The Great Southern Star - September 21, 2010 by The Great Southern Star

Celebrating 120 Years

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010

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Don’t forget us! THE people of Wooreen, a farming district north of Leongatha, have called on South Gippsland Shire Council to put their home place back on the record. Residents such as Nicole Pouw and Jill Forrester want road signs ofﬁcially recognising Wooreen as a locality, despite it being removed as a locality 10 years ago and residents added to either Leongatha North or Hallston. Find out more on page 5.

Funding plea Councils need dollars to beat potholes By Jane Ross and Brad Lester COUNCILS have called for more funding to ﬁx highways and roads in South Gippsland as the region experiences the most severe potholes for many years.

As potholes continue to riddle the South Gippsland Highway, Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking an urgent meeting with Victorian Roads Minister, Tim Pallas. At issue is the alarming state of the Bass Highway between Leongatha and Anderson and South Dudley Road, a main thoroughfare in Wonthaggi. South Gippsland Shire Council is ﬁxing potholes on local roads as quickly as possible, but director of infrastructure, Anthony Seabrook, wants more sup-

port from the State and Federal governments. “We could always use more funding,” he said. That plea was backed by a recent report by the Road Safety Committee of the Victorian Parliament, which said local roads warranted more federal funding. Committee chair John Eren, Lara MP, said: “Despite being where most journeys begin and

end, there are many local roads across Australia that are crumbling or lack even basic safety.” Deep holes, rough surfaces and holes where new work meets old are plaguing the Bass Highway. Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Peter Paul spoke to VicRoads three weeks ago about the matter. VicRoads has said weekly inspections of the highway are undertaken. Cr Veronica Dowman described Bass Highway as “shocking”. “It’s seriously bad and really dangerous,” she said. South Gippsland Shire Council receives $2.6 million from the State Government and nearly $4 million from the Federal Government to maintain 1200km of gravel roads and 800km of sealed roads. Continued on page 7.

16 page Spring Home & Garden feature inside.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 3

World turns to us

By Jane Ross

SOUTH Gippsland will increasingly become a focal point of global food production. And the opportunities presented by a hungry world will be immense. Nationals Leader Peter Ryan said this yesterday (Monday). He said only one third of Murray Goulburn’s Leongatha product is consumed in Australia. That of Maffra MG is entirely exported. “That is certainly a window to the future. There will be enormous opportunity for us on the world stage,” he said. Mr Ryan said the global prices for dairy product had improved and Austra-

lia’s international market share continues to climb. His views are confirmed by Agribusiness Gippsland CEO Alex Arbuthnot, who has identified areas of Bass Coast as suitable for high value horticultural product. Mr Ryan said competition would be fierce. “We have a running start because we do it right. Our farmers are brilliant. The way we farm in Australia is second to none,” he said. “The key is being able to produce for a competitive market. And we will do more of it.” Mr Ryan made the comments following an announcement on Friday at the Rural Press Club that a State Coalition

government would change the Ministry for Agriculture to one of Agriculture and Food Security. Doing so would promote a better understanding of the importance of food production. “I am absolutely intent on that,” Mr Ryan said. His colleague Peter Walsh, a former farmer who served four years as president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, would take the role. “He will be formidable,” he said. Mr Ryan said the coming of Broadband to South Gippsland was vital too. Nextgen is laying the necessary infrastructure to link the region from Wonthaggi to Sale to the national Broadband grid.

Bill Sykes, the managing director of Nextgen, told The Star on Friday, that even though rain was playing havoc with the work, up to 50 staff are pushing ahead. The technology should be ready on schedule by next March. “It will be a great breakthrough for the region,” said Mr Sykes. “Businesses will get much more cost effective access.” And that will be a vital part of South Gippsland’s ability to increase food production. “Technology is an integral component of being able to compete on local markets,” Mr Ryan said. Our producers as a sector “are remarkably well informed and trained”

when it comes to the use of technology. In a submission to the Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, Mr Arbuthnot estimated that food production from the Gippsland region would double within the next decade. At the same time, population expansion would put pressure on the use of agricultural land in West Gippsland. He has called on the State Government to commission a study to investigate future water requirements by Gippsland agribusiness, including agribusiness opportunites for using recycled water. He has also asked government to develop a Gippsland Food Plan.

Farm dams “safe” By Jane Ross

SOUTH Gippsland farmers can breathe a sigh of relief that the Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy has left their dams alone.

Cr Warren Raabe of South Gippsland Shire, said that to him, that was one of the most favourable parts of the document. He said there had been fear that dam use could have been restricted. An estimated 32 gigalitres is used in dams for domestic and stock use. The strategy has been released in draft form for community comment. Submissions close on December 3 and the Victorian Farmers Federation is urging farmers to respond. A forum in Leongatha on Friday drew about 20 people, who heard strategy consultative committee chair Llew Vale, say a lot of effort had gone into the document. Campbell Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s water entitlements and strategies, told the gathering the aim of the Gippsland study was to “ﬁnd the best balance between ensuring a secure water supply for urban and rural users and environmental needs and the protection of water resources for future use”. Cr Raabe said he was disappointed the strategy

did not propose any major new dams. He added South Gippsland came out of it “without much of a mention”. He was impressed with the amount of monitoring of environmental ﬂows that had been done, describing that as “excellent for the area”. Cr Raabe was also chuffed that the draft strategy was written in terms most could understand. But he questioned the State Government’s climate change scenarios, saying the last 13 years have been worse than the worst case picture painted for 2055. The draft strategy looks to the next 50 years. In a foreword, State Water Minister Tim Holding said: “Gippsland’s future and the viability of its natural resources are inextricably linked.” Alex Arbuthnot who heads Agribusiness Gippsland agrees with that. He said agribusiness is worth up to $7 billion a year to the Gippsland economy, a ﬁgure that doubles if you include the retail value and food outlets. He has called for a government study to investigate future requirements for Gippsland agribusiness. It is a rapidly growing sector. Nationals Leader Peter Ryan has also ear marked South Gippsland as a vital part of the world’s future

food source. The draft strategy notes significant land use changes in Gippsland, the long term potential for bushfires to impact on water resources, declining levels in aquifers and the impact of domestic and stock water dams on water resources and the environment. In the last 13 years, low rainfall has reduced stream flows in the region by up to 54 per cent. In South Gippsland, that figure is 41 per cent. If nothing is done to secure Gippsland’s water resources, there will be less water security for individuals, the environment, industry and agriculture. The strategy looks to protect waterways and estuaries in South Gippsland by placing “precautionary caps” on diversions and continuing to focus on catchment health. It states that the average surface water availability in South Gippsland’s catchments is 912 gigalitres a year. (There are 1000 megalitres in a gigalitre.) And while there may appear to be a lot of water available in South Gippsland’s catchments, less than 30 per cent of its rivers are in good or excellent condition.

Pensive: South Gippsland’s Cr Warren Raabe casts a close eye over the draft Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy during a forum on Friday.

Stop poverty: South Coast Christian College students Toby Gale, Kiera Ellis, Georgia Burns and Kasey Dunn made a big noise against poverty at the Leongatha school on Friday. Turn to page 17 to ﬁnd out more.

So wet! IT’S rain!

been

pouring

Catchments in the South Gippsland region, which have already been full for weeks, have been inundated in the past seven days. Leongatha’s Ruby Creek recorded 68mm, Korumburra’s Coalition Creek 73mm, Wonthaggi’s Lance Creek 77mm, Foster’s Deep Creek 73mm, Fish Creek’s Battery Creek 73mm and Little Bass 82mm.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Women have a role to play - just ask Cr Deane By Brad Lester COUNCILLOR Jennie Deane is proof that women are valuable to any community. The Loch resident is serving her ﬁfth year on South Gippsland Shire Council and is the only councillor to be represented on the Regional Development Australia Gippsland Committee, advising the Federal Government about the region’s needs. She is one of 13 women to join the West Gippsland group of the Rural Women Leading Change program, established by the Minister for Women’s Affairs to advise the State Government about women’s needs. “I think there has been a need to have that voice there. There are a lot of women that are in leadership positions in their local community, like sporting groups, the CWA and the preschool committee, but we have never brought them all together and that’s the idea of this group.” She points to other women in South Gippsland enthusiastic about acting in the community’s interest, particularly those driving the concept of sustainable living. Meredith Freeman of Kardella is leading the Grow Lightly group, offering a mix of locally grown produce to other locals to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to transport foods. Tammy Logan is pushing the Poowong Food Swap group, encouraging backyard vegetable and fruit growers to exchange produce every month. These are all ideas Cr Deane believes in and supports. And with this being the Year of Women in Local Government, Cr Deane is now urging other women to stand for election to council in 2012. “There are one or two young women interested but I think women often underestimate what they are capable of. Many women are nervous about being so public. “As a councillor, you become public property and have to cope with quite a lot of criticism, but it’s good to see that women can have so much inﬂuence on council. “Women are not always going to have the same views but it’s important to get that representation when 50 per cent of our community is women.” Cr Deane is one of four female councillors currently serving; the others are Crs Mimmie Jackson, Mohya Davies and Jeanette Harding. Four women also served on the previous council and three of those, with the exception of Cr Deane, retired at the last election. South Gippsland has been served by three female mayors since local government amalgamation: Cr Deane, Cr Diane Casbolt and Cr Heather Bligh. Forty-two per cent of Gippsland councillors are now female. Women, Cr Deane believes, typically tend to be interested in the “human services” side of council - preschool and services for the elderly – more so than roads and bridges.

Going up: Cr Jennie Deane is one of four female councillors contributing to community life in South Gippsland. “The men treat us as equals. On some other councils, the women ﬁnd there is prejudice against them. “Being a good councillor is really about working with the community and spending time with people. Women tend to like to work in a team and that’s a strength.” Cr Deane and her husband Frank operate the Loch Post Ofﬁce and moved from Melbourne where she worked in the public service; most recently as a senior executive with the federal Department of Immigration and Centrelink, and as commissioner of the Victorian Ethnic Affairs Commission. A highlight was establishing an interpreting service for migrants dealing with police. Serving on council was an extension of her interests. “I just really like to see people’s quality of

life improve and stand up for the community. On council, you can really achieve that.” Saving Coal Creek heritage park at Korumburra from closure still tops her list of achievements as a councillor. “There was a lot of opposition and a lot of personal antagonism against me because we were putting money into it, but it was a huge success.” Cr Deane is one of the people behind the newly formed Loch Arts Council, a body set up to arrange arts events in the town. The group initiated the Loch Arts Festival held recently, a spectacular and dazzling array of mosaics, paintings, wooden sculptures, hand-made rugs and jewellery at the historic Loch Hall. Local musicians, opera concerts, dramas and art shows are planned.

Watching C51 impacts A REVIEW committee will be established by South Gippsland Shire Council to monitor the impacts of the new C51 planning rules. The committee will watch decisions made by council planners to ensure consistent decisions are made and track whether the changes have been successful or a failure. Cr Warren Raabe, who has shown a keen interest in the policy, has

been named council’s representative. But Cr David Lewis was concerned the committee would be biased towards the C51 rules. He wanted issues brought to council or planning committee meetings. The C51 amendment governs development of rural land in the municipality. Council will now consider such factors as the importance of a dwelling to agricultural production.

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

Wooreen fights back By Chris Brown A CAMPAIGN has begun to put Wooreen back on the map.

It was ofﬁcially removed as a locality about 10 years ago and its residents were added to either Leongatha North or Hallston. But they have never stopped calling Wooreen their home. Now the South Gippsland Shire Council’s localities review offers an opportunity for the name to be restored. The council is seeking submissions from residents of the shire who want to see new localities, or changed boundaries. Nicole Pouw, with the

help of people such as husband Tom and Jill Forrester, is putting together a proposal for Wooreen. It will focus on the historical significance of the locality with the avenue of honour, old primary school and community spirit that has led to the creation of a roadside reserve. Ms Forrester said her family first came to Wooreen in the 1870s and her mother began at the Wooreen school in 1912. Mrs Pouw said they were seeking community support, contributions and feedback. “There’s enough significant historical background for them to call it Wooreen,” she said. “Of roughly 50 residents

probably 75 per cent of them would classify themselves as Wooreen from a mailing perspective and class themselves as a resident of Wooreen.” The plan is to include all of the no-through Dawsons Road in the new Wooreen to reduce confusion, which will be a slight change to the historical boundaries. The boundary of Wooreen will be the Tarwin River and Brookes Creek. A map of Wooreen with the boundaries in black texta was laid out on the Pouws’ ironbark dining table. The battle to return Wooreen to ofﬁcial maps will be a long one. After the proposal is submitted to the shire it will go to a naming gov-

erning body to ensure it is appropriate. Then it will return to council for approval and then go to the Department of Sustainability and Environment. “It’s quite amazing that one person can get on the computer and erase Wooreen off the map and it takes probably 1000 people to put Wooreen back on the map,” Mr Pouw said. “But that’s what we’re going to do,” Mrs Pouw added. They also hope to have road signs denoting Wooreen. To support the cause or offer feedback, contact Mrs Pouw on 5668 6277 or Ms Forrester on 5668 6214.

Proposal splits neighbours By Brad Lester

A LEONGATHA neighbourhood is split over a proposed subdivision. Louise Simon Court is at the centre of the issue. Gary Harris and Kim Bolding want to subdivide their residential lot into four lots, but some neighbours oppose the plan, claiming the blocks are too small and would affect the neighbourhood character of the court. Typical blocks in the court are up to two acres. But Mr Harris has defended his intentions, saying the size of three of the blocks – 1000 square metres each – was larger than many blocks in new developments in Parr Street, which average 800 square metres. The fourth block will be 4402 square metres. The matter will be decided by South Gippsland Shire Council tomorrow night (Wednesday). Council’s planners have recommended council approve the subdivision, saying the proposal satisfies the Residential One zoning. Mr Harris said the blocks were larger than average and would help fill a void of flat blocks in Leongatha. “I find it amazing that 1000 square metres is being considered too small,” he said. “We have sewerage below our street so it can cater for more houses and gas goes past the driveway and so I believe it is an ideal place to subdivide. “It’s just ridiculous. It should be

subdivided. Everything is ﬂat, it has the services going by and I can’t see why I should not be able to subdivide and why others are able to.” The couple plan to build a new home on one of the new blocks. Three of 10 objectors addressed council at public presentations last Wednesday. Michael Street, who lives next to the Harrises, said he was not against subdivision but rather the size of the blocks. “It is an area that contrasts markedly with many of the urban streets in Leongatha,” he told council. Mr Street said the large lots in the court are unlike the more urban area of Leongatha. He quoted the Leongatha Structure Plan 2008 which stated: “Leongatha in the year 2026 will be a thriving sustainable urban centre where the rural characteristics and compactness have been retained and are valued.” He referred to a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruling that stated neighbourhood character can be found within ﬁve nearby properties, in any direction. Mr Street said the average size of the surrounding six properties is 4245 square metres. Objector Peter Bradley said he was told by council planning staff that consideration of neighbourhood character encompassed all of Leongatha, not just Louise Simon Court. “The neighbourhood character of the hospital area is different to Louise Simon Court,” he said. “The character of the court is

what attracts people there in the first place.” Objectors have also claimed the extra blocks would create drainage issues at the bottom of the court, diverting water to other blocks where drainage is already poor. Mr Harris said that would not be the case, as water from his land is diverted away via another drain. Gary Chisholm, of land development consultants Beveridge Williams, representing Mr Harris and Ms Bolding at last week’s presentations, urged council to support the development. “What is sought is in compliance with its residential zoning. There was previous subdivision approved next door in Louise Simon Court,” he said. Mr Chisholm believed further applications for subdivisions in the court and nearby streets would come forward. Objector Mark Eva said he moved to the court from Rowville and did not want to live in the suburbs again. He would instead support subdivision for a second house only. Louise Simon Court was originally created as a rural residential subdivision with eight large lots. All of the original lots have been subdivided. The proposed permit condition that an alternative electricity supply be provided to the lots until permanent supply was available prompted concerns about the possibility of generators being used. Council officers will seek clarification about this before tomorrow’s meeting.

Pink day: enjoying festivities at Inverloch were, front, Ella Rose BowenPiercy with Amaya Charlesworth, Briley Anderson and Arabella SpeedChristie. Back: Rani Knight, Darryl Alger (in disguise) and Holly Knight.

Pig inspires generosity THE Inverloch community has again thrown its support behind children’s charity, Very Special Kids. A fundraising event outside Inverloch Tattslotto on Saturday raised thousands of dollars. While money is still being counted, the sum is expected to surpass last year’s total of $4457.25 – the fourth highest in Victoria. On Saturday, a huge piggy bank on a trailer lured children dressed up for the occasion and four Foodworks staff volun-

teered to shave their heads to raise funds. They were Peter Alanganke, Tom Whelan, Ray Davies and Max Nash, shaved by hairdresser, Michael Chizzoniti. Face painter Fleur Speed helped raise a further $500 by having her head shaved and Slice of Paradise Bakery donated pink donuts and collected nearly $1000 in donations. Many other businesses gave prizes. Very Special Kids raises funds for the families of children with a life threatening illness.

Top tourism chance By Jane Ross

THE Wonthaggi area has the potential to develop as a tourism hub akin to Byron Bay in New South Wales.

Closer inspection: Leongatha Primary School students delved into a study of the human body last week. Boys and girls made a model or movie to explore their chosen body system. Hannah and Lilly take a look at Hannah’s project.

With its beaches, natural features and proximity to Melbourne, the town is well placed to be promoted as a tourist drawcard. Westpac’s state general manager of regional banking Mark Paton, made that comment following the release of the ﬁrst Westpac Bass Coast Economic Monitor commissioned as a result of desalination plant construction. The monitor was launched in the Bass Coast Council Chamber. Mr Paton suggested information in the monitor be used to persuade the State Government to invest in further projects as a trade off for Bass Coast Shire hosting the desali-

nation plant. The best way of doing this, he said, was to form a board of council, business and community leaders. “I’ve seen that work in other towns. Council can’t do it on its own.” Mayor Cr Peter Paul thought it a good idea, but said something similar was already underway. “There is merit in broadening the scope. It would be good to have community leaders from across the shire. But you’d have to target people with knowledge of the way you work with the State Government.” Accordingly, he will meet soon with former shire citizens of the year. He wants to also speak to Bendigo Community Bank directors Terry Ashenden (San Remo and Cowes) and Alan Gostelow (Inverloch). “I want to ask them how they see their contribution to Bass Coast and what initiatives they could use

to leverage the State Government,” he said. He will also call on the three new members of the Bass Coast Council audit committee. Rob Goddard, David Schultz and Brian Rudzki joined the body this year. Mr Goddard was pro-vice chancellor at La Trobe University before retiring to San Remo, Mr Schultz is a civil engineer and company director and Mr Rudzki has experience as a local councillor and accountant. The mayor said he would like to “put all that together and see where we come up”. “We want value out of the expertise; breadth and depth of vision,” he said. Time is of the essence. The State Government will go into caretaker mode 25 days before the November election.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Treasure time: getting ready to hunt for treasure is, from left, Julianne Bakogiannis with young Willow and Sharna Connell.

Ay, matey: from left, enjoying dressing up like pirates are, from left, Ethan Roberts Ferguson, Ella Roberts, Rachel Ferguson, Kaylah Thomas, and Hannah Ferguson.

Best dressed?: Belinda Nicholls with son, Xavier, really looked the part.

Ahoy there, me hearties THERE was plenty of loud “Pirate’s Talk” at Coal Creek’s successful Pirate’s Day on Sunday. Coal Creek co-ordinator, Rowena Ashley,

said 350 attended the day, with visitors from as far as Balwyn North and Yanakie, and the majority coming from South Gippsland. “We had a lot of parents thanking us for putting on a great day and the treasure hunt

was something they could do as a family,” she said. Mums, dads, kids and volunteers all got into the groove to dress up for the day, kicking off with a treasure hunt, then lunch, games

and a best dressed competition. A number of groups planned birthdays for the event, with roaring and laughter being the order of the day.

Loch on track People deliver verdict LOCH residents are closer to finalising and releasing their community plan. Nearly 50 people filled the Masonic Lodge recently to help forge the future direction of the town, facilitated by South Gippsland Shire Council’s community strengthening project officer, Barbara Look. People hope to preserve the town’s heritage appeal and develop the Loch Lap, a walking trail around the town. A community garden is also planned, and improved signs and amenity are being initiated. Council’s strategic planner Ken Griffiths, gave a great overview of the

planning process. “There is a lot that is already happening. They didn’t start from ground zero,” Ms Look said. Member of the Loch Arts council, Maree Ludenia, appreciated the invitation to be involved. “It made you proud to be a part of the village,” she said. “One if the things I appreciated, as I don’t run a business in the town or have any association with sporting clubs, is that the process was very inclusive.” The group’s priorities were highlighted and working parties grouped to further projects. Members of the Loch Community Development Association attended.

Locusts have started hatching. Find out when they are due to hatch in your area. Call the DPI Locust Hotline on 1300 135 559 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts DPI0084_LS_HATCH

Locust control starts at your place.

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council’s community plans project has received mixed reviews from the volunteers involved. Meeniyan’s John Cocking praised the experience when he addressed council’s public presentation session last Wednesday. But Heather Gregg of Poowong would have liked more council support, particularly in ensuring projects became a reality. The Meeniyan community now aims to build a retirement village, establish a playground and skate park at the recreation reserve, and create a camping ground and caravan park with dump station. Residents also want to pursue wetlands at Stony Creek as part of the Meeniyan sewerage project, improve the hall and have unsafe roads upgraded. The newly opened community bank agency was also a goal. A business plan is now being prepared for a retirement village servicing people aged over 50. “The community input has been fantastic. It has really pulled the town together,” Mr Cocking said. He praised the input from council officers in guiding the project. The working party met fortnightly for two months to discuss the direction the community would take. Ms Gregg said the plan had a lot of benefit but she was yet to be satisfied the project would be a total success. “I thank council for allowing Poowong to be one of the first communities to

Go getters: Heather Gregg and John Cocking with the Poowong and Meeniyan community plans. take part in this exercise,” she said. “But I would hope for council’s ongoing support to make projects realities.” The Poowong community aims to have a community hub and library, more use of the town’s swimming pool, a community park and community deﬁbrillator, greater use of the town’s recreation reserve, a petrol station in town, and development of the former Bindaree camp site. Once community plans are completed, the community assumes responsibility for projects.

Hub hopes rise

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has committed more than $1 million towards the development of an integrated Children’s Hub in Korumburra.

Council’s director of Infrastructure, Anthony Seabrook, expressed his ﬁrm commitment to the project at a community meeting recently. A petition will be signed by many supporters to show the community’s commitment to the project. The petition is available at Birralee Child Care Centre, Korumburra Kindergarten and the Korumburra Primary School. Centre for Community Child Health spokespeople, Pamela Regan and Beck Fry, outlined the framework through which childhood development occurs and signiﬁcantly strengthened the case for an integrated hub. The working group is determined to proceed with its strategic plan. Funding shortfalls still need to be addressed to meet government policy requirements by the deadline of 2013. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 6.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 7

Highway state slammed Pothole forced truck to bounce across lane By Chris Brown TRUCK drivers and transport businesses are, just like motorists, frustrated with the state of the region’s highways.

They say the roads are deteriorating, with new potholes appearing all over the region. The huge weight of trucks means drivers are more attuned to the disintegration occurring on vital transport routes such as the South Gippsland Highway. Recently, a pothole on Beilby’s Hill near Koonwarra created fear when it caused a truck to bounce across the highway. Peter Stoitse Transport at Welshpool puts 30 trucks on the road every day. Transport manager Steven Stoitse said the roads are deteriorating from Foster to Yarram. He said the South Gippsland Highway drops off in places and between Welshpool and Hedley water accumulates on the highway after rain. “The problem with this highway, as well, is there are not enough passing lanes,” he said. Frustratingly for transport businesses, registration on B double A trailers has increased from $1300 to $6000. “We get taxed to the hilt on everything,” Mr Stoitse said. “It just doesn’t stop: parts, fuel and registration. Why is the road like that? Where does the money go? It doesn’t go back into roads.” Fellow transport manager Terry Stoitse

said the entire highway was rough, with big dips and potholes. “I would say the highway has deteriorated more since this wet weather,” he said. “They are getting to the critical stage.” Matt Weatherill has been driving for Storr Transport of Toora since 2003. When asked about the worst stretches of roads, he replied: “Where do you start?” At the Nyora turn-off, the truck’s wheels can break spin, while the Foster North area is slippery. “The worst bit for us (truck drivers) is the camber of the road and the slippery bitumen,” Mr Weatherill said. Other concerns are disintegrating roads and bridges so narrow truck mirrors almost hit each other as they pass. Another driver at Storr Transport, Geoff Storr, said he loses track of where all the potholes are. Mr Storr nominates the Stony Creek straight, Deep Creek bridge and Foster turn-off as areas where water remains on road, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. He called the Koo Wee Rup-Pakenham Road the worst in Australia. Nationals leader Peter Ryan, said he travels the South Gippsland Highway extensively. “Truck drivers tell me that the trip across from Leongatha to Yarram is the one they most dislike in their travels. That trip is very challenging,” he said. A former lawyer, Mr Ryan said it was very difﬁcult in law for anyone whose vehicle is damaged as a result of poor roads, to establish any right to a claim.

Road frustration: transport manager Steven Stoitse from Peter Stoitse Transport at Welshpool.

Dangerous for driving: Storr Transport drivers Lucas Bramﬁt and Matt Weatherill are concerned about the road.

