The Great Southern Star - September 22, 2009

Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland

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

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The Great Southern

Star

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

INSIDE

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www.thestar.com.au 72 PAGES

What a grand week IT’S the talk of the town.

Geelong and St Kilda will face off next Saturday for the biggest prize in football – the AFL premiership.

At St Laurence’s special footy day last Friday, Cats supporter Mitchell Scrimshaw (top left) seemed to have the jump on Saints fan Billy O’Loughlin.

On the same day at Leongatha Primary School, Adam and Will (below) were barely on speaking terms as they contemplated the big match on Saturday.

While fans are nervous, spare a thought for Stony Creek’s favourite son Robert Eddy, who faces a long week waiting to see if he has secured his place in the St Kilda team for the grand final.

Eddy, who played in the Saints’ hard-fought win over the Western Bulldogs last Friday night, could be replaced before Saturday, but seems more likely to keep his spot in the 22.

Read more about Robert Eddy’s big week on page 5.

Gas leak ...page 3

Window mystery ...page 6

Soccer finals ...sport

INDEX Column 7 ............ 10 Opinions ............. 12 Property Guide... 25 Entertainment .... 33 Kids’ Page .......... 37 Classifieds.......... 42 Sport .............. 48-56

Road fear Concerns over dangerous stretch of highway

By Brad Lester FAMILIES fear they could be killed outside their front doors unless the speed limit along the South Gippsland Highway near Korumburra is reduced.

Residents of Silkstone, a community of 10 homes along the highway, believe speeding traffic is risking their lives on their doorstep.

And a recent crash closer to Korumburra has raised concerns that the entrance to town will see more serious

accidents if the road is not repaired or bypassed.

Silkstone residents are renewing calls for VicRoads to reduce the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h all the way to Fisher’s timber yard.

VicRoads last month extended the 80km/h zone around the bend alongside Coal Creek to improve road safety after a spate of accidents.

But Silkstone residents, including Andrew Appleton, have stepped up their campaign for VicRoads to extend the new zone further.

“It’s got to the stage where I don’t even look in the rear vision mirror when I turn in; that’s how bad it is,”

he said, tired of seeing vehicles fast approaching while he waits to turn.

“It will probably take someone to be killed for them (VicRoads) to stop and think about it.”

Residents have lobbied VicRoads for the zone to be extended in the past, but say they were told the straight section of highway offered ample visibility and was safe.

“I realise that it’s a straight stretch of road but there is a bend up there that people just slingshot off,” Mr Appleton said.

Continued on page 4.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR�, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

By Chris Brown

Race day: Ashley Newton in the HPV.

PRIMARY school students at Leongatha are Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) heroes after competing at the Maroondah Grand Prix recently.

Making Victoria FireReady:

Simpler rules for clearing trees and vegetation The Victorian Government has made it simpler for landowners in bushďŹ re prone areas to reduce the bushďŹ re risk around their homes as part of their wider preparations for the 2009/10 bushďŹ re season.

These changes are helping make Victoria as ďŹ re-safe and ďŹ re-ready as possible.

10/30 Right-Clearing Vegetation on Private Property If you own a property in a bushďŹ re prone municipality, you can now clear any vegetation, including trees, on your property within 10 metres of your house and any ground fuel within 30 metres of your house – all without a permit.

The ‘10/30 right’ applies across Victoria except in 20 metropolitan municipalities – where it is likely you can access the existing permit exemptions to clear vegetation for bushďŹ re protection if required.

Landowners are also allowed to clear all vegetation, including trees, for a combined maximum width of four metres either side of the property boundary fence. The written permission of the landowner is required before clearing any vegetation from a neighbouring property.

Victorians whose homes are at risk of bushďŹ re should prepare a bushďŹ re survival plan prior to the start of the 2009/10 bushďŹ re season. As part of this, residents

are encouraged to remove ďŹ ne fuels such as long dry grass, fallen leaves and twigs around their homes.

BushďŹ res are fuelled by the amount, availability and arrangement of surface and near surface ďŹ ne fuels, including leaf litter, twigs and shrubs. Trees and elevated fuels such as bark can contribute to extreme ďŹ re behaviour.

Team B1 completed 101 laps on the 1.4km circuit over six hours to place second in the junior secondary category.

B2 ďŹ nished seventh with 91 laps and B3 was in 12th with 89 laps at the Bayswater North driver training centre on September 13.

Student Nathan Hardacre said there were 36 entrants in the junior secondary category. “B1 was basically second for the whole thing except for half an hour when they were in ďŹ rst place,â€? he said. “It was pretty hard to catch up.â€?

B1 team member Jack Hemming said the second placing was unexpected. “We went in thinking we weren’t going to place in the top 10. We thought the competition would be really good,� he said.

B1 ďŹ nished 19th overall against a ďŹ eld of 66 cars including secondary college en-

tries and hybrid vehicles. “It was raining at the start and it was hard, but it got better through the day,�

Nathan said.

Jorja Markley was pedalling B3 when two vehicles crashed into her, causing the HPV to ip. Then another HPV crashed into B3 causing it spin.

The accident earned Jorja the nickname ‘Laura Bingle’.

Nathan said B2 popped a tyre near the end of the race. “Luckily my dad, Darren, and Mr Higgins got a new wheel on quickly and got it back on the road,� he said.

Nathan said B1 and B2 will compete at the 14-hour RACV Energy Breakthrough at Maryborough in November. “Before we go to Maryborough we have to change the roll bar and put them the opposite way, so it is safer,� he said.

Matt Hayward, Ryley Muldoon and Nathan raised $2000 when they walked McCartin and Bair streets asking for donations from businesses. “We just went in to the shop and Nathan asked if they would like to sponsor Leongatha Primary School HPV project,�

Ryley said.

The money went towards a trailer.

The ‘10/30 right’ is part of a suite of measures to help Victorians in bushďŹ re prone areas prepare for the season ahead. Residents should seek advice from their local council about achieving a sensible balance between creating a safer home and maintaining vegetation on their property.

Roadside Firewood Collection Local councils and VicRoads are working with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the CFA to reduce fuels on roadsides to decrease the bushďŹ re risk. This includes conducting controlled burns on roadsides that are identiďŹ ed as high risk. Careful selection of sites will minimise the impact on important plants and animals.

Victorians can remove fallen ďŹ rewood for personal use without a permit from nominated roadsides for two weeks before the planned burns begin. Look out for advertisements in local newspapers for more information about planned burns.

For more information contact:

136 186

www.dse.vic.gov.au

School’s cool: Tanya Derrick, Ryley Muldoon, Nathan Hardacre and Courteney Westaway, with Jack Hemming in the HPV, were helping promote Leongatha Primary School at IGA last week.

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 3

Top: Cold case: The frigid gas spewed out of the plant at the truck refuelling bay

Gas scare

By Brad Lester and Jane Ross 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 refueling bay, forcing the temporary closure of Yarragon Road. Police blocked the area.

Leongatha CFA firefighters in

breathing apparatus braved a temperature of minus 160 degrees and risked cryogenic burns to shut down the gas supply. First Lieutenant Mark Harbert and Firefighter Murray Leitch were the two who dealt with the problem. Neither was injured.

“We always go in in pairs,” said Leongatha CFA captain Andy Kay. The Leongatha tanker and HAZMAT units were backed by firefighters from Ruby and Korumburra, with a total of up to 20 personnel.

MG’s manager of operations devel-

opment, Craig Turner, said contractors were working on the valve when the leak occurred.

“The valve cracked and as a precautionary measure, the contractors hit the emergency response switch,” he said.

“The failed valve was immediately isolated to be safe to work on.”

Staff were evacuated to a meeting point near the main Yarragon Road office for 20 minutes. Their safety was not at risk, Mr Turner said.

“This was the first incident we’ve had with the system. We will investi-

gate it, have a debrief and find out if any mechanisms for working on the machine will be altered.”

Andy Kay said the call came through at 1.55pm and “it was all over” in an hour.

The incident was the first time the Leongatha CFA’s restored siren had been used to alert firefighters of an incident.

Mr Kay, an electrician, was under the floor of a building at St Laurence’s Primary School when his alarm sounded. He said by the time he had crawled

out, the fire trucks had left the Leongatha station and he drove to Murray Goulburn in his own vehicle.

He told The Star that when Murray Goulburn installed its liquid natural gas plant last year, brigade members were given a guided tour. That, he said, helped enormously in dealing with the leak on Friday.

Mr Kay said liquified natural gas is “not as big a worry” to deal with as liquified petroleum gas, because the former is lighter than air.

Left: Plan of action: Leongatha CFA crew members talk tactics during the gas scare at Murray Goulburn last Friday.

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PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

No hospital pledge

By Brad Lester THE State Opposition is unable to commit to rebuilding the Leongatha Memorial Hospital if elected to government next year.

Gippsland South MLA and Deputy Opposition Leader Peter Ryan said he was not in a position to promise The Nationals and Liberals in government would deliver the long awaited hospital.

He was unable to make a personal pledge 14 months from the election due to likely criticism from Opposition MPs who would in turn call for the Opposition to support hospital redevelopments in their own electorates.

“We will make capital works commitments as we lead into the election and I am aware of the Leongatha community’s needs as a priority case,” Mr Ryan said.

“I will make it (the new hospital) happen.”

CEO Gary Templeton said regardless of which party was in government, the decision to fund a new hospital lay with the Department of Human Services.

“We need to get the develop-

Gippsland South MLA: Peter Ryan. ment through them (DHS) first,” he said.

Mr Ryan is seeking to arrange a deputation of the Gippsland Southern Health Service board to meet Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews and push for $30 million state funding to redevelop the ageing hospital.

The State Government had committed to rebuilding the Leongatha Hospital during the term of former Health Minister, Bronwyn Pike.

“I have said to Daniel (An-

drews) that it’s very important that the previous commitment provided by Bronwyn Pike when she was Minister is fulfilled,” Mr Ryan said.

“Any commitment made by the current government will be honoured by us if we get into government.

“We will just have to keep thumping the drum, and we will.”

Gippsland Southern Health Service board president Tracey Gibson said the board needs to meet the Minister directly to ensure he is aware of the state of the hospital.

“We’re concerned about the state of the infrastructure and the fact that no one seems to be listening to us regarding the consequences of the building,” she said.

“We are concerned the information is not flowing from the regional office of the department (of Human Services) to Melbourne.

“The building is getting old and we feel the opportunity for funding is slipping away from us.”

Mrs Gibson said hospital staff have maintained the hospital to a point where replacing the build-

ings is the only solution.

“There have been promises coming back to say we are likely to be getting funding but then that disappears,” she said.

“We are concerned the information is not getting through to the Minister. We want to know where we are at on the priority list with other projects.”

Mr Templeton said the deputation would aid in keeping the hospital redevelopment on the government’s radar.

“I think the need is well and truly known, both at the hospital and in the public arena. There just does not seem to be anybody who can make it happen,” he said.

Three consultants’ reports have emphasised the need for a new hospital, including two reports commissioned by the Department of Human Services.

“I believe that our business case was put forward last year but it was not seen as urgent to do something in that budget round,” Mr Templeton said.

South Gippsland Shire Council has also committed to working closely with the board to achieve a new hospital.

Residents’ concerns over dangerous stretch of highway Continued from page 1.

“VicRoads wants uniform speed signs but they’ve got to be realistic and flexible.”

His wife Debbie has unsuccessfully asked VicRoads for turning lanes to help ease the danger.

“When you’re trying to turn into your driveway with a B-double coming up, it’s pretty scary. And sometimes when you’re trying to turn, people try to pass you,” she said.

“Nobody backs out of their driveway because it’s just too dangerous.”

Now with his eldest daughter learning to drive, Mr Appleton’s concerns have heightened.

“You feel for the younger ones if the highway frightens us,” he said.

Long time locals believe traffic has increased by three-fold over the past 20 years.

Midge Burrows, a Silkstone resident of 21 years, said locals petitioned VicRoads to act 10 years ago, but to no avail.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve nearly been cleaned up here. It just makes you so nervous every time you try to get in and out of your drive. People just think it’s a racetrack along here,” she said.

Dale Byrne claims he is lucky to be alive after losing control of his utility at the Korumburra end of the 80km/h zone.

Mr Byrne said he was still picking up speed when he skidded on the wet road while travelling at around 60km/h.

The Bena milk tanker driver was heading towards Leongatha recently when his car slid

across the road before spinning back towards Coal Creek and plunging down a steep embankment.

The young father said he was terrified and unable to control the vehicle on a stretch of road he said needs to be “bypassed or ripped up”.

“It’s a dangerous bit of road, there have been too many accidents,” he said.

Mr Byrne said people in Korumburra want something done on this road, with the majority wanting it bypassed.

He said when rain hits the road at the moment, the surface can become undriveable.

“Just the wear has made it as smooth as a table,” he said.

“When it rains a lot you can see the rainbow colour of the oil and fuel running down the road.”

Gippsland South MLA and Victorian Nationals leader, Peter Ryan, has promised to lobby VicRoads for a safety assessment of the stretch of road.

“I will instigate a process at VicRoads to enable traffic counts to be taken and consider other criteria when we are considering speed limits,” he said.

VicRoads Acting Regional Director Anita Curnow said recent speed limit changes should help alleviate problems with the road.

“The speed zone has been reduced to 80km/h to improve safety from the eastern side of the Korumburra to south-west of the Coal Creek Village,” she said.

“VicRoads has reviewed the speed limit in

Action needed: Silkstone resident Andrew Appleton is asking VicRoads to extend the 80km/h speed limit further.

the vicinity of Silkstone Road and found this section of road does not meet requirements for further speed reductions.

“VicRoads generally provides slow turn lanes at intersections, based on traffic volumes and other road safety factors. It is the responsibility of landowners to provide access improvements to private property.”

Farewell Arthur

DUMBALK identity, historian and former Woorayl Shire councillor Arthur Ashenden, died on September 12.

He was 85. Arthur wrote a column in The Star for many years, signing himself “Bullant” because there was always a sting in the tail.

He also recorded the history of the Dumbalk area, the history of Dollar and cowrote the story of the South Gippsland District Cricket Association.

His death ends an era in Dumbalk where Arthur and his wife Nola were involved in many community interests. Nola died in March this year.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 5

No holiday for new school

By Jane Ross WORK starts on construction of the new Leongatha Primary School next week.

The $9.4 million project is due for completion in November 2010, with students expected to move in at the start of 2011.

Primary School principal Rob Higgins is delighted.

“We’re land locked where we are,” he said.

The new primary school will be built on part of the 55 acre Leongatha Secondary College, as a neighbour to the new South Gippsland Specialist School.

Like that building, most of the primary school will sit atop a bank overlooking the main secondary college oval, which will become a shared sports and play area.

When the building is finished, the primary school will just have to cross Horn Street to move in.

Education Department Gippsland region major projects director Don Paproth, said Melbourne firm W. P. Constructions would build the new school. Using South Gippsland sub contractors is part of its brief.

The new primary school represents stage two of the Leongatha

Education Precinct which, when it is finished, is expected to provide education from kindergarten to university.

It is the second such precinct in Gippsland; the first is in Churchill.

Stage four, a new TAFE building, has been underway for about three months. That project is costing $7 million.

Standing on a secondary college basketball court overlooking the site of the new primary school yesterday afternoon, Mr Paproth and Mr Higgins agreed the precinct is an exciting innovation and will represent a major drawcard for Leongatha.

The primary school will comprise Grades Three, Four, Five and Six in a building overlooking the oval, with a new shared library and performing arts centre incorporating a canteen and home economics area.

The performing arts centre will seat 250 and include a recording studio.

“It is unusual for a primary school to have access to a theatrette and home economics facilities,” said Mr Paproth.

Mesley Hall will remain as a community resource.

The Prep, Grade One and Two

classrooms will be built where a playground now sits on Nerrena Road. It is envisaged that a kindergarten could be added in the future.

Mr Higgins said the school is being built to cater for its 570 students, but there will be room for expansion should this be necessary.

Mr Paproth pointed out that the Leongatha Primary School is the biggest in Gippsland, ahead of Sale and Warragul North.

He explained that as stage three of the precinct, the new Leongatha Secondary College is built, the two sections of the primary school will become unified by the removal of old secondary college buildings.

The new secondary college has not been funded yet, but Mr Paproth said permission has been granted to go to design stage.

He heads a board, formed in 2004, to plan the precinct. Representatives include the primary, secondary and specialist schools, South Gippsland Shire, South Gippsland LLEN, TAFE, adult education and Murray Goulburn.

Mr Paproth commended newly-retired Leongatha Secondary College principal Colin Boyd, with giving the precinct impetus.

Steady Eddy FOR St Kilda player Robert Eddy and his Leongatha parents, Stuart and Fran, this week will be one of their most nervous waits ever.

Despite playing in the Saints preliminary final win over the Bulldogs, Eddy is no certainty to be named in the team to play Geelong in this Saturday’s grand final.

Eddy has played 10 games so far this year for the Saints and will certainly be in the mix at selections this Thursday.

He has proven finals experience as well, having played in 23 games of which five have been finals.

Eddy played in three finals last year, against Geelong and Collingwood, and Hawthorn, the team which deprived them a spot in the big one.

Robert’s father Stuart told The Star that his son would go about things as usual this week despite the obvious pregame hype.

There will be an open training session on Tuesday, a gym session on Wednesday and training on Thursday. Robert will be involved in Friday’s grand final parade in the city as well.

With high hopes Robert will get a run, Stuart said he and wife, Fran, and two of their three daughters will still go to the game whether he makes the team or not.

“We’re very proud of how he has gone of course, whether he makes it or not. To be a member of a top AFL team like St Kilda, which has been on top all year, is a tribute to his hard work.”

Robert’s season has been affected by injuries, but he has come good at the right time of the year.

“He hurt his knee in the NAB cup when he and an umpire collided,” Stuart said.

After a few games with VFL affiliate Sandringham, Eddy played in rounds five and six. He dropped back into the VFL again and then hurt his ankle.

He soldiered on and returned into the St Kilda line-up for rounds 15-19. He was

Long week: Robert Eddy is facing his first grand final week. dropped in rounds 20 and 21, the only two games the Saints have lost this year, before returning again for the final round and the finals.

“We’re very positive about him getting a run. He plays half forward and is a run and spread type player. He has a good engine and will run all day.

