Winery in Koonwarra during November.

Pizza lunches were on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, from midday to 3pm, with singer/guitarist Peter Hall presenting his popular brand of music. On Tuesday, November 3, the Melbourne Cup was the central highlight, with pizza and wine much in demand, as part of the winery’s Summer Pizza Days.

Members of the Leongatha Painters Group are holding their art exhibition, called Riots of Colour, at the winery during November. The exhibition will run until Saturday, November 29, when students of Florence Stone start a special display. The Riot show may also run into December with some changes or additions to continue the spring spirit into the summer season. The winery’s Summer Pizza Days will run into December, with Boxing Day as a special treat, and continue into 2010 until April. For inquiries, call Robyn or Owen on 5664 3204.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 7

Supermarket returns By Chris Brown

MEENIYAN should have a new supermarket by Christmas next year if all goes to plan.

New supermarket: Foster and Mirboo North IGA owners Chris Bettles and Trudy McLauchlan hope to open a store in Meeniyan by Christmas next year.

The owners of IGA stores in Foster and Mirboo North have teamed up with a developer to build and open a new supermarket. About 20 staff, many of them part time, will be employed. The 440 square metre store, which is the same size as the Foster IGA, will have a service deli with hot chickens, doughnut machine, meat, fruit and vegetables, liquor and up to 8000 grocery lines. There will be a car park with at least 25 spaces out the back. The building, ﬁttings and refrigeration cabinets will cost about $1.5 million. It will be on the same site on Whitelaw Street as the Friendly Grocer supermarket that burnt down on March 7 this year. Chris Bettles and Trudy McLauchlan have owned Foster IGA for three years and Mirboo North IGA for one. A member of the Meeniyan Progress Association approached the couple about opening a supermarket in town and they found out the previous owner of the store wasn’t interested in rebuilding. IGA were prepared to support it, so the pair contacted Melbourne-based developer Ken Scott.

He has worked on many IGA stores and recently finished one in Blackburn. Mr Bettles said they looked at the demographics for the area and the passing traffic. Owning three IGA stores will give them a bigger buying power that should mean cheaper prices in the supermarket aisles for customers. Before moving to South Gippsland, Mr Bettles worked for Coles supermarkets as an insights manager where he looked at customer shopping preferences. He said people want good value and trolleys that work. Research shows that people travel for good value, he said. “If you don’t give good value to your local customers they’ll go elsewhere,” Mr Bettles said. “There will be a strong focus on fruit and veggies bought from the markets as cheap as we can and selling it as cheap as we can.” One notable aspect of the Foster and Mirboo North IGAs are the crates of fruit and vegetables out the front. Mr Bettles said this concept began when they were offered a bin of apples, which sold in a day. “If we buy a bin of apples we have to sell the whole bin, so it’s no good putting a high price on it then you end up selling rotten apples by the time they finish and that’s not good value at all,” he said. At Foster they tried selling pineapples from

Rain comes and goes OCTOBER showed plenty of promise for solid rainfall, but after an almighty burst in the middle of the month, the rain petered out. Nevertheless, the total was better in South Gippsland than we’ve seen for a few years. South Gippsland Water’s managing director Steve Evans, reported an average 100.2mm across the authority’s storages, all of which, with the exception of Leongatha, are full. Ruby Creek has dropped to 96 per cent. Coalition Creek at Korumburra has recorded 2.2mm so far in November, Foster’s Deep Creek Dam 1.55mm and Little Bass (Poowong, Nyora and Loch) 0.4mm. Leongatha’s October tally of 93.6mm over 11 wet days, is the best October rain since 2004.

Recorder Kay Puru, said 30mm of rain fell on October 14, followed by 27.4mm the next day. “Our year-to-date total has ﬁnally overtaken the dry 2006 one,” said Kay. “We are on 657.1mm, 2006’s was 574. But we haven’t caught up to 2007’s year-to-date total of 757mm. We are just above 2008’s of 608.5mm.” Ruby’s weather recorder Margery Robson, is ruing the proliferation of weeds, which she said are growing at a faster rate than her vegies. She noted 122.5mm of rain over 14 days in October, which was a whole lot more than last year’s 29mm. “The last time we recorded over 100mm for October was 2003, with 106.5mm.” The year-to-date total for 2009, is 761.5mm. With an average of 95mm for October, Fish Creek has just failed to reach that mark, with Neville Buck-

land recording 89mm for the month. But it’s better than last year, when October had 42mm and a year-to-date tally of 675mm. This year so far, there has been 830mm. Neville said in the three months to the end of October, Fish Creek had 402mm, compared with only 211mm for the same period last year. He tipped 5.5mm out of his rain gauge over the weekend and said someone had told him 10mm had fallen in Loch on Friday night. Meeniyan had 86.9mm in October’s nine days of rain, bringing the year-to-date result to 697.6mm, which is much better than last year’s 540mm. “That’s more than six inches’ difference,” said recorder Lindsay Fromhold.

School work WORK has ﬁnally started on the new $9.4 million Leongatha Primary School. A big excavator began preliminary earthworks on Friday on the site at Leongatha Secondary College, neighbouring the South Gippsland Specialist School. The new primary school represents stage two of the Leongatha Education Precinct which, when it is ﬁnished, is expected to cater for students from primary to tertiary level. Further down the road, a $7.5 million GippsTAFE campus is also underway. Stage three of the precinct will replace the secondary college. Mr Paproth said that has not been funded yet, but permission has been granted to go to design stage.

Safety zone THE Inverloch Community Hub looks set to be that town’s designated neighbourhood safer place under the State Government’s bushfire response guidelines. Bass Coast councillors will discuss the proposal at a special meeting tomorrow evening. The hub was recognised by council’s emergency management co-ordinator as a possible suitable site and the CFA has said the hub is compliant with its criteria. But, there’s a snag. Officers have recommended the hub be designated only if the Victorian Government gives council legislative immunity or interim indemnity in writing. That will have to happen quickly if the neighbourhood safer house is to be declared in time to meet the State’s deadline of mid November. Anderson Inlet and Inverloch have been declared one of 52 recognised sites in Victoria that are bushfire prone. As such, the town has to have a designated neighbourhood safer place as well as a town protection plan.

Start digging: this big excavator started digging on Friday, in preparation for the new Leongatha Primary School.

bins and it was deemed a success because they sold in two days. “We’ve found if you get the price right on the pineapple, people will buy it and are prepared to cut it up,” Mr Bettles said. “Now both stores will have a bin of pineapples out the front at $1.99. “It’s become a bit of a signature and we’ll guarantee the people of Meeniyan will have a pineapple bin out the front.” Mr Bettles said the shire had been fantastic, but there could be an issue gaining access to the track at the back of Meeniyan. He said there should be enough available grocery business in Meeniyan that if they can secure a large proportion of it the store will be viable. “If you add the passing trade and the tourist trade it should become a viable proposition,” he said. “You’ll be able to stop here and load up for things for the Prom.” It would make the supermarket the “stocking up point” in the turning point town. As it will be open from 7am until 9pm it will also cater for people driving through the town looking for a cold drink or some snack food. Mr Bettles said Meeniyan has to grow. “It’s less than two hours from Melbourne. The tourism here is amazing….This town has lots of potential to grow and there are lots of areas to grow,” Mr Bettles said.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A Lifesaving $500,000 IT has taken more than a decade, but the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club has ﬁnally been funded to build its club rooms with $500,000 in State Government funds announced last week.

Club president Philippe Du Plessis said the announcement was “a signiﬁcant milestone for the club, following its 10-year anniversary last season”. “Born from a local safety need in 1998, the club has grown from 70 members, including 12 patrolling members, to more than 400, with 129 patrolling members protecting the safety of the Inverloch community and its many visitors,” Mr Du Plessis said. In 1998 Inverloch resident Glenn Hibberd came to the rescue of a young family who had found themselves taken by a rip and were washed out to sea at the Inverloch surf beach. The family was rescued and from that moment Mr Hibberd became the driving force in establishing life saving facilities at the surf beach. “Following a public meeting in October 1998 the community expressed its commitment to forming the club. With the support of Lifesaving Victoria, the local State Member Ken Smith, Bass Coast Shire Council and the wider Inverloch community, the club was formed. Glenn became its inaugural president,” Mr Du Plessis said. “The club began its activities with 70 members; 12 of whom were patrolling (active) members. The Club has now grown to a membership of 416. During the 2008/09 season 129 members patrolled the beach, contributing 4625 patrol hours and countless other voluntary inputs. “The Nippers area of club operations was commenced in the summer of 2000/2001 and quickly

Club house: Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club president Philippe Du Plessis (left) was pleased to be presented with a $500,000 grant from Sports Minister James Marino last Tuesday. Lifesavers Nick Leman (third left) and Harvey Jones took the Mr Marino for a stroll on the beach. Trevor Dando (second left) is Bass Coast council’s building project coordinator and a patrolling club member. demonstrated that a major void had been ﬁlled. The Nippers program commenced with around 30 children and is now capped at around 150 participants. “This new facility will enable us to expand and enhance our safety presence and other programs such as the highly successful Nippers, which involves nearly 150 children. The total project is expected to cost $1.3 million with the club ($125,000), Bass Coast Shire Council ($200,000), Inverloch Community (Bendigo) Bank ($100,000) and Lifesaving Victoria ($100,000). The Inverloch business community and community groups made available $275,000, part of it as a loan, to make the project fully funded. Since its beginnings the club has been living and

working out of shipping containers. Three are standing in the car park of the Inverloch beach on Surf Parade, opposite Goroke St. They house equipment and provide shelter and accommodation for the lifesavers, but they are hardly suitable amenities. The Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation James Merlino, announced the grant on site last Tuesday. He was presented with an Inverloch club jumper. Also present were the Labor candidate for the Federal seat of McMillan Christine Maxﬁeld, and the State Labor candidate for the seat of Bass, Gerry Lonergan. The sitting member for Bass Ken Smith was also at the function. The government funds will be received on July 1, when construction can begin. Tenders will go out

in April 2010. Completion is scheduled for October at the earliest and before the end of the year at the latest. Bass Coast Shire Council has worked closely with Inverloch SLSC to secure the funding. Chief executive ofﬁcer Allan Bawden said council was pleased with the State Government support as the new clubhouse was long overdue. “At the moment, the Inverloch Club is the second largest surf lifesaving club in the Bass Coast region, with 416 members, and it is running its activities from three shipping containers,” Mr Bawden said. “A new facility means they will be able to increase active participation in club activities and provide a facility for other sporting and community groups, emergency service organisations and educational institutions. Once the new clubhouse is completed, I expect club membership will grow, as they will have room to accommodate more people.” Bass Coast Mayor John Duscher said the project was “another example of a strong community partnership”. The design of the new clubhouse will have minimal impact on the existing area, integrating public facilities such as toilets. Environmentally sustainable factors, such as water capture and features to minimise power consumption have also been included. Water captured on the roof will be stored and used to wash down the rescue equipment. The building will include double glazing, sensor lights, solar panels and insulation. It will include equipment store, First Aid room, Patrol room, general public and club toilets and showers, kiosk, recreation/training area, kitchenette, disabled accessible accommodation for 24 patrolling members and/or community groups which include female friendly spaces.

Inverloch CWA news PRESIDENT Joyce Ingle opened the annual meeting on October 13 with a friendly greeting to all including state president Hellen Barrow, Margaret Hyde and Evelyn Stephens. All positions were vacated and a new committee was formed and all positions ﬁlled. A donation was made to Inverloch SES and a donation also to Jaxon. Best bloom was won by Dorothy Riddeford and joint second place was shared by Phyllis O’Dea, Pat Griggs and Joyce Ingle. E being the letter for the month brought forth a small herd of elephants, an egg-cup, a dozen eggs and an elastoplast box. Ladies don’t forget the Blume Fashion Show at the Anglican Church Hall on November 12. In the monthly Victorian Country Women was a very nice photo of Marj White planting a Golden Ash tree at Baromi Park, Mirboo North, which was ravaged by the ﬁres last summer. The meeting closed with the Motto and the usual scrumptious afternoon tea.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 9

POLICE BRIEFS

Inverloch hit-run charges laid A MAN will be summonsed to appear in Korumburra Magistrates Court after a hit and run incident in Inverloch on Thursday, October 22. Another Inverloch man was injured in the incident, when struck by the Holden Commodore. Rumours of a dispute between the two men have been swirling around the town. Inverloch Police could not say whether the man driving the car had deliberately run the other down. “This is still in the process of getting investigated and statements taken. The basic story is that a man has been run over and the other man’s going to be charged with some serious matters out of it,” Inverloch Police’s Leading Senior Constable Phil Moody said. “We can’t draw the conclusion that it was clearly intentional. That’s a matter for a magistrate to decide.”

False robbery A 41-year-old Tarwin man has been charged after falsely claiming he was robbed outside the Opal Motel, on the South Gippsland Highway, Leongatha. The alleged robbery was reported widely on ABC Radio. The elaborate tale had the man pulling over to help a motorist who had apparently broken down, when he was king hit by another man and robbed of his wallet. The man claimed the crime happened on Saturday, October 17 between 12.45pm and 1.15pm. “We did a bit of background

investigation on it and handed it over to the Wonthaggi CIU,” Leongatha Police’s Sergeant Scott Bodycomb said. Sgt Bodycomb said the alleged victim’s story did not stand up to scrutiny. “We compared the complaint tapes with the story line he’s given us and came up with some discrepancies, so it’s been handed over to the CIU to follow up. He’s ended up rolling over on it,” he said. “It puts fear into people when they hear stories like that. I think it’s better that people know the facts – that it was a total fabrication.” Wonthaggi CIU’s Sergeant Ian Ricardo said police had “identiﬁed certain things throughout the investigation that did not ring true and the man was subsequently charged”. In a separate incident, the man was also charged for not paying for his petrol after ﬁlling up at a local station.

Murder plea HOMICIDE Squad detectives now believe after recent calls to Crime Stoppers that the person responsible for Racheal Betts’ murder is a man that was well known to her. Racheal’s leg was washed up on a Phillip Island beach and police believe she may have been murdered close to the scene. Police are appealing to two separate callers who contacted Crime Stoppers and provided information they believe to be vital to the investigation.

Blaze plea A FIRE that razed a property in Mitchell Street, Nyora recently is being regarded as suspicious. “The arson people came down with their chemist, but they couldn’t determine whether it was deliberate or not. But the CFA investigators did think it was suspicious,” Wonthaggi CIU’s Senior Constable Andrew Lappin said. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the blaze or who has any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.

McDonald’s exposure A 19-year-old Leongatha man was charged with exposing himself at the McDonald’s restaurant in Leongatha early on the morning of Sunday, October 18. The man was inebriated at the time of the incident. “He’s been charged with wilful and obscene exposure and the matter is pending on summons,” Leongatha Police’s Sergeant Scott Bodycomb said. “Some of these incidents of stupidity don’t really pay, because they get caught in the end. “Staff aren’t there to tolerate that sort of behaviour, regardless of where it is.”

Kardella burglary THIEVES targeted a property at

Kardella South on Tuesday, October 20, stealing more than $2000 worth of property, including electrical equipment and money. Investigations are pending.

Car theft A RARE Holden Commodore, tools and pumps were stolen during two robberies in Korumburra recently. “A distinctive vehicle was stolen during a burglary at Dunlevie Motors, Commercial Road, Korumburra, between October 25 and 26. They stole a heap of tools from the workshop there, but they also stole a 1987 Holden VL SS Group A Commodore,” Wonthaggi CIU’s Senior Constable Andrew Lappin said. “The victim believes the car is valued at approximately $9000.” The car’s number plate is CFD-000.

Car burn MEENIYAN Police are looking for information regarding a car that was deliberately set on ﬁre on Sunday.

Police believe the same thief or thieves may be responsible for a further theft of $8000 worth of pump equipment in the town. “Between October 25 and 26, a glass front door to a plumbing supply business was smashed and eight pumps were taken,” Leongatha Police’s Sergeant Scott Bodycomb. “The mode of entry between the two crimes was the same and no doubt it was the same parties involved.” Police would appreciate any information about the crimes.

Anyone with information is urged to call Snr Const McDonald on 5664 7281.

The incident occurred on the Stony Creek – Dollar Road, Stony Creek. “We’re looking at anyone who was along there between 12pm and 12.30pm on Sunday,” Meeniyan Senior Constable Paul McDonald said. Snr Const McDonald said police were particularly looking for a dark coloured vehicle.

Powoong says cheese for TV crew A KRAFT television advertisement for cheese was ﬁlmed on farmland just out of Poowong on Thursday.

The property is owned by Pam Henry and leased by George Henry and David Pinkerton. From what The Star could gather, the commercial focuses on a family of four that play cricket in a paddock before relaxing with some cheese. People from the production company were unable to make any comment on the ﬁlming due to a media blackout. At one stage the cows, which were needed to provide a backdrop, were on the wrong side of the hill, so David had to

move them around. “I did a fair bit of work to prepare and I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the ﬁlming and making sure the electric fences weren’t going,” he said. David said people from the production company had made a trip to scope out the property. “I showed them through and they took many pictures,” he said. “They’d been to the other side of Melbourne and there was nothing like this country. “They couldn’t believe how green and lovely it is.” Cast and crew ate gourmet catered food, with the leftovers being put into garbage bags for David’s dog and chooks. However the cheese be-

ing used in the commercial wasn’t appreciating the heat last week. David was surprised at the amount of people involved and how many shots of the same scene are ﬁlmed. “I was told it was going to be a big thing, but I didn’t realise how big it would be,” he said. George was also amazed at the people and equipment needed to make a television advertisement. “When I looked across the paddock this morning and saw all the gear, I thought, goodness me they are going to make history,” he said. The Poowong property is likely to be added to a list of places suitable for ﬁlming.

Advert making: George Henry and David Pinkerton at the farm they lease at Poowong where a Kraft commercial was made last week. (Inset) a Kraft commercial is made just out of Poowong last week.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

ebrated in true carnival style. These celebrations will include an Art Fair and workshops at MAG.

Steve Canning: the Safeway produce worker hasn’t got anything against the supermarket’s own fruit and veg, but would always prefer to grow his own. Here he is pictured at home with his latest crop of broccoli. ACTING curator for the Meeniyan Art Gallery (MAG), Winsome Richards has been appointed as curator for the next 12 months. Winsome works with a dedicated team of committed volunteers for this not-for-proﬁt organi-

sation and is very excited about future exhibitions. MAG is totally involved with the upcoming Meeniyan Carnivale over the weekend of November 21-23, when 10 years of concerts by the Lyrebird Arts Council will be cel-

A LEONGATHA man has had a nasty experience with a dodgy “power” seller. He said the ﬁrst he knew about having changed power companies was when a letter arrived in the post saying he had changed power companies. Phone calls, letters and threats of legal action eventually saw him returned to his former electricity company. But he reckons it cost him extra in “doubledup” bills from both companies. He said that anyone who has an experience like this should act quickly and don’t give in to the pressure of these dodgy companies. LORRAINE Knox, who has been with the Leongatha kinder for 21 years, is retiring at the end of this year. An afternoon tea has been arranged for current and past families who Lorraine has been involved with during her time with the kinder. It will be held at Allora Kinder on Thursday December 3 at 2.30pm - everyone welcome. A HEARING aid has been lost in Leongatha. If found, please call 5662 3268. IF anyone noticed South Gippsland Shire Council ofﬁce staff looking rather casually dressed last Friday, it was for a good cause. Since June staff members have begun “casual Friday” on the last Friday of the month to raise funds for charity. Funds have been raised for the local CFA, Salvos and Yanakie Hall committee. Last Friday it was the turn of CanTeen, the

cause for teenagers living with cancer. ON November 6, 1969 the town of Korumburra received its ﬁrst library in Radovick Street, in a small room attached to the Mechanics Hall. The library opened in 1969 with only a small collection of books, 5000 in total and now boasts over 10,300 items. With the growth of the collection and need for space, the library quickly outgrew the room, moving location and ﬁnally settling at the larger current site at 165 Commercial Street in 1996. To help celebrate their 40th anniversary the Korumburra Library is inviting you to an afternoon tea on Thursday November 5 at 2pm at the library. This is a momentous occasion and we’d love you to join us. Drop in to the library at 165 Commercial Street, Korumburra or call 5655 1105 to let us know you’re coming. SATURDAY, October 24 saw long time Wonthaggi resident, Arthur Wilson, celebrate his 80th birthday at the Wonthaggi Baptist Church Hall, with over 100 friends and family attending. Family members came from as far away as Alice Springs to congratulate Arthur. After retiring in 1992, Arthur moved to Wonthaggi in 1997 only to suffer four heart attacks over a number of years, which has given Arthur a deep commitment to healthy heart living and passionate support for the Wonthaggi and District Branch of Heart Support Australia.

THE South Gippsland Carers Group enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Leongatha RSL club last Friday. The community-based group cares for people who are giving or have given care and support to children, young people, relatives and friends. Also known as Carers for the Carers, the group provides support and advice for current and former carers. For inquiries and information or to join the group, call Heather Canning on 5668 9243 or Bill Skinner on 5659 6468. The lunch party includes John Skinner, Mary Baker, Thelma Goss, Anne and Eric Wilson, Heather Canning and John Wade (standing left), Pearl White, Joy Hoy, Bill Skinner and Tracy Fraser (standing), Pamela and Agnes Witton, Cathy Wade with her son David. rewritten to acknowledge how their Nan has looked after all the grandchildren over the years. The Meeniyan Ecumenical Choir gave three emotional performances and the group formerly known as the 60s Chicks also sang. Dawn Cope, Flo’s close friend and stalwart coworker for Stony Creek Football thanked Flo on

behalf of the members at Stony Creek. Her son Jeff and granddaughter Jackie also said a few words. The beautiful cake, made by daughter Glenys, was cut and shared. A wonderful and memorable afternoon was had by all, especially Flo. Happy birthday Flo.

Above: Just wild: Birgit Grunwald and Geoff Cooling were happy to share their delightful garden at their “Caringa” property on Sunday. Featuring Australian natives, shrubs and perennials Birgit and Geoff have added their own favorite plants and have attracted a rich variety of birdlife, an echidna, a blue tongue lizard aand a roamingg koala. Left: Rambling: Ilse and Frank Arndt were only too pleased to share their sixyear-old garden featuring natives and exotics, lots of pot plants, a vegetable patch and fruit trees with garden enthusiasts during the Meeniyan open garden day on Sunday.

JACKSON and Lawry would like to thank all the people who generously donated to the Optometry Giving Sight Appeal. $1170 of donations was raised from the public and by the donation of eye examination fees. This money will help prevent blindness in developing countries. ALL past and present members of Tarwin Lower Red Cross are invited to celebrate its 70th anniversary birthday at Tarwin Lower Hall on Tuesday, November 10 at 1.30pm. For more information contact Fiona Mahomed at the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation on 5622 2849. ON Sunday October 25 Meeniyan Hall was ﬁlled with up to 160 family and friends who had come together to celebrate Flo Wilson’s 80th birthday. The guests were treated to a sumptuous afternoon tea and entertainment. Flo’s grandchildren Ben, Sarah Emily and Sam performed two songs with one specially

Cottage garden: Len and Willie Staff of Meeniyan opened their lovely cottage style garden on Sunday as part of the Meeniyan open garden day which attracted more than 120 groups of visitors.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 11

Rising tides coast threat By Bert van Bedaf and Brad Lester

A COASTAL report by a federal House of Representatives committee into climate change has again highlighted the fragile state of South Gippsland’s coastline, which faces rising tides in coming decades.

South Gippsland has its share of vulnerable spots. Tooradin has been identiﬁed as being susceptible to rising sea levels. Storm damage and ﬂooding of beaches recently happened in Coronet Bay, Inverloch, San Remo and Rhyll, when a high tide of more than 1.5 metres combined with gale force winds to cause huge swells. Major research into the consequences of rising sea levels will be needed and the issue of future compensation may also arise. The report, called Managing our Coastal Zone in a Changing Climate: the Time to Act is Now, said in Victoria 80,000 coastal homes are said to be affected by rising tides. Areas threatened by storm surges are

expected to grow by 15 per cent by 2030. When the State Government released its Victorian Coastal Strategy last December, it actively discouraged residential development in low-lying coastal areas that are vulnerable to flooding, rising sea levels or soil erosion. However, well before the strategy was released, South Gippsland broke new ground when planning permits for six homes on Grip Rd, Toora, were denied by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Although part of VCAT’s ruling was based on the State Government planning limits not to build on land less than 40ha in the farming zone, a significant part of its refusal was “the potential sea level rises due to the effects of climate change and the risk of coastal inundation”. Its refusal came in July, 2008, after the Victorian Coastal Board appealed against South Gippsland Shire Council’s decision to approve development, going against planning officers’ recommendations. The Victorian Coastal Strategy has now adopted data that was included in a report by the Internation-

al Panel on Climate Change (IPC). The report states that the sea level on Victoria’s coast will rise by “at least .8 metres by 2100”. In New South Wales and South Australia the sea level is estimated to rise to one metre. Council’s director of sustainability Andrew McEwen said it would affect coastal parts of South Gippsland. “In our shire there are hundreds of blocks with valid permits at the moment. You could build a house on it. But there could be potential concerns in the future when you could not build on them.” In the Venus Bay and Tarwin areas it will affect potential flooding, sea rises and tidal surges. Parts of Tarwin Lower are already affected by flooding,” Mr McEwen said. Other areas that could be affected were Port Welshpool and Port Franklin and “potentially Waratah Bay”. Two future issues are at stake; who will provide resources to research and map South Gippsland Shire’s coast to assess the possible locations and effects of rising sea levels and who will finance possible compensation.

Budding gardener: Mirboo North Kindergarten student Flynn Burgess Pincini and visiting Marlo resident Marion Bush.

Kinder’s garden day SOME 100 gardening enthusiasts enjoyed the recent Mirboo North Kindergarten Open Garden Day. During the day guest speaker Mirboo North CFA volunteer David Tree, who rescued Sam the celebrity koala, shared his passion for wildlife and spoke in depth of the upcoming ﬁre season. The kindergarten raised in excess of $1000 on the day.

Step-up puts cash in struggling dairy farmers’ pockets Continued from page 1. “It’s pleasing things will pick up at this time of year, with shops gearing up for Christmas,” he said. Mr McGannon said the drop in dairy prices had an immediate negative impact on the Leongatha economy, but said the town had proved resilient. “There is no doubt this is a dairy farming area, but the town has evolved so is no longer reliant on dairy farming,” he said.

Murray Goulburn chairman Ian MacAulay said world export prices had risen by 44 per cent since July 1 as customers exhausted supply, driving up demand and prompting the MG board to lift returns. And he has not ruled out further increases. “This is a significant improvement on our opening price and it will definitely build more confidence in the industry now that prices are on the rise,”

he said. “We are looking at further price increase as the season progresses, but are cautioning people that we are still at risk of exchange rates and whether recovery from the global ﬁnancial crisis is sustainable. “But at the moment we are reasonably conﬁdent that we will have further price rises.” Some farmers had been losing money under the strain of low returns,

but that could now turn around. “The actual step-up is a useful amount of cash and it’s going to be a worthwhile industry again,” Mr MacAulay said. Burra Foods chief executive Grant Crothers was hopeful the increases were sustainable, while the world economic climate remains uncertain. “The unexpected reduction of EU subsidies announced last week is a signiﬁcant boost to world dairy commod-

ity pricing and can be expected to ﬂow into milk prices in coming months,” he said in a letter to suppliers. “We will endeavour to continue capturing value in the dairy world markets and pass on improved returns as soon as it is responsible to do so.” Fonterra spokesperson James Molan said the company would continue to monitor the situation closely and lift prices in line with market improvements.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Too much tragedy In the past week the number of trauma related incidents on the roads in and around the Leongatha area can only be described as horrendous and tragic.

Changing course THREE vehicle deaths in South Gippsland have shocked the local community and devastated friends and families of the victims. But spare a thought for the emergency service personnel who attend these grim scenes and deal with the dead, dying and injured. A letter penned by Leongatha sergeant Scott Bodycomb shows just how much police are affected by these events. He urges people to be careful on the roads, and to remember that it only takes one mistake, one moment’s loss of concentration for a peaceful drive to turn into a nightmare. Some police ofﬁcers don’t like the word accident. They reckon it’s speed, fatigue, carelessness, drunkenness, aggression, mistakes and a swag of other factors that contribute to road crashes. We have campaigns to “wipe off 5”, take a rest break, not drink and drive and leave mobile phones alone. We’ve heard it all hundreds of times, but it seems some of us will still not listen. During a week when three people died behind the wheel in South Gippsland, local police were dealing with numerous cases of drink driving, hooning or a combination of both. Maybe now is a good time to take stock and realise that we are all just a few centimetres from death every time we get behind the wheel.

Coal Creek’s treat HALLOWEEN might be a nightmare for some, but it was a dream come true for Coal Creek. Revellers ﬂocked to the Korumburra park to enjoy the festivities of the American-inspired institution. The event showed the capabilities of Coal Creek as a venue for large-scale events. Its open spaces and interesting buildings made it a perfect location for the Halloween party and would be ideal for many other occasions. It seems only a short time ago that Coal Creek was on the brink of being shut down. But innovative thinking has gone a long way to resurrecting the tourist icon. More thinking outside the square would help ensure that the park has a bright and ﬁnancially secure future.

Letters guidelines ALL letters should be kept to 400 words or less. The Star reserves the right to edit all letters for length and style. Writer’s details, including full name, address and phone number (not for publication), must be included.

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

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

Within the space of seven days the community has experienced three separate road accidents involving fatalities and numerous others which have resulted in the provision of medical attention to persons, hospitalisation or serious damage to property. Drivers involved in these accidents have covered the whole spectrum of the community; from young or inexperienced, through middle aged persons, to the elderly. Whilst there is no particular trend to the combination of incidents attended by police and emergency services, what can be said with certainty is that the majority of them could be avoided or their impact minimised by persons exercising proper care and attention. Very few motor vehicle accidents are solely the result of freak or unavoidable circumstances, unfortunate weather changes, improper road design or inadvertent mechanical failure. The reality is that most road accidents are due in some form to poor judgement or driver error. Factors resulting in the majority of accidents can be classiﬁed as follows: • Inexperience such as persons driving beyond their capabilities. • Fatigue such as choosing to drive or continuing to do so when tired. • Excessive speed such as driving too fast for road conditions, driver capability or posted speed limits. • Failure to comply with road rules or safety requirements such as no seat belt/disobeying road signs, failing to properly maintain vehicles or purposely engaging in dangerous driver behaviour such as hooning. • Lack of concentration. Using mobile phones or diverting attention from the road to anything else. • Drug or alcohol impairment such as driving under the inﬂuence of illicit drugs, alcohol or even prescription medication where the person’s ability to drive is impaired. Many road accident victims that survive serious collisions will tell you that they never thought it could happen to them. The economic, emotional and physical costs of road trauma are enormous. Unfortunately at this time our community is coming to terms with the realities involved with major road collisions more than most. These are incidents that we should all strive to prevent reoccurring by modelling safe driving practices. Road safety and road trauma reduction

continues to be a key objective of the Leongatha Police. In the past month alone, Leongatha Police have: • Attended 12 accidents in the Leongatha response zone and numerous others in surrounding areas. • Issued 38 infringements for speed or traffic related offences. • Seized three vehicles under hoon driving legislation. • Interviewed and charged/summonsed three drivers for careless driving or driving behaviour offences. • Processed six drivers for drink driving offences. • Administered four Notice of Unroadworthiness / Infringements to drivers for unsafe vehicles. • Issued four licence review notifications to VicRoads. • Conducted over 300 preliminary breath tests on drivers. These figures do not include the results of surrounding uniform stations, the Bass Coast Traffic Management Unit or the Bass Coast police bicycle patrol during this time, and who also continue to commit road traffic policing resources in this area. In addition to local policing efforts, strong partnerships have been formed with the local Council, VicRoads and community stakeholders through bodies such as the South Gippsland Road Safe Committe, who are currently implementing a number of proactive initiatives to influence driver behaviour and road safety awareness. The police, in conjunction with community partners are doing all they can to make our roads safer, reduce road trauma and modify driver behaviour. Ultimately though, road users themselves must take responsibility for the impact of their actions. In the months leading up to and through the Christmas period, police will again be

Drink to that

VOXPOP! VOX This week The Star visited Mirboo North and asked people the hot question on everyone’s lips: Are we ﬁre ready?

“Events like this (the Mirboo North bushﬁre expo) help people work out what they need as far as pumps and sprinkler systems. It shouldn’t happen again. People are thinking about it even more.” Michelle Murden, Mirboo East

“We probably know what to do more than the last ﬁre season, but I think it’s all going to be a shock to everyone again. We’re kind of ﬁre ready, more so than we were the last time.” Emmily Ebison, Mirboo North

“A lot more people are ready to leave their house, after seeing how badly things were burnt last time. There’s been a fair bit of back burning done too.” Emily Loh, Mirboo North

stepping up their efforts to reduce the number of collisions and resulting road trauma through initiatives such as increased static and moving mode speed detection sites, preliminary breath testing and drink drive operations, targeted black spot intersection checks, school zone policing and vehicle mechanical inspections. I therefore appeal to all persons within the community to ensure they drive responsibly and obey the posted speed limits, signs and road rules. Whilst labouring the main point of this article that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure road safety, I have cause to reflect on some of the positive examples of responsible behaviour I have observed on my patrols this weekend. Such as the woman who refused to give the car keys back to a drunken male who was staying at her premises, the drivers who pulled to the side of the road or slowed down rather than trying to stick to the speed limits when heavy downpours of rain affected the road conditions, or the motorist who stayed back behind the milk tanker until the next overtaking lane allowed him to pass safely. These are all small ‘real’ examples of people who by doing the right thing may just have saved this community even further trauma or tragedy this week. Motor vehicles are a modern necessity, but arguably also the most dangerous possession we own. Most accidents can be avoided. A split second error of judgement or minor deviation from the road rules can have devastating consequences. We can all significantly reduce the severity of road trauma incidents and frequency of collisions by applying responsible driving behaviour. It is time we all helped each other to make our roads the best they can be. Sgt Scott Bodycomb Officer in Charge Leongatha Police

“A lot of work has been done and a lot of information has come out since last year. A lot of work has been done on improving on ﬁre safety, but there’s still a lot to be done. Tony Lindhart, Leongatha SES controller

Clean drinking water, everybody’s right? Surely, we would all say yes to that. Marina Prior writes for ‘Turn on the Tap’ that in 2009 a child dies from diseases related to dirty drinking water every 20 seconds. How can this be so? Why in this day and age does this happen? Not just when there has been a national disaster, but throughout the year 2009. This is a desperate situation. Samaritan’s Purse has a campaign going to bring clean water to impoverished families in Asia and Africa. This can be a part of our local efforts at making poverty history. At the Uniting Church in Inverloch we are including details of the campaign in our service, and we want to spread the word through our local community. You can make a difference.