“Bloody dangerous” VICTORIAN Roads Minister Tim Pallas has been told the South Gippsland Highway is “bloody dangerous”. In another letter to the minister this week, Moyarra resident Trevor Browning wrote the highway from Korumburra to Loch was littered with potholes and called on the government to fund urgent work. “A lot of the holes have been there for well over a month and it’s just getting worse. A couple of spots one to two kilometres on the Melbourne side of Korumburra have been really bad for over 12 months,” he wrote. Mr Browning’s letter mentioned some work was done on the Korumburra-Wonthaggi Road between Korumburra and Anderson Inlet Road, but that was merely “a very rough patch up”. “I was intrigued to note that some of the potholes had been ‘ﬁlled’ one morning early last week but the balance of the potholes are still not repaired,” he wrote. “It is of interest to note that some of the repaired holes have broken

away again.” Recently, he noticed a roads worker on the highway ﬁlling a hole with bitumen mix and then stamping on it with his foot. “This appears to be a strange way of compacting the mix for a solid repair,” Mr Browning wrote. “I can only assume that this method of repair contributes to the pot holes breaking away within a week as they have done recently. Seems to be a waste of money and effort if the repair only lasts a week!” Paul Bickerstaff lives on South Dudley Road, Wonthaggi. He said repairs are breaking up within 12 hours. He’s also sick of the trucks hurtling past and says he’s been harassed by their drivers because he has to slow to reverse into his driveway. He does that because it’s not safe to back out onto the road. Mr Bickerstaff has written to Chloe Munro who chairs AquaSure, the consortium responsible for the desalination plant. He said he pointed out to her that the road is in a dismal state and that

“Our house shakes when trucks ﬂy past. They do more than 80kp/h.” He said he hadn’t received a reply. A spokesperson for AquaSure acknowledged receipt of the letter, saying, “A response is being prepared.” During the most recent Bass Coast Council meeting, Wonthaggi resident Stella Hitchins, asked council who would pay if cars are damaged using South Dudley Road? There is no roadside verge and she said material piled on the side of the bitumen leaves motorists with “nowhere to go”. “I’ve been run off the road there. B doubles won’t slow down, they don’t give a hoot in hell. I’ve lodged a complaint with AquaSure but I’ve had no response.” Cr Veronica Dowman described Bass Highway as “shocking”. Cr Gareth Barlow moved a motion in urgent business that, “We contact VicRoads and the Minister for Roads regarding the failure of South Dudley Road and ongoing failure of the Bass Highway.” He said it was a matter of urgency. His colleagues agreed.

Funding plea Continued from page 1. VicRoads acting regional director Harvey Dinelli has received many reports from the public about issues on the South Gippsland and Bass highways. “Temporary pothole ﬁlling on both the South Gippsland and Bass Highways is underway, before the planned long term solution of asphalt patching is carried out in warmer weather conditions later this year,” he said. Mr Dinelli continued to blame the potholes on signiﬁcant rain after a long dry period. “We are aware of the commu-

nity’s concern and have crews out repairing damage as quickly as possible within available resources,” he said. In South Gippsland this winter, roads have been underwater and a bridge on the Buffalo-Waratah Road collapsed after flooding undermined bridge abutments. “We are just filling the potholes because to put a grader on the road would just turn the road to slush,” Mr Seabrook said. “As soon as the weather fines up, we will get the grader out and fix the roads up properly. We really need to rip the roads up and grade them and

put them back to shape.” Council will increase spending on the resealing of road works over time to ensure roads hold up, as council reduces its debt, making more money available for capital works. Council this year allocated $1.74 million to reseal sealed roads annually and $1.1 million to resheet gravel roads. Last year, $1.55 million was dedicated to resealing. Next year that sum will be $1.95 million. VicRoads encourages the community to report road faults by phoning 13 11 70. Faults will be inspected and repaired.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Asbestos action plea By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has been urged to help home renovators remove and dispose of asbestos. Council has been encouraged to distribute asbestos kits and acquire a mobile disposal unit to be placed at a tip. Vicki Hamilton, CEO of Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc., and John Parker, secretary of the Gippsland Traders and Labour Council, addressed councillors last Wednesday. The kits are the result of a joint effort between the two groups and will be available to the public, after successful trial in conjunction with Latrobe City Council. Home-owners can now remove up to 10 square metres of asbestos, under Victorian law. Greater amounts must be taken away by an approved asbestos removalist. Up to 98 per cent of Victorian homes built in the late 1980s contain asbestos. The kits are designed to reduce the risk of people suffering asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma contracted as a result of inappropriate protection. “We have not reached the peak in deaths for asbestos and that will probably

continue for 20 years at least,” Mr Parker told council. Asbestos can be in building materials in walls, under eaves, some carpet underlay and in flues. Council would be required to subsidise the cost of the kits. Latrobe City has contributed $7000 to the total cost of $17,000 for kits distributed in the Latrobe Valley. The Department of Human Services paid $10,000. Each kit would cost $30 for the public to buy and includes an instructional DVD, plastic wrap and blags, coveralls, respirators, gloves, shoes, protectors, tape, glue and spray mist. The kits aim to protect the many people undertaking their own renovations and to reduce the illegal disposal of asbestos in such places as bushland. The mobile disposal unit would cost at least $130,000. A large container, the unit enables people to drive in and have their asbestos removed and stored safely by a trained officer. Council will consider the unit as part of its waste management strategy, to go to tender and finalised before the end of the year. Only asbestos removed by home-owners can be disposed of at the Koonwarra landfill, for $92 a cubic metre.

Pushing case: John Parker and Vicky Hamilton discuss the asbestos kit with South Gippsland Shire Council’s director of sustainability, Andrew McEwen.

Upgrade underway

THE Korumburra Indoor Recreation Centre is about to undergo an exciting new $196,000 upgrade. A new stage is being added to the south eastern end of court two, providing the community with a long awaited all purpose venue. Korumburra builder David Enbom has been contracted to complete the works, which are on schedule to be ﬁnished for the new year. Working around the demands of a busy facility adds challenges, but the project holds great promise. Centre manager Adam Smith is looking forward to the improvements. “It’ll be fantastic when it’s ﬁnished,” he said. Court two will also get new insulation and lining, improving acoustics and offering a more pleasing appearance. South Gippsland Shire Council successfully applied for a grant from the Victorian Government towards the works. The management committee raised much of the funding required for the project, with fantastic support from the community and the Korumburra Lions and Rotary clubs.

POLICE BRIEFS Fence vandalised PICKETS were removed from a fence in Blackmore Avenue, Leongatha overnight between Saturday and Sunday. Police are still investigating the damage.

Rock launch A ROCK was thrown through the second storey window of a house in Silverback Place, Leongatha overnight between September 13 and 14. Police are asking for information from the public.

Grand theft auto POLICE are investigating the theft of a car from a Moyarra farm on Saturday night (September 18). The black Ford XR6 ute was taken from the driveway and police are searching for anyone who might know something about the theft.

Exit reminder POLICE are issuing a reminder to all people attending licensed public premises. Failure to leave a licensed premises when asked by a licensee or representative of the premises can mean the offender risks a ﬁne. Police have issued a number of such ﬁnes recently and are asking people to be more co-operative.

WANTED TARWIN VALLEY CAMPDRAFT CLUB is running a

CLEARING SALE Dumbalk Rec Grounds October 30 We would like to sell your goods for you. Farm machinery tools, household goods, building materials, chooks, pigs, dogs, etc. Anything you would like to sell Phone Ian Hengstberger 5664 8373 Mob. 0428 595 338

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 9

Nightmare stresses farmers By Matt Dunn

A FARMER whose property has been torn up to make way for the desalination plant water pipe said government claims it was done “with the agreement of landowners” were untrue.

Glen Forbes beef farmer Peter Brown said the agreement to cut a 40m wide path through his property, which has swallowed up the equivalent of seven acres of prime grazing land, was arrived at “under duress”. “These people are not my friends. We tried very hard to deal with the people we’ve got to deal with in a sensitive way. But we don’t want the project,” he said. “The money they’re offering is not enough and we will continue to negotiate for more. They might come up with extra crumbs.” He said the placement of the pipe has effectively created an unusable bog on his property. “They’ve taken seven acres out of our 140. That’s about ﬁve per cent. But the effect is more like 20 per cent,” he said. “It cuts paddocks in half. We’ve got a 40 metre wide strip missing out of the middle of a paddock. “But it’s more to the ‘dry end’. I’ve lost 40 metres of the dry end and I’ve

Big mess: the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant pipeline has cut a wide path through several properties in the Woodleigh/Kernot/Glen Forbes area, causing anguish for many.

still got the wet end and I can’t put cattle down there very easily. “They just make it very difﬁcult to manage and all the water that lands on the easement runs to the low side and percolates into the topsoil on the low side and makes it twice as wet.” Mr Brown said the Department of Sustainability had been “inept” in its handling of its negotiations with landowners, something which had often happened through third party intermediaries. Mr Brown is among six property owners recently told the pipe will take a different route than ﬁrst agreed upon. Despite the fact a DSE spokesman claimed the decision was made “all

Grant hope for library By Jane Ross A STATE grant of $320,000 will help open the upper floor of the Wonthaggi Library building. The library is desperate for more space and the prospect of a new facility is well into the future. Local Government Minister Richard Wynne, is expected to announce tomorrow whether the grant application has been successful. It was made under the State Living Libraries Program. West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation CEO John Murrell, said the program runs on a $1 for $2 basis, the greater amount coming from the State. The plan is to install a lift so that the upper floor of the former Wonthaggi Post Office building can be used, adding an extra 80 square metres of library floor space. “Wonthaggi Library is desperate for program space and a meeting room,” said Mr Murrell. Use of the upstairs would provide that. In its post office days, the upper floor of the building was used by telephonists. Mr Murrell said Wonthaggi CIB moved in, followed by Bass Coast Council staff. “Now, council has gifted the area back to the library corporation.” Mr Murrell said if the library relocates, the old post office building was likely to be retained for community purposes, so renovations and a lift would be useful then too. A new Wonthaggi Library has been mooted as a result of the Bass Coast Education Precinct. The precinct will be in McKenzie Street and will include the senior campus of Wonthaggi Secondary College, freeing up the current campus site opposite the Bass Coast Council offices. A master plan and business case for the precinct should be ready by November this year, but the new library is a long way off. Mr Murrell said this is the last round of Living Libraries, which has been going for 10 years. He is hoping Mr Wynne will announce an extension of four years. Over the decade, projects have been undertaken at more than 100 Victorian libraries.

with the agreement of landowners,” Mr Brown said it was far from the truth. The DSE spokesman said the “location of the easement for the Victorian Desalination Project pipeline and power supply was decided on the basis of environmental research, technical investigations and landowner consultation, taking into account issues including farming and visual impacts on residences”. “The easement was acquired in September 2009. Minor adjustments to the easement are now being made on these properties due to engineering-related matters, and this is being done with the agreement of the affected landowners,” the spokesman said.

“Property owners will be compensated. The amount paid is a private matter for landowners.” Kernot snow-pea and cattle farmer Sam Tamburo, a neigbour to Mr Brown, also believes he has been given a raw deal with the carve-up of his land. “They’ve got the pipes sitting on our farm and they’re trying to pull the power cable through our property. They slashed all our snow pea crops. We were harvesting our peas and they were going through slashing them. We couldn’t do anything about it,” Mr Tamburo said. “That’s when they were fencing their easement off. As we were working they were going through slashing. We’re picking peas on one side and

Mayor’s message Cr Peter Paul

CEO praised I AM pleased to announce that last Wednesday night the council resolved to reappoint our current CEO Mr Allan Bawden, for a further and ﬁnal three year term. This term will start from March 14, 2011. This was obviously an important decision for council to make, and had been considered carefully. In reappointing Allan as CEO, council has reafﬁrmed the importance of organisational stability during a period of substantial growth and development within Bass Coast Shire. The next three years will see a number of major projects started, as council continues to implement its Strategic Plan. The appointment also gives council and the CEO the opportunity to develop a sound succession plan for an incoming CEO in 2014. As we are aware, the CEO is a critical position in any organisation. The

CEO provides an essential link between council and the staff employed to advise council, to implement council decisions and to deliver the many services provided by council to the community. We congratulate Allan on his reappointment, and we look forward to another three very exciting and productive years under his stewardship. I am looking forward to having Allan as a guest on my weekly radio show on 3MFM soon. This week however, I interview my fellow councillor Veronica Dowman, who is deputy mayor and councillor for the Leadbeater Ward. Veronica will be talking with me about local issues signiﬁcant to Leadbeater and Bass Coast Shire. The show runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am and 4.30pm, so there is plenty of opportunity to catch it. To check the frequency in your area, log onto www.3mfm.com.au Cr Peter Paul, Mayor Bass Coast Shire Council

Drive ends in paddock

Damaged: the car was left in a paddock with signiﬁcant damage.

A CAR was found sitting in a paddock off the Strzelecki Highway at Leongatha North on Friday. The blue sedan was near the bridge north of Crightons Hill. The driver appeared to have spun out of control around the corner and went through

a wire fence. The car stopped 20m inside the paddock, facing the road with signiﬁcant damage to the driver’s side and front. The wire from the fence was still ﬁrmly wrapped around one of the wheels. Leongatha Police are investigating the matter.

they’re slashing beside us.” The work has also made it difﬁcult for Mr Tamburo to gain access to his property and to move cattle around. “It’s had a tremendous effect on me and my family. It goes right through the middle of our farm. They’ve given us no access across our property.They’re going about their own business, but they’re not looking after the farmer,” Mr Tamburo said. “They’re not helping the man on the land with the everyday chores he has to do. You try to get answers out of them but they don’t want to help you. They’re meant to give us access and laneways to help us, but we’re still waiting.” Another problem is the placement of the easement and the accompanying high voltage power lines, which make it “a no go zone” when the project is complete. “We’ll never be able to cross that easement that runs through. That land is a complete loss. You have to consult with them on anything you do there,” he said. “Because there’s so much infrastructure in the ground - with the pipe, the power line, I think the optic ﬁbre cable is coming through - they’re saying if anything goes wrong you may as well hand them your keys.” The pipe will affect about 125 landowners across the state.

McJobs everywhere By Jane Ross

MCDONALD’S Wonthaggi will be open 24 hours a day from mid October.

Owner Stefan Wojciechowski said he’d need to employ another 10 staff. This would take to around 180 the number of people he and his wife Jacque employ in South Gippsland. That will soon rise by another 70 when the couple opens a third McDonald’s Restaurant at Bass. On the Melbourne side of the Bass Highway, the third restaurant will be part of a service centre that is expected to be ﬁnished by the end of this year. Bass Coast councillors last week granted a permit for the extended hours at Wonthaggi. Mayor Cr Peter Paul said 24 hour access was “reasonable” and it would be good for tourists. Cr Jane Daly said she thought it would be a good place for young people to go, given there was nowhere else in the town for them. “There’s no alcohol and it’s a safe environment.” The Wojciechowskis bought the Leongatha golden arches more than nine years ago. That store went 24 hour at the end of 2008. Their Wonthaggi shop was built and opened at the end of 2006 and the couple has become a signiﬁcant employer in the district. Mr Wojciechowski said many of their employees are young people, but there is a range of ages. Training is provided and there are some traineeships. “I have a lot of good people working for me,” he said.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

THE Droitwich Discovery, Lyric Theatre’s one act play, was entered in the Monash Play Festival at the Unicorn Theatre in Mount Waverley on Sunday afternoon. It won nominations for best play, best director (Aron Toman) and best actor (Ivan Koetsveld). Lyric’s Educating Rita ﬁnished on Saturday night with a good show and near full house. The show has enjoyed a successful season. There will be a season of one-act plays for Lyric in March next year followed by the musical Jeckyll and Hyde in mid-year.

THE Meeniyan Mechanics Institute is holding dancing lessons every Sunday night from 7 to 9pm in the supper room. Local trainers Coral and Vicki will be on hand to coach any would be dancers, and it costs just a gold coin donation to attend. COAL Creek is having its annual History of Halloween Exhibition from October 6 to November

1. It features a special Halloween exhibit detailing the meaning behind Halloween rituals. All are invited to attend. I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY acclaimed children’s entertainment act from Melbourne, The Mudcakes is performing at the Fish Creek Hall on Friday, September 24. The act starts at 11am. Tickets are $10 per head and are available at the door. It is a Fish Creek kinder fundraiser. BASS Coast Community Health Service is running supermarket tours in the area to help make food shopping easier. As part of the two hour tour, a dietitian will show you how to read and understand food labels, select healthy food alternatives and identify products that are appropriate for people with type two diabetes. The tour will be at the Coles supermarket in Wonthaggi on Thursday September 23, and starts at 1pm. Non members will be charged $15. For

any information contact 5671 9200. THE newly formed Mirboo North and District Community Foundation is inviting local community groups to apply for up to $5000 in its first grants round valued at $45,000. Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, October 8. Community groups are urged to contact the foundation’s acting executive officer, Linda Giddy on 0418 637 034, or email lindagiddy@bigpond.com to discuss proposed applications and determine whether they fit within the strict guidelines set down by the Australian Tax Office. THE Warragul dance eisteddfod is on again, with a large contingent of South Gippsland performers and observers heading over there. The event started on Friday and will end this Sunday.

Rare honour: Bob Bruce (centre) receives his life membership of the Leongatha Horticultural Society from president Nola Harland, left, and Sue Thompson. DURING the Daffodil Festival, the Leongatha Horticultural Society presented Bob Bruce with a life membership. During his time with the society, Bob has served numerous terms as treasurer and in 2007/2008, was president. He also spent many years on the committee where members were

most grateful for his knowledge of the society’s history. Bob’s wife, Nancy, who is also a life member, has been a member for in excess of 40 years. Bob gained much knowledge about the society during the years he supported Nancy before becoming a member himself.

LIFELONG St Kilda supporter Marj Pearson was at the MCG last Saturday with grandson Tom where they had their photo taken. The photo was then uploaded to the Saints Facebook page, where it has received more than 220 comments from supporters. It made young Tom’s day, on top of his favourite team winning, and they will be very keen for them to repeat the dose this weekend against Collingwood. Marj was at St Kilda’s only premiership win in 1966 with her late father, Ray when the Saints beat the Pies. Could it be an omen?

Auxiliary makes centenary THE Wonthaggi Hospital Ladies Auxiliary is celebrating its 100th birthday on October 8.

Good food: Grade 3 and 4 students at Toora Primary School sharing their MasterChef meal.

Cooking up a storm STUDENTS at Toora Primary School have been in the kitchen creating delectable eating options as part of a MasterChef focus. The school had a special link to this year’s MasterChef series on Network 10 with two of the school’s students related to popular participant Marion Grasby. She is the cousin of senior students Bonnie and Keegan. Grades 5 and 6 students were split into three teams to make the ﬁlling and meringue for a lemon meringue pie, sushi

rolls, pot of green tea and ice biscuits with a Japanese theme. They also had to set the table, including a ﬂoral arrangement, and put out the tea pot and cups for a Japanese ceremony. On Tuesday Grade 3 and 4 were split into two groups for some non-competitive cooking. They made summer salsa and apple pancakes, which were then shared at lunchtime. On Friday the school’s youngest students were having a go at making ginderbread men in another non-competitive activity.

Forum for seniors O C C U PAT I O N A L therapists will be part of the Bass Coast Shire Council Seniors’ Forum on October 7. From Bass Coast Regional Health and Bass Coast Community Health, the occupational therapists will explain who is eligible for their services and will answer questions. The topic for the forum is Helping you to Remain Active and Independent. The forum starts at 10am in the Wonthaggi Council Chamber. Morning tea will be provided. Please let Kylie Pryor know if you wish to go on 1300 226 278 or kylie.pryor@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Everyone is welcome to attend the party. When the hospital was built in 1910, a committee was formed to raise funds for extra equipment. This committee later became an auxiliary in the early 1950s and held events like dances, eucre nights, socials, bazaars and garden parties, and even catered for the hospital ball to raise money. A small opportunity shop, where the Wonthaggi Club is now situated, even existed. The present auxiliary is a small group of dedicated ladies who work very hard at raising money by running monthly activities like trivia nights, cent auctions, rafﬂes, fetes,

garden walks, band concerts and cake stalls. At the AGM every year, a ‘wishlist’ is presented to the group by the hospital administration and they strive to achieve as many items on that list as possible. Over the years they have purchased blood pressure machines, blanket warmers, heart monitors, a portable bath, a portable shower table, a commode chair, a pregnancy dummy, a linear probe, a fork lifter for lifting heavy patients, a Dynamap abdominal probe, a Hoverjack lifting machine, and various other items. Some of these items cost thousands of dollars. From 2008 to 2010, the auxiliary raised more than $21,000. The ﬁrst item on this year’s wishlist is a tonsil tray for the operating suite, costing more than $4000,

which the auxiliary hopes to buy with money raised at the birthday party. Other items include a wandering patient alarm, Steris trays, air mattresses for the Hoverjack lifter, so they have their work cut out. The faces on the auxiliary have changed over the years. One of the past presidents, Doris Menzies, unfortunately passed away last year, whilst serving her 59th year with the group. They are always on the look out for new members; as the old saying goes, “Many hands make light work”. So if you can spare time to knit or sew or bake, or just help out in any way, you will be made very welcome. Meetings are held on the ﬁrst Thursday of each month.

Milpara a helping house MILPARA Community House in Korumburra has a wealth of resources, programs and support on offer to help improve the life and skills of local residents. Co-ordinator Belinda Smart said many people were using their services for the ﬁrst time and realising just how much there was to access. Many volunteers give graciously of their time to assist with activities at the centre. A food bank has been established and is available for anyone in need. “Local businesses including Bendigo bank, who are currently running a food drive and Burra Hot Bread, who donate food regularly, have been a fantastic support to the service”, Belinda said. Kooringal women’s group and the Baptist Youth Group also make and contribute food for distribution. There is a Centrelink agency on site which is open from 10am to

Techno challenge: Barbara Florey helps student Diane Dowdney master email. 1pm, Tuesdays through to Thursdays, as well as a dedicated call room for Centrelink contact. Many groups meet regularly in the fantastic facility and the networking this provides is invaluable ‘glue’ for the community. Classes currently conducted include the Telstra Connected Seniors Series that helps older residents to become familiar and conﬁdent with

new technologies, including the internet and mobile phones. The current group is enjoying the conﬁdence that comes with being able to understand and use these tools which were previously a bit daunting. There will be a new intake for term four so if you are interested please give Belinda or Sandra a call at the centre.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 11

Jetty named election issue By Chris Brown THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S disappointment in the Port Welshpool region following the independentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice of Labor to govern federally.

The Coalition had promised $3 million towards rebuilding the Long Jetty, but with the independentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s snubbing the Liberal party the money will not be delivered. Those battling to have the jetty restored for recreational use will now turn their attention to Victorian politicians in the lead-up to the state election in November. But the current Labor State Government continues to disappoint on the issue. President of the Welshpool and District Advisory Group, Paul Macphail, said if the federal Liberals had become the government they would have funded the Long Jetty repairs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was disappointing that we had a hand shake deal with the Liberals that wanted to ďŹ x the pier and the Labors werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talking,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to work with Labor and see what they come up with, but we have a state election coming up in November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I guess we have to keep the awareness up and lobby in the right areas and bring up some awareness that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a crucial project for this small area.â&#x20AC;? The group has business advisors to help them work with government to have the restoration of the Long Jetty funded. They will seek commitments from both sides of politics. Mr Macphail said it would be nice if Gippsland South MP, Peter Ryan could secure funding.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will obviously have to go back to his party, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been extremely supportive,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just got the new hospital through in Leongatha. He can only do so much. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll certainly be lobbying all sides.â&#x20AC;? Chairperson of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Long Jetty steering group, Kerry Pinzone also said the focus of the campaign would shift to the State Government. A registration of interest for funding has been submitted to the Department of Transport, but they are waiting for a response. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time-wise we should have had an answer to that already, and they said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s before the minister, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing we can do until we get an answer,â&#x20AC;? she said. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application for the Long Jetty project did not ďŹ t the expression of interest guidelines set by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, as the DSE wanted someone to take responsibility for it. But the community organisation was asked to submit a registration of interest anyway. Ms Pinzone said the steering group did not know if other tenders had been submitted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening with it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just all up in the air,â&#x20AC;? she said. Ms Pinzone was â&#x20AC;&#x153;hugelyâ&#x20AC;? disappointed the Coalition did not make it to government to ďŹ x the long jetty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They say $10 billion is going to the country, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see a lot of it coming to this country,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see a lot of it going to Tasmania country and New South Wales country.â&#x20AC;? Ms Pinzone said a completed business plan showed the underwater observatory could be ďŹ nancially viable.

Paul Macphail: will take the Long Jetty ďŹ ght to the state arena.

Mariners warned of bar danger MARINERS are being urged to steer clear of the entrance to Shallow Inlet at Sandy Point.

Shifting sands have made the bar particularly dangerous to cross and boats risk capsizing, said Gippsland Ports CEO, Nick Murray. The authority has issued an ofďŹ cial warning, urging mariners not to cross the entrance unless necessary and even then, only at high water in a shallow draft boat during calm seas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dynamic environment where the sand is constantly moving and we are seeking to bring that to the attention of recreational boaters and commercial boat operators, to exercise extreme caution because of the shifting nature of the sand,â&#x20AC;? Mr Murray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It may mean that navigation aids may not be able to be relied upon.â&#x20AC;?

Buoy oh buoy: an Isolated Danger Buoy indicates the position of a reef near Shallow Inlet. For this reason the authority has taken away some of the buoyage at the mouth of the inlet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In instances where the waterway is subject to rapid change, there is a valid argument that no buoyage poses a potentially lesser risk than buoyage incorrectly indicating the presence of a channel, thereby leading mariners into danger,â&#x20AC;? Mr Murray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the recent instance at Shallow Inlet, we did remove the buoyage that indicated the presence of a channel because the channel had disappeared.â&#x20AC;?

The authority has also â&#x20AC;&#x153;deployed an Isolated Danger Buoy indicating the position of a reefâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the velocity of the tide, Gippsland Ports is preparing and will deploy a more durable Isolated Danger Buoy with a more substantial anchor system as soon as conditions are suitable,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gippsland Ports reiterates advice to mariners that extreme caution must be exercised in navigating this entrance and crossing this bar, including ensuring conditions are suitable, the vessel is suitable and

appropriately equipped, the master and crew are wearing PFDs, and are sufďŹ ciently experienced and have an appropriate local knowledge to minimise the risk.â&#x20AC;? Mr Murray stressed these dangerous conditions are not new and nothing at all to do with climate change. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The waters move with the seasonal conditions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no different to the norm. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been the case. There is an argument that we should not put any navigational aids in there at all because it is so dynamic,â&#x20AC;? Mr Murray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we do is seek to provide guidance. But clearly itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a dynamic system that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be moving them on a weekly basis.â&#x20AC;? The authority governs the waters from Anderson Inlet at Inverloch to Mallacoota.

Rail land wait THE future of former railway land in Leongatha remains uncertain. The land in and around the former Leongatha railway station is still owned by the State Government corporation, VicTrack. South Gippsland Shire Council is still waiting for a response from VicTrack as to the terms and conditions surrounding VicTrackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering of the land to council. That offer would come in the form of a sale at market price, but

council wants to know more. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO Tim Tamlin hopes a resolution will be forthcoming with the appointment of a property development ofďŹ cer. The new position will consider possible uses for the land, as well as other land owned by VicTrack and the Department of Sustainability and Environment around the shire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to do some more strategic work on this issue,â&#x20AC;? Mr Tamlin said.