“They may give him a specific job on someone. The selectors will go with the team they think has the better match-up against Geelong.”

Ironically Stuart, for many years, was a Geelong supporter.

“Fran was Richmond, I barracked for Geelong, but we are very much St Kilda now,” Stuart said.

Hopefully the success of his home town club, Stony Creek will be a good omen for Eddy who will know his fate this Thursday night at selection.

Visiting surgeon dies A CONSULTANT surgeon to Leongatha Memorial Hospital for in excess of 30 years has died.

Mr David Conroy provided general

surgical services from the 1970s before retiring in 2001.

He died at home in Point Lonsdale on Sunday, September 13 after a long illness.

Primary site: Leongatha Primary School principal Rob Higgins (right) and Education Department regional director of major projects Don Paproth, discuss plans for the new school to be built on the area in the background.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Window breakage mystery

By Matt Dunn KORUMBURRA Police are looking for an offender who shot a projectile through the window of Korumburra Marine on an evening of the week before last, causing $4700 worth of damage.

The incident was not the first in the town, nor the region.

Wonthaggi and Inverloch have both suffered their fair share of attacks in recent times.

Investigating officer Leading Senior Constable Jim Brannigan was at pains to assure people that the latest attack was not done by someone with a .22 rifle, but more likely a slingshot.

Even so, this was no benign prank, with the broken glass from the window scatted about 10 metres from the projectile’s entry point.

“We don’t have any leads at this stage, but I known the owner of the business is

offering a reward in the paper.

But it’s not a bullet, as has been suggested. There was a spate of these incidents a while ago, but nothing recently,” Leading snr const Brannigan said.

For the owner of the business, Mark Stedman, the event has been a harrowing one, with more questions than answers. Top of the list: why would someone do something like this?

Mr Stedman bought the business in 1998, with no other crime problems.

“The window’s eight foot by 11 foot. We’ve never had a window broken before. There’s been other windows broken around the place. Wonthaggi had a spate of them there a while ago,” Mr Stedman said.

“The police think it’s probably the same person.

That’s the only comment they’d make and they believe they must live local to this area. It was the same type of breakage.”

Korumburra Drafting suffered a similar attack about three months ago.

Mr Stedman said unprovoked attacks like the window breakage made it hard to run a business in the town.

“It’s not broken badly enough that it has to be replaced. You think, well that’s a big loss. If you had too many of those things happening it wouldn’t be worth having a business,” he said.

“The glass from the breakage ended up 10 metres away from the window. It’s like a bullet’s gone through with a huge force. I couldn’t find a hole, but I reckon it may have gone through the ceiling. If it’s been fired from a car on the road, because we’re elevated here, the bullet would have gone up there.”

Mr Stedman said that “realistically I don’t expect to hear any more about it”.

But even so, he has offered a $500 reward for anyone with information that may lead to an arrest.

Money on offer: Mark Stedman has offered $500 to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

POLICE BRIEFS

Rise in Inverloch break-ins INVERLOCH was hit with a number of burglaries recently.

Garden equipment was stolen from a shed in the backyard of a house in Cuttriss St between September 2 and 18, police said.

A lawn mower, power tools, a lawn edger and whipper-snipper were stolen, while the owners were on holidays.

Total estimated value is $1200. The offenders gained entry by forcing the shed door.

Two girl’s bikes, pink and purple in colour, were stolen from a home in Florida St on September 14. The bikes were worth $50 each.

Unknown offenders forced their way

through the front door of a holiday home in Darling Avenue.

The incident is believed to have happened in the last fortnight. It was reported to police on Sunday. Nothing was stolen or damaged, police said. Any witnesses to any of the incidents are asked to call Inverloch police on 5674 1202.

Woman fined A WOMAN driver was fined failing to give way, following a two-car collision near Foster last Wednesday.

Police said at about 3.45pm the 19-yearold woman was driving from Toora on Toora Rd and failed to give way to a male motorist from Mardan who came on her

right on the intersection of the South Gippsland Highway, heading for Leongatha.

The man in his 40s was not injured. The woman sustained minor injuries. She received a penalty notice of $193 and three demerit points.

Valuables gone A NUMBER of valuables, estimated to be worth $4000, were stolen from a car at the Wonthaggi Hospital car park several weeks ago.

The incident happened on September 3, but was reported on the weekend.

Stolen were a laptop and mobile phone, satchel, shoes and glasses.

There is no sign of forced entry, but it is unsure whether the car was locked. Police are urging motorists to leave no valuables in their cars or in view and ensure doors are locked when vehicles are parked.

Car damaged A CAR was scratched in Blair Cres, Leongatha, causing considerable damage.

The car was parked on the nature strip outside the owners’ home, when someone scratched the panels with a key last Friday at around 1.30am.

Police are asking for anyone who might have heard or seen anything suspicious at the time to contact them

on 5662 2285.

Man quarrelsome A MAN in his 20s was fined for being quarrelsome after an incident at McCartins Hotel in Leongatha on Saturday, 12.30am.

The man became argumentative with security people when he was asked to leave.

Police were called, who issued him with a penalty notice of $234.

People can be fined for being drunk, violent or quarrelsome, police said.

Windscreen smashed THE windscreen of a person’s car was destroyed when someone threw an object from the window of an oncoming car last Saturday.

The 19-year-old victim was driving home on Nerrena Rd to Dumbalk at 4.30pm, when someone driving towards Leongatha threw the object, smashing his windscreen.

The offender was driving an old model blue Ford sedan, square in shape. Police are asking for anyone who might know of the car or its owner to contact them on 5662 2285.

Houses damaged UNKNOWN offenders caused prop-

erty damage to two homes in Shingler St, Leongatha, on Saturday.

Around 1.20am, someone threw a rock through the front window of a house in the street and later someone damaged a letter box at another house.

Police are asking for anyone who may be able to assist in finding the offenders to call them on 5662 2285.

Traffic vandal

THERE seems to be a serial traffic post vandal or vandals roaming the streets of Leongatha.

Three traffic signs in the car park off Sparrow Lane were damaged some time ago and now another sign post on the corner of Peart St and Scout Lane was pulled out of the ground and thrown on the road on Sunday night.

A woman driver who ran into the post, alerted Leongatha police who are investigating.

Signs slashed

THE advertising signs at Michael’s IGA liquor store in Anderson St, Leongatha, were vandalised on the weekend.

One of the canvas banners was cleanly removed from its aluminium frame, while another was badly cut, causing up to $800 damage.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Leongatha police on 5662 2285.

Hard impact on tree

A P-PLATE driver was lucky to escape serious injury after he smashed his VL Holden Commodore into a tree in Turner St, Leongatha on Saturday.

The Korumburra driver lost control of his high-powered Holden near the caravan park at 8.15pm.

He spun the car and smashed sideways on the driver’s side into the tree, coming out of the hard impact with a cut hand. Police said the man was fortunate to escape with minor injuries. The car was a write-off.

“Excessive speed appears to be involved,” Senior Constable Jeff Watsford, of Leongatha police said.

The man will be charged on summons with careless driving and need to appear at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

Underage drinking fine TWO teenagers were issued with a penalty notice each for underage drinking on Saturday. The 15-16 year-old youths were spoken to by police at 12.30am and fined $54 each for possession of alcohol and underage drinking.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 7

Zoning stirs passions

By Bert van Bedaf THE C48 planning amendment, imposed on South Gippsland Shire Council by the Minister for Planning Justin Madden last May, stirred strong passions among councillors and gallery members at last Wednesday night’s council meeting.

The amendment removed key planning powers from council, banning the building of dwellings on land less than 40ha in the farming zone, which has resulted in plummeting land values and subsequent rate losses.

C48 Community Watchdog Paul Richardson and Watchdog member Ken Irwin addressed council on the issue. They asked two questions each during the gallery sessions before and after council reports and other business.

Mr Richardson asked council’s planning manager Chris Wightman and the Mayor Jim Fawcett how council would recoup the rate losses, estimated to be $250,000 for the coming financial year.

Would council raise residential rates, distribute the loss across ratepayers, resulting in fewer services, or accept the loss.

Mr Wightman was absent and therefore unable to reply. Cr Fawcett said “the issue will be dealt with in the budget process. We were talking about it today (September 16).”

Community watchdog: Farming zone watchdog Paul Richardson put some pointed question over the farming zone to South Gippsland She Councillors last Wednesday night.

Mr Richardson asked councillors Jeanette Harding and Mimmie Jackson to respond how council would compensate landowners for their financial losses, or would council ask the State Government to fund compensation?

Cr Harding said she would respond in written form. “I will not stand up for your political spiel here.”

Cr Jackson said the planning scheme operated in certain ways and offered “advantages and disadvantages, I don’t know about compensation by the State Government and I would feel uncomfortable pushing for it.”

Owners of a vacant block in the

farming zone near Foster, Mr Irwin and his wife Lynne are now unable to build on their three acres.

He asked Cr Bob Newton whether “the decision to stop building permits being issued for small allotments had been made, regardless of the rural strategy plan?”

Cr Newton declined to make a verbal reply. “I will get it (question) in writing and I will answer it in writing,” Cr Newton said.

Mr Irwin asked Cr Lewis whether council realised “the true extent of their actions” when they, “with the State Planning Minister Justin Madden

stole and ripped the heart out of not just ratepayers but real people?’

He said council’s own draft strategy report stated that 15,419 small allotments were affected by the C48 amendment and “most families will be people with one or two children, the true extent of the devastation is roughly 50,000 people. Can you explain what you are going to do to fix their problem?”

Cr Lewis said he could not speak for other councillors, but he believed the seriousness of the events was not realised from the start, when the (planning) department started issuing refus-

A perfect morning MORNING tea at the lovely Port Franklin park on the river was the beginning of another of the monthly bus trips that a group of people from Meeniyan enjoy.

From there they toured around surrounding countryside to arrive at Port Albert for a fish and chip box for lunch.

Next trip will be on Wednesday, October 14 where the group will go to Loch for lunch and browse the shops.

Fresh from the sea: the Meeniyan bus group recently enjoyed fresh fish and chips at Port Albert.

Holiday hot spots CAMPING holidays in Victoria are proving more popular with families than five star options, according to a new RACV survey that rates several of our local holiday venues in its top ten.

The RACV is in search of the State’s “101 Best places to stay” and rating in the top ten are Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory, RACV Inverloch Resort, Prom Central Caravan Park and Tarra Valley’s Best Friend Holiday Retreat.

There are many more local venues mentioned on the survey site and voting for the most popular venue closes on October 8. For voting visit www.racv.com.au

als and councillors began making their decisions.

“Mr Madden used this to take away our powers. Is it worth getting our powers back? It is not the Government’s intention to give the powers back,” Cr Lewis said.

Mr Richardson referred to Mr Irwin’s plight, and people similar to him who had “small allotments of 3.5 acres that were purchased years earlier before the C48 planning amendment was legislated.

“What are the likely aspects these owners can build on their properties?

What are councillors’ views? Do councillors share the same views with larger properties of 20 to 40ha?”

He asked Cr Lewis and Warren Raabe to reply.

Cr Lewis believed the best way of supporting agricultural and lifestyle pursuits was “a mix of large farming blocks and small lifestyle blocks and use State policies to achieve that.”

Cr Lewis believed the 40ha default was counterproductive. City people with money would be able to buy the 40ha blocks, which would be to the detriment of the dairy industry.

“That is why the State Government got it wrong. Small lifestyle and large rural blocks is the way to go,” he said.

Cr Raabe stayed on the fence.

“Anything said now is pre-empting the committee process (a reference group has been charged with finalising the strategy) at this stage.”

Barlow ill BASS Coast’s Cr Gareth Barlow is expected to take leave from his council responsibilities until the end of the year.

This follows his collapse during last week’s council meeting at the Cowes Cultural Centre.

Obviously unwell, Cr Barlow left the meeting and collapsed in the foyer. An ambulance was called and The Star understands he spent the night in hospital.

Cr Barlow has not been well for some time.

At the June meeting, he left the Wonthaggi Council Chamber early, clutching his chest saying “angina waits for no man”. He took some weeks off then but retained a persistent cough.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Private burns concerns

DSE and CFA crews have recently responded to a number of private property burns in South Gippsland that have got out of control.

CFA Operations Officer for Region 9, Mark Jones, said landholders need to be vigilant and well-prepared when planning and conducting their burn-offs.

“The vegetation is still very dry and with the strong winds we’ve had recently, some conditions were just not suitable to light up burns,” Mr Jones said.

“Private landholders need to apply the same rigorous planning that DSE and CFA do in preparation for burning off – check the weather forecast for the day of the burn and a few days afterwards, check the fuel moisture conditions and ensure that you have enough resources on hand to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.

“The recent strong spring winds are a particular concern and can quickly turn a small contained burn-off into a bigger fire.”

All public and private landholders and managers in Victoria have legislated responsibilities regarding fire management and fire extinguishment.

“We depend on each other to plan our burns carefully and we should work together to ensure our own and other peoples’ safety when we are burning,” Mr Jones said.

“Contact your local CFA and DSE offices prior to burning off on your land to notify them of your intention to burn and to ask for advice and assistance in planning the burn.

“If you’re satisfied you have the necessary equipment to conduct the burn and conditions are suitable, please register your burn-off before lighting up by calling the VicFire Burn-off notification line on 1800 668 511. You will be

asked for the location and timing of the burn and for a contact person.”

DSE has a brochure called “Burning Off on Private Land” which offers basic guidelines on how a safe burn-off can be achieved.

CFA has produced a free booklet called “On the Land – Agricultural Fire Management guidelines”, which provides practical fire management advice for people living and working on cropping, grazing, plantation timber and rural lifestyle properties, particularly those who are undertaking property planning or are new to farming. Please contact the CFA or DSE for more information.

Bus service for bay

HERE’S some good news for residents of Venus Bay. A bus service will be trialled for one year and starts next Monday, September 28.

It will connect with the new timetable of the V/Line service from Leongatha to Melbourne. The service will run on Friday, Sunday and Monday, including public holidays.

It will start as a ‘hail and ride’ service.

Bus stops will include the Venus Bay shopping strip, Tarwin Lower store and Koonwarra store to the V/Line stop in Leongatha between Long St and the railway land.

Fares from Venus Bay to Leongatha will cost $3.60 ($1.80 concession); Tarwin Lower to Leongatha $3.40 ($1.70 concession); and from Koonwarra to Leongatha $2 ($1 concession).

For more details, including map and timetables, call South Gippsland Shire Council’s transport connections co-ordinator Katherine Cousins on 5663 9324 or Dysons Bus Service on 5662 2891 or 5662 9324.

Rare musical treat THE South Gippsland Singers (pictured) provided music buffs with a rare treat on Sunday when celebrating spring with a concert, called Song In My Heart.

The choir, with guest artists

Carmel Slater, Hillary Harrison and Michael Killian performed a wide range of well-known musical tunes, including The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific, The King and I, Kiss Me Kate and West Side Story, at the Dakers Centre.

Conducted by Larry Hills, with

accompanist Dorothy Warren, the choir is growing in popularity and performance demand.

Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to come along to the Dakers Centre on any Wednesday, 7.30pm, to join the fun. For more information call 5672 5939.

Bridge soon to be replaced WORKS to build an access path between the V/Line bus stop and the centre of Leongatha will start towards the end of the month. The path will replace the existing footbridge, which will soon be demolished.

“On September 28, council will start work to build a designated two metre wide pathway from the bus interchange to Roughead St,” council’s director of infrastructure Anthony Seabrook said.

“The path will provide safe passage to the Roughead Street rail crossing which VicTrack will upgrade, with their works starting on September 21.

“The rough surfaces, which were a concern will be eliminated, and safety fencing will be put in place where deemed necessary.”

The new access path is expected to be completed

by October 5, weather permitting.

“Council will continue to work with the community to identify a long term solution to the problem, but this initiative will at least restore safe access in the short term and we thank the community for their patience in this matter,” Mr Seabrook said.

VicTrack general manager asset management, Geoff Walker confirmed “works to provide safe pedestrian access into Leongatha CBD will commence shortly, with the upgrade of the Strzelecki Highway pedestrian crossing”.

The $35,000 VicTrack

project will improve the surface of the crossing and widen it to provide easy access for wheelchair and scooter users. New fencing and signage will also be installed.

Mr Walker said the works would help improve safe access into the town centre, following the closure of the existing bridge.

“The VicTrack project is the first stage of works, agreed to under a partnership with South Gippsland Shire Council, to improve access into the Leongatha centre, following closure of the station’s existing bridge,” Mr Walker said.

“The works will deal with a public safety problem and is a commonsense solution to provide a safe pedestrian pathway to the Leongatha centre.

In partnership with the shire council, we’re acting to improve access to Bair Street.

“The existing unsafe bridge will be demolished in stages, commencing with the section over the road over the next few weeks.

Works to upgrade the pedestrian crossing are expected to start on Monday, September 21, and be completed by the end of the month.

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 9

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Damien plays on the wing with the Under 16s Knights team.

The ďŹ nals, which attracted a large crowd of parents and friends, were dominated

by Phillip Island, which won all three men’s ďŹ nals against Korumburra.

For all soccer details and pictures see Star Sport.

By Brad Lester A WIND farm supporter believes no turbines will be built in South Gippsland until existing projects are erected.

Geoff Esler, a member of the former wind farm advocacy group, Gippsland Friends of Future Generations, welcomed the Federal Government’s recent policy demanding 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity production to be from renewable sources by 2020.

But the Foster man was uncertain whether the renewable energy target would result in more wind farms in South Gippsland given construction of wind farms at Bald Hills near Tarwin Lower and Devon North near Yarram is yet to start. “Until they build the other ones that have already been approved, nothing else is going to go ahead,� Mr Esler said. “I would welcome more renewable energy in South Gippsland. These projects are a source of employment; they are all good for the economy. Not only wind power, but there is also geo-thermal, wave power, all sorts of alternative energy.�

The owners of the Toora Wind Farm, TransďŹ eld Services, have no plans to build further wind farms in the region and neither does Mitsui and Co, the owners of the Bald Hills Wind Farm.

TransďŹ eld Services only has plans to build wind farms at Baynton and Ben More in central Victoria.

A company spokesperson said any speculation of TransďŹ eld’s plans for future expansion in South Gippsland would be premature.