You can label a jar ‘Turn on the Tap’, and put all your coin change in it. You can borrow a DVD to see all about the need and the campaign. You can share news, as we are, with your friends, clubs, book or craft groups, and encourage a great Gippsland response to this need to help improve children’s health. We hope to have some jars in shops in Inverloch – perhaps you can make it a go in your town. If you would like to take part, go to www.turnonthetap. org.au or call 1300 884 468 to get your own DVD and labels for bottles. We take turning on our taps for a drink of water for granted. Let’s help those in Africa and Asia to do the same. (Name and address supplied)

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 13

Market’s ninth birthday THE S South th Gi Gippsland l d F Farmers Market at Koonwarra is about to set a new milestone with its upcoming ninth birthday celebration. More than 30 stalls will delight patrons with an appetising array of the best of local produce direct from local farmers and producers. Since its inception, this monthly event rapidly developed a reputation for being a friendly community-minded gathering of locals and visitors to the region. To celebrate its ninth birthday on Saturday, November 7, the market will have four special draws every 45 minutes from 9.15am onwards, where shoppers have the opportunity to win prizes of gift vouchers worth up to $30, donated by participating stallholders. Koonwarra’s Farmers Market was where the concept started. By setting an exceptional standard at its foundation, Koonwarra’s model was to be duplicated all around Victoria. Now there are more than 65 farmers markets in Melbourne’s suburbs and regional areas. The market has a well-deserved reputation for connecting and strengthening the local community’s economy and well being. It continues to help stimulate local small business growth, primary producers, co-operative growers, hobby farmers, home gardeners and associated value added production. Organic and chemical free production is highlighted. The farmers market concept also helps to reduce ‘food miles’ from producer to consumer. Its rapid development around Austra-

Fresh produce: The Koonwarra Farmers Market, where fresh produce is sold, will celebrate its ninth birthday on November 7.

li b f ll d by b consumers’’ conlia hhas been fuelled cerns about the quality of the food we eat. Customers are increasingly concerned about chemicals in food and GM free status, whilst rejecting much of the mass produced food with its lack of taste. The market aims to educate about the true value of the cost of production of food by allowing local producers’ expertise to be rewarded by a fair and reasonable return. Customers frequently express surprise at the very reasonable prices and quality on offer. Every month the market reflects the changing seasons with the produce on offer. The farmers market at Koonwarra is committed to offering fresh local produce and artisan value-added products of the highest quality standards. The market also features specialist plant growers and native flowers. Not everyone has the time to look after chooks or manage a vegetable garden, so this is the opportunity to get the best of fresh local produce. Relax, enjoy the atmosphere and have a picnic in the shade on the chairs and tables provided. You may even spot one of the local koalas in the overhanging trees. Then take the opportunity to take a look around the small but vibrant host village of Koonwarra. The South Gippsland Farmers Market Inc is a not-for-profit operation and is run by a small group of local dedicated farmers and producers. Market co-ordinator, Rod Faudell, is always looking for new stallholders with diverse products to add to the market’s mix. For stallholder enquiries, call 0408 619 182.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Hills greener for Carinya THE Greenhills Community Benevolent Society has made another generous donation to Carinya Lodge Homes in Korumburra. Greenhills president Jenny Watson, of Poowong, presented Carinya president Ian Wilson with a cheque for $15,000 towards the hostel’s building fund during its annual general meeting. Carinya’s president Ian Wilson, congratulated the Greenhills committee for their excellent work in the community and for their kind donation. “This is the second donation received from Greenhills following an amount of $5168 donated this time last year,” Mr Wilson said. Mr Wilson thanked the community for its support over the year. This includes the many volunteers who give their time and the many dedicated staff members. Mrs Watson addressed the meet-

ing, outlining the transformation of the Greenhills committee after the closure of its 20-bed aged care hostel at Loch a couple of years ago. She said the committee has invested its funds and uses the interest from these investments to assist the local community. The committee now provides tertiary scholarships to students of the district, ﬁnancial help to the elderly, such as assistance with dental care, and assists care homes in the district. A school breakfast program was being established at the Poowong Consolidated School and the donations made to Carinya will assist with the lodge’s building project. In addition, good use has been made of the former aged care hostel at Loch. Medical consulting rooms have been established for use by the Korumburra Medical Centre and the community health nurse. The main part of the building has

been leased to a private operator who provides accommodation and care for people with disabilities, which also was a great outcome, Mrs Watson said. Close to 70 people attended the annual general meeting. Carinya Hostel has now been in operation for 30 years and the original committee was established 40 years ago, said the hostel’s manager Clyde Paterson. “The project has grown from a vision by the early committee to establish accommodation for the senior citizens of Korumburra and district, and has grown to the large operation it is today,” Mr Paterson said. Carinya now operates a 43-bed hostel and 28 self-contained independent living units. The annual turnover now exceeds $2 million and 50 people are employed, drawn from the local community. Despite the downturn in the economy, the operations for last year re-

Generous donation: Celebrating the generous donation of $15,000 are, from left, Helen Jackman (Greenhills), Ian Wilson (president Carinya), Jenny Watson (president Greenhills), Clyde Paterson (secretary/manager Carinya).

Committee members are Doug Boston, Jennifer Bowman, Jess Cruickshank, Karlee Curphy, Marion Frank, Euan Coutts, Noel Hopkins, John Shandley. Shire representative is Cr Newton.

turned a modest surplus. Councillor Bob Newton chaired the election details. Next year’s ofﬁce bearers are president Ian Wilson, vice president Max Hall, secretary Clyde Paterson and treasurer Don Evison.

Helene’s distinguished service Snakes not so scary A FORMER regional Red Cross chairwoman has been presented with the Australian Red Cross Distinguished Service Award. She is Helene Hayes, whose involvement with the organisation dates back to 1970. The honour was presented by Victoria’s Governor, Professor David de Kretser. Ms Hayes joined the Woodleigh Vale Unit of Red Cross in 2002, becoming unit deputy chair then chair. She took on the role of unit secretary as well as unit delegate to the region-

al committee. She was elected chair of South Gippsland Region 26, serving in that position from 2006 to 2008. She became regional representative and is a current member of the divisional council and Victorian Board of Red Cross. Her citation notes that as well as her willingness to take on ofﬁce bearer positions at all levels, she has been heavily involved in emergency services, including with registrations during the bushﬁres in Gippsland earlier this year. Her knowledge and experience have resulted in her becoming chair

of the Emergency Services Department Advisory Group.

High honour: Helene Hayes (left) with Mrs Jan de Kretser.

V/Line has a new coach timetable from Monday 9 November 2009

A new coach timetable has been produced for services travelling between Melbourne, Leongatha, Yarram, Dandenong, Cowes and Inverloch. In some cases coach arrival and departure times have changed by up to 30 minutes. Coach travel routes and stops have not changed. Check the new times online at vline.com.au/timetables, or pick-up a copy at staffed V/Line train stations and ticket agents from early November. Train times in the region are not affected by the coach changes. The changes will take effect from Monday, 9 November. Passengers can also phone 136 196 for more information.

Call 136 196 vline.com.au V/Line Passenger Pty Ltd ABN 29 087 425 269

Ref: 24980VLN

SNAKES fascinate Neil Arnup and that is one of the reasons he loves to catch them. The Fish Creek man is a licensed snake catcher and is available to seize snakes from homes, businesses and schools around South Gippsland. Captured snakes are released into the wild, keeping people and snakes alike happy. “People in the country unfortunately ﬁnd a shovel a lot cheaper than calling someone to catch a snake,” Neil said. He offers a safe, reliable service, catching snakes with specialised tongs to extract snakes from wherever they may be: on the ground, in retaining walls, or under debris. “You will be amazed at how small a hole snakes can get in. I have been in tight areas to get snakes,” he said. Neil promises to arrive as soon as he

can after receiving a call for help. “If the snake is already gone, I have a good look around and spend time with people, explaining that if they clean this up and clean that up, they will take away the snake’s environment,” he said. “If you leave rubbish around, you will have vermin and if you have vermin, you will have snakes.” Snakes are released into environments similar and close to where they are captured to ensure their best chance of survival. Neil entered the ﬁeld two years ago, wanting to do something different workwise. An advertisement for a snake handling course caught his attention and away he went. “I’ve never been bitten, touch wood. I’m usually cautious,” Neil said. If a snake is ever causing havoc for you, contact Neil on 0427 380 191.

Intriguing creatures: catching and releasing snakes is all in a day’s work for Neil Arnup.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 15

Prepare, act, survive By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippslanders are being urged to put their lives first during a bushfire. People must realistically assess their ability to defend their homes when a major fire is threatening, said CFA Prom Country brigade support officer, Gary Burns. The Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission’s Interim Report recommended the CFA convey to the public the safest option is to leave early, rather than stay and defend. “People have to be aware that the responsibility is theirs,” Mr Burns said. “They have to take responsibility for their property or make the decision to go and if they do, they need to go on the morning of a bad day, not when the fire is coming over the hill.” An experienced firefighter, Mr Burns said fronting a raging bushfire was simply scary. “It’s hot, messy and embers can be raining around your ears. It’s not just a matter of pointing a hose and squirting it,” Mr Burns said. “If your health is not good and you are not as young as you once were, it’s really not pleasant.” He issued the warning to the public ahead of the looming bushfire season. “But at the same time, we do not want people to panic. We want people to get the information and make rational decisions based on what the conditions are at the time of a fire,” Mr Burns said. As a result of the royal commission, about double the number of community meetings are being held to help people clear their properties of fire risks and formulate a fire plan. “Because of the fires, people are now more aware and they want information,” Berrys Creek CFA captain Danielle O’Loughlin said.

Every CFA brigade will present a Fire Ready meeting before the fire season. The first was last Saturday, October 31 at Baromi Park, Mirboo North. The next will be at Foster this Saturday, November 7 from noon. “We want to get the message across to absentee landholders or people with smaller properties who do not have cows to chew their grass, that they need to keep the grass down,” Mr Burns said. Shire local laws officers will start inspecting vacant blocks soon. The CFA has introduced a new fire danger rating as a result of the royal commission – available on the CFA website: www.cfa.vic. gov.au “A day of very high danger can be quite severe if you have a very high fuel loading and live in an area where there is a high risk of fire,” Mr Burns said. CFA volunteers continue to train weekly and will soon take part in additional group training exercises, in readiness for the fire season. Most South Gippsland brigades have recruited new members, encouraged to join by the ferocity of the Black Saturday fires. Fire restrictions are still expected to come into effect as per usual in either late November or early December, in the wake of substantial spring rain to date. For more information about community meetings, monitor the CFA website. People burning off are urged to inform the CFA beforehand to avoid unnecessary callouts. Call 1800 668 511 or contact your local brigade. “If people are burning off, they’ve got to be aware that they have to supervise it. The wind can change and fire can go into next door’s paddock or a plantation. If the fire takes out a fence, the person who lit the fire is responsible for replacing it,” Mr Burns said.

All in a row: Enjoying the day were (from left) Jeanette Hill, Catherine Methven, Louise Cruickshank, Fiona Young, Sarah Knox, Linda Jeffries (with baby Tahlia) and Lyn Tuckett. (Inset) Anne Owen, Margaret Cumming and Barb Fleming at the soiree.

Pretty in pink EVERYTHING was “in the pink” for a coffee morning fund raiser at the Koonwarra Store. Those who attended wore pink, with some extending the colour to ribbons in their hair.

They were served cup cakes with pink icing, with the pink roses and spring blossom in the store’s garden adding to the theme. Pink cut out ﬁgures were “planted” in the garden to represent the need to support the

breast cancer cause. The morning was organised by Anne Owen and her cancer support committee, with money raised going to Cancer Council Victoria’s breast cancer research and prevention.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

South Gippsland shows off THE Venus Bay art show at the local Surf Lifesaving Club attracted penty of visitors during Melbourne Cup Weekend, while in Meeniyan, more art stole the limelight.

Human form: Venus Bay artist Trevor Smith likes to get creative with the human form, such as here with Riding the Waves during the show at the Surf Lifesaving Club.

Sandy Point sculptor Andrew Kasper was surprised to hear yesterday that he had won best exhibit at the 37th Meeniyan Art and Craft Exhibition. The exhibition judge Josephine Allen, awarded the $200 prize donated by South Gippsland Shire Councillor Bob Newton for his large steel sculpture Harmony. Andrew could not be present on Friday opening night and organisers had not yet informed him of his win, but he said he was “very happy”. “It’s fantastic. I can’t believe it,” he said. Other results were painting awards $100 each Tina Jacobson; Jan Stuut; Joanne Hendrie; Patric Murphy. Photog-

Part auto: Pound Creek artist Paul Hearnshaw made his Torn man from auto parts, chain and hydraulics. He also won an award for his emu, made from chain, called Freedom.

raphy awards $100 Bernd Armsreiter; $50 Roy Fisher; Peter Richards; Peter Boyes; Anne Pinkstone. Craft or any medium awards, $100 Chris Beehag; $50 Paul Hearnshaw; Rhonda Hunt; Jaqueline Rangott; Anne Roussac-Hoyne. Youth Encouragement, age 13–18, awards $50 each went to Genevieve Scholte; Ryan Hendrie and Jasper Dennison. Gallery space in the Access Gallery at Meeniyan Art Gallery was won by Natasha Zukovskis. Highly commended were Heather Scott, Evelyn Patterson, Jenene Evans, Florence Stone, Fiona Wellard, Adam Simurina and Tony Jarvis. Growing recognition: The reputation of Venus Bay artist Norm Hanson

continues to grow. The geologist likes to use all manner of mediums and his works vary from landscape photography and intricate montage to monolithic cave-style self portraits.

Winning sculpture: Cr Bob Newton (left) provided the prize money for the best exhibit awarded to Andrew Kasper for his steel sculpture Harmony by judge Josephine Allen (right).

Three winners: The Youth Encouragement awards went to (from left) Genevieve Scholte, Jasper Dennison and Ryan Hendrie.

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THE St Laurence’s fete is on again at the school’s grounds in Leongatha. It will be on Saturday, November 14 from 9am until 1pm and will have all the food and fun that make fetes great. There will be go karts, showbags, plant sale, art display, jumping castle, Devonshire teas, milkshakes and bric a brac to buy. One highlight will be workshops and demonstrations by Australian Footbagging Champion, Dan Ednie. Dan will be at the fete from the time it starts until the end.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 17

Showbag fun: Zac Fiddelaers, Sean Brennan and Darcy Wearne at the fete last year. His dynamic display will include juggling three footbags on a foot and other skills that have made Dan the four time Australian champion and world number 13. He will also show choreographed routines set to music. Dan said he thought it was important for people do and see things that are outside the square. “When people see it they think it’s too hard, but when they try they realise if you put your mind to it you can get some good skills,” he said. Fete coordinator Renae Littlejohn said St Laurence’s students will have stalls where they will be selling

different treats. The Lions club will sell chips while the Apex club will operate the sausage sizzle. The popular spinning wheel, which is made possible by generous donations from local businesses, is sure to be a highlight. Renae said the fete helps to raise money for things that are needed around the school. “The fate is a great opportunity for people thinking about putting their kids in the school to come and see the family feel that we pride ourselves on,” she said.

Big hair: Aimee, Janie and Lauren were struggling in the wind with their impressive wigs last year.

Bright colours: Maureen Bawden has her face painted by Rachel Warren of Outtrim last year.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Cattlemen celebrate century SNAKE Island Cattlemen’s Association celebrated its century in style last Saturday, October 24 with a dinner at the Foster War Memorial Hall attended by some 200 guests.

Most senior: Laurie Argus and Jock Greenaway were the two most senior guests on the night.

The occasion commemorated 100 years of continuous agistment on the island, a signiﬁcant milestone. Twelve months of research, planning and organisation culminated in a great event, with celebrations getting underway at 3 pm to allow the public to look at all the photos, memorabilia and DVDs on display. Past members were amazed at the changes that have occurred on the island in the past few years, especially the “mod cons”, while some of the present members were thankful things had changed after viewing those old photos. Brian Daff had brought along a barometer purchased by the Lands Department in 1912 for his grandfather,

who was the ﬁrst bailiff on the island. Brian had made the unusual request after being caught in bad weather and stuck on the island for two weeks. As there were no tide charts or weather forecast available, the barometer was an essential tool in the management of getting cattle and people to the island, and Brian reports it is still working reliably today. Wally Cayzer was master of ceremonies for the evening and introduced guest speakers Cheryl Glowery, author of the book Snake Island and the Cattlemen of the Sea. Cheryl had the guests enthralled with stories of how collating the book came about and the tales she heard that make up the history of the island. Cattleman stalwart, John Lees of Hedley gave a heartfelt speech on the contribution to the association made by recently deceased member John Hopkins. Roger Fenwick spoke on behalf of Parks Victoria, outlining its role, asso-

ciation and working relationship with the island and the Cattlemen’s association. South Gippsland Shire councillor Jeanette Harding spoke on behalf of the shire. Bertie Thomas, who has recently been recognised by the association for the remarkable milestone of making at least one trip to Snake Island every year for 50 years, was asked to cut the beautiful four tier cake made by Ange James. Many tales tall and true were told on the night, as the guests relived the adventures that are part of the history of a unique story. As one speaker stated, “There would not be too many places in the world where you can get on a horse, drive cattle and ride across the sea to an island.” Congratulations to the organising committee for the countless hours they put in to make this night a huge success.

It was on for young and older GIPPSTAFE Leongatha students went to childcare on Wednesday. They organised a fun ﬁlled morning of face painting, balloons and story time at the Leongatha Children’s Centre as part of children’s week. It was an opportunity for the students to put into practice what they’d been learning about having conversations with children and safety issues.

Adding colour: Chloe has her face painted by TAFE student Kaitlyn Matthews last week.

Good times:TAFE students Rory Ogilvie (standing), Breanna Garrow and Maddie Dowel surrounded by Leongatha Children Centre children.

Simon says: jump on one foot, which Zenna, Hudson, Will, Liam and Josh do successfully.

Celebrate spring at festival ON Sunday November 8, Churchill Island will host the sixth annual Garden Lovers’ Festival, a celebration of gardening that embraces the spirit of spring. The Garden Lovers’ Festival will inspire both the experienced green thumb and the blossoming gardening enthusiast whilst providing a great day out for the whole family. Landscape gardening experts Rick Eckersley from Eckersley Garden Architecture and Andrew Laidlaw, landscape architect for Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, will share their secrets on designing beautiful gardens. The schedule of presentations includes: • 11am – Andrew Laidlaw – Creating Exciting Garden Designs • How to combine a range of plants to create exciting garden designs • Will include demonstrations that consider form, colour and texture.

2pm – Rick Eckersley – Gardens Designed for a Drier Climate • How to create beautiful gardens with less water • Sustainable ways to create livable and attractive gardens whilst considering the importance of practicality. With more than 50 stalls, demonstrations, competitions and live entertainment the 2009 festival will be a garden lovers’ paradise. The event will also feature a range of children’s activities such as milking a cow, sheep shearing, blacksmithing and working dog demonstrations, along with horse and cart rides, petting baby animals in the nursery and face painting. Just a 90 minute drive from Melbourne and off the coast of Phillip Island, the picturesque gardens of Churchill Island are easily accessible by bridge. Visit www.churchillisland.com. au or call 03 5951 2800 for more information.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 19

Our loss, Bendigo’s gain By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland will lose two much loved citizens in January. Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, captains with the Leongatha corps of the Salvation Army, have been redeployed to Bendigo. The couple’s last day in the district will be January 13. “Leaving is going to be hard. We have put down good roots and made some incredible friends and we have family here,” Heather. “It’s just been wonderful to have been part of the community, to be well accepted,” Martyn added. The Scrimshaws will head the army’s Bendigo corps, serving a population of some 100,000 people and conducting welfare projects, overseeing a community garden and offering social activities to drought affected communities. The trip will be a down memory lane of sorts. Heather was born in the nearby town of Rochester and it was there she met Martyn. Since the Scrimshaws came to Leongatha from Traralgon eight years ago, they have boosted attendance at congregations from 15 to around 70. “We just built relationships with people and so did people in the church,” Martyn said. “We got out there and worked with people and as young families came along, they brought other young families along,” Heather added. The Scrimshaw’s posting to Leon-

Moving on: Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, captains of the Leongatha corps of the Salvation Army, are bound for Bendigo. gatha was their ﬁrst as army ofﬁcers. While members of the church in Traralgon, Martyn worked as a business banker and Heather a contract cleaner. Their rising within the ranks had been an “incredible journey”, Heather said. They have worked with single mums struggling to raise children, con-

ducted weddings and funerals, been by the bedsides of church members as they died and visited others after giving birth. “We’ve been with people when they have been at their lowest and been there when they’ve been at their best. We’ve had some wonderful experiences,” Martyn said.

“You have to be passionate in this role. If you do not have that relationship with God, you would not survive. That’s what keeps you going when things get tough. “There has got to be more than a few short years in life and that relationship with God is what gives meaning and purpose to life.”

The Salvation Army has been described as “religion with its sleeves rolled up” and it’s that philosophy the Scrimshaws have instilled within their congregation. “We have people that will make meals for people, do gardening for people that can’t get on top of things and help people financially from time to time,” Marty said. The couple helped organise a fashion show of apparel from the army’s thrift shop in Leongatha to raise funds to help women exit the sex industry in the African nation of Congo. The Scrimshaw’s children Ken and Tenneale will remain in Leongatha with their respective partners, Kim and Stuart Grayden. Ken and Kim have three sons, Mitchell, Kayden and Harry. Martyn will also be missed by the members of the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, where he has served as musical director for four years. Martyn was quickly welcomed by the band soon after moving to Leongatha, his reputation as band conductor with the Traralgon band preceding him. The Leongatha Corps will be headed by two young women: captain Claire Emerton, currently corps officer with the Clarence City Corps in Tasmania; and lieutenant Rachael Collins, from the army’s Noble Park outreach centre. The pair have worked together for several months and so strong was their bond, they urged the army to find them a shared posting.

Busting moves and ghosts By Matt Dunn

WARWICK CAPPER, Madonna, Kiss’s Paul Stanley, Cyndi Lauper and a Ghost Buster on roller skates were all there to party at Leongatha’s Memorial Hall recently. There were a great many bogans too. With a hot band playing retro hits and great disco vibe, it was always going to be a fun night. As someone who has been to more than a few parties, this journalist can categorically say that Leongatha’s kindergartens’ Back to the 80s Ball “went off”.

Ghost Buster: Rachael Dennison ain’t afraid of no ghosts.

Great mates: Annette Zuidema and Tammy Newton took some time out from dancing to pose for The Star.

Lets party like it’s 1989: the revellers danced all night.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Christian Peter Ringer was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on October 15, to Christina and Peter Ringer of Bass.

Above, Jay Aston Douglas was born on October 17 at Warragul. Jay is a son for Sandy and Scott, a brother for Elle and Madison and a grandson for Heather and Bruce.

Mangarri Trewin was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on October 16, to Patrice Mahoney and Les Trewin of Wonthaggi. Mangarri is a new sister for Jessica, Jason, Anthony, Darcy, Nug, Keisha, Nicholas and Jahdham.

Left, Tony Jack Jacob Bals was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on the October 5, to Marion and Dieter Bals of Wonthaggi. Tony is a new brother for Jennifer Sue.

Susan Bray and Andrew Jeffrey of Dalyston have a new addition to their family. A new sister born at Bass Coast Regional Health on October 10 for Jacob, Julia, Taylor and Annie. The baby’s name is yet to be announced.

INDI Rose Eden was born on October 12, 2009 at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital to Chris and Danielle of Mirboo North. She has an older brother, Tajh and sister, Jakobi.

GEORGINA Elizabeth Owen was born on September 23, 2009 at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is a daughter for Mick and Beck of Tarwin Lower and a beautiful sister for Paddy.

TOM John Farmer was born at the Warragul Hospital on October 21. He is the third child for Mark and Jo of Inverloch. Tom is a younger brother to Jack and Grace.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Uniting Church Guild, Christian Revival Crusade, Rotary (9th, 11th, 12th, 13th), National Bank (10th) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning November 9, 2009.

Tayla Isabelle Dennis was born on October23, to Danielle Emery and Todd Dennis of Wonthaggi. Tayla is a new sister for Alyssa.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 21

Good homes needed Joie de vivre: Charlotte has a lust for life and doesn’t mind showing it.

FOR Heather Bentvelzen the choice is clear: protect the animals and find them good homes. But, of course, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Cats, in particular, are breeding without restraint in Leongatha and other parts of South Gippsland. It’s fair to say the problem is getting harder all the time. Along with husband, John, Heather has opened up her home to countless felines during the past three years, since joining South Gippsland Animal Aid. The couple sells its kittens and cats for just $60. The fee includes desexing, a first vaccination, microchipping and worming. They are volunteers and not profiteers. Among the new cats Heather is looking to find a home for is a gorgeous moggy named Charlotte. The two-year-old feline is deaf, but came from a good home and is well socialised. “She’s very friendly, and she was good friends with a dog. The owner would take the dog out for a walk and she’d go along,” Heather said of Charlotte. Unfortunately Charlotte’s owner went

Good home needed: Charlotte needs a new home, but is being well cared for by South Gippsland Animal member Heather Bentvelzen. to a nursing home. To adopt a cat or kitten call Heather on 5662 2725, Jeannie on 5672 2424 or Cathy on 0412 387 839. For help with

desexing your cats call Faye on 5681 2290. South Gippsland Animal Aid is a volunteer organisation and is happy to receive donations.

A golden journey PROBUS Inverloch and Wonthaggi groups combined recently for a day trip to Walhalla.

Train ride: Some of the Probus members, who enjoyed the tourist train, are from left, Ian Turnbull, Graham Dunlop, John and Gerda Epskamp, Julie Sharp, Hazell Billington and Joy and Len Peterson.

Most of the group took a tour of the Long Tunnel Gold Mine. It is considered to be one of the richest gold mines in Australia, but because of the build up of toxic water it can no longer be mined. The group travelled on the tourist train which takes about 30 minutes. The train travels through a rapidly narrowing ravine alongside a river which is frequently crossed. Recently the mine proved very valuable in a more personal sense when the local population sheltered there from the horriﬁc ﬁres that were surrounding the area.

Books on order EXCITING new books are destined for the shelves of the library at Welshpool and District Primary School. The school last week received $1000 from Australia Post and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. School librarian Liz Batten said the grant would go towards new books as well as fresh editions of favourites. “We still have a lot of old books from the old Port Welshpool school so we will replace this much loved books with new ones,” she said. Australia Post, through the Stretching the Envelope program, offers grants of up to $1,000 for projects and activities that contribute to the community and are for a charitable purpose. “The grants are part of Australia Post’s commitment to regional centres and are speciﬁcally aimed at promoting groups and projects that address areas such as youth, education arts and culture,” said Gippsland operations manager with Australia Post, Chris Horn. “This is a chance for us to make a

On way: Welshpool and District Primary School librarian Liz Batten, student Kristina Stoitse and Chris Horn from Australia Post show off the plaque denoting the grant. positive contribution to the community at a grass roots level. Australia Post employs a number of people in the Gippsland region and the majority of them live in the area as well, so it’s great to be able to support local initiatives.” The Welshpool project is focused on bringing kids back to books and the

grant will help the school update their literacy resources, including general knowledge and Auslan books as students are learning Auslan. Student Kristina Stoitse thanked Mr Horn for Australia Post’s support of the school. This is the fourth year of the grants, awarded annually.

New office doors open WELSHPOOL and District Primary School office manager Carmel Sutherland greets students Shenae, Jessica and Bailey from the new office. The school office and principal’s office was recently rebuilt, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Federal Government’s National School Pride program. A shade structure will be erected over the playground soon.

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Lyric’s disastrous production MEMBERS of Lyric Theatre were willing volunteers in a major trafﬁc accident training exercise at Mirboo on October 24. Noel Stringer, Jo and Mike Street, Sacha Lamont, David Tattersall, and Michael Dixon were all playing the role of accident victims with a variety of injuries ranging from non life-threatening to very serious. Sharon Hailey, one of Lyric Theatre’s make-up artists, also attended to apply the makeup with some very realistic looking wounds, broken bones, and of course, blood. The scenario was that a truck carrying toxic chemicals hit a car with 5 passen-

gers, causing it to leave the road and roll down a steep embankment, coming to rest against a tree. The truck, with its driver and one passenger, spilled some of its load and left the road some hundreds of metres further down the road from the accident site. The chemical spill meant that the CFA Hazmat unit from Leongatha had to be called to the scene. This exercise was the first of its kind ever conducted in the area, and involved approximately 60 members of the local ambulance, police and CFA. Lyric Theatre president Mark Eva was also present at the exercise as observer/ supervisor, in his official capacities as a police officer.

Life savers: local emergency crews attend to Michael Street.

Convincing role: Noel Stringer (left) and Jo Street acting as car accident victims.

Off to safety: Michael Street is carried to a waiting ambulance.

Gruesome sight: Young Lyric member Michael Dixon shows off his “injury”.

Nasty wound: David Tattersall enjoying his latest role.

Another pleasant Mardan afternoon RAIN and wind failed to prevent people from attending the September Pleasant Sunday Afternoon at Scots Pioneer Church Mardan South. They came to hear Dennis Maxwell of Korumburra, talk about the magic of the ancient Aboriginal missile, the boomerang. A recently retired civil engineer, Dennis acquired a fascination for boomerangs as a youngster and never lost that interest. He became a champion in throwing them. Dennis told his Mardan South audience that there are essentially only two types of boomerang, those that return and those that do not. Both types have at least two arms bent at an angle. The non returning ones have a shallow angle, whilst the others are closer to a right angle. The non returning boomerang is thrown along a

vertical plane and is used for killing or stunning wildlife or to incapacitate an enemy. The returning boomerang is only for games and entertainment and is thrown horizontally. Dennis demonstrated with a number of simple crosses, which he threw and caught without fail. Others tried their luck, with varying success. The Reverend Alan Dyall, also a former civil engineer, welcomed the speaker and other participants and led the devotions. His wife Beth and Dennis’s wife Dorothy, read selections from the New and Old testaments. Korumburra Uniting Church organist Ian Sullivan, performed that function at Mardan and combined with Richard Kennedy to provide some delightful musical interludes. The next PSA will be at 2pm on October 25, when veteran Pioneer Church participant the Reverend

Arthur Stamp, will deliver an address entitled God Loves the World So Much. Celebrated ﬂautist

Christine Ross and her children Stewart and Eleanor McKenzie who play the violin, will provide the musical interludes.

Music makers: Ian Sullivan and Richard Kennedy provide the musical interludes at the Scots Pioneer Church Pleasant Sunday Afternoon.

Interesting speaker: Dennis Maxwell of Korumburra, with some of his boomerangs.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 27

Being the very best By Matt Dunn FORMER Leongatha Secondary College student and Foster resident Tristan White has gone a long way in a very short time. Like many young people (he will be 30 this month) there was a time when he wasn’t sure in which direction to take his life. But the plan he eventually hatched has worked so well that it is getting bigger by the day, sweeping Tristan along with it. “It’s been a bit of a journey. I started a law degree at uni and decided it wasn’t for me. I went on to finish a physio degree,” he said. After a year working in the physiotherapy field he decided he wanted to take his life in a different direction. “At that point I was a little bit lost. I wasn’t inspired by the idea of working as a physio for someone else. That’s when I decided to start the business that has grown quite considerably,” he said. The business he is referring to is The Physio Co, which started up in 2004. Not your standard practice, TPC’s team is purely focused on residents of aged care facilities. Every day TPC’S team visits hundreds of Australians over the age of 65, helping them stay mobile, safe and happy. “The idea that got me started was that I wanted to create a unique business that satisfied my personal values, helped others and rewarded our team

Tristan White: The Physio Co director is changing the way physiotherapy is being delivered. He is pictured here with his grandmother Mary, and wife Kimberley. – I really wanted to do things a bit differently and better than any physio practice I had seen,” he said. “I value people, young and old. I discovered that there were hundreds of thousands of Australian seniors that were in need of a physiotherapy service

that would focus on their needs and ask each person ‘What would make your life easier?’ I also discovered that there were hundreds of physios who were not appreciated or challenged in their jobs. “The plan was, and still is, to bring

together a great team; provide a rewarding and supportive place to work; and create some awesome outcomes for the likeable oldies that we visit. We now have a team of almost 30 and this year we will provide 40,000 consultations at more than 64 sites across

Victoria and Tassie.” TPC is a lot different to the usual physiotherapy set up, with someone plying their trade in the backroom of a clinic. “We visit each of the residents in their own room at the facility or we use the open spaces at the facility. It’s really about promoting exercise. Moving is what we’re about,” Tristan said. “It’s very functional. It’s about promoting exercise and promoting well being for over 65s.” The feedback from the company’s clients has been hugely positive. It is a positivity that has translated into an Australian Achiever Award. The AAA awards are judged by customers, not industries. Tristan puts a lot of the company’s success down to the enthusiasm of his team, whose average age is just 28. “The customers love having the young enthusiastic physios coming into the homes and helping out,” he said. But Tristan is not contented with merely plodding on. He has a “pretty clear vision” for The Physio Co. “Over the next 10 years we actually want to provide two million consultations. At the moment we have a team of 30 of us, including the support staff. We want to grow that as big as we can,” he said. “I guess our vision is to become the most unique, caring and talked about physio group in Australia. We don’t want to be the biggest, we just want to be the best.”

Taking care of business BILL Pratt runs Meeniyan Stockfeeds – an unlikely looking award-winning business. But its Spartan looks have not prevented taking out the rural division of The Age/D&B Business Awards. The awards, which began in 1993, have seven categories: manufacturing, rural, building and allied services, IT and business services, retail, export and wholesale. Without giving too much away, Bill was obviously quite chuffed when Talking Point recently spoke to him.

It was an award that was run by accounting ﬁrm Dunn and Bradstreet through The Age. You could only be in it by invitation. They do background work on your ﬁnancial situation obviously – how they get access I’m not too sure. How many others were in it I don’t know, how many were invited I don’t know. We’re pretty happy.

How did you get set up here? We actually bought the shop in the main street in 1997 and opened the mill here, which had been closed since 1997, in 2002. We set it up from scratch, there was nothing but a dirty old shed full of junk. We just slowly developed the mill – a lot of it in the early days from second-hand materials. Local tradesmen did the work, a local jack-of-all-trades did a lot of it. We got it slowly up and running. We did it with a limited budget and kept costs down.