'$<6 2) 7+( <($5 7+(<Âś5( 7+(5( )25 86

Fame may await SOUTH Gippsland Youth Council is once again calling on all young ďŹ lmmakers to produce and enter short ďŹ lms for the 2010 South Gippsland Youth Film Festival on Sunday, October 24. This annual event is a rare opportunity for young people to see their ďŹ lms up on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;silver screenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Stadium 4 Cinema in Leongatha. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival co-ordinator Sophie Dixon said ďŹ lms must be no longer than 30 minutes and suitable for viewing by people from the age of 14 and older. Films under two minutes are also acceptable. There is no charge to submit

an entry, which must have been completed since 2006. Films can be shot using any format, including phone cameras. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Entrants must be between the ages of 15 and 25 and be a resident of South Gippsland, or have a connection to the South Gippsland region,â&#x20AC;? Ms Dixon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This means young South Gippslanders who have left the district for work/study are still eligible to enter their ďŹ lms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Others who live outside South Gippsland, but study or work or have sporting / social connections in South Gippsland are also eligible to enter their ďŹ lms.â&#x20AC;&#x153; Awards are available in three categories: Best Film award, South

Gippsland Youth Council Choice Award and the South Gippsland Shire Council Choice Award, valued at $100 each. Representatives of the Australian Centre for Moving Images will judge entries. All entries screened at the festival will attract a $50 voucher redeemable for ďŹ lm or photographic materials. Entrants will need to submit their ďŹ lms on DVD, and should obtain an entry form with full details by contacting Sophie Dixon on 5662 9202 or email sophied@ southgippsland.vic.gov.au The closing date for entries is 5pm on October 8.

6XSSRUW WKHP RQ %OXH 5LEERQ 'D\ 6HSWHPEHU WK Support Blue Ribbon Day, September 29, and remember the 151 Victoria Police men and women who have died serving our community. All proceeds go to the creation of life-saving emergency medical centres that bear their names. Badges & donations at Police Stations, St George Bank, Westpac Bank, 7-Eleven Stores, RACV ofďŹ ces, Police Credit & other outlets. www.remember.org.au

BLUE RIBBON DAY SEPTEMBER 29

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Reduce, reuse, recycle E D I T O R I A L

Lost forever

TOO often we hear of famous Australian brands and companies being swallowed up by overseas conglomerates and taken away from our minds, only to be preserved in grandparents’ tales. Sadly, so seems to be the case with localities around South Gippsland. As populations dwindle, districts like Boorool and Koorooman are being removed from maps and the minds of mailmen and women, no longer deemed worthy to be called a place in their own right. Yet, it is such places that are vital to the region’s history and identity. Many long-time residents still connect with the places of old. Having a sense of belonging, of feeling part of a community, is vital to our wellbeing and when people are loosely connected to the nearest biggest town against their will by authorities, they get upset, and rightly so. Residents of Mount Eccles and Dumbalk North have urged South Gippsland Shire Council to erect signs in their localities. This week, the people of Wooreen have joined the passionate crowd trying to keep the region’s history rich. According to council, towns must have houses and recreational facilities to qualify for signs. While placing signs around the countryside comes at cost, a memorial of some sort should at least be laid in the centre of localities that once were, when signs are deemed an inefficient use of ratepayers’ funds. On a more contemporary note, having specific locations also helps one navigate around the vast countryside and give clearer directions to visiting family and friends. If only GPS units were programmed with every district in the land.

Asbestos risk

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council last week received a request to offer asbestos removal kits to home renovators. The plan – a joint project of Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc. and Gippsland Trades and Labour Council – is designed to increase protection for people unaware of the health risks of inhaling asbestos ﬁbres, and also to reduce the amount of asbestos dumped illegally. Council will consider the proposal. In Victoria, home renovators can remove up to 10 square metres of asbestos before having to call in a professional. While the aim of the kit program has merits, given the danger of dealing with asbestos, renovators could be given false conﬁdence in their ability to handle asbestos safely. Surely with such major health risks and court cases to date where asbestos related disease sufferers have sued product manufacturers, laws should be changed so that only fully trained personnel can remove such a hazardous product?

THE hidden cost of the Wonthaggi desal plant is ﬁnally out in the public domain (The Age, September 17), revealing that over the next 28 years taxpayers, will have to cough up a staggering $15.8 billion to AquaSure Consortium, even if we do not need to use a drop of this expensive desal ‘designer’ water. Whatever way the Brumby Government tries to spin it, these

are taxpayer dollars that should have been spent more wisely on infrastructure to collect rainwater and stormwater and initiate sustainable, affordable water options and water conservation. No wonder water restrictions in Melbourne have been eased - to encourage increased water usage to justify this extravagant knee-jerk reaction to our water woes. It is frustrating to see all the rainwater that has fallen countrywide going to waste and causing major problems

because it is not being collected and recycled. With the increasing contention about the need for and cost of desalinated water and the construction delays caused by sustained heavy rainfall, why not cut our losses and use the gaping hole dug deep into the earth there as a dam? If not, ratepayers should fasten their seat belts and prepare for water rates to skyrocket! Debra Le Cerf, Cape Paterson.

Hidden expenses: more water should be collected instead of a desal plant constructed, says Debra Le Cerf.

Keep Wyberg

I AM astonished that the proposed name for a road in South Gippsland has been changed from Wyberg Road to a different name because of a single objection. Martin Wyberg of Swedish parents, was a ship’s carpenter who managed to steal 5000 sovereigns from a vessel called China, in 1877. When the ship returned to Melbourne he escaped and set up a camp in the bush near Tarwin Lower. He was eventually tracked down by police but managed to escape for a period of time but was apprehended again and was sent to jail for ﬁve years. The writer was interested in this historic event and after some research at the public library I wrote the text and music for the musical play, The Notorious Martin Wyberg. This unpublished play was performed by students at a Melbourne school where I was director of music, but only one performance was made in 1985. Martin Wyberg eventually settled at Waratah, now known as Walkerville, and it was thought that he drowned in the sea at Waratah Bay. Some of the 5000 sovereigns were located by police but the residue were never recovered. Wyberg’s case received much publicity at the time but he was never known to use ﬁrearms. It would seem that this historic event should not preclude the use of his name in road naming. Ian Lee, Leongatha.

VOXPOP! VOX What do you like best about the school holidays?

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.

Sleeping in and doing all things that I want to do. Jordy Nagel Leongatha

Not having to go to school is the best thing. Jack Ginnane Leongatha

Sleeping in and not having to spend time at school. Lachie Wright Leongatha

No teachers and no work! Damon Ginnane Leongatha

Subdivision not divisive

By Marli Draper

PLANNING for future subdivision around Nyora, Poowong and Loch is being addressed by the South Gippsland Shire Council and the community. Residents have had a say in shaping their future and are being encouraged to share their vision. Council has instigated the structure planning process to pre-empt future development as the towns will be sewered.

Paul Stampton, South Gippsland Shire’s acting manager of planning and building, said: “New planning consultants have been appointed to assist with the structure planning process and we are pleased they will be commencing the project this week. “Poowong has some further potential for subdivision and in fact already has some zoning in place for future subdivision.” The Poowong Community Plan was launched recently, and the Nyora and Loch communities are on track to ﬁnalise and release theirs later

this year. The style and size of a town’s growth is strongly inﬂuenced by the local people. Loch is conﬁned by the highway, creek and steep land next to the town boundaries. The community is keen for the town to remain tight rather than spread beyond these natural boundaries but there is scope for new housing to be included by extending Smith Street. The Nyora community is looking at how they would like to shape and revitalise their town in the future. Nyora resident and Strzelecki Lions Club

president Dennis Casey said: “Most people are rapt in the prospect of new housing estates coming into the area.” Several sites on the town’s edges are earmarked for residential development and many believe this will help revitalise the town. “We would love to have a shopping centre,” Mr Casey said. “We have been looking at our options and are hopeful of some real progress in the near future.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 13

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Movie debuts at Loch

LOCH Primary School held the long awaited premiere of their movie, Captain Thunderbolt, last week. Grade 5/6 teacher Mark Hunter produced and directed the movie in conjunction with his class of 2010. The movie was based on the life and times of Frederick Ward, aka Captain Thunderbolt, a notorious Australian bushranger who escaped Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour during the 1800s with the help of his wife Mary Ann Bugg. When he was ﬁnally fatally shot in 1870, it was alleged by some that his uncle had actually posed as Thunderbolt and the thief himself escaped to live his days out in California. The students and parents found the 45 minute movie highly entertaining. Mr. Hunter praised the efforts of his class in the production of this epic drama.

Officially an Aussie FOSTER North woman Anne-Marie Joosten was the sole citizenship candidate at a ceremony held by South Gippsland Shire Council last Wednesday. The ceremony was organised by council to assist with Ms Joosten’s imminent travel requirements. She came to Australia from the Netherlands with her partner Bernie in 2006. Their daughter Hazel was born in Foster two years ago and Bernie became an Australian citizen in May this year, so they are all Aussies now. The family was drawn to South Gippsland by the beautiful green hills and amazing beaches.

Premiere pride: Teacher Mark Hunter with Grace Davidson (Captain Thunderbolt) and Georgia Chavarioli (Mary Ann Bugg).

New citizen: Anne-Marie Joosten with husband Bernie and daughter Hazel.

Ready for Tomorrow is the Victorian Government’s $631 million blueprint to protect and strengthen our regional and rural way of life, now and for future generations. Investing in new industry, business and job opportunities is an important part of the plan. Over $99 million will go towards initiatives including: Assistance for regional industries to expand and innovate Locating more government jobs in regional Victoria Supporting businesses to grow their workers’ skills Support for first farm start–ups And that’s just the beginning. To find out how you, your business and community can benefit, call or visit our website. The future starts now.

A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria Call 13 22 15 www.rdv.vic.gov.au

Opinions sought COUNCIL is currently conducting its Shire Localities Review and is welcoming submissions from residents who are interested in creating a new locality and/ or changing the name or boundaries of an existing locality. Several residents have anomalies with their physical addresses and mail deliveries and this is the best opportunity for them to have their issues addressed. The guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 are available for viewing at council, at local libraries and at www.dse.vic.gov.au/namingguidelines. Submissions close on Friday, October 22. With our commitment to involving the community in our decision making processes, I wanted to remind residents that there are a number of ways they can lodge general feedback, ideas or concerns with council. If you have easy access to the internet, you can download a request form, complete it online, or simply send an email to council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au. You can also call our Maintenance Request Line on 5662 9111 for issues relating to roads, footpaths and trees, and our customer service ofﬁcers can help you on 5662 9200 with general issues. You might also wish to discuss local issues with your local ward councillor. We appreciate the personal insights that such conversations provide when we are called upon to make decisions. I attended the opening of the new Murray Goulburn Trading Store in Korumburra last week. It was great to see their full services restored to the Korumburra community in a combination of new and sensitively renovated buildings, following the expansion of Burra Foods on the old site. Next week sees the return of the South Gippsland Dairy Expo to Poowong for its tenth year. Council has been a proud supporter since its beginning in 2000, and will be co-sponsoring a talk at 11am on Thursday, September 30 with guest speaker Matt Harms discussing money management in the dairy environment. I congratulate the Lions Club of Strzelecki for their success with this prestigious agricultural event that attracts visitors from near and far. Cr Jim Fawcett Mayor

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 15

Memorable moment: giraffes wander against an African sunset.

African adventure awaits THE wild excitement of South Africa awaits.

Jetset Leongatha has joined up with local tour guides John and Marilyn Mackie and Swagman Tours to present a spectacular trip, embarking in May 2011. The 21 day South African Explorer Tour captures the people, the culture, the wildlife and the landscape of this amazing country. See wildlife on game drives, explore the city of Cape Town, and marvel at the Tsitsikama Forest and Addo Elephant National Park. The Wild Coast will enthrall, the Kingdom of Swaziland will be memorable and the Kruger National Park will showcase Africa’s natural grandeur. In Cape Town, travellers will see the Bo Kapp Museum, the Company Gardens and the Castle. A highlight will be Table Mountain; take a cable car to the top and see 360 degree views. Travel to the renowned wine region of Stellenbosch and Paarl, and enjoy a full day tour to the Cape of Good Hope, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Swellendam is the third oldest city in South Africa and nearby Hermanus is the best land-based whale watching site in Africa. Travellers will remember a sunset cruise on the Knysna lagoon, followed by dinner on the boat. The Addo Elephant National Park a short drive from Port Elizabeth – is a 20,000ha sanctuary for elephants, buffalo, black rhino and beetles. Former South African president Nelson Mandela was born on the Wild Coast and today, the coast is still stunning, with untouched beaches between rolling green hills.

Here, the party is allocated a day of relaxation and walking to explore the natural beauty. Games drives throughout the tour will give travellers the chance to see animals in the wild near Hluhluwe. The Kingdom of Swaziland is renowned for its handcrafts, particularly glass and candles, and the tour will visit factories where craftspeople will be at work. Next day, return to South Africa and visit Kruger National Park, a major park spanning 350km long and 54km wide. An open game drive will give travellers the chance to spot Africa’s famous animals in their natural habitat. The tour will encompass the stunning Panorama Route, which follows the edge of the Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in the world. Stay at a hotel within walking distance of the famed Victoria Falls and cross the border into Botswana to travel around Chobe National Park. Returning to Victoria Falls, travellers can enjoy a free day; choose from a helicopter ride, whitewater rafting, walks, drives and even bungy jumping. The Mackies, of Meeniyan, are regarded as wonderful hosts and promise to look after Jetset clients on this tour. Enjoy accommodation in lodges, hotels and chalet accommodation throughout, as well as most meals and national park entry. The tour includes return airfares and airport transfers to and from Leongatha, and ample leisure time is offered. Jetset is hosting a ﬁlm and information evening about this tour on Thursday, October 7 at 7.30pm, in Meeting Room Two at Leongatha Memorial Hall. RSVP essential for catering.

Wildlife wonder: see rhinos in their habitat.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”,, Tuesday, y, September p 21,, 2010

Stage fun coming soon By Bianca Fear, work experience

A $2 MILLION development is currently underway at St Laurence’s Primary School, Leongatha. The school will have a new performing arts and sports centre by the end of this month, offering students new opportunities. Work started in June. The facility holds a gym for sport, a stage for drama, a kitchen area, toilets and a conference room. An information and communications technology hub is also being built on the end of the library. The ICT hub will have 30 new computers for the students to use and will be ﬁnished in October. This new area will not only be for the

school to use, but the community as well. “It’s all about spreading out and sharing resources,” principal Robyn Halliwell said. The school offers many individualised learning programs including Reading Recovery, Extending Mathematical Understanding and Mathletics. The children are looking forward to using the new stage, computers and kitchen area. Having these facilities at hand will give students a variety of choices in the future. The new improvement to the school will be a well looked after and well loved community space. The project has been funded by the Federal Government, as part of the Building Education Revolution program.

Acting up: Liam Parnell, Michaeleah Stephens and Lily Bennett cannot wait for the new arts centre to be ﬁnished.

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star

s r e w o p e c i l o e n New p o y n a h c r a e to s . s n o p a for we . e m i t y n A . e r e Anywh Tough new laws now give police the power to search anyone for weapons. Anywhere. Anytime. And they’ll have the latest technology to help. If you’re caught with a knife, you’ll get a $1000 ﬁne. On the spot. If you’re in or near a licensed venue, it’s $2000. Carrying any weapon for self defence is no excuse and it’s against the law. You could end up with a criminal record. Even jail. So if you’re carrying a weapon, make no mistake – we’ll get you. For more information go to www.justice.vic.gov.au/weapons

CARRY A WEAPON

WE’LL GET YOU!

One year ago, September 22, 2009 MURRAY Goulburn workers were evacuated from the Leongatha factory after a gas leak on Friday. Liquid natural gas seeped from a cracked valve in the truck refuelling bay, forcing the temporary closure of Yarragon Road. **** KORUMBURRA Police are looking for an offender who shot a projectile through the window of Korumburra Marine recently, causing $4700 damage. The incident was not the ﬁrst for the town, nor the region. Five years ago, September 20, 2005 FIRE destroyed a classroom and general purpose/ library area of the Tarwin Valley Primary School at Meeniyan yesterday morning, Monday September 9. The Grade 2/3 classroom, which is at the rear of the school, went up in ﬂames and smoke in seconds. **** THE COMMUNITY wants the Dumbalk school to remain open. Many parents of Dumbalk and district students want it to stay open.

10 years ago, September 19, 2000 T W E N T Y- T H R E E musicians from South Gippsland will never play on a bigger stage or for a bigger audience than they did on Friday night. They were part of the 2000 strong marching band that opened the Sydney Olympic Games. **** FUEL prices are set to go even higher as the northern hemisphere approaches its winter and demand for crude oil increases. That was the tip from Stuart Evans of local distributors, Evans Petroleum. 30 years ago, September 23, 1980 LEONGATHA Chamber of Commerce last week set up three committees to look at problems besetting traders. The meeting of 10 shopkeepers organised committees to press for improved street lighting and more centralised car parking. **** Woolworths were offering a nice price on chicken compared to today’s standards in the 1980 edition of The Star. A whole chicken cost just $1.99.

’Burra in good hands

KORUMBURRA Business Association members have been gearing up for the silly season and have almost got their Christmas arrangements in place.

Plans for a festive streetscape are “going along all right”, according to KBA president Doug White. The association is preparing to sponsor the Halloween scarecrow competition which is part of the lead up to October festivities at the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum. Support from the broader business community is being strongly encouraged, as the drawcard event beneﬁts the whole town. The group is happy that it appears plans for the Rossi redevelopment are to be altered, changing the facade to be more in keeping with the overall fell of the town. “Joe Rossi seems to be listening to people’s concerns and has made adjustments,” Mr White said. Rezoning of the saleyards site is imminent and all involved are keen for the future of the site to become clearer. The association’s AGM will be held on October 20. Momentum is being generated and there may be new ofﬁce bearers come next month.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 17

Noisy protest against poverty LEONGATHA’S South Coast Christian College and St Peter’s Anglican Church joined the world wide campaign to Stand Up to Eradicate Poverty on Friday.

Along with 173 million people around the globe, including 225,000 Australians as part of the world’s largest mobilisation seeking to end global poverty, students, teachers and staff at the college and St Peter’s supporters made a lot of noise every hour on the hour in support of the Millennium Development Goals. The goals include: • eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; • achieve universal primary education; • promote gender equality and empower women; • reduce child mortality; • improve maternal health; • combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and

other diseases; and • ensure environmental sustainability. In 2000 all 191 member countries of the United Nations – including Australia – committed to eight targets to halve poverty by 2015. This unprecedented global plan is a crucial step towards making poverty history. However with just five years to go until 2015 progress is too slow. Urgent action must be taken by nations if they are to fulfill their promise to achieve the goals. This declaration was read out to the students at the college and at St Peter’s by campaign co-ordinator Johanna Haasjes. “We are standing now with millions around the world on this symbolic day to show our commitment to the fight against extreme poverty and inequality,” she said. “We are standing because we refuse to accept more excuses in a world where 50,000 people die every day as

a result of extreme poverty and the gap between rich and poor is getting wider. “We are standing because we want our leaders to honour their promises to meet the MDGs and we ask them to exceed these goals. “We join in solidarity with people from hundreds of countries to say to the leaders of the wealthy countries, we urge you to keep your promises on poverty-debt cancellation, more and better aid, trade justice, climate change and gender equality. “To the leaders of poorer countries, make it your first responsibility to save the lives of your poorest citizens. We ask you to tackle inequality, to be accountable to your people, to govern fairly and justly, to fight corruption and to fulfill human rights. “We are asking not for charity but for justice. We are millions of voices standing in solidarity to say, ‘No more excuses. End poverty now together’.

Above: Shake against poverty: South Coast Christian College students Patrick Dunia, Caleb Chatelier, Luke Malherbe, Amber Hansson and Harriett Steenholdt made a lot of noise.

Left: Stand up: Christina Eaves, a student of South Coast Christian College, was happy to join her school community in support of eradicating poverty on Friday.

End poverty now: Samuel and Lachlan Ellen, and their mother Laura, Johanna Haasjes, Christine Hibma, Rosemary Abbey and Josie Bleeser joined the campaign against poverty at Leongatha’s St Peter’s Anglican Church on Friday.

Council saves a fortune Party-goers rush to Buffalo A PROACTIVE apMORE than 120 people ﬁlled the Buffalo Hall for the Frisky Friesians and Jersey Jocks Black Tie Ball.

proach to risk and safety at South Gippsland Shire Council has saved more than $360,000 in Workcover premiums over the past seven years.

That effort has significantly reduced the number of accidents and days lost as a result. This year alone, the premium has been reduced by $94,670 - a decrease of 21 per cent. The period coincides with the employment of Judith Middleton as occupational health and safety / return to work officer in 2002 and the rigorous implementation and continuous review of Council’s Safety Management Plan. “Staff have been extensively trained in safety awareness, and have been encouraged to report minor incidents that are addressed before they snowball into bigger injuries, and this has certainly paid off,” said CEO Tim Tamlin. “Judith in particular is to be congratulated for her outstanding work, but it has also been a team effort from all staff that ultimately benefits our community as well.” Among the proactive health and wellbeing programs that council has conducted over the past few months are voluntary staff health checks, and a Road Warrior Program for out-

Top job: Judith Middleton and Bret McLean with council’s certiﬁcate of conformity. door staff. “By nature of their jobs, many of our outdoor employees are constantly driving machinery and trucks that can affect their posture,” Ms Middleton said. “They are often away from their home base and the temptation is to grab less healthy food from takeaway places. “The Road Warrior Program has taught them how to stretch and exercise on the job to protect their bodies against injury, and how to make healthier choices with their food.” Council is audited annually for its occupational health and safety standards, and at its last audit received the high distinction of a 100 per cent compliance report. This outstanding result was achieved by the safety

processes that included: • pre-purchase safety assessments prior to ordering goods; • regular workplace inspections to ensure workplaces are free of hazards; • risk assessments conducted prior to commencement of tasks to identify possible risks to employees and the public; • personal protective equipment worn at all times; • policies and procedures conforming to safety legislation; • ensuring staff is trained to perform the job safely; • management support by promoting health and wellbeing programs; and • safe storage of materials and chemicals.

Held by South Gippsland Young Farmers, the dance featured DJ Truck’n with Tim and entertainment early into the morning. The club will soon host a Girls Night In barbecue at Leongatha to raise money for breast cancer awareness, and men and women are welcome. Speed dating night is also in the pipeline. For more information about the club, see the website southgippslandyoungfarmers@hotmail.com or phone 0407 476 368.

Entertaining times: Ciara Cullen, Paxton Cash and Rob Saario, with Jy Rantall (front).

Above: Social occasion: Mark Calder, Amanda Quaife, Nicole Harvey and Mark Gurney relish the fun. Right: Laugh a minute: Karli Densley (front) with Bek Tyler and Samantha Macleod.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Crazy bird season SWOOPING season is upon us again.

HPV racers: the drivers of “Synergy,” from left: Alyshia Winter, Tom McFarlane, Tim Sauvarin, Louis Riseley, Tyla Riley, Elly Egan and Felicity Warren with Kaj Patterson.

Human powered success A TEAM of Leongatha Primary School students came second at a human powered vehicle race at Maroondah recently. The A team of eight riders, riding in their HPV called “Synergy”, completed 98 laps of 1.4km over six hours at the event. They lost to the winner, Red Rocket, by just one lap, but beat 21 other teams including two other entries from the school. “Camry” ﬁnished in fourth place

and “Prius” was in 14th. The HPVs are named for sponsor Knights Toyota. The day, Sunday, September 12, was perfect for racing with sunny to moderately cloudy conditions. Kaj Patterson achieved the fastest lap of 2.57.7. Students appreciated the encouragement from team-mates and families on the sidelines. Their parents were integral to making the event a success. Students were chosen for the HPV teams following an endurance

Bass Coast residents are being reminded to keep an eye out for Australian Magpies, Masked Lapwings (previously known as the Spur Winged Plover) and other birds that swoop to defend their nests. Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Safety Manager, Philippa O’Halloran said the most important strategy to deal with a swooping bird defending its nest is to keep as far away as possible, until the young birds have left the nest. Exchanging knowledge about swooping hotspots is a tactic to avoid swoop attacks and taking extra precautions when around the area. “This year, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has developed the ‘Victorian Magpie Map’ and are advising Victorians who are swooped by any species of bird to report the incident, so that they can update the community on some of the swooping hotspots throughout Victoria,” Ms O’Halloran said. Residents can contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on telephone 138 186, or via email on swoop.vic@dse.vic. gov.au to submit a swooping hotspot to Victoria’s Magpie Map.

Ms O’Halloran encouraged residents to visit the DSE website at www.dse.vic. gov.au/swoop to download a Swoop Off kit. “It contains top tips to protect yourself against swooping birds and printable images of eyes which can be attached the back of a hat or bike helmets,” she said. Some of these top tips to reduce the risk posed by swooping birds include: • wearing a hat or bike helmet to protect your head; • wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes; • if you ride a bike, attaching long cable ties protruding from the top of your helmet; • putting up an umbrella while crossing the swooping area; and •dismounting your bike when walking past the immediate area. Ms O’Halloran said some of these strategies may not work against some birds, but they may be useful when avoidance of the area is not possible. “Above all, do not to scare or attack the bird. It’s illegal to harm native wildlife and an aggressive response can make the swooping behaviour worse,” she said. For more information or to download a kit go to www.dse.vic.gov.au/swoop

test and the school cross country. Testing in the vehicles at the velodrome determined the team makeup. Students practised around the basketball courts at the school on Thursdays and Fridays. The big test for the students is at Maryborough on November 17 where they will face 14 hours in two blocks. They will have to strip the HPV and rebuild the shell, and prepare a drama presentation before then.

Watch out: a Masked Lapwing (previously called a Spur Wing Plover) is one of the birds swooping this spring.