Mitsui communications manager Kerry Yu said: “We are absolutely focused on building the Bald Hills Wind Farm.�

The wind farm will have 52 wind turbines and should generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of more than 62,000 average homes and save up to 335,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. “The suitability of a location for a wind farm depends on a variety of factors, including the wind resource, access to the electricity grid and also whether a proposed wind farm can meet all of the strict standards and regulations set by the different levels of government,� Ms Yu said. “In that context, it is not possible to say whether the whole of South Gippsland is

ideal for wind farms. The suitability of a location for a wind farm is assessed on a case-by-case basis.�

Mitsui and Co is now ďŹ nalising the design, costing and negotiation of contracts and expects construction to start in the ďŹ rst half of 2010. “We have access to a very strong wind resource at the project site and this is conďŹ rmed by wind monitoring that has been in place since 2002,â€? Ms Yu said.

Synergy Wind expects construction of the seven turbines at Devon North to start by the end of this year.

The company is also evaluating possible sites along the Grand Ridge Road at Carrajung. “The project is still in the preliminary stages and is being listed in order to garner interest from landowners in the area,� the company’s website states.

The State Government said federal approval of the National Renewable Energy Target would generate hundreds of renewable energy jobs and attract millions of dollars of clean energy investment in Victoria.

Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said the decision provided certainty for companies wanting to create renewable energy projects in Victoria.

He said the target would help Victoria secure investment over the next decade of up to 5000GWh of renewable energy generation – the equivalent of enough power for up to 800,000 homes each year.

Victoria was the ďŹ rst state to introduce a Renewable Energy Target, which has helped attract $2 billion in renewable energy investment and will create more than 2000 jobs.

Mr Batchelor said regional Victoria would be the “big winners�, with largescale clean energy projects likely to be based beyond Melbourne. “Many centres in regional Victoria have already shown a strong enthusiasm towards renewable energy projects,� he said. “There are a number of wind projects under consideration for Victoria and with the national scheme introduced we expect investors will start moving these projects forward. “This is in addition to a further 140MW of hydro energy and 154MW of large scale solar currently underway.�

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PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Councillors conducted the final round of interviews to decide on a new chief executive last Saturday. A shortlist of four candidates conducted their final presentations.

Council will decide on its new chief during a closed meeting on Wednesday and will make a public announcement shortly after.

CLOWNS, party food, DVDs and music are just some of the incentives that South Gippsland Shire Council will use to promote Immunisation Awareness Month during October.

The immunisation team will be in Leongatha, Korumburra and Foster.

Parents are asked to register their children for the parties by phoning 5662 9200.

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council staff got into the spirit of International Talk Like A Pirate Day last Friday. They dressed as pirates for a barbecue lunch to raise funds for Camp Quality. From left

are Christine Hamilton (community assets liaison officer), Alisha McDonald (rural access officer), Lauren Green (executive assistant) and Raelene Bennett (manager information services).

ABOUT 20 cars attended the Hot Spot and Pizza Shack Mini car event on Sunday, August 30. The event, and a portion of money from pizzas sold, helped raise $710.65 for the Cancer Council Victoria.

AN enjoyable and pleasant Sunday afternoon is to be had at Scots Pioneer Church in Mardan this Sunday, September 27 at 2pm. Dennis Maxwell will be guest speaker with an entertaining presentation on The Magic of the Boomerang. As always, afternoon tea and a chat will follow in the hall. For details or inquiries, call 5664 9230.

THE Annual General Meeting of the Stockyard Gallery Section 86 Committee of Management will be held at Foster’s Exchange Hotel on Monday, October 5, 10am.

LITERACY standards just aren’t what they used to be. This advertisement for a dog was placed in the Trading Post recently: muletess xshezue dogs 1 female + 1 male free to good home there very frenley thay wood lick you to deth thay are about 6 year old the oner how had them died and nead to find a good home for them.

Maybe the dog wrote it.

A SOUTHERN right whale and her calf enjoyed a visit to Inverloch last week. Looking a lot like a log or floating seaweed, the whales lolled around near The Caves, before heading west along the coast. It’s breeding season for the whales, which seek calm shallow waters in which to nurture their young.

On yer bike: although not going on the 175 kilometre charity ride, Kelvin Smith is supporting this worthwhile cause.

TRISH and Trevor Browning celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with 50 family and friends at the Kongwak Hall on Sunday September 13, 2009. Trish and Trevor, originally from Melbourne, moved to Moyarra two years ago and have now settled into country living in the hills of Moyarra. They think the country is a great place to spend their retirement and for their six grandchildren to come and stay for a holiday.

MARKETING WITHOUT MONEY Come and join the free seminars on business survival skills.

Guest presenter Alan Marion, well known for his practical advice and knowledge in the difficulties that small businesses face, will share his experiences in three special workshops.

These seminars are your opportunity to take control of your business problems and find solutions that work for you.

Metcard face: Kardella’s Braesyn Beavis with a big card featuring her face.

GIPPSLAND Retravision stores are supporting a campaign to bring awareness of stroke to the community.

Stroke is Australia’s second single greatest killer after coronary heart disease and the leading cause of disability.

Kelvin Johns Retravision in Leongatha is supporting the cause by donating 20 cents from

every sale made between now and Saturday, October 17.

The support coincides with a Help Strike Out Stroke bike ride to be held from Narre Warren to Sale on Friday, October 16, a distance of 175 kilometres.

The event has the support of Warragul’s Phil Gallagher who, almost 12 months ago,

suffered a stroke at the age of just 38.

While Phil doesn’t know the cause of his stroke, what he does know is that his health and fitness helped him through a major operation and contributed to a speedy recovery.

If you wish to donate directly to the bike ride, call in and see Kelvin Johns Retravision.

Big effort: Inverloch’s Andrew Joyce has been everywhere on his bike.

KARDELLA four-year-old, Braesyn Beavis will be the face of four million metcards across the state’s public transport network.

The daughter of Mark and Carissa is part of a campaign to raise awareness of Victoria Police Legacy.

The organisation supports police officers and their families.

Braesyn perfectly pulled off the sad look in her first modelling gig, which she got through family connections. She attends Hassett Street Kindergarten in Leongatha.

Achieving your personal and business goals Wednesday 23rd September Silverwater Resort 6–9pm Practical Selling skills Wednesday 28th October Silverwater Resort 6–9pm Marketing without money Wednesday 18th November Silverwater Resort 6–9pm Bookings are essential as seats are limited!

To book call Jennifer or Megan at Chisholm Institute Bass Coast 03 5671 2300 The services provided by Chisholm Institute are partially funded by the Australian Government through their Aus Industry program.

Proudly supported by Bass Coast Shire Council and Silverwater Resort.

1300 chisholm 1300 2447 4656

www.chisholm.com.au

INVERLOCH resident, Andrew Joyce recently completed an epic ride on his motorised bicycle.

He journeyed 815km from his home town to Gardendale, Brighton, Melbourne, Kilmore, Seymour, Euroa and Maldon before returning to Inverloch.

The whole trip took him 17 hours and 35 minutes.

“It was slow travelling in the dark, you have to look behind you to see the traffic,” he said.

“You learn to be very careful on the freeways.”

Andrew also made use of the full moon.

The intrepid rider is a familiar sight on roads around Inverloch.

His motor assisted bicycle can travel 55km

on one litre of petrol and needs human help to make it up hills.

“You have to carry spare petrol with you as you are never sure how long the fuel will last,” Andrew said.

He’s also had to learn to do his own mechanical repairs.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 11

College is safety winner

By Chris Brown

STUDENTS at Mary MacKillop College have come up with the best road safety television commercial in regional Victoria for 2009.

The 30 second community service announcement will be produced in Ballarat by Win Television, with students invited to attend.

It will be shown in regional areas before Christmas.

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) students chose to design a commercial focusing on drink driving with the tag line ‘how will you choose your travellers?...wisely’.

It plays on the double meaning of ‘traveller,’ which is getting alcohol ‘travellers’ from the bottle shop, and carrying passengers.

The commercial begins with a couple stopping at the bottle shop to buy drinks, then they pick up a few friends and it finishes with a surprise revelation.

At the end the tag line about wise choices is displayed in a bottle top.

The commercial is aimed at people between the ages of 16-25 years due to the high number of alcohol influenced accidents involving this age group.

It’s the first time Mary MacKillop has won the regional television commercial category in the RACV transmission competition after being a finalist many times.

The college won the radio category in 2007 with a service announcement about mobile phones and driving.

Students involved with this year’s project were Alex Richmond, Davern Goss, Patrick Monaghan, Michael Wilson, Eli Wood and Shannon Murray.

Gerard Martin and Mary Barrance were the teachers.

The project involved brainstorming, surveying other students, raising awareness about alcohol and driving, and a visit from Wonthaggi police education officer Brendan Horricks.

A trip to Etihad Stadium to learn more about road safety and workshop their ideas was held in May. At this workshop Patrick volunteered to have make-up applied to show how crash injuries can be faked.

“It looked like she was just face painting,” he said.

“Once I saw it, she’d done a really good job with the bruising effect and the cut and I had one of these little blood tablets put in my mouth and you let it dissolve for a bit and then chew on it and it looked like blood.”

When the judges visited Leongatha to examine the Mary MacKillop proposal they were taken on a bus tour to the highway bottle shop, Nerrena Hall and the Leongatha cemetery.

Patrick emceed the journey.

“I talked about the storyboard and how we made it and how we came up with the idea,” he said.

“There’s a lot more drug and alcohol related deaths than just normal car accidents and those aged between 18 and 25 had the most deaths.”

Mr Martin said people close to Mary MacKillop college have been affected by road trauma.

“I can remember on a couple of occasions we’d devote some time to the advertisement and I’d come in and say, ‘guess what happened on the weekend?

Some young person did this, this and this, and now they’re dead,’ ” he said.

The hope is someone will see this commercial and stay alive on the road.

Top of the ideas: Mary MacKillop students Patrick Monaghan, Davern Goss and Alex Richmond with their winning storyboard advertisement design.

Kids internet safety YOUNG people today are immersed in digital technologies.

They use the internet and mobile phones to socialise, study, exchange ideas and play.

While online activity has many benefits, there are also risks.

To help your children stay safe online, Interchange Central Gippsland is hosting a Cybersafety Outreach—Internet Safety Awareness presentation.

Designed for parents, teachers and students, this presentation is provided by the Australian Communications

and Media Authority (ACMA) as part of a national program of cybersafety initiatives.

The Cybersafety Outreach—Internet Safety Awareness presentation is thorough and non-technical.

It covers a range of issues such as: • the ways children use the internet and emerging technologies • potential risks for children online, such as cyberbullying, identity theft, inappropriate contact and exposure to inappropriate content • online safety tips The presentation is conducted by

an ACMA Cybersafety trainer and is free of charge.

The Cybersafety Outreach Internet Safety Awareness presentation will be held on Monday October 5, 6.30 - 8pm at Moe Life Skills, 2A High Street Moe, followed by the annual general meeting of Interchange from 8 - 8.30pm.

To register your attendance for Cybersafety or the AGM, please contact Stacey or Linda Interchange Central Gippsland on 5127 7979.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Top marks for school IT might be school holidays, but things are certainly happening at Leongatha Primary School.

Work is scheduled to start next week on the new primary school. By November next year, classrooms should be ready for students, offering a whole new education experience for Leongatha’s children.

This is a momentous stage in the development of the town.

When the education precinct is complete it will rival the best school environments in the state.

The whole community should support this development in any way they can.

While some people believe it is the people who create a great school, there is no doubt that poor facilities can hold back students from achieving to their maximum.

Soon we will have school buildings to match the great school community that has helped build Leongatha Primary School.

This is something we should all be grateful for.

Magic of art and culture IT’S not long now before the second Coal Creek Literary Festival takes place.

Held on October 10, the festival will again use as its theme The Magic of Words, which proved so popular last year.

Words are magic; in novels, poetry, music and plays, and in the newer forms of communication such as text messaging.

It is encouraging and reassuring that apart from the importance of sport in the community, South Gippsland is highly responsive to culture and art. The region has a large number of galleries, dance schools and theatre groups.

Regional dance schools are now also getting behind establishing the town’s own dance eisteddfod and last Friday Coal Creek added an art gallery to its attractions.

Its literary festival is one of many cultural events held in the shire. It is worth visiting for its workshops, book launches and signings on the day.

Leongatha Lyric Theatre will perform two one-act plays.

Proceeds will go to Vision Australia, talking books.

Letters guidelines ALL letters should be kept to 400 words or less.

The Star reserves the right to edit all letters for length and style.

Writer’s details, including full name, address and phone number (not for publication), must be included.

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

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

Punished for success I AM a bit confused.

Wonthaggi Power is unable to win a single football premiership in a supposed minor league and is being forced to move to a supposed major league because they are too strong, all powerful, unbeatable, totally dominant, all conquering, etc.

All over Australia football teams have been praised and congratulated for being

Bridge blow ARE we being robbed of the footbridge by Vic Track, who own the railway land that it stands on.

It would have been used daily by many travellers on V/Line buses that came to Leongatha as the preferred path to get direct to shops or the taxi rank.

The traffic lights made it easier for elderly people to cross the four lanes of traffic that use the road.

Once pulled down it will never be replaced. The worst section is over the road which is supported by wooden support posts. They should never have been put there in the first place as on the other side of raised earth fill section, the section that crosses over railway lines would never fall down on steel posts.

Vic Track have now decided they would like to sell the railway land, after giving the shire the run around when a developer was available to do some-

involved in back-to-back, three peats, four, five, six, seven premierships in a row yet Wonthaggi is being discriminated against because of winning three out of five. What a farce. I did not know the penalty for disagreeing with the VCFL was club destruction. What a disgrace.

If the vote to remove Wonthaggi was subject to legally binding conditions (Star August), i.e. no forfeits and boycotts as

thing with this land. Now it is worth $1.5 million with a footbridge that cannot be used.

I’d make them fix the bridge or drop the price to allow the shire to fix the footbridge and buy the land, all in the price that it is valued at. Then everybody would be a winner.

I would like to know if the footbridge could be heritage classified, that could preserve it for years to come.

Alex Fisher, vice president, Leongatha Senior Citizens.

Very poor form THANKS for nothing to the idiot who took down all of the football decorations on the Inverloch Tarwin Road between Cutriss Street and the Middle Tarwin turnoff.

What sort of selfish, unthinking moron are you? It took my 13-year-old son three hours on Friday to put them up.

The disappointment he felt on Saturday when he realised it was all for nothing was pretty

VOXPOP! VOX Was Stony Creek’s premiership win a good one for local footy?

agreed by all Alberton clubs and a review and restructure as promised by the VCFL, if the AFL and VCFL have failed to honour their legal commitments why should Wonthaggi Power be obliged to honour theirs. It is simplistic and wrong to say Wonthaggi has not abided by the umpire’s decision.

Bryan Ridewood Cape Paterson

distressing. Thank goodness Inverloch Reserves had a great day and won the grand final.

This took his mind off your heartless act. To the Inverloch boys, congratulations and well done.

To the idiot out there, we have classed your act as unAustralian. Hopefully I can convince my son to have another go at decorating the roadside next year and he will be able to enjoy his gesture. Oh and by the way, I do believe in Karma.

Name and address with-held

Road concern My main concerns are, the large pot holes and road shoulder damage on the Bass Highway between Leongatha, Inverloch and Wonthaggi, which could result in a fatal accident, especially with “The Motorcycle Grand Prix” coming up shortly.

A motorcyclist would have no hope if they hit these huge cavities.

VicRoads are doing a quick fix with hot fill, however this patch up only lasts a few days with the increased volume of traffic on this highway.

For example, school buses, concrete trucks, b-double trucks, milk tankers and of course the high volume of tourists who we welcome to the area.

With the work due to begin on the desal plant the volume of traffic will increase dramatically.

Deborah Scott Leongatha South

Beach hazard They hadn’t won it for a long time so it’s always good to see it shared around a little.

Paul Challis Nerrena

Yeah it was awesome; Wonthaggi are too big and too full on. It was great to see them go down to the little guys.

Lori Sketcher Yarram

Definitely not; they were the ones who cried the most about Wonthaggi being too good and now they have beaten them and won the grand final. Plenty of teams can beat Wonthaggi so there shouldn’t be any need to kick them out.

Troy Sheppardson Korumburra

Yes; they haven’t won it for a long time and they beat the big team Wonthaggi to get it, which makes it even better.

John Stevenson Leongatha

CONGRATULATIONS to DSE for not wanting to spend money or time on safety equipment for Walkerville or the caravan park, as there has not been a fire in more than 50 years.

I hope you are right.

But just picture this. It is Christmas holidays with the camp full, maybe 200 or 300 people camped there. A strong north or north-east wind blow-

ing and a fire starts at Waratah.

There is only one narrow winding road out, with thick bush right to the edge of the road. It would take only one small accident to block the road.

Also, don’t let us forget residential areas with houses in excess of $500,000. The power for these comes down through the forest.

Three dams built high in the hill with pipes to hydrants along the foreshore may help save lives and properties. These would not require power for pumps as they would be gravity fed.

L. Witherden, Walkerville.

Fire up debate

FOR many Victorians, firewood is an accessible, affordable source of heating and energy.

Commercial firewood harvesting also provides important employment and economic benefits in many regional communities. It is vital that firewood remains accessible, on a sustainable basis, in the future.

This is why the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is developing a statewide firewood strategy for public land. The first step in developing this strategy is the discussion paper, which is now out for public comment.

We want Victorians with an interest in firewood to contribute to this important strategy by making a submission on the discussion paper. The objective of the strategy is to map out a sustainable future for firewood collected from Victoria’s state forests, balancing the health of the environment with the needs of local communities.

DSE invites you to have your say and looks forward to receiving your submission. The closing date for submissions is September 23, 2009 and further information on making a submission is available at www.dse.vic. gov.au/forests Lee Miezis.

DSE Director of Forests

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 13

Plan coming soon THE Inverloch Community Plan is in the final stages after months of consultation and workshopping.

The Inverloch Community Planning Group received copies of its draft Community Plan at a recent meeting and will spend the next two weeks finalising the plan before launching it to the general public.

Community planning facilitator, Tracy VanderZalm, said the Inverloch Community Plan was an integral part of the community planning process and provided the tool for gauging community needs and aspirations, and how they would be achieved.

“The Inverloch Community Plan is packed with information about the area: its demographics, historical information and heritage,” she said.