Do people starting a business spend money on the wrong things, losing sight of the most important factor, what they are producing for

three choices. We basically look after farmers’ individual requirements. A former coach at Stony Creek in 2001/2002, Bill was delighted with the club’s fairytale grand ﬁnal win in this year’s Alberton League competition. He’s still heavily involved in the club and revelled in the success. If that happened every 12 months you wouldn’t be too upset about it. It must have been a great feeling around the place. Oh, it was huge. It was huge right from the start of the year because we thought we were good enough and we eventually proved we were good enough.

the customer? Capital investment will kill you. It will force the prices of your product too high. The product that comes in and goes out of here is A1 and that is all anyone is interested in. My relationship with the customer is via the telephone anyway, so what the ofﬁce looks like is irrelevant. And these people are dairy farmers so they don’t operate in state-of-theart conditions anyway. For a non-farming person, what do you actually do here? We buy raw materials and process the grains into what we call a mix or crushed grain blend which is customised for each farmer. Most feed mills operate under a speciﬁc feed regime, where you only get

It’s been a big year for Bill in more ways than one. He has become of the public faces of Meeniyan as it recovers from the devastating ﬁre that burned down the supermarket. Since then, a community bank has edged closer to reality, the hardware store has reopened, the restaurant has been redeveloped and a bakery has been mooted for the main street. Bill reckons good times are ahead in Meeniyan. I made the decision that, I probably shouldn’t put it this way, I’m going to die in Meeniyan. Maybe I should say I’m going to live the rest of my life in Meeniyan. In that case I should make the place as good I can. Since you own half the place, that makes good sense. Only ﬁve per cent of the place. But you obviously don’t believe the town is

one day going to blow away in a dust storm. I actually believe Meeniyan is the Yarragon of South Gippsland. I remember Yarragon when you parked in the main street and you would have a fair chance of being the only car there. Now, getting a park in Yarragon is nearly impossible. I reckon Meeniyan could see the same thing. I reckon there would be as much trafﬁc on the South Gippsland Highway as there was on the Princess Highway in those days. I reckon we all realise that Korumburra and Leongatha will probably be bypassed one day, probably sooner than later. You leave Melbourne, turn at Lang Lang and the next place you will come to will be Meeniyan. So why wouldn’t Meeniyan ﬂy. There are out-of-town investors spending money in Meeniyan right now, so they obviously believe that.

What does it need to make people stop here? It needs a bakery. It needs the supermarket rebuilt and my information is that the supermarket will start building anytime. I believe you will see bricks and mortar there any day now. It’s huge news for the town. It was looking fairly glum when the supermarket burnt down.

How will the sewerage impact on the town? The sewerage plan means the town is probably capable of holding double or triple the amount of people that currently live in Meeniyan. I believe the town has started a structure plan around Meeniyan. Obviously more land around the town will be released, I guess more acreage lifestyle blocks. These will make the town huge.

You seem pretty happy about the future? Pretty comfortable with the way the whole area is going. If I could walk, I’d be real happy.

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Dogs have their day DOGS ran left, right and centre during the 13th Annual State Duck, Cattle and Sheep Dog Championships at Welshpool recently.

All set: Fiona McCoy and her four-legged mate prepare to tackle the dog high jump.

Get round: dogs were judged for their ability to herd stock: cattle, sheep and ducks.

Hosted by Paul Macphail’s Beloka Kelpie Stud, the event lured men, women and children with best friends in tow from across Victoria, interstate and even Canada. Local entrants placed highly against experienced competitors from beyond the district. Competitors took part in a variety of livestock trials, testing the abilities of dogs and handlers to work together to herd stock, leap high and race. Results. Open cattle: first, Graeme Lace and Champ, Catani; second, George Pickles and Ned, Casterton; and third, Kerren Collins and Sierra, Toora. Open sheep: first, Bob Haines and Caddy, Melbourne; second, Paul Macphail and Sophie, Welshpool; and third, Steve Subero and Elly, Melbourne. Open ducks: first, Geoff Marriott and Clancy, Warragul; second, Kerren Collins and Sierra, Toora; and third, Bruce Frazer and Radar, Melbourne. Puppies under six months: first, Shelly Field and Red, Yarram; second, Mark Dunmore and Benny, Melbourne; and third, Kerstin Nilsson and Bella, Melbourne. Open Tri Challenge (first round score of cattle, duck and sheep): first, George Pickles and Max, Casterton; second, Travis Scott and Jack, Cranbourne; and third, George Pickles and Ned. High Jump Open: first, Geoff and Rose, Melbourne; second, Tracey Maney and Jack, Kilmore. High Jump Novice: equal first, Tracey Maney and Yabini, and Chloe Macphail and Red, Welshpool; second, Sarah McFarlane and Indi, Melbourne; equal third, Daniel Ball and Danny, and Matthew Macphail and Spook, Welshpool. High Jump Encouragement: first, Tracey Maney and Max, Kilmore; second, Michael McCoy and Beau, Ballarat; third, April Smith and Levi, Melbourne. Aussie Dog Idol: first, Dave Higgins and Dylan, Melbourne; second, Emma Fenby and Fly, Melbourne; and third, Tracey Maney and Jack from Kilmore. Dog Like Owner: first, Chloe Macphail, Welshpool; second, Emma Fenby, Emerald; and third Sarah Krause, Kilmore. Great Working Dog Race: first, Tracey Neave and Yabine; second, Tracey Maney and Jack; third, Roger Harvey and Lucy.

Up high: Jackie Merchant calls her best friend to the top during the high jump contest.

They’re racing in Dumbalk DUMBALK CFA Brigade took an important step toward achieving its target of raising the funds needed to give it the opportunity to apply for a Light Tanker in the next round of the Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP). Around 130 people enjoyed a terriﬁc evening of fun, fashion and exciting races at its event A Night at the Races, on Saturday October 17, at the Dumbalk Hall. Presented by Gippsland’s own Murder Company, the Night at the Races was supported by the Morningside Pony Stud, Alex Scott and Staff, Tarwin Veterinary Group, SEJ and Great Southern Outdoors. The members were treated to some great racing, with the occasional ‘back runner’ making a dash for the ﬁnish line. Each race produced a clear winner with no need to call on the camera to separate the Winners all: Dane Perzcyk from Alex Scott and Staff ‘horses’. The Fashion in the Field event was presenting the trophy for the ‘Alex Scott and Staff Guineas’ to race winner Steve Collins, supported by Jason Ri- won by Libby from Drouin with Chelsea from Mardan a very creditable place getter.

ley, Dumbalk Junior Brigade.

Judges commented that it was extremely difﬁcult deciding on a winner. Dane Perczyk from Alex Scott and Staff, held a lively auction, including the feature auction of Emma the Australian Riding Pony, donated by Margaret Gillies and Max Fletcher from the Morningside Pony Stud. Dumbalk CFA Brigade would like to thank all contributors including; Koonwarra Store, Pomegranate, Accessorise, No 9 Dream, Murray Goulburn Dumbalk and Leongatha Stores, Rodwells, Martin and Chris Stone, Allen and Sue Mathews, Dallas and Heather Campbell, Martin Curwain, Body Trim, Leongatha Health Food Shop, A W Smith and Sons, Mitre 10, Leongatha Autobarn, Stony Creek Race Club, Riverbank Stockfeeds and Marriotts Machinery. Brigade Captain Walter Aich in closing the evening thanked all race goers, contributors and the members of the organising committee for their efforts and participation. “It’s always fantastic to see what a small but empowered community can achieve.”

GSHS makes workplace safe GIPPSLAND Southern Health Service continues to improve the equipment available to its staff working in aged care, and in turn reduce the risk of injury or accident from lifting and moving residents. The health service has spent over $166,000 on overhead hoists, and $440,000 on beds over the past decade. GSHS now has over 80 per cent of its high care beds permanently covered by a tracked hoist. Many of the hoists in Alchera House were purchased with funds bequeathed by the late Cath Ritchie, in 2003. The hoists in Koorooman House have come from GSHS and donated funds.

GSHS also has two hoists in each of the acute wards at Leongatha and Korumburra hospitals, with plans to increase this number. In addition, GSHS has 24 wheeled patient lifters across its facilities in areas where hoists are not suitable, or the need is low. GSHS has electric beds in its high care aged care homes, and 60 per cent of beds in Hillside Lodge are also electrically operated. The beds can be raised or lowered to ground level, improving access and safety for residents. For nursing staff, it means better occupational health and safety standards, and a reduction in handling injuries caused by assisting residents to move.

The ﬁrst electric bed arrived in 2000, and the health service now has 120 of them. A planned equipment replacement scheme sees GSHS continue to invest in risk reduction equipment, making workplaces safer for staff and clients.

Helping hand: (from left): GSHS nurse, Michelle O’Loughlin, nurse educator, Karen Ginnane, and Koorooman House nurse unit manager, Brenda Satchwell, demonstrate the overhead hoist in Koorooman House.

Streeting the ﬁeld: Winner equestrian fashions Mark Bourke, Mirboo North, winner of the Fashion in the Fields Equestrian section is congratulated by Walter Aich.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 29

The sky is the limit By Matt Dunn FOR intrepid adventurer Bruce Hammett the sky is the limit. His sister-in-law recently suggested he change the name of his property to ‘Gon-a-gin’ (gone again). There is little doubt Bruce has a wandering spirit. He has urged his wife Nancye to come with him, but she is not keen. “I keep saying to her: ‘You’re missing it, you’re missing it.’” Bruce knows well enough that every day is a blessing and life slips through your ﬁngers just like sand. Time is of the essence. The Fish Creek farmer and pilot thought nothing of taking to the air in his Pioneer 300 and ﬂying all the way into the treacherous airspace of Papua New Guinea recently. It was his second trip from the cold climes of South Gippsland to this tropical isle at our northern tip, as part of the 2009 Papua New Guinea Air Safari. The safari saw eight planes, each with pilot and co-pilot (and some with crew), take to the skies. With mountains and volcanoes appearing

Bruce Hammett: the intrepid pilot is ready for his next big adventure.

from nowhere in the mist, PNG is a challenge for any pilot. A recent plane crash near the Kokoda Trail, which claimed the lives of a Gippsland son and daughter, is testimony to the dangers faced. But Bruce is not the jittery type. Flanked by copilot and country legend Ben Buckley, Bruce was always going to have an interesting adventure. Ben Buckley was the former mayor of Omeo, but it is his status as a “character” and daredevil pilot for which he is better known. The councillor from Benambra has a history of flying under bridges, “buzzing” opposition football teams (he is a goal umpire and a Benambra Football Club stalwart), landing on tiny platforms off shore as a dare, and incurring the wrath of aviation authorities. “When he was asked about flying under a bridge, he said: ‘Bridge? That’d be a stupid thing to do,’” Bruce said with a chuckle. Bruce said the highlights of the trip were undoubtedly the people. He has a fascination with PNG’s inhabitants, but can see the change that is coming. Drugs and alcohol are starting to take their toll, as society moves from the bush to more urban environment. “They’re very colourful. It’s amazing when you get away from the cities and towns. It’s the people I go for,” he said. “I saw only one ugly incident, for the first time this year. Beer and drugs are possibly, gradually getting in there. AIDS is a concern.” He looks at one of the photographs from the trip, of a native in traditional dress: “It’d be lovely to think they could just stay like that.” It’s a whimsical thought. A tribesman who guarded the aeroplanes for the organiser of the safari, Bob Bates, stands out in Bruce’s mind. Photographed in traditional garb with tradition weaponry, he is an imposing figure. “It gave him a real sense of importance. Work is pretty important to us and it’s pretty important to them. You wouldn’t

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, November 4, 2008 A Wonthaggi doctor has achieved a state first by becoming the first Victorian president of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia. She is Dr Nola Maxfield. **** The Melbourne Cup was in Leongatha for the public to see as part of a country tour ahead of the big race today. Many people travelled to Memorial Hall for the event.

Five years ago, November 2, 2004 Foster science whiz Jess Iser is bound for Canberra to take part in the National Youth Science Forum. The Year 11 student at South Gippsland Secondary College was named one of the country’s bright young minds. **** Former Leongatha Football Club coach Paul Hudson is pursuing his dream of coaching at an elite level after being appointed coach of TAC Cup side, Gippsland Power. Hudson played 245 games with Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs in the AFL and was placed fourth in the 1991 Brownlow Medal.

10 years ago, November 2, 1999 Leongatha Secondary College has farewelled two of its most experienced teachers, John Russell and Graeme Featherston. The pair has retired after accruing more than 40 years at the school between them. **** Leongatha cycling icon Terry Watchorn has just returned from Europe after ﬁnishing with the leading bunch in the 130-strong ﬁeld of the UCI World Veterans Cycling Championships in Austria. Terry was the second Australian over the line. He rode more than 11,000 kilometres to train for the event.

30 years ago, November 6, 1979 The members of the Christian Revival Crusade in Leongatha have bought a 16 acre block in Hughes Street to build a home. More than 150 worshippers regularly attend Sunday gatherings. **** Venus Bay surf life savers have bought a $5000 fourwheel drive vehicle to help patrol the beach. The vehicle will be ﬁtted with a two-way radio and ﬁrst aid kit.

have touched those aeroplanes,” Bruce said. The sinewy ﬁgure of the man is something to be admired. “You never see overweight fellows, particularly the men. You see the muscle there. They’re a powerful foe.” As far as his time spent in the air went, circling a volcano on the northern coast, after plotting an aerial course along the Sepik River, was a huge thrill. “We didn’t know, ﬂying up, what state it was in. It was active. There was lava and sparks, so we had to take a fair bit of caution approaching it,” he said. “There was smoke and black ash. But I found

out there was no turbulence. I was apprehensive about that, but discovered we could get right in. “Buckley took over then and said, ‘You have a look. I’ll ﬂy around.’ He did a couple of tight turns around that allowed me to see. I was looking vertically straight down into it, and I could see all this stuff coming out. We were only a hundred, two hundred feet above the lip.” Bruce said the thing that “took my breath away” was the fact that it was a “vertical drop to the sea” of 5000 ft on one side. “It was an absolutely spectacular display of multi-coloured lava,” he said. It is part of the reason he will again go back, perhaps with Nancye – if he can talk her around.

Imposing ﬁgure: the guardian of the planes was not letting anyone get near.

School pool on track EXPRESSIONS of interest are being sought from the public to form a Board of Management to drive the Bass Valley Pool project forward. Opening the heated outdoor pool at Bass Valley Primary School to the public, was a project identified at the Grantville Community Opportunity Workshop three years ago. The existing committee has already secured an audit of the facility which recommended a few modifications for the swimming pool to be bought up to the standard required for public use. Some of the improvements identified in the report include; clearer access and traffic flow in areas where the concourse is less than 3 metres, a wet shade area, a chemical storage facility, a proper entrance to the pool, a staff area and a first aid room. The current working committee which

includes the principal Garry Adams, YMCA representative Ash Crimmins, Councillor Veronica Dowman, John Ernst from CBI and community volunteers, has agreed that a Board of Management needs to be formed in order for the project to proceed to the next stage. ‘The upgrades required are not major in terms of cost but funding will be needed to ensure that the conditions of the audit are met.’ Councillor Dowman said. Bass Coast Shire Arts and Leisure coordinator Jenny Churchill, is also enthusiastic and willing to assist with accessing funding through the Helen McPherson Trust. The YMCA already runs the Wonthaggi pool and will take on the responsibility of the day to day operations of the Bass facility. Ash Crimmins suggested that the pool operate on a temperature based system so

that during the Christmas holidays it would open to the public for about four hours a day if the forecast temperature is twenty four degrees and over. However these are the types of issues that need to be debated and ﬁne-tuned by the new Board of Management. CBI facilitator John Ernst emphasised that this is a prime opportunity for the community to get behind a project which will provide a much needed resource for all age groups. If you are interested in being part of the new Board of Management for the Bass Valley Heated Pool Project, an open meeting will be held at: Bass Valley Primary School on Tuesday, November 24 at 7.30 pm. For further details please contact: Jeanne Coffey Ph. 56780617 or email p.jcoffey@bigpond.com

On their way to hospitality A GROUP of Yooralla students bounds joyfully into the Pig and Whistle at Coal Creek every Monday morning to undertake hospitality training. They are doing an eight week course that will hopefully take them next year into a full Certiﬁcate II in Hospitality. The accredited units are in health and hygiene, health and safety and other practical skills. Barbara Look, the education and training coordinator with ECG Southern Gippsland, said the joy on the faces of the students as they began their ﬁrst class, made all the effort of organising the course, well worthwhile.

It has necessitated coordinating Yooralla, ECG, Coal Creek and the Melbourne City Institute of Education which is a private training group that is supplying chef Bernie Liversidge. Barbara said the registered kitchen at the Pig and Whistle is the perfect size for a small group of students. They are aged 18 to 19 and it is Barbara’s hope that the group will go on to complete a full certiﬁcate which will help them ﬁnd work. She said ECG, which operates out of the former McMillan College building on the Leongatha Secondary College site, concentrates on responding to community education needs, taking its courses into places where they are readily accessible.

Well pleased: chef Bernie Liversidge (left) with excited Yooralla students Balelee Olierook, Brodie James, Emily Ardley and Mitchell Price (seated) with Coal Creek co-ordinator Rowena Ashley.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 31

THIS beautifully restored home at Mirboo North is featured in the Rodwells advertisement on page 37.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Auction of magic 23 acres L

OCATED centrally to Leongatha and Korumburra, this approximately 23 acre grazing property is up for auction on Saturday, November 7. Situated adjacent to Djinta Djinta winery, the property also boasts a four bedroom home and four-bay machinery shed, plus various smaller farm shedding. An older style weatherboard home sits among established ornamental trees and an orchard packed with a variety of fruit trees. The federation style home boasts: kitchen with a large walk-in pantry, gas hotplates and electric wall oven, electric range hood and a brekky bar. The lounge is opposite the kitchen and features timber dado half way up the walls and a wood heater. A large bathroom has both a shower and bath in one unit, timber cupboards

and slate ﬂooring, while the laundry has a second shower and features the slate ﬂooring also. The back porch has been enclosed to make a sunroom, with timber windows running the length of it, and it covers the timber and glass sliding door to enter into the house. If you would like to run some livestock, the property comes with four paddocks surrounded with great fencing, a large dam as well as a permanent creek and has a gentle rise in the lay of the land. This property is without a doubt a fantastic opportunity for a makeover on the home and infrastructure to add value to the existing improvements. Auction time is 11am on site and it can be purchased with a deposit of 10 per cent and the balance payable in 60 days. An inspection of this beautiful parcel of land with huge potential is a must and strictly by appointment.

At a glance Location: 8925 South Gippsland Highway, Kardella South. Auction: November 7 at 11am on site. Sole agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 0922.

Auction success A

LEX Scott & Staff, Leongatha were pumped with the result at their auction in Meeniyan on October 24. With a large crowd and spirited bidding, the vendor and his family were over the moon with the outcome of the auction, which was a price of $334,000. Alex Scott & Staff auctioneer Andrew Newton said it was a very exciting auction. “We could not have asked for a better outcome,” he said. “ We have had excellent results with auctions, with the most recent three auctions selling under the hammer at great prices. The market has certainly turned a corner.” Peter Dwyer from Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha said that this particular property was presented extremely well by the vendors’ family and it showed in the result of the auction. “We had the property open for inspection every weekend of the marketing campaign leading up to the auction and there was good enquiry all the way,” he said. “We need more stock in Meeniyan to satisfy the bidders that missed out at the auction.” . Alex Scott & Staff have another auction this coming Saturday (November 7) at 8925 South Gippsland Highway, Kardella South at 11am on site and they are expecting another great result. Call Andrew or Peter on 5662 0922 for more information on this Saturday’s auction or for information on how to promote your property via auction.

Meeniyan auction: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha’s Andrew Newton, Peter Dwyer and Carly Roughead on October 24.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 33

land of opportunity KOONWARRA This outstanding parcel of land is nearly 1800sqm and is just 150m to the centre of the village of Koonwarra. Design and build your dream home or weekender, or contemplate the business potential of constructing a retail or service-oriented premises. Driveway is in, water is on, land is cleared! Savour the village lifestyle. Address 13 Koala Drive, Koonwarra Price $160,000 - $175,000

town & country charm MIRBOO NORTH You CAN have it all! A character cottage just minutes to the shops, on 1.5 acres! It’s gorgeous: this historical home has original timber features, stained hardwood ﬂoors, picture rails and magniﬁcent views. Pens for chooks/pets, shedding, circular drive, fruit trees, 2 BRs and 2 separate living areas - a cutie! Address 50 Giles Street, Mirboo North Price $310,000 - $339,000

g in 09 m 1. o . 1 c . h 5 r t ale 1 Fo S EN P O T S R FI

13 acres, permit, house plans! NERRENA You will need to build within the guidelines of the planning permit quickly, so this is priced to sell now! Plans for 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom plus study home. Fenced to suit horses, with loose box and tack room, troughs to paddocks, dam, and areas of fenced native vegetation and plantings. Dream no more! Address Meeniyan-Nerrena Road, Nerrena Price $160,000 - $175,000

Y N DA E R P O ATU S IS

sea change - live and earn PORT ALBERT Port Albert is now on the map.!The pier development has exploded with tourist activity and here is this magniﬁcent C1856 original, restored to cafe and gallery. New rendered brick residence and 2 separate cottage bedrooms with bathrooms - B&B, family stays, a real sea change awaits. Address 71 Tarradale Rd Port Albert Price $550,000-$600,000

Leongatha architectural and historic icon LEONGATHA Of historical signiﬁcance, this beautiful property features spacious and gracious living rooms, 2 bathrooms, large “indoor/outdoor” rumpus room, 3 big bedrooms, country timber kitchen with stainless steel appliances and double carport through private side gates. Architectural features include coffered 11’ ceilings, three part double hung windows, original timbers, hardwood ﬂoors, rendered double brick construction, extensive leadlight. Inspect Saturday, 12-12.30pm Address 26 Ogilvy Street, Leongatha Price $480,000 - $525,000

Y N DA E R P O ATU S IS

N AY P E ND O SU IS TH

create your dream KOONWARRA Lots of possibilities exist here in this half acre building block in the heart of Koonwarra village. Its town zoned so no planning permit is necessary. A multitude of uses is possible (STCA): build your dream home a stone’s throw from great cakes and lattés, or, start your dream business in this popular village. Address 7 Koala Drive, Koonwarra Price $195,000 - $210,000

tuscan summers NERRENA At the end of a private lane is this “epitomy of country living”- a warm and welcoming home, picturesque dam, established olive grove and large shady trees. Delightfully renovated, the three bedroom farmhouse exudes an elegant simplicity that captures the views. A country kitchen, wood heater, and charm aplenty. Address 15 Hanks Road, Nerrena Price $495,000 - $540,000

“Erinae” – the very essence of a country life MIRBOO NORTH Set amidst private, English country gardens, this expansive, picture-perfect homestead has two distinct zones. Presently used as spacious private living quarters, with adjoining tea room/show room, easy alternatives also exist for extended family/B&B. 2 kitchens, 3 spacious living zones, 3 king-sized bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and wide verandas. More than 4 acres, with 2 acres of lavender, cricket bat willows, 6 megalitre dam, and spellbinding views! Inspect Sunday 1-1.30pm Address 3370 Strzelecki Hwy, Mirboo North Price $625,000 - $675,000

The “WOW” factor LEONGATHA Why bother building? 3 amazing living spaces include a theatre room, massive informal lounge and a rumpus which opens onto the al fresco dining area. Stunning kitchen with adjoining “Butler’s Pantry” featuring 2nd sink and 2nd dishwasher. Don’t pass this buy! Open to inspect Saturday, 2-2.30pm Address 5 Eleanor Court, Leongatha Price $380,000 - $415,000

Y N DA PE UR O AT S IS

a fine romance ~ c1896 on a half acre of botanical gardens LEONGATHA The present owners have had a lifelong romance with this unique and very special property in the heart of Leongatha. Now it could be your turn to fall in love. On a half acre of magnificent, colourful gardens with rare and quality exotics, the expansive home features 13’ ceilings, original T&G paneling, hardwood flooring, leadlight, bay windows, block frontage, iron lacework verandas. Accommodation is versatile. A choice of 4 bedrooms, study, and 2 large living spaces - OR make it 3 bedrooms, study and 3 large living spaces. There are 2 bathrooms, and a kitchen (originally the maid’s quarters) with big walk in larder. The property will benefit from cosmetic improvement, however the structure appears sound, and the residence is spacious, gracious and comfortable. able. Walk to schools and sporting grounds, and begin your lifelong romance in this glorious location now. Open to inspect Saturday, 1.00-1.30pm Address 27 Turner Street, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $560,000 - $610,000

Call Us!

for your fresh fresh Spring Campaign!

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

glenys foster

lisa williams

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Five bedrooms and a view T

HIS is a Leongatha home for the entertainer, family or those coming off the land looking for a view. It is abounding in space featuring ﬁve bedrooms with a stylish en suite to master bedroom and guest bathroom to another. Upstairs boasts rural views from the verandah, rumpus room and main bathroom and downstairs includes a formal living area, open plan kitchen, meals and dining area. Sliding doors open up to a covered outdoor entertaining area. There’s plenty of room for cars with double carport and access into

the backyard and Colorbond garage with power, concrete ﬂoor and toilet. This is an extensively renovated home with something for everyone.

At a glance Location: 7 Laura Grove, Leongatha. Price: $450,000. Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 5800.

The highest calibre Y OU’LL ﬁnd this charming ﬁve bedroom, two bathroom home on 11.6 acres at Wattlebank.

It is only a 10 minute drive from Inverloch and also Wonthaggi. The property has three paddocks, established trees and the home is in a beautiful garden setting. The spacious and light home also has powder rooms, open plan kitchen, and dining and lounge room with cozy solid fuel heating. There’s room for guests and an extra large laundry. An undercover entertaining area with fernery leads onto manicured lawns. Industrial size shedding, with enclosed ofﬁce and studio, has three phase power, toilet and services connected. An easy to maintain,

AUCTION SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER AT 2 PM

STUNNING HISTORIC HOMESTEAD

MIRBOO NORTH “Strathalbyn” ON WATTS (CIRCA 1890) 2.63 ACRES - 1.06 ha MAGNIFICENT PERIOD RESIDENCE EXPERTLY RENOVATED AND EXTENDED IN A WONDERFUL EXPANSIVE OLD ENGLISH GARDEN SETTING WITH PERMANENT WATTS CREEK FRONTAGE

● ● ● ●

Sth Gippsland Hwy, Leongatha. 0418 515 666 0408 515 665 www.sej.com.au

2399

2490 Meeniyan-Mirboo North Road Picturesque park like landscaped garden setting. Delightful period residence. 4 B.R.’s, study/rumpus, formal dining room, open plan kitchen/meals/lounge, 2 bathrooms and laundry. S/C cottage, IG pool, carport and shedding. 3km Mirboo North township, 150km Melb via Princes and 50km Inverloch. 9866 5588. 0438 383 221 www. prh.com.au

established garden with large tank water storage available for orchard and vegetable garden, plus mains water is connected. This property is an

escape from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. It is very quiet and peaceful, but also close to the beaches and shopping centres.

At a glance Location: 30 Pennell Court, Wattlebank. Price: $760,000. Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Inverloch. Contact: 5674 1111.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 35

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The very essence of a country life S

ET amidst a profusion of private English country gardens, this expansive, picture-perfect homestead offers solutions for a variety of “country life” wishlists.

The character home is light-ﬁlled, with large picture windows in every living room. Mature trees combine with broad verandas, to shelter the home, providing privacy and creating garden “rooms” to all corners of the property. Polished Baltic pine ﬂoors, high ceilings, warm country tones of buttery yellow and soft blue-greys are the theme throughout. Easy access to the verandas on three sides expands the living spaces, providing an ideal “indoor-outdoor” lifestyle for all seasons. The residence has two distinct zones, all under the same roof line. Presently divided to accommodate a spacious private living zone, and separate tea/show room, the ingenious layout also offers viable alternatives for dual

the kitchen and informal living areas. The “more than four acres” of productive plantings includes about two acres of lavender with drying facility and equipment. Combined with the tea/show rooms, the potential exists to continue to earn an income from the property with lavender and associated product. Other alternatives are to create a B&B facility by converting the existing tea/show room set up, with the option to retain the lavender ﬁeld. An inspection of the property, and perusal of the ﬂoor plan provided, will reveal the full extent of options available at this versatile and enticing property. The cricket bat willows, six megalitre dam, mature exotics, vegetable and cottage gardens and spellbinding views across neighbouring farm lands, combine with a position just a couple of kilometres from the emerging tourist town of Mirboo North on the Melbourne side, to offer you a property that is the quintessentially romantic answer to your country getaway yearnings.

occupancy. The present “tea/show room”, with its small kitchen, and light and expansive living room, has its own verandah. An adjoining bedroom, bathroom, and study area, could combine with the tea/show room to create the ideal “second occupants” quarters. Other accommodation within the residence includes a central kitchen, decorated beautifully in white and timber, with walk-in pantry, and enormous breakfast bar/work area. There is an adjacent meals room, accented with a warming, corner wood heater. Two separate, large living spaces comprise a main lounge with direct access to a northerly veranda and the stunning cottage garden. The second living room, presently the library, beneﬁts from warming winter sun through a big expanse of picture windows. Two large queen-sized bedrooms, at the front of the home share the second bathroom, and are perfectly located to

At a glance Location: 3370 Strzelecki Highway, Mirboo North. Price range: $625,000 - $675,000. Agent: Prom Country First National, Meeniyan. Contact: 5664 0224.

A U CT I O N

PRESTIGIOUS SALE IRRIGATION FARM “SOMERTON PARK"

Thursday, November 12, at 1pm ON SITE – SOMERTON PARK ROAD, SALE

80.9ha (200 acres) right on edge of Sale, 5km from post office. Magnificent 56 square under roof home with 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 dining rooms, formal lounge sitting room, study/ office, verandah on 3 sides. Original home built in 1880's with extensions in early 1900's. Water is a feature of the property with 218.5ml high reliability, 103ml low reliability, and 120ml bore water. Presently farmed as a dairy farm with 14-a-side double-up dairy, feed system with 2 silos, 3 vats, 8400 litre storage. Good fertiliser history, 18 paddocks, excellent soil, laser graded, shedding includes 30m x 12m machinery shed with 2 lock-up bays with power, large hay shed and sharefarmer’s cottage. Property has potential for subdivision subject to council approval, in one title with three crown allotments.

Prestigious Sale irrigation farm

hooker2x10

236 Raymond Street, Sale – Phone 51 444 575 Tony Baillie 0412 244 442 120 Johnson Street, Maffra – Phone 5147 1088 Tim Missen 0488 483 000

AUCTION

OMERTON PARK, 89.9 ha (200 ac) is situated right on the edge of Sale, 5km from the post ofﬁce, with two road frontages.

SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER AT 11 AM - ON SITE

QUALITY HOME IN SECLUDED GARDEN

LOCH

“Bundara”

190 HENRYS ROAD

3.6 ACRES - 1.45 ha Stunning quality home in wonderful expansive landscaped gardens. ● Picturesque

parklike setting. ● Delightful 3/4 bedroom home, ensuite, large sweeping verandah, open plan kitchen/meals, separate dining/lounge and central bathroom. ● Large dble remote garage and workshop. ● A property renowned for its picturesque setting. ● Just over an hour to Melb.CBD via car.

Rhys Nuttall 0438 383 221

2409

The ‘Somerton Park’ homestead was commenced in the 1880s and other extensions finished in the early 1900s. There are verandas on three sides and the back veranda has tessellated tiles. The home has a formal entrance with coloured glass side panels and is approximately 56 squares under roof. There are seven bedrooms, most with open fireplace, two bathrooms, two dining rooms, formal lounge, sitting room and a study-office. ‘Somerton Park’ has been held by the present owner for 65 years and is currently being run as a dairy farm. Water is a feature of the property with 218.5ml high-reliability, 103 mg low-reliability and 120ml bore water. Excellent soil types that will grow any crop or pasture, and good fertilizer history. The property is laser graded and subdivided into 18

paddocks. The dairy is 14-a-side double up with a feed system, two silos, three vats with 8400lt storage, 30m x 12m machinery shed with two lock-up bays and power, large hay shed, and there is a sharefarmer’s cottage. The property has potential for subdivision subject to council approval. It is on one title with three crown allotments. Properties with character, grand old homestead, excellent water supply, good soils and right on the edge of Sale are really hard to ﬁnd. At a glance Location: Somerton Park Road, Sale. Auction: Thursday, November 12 at 1pm on site. Agent: L.J. Hooker, Sale. Contact: Tony Baillie 5144 4575 or 0412 244 442.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 37

Private, peaceful and enviable T

HIS stunning home at Loch, set in expansive landscaped gardens with terraced ponds and sweeping lawns, is just over one hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. A solid home with quality features, ﬁrst class carpentry, zoned central heating and double-glazed windows. A formal sitting/dining room and an expansive open plan kitchen/meals living, the large windows highlight the surrounding gardens. The master bedroom has cathedral ceilings with WIR and en suite. There are two further bedrooms and the formal sitting room that could be a fourth bedroom. The family bathroom has separate toilet, shower and bath. The laundry has outside access and a built-in sewing/ hobby desk. The home is complemented by verandas with vines creating a sheltered outdoor entertaining area. In all, a private, peaceful and enviable lifestyle property. A long drive accessed through a remote operated gate leads you past manicured gardens, native trees, shrubs and terraced ponds. House water is supplied from two 45,000 litre underground tanks. The garden has water available. Shedding includes a two car garage, workshop and two garden sheds (one with power).

At a glance Location: 190 Henrys Road, Loch. Auction: November 14 at 11am on site. Agent: Pat Rice & Hawkins, Melbourne. Contact: Rhys Nuttall 9866 5588.

Girl’s Night In STOCKDALE & Leggo, Leongatha’s Christie Bowler, Helga Baum and Kellie Wilson hosted a girl’s night in on October 24 to raise money for women’s cancer research. The girls had a wonderful night of fundraising with an ever popular jelly bean count, rafﬂe, celebrity head whilst enjoying a feast of nibblies and some drinks. Christie, Helga and Kellie wish to give a big thank you to the businesses who donated rafﬂe items including Sportspower, LuLu, Pomegranate, Simon’s Discounts and Bargains Plus. Further donations to the cause can be made at Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha until November 11.

Girl’s Night In: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha’s Christie, Helga and Kellie held a special night recently.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

CREATING a fairy garden captured the imagination of budding young gardeners Chloe, Charlie and Ruby Adkins of Leongatha. Inspired by the children, the fairy garden project involved the whole family with mum Kate taking t h e

Decorative: any fairy garden would not be complete without some ornamental pieces and Ruby Adkins of Leongatha thinks this lovely dragon ﬂy ﬁts perfectly in their family fairy garden.

children off to the Koonwarra Nursery to make the plant and ornament selections, dad helping out with the heavy labor and Nanny Joy Morgan contributing with some advice, wind chime and plants. The advice from Nanny Joy came in the form of a list of items and herbs essential for all fairy gardens. Asked by the Star what exactly was on the list, seven year old Charlie said “I can’t remember now as I don’t know where the list is”. Thankfully the garden is just about complete and the children hope they have all Nanny’s list well and truly covered. Youngest of the family Ruby, 5, said Nanny Joy bought the fairy chimes that now hang on the apex of the cubby adjoining the newly established garden that surrounds a massive oak tree. The Adkins have only just moved into their heritage home and Kate said she was told the oak tree could be 100 years old. Conjuring up memories of the wonderful Faraway Tree featured Enid Blyton’s all-time children’s classic story books, The Enchanted Wood and The Magic Faraway Tree, the Adkins oak tree is now enhanced by a magical fairy garden. As to the selection of plants Charlie was very proud to say he picked out the Fairy Lights and Fairy Wings plants, Ruby wanted strawberries. and Chloe chose some lovely pink ﬂowering plants. Ruby said, “I wanted strawberries so we don’t have to buy them.” Charlie pointed out the bright red ornamental toadstools and Ruby thought the Dragonﬂy spike was a lovely addition. Moving into an olde worlde home has been a big challenge and the Adkins are hard at it putting their stamp on the home with big plans for the coming months and years ahead. Kate said, “it is a lot of work but the home has such character and history and establishing the fairy garden has been a lovely activity for all our family and the children have loved it”.