Scientists estimate that Victoria could be facing the worst locust plague since the 1930s. To help reduce the damage, there are things we all need to do. Monitor your

providing a 100% rebate on the chemicals listed for locust treatment. The Government has ordered $4.2 million worth of chemicals to treat locusts on public land. You need

landholders about the range and use of chemicals. Meetings are also being held to ensure an effective collaboration between government and landholders. Remember, you must

property. Farmers and other landholders have a legal responsibility to report egg beds and locust activity to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and to chemically treat locusts on their land. The Victorian Government is

to prepare to chemically treat locusts on your land. Seek advice from chemical suppliers and agronomists about the most appropriate chemicals for your situation. DPI has developed a new online tool that will help inform

monitor your property and report any activity urgently to the DPI Locust Hotline 1300 135 559 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts

DPI0078_LEO_75

Locust control starts at your place.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 19

Landscape inspires moods

AN ARRAY of paintings using weather as a metaphor for human feelings will open at the Meeniyan Art Gallery on Sunday (September 26). Julie-anne Armstrong-Roper has for the past 10 years explored

the themes of human emotion. “These works are not purely landscape, but in most cases they are abstractions where I have used the weather as a metaphor for the emotive changes we experience through our lives,” she said. “I use the sky in all its moods not only to communicate my own

emotions, but also to invoke an emphatic response from the audience, uniting the external with the internal.” Her latest series of works, “Soliloquy, Sanctuary and Silhouette”, uses the whole landscape to express a feeling of isolation and the sense of human

frailty exposed to the elements. “They are works which express the sense of solitude that the Australian landscape evokes,” she said. The exhibition will open ofﬁcially from 2 to 4pm on Sunday and continue until October 28.

Moving work: Sanctuary-storm clouds closing, oil on canvas.

Creative kids on show STUDENTS at Fish Creek Primary School showcased their artwork at an exhibition at Celia Rosser Gallery last weekend.

Young talent: Fish Creek Primary School artists Chanelle, Darcy, Gareth, Daniel, Crystal, Erin and Carmen.

Most children contributed paintings, but the centrepiece of the display was the quirky collection of assemblage sculptures created by senior students. Gallery director Andrew Rosser generously provided the venue to showcase the children’s work, as a celebration of the reopening of the gallery after the winter break. The exhibition opened on Friday and closed yesterday.

Magical art at Invy hub

On display at Inverloch: Nerrena artist Bub Clarke, with her piece titled Textured Mess.

NERRENA artist Bub Clark is featured at the Inverloch Community Hub exhibition space for September. The exhibition titled “Feel Free” follows a successful first exhibition in Leongatha recently. “I enjoy painting magical things like dragonflies and butterflies and using texture on canvas,” Bub said. “I am inspired by the number of artists around South Gippsland and Bass Coast, with young children and work commitments, who can still manage to paint great pieces” Bub’s interest in painting began at school in Year 7. “It took a back seat for quite a few years while I focused on my four young children and my husband, then five or six years ago I started painting again,” she

said. The self taught artist will be at the hub until September 30. Access to the gallery area is free and open from 9am –

5pm, Monday to Friday and weekends by request. The space is booked solid until April 2011. For more information contact 1300 226 278.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

• OBITUARY

Famous for many reasons

Family man: Leo McGrath enjoyed many interests, most notably his big family.

BORN in Korumburra on September 30, 1923 Leo Francis McGrath of Ogilvy Street, Leongatha died on July 7, 2010. He was aged 87. Leo was one of the ﬁve children of Tom and Tess McGrath, farmers at Bena. Before the family moved to Croydon, Leo had started school at Bena, then continued his primary school days at Preston, completing his education with the Christian Brothers at the Abbotsford Technical School. Leo began an apprenticeship as an electrician in North Melbourne. One day while working in Kew with his employer, he came across the Sullivan brothers, also electricians from Korumburra, who offered him a job back in Korumburra. Leo and his future wife Joy went to school together and eventually became deb partners. Joy and Leo were married on January 27, 1947 at Sacred Heart Church, Preston and 63 years later are extremely proud to have six children, 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Leo was an avid sportsman. While living in Melbourne he played football for the Fitzroy Under 19s. He also coached and played for Pres-

ton YCW. On moving to Bena, he continued his football career for many years. Finally he took up golf to get away from his football. He also was a oneeyed Magpies supporter. Well known throughout the district, Leo spent 20 years as a bulldozing contractor with brothers Vin and Ed, constructing dams, clearing bush and making roads. He worked for the Cranbourne and Korumburra shires driving a grader, completing his working life at Korumburra Shire as a construction foreman. When the McGraths lived at Bena, Leo was famous for his garden on the nature strip of his home, along the South Gippsland Highway, where he grew great vegetables and dahlias. He became something of a local legend of Bena, known as the garden gnome sitting in his vegie patch. He was well known by many primary schools throughout the district, as a special Santa. Leo also enjoyed playing and calling bingo, especially at the Korumburra Golf Club. Dedicated to his religion, Leo always drove Joy and the family to Mass on Sunday, returning home for the traditional roast lunch. For recreation Leo liked noth-

ing better than his fishing. He would spend many hours wetting a line at Venus Bay, Black’s Beach and night fishing on the beach in the Inverloch channel. In the early days before Leo had a boat he would charter a boat out of Corinella and Port Welshpool, and every Australia Day he would organise a fishing trip for the kids. Later years when he got his own boat he discovered Waratah Bay, getting to know the bay so well there were few days that he did not get fish. Around Waratah Bay and Cape Liptrap were also favourite spots. When Leo retired from work at 65 he thought that his life was over, but for the next 21 years he made the best of life, fishing and travelling to Queensland over the winter months. Right up to the last minutes of his life Leo continued to make jokes and give the family the direction. He leaves his wife Joy and family Mary, John, Peter, Philip, Patricia, Clare and grandchildren. After Rosary and Mass at St Laurence’s Church Leongatha on June 12, 2010 the funeral left for the Korumburra Cemetery.

Garden nuptials ANNE-MARIE Jansen and Christopher Wall were married at the Gable Gardens, Warragul on March 20, 2010. The ceremony was conducted by Cam Abood and witnessed by 150 guests. The bride wore a lace pencil dress and her bridesmaids wore similar style dresses. Her best friend, Michaela Eagle, was her maid-of-honour, and Stacey Harris and Sheridan Osmond made up the trio. Christopher’s groomsmen were headed by Michael Beyer, his best man, Joseph Nobile and Chris Stretton, who were dressed in charcoal grey pinstripe suits. Matthew and Sarah Jefferis were the couple’s ﬂowergirl and pageboy. The couple honeymooned in Tasmania for one week and headed back to their home in Magical day: Anne-Marie and Christopher Wall. Leongatha.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 21

Teens rush for books THE teachers at Korumburra Secondary College are focused on improving students’ literacy and are making great progress.

The school uses Professor John Munro’s High Reliability Literacy Teaching Procedures in their approach to literacy throughout the college. Critical peer and selfassessment, greater awareness of audience and purpose, and more emphasis on the writing process has been reinforced in writing workshops, with a focus on the quality of writing. Students have been given a greater say in their choice of the topic and are encouraged to submit their work for publication in the student newspaper SPress. “High level skills in

literacy and numeracy are critical to enabling all young people to achieve success,” principal Lynne Hardy said. National Literacy and Numeracy Week was held recently. This is an Australian Government initiative in collaboration with school communities to highlight the importance of effective literacy and numeracy skills for young people. “Discussions about the language used by particular authors and professional writers have become commonplace as students’ awareness of the impact of their language and authorial choices increases,” Ms Hardy said. “Students are being encouraged to recognise good writing and the ability to inﬂuence particular audiences as life-long skills necessary for effective participation in society.’

Literate life: librarian Marcia Ryan instils an appreciation of literature to a Year 8 class. Learning time: Ricky Carvill enjoys his library lesson.

Japanese speakers impress By Tayla Kershaw THREE Wonthaggi Secondary College students tested their skills at the Junior Japanese Speech Competition in Melbourne recently.

Competing against Melbourne schools, the students memorised a set speech about summer activities spanning 60 seconds, as well as giving their own talk. Year 10 student Matt Carew prepared a speech two weeks in advance about his love for animals. “It was worth it,” he said. The 15-year-old student felt no nervousness until he learnt he was the first to speak. Nevertheless he did extremely well, making no mistakes and feeling confident once he started. Despite his efforts, Matt received a participation certificate.

“I came away one packet of somen noodles richer,” he joked. Sean Main and Katelyn Benetti entered as a pair. Both were required to remember the set speech individually, but organised their own speech together. They spent a month preparing a speech about birthdays and had a time limit of 90 seconds. Sean was definitely feeling the nerves beforehand, but the pair spoke with excellent fluency and gave a tremendous effort. Sean has decided to enter again, but will try to improve his performance by choosing a different topic. However, he would not consider it without his partner. “No way, I’d scream and run out of the room,” he laughed. Sean and Katelyn also received participation certificates. Wonthaggi’s Japanese teacher, Kenji Misawa was proud of his students.

Artist inspires children

Nature lover: artist Celia Rosser chats with students Fasika, Evy and Kye.

BOTANICAL artist Celia Rosser captured the imaginations of boys and girls when she visited Tarwin Lower Primary School. The Fish Creek artist shared life stories, including her work on ﬁnding and recording more than 72 species of Australian banksias. Her three volume collection is held at Monash University and a copy was also presented to Queen Elizabeth 2. Celia Rosser’s gallery is open to visitors to view local arts and prints of her stunning work.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Cath Davies and Pat Molden (27th, 29th, 30th, Oct 1), National Bank (Tues 28), S. Birch and Uniting Church Guild will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning September 27, 2010.

Milpara Community House News Milpara Community House at 21 Shellcott’s Road, Korumburra will be closed over the school holidays and will reopen on Monday, October 4 at 9.30am. Our Centrelink agency will remain open on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm and Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm. ****** Painting and drawing classes will commence on October 11 from 12.30-3.30pm. This course teaches oils, acrylic, pastels, water colour or any other media. For bookings and enquiries please contact Belinda or Sandra on 5655 2524 after October 4. ****** We have vacancies for our next Well Women’s Clinic, which will be held on Wednesday, October 13 with Evie Harle from Gippsland Southern Health Service. This service provides pap smears, blood pressure checks and women’s health information. Bookings through Milpara Community House are essential. ****** Do you know of a new Australian who needs to improve their English? Lyn Drury teaches English as a Second Language for migrants and classes are held on Tuesdays from 10am to noon and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. ****** Would you like to discover how the internet can play a great part in helping to stay in touch with friends and family if you are 50 or over? Come along to our Broadband for Seniors program which is funded by the Australian Government. You can book into a course with a volunteer tutor or just come in to use the computers. Please call 5655 2524 for bookings.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Listening the key for youth “HEAD 2 Head 4 Youth” was the title given to a forum held at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Leongatha recently.

Gippsland Mothers’ Union, together with the Leongatha branch were challenged to host the event by Bishop of Gippsland John McIntyre, who asked the church to make connections with young people. Karin McKenzie, president of Leongatha MU, said the most important first step was to listen to young people. That was the aim of the forum, which lured people from South Gippsland, Moe, Warragul, Newborough and Sale. The evening began and ended with a performance by the Worship Band of the South Coast Christian College. Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College students presented a video about what young people liked about living in South Gippsland and Bass Coast: time spent with friends was most frequently mentioned, as well as the clean environment, the beaches, the range of after school activities and the way people treat each other. When asked about the limitations of living in the country, the students mentioned the difficulties of transport, and the need to leave the area to access tertiary education, employment and bigger entertainment venues. The theme of transport was further developed by Phoebe Kuhne and Georgie Wray-McCann of Leongatha Secondary College, who spoke about how the issue affects young people, stressing the need for public transport connections to fit in with after-school, weekend and holiday activities. Luke Toohill introduced the RYOT (Radical Youth of the Truth) team leaders and showed a video made by the young people in this Christian youth program based at St Peter’s Anglican Church. The video depicted young people’s activities, from rock climbing, worship and beach trips to sharing stories around a bonfire. Leader Paul Bracken spoke about the beliefs that underpin the program: • life is meaningful, an awesome gift worth

Panel members: Dr Harvey Miller, Jenny Hammett, Tom Killingbeck and Sophie Dixon. living; • each person has a value which can not be measured by external successes; • each person has a purpose, and leaves a mark no one else can; and • the desire to belong is good, and we can build positive communities. The program welcomes 12 to 23-year-olds and encompasses separate groups for younger and older girls and guys as well as occasions when the whole group gets together – sometimes as many as 60 young people. Contact Paul on 5662 5037 for more information. Family counsellor Dr Harvey Miller spoke of the six key characteristics of effective families. He explained that strong, resilient families who were able to survive crises successfully: • spent time expressing appreciation of and to each other; • spent time together; • had good communication patterns, especially listening well; • were committed to promoting each other’s happiness and well-being; • had a high degree of spirituality and/or religious orientation, acknowledging there were values higher than themselves; and

• were able to resolve crises constructively, focusing on the positive. These ideas were also taken up by Jenny Hammett, an expert on youth pathways, who talked about the many pathways possible in life. Sarah Brown, singer and songwriter, performed one of her own compositions. Her song stressed the value of each individual: the line “Your life is a reason to dance” stood out. Tom Killingbeck, Youth Minister at Warragul, was welcomed back to Leongatha, his former home, for the forum. Tom spoke about youth spirituality and its importance to the majority of young people in the world today. Although 23 per cent of young Australians see themselves as “very” or “pretty” spiritual, there are few resources provided to assist them in nurturing this aspect of their lives – a big contrast to the large resources devoted to the intellectual and physical needs of young people. Sophie Dixon, community strengthening and support ofﬁcer for South Gippsland Shire Council, spoke about the Youth Council program. Thilo Schweizer, a Rotary Youth Exchange student from Switzerland currently living in Leongatha, spoke about his experiences since arriving in Australia in August.

Star roles: Jason and Jacob as the heroes of the musical.

Rock stars enthral FAMILIES and friends of Tarwin Valley Primary School were entertained when students embarked on a quest to perform a rock musical recently. The performance featured song, dance and drama as the two leading characters set out on a quest to defeat the evil Orica by collecting the colours of the rainbow from various fairy-tale characters. Each class presented a dance routine, with a number of students acting in leading roles.

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Partnership endeavours are accented through the week. This is an excellent time for launching or strengthening a business or personal relationship. Cultural rather than social activities are highlighted. TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

This is the week to toot your own horn - you are the best salesperson of your strengths. Don’t be shy in romance or in career matters. Tell the whole world why it should respect you. GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

A downcast friend ﬁnds something to cheer about and a demanding relative becomes more open-minded. Your loved one resists surprises. Think twice before making controversial business statements. CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Much fun this week happens close to home. Family reunions beneﬁt from your sense of humour. If planning a major event, double check that another engagement is not set for the same date. LEO - July 23 - August 22

You excel in the role of generalist. An ability to know something about any topic wins applause at home and at work. In business dealings, the keyword is compromise. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

A loved one sets out to pamper you, but your independent streak may surface at the same time. Avoid making controversial statements. An educational advancement could give you the edge. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

If involved in a debate, don’t be too hasty to give in on the most important points. Real estate transactions may be favourable. Your prestige increases on the weekend. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

A dispute may grow out of your procrastination and/or a loved one’s growing impatience. A glamorous event is highlighted on the weekend. New friends offer wise suggestions. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Communications are stressed. News from overseas may arrive after a series of delays. You excel in writing reports and making speeches. A loved one may be difﬁcult to please. CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

The week ﬁnds you outspoken, lively and energetic and making key strides in areas of romance and your career. The key is to outline your goals more clearly. This is a great time to improve your people skills. AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

Be more trusting of a loved one and more observant in general. Intuition is strong through the weekend. A clash with a supervisor may be narrowly avoided. Travel is a surprise highlight. PISCES - February 20 - March 20

You may have let recent acquaintances dominate your life, but best times are now spent with dear old friends. An academic achievement is accented through this week. BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

Neatness is your middle name and you run your life with precision. You are not a mingler, but your quiet charms don’t go unnoticed. You can be surprisingly enterprising through the next ﬁve or six months. More opportunities than usual come knocking during the next twelve months.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, September 22: 11am St Peter’s MidWeek HC. Sunday, September 26: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Family Service, 10.30am Union Church (St Andrew’s, Tarwin Lower) MP. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am. ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am. ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion. CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984. 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. 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 Wednesdays 4pm Guide Hall. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455. THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or

5672 4660. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School 11.30am. CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday. Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday. Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays. St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass. Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass. Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass. KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214. GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at the 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 Claire Emerton or Lieutenant Rachael Collins, ph. 5662 5122. SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship. Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228. PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette

0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump 5662 2107. CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. Teaching service at 7.30pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2762. Minister: Rev. Ron Nauta. UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, September 26, 9am and 10.45am. Tarwin Lower: 10.30am. Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday. BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Phone 5658 1366. BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769. MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall. COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm. SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627. FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8240

1. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14. 16. 19. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27.

ACROSS Moment (4) Litter (9) Port (4) Duck (4) Panache (4) Overtake (4) Understand (10) Unlikely (10) Dash (4) Terminate (4) Well-ventilated (4) Tug (4) Lawyer (9) Ooze (4)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 12. 13. 15. 17. 18. 20. 21. 23.

DOWN Plod (5) Board game (5) Flow (6) Vendor (6) Measure (4) Residue (9) Liveliness (9) Mark (4) Notice (4) Country (6) Dog (6) Revile (5) Flower (5) Couple (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8240 ACROSS 1. Fame in music (4). 7, Disease a fine tonic can put paid to (9). 8. Caught one having a ice-cream (4). 9. Bolt and it’s in need of repair (4). 10. Having sense, going to a hotel (4). 11. When the sun gets scorching, go (4). 14. It doesn’t automatically mean you’ve reached a turning point (4,6). 16. Struck on the forehead and bullied (10). 19. The burden is it’s a private street (4). 22. Having got a hot tip before now (4). 24. She is the one last out (4). 25. Does have parking, but there’s a catch (4). 26. Feeling the coin is not a counterfeit (9). 27. The clue is in pencil (4). DOWN 1. Scores a duck, we’re told (5). 2. Leave on beat music (5). 3. Shut up and have a half of bitter in the local (6). 4. Is told the figure one is paid (6). 5. He doesn’t give you a grilling (4). 6. Catches “legal documents” (9). 12. Going off in the end, are cheered (9). 13. Unbend and what’s wrong with that? (4). 15. A medal formstriking? (4). 17. Quits on the way back due to these occurrences (6). 18. A three-case stand (6). 20. The silly woman that is trapped (5). 21. Back “Little Girl,” the favourite but not a very hot one (5). 23. The vowels, you say, in “comfort” (4).

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 23

SITUATED on top of the ridge overlooking its 66 lush acres to the creek boundary and far beyond, is this highly contemporary and simply stunning home. For more details about this Boolarra South property turn to page 24.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

One out of the box SITED on top of the ridge overlooking its 66 lush acres to the creek boundary and far beyond, is this highly contemporary and simply stunning home.

At a glance: Location: 200 Fox and Fanckes Road, Boolarra South Price: $550,000 - $600,000 Agent: First National Prom Country Contact: Lisa Williams 0438 133 385

The home presents itself to the road as a monolithic charcoal box, punctuated only by an oversized vermillion coloured door that hints of the theatrical drama inside. Once inside, the connection to the natural environment becomes apparent, with ﬂoor-toceiling glazing along the entire length of the living zone opening onto extensive yellowbox decking. Here, indoor activities blend into outdoor ones. The views provide an ever-changing backdrop where you can watch clouds ﬂoat by or storms roll over, and gaze at the night lights of Boolarra below or the Milky Way above. The home comprises two rectangular volumes, a larger communal dwelling with guest bedrooms, complemented by a delectably-private master bedroom suite which is connected by

a gallery. In between is a sheltered “outdoor room” which extends the habitation. Natural light plays an important role in the open-plan living area, creating a bright and spacious mood during the day and a more dramatic mood at twilight when the hills are silhouetted against the darkening sky. Crisp white walls are softened by recycled messmate floors, and a cosy wood fire is juxtaposed against the elements beyond the glass. The kitchen is a foodie’s dreamcomposite stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, twodrawer dishwasher and a built-in Panasonic microwave and Miele Espresso maker. If you like to entertain, the flowing living space sets the perfect stage. The bedrooms are designed to have a different ambience. Although all three bedrooms are large enough to accommodate king-size beds, they are intimate spaces, cocooned by the outer shell, with rich chocolate carpet underfoot. In the main bedroom’s en suite a walk-in shower takes

centre stage, with a floor to ceiling view across the landscape. Outside, there is a four bay steel shed for vehicle parking and storage of farm or gardening equipment. Behind this are the water tanks for crystal-clear water for the house, and close by, the young orchard and vegie garden. There are 66 acres on the title, comprising a combination of sloping pasture and river flats, and approximately five acres of radiata pine. A creek winds its way prettily along the bottom of the property, and long creek frontage provides water for stock. There are two permanent springs and a winter spring in addition. Follow your farming vision or continue with the current arrangement in which a neighbour’s cattle manage your pastures for you, allowing you to simply enjoy a peaceful and private lifestyle. Two hours to Melbourne CBD and within a short distance of Mirboo North, Morwell and Traralgon.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 25

Shambhala T HIS property is known as Shambhala, which means a place of peace, happiness and tranquillity.

The peace is provided by its quiet location, tucked away on O’Neill Street; you’ll love the peace and quiet this location offers. Happiness happens with a huge master bedroom complete with en suite. There are three other bedrooms including another bedroom that has an en suite. With a large level backyard complete with chicken coop and rear lane access, you’ll be happy with the family space that this home offers. Tranquillity will be found relaxing in front of the combustion heater, gazing out the north facing bay window.

There is a lot more to like about this appealing home. The central kitchen has dishwasher, electric stove and slate ﬂooring and two adjoining lounge areas. Reverse cycle ducted air conditioning and ducted vacuum make life comfortable. Ornate ceiling roses, bay window, picture railings, and a glass front entrance door with slate ﬂooring are a perfect accompaniment to this period home. A large decked undercover area accesses a bungalow which offers a fourth bedroom and also includes a toilet. Complete with side and rear lane access to the large backyard, there’s ample space for a trailer, boat or even a caravan. Call today to inspect and get your own little piece of “Shambhala”, that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you realise that this is more than just a house, it’s a home.

At a glance Location: 2 O’Neill Street, Leongatha Price: $305,000 Agent: sole agent, Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 0922.

Prom Country N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

Y N DA PE UR O AT S IS

Fabulous Fifties Favourite

Lifestyle Plus!

Family Fun

Central & Substantial

Packed with character. Spacious kitchen, lounge, 3 bedrooms. Decorative cornices, terracotta roof, gorgeous garden, single garage. Ideal modest home, or investment portfolio addition. INSPECT Sunday @ 12.00 - 12.30pm Address 14 Miller Street, DUMBALK $165,000 - $180,000

This multi-level home is full of drama, including a stunning exposed timber ceiling in the lounge. 3 double BRs, 2 bathrooms. study, 2 living rooms, undercover alfresco dining, and great views! INSPECT Saturday @ 1.00 - 1.30pm Address 10 Scarlett Street MIRBOO NORTH $350,000 - $375,000

This 3 BR home aims to please. The 12yo home provides rural views from the upstairs living room and wraparound deck, & has 2 bathrooms, a downstairs rumpus and garaging for 3 cars. INSPECT Saturday @ 1.00 - 1.30pm Address 3 Grogan Court MIRBOO NORTH $285,000 - $295,000

A short stroll to the shops, this substantial home has ample living space, 3 bedrooms, study, 2 bathrooms & big garage + storage. Rural views, manicured gardens, huge allotment & access to Burchell Lane. INSPECT Saturday @ 12.00 - 12.30pm Address 31 Giles Street MIRBOO NORTH $310,000 - $335,000 Y N DA PE UR O AT S IS

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

Selling Properties

24/7 Farmhouse For The Fastidious

One Out Of The Box!

A gently undulating 8 acre farmlet with privacy and views. Beautiful 3 BR renovated home with many period features. Immaculate garden, orchard, veggies and farm infrastructure inc. excellent shedding. INSPECT By Appointment Address 200 Old Nicholls Road MIRBOO NORTH $450,000 - $475,000 $550,000 - $600,000

Light and nature are integral to the ever-changing mood in this highly contemporary 3BR home with stunning views. Featuring ﬂoor-to-ceiling glazing and messmate ﬂoors in the living zone, extensive decking, fully spec’d kitchen with in-built Miele Espresso maker and SS appliances. 66 acres (mainly pasture) and long creek frontage, orchard, veggies and low maintenance garden. Follow your farming vision or continue with agistment agreement with neighbour. 2 hours Melbourne CBD. INSPECT Sunday @ 1.00 - 1.30pm Address 200 Fox & Fanckes Road BOOLARRA SOUTH N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

Live In Or Rent Out Freshly painted, newly carpeted 3 brm home. Wood heater & air con, lots of built-in robes, timber decked front verandah, low maintenance gardens, & carport. Primary school over rear fence. INSPECT Saturday @ 11.00 - 11.30pm Address 19 Bastin Street, BOOLARRA $175,000 - $189,000

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

Calling All Hobby Farmers!

Rustic Contemporary - On 40 Acres

Ideally set up for hobby farming or niche farming with plenty of good shedding for machinery, and animals, there is scope to revamp while providing country comfort now. On approximately 3.7 acres, with gorgeous views and established farm-style gardens, orchards and veggie garden, this character farm home includes bright kitchen, meals/sitting room, spacious lounge, three bedrooms, bathroom, and mud room. Bonus pool and big bungalow too.

An unapologetic appreciation for classy modern inclusions blends with an earthy love of timbers, trees and sky, resulting in an impeccably appointed, elegantly rustic, country retreat. Features modern, light filled living spaces, stunning views, a meticulous hostess kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 studies, and 2 bathrooms. New shedding, undercover parking, water storage, fenced paddocks and a 40 acre mix of pasture and timbers, round off this substantial rural property, filled with benefits.

INSPECT Sunday @ 1.00 - 1.30pm Address 930 Dollar Road, DOLLAR

INSPECT Sunday @ 1.30 - 2.00pm Address 970 Boolarra-Mirboo North Rd, BOOLARRA

$280,000 - $310,000

93 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan ~ 5664 0224

promcountryre.com.au

lisa williams 0438 133 385

$490,000 - $540,000

84 Ridgway, Mirboo North ~ 5668 1660

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Versatile farm at Boolarra South N

OT far off the Grand Ridge Road outside Mirboo North, on quiet Fishers Road is a 234 acre property which would be ideal for the purchaser seeking an entrylevel dairy farm or beef cattle venture. Alternatively, as the farm possesses two titles, the ﬁrst with 134 acres, house and sheds and the second with 100 acres of bare land, there is the ﬂexibility to become two smaller lifestyle properties. The comfortable three bedroom plus study brick home, featuring high ceilings and modernised kitchen, is set in mature gardens and has a

delightful outlook. An attractive outdoor decked area, as well as verandahs on three sides, guarantee many a pleasant summer’s evening with a single garage located conveniently close to the house. There is a range of excellent sheds, including a 15 aside swingover dairy with auto feed system, three good hay barns and workshop/ equipment sheds with power. The contour of the property is mainly rolling with a small section of hill; there are well-formed laneways providing easy farm management and plenty of farm water is available. Well-established tree lines ensure maximum stock protection and create a wonderful backdrop to

the home. The 100 acre parcel has a choice of great home sites, excellent water supply in the form of a large dam and, being situated on a rural road with very little trafﬁc and the convenience of the school bus passing the door, the ingredients are all in place for a wonderful family lifestyle. On Friday, October 29 at 11am 320 Fishers Road, Boolarra South will be auctioned by Cross Tasman Realty. The main 234 acre parcel will be offered ﬁrst as a whole and, if not sold, will then be offered in two separate lots.