“It also outlines the community planning process and council’s role, but most importantly it features a number of high and medium priorities identified by the community and what they believe needs to happen to maintain and improve their quality of life.”

After the plan is endorsed by the Inverloch Community Planning Group, the plan will be launched and feedback sought from residents.

The Inverloch Community Planning Group’s recent meeting also featured council’s strategic planning co-ordinator, Martin Gill, as guest speaker.

Mr Gill talked to the group about the Inverloch Design Framework (IDF), which is currently out for public consultation.

“The Inverloch Community Planning Group realises that the IDF is

an important document that informs the future of land use in Inverloch,” Mrs VanderZalm said.

“The Inverloch Community Plan states that members would like direct consultation with council when it develops such strategic documents to highlight their priorities for Inverloch.”

Council received State Government funding to support six communities to develop community plans.

The process has extended to the southern estates on Phillip Island and will start in Cape Paterson in November.

If you would like your community to have a Community Plan then you are invited to nominate your area by contacting council’s community planning team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

Bottom up: the Inverloch Community Planning Group had the opportunity to talk about the Inverloch Design Framework with council’s strategic planning co-ordinator, Martin Gill, at a recent meeting in Rainbow Park.

Community leadership with Mal Brough

A balanced approach to individual, social and community development will be explored by Mal Brough, CEO of the Bluearth Foundation when he speaks at the annual address of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program in Morwell on Wednesday October 14, 2009.

With an emphasis on leadership in the community and the importance of a holistic approach to healthy living, Mr Brough is the keynote speaker for

I joined a delegation of Gippsland Mayors in Melbourne recently to discuss the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction System (CPRS) with the Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Jacinta Allen.

The Minister had sought our input prior to presenting her case to Cabinet.

Although the Latrobe City Council’s coal industry will be more directly affected by the introduction of the CPRS, adjoining councils such as ours will not escape unscathed, with employment and service industries likely to be impacted.

The Mayors stressed to the Minister the ramifications on our rural economies and suggested some initial strategies to compensate, including: • the appointment of a designated Minister to be responsible for the region; • creation of panels to be responsible for excess public land; • marketing of emerging industries; and • funding for research to understand the effects of the CPRS on the region.

The greater impact will be felt in our area when the system is applied to agriculture. From the discussions it would seem that the full weight of the system may be felt from around 2015 in both the agriculture and the emissions industries, with amnesties granted for some businesses during the transition period.

Five years go by quickly, so it is critical

the event to be held at the Latrobe Regional Gallery in Morwell, commencing at 6.30pm.

The Bluearth Foundation is a charity that aims to improve health and wellbeing by encouraging participation in an active lifestyle. Bluearth believes that personal health requires integration of mind, body and the spiritual.

This philosophy was the foundation of Mr Brough’s work with indigenous groups in remote communities in regional Australia when he was Federal Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs with the previous Liberal govern-

that we have a strong voice in the way this system is rolled out.

The transition program needs to be realistic and we will need sufficient research funds to properly chart our course through this new territory- phasing out polluting technologies and creating an environment to develop, manufacture and market emerging clean technologies and practices that will sustain our economies.

It is generally accepted that we need to reduce emissions and that new opportunities will arise, such as the development of bio-fertilisers which could make better use of the coal and create cheaper and more effective fertilisers that would sequester carbon to regenerate our soils, the key to a vibrant agricultural future.

Such projects will benefit both the mining and agriculture sectors.

All mayors agreed that the best way forward was to have one collective Gippsland body that liaises with the State Government and provides for those intimately involved to have a significant say in resource allocations to tackle the issues, and take advantage of new opportunities.

The CEO recruitment process is nearing completion. Interviews were completed last week and a decision is expected to be announced shortly.

Cr Jim Fawcett Mayor

Dancing for 20 years ANYONE who has danced at the Dumbalk Hall in the past two decades, is invited to celebrate 20 years of tripping the light fantastic on Saturday October 3.

Even if you are no longer nimble of foot, you are welcome to attend and renew old acquaintances.

The monthly dances have spawned a host of friendships, at least two marriages and many debutantes, including those of the “last chance” variety.

There were also competition balls demanding the donning of long gowns and matching accessories.

Ian Shields will play the electric organ for the anniversary night, which starts at 8 and ends at midnight. Following tradition, supper will be served at 10.

Dances began at the Dumbalk Hall in the latter part of 1989, continuing monthly on the first Saturday.

ment. It is his vision for all communities with a commitment to having a healthy future.

The schools education program developed by Bluearth has been implemented by a number of primary and secondary schools across Gippsland.

Jenny Hammett, Executive Director of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program and CEO of i-GAIN, said that Mal Brough’s address was a unique opportunity to hear from someone who had taken a lead on the implementation of significant change.

“The vision of a better life within our communi-

ties can only come with a willingness to recognise what needs to be changed to achieve it. Mal Brough in his current, and past roles, has a vast experience in guiding communities to develop.” Mrs Hammett said. This annual address is part of the GCLP Alumni program and is being held in partnership with Latrobe City Council.

For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, contact Denelle at i-GAIN Quality Learning on 5135 4300. Bookings are essential by Wednesday September 30. All members of the public from around Gippsland are encouraged to attend.

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PAGE 14 - “THE STAR�, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

FarmGAS hot air

By Matt Dunn

KORUMBURRA farmer Paul McAsey may be committed to the environment, but a new high tech Government-sponsored green tool has him scratching his head.

Mr McAsey is a committed advocate of tree plantings through Landcare and has transformed the landscape of his property, with a forest worth of native trees planted during the past few years.

The FarmGAS Calculator, however, has left him wondering whether the invention isn’t just hot air.

The online calculator, developed through the Australian Farm Institute, is designed to enable farmers to model both the ďŹ nancial and greenhouse emission implications of decisions about different farm enterprises. “It’s one of a number of these devices. Landcare have got a similar one as well. I think there’s going to be a few around. This one is quite convoluted and difďŹ cult to use,â€? he said. “It really seems to be encouraging farmers to go into different enterprises to cut their emissions, which is really impossible for some.

It sort of favours the small hobby farmers more than anything.�

Executive director of the Australian Farm Institute, Mick Keogh, said the FarmGAS Calculator was designed to provide farmers “with an accurate picture of total farm emissions and enterprise emissions. “It clearly enables farmers to understand both the ďŹ nancial and greenhouse emission implications

of changes in farm enterprise mixes,â€? he said. “Gaining an understanding of both the ďŹ nancial and greenhouse implications of different farm enterprise decisions is not a simple matter. Changes in one enterprise can affect other enterprise choices, and can also have important greenhouse emission implications. “However the FarmGAS Calculator is an important step in simplifying decision-making by farmers, helping them to understand the greenhouse emission proďŹ le of their farm business, and enabling them to explore ways to reduce emissions while retaining farm proďŹ tability.â€?

Mr McAsey believes the proposed inclusion of farmers’ emissions in the Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, along with the resultant costs imposed, would be an unjustiďŹ ed impost.

Direct taxing of farmers for their greenhouse gas emissions is expected to occur from 2013 under the scheme. “Anyone who’s got cattle, or stock for that matter, will be pretty hard hit. What we’re talking about is mitigation and off-setting your emissions with some sort of carbon sequestration. I don’t know that most farms are going to be able to do that,â€? he said. “It will be very, very difďŹ cult. I believe that dairy farming is something that is necessary in the country, regardless. Imposing another cost on top of all the others may well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. “At least the farming industry is productive. If farmers withdrew their product for a week the country would be in a terrible state.â€?

Surprise wedding KYLIE SLATTERY and Mal Lavis headed off for a weekend away while Kylie’s mum babysat the kids, only to arrive home married.

After being together for four years and having ďŹ ve children between them, Kylie and Mal decided to make the commitment of getting married secretly.

Kylie and Mal managed to organise everything from home to be married in the Botanical Gardens, Ballarat, on their weekend away.

They will celebrate this special occasion in October with a get-together with family and friends.

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A SPECIAL day out at Koonwarra takes place this Sunday, September 27 from 9am until 3pm.

To get started, call or visit us at: South Gippsland SPLASH Roughead Street, Leongatha (03) 5662 5911 www.sgsplash.ymca.org.au

Titled Earth Kids-Raising this Generation Sustainably, there will be events staged inside the hall and around Koonwarra township.

Cr Bob Newton will conduct an ofďŹ cial opening at 9.15am with guest speakers throughout the day.

Guest speakers include Adrian Ward from KSCC on quality food systems (9.30am), Tony Hellier from The Outside Bit on Why and How to Grow Your Own Food (11am) and Maria Stuart of The Organic Cooking School talking about Preparing Healthy Meals (12.45pm).

Hall sessions cost just $2 for adults with children under 18 free.

Around town there will be a sausage sizzle at the Koonwarra CFA with information, assistance with ďŹ re plans and children’s education.

There will be art activities all day sponsored and hosted by Art Zillary.

The Outside Bit will have two sessions; at 9.30am they will present Growing Your Own Garden Solutions and at 1.30pm will present Composting-no waste.

The day is presented by the Koonwarra Business Group in conjunction with Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre. Sponsors are The Outside Bit.

Making Victoria FireReady: To prepare for bushďŹ res, the Department of Sustainability and Environment is reducing fuels in Victoria’s parks and forests.

Reducing our future bushďŹ re risk

s Our priority is to conduct activities on public land that help protect communities, properties and ecosystems. It’s about reducing fuel in the right places. s 0LANNED BURNING IS JUST ONE OF THE WAYS WE REDUCE FUEL 7E ALSO SLASH GRASS AND create fuel breaks. s 0LANNED BURNING REDUCES THE RISK OF INTENSE BUSHl RES AND MANY ECOSYSTEMS DEPEND ON l RE TO MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH AND TO REGENERATE

0LANNED BURNING HELPS TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND TOWNSHIPS BUT IT S NOT WITHOUT RISKS AND INCONVENIENCES FOR THE COMMUNITY )T S POSSIBLE THAT YOU MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE PREPARATION WORKS INCLUDING SMOKE FROM PLANNED BURNS $UE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS PLANNED BURNS DURING SPRING ARE USUALLY SMALL IN AREA AND SHORT IN DURATION 2EMEMBER THAT CHILDREN THE ELDERLY SMOKERS AND PEOPLE WITH PRE EXISTING HEART OR LUNG CONDITIONS INCLUDING ASTHMA ARE MORE SENSITIVE TO SMOKE SO SHOULD CONSIDER STAYING INDOORS AND CLOSING WINDOWS &IND OUT WHAT S HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE CONTACTING US AND BY LISTENING TO YOUR LOCAL radio station.

www.dse.vic.gov.au Victorian BushďŹ re Information Line:

1800 240 667

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 15

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

THE Bass Coast Landcare Network has been judged the best in the state, and will go on to contest the title of Australia’s best.

“We won the best Landcare network in the state, and my group was judged the second best group in the state from 1300 groups in the state,” Bass Coast Landcare Network’s West Gippsland Facilitator/Project officer Dave Bateman said.

Mr Bateman was thrilled at the plaudits, but not entirely surprised.

He said local Landcare people were dedicated to the cause and had planted a forest worth of trees.

“I thought we had a bit of a chance.

We’ve planted about 1.5 million plants in the past 15 years. That’s pretty much more than anyone else,” he said.

The networks are judged on different criteria, including innovation and their recruitment of new members.

Like the many trees they have planted, the Bass Coast Landcare Network has continued to grow.

It is the first time the group has won the coveted award.

Mr Bateman described the win as “awesome”.

“It’s good to be working for the best Landcare network in the state. It’s really good. We went to Government House and got to shake the Governor’s hand. It was great,” he said.

“We’ll go into the national awards, so hopefully we get the national award. We also got the best partnership with a council as well, with the Bass Coast Shire Council.”

Keeping it green: Bass Coast Council CEO Allan Bawden, Bass Coast Council mayor Cr John Duscher and Environment Manager Paul Smith, with Landcare’s Moragh Mackay, Robbie Gray and Joel Geoghegan.

The award was presented last Tuesday night.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO, Allan Bawden, said the awards were recognition of the hard work and dedication Council and Landcare had put into improving the environment.

“I would like to congratulate the

Bass Coast Landcare Network on winning the CitiPower/Powercor Landcare Network Award that recognises the work they have done enhancing and protecting our local environment,” he said.

“Through their extensive planning and consultation with the community,

the Network has gained landholder confidence and addressed many local environmental issues such as gully and tunnel erosion, salinity and stream bank rehabilitation.

“I’d also like to congratulate the volunteers, landowners and residents who have worked with them to help

take care of our local environment.”

Bass Coast Shire Council won the Local Government Partnerships Award for collaborating with the community to preserve and manage the local environment and natural resources.

Council’s Environment Manager, Paul Smith, said the award acknowledged Council’s work with Landcare, Coast Action and Coastcare programs to protect and enhance Bass Coast’s amazing natural assets.

“We work very closely with the Bass Coast Landcare Network staff to deliver projects that protect and improve our environment,” said Mr Smith.

“In addition to working with the Network, Council provides funding, administrative support, office space and payroll support to Landcare so that they can do what they do best.

“We have identified 11 priority areas through our Environmental Sustainability Plan. Continuing our partnership with the Network as well as local businesses and schools is the key to achieving measurable improvements to our environment,” explained Mr Smith.

Cr Duscher also congratulated two other local project groups who were commended at the awards.

“The Powlett Project Landcare Group and the Western Port Seagrass Partnership were both highly commended by the judging panel for the work they do on their respective projects,” said Cr Duscher.

“As a region we are lucky to have such groups and individuals dedicated to our local environment.”

Welcome funds: Geoff Clark and manager Belinda Kimball of the Long Jetty Caravan Park show where the new boomgate will be installed.

Boom comes down SECURITY will be bolstered at the Long Jetty Caravan Park at Port Welshpool, thanks to a $11,216 State Government grant to install a boom gate.

Park owners Geoff and Anne Clark said the gates will help to separate guests and visitors, and enable them to keep a closer eye on who is in the park.

Johan Scheffer, Eastern Victoria Region MLC, said camping and caravanning is a huge part of Australian life and a key part of tourism.

“We need to ensure our facilities can keep up with growing visitor demand.

This grant will ensure caravan and camping parks in South Gippsland continue to provide outstanding holiday experiences for Victorian families and tourists,” Mr Scheffer said.

“It’s important that our Crown land caravan parks continue to be upgraded to meet the caravanning and camping needs of our community as well as tourists.

“These grants help put our caravan and camping parks on a more sustainable footing so we can continue to give Victorians a great holiday experience.”

Man granted bail THE man accused of lighting bushfires to the Delburn complex of fires lit in Boolarra, Mirboo North, Yinnar, Delburn and Darlimurla was granted bail in the Supreme Court yesterday.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is facing seven charges including one of arson and six of intentionally caus-

ing a bushfire. He is also charged with five other offences including criminal damage and recklessly causing serious injury.

He was granted bail on a $95,000 surety and subject to a number of conditions including that he report daily to police and not approach prosecution witnesses.

He is due to appear in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on October 13.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 17

Temple scenes: the Giza Sphinx is one of many temples and pyramids that grace the Egyptian landscape.

LAND OF THE PHARAOHS ANCIENT Egypt has left impressions on millions of visitors over centuries and has inspired writers around the world.

Egypt always speaks to the imagination of every traveller. It is the land of the Pharaohs and the Great Pyramids and much more.

Jill Carmody, manager of Jetset Leongatha, has visited Egypt twice and seen the many sites. She is organising another group departure, which will leave Cairo for an APT nine-day luxury cruise and tour on April 21, 2010.

“I’ve visited Egypt twice with APT and I can highly recommend their services,” Jill said. “This really is an oncein-a-lifetime experience.”

“We had scheduled a tour earlier, but because of the economic downturn it became unaffordable. But the dollar has

improved and we were able to capitalise on the buying power of APT, so that we can now offer the tour at exceptional value, which includes all tipping on the cruise and land sections, to show the highlights of Egypt.”

The highlights include the historical sites of Cairo, of which there are many.

The Egyptian Museum houses some of nation’s most treasured items. “The museum is a treasure trove of antiquities,” Jill said.

The tour has three nights in Cairo before flying to Luxor and taking a fournight River Nile cruise to Aswan, where the river is at its most beautiful.

From here, tour members fly to Abu Simbel and marvel at the magnificent temples before returning to Cairo, or they can choose to continue to Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast with our optional three-day extension.

During their time in Cairo visitors stay in the luxurious world-renowned Sofitel El Gezirah. Located in the heart of Cairo, just a short walk from the Opera, museums and government ministries, the hotel combines exquisite style, elegant refinement and a touch of luxury for an unforgettable stay.

Among the many sites dotted around the country is the Temple of Memphis (the ancient capital of Egypt), the Great Pyramids, the famous Sphinx and the pyramids of Sakkara. The burial site of Memphis for 3000 years, it contains about 80 pyramids and hundreds of tombs.

“No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip on the Nile,” Jill said. “There is luxury accommodation and transportation to Luxor, which became the capital of the New Kingdom around 1500BC.” The lightshow at the Karnak temple

is awesome as lights reflect on the water and light up the sky and the ancient splendour of Thebes comes alive.

Other ancient structures on the tour include the Temple of Horus at Edfu.

“It is the best preserved temple in Egypt, because it was covered in sand for many centuries,” Jill said.

An interesting aspect is that some of the temples and tombs were defaced not only by the excavators who feared the pharaoh’s curse, but also by other pharaohs wanting to erase the image of their predecessor.

While cruising on the Nile, travellers will be able to enjoy the newly renovated Moon Goddess. It is one of the finest luxury ships on the river. One of the early sites coming into view is the Philae temple. Originally standing at Aswan, the temple was dismantled and moved to Angilika Island, because the construc-

tion of the giant Aswan Dam would have flooded it on Philae Island.

Similarly, the romantic temples of Abu Simbel were moved to avoid flooding. They were built by Rameses II, the longest reigning pharaoh, as a tribute to his favourite wife Nefertiti. In the 1960s the temples were cut into pieces and moved to a higher location to prevent them from flooding.

The tour offers an option to visit nearby Alexandria for two nights and visit Pompey’s Pillar as well as the port town of El Alamein, with its World War II history and the Commonwealth war cemetery. Alexandria is the country’s second largest city as well as its main port.