The garden was completed in one afternoon with father Mick doing all the heavy labor, moving all the big boulders and shoveling a lot of dirt and stones. The children helped with a lot of digging and putting their own plants in the garden. Just look at their smiling faces and you know the fairy garden project has been a huge success and will provide much enjoyment in years to come.

Fairy garden: Charlie and Ruby Adkins inspect their new fairy garden and are looking forward to adding more plants and watching it bloom.

Elated: from left, budding gardening enthusiasts Charlie, Ruby and Chloe Adkins are thrilled with the latest edition to their Leongatha home, a delightful fairy garden surrounding their century old oak.

Chimes: when planning a fairy garden with your children be mindful of heightening the senses by planting delicious fruits to taste, plants and herbs to smell and touch. Charlie Adkins points to the chimes hanging in the cubby house adjacent their new fairy garden, pleasing to the ear.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 39

Planting for eight TOWNSEND’S Nursery marked its eight birthday with a week-long celebration recently. Owners Ken and Lois Townsend took time to give customers a cup of tea and coffee, and sit down for a chat. There was a free sausage sizzle and icy poles for the children. A lucky stick for every customer entitled them to a discount or free plant. Lois specially thanked everyone who helped make it such a good week. When the nursery opened they offered about 150 varieties of plants compared to 300 now. “Ninety-ﬁve per cent of the plants I grow myself from cuttings,” Lois said. “It’s just a matter of getting stock and once we get stock we can grow the plants. “I only grow plants that I really know, which I can talk about with customers.” Drought tolerant plants and natives have become more important over the years. The quality of the plants is something people always comment on. “People say the plants just grow,” Lois said. The wind turbines that now stand near the nursery were one unfortunate event from the past eight years. Customers are often surprised when Lois tells them they only go for about two days and eight hours a week. Sometimes people come up the drive to look at the wind turbines and occasionally they visit the nursery as well. Townsend’s Nursery is at 315 West Area Road, Wonthaggi. Contact Ken and Lois on 5672 1982.

Happy days: Ken and Lois Townsend celebrated the eighth birthday of their nursery recently.

Spring colour: Ann Christall (Melbourne) with grandson Travis (Inverloch) check out these plants.

Making bunnies: Dyarnah (Wonthaggi), Madison (Dalyston) and Jade (Wonthaggi) get creative at the nursery.

Tomatoes off and racing By Karen Haw The Town Centre Nursery CUP week has long been associated with tomato planting time and if there was a popularity poll for home-grown vegetables, tomatoes would top the list. Tomatoes give a higher yield for space occupied than any other vegetable and nothing surpasses the ﬂavour of a home grown, vine ripened tomato. One of the hardest decisions about growing tomatoes is what variety to grow especially if space is limited. First choice is seedlings or single plants. Seedlings are much more economical. Tomatoes can also be purchased as grafted plants and these are generally thought to grow bigger and yield more and are a good choice if only one plant is required. Next is which variety to grow. Tomatoes are categorized as:

Heirloom - this is an open-pollinated plant that was grown in an earlier era. Some heirlooms are hundreds of years old, and others originated around the turn of the 20th century. They have a magnificent range of flavours and seed can be kept and sown for a reliable crop in the future. Here are some of the many varieties available Arkanas Traveller - a rose pink coloured tomato with a balanced sweet/acid flavour. It is a real favourite amongst heirloom tomato lovers. Cherokee Purple - the fruit is so dark, they call it black, they are a bit earthier and sweeter than other varieties. Grown by the Cherokee Indians during the 1800s. Tommy Toe - voted in a tomato survey as the best tasting tomato. This is a tall variety bearing small sized fruit with good disease resistance qualities. Black Russian - the fruit is large, round and smooth and almost mahogany in colour. It has a complex flavour, sweet and spicy with smoky undertones. Blackbirds are less likely to

eat this unique coloured fruit. Yellow Grape - a great variety for children with a mild, low acid flavour and they are so vigorous they can be trellised. They are very prolific, producing masses of fruit from 70-75 days after planting. Heritage - these are older commercial varieties which generally also grow true from seed and include such varieties as Grosse Lisse - the all time favourite producing medium to large smooth globe shaped fruit with excellent flavour mid to late season. Ky1 - a bush variety that does not need staking. It produces medium sized fruit which is excellent for use in sauces, soups and preserves. Fruit holds green on the bush for a long time and makes superb chutney. Hybrid - tomatoes that are the result of cross-breeding two or more varieties together. The advantage is a tomato that is generally more disease and pest resistant, high yielding with consistent fruit production. Some believe this is at the cost of flavour but the vote is still open on that.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

LEONGATHA history buff Lyn Skillern reckons we need to look into our past to understand our place in the world. The Leongatha Historical Society doyen hopes we can all have a greater understanding of our rich history.

No history, no culture, no soul By Lyn Skillern

A COMMUNITY needs to value and understand its history to be able to develop a culture of its own and to have a soul. Everyone needs to have a community they relate to, a home place, a place that is significant in their lives. For me it is South Gippsland. When I am away for any length of time I miss it. There is something about turning off the dual highway at Lang Lang; you might have some distance to go before you actually get to your house but you are home when you make that turn. Some may come back to the area once or twice a year or even less, but the area is still home. But what makes your unique place unique? The answer to this lies, partly at least, in its unique history. South Gippsland is definitely unique. For the indigenous people it was an area of plenty. The people living along the South Gippsland coast had a life with plenty of food and an environment that provided all their needs. Sadly, the coming of the white man in the early nineteenth century destroyed this way of life forever. With the exception of some settlement along the coast in places like Port Albert and Anderson, our region was the last part of Victoria to be surveyed and settled. The Great Forest, as it was called, was a thick, dense forest that was hard to penetrate and explore let alone clear and settle. Our pioneers however, did just this. I certainly admire them. These were tough people, who cleared the forest with hand axes and saws and set up homes in tents and bark and timber huts. They built up the first businesses, established the first churches and schools and most of all established the special communities that spread across the region. We owe so much to these early pioneers and their forward thinking.

A Mrs Shanahan wrote a pleading letter to the education department in 1889, asking for a school to be established in Leongatha. The children in the area are running wild, she pointed out and there is no school anywhere nearby. The department did set up the school and the first teacher, Mr Denholm arrived in September 1889. He taught in a shed type structure without any facilities for a short time until permanent headmaster, Mr Jeffrey, arrived in November. Mr Jeffrey taught in that shed and then his own home until the school was built in Jeffrey Street a year later. Mr McCartin purchased the land on the corner of McCartin and Bair Streets, Leongatha at the first land sale and established McCartin’s Commercial Hotel. Mr Bair soon followed by buying the site for the Otago Hotel. These businesses are now icons in the town. William Young founded The Great Southern Star in 1890. Where would we be without the information contained in its pages. As a researcher of history, I find The Star a great source on the development of our community and the way people thought about issues long ago. We had Arthur Mesley who founded the Leongatha High School in 1912. What a valuable community member he was. He ran the school until 1941 and never sought to move on. He loved his school and his town. Mesley was a great educator who wanted all his students to do their best in life no matter what they became. He also contributed to the town by being involved in adult education, especially for farmers and in his contribution to many clubs and societies. His school and the schools that followed will be 100 years old in 2012 and a great ‘back to’ is being planned to celebrate this remarkable achievement. This should bring many ex South Gippslanders home for a while. One of the societies he helped run was the Mechanics’ Institute.

The present Leongatha Mechanics’ Institute building is nearly 100 years old and is the home of the Leongatha and District Historical Society. This society works to preserve our heritage for all the community. The building was opened in 1912 and is a fine example of the architecture of its day. The two main rooms have fine pressed metal ceilings and the front room has beautiful stained glass windows. The back section of the building was the billiard saloon and has a skylight as its main feature, as well as a fine ceiling and several items from the billiard days. It has been very noticeable in recent months that the Mechanics’ Institute is being painted and repaired. The historical society had to move the collection out and store it elsewhere. This was a massive task and the equally massive task of moving everything back is yet to come. The most exciting feature of this renovation is the return of the awnings on the front of the building. These were taken off in 1987 when the Memorial Hall was being renovated for the centenary of Woorayl Shire in 1988. The Leongatha Historical Society was devastated at the time as the removal of the awnings changed the appearance of this heritage building. Luckily, these awnings were saved and kept in a member’s shed until they could be put back. For the past 20 years, efforts have been made to have the awnings restored, and this has finally happened. Your local historical society will be mounting a new exhibition to open the newly restored building. The date of the grand opening cannot be set at this stage, but will be publicized when the work is done. The society is always in need of help and community members who can give the society a little of their time will be most welcome. The planning group is hard at work organizing future events and reorganizing the management procedures. Please join us and help preserve our unique history.

Old world: The mechanics institute early last century.

Rich history: Leongatha’s history has been captured on old ﬁlm.

New citizens welcomed NINE Bass Coast residents became Australia citizens at a ceremony in Wonthaggi on Wednesday, 28 October 2009. Bass Coast Mayor, Cr John Duscher and all councillors attended the ceremony, as well as Hon Ken Smith MLA and 2009 Bass Coast Sports Person John Taafe, along

with family and friends of the new citizens. Cr Duscher welcomed the new citizens and congratulated them on choosing to become Australian citizens, noting that some had lived in Australia for many years. “I am sure you all know that Bass Coast is a wonderful place to live and

we are very pleased that you have taken this step to become Australian citizens,” said Cr Duscher. The new citizens were originally from Great Britain, United States, New Zealand and South Africa and now live in Inverloch, Kilcunda, The Gurdies, Wonthaggi, Cape Woolamai and Grantville.

Visitor Information Centre staff and volunteers Norm and Liz Glynn and Sue Stewart, explored the George Bass Coastal Walk.

Walking for work BASS Coast Visitor Information Centre volunteers have been gaining ﬁrst hand experience of the local natural environment through a winter walk familiarisation program. Run by the Bass Coast Visitor Information Centre Network, the program organises walks around the shire for Information Centre staff, volunteers and tourism operators. They have included the George Bass Coastal Walk, Screw Creek Nature Walk in Inverloch, The Gurdies Conservation Reserve near Grantville, Oswin Roberts Reserve on Phillip Island and The Brace No. 5 walk in Wonthaggi.

“By doing the walks themselves, they are able to give good advice to visitors and help them plan their stay to make the most out of their visit,” said tourism coordinator Teresa Mahood. “It is also a great chance for the staff, volunteers and tourism operators to meet and get to know one another.” For the ﬁnal 2009 walk, ten people enjoyed the 7kms along the George Bass Coast Walk, starting at Punchbowl Road and ending in Kilcunda. “The group experienced the amazing views, from beautiful sandy beaches to huge rocky cliffs,” said Janette Little team leader at the Inverloch and Wonthaggi Visitor Information Centres. A similar program will run in 2010.

Welcome aboard: Back (LtoR): Renee Miekle, Ken Smith MLA, Malcolm King, Cr John Duscher, Timothy Gorman, Stephen Kennedy. Front (LtoR): Nancy Brown, Betty Charlton, Anna Bullas, Annette Kennedy, Thomas Johnston

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 41

Wildlife show: Fairbank artist Emily Koenders has put together a sensational exhibition of paintings, called My Wildlife Palette. The show is open on Melbourne Cup weekend and runs until November 22.

Arawata art ARAWATA artists Di and John Koenders are not overstating the case when they called their latest exhibition A Country Paradise, showcasing at their Mayﬁeld Gallery.

Wildlife in flight FAIRBANK artist Emily Koenders is widely known as a wildlife painter - therefore visitors to her gallery will get a special treat with her latest exhibition, called My Wildlife Palette.

The exhibition will cover the full ﬂight of Emily’s wildlife work, with a wide range of colourful birds being a prominent feature, but other natives also in the picture. Emily’s trademark wildlife paintings have made her a household name in Australia and overseas and her paintings have found their way into galleries and been in great demand for private commissions.

Gouache and pastels are her bestbest known mediums, but recently she has added oils to her repertoire. The exhibition opened on Saturday, October 31 will run to Sunday, November 22. The gallery is open daily, from 10am to 5pm, including public holidays. Emily scored some major successes when she was the featured artist at the Wimmera Art Show, held at the Horsham town hall last October 9-11. She demonstrated her technique, introduced people to wildlife painting, sold several works and received a number of commissions. The annual Wimmera Art Show and Sale is presented by The Horsham East Rotary Club with the University of Ballarat (Horsham Campus). It promotes local and regional

artists and photographers. phot otog oog graphher ers “It was one of my busiest exhibitions. It was fantastic,” Emily said. “I talked with so many people, who wanted to know about my work. It was great for them to see an artist at work and how a painting evolves. I made a number of sales and received some commissions. It was fabulous.” Visiting Emily at her studio and gallery is always a delightful experience. Emily is always happy to discuss her art with visitors. Her gallery at 230 Ruby-Fairbank Road is clearly sign-posted from either Korumburra or Leongatha. For further information about the gallery or Emily’s art, contact her on 5662 5808.

Situated on an historic and picturesque farming property, the gallery surrounds visitors with a welcoming ambience and charm. Old tractors “peep-out” from farm sheds and chooks roam around the yard. Peacocks, geese, ducks and chooks complete the menagerie. Wild birds also frequent the balcony, which offers panoramic views of the spectacular South Gippsland landscape that people have come to enjoy and admire for its beauty. “We’re showing a whole lot of new paintings, from miniatures to large canvases,” Di said. “There will be local scenes and impressions from overseas. John will have a range of his classic farm sheds, river scenes and gum trees, and I’ll have a new range of wildlife paintings, including a variety of birds.” The show opened on Cup Weekend and will run until Sunday, November 22. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, including public holidays. This latest collection includes colourful oils of Rosellas, Blue Wrens and Kookaburras, as well as detailed local farmhouses and scenery, portrayed in wa-

Free family fun at Meeniyan A WEEKEND designed for relaxation and entertainment and a whole lot of free family fun will be happening at Meeniyan on the Weekend of November 20 to 22.

There will be a wide assortment of activities for all the family, the majority of it free. On Saturday the 21st between 10am and 4 pm a children’s zone on the lawn in Welsford Street will provide free activities for children, including a giant slide, a jumping castle, a mechanical bucking bull and face painting. Children can also paint and decorate their own mask for the Carnivále as well as be introduced to, and join in, a session of yoga. There will also be a session for adults, or you may like to ‘Try Bowls’ for free at the local Lawn Bowling Club. Trafﬁc will be detoured from the main street on Saturday, which will be alive with a Carnivále atmosphere. Lots of free music to enjoy: musicians from Melbourne and beyond including Lisa Miller, Jordie Lane, Liz Stringer, Charles Jenkins and Leah Flanagan as well as local musicians Psycho Wombat, Willy Golightly and Real Women. There will be a host of craft, wine, plants, massage, art and produce stalls in the street for you to enjoy as well as vintage cars on

display. You may like to drop into Catherine’s Hair Techniques in the main street. You can have your hair trimmed for free on the day: no prior bookings for free haircuts, just stroll in! To top the day off, there will also be a number of interesting and fun workshops to enjoy, again for free. You can see and learn how pure oils are distilled from rosemary and eucalyptus, or learn how to make your own twig basket or decorate your own mask for the Carnivále or for that matter an upcoming ball or just to have and display on your wall at home. Want to get some extra hints for displaying ﬂowers at home or for a special occasion? You can be involved in a free workshop on the day. And there will be a practi-

cal demonstration of building your own stone wall as Meeniyan resident, Ethel Hanks and her team build a stone wall and bridge in Tanderra Park in Meeniyan. The day starts on Sunday with a free street breakfast between 9 am and 11 am. So if you are a Meeniyan resident, staying the weekend in or around Meeniyan or just passing through, start your day with a free breakfast in Meeniyan. Then at 1.30pm on Sunday there will be A Festival of Hymns, ‘Praise In The Park’ at Tanderra Park – everyone welcome! Starting at 2.30pm the Meeniyan Hotel will have a free afternoon of entertainment with a local musicians’ jam session. But with musicians such as The Audreys, Ash Grunwald and Tim Rogers performing in town on the weekend, it will be any-

body’s guess who will turn up to jam at the session. At 10.30am on Friday and Saturday nights there will also be free live music at the Meeniyan Hotel featuring Liz Stringer, Van Walker and more. Full details can be found

at www.lyrebirdartscouncil. com.au. or enquiries made via phone on 5664 9239. But basically you can just head to Meeniyan anytime on the weekend and be entertained. And most of it is FREE!

Country Paradise: People come to South Gippsland for the beauty and to see the wide range of paintings by artists John and Di Koenders in Arawata. tercolours. Di and John’s paintings are highly sought-after. Their list of customers, include the rich and famous, such as Princess Anne, former Prime Minister John Howard, The Sultan of Brunei, Jeff Kennett, (the late) thespian Bud Tingwell, weatherman Rob Gell, newsreader Peter Hitchener and actor John Wood. Their studio/gallery is an intriguing place and offers an opportunity to appreciate the artists’ environment. Clients purchasing paintings at the Koenders gallery receive the beneﬁt of being able to buy direct from the artists, thus avoiding costly commissions charged by private galleries. For more directions or inquiries, call Di or John on 56598262.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Tarwin Lower goes Indonesian WE had an Indonesian Day at Tarwin Lower Primary School. Our Indonesian teacher, Kylie Bright, organised for Aaron and Nita to come from Bendigo for the day.

Melbourne show: Lindsay Pate chatting to the judge.

Steering their direction A TEAM of Leongatha Secondary College students made their Melbourne Show debut with a steer that’s also a VCE project. Year 12 students Karen Pate, Daniel Gibson, Tyson Findlay and Lindsay Pate helped with the enterprise. In the Schools Paraders Competition Lindsay Pate achieved a highly commended ribbon in his class and went on to the ﬁnal of his age-group, but was unsuccessful. In the carcass competition Bozo in the heavy domestic and achieved a live weight of 463kg and a carcass weight of 270kg giving a 58 per cent dressing, which is high for a Poll Hereford. Bozo had the second highest Meat Standards Australia eating quality speciﬁcations out of 40 animals. The Poll Hereford was purchased from David Meikle’s Meeniyan farm in June and since then he’s taken up plenty of lunch times.

He’s needed washing, walking, watering and feeding. His pen has also required regular cleaning. Along the way they’ve learnt how to lead him at shows from Alex Scott & Staff’s Clay Mabilia and clip him. Lindsay said the steer’s growth rate was surprising. It put on about 2kg a day at its peak. Daniel said the project taught them how to show a steer in a competition. “We had to use a cane and a nose ring and in the dairy industry they don’t do that,” he said. The buying procedure was one of the interesting parts of the project for Daniel. “We had to choose him from a paddock of 50 cattle and the teacher and I chose the one we thought was the best,” he said. But it hasn’t only been hard work. After washing the steer the students usually have a water ﬁght.

We rode special bikes, learnt dancing with plates, played special instruments, did martial arts and watched a shadow puppet performance. Parents Peter and Tracy cooked a special Indonesian lunch for us. There was chicken sate, calamari, fried rice, prawn crackers, salad and fruit. It was delicious. We all dressed up and had a concert at the end of the day! Many local primary and secondary schools teach Bahasa Indonesia, but why? Bahasa Indonesia is the ofﬁcial language of Indonesia. It is based on a version of Classical Malay. It was declared the ofﬁcial language in 1945 following Indonesia’s independence, although it had been used in the archipelago for centuries. Indonesian is the ninth most popular language in the world, spoken by 240 million Indonesian inhabitants, as well as being recognised as a minority language in The Netherlands, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, New Caledonia, The USA and Australia. Australia and Indonesia are close neighbours with a highly productive relationship that ranges across politics, security, commercial and cultural links. Indonesia and Australia have a healthy trade and economic partnership with trade worth $10.3 billion in 2007-08, making Indonesia our 13th

Wonderful sounds: (from left) Tom, Tylar, Milly and Kiarra enjoy the day. largest trading partner and investment worth $4.5 billion in 2007-08. Apart from economic importance, Indonesia, with over 300 ethnic groups, is culturally rich and diverse, making it fascinating to study and visit. We are not just educating children for today’s society but for what the world will be like in 10, 20 and 30 years time. The closeness of Indonesia means that in the future it will continue to grow as a popular tourist destination and trading partner. Indonesia offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to visit a culture so different from our own, giving it a vitality, immediacy and relevance to the study of Bahasa Indonesia that other languages lack.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8195

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Brace yourself for unexpected expenses and new obligations, but prepare for a weekend of love and laughter. An unusual message arrives Thursday - Friday. TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

You see a ﬂaw in someone you thought was perfect - and it’s a relief. Relatives may seem petty, don’t comment lest you appear guilty of the same crime. Diet-wise, your resistance is very low. GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

This is a loving week. You could write a sonnet about the way you feel right now. Watch out for nosey relatives who say they are merely concerned. Your judgement is fuzzy after the weekend, so put off practical decisions if you can. CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Changes in the home are accented now. You are especially gifted at decorating and building. Relations between older relatives are strained and it’s up to you to play diplomat. LEO - July 23 - August 22

Remarks you make take on a special shade of meaning, which probably is not intended. Helping hands may get in the way this week. You may have to turn down assistance. Financial gains could come your way by the weekend. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

Take more time to make preliminary plans before actually launching new projects. Your credibility may be challenged Friday. Hints you have been dropping may come to pass early next week. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

You are one step ahead of the world, which may mean people don’t make much sense to you - and vice versa. But everyone agrees you are something of a ﬁnancial genius. You could make a key gain by the weekend. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

Romance takes up more of your time than usual this week. Acquisitions are emphasised, which suggests shopping for antiques, attending auctions or inheriting a pet. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Education is emphasised and there’s an overlapping theme of romance. Friends are more candid than expected on the weekend. Travel tie-ups could make life confusing. Emphasise family ﬁtness now. CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

No matter what you say, your family seems opposed. No matter what you ask, you are answered with another question. Despite these frustrations, it’s a positive week thanks to career advancement and surprise communiques. AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

Your sense of fun is in ﬁne form. Use it in a positive way and cheer up someone who is a little low. Some assistance you have hoped for arrives by Friday. PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Don’t stand on ceremony. Write, email or phone invitations, even if it’s not your turn. Someone may win compliments for work you have done - speak up politely but promptly. BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You require a creative and challenging environment. Fighting your way upstream puts you in your element. Changeability works for and against you. Adaptable, yes, but also too unsure of yourself. Good teamwork is accented.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, November 4: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC;11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Friday, November 6: 7.30pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk HC. Sunday, November 8: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Exploring Worship; 10.30am St Andrew’s, Tarwin Lower, HC. Tuesday, November 10: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk / St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am. ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am. ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion. CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984. THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660. ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248. A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466. Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219. Leongatha South Gippsland Liberty Fellowship - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm. All enquiries contact Pastor David Stegmann 5662 2785. Office: 5662 3100. Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984. CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly; Kids Club Thursdays 4pm Guide Hall. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School - 11.30am. CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday. Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday. Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays. St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass. Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass. Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass. KORUMBURRA’S WOMEN’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214. GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at the Senior Citizens Centre, Mirboo North, Sundays: 4-5.10pm Communion, 5.15-6pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children. Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5668 2226 Bob Stevens. SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Kid’s Club - Tuesday, 4 - 5pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome. Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122. SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship. Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228. PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets,

Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump 5662-2107. CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. Teaching service at 7.30pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2762. Minister: Rev. Ron Nauta. UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, November 8, 9am and 10.45am (HC). “Life to the Max” 7pm. Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Geoff Smith and Rev. Jim Foley, 5655 1997. BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Phone 5658 1366. BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www.wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769. MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall. COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm. SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627. FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

Making music: Cassidy gets her rhythm while pounding the end of the drum.

6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 16. 20. 22. 23. 24. 25.

ACROSS Dog (10) Curve (4) Wet (4) Soak (5) Dye (4) Broke (9) Worthy (9) Shrub (4) Approximately (5) Entrance (4) Fish (4) Uncontrite (10)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 13. 14. 15. 17. 18. 19. 21.

DOWN Herb (6) Reptile (7) Slave (6) Muscle (6) Unsuitable (5) Perfume (5) Tree (3) Mischievous (7) Should (5) Sagging (6) Aim (6) Concealed (6) Custom (5)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8195 ACROSS 6. What the low blow got the boxer into? (4,6). 8. Land one has a right to occupy (4). 9. Stop to give support (4). 10. In the vernacular, one stupid and taking nothing in (5). 11. Waste wood (4). 12. Made sure you’d know it had been given (9). 16. Keeps, to study, the nonsense verses (9). 20. Injection for a tot (4). 22. The man with the big limousine (5). 23. Bit the gentleman (4). 24. Backing the car up, the sound of its engine? (4). 25. The forte of the maunufacturer of working clothes? (6,4). DOWN 1. He’s going off, the cad! (6). 2. The films he produced are not English (7). 3. Area the man took one over (6). 4. Taking trips out East requires spirit (6). 5. A bum-boat? (5). 7. Rub out the number and name (5). 13. Not standing up to the heavyweight (3). 14. Intend to nominate (7). 15. Make a gesture and rush off to get the key (5). 17. Turned sour when a small quantity was injected, as it happens (6). 18. Well in a few months (6). 19. For a silly wager, caught one insect (6). 21. By the end of August, or so, the trunk is found (5).

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 43

s s e u g , y a H t s u j s ’ t a h w ? r e n r o c e h t d n u o ar s season i the y a h s w ll iyan kno e place to get a . n e e M th ay rom r-Reid f The Star is just d storing your h e l t t u B an ola ws Young L us and she kno cutting, baling pon n on almost u rtant informatio impo

PAGE 44 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Frank Mickan Victorian DPI, Ellinbank

MOISTURE content of hay at baling is not the most important determinant for hay quality but is very important, nonetheless. The main factor affecting the nutritive value of hay is its maturity at cutting, the earlier the better and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be discussed further in this article. The most notable concern with baling hay too wet is the high risk of spontaneous combustion (ďŹ re) as witnessed all too often over the last twelve months. However, baling wet hay also results in a signiďŹ cant reduction in nutrient value along with losses in dry matter production,

which are detrimental when feeding. When ďŹ rst cut, plants continue to respire or â&#x20AC;&#x153;breatheâ&#x20AC;? substantially down to a moisture content of about 30 per cent. During this process sugars in the plant are broken down into carbon dioxide and water vapour and heat and usually not detected in the windrow as the components escape detection. However this respiration and other microbial activity, mainly due to fungi, will continue down to very low moisture levels although at very reduced rates. This particular heat is of little consequence except to provide proper growing conditions for bacteria, and will subside as the moisture content of the forage drops during the curing process. But, if hay is baled too wet, microbe

Landmark has it wrapped up LANDMARK Leongatha is the place to go for all your SilaWRAP needs. Selling a longer length roll, Landmark can make the job of wrapping silage very much easier. Arguably, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected silage baling ďŹ lm, SilaWRAP comes with a 12-month guarantee against UV degradation, features high UV stabilization and provides an airtight and weatherproof shield, when used according to instructions. Features of SilaWRAP

include: â&#x20AC;˘ Developed over 20 years ago. â&#x20AC;˘ Formulated for higher strength. â&#x20AC;˘ Co-extruded and multilayered. â&#x20AC;˘ High level of UV stabilizer prevents ďŹ lm degradation. â&#x20AC;˘ High puncture resistance. â&#x20AC;˘ Proven worldwide on in-line and single bale â&#x20AC;˘ Available in white and pale green. â&#x20AC;˘ Manufactured to endure the hot Australian sun. â&#x20AC;˘ Manufactured to endure cold Australian

winters Landmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barry Svenson said selling longer rolls was good news for farmers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our rolls are 1610 metres long, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot

longer than normal,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That means less getting out of the machine and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more cost effective.â&#x20AC;?

Wide load THIS truck, which appears to be from China was making the most of its hay run. VicRoads or the police might have something to say if anyone tried it around here.

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 45

Gendore’s generous offer GENDORE is ready to talk turkey on a great tractor deal.

And because you can lock in a deal today for next year, there is no better time to buy. “The interest rates on customer loans is fixed until the end of the year, but we can actually lock in a price on a tractor,” general manger Tim Burgess. “If the dollar crashes we can maintain our pricing at the moment, which is probably a good thing for a lot of people, with the volatility of the economy. We can lock in an interest up to a certain time – which will hope we can take into next year. “People can actually order a tractor today, maintain the pricing and pay for it at the price when it comes in next year. It means the purchase is included in next year’s financial figures.” Mr Burgess said the Federal Government’s investment allowance was another factor making it a good time to purchase a tractor or other machinery. The allowance means major machinery purchases made for the farm can be partially claimed as a tax deduction. The allowance comes in the form of an additional tax deduction equal to 10 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset. The allowance is applicable to most new tangible depreciating assets - which includes most items of plant and equipment – of more than $10,000. Mr Burgess said with the company’s forward order program, it could pretty much get in anything customers needed. “Sometimes stock can be a bit of a problem at certain times of the year. When it comes in it goes straight to the customer. It’s not a stock item that’s been sitting around for some time, or anything like that,” he said. “It’s hot off the press.” Mr Burgess said some people had particular ideas about the kinds of equipment they wanted,

Friendly team: Gendore general manager Tim Burgess and sales consultant Kevin Smith are ready to give customers a hand. a need Gendore was always happy to satisfy. For those looking for a new tractor, Mr Burgess said they couldn’t go past the T5000, T6000 New Holland range. Causing excitement amongst the enthusiasts is the coming of the T7000. “We do have a new variable transmission in the T7000, which is really, really good. Very fuel efﬁcient,” Mr Burgess said. New Holland has spent more than ﬁve years developing the Series T7000 tractor range. Exhaustive testing has been carried out in the main European countries and the USA. The result is a range of tractors ideally matched to the changing needs of modern agriculture. They are lighter but more powerful, stronger but more manoeuvrable and economical. For farmers plying their trade on the hilly South Gippsland slopes, saving fuel is of particular importance.

New Holland is a tractor specialist, with unrivalled expertise in producing tractors to match modern agricultural needs. Agriculture is always evolving and T7000 tractors have been developed to offer all the versatility modern farming demands. Whatever your needs a T7000 tractor can be speciﬁed to match them. Series T7000 tractors offer simply outstanding power to weight ratios. No other tractor in this class can pack a powerful 215hp (CV) punch into a package that can weigh under 7.0 tonnes fuelled up and ready for work. Add Power Boost and nearly 240hp (CV) can be developed. For modern minimum tillage work, a T7000 sets an unbeatable benchmark. Traditional ploughing and deep soil cultivation is not overlooked either. Massive hydraulic muscle makes light of the heaviest mounted equipment. Outstanding comfort makes travelling between jobs faster and safer.

Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Evans on-farm EVANS Petroleum is a Gippsland institution. For the farmer, the convenience of having someone deliver petrol is of massive value. And for as long as anyone can remember, the company has been there doing just that – as regular as clockwork, rain or shine, delivering petrol to thirsty farm machinery. “The agricultural customers are our bread and butter. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver as they need the products. We’ve certainly got a big range of products we can deliver on-farm or

which can be picked up from our stations,” Evans’ manager John Schelling said. “The changing of our retail outlets will have no effect on our customers. We’ll still have 20 litre drums of Mobil oil and that will be ongoing. “We have all the backup and experience people could want. We’ve got the experience of people who have spent 20, 30 and 40 years in the industry.” John said “delivery is what it’s all about”. There are ﬁve trucks on the road, delivering across the width and breadth of Gippsland. “We’ve got the experience at the depot, we’ve got the fuel cards, we’ve got the delivery trucks and we’ve got the products people want,” he said.

John Schelling: the affable Evans manager said the company had the people and the product.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 47

John Deere - all round quality JOHN Deere is introducing a great new range of round balers with a variety of new features that will improve your harvesting experience no end. John Deere is a market leader with a reputation for quality, excellence and a long tradition of service to the international farming community. These balers come with three different pickup options. There’s the maxicut that chops your crop before compacting it into a tight roll and wraps it up for table service to your herd. The rotaﬂow baler uses the same concept as the maxicut of force feeding the chamber, but without chopping the material going in. And the ever reliable Hiﬂow open throat pickup, which has been proven for many years. The entire range or these great new models are available now for forward order from your local John Deere dealer Windmill Ag for the 2010 hay and silage season. This baler comes with a large range of brand new and improved features. Most of the new range will come with gull wing doors that open up from a top hinge to improve ease of maintenance and give a more modern rounded appearance. Bale density will be improved by up to 15 per cent, due to a larger diameter density cylinder and increased oil pressure (up to 275 bars instead of 225 bars in previous models). This means a saving in the amount of net wrap used, but also savings in time and fuel during all bale handling processes. The driveline capacity has also been increased in the premium models with a new 1000 PTO gearbox and reinforced main drive shafts to handle the extra torque produced by

this brand new gearbox. More torque means less horsepower requirement and will allow you to bale that little bit faster when conditions allow. The main drive chains on these balers have been beefed up also to cope with the extra output and load put on these balers. John Deere has introduced a drop floor system on rotor feeder pick-ups. This provides a faster unplugging device than other competitors in the market and the drop floor concept is the smartest method going around. The drop floor actually drops low enough to drop the blockage out through the bottom of the baler to prevent loading the chamber up with massive lumps of material. This also gives you an access point from under the baler to remove contaminants that may be jammed in behind the rotor. Knife selection in the Maxicut range is improved with Maxicut 14 and now the new Maxicut 25. Depending on customer needs, the length of cut can be easily adjusted with the flick of a lever. With the Maxicut 14 you can select seven knives to cut and when they become blunt you can drop them out and then lift the other seven knives in. Or, alternatively just use all 14 knives for the maximum cut. The new Maxicut 25 gives you the flexibility to use seven, 12, 13 or all 25 knives, which is the finest cut any baler on the market can produce at just 40mm. John Deere Maxicut balers come with an aggressive new knife shape, which allows the crop to be cut closer to the rotor and gives the customer a much more consistent cut. If you would like to find out more of the

great new features on this outstanding new product feel free to call Windmill Ag, Meeniyan experts, either Shane or Mark on 03 5664 7365. Windmill Ag is your local John Deere dealer with factory trained technicians using up to date equipment and knowledge to look after your gear. They have ﬁve Windmill Ag vehicles on the road with 13 technicians servicing Gippsland and keeping your productivity moving upwards. Windmill Ag Hamilton, Terang, Meeniyan and Ballarat focussed on your farming.