Shed lover’s dream T

HIS appealing weatherboard home has loads of character and is situated only a short distance from the main street. Located on a generous 1004m2 block with rear lane access to the yard and shed, complete with bar and wood heater, the residence comprises three bedrooms, delightfully updated kitchen and meals area and reverse cycle air conditioning. Classic dado walls and high ceilings

complement the era of the home. A neat timber bathroom contains a separate bath and shower and is adjacent to a handy utility room with slate ﬂooring, ideal for gym equipment or play area. The covered deck is nicely elevated to overlook the garden and leads down to another paved entertainment area. This is an ideal home for those looking to be close to the shops or even wishing to invest in a property with long term prospects.

At a glance: Location: 9 Young Street Leongatha Price: $295,000 Agent: Stockdale and Leggo Leongatha Contact: 5662 5800

At a glance: Location: 320 Fishers Road Boolarra South Auction: Friday October 29 at 11am onsite Agent: Cross Tasman Realty 5662 3326 Contact: Gary Walker 0400 106 801

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 27

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Sparkling four bedroom in Valley View G

REAT attention to detail has gone into this stunning brick veneer home, and it’s a credit to its present owners, who have maintained it beautifully. A ﬁne looking clean cut home with great street appeal, when you open the protected front door, step inside and be prepared to be impressed. This is a big home with a wonderful ﬂoor plan and a great atmosphere that will delight you.

The home comprises four bedrooms, each with built-in robes and a magniﬁcent en suite to the main room. The use of timber in this home is very impressive. The kitchen and vanities throughout are all of beautiful blackwood, the colonial architraves and skirting are all of timber as are the beautiful panelled timber doors. All ceilings are nine foot with attractive cornices. The front room is a formal lounge and din-

At a glance: Location: 44 Valley View Parade Korumburra Price:$389, 000 Sole Agent: Stockdale and Leggo Korumburra 5658 1500 Contact: John O’Connor 0416 193 990

ing combined. The kitchen meals and family room is a huge area, just perfect for the way that we live today, a practical ﬂoating ﬂoor nicely complements this area. The cooks in the family will love the beautiful kitchen with its stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher. The home has a fully ducted air conditioning and heating system nicely zoned for complete control.

The family room opens out to a large covered outdoor living area complete with a great open ﬁreplace and chimney. Car accommodation is a generous double garage with space for more than the mower. Sun awnings and gas boosted hot water complete a ﬁne property. The neat garden is fully landscaped, and what a nice job it is. Number 44 Valley View is an impressive property indeed. Your inspection is invited.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 29

Hear without fear LUCY Stevens has always believed South Gippsland is a region in its own right and needed and deserved an audiological service of its own, serving local people. Working as an audiologist since 1978, Lucy started her own practice, Lucy Stevens Audiology in Leongatha in 1996. Located in the Leongatha hospital outbuildings, Lucy has since tested the hearing of many local people, serving the needs of patients young and old. Testing hearing, fitting hearing aids and custom protective ear plugs where required, Lucy is quite convinced that communication is at

the core of her work. She recognises that as patients adapt to hearing loss, their behaviour can change. As one of them told her: “I know because I don’t hear, I don’t listen.” To this end, she and her husband Howard conduct aural rehabilitation classes regularly to help patients to relearn the skills of listening. She believes you have to want to be in communication and encourages her patients to find appropriate options to their situation. Hearing aids have undergone major technological advancement in recent years and are now very effective as well as unobtrusive. With a confidential visit to Lucy

you can be assured of professional service, advice and support with your hearing health. Lucy is available from 9am4.30pm Monday to Friday. Hearing tests are available from the age of three. As an independent practice, Lucy does not supply only one brand of hearing aid but will recommend the best to suit each client. Services are provided to pensioners and veterans, and services other than hearing aids can be delivered to help people with hearing impairments, such as custom ear plugs for swimming or working.

Hear to help: Lucy and Howard Stevens and receptionist, Jan Pye.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 31

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 33

Ivy Mae Archibald was born on September 8 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the ﬁrst child for James and Ella of Inverloch.

MILEY Sienna Lia was born on September 10 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the ﬁrst child for Connie and Frank of Mirboo North and ﬁrst granddaughter for Lino and Sue Giardina, and Tom and Nellie Lia.

Harper Flynn Richards was born on September 7 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital to Matt and Brooke of Boolarra. He is a little brother to Miller, 15 months.

SOPHIE Emma Tonello was born on September 9 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is another gorgeous little girl for Mark and Esther of Wonthaggi and has two big sisters, Alannah, four, and Elise, two.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

YES, IT’S that time of year again, where all roads in September lead to Poowong for the South Gippsland Dairy Expo.

The Verboon family: Dakotah, Harry, Dylan, Clive, Nadine and Alyssia enjoyed the 2009 expo.

The dates to remember are Wednesday, September 29 and Thursday, September 30 at the Poowong Recreation Reserve, Poowong. The Lions Club of Strzelecki will celebrate their eleventh year of providing the local dairy community with an event that showcases the latest in innovation, products and services available to the dairy industry. The focus has always been about showcasing why dairy farmers should take the time to visit the expo and how the event can support their individual businesses. How and why did the South Gippsland Dairy Expo get started? The Strzelecki Lions Club hosted their inaugural dairy expo in 2000, after their members said they wanted to make a contribution to the dairy industry, which involves many local families. The South Gippsland Dairy Expo committee consists of dairy farmers and people from other walks of life. Ten of the inaugural committee members are still involved and play a signiﬁcant role in the dairy expo operation today. During the past 10 years, the dairy expo has raised more than $200,000 for the community. The expo has provided a platform for many community groups to expand their members’ skills, raise money for their organisation and network with like-minded people. Now, what and when in 2010? Let’s start with the fun. It’s more than a handful this year at the dairy expo. Fonterra Milk Australia together with the Poowong Apex Club will be organising the expo’s very own hand milking competition. This competition will feature a few levels of participants; the professionals, the novices and the hopefuls. There is sure to be a heap of froth and bubble and lots of laughs. The dairy expo will hear from Matt Harms and the Money Machine, a session that is supported by South Gippsland Shire Council and Rabobank, and will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 30. The session will involve a farmer panel consisting of Warren and Kerrie Redmond, Andy and Ros Warner, Peter Hanrahan, Rohan and Cindy Marriott and Scott Price of Rabobank. Can we make it? Can we use it? Can we keep it? Come and get it at the Dairy Expo. Major sponsor, Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co Ltd. has a hospitality marquee at the dairy expo. Sit down and enjoy a friendly chat with their ﬁeld staff and their team from Murray Goulburn Farm and Hardware Supplies. Murray Goulburn Co-operative has been the major sponsor of the expo for 10 years; support a company that is loyal to the community. All farmers have the opportunity to attend the Murray Goulburn and Reid Stockfeed breakfast on Thursday morning, September 30. Bookings will be essential. Phone Murray Goulburn on 5662 9666 or Kim Brister from Reid Stockfeeds on 0417 152 855. Each year, as the dairy expo falls within the school holidays, it is important that there are activities for the children. This year they have a space ball machine, jumping castle and mobile nursery, so come along and see the goat, the lamb, the calf, the piglet, a variety of rabbits, the silky

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 35

bantam, the pekin bantam, the duck, the guinea pigs, the turkey, the goose, the quail and long necked tortoises. This activity for the children is sponsored by United Dairy Power. And there is more. Kids CarEd will entertain future young motorists on the Wednesday. Bring the kids along for a hands-on learning experience about road safety. This activity has been sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank – Lang Lang. The Gippsland Dairy Youth Group will be providing some lucky young secondary school students with the opportunity to be mentored in the art of cattle ﬁtting. This activity has been made possible through the sponsorship of Semex. Prizes are on offer and this should be exciting to watch from 11am on Wednesday. Dairy Australia and GippsDairy are proud to once again be associated with the South Gippsland Dairy Expo as Gold Sponsors. Learn more about some of these programs being undertaken in your local region by GippsDairy as well as national programs by Dairy Australia.

Grab a showbag from GippsDairy; it’s brimming with industry information and fun things for kids too. They’ll also have chairs and tables available for the weary as well as tea and coffee for the thirsty. As always the expo sponsors promise to have plenty of exciting new products, services and innovations. So make sure you ﬁnd time to call in and support the exhibitors who support the community. Be sure to visit Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co Ltd, Reid Stockfeeds, Westfalia Warragul, Rabobank, Dairy Australia, GippsDairy, United Dairy Power, Alta Genetics, South Gippsland Shire Council, Yarroweyah Engineering and Alltech Bio-technologies. Burra Foods have kindly sponsored courtesy buses to transport patrons to the event. So which day, or both? We will leave the choice up to you, but make sure you visit the South Gippsland Dairy Expo on Wednesday, September 29 and Thursday, September 30 at the Poowong Recreation Reserve. To ﬁnd out more, phone Deanne Kennedy on 5659 4219 or email deanne@jaydee.net.au

Educational talk: consultant John Mulvany with Dennison dairy farmers Graeme and Chris Anderson at a forum at last year’s expo.

Farmer beneﬁts: Burra Foods’ Nick Adamson.

Lending a hand: Strzelecki Lions Club member Ron Payne and former member Ian Gration at last year’s expo.

Customers love Burra powder BURRA Foods’ new milk powder production plant has received applause from customers. Clients around the world are pleased with the quality of the milk powder produced by the new dryer. So much so, that Burra Foods has more demand than supply, despite a major recruitment drive boosting supplier numbers from 70 to 130. The company has exceeded its milk processing target of 240 million litres, with the dryer expected to operate at 90 per cent capacity during the peak season.

Burra Foods’ general manager of marketing and innovation, Nick Adamson, said even the ﬁrst bag of milk powder produced was saleable. “The plant is reasonably close to doing the type of quality of products that we want,” he said. “The quality of the milk powder that is coming out of the dryer is excellent and is meeting the criteria that our customers are looking for.” The milk powder is not of the average variety, but of a higher grade. “It’s only going to get better as we get used to running the dryer and learn how to drive it to its limit,” Mr Adamson said.

“The dryer has opened up our customer base and that will give us more opportunities for other products.” Almost all milk powder produced is exported. Commissioning of the dryer began in June and the dryer continues to function as expected. Milk supplied by farmers is meeting Burra Foods’ stringent microbiological requirements, as well as fat and protein needs. Suppliers receive a premium from Burra Foods that boosts their income by $25,000 and improves cash ﬂow by about $35,000.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Soil must come first FERTILISER can be a fraught subject for farmers but TNN distributor Adrian Ward believes it doesn’t

have to be like that. He distributes TNN products which he believes deliver the results farmers are looking for. “It’s all about nutrition,” he said. Though the approach he advocates may not be mainstream the beneﬁts are beginning to be identiﬁed by many, according to Mr Ward. “I’ve got a client who had been cutting his neighbor’s hay and silage and he said to me, ‘I don’t need you to convince me, I’ve seen his (pasture’s) improvement over four years’.” Soil is a living system and the fertiliser programs he prescribes have a biological basis. Soil tests are undertaken to determine the nutrient status of soils and a program is devised on this basis. Soil amelioration can be expensive and farmers are sensitive to the bottom line. When comparing products, price is

only one indicator and delivery of nutrient into the soil is a complex issue. Some farmers spend more than their counterparts on fertilisers but have lower fodder and animal health bills. “We work within client’s budgets and from where the soil is at towards improvement,” Mr Ward said. There is a comprehensive range of solid and liquid fertilisers available. One area of importance is the ratio between calcium and magnesium. Mr Ward asserts that if you can bring these two macro nutrients into balance, moving towards the ideal ratio, this supports the full suite of nutrients becoming plant available. Plant availability is enhanced by microbial activity within living systems and the products seek to support and enhance microbial activity so that it can stabilise and recycle nutrient within

the system. “A healthy microbial population can harness free nitrogen from the air,” he said. Mr Ward believes this is a far more effective method, both in terms of cost and productivity gains. Nutrient deﬁciencies don’t necessarily show up visually but testing these days provides a pretty accurate picture. Improvements in soil testing methods and accuracy have been matched by corresponding technical advances in product development and efﬁcacy. According to Mr Ward, all of the inputs can be mixed and many of the formulas are already blended to balance nutrients and minimise losses from leaching, volatilisation or lock up. “Advancing technology is improving the delivery of nutrients over the short, medium and long term,” he said.

Fertile ideas: Adrian Ward can offer fertiliser alternatives.

• VLE LEONGATHA

Bullocks return to market SUPPLY remained unchanged, but the composition of the yarding altered with more bullocks and fewer young cattle penned. One very noticeable difference was the quality of the bullocks, which was very good. The competition was better at times, and demand was very strong across most classes and grades of cattle. This

saw prices average unchanged after allowing for quality changes. The smaller penning of 150 young cattle included very few vealers. These made between 188c and 228c/kg for most sales. A small supply of yearling steers was of mixed quality with the best condition steers making from 182c to 188c, while most of the heifers made between 173c and 192c/kg. Quality was the fea-

ture of the 485 bullocks and steers that sold to extra competition, with one interstate buyer present. Most of the heavy yearlings and prime bullocks made over 190c, ranging between 188c and 197c/kg. Steers mouthed 0 to 2 teeth made to a top of 196.2c, and including these the average for C muscle cattle was 192.5c/kg. However, the very good quality will return unchanged results for processors. Manufacturing bullocks were generally large and of good quality, which is why prices were mostly from 165c

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw September 22 & 23 1. Alex Scott 2. David Phelan 3. Elders 4. Landmark 1. Rodwells 6. SEJ

SALE DATES

PAKENHAM Monday, Sept 27 Prime Sale - 8.30am Tuesday, Sept 28 Export Sale - 8.30am Thursday, Sept 30 Store Sale - 10am LEONGATHA Wednesday, Sept 22 Prime Sale - 8am Thursday, Sept 23 Store Sale - 10am Friday, Sept 24 Alex Scott Dairy Sale - 12.30pm Monday, Sept 27 Landmark Dairy Sale - 11am

to 185c/kg. Around 420 cows were penned, and while there were some good quality beef cows penned, most of the yarding was Friesian cows of large frame, but varying quality. Demand varied, which saw prices range from 4c cheaper to 6c/ kg dearer. Overall they were unchanged, with better quality beef cows

making from 153c to 167c/kg. Some of the very heavy Friesian cows were in very good condition and made between 148c and 162c, while the leaner cows made mostly from 110c to 146c/kg. The carcass weight price average was estimated at 1c lower, being 305c/kg.

Wednesday, September 15 BULLOCKS 12 Langmoor Farms, Fish Creek 28 R. & R. Findlay, Leongatha 14 M. Hunter, Devon 10 Blue Goat Const. Fish Creek 50 Lilley Park, Yarram 10 T. & J. Steer, Inverloch

648kg 662kg 666kg 590kg 609kg 605kg

196.2 195.1 195.0 194.4 193.3 192.0

$1272 $1292 $1299 $1146 $1177 $1161

STEERS 1 Langmoor Farm, Fish Creek 15 Condoluci Produce, Leongatha 9 K.A. & J.E. McAlpine, Leongatha 18 A. & M. Roberts, Leongatha 23 A.P. Brown, Wattlc Bank 14 B. Carr, West Creek

400kg 522kg 512kg 561kg 581kg 569kg

227.6 196.0 194.8 194.4 194.1 192.6

$910 $1023 $997 $1092 $1127 $1095

COWS 1 F.M. Schellekens, Bass 1 R.J. & J.A. Buchanan, Bena 1 I. McConnachie, Won Wron 1 Bland Dairies, Wonga Wonga 1 P.H., N.F. & D.P. Moore, Yarram 2 A.C. & L.A. Mitchell, Leongatha

710kg 610kg 550kg 565kg 690kg 533kg

162.0 $1150 162.0 $988 160.0 $880 160.0 $904 160.0 $1104 160.0 $852

HEIFERS 1 Langmoor Farm, Fish Creek 2 Kirben Nominees P/L, Doomburrim 1 J. & S.D. Mattern, Tarraville 1 Wanjo Consulting P/L, Jeetho 2 J.E. & W. Hancock, Jeetho 3 Dyalls Lane P/L, Mardan

370kg 315kg 315kg 315kg 258kg 303kg

218.6 197.6 196.0 196.0 188.0 185.0

$808 $622 $617 $617 $484 $561

BULLS 1 J. Watson, Jeetho 1 Blair & Jackson, Stony Creek 1 G. & R. Jarvie, Hazelwood 1 K.J. Hutchinson, Yinnar 1 C. & M. Tumino, Leongatha 1 A.J. Roberts, Leongatha

885kg 925kg 760kg 830kg 820kg 695kg

174.2 169.2 165.0 165.0 164.6 163.6

$1541 $1565 $1254 $1369 $1349 $1137

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 37

Wet on the farm

By Chris Brown

SOUTH Gippsland farmers are experiencing their wettest period since 1996.

Dairy cows are struggling with lameness and mastitis due to the conditions. But farmers are taking the conditions in their stride and hoping it bodes well for a productive spring growing season. South Gippsland UDV/VFF branch president Max Jelbart said there had been too much rain. “Everything is saturated; there’s more lame cows and mastitis than usual,” he said. “It just makes life difﬁcult, but we choose to be farmers.” Mr Jelbart said it was the wettest year since 1996 on his Leongatha South dairy farm. “We’re managing it a lot better,” he said. “We’ve got better pasture density. We’re feeding the cows a lot better because it’s hungry cows that pug paddocks. “We’ve forgotten what a wet, wet winter is like. At least we have all our dams full.” Mr Jelbart said many farmers had been proactively trying to help

cows by putting in sawdust and hay. “I think from anyone who’s been around the industry for a long time the general comment is that we are back to the winters of the 1970s and 80s,” he said. Mr Jelbart said rain was not the only factor causing wet paddocks. “One of the things that determines the wetness is how much wind and sunshine we get,” he said. “We haven’t had many sunny days. If you are getting a lot of wind and sunshine you can handle a lot more rain.” Last summer the lack of hot northerly winds reduced the amount of evaporation. Mr Jelbart said the outlook for spring depended on the weather from now onwards. Stony Creek dairy farmer Douglas Hanks said it’s wet on his property. “We have cattle with sore feet, our tracks are going to need some major maintenance to do them up and there’s grass in the paddocks, but the cows are just pushing it away,” he said. “On the upside it’s going to be a very short term set back, but we are going to have a fantastic season.” The rain should sustain the

grass until Christmas unless there is exceedingly hot weather. In 2002 the rain stopped falling on September 17, which led to “very poor hay crops”. Mr Hanks said that since the wet year of 1996 stocking rates on his property have increased. If wet winters continued he would consider reducing the milking herd from 450 cows to 400. A couple of years ago they milked 500 cattle. “(If we had a) massive drop of numbers we will get a better production per cow, but not per hectare,” Mr Hanks said. Mr Hanks said there should be a good silage crop, but the problem is whether the land will be dry enough for machinery to access for harvesting. “Don’t get me wrong, the rain’s been lovely, even though workers’ moods have been down because of the weather and the mud,” he said. “But the positive side is that it’s better to be a little bit wet than dry.” Mr Hanks has heard of a farmer who purchased a super spreader that attaches to a 4WD motorbike because that is the only way he could get onto the paddocks. There has been an increase in

the use of feed pads, but sacriﬁce paddocks are not working as it is too wet. South Gippsland stock agents association president Stuart Jenkin said it was better to be wetter at the start of spring than the start of winter. “Most people are sort of relieved it will rain again, but obviously some people are suffering some form of discomfort with the ﬂoods and the water,” he said. “In other years we’ve gone into the spring wanting every drop of rain we can get, but it’s wet now.” Mr Jenkin said the wet’s effect on cattle numbers at market had been marginal. He said the coastal fringe and heavier carrying country, such as at Poowong and Korumburra South, was wet while the red soil was soaking up the water. “We’re coming off one of the better autumns than we’ve had in a long time, so the cattle went into winter in good condition,” he said. Mr Jenkin said the key to growing bulk feed on South Gippsland farms is rain during October and November. “We’re in a better situation than in previous years,” he said.

Rural hosts wanted PEOPLE passionate about rural life are being sought to take part in a rural lifestyle open day.

From a combination of desire to share their passion for rural lifestyle and a keenness to share experiences about caring for land and settling into a rural community, the owners of three small properties within the South Gippsland Landcare Network (SGLN) have already signed up. Jill and Michael Vella of Koonwarra are prepared to open their 48ha deer farm; Lyn and Michael Jamieson on 40ha at Fish Creek will talk about their olive and cattle production; and Fiona Mottram and Ross West want to share their lifestyle of donkeys, fruit trees, poultry, bees and revegetation on two hectares at Woorarra West. Hosts do not have to be Landcare members. The event will be covered by Landcare’s insurance. Opening hours are envisaged to be 10am to 3pm. Besides sharing experiences of what it is like to move to the country and live on more land than one did previously, the open day’s theme of ‘living within your means’ is anticipated to prompt discussions about living on tank water, developing the property, alternative energy and picking up skills such as fencing, pasture management or stock care. Shared stories might also cover experiences in earning a full or partial income from the small property, obtaining employment

and settling into a new community. The good, the bad, the “things you’d wished you’d been told”, useful tactics and information sources plus answers to possibly surprising questions could all be part of the conversation. If the ﬁrst version of the host day succeeds, it will be repeated annually on a larger scale and may even be taken up by other regions. With planning for the event due to start in midOctober, interested people are asked to contact SGLN new landholder project ofﬁcer Jill Vella no later than Friday, October 8 via jillv@wgcma.vic.gov.au or by calling 5662 5759 or 0417 380 273.

Diversifying interests: deer on Michael and Jill Vella’s property at Koonwarra will be on show during the open day.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

public notices

LAND ACT 1958 Notice is hereby given that it is the intention of the Department of Sustainability & Environment to grant a licence under Section 130 of the Land Act 1958 to Neville Toms & Iriany Kadarusman, over Government Road North of Crown Allotment 22, Section 3, Parish of Leongatha for the purpose of Grazing. Further details are available from the Case Manager. Any comments must be lodged with the Case Manager within 14 days from the date of this advertisement. Ref: 15L10.774 0:#55004 Kylie Douglas PH: 03 51722149 Case Manager

THIS SATURDAY

Rock ’n’ Roll Dance

public notices

LEONGATHA TENNIS CLUB

MIRBOO NORTH TRADERS 1 DAY MARKET DAY

OPENING DAY / FUN DAY September 26 11am BBQ supplied Contact Michelle: A/H 5662 2127

SUMMER NIGHT TENNIS Starting October 18 Entries close: October 4 Team/Individual entries welcome

Saturday, Sept 25 SPECIALS & BARGAINS GALORE Look for yellow balloons at participating businesses Make it a day with meal deals, Devonshire tea, fresh food, books, bottleshop, plants, make-up & more For more details visit Mirboo North website or phone 5668 1859

Contact Greg: A/H 5662 3558

LEONGATHA DAKERS CENTRE “DJ JEFF’’

Saturday, September 25 7.30pm Run by Gatha Rock Group Table Bookings / Tickets: Diane 0437 623 109 Or just rock up to rock

public notices Gwen Moore’s 90th BIRTHDAY PARTY

public notices

Scots Pioneer Church Mardan South

Seeking Stallholders

Wednesday, September 29 in the DUMBALK HALL 1.30pm - 4pm Everyone most welcome!

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

Saturday, 9 October 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm September 26, 2010 2pm Speaking:

Gavin & Sue Sharp Music: Ian Sullivan and Johanna Vanheilenberg Rev Alan Dyall officiating EVERYONE WELCOME

0422 998 025 1800 611 368

MIRBOO NORTH KINDERGARTEN

ENROLMENTS FOR 2011 Enrolments are now being taken in both the Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten groups for 2011. Please contact Mirboo North Kindergarten Enrolment Officer by Monday, October 4, 2010 on 5169 6278 if you would like to enrol your child.

LEONGATHA COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOLS

ENROLMENTS FOR 2011 Now being taken for

Playtime (3 year old) Kinder AT ALLORA & HASSETT STREET PRE SCHOOLS Please telephone Enrolment Officer Melissa on 5662 2896 As three-year-old kindergarten is not government funded, parents have the right to send their children to one or more three-year-old kindergarten programs in the same year.