Jill recommends this tour as “an unforgettable journey into an ancient world”. For more details, or inquiries, call Jetset Leongatha on 5662 3601 or 5662 3834.

Police pedal power SOUTH Gippslanders have been doing a double take recently as the long arm of the law stepped out in bicycle shorts.

Patrols by bicycle police officers have been occurring across the region, with the two wheeled officers patrolling Leongatha last Friday.

Leading Senior Constable Ian Bruhn and Senior Constable John Hynd, both from Wonthaggi police, pedalled their way around Leongatha, creating a highly visible police presence across the town.

They spent time around schools at the start of the day, making sure parents and children were doing the right thing during school drop off.

Later they scooted around town, checking on traffic infringement and other unsociable behaviour.

“These are highly visible patrols that allow us to be more interactive with shop keepers and traders,” Snr Const Hynd said.

“We’re targeting any anti-social behaviour and looking for people talking on mobile phones while driving or other traffic infringements.”

The bicycle patrols have been a major success in inner Melbourne, where they allow fast access in congested streets and narrow laneways.

They have previously been used around Cowes and Inverloch over the holiday period, with more patrols likely this summer.

:+0Ë- 7 -Ë -2 . ! ËÔå¤å EXCLUSIVE GROUP DEPARTURE Includes complimentary return airport transfers from Leongatha#

9 Days Majesty of Egypt – Departing Cairo 21 April 2010 Ë :.Ë 292-:Ë -2 . ! ËFË0#2- ! Ë -#

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Enjoy an exploration of Egypt, starting with three nights in Cairo before flying to Luxor and taking a four night River Nile cruise to Aswan, where the river is at its most beautiful. From here, fly to Abu Simbel and marvel at the magnificent temples before returning to Cairo.

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Abu Simbel

CALL 5662 3601 Riding high: Young Rory Lay admires the pedal power of bicycle officers Ian Bruhn and John Hynd. Also there were Kristy Aird (front) and Charmaine Ginnane.

Jetset Leongatha Compass Arcade, 16 McCartin Street, Leongatha.

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PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 19

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 21

Sara’s best in show

WONTHAGGI resident Sara Scott was one of three judges of the Victorian Agricultural Shows Rural Ambassador Award, held last Saturday night at the Melbourne Show. Sara, who won the award herself at the tender age of just 21, knows what it takes to win such an award, and the difference it can make to the life of the victor.

What is the appeal of agricultural shows?

I like showing the cows and the cookery, but it’s just the whole atmosphere and the whole community coming together. Especially with the Bass Coast Show, you go along and, while I might be part of the show, all the people you went to school with are there cheering you on. Other people go for the showbags and the rides.

Many country shows are struggling – the Leongatha Show has disappeared altogether – how do you see the future of country shows?

It’s a very difficult question. It’s trying to get my generation involved in the shows. We need the younger people to step up and get involved. Smaller shows getting together and holding one bigger show. We are very lucky with Bass Coast, they have a change of committee, which is progressive moving forward. So it is just a case of getting the younger ones involved and the older experienced show committee members nurturing them along.

What is the award?

The award is targeting young people in rural communities aged between 20 and 30 who have an involvement, not only in their local show, but in their local community. The prize-money is $8000, so it is not only there to recognise their involvement but there to help them realise their aspirations, whether that be on a personal or professional level.

What are you looking for in a rural ambassador?

Someone who is going to get out there and help country shows, but also someone who is going to make an impact on the community.

What difference did winning it make for your life?

I won it a time when I really benefitted from the public speaking and the professional interviews. I was at the stage of finishing university and entering the professional world and it was very, very noticeable by going through the processes of the competition, just how much that helped me. It also helped me with travelling overseas with my work experience - just getting that sort of grounding. I also bought a couple of

cows with my prize money.

You seem a very confident young woman.

Before your win, were you as confident as this?

Not in terms of interviewing. Going into job interviews, I had always got the jobs locally though word of mouth, so I hadn’t had any formal interviewing. Public speaking I am OK with the confidence, but it was just the practice it gave me and being able to refine it. Going into fourth year university and presenting my thesis, it was pretty helpful.

With a Bachelor degree in agricultural economics, Sara has moved into the world of banking, working with Westpac in Leongatha and

Warragul. She said the experience of becoming rural ambassador helped her get a foothold into her career in finance.

Does public speaking help your confidence in everyday life?

Absolutely, you’re doing public speaking when you are sitting outside at a table having lunch. It’s how confident you are in getting your opinion across, it’s not just standing up on a stage in front people, it’s just being able to be put on the spot and speaking clearly and confidently with it, because no one really likes it. Especially being young and looking for a career, you need to be able to do that.

Have you noticed when you are out and about at shows that it is older people running everything and younger people are not usually involved?

And everyone keeps using the excuse of a hectic life, but when is community really going to come through and be the focus for people.

Community involvement really is the backbone of small country towns.

How do you change that?

Get them along, see what is involved, give them opportunities to come along. Instead of taking on huge responsibilities, they can contribute this way or that. You don’t need to be on a committee to support your community. You can just turn up to things and help out.

Kazoos coming to Fishy THE Kazoos, one of Australia’s best known children’s entertainment acts, will be at the Memorial Hall in Fish Creek on Monday, September 28 starting at 10.30am.

There will also be an opportunity to meet Professor Silly and Tulip after the show and to have your photos taken with them, posters signed and purchase CDs / DVDs if you wish.

Tickets are $10.00 per person, with no charge for babies under 12 months.

The son and daughter-in-law of 1980s TV icon Betty Bobbitt are performing in Fish Creek in the September school holidays.

Chris and Celia Hill will star in The Kazoos show, which is co-written and directed by Chris’s Mum, Betty Bobbitt.

The show has already toured nationally in 2008, they just filmed their second DVD and they now have an award winning TV producer on board.

“They say you shouldn’t mix family and business but that rule doesn’t apply when it comes to show business,” said Ms Bobbitt, the actress best known for her role as Judy Bryant in Prisoner Cell Block H. “I was absolutely thrilled when my son asked me to be part of The Kazoos as I’ve been involved with children’s theatre for decades as a performer, writer and director.

Seeing the characters Chris and Celia created gave me goose bumps, and the kids’ response is wonderful to watch!”

The Kazoos in Concert is a musical children’s show starring Professor Silly (Chris Hill) and Tulip Kazoo (Celia Hill).

Having flown into town from their home on Kazooey Island, The Kazoos entertain the kids with a 50 minute set filled with gags and original songs such as ‘Jack A Roo, The Aussie Cowboy’ and ‘Animal Walk.’

The show is educational as well as entertaining and features choreography designed by Cara Dinley who also

choreographed live shows such as Yo Gabba Gabba, Mr Men and other ABC and BBC character shows in Australia.

“The inspiration for The Kazoos came in 2005 after the birth of our little girl, Stella.

Chris and I are both musicians and we found ourselves acting the goat and making up songs to keep her entertained,” Celia said.

“Recently her teacher asked Stella what she wants to do when she grows up. She piped up, ‘I want to be on stage,’ so I reckon it’s a safe bet there will be at least three generations of the family involved in theatre.”

Ms Bobbitt believes hard work could see The Kazoos become the next big thing in children’s entertainment.

“Celia and Chris both have that rare ability to really connect with their audience, which is especially important with children. We’ve worked extremely hard on this show but I can honestly say it’s been fun, fun, fun all the way,” she said.

Great family fun: the Kazoos are ready to entertain during the school holidays.

VENUS Bay resident Beverley Walker is a retired registered nurse with a strong midwife calling. She attended the pro-homebirth rally held in Canberra on September 7.

Here she comments on the issue.

Rally wins breathing space THE Federal Government introduced laws to parliament in June which proposed, among other things, to establish a national midwifery register. Under the proposed legislation midwives must be insured to join the register.

At the rally: Venus Bay resident Beverley Walker (third from left) was one of 2000 pro-home birthing activists who rallied in Canberra on September 7.

But private insurers no longer provide cover for home birthing and the Federal Government does not want to subsidise professional indemnity for homebirth claims.

As a result, up to 200 independent midwives faced deregistration from July 2010 and, if they continued working, risked fines of up to $30,000.

After a meeting of State and Territory Health Ministers, the Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon announced a two-year exemption from holding indemnity insurance for privately-practising midwives who can’t obtain cover for attending a homebirth.

Although the Minister has provided a two-year breathing space, it is not a solution. Mid-

wives are not happy with the decision.

How is it that midwives cannot register without indemnity insurance, but are now allowed to practise without it until 2012?

I can understand the need for having private indemnity insurance for the benefit of clients, but I cannot follow how having insurance makes homebirth safer.

A professional midwife adheres to codes of practice and reports to five different authorities. Midwives are scrutinised and named.

Obstetricians, who own the insurance companies, are subsidised by the taxpayer for Medicare and insurance premiums.

Obstetricians can operate their practice with impunity. The midwives at our “mother of all rallies” demanded that there be transparent results of a Senate Inquiry into obstetrician rates of morbidity and mortality. Hospital practices in particular leading to the untenable caesarean births and labour induction rates need to be examined and documented.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Half-washed comedian BEAU Stegmann may well become one of the comedy greats.

Beau Stegmann: the man and his routine.

Leaving Leongatha for the bright lights of Melbourne in 2007, he knew he was cut out for something big.

The 21-year-old has spent the time since the move performing at a variety of clubs and pubs, including the prestigious Comic’s Lounge, which showcases the best comedians in Australia, with Dave Hughes and Jimeon regulars on the bill.

Beau won through to the state finals of the national Raw Comedy competition, which had over 200 applicants in Victoria alone, and 3000 nationally.

He was edged out in the state final by fellow funny-man Neil Sinclair, who went onto win the national competition.

“I was born in Melbourne, but I moved to Leongatha when I was about nine or 10. This’ll be my third year. I moved to Melbourne just to get out of Leongatha. I didn’t want to be 18 and working at KFC all my life,” he said.

“I went down there and a mate of a mate was a comedian. I went out with him once and he said, ‘You’re pretty funny. Let’s do

Memorial changes THOSE of you who have passed the corner of Bayview and Reilly Street in Inverloch recently will have noticed some activity around the WW1 War Memorial diagonally opposite the Primary School.

Our plan is to relocate the Cenotaph and situate it alongside the Memorial Gardens to be re established in the new “Inverloch Community Hub”.

This will allow us to include the Cenotaph in all future Memorial Services which are traditionally held at the Community Centre.

Initially we were advised, that due to the construction of the Cenotaph it was too fragile to move in one piece.

At that stage it was planned to partially disassemble the memorial and

move most of it and reassemble it on site. There would be part of the base remaining where it is.

However, we are now informed by a local builder and crane operator, they can with due care, safely lift the Cenotaph in one piece and relocate it to its new site.

Indeed they have excavated around the foundations to satisfy themselves it can be done.

This of course is our preferred option, and we are now taking steps to effect this.

During the relocation the Memorial will be lodged at the Industrial Site in Cashin Street, where it will be sand blasted and refurbished by local tradesmen.

Please note the Cenotaph was de consecrated some time ago, and will be re consecrated when it is relocated.

Hospital fire award GIPPSLAND Southern Health Service was recognised in the recent Victorian Healthcare Association 2009 Public Health Care Awards for its response to the Victorian bushfires in February this year.

GSHS was among several hospitals to be awarded a Tribute for Outstanding Services in Response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

GSHS accommodated 60 residents evacuated from the Mirboo North Aged Care fa-

cility at 4am on a Friday morning, due to high smoke levels and respiratory concerns for residents, during the Boolarra fires.

The residents were taken by bus to Leongatha hospital, some were housed at its aged care facility, Koorooman House, others were later relocated to other facilities in South Gippsland and Melbourne.

GSHS CEO, Gary Templeton, praised all staff involved with the evacuation process, noting GSHS had responded well to the emergency.

five minutes at a stand up comedy festival.’ And so I did and really enjoyed it. It was a nerve wracking as all hell.

“My first two gigs went really well and I thought I was on top of the world, but my next four kind of went flat. It was really depressing.”

Beau’s schtick is being the guy that can’t do anything right. The smallest challenges are the biggest challenges in his world.

It’s a handy comedic vehicle, but true to life too.

“Basically, I talk about my experiences in life. I try and do things that normal people do, but I screw it up. I just do things differently,” he said.

“It’s just something so simple, but I can’t grasp it. The comedy’s a little bit observational too. I talk about movies and how I don’t understand them. It all relates back to me just not fitting in.

“That’s how I’ve always felt.

It’s not like I haven’t had friends or anything, but everything seems harder than it actually is.”

A typical routine would begin: “I’m sorry I’m a little bit scruffy, but I’m actually going through a bit of a hard time. I’ve just moved out of home for the

first time. That’s difficult. It’s not even like the bills you have to pay or the stuff you have to fill out. I’m finding the simple stuff hard, like how to use a washing machine.

“I was using a washing machine and it says ‘full wash’ and ‘half wash’ and I was thinking, ‘What? I don’t want my clothes half washed.’ I don’t even know why that option’s on there. It’s not like I’m looking at my jumper thinking, ‘I only want half the stains to go.’

“Imagine walking into work with one pant leg dirty and one pant leg clean. My boss goes, ‘Oh you only had a half wash last night.’ I actually put it through twice. The stupid machine washed the same half twice. It doesn’t even have a left or right option.”

Beau said it was a nervous experience standing up there in front of the mic, until you got a laugh from your first joke.

“Once I get that first laugh I’m right as rain,” he said.

He said that hecklers were not such a big issue, because “most of the time the crowd hates that bloke too”.

“If the crowd’s paid to get in they want to laugh. They don’t want to see someone fail,” he said.

“The worst thing at a gig is silence. You hear and look at people who are nervous for you.”

A more recent gig brought him back toward home. He was the headline act at the Loch Hotel’s comedy night on August 7.

“I organised the comedians and the lighting and the stage.

It was a selfish thing, but for the best. I think I got the most laughs that night,” he said.

But Beau is not happy just plying his trade at hotels and on the city comedy circuit. A bigger stage awaits.

He has plans to do a solo show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival next year, and will then take the show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“My most ambitious goal is to do stand up comedy as many times as I can on as many different platforms as I can,” he said.

“I want to be known as a stand up comedian. If I have to do other stuff to get a fan base to bring people to stand up gigs, I’ll do it.

If I have to do radio and I have to do acting, I’ll do it.

“To go as far as I can with my stand up comedy is the biggest goal I have at the moment.”

Horses for victory MIRBOO North Secondary College has won the Victorian Interschool Equestrian Challenge.

They beat top opposition to win at the Upper Beaconsfield course during March with the trophy presented recently.

The four girls competed in age group classes, including best presented and best rider, as individuals and their results were used to calculate a team score.

One of the team members was Year 8 student Ebonie Andrew of Boolarra.

“I did handy mount, which is opening and shutting gates, best presented, which is what looks the nicest and cleanest, and best rider, which is judged on your riding ability, and games, where you have to ride fast and you’re judged you and your horses togetherness,” she said.

“I got my first in handy mount because I was riding one of my friend’s ponies and he’s really quiet.”

Ebonie was a last minute inclusion in the team and had only one night’s practise before competing.

“It was actually my first show and I felt so sick before my competition, but I did pretty good,” she said.

Big trophy: horse riding Ebonie Andrew with the team equestrian spoils.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Joy Hayward (Sep 28 & 30, Oct 1 & 2), National Bank (Sep 29) and South Gippsland Specialist School will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning September 28, 2009.

Mirboo North Secondary College: Ebonie Andrew, Ashleigh Clissold, Tayla Peters and Keisha Mills won the Victorian Interschool Equestrian Challenge.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 23

Dollar Road truck hazard THE Dollar Road is unsafe for large semi-trailers during the daytime according to a Dumbalk resident.

Martin Stone told the Star that he knows of at least four crashes on the road in recent times.

The most recent came last Tuesday when a Murray Goulburn milk truck collided with a car on a narrow stretch of the Dollar Road.

“There is simply not enough room for the two vehicles to pass unless you have a lot of warning”, Mr Stone said.

“At night time you can see the headlights and can virtually stop your car and allow the larger trucks to come through.”

“But in the daytime you don’t have this advantage. You round a corner and the truck is already on top of you.”

Murray Goulburn’s Regional Transport Manager for Gippsland, Brad Close, told the Star that the accident would be fully investigated by the Company.

“We do rotate the shifts from time to time, at the moment the truck is on day shift.”

Mr Close said there were safety considerations for both day and night time pick-ups.

“At night time on narrow roads, with a steep slope on one side, it can also be very hard for trucks to safely pull over near the edge.”

“There are two conflicting trains of thought.”

“There are other considerations when

looking at the pick-up times too like when school buses use the road, what the farmer prefers as his pick-up time, and using the service efficiently.”

Mr Close said road safety was paramount and the investigation would determine if there was a need for change.

“We only have a couple of pick-ups to do on that road; it used to be quite a bit more.”

Martin Stone said the car on this occasion was collected, not by the front of the truck, but the rear of the truck as it was coming around the bend.

“It is a real problem and we have a lot of visitors here who don’t know the roads as well as the locals. The Murray Goulburn tanker has 7 day pick-ups a week; that’s a lot of truck movements for this road. Something more serious will happen eventually.”

Mr Stone doesn’t want to stop the trucks using the road; but he wonders why Murray Goulburn couldn’t do the milk pick-ups on a night shift, not the day shift.

“For the other larger trucks I would like to see the farmers “escort” these trucks through the area to warn cars further down the road if necessary.”

“The shorter wheel base trucks I haven’t a problem with; it’s the longer wheel base trucks that are the issue here.”

Mr Close said he would inform The Star once the company had decided on the appropriate time for the milk pick-ups.

Nowhere to go: this car came off second best when collected by this Murray Goulburn milk tanker on the narrow Dollar Road, Dumbalk.

Shaking up school structure

By Chris Brown YEAR 9 at Mirboo North Secondary College will be different next year with the school offering an innovative new structure.

Every student will participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and physical challenges designed to test their limits.

In terms three and four students will leave the classroom for the world of organisations such as the CFA, Landcare, Primary School Peer Mediation and Fish for the Future.

Maths and English subjects will continue to be taught in their present form.

Next year’s 80 Year 9 students will be part of a big change for Mirboo North Secondary College according to principal Karen Lanyon.

“If we were going to put it on a change scale

it would be an 8/10,” she said.