John Deere: new round balers are available for the 2010 season.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Music is Everything By Matt Dunn

THE oval at Leongatha Primary School was a sea of smiling faces last Thursday, as parents, grandparents and friends gathered to soak up the sounds of the school’s The Music is Everything concert. It would be fair to say music has taken on a bigger life at the school since the arrival of new music teacher Jen Monk. Last Thursday’s concert was one that had been meticulously planned for months. And it showed. There’s a startling depth of talent at the school. Performances were honed recently when the school became part of a national choir, belting out the song The Music is Everything. The song was performed by schools from South Gippsland to the northern most reaches of the continent, and all places in between. The event was designed purely as

a celebration of music and its value in education. And what a celebration it was. Jen was on the microphone, and her voice was as pure and clear as a chiming bell. It was no different on Thursday. She came to the school with quite a reputation: once an integral part of the Royal Australian Navy band, singing the national anthem solo at the MCG Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon in 2005. Leongatha PS is a much smaller venue than the mighty ‘G’, but Jen’s voice was still just as impressive. The children too were ‘on song’ as her backup singers. They sounded so good, in fact, that they performed the song twice. But that event was merely a warm up to the much bigger one last Thursday. Although it may not have been something akin to the ‘G’ on Anzac Day, the memory of it will live on. One thing was certain: the roar of the crowd was just as loud.

Ready to play a part: Grade Four student Keisha before taking to the stage.

Big crowds: there was a massive crowd for the Thursday night concert.

Getting down: Adam Drury had some cool moves.

Rhythmic performance: Prep students Jasmine and Ella had a great time.

Ready to rock: Grade 1 students Ruby and Maddi were focused on their big performance.

Above: All smiles: Simone and Evie enjoyed the concert along with parents Jeanne and Frank Dekker.

Lovely ladies: Melina Bath, Suzi Bath and Lisse Bath, 2, had a great time at the concert.

Happy grandparents: Steve and Julie Osboldstone had a great night out.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 49

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 51

Inspiring dairy careers

GIPPSDAIRY and Dairy Australia are thrilled to deliver the Cows Create Careers project to Gippsland to educate secondary school students about the vocational and university careers pathways in the dairy industry. Presentation and awards days were held last month in Poowong and Bairnsdale where successful schools and students are rewarded for their work and will hear about linkages to further educational and career opportunities. Cows Create Careers were pleased to announce the support of Rural Finance who sponsored the prize money across all dairying regions of Victoria. This prize money was awarded to the winning schools and student teams in both the senior and ju-

Cows Create Careers: Toby Goss and Jess James feed a calf at Leongatha Secondary College. nior sections of the project. Flinders College was the winning senior school while Swifts Creek Secondary College was the winning junior school. The Cows Create Careers project increases the proﬁle of dairy in the local region by providing a framework that can showcase to students, teachers and parents; the array of

career and education opportunities; personal skills/ knowledge development; and importance of dairy to the local community. The project introduces members of the community, education and dairy industry sectors to support the students in carrying out the project objectives. The schools involved in Gippsland are: Lowanna College, Marist Sion Regional College, Hillcrest Christian College, Kooweerup Secondary School, Drouin Secondary College, Leongatha Secondary Schools, Yarram Secondary School, Swifts Creek Secondary School, Flinders College, Woodleigh School, Warragul Regional College,

Bairnsdale Christian Community School, Orbost Secondary School, Elisabeth Murdoch College, Padua College Mornington, Padua College Rosebud and Avila College. It is important to mention that the Cows Create Careers project would not be possible without the commercial assistance of supplies from Murray Goulburn, Reid Stockfeeds, Landmark and Shoof International. The Australian Dairy Conference has contributed funding to the project for 2009 on a national basis. During 2009, the Cows Create Careers project will be delivered to 160 schools across the nation and will involve over 4,500 students.

Supply and quality increases penned, and this led to food competition for these. Prices for these lean cows were ﬁrm to 2c dearer, while other cows were unchanged to 4c/ kg cheaper. The larger penning of good to very good quality beef cows made from 126c to 137c with the best grown heifers to 140c/kg. Plainer condition cows made mostly from 92c to 127c/kg.

THERE was an increase in supply, and there was also a lift in the quality of the yarding at VLE Leongatha, with most bullocks, young cattle and some cows being in good to very good condition.

made from 155c to 164c, and heavy bullocks and most manufacturing grades made between 139c and 155c/kg. Friesian bullocks made from 122c to 140c/kg. Cows dominated the sale with 435 head penned, and 60 grown heifers were also sold. The yarding was of better quality with fewer poor condition dairy cows

The competition was unchanged, but demand was not as strong, which saw bullocks and young cattle sell at cheaper rates. However, while some cows were cheaper, some sold at ﬁrm to dearer trends, although most of this was due to quality improvements. The quality of the 130 young cattle penned was mostly quite good, but this was not reﬂected in the prices. Prices for C muscle vealers were between 160c and 180c, and the best quality yearlings made to 175c/kg. However, a lot of heifers in good condition were sold between 125c and 159c losing all of any price increase seen the previous week. Averages were 2c to 6c lower, and some overfat heifers lost more ground. Good quality prevailed throughout the sale of 220 grown steers and bullocks, however demand was weaker despite the quality, and prices averaged 5c to 6c/kg cheaper. Prime C3 and C4 bullocks and steers

BULLOCKS 7 A. & A. Bressan, Strzelecki 24 A.C. & L.A. Mitchell, Wonthaggi 11 Addison & Anderson, Allambee 9 S. & T. Buijs, Loch 2 J.M. Bissett, Tarwin Lower 7 R.F. & G.P. Hall, Woodleigh Vale STEERS 1 P. & C. Davis, Yarram 1 G.D. & D.L. Beyer, Allambee East 8 Horsﬁeld Farms, Thorpdale 1 W.G. & C.M. Elliot, Leongatha 2 A.G. Landy P/L, Walkerville 2 B. Nagy, Korumburra COWS 1 G. & L. Dalgarno, Mardan 1 D.B. & D.M. Fairbrother, Tarwin Lr 1 F. & E. Daalder, Port Melbourne 1 N. & R. Reynoldi, Tarra Valley 6 D. Handley, Alberton 1 Inverloch Cliffs, Inverloch HEIFERS 1 K.J. O’Hara, Wonga Wonga 1 I.S. & H.L. Park, Fish Creek 1 Potters Produce, Dumbalk 1 G.D. & D.L. Beyer, Allambee East 1 S.W. Scott, Inveloch 1 A.G. Landy P/L, Waratah BULLS 1 S.J. & C.A. Carbone, Thorpdale 1 Churchill Past Co., Bethungra 1 T.J., C. & L.J. Smirl, Leongatha 1 R. & H. Olsen, Poowong East 1 O.B. & C.M. Hutchinson, Mardan 1 S.J. Richards, Allambee

Wednesday, October 28 605 632 616 674 665 634

163.2 163.0 162.0 161.6 161.6 160.6

987.00 1029.36 997.92 1089.00 1074.64 1018.66

415 440 512 525 555 330

175.0 175.0 166.2 165.6 165.6 160.0

726.25 770.00 851.00 869.40 919.08 528.00

730 730 565 620 573 665

136.6 135.0 134.6 134.6 134.0 134.0

997.18 985.50 760.49 834.52 768.27 891.10

340 230 405 345 405 435

179.6 175.0 170.0 159.2 159.2 158.6

610.64 402.50 688.50 549.24 644.76 689.91

860 1200 760 825 1030 765

155.0 149.2 148.2 146.0 146.0 146.0

1333.00 1790.40 1126.32 1204.50 1503.80 1116.90

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Growing the spuds THE Cummaudo family at Mirboo North has been growing potatoes for decades. This business is operated by father Tom Cummaudo and sons Tony and Sam. Last season the discovery of Potato Cyst Nematode on a farm at Thorpdale adversely affected all potato growers in the region including the Cummaudos farm which is free from the pest. Star reporter Chris Brown interviewed Tony last week. How’s the potato industry going here at the moment? At the moment we’ve come off a bad year last year with the extreme weather conditions we had, and we thought we were going to get better prices. The yields were down. The current season doesn’t seem to be shaping up too good at the moment with a bit of oversupply. But things can change by the time we start harvesting. What stage are the potatoes up to? We’re in planting mode. We’re probably about two weeks behind schedule, because of the rain we had. We didn’t need all that rain. If it was spaced out to the summer time that would be good. We’ve planted about 20-25 per cent of the crop and we’ll keep planting until about Christmas time. Any time after the ﬁrst week of December you’re

losing yield. With the potato cyst nematode what kind of effect did it have on the business? It cost us thousands of dollars for starters. We had to get all our paddocks tested then every load had to get tested. We had to have less water to harvest them, which means less soil on the potato, which also meant damaging them. It’s a very ﬁne line. It’s an ongoing issue. They’re talking about when they get the Potato Plan Management happening we’ll only have to test between 20-25 per cent of our crop, so that will mean a reduction in costs. If we had PCN on our property we are allowed to infect the rest of Victoria with our potatoes, but it’s isolated from one state to the next. Presently the other states aren’t testing for PCN. We should say we don’t want interstate nematode and get them to test before their potatoes come to our state. Why would you test, why would you go out searching for it, if you’re going to get cruciﬁed for it? How did the business get started? My father started it in the early 60s. He came out with his father from Melbourne and had a few bad seasons in a row and his father couldn’t make a go of it on the farm, so he went back to Melbourne and found work. My dad was about 16, and he took on the farming

Family business: Tony Cummaudo with son Nicholas and brother Sam on their Mirboo North potato property. business; had a good year and away he went. He paid his father’s debts off and he’s been going strong ever since. What’s changed in the business in your time? We’ve increased our yields and acreage so we grow more potatoes. We’re now value adding and supplying supermarkets; pre packaging. We have a very close relationship to markets. I think anyone can grow produce; marketing is the issue. If you can’t sell it you shouldn’t grow it. We offer quality and reliability and a competitive price.

What do you like about the potato industry? That’s a real good question. It keeps all our family employed. There are options for our kids and siblings to take over. It’s a challenge; no doubt about that. It’s also good to see your product on the shelf in the supermarkets. What will be the future challenges? Water is a big one. If the government won’t let us build a dam we can’t grow more potatoes. The government is talking about the population being 50 million in 2050 yet they don’t want to support

us to grow more produce. In the last couple of weeks there’s been that much water flowing through the creeks. The water we want to catch is the winter fill then after that any water that comes into your dam you let out. It’s commonsense. They won’t let us build a dam. They talk about all these pipelines in northern Victoria and they deliver all the water to the farmers. But here they won’t let us spend our own money to build a dam. The government is more worried about the greenie vote than the practical problem of survival. When we fizzle out they will import vegies with no quality; no standards.

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

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

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

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 53

SPS Hunter ‘n’ Herbs: provides quality feed in summer and into autumn.

Quality summer feed SUMMER fodder crops are a valuable source of high quality feed when pasture production and quality drops off in the summer and early autumn. They can enable you to reduce the reliance on expensive bought-in feeds and also help save silage for later in the season. They are a very cost effective method of providing stock with high quality feed when it is difﬁcult to provide sufﬁcient pasture to help balance the ration, in both quantity and quality fed to livestock. Developments by Stephen Pasture Seeds, one of the leading independent seed companies, have taken brassicas to a new production level with their summer forage blends. SPS Hunter ‘n’ Herbs, which is part of the SPS signature range, not only provides quality feed during the summer and into the autumn. The herbs and clovers included in these blends can continue on for a number of years provid-

ing high quality feed, for milk and live-weight production in grazing livestock. It is fast growing, providing very high quality feed ready for grazing within six to eight weeks. Hunter is the fastest from sowing to grazing of all brassicas, enabling high quality feed to be grown in a short time frame. SPS Hunter ‘n’ Herbs is a multiple grazing crop with rapid regrowth, allowing a number of grazings through the summer and early autumn, given moisture availability. The Hunter ‘n’ Herbs mix requires moderate to high fertility and 700mm plus annual rainfall or irrigation. This is very high quality feed and the addition of a ﬁbre source such as hay or silage is required to balance the diet. As this crop has the potential for multiple grazings, strip grazing and back fencing are recommended to maximise dry matter production. By sowing the SPS Hunter ‘n’ Herbs in spring, it then provides an established perennial herb and

white clover base for the direct drilling of ryegrass in the autumn, making a quick transition from a highly productive summer crop to a high quality winter/spring pasture. Ultimately, you can be back grazing the paddock a lot quicker than the traditional method of having a summer crop, grazing off, waiting for the autumn break, sowing your pasture mix, waiting for it to establish, and then ﬁnally grazing. In the past using the traditional method this “down time” could have

been up to 12 to 14 weeks. “We are finding that South Gippsland farmers who have grown SPS Hunter ‘n’ Herbs are making repeat purchases and growing the crop the next year in some other paddocks, such is the success and extra feed and ultimately milk or meat production they are achieving off the crop,” Gippsland Area Manager for Stephen Pasture Seeds, Simon Hunt, said. SPS Hunter ‘n’ Herbs requires a fine, moist and firm seed bed, and is sown at eight kilograms per

hectare. Appropriate sowing fertilisers such as DAP or superphosphate should be included at sowing. Additional nitrogen or NPKS blend can assist with re-growth, as the Hunter, chicory, and Tonic plantain are very responsive to additional applied nutrients. Ask for SPS Hunter ‘n’ Herbs by name at your local rural reseller. For more information, contact Stephen Pasture Seeds Gippsland Area Manager, Simon Hunt, on 0428 457 044.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

QUIT SMOKING & WEIGHT LOSS with John Simmons, Clinical Hypnotherapist Group and Private sessions Wonthaggi: Thursday November 12 Leongatha: Friday, November 13 Bookings: 5333 1565 or 1800 110 660 www.simmonshypnotherapy. com.au

public notices

public notices THE ORGANIC HAIR & BEAUTY SALON: 150 Bald Hills Road, Tarwin Lower, Deanne Dakers. Ph. 5663-5439, website: www. theorganicbeautysalon. com

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

0422 998 025 1800 611 368

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Community Reference Group (CRG)

FINAL NOTICE FOR DEB BALLS

The Port of Hastings Corporation (PoHC) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals and / or groups to participate in a CRG.

The Leongatha & District Netball Association Fundraising Committee is now taking names for the

This group will provide a direct link between port management and the Western Port community during the next two years of the proposed port expansion program. The purpose of the CRG is two-fold. The group receives regular updates on port activities to share with the broader community, and also acts as a community voice in bringing public and business concerns and issues to port management’s attention. Individuals or groups seeking nomination may download a CRG Information Pack from www.portofhastings.vic.gov.au or call PoHC on 5979 5500 Expressions of Interest close at 5:00pm Thursday 12 November 2009

public notices

WHAT WOULD YOU DO if you were a millionaire in 7 years?

The Investors Club will show you how to retire wealthy in 7-10 years

Tuesday, November 10 @ 7.30pm Leongatha RSL, Cnr Smith St & Michael Place For more information phone 5182 6757 No charge Wealth through property investing

2010 Debutante Balls in March and June Please call Narelle Polato on 5668 6246 to register Single register only - full name, age, address and contact number of debutante and partner please mitch29763

public notices

CLOSING DATE NOVEMBER 10

VICTORIAN NOTICE TO MARINERS GIPPSLAND PORTS The following Notice to Mariners is published for general information.

DATE OCTOBER 27, 2009 AUSTRALIA - VICTORIA No. 150(T) /09

PORT OF ANDERSON INLET NAVIGATION WARNING DATE: DETAILS:

Effective immediately. Mariners are advised that the Outer Entrance Channel of the Anderson Inlet Entrance Bar has shoaled. Mariners are advised to navigate this region with the greatest of caution. Entry should not be attempted unless at high water, in shallow draft vessel along with no swell. Further information can be obtained by contacting Gippsland Ports on 5150 0500.

CHARTS AFFECTED: Nil. PUBLICATIONS AUS 801, NP14, NP83 (Vol K). AFFECTED: FURTHER NOTICE: A further notice will be issued. CAPT BRUCE GREEN HARBOUR MASTER

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 55

public notices

situations vacant

BOAT LICENCE COURSE

GIPPY BUY SELL & TRADE

KONGWAK MARKET

CASH JOB

(incl. PWC end)

Forget the Trading Post Free advertising to private sellers in the Gippy Buy Sell Trade

WONTHAGGI Tuesday, November 10 6pm - 10pm LEONGATHA Tuesday, November 17 6pm - 10pm Bookings essential

Phone Bob: 0417 524 005 Approved Marine Safety Vic. course Australian Boating College. Provider No. 3399

SHEEP DOG TRIALS November 9, 10 & 11 7am start KORUMBURRA SHOWGROUNDS Luncheon and light refreshments available Admission by donation Enq. Judy Macdonald 5664 3285

Exclusive to Gippsland

NEXT EDITION CLOSES NOVEMBER 14 Phone/fax 5145 1269

CHIROPRACTOR

Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

AFTERNOON TEA FOR Lorraine Knox

After 21 years of teaching at Leongatha Community Preschool Centres, Lorraine is retiring at the end of this year. To show our appreciation and to celebrate her time with the kinder, the kinder committee is hosting an afternoon tea for Lorraine

At Allora Kinder On December 3 at 2.30pm

We invite all current and past families, who Lorraine has been involved with during her time at the kinder, to come and join her at this informal get together.

STONY CREEK FC 2010 PRE-SEASON LAUNCH GOLF DAY Sunday, November 8 at 10.30am Meeniyan Golf Club Players, ofﬁcials, supporters and new players all welcome $10 inc. golf round and BBQ lunch Enquiries: 0408 566 239 0417 556 045

PROM COAST ARTS INC.

Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Inc.

THE GREAT SOUTHERN PORTRAIT PRIZE 2010

INFORMATION AFTERNOON Oliver!

Presents

For a portrait in any medium of a Gippsland region resident, based on a live sitting and completed in the past 12 months. First Prize $1000 2nd $500 Popular Choice $500 Junior (under 16) $50 Junior popular choice $50 To be exhibited in Foster in January 2010, Judged on Sunday 17th For details and entry forms contact: Anda 5687 1206 or Jane 5683 2621 or visit www.promcoastarts.org.au

2.30pm - Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Graham Street, Wonthaggi Anyone interested in being involved in any way in Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s major production for 2010, Oliver! should come along. You will learn more about the various roles in the show and get to meet the production team. There are roles for boys and girls from 6 years old and up, and for teenagers and adults of a wide range of ages. As well as cast and crew, the production team is especially keen to meet anyone interested in helping with set construction. If you want to know more please ring David on 5672 4289 (evenings) or send him an email at d.wall@ basscoast.vic.gov.au

South Gippsland Water

Free Showerhead Program Save up to 13,500 litres of water per year

Customers of South Gippsland Water can again swap their old water guzzler shower head for new water efficient model. Register now for a free water efficient shower head by: • Calling1300 851 636 • Visit our Foster head office • Visit our website www.sgwater.com.au South Gippsland Water 14 – 18 Pioneer Street FOSTER VIC 3960

Sunday from 10am Inside & out! It's great, no matter what the weather! Vintage, collectables, Retro, stamps, trash, treasure, organic dried things, gorgeous local veg, coffee, curry, snags, massage, music, and so much more... Warm-up under the heaters

CATALOGUE DISTRIBUTORS AND COLLECTORS REQUIRED Earn $100 to $200 a week for 2 hours max daily NO OUTLAY

Call 1300 663 161

Call Jane for more info 0417 142 478 Kongwak market is a smoke free event

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropratic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

“LOSS, GRIEF AND TRANSITION” An introduction to grief counselling with

Debbie Birkett Psychologist AT LEONGATHA UNITING CHURCH Peart Street Thursday, November 12 7-9 Gold coin donation Supper provided

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

situations vacant

EXPERIENCED BAR & TAB 10 - 15 hours per week

ACTIVITY LEADER An exciting opportunity exists for a highly motivated and organised person to work with the best people in the industry. Delivering high quality adventure programs, service and care, you will be a positive role model and make a difference. Relevant qualifications along with excellent communication skills and life experience would be an advantage. FULL AND ONGOING TRAINING PROVIDED A Working with Children Check and manual driver’s licence will be required. Own transport essential. School holiday leave can be negotiated. To apply please phone or fax your application to our Foster North Office BH 5664 6524 FAX 5664 6542 or email to rumbug@sympac.com.au

15 - 20 hours per week Apply in person to Greg or Kris

Ph: 5662 2017

Mannatech’s Osolean Struggling to beat the battle of the bulge? Mannatech Osolean powder can help. Let me tell you how. Call Jill on 0418 375 089

CALLING ALL FOODIES Must be enthusiastic and willing to work • Cook/Chef experienced or Apprentices • Food Preparations • Kitchen Hands FULL OR PART TIME Please call Elias 5682 2986, mob.0409 348 266

situations vacant

An opportunity exists for someone with a genuine interest in Cabinet making to commence an apprenticeship in early 2010. The successful applicant must demonstrate initiative, an eagerness to learn and be self motivated. Please forward your resumé to:

KEVIN GARDINER KITCHENS 104 Horn Street Leongatha 3953 Applications close November 17

CURRENT VACANCIES

• BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS • ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS • FLOOR AND WALL TILING APPRENTICESHIPS • AGRICULTURAL APPRENTICESHIPS

Looking for work as a trades apprentice? NMTC can provide accredited pre training and hook you up with our apprentice employers Get the training that will get you on site!! • We’ll help you ﬁnd the job you want even if we don’t have it now • We’ll give you the training that will get you on site • We’ll support you after you’re working

If you’re serious about getting into the workforce, NMTC can help!!

No Fees - No Charges Call for an interview today and kick start your career 1300 402 220 EMAIL enquiries@nmtc.com.au South Gippsland

situations vacant

CASUAL BOTTLE SHOP ATTENDANT

APPRENTICE CABINET MAKER

November/December pre training • Construction Induction (White Card) • Working at Heights • Conﬁned Space entry • Working with permits • First Aid • OH&S

situations vacant

NMTC GROUP PTY LTD South East Melbourne

Latrobe Valley

Full Time Position ENVIRONMENT OFFICER South Gippsland Water is a leading and innovative participant in the Water Industry committed to providing and managing quality water supply and wastewater systems in an ecologically sustainable and cost efficient manner. Based at our Foster Office and reporting to the Environment Co-ordinator, the successful applicant will be required to assist with the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of the Corporation’s Risk Management System, and carry out Risk Assessments for Projects. The position is required to communicate with relevant stakeholders, maintain quality data, participate in reuse schemes, prepare Environmental Reports and be involved in the Corporation’s Water Storage Surveillance Programs. Applicants should possess a relevant tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience. The full position description and information regarding South Gippsland Water can be downloaded from our website www.sgwater.com.au To apply, send your resumé marked confidential to: Mary Fowler at South Gippsland Water PO Box 102, Foster, Vic. 3960. Telephone enquiries can be made on (03) 5682 0438 Email: mfowler@sgwater.com.au Applications close Friday, November 13, 2009

Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Our client Murray Goulburn is Australia’s largest dairy co-operative, processing more than 35% of Australia’s milk production into high quality, value-added products such as cheese, long-life milk and specialty milk/protein powders for the Australian and international markets. We currently have the above full-time position available within the Waste Department of MG Leongatha. Previous skills and/or experience: • Technical and/or operational understanding of waste water treatment processes highly desirable. • A qualification in Science/Engineering would be considered advantageous. • Previous experience in laboratory work is desirable. • Must be able to analyse and interpret analytical data. • Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications. Responsibilities include: • Monitoring the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) performance through process observation and analytical test results. • Sample and test incoming, outgoing and intermediate products associated with the WWTP. • Record and interpret plant data to identify operational trends and modify plant operational set points after consultation with management. • Liaise with supervisors and operators about operational matters affecting plant performance. • Knowledge of operating and maintenance requirements and procedures of the WWTP process equipment. Wage paid to be in accordance with the Murray Goulburn Co-Op & NUW Agreement 2005. Further information or a copy of the job description can be obtained by contacting our office details below. Applications close COB Friday, November 13, 2009. Applicants are required to forward a letter via email or post which addresses the Skills & Experience criteria above with resume to: Mr Louie Gonzy Branch Manager - Traralgon SKILLED Group Ltd PO Box 1535 Traralgon 3844 PH: (03) 5176 1252 Email: louieg@skilled.com.au

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

situations vacant

for sale

CAPEVIEW BUILDING PRODUCTS Window Manufacturer

Afternoon Club Support Volunteers Gippsland Southern Health Service seeks volunteers to provide support to residents and staff with the introduction of a new program “Afternoon Club” due to commence early 2010 at our newly redeveloped residential aged care facility, Koorooman House in Leongatha. The program is designed to meet the growing needs of residents with dementia. If you are a good listener, motivated, communicate well with others and are willing to commit approximately 2-3 hours a week for minimum of 12 months, please call us. The “Afternoon Club” will run between the hours of 3pm-5pm weekdays, however volunteer support is welcomed at anytime. Specialised orientation, training and ongoing support will be provided for successful applicants. A satisfactory police check is essential. Please contact Lyn Yeomans on 5667 5520 or email lyn.yeomans@gshs.com.au to register your interest or for further information. “Gippsland Southern Health Service Residential Care facilities believe that each person is of invaluable worth and entitled to a high standard of care at all times.”

OPERATIONS MANAGER Riverbank Stockfeeds is a family owned business, delivering exceptional feed solutions and products, primarily to the Dairy and Poultry industries. With state of the art manufacturing facilities and a commitment to animal health and production we take pride in supplying cost effective advice and feed thus enhancing farm profitability. We seek someone to take control of the feed manufacturing operations at the Leongatha mill. This is a hands on role, responsible to ensure orders are manufactured and delivered on time, stock is available and the facilities are maintained. You will need to have experience in logistics, staff supervision and a high level of computer literacy. Understanding of manufacturing processes and OH&S principles is essential. The successful applicant will be an active person who can handle some pressure and competing demands. There is plenty of scope to make a real difference to the business. Send applications to: The Manager Riverbank Stockfeeds 6, Cusack Rd, Leongatha VIC 3953 or gordond@riv.com.au

CHEF

Urgently required for permanent work in busy, modern Australian bistro Contact Aaron 0412 364 761

Executive Officer: Part-time Mirboo North Community Care Inc (MNCCI) is a newly refocused not-for-profit organisation which is transitioning to a Philanthropic Community Foundation to benefit the wider social and economic needs of Mirboo North district community. MNCCI is seeking the services of a part time Executive Officer to manage its operations, strategic plan implementation, partnerships, community consultation and routine operations. The Executive Officer will be a part time appointment of 2-3 days per week. The successful applicant will have demonstrated experience working with boards and the community sector, experience in compliance and administration, skills in community engagement, building stakeholder relationships and creating effective partnerships within communities. Outstanding communication skills and fundraising and donor management experience will be viewed favourably. To receive the Scope of Service document ring Chairman Derrick Ehmke, ph 0418 301 092 or 5668 1834. Email: mncci@dcsi.net.au Applications addressing the key selection criteria and including 3 referees can be sent by email or post to MNCCI, PO Box 327, Mirboo North, Vic. 3871 and must be received by 5pm on November 20, 2009.

Reception / Accounts Clerk The above full time position exists in our multifranchise motor vehicle dealership. You will be required to work as part of a team, must be conscientious and have good customer relation skills. Some experience with accounts preferred, but not essential. Applications close Monday, November 9. Enquiries to Michael Westaway 5662 4144 or forward resumé via email to annew@wide.net.au

Iekj^ =_ffibWdZ I^_h[ 9ekdY_b oek½bb Yec[ \eh j^[ X[Wkjo WdZ ijWo \eh j^[ b_\[ijob[

FbWdd_d] WdZ 8k_bZ_d] 7Zc_d_ijhWj_ed J[Wc B[WZ[h Temporary full time position - 9 months $54k pro rata package We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Administration Ofﬁcer to lead our Planning & Building Administration Team. In addition to ensuring a high level of service to all customers, you will be responsible for overseeing the administration functions of the department. A key function of this role is to provide professional administrative support to the Planning and Building unit, including coordinators and the manager. Experience in a Planning and/or Building administration role is preferred in conjunction with demonstrated customer service and administration skills. You must be competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will have a successfully completed year 12 and/or a certiﬁcate in business administration or similar. A strong commitment to working in a team environment is essential. We also welcome direct discussion with Chris Wightman, Manager Planning and Building, regarding this role. Applications addressing the selection criteria are to be submitted by 5pm Friday 6th November 2009 addressed to: Human Resources, South Gippsland Shire Council, Private Bag 4, Leongatha 3953 or emailed to council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au Further information and a position description is available from Human Resources on (03) 5662 9200, or visit www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au South Gippsland Shire Council

mmm$iekj^]_ffibWdZ$l_Y$]el$Wk

Capeview Windows requires a person to assist in the fabrication of aluminium windows, fly screens, security doors and shower screens. Previous experience is essential. Efficiency and accuracy are important skills for this position. Being able to work in a team is a must. Apply in writing to: Peter Sheerin PO Box 115, WONTHAGGI 3995 Applications close 17/11/2009

Private Bag 4, Leongatha Vic 3953 e-mail - council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au Phone (03) 56629200

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, South Gippsland DEPUTY PRINCIPAL WELFARE AND DAILY ORGANISATION Can you demonstrate an active commitment to the ethos of a Catholic school? Can you provide forward-looking and innovative leadership? Do you have a strong record in relationships, wellbeing and restorative justice practices? Do you have strong ICT skills and an interest in eLearning? Then why not visit www.mackillopleongatha.catholic. edu.au for a detailed role description and selection criteria to find out if you might help to take our College forward in this role? Written applications, including the names of three referees, should be submitted to the Principal as soon as possible but no later than Friday 13 November 2009.

Take the next step and assist with the growth of business in your community

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

5672 3127

REGENT CARAVAN On display at LEONGATHA BOWLS CLUB

Sunday, November 8 Sales staff in attendance

BEAGLE pups, 4 females, 7 weeks old, $200 each. 0428-598268.

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175

HAY, small square bales, $8 each.Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 5664-1320.

MAG WHEELS, BA Ford, 4 x 16” x 7” 9-spoke with caps and chrome nuts, $275 ONO. 5664-2391.

people

ROOF RACK, Rhino HD, to fit new Toyota 200 series, as new, $200. Ph: 56640037 or 0408-314057.

Business Banking Officer Enjoy delivering tailored financial solutions? Located in Leongatha, VIC Bendigo Bank’s success has been built on partnering with customers to understand their needs and deliver tailored financial solutions. As a Business Banking Officer you will play a front line role in servicing a portfolio of business customers in an accurate and timely manner. You will support and be mentored by a Business Banking Manager, to take the next step with your credit and lending skills, to service the needs of Small to Medium Enterprises. You’ll also have the chance to further develop your relationship building, communication and time management skills in servicing the needs of the local business community. In return you’ll become a key part of a diverse team in a rewarding work environment to continue with the development of your career. So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be part of the Bendigo team, we want to hear from you. Visit careers.bendigobank.com.au to find out more or to submit your application, quoting reference number VIC583246. Or write to Rob Francis, Regional Manager, PO Box 698, Warragul 3820. Applications close on Friday, 6 November 2009. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178. AFSL 237879.

PUPPIES, Kelpie purebred, 2M and 2F, parents good workers, 8 w.o., $100 each. Ph: 0407-300329.

(98347-v1)

(30/10/2009)

careers.bendigobank.com.au

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each. Free delivery for pack lots. Phone Joe 0417-530662.

40 TEAT Skellerup calf feeder, current model, comes with tub, has been adapted to carry 200lts, spray tank also included, $3,200 ONO. 0408-538464.

TIMBER - kiln dried blackwood, clear pine, silver wattle. Most sizes for furniture and craft. Also builder’s graded structural pine. Phone 5681-2261.

TONUTTO RCS10 10-wheel V-rake, new tynes, 2 seasons old, good condition, $2,400 inc. GST. 0428-598268.

TYRES 265 x 75 x 16, 3 new Wranglers $250 each, 4 roaded 200km $200 each. Ph: 5664-0037 or 0408-314057.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 57

used machinery

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

for rent VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Contact: 0408320001.

business opportunities

BUSINESS Opportunity Want more money for Christmas, let’s start now with a low cost proven business model that could help you create a significant long-term income, so to change your life NOW! go to www.sugarmums.com. au/jillsjoy

situations vacant

TAARUP 744 5m tedder, in good condition, $4,000 inc. GST. Ajax 3 water pump, in good working order, $1,200. Mineral dispenser, variable speed 1-10 $800. 56649293.

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 ASTRA Hatch 2005, 38,600km, 1 lady owner, full service history, TIB124 $14,250. Ph: 0427-563202.

situations vacant

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / RECEPTIONIST Part-time Applications are invited for the above position which is being offered at our busy Leongatha and Wonthaggi Clinics. This position is on a part time basis working 1 Saturday per month. The successful applicant will need to possess an excellent phone manner, be efficient and have a positive work ethic. Retail experience and basic computer skills would be an advantage, however not essential. Mature applicants are encouraged to apply. Written applications including resumé and experience should be sent to: Kirsten McKay Office Manager Gippsland Foot Clinic 65 Victoria Street Warragul, VIC 3820 Or email to: warragul@footclinic.com.au

garage sales

LEONGATHA, Lot 1, 3 Cambridge Crt, (off McDonald St), Sunday, November 8, 9am - 2pm. Household items, kids goods and sundry DIY items. Nothing over $40. No early birds.

GARAGE SALE 7 Louisa Court LEONGATHA

Saturday, November 7

lost HEARING AID, lost in Leongatha. Ph: 5662-3268. LOST - Hearing aid, dark brown with green ear mould, in Inverloch. Reward offered. Ph: 5664-4341.

wanted to buy FURNITURE: Parker, Noblett, Tessa, Chiswell, Moran, or any quality brand name used furniture. Phone Wendy on 0409-234482. OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.

work wanted

HANDY GARDEN MAN Competitive rates Odd jobs and garden / land maintenance Phone Linden 0418 111 847 5686 2281 FULLY Qualified Painter. No job too small. Good rates. Call Drew on 56624238 or 0418-517443.

meetings STONY CREEK FOOTBALL CLUB

AGM

To be held at

STONY CREEK REC RESERVE Monday, November 9 7.30pm start All members and players welcome

meetings

8am - 1pm General household items, bric-a-brac, manchester, and selection of toys

3 GARAGE SALES One Chain Road KARDELLA Saturday, November 7 From 8am onwards 1. No. 340 Brown’s Native Plants & Craft Household items, bric-a-brac, new craft items, plants. 2. No. 485 Tarnuk Bushfoods Books, knitted items, clothes, children’s toys, bushfoods. 3. No. 505 Grandview Farm Household/bric-a-brac, 4 chooks/crate, guttering, horse gear

marriage celebrant PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

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

Workways Association Inc. No. A0021572L

engagements McMILLAN - McCOLLOUGH Linda of Leongatha, along with Christine and Lawrence of Newcastle, England, are pleased to announce the engagement of Katherine and Neil. Love and best wishes to you both. RENDEN - VEALE Nicki and Art of Leongatha, and Ineka and Tom of Dumbalk announce the engagement of Jessica and David on October 17. Together we wish them much love and happiness for the future. SALMON - RUMP Clive and Jan, together with Steve and Faye are thrilled to announce the engagement of Kasie and Chris on 31/10/09.

in memoriam YOUNG - Bev and Gordon. 4/11/03. Time passes, but memories are precious. Coral, Colin, and families.

bereavement thanks RODWELL - Nathan. On behalf of the Osborne and Rodwell family, we would like to thank everybody for their overwhelming love and support during this very hard and sad time. Our love and best wishes.