BOAT LICENCE COURSE

situations vacant

Newhaven College invites purveyors of fine food and gourmet produce, along with other farmer’s market style goods, to book a free stall at our upcoming 30th Anniversary Festival. Please contact Ashley Kershaw on 0427 330060 or email ashley.kershaw@ newhavencol.vic.edu.au to reserve your stall.

situations vacant

Jetski endorsement included

SAN REMO Monday, Sept 27 6pm - 10.15pm Bookings essential Phone Bob: 0417 524 005 Approved Marine Safety Vic. course Australian Boating College. Provider No. 3399

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

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER Full-time position

A full time vacancy exists within our organisation for an administration officer. Typical duties and skills required include: • Operation of computer software, including Microsoft Excel/Word • Switchboard/reception duties, in addition responding to enquiries as appropriate • Processing of accounts receivable • Handling and distributing mail and banking (drivers licence required) • Processing and reconciliation of merchant facilities • Ability to work well in a team environment For more information contact David Creed on (03) 5662 2217 Please forward letter of application and resumé to: PO Box 588 Leongatha VIC 3953 Applications close October 1, 2010

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 39

situations vacant

situations vacant situations vacant FULL or PART TIME

situations vacant

DAIRY HAND Maintenance & Service Contractor Simonds Homes - Australia’s largest builder is at the forefront of the residential construction industry, evidenced by our numerous awards won for outstanding design and performance - offers an opportunity for an energetic individual with relevant experience to join our team. We are seeking contractors to work in the Traralgon, Sale & Bairnsdale surrounding areas. As a contractor you will have your own tools, suitable vehicle and the ability to order materials as may be required. The successful applicants should possess: • Experience in all areas of residential building • Previous trade skills • Commitment to customer service • Current drivers licence • Maintenance experience is essential You will be required to undertake Maintenance repair work whilst liaising with clients. Work will be completed professionally, promptly and efficiently. We expect our service personnel to present themselves professionally when working at clients’ residences. Continuous work at good rates and prompt payment is available. For further information please contact Nakita on 5152 4251

Due to retirement of a long standing employee, a person is required for safe, modern and well maintained dairy with the opportunity to join an experienced team and learn the industry’s best practice. No special qualifications are required but must be adaptable, willing to learn and physically fit. Generally rostered 5 days on, 2 days off, 1 milking per day, paid weekly by the hour. KOONWARRA AREA Punctual habits and own reliable transport are essential. Contact Pauline 0438 745 593

CONCRETE BATCHER/ DISPATCHER A position exists for a Concrete Batcher / Dispatcher at our Inverloch Plant. Previous experience is preferable, but not essential. You must have a great attitude, strong work ethic and excellent communication skills. You must be reliable, punctual and self-motivated. Applications close Friday, October 1, 2010 Please send your resumé and cover letter to: The Managing Director P.O. Box 309 Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Or email donmix@donmix.com.au

Latrobe Community Health Service are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals for the following positions:

Project Coordinator – Healthy Soils Sustainable Farms

Traralgon, Maffra or Leongatha Part time – Ongoing

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is looking to employ a 0.6 FTE Project Coordinator – Healthy Soils and Sustainable Farms with the possibility of increasing to full time should complementary projects arise in the future. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for managing and delivering a new three year ‘Healthy Soils Sustainable Farms – Building Carbon and Managing Acidification’ project funded by the Australian Government’s Caring For Our Country Program. The role has a strong focus on building and maintaining important partnerships with industry, community, and public and private service providers to enable effective project implementation for uptake of sustainable farm practices. The remuneration range being offered for the position is at WGCMA Level 4 classification ($63,802 – $92,460 pro rata), which includes 9% superannuation and a full private use vehicle option. A laptop and mobile phone are offered in addition to your remuneration, along with an encouraging work environment that actively supports personal and professional development. A Position Description can be obtained via our website or by emailing the HR/Payroll Officer kellyr@wgcma.vic.gov.au. For further information about the role please contact Martin Fuller, Manager Partnership Development. Applications addressing the Key Selection Criteria should be marked; ‘Project Coordinator – Healthy Soils Sustainable Farms’ c/ HR/Payroll Ofﬁcer and must be received by 4pm on Wednesday 29th September. Email applications may be sent to kellyr@wgcma.vic.gov.au. Kylie Debono Acting Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

ABN 74136502022

We are currently seeking the following positions:

Intake and Assessment Worker - Men’s Behaviour Change Program

Cooks/General Hands

Ref. no: 14485 Permanent Full Time 76 Hours per fortnight Based in Morwell We are seeking a dynamic and motivated person to undertake intake and assessment of men referred to the Men’s Behaviour Change Program. This position sits within the growing Family Violence Service at LCHS. The position requires a worker who possesses communication and organisational skills, and is committed to the safety of women and children. The worker will provide the initial contact with the men referred to the MBCP; the position also requires a close working relationship, with the Partner Contact Worker and co-facilitators of the MBCP, the Vic Police Family Violence Liaison Officer and the Outreach Women's Service - Quantum. This position will work within the framework of the ‘No to Violence’ minimum standards and guidelines and is supported by the Enhanced access to MBCP Service intake model and practice guide. Principles that underpin the Family Violence framework include: • The safety of women and children is paramount • To hold men who perpetrate Family Violence accountable for their behaviour Professional development opportunities are available to build on your skills in this area. Please Contact Ann Briggs on 03 5136 5494 for more information. Closing date for applications is 4:30pm, Monday 4 October 2010.

Executive Officer CWGPCP Ref. no: 14449 Fixed Term Full Time 76 Hours per fortnight Based in Moe

ZO061885

ZO040732

Correspondence PO Box 1374, Traralgon VIC 3844 Telephone 1300 094 262 Facsimile (03) 5175 7899 Email westgippy@wgcma.vic.gov.au Web www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

Based in Wilsons Promontory, we are seeking allrounders for the General Store over their peak season. Must have GREAT customer service skills. Previous experience as a Barista and cook is an advantage. Ideally your responsibilities will be involved with the running of the store. From counter service, short order cooking, making of coffees to re- stocking the shelves and general cleaning duties. Own transport is a must. Expressions of Interest are being sought for the following upcoming permanent and casual positions:

Plant Operators • HR licence, Roller, Excavator and Loader ticket holders is an advantage.

Labourers • with chainsaw ticket, Horticulture certificate and previous gardening experience. To apply for any of the above positions contact Jacqui Leek at GBS Labour Hire 5176 0588 or submit your resumé to jacqui@gbslabourhire.com.au

Casual administration of cers • Competitive hourly rates • Flexible hours/days • Variety plus Here is your opportunity to join one of the fastest growing municipalities in Victoria.

The Primary Care Partnership Strategy is funded by the Victorian Government to improve the health and wellbeing of community members. This is achieved by strengthening relationships between primary care providers across a catchment area so they are able to implement integrated health promotion and planning, improved service coordination, integrated chronic disease management, and joint programs. The Central West Gippsland Primary Care Partnership's Executive Officer will provide leadership and support to the Partnership to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of PCP strategic directions. The Executive Officer will also provide advice to the Partnership on all matters related to the Primary Care Partnership Strategy and other relevant initiatives. Please Contact Meredith Davey on 5127 9147 or Ben Leigh on 5136 5411 for more information. Closing date for applications is 5:00pm, Friday 1 October 2010. Applications received for the above positions MUST address the stated Selection Criteria on the Position Description. Please visit website www.lchs.com.au for further information and to lodge your electronic application. …Better health, Better lifestyles, Stronger communities…

situations vacant

We are looking for exible, enthusiastic and organised team players with a can – do attitude to join our casual administration pool. Your days will be varied and challenging as you provide support to various areas of our organisation. You will have excellent administration and Microsoft Of ce skills, well developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to hit the ground running. For a position speci cation go to www.basscoast.vic.gov.au or contact us on the number below. Written applications must address the key selection criteria and be emailed to jobapps@basscoast.vic.gov.au or posted to Cheryl Sanders, Human Resources Coordinator at the address listed below. Bass Coast Shire Council, 76 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi VIC 3995 | DX 34903 Wonthaggi | PO Box 118, Wonthaggi VIC 3995 | 1300 BCOAST (226 278) for standard call cost | basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au | www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

ASSET ENGINEERS (Civil/Mechanical)

Are you an enthusiastic and output focussed individual, looking to apply your engineering skills in a diverse and challenging environment? Do you have well developed communication and interpersonal skills that enable you to effectively work with others and deliver project outcomes? You now have a rare opportunity to acquire one of several key roles involved in the maintenance and development of Loy Yang Power’s varied civil infrastructure assets. With a detailed knowledge of systems, infrastructure and asset management, you will co-ordinate and manage civil infrastructure projects and provide whole of life asset management systems. You will provide engineering expertise and support, participating in planning processes to integrate civil/asset activities with those of operational and maintenance functions. With a focus on budget development and expenditure control, your project and contract management skills will be used to extend and maintain civil assets, while ensuring maintenance and construction projects satisfy safety, time, cost and quality requirements. Applicants must hold and maintain a current drivers licence and possess a tertiary qualification in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent qualification which enables them to be eligible for Membership of the Institution of Engineers, Australia. In addition to excellent employment conditions, successful applicants will receive an industry competitive salary, plus superannuation and be entitled to company benefits. A Loy Yang Power Job Application Form and Job Descriptions (including pre-requisites and selection criteria) for these roles can be downloaded from www.loyyangpower.com.au (refer positions vacant). For further information or assistance, please contact Mr Rob Darby at GBS Recruitment, telephone (03) 5174 2665 or email: rob@gbsrecruitment.com.au Applications, which must address the selection criteria, are to be submitted on the Loy Yang Power Job Application Form, by Monday 27 September 2010 to: Mr Rob Darby, GBS Recruitment, PO Box 1030 Traralgon 3844 Loy Yang Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer LOY YANG POWER MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ACN 077 985 758

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

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

situations vacant

AG Plumbing Applications open for a

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP South Gippsland region including Venus Bay, Inverloch, Leongatha, Korumburra, Fish Creek. Must be reliable, self-motivated and physically fit. Driver’s Licence essential Please forward applications to mail@agplumbing.com.au or PO Box 86, Tarwin Lower 3956

situations vacant DAIRY FARM EMPLOYEE required on 370 cow farm at Kongwak. Approx. 40 hours/week, general farm duties plus 14 milkings (including 1 weekend) per fortnight. Ph: 0427-574229.

situations vacant

FUNCTION CO-ORDINATOR RESTAURANT STAFF

Please contact Lisa or Sue (03) 5674 1432 or forward resumés with a cover letter to functions@invyespy.com.au

Traralgon or Leongatha Full time – 12 month role West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is looking to employ a Partnership Development Coordinator to explore project funding opportunities beyond traditional Government sources. This successful applicant will be responsible for initiating and supporting partnerships between the WGCMA and non-Government investors such as corporate bodies and philanthropic trusts. The role will work with WGCMA staff and our partner organisations to coordinate efforts to attract funding to support the delivery of catchment management activities and projects. The remuneration range being offered for the position is at WGCMA Level 4 classification ($63,802 – $92,460), which includes 9% superannuation and a full private use vehicle option. A laptop and mobile phone are offered in addition to your remuneration, along with an encouraging work environment that actively supports personal and professional development. A Position Description can be obtained via our website or by emailing the HR/Payroll Officer kellyr@wgcma.vic.gov.au. For further information about the role please contact Martin Fuller, Manager Partnership Development. Applications addressing the Key Selection Criteria should be marked; 'Partnership Development Coordinator' c/ HR/Payroll Ofﬁcer and must be received by 4pm on Wednesday 29th September. Email applications may be sent to kellyr@wgcma.vic.gov.au. ZO040731

Correspondence PO Box 1374, Traralgon VIC 3844 Telephone 1300 094 262 Facsimile (03) 5175 7899 Email westgippy@wgcma.vic.gov.au Web www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

Communications and Engagement Project Officers Traralgon or Leongatha Full & Part Time – Ongoing West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority seeks to employ experienced Communications and Engagement Project Officers to join our team. Two positions are available, one position is full time and the other is part time (0.5 FTE). These positions will directly support the Communications and Engagement Coordinator in the renewal and implementation of WGCMA’s Communications and Engagement Strategy. Key activities will include public relations, the development and delivery of communications materials, community engagement and marketing projects, media liaison, event management and website maintenance. The remuneration range for both positions is at WGCMA Level 3 classification ($51,346 – $65,553), plus 9% superannuation (pro-rata part time). A laptop and mobile phone are offered in addition to your remuneration, along with an encouraging work environment that actively supports personal and professional development.

BEAUTY THERAPIST Leongatha Terry White Chemist, Leongatha, is seeking a motivated and passionate part time Beauty Therapist to join their team. The successful candidate will have strong selling skills, be fully competent with skin care, waxing and meeting the beauty needs of our customers. Highly developed people skills and the desire to drive the business to the next level are all essential elements of this position. This role will see you building and maintaining a loyal client base. If you are customer service focused, have a professional approach and exceptional references, please contact the Chemist on 5662 2183 to arrange a copy of the position description, prior to sending your resumé and covering letter outlining your previous experience, current certificates and how you would meet the criteria within the position description. Applications close Tuesday, September 28, 2010

WANTED Chartered Accountant AN ACCOUNTANT WITH VISION TO JOIN OUR TEAM TAX EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL

COUNTRY LIFESTYLE LEONGATHA The Sporting Capital of South Gippsland NO TRAFFIC JAMS ONLY 1.5 HOURS FROM CITY CHALLENGING CAREER PROSPECTS PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Perrett & Associates No. 2 Pty Ltd CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 5662 4111 Email current resumé to admin@perrettandassociates.com.au

ST. LAURENCE O’TOOLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

A Position Description can be obtained via our website or by emailing the HR/Payroll Officer kellyr@wgcma.vic.gov.au. For further information about the role please contact Mikaela Power, Communications & Engagement Coordinator. Applications addressing the Key Selection Criteria and indicating which position you are applying for should be marked: ‘Communications and Engagement Project Officer’ c/o HR/Payroll Officer and must be received by 4pm on Wednesday 29th September. Email applications may be sent to kellyr@wgcma.vic.gov.au. Kylie Debono Acting Chief Executive Officer

situations vacant

The Inverloch Esplanade Hotel is looking for energetic, committed staff for their restaurant Captain’s Lounge. You must present well, have a fun bubbly personality and pride yourself on service excellence. Previous hospitality and restaurant experience is desired, however if you have the right attributes, we are looking for you! You must be available nights, weekends and public holidays. Full training will be provided. RSA certificate essential.

Partnership Development Coordinator

Kylie Debono Acting Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

situations vacant

ZO040730

Correspondence PO Box 1374, Traralgon VIC 3844 Telephone 1300 094 262 Facsimile (03) 5175 7899 Email westgippy@wgcma.vic.gov.au Web www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

Integration Aide Term 4 2010 Approx 7 hrs pw

We require: ● A commitment to Catholic Ethos & Education. ● Interest/experience with children with special needs. ● Current Working with Children Certificate. Apply in writing with three referees to: Ms Robyn Halliwell St Laurence’s Primary School PO Box 313 INVERLOCH 3996 principal@stlleongatha.catholic.edu.au Applications close: Friday, September 24, 2010

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Front of House Assistant Supervisor / Senior Waiter Full hospitality trained and experienced staff member is required to work in this busy regional food and wine store. Applicants will be responsible, mature, organised and motivated. Good health and weekend shifts are a necessity. The position will involve constant, friendly and informed contact with and service of customers, ordering, till operation, meeting of set sales targets and direction of junior staff. Successful applicants will have a love and knowledge of great food and wine and a love for the industry and this region. The position will be permanent part time moving to full time. Please apply with resumé to Thomas at store@koonwarrastore.com.au

Sales Manager Sales orientated staff member with a passion for beautiful things required for Emporium and Foodstore. Applicant will be self motivated, mature, responsible and in good physical health. This position will involve sales of high quality and unique clothing, accessories, homewares and furnishings. Also ordering, maintenance, merchandising and intensive customer contact. This position is perfect for someone interested in artisan products with a good design eye and focus. Successful applicant will also be required to work with hospitality staff in foodstore; therefore hospitality training would be an advantage. Weekend shifts are mandatory. The position will be permanent part time moving to full time. Please apply with resume to Thomas at store@koonwarrastore.com.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 41

situations vacant

agistment AGISTMENT available, Mirboo North. Cattle, good grass, water. Robert 0419696655.

for lease 140 ACRES - Meeniyan area. Ph: 5664-7219.

Birch Ross & Barlow Birch Ross & Barlow currently has a vacancy in its busy mortgage department at the Leongatha office. The successful applicant will need to have a bright personality, be able to accept responsibility and be able to work as part of our team. Computer skills are necessary. Experience in conveyancing or finance would be an advantage; however, not a necessity, as full training will be provided. Applications should be addressed to the Office Manager, Birch Ross & Barlow, Private Bag 16, Leongatha Applications will be received up to Friday, October 8, 2010

for rent VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Permanent rental also available. Contact: 0408-320001.

for sale

20% off all books

DINING TABLES (2) with 8 chairs, white. Trendy style. $200. Ph: 0429-803440.

RAMALAMA BOOK EXCHANGE Murray Street WONTHAGGI

FIREWOOD Redgum, split & Deliverd 0409-218775. FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175

September 21 - 30

SEWING MACHINE

FORD Tickford ute, 2000, with sports bars, tarp, 9 mths reg. REY018, and RWC. $9,000 ONO. 0407354229.

REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

5672 3127

CARAVAN, 2003 Galaxy Series 2 pop-top, 17’6” x 7’, excellent condition. Single beds, side kitchen, rollout awning, 3-way fridge, $23,750. Ph: 0417-673581.

Immunisation Ofﬁcer Part time position – 0.5 EFT

Further information and a position description is available from Human Resources or visit www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Be a business leader developing long term partnerships in your community.

CARDS, Bibles, CDs, giftware available New Beginnings Christian Bookshop, 38 Bair Street, Leongatha. 5662-0999.

situations vacant

An exciting opportunity exists to provide customer service and administration support to our Immunisation team 3 days per week. Your responsibilities will involve providing administrative support to the immunisation team by arranging immunisation sessions in conjunction with schools, preparing the nurses’ timetable for immunisation sessions and updating and maintaining our immunisation records. You will have completed Year 12 education or equivalent and have experience in an ofﬁce administration environment or similar, the ability to communicate with all members of the community in a professional and friendly manner with discretion, tact and patience, particularly with relation to children and be competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. This position is subject to a satisfactory police and Working with Children’s Check. We welcome direct discussion with Tim De Vere, Immunisation Program Coordinator on (03) 5662 9200, regarding this role. Applications addressing the selection criteria are to be submitted by 5pm Wednesday 6 October 2010 addressed to: Human Resources, South Gippsland Shire Council, Private Bag 4, Leongatha 3953 or emailed to careers@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

for sale

BOOK SALE

wanted to buy FURNITURE: Parker, Noblett, Tessa, Chiswell, Moran, or any quality brand name used furniture. Phone Wendy on 0409-234482.

for sale CHOOK HOUSES, suit 6-7 chooks. On display at Koonwarra. Ph: 5664-2443.

HAY - small square bales, VG quality, $7 per bale. Ph: 5662-2074. HAY - small square bales, $6 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. No weeds. Mardan - 5664-1320, 0428999691. HAY: 5x4 from $27.50 inc. SMALL SQUARES: From $5.50 inc. SILAGE: Knifed, inoc, clover and rye, excellent quality, $66 inc. Delivery available. Contact 0417532262.

situations vacant

PHARMACIST A unique opportunity exists for a Permanent Part Time Pharmacist, keen to develop their career as a team member of Terry White Chemists, Leongatha. You will work alongside our pharmacy team to deliver superior service and counselling to our valued customers. In this role, you will thrive on ensuring accuracy and attention to detail is always maintained. To be successful in this position, you must be enthusiastic; self motivated and be passionate about delivering exceptional customer service. In return we offer you a competitive rate of pay and a fantastic working environment. Please send your applications to hines.pharmacy@nunet.com.au Only those required for an interview will be contacted

Apprentice Cabinet Maker people

Business Banking Manager Attractive salary package and benefits Located in Leongatha, VIC As a top 100 ASX Company Bendigo Bank’s success has been built on our Retail operations. As a Business Banking Manager you’ll play a key leadership role in servicing and developing the needs of the local business community. Based on a detailed knowledge of the commercial and SME markets you will implement strategies to achieve growth for your portfolio of customers by establishing and maintaining quality referral networks. To be successful you will need proven communication and relationship building skills and an interest in the development of support staff. In return you’ll receive support to advance a long-term career with our growing organisation. 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 VIC684096. Or write to Rob Francis, Regional Manager, PO Box 698, Warragul 3820. Applications close on Tuesday, 28 September 2010.

A local award winning kitchen and cabinet making company is seeking an Apprentice Cabinet Maker to join their team due to business expansion. Applicants need to be fit, reliable, committed to quality of service, and have a strong work ethic. The position will be based in Leongatha and surrounding areas. Only those applicants with a strong desire to establish a career in the building trades should apply. Applicants will be required to undertake an apprenticeship in Certificate 3: Cabinet Making. General training will include manufacture and installation of kitchen and bathroom units, commercial and domestic work, cabinet making, and general fit-out. All applications through Workways Leongatha 1A Church Street, Leongatha Vic 3953 Phone: 5662 5264. Fax: 5662 4697 email leongatha@workways.com.au Resumé and Cover Letter by fax, email or in person & close Friday 1/10/10

Workways Australia Limited ACN 141 659 734

personal $ 70

day time special

hallam

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178. AFSL 237879. (118901_v1) pca 4609b

(14/09/2010)

careers.bendigobank.com.au

personal

penthouse make us your 1st stop

9702 4744

7 rimfire dr. hallam

HAY, barley straw suitable for bedding, 8x4x3 bales, $44 incl. per bale. Phone Greg 0429-822544. MEAT CHICKS, day old, real meat breed, 2kg 6 weeks. Order now for Christmas. Ph: 0415305323 or 5657-2233. NSW red gum, split and delivered. 0412-486353 or 5664-9208. OATEN HAY, 8x4x3, shedded, feed tests, single or BD loads, $88 per tonne. 0418-501548. SANDY PARK ALPACAS Open day Sunday, October 3, 10am - 4pm. Males, females and wethers from $275 inc. GST and del, 910 Ameys Track, Foster. Phone Steve 0427-257222. SILAGE WAGON, Taarup 1015 self loading, good condition, $9,000 ONO. Silage feed-out cart, Giltrap M40, centre feed, bogey axle, VGC, $4,500. 56682561. SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each. Free delivery for pack lots. Phone Joe 0417-530662. STOCKFEED - shedded A Grade vetch hay and oaten hay, dry cow hay and straw, whole and crushed grains. Ph: 5380-8220, 0438544259. TIMBER - kiln dried blackwood, clear pine, silver wattle. Most sizes for furniture and craft. Also builder’s graded structural pine. Phone 5681-2261.

free

FREE Pick-up and delivery in Leongatha/Meeniyan areas for MOTOR MOWERS,

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC.

used vehicles

SUBARU FORRESTER MYO8X, auto wagon, blue, excellent condition, Dec 2010 reg (WBF647), 63,700km, RWC, towbar, $22,000. 0408-121872.

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

livestock

POULTRY and Cage Bird Auction at the Traralgon Showgrounds Poultry Pavillion on Sunday, September 26 starting at 10.30am. Wide variety of poultry, young hens, many breeds, fertile eggs. Open for sellers from 8am. Ph: 5197 7270 or 0438 325 918.

meetings Friends of Venus Bay Peninsula Inc.

Notice of Annual General Meeting Saturday, September 25 10.30am At Venus Bay Community Centre

27 Canterbury Rd, Venus Bay

marriage celebrant

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

PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012 STAFFY - female, black, 5 yrs, desexed, microchipped, good natured. Ring 0488647850 after 6pm.

garage sales

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

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Marker Pen • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

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

used vehicles NISSAN Navara 1992, 4x2 petrol ute with alum. tray, VGC, runs well, 194,000km, Reg. EIO561, as is $2,750. Ph: 5668-2023.

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

births

BREZZI - Tamara and her partner Geoff Cope are proud to announce the safe arrival on Thursday, September 16, of their beautiful boy Hamish Aubrey. Hamish is the much loved great grandson of Franka, grandson of Maree, Dawn, Nereo, and Jim. Hamish has already inspired us in ways we didn’t know existed and is currently building up his tiny frame in readiness to pursue love, life, longevity.

engagements

DRAPER - CALDER Rod and Jenny together with Les and Louise are delighted to announce the engagement of Amanda and Tim. MALLOY - NEARY Leone and Brian are thrilled to announce the engagement of Matthew and Dianna on September 14, Pop’s (dec.) 90th birthday. He would be stoked!

NICHOLLS - LAWSON Jamie, Judy, Ann, Michael, David and Karina are delighted to announce the engagement of Amanda and Simon on September 5, 2010 Love and best wishes to you both.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

deaths

COGHLAN - Leslie Russell (Russ). Passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 15, 2010 in his 90th year, late of Leongatha. Dearly loved husband of Faye for 61 years. Loving father and fatherin-law of Leigh and Peter, Ian and Voula, Gayle and Norm, Graeme and Dot. Loved Poppa, Pa and Rusty to Luke and Bec, Daniel and Ally, Amy and Tim; Arwen and Michael; Jill and Brian, Scott, Ryan and Val; Brooke, and Mark. Great grandchildren Harry, Mia, Jack, Alex, Pheonix, Amelia and Charlie. “Keep your edges wet” Lovingly Remembered COUGHLAN Leslie Russell (Russ). Passed away peacefully on 15.09.2010. A wonderful father and pa who will be remembered for his devotion to his family, and his selfless acts of kindness. Thank you Russ for your constant love and support. Loved and remembered always. Graeme, Dot, Brooke and Mark.

deaths COGHLAN - Russ. Much loved and loving father to Leigh and fatherin-law to Peter. Special Poppa to Luke, Bec, Dan, Ally, Amy and Tim, and adored “Russ” to Harry, Mia and Jack. A life fully lived, remembered with love always. FYFFE - Linda Isabelle. Passed away on 14.09.2010 on her 91st birthday. Late of Leongatha, formerly of Agnes. Wife of Ray (dec.). Loved mother of Isobel and Ian, Judy and Tony, Sue and Graham. Loved Nana of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Daughter of the late Henry and Belle Hodge and sister of Lauch (dec.). Loved mother of Isobel and Ian. Nana of Sarah, Peter, Kerry and James. “Mum’s birthday present was to rest in God’s presence.” Loving mother of Judy and Tony. Nana to Rob and Lucy, Andrew and Carolyn. Great Nana to Tristan, Heyden, Henry and Isabella. Peace At Last Loved and respected mother and Nana to Sue and Graham, David and Emma, Gary and Emily, Greg and Melissa. Let It Be

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8240 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Note. 7, Infection (anag.). 8, C-one. 9, Tear. 10, Wit-H. 11, S-hot. 14, Hand signal. 16, Brow-beaten. 19, GI-St. 22, H(ot)-ere. 24, En-I-d. 25, Has-P. 26, Sensation. 27, Lead. Down - 1, Nicks (nix). 2, Tan-go. 3, In-(bit)ter-n. 4, Learns. 5, Stew. 6, Contracts. 12, Heartened (anag.). 13, Thaw (anag.). 15, Gong. 17, Even-tS. 18, Tri-pod. 20, INan-e. 21, Tep-iD (rev.). 23, Ease (Es). QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8240 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Tick. 7, Stretcher. 8, Aden. 9, Teal. 10, Elan. 11, Pass. 14, Comprehend. 16, Improbable. 19, Dart. 22, Stop. 24, Airy. 25, Pull. 26, Solicitor. 27, Seep. Down - 1, Tramp. 2, Chess. 3, Stream. 4, Seller. 5, Acre. 6, Remainder. 12, Animation. 13, Scar. 15, Heed. 17, Brazil. 18, Borzoi. 20, Abuse. 21, Tulip. 23, Pair.