“It is quite different and challenging and we need to be able to resource it.”

A parent body has been specifically established to raise funds for Year 9, which will have similarities to private school programs.

Ms Lanyon said the program was above and beyond what would be expected from a Year 9 program at a government school.

Early feedback from parents and students has been positive.

“I think there’s a recognition that we couldn’t just keep doing what we’ve always done, because if we wanted to produce different learners we needed to mix it up,” Ms Lanyon said.

“Year 9 is the year when kids change and develop, learn, move on and do different things and we’re trying to capture that all at the one time so they have positive learning experiences down the track.”

Originally teachers, Alice O’Mara, Andrew McGrath and Russell Ogden used professional leave to investigate Year 9 options and design a new program.

During the process Mr Ogden moved on and was replaced by Chris Oliver.

Ms Lanyon said those people came up with a very alternative Year 9 program.

“It was based on the premise that students weren’t connecting to the school and not developing leadership skills how we’d like them to,” she said.

Focus groups, parent and staff surveys, and visits to schools with innovative Year 9 programs across the state were part of the research phase.

The focus group showed that students were bored with school and wanted to leave as fast as possible.

Ms O’Mara said the new program has a big focus on community orientated programs.

“The research says if students are bonded to the community they’re bonded to their learning, so we wanted to integrate community into our program,” she said.

A third of Year 9 school time will be in the community breakout, which includes physical challenges and working with community organisations.

Ms Lanyon said it will take students out of their comfort zones.

“All of our research is telling us they need to be able to take calculated risks, so we’re not going to put them into a situation where it’s dangerous, but it’s moving beyond their normal comfort zones,” she said.

Students will also have to set personal goals at the start of the year.

Debating point: (from left) Tailah Warr, Kim Bland, Sophie Bolge, Simon Mayo, Renae Moore and Darrin Pors.

Kelvin Lewis debate THE annual Kelvin Lewis debate between the Apex Club of Leongatha and the Leongatha Secondary College took place last Wednesday night.

Named in honour of Kelvin Lewis, a former Apexian and teacher at the former Leongatha High School, now in its 35th year, the topic was that “Face to face communication is better than Facebook.”

The Apexians affirmative and the students negative, the night proved to be very entertaining with some great fierce competition, with the students having a narrow victory. Adjudicators were Apex life members, Geoff Dean and Rob Bacon.

Apex is a great community group that offers young men and women opportunities. Activities include go karting, golf, shooting, trivia nights, visiting other clubs and service work

such as the Good Friday appeal door knock, footy gates, barbecues and carols by candlelight.

Apex has a friendly working relationship with SG Game Fishing Club, Lions, Scouts, Hallston Field and Game Club and Portsea Camp.

Anyone interested in joining or for more information can phone Paul Panther on 0402 302 269 or Cameron Dowling on 0438 314 305.

CWA helps East Timor CWA Gippsland Hills Group hosted guest speaker Christine Perkins, head of the Alola Foundation, at their last meeting to talk about helping the women and children struggling to survive in Timor-Leste (East Timor).

Christine spoke last Thursday at the Dakers Centre which was followed up by a lunch serving Timor-Leste cuisine consisting of fresh fruit, chicken and coconut pudding.

The CWA will be making a donation to the Alola Foundation to help women’s voices be heard in East Timor.

Helping out: Margaret Hyde and Evelyn Paterson help prepare the East Timorese style banquet.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Axe taken to tree laws

By Matt Dunn SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council and Bass Coast Shire Council are both scrambling to come to terms with the State Government’s new 10/30 rules.

Both are urging residents to be sensible in their clearing of native trees and vegetation.

The rule change allows clearing of land around houses from between 10 and 30 metres, to help protect residents ahead of the coming fire season.

According to a State Government handout the “temporary exemption” on needing a planning permit to clear trees and vegetation is to “help landowners reduce fuel load around their homes as part of their preparations for the 2009/10 bushfire season”.

South Gippsland Shire Council

mayor Cr Jim Fawcett said the rules were a “really up in the air issue”.

“I know there are issues about where the 10 metres and 30 metres encroaches on neighbouring land, what rights people have and so on,” Cr Fawcett said.

“It’s out there but it’s not resolved.

It seems to be that the intent is quite clear, but the actual application is not all that clear yet. I’m damn sure it will be. They’re all pretty focused on it, as are we.”

Cr Fawcett said he was “worried about the extremes” of having residents cut down all their trees.

“The concern in the community is valid, but the extreme positions people might take might turn out not be all that productive either. I think we have to be careful with that, but recognize that the issue has to be addressed,” he said.

“We’ve got to give a clear indication

to people what their obligations are, and what action they can take without creating issues. It’s a sensitive issue.

They’re will be just as many people who will be arguing that unnecessarily cutting down trees is just as bad.

“There’s a lot of emotion and a lot of caution too, I think.”

Cr Fawcett said on the flip side of the argument to leave trees alone, there was still a “high risk” from vegetation that had not been burnt or cleared.

“It’s an interesting to note that the report that identified the towns most at risk of bushfire are the towns with vegetation around them – Venus Bay, Sandy Point, those sorts of places,” he said.

The 10/30 right allows landowners to clear without a planning permit all vegetation, including trees, within 10 metres of their house and all vegetation (except for trees) within 30 metres

of their house.

Residents can also remove all native vegetation either side of their property’s boundary fence to a combined maximum width of four metres without a permit.

People can only clear native vegetation on their property if they own it.

People renting or wanting to clear vegetation on other properties, including public reserves or roadsides, need the written permission of the landowner or relevant public land manager.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Planning and Environment Director, Hannah Duncan-Jones, said striking the balance between the fire risk of vegetation and preserving the value of our native environment would be a challenge for some land owners.

“People live in and visit Bass Coast because of our native environment,” said Ms Duncan-Jones.

“One of the outcomes of the community visioning process in which over 1600 people took part was a ‘celebration of natural assets’, meaning our coastline, vegetation and farmland.

“We need to ensure that any vegetation clearing is done in a careful, planned way.”

Land owners are urged to make sure they fully understand the exemptions before undertaking any clearing work.

Foreshore vegetation is managed to help minimise erosion and protect properties, roads and drainage assets from storm surges and extremely high tides.

Ms Duncan-Jones said that anyone who was unsure what vegetation could be removed under the new exemptions should contact council before going ahead.

An ice place to sleep TIM Holding would have done well to have spent some time with the South Gippsland Walking and Adventure Club.

A recent igloo building weekend at Mt Baw Baw was a great success despite limited snow.

A willing band of experienced workers each having been assigned a specific job completed the igloo in record time.

It accommodated eight people of varying shapes for the night and despite a strong and warm overnight wind was still intact in the morning.

Tuesday walkers continue with the last two trips spent exploring the parks and tracks from both ends of Inverloch.

Bike rides have been locally and on the Melbourne bike paths.

With the warmer weather approaching there will be overnight and base camp cycle trips offered.

Weekend day walks have been to the George Bass coastal walk and Cape Liptrap with a couple more to be held on Phillip Island.

The very strong fit “young” members plan to do the Prom circuit in a day.

Next year will be busy with extended walking in New Zealand, Tasmania and Katherine Gorge area The club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Leongatha Community House at 8pm. New members are always welcome.

President Val can be contacted on 56722752

Cold work: The South Gippsland Walking and Adventure Club igloo builders at Mt Baw Baw. QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8189

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Play up action, play down chatter. A minor financial setback is offset by a major romantic gain. Put your creative talent to work - enjoy a show with a loved one, pen a sonnet or paint a portrait.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

Matters blocked recently begin to move again. At the same time, you are in a mood to mingle, but you may have to decline social invitations.

This is an excellent week to make overdue resolutions.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Patience is your byword, particularly if you are waiting for a friend to make a long lasting commitment. For travellers and hosts alike, a contingency plan is wise this week.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Speak out if you doubt a partner’s or colleague’s judgement. Travel is favoured on the weekend. Be kind to your digestive system and avoid too much sugar or spicy foods.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

Someone is pulling the strings for you behind the scenes. A dreamedfor opportunity may be imminent. This is the time to catch up on miscellaneous health needs and clear up a domestic misunderstanding.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

Most of the week’s fun happens inside the home. A loved one’s reputation is enhanced on the weekend. If planning a proposal of any sort, spend extra time on the first draft.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

You are a little too cautious this week and you could miss out on an exciting social opportunity. A family member is surprisingly helpful - and not a string attached.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

Your memory plays games and money is likely involved. Request receipts and check guarantees. An issue you have been dodging has to be faced by the weekend.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Explain any difficult situation before you really become embroiled.

Friends seem argumentative, but your family is highly supportive.

Your intuitive strengths will be noticeable nearer the end of the week.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

If planning a trip, be more than careful in selecting fellow travellers.

Small risks pay off, especially when it comes to going out on a limb for a loved one. Don’t let others try to organise you.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

You win points on Thursday and Friday by knowing a little about a lot, but after the weekend the accent is on specialisation. This is a bad time for showdowns and a good week for patch-ups.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Your personal magnetism is strengthened but your intuition is weaker than you believe. Speak your mind, but only to the right party.

A conservative friend becomes surprisingly broadminded.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are a born leader, lucky in money matters, fierce when you don’t get your own way and gentle when there’s no other means of securing what you want. Long range goals are favoured over short term plans. An educational accomplishment could lead to a financial breakthrough.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, September 23: 11am St Peter’s MidWeek HC. Sunday, September 27: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Family Service, 10.30am 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.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248.

A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466.

Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph.

0407 343 219.

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

Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm. All enquiries contact Pastor David Stegmann 5662 2785. Office: 5662 3100.

Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984.

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly; Kids Club Thursdays 4pm Guide Hall. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School - 11.30am.

CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday.

Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday.

Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass.

Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass.

Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass.

KORUMBURRA’S WOMEN’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214.

GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at the Senior Citizens Centre, Mirboo North, Sundays: 4-5.10pm Communion, 5.15-6pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children.

Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5668 2226 Bob Stevens.

SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Kid’s Club - Tuesday, 4 - 5pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome. Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122.

SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship.

Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228.

PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets,

Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump 5662-2107.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am.

(10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. Teaching service at 7.30pm.

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

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, September 27, 9am and 10.45am, “Life to the Max” 7pm.

Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Geoff Smith and Rev. Jim Foley, 5655 1997.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www.wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

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ACROSS Capital city (10) Bird (4) Old (4) Essential (5) Dash (4) Residue (9) Bad dream (9) Facts (4) Seat (5) Tumble (4) Language (4) Threefold (10)

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DOWN Ornament (6) Cheese (7) Rough (6) Figurine (6) Joint (5) Purloin (5) Animal (3) Hug (7) Bear (5) Letter (6) Rush (6) Tell (6) Keen (5)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8189 ACROSS 6. A “No” to “Have you a puncture?” (4,6). 8. Move in and get the heating on (4). 9. Some bound out when you open it (4). 10. An item from the list of furnishing necessities? (5). 11. Tar in the cellar (4). 12.Furious the sea was rough, lost no time (4,5). 16. A hard line taken, perhaps, when the act is to be revamped (9). 20. What dad may do if upset by mum? (4). 22. To do with a hand-out (5). 23.

Pinches some drinks (4). 24. Mean will be through at two (4). 25. The bacteria come from fish, lady (10).

DOWN 1. She’s about to stop the lag escaping (6). 2. Crouched and scuttled, also, through (7). 3. Writing a note to the heartbroken woman (6). 4. That asparagus tip the bird ate?

(6). 5. Quickly goes for the insects (5). 7. Peel off as you climb (5). 13. Will meet with, you understand (3). 14. Apart from being a second unconscious (7). 15. I had taken up the front seat (5). 17. A refusal to dole out the food (6). 18.

One cosmetic of the many I took over (6). 19. Spike is one policeman who has drink taken (6). 21. Making a mess of, putting right into the rough (5).

www.thestar.com.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 25

A bit different

SEJ Real Estate has this unique Mardan property for sale. Read about it on page 30.

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

A makeover sure to impress F

IFTY four Turner Street Leongatha is a home thats progress has been monitored with much anticipation throughout its renovation.

The home has been rendered to modernise the façade and internally it also sparkles like new.

Enter the home via the formal entrance onto polished floor boards

which span the main traffic areas and step into the open plan living, kitchen and dining area. A new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, island bench and dishwasher is well appointed to the dining area, opening up onto a sunny verandah via sliding doors. The living area has reverse cycle air conditioning and space for a computer plus access to a covered, semi enclosed deck for all weather use. The home

also boasts new floor coverings and window furnishings throughout and a renovated bathroom and laundry.

A sizeable, secure back yard includes a colourbond garage with concrete floor and power, and there is added car storage or workshop space with a carport and lock up garage underneath the home.

Everything you need is here for $285,000.

At a glance Location: 54 Turner Street, Leongatha.

Price: $285,000.

Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 5800.

Just move in and enjoy S

TOCKDALE & Leggo, Leongatha are pleased to offer this well presented three bedroom home featuring appealing aspects around every corner.

The home is rendered brick with the driveway practically located so that you can enter the home directly from the sheltered carport and step into a formal entrance with tiled floor.

The living area features cathedral ceilings and a reverse cycle air conditioner

and is well appointed to the dining area.

There are quality furnishings throughout and the timber kitchen and tiled bathroom are both delightfully updated.

Two of the three bedrooms contain built-in robes and all have room for a queen size bed and side furniture.

The block is level and secure and provides scope for further shedding or outdoor entertaining areas.

Properties as neat as this are hard to come by in this affordable price range.

At a glance Location: 21 Brown Street, Leongatha.

Price: $248,000.

Agent: Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 5800.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 27

Peace at Allambee South U

P a quiet road at Allambee South this property is waiting for its new own-

ers.

A total of 83 acres, plus five acres road lease, the property is divided into five paddocks watered by three spring fed dams.

There are also troughs in all paddocks fed by a header tank from one of the spring fed dams, and there is also a semi permanent creek.

It is hilly country (approx 75 per cent tractor-able) with most of it being quality red/chocolate soil.

There are some tracks, making access to the land easier.

The property would comfortably run about 35-40 cows and calves.

There is no need to worry about a planning permit to build as there is a modest colourbond home (around 10 squares).

Perhaps it is in need of updating or renovation.

It offers three bedrooms, compact lounge/dining area with electric and gas heating and air-conditioning.

Outside there is ample shedding, which includes 40’ x 40’ machinery shed, 40’ x 29’ hay shed, disused dairy, and stockyards with crush and loading race.

This home is 30 minutes drive from Leongatha and Morwell and 20 minutes from Mirboo North.

The property is positioned with stunning views all the way to Leongatha and beyond. There is a school bus service close by to Mirboo North.

At a glance Location: 25 Baxters Road, Allambee South.

Price: $430,000 plus.

Agent: Elders, Leongatha.

Contact: Zel Svenson 0438 636 290.

The best of both worlds W

HY not live out of town at an affordable price?

This neat three bedroom hardiplank home just out of Dumbalk township could be the one you’ve been looking for.

Located on a bitumen road only a couple of kilometres from the Dumbalk township, the home is on three quarters of an acre surrounded by farming land.

Offering three bedrooms, compact kitchen, dining and living room, and one bathroom, which is conveniently acts as a semi en suite to the master bedroom.

It also has electric heating, double carport, gorgeous rural views, peace and quiet.

At a glance Location: Dollar Road, Dumbalk.

Price: $195,000 negotiable.

Agent: Elders, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 3523.

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Quality country lifestyle S

ET amidst green rolling hills, on the Melbourne side of Foster, this executive residence is designed for casual country living, with elegance and grace.

It is set on about 16 acres, with the option to purchase a further 16 acres.

The home itself is expansive with a floor plan sure to accommodate a variety of lifestyles, says the selling agent Allen Bartlett of Prom Country First National Real Estate.

“The gourmet kitchen has extensive cabinetry and gleaming Quantum quartz bench tops, and stainless steel appliances including an Ilve oven and Qasair rangehood,” he said. “There are beautiful outlooks to the rear gardens and entertaining area through the picture windows of the kitchen, and the in-floor heating ensures this is the popular heart of the home.”

Living and entertaining areas provide a formal lounge and dining environment with high ceilings, decorative cornices and natural timber to windows and trims, and there’s a separate family or casual zone that would be ideal as a billiard or rumpus room, but could also be easily converted to additional sleeping quarters to cater for extended family or gusts.

There are already four bedrooms, including a retreat-size guest room, plus a separate study, and two well-appointed bathrooms featuring hand-painted tiles, timber finishes and a luxurious spa bath.

Externally, the gorgeous gardens are alive with an array of mature deciduous trees, flowering shrubs and rolling lawns, there’s a productive orchard, and abundant outdoor infrastructure.

Allen says that for those hoping to find plenty of under-cover facilities, they are in luck.

“There’s an over-sized single garage with good storage area, a colorbond garage for two vehicles and space for accessories, and a separate high-roof brick building that’s huge,” he said.

“It’s a great storage area and workshop, and has three phase power to it so the homehandyperson can get serious about the standard of their work environment.”

There’s also ample water too, as the tanks are fed from the house and sheds, and the gardens are watered by pump from the house dam.

Behind the shedding, the land rises to quality paddocks, which has been maintained and enhanced by the current owner.

It’s a combination of rolling hill and level pasture and will suit various stock from cattle to horses.

The adjoining 16 acres is also available to be purchased, and with a long adjoining boundary, it would provide more than 32 acres of lush pasture for almost any agricultural pursuit.

Alternatively, for those wanting to own the land but not wanting to operate it, the bulk of the property could be leased-out to others, and you could simply enjoy the lifestyle of the character home and direct garden surrounds.

The agent suggests it really is an inspirational property, and invites interested parties to arrange a personal inspection, or to come along to one of the advertised Sunday Open For Inspection days.

Two Falls Road, Foster North is offered for sale to suit buyers in the range of $525,000 to $575,000.

Further information can be obtained from Allen Bartlett at Prom Country First National Real Estate in Meeniyan by calling 03 5664 0224 or 0417 274 624 anytime.

At a glance Location: 2 Falls Road, Foster North.

Price range: $525,000 to $575,000.

Agent: Prom Country First National, Meeniyan.

Contact: Allen Bartlett 5664 0224 or 0417 274 624.

Wake up and smell the roses I

T’S the stuff of dreams; a character country cottage in a pretty village on a gorgeous 1.5 acre block with breathtaking views across the valley.