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

message of hope THE law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. Psalm 19:7.

deaths meetings

PUBLIC MEETING

Freshzest is one of Australia's leading culinary herb growers. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person eager to learn about hydroponic growing techniques. The position is a three-year apprenticeship in Production Horticulture. The successful applicant will work with the latest technology in growing structures, computerised climate control systems, fertigation control and integrated pest and disease management. Previous apprentices have gone on to complete the Diploma in Production Horticulture, participated in overses study tours and have been promoted to supervisor / grower positions. This is a great opportunity for you to work in an exciting industry with a leading and innovative company. There is also an opportunity to work at our other growing locations interstate. Previous experience is not necessary. Due to the location at Leongatha South, own transport is recommended. The successful applicant will be offered well above average apprenticeship wages. Please apply in person to Workways, 1a Church St, Leongatha 3953 to fill out an application form. Applications close Friday, November 13, 2009. Phone: 5662 5264

births DOUGLAS (Norton) Congratulations Sandy and Scott on the arrival of Jay Aston, 8lb 10oz, born October 17 at Warragul. Brother for Elle and Madison, and grandson for Heather and Bruce.

To set up a Board of Management to establish public access to heated pool at Bass Valley Primary School

DATE: Tuesday, November 24 TIME: 7.30pm VENUE: Bass Valley Primary School All welcome For further information contact Jean Coffey 5678 0617 p.jcoffey@bigpond.com

Leongatha Lyric Theatre Inc. Annual General Meeting Monday, November 16 starting at 7.30pm at SERAFINO’S (downstairs) All members welcome

ADAMS - Geoff. We have lost a very dear friend, a kind and generous man and a wonderful wildlife carer. My thoughts go out to Kristy, Steven, Dale and Kerry, and special love to Brodie and Tigger. Clare Davis. ADAMS - Geoff. Thank you for being an inspiring colleague and wonderful friend. A true gentleman. Our thoughts are with Kerry and family. Much love, Brett, Claire, Grace and Lucy Guy. ADAMS - Geoff. Respected workmate and friend. A brave and dignified fight. Never once did you complain. Such was the man - always cool under pressure. Fond memories. May you rest in peace Geoff. Jim and Helga Baum, and family.

deaths ADAMS - Geoff. A true and loyal friend who will be so deeply missed, our Sunday mornings will seem so empty without your visit Geoff. A lifetime of memories. Our love and support goes to Kerry, Steve, Kirsty, Brodie, Dale and “Geoff’s girls”. Lynne and Russell. ADAMS - Geoff. You fought a long battle without ever a whimper or complaint. A pleasure to have known and worked with a true gentleman. Ian and Derryn Ricardo, Matt and Andy Bennett, Mirboo North Police Station.

BUCKLEY (nee Jenkin) Betty Margaret. Passed away peacefully at home (Leongatha) on October 29, 2009, aged 84 years. Dearly loved wife of Allan (dec.). Dearly loved mother of Helen FCJ, Maureen, Patricia, Bernard, John, Madeline, Antoinette and Matthew. Those we have laughed with, leaned on and loved most, leave us the very best memories. I love you Mum - Skeets. Dearly loved mother of Trish and David Vorwerg, loved Granny of Jane and Jason, Sam and Lisa, Sarah and Ash, Caroline and Dexa. Dearly loved Great Granny of Alice and Annabelle. Dearly loved mother of John and Judy Wu. Loved grandmother of Tara, Tim, William and Allan, loved great grandmother of Jimmy and Ollie. Loved mother of Madeline and mother-in-law of Ross Batten. Grandmother of Thomas O’Loughlin, Charles and George Batten. Dearly loved mother of Jell and mother-in-law of Mark McKenzie McHarg. Much loved Granny of Laura and Sophie. Sadly missed. Dearly loved mother of Matt, mother-in-law of Christine. Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. Sadly missed. Requiescat in Pace. Devoted daughter of the late Robert and Nellie Jenkin. Loved sister of Joan Napier (dec. 27/10/2009), Shirley Roughead and Rae Slavin (dec.). BUCKLEY - Betty. Dearly loved sister of Shirley. Loved sister-in-law of Jack (dec.). Loved aunt of Jude and Richard, Kay and Eric, Frank (dec.) and Wendy, Barry and Joanne. Loved great-aunt of Kylie, Cameron, Fiona, Leah, Paul, Carly, Steven and Lisa. Rest in peace, and our hearts are with you forever.

deaths

DORLING (nee Govett) Wendy Joy (Joy). Passed away peacefully at Leongatha Hospital on October 28, 2009 surrounded by her loving family. Aged 67 years, late of Korumburra. Dearly loved wife of Bill. Loving mother and motherin-law of Debbie and Ron, David, Sue and Tony, Wendy and Glenn. Dearly loved Nan of James and Teara, Aaron and Craig; Tanya, Liegh, Karen, Billy, Amanda and Nikki; Chris, Michael; Kimberley and Jared; Kyle, Tarra, Dylan and Kayla. Great Nan of Cameron. Constantly loved, Ever remembered.

KNOX (nee McDermott) Irene Gladys. On October 30, 2009 result of accident. Aged 90 years. Late of Nerrena. Loved wife of Jim (dec.). Dearly loved mum and friend of Jim, Rob and Anna, Phil and Veronica, friend of Marg. Much loved gran of Kelly, James; Dannielle and Rodney, Tom and Sarah, Matt and Chrissy. Loved great gran of Jasper. Special friend of Tobi, Zac and Lani. Mum and Dad re-united. May the road rise up to meet you May the wind always be at your back May the sunshine warm upon your face And rains fall soft upon your fields. Till we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Please see Herald Sun for funeral details.

KNOX - Irene. Deepest sympathy to all her family. Farewell old friend, we had lots of fun and happy memories. Rest in peace. Pat T.

PAYNE - Edwin Henry (Eddie). 20/3/1922 - 1/11/2009. Aged 87 years. Passed away peacefully at Leongatha hospital. Loving husband of Norma for 57 years. Loved father of Graeme and friend of Helen, Malcolm and Mariene. Cherished grandfather of Krystal, Tanya and Bryana. Your generosity has left an everlasting impression to everyone you have met. Sleeping peacefully our loved one.

RODWELL - Nathan. Our sympathy to Leslie, Andy, Mark, Ben, and Hayley. Nathan was a much loved friend to all, we will miss you forever. Love always. Jess, Roo, and Davies family.

More death notices next page

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

•KORUMBURRA BASKETBALL

Teams gather for tournament A HUGE weekend of basketball was enjoyed by a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Korumburra Indoor Recreation centre on October 24 and 25.

It was the Korumburra Basketball Association’s 26th annual tournament. Teams from Yarram, Warragul, Traralgon, Sale, Southern Peninsula, Leongatha, Foster, Wonthaggi, Meeniyan, Poowong, and Yarragon entered the tournament. Saturday saw the Korumburra Wildcats Under 12 boys team coached by rookie coach of the year, Anthony Gaze Dixon, win their grand final by just four points. It was close all game with the lead changing several times, but in the end the Wildcats were too strong for the Traralgon T Birds. Wildcats 35 d T Birds 31. The 12 girls saw a dominant Traralgon T Birds win the grand final. T Birds 30 d Wonthaggi 12. Under 14 boys B Division saw legendary coach John Sullivan take the Poowong Panthers to a one point win in their grand final. Panthers 42 d Foster Breakers 41. The 14 girls saw Traralgon again too strong for Wonthaggi in their grand final. T Birds 40 d Coasters 30. On Sunday, the Korumburra Wildcats 16 boys, coached by Karen Sorrell proved too good for Leongatha in their grand final, winning by 21 points. Wildcats 51 d Lightning 30. In the Under 16 girls we saw why Traralgon won the state championships last season, winning their grand final by 29 points. T Birds 69 d Coasters 40. In the Under 18 girls grand final the Wildcats met the T Birds. After beating the T Birds in an earlier

round the Wildcats went into the final confident. The T Birds came out strong and by half time led by nine points. After half time the Wildcats tried hard, but the T Birds were too strong, winning the grand final by 13 points. T Birds 37 d the Wildcats 24. It was a great weekend and congratulations must go to the hard working Korumburra Basketball Committee who worked tirelessly. Thanks also to all the parents who helped in the kitchen and kiosk and a big thank you to all the associations that took part. The association would also like to thank John Sullivan and Fay Hay for the hire and running of the Poowong Leisure Centre and to the generous tournament program sponsors.

Classifieds PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

deaths RODWELL - Nathan. 11/2/1988 - 25/10/09. Riding free for eternity. We will miss you heaps mate. Love you always. Pouwy and Sophie. RODWELL - Nathan Paul. 11/2/1988 - 25/10/09. We will always think of you with a smile Nathan, you will be in our hearts forever. Graeme and Jane. RODWELL - Nathan. Nath, you were like a son, part of the family, taken too soon. My heart and thoughts are with Andy, Lesley, Mark, Ben and Hayley at this tragic time. You will be forever in my heart, Tasha xxo.

deaths RODWELL - Nathan. Nathan was such a beautiful guy, and the love of my life. I will never forget the amazing time that I spent with my best friend. You will always be the man of my dreams and I will love you forever. Always in my heart. Ash xox. WATKINS - Joan Annie. 15/2/26 - 29/10/09. Loving wife of Kevin Joseph (Joe). Dearly loved mother of Julie, Anthony, Trevor, Ross. Mother-in-law of Jim, Jayne, Di, Merleanne. Cherished gran of Sharon, David, Chelsea, Carly, Skye, Scott, Marc, Jake, and partners. “She did her best”. Sadly missed by many, and loved by all.

Above: Under 16 boys winners: Wildcats team of, back, from left: Karen Sorrell (coach), Dylan Heylen, Rhys Arestia, Joel Winderlich, Brock Dorling, Zac Mayo and Sam Edwards (assistant coach); front: Josh Hopkins, Lauchie Auddino, Ben White and Brendon Wylie.

U12 boys A Division winners: Wildcats team of, back from left: Tony Dixon (coach), Jesse Patullo, Will Lumby, Caleb Chiron, Jacob Patullo and Shelley Snooks (team manager); front, from left: Lachie Snooks, Rhys Dixon, Lachie Fievez and Jordy Patullo.

South Gippsland Bridge Club MEENIYAN – Monday evening: 1st Faye Rowlands. Frank Arndt; 2nd Kathy Dowd. Colin Cameron; 3rd Raymond Dunstan. Chris Freeman and 4th Peter and Winsome Richards. Tarwin Lower – Tuesday afternoon teams ﬁnal results: 1st Kuiper team, 2nd Rowlands team, 3rd Saleeba team and 4th Martin team. Meeniyan – Thursday evening: 1st Winsome and Peter Richards, 2nd Erdie and Orrie Kroon and 3rd Faye Rowlands. Frank Arndt. Inverloch – Friday afternoon Swiss teams ﬁnal results: 1st Farr team, 2nd Douglas team, 3rd Drury team and 4th Freeman team.

crossword solutions funerals WATKINS - The Funeral Service for Mrs Joan Annie Watkins of Inverloch will be held at the Anglican Church of Ascension, The Crescent, Inverloch on Thursday, November 5 at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of this service for the Inverloch Cemetery. Ray and Maree Anderson HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Wonthaggi 5672-1074

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8195 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Foul temper. 8, Ac-r-e. 9, Stem. 10, I-di-O-m. 11, Pine. 12, Presented. 16, Con-serves. 20, Shot. 22, OScar. 23, P-Art. 24, Pu-RR (rev.). 25, Strong suit. Down - 1, Rotter. 2, Flemish (anag.). 3, Reg-I-on. 4, SpiritE. 5, Tramp. 7, Bru-no. 13, Ton (rev.). 14, Propose 15, Shru-G. 17, O-cc-urs. 18, Spring. 19, Earw-I-g. 21, (Augus)T-or-so. QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8195 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Pomeranian. 8, Arch. 9, Damp. 10, Steep. 11, Tint. 12, Penniless. 16, Admirable. 20, Bush. 22, About. 23, Gate. 24, Chub. 25, Impenitent. Down - 1, Borage. 2, Serpent. 3, Vassal. 4, Biceps. 5, Inapt. 7, Scent. 13, Elm. 14, Naughty. 15, Ought. 17, Droopy. 18, Intent. 19, Latent. 21, Habit.

Starring in the city TWO Mirboo North Secondary College students had some success at the state schools athletics championships on October 20. Sam Quirk set a new personal best in the 1500m at Olympic Park in Melbourne. The 16-year-old finished fourth in his age group with a time of four minutes and 38 seconds. That was just three seconds off the national qualifying time for his age group. “My race was the fastest of the day,” he said. “The top four in it were faster than the Year 11s and Year 12s.” Sam said the conditions were really good for running. It was a good showing for Sam whose speciality is cross country running rather than track events. Yesterday he competed at the Victorian all schools event and has the nationals in Hobart on December 5. It’s all good preparation for the World Schools Cross Country Championships in the Slovak Republic in April next year. Year 11 Mirboo North Secondary College student Lauren Bone finished fifth in the Under 17 high jump. She jumped a height of 1.35m. It was the first time Lauren had ever competed at the event and she was slightly disappointed with her performance. “I can jump higher. I’ve jumped a 1.40m before and I’ve hit 1.45m,” she said. Competitors in the high jump were allowed three attempts at each height. “All the other girls had their own personal trainers and they were warming up,” Lauren said. She “just rocked up” with her natural talent and did her best. “I think about how far I have to jump,” she said. “If I jump too early I’ll hit the bar; if I jump too late I’ll hit the bar. “The girl who came first really inspired me. She was really flexible and sort of bent in half.”

Athletics stars: Mirboo North Secondary College students Sam Quirk and Lauren Bone competed at the state schools championships recently.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 59

Gates open: sailors set sail as the race gets underway.

Sailors return to inlet By Brad Lester A KALEIDOSCOPE of colours graced the waters of Anderson Inlet on Sunday, signalling the start of the summer sailing season.

All set: Keith Cousens of Inverloch makes ﬁnal preparations before taking to the water.

Marine spectacular: onlookers, including Bass MLA Ken Smith (top), admire the sight of sailing boats.

Members of the South Gippsland Yacht Club took to the sea for the season opening, featuring the traditional Sail Past – a salute to club commodore Ivan Abbott. Yachts of varying classes negotiated a loop course from Pensioners Point to the jetty, creating a stunning sight that lured many sightseers to the shores of the Inverloch waterway. Results of the event, race one of the Toyota series were: A Division: 1st: Neil Warren (Windrush); 2nd: Rob McNair (Windrush), 3rd: Garry Reeves (Hobie 16). B Division: 1st: Keith Cousens (Impulse); 2nd: Toby Leppin (Impulse) and 3rd: John Honeybone (Laser 4.7). The race was sailed in light conditions with 18 boats taking part. The club will host races on Sundays throughout summer and into April, as well as a come and try day on Saturday, January 2 and learn to sail days in January. Children wishing to learn sailing are invited to a special kids training program, recognised by Yachting Australia from January 11-15. Open to boys and girls aged seven to 12, the ﬁve-day course will cover a range of topics and all equipment will be provided. For more information, contact Mr Abbott on 5674 2926 or visit www.theboatshed.net.au

Making haste: Leongatha couple Tim and Joy Linton in their boat, Lotions and Potions.

Standing out: Neil Warren of Inverloch added a splash of colour to the inlet.

Club commodore: Ivan Abbott offers a salute to fellow sailors in the tradition known as the Sail Past. With him is club vice commodore Tim Wilson.

Mastering sport Continued from page 68. “When Fred beats me I’m convinced I’m happier than he is,” Case said. “You don’t look like it,” Fred said. Fred said Case is very good at adapting his game to his opponent. “I’m a bit one minded. He uses his brain, which is important as you get older,” he said. A group of basketballers from Korumburra and Wonthaggi won gold in the women 50 plus category. They all play together in the Korumburra association. Team captain and organiser Merran Sice said the group has been going to the master’s games for the last 15 years. “We’ve been all over Australia and New Zealand. We do the games wherever they are being held,” she said. “A group of us got together and decided that’s what we’d do to keep our basketball going and we enjoy getting together every year.” It was a back-to-back victory for the women at the World Masters Games after they beat a Brisbane team in their ninth match in nine days. The happy group went out for dinner to celebrate and then walked along Darling Harbour singing songs. Many people stopped to congratulate them on their victory.

Mardan’s Robert Gray said he found the World Masters Games fantastic with a capital F. “It really was amazing running with ex-Olympians and different people from around the world,” he said. “I was with South Africans, Russians, Germans, Brits and Americans.” Robert competed in the 100m and 8km cross country, and made it to the semi finals of the 400m and 800m. “Competing at such a high level event was something I’d never experienced and it’s very rigid,” Robert said. “For instance, you couldn’t pull out of an event without a medical certificate.” It was a hot and windy day when the 8km cross country event was run. As Robert left daughter, Debbie Ackland, who accompanied him to Sydney, said he would see her in 48 minutes. He ran it in 48 minutes and 54 seconds. “I had trouble with the heat, but I was very happy with the time,” he said. As they were waiting at Melbourne Airport, Robert was interviewed and filmed for a television show that will air early next year. Of the whole experience Robert said: “if that’s what getting old is all about, I won’t mind getting old”.

Gold winners: Faye Surace, Debbie Paterson, Lynne Burgess, Bernie Abriola, Merran Sice, Karen McRae, Wendy Smith and Judy Wrigley from Wonthaggi and Korumburra won the 50 plus women’s basketball at the World Masters Games.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

No surprises in pennant bowls LAST Saturday’s pennant round saw no great surprises in Division 1 as the teams that were expected to win, did so with a fair amount of ease.

Top scorers: Korumburra’s Rob Cosson and Leongatha’s Ray McGannon compare notes between ends.

Meeniyan

TUESDAY ladies pennant saw both teams away to Inverloch. Division 1 had a draw and two losses, going down 55 to 72. Threes had a win and a loss, going down 41 to 48. No pennant this week due to Cup Day celebrations. Wednesday social bowls saw a good roll-up of players. We welcomed two new players, Trevor and Helen Bidwell. Trevor was in the winning team. Lucky Ron Gloster won the draw. Thursday October 29 was the ﬁrst of our three, four, ﬁve, six bankers triples which was sponsored by SEJ Real Estate, Leongatha. The winners were Tony Huybregts (Fish Creek) with locals Rob Butterworth and Di Lindhard. The runners-up were John Cocking with Port Welshpool players, Anne Collins and Jim

Nicholson. A fanned cards draw went to a Tarwin Lower team. Saturday was not a good day for three pennant teams. Division 2 at home to Leongatha in a very tight game went down 71 to 73 with one rink successful. Fives away to top team San Remo had one rink winning with the score 67 to 93. Division 6 away to Lang Lang had one close rink but went down 29 to 44. Next week Division 2 are away to San Remo, Division 5 start their second round at home to Fish Creek and Division 6 are home to San Remo. This Thursday, November 5 is our monthly triples. Afﬁliated members in the club singles are reminded to get matches completed by the deadline. All matches are to be completed by late December.

TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area. To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below. Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90

At Port Phillip Heads

NOVEMBER Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

4 WED

5 THUR

6 FRI

7 SAT

8 SUN

9 MON

10 TUE

0044 0626 1224 1823

1.53 0.70 1.32 0.22

0129 0707 1310 1905

1.62 0.65 1.36 0.15

0213 0746 1354 1948

1.66 0.61 1.39 0.12

0256 0827 1437 2032

1.67 0.58 1.41 0.11

0338 0908 1520 2116

1.64 0.55 1.40 0.14

0421 0951 1605 2203

1.59 0.53 1.38 0.20

0505 1036 1655 2251

1.53 0.52 1.35 0.29

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

Inverloch Blue managed to draw one rink to take one point from Inverloch White, but overall went down by 40 shots. Phillip Island recorded a similar result as Mirboo North also managed to draw one rink, but also going down 33 shots. Leongatha continued on their winning way, taking all three rinks to win by a very comfortable 36 shots, and it was good to see Wonthaggi record their ﬁrst win of the season, easily accounting for Foster by 37 shots. The shock of the round saw San Remo, who are top of the table in Division 2, go down on all three rinks to Inverloch by 21

Inverloch WE had another very successful round of pennant matches last Saturday, with both Division One teams playing each other. The maximum wins our club could achieve was four and we were able to achieve our aim. The Whites took their game by 40 shots. Cliff Coram, skip of one of the Blues teams, with a great display of bowling, led his team to a very creditable tied game after leading by a good margin at the tea break. His opponents said they were very lucky to salvage a tie out of this game. Harry Rybalka’s team, after great performances in the last three games, suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Ron Burge’s team, managing to score only seven shots. Division Two broke San Remo’s unbeaten run on our green with a well-deserved 21 shot win. John Arnold’s rink shot away to a big lead early, but were able to fight off a strong challenge after the break, to take their game by four shots. The other two rinks had a tight struggle but they were able to give us wins on the three rinks. Neil Everitt’s rink sealed their win in this game with two great ends, scoring a five and a six late in the game. Division Four took an 18 shot lead to the tea break and were able to increase the lead and went on to win by 26 shots, taking the points on all three rinks. Jack Miller and John Madden are still unbeaten skips in this division so far this season. Division Six travelled to San Remo and remains our only undefeated side after their nine shot win, being winners on both rinks. Our club conducted the first of its special fifth Thursday triples last Thursday, which attracted a field of 22 teams with good support from Phillip Island, Wonthaggi, Leongatha and

shots. Leongatha continued to bounce back from their thrashing a couple of weeks ago with a narrow two shot win, whilst Toora (home) took two rinks to win by 28 shots over Lang Lang. Wonthaggi (home) struggled a little losing one rink to Tarwin -Lower. This game was switched due to the construction works at Tarwin Lower with their new synthetic green. The results of all matches were: Division 1: Inverloch White 15-93 d Inverloch Blue 1-53; Wonthaggi 16-82 d Foster 0-45: Leongatha 16-93 d Korumburra 0-57: Phillip Island 16-94 d Mirboo North 1-61. Division 2: Inverloch 16-86 d San Remo 0-65: Meeniyan 2-71 lt Leongatha 14-73: Toora 14-88 d Lang Lang 2-60: Tarwin Lower 2-73 lt Korumburra clubs. After one game of 14 ends and two games of 12 ends, there were four - 3 game winners. Taking ﬁrst prize with a score of 57 points were N. West (LD), S. Scimenello (2nd) and T. Scott (sk). Runners-up with 55 points were G. Hams (LD), R. Williams (2nd) and R. Snooks (sk). The lucky drawn card prize went to the team of D. Marsh, G. Stewart and W. Kelly. Sincere thanks to the Inverloch Pulse Pharmacy for their generous sponsorship of this event. The ﬁrst of our club tournaments is to be held on Sunday November 15 and is a mixed fours. Entry fee is $8 per player, with a picnic lunch. Entries are invited and bookings can be made with Ron Lawson by phoning 5674 2546 or mobile 0427 742 546 or by mail to PO Box 255 Inverloch, 3996. The other days are Janaury 15, February 21 and April 11. All these days have attracted very generous sponsorship and more information will come as days draw near. Single entries are welcome.

Ladies LAST week was an exceptional week of spring weather. Monday, October 26 was a great success for the Yarram Sports store as well as our own club. As I was not able to be there on Monday I went to Yarram on Friday but they had very little stock left, why? Reason being that Inverloch had almost cleaned them out. Tuesday, October 27 was a great day for all our pennant teams, as all divisions had a win. It was a special day for Division 2 as it was their ﬁrst win for the season, but certainly not their last. Wednesday, October 28 was the ﬁrst round of the club championship. There were some excellent games

Wonthaggi 14-77. Division 3: Fish Creek 14-61 d Loch 2-54: Wonthaggi 14-83 d Leongatha 2-63 Foster 1481 d Phillip Island White 2-56: Phillip Island Blue 16-94 d Corinella 0-41: Division 4: Mirboo North 16-75 d Korumburra Maroon 0-67: Korumburra Gold 16-95 d Phillip Island 0-62: Inverloch 16-79 d Port Welshpool 0-53. Division 5: Wonthaggi 2-52 lt Tarwin Lower 1488: Loch 12-67 d Fish Creek 4-54: San Remo 1493 d Meeniyan 2-67. Division 6: San Remo 0-38 lt Inverloch 14-47: Toora 12-53 d Phillip Island 2-47; Lang Lang 14-44: d Meeniyan 0-29 Foster 13-50 d Wonthaggi 1-45.

Ladders Division 1 Phillip Island......................140 Leongatha........................... 118 Inverloch White................... 58 Wonthaggi ..........................-15 Korumburra .........................-63 Mirboo North .......................-44

which were very close, and were quite lengthy also. The afternoon social bowls saw only 14 bowlers take to the greens. Most of them had either been bowling or marking in the morning, so well done girls, as it did make for a long day. The winners for the day were Carol Hughes, Bonnie Campbell and Pam Sutcliffe. Two of our ladies, Phyll Peterson and Pam Lawson were both in hospital the week before last and returned home last week after having knee operations. I am pleased to report that they are both coming along nicely. Keep the exercises up girls and it won’t be long before you are back on the greens. Elaine Miller has been on the sick list, we do hope that she will be well again soon. We are hoping for a good day for Cup Day with our brunch and bowls. This Wednesday, November 4 is the ﬁrst round of the club pairs, followed by social bowls in the afternoon. There are some very interesting draws for this round, so put your best foot forward and your best bowls on the green. Don’t forget our guest day at 10am on this coming Friday, November 6. Please bring sandwiches for your guests and yourself, the club will provide the sweets. Monday, November 16 is the ﬁrst of our “ladies coffee mornings” to be held in the club rooms at 10am. Amongst other things we will be discussing the amalgamation and voting on same. So please put this in your diary and attend this coffee morning.

63 62 50 27 18 17

Foster ....................................-83 16 Inverloch Blue ...................... -111 3 Division 2 San Remo ............................. 20 40 Leongatha..........................-102 40 Inverloch .............................. 1 36 Lang Lang ...........................-20 34 Wonthaggi ............................... 2 32 Toora .......................................-1 32 Tarwin Lower ......................103 22 Meeniyan ................................-3 20 Division 3 Phillip Island Blue.............123 60 Foster .................................... 58 55 Fish Creek ............................ 55 45 Wonthaggi ...........................-22 31 Phillip Island White .............-27 22 Loch ......................................-15 20 Corinella ...............................-57 19 Leongatha ............................ 115 4 Division 4 Korumburra Gold ............ 115 70 Inverloch .............................. 67 65 Mirboo North .....................-57 34 Phillip Island.........................-7 32 Port Welshpool ...................... 46 22 Korumburra Maroon............-72 17 Division 5 San Remo ............................. 39 60 Tarwin Lower ....................105 52 Meeniyan .............................. 18 44 Fish Creek ...........................-49 36 Loch ......................................-25 28 Wonthaggi .........................-102 20 Division 6 Inverloch .............................. 65 56 Phillip Island........................ 64 42 Wonthaggi ............................ 27 31 Foster .................................... 38 29 Toora ........................................ 9 26 Lang Lang ..............................-7 26

Loch and District LAST Thursday, one of our foundation lady members, Susie Stewart, passed away after a short period of ill health. Susie was a very loyal club member, having over the past few years, been a regular social bowler and a consistent carpet bowler as well. Susie was proud to be the winner of the Thursday aggregate at carpet bowls in September, having attended all sessions. Over the period from 1972 to 2004, Susie had, with various partners, won the ladies pairs three times and had been runner-up ﬁve times. Over the years that the club played in West Gippsland, Susie was also a valued member of our pennant teams. Susie will be missed on our green as will her ‘little lambs’. She was in her 89th year and was bid farewell on Monday. In the past week, all three pennant teams played the Fish

Buffalo Indoor ON Wednesday October 28, 14 bowlers enjoyed their night of bowling. It was great to see the Korumburra bowlers and many thanks for the delicious supper they brought along. After three games, the winners for the night were Ian Benson (s), Glenys Pilkington, Joe Occhipinti, Mary Tumino (WWD). Next were Charlie Tumino (s), Andrew Hanks, Lee Armstrong, Gemma Poletti (WWL). Then Rob Armstrong (s), Peter Heldens, Carolyn Benson (WLL). Fourth were Toni Heldens (s), Joyce Occhipinti, Graeme Tobias (LLD). Best ﬁrst game: Ian 169, best second game, Ian 8-3, best third game, Charlie 8-5. On Saturday, October 31 we held our garden walk in aid of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Hospital. We raised close to $1700, which is a great effort. Thanks to Graeme and Merle and Toni and

Meeniyan ..............................-58 12 San Remo .............................-62 2

My ‘Kiss of Death’ tips for this coming weekend in Division 1 are: Wonthaggi (away) to record a narrow win Inverloch Blue, Foster (home) will continue Korumburra’s woes and win easily. The match of the round and a possible prelude to the grand final will see Phillip Island (home) by 10 shots over Leongatha, and Mirboo North (home) will upset Inverloch White. In the Over 60’s Group 8 Singles Championship played at Meeniyan, congratulations are extended to Brian Griffiths (Phillip Island) when he defeated Col Watt (Leongatha) in the final. In the Over 60’s Group 8 pairs played at Korumburra, Russell Trotman and Col Watt played out a nail biting final to defeat Ken Webb and Bruce Anderson by a mere one shot. Congratulations to both winners.

Creek folk with the ladies Division 2 and men’s Division 5 winning at Loch and men’s Division 3 losing by seven shots at Fish Creek. On Thursday, social bowls winners were M. Fraser, M. Revell and M. Crawford with the runners-up being V. Kennedy, J. Kirk and M. Hunter and F. Heylen taking out the ‘ditch to ditch’. Thursday was men’s afﬁliated triples with Bill Files and his Lang Lang men runnersup and F. Luke, C. Hodge and J. Miller (Loch) the winners. This week we have a function on Cup Day and twilight bowls will commence on Wednesday, (same format as usual, all welcome). Social bowls on Thursday will be followed by the ladies monthly meeting as well as their special general meeting. Both men’s pennant teams are at home on Saturday.

Peter for the wonderful gardens. The door prize went to M. Pilkington and T. McGannon. The lucky ticket went to B. Kappes, W. McAinch, S. Cope, J. Harﬁeld, K. Cripps and N. Cripps.

Ready to roll: Leongatha’s John Turner contemplates his next move during a tough contest against Korumburra on Saturday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 61

Allambee Mirboo and District tennis A HOT and humid Saturday.

Old guard: long time Leongatha members Don Strong and Don Strawhorn watch the bowls action on Saturday.

Leongatha bowls CONGRATULATIONS to Russell Trotman and Col Watt who took out the South Gippsland Over 60s pairs title and will now proceed to do battle at Traralgon on November 16. The club wishes them both well for their next battle. Round Three of the SGDLBA saw our Division 1 ladies go down to San Remo 73 shots to Leongatha 51 shots, while Division Three ladies Leongatha 49 shots to defeat Inverloch 43 shots. There is no ladies pennant this week (Cup Day) but on November 10, Division 1 are away to Lang Lang while Division 3 are at home to Foster. Saturday October 31 saw Division One all three rinks winning and giving Leongatha an overall win of 36 shots. Division Two were away to Meeniyan and came away with the narrow win overall of two shots. Division 3 were away to Wonthaggi with only one rink winning, skippered by Ray Saunders, while Leongatha Division 3 went down to Wonthaggi by 20 shots overall. Round Five November 7 sees Division One away to Phillip Island while Division Two will be at home to Lang Lang with Division Three also at home to Phillip Island White. Wednesday October 28 saw 96 players (32 teams) take part in the Leongatha club’s monthly triples with again teams from all over South Gippsland. The winners, on +31 shots, were the team of Ron Hutton (s), Ron Williams and John McVeigh while the runners-up were the Mir-

boo North team of Graeme Roberts, Greg Lewis and Kearn Quealle on +15. Best last game winners on +22 were the Inverloch team of Ron Lawson, David Roberts and Norm West. Sponsors for the day were Birch Ross and Barlow and the club thanks them for their valued support. The John O’Connor ‘bottles of wine’ draw went to an Inverloch team - Rob Harvard, John Sutcluffe and Bill McGivi. Thursday evening on October 29 saw the twilight bowls in full action with new bowlers beginning to show their skills. It is still not too late to come and test your skills as a bowler. The winners were Russell Trotman (s), Sue Geitz and Ruth Shields. Runners-up were Mark Coulter, Jeff Pendergast and Margaret Marke. The twilight bowls will continue for a further two weeks on Thursday evenings at 6pm. Reminders: On November 7, the ﬁrst of this season’s Leongatha Regent Caravan tournaments will commence with the mixed triples day. Also, Regent Caravans will again have a display in the club carpark area with a representative on hand to answer all your questions. This invitation is open to the public to visit the display so come along and while you’re there, you can watch the mixed triples bowlers in action. The ‘kitty club’ teas will be on again at the club house at 6pm on Friday night November 6. It’a great night out, so why not come along and have not only a great meal but join in the great fun and fellowship.

Korumburra bowls THE ladies pennant on Tuesday was another successful day for the ’Burra teams.