TIDES 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

FYFFE - Linda. So many happy memories of a very dear and much loved friend who will be sadly missed. Peg Williams. TORCUTTI - Silvestro. Passed away at Leongatha Hospital on September 17, 2010, aged 85 years. Dearly loved husband of Nilda (dec.). Loving, caring, devoted and much loved dad and father-inlaw of Paula and Ezio, Carl, George, Robert and Deanne. Adored Nonno of Matthew, Alex, Marni and Alysha. Mum and dad reunited. Now resting in peace. TORCUTTI - Sylvester. Esteemed member of the Leongatha Bowls Club. With deepest sympathy to the family. President, committee and members LBC. TOUZEL BUTSON (nee West) - Joan. Youngest daughter of George and Georgina West late of Port Franklin. Sister of Kathleen Donnely (dec.), Reuben (dec.), Alan (dec.), Dorothy Morrison (Leongatha), Margaret Marquis (dec.), Eileen Wisdom (Leongatha). “Shalom”

funerals

crossword solutions

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.

TORCUTTI - A Funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Mr Silvestro Torcutti will be offered at St Laurence’s Catholic Church, Leongatha on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 commencing at 1pm. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Leongatha Cemetery. Rosary will be recited in the above church on Tuesday evening, September 21 commencing at 7.30pm. No flowers by request please. Donations in lieu to the Cancer Council of Vic. Envelopes will be available at the service.

At Port Phillip Heads

SEPTEMBER Time

22 WED

23 THUR

24 FRI

25 SAT

26 SUN

27 MON

28 TUE

Korumburra parlor

Inverloch

FIFTEEN bowlers braved the inclement weather conditions of last Thursday night to enjoy week two of our parlor bowls social season. Michael Mathews celebrated his 50th birthday on that day, and many thanks to Joyce Occhipinti for a superb cake. The only two-game winning team for the night was that of Lee Armstrong, Maria Arestia, Alan Dyall and Joe Occhipinti. A similar number of indoor bias bowlers also attended the club’s weekly night event at the Outtrim hall on Monday, September 13. Results are as follows: winning team - Rob Mathies (Mardan), Arc Gammaldi and Mary Tumino with three wins and 23 shots up. Second - Lee Armstrong, Anna Meyer and Michael Mathews with two wins and one shot up. Third - Rob Armstrong, Joyce Occhipinti and John Meyer with one win and ﬁve shots down. As projected last week, the club was well represented in the Mardan club annual tournament at the spacious Dumbalk hall on Tuesday, September 14, and it is pleasing to report that Rob Armstrong (skipper) and Ashley Van Duffelen (lead) formed part of the winning team, with Caroline Benson of Buffalo and Robert Campbell of Mardan. Also, club member Joe Occhipinti was a member of the runner-up team which was led by Vito Seraﬁno from the host club.

MONDAY, September 13, saw our pennant ladies participate in a practice match at Tarwin Lower. We thank the ladies at Tarwin for their generosity to enable us to try out their new green. The green was running nicely and we had a good practice, even if we had to struggle against the windy conditions. Tuesday, September 14, 16 of our ladies went to the Korumburra sherry luncheon. We all had a lovely day and thank the Korumburra ladies for a lovely lunch and entertainment. Wednesday, September 15, was the first of our nominated monthly triples. For the first time we have opened up the day to other clubs to join us for a great day of bowling. The day was not very kind as it was very cold, windy and some showers. After the first game we went in to lunch as there was a light shower. After lunch we played the second game of 15 ends. The last game was cut back to 10 ends, which put a smile on everyone’s faces. We had 42 bowlers, next month we should be using both greens so will be able to accommodate those teams who missed out this month. The winners for the day were a Phillip Island team of Anne Green, Di Bateman and Val Wallis. The runners-up were the team of Julie Kellow, Anne Oehms and Shirley Moresco from Wonthaggi. Best last game went to Shirley Phillipson, Jill Bateman and Phyll Peterson from Inverloch. Friday, September 17, was the footy tipping presentation night. Ron Rees and Trevor Scott were thanked for their years of running the footy tipping. There is another pennant practice on Tuesday, September 21, for everyone at home, against Leongatha. After the practice the Inverloch ladies are asked to stay back for a get together with nibbles. Wednesday, September 22, first social bowls for all, 1pm start. Names in by 12.15pm; wear your uniform.

deaths

height (metres)

0421 1113 1707 2330

0.59 1.25 0.67 1.23

0528 1158 1759

0.58 1.29 0.57

0024 0618 1236 1838

1.31 0.56 1.34 0.47

0109 0659 1310 1913

1.40 0.54 1.38 0.38

0147 0733 1344 1946

1.48 0.53 1.42 0.32

0222 0806 1416 2018

1.54 0.53 1.44 0.28

0257 0840 1451 2051

1.57 0.53 1.44 0.25

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

message of hope SO Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28.

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

Mardan indoor A BUSY week for the Mardan club, with the annual tournament on Tuesday evening then a big round of 75 up matches on Wednesday. The tournament was at the Dumbalk Hall to accommodate the 59 bowlers. As usual, all the South Gippsland clubs were represented and there was plenty of good bowling on the seven mats, all teams playing three games of eight ends. Only one team came away with three wins, Ashley Vandermeer, Caroline Benson, Robert Campbell and Rob Armstrong (skip) all performing well to win the night. Runners-up with two wins and 14 ends were Neta Watkins, Joe Occhipinti, Frank Peel and Vito Serafino (skip). Winners of the dreaded encouragement award were Jos Kemper, Joyce Occhipinti, Rob Butterworth and Andy Plowman (skip), this team unable to find any winning form on the night. The club thanks Leongatha Retravision who sponsored the prizes, players who attended and the many people who did the work and donated raffle prizes. The 75 up matches provided some excellent bowling at Mardan the following evening. Margaret Campbell defeated Jeanette Grady in a match that saw both bowlers reaching a score of 75 and requiring an extra end to decide the eventual winner, Margaret finally getting home. In other matches Tony Allen-Clay defeated Andy Plowman, Vito Serafino defeated Robert Campbell, Cliff Smith defeated Bev Greenwood and Tony Allen-Clay defeated Nick Rutjens.

Tarwin THE first of our turkey triples was on Wednesday, September 8 in fine weather. The sponsors were the Westpac Bank represented by Sam Thompson and Glenn Calder from the Leongatha branch. The winners were Tarwin side of Peter Tainton, Ned Clark and Brian Logan. The runners-up were John Sutcliffe, Bill McGinnis and Dave Roberts. Best last game went to John Bird’s team. The men played a pennant practice match against Korumburra on September 10 in Division 3 with five winning overall by 10 shots. On Sunday, September 12 the club held their opening and presidents day. The green was officially opened for the summer season by Bowls Victoria’s official representative David Marsh. Thirty-four bowlers played bowls on a fine sunny afternoon followed by a lovely afternoon tea. Ladies and men’s presidents Gwen and Michael Carey presented the prizes to

the winning team, which consisted of Arthur Newsome, Val O’Loughlin, Garry Russell and Glenda Graham. The runners-up were a triples side of Ned Clark, Robyn Griffiths and Mike Barnes. The ladies held a practice match against Inverloch in cool blustery conditions on Monday, September 13. It was good to see Inverloch’s Division 1 team practicing amongst themselves on our green. On Saturday, September 18 the weather was not kind to our annual garage sale, but the crowds still came to enjoy Devonshire teas and have a look at the bowls wear. Our first social event will be on Friday, September 24, which is a grand final trivia night. Everyone is welcome so come along and have some fun bring your own nibbles and supper will be provided at $10 a head. Contact Helen or Robyn for further details. On Sunday, September 26 the men will hold an intra practice match.

Leongatha Small Bore Rifle Club 20m pennant results Props: Paul and Margaret Beck Ray and Maree Anderson WITH CARE & DIGNITY WE RESPECTFULLY SERVE THE DISTRICTS OF: LEONGATHA / KORUMBURRA

5662 2717

FOSTER

5662 2717

WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH

5672 1074

PHILLIP ISLAND

5952 5171

MEMBERS OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

(C Grade: R14 (last round) Brunswick ...............................48 Sandringham ..........................40 Ballarat East ...........................36 Stawell .....................................32 Leongatha ...............................28 M.I.S.C. ...................................16 Warrnambol ...........................16 Hawthorn ..................................8

The best shooters for Leongatha are: Daniel Croatto with 1180/1200 (seventh overall) and Christopher Sargant with 1165/1200 (11th overall). We shoot Friday nights at 8pm at the riﬂe club on the Leongatha recreation reserve. Any inquiries, please call R. Spratt 5664 2358.

Leongatha WEDNESDAY, September 15 saw 18 players take to the greens in rather cool conditions in a midweek triples event. Winners were I. Todd (s), E. Thompson and G. Washfold on two wins plus 17, and the runners-up were A. Rayson (s), R. Young and D. Bee on two wins plus 15. Sponsors for the day were S.G. Exhausts of Leongatha and the club thanks them for their valued support. Saturday, September 18 saw a number of our club’s members take part in a pennant practice game, with the selectors all taking a great interest in the proceedings. Winners on the day, the team skippered by Jack Kuiper with two wins plus nine, and a tie for second place both with one win and a draw and plus two, the team skippered by Jack Rayson and a team skippered by Ted Wigley. Tuesday, September 21 will see our ladies’ pennant teams in a practice match with the Inverloch ladies, at Inverloch. Wednesday, September 22 will see the A.F.F. monthly triples in action. The Leongatha club is saddened at the loss of a longtime and valued member Sylvester Torcutti. The club extends to the Torcutt family our deepest sympathy. Reminders: The next Kitty Club tea is Friday night, October 1 at 6pm, also the club is looking for a few more bowlers for the Sunday, September 26 Seaford Bowls Club visit. If you can make yourself available for that day please contact any of the match committee members or Don McIntyre.

Loch THE practice match that was planned for last Saturday at Lang Lang was a non event due to the weather so has been rescheduled for Saturday October 2, same place and same conditions to apply. Our green was opened on Sunday, with president Margaret delivering the ﬁrst bowl for the season. Members persevered for eight ends against the showers before coming in for the

warmth of the club house and afternoon tea. Our ladies ﬁrst social day will be this Thursday September 23, 10am start, uniform and lunch to share. The bowling will be mixed so all members are welcome. Trivia night is on Friday 24 starting at 7.30pm. Ladies start their pennant at Phillip Island on Tuesday September 28.

South Gippsland Bridge Results MEENIYAN – Monday evening: 1st Susan Rufﬁn, Clive Hope. 2nd Frank and Betty Murphy. 3rd Faye Rowlands, Frank Arndt. 4th Sally and Brian Hoskins. 5th Margaret and Noel Smith. 6th Raymond Dunstan, Chris Freeman. Tarwin Lower – Tuesday: north/south: 1st Jack Kuiper, Jean Barbour. 2nd Faye Rowlands, Pat West. 3rd Kathryn Smith, Colin Cameron. East/west: 1st Clive Hope, Althea Drew. 2nd Margaret Bray, Marj Freeman. 3rd Vivienne Westaway, Maureen Stiles. Inverloch – Friday afternoon. North/south: 1st Jack Curtis, Enid Adam. 2nd Frank Arndt, Clive Hope. 3rd Dawn Jolly, George Geekie. 4th Margaret and Noel Smith. 5th Cathy Geyer, Leila Bell. East/west: 1st Kaye Douglas, John Sullivan. 2nd Anne Williams, John Farr. 3rd Julie and Ian MacPhee. 4th Ann Dujela, Marj Freeman. 5th Faye Rowlands, Pat West. Congratulations to Jack Kuiper and Jean Barbour for coming ﬁrst in the Nationwide Pairs event.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 43

Fish Creek honour their best THE annual Fish Creek Football Netball Club presentation night was well attended at the club’s social rooms last Friday. The occasion gave the men and women of the club a chance to dust off their formal wear as they sat down to a delicious meal, which was followed by award presentations and dancing. All speeches had the same overtone of everyone having had a great year, loving the fact they were part of this warm and friendly club and that they would be back to play next year.

A Grade trophy winners: Jasmine McFarlane (Best in Elimination Final) and Laree Faey (runner-up Best and Fairest). Absent: Bree Littlejohn (Best and Fairest).

Senior award winners: Lachie Park (Most Unselﬁsh and Best in Elimination Final), Chris Graham (Best and Fairest and Kanga Award, which was voted by the players throughout the year), Jake Staley standing in for Trav Manne (Most Consistent and Best in First Semi) and Brock Anderson (Senior Creekers), Nick Barry (Best Young Talent), Rob Smith (Most Disciplined and the Eric Smith Memorial) and Steve Blencowe (runner-up Best and Fairest).

Reserves awards: Clayton Bawden (runner-up Best and Fairest, Best in Elimination Final, and the Kanga), Matt Vanbovan (Best in Preliminary Final and Coaches Award), Ben Roberts (Best and Fairest), Andrew Hamilton (Most Courageous) and Jacko Jordan (Most Consistent). Absent: Shane Rabbitt (Best First Year) and Cam Brown (Best in First Semi).

B Grade winners: Erin Wright (Coaches Award), Ange Williams (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Kelly Pruyn (Best and Fairest) .

C Grade winners: Kylie Rogers (Best and Fairest), Fiona Smith (Coaches Award) and Lucy Gair (runner-up Best and Fairest).

Well done: team selector and well known member Nick Shaw, standing in for coach, Marshall Livingston, with Best and Fairest winner Chris Graham and the recipient of the Coaches and Reserves Creekers Awards, Pete Mueller.

Winner of the prestigious F. X. Kerr award: Jack Charlton with Andy Kerr. Jack is one of the best known and respected gentlemen in the club and league. Jack has been part of the club since 1955 and at the age of 80 plus, still opperates the “ground” scoreboard at the entrance side of the ground each home game.

Winner of senior club person: Ange Williams with netball club president Wendy Watkins.

Footy day winds-up term ST LAURENCE’S got into footy fever last Friday to mark the last day of term. Nearly all AFL clubs were represented, with Collingwood the most popular. Hot dogs and meat pies were the order of the day while kick-to-kick and other footy games were enjoyed by all.

Go cats: Cats supporters Ryan, Julia and Natalie with Saints fan Hayley.

Outnumbered: this lone Saints supporter, Hayley, is outnumbered by her Collingwood loving fans Zara, Sara, Tayissa, Luca and Campbell.

Footy fever: enjoying footy day were Kate, Belinda, Riley, and Liam.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Woorayl

Leongatha

ON Saturday we played a two man ambrose using our new computer system. The day was sponsored by Edneys Nissan. The winners, with 63.5 were Graeme Calder and Craig Hall. They won by a quarter of a shot from the two Steves - Dufﬁeld and Hannon. Third place went to Michael Grist and Col James. 67.75 or better was needed to win a down the line ball. The ball winners were Nick and Simon McCrae / T. Ryan, T. Walters / B. Stubbs, I. Smith / K. Riseley, A. Hickey / J. Howard, F. Dekker and G. McKinnon / J. Redmond. The nearest the pins went to Ian Balfour (8th) and Phil Hayman (17th). Next Saturday, grand ﬁnal day, we will play a stableford event sponsored by our club and don’t forget Guys and Dolls day this Wednesday.

THE September medal was postponed from early in the month and wet weather again caused problems. No problem though for Ron Paice who took the medal with an amazing 92-25-67. We’re not sure whether Ron played the same course as the rest of us with Chris Leaver, our new president next best on 72, ﬁve shots back. Brendan Simon won A Grade, scoring 8916-73 on a countback from Andrew Phipps. Pro pin went to Peter Hart, nearest the pin to Jon Smith and Peter Rayson took the putting honours with 28 putts. Ball winners: C. Leaver 72, A. Phipps 73, K. Wardle, J. Smith 74, I. Murchie, S. Law 76, G. McDonald, P. Cope 77, P. Rayson, F. Debono 78.

Ladies ON Wednesday, September 15 a 2nd round S. and B. Thomas stableford aggregate was played. The event was sponsored by the Woorayl Golf Club and the AWCR was 72. The A Grade winner was C. Perrett 19/36 pts, B Grade D. O’Connor 31/34. Qualifiers S. and B. Thomas T. Scoble and D. O’Connor 65 pts and S. Wakefield and F. Maynard 59 pts. Nine holes out - J. Riseley. Nearest the pin: 8th Jill, 17th A. Patterson, 2nd shot on the 11th S. Lagden. Down the line balls: S. Lagdon, A. Patterson, S. Wakefield and M. Tuckett on countback. Next week, Wednesday, September 22, guys and dolls aggregate par, 9am assembly, 9.30am hit-off, afternoon tea, sponsored by Evans Petroleum.

Tuesday

John Eabry managed the day’s best score of 38 points to take the winner’s prize. Mark Edwards came in as runner- up after pushing Peter Hobson out on a countback on 37.

Geoff McDonald won nearest the pin on the 14th hole. Balls winners: P. Hobson 37, J. Lowell 36, G. Maher, D. Vorwerg, D. Clemann, R. Paice 35, T. Moss, P. Waters, S. Gannon 33. Thursday

Good scores are hard to attain in the damp conditions and it was left to Keith Finney with 37 points to take the day’s honours. The ever-dangerous Merv Stubbs was next, close up on 36. Jon Smith (14th) and Doug Clemann (16th) were the nearest the pin winners and balls went to the following: J. Lowell, G. McDonald, P. Hobson 35, F. Debono, D. Reaby 34, R. Davies, K. Wardle 33, R. Burton 32. Saturday is grand ﬁnal day and those who want to watch the match will play a shotgun start at 8.30am. Others are free to book in from about 12.30pm. The following week is the October medal and ﬁnal round of the McMicking Plate followed on the Sunday by Round 1 of the Gordon West nine hole teams event.

Ladies Twite bowls THE Brian Twite Bowl was played at Leongatha on Monday September 13. Sixty-nine players from far and wide competed on a course that was quite heavy from all our recent rain. Traralgon were winners of the bowl, after a countback from Leongatha 3. Members of the Traralgon team who scored a combined total of 101 stableford points were, Margaret Wylie, Jan Catherwood, and Carol Baker. Individual winners were - A Grade Irene Holm, Meeniyan, 35 points. B Grade, Heather Kurrle, Korumburra, 35 points. C Grade Sue Purser, Lang Lang, 40 points. A 4BBB stableford event was held on Wednesday, Sep-

Foster

Women, tee up

SATURDAY, September 11 – par (Ahern’s Fruit Market trophy) A Grade: Peter Dight (9) +4 countback. B Grade: James McIntyre (32) +3. Down the line: Robert Blake (13) +4, Gary Clavarino (20) +1, Larry Giddy (19). Tuesday, September 14 - stableford Winner: Murrey Welsh (25) 42 points. Down the line: George Draeger (29) 40 points, Larry Giddy (19) 40 points. Nearest the pins: fourth Larry Giddy. Saturday, September 18 – stableford (Foster Mitre 10 trophy). A Grade: Kevin Witheridge (14) 39 points. B Grade: Garry Clavarino (19) 40 points. Down the line: Phil Schoﬁeld (17) 37 points, Norm Cooper (12) 36 points, Steve Reid (12) 36 points. Nearest te pins: sixth Garry Clavarino. Coming events Tuesday, September 21 – stableford Wednesday, September 22 – 3BBB draw for partners (Pam Mathers trophy). Thursday, September 23 – stableford Friday, September 24 – twilight stableford Saturday, September 25 – grand ﬁnal day (fourball multiplication - draw for partners – hit off at 10am. Mike Cahill trophy). Sunday, September 26 – Annual General Meeting.

VICTORIAN Golf Foundation and Meeniyan Golf Club, with the support of the South Gippsland Shire have joined forces to offer an introductory golf program for women. On Sundays October 10, 17, 24 and 31, introductory golf clinics will be held at Meeniyan Golf Club from 10.30am. Women will have the opportunity to learn the basics of golf in a fun, relaxed and noncompetitive environment, as part of the Give Golf a Go program of WGV. The initiative is designed to give women living in regional Victoria the opportunity to try golf in a healthy and welcoming club environment. WGV and VicHealth’s Participation in Community Sport and Active Recreation program aims to give women the opportunity to increase physical activity and social relationships through golf. The physical beneﬁts of playing golf have been well documented, as have the mental and everyday wellbeing beneﬁts. Involvement at a golf club provides opportunities for people to establish friendships and social relationships. Sports clubs have an established place in Victorian communities, helping people develop a sense of connectedness and belonging. Research has shown that a lack of social relationships creates a major health risk, which rivals the effects of smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and physical inactivity. If you are interested, or know someone who is keen to ‘Give Golf a Goat Meeniyan Golf Club, register by phoning Sue Hoskin on 5683 2467.

Mirboo North Grade winners: C Grade winner Sue Purser (Lang Lang GC), A Grade Irene Holm (Meeniyan GC) and B Grade Heather Kurrle (Korumburra GC) at the Brian Twite Bowl. tember 15. This was won by the up and coming golfers Joc Howson and Deb Miller with 45 points. Marg Berry and Marea Maher were runners-up with 44 points. Balls down the line went to

Dot Stubbs and Wendy Surman 44, Fay Quilford and Pat Moore 43, Trish Owen and Maxine Eabry 43, Ann Blundy and Gwen Chapman 43 and Anna and Rita de Bondt 43.

CLUB championships and the ﬁnal round of the men’s singles were played on Saturday September 18. A Grade scratch equal leaders: Tom Whitelaw and Dave Woodall to play off. Results 233. Handicap winner: Tom Whitelaw (8) on 215 net. B Grade scratch winner: Phil Stimson 266. Handicap: Phil Stimson (19) 209 net. C Grade scratch winner: Ron Funnell 222. Handicap: Connor Williams (23) net 219. Scratch veterans winner: John Woodall 163. Handicap veterans winner: Phil Stimson (19) 139 net.

Meeniyan and District Volleyball Left: Meanies: the runners-up were M. Bright, G. Wakeling, A. Renden, C. Byrnes, T. Teylor and J. Byrnes.

IN week one of this year’s ﬁnals series the Orange Roughies defeated the Purple Meanies in a thriller to progress to the grand ﬁnal.

Down two sets to love, the Roughies clawed their way back to snatch the victory in five. In the elimination final, the Black Berries easily accounted for a Phoenix unit that never found its rhythm. The victorious Berries went on to play the Meanies in week two of the finals, however the red hot Meanies were too strong and won comprehensively to earn a second crack at the Roughies. Unfortunately the grand final did not live up to expectations, following an earlier draw and victory for each team, and was over in less than an hour. The Roughies won for the second year in a row and celebrated their victory with representatives from other teams at the Meeniyan Hotel. Special thanks go to the office bearers: L. Svehla (secretary), M. Bright (treasurer), J. Byrnes (vice president), M. Tudor (president) and S. Bright (life member) for their efforts.

Right: Awards: Most Valuable Player P. Robinson (Phoenix), Most Improved Player G. Occhipinti (Berries), Best Club Person M. Bright (Meanies) and Best First Year Player G. Wakeling (Meanies). Absent: E. Johanson (Young Guns) and J. Bright (Blues).

B Grade Junior stars: Heitor Hilberto, Hector Hilberto, Dean Snelling, Rochelle Savrimoothoo, Brittney Taylor, Niki Neducic, Freddy Maria Joseph, Micah Condron, Jesse Condron, Donald Milnes, Daisy Filippi.

Wonthaggi table tennis Winter competition presentation night Left: Well done: Gaetan Nemorin, handicap singles winner and Nancy Pattinson, leading player winter comp. Absent: Gary Morley - runnerup handicap singles and Rosemary Perry, runner-up jumbo ball handicap.

A Reserve Winter comp tournament: runners-up - Sam Watson and Michael Veal. Premiers - Jarrod Donohue and Stephen Cannon.

Roughies: the winning team of R. Saario, G. Webster, K. Straw, M. Tudor, A. Straw and K. Tudor:

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 45

Sharks celebrate season TARWIN Sharks Seniors held their end of season presentation night recently. They enjoyed a change this year, with the vote count incorporated into the night, making it a roaring success. Two major highlights of the night were Travis Cameron winning back to back senior Best and Fairest awards and Russell

Ellen becoming only the third person to be awarded life membership of the Tarwin Football Club. Also after many years three ladies were recognised for their achievements on the netball court as 200 game players. The night was closed by the president Dean Ellen announcing Jamie Cann as coach for season 2011, so all is looking bright for next season at Shark Park.

Senior football: back: Damien McLean (Most Improved), Brian Launder (Coaches Award), Jamie Cann (Thorson Medallist), Albert Russell (Leading Goal Kicker), and Travis Cameron (Best and Fairest, Best in Finals and 200th senior game). Front: Dale Lawton (Most Determined), Eddie McMicking (Best Team Man) and Tom Williamson (runner-up Best and Fairest). Absent: Andrew Jelbart (Best First Year Player).

Senior netball: back: Steph Titulaer (C Grade equal runner-up Best and Fairest) Tanya Eygenraam (C Grade Best and Fairest), Bentia Eygenraam (B Grade Best and Fairest), Rachel Cameron (A Grade Best and Fairest), and Chelsea Cochrane (A Grade runner-up Best and Fairest); front: Jasmine Russell (Coaches Award) and Emma Smith (netball president). Absent: Veronica Butterﬁeld (C Grade equal runner-up Best and Fairest) and Abby Pearce (B Grade runner-up Best and Fairest).

Above: 200 netball games: Julie McMicking accepting on behalf of Caroline McMicking, Marion Williamson and Yolanda Lawton.

Above: Reserves: back: Pete Houston (Best Team Man), Dave Leggo (runner-up Best and Fairest), Jack Shill (Coach’s Award) and Vaughan Van Dillen (coach). Front: Jay Van Dillen (Most Determined), Marcus Kreutzberger (Best and Fairest) and Eric Grattan (Most Improved). Absent: Todd Lomax (Most Consistent).

Thirds: back: Mick Owen (coach), Jason Stewart (runner-up Best and Fairest), Jake McKenzie-Edwards (Best and Fairest), and Owen Cumming (Best Team Man). Front: Harley Russell (Most Improved), Adam Bell (Coaches Award), Will Lomax (Most Consistent) and Eamon Charles (Most Determined).

15 and Under netball: Maddie McGarvey (equal Best and Fairest), Tayla Delaney (equal runner-up Best and Fairest), Laura Browne (equal runnerup Best and Fairest) and Jessica Wheatley (equal Best and Fairest).

Best club man: Andrew Guymer (vice president), Dean Ellen (Best Club Man) and Kieran O’Loughlin (secretary).