Your dream of original timber features and high ceilings, a cosy and inviting atmosphere and plenty of charm is coming true.

What else? Two decent living areas including a separate lounge room with wood fired heater, and a country kitchen (with big walk-in pantry and room for the family table) overlooking an informal family room that opens directly

onto an elevated deck.

Do you want a very sweet bathroom, and a little separate studio/hobby room, that you can access from a sheltered porch? Done.

Stained hard wood floors, and exterior stipple rendered charm. You want views from the gardens as well as the house? Okay.

There’s plenty of shedding, for birds or other things, and ample workshop room.

A well maintained, penned run, ideal for dogs, chooks, or other pets that you may want to bring with you.

(There is a permit for five dogs and their offspring, absolute gold for a breeder). Vegetable gardens and fruit trees, and a rear paddock that invites a horticultural enterprise or an alpaca.

This very neat property could be just the “tree change town home” you’ve dreamt of.

This lovely property, offered to interest buyers in the range $310,000 to $339,000 can be inspected with Kaz from Prom Country First National Real Estate.

Call on 5664 0224, or 0417 516 998, and bring those dreams to life!

At a glance Location: 50 Giles Street, Mirboo North.

Price range: $310,000-$339,000.

Agent: Prom Country First National, Meeniyan.

Contact: Kaz 5664 0224 or 0417 516 998.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 29

7). OQNL 0,!9 4/ ! 3(!2% ).

*Terms and c

ER ST N TY! R FI OW NI E U M RT O H PO P O

“grant us our first home heaven” Cute-as-can-be, this redecorated and updated home might be just the one to plant-your-grant in, if you’re lucky enough to be a First Home Buyer. Modern kitchen, new carpets, renovated bathroom with dual vanities, fitted laundry, s/s ac plus big 6x11m garage/shed, gorgeous gardens, town and tank water, and more, but buy quickly – the grant’s going........D OW Address 12 Meikle Street, Meeniyan N. To Suit Buyers $180,000 - $195,000

the jewel in the town Superb craftsmanship in the 72,000 bricks laid, the fully networked technology, the outstanding infrastructure in the three separate levels of comfortable space incorporating a full parents-only storey, a sprawling family storey, 4 bedrooms, a 9 square loft, PLUS 16 squares of garaging. Stairways of blackwood and steel, bench tops of granite, walls of colour, 5-zoned electric floor heating, ducted vacuum, laundry chute, easterly balcony views. A superb home built to entertain and to please.

Address 22 Valley View Crescent, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $600,000 - $650,000

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RS WN ITY I F O N E U M T O OR H P P O

maintained to please even the toughest critics Scale down from the farm or step up first up to this sweet little house on a half acre garden allotment that has a shed and plenty of garden space to spare! Comprising 3 bedrooms, updated kitchen, meals, and separate lounge. Features incl. rain water tank, carport plus double garage, split system.

The township of Meeniyan is buzzing so get on board!

Address 1 Geale Street, Meeniyan To Suit Buyers $240,000 - $255,000

you can bank on it’s charm A unique opportunity to purchase this historical building, live in it and if desired, operate a business too. 6 large rooms plus a country kitchen, bathroom and laundry, strong room (the perfect cellar!), covered outdoor area. Quiet inside with the added bonus of prominent convenient street presence and rear laneway access. Outstanding value, on 763 sqm approx.

Address 60 Ridgway, Mirboo North To Suit Buyers $310,000 - $340,000

main street: development opportunity A quaint retail shop and a big brute of a storage shed or garage, rear lane access and main street frontage.

All combine to provide an enticing, exciting investment in a growing market! On a1200sqm flat allotment.

Business Zone 1. Opportunity to build a residence and operate a business, or simply develop the retail potential.

Address 62 Ridgway, Mirboo North To Suit Buyers $145,000 - $155,000

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RS N TY FI OW NI E U M RT O H PO P O

ER ST N TY! R FI OW NI E U M T O OR H P P O

“football, meatpies, kangaroos & holden cars!”

A comfortable 1950’s classic built to last! This centrally positioned first home or first-rate investment brick veneer home features high ceilings, decorative cornices, If you’re looking for your first home where the painting’s been terracotta tile roof, gorgeous art deco etched glass and timber done, the carpet is near new, and it’s on a good size allotment “HILLVIEW” ~ town and country in one special package ~ 1.5 acres! doors. Accommodation comprises 4 bedrooms (or 3 plus extra with views over acre properties, this 3 bedroom sweetie You CAN have it all! A character cottage just minutes to the shops, on an acre and a half! It’s living space), lounge, updated kitchen with adjoining spacious could be just what the doctor ordered. Fenced back yard meals area, a sunroom perfect for hot days plus adjacent laundry gorgeous: taken from Yallourn many years ago, this historical little home has original timber with lawn for the kids to play. If only you could be in for the features, stained hardwood floors, picture rails and magnificent views across the valleys. Pens and toilet. Fenced front yard, and big back yard complete with obligatory grand final BBQ! Promise yourself for next year! workshop, carport, rainwater tank & lemon tree! for chooks or other pets, shedding, circular drive, fruit trees, 2 bedrooms and 2 separate living areas, walk in pantry, wood fired heater - a cutie!

Address 40 Grand Ridge West, Mirboo North Address 34 Koonwarra Road, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $190,000 - $210,000 Address 50 Giles Street, Mirboo North To Suit Buyers $310,000 - $339,000 To Suit Buyers $250,000 - $275,000

• First Home Buyers purchasing an established home in Victoria, will receive a FHOG of up to $16,000 ($7,000 Federal and $9,000 State contributions) • First Home Buyers constructing or purchasing newly constructed homes in Regional areas, will receive a FHOG of up to $36,500 ($14,000 Federal and $22,500 State contributions)

Conditions apply. Amounts available will decrease from October 1st!

R T E !

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R T E !

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FIRST HOME OWNERS GRANTS (FHOG)

SAVE UP TO $36,500 WITH THE GRANT! 13.5 ACRES!!! HURRY! You will need to build within the guidelines of the planning permit quickly, so this is priced to sell now! Fenced to suit horses, with loose box and tack room, troughs to paddocks, dam, and areas of fenced native vegetation and plantings, with power to be provided to the boundary by the current owner. Close to Leongatha, Koonwarra and Meeniyan. Hurry!

The grant drops drastically at the end of September and the permit’s ready now!

This is a top opportunity to get onto your own lifestyle property while it’s still affordable.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET YOUR BUILDING STARTED - BEAT THE PERMIT EXPIRY! Address Meeniyan - Nerrena Road, Meeniyan To Suit Buyers $190,000 - $210,000

“rent buster!” or great return investment!

This two bedroom unit with a private verandah and its own yard with garden shed is going to make one rent-payer very happy very soon! Yes, it needs some paint and a little TLC: but a smart buyer will easily see that the sunny, north facing living room, the position and the price will be one very cool way to get a hold in the real estate market!

Address 2/56 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan To Suit Buyers $150,000 - $165,000

Call Us!

for your fresh fresh Spring Campaign!

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

glenys foster

lisa williams

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Main house

Main house

Something a bit special B

RIGHTLEA at Mardan is a property that definitely deserves your consideration if you are in the market.

There are views from all directions of South Gippsland farming land from a cottage on 66 acres and main home on half an acre. Each home is on a separate title.

The cottage was built in 1899 and has a long-term tenant paying $100 per week.

It has a separate driveway and garden as well as a carport and garage.

The three bedroom cottage has a lounge, gas heater and small study.

Recent improvements include Colorbond roof, venetian blinds and electric Chef oven.

Also on this lot is a fully enclosed park with winding paths, garden rooms, and ornamental, native and fruit trees.

This garden lovers’ paradise has a fish pond as well.

The main house, which is surrounded by a large garden, has three bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a recently upgraded bathroom and two toilets.

It was recently Hardiplank clad and has a new Colorbond roof with wide ‘C’

gutters.

A spacious lounge has a new gas heater and Daikin split system air conditioner.

The kitchen features Tasmanian oak, large pantry and a range hood.

This property has 14 paddocks, two wide laneways, 15 troughs and eight tanks.

New boundary fences are electrified and there are sheep pens and cattle yards.

Shedding includes two hay sheds, one machinery shed, one workshop/shed and one shearing shed.

For further information contact SEJ.

At a glance Location: Grays Road, Mardan.

Agent: SEJ, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 4033, Lyle Miller 0408 515 665 or Barry Redmond 0418 515 666.

Cottage

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 31

Finding buyers across the sea CROSS Tasman Realty is the new force in South Gippsland real estate.

Licensed agent Gary Walker brings expertise gained during eight years of selling properties and 22 years as a dairy farmer in New Zealand to the role.

The name Cross Tasman signals Gary’s intention to use his extensive Kiwi contacts to find buyers for Gippsland farming land.

The new business’ logo represents green trees and pasture, and rich red soil.

Gary will focus on selling large dairy and grazing farms throughout Gippsland as well as lifestyle, horticultural and residential properties in South Gippsland.

His partner, Deb Atkins works in the administration and marketing side of the agency.

Currently the business is operating from their home in Ruby, but an office will be opened in Korumburra in the near future.

Gary is an honest and frank operator with a strong belief in good marketing.

“You need to do your homework on a property before you put it on the market and be in tune with the vendor’s wishes,” he said.

“This includes taking the time to sit down with the vendor to identify the strengths of the property, including any interesting and unique features, such as historical snippets.”

Gary then takes a large number of photos, which he uses as prompts to write an article which, he says, “Needs to tell a story in order to capture the imagination and interest of a potential purchaser.”

He then carefully considers which media outlets the property will appear in.

In these tech-savvy times it will also be listed on the internet.

Gary regularly receives phone calls from New Zealand dairy farmers contemplating a move to Australia.

“I visited there recently and talked to banks, accountants and real estate companies regarding the dairy scene in New Zealand,” he said.

“The general feeling seems to be that in six months things will start to look brighter.”

Farmers were paying $35,000 an acre for land in Waikato at the height of the milk price driven boom.

“In New Zealand there is less good land available, so it becomes more expensive, which leads to it being more intensively farmed,” Gary said.

In the 1980s he worked for a company called Hunzag, which marketed dairy equipment and promoted Kiwi farming methods.

Gary frequently travelled to the company’s European office in Hungary.

Under communism in Eastern Europe state farms were on a massive scale, with some up to 15,000 hectares.

“Hungary is a very fertile part of the world and was called the food bowl of Europe as it had very rich soil,” Gary said.

“I was able to see it change to capitalism.

It was a very exciting time.”

It’s all part of Gary’s experience that is sure to serve South Gippsland real estate vendors and buyers well.

Contact Gary on 0400 106 801 or email walker.gary@bigpond.com.

First sign: Cross Tasman Realty’s Gary Walker in front of a 56.68 hectare property he is selling along the Warragul-Korumburra Road.

Lifestyle plus A

HIGHLY fertile 16 acres at Mirboo North is available through Rodwells, Leongatha.

It features a three bedroom weatherboard home.

The property would be ideal for a hobby farmer, horses or agriculture.

The productive land has an extensive dam, 12 meg water license and large shed/workshop.

Mirboo North is only 7km away and this property has Strzelecki Highway frontage.

Inspection is by appointment.

At a glance Location: 2260 Strzelecki Hwy, Mirboo North.

Price: $425,000.

Agent: Rodwells Real Estate, Leongatha.

Contact: Kristin Richardson 0427 092 983.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Understated elegance E

VERY once in a while a property with quality, elegance and style becomes available. Here we have an extremely well built, neat four bedroom family home with grazing paddocks for horses or cattle.

It is on about three acres of manicured lawns and fenced paddocks including stables, and right on the edge of Meeniyan.

An impeccable timber kitchen

boasts new electric wall oven and hotplates, dishwasher, microwave nook and breakfast bar.

Slate flooring is featured throughout the home with lush carpets in the living and bedrooms.

Master bedroom includes a builtin robe, en suite and bay windows.

Built-in robes feature in the remaining bedrooms.

A central bathroom comes complete with a corner bath, separate shower and timber vanity.

Outside features a double garage with remote doors and window with

At a glance Location: 183 South Gippsland Highway, Meeniyan.

Price: $495,000.

Sole agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 0922.

views over the garden, garden shed and secure rear yard fencing.

An undercover deck area with lazerlite roofing, and an extension of the deck with no roofing, is perfect for all seasons of entertaining.

A line of standard roses borders the driveway, and ornamental trees are scattered throughout the garden.

This home is jam packed with quality from floor to ceiling.

Inspection is a must and strictly by appointment.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 33

Holiday program treats THERE are some great treats in store during the holiday program at the Venus Bay community centre this month.

The program starts today with a make-up workshop with internationally renowned make-up artist Viv Rushbrook for young adults at 10am.

She also owns a shop in Yarram.

On Wednesday, September 23, 10.30am – 12.30pm, the Melbourne-based Cirque Mystique has offered one of its world leading performers Christian Parr to lead a circus skills workshop.

On the following Thursday, 2-5pm, young adults can conduct skate boarding and rollerblading at the centre’s skate park under the supervision of the centre’s youth worker.

On Friday, 1-2pm, the illusive Flathead Fred, will present his interactive family show.

Fred’s show has been hailed as “the star attraction” for kids at the Melbourne Boat Show.

On Monday, September 28, 10.30 am to 1.00pm, children between eight and 15, learn to bake real sourdough bread using “Boris” the live Yeast Plant.

Young adults will be interested in the stencil art workshop on the following Tuesday, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

On Wednesday, September 30, children will be able to learn how to create a window sill kitchen garden.

Bookings (including times and costs) for all workshops can be made by coming to the Venus Bay community centre in person on a Monday or Thursday, by phoning 5663 7499 or emailing vbcc@bigpond.com.

Circus skills: the Melbourne-based Cirque Mystique has offered one of its world leading performers Christian Parr to lead a circus skills workshop

Return of Menopause DUE to popular demand the Wonthaggi Arts Centre and HIT Productions are bringing back the hottest flush on stage, Menopause, the Musical on Tuesday, October 27 at 8pm.

Inspired by “a hot flush and a bottle of wine”, according to creator Jeanie Linders, the hilarious musical is a celebration of a life passage that “launches women into an exciting new phase of their lives”.

“Last year the audience laughed from the start of the 90 minutes performance to

the end,” arts centre director Jenny Churchill said.

“The songs such as The Great Pretender, Only You, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Stand by Your Man and many more have been rewritten and are sung with such gusto you can’t help but enjoy yourself,” Miss Churchill said.

“Come and see for yourself what everyone was talking about, we guarantee that you will leave the theatre uplifted and joyous.”

Tickets are available from the Wonthaggi Workmens Club at $30 for adults and $25 concession. For details, call 5672 1083.

Menopause returns: Christine Harris and HIT Productions, Australia’s premier theatre touring company will present Menopause, the Musical, at the Workmens Club on October 27. Pictured from left are Vivien Davies, Maria Mercedes, Donna Lee and Cindy Pritchard (not in current production).

Prodigal brothers return BROTHERS Karl and Conrad Tattersall are returning to Leongatha for a heady performance at the Downstairs Café Lounge on Saturday night.

The sons of Margaret, of Mushroom Crafts, and David Tattersall, who works at The Star, the brothers are members of the highly successful Melbourne-based BossBucho band Karl Tattersall plays guitar and Conrad is on bass. The other members are James Collins,

vocals, guitar and harmonica, and Greg Edmiston on drums.

The band plays original material, “howling tales of love, loss and past lives”, with influences from soul, folk, rock and the blues.

They are a regular drawcard in Melbourne and recently went to Japan, while also working on their debut album, Black Mountain Tales. To see them at work at the Bair St venue, with an 8pm start, will be a treat. For inquiries, call 5662 3390.

Leongatha performance: the BossBucho band revisit their former hometown at the Downstairs Café Lounge on Saturday night.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 35

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Arie crowned Landcare’s man ARIE Bos is the toast of South Gippsland after winning a prestigious Victorian Landcare award last week.

The Welshpool man won the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award, recognising his extensive contribution to the organisation.

The awards were presented by Victorian Environment Minister, Gavin Jennings, and the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser at Government House last Tuesday.

A former dairy farmer, Mr Bos has fenced off the Shady Creek through his farm and planted extensively. As president of the Agnes River Landcare Group, he has led many community projects.

Mr Bos continues to be involved with the Hazel Park Flora Reserve and also teaches gardening at Toora Primary School.

“I was quite stunned,” he said of the moment he learned of his award.

“You could have knocked me down with a feather. There was lots of competition.”

The Agnes River group has planted trees along the walking trail from the Welshpool township to the recreation reserve and in recent years, adopted the Hazel Park reserve. Featuring 70 acres of bush, the reserve has a variety of flora and fauna, including lyrebirds and wedge-tailed eagles.

Parks Victoria has erected fencing, signs and seats along a pleasant bushwalk, funded by a grant secured

by Agnes River group.

“We have been discouraged motorbike riders from using the reserve and have made the track more suitable for walkers,” Mr Bos said.

The group will now focus on enhancing the Agnes Falls Reserve and addressing willows remaining along the Agnes River.

“Eventually we hope to get the whole river done,” Mr Bos said.

“We are very conscious of Corner Inlet with all the streams running into it. A huge variety of wading birds live on the beaches there in the summer.

It’s very important that we keep the water clean as can be because I would

hate to see that disappear.”

The man of wisdom is now sharing his knowledge with the children of Toora Primary School, helping to maintain the school’s vegetable garden.

“It’s good that they see food growing instead of just buying it from the supermarket,” Mr Bos said. But he believes the future of Landcare faces challenges as a result of funding cutbacks by the Federal Government.

“I hope the government will really begin to appreciate what Landcare does because at the moment, funding is well down,” Mr Bos said.

“You just can’t run the organisation without people like Belinda (Brennan) and Jill (Vella) from the South Gippsland Landcare Network, who do a fantastic job. It’s jolly hard.”

His passion for Landcare stems from his childhood by Shady Creek.

“What we got me going was that when as a kid I used to catch mountain trout and eels in the creek. In the last few years they just have not been there,” he said.

Making difference: Individual Landcarer, Arie Bos.

LSC blitzes reading challenge

Read on: Amberley Whelan, Raquel Gardener and Jake Bayer holding up dearly loved books from the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

By Work Experience Student Blake Johnson

RAQUEL Gardener, Amberley Whelan and Jake Bayer were three year 8’s amongst the many Leongatha Secondary College students who participated in and successfully completed this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge.