Division 2 had a 17 shot win against Wonthaggi, with our best held card of eight shots up held by Margaret Goad’s team of Margaret Brown, Margaret Claney and Shirley Martin, against Dot Yarley’s team. Division 3 had it easy with a bye. Next week, Division 2 are home to Phillip Island and Division 3 will be at Corinella. Wednesday was another successful day for the ladies with 24 attending. After two games, with two wins, Bev Button, Jenny McVeigh and Natalie Opray with Pam Burley and Margaret Hams the lucky numbers. The men on Thursday had another good rollup of locals and visitors. After three games, the winners were Ross P. Lomagno and Frank Filomeno, with the drawn card, Bill Thomson and Ted Lambert. The winners of twilight bowls, after two games, were Rosalyn Fox and Brian Clough. During happy hour on Friday night, Robyn Gillies, the ANZ Bank representative, presented the Norma Rielly, the winner of the bank’s promotional event, with her prize of a set of Taylors bowls, shoes and bag. Well done Norma. Men’s pennant on Saturday was a mixed result for Korumburra. Division 1 went to Leongatha, with Leongatha taking the points by 36 shots. Our best card was Keith Button’s crew of Ron Williams, Andy Robertson, Peter Cosson

against Peter Kennedy’s team. Division 4 Gold were home to Phillip Island with Korumburra Gold having a golden win, although one team had a great battle to keep in front, with Ross P. Lomagno’s team Hugh Opray, Michael Raman and John B.’s convincing winners against Ken Lacco’s team our best card. Division 4 travelled to Mirboo North where they lost by eight shots. Our best cards were held by Bruce McLaren’s team of Peter Hearn, Brian Pepperell, Alan Morphett and David Goodridge’s team of Grahame Brown, Bill Thomson and George Savage, who lost their match by one shot. Korumburra are to be congratulated on their good sportsmanship for lending two of our members, Alan Cherret and Maurie Rielly to Mirboo North, when they didn’t have enough players to ﬁll their pennant teams. I hear Maurie used Norma’s new bowls to great effect. Men’s pennant next week has Korumburra Division 1 to Foster, with Division 4 Maroon away to Gold. The bankers on Saturday were very depleted with only four taking to the greens, with the men having a social game of pairs. Great to see our not so wells, George Fairweather and Bill watching pennant on Saturday. Dates to remember: ladies meeting next Wednesday November 11 with counter tea on November 13. The club extends sympathies to members Debbie and Ron Williams and Sue Chesterﬁeld and families on their recent sad loss of their mother.

Well done: Robyn Gillies from the ANZ Bank presents Norma Riley of the Korumburra Bowling Club with her win from the recent promotion by the bank with bowls, shoes and bowls bag. President Bill Chivers is also pictured.

Two teams, Foster and Mardan Blue won. Well done. Leongatha North lost a ladies set and there was a tiebreaker in the mens set against Leongatha. First mixed a tiebreaker to the Northerners. Koony gained the points to take top position on the ladder. Baromi won two mens sets and lost a tiebreaker ladies set. Mixed Koony were well on top. Barry made a comeback for Koony and won his sets. A good team effort, only losing one set to the Baromi team. Foster were pleased with the team’s ﬁrst win, having won one game over Korrine. Foster won the ladies sets, Kor-

rine the mens, four games to Foster, the mixed sets went Korrine’s way but just didn’t make up the difference. Berrys Creek won all sets against Leongatha North and extended the lead on top of the ladder. Three teams are next on the same score. Only the percentage is different. Well done Mardan Blue. How excited the team was. Jenny was so proud of her young players. Well done Korumburra too. A close game, two games the end result. Outtrim Gold extended their lead on the ladder with a big win over Leongatha. Two tiebreakers and a 7/5 to Gold helped their score. Red ladies won all sets to set up the win. Baromi won

two mens sets and a tiebreaker mixed. Koony players visited Hallston, most for the ﬁrst time, enjoying a win, Scott won the only sets for Hallston. Koony’s ladies won the sets well and two of the mixed.

Results A Grade: Leongatha North 7.68 d Leongatha 2.46; Koonwarra 7.67 d Baromi 2.46; Hallston - bye. A Reserve: Koonwarra 8.53 d Baromi 1.28; Foster 4.40 d Korrine 5.39; Berrys Creek 9.55 d Leongatha North 0.24. B Grade: Koonwarra 6.44 d Hallston 3.28; Mardan Blue 5.37 d Korumburra 4.35; Outtrim Gold 8.53 d Leongatha 1.27; Mardan Red 6.47 d Baromi 3.38; Outtrim Ma-

roon - bye.

Ladders A Grade Koonwarra ...........................35.5 Hallston ................................34.5 Leongatha North .................28.5 Baromi .................................25.5 Leongatha .............................12.5 A Reserve Berrys Creek........................41.5 Leongatha ...........................30.5 Koonwarra ...........................30.5 Korrine .................................30.5 Baromi ..................................23.5 Leongatha North ...................20.0 Foster.....................................14.0 B Grade Outtrim Gold .......................46.0 Baromi ..................................37.5 Koonwarra ...........................35.0 Mardan Red.........................34.0 Outtrim Maroon ....................24.5 Leongatha..............................22.5 Hallston .................................17.5 Korumburra ...........................16.5 Mardan Blue..........................12.0

Mirboo North & District junior tennis THE score secretary has been awarding two points instead of one for the win. Please don’t ask why, but once the secretary starts using the spread sheet again they won’t have to rely purely on their math to get the right results. The ladder order is not affected due to the error; just the points. Thank you for getting all the results from the Saturday, October 24 in on time. A Grade had very onesided matches this round with Mardan, Meeniyan and Leongatha Adidas all having strong wins. In B Grade, a forfeit by Baromi gave Dumbalk ﬁve points. The result from the

Leongatha Asics v Fish Creek White match had the secretary checking the rules as the tough match gave the 3/19 d 1/20 to Leongatha. In C Grade Hallston Guns are starting to clock up some games and sets, as are Leongatha North and Baromi Nike. These young teams are only going to improve with time on court and hopefully they are enjoying their tennis. A nail biter played between Baromi Reebok and Leongatha Dunlop gave Leongatha the winning point by one game. There must have been some great tennis played. Leongatha stole all four sets from Leongatha, but they had to work hard with two sets going to 6/5. The below item is being

repeated as it is important information. Please let it be noted that Meeniyan is lodging a late exemption request for their C Grade team. Due to this team being put together at the last moment, and after the club meeting, it has just been realised that all of the girls turned 12 before October. The committee has discussed the age, standard of the team and also the spirit of the game. Please direct any queries to Dan Monaghan 56641234 or Tarnya Wilson 56647473.

Ladders A Grade Mardan Bombers ...................22 Meeniyan ................................ 11 Leongatha Adidas................... 11 Fish Creek .................................9 Baromi Legends .........................8

Baromi Superstars ......................5 B Grade Dumbalk Nth Aces ................12 Lgatha Converse ....................10 Mardan Lions ...........................9 Fish Creek White .....................8 Leongatha Asics .........................8 Fish Creek Red...........................4 Baromi........................................3 C Grade Lgatha Pumas .........................15 Meeniyan Demons ..................12 Lgatha Dunlops ...................... 11 Fish Creek ............................... 11 Mardan Rebels ...........................7 Baromi Reebok ..........................5 Lgatha Reeboks..........................5 Baromi Nike ...............................4 Leongatha North .......................3 Hallston ......................................2

Midweek ladies tennis Ladders Up to October 27

Fish Creek bowls OUR ladies had a big loss to the Loch ladies and because of the Cup, no game this week. The Division Three men had a seven shot win over Loch on Saturday while Division Five lost by 13 shots down at Loch. Good to see bowlers getting their singles games over, so well done, keep it up. Next Friday night will be the casserole

night after practice about 6.30pm. Next Sunday is the popular mixed fours day sponsored by Cor and Nellie Van Dyk and Nick and Helen Shaw, starting at 9.30am. Our club was sorry to hear that one of our life members, Eddie Payne, passed away last Sunday. Our sympathy goes out to Norma and families.

SGDLBA pennant bowls Round 3 DIVISION 1 Foster 75 (16 shots) d Wonthaggi 59 (R. Richardson 36 d K. Simpson 13, L. Vignocchi 23 lt I. Donohue 26, M. Climas 16 lt L. Milkins 20). San Remo 73 (22 shots) d Leongatha 51 (S. Carvosso 26 d E. McIntyre 22, C. Thorn 19 d R. Renden 17, K. Hale 28 d J. Todd 12). Phillip Island 83 (29 shots) d Meeniyan 54 (R. James 28 d M. Pearson 19, P. Francis 29 d L. Hanks 19, P. Davis 26 d A. Van Wamel 16). Inverloch 91 (45 shots) d Lang Lang 46 (M. Jenkins 32 d J. Prowd 14, S. Cook 31 d R. Geyer 15, C. Hughes 28 d L. Hodson 17).

DIVISION 2 Port Welshpool 81 (17 shots) d Loch 64 (M. McDonald 27 d G. Garry 19, L. McLaine 34 d V. Kennedy 13, A. Collins 20 lt J. Miller 32). Wonthaggi 75 (18 shots) d Inverloch 57 (E. Thompson 27 d M. Flett 12, M. McBain 28 d M. Paynting 19, D. Yarley 20 lt D. McIntosh 26). Korumburra 108 (68 shots) d Tarwin 40 (D. Williams 17 drew H. Twite 17, M. Goad 50 d G. Bright 13, J. McLaren 41 d D. Barnes 10).

Phillip Island 82 (24 shots) d Fish Creek 58 (R. Viney 38 d V. Synan 12, E. De Vries 28 d N. Van Dyk 16, W. Braun 16 lt P. Hazeltine 30).

DI.VISION 3 Corinella 70 (29 shots) d Wonthaggi 41 (M. Dillon 35 d V. Grifﬁths 23, H. Anderson 35 d G. Mitford 18). Leongatha 49 (6 shots) d Inverloch 43 (M. Rayson 29 d M. Treadwell 15, P. Fleming 20 lt J. Arnold 28). Korumburra 68 (37 shots) d Foster 31 (N. Gilbert 25 d G. Tyers 15, E. O’Flaherty 43 d L. Wheeler 16). Toora 56 (15 shots) d Meeniyan 41 (B. Curram 27 d G. Densley 24, J. Bland 29 d K. Brown 7). Phillip Island - bye (1 pt).

Ladders Division 1 Foster.................................+51 Inverloch ............................-34 Phillip Island......................-16 Wonthaggi .........................+29 San Remo ...............................3 Lang Lang ...........................-22 Leongatha............................-33 Meeniyan.............................-74 Division 2 Port Welshpool .................+84 Phillip Island.....................+55 Korumburra ......................-56 Fish Creek ............................-5 Wonthaggi ...........................-13 Tarwin Lower ......................-63

5 4 4 3 1 3 1 1 6 5 4 3 3 2

Loch ....................................-54 Inverloch .............................-60 Division 3 Corinella............................+60 Toora .................................+29 Phillip Island.....................+11 Korumburra .....................+26 Wonthaggi .............................-2 Meeniyan.............................-15 Inverloch .............................-15 Leongatha............................-30 Foster...................................-64

1 0 6 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 1

Section 1 Inverloch ..............................75.0 Wonthaggi ............................56.0 Leongatha ............................55.5 Westernport .........................44.5 Phillip Island .........................29.0 Section 2 Inverloch Madﬁsh ...............75.0 Wonthaggi Kit Kats ............68.0 Wonthaggi Tic Tacs .............64.0 Foster....................................59.0 Korumburra ...........................40.0 Bena ......................................37.0 Inverloch Shells ....................21.0 Section 3 Inverloch .............................71.5 Phillip Island Koalas ...........62.5 Phillip Island Penguins .......61.5 Nyora ....................................52.0 Leongatha..............................31.5 Fish Creek .............................26.0 Section 5 Wonthaggi White.................70.0 Corinella...............................68.0 Wonthaggi Red ....................64.0 Wonthaggi Blue ...................46.0 Wonthaggi Gold ....................44.0 Inverloch ...............................21.0

PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Power’s back - Wonthaggi to host Easter blockbuster

By Matt Dunn

WONTHAGGI and Leongatha will clash in an Easter blockbuster next year in a local football and netball derby.

The Power voted last Monday night at its AGM to enter the West Gippsland Latrobe Football League from 2010. The proposed draw sees Wonthaggi hosting Leongatha in a round one blockbuster, pencilled in for Easter Saturday. A massive crowd is expected as Wonthaggi and Leongatha face off in their first official hitout since the Wonthaggi Blues left the league in 2004. “We had our AGM and it was decided to affiliate with West Gippsland Latrobe, in the interest of providing our town with football and netball,” Wonthaggi Football Netball Club president Rob Tesoriero told The Star. “It was a very strong vote to move on. Our main interest is in playing football and netball. We have a very positive attitude toward it. It’s a new challenge and we’re looking forward to taking it on.” Mr Tesoriero said the club was especially looking forward to rekindling the old rivalry between Wonthaggi and Leongatha. “We look forward to the friendly rivalry we’ll have with all the teams and particularly Leongatha. That’ll be good,” he said. Although there had been talk in the past of the move being for only a short time, Mr Tesoriero said the club would go “full bore”. “We’re looking at the options that have been put in front of us, and it’s West Gippsland Latrobe.

Going back: Leongatha last played Wonthaggi, as the Blues, back in 2004. They are set to resume “hostilities” in an Easter Saturday blockbuster. We’re not going to be there to just make up the numbers,” he said. “We’ll be going at it as hard as we can to be a competitive team in all grades. We’re talking about

four footy teams and six netball teams. We’re not going there not to be competitive. “We don’t know what the future holds. The VCFL said they’ll continue to look into football down this way. We’ll just take that as it comes. As it is we’ll be committed to West Gippsland Latrobe.” Leongatha Football Club president Glenn Wright was ecstatic at the announcement, believing the natural rivalry between the towns would mean huge crowds at the Parrots versus Power clashes. “It’ll be a great thing for local footy. It’s fantastic. The rivalry between the two towns will be friendly, but it will still be ﬁerce. The battles between two neighbouring towns always create a lot of interest,” Mr Wright said. “It’ll be good for both clubs, I believe. We’re really looking forward to it.” Mr Wright said clashes between the Wonthaggi Blues and Leongatha in past years always drew big crowds. “Probably the biggest crowds we ever saw were against Wonthaggi, especially in the night matches we had. I remember one night in particular – it was enormous, it was just like a grand ﬁnal,” he said. “We certainly wish them all the best, and we’re very happy to have them on board.” WGLFL president Brian McKenzie was another who couldn’t wait for the Power to come on board. Mr McKenzie has been quietly working away behind the scenes, urging the club to come over. The WGLFL is likely to become the Gippsland League from next year and he sees Wonthaggi’s inclusion as a coup, central to the league’s plan

of becoming the pre-eminent competition in the region. “It’s been a long process and we think it’s a good ﬁt for both,” he said. The problem of lengthy travel had been the main reason Wonthaggi had baulked at going to the WGLFL. But Mr McKenzie was playing down the issue. Bairnsdale Football Club may yet come back into the league, but the WGLFL has vowed to stage matches between the Redlegs and Wonthaggi at a neutral venue somewhere in between the two towns. “We’re happy and looking forward to working with the club to make it a really positive experience for them,” Mr McKenzie said. VCFL CEO Glenn Scott said he was “pleased for the Wonthaggi Power FNC”. “They have put some certainty into their plans for the future with the vote of their members to join the West Gippsland Latrobe FL in 2010. Matters such as this are never easy and we wish the club well in their new home,” he said. League general manager Chris Soumilas told The Star that an email went out to all eight clubs informing them of Wonthaggi’s application. “All eight clubs have indicated their desire to have Wonthaggi. All that remains is for the vote of the clubs at our annual general meeting on November 30.” This is expected to be a formality. The league is then expected to release the draw for the 2010 season which will contain a bye.

Parrots boost junior ranks - Billy Clarke returns to Leongatha fold

LEONGATHA Football Club is being rebuilt from the ground up.

New Under 18s and Reserves coaches have been appointed as part of a plan to bolster the club’s playing ranks from within. Four time Parrots premiership player Billy Clarke has returned to the nest and will take the reins of the “Magoos” in season 2010. Ironically, Clarke never played a game of Reserves football at the Parrots during his decorated 208 game career, in which he played in ﬂag winning teams in 1989,

1995, 1997 and 2001. A club best and fairest in 1998 was the individual highlight of his Leongatha years. Since then he has played all over the country, including a stint as captain/ coach of Fish Creek, taking them to a ﬂag and runners-up. A heart transplant in 2005 saw his career curtailed, although he managed 12 more games for Fish Creek before stepping down for health reasons. In 2006 he took up the position at the Richmond Football Club under Terry Wallace as the club’s

property and welfare manager. “Working at Richmond has given me a great insight into that level of football,” he said. “You don’t go into a place like that with your eyes closed.” Clarke said he wanted to bring an increased level of professionalism to the club, with greater strength in the reserves putting upward pressure on the Seniors. “Hopefully the pressure we can apply on the seniors will mean players don’t get an easy game in the ones,” he said. “There’s been a lack of that pressure in recent years.” Under 18s coach Glenn Sullivan has paid his dues coaching younger teenagers at Wonthaggi Power in recent years. Despite success on grand ﬁnal day with his juniors, Sullivan said he would be aiming to support the club by providing players to the senior team. “Giving (coach) Adrian (Campbell) players, that’s what Under 18 players should be aiming at,” he said. In 2004, Sullivan coached Wonthaggi’s Under 14 team to a premiership in the West Gippsland Junior Football League.

He followed up again in 2005 with another premiership in the Alberton Football League. He continued to coach the Under 15 team until the end of the 2008 season, with many of those players now ﬁltering through into senior ranks and likely to be playing Leongatha next year. Since 2001, Sullivan has coached school teams at Wonthaggi Secondary College, taking the intermediate team to the state semi ﬁnals for the past four years. Sullivan also coached the Alberton Under 16 interleague team for the past four years. Competing at the Latrobe City Cup against the WGLFL, EDFL and MGFL the team lost one game in that time and have taken home three of the four cups. Campbell said he was delighted to have his old team-mate Clarke back on board and was pleased to have a highly credentialed junior coach like Sullivan. Campbell said the new appointments were part of an ongoing plan to bolster the strength of the club’s junior ranks. “It’s something we have been working on for the last couple of years,” he said.

Dream team: the new look Parrots include (back row, from left) Billy Clarke, Glenn Wright and Glenn Sullivan. (Front row, from left) Under 16s coach, Rob Davies and Seniors coach Adrian Campbell.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 63

Tennis life for Peter Woods PETER Woods was made a life member of the Fish Creek Tennis Club recently, following a long and distinguished service

with the club. About 35 people watched the ceremony at the Orange Roughy in Fish Creek with many a humorous story told. Life members Marg

Comrie and Coral Ackland were very happy to have Peter join their ranks. Peter arrived to head the Fish Creek school in 1975 and quickly became involved in the community.

Road safety umpires VICTORIAN community groups and local councils have been given more resources to tackle road trauma in the local community. The South Gippsland Umpires Association will receive $20,000 under the TAC Community Road Safety Grants program. The project will support the association to encourage experienced fully licensed drivers (players and parents) to supervise learners and P1 drivers to drive to games. This is particularly pertinent for P1 drivers who have peer passenger restrictions. Participation in the program will enable car pooling to games and the driving experience with peers. As an incentive, the supervising driver gains free access to the Saturday game. In total, more than $365,460 will be

distributed to projects across the state. State Labor Upper House MP Matt Viney said these communities are often best placed to identify opportunities to reduce road trauma in their neighbourhoods. “These grants will help communities take action to make their local roads safer,” he said. Mr Viney said it was fantastic to see the South Gippsland Umpires Association leading the local community in reducing road trauma. The TAC encourages community groups to prepare applications for projects that target a speciﬁc road safety problem. Funding is available for communitybased projects conducted by not-forproﬁt groups that identify a problem and provide a solution. The next round of applications will be accepted up until Friday, February 12 next year.

He fast became tennis club president and served in that role for about 25 years. He coached numerous successful junior teams and was keenly involved in the rebuilding and building of both the town and Terrill Park courts. At its peak under Peter, the tennis club fielded about eight senior and five junior tennis teams. Peter also became a key member of the association serving both as president and secretary over the years. He won three premierships as a player and recounted the many ways his teams found to lose grand finals over the years. It was noted that Peter is still part of the reigning South Gippsland Tennis Association Premiership team and has been for the past six years.

Life members: Coral Ackland, Peter Woods and Marj Comrie have been recognised by the Fish Creek Tennis Club. Peter was made a life member recently.

Life membership for Glenda LEONGATHA resident Glenda Robb was recently awarded a life membership from the Alberton Netball Association. Glenda ﬁrst joined the league in the 1970s and has been a player, coach and on the association executive. She has coached at MDU for 21 years and in 2009 took on the U15s, U17s and A Grade. While Glenda has just retired, it’s a possibility she will still coach a team next year. Over the years she has coached many teams to

premierships and played in three herself. In the association, she was president for four years and vice-president for one. “I love the Alberton Netball Association. I think it’s the best one in this area,” she said. “It has very strong netball from juniors and all the way to seniors.” Glenda said she would be an MDU supporter for the rest of her life. “I love football and netball season. It’s the best thing you can do in win- Glenda Robb: Alberton Netball Association life member. ter,” she said.

Council warns on pool safety SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council is urging pool owners to ensure the swimming area is safe for children. Club championship: winners at the South Gippsland Field and Game event: K. Jacobs (AA Grade), B. Milano (juniors), D. Eames (A Grade), M. Hogan (ladies), R. Evans (B Grade), G. Hart (veterans) and D. Morgan (C Grade).

South Gippsland Field and Game SOUTH Gippsland Field and Game Club were pleased to see 74 competitors attend their monthly shoot at the Hallston ground for the club championship. It may have been the calm overcast day, the fact the Morwell club chose not to stage their monthly shoot or that everyone was keen to be South Gippsland club champion, which brought so many competitors out. The club championship has always been held in November and in the last few years they have had to compete with the national titles, so ofﬁcials at the club were very pleased with the turnout. The club champion this year was Kevin Jacobs, who won the event last year as well, not only did Kevin win, but he shot a possible 25/25 in his ﬁrst round to put everyone on notice that he was going to be a major contender for the title.

Well done to Kevin for a superb effort on the day. Other winners were; AA Grade: K. Jacobs 64/75, W. Lieshout 59/75, P. Knox 56/75. A Grade: D. Eames 61/75, J. Rooke 60/75, R. Evans 58/75. B Grade: R. Evans 60/75, G. Cooper 56/75, R. Batten 54/75. C Grade: D. Morgan 57/75, D. Lardner 48/75, C. Stewart 48/75. Ladies: M. Hogan 51/75, C. McGafﬁn 48/75, R. Mattson 47/75. Veterans: G. Hart 57/75, J. Robbins 49/75, J. Burns 47/75. Juniors: B. Milano 46/75, R. Collins 43/75, M. Bowyer 42/75. Next month’s shoot is the Christmas shoot, where hams and chickens will be awarded as prizes. If you have any questions about the club or joining ﬁeld and game call Paul Knox 0428 592 248.

“Young children can fall into a pool or spa and drown very quickly, so properly maintained safety barriers around pools are a vital measure to help secure the safety not only of the homeowners’ toddlers, but also those of friends and neighbours,” council’s building technical ofﬁcer Belinda Ficheroux said. “It is law that protective safety barriers are installed to restrict access to swimming pools and spas with a depth of greater than 300mm on private residential properties in Victoria. “The responsibility for installation applies to all homeowners with a pool or spa, regardless of whether they have children living there or not.” Council is taking the issue so seriously that council ofﬁcers will be randomly inspecting swimming pools and spas over the summer period to ensure property owners are complying with their obligations. Council has issued a set

of instructions pool owners should take into account. If you have a pool or spa, make sure barriers restrict toddlers from entering the pool area. When children are in the pool area, make sure there is constant adult supervision – not just the occasional glance. If the person leaves the pool area, even for a short time, he or she should always take the child with them. Once suitable compliant safety barriers have been installed, it is imperative that owners ensure the barriers are maintained so they continue to work properly. There is no point having a fence if children can climb it or if the gate has been left propped open. Furthermore, remember a fence is no substitute for adequate supervision, and supervision means constant visual contact, not just the occasional glance while reading or talking. In order to be water ready, remember supervision means constant visual contact. Never take your eyes off the pool. Supervision means taking children from a swimming pool/spa with you if

you leave the area, even if only for a moment. Supervision includes ensuring that safety barriers such as gates and doors are not left open by children, in poor maintenance, or propped open. Pool fences, fences, gates, doors and windows that form the barrier must be ﬁtted and operating correctly. Ensure the barrier area is maintained and landscaped so that children can’t climb tree branches, pot plants, boxes, play equipment, clothes lines or any other nearby objects to gain access to the swimming pool/ spa.

Consider inspecting adjoining properties to ensure there are no potential hazards or objects that may allow young children access to the swimming pool/spa. Regularly inspect the area to conﬁrm that the above precautions are still in force, latches are working and climbable objects have not accumulated again. In summer, don’t risk increased ﬁnes or worse still, a tragedy at your own home. Make sure you and your pool are water ready and that your backyard is a safe and enjoyable place.

PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Joan Beaumont Plate at Meeniyan THE annual four person ambrose event, the Joan Beaumont Plate, was held at Meeniyan Golf Club on Monday, October 26 on a wonderful sunny day after all the ﬂooding rain of a week ago. A ﬁeld of 80 players competed in this event, which has been running for more than 20 years. Unfortunately Joan Beaumont was unable to attend this year. Hopefully Joan’s health will enable her to attend next year. Thanks must go to the curator and many volunteers who moved all that grass off the fairways in order for us to play. Grateful thanks to the Bendigo Bank Foster for their generous sponsorship of women’s golf. We had teams from all clubs in the association and we thank them for their support. The winning team was D. Christie, G. Heppell, L. Jennison and K. Elliott with a net score of 59.125. Runner-up was Foster (1), B. Warren, S. Cripps, M. Symmons, Y. Forte with 61.5 net on countback. Nearest the pins: second S. Brown (Phillip Island), eighth K. Barwick (Welshpool), 11th S. Hoskin (Meeniyan) and 14th A. McKenzie (Foster). Balls down the line went to Leongatha (2), T. West, T. Owen, W. Brown and L. Clark with 61.5, Leongatha (1) M. Brewis, R. Thomas, A. de Bondt and C. Sowdon with 61.625, Foster (2) A. McKenzie, B. Curram, J. Best and R. Knee with 62 net, and Meeniyan (6) S. Hoskin, V. Park, J. Adams and H. McCaughan with 62.25.

Welshpool THE best-known eighty year-old in OZ is, of course, Bart, but we have got one at Welshpool who is just as durable. Peter Westaway, with a little help from his playing partner Keith Lear, won the draw for partner fourball played on Sunday with 42 points on a countback from Merve Lowe and Harry Mines. No nearest the pin. Saturday nine hole competition was also a close affair, with the new club handicapper, Alan Hayes on 17 edging out the old handicapper, Gary Brown, on 16. Again, the nearest the pin proved elusive. Gary Brown was a clear winner of the Friday chook with 19 points from Merve Lowe, Brian MacPherson and Ken Hobbs all tied on 17. Nearest the pin: Merve Lowe. Brian MacPherson posted a huge 24 points to take out the Tuesday comp from Stan Walker,

Peter Westaway and Merve Lowe equal on 19, a score that would normally give them the Toora Hotel dinner. Nearest the pin: Brian MacPherson and the achiever was Dave Mitchell. Pub points: Pier Port 11.33, Toora 13.66, Port Albert 14.0, Welshpool 17.0. Presentation night next Saturday November 7.

Welshpool ladies GOLF doesn’t get much better than the conditions last Wednesday for our stableford event and secret partners draw. The course is looking magniﬁcent with the spring rain followed by some warm weather and the tender care of the grounds committee. Stableford winners this week were Anne Skan and Jeanette Swann with a combined score of (30+33)63 . Balls down the line went to: Karen Barwick and Di Walker (29+26) 55, Bernie DeHommell and

Woorayl GOOD scores were the order of the day when Leongatha Tattersall’s sponsored our October monthly medal. Tom Ryan won A Grade with a net 69. John Diaper won the medal and B Grade with a net 67 and Caine Salmon won C Grade with a net 69. Balls went to P. Carter, B. Robjant, M. Grist, I. Balfour, D. Lim, B. Thomas, B. Hogan, T. Walters, P. Burgess and R. Warren. The lucky players to win the nearest the pins for the men were G. Calder and T. Ryan. The ladies’ winner was Dot Jarvis

Meeniyan ladies WEDNESDAY, October 28 saw 17 ladies from Woorayl Golf Club come and join the Meeniyan ladies for their annual invitational game of golf. The day was perfect for golf and the course is looking a treat after all the rain. The day was sponsored by Buzz Hair Studio of Leongatha. The winners of the fourball better ball on the day were Jo Fennell (Woorayl) and Sue Hoskin who had a great 46 points and a school reunion with playing partner Dot Jarvis while out playing.

Joan Beaumont Plate: winners were D. Christie, J. Jennison, K. Elliott and G. Heppell. They are with John Stone (representing sponsor, the Bendigo Bank). Lois Pope (20+32) 52. No NTP was earned on the sixth/15th. Karen Barwick picked up the NTP for second shot on the eighth/17th. Golf coming up: Wednesday, November 4 monthly medal; Saturday November 7 presentation night and Friday, December 4 ladies plate (watch for ﬂyer). The starting time of Wednesday ladies golf is 9am from November 1. Well done and thank you to our team (Karen Barwick, Glenda Burley, Jeanette Swann and Lois Pope) who played at Meeniyan last Monday and congratulations to Karen Barwick on picking up a nearest the pin. It is wonderful to see a few familiar faces back from jaunts up north and illness. We are all thinking of our ladies who are struggling with illness at the moment and we wish you all a speedy recovery.

with a fine net 68. Balls went to P. Lancaster, J. Hockey and T. Scoble. It was nice to see 12 ladies play on Saturday. The ladies’ nearest the pins both went to Thel Scoble. The ladies also supplied the raffle winner with Pauline Lancaster. Thursday’s bar voucher went to Bruce Challis with 41 points on a countback from Vic Haasjes. The chook run saw chickens to J. Hassett and P. Burgess with balls to J. Fleming, C. Wilson and S. McDonald. Next Saturday and Sunday are the first two rounds of our club championships, as well as deciding the star medallist. Imagine all that chatter and laughter, and they were still able to play top golf. Runners-up were Shirley Thomas (Woorayl) and Nereda Scholte with 43 points. Down the line balls to Dot Christie and Karin McKenzie 42 points, Faye LePage and Sue Wakefield 42 points, Veronica Park and Dot Jarvis 42 points, Gwen Heppell and Marg Higgins with 41 points, nearest the pins on eighth Dot Elliott and the 14th was Thel Scoble. Thank you to all the ladies for such a friendly fun day.

Mirboo North THIRTY-FIVE starters attended the stableford event on Saturday October 31. CCR 70. Peter Draper (10) 41 was the A Grade winner. B Grade was won by Robert Clark (24) 43. Down the line balls: Andy Van Zuylen (17) 38, Peter Sanderson (21) 38, Terry Bradshaw (9) 37, Neil Rutledge (18) 37, Joe Smeriglio (14) 36. Nearest the pins: 4th Robert Clark, 6th Ian Evison, 13th Peter Draper, Peter Sanderson, 16th Doug Taylor. Birdies: Ian Evison (6th), Ron Anderson (4th). The A Grade winner of the stableford event on October 29 was Max Fletcher (29) 39 points.

Twenty-one starters attended the event. CCR was 72. Down the line balls: Tony Tomada (19) 35, Tim Scott (13) 35, Martin Sullivan (22) 34. A great game for Max, whose striving for consistency has ﬁnally paid off with a good, solid win. Well done. Birdies: (4th) Ritchie Robbins, Max Fletcher, (6th) Andy Van Zuelen.

Ladies C. Gunn was the winner with (22) 39 points, of the stableford event held on Wednesday October 28. Down the line balls: F. Fernandez (39) 38 points, S. Traill (21) 35 points. Nearest the pin: 6th F. Fernandez, 13th L. Winderlich.

Leongatha TWO more board events have been decided recently. The Hyland Cup final was a beauty with Ken Wardle matched against David Poulton. After nine holes, David was two up, but Ken restored the balance by winning the tenth and11th. The back nine was a dour struggle, with both playing excellent golf. As they walked to the 18th tee, Ken had established a lead of one up. To his dismay, David had a comfortable birdie on the 18th to square the match again and followed up with a good par to win on the 19th hole. Congratulations to David who also won this event last year, and also to Ken for a good performance to take the Zenner Consolation as runner-up. The A. E. Edney fourball saw the experienced pair of Steve Fisher and Trevor Rickard overcome the challenge of Tim and Jeremy McCarthy to win 4/3. Congratulations to the winners and a special mention of encouragement to young Jeremy playing in his first final. A couple of fairly new members were successful in Saturday’s stableford event. David Elvins (handicap 16) won A Grade with 40 points. Phil Edwards scored 39 points to take B Grade while Max Kavanagh had something of a comeback win in C Grade with 39 points. Merv Stubbs won nearest the pin and Trevor Rickard took pro pin on the 14th hole. Ball winners: G. McRitchie 39, I. Sutherland, B. Hughes, S. Hansen 38, G. Mitchell, R. Davies, M. Stubbs, B. Attwood, N. Gillin 37, P. Horman, I. Watson, M. Holly 36.

Tuesday

Wonthaggi table tennis B GRADE team, JG (Jack Davidson, Georgia Filippi) have won their last four matches to go from fourth to second place. They are now only percentage points behind top team Daly Boyz (Niki Neducic, Jackson Pitts) after their 3-2 win last week. Diamonds (Tanya Milnes, Rochelle Savrimoothoo) are looking good. They had a good win last week (3-2) over DaBritts (Brittney Taylor, Brittany Webb). The decider was between the top two leading players (Brittney and Tanya). Tanya won on the third with the scores 9-11, 11-8, 11-9. The standard was impressive. Another hard hitting set was between Ellen McIntosh (Best of the Best) and Micah Condron (Smallies). Both of these young players are showing great potential. Great to see Daniel and Sam Chetland back again. A Reserve ends this week with the ﬁnal to be played next Monday. The match between Short Stuff (Wayne Pitts, Jarrod Donohue) and White Port (Nancy Pattinson, Helen Wall, Kaye Craddock)

will decide which team makes the ﬁnal against Thin Culture (Beau Thomson, Michael Veal, Jayden Hallett).

Junior competition Round the table: Caitlin Taylor, Jessie Condron. Top Shot: Jessie Condron. Numbers: Holly McRae. Hit the bat: Daisy Filippi (3).

Ladders A Reserve Thin Culture .......... 24 38 (141) White Port.............. 16 38 (133) Short Stuff.............. 16 32 (107) Cape Paterson ......... 8 24 (93) B Grade The Daly Boyz ......... 20 19 (41) JF .............................. 20 18 (37) Diamonds ................. 16 22 (46) DaBritts .................... 12 16 (36) Smallies ...................... 8 16 (35) Best of the Best .......... 8 15 (33)

Leading players A Reserve Beau Thompson .............. 13 Gary Morley ................... 11 Nancy Pattinson ............. 11 Kaye Craddock................. 9 B Grade Brittney Taylor ................ 11 Tanya Milnes ................... 11 Ellen McIntosh ................ 10 Niki Neducic ................... 10 Jack Davidson ................... 9

(42) (35) (35) (33) (25) (23) (24) (21) (19)

Scoring 42 points usually manages a victory but Keith MacFarlane had to settle for runner-up behind Richard Nelson when both produced that score. Keith won nearest the pin on the 14th hole and Jack Cummins was successful on the 16th. Ball winners: J. Curtis 40, J. Arnott 39, J. Cummins E. Boek, P. Waters, T. Bruinewoud 36, G. Spruzen 35.