Left: Fourths: back: Cody Ginkel (Best and Fairest), Tom Nye (Most Consistent), Luke Thwaites (Most Determined), and Kyle Robinson (runner-up Best and Fairest). Front: Frank Keily (coach), Jordan Bell (Coach’s Award), Tyler Watts (Best First Year Player) and Will Nash (Most Improved).

Life member: Col McMicking congratulates Russell Ellen.

Joff Ellen award: Damien Van Dillen is congratulated by Russell Ellen.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Debenham wins season’s last

Winners of the A Grade scratch race: Clem Fries second, Tom Debenham ﬁrst and David McFarlane third. Photo courtesy Lynton Clay.

TOM Debenham continued his good form to take out the A Grade race at Korrine on Saturday, while Neil White signalled a return to form by winning B Grade. The ﬁnal race of the 2010 road season was held over two laps of the hilly 17km circuit. A strong south-westerly wind was blowing, which helped riders at certain parts of the course and made it tough on other sections. Nine riders entered the A Grade race and took off slowly into the head wind towards the West Creek Rd intersection. Once they turned the corner however, the pace was on as the tail wind kicked in. All riders were contributing to the pace making as they rode up the long climb towards the roundabout near Kongwak. Turning towards Korrine again, the action started as Tom Debenham and Clem Fries jumped away on Gows Hill, causing a split in the bunch. They eased up at the top however and seven riders regrouped on the descent with only Phil Hanley and Paul Taranto missing. Jake Laine took advantage of the drop in pace and spent a few kilometres off the front into the wind along the Wonthaggi Rd. He was soon swept up and again the pace was high through Lance Creek. Tom Debenham set a high tempo up the long climb, but couldn’t shake the other riders. The ﬁnal climb up Gows Hill saw Tom again make a move and this time it worked. David Macfarlane and Clem Fries tried to go with Tom, but couldn’t quite sustain the effort. Jake Laine and Kevin Feely were close behind them, with Tony Clark and Jamie Grenville chasing. Tom managed to hold off Clem and David

who chased hard on the downhill run to the finish, while Kevin pipped Jake on the line for fourth. The B Grade race saw the five riders lose Kerry Pritchard on the first lap, then stay together until the final climb up Gows Hill. Steve Wilson and Neil White rode away from Rod Cheyne and Ken Barnes and Neil took the sprint from Steve. Will Lumby was the only junior rider on the day and rode a lap of the course as a time trial, finishing in a very creditable 38.53. As this was the final race of the year, the club aggregate trophy was decided. Tony Clark took out the title after some

very consistent performances all year. He did not manage any wins, but had several top four results which accumulated important points throughout the season. Several club members are competing in the Australian Masters Road Championships in Ballarat from September 24-28. Phil Hanley, Paul Taranto, Kevin Feely and Tony Clark will be competing against the best Masters riders from all over Australia in time trial, criterium and road race events. Next weekend’s Tarwin Picnic Race has been postponed due to the previous commitments of many riders. Tuesday night there is a club meeting at Phil Ewington’s.

On the way: A Grade riders heading up towards Glen Alvie on the ﬁrst lap: Phil Hanley, David McFarlane, Tony Clark, Jake Laine (hidden) and Jamie Grenville. Photo courtesy Lynton Clay.

Stony Creek awards juniors STONY Creek football and netball clubs have awarded their best players for season 2010.

13 & Under: back: Dekodah Brewer (Best and Fairest) and Bridget Monaghan (runner-up Best and Fairest), Taylah Darmanin (Coach’s Award) and Vinnie Monaghan; front: Hannah Potter, Connor Brown and Katelyn Jackson. Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz

15 & Under: Jade Cashin (runner-up Best and Fairest), Olivia Cope (Best and Fairest) and Holly Monaghan (Coaches Award). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz

17 & Under: Emily Wilson (Best and Fairest) and Kayla McIndoe (coach). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz

Under 18s: back Jacob Bright (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Jacob Densley (Best First Year); front: Terry Fleming (Coaches Award), Mitch Ellicott (Best Team Man) and Daniel Potter (Kevin Dewar Best Backman Award). Absent: Josh Chalmers (Best and Fairest). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www. fourcornersframing.biz

Left Under 15s: back: Jack Stuart (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Sam Wilson (Best and Fairest); front: Tom Stone (Most Consistent), Josh Brown (Best First Year) and Jordan Wilson (Coaches Award). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 47

Padding up again By Isaac McCallum AS THE weather starts to get warmer and the smell of freshly cut lawn lingers, the cricket season is almost back.

Russell Matthews could not be happier; the Leongatha and District Cricket Association president is very excited about the prospect of the 2010/11 season which gets underway a little later, on Saturday October 9. With new club Kilcunda-Bass joining from the West Gippsland competition, changes to the division structure and players coming and going, Matthews says that the league is in good stead. “The league is in great shape, as good a shape as it has ever been in,” he said. The new club, which was originally from the Wonthaggi league before it folded 15 years ago, has picked up a couple of players and is raring to go in season 2010/11. Kilcunda-Bass will ﬁeld an A Grade Division 2 side, as well as B2 and C2 teams in the league’s new division structure. Each club will ﬁeld one side in either A1 or 2, one in B1 or 2, and one in C1 or 2. Clubs will only be promoted inside their divisions, which will make the competition fairer on everyone, according to Matthews. But what is really exciting the league president is the movement of players in between clubs, despite his favourite sons Glen Alvie losing a few. “There are about 15 clearances in the pipeline at the moment. Players have moved in between clubs and new players have come in,” he said. Glen Alvie has lost its A Grade top order to the Wonthaggi Miners, but they have gained four back from them, so the deal seems to be all square. The desal plant has also provided the two Wonthaggi sides, as well as Glen Alvie, with a

few players choosing to play cricket close to their work. And as the quality of the competition increases, the league ofﬁcials hope to see a similar standard from their inter-league representatives. The LDCA has appointed selectors Clive Salmon and Gary Sauvarin, plus another to be announced, to ensure that the league can perform well at Country Week level. “We’ve had a couple of near misses at Country Week, and we’re really hoping to get up into the provincial division,” Matthews said. “We’ve been pushing to see our players selected in the all Gippsland squads, we’ve been overlooked in the past.” The weather has played a key part in the availability of grounds, with turf wickets being held back until November before they will be ready to play on. But once wickets are put down on two Wonthaggi ovals and the turf wickets are rendered ready, there will be plenty of grounds available. And it looks as though it will be Wonthaggi’s year again, with Russell saying that the reigning premiers, the Workers, will again be the team to beat, with the Miners being the big improvers. “They haven’t lost anyone, and have gained an experienced wicket keeper and coach Ritchie Hassett from Geelong,” he said. “The Miners have picked up a few players here and there. Anything less than a top three ﬁnish would be a disappointment for them.” Roadsafe, the major sponsor of the league will also be conducting ‘Looking after Your Mates’ information nights for four separate clubs at some stage this season. Read next week’s annual cricket preview Ready to go: LDCA president Russell Matthews in The Star with a club-by-club look at the welcomes cricket’s return. prospects for the coming season.

Mitchell claims national title FORMER Korumburra resident, Mitchell Elliott, has won a national title for his “new” home state Queensland. Ironically Mitchell, 12, guided the Queensland Under 12 schoolboys basketball team to a win against his former home state, Victoria. The win ended a nine year dominance by Victoria at the Under 12 level, the win described by Mitchell as “awesome”. “It was very exciting. It made us the best team in Australia.” Playing at point guard for much of the tournament, Mitchell was amongst Queensland’s top scorers in the pool matches against Northern Territory and Victoria. Mitchell ﬁnished the tournament with 30 points at the championships held in Darwin during August. Mitchell has had a huge year in basketball. His club team, the Northside Wizards, were crowned South East Queensland champions and took silver at the Queensland State Classics. Mitchell’s sisters Rachel and Jessica are representative players for the Northside Wizards. Mum and dad, Campbell and Kerryn, are

What a win: Mitchell Elliott, formerly of Korumburra, shows off the spoils of being part of a National Championship basketball team. Photo courtesy Quest Newspapers, Stafford, Queensland. proud of how their four children (Natasha being the youngest) are progressing with their sports and happy that Mitchell has taken his basketball to another level. The Elliotts now live at Burpengary, an outer Brisbane suburb, 35 kilometres from the CBD. The Elliotts relocated to Queensland ﬁve years ago, Campbell selling his sign-writing business in Korumburra for a change

of occupation to gardening. Also keeping a keen eye on things up north are grandparents, Graeme and Peg Elliott, who live in Leongatha. The Elliotts visit their family usually once a year, in winter. Graeme said he and Peg had thought of moving up north but the heat and humidity in summer is “a killer”.

Winning style: Sarah Marshall ﬁnished the fastest in the third placed U/13 Mary MacKillop team.

GIS cross country GIPPSLAND Independent Schools (GIS) held their inter school cross country competition recently. Teams from Mary MacKillop placed third in both the U/13 girls and U/15 boys. Newhaven College gained second places in the U/17 event and the U/21 girls and U/21 boys levels.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Shooting straight By Jane Ross IN less than two weeks, Linda Ryan will be in Delhi, set to compete for Australia in the Commonwealth Games. On the ﬁrst day of the Games, she will line up in the team 25m pistol women. On the following day, she will compete in that event as an individual. She’s excited to have been selected as one of the top four women in Australia. To achieve that, Linda had to travel from her Kardella South home to shoot in three particular events at the Sydney Olympic range. Those three events were held between March and July. Linda explained that those competing dropped their worst match score out of three, with the remaining two being aggregated. The top two scores resulted in a Games berth. Linda has already tested the Commonwealth Games shooting range in India. She was there in February taking part in test events, held so that organisers can iron out any range issues. “It’s a beautiful range to shoot on,” said Linda, adding that when she walked on to it in February, she thought straight away, “I really want to shoot here.” The Games cap a stellar year for Linda who has juggled intensive training, national and international competition, a job with Bass Coast Council and life with her partner Chris Winterhalter.

After the test event in February, Linda competed in three world cups. These were in Australia, China and Serbia. “I had the most success in Australia, I came sixth.” It’s been three years since Linda competed internationally. She had hoped for a berth at the last Olympics, but when she didn’t make it, she decided she needed a rest from international contest. She believes it was a sound move and the fact that she was one of a team of three Australians who won the world title in the 10m air pistol women event at the world championships in Munich bears that out. Her training regime is demanding. “I train every day. “Shooting is a sport you can do with various levels of fitness but I believe physical fitness is vital. I need it for cardio vascular fitness and stamina. “We use fine motor skills, so toning is important and I need to ensure I’m fit for everyday life.” Every morning before work, Linda uses fitness equipment for about an hour. She has set herself up at home because she found trips to the gym took up too much time. That’s her physical training. Technical training takes place after work and on weekends. Linda said she’d been well supported by her family and Bass Coast Council where she is the community strengthening administration team co-ordinator. Councillors wished her well at their monthly meeting last week.

Aiming high: Linda Ryan with the gold and silver medals she won at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. She’s hoping to better that tally at his year’s Games in India.

McLaren’s wrist pain GippsPower falls short LEONGATHA’S great motorcycling hope, Kris McLaren, suffered a moderate setback at Phillip Island earlier this month when he broke his left wrist. But the superbike racer should be back on his bike before the next round of the Australian championships in Tasmania in two months time. “It’s eight or nine weeks until the next round so I’m pretty lucky,” McLaren said. It’s about the only positive for the young champ who was “very sore” when The Star spoke to him last week. McLaren describes the accident that

led to the badly broken wrist as “a bit of bad luck”. He hit a sign on the edge of the racetrack after colliding with a fellow rider going into turn ﬁve. McLaren had been trying to throttle out of congestion from turn four. He spent three days in Cabrini Hospital where he was “pinned, screwed and plated”, though it is nowhere near the worst motorcycling accident he’s ever suffered. The crash happened in race two at the Island. In race one team McLaren ﬁnished ninth, in part due to the wrong choice of tires. It will be at least six weeks until McLaren returns to riding.

Leongatha tennis

THE Leongatha Tennis Club will be holding its annual opening day on September 26 and all local tennis players are encouraged to come along and have a great day’s tennis. The event commences at 11am and a delicious barbecue lunch will be on offer throughout the afternoon. The committee of Leongatha Tennis Club has organised coaches to be available with tennis games provided, along with a special guest to ofﬁcially open the 2010/11 tennis season. There is no cost to players wanting to attend and a wide variety of standards will be around so new players can test their abilities against players of different gradings. All in all, it should amount to a great day’s tennis and the Leongatha Tennis Club would like to see as many participants as possible. For further information contact Frank on 5668 5285 or Michelle Krohn on 5662 2127.

THE magical mystery tour that became the Gippsland Power’s TAC Cup season came to an abrupt end when they went down to the Calder Cannons in last Sunday’s grand final at Etihad Stadium. The epic journey had begun after four defeats in a row and had steadily developed an irresistible momentum as they charged towards the finals series. Once the cutthroat finals series began, the Power had created havoc and mayhem amongst highly thought of opposition sides to deservedly earn a shot at the ultimate glory. The overwhelming feeling after the game, besides the obvious disappointment at not going all the way, was a strong sense of pride. Damian Carroll and Peter Francis spoke to the players about

their magnificent effort to turn their season around and the sort of hard work, sacrifices and discipline that that had shown make it happen. It will take some time for the boys to fully appreciate what they have achieved but, for the staff, parents, family and supporters it was obvious that they were rapt with what the boys had done during the 2010 season. For the Power it is a time to celebrate a fine season but also to look eagerly to the future for what is possibly to come. Nine of the grand final side can play again in 2011 and there are several others who missed out on this game but have solid experience in the TAC Cup already. They form the nucleus of a strong and highly competitive unit already.

What gives even further optimism for the club is the fact that the incoming bottom age players are arguably the best that Power has ever had and many of them can make a signiﬁcant and instantaneous impact on the team’s performance next season. Just to underscore how the club is always focusing on the future while still dealing with the present, the club is holding two induction programs for its elite under 15 and 16 players, starting on the day after the grand ﬁnal. Final scores: Calder Cannons 17.14.107 defeated Loy Yang B Gippsland Power 8.10.58. Goal kickers: Jed Lamb and Shaun Marusic 2, Tim Northe, Dean McDonald, Clay Smith and Hayden Hector 1.

Lessons under hoops

Kris McLaren

Basketball future: another successful season of Aussie Hoops recently ﬁnished in Leongatha. The season proved popular again for those wanting to try out the sport.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 49

’Gatha A Grade falls short LEONGATHA’S great season came to a forgetful finish on Saturday, with the minor premiers going down to Drouin by 19 goals. In what was a fantastic year for the team, the Parrots lost just two games for the year before entering the finals series. Unfortunately, one of those losses was the Round 16 match with Drouin, and it gave the Hawks the confidence to repeat the dose in the semi finals and in the grand final on Saturday. The girls played their hearts out, and did their club proud, but it was not enough, as Drouin emerged as the better side. The opening quarter started with a bang, as the Parrots scored the opening goal. Kasie Salmon was showing strength from wing defence, and when Sally Trease intercepted a ball

early on, the crowd went wild. Consistency from Megan Hall in the mid court and great backup by fellow attackers assisted Mel Hughes and Kate Govers in the ring. But the Hawks were nudging ahead, as they continued to do in the second term, when they blew the game apart. They scored 17 goals to Leongatha’s seven and gave themselves a 14 point lead going into the last half, despite the Parrots’ good pressure all over the court. At half time the girls were desperate to get their way back into the match, so coach Ebony Best made wholesale changes to the lineup. Kate McCarthy came off the bench to play wing defence, while Kasie Salmon moved to goal defence. Megan Hall made way for Kate Govers to play centre, while Ebony moved herself into goal attack. The girls kept battling, and

slowly evened up the game, but they were struggling to chip back at the lead, despite good pressure and drive forward. At three quarter time the game was all but over, with Drouin 17 goals clear, but the Parrots were going to keep trying no matter what. Kasie was affecting some great intercepts, and Ebony and Mel were goaling well, but it was not enough as Drouin kept clear to finish with a big margin to their advantage. It was A Grade’s second grand final loss in three years, as they had also gone down to Drouin in 2008. The girls are owed huge congratulations for their efforts in one of the best netball competitions around. To prove just how even the league is, seven of the nine clubs had representation in grand finals on Saturday, with no club having more than two teams in. And, of the six premierships won, every one of them went to a different team.

Goaling well: Mel Hughes kept a calm head in the goal ring and gave her side plenty of chances.

Kasie Salmon: the defender was the Parrots’ best player on Saturday, effecting plenty of intercepts.

Parrots close to triple treat L E O N G AT H A’ S netballers came close to winning all three senior grades’ Best and Fairest, but instead only one of the girls got the top gong. B Grade’s Tayla Robb was announced as the best player, and considering she only started playing in round seven, this was a fantastic effort in just 11 games. Robb jumped to 17 votes and moved ahead of the Maroon’s defender by one vote at the conclusion of Round 17 and was then joined by

Drouin’s Lia Olsen and Traralgon’s Alyce Stockdale after the pair’s teams encountered each other in the ﬁnal round. It all came down to the last card and Robb claimed another three votes and emerged with the winning lead. Ebony Best fell just one vote short of becoming A Grade’s Best and Fairest, and trailed winner Staci Scott by the slender margin for most of the count. Best ﬁnished her season with a best on court display and overhauled Warragul’s Renee Cook for the runner-up honours

Best and Fairest: B Grade’s league Best and Fairest Award went to Leongatha’s Tayla Robb.

in a very tight and intense count. The evening commenced with Traralgon’s Loren Ponton taking out the C Grade Best and Fairest award by three votes from Leongatha’s Jane Harrison. Ponton polled consistently after jumping to an early lead, but Harrison nearly came over the top of her in the last few rounds, with strong performances. All three of the top league vote-getters for Leongatha were rewarded with club Best and Fairest honours at Sunday’s vote count.

The successful night continued for the Leongatha netballers, with four A Grade netballers selected in the team of the year. Ebony Best, Mel Hughes, Kasie Salmon and Kate Govers earned a spot, with three of them gaining positions on the court, with Govers chosen on the bench. Best was picked as the coach of the side, after leading her squad to the minor premiership. The Leongatha Football Netball Club presentations are on this Friday, September 24.

Runner-up: Ebony Best was just C Grade runner-up: Jane Harrione vote short of the league Best son charged home late in the count and Fairest Award. to earn the runner-up trophy.

Elaine shares cup glory By Tony Giles LIFE member and ardent Parrot supporter Elaine Olle was able to enjoy some of the Thirds premiership glory on the weekend. Ill health prevented Elaine from making the trip to Morwell for the Leongatha grand ﬁnals in football and netball on Saturday. So some of the Thirds boys, after claiming a memorable victory over the undefeated Traralgon, decided to bring their cup and player medals to Elaine’s house in Leongatha. Club president Glenn Wright, said the boys didn’t want to forget their greatest supporter.

Glenn described the visit as “a very moving moment for all involved”. Always remaining positive, Elaine’s spirits were immediately lifted by the visit. Elaine had sent a card of good wishes and encouragement to the Under 18 boys and coaches before the game and this no doubt helped them lift their standards for their best game of the year, completely dominating the benchmark team of the season. Elaine has been a Parrot supporter ever since Leongatha joined the league in 1969 and always kept her rightful car place on the fence next to the grandstand. She has helped the club in many capacities over the years. This one’s for you Elaine, “Go ‘Gatha”.

Wear a smile: Elaine Olle shares in the Leongatha Thirds success with, back from left, Matt Willcocks, Luke Castagna, Lochie Dumont, Tom Marriott and, front, Nick Nagel and Sam Sperling.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Under 17s supreme

Kicking clear: Ricky O’Loughlin moves the ball forward for the Parrots during their second quarter onslaught.

Premiers: The Under 17 team; back, from left: Megan Rosser, Sophie Bolge (with cup), Mollie Bourke, coach Kathy Govers, Jessica Shea; front: Jaclyn Smith, Jodie Chisolm, Emily McCahon, Nicola Marriott and best on court Maddison Kerr.

WHAT a way to ﬁnish a season: Leongatha 44 d Traralgon 26 in the Under 17s netball grand ﬁnal played at Morwell in cold and windy conditions.

In control: Nicola Marriott was a key player in the Under 17 girls’ premiership.

WGLNA final results A Grade Drouin 57 d Leongatha 38. Best on court: Christie Proctor (Drouin). B Grade Morwell 45 d Drouin 43. Best on court: Samantha Pearce (Morwell). C Grade Maffra 45 d Morwell 36. Best on court: Megan Raine (Maffra). 17 & Under Leongatha 44 d Traralgon 26. Best on court: Maddison Kerr (Leongatha). 15 & Under Traralgon 28 d Maffra 17. Best on court: Danni Pearce (Traralgon). 13 & Under Sale 38 d Wonthaggi 34. Best on court: Heidi Bedggood (Sale).

The Leongatha girls started nervously, with Traralgon scoring the first two goals and leading midway through the first quarter. However Leongatha fought back and soon took control of the game. Sophie and Jackie combined well in defence to secure the Traralgon goals, enabling the centre players to move the ball smoothly up the court and into the ring. The game became physical in the last two quarters, with Megan taking a few hard knocks, but it certainly didn’t distract her from her shooting. Congratulations to “super coach” Cathy Govers for her strong sideline play (voice), her dedication and ability to lead the team to victory and bring home the 2010 Under 17s Premiership Cup. Best on court in the grand final went to Maddi Kerr for her strong court coverage and accurate goaling. All nine girls are to be congratulated for the hard work, dedication and maturity they displayed during the season both on and off the court. They have certainly done the club proud.

Gippsland League results Seniors Maffra 17.17.119 d Drouin 15.11.101 VCFL Medal: Ben Coleman (Maffra). Stan Aitken Medal: Ben Coleman (Maffra). Reserves Traralgon 8.4.52 d Maffra 5.6.36 AFL Victoria Medal: Michael Burge (Traralgon). Under 18s Leongatha 10.13.73 d Traralgon 5.6.36 Leongatha goals: N. Nagel 4, T. Marriott 2, L. Dumont 1, S. Sperling 1, T. Gordon 1, D. Westaway 1. Best: T. Marriott, J. Kennedy, L. Dumont, M. Elliott, D. Westaway, N. Nagel. Traralgon goals: B. Graham 2, D. Loprese 1, E. Coughlan 1, D. Brunt 1. Traralgon best: B. Graham, A. Slottje, J. Doderico, E. Coughlan, M. Stevens, R. Wilkie. VCFL Medal: Sam Sperling (Leongatha). Under 16s Traralgon 12.11.83 d Sale 6.9.45

Tim Burgess: wraps up his opponent in what was one of three game turning moments that helped inspire the Parrots.

You beauty: Leongatha’s co-captains Nick Nagel and Lochie Dumont hold up the Thirds premiership cup with coach Glenn Sullivan.

Dylan Westaway: The senior star came back to help his side to win the ﬂag, and was just short of best on ground honours.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - PAGE 51

By Isaac McCallum LEONGATHA’S Under 18 team has taken out this year’s 2010 Gippsland League premiership with a 37 point win over the previously undefeated Traralgon side on Saturday.

The boys travelled to Morwell full of high spirits, despite the fact that their opposition had not dropped a game since the season before, and had beaten them just two weeks earlier. But the Parrots controlled the game from quarter time onwards, to take the club to football success. With key senior players returning, it almost seemed as if Leongatha were leaving the job to too few in the opening term, and Traralgon were taking advantage. The well drilled Maroons side was working hard together, and they were able to blitz through tackles and find loose team mates whenever they went forward. They made the Parrots look slow, and were catching them on the hop at every chance they got. That was until three key moments swung the match back in favour of the underdogs. The first was from Leongatha’s Mitchell Elliott, who misread a swirling high ball that went over his head and started bouncing towards the goals. Two Traralgon players charged past as he turned around, and it seemed as though another goal was going the way of the Maroons. But Elliott launched himself and clung onto the gathering Traralgon forward and did not let go, earning a free kick for holding the ball. Just minutes later the eventual best on ground Sam Sperling, found himself against three Traralgon players and needing to lay a tackle. Instead the livewire forward avoided a would-be shepherd and dove full length to affect a smother, the spilling ball falling to a running team-mate. Tim Burgess provided the third inspiring moment, chasing down a player who looked certain to be starting another Traralgon drive from the Leongatha half forward line. Burgess earnt a free kick and used the ball well, setting up Nick Nagel, who sent the Parrots on their way. At half time they had wrestled back the momentum, and the lead, as they stormed 25 points clear. The Parrots again pushed ahead in the third term, kicking four goals to one and stamping their authority firmly on the game. Traralgon have for so long been the big kid in the Under 18s playground,

Champions: The winning team; (back, from left) co-captain Nick Nagel, Rhett Kelly, Nick Phelan, co-captain Lochie Dumont, Jamie Tuckett, Matthew Willcocks, Ricky O’Loughlin, (third row, from left) water boy Justin Pellicano, best on ground Sam Sperling, Jess Hickey, Dylan Westaway, Tim Burgess, Phil Williams, (second row, from left) coach Glenn Sullivan, Marty O’Loughlin, Jason Kennedy, Christian Eva, Tom Gordon, Matt Sullivan, water boy Lachie Sperling, (front, from left) Paddy McCaughan, Tom Marriott, Paddy Kindellan and Luke Castagna. pushing around all their opponents and doing things easily, and when the Parrots made things hard for them, they simply did not have an answer. At three quarter time Glenn Sullivan congratulated the guys for their effort so far, but also warned that the job was not done. They did ease off in the last quarter, but they still did not allow the opposition too much room to move and their only goal of the quarter proved the sealer.

The celebrations were emphatic once the siren sounded; with the whole team piling in together to celebrate what has been a very long and tough year. As the players had ﬁnished their hugs and high-ﬁves, coach Glenn Sullivan got the attention of the group and congratulated them on their performance. Again, in the room, he talked to them one last time. “I’m so proud of you guys, we had a plan and you stuck to it. You’re going

to remember this for the rest of your lives,” he said. “The next step for you guys is a senior premiership, and I know it’s not too far away.” The coach then thanked the players, helpers, parents and other members of the Leongatha fraternity for their efforts before turning his attention to the hard luck stories. “In any grand ﬁnal there’s always disappointment, and there’s four guys here today that deserve a special men-

tion,” he said. The four players were Sean Westaway, who broke his collar bone in the last game of the senior year, Dan Gordon, who came up from the Under 16s to ﬁll in all year, Lochie Sperling who did the same and Justin Pellicano who dislocated his shoulder mid way through the year. The players then celebrated together with their families and friends, remembering what will always be a great memory in their lives.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 21, 2010