Thursday Scores were sensational in the fourball where 46 points were required just to win a down the line ball. Kevin Eastwood and Gary Sharrock blitzed the ﬁeld to record 54 points, an average of three on every hole. Peter Hobson and Neil MacKenzie would have fancied their chances on 50 points but accepted the runner-up prize. Kevin Eastwood and Bruce Hutton were nearest the pin winners. Bruce Clark had a great eagle two on the 17th. Ball winners: G. Spruzen - J. Arnott 48, D. Bet-

hune - N. MacKenzie 47, P. Hobson - D. Bethune 47, P. Hartigan - K. Scott 47, J. Eabry - K. MacFarlane 46, N. Smith - J. Curtis 46. Monthly medal this Saturday with the last 12 medal winners competing for the Jim Chapman star medallist. Next week is the Centenary Tournament and fields from Thursday on have mostly reached capacity. Ring the club now if you wish to play. The Sunday nine hole competition was attended by a great field of 58 players with a new team, the Grasshoppers, joining the competition on Sunday. There were many good scores and broken handicaps and only 3½ points separated the top five teams. The point winners on 136 were All But One team, but as they won last month, the trophy of the day was won by 7-Up with 137½. LLT team on 138½ was third and in equal fourth place were Kit’s Litter and Espy Eagles. The ladies best gross winner was Sharon Rayson with 44 strokes. Michael Thomas with 38 off the stick won the men’s best gross. Wendy Brown was the ladies best net winner with 47-14-33 while David Webster scored the men’s best net with 42-11-31. The next round will be played on Sunday December 6.

Leongatha Ladies THE busiest player on Wednesday, October 29 was the handicapper after the game. No less than 15 players reduced their handicaps, praising the course as being in wonderful condition. Thanks to our generous sponsors, Dot Stubbs and Di Williams. The A Grade winner of the par competition with a great round of five up was Val Brydon, who is now sporting a handicap two below the one she played off. Marion Bellingham had an even better result, winning B Grade with six up, scoring six up on her first nine and also breaking her handicap. Shirley Welsford continued the pattern in C Grade. Her six up reflected her really consistent golf this year and took her handicap down with a jump. Captain Trish Owen was nearest the pin on the 14th. Balls down the line went to Marion Chalmers plus four, Elaine Dempsey, Wendy Brown, and Noreen Williams all plus three, Toni West, Trish Owen, Joc Howson and Dot Stubbs all plus two. In the nine hole competition Marni Hattam was the winner with 16 stableford points. On Saturday, October 31 Marilyn Williams was the winner with 37 points.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 65

Plenty of PBs at ’Gatha athletics HOT weather and a holiday weekend brought 156 competitors, and many spectators, to the velodrome oval for the Leongatha Little Athletics Club’s ﬁfth meeting last Saturday, October 31. Despite the heat, no fewer than 256 personal best times were recorded and four centre records were broken. Rhys Butler threw the javelin turbo an impressive 6.79m in the Under 6 boys’ class, breaking Shannon Kennedy’s 2006/07 record by 27cm. Olivia Cope took 41 seconds from the record time she set in the Under 14 girls’ 1500m walk earlier in the month, hitting the line in 9:15.00 minutes. Wes Graeme equalled Julian Patterson’s record 1.42m clearance set three weeks earlier in the Under 12 boys’ high jump. And Lauren Goldie extended the record she set at the season opener in the Under 15 girls’ discus, throwing 23.96m to take the record 5cm past her previous best. Congratulations to the following athletes who recorded personal best times in one or more events: Under 6 boys: Luke Marshman (3), Billy Manicaro (2), Rhys Butler (3). Under 6 girls: Jemma Standﬁeld (4), Ashley Geary (4). Under 7 boys: Ryan Knight (4), Ryan Giliam (3), Maverick Matheson (3), Sullivan Herbert (3), Lachlan Murrell (2), Ethan Tudor (1), Caspian Jackman-Riches (2), Callam Buckland (3), Jonathan Bishop (4). Under 7 girls: Beth Drury (2), Hayley Proudlock (1), Niamh Martin (3), Mackenzie Findlay (2), Kasey Stoops (3), Laura Richmond (3), Georgina Spencer (2), Lisa Whiteside (1). Under 8 boys: Daniel Sturtevant (2), Charlie Adkins (3), Royce

Patterson (2), Connor Murrell (2), Zachary Reid (4), Ryan Frank (1), Patrick Lewis (4), Oliver McLean (2), Aaron Trease (3). Under 8 girls: Ella Roberts (3), Hannah Giliam (4), Cobie Standﬁeld (3), Bianca Proudlock (4), Tori Duckworth (1), Alicia Marshman (2), Madeline Smith (4), Darci Holmes (1), Natalie Barnes (3), Jessica Geary (2), Kaylah Thomas (1). Under 9 boys: Mitchell Bentvelzen (1), Shannon Kennedy (1), Nicholas Matheson (1), Mitchall Boasman (2), Sean Brown (3), Eugene Douglas (1), Eric Zubcic (1), Tim Boler (1), Jayden Battersby (1), Alex Krausz (1). Under 9 girls: Renae Kirkham (1), Lucinda Graeme (4), Amber Hansson (3), Kasey Thorson (3), Amy Tudor (3), Irene Thorson (1), Kelly Geary (2), Kate Marshman (2), Casey Walker (2), Lana Williamson (1), Hannah Martin (1). Under 10 boys: Benjamin Kewming (3), Rohan Baudinette (3), Alix Veale-Lucas (3), Nicholas Cunningham (2), Brett Thorson (2), Kyle Reid (3). Under 10 girls: Amber Standﬁeld (4), Kaitlyn Casbolt (1), Ellie Holmes (2), Shannon Mellings (4), Katelyn Jackson (1), Claudia Bolam (1), Grace Thorson (3), Jasmine McJames-Court (1). Under 11 boys: Ethan Parker (3), Danny Upton (1), Tim Sauvarin (4), Riley Smith (3), Josh Boler (5), Joel Norton (1), Ben Phillips (4), Alex Walker (3), Harrison McLean (4), Nicholas Battersby (5). Under 11 girls: Monique Giardina (2), Christine Byrne (3), Hayley Brown (1), Nikki Stockdale (2), Madelyn Krausz (1). Under 12 boys: Jaxon TizianiLucas (1), Wesley Graeme (4), Dean Thorson (3). Under 12 girls: Gemma Martin (3), Alex Kirkham (4), Hannah Thorson (3), Kristy O’Loughlin (1). Under 13 boys: Leo Byrne (2), Caleb Stone (1).

Under 14 girls: Mikaela Witherow (3), Olivia Cope (3). Under 15 boys: Michael Green (2). Under 15 girls: Rachel O’Loughlin (3), Lauren Goldie (1), Sanders Indy (2). Competitors in the forthcoming Gippsland Region Relay Championships at Newborough on Sunday, November 15, are encouraged to attend training on Monday at 4pm for practice. A bus will be running from Leongatha to Newborough for the event, permission forms for which must be handed in this week. Athletes and parents travelling on the team bus need to conﬁrm their places with Helen Patterson or Michelle Evans this weekend. Parents are also encouraged to pitch in and help on the regular Saturday competition meetings with setting up, packing up and ensuring they undertake their rostered duty to avoid age groups being left without a parent helper. Those unable to do their rostered duty must arrange a swap with another parent.

Above: Good win: Zachary Reid (right) conquers the final hurdle in first place in the Under 8 boys’ 60m hurdles. Left: Let go: Amber Standfield sends a missile into orbit in the Under 10 girls’ discus.

Below: Run and jump: Alfred Herbert clears the hurdle in ﬁne style in the Under 8 boys’ event.

Sprint on: Tyson Bolam shows his powerful running action in the ‘On Track’ section.

Big year gets better THE Leongatha Golf Club is having an excellent time in this, its centenary year. Celebrations reach their height in the middle of this month, with a centenary tournament, dinner and launch of a book detailing the club’s history. Membership is at a record 665, the club’s junior golf competition has attracted 50 youngsters, women members have been blazing a trail all around South Gippsland and the men have begun catching up. The club’s section one women’s team won the ﬂag, Reanna Matthews won the All Gippsland Singles event and a place in the Victorian State Junior Squad and the ﬁve Leongatha representatives in the South Gippsland country team helped that side retain its section two place. The girls are also responsible for a swag of

Big moment: Daryl Pease, who was made a life member this year, with club president Jack Cummins. silverware in the trophy cabinet, won at other club events. Added to which, they have handed $6000 to the club board as well as raising money for the Cancer Council Victoria.

Rebecca Thomas, the club’s house manager (not to mention its champion and South Gippsland singles champion) told The Star she thought one of the main reasons for the ongoing improvement in

membership was because of the new fairway grass. Over the past ﬁve years, Santa Ana has been sown on the fairways, resulting in a lush year-round playing surface. Santa Ana is drought tolerant so the dry summer surface that the club used to offer its players, is a thing of the past. And yes, laughed Rebecca, the new grass could account in part for her halcyon year. She said there had been a very good response to the centenary tournament, which will be played between November 12 and 15. “The ﬁelds are full,” said Rebecca. “A lot of past members, regular members and visitors have entered.” The tournament opens with a 4BBB men’s stableford and 4BBB women’s stableford. On the next day, there will be a mixed ambrose dropout. Saturday November 14, will see the men’s and women’s cen-

tenary championships and after a barbecue breakfast the next day, a mixed Canadian foursomes will be followed by Devonshire tea. Up to 220 tickets have been sold for the centenary dinner, which will be held after the centenary championships. Terry Poulton who heads the centenary committee and Vic Rowlands, have been working on a program for the evening, which will include the drawing of the centenary rafﬂe which boasts 15 prizes valued at a total of $4960. The night before, Out of the Rough will be launched. The book relates the history of the Leongatha Golf Club. It has been compiled by Jon Smith, based on the earlier history penned by the late Gordon West. Copies of the limited edition book, will be available throughout the centenary tournament. Copies cost $30.

PAGE 66 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

•LDCA A GRADE DIVISION ONE

Sauvarin’s 80 steers Imperials THE A Grade Division One top scorer for day one, Gary Sauvarin, scored 80 to set up Imperials 226 against Miners. Winning the toss, Imperials lost Xavier Davis early for seven, but Sauvarin guided the team with a number of solid partnerships. Sauvarin combined with Troy Williams, 38, for a 76 run partnership. Then he and Brett Pedlow, 28, combined for 53.

OMK scored 207 against Inverloch in a match that is evenly poised. Tim Miller opened with a fine 62 with Barry Wyatt contributing a fine 33 not out late in the order. Nerrena’s Damien Symmons was back in solid form with 79 in a total of 243 which is going to be very hard for Korumburra to reach this Saturday. Tim Wightman made a fine 43 and Mitchell Clark 30. Udara Weerasinghe

took 4/41 for the ’Burra. Depth of batting again saw Wonthaggi Workmens score a handy 231 in their match against Glen Alvie. Ryan Thomas and James Sherrin were the best of the bats with 41 each. Michael Roberts took 3/14 for Glen Alvie.

A GRADE DIVISION 1 INVERLOCH v OMK 1st Innings OMK T. Miller c. ...............................62 D. McMeekin b. ........................3 D. Creed b. ..............................16 J. Wilson c. ..............................30 K. Rothier c. ............................26

A. Rose lbw. ..............................0 N. Creed r.o. ...............................3 B. Wyatt n.o. ............................33 M. Adams c. ............................10 P. Dell c. ..................................15 L. Van Rooye b. .........................0 Extras .........................................9 Total .......................................207 Bowling: Not available. IMPERIALS v WONTHAGGI MINERS 1st Innings Imperials G. Sauvarin c. C. Thomas b. J Armstrong .......................80 X. Davis c. C. Thomas b. R. Thomas ...........................7 L. Rogers c. J. Helman b. J. Trevisi ............................10 T. Williams c. C. Thomas b. J. Andrighetto ....................38 B. Pedlow c. C. Thomas b. J. Trevisi ............................28 D. Davis b. M. Johnson............17

N. Eddy c. B. Mattock b. M. Johnson ........................32 A. Eddy c. M. Johnson b. J. Armstrong ........................0 M. Malloy r.o. ............................1 N. Slater n.o. ..............................6 J. Fiddelaers b. J. Trevisi............0 Extras .........................................7 Total .......................................226 Bowling: R. Thomas 1/37, J. Trevisi 3/43, B. Zanella 0/19, J. Armstrong 2/26, B. Mattock 0/12, M. Johnson 2/36, J. Helman 0/41, J .Andrighetto 1/10. KORUMBURRA v NERRENA 1st Innings Nerrena M. Clark c. T. Allen b. U. Weerasinghe .................30 T. Wightman c&b. M Patching 43 D. Symmons c. J. Cook b. D. Wyhoon ........................79 C. Friebe c. A. Balfour b. K .Dorman...........................9

L. Jongebloed r.o. .....................28 C. Rump b. U. Weerasinghe .....18 J. Renden n.o. .............................6 J. Trease c&b. U. Weerasinghe ..0 Z. Trease c. M .Patching b. U. Weerasinghe ...................8 R. Clark c. D. Wyhoon b. M. Patching .........................0 Extras .......................................22 Total .......................................243 Bowling: K. Dorman 1/75, M. Patching 3/77, D. Wyhoon 1/40, U. Weerasinghe 4/41. WONTHAGGI WORKMENS v GLEN ALVIE 1st Innings Wonthaggi Workmens D. Brann c. K. Simpson b. J. Beasley ..........................29 S. Brann c&b. A. Simpson .........3 G. Britt c. M. Roberts b. J. Beasley ..........................20 R. Thomas c. D. Hynes

b. C. Tait ................................41 G. Bolding c. P. Roberts b. K. Simpson........................18 C. Harvey c. C. Tait b. K. Simpson........................30 M. Thomas c. S. Lowe b. K. Simpson..........................4 J. Sherrin b. M. Roberts ...........41 R. Geyer c. A. Simpson b. M. Roberts.........................19 L. McGuirk b. M. Roberts .......12 S. Williams n.o. ..........................1 Extras .......................................13 Total .......................................231 Bowling: A. Simpson 1/40, B. Ould 0/16, D. Hynes 0/15, J. Beasley 2/22, A. Donohue 0/41, K. Simpson 3/46, C. Tait 1/28, M.Roberts 3/14.

Glen Alvie 106 (J. Dempsey 34; B. Johnstone 7/9) d Phillip Island 2/74 (D. Kenter 30; W. Luke 1/14).

ughan 1/9). Korumburra 9/158 (J. Meade 29; C. Harris 3/26, A. Hill

LDCA Cricket Scoreboard B GRADE OMK v FOSTER

1st Innings Foster P. Dower c. J. McCartney b. N. Adams.............................7 J. Weston b. R. White ...............64 R. Johnston c. P. Harper b. R. White ............................53 S. Corrie c&b. T. Creed............14 G. Wagstaff c. B. Nation b. T. Wyatt ...............................0 P. Jervies c&b. T. Creed ...........14 L. Kyne c&b. R. White .............8 M. Da Costa c&b. N. Adams ...18 S. Westaway c&b. K. Kerr .......12 B. Coates n.o. ...........................12 J. Staley c&b. K. Kerr ................0 Extras .........................................8 Total .......................................210 Bowling: Not available 1st Innings OMK Total ......................................0/16 Bowling: R. Johnston 0/3, B. Coates 0/12, J. Weston 0/0. PHILLIP ISLAND v IMPERIALS

1st Innings Imperials

K. Gray c. J. Taylor b. S. Docherty .......................21 A. Pellin b. J. Kleverkamp .........6 R. Mullens c. M. Wilson b. Z. Brown ...........................32 M. Lafferty c. S. Docherty b. Z. Brown ...........................12 D. Langstaff lbw. b. S. Docherty .........................0 G. Forrester c. A. Emery b. Z. Brown .............................5 D. Connelly stp. J. Taylor b. Z. Brown .............................9 T. Burgess c. J. Taylor b. S. Docherty .........................2 M. Collins c. D. Johnston b. S. Kirton ..............................9 J. Hickey n.o. .............................2 N. Pye c. J. Kleverkamp b. S. Kirton ..............................0 Extras .......................................13 Total ....................................... 111 Bowling: S. Kirton 2/21, J. Kleverkamp 1/18, A. Emery 0/25, S. Docherty 3/11, Z. Brown 4/32. 1st Innings Phillip Island

Volunteer success for Wonthaggi cricket club WONTHAGGI Cricket Club has received a $1,500 funding boost to support volunteers, from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants from the Brumby Labor Government. Johan Scheffer, Member for Eastern Victoria, announced that the club had received the grant for a Cricket Victoria Level One Coaching Course for 15 of its members. Six players from the club’s team with disabilities were among the group, which also included two female members. The course is designed to educate coaches on the teaching of the basic skills of cricket. The grant for Wonthaggi Cricket Club is one of 28 new projects to benefit from the grants announced this month, which are aimed at helping organisations recruit and train volunteers. Wonthaggi Cricket Club secretary Terry Earl has already seen a positive outcome of the course, which took place in August. “We have recruited our new senior coach from the group as well as new Under 16 and Under 14 coaches,” Mr Earl said. “There was also a young woman who only last year began playing cricket. Now she is working for Cricket Victoria’s Regional Development Officer, coaching 6-10 year olds in the ‘in2Cricket’ program.” “It was a fantastic course, and not only for the ones who have now become coaches. The other players benefited from being taken back to basics, and it helped the guys from our team with disabilities with their self development,” Mr Earl said. The Victorian Volunteer Small Grants program is a key component of the Victorian Government’s $9.3 million Victoria’s Volunteering Strategy 2009, which aims to strengthen volunteering by making it easier for people to get involved. “From providing first aid support to local sports teams like Wonthaggi Cricket Club, to helping community theatre groups or teaching nutrition and household budgeting, volunteers are integral to many local organisations, events and services.” Mr Scheffer said. Since 2004, the Victorian Government has provided more than $5 million in Victorian Volunteer Small Grants to almost 1400 community organisations. For more information about grants, visit www.grants. dpcd.vic.gov.au

M. Wilson n.o. ..........................50 S. Kirton c. G. Forrester b. M. Lafferty .........................5 R. Velardi c. R. Mullens b. G. Forrester .......................19 M. Cleary n.o. ............................1 Extras .........................................6 Total ......................................2/81 Bowling: M. Collins 0/17, D. Connelly 0/22, M. Lafferty 1/16, G. Forrester 1/10, D. Langstaff 0/9, J. Hickey 0/4, K. Gray 0/2. NERRENA v. KORUMBURRA

1st Innings Nerrena Total ....................................8/327 Bowling: A. Meade 1/63, S. Phillips 1/29, D. Bailey 0/35, P. Green 1/67, L. Williams 0/51, J. Oxlee 0/20, C. Bailey 0/14, K. Rigby 5/39. GLEN ALVIE v WONTHAGGI WORKMENS

1st Innings Glen Alvie S. Smith lbw. A. McLean .........56 S. Edwards r.o. ...........................1 D. Tiziani c. G. Ton

b. M. McCall .........................32 L. Gennicarro stp. S. Huitema b. A. Sartori .............................3 B. Tiley lbw. b. A. Sartori ..........0 M. Rosendale c. D. Britt b. A. Sartori .............................1 M. Huitson c&b. A. Sartori .....41 S. Nippers stp. S. Huitema b. A. Sartori .............................1 M. Hull c&b. A. Sartori .............2 J. Hales n.o. ................................4 A. Hamilton c&b. A. Sartori ......0 Extras .......................................14 Total .......................................155 Bowling: A. McLean 1/25, M. McCall 1/11, S. Coldabella 0/22, G. Ton 0/21, A. Sartori 7/65. 1st Innings Wonthaggi Workmens S. Bolding n.o. ........................... 7 S. Huitema n.o............................ 1 Total ........................................ 0/8 Bowling: S. Nippers 0/6, S. Edwards 0/2.

C Grade Town 140 (L.O’Brien n.o. 44;

G. Adams 3/20, M. Hems 4/14, M. Walker 2/7) d OMK 3/58 (M. Grabham 22; J. Scott 1/15, S. Westaway 2/6). Poowong/Loch 187 (C. Fraser 36, P. Puts 33, M. Holloway 42; M. Loos 2/21, J. Loos 2/14, P. Loos 2/28) v Wonthaggi Miners. MDU 96 (C. Baillie 38; T. Davison 2/22, S. Paterson 2/17, E. Charles 2/16) d Koonwarra RSL 5/85 (C. Moscript n.o. 42; N. Hill 2/20). Wonthaggi Workmens 212 (J. Allen 71, S. Morison 57; S. Mitchelson 1/11) v Fish Creek / Tarwin.

D Grade Imperials 155 d Nerrena 0/59. Details not available. Korumburra 9/137 (N. Allen n.o. 38) v Inverloch. Koonwarra RSL 208 (M. Martin 121; M. Luscombe 4/29, M. Borschman 2/11, K. Fleming 2/45, N. Moore 1/14) v Town.

Jeff Thomson to speak at Mirboo North MIRBOO North Cricket Club has another former Australian Test player coming to visit the town this month. Former opening bowler Jeff Thomson will be speaking at the Walter Tuck Reserve Mirboo North on Monday, November 16 at 7pm. Thomson in his heyday terrorised batsmen with his pace and unusual bowling style in the 1970s and 1980s. His best performances with the ball was in the 1982 Test series against England when he took 22 wickets at an average of 18.68 as Australia won the Ashes 2-1 with two Tests drawn.

He did not play in the First Test but in the second innings of the Second Test at the Gabba he combined with Geoff Lawson to take ﬁve wickets in England’s second innings to give Australia a seven wicket win. In the Third Test in Adelaide he took a bag of ﬁve wickets to set up an eight wicket win under the captaincy of Alan Border. England won the Fourth Test at the MCG by three runs and the First and Fifth Tests were drawn. Entry fee is $20 and under 15 $10. Tickets can be obtained by contacting Stuart Mc Kenzie 0409703110 or Wally Worsfold 0427 602 301.

E Grade Wonthaggi Workmens 109 (J. Liddle 23; S. Head 2/23, R. McKenzie 1/14, T. Lancaster 2/10, S. Magnusson 2/17, C. Poynton 2/21, G. Birnie 2/4) d Poowong/ Loch 2/38 (T. Singh 17; D. McGuirk 1/10, S. Knight 1/2). Foster won on forfeit Wonthaggi Miners. OMK 9/238 (W. Hayes 68, B. Maguire 48, S. Nation n.o. 42) v MDU. Town 112 (J. Burge n.o. 20; S. Niven 3/5, B. Young 2/27, A. Officer 2/8) v Phillip Island.

Under 16 East Imperials 211 (J. Stewart 67, R. Higgins 46; D. ClearihanJervies 6/30) d Foster 1/13 (D. Clearihan-Jervies 7; P. McCa-

2/8) v MDU. Town 8/165 (N. Moore n.o. 80) v Fish Creek/Tarwin. Koonwarra RSL 9/98 (E. Charles 19) v Wonthaggi Workmens.

Under 16 West

Poowong/Loch 8/119 (T. Lancaster 49; J. Poynton 24) v Phillip Island. Wonthaggi Miners 9/227 (J. Piasente 80; J. Bowler 2/9, D. Williams 3/51, D. Crestani 2/17) v Glen Alvie. Inverloch 82 (T. Wyatt 2/6) d OMK 1/42 (C. O’Brien n.o. 22). Wonthaggi Workmens Blue v Wonthaggi Workmens Gold: no results available.

• CENTRAL GIPPSLAND CRICKET

Mirboo North down narrowly MIRBOO North went down narrowly to Latrobe in round ﬁve of Central Gippsland Cricket. Despite a 74 from Charlie Kat, Mirboo North failed by just eight runs.

Round 5 Latrobe 8/197 (John Kus 62, Justin Vajler 47; Dale Banks 3/28) d Mirboo North 6-189 (Charlie Kat 74, Jed Alexander 48). Morwell 7/176 (Mick Higgins 76) d Yallourn North 144 Shane Galea 83; Mick Higgins 7/39). Newborough Bulldogs 208 (Barney Webber 109) d Moe 117 (Peter Grima

44; Wayne Fleming 3/27, Barney Webber 2/29).

Ladder Newborough Bulldogs .......34.75 Latrobe ...............................33.31 Moe .....................................28.90 Mirboo North ....................28.29 Morwell ...............................27.17 Yallourn North ....................14.01

Saturday November 7 and 14

Moe v Latrobe at Racecourse Turf Yallourn North v Mirboo North at Yallourn North Turf. Newborough Bulldogs v Morwell at Burrage The match of the round is Moe v Latrobe.

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments

Evans Petroleum Shane Rabbitt: the Fish Creek Tarwin gun bowler was a force to be reckoned with when his team played Meeniyan Dumbalk United.

Two represent LDCA in juniors

Big weekend of cricket

LDCA had two representatives, Sam Sperling and Barry Wyatt, in Sunday’s Gippsland Under 21 game at Bendigo.

Starting on Friday night there’s the start of the Under 12 cricket competition. On Saturday there’s the juniors followed by day two of the round five fixture in senior cricket. On Sunday, the A Grade divisions play their rescheduled round three one-day fixture. Also on Sunday, the LDCA women’s team swings into gear with a match against Morwell starting at 11am at Koonwarra; finishing at around 4pm. There’s also Under 14 and 15 training at Outtrim this Sunday starting at 9am.

Gippsland defeated Mallee-Murray and will play again this Sunday in the semi-ﬁnal.

THIS weekend looms as a huge one for local cricketers.

Round 3 Sunday Novmeber 8 Home team Grade A1 OMK

Away Team v Korumburra

Ground Umpire W Turf* Alan Jordan / Alan Roberts Nerrena W F G

Wonthaggi Miners v Graham Laird Inverloch v Glen Alvie Inv Turf Les White Imperials v Won W’mens EC Clive Salmon / Ken Lester Grade A2 Koonwarra RSL v Phillip Island L Turf Brendan Thomas Town v Won Miners WC1 Daryl Sinclair Fish Creek/Tarwin v Inverloch FC Turf* John Lea MDU v Poowong/Loch Meen Luke Sullivan

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - PAGE 67

Spinning sensation: Meeniyan Dumbalk United’s Cam LePage gets his arm ready to bowl in his team’s match against Fish Creek Tarwin.

Having a hit: Meeniyan Dumbalk United’s Mark LePage strikes the ball well in his team’s match against Fish Creek Tarwin.

•LDCA A GRADE DIVISION TWO

Game on a knife-edge THE match between Poowong/Loch and Wonthaggi Miners is teetering on a knifeedge. The Miners bowlers did their job after Poowong/ Loch was sent in, making just 115 all out. Miners seemingly had to just knock over the required runs for an easy victory. However Poowong/ Loch’s bowlers had other ideas and Miners are now at 9/90 at stumps needing another 26 runs to gain victory. The odds are with Poowong/Loch after Alan Jenkins claimed 5/53 and Chris McCurdy 4/8. Ash Hickey made a ﬁne

60 not out in Town’s total of 156 against Koonwarra/ Leongatha RSL. At 1/30, Town will need to collect a few early scalps to have a chance in this one. Charl Viljoen made 71 as the Island accumulated 2/151 in response to Inverloch’s 127. The Island will score a big win in this one. Clint Wilson took 5/15 for the Island. In the other match MDU made 142 against Fish Creek/Tarwin. Fishy/ Tarwin is in trouble though, being 5/47 at stumps on day one.

A GRADE DIVISION 2 PHILLIP ISLAND v INVERLOCH 1st Innings Inverloch Total .......................................127

Bowling: S. Boyack 2/24, A. Matthews 0/11, M. Price 0/15, A. Dimech 1/31, E. Richards 1/10, C. Wilson 5/15, T. Hornsby 1/14. 1st Innings Phillip Island T. Hornsby b. .............................6 C. Viljoen c. ............................71 L. Keating n.o. .........................49 J. Johnston n.o. .........................22 Extras .........................................3 Total ....................................2/151 Bowling: Not available. WONTHAGGI MINERS v POOWONG/LOCH 1st Innings Poowong/Loch M. Adderley c. L. Jones b. P. Cornelis .........................10 B. Hancock c. L. Jones b. R. Birkett .............................0 P. Dyer b. P. Cornelis ...............23 K. Nestor c. P. Cornelis b. D. Jagoe.............................34 R. Greaves c. D. Beesey b. R. Jones ...............................3 C. McCurdy lbw. b. D. Jagoe .....4 P. Duffus c. B. Andrighetto b. D. Jagoe...............................9 C. Knox c. L. Jones b. D. Atherton..........................8 S. Jenkins c. D. Jagoe b. D. Atherton........................12 D. Brain c. L. Jones

b. D. Atherton..........................2 A. Jenkins n.o.............................0 Extras .......................................10 Total ....................................... 115 Bowling: R. Birkett 1/34, P. Cornelis 2/25, R. Jones 1/19, D. Jagoe 3/32, D. Atherton 3/10. 1st Innings Wonthaggi Miners M. Wright c&b. A. Jenkins ......13 D. Jagoe c&b. A. Jenkins ...........2 P. Hammer lbw. b. C. McCurdy11 L. Jones b. A. Jenkins.................0 D. Beesey lbw. A. Jenkins ........39 B. Andrighetto b. C. McCurdy ...3 D. Atherton b. A. Jenkins ......... 11 T. Latham c&b. C. McCurdy .....4 P. Cornelis b. C. McCurdy .........2 R. Jones n.o. ...............................0 R. Birkett n.o. .............................1 Extras .........................................4 Total ......................................9/90 Bowling: A. Jenkins 5/53, R. Greaves 0/28, C. McCurdy 4/8. TOWN v KOONWARRA RSL 1st InningsTown R. Templeton c. S. Moore b. B. Davison...........................7 M. Borschman lbw. b. B. Davison...........................0 L. Bowman c. L. Sperling b. J. Kennedy...........................5 M. Smith b. J. Kennedy .............9

C. Bruce lbw. b. C. Wise ..........20 A. Hickey n.o. ..........................60 I. McCallum c. B. Moscript b. C. Wise ................................0 M. Livingstone stp. L. Sperling b. B. Moscript .........................3 N. Johnston c&b. B. Moscript .15 M. O’Malley b. J. Kennedy .....22 S. McCallum r.o. ........................0 Extras .......................................15 Total .......................................156 Bowling: J. Peters 0/10, B. Davison 2/10, J. Kennedy 3/28, C. Wise 2/10, S. Sperling 0/43, B. Moscript 2/43. 1st Innings Koonwarra RSL B. Moscript n.o. .......................14 S. Sperling c. R. Templeton b. A. Hickey ............................2 S. Moore n.o...............................7 Extras .........................................3 Total ......................................1/30 Bowling: N. Johnston 0/17, A. Hickey 1/1, L. Bowman 0/10. FISH CREEK/TARWIN v MDU 1st Innings MDU Total .......................................142 Bowling: Not available. 1st Innings Fish Creek/Tarwin Total ...................................... 5/47 Bowling: Not available.

Town’s best: Ash Hickey, who ﬁnished the day not out on 60, was a standout performer. The hot conditions meant drink breaks were a necessity.

AFL rejects board By Matt Dunn THE Alberton Football League has rejected the Victorian Country Football League’s plan to have the league administered by an independent board.

In front: the Filippi twins establish an early lead in their hurdle race on Saturday.

Wonthaggi little athletics ONE club record and 49 personal bests were broken in warm conditions last Saturday at Wonthaggi Little Athletics. Congratulations to Lachlan Bird who broke the Under 12 Boys 100 metres record and well done to three Under 8 Boys: Callum Bugbird, Alejo Lacanaria and Rohan Slade who all had three personal bests. The club would like to welcome 12 new athletes who competed for the ﬁrst time this week. A check of the results shows that some of you have exceptional talent and we look forward to big things from you this year. Thank you very much to all who helped with setting up, packing up and with the running of the events. Athletics can’t happen without your help, so please keep it up.

VCFL CEO Glenn Scott expressed disappointment at the league’s rejection of the plan. The plan was to be implemented as a way of preventing inﬁghting within the league. “It’s a touch ironical, isn’t it, in that the delegate system is going to stand in the way of the Independent Board being introduced?” Mr Scott said. “I would have thought now was the ideal time for the league to make this important change to the way it is governed. “Getting the governance right is about the most important thing a league can do in this day and age. Many other leagues around the state are proving this year in and year out.” AFL president Graham Laird, who will step down from the position later this month, said the idea of board of management would not be discussed for a while, but neither was it dead in the water. “The board did not get up and the delegates have moved that it be put off for another two years. It’s going to be worked towards for 2012,” Mr Laird said. The league has reappointed Lyn Whelan as secretary for another two-year term.

Rolling the arm over: Braydan Moscript who ﬁnished the day with 2/43 and 14 runs not out gave his all for Koonwarra Leongatha RSL against Leongatha Town. Here he is pictured with Town batsman Matt O’Malley.

PAGE 68 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Setting sail for summer LEONGATHA couple Tim and Joy Linton prepare their boat, Lotions and Potions, for sail at the South Gippsland Yacht Club’s ﬁrst event of the season on Anderson Inlet on Sunday. The start of the summer sailing season created a pretty picture for those positioned around the shores. Read the results and see more pictures on page 59.

Mastering sport By Chris Brown SOUTH Gippslanders have returned home with gold from the World Masters Games held in Sydney last month.

Among them were Inverloch table tennis player Case de Bondt and a women’s basketball team with players from Korumburra and Wonthaggi. Numerous other people from across the region also took the opportunity to compete at the world’s largest multi-

sport event from October 10 to 18. Case took out the singles, teams, men’s doubles and mixed doubles gold in his age group at the games. To win the individual honour Case beat table tennis opponents from Russia, China, Canada, Turkey and Australia.

Table tennis brothers: Fred and Case de Bondt were successful at the World Masters Games last month.

He said the masters games was an eye opener, with the Chinese and Russians taking most of the victories in the other age groups. However, by Case’s estimates only 25 per cent of people playing table tennis are serious competitors. “But with the other 75 per cent, some of them aren’t much better than beginners,” he said. “It’s great people are having fun and competing though.” Case takes his table tennis seriously, with renovations to his home creating space for table tennis in his parlour. He plays at Croydon on Mondays, Wonthaggi on Tuesday and Dandenong on Thursday. Case farmed full time for 45 years before retiring. “I’m busier now than I ever was when farming,” he said. “I’ve found my niche in retirement and I can’t recommend it highly enough to take up a game like table tennis.” Case’s brother, Fred de Bondt also competed in Sydney and picked up an individual bronze and team silver. “I played in the masters in 2002,” he said. “You have to gear up for the good players and relax against the not so good ones. The danger is you fall into

the trap of playing their game.” When the brothers play, Fred always tells the umpire he bets a de Bondt will win. Since 2002 Fred has defeated Case three times with all the victories in the last few years. Continued on page 59.

Hot day: Mardan’s Robert Gray runs in the 8km cross country at the World Masters Games.