John Brumby’s Premier’s Reading Challenge began in 2005 and has since helped thousands of students discover the rewards of reading.

It is put out to all students from Prep to Year 10 and just last year over 117,000 students successfully met this challenge.

‘The aim of the challenge is to promote a love of

reading’ says Richard Ife, one of LSC’s librarians.

Well these students have definitely shown their love, not only by completing the challenge, but by reading far more books than the target, set and all for the enjoyment.

The challenge set for students between Grade 3 and Year 9 was to read a total of 15 books, 10 of which had to be from the very extensive Reading Challenge List which includes all types of books from non-fiction to picture story. The challenge started back in February and ended on the 31st of August.

During this time Raquel Gardener managed to read 36 different books, her favourite being New Moon by Stephanie Meyer; the second book in the recently famous twilight series.

Amberley Whelan read 32 books over the 7 month period but she tends to like her history better than fantasy and said that the Horrible Histories were a great read because you learn real information but they make it interesting at the same time.

Jake however, is a typical boy, loving his action packed adventure books such as Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz and in total he read 26 different books.

Unfortunately the star participant and biggest reader from Leongatha was unavailable for an interview but congratulations to Cindallyn Reed from Year 7 who managed to read 92 books in just 3 terms. This is an amazing feat and a fantastic effort from all the students who did the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 37

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

By Bert van Bedaf THE production of Into The Woods by the Foster Amateur and Music Drama Association is taking shape at a rapid pace.

An award winning musical by Stephen Sondheim from an adult fairytale

by James Lapine, the show opens at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre on Friday, October 2, with a gala performance. It will run until October 17, including two matinees.

Putting on a show of this dimension needs a lot of people with various talents performing many different tasks.

They range from production manager and directors (musical and overall), actors and musicians to technicians and lighting crews, costume makers, builders and set designers.

The vibrant sets for this production have been designed by Korumburra couple Sindy Virtue and husband Gavin Van Eede.

“The show really looks fantastic, because of the terrific set designs done by a great artistic team,” production manager Dianne Paragreen said.

Sindy and Gavin have been involved in art, writing and music for many years, but this is the first time they have designed sets for a stage production.

Sindy grew up in the Melbourne arts community of Hurstbridge surrounded by lots of artists. She was encouraged to try many types of art mediums.

“I’ve been involved in art all my life, drawing, painting, writing, sculpting and designing. I’ve always preferred art to drama at school and it was great to become involved with drama in this special way.”

A former backing vocalist with the St Kilda band I Spit on Your Gravy,

Design team: Sindy Virtue and husband Gavin Van Eede have already won much praise for their set designs for the Into the Woods musical by FAMDA. Sindy has embarked on an interesting art form that has given her a new artistic outlet.

“I am a creative person who enjoys making unique pieces,” Sindy said.

“I am also a nurse who got injured at work and started making these special statues as therapy.”

This has now grown to an interesting sideline. She is an accredited instructor for Paverpol, which is a fabric sculpting material developed in the Netherlands.

Sindy works with various clays,

wood, acrylic paints, glass paints, paper beading, and now also in fabric sculpting, creating fabulous figurines and statues. Her indoor and outdoor figures are much in demand, because they look attractive and are made with a non-toxic product that seals them, ensuring they are weatherproof. She also makes statues on commission.

Having a fascination with “all things fairy, fairytales and mystical”, Sindy was instantly drawn to designing for Into the Woods.

“It was definitely my style of sto-

ry,” she said.

The musical entwines plots of the Brothers Grimm stories, taking characters from such endearing tales as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella.

The storyline of the musical involves a baker and his wife and their “quest to begin a family”. All these elements had to be incorporated in the sets.

“This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to design for a theatre company, creating sets on such a large

scale. It has been challenge and I have enjoyed the experience.”

An advertising consultant with The Star, Gavin is also known as a singer/ guitarist and songwriter with the Psycho Wombat band. But there’s a third string to his bow. He is also an accomplished portrait artist, which led him into the set design with Sindy.

Director John Laurie sent them the Wood script, with some tentative sketches and asked for specific designs.

“Each one took a reasonable amount of time to design,” Gavin said.

Completed in black and white, they were photographed and scanned into their computer for colouring and emailed to John.

The set builders will use the drawings to create sets for the stage.

Gavin always enjoyed drawing from an early age. He would copy cartoons from MAD magazines sitting at the back of the classroom. Readers will have noticed some of Gavin’s current cartoons in The Star.

Over recent months he has begun drawing pencil portraits of friends and relatives, or on commission.

Set design was an entirely new experience and Into the Woods was also his first attempt.

“It was quite a challenge. There are several different scenes and backgrounds as well as individual pieces,” Gavin said.

Both agreed the project had been “huge but very rewarding and a great experience.”

Tickets for the musical are on sale at Main Street Revelations, Foster, or call 0400 867 872. Credit facilities are available.

Magic music of marimbas

Web of winners

GRADE 5 and 6 students at Leongatha Primary School built marimbas that will be used in the music department last Monday.

A TEAM of Year 10 students produced the best website for business in a Gippsland competition.

On Tuesday they performed for the rest of the school using the marimbas and other unusual instruments.

A marimba is a percussion instrument with bars that are often hit with a mallet.

Music teacher Jen Monk said the students were fascinated by how the pitch of the marimba bars changed as they chiseled them to create the correct notes.

“They checked the progress of their bars by hitting them with a special beater next to a chromatic tuner, which showed them the note they had played,” she said.

“When they reached the correct note they were finished.”

Student wrote their names on the bars as a permanent reminder of their handiwork.

At the concert Strauss’s Blue Danube and Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ were performed using a variety of instruments including ‘rubber glove hooters’.

Ms Monk said all the students involved in the workshops and concert enjoyed every minute.

“I did not see one student who was not engaged for the entire two days. It was fantastic,” she said.

The workshop and concert were run by Jon Madin.

Above: Big concert: students play echocellos at Leongatha Primary School.

Left: Making marimba bars: Sarah McCahon and Abby Bolge.

Right: Wacky instruments: Jordan Nagel, Michael Trotto, Lani Turner, Abby Bolge, Adam Turner and Elise Dowling.

Cameron Clapton, Alex Beyer and Ashlie Talbot from Leongatha Secondary College made a website for the Koonwarra Sustainable Community Centre.

And their secret to success seems to be the robust discussions they had during its development with the teamwork aspect of the class a challenge for the three students.

“We had different ideas about where we wanted the website to go,” Cameron said.

“But this meant we got a different mix of ideas and that helped a lot.”

The three students received a $500 gift voucher for Kmart to split among themselves for their troubles.

Websites were judged on the breadth and suitability of their information and the appropriateness of the design.

They were made on the computer program Dreamweaver during an elective class.

Team “The Truthicorns” received third place at the presentation evening at Monash University at Churchill on August 18.

This website was made by James Werrett, Reanna Clark, Lisa Calder and Ellie Rintoule for Whitelaws Antiques at Korumburra.

It includes pictures of stock and information about the business.

Three days after the webpage was launched someone from Canada visited it and bought a hat pin with a fly on it.

Team “Great Expectations” made up of students Josh Gardiner, Sophie Bolge and Emile McCahon was also a finalist in the GippsWeb for Business awards.

They made a website for Burra Garden Supplies.

Sophie said it was a good experience.

“We actually went and visited them and took photos of all the products,” she said.

Web page finalists: clockwise from back: Josh Gardiner, Sophie Bolge, Cameron Clapton, Reanna Clark, James Werrett, Lisa Calder, Ellie Rintoule and Ashlie Talbot.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 39

Turning 10

Winning farm decisions JOHN Mulvany and the Four F’s will return at the expo.

The topic will be: Flexibility when Farmers are Forging their Future; making decisions to manipulate the present and form the future.

It will be at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo on Thursday, September 24 at 11am.

John Mulvany and the Four F’s is certainly a session that should not be missed by Gippsland dairyfarmers.

Share the journey of five dairy farming families and learn about regular people making timely life decisions.

So, who is on the Great Four F panel in 2009?

Graeme and Chris Anderson: would you invest in dairy? Hear from a wellknown dairy farming family who have committed to a large capital investment of their farm and business. What factors contributed to their decision?

Bernie and Lorraine Holtschke: is there life after farming? Share with the Holtschke’s their journey and transition from country to city? Was the decision easy? Are they happy and what does the future hold?

Brian and Marie Blair: would you retire to dairy farm? Well yes, some do. A chartered accountant who thought feeding people was a good investment. So, why the dairy industry and why Gippsland?

Find out more from Brian and Marie and share their journey from city to country.

Ross Nicoll: interested in hearing from a dairy farming colleague in northern Victoria? What are the challenges? Can you adjust your business to cope with a two per cent water allocation?

Shaun and Tracey Hollingsworth: Exit or stay? Stay. Where? How? Is time a factor in making these decisions? Share a story of a young couple who chose to dairy in Gippsland. Why Gippsland?

This group represents people in the dairy industry who have understood risks, made decisions and pursued their passion.

This panel have agreed to share their journey, the past, the present, the future and how decision making can change your life.

John Mulvany and Four F’s at the Dairy Expo on Thursday, September 24 at 11am. Please arrive early to secure a seat.

HAPPY Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dairy Expo, Happy Birthday to you.

Go John: the famous Mr Mulvany is back with his Four F’s at the Dairy Expo.

What’s on at the Dairy Expo 2009 Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co/Murray Goulburn Farm & Hardware Supplies • Suppliers’ lounge with Devondale products.

• Meet the field team to discuss MG services.

• MG Trading advice and services on display Reid Stockfeeds.

• Discuss market information, new season grain prices and expected trends.

• Find out about feed quality and security.

• Information and ideas on feeding efficiency.

GippsDairy & Dairy Australia • Find out how your milk levy is being invested.

• Learn about industry National programs.

• Grab a GippsDairy showbag

Clear strokes: Elliott had been plenty of painting cow model at last expo.

Annie doing of the year’s

with information and fun things for the kids.

• Well known as the site about education and extension services!

United Dairy Power • Friendly management and field staff are there to help you.

• Sample the excellent cheese and flavoured milk products.

• Talk to the field staff about 2009-10 competitive milk price.

Hico • Inquire about their new generation herd testing with electronic milk meters.

• Meet the Mistro team, and find out about their farm software solutions.

• Independent breeding advice.

• maximise your genetic goal Alltech Biotechnology • Alltech is a Gold sponsor at

2009 South Gippsland Dairy Expo.

• They will hold the annual Alltech Dairy Solutions Breakfast, focusing on feeding efficiencies, on Wednesday, September 23 in the clubrooms. For more information phone Jessica Duffield on 9767 2800. Alltech has been a supplier of natural feed additives to the local feed industry for over 29 years.

Yarroweyah Engineering Latest designs and technology in Rotary Dairies Discuss your individual requirementswith theSouthGippslandShire Council. Find out about the Rural Skills Connect program.

CheeseLinks - live cheese-making demonstrations.

Help the South Gippsland Shire Council and the Strzelecki Lions Club celebrate 10 years.

As a community, let’s help celebrate with the Strzelecki Lions Club the 10th year of the Dairy Expo in Poowong.

Are you thinking about coming to the Dairy Expo? Well this year is the year.

Come along and enjoy a great family day out.

There will be lots to see and do.

To keep the kids amused there will be a jumping castle, mobile nursery and some miniature Picasso Cows to paint, grab a free birthday balloon at the gate.

Have you heard about Cheeselinks? Do you like to sample a little wine? What a great combination, come and enjoy a taster at the Dairy Expo.

For information, products and services, there are plenty of decisions that can be made at the Dairy Expo.

The dairy industry is well represented with the latest in great products, technology and services to support your dairy farm business.

A visit to the Dairy Expo can save days of time phoning and visiting companies.

You can do all your business in one day.

Support the Gippsland Dairy Youth Group and South Gippsland Young Farmers who will both have sites at the expo.

Learn about what these groups are doing, share their enthusiasm and support their passion to dairy.

All this can be accomplished by a visit to the South Gippsland Dairy Expo; a one stop shop for dairy farmers - right in the heart of a dairying region.

When Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24 2009 at the Poowong Recreation Reserve, Poowong.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Cows sell well despite plain quality STRONG demand for cows at VLE Koonwarra saw a plainer quality, and slightly smaller penning, sell at rates that were mostly unchanged to 3c/kg dearer.

Only fatter 3 and 4 score cows sold to easing trends.

Prices for the better quality cows were between 132c and 143c, while most of the poor to very poor condition cows made from 105c to 136c/kg.

However, it was only cows that sold well, as other cattle were 3c to 8c/kg lower in price, with some of this driven by a plainer yarding of young cattle and grown steers and heifers.

Young cattle made from 145c to 172c, although plain condition heifers made less money.

Fewer prime bullocks were penned after the cheaper rates of the previous week, however this did not strengthen demand. In fact it was weaker, and coupled with a slight fall in quality prices, averaged 3c to 8c/kg lower.

Prime bullocks made between 162c and 174c/kg.

Wednesday, September 16 BULLOCKS 10 E.K. & G. Mullen, Thorpdale 13 C. McKenzie, Athlone 10 Castello Family Trust, Thorpdale 7 R. & P. Olsen, Poowong East 1 H.J. & D.E. Bolding, Lance Creek 1 G. Peters, Foster STEERS 1 M. McCaughan, Pound Creek 5 D. & M. Taylor, Mirboo North 6 A.F. Lamb, Fish Creek 1 A.L. & A. Walter, Foster 5 Kelly & Howard, Leongatha 1 C.A. & D. Smith, Mirboo North COWS 1 K.J. Hutchinson, Yinnar 1 H.J. & D.E. Bolding, Lance Creek 1 A.M. & J.H. Winterhalter,

647 670 602 777 610 645

174.2 172.6 168.6 163.6 151.2 150.0

1127.00 1157.65 1014.00 1271.41 922.32 967.50

235 549 426 490 528 530

176.6 170.0 166.6 166.6 166.0 162.0

415.01 933.00 709.71 816.34 876.00 858.60

640 143.2 690 142.0

916.48 979.80

1 1 1

Kardella Sth Marcrita P/L, Driffield A. & Y. Morrison, Inverloch S. & D. Perry, Yinnar

810 635 730 675

HEIFERS 1 M. McCaughan, Pound Creek 345 8 A.C. & L.A. Mitchell, Leongatha 363 1 K.R. & M.L. Barlow, Jack River 385 1 R. Twinkler, Allambee 470 1 Belgrano P/L, Glen Alvie 300 1 Addiscombe P/L, Yarram 510 BULLS 1 R.F. & V.M. Dowel, Leongatha South 1040 1 C. & L. Daley, Leongatha 1015 1 M. Bright, Yanakie 830 1 G.R. & R.C. Hall Family Trust, Memana 830 1 T. & C. Hulls, Korumburra 875 1 K.W. Hancock, Jeetho 750

142.0 1150.20 140.6 892.81 140.6 1026.38 140.6 949.05 180.0 166.2 158.0 150.6 150.2 150.0

621.00 602.48 608.30 707.82 450.60 765.00

164.6 1711.84 164.6 1670.69 162.6 1349.58 160.0 1328.00 160.0 1400.00 159.2 1194.00

Chafers unwelcome in region THE red headed cockchafer is chewing through South Gippsland pastures, hindering farmers’ efforts to make the most of spring rain and get a head start on the looming silage season.

The cockchafer is the larvae of the native scarab beetle and the drier winters of late have created ideal conditions for the pest to thrive, said Dr Danielle Auldist, executive officer of GippsDairy.

“High rainfall in winter usually drowns them,” she

told South Gippsland Shire Council recently.

The predominant pasture species in South Gippsland, perennial ryegrass, has sweet tender roots that appeal to the cockchafer.

GippsDairy is working with other industry groups in a bid to find a variety of solutions to use in a “multipronged” approach, as part of a national taskforce.

“We could possibly crossbreed pasture species to produce more resilient pasture,” Dr Auldist said.

“We are investing in Project 3030 which is looking to increase fodder production grown and used on farms including crops and species alternative to perennial pastures.”

Beef brands to be sold AFTER pursuing a market for quality grass-fed Victorian MSA-graded beef for 10 years, the Gippsbeef group will tender off brands and disband.

The Gippsland based group has been offering two of early the Meat Standards Australia beef brands in Victoria: Gippsland Natural Beef and Enviromeat.

However, with so many producers involved, the business structure was not suited to the changing conditions in the market.

The board has opted to wind up operations and either allow a smaller number from within to take over or allow an outside party with better market access to take the brands forward.

Gippsbeef acting chair Lindsay Overall said the result was Gippsland Natural Beef, grass fed beef produced on farms across Gippsland, underpinned with the MSA tenderness guarantee.

Mr Overall said considerable time and effort had been invested in developing the Gippsland Natural and Enviromeat brands and networks.

While producers were still available to supply beef, the board decided others should have the chance to purchase the brands and go forward.

For more information visit www.enviromeat. com.au and www. gippslandnatural.com.au

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw September 23 & 24 1. Alex Scott 2. Rodwells 3. Elders 4. David Phelan & Co 5. SEJ 6. Landmark

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 41

Trialling forage options

By Brad Lester

FARMERS have gained an insight into the crops to use to help manage the challenges posed by seasonal changes.

A trial run by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) across Gippsland has exposed farmers to the productivity rates of crops under local growing conditions.

The trial, through the Dairy Extension Centre, aims to help farmers find suitable balances between home grown, and bought crops and pastures. The trial is part of the state-wide Adaptive Forage Planning project.

Farmers from around the Yarram district gathered for an early growth inspection at Wayne Bowden’s Greenmount property last Thursday, one of three trial sites. The others are at Rosedale and Perry Bridge.

A survey by Gippsland Southern Farming Systems found Central and East Gippsland have suitable climate and soil types to grow

more grain and cereal forages.

DPI dairy extension officer Greg O’Brien said the trials selected forage types farmers could grow on turnout blocks or include as part of their purchasing strategies.

That would save farmers money on transporting forages across Victoria and creating cropping opportunities in Gippsland.

“Yarram is a dairying area and also has mixed farming, so we’re looking at it from the dairy point of view but also from the perspective of croppers growing fodder for the local industries,” Mr O’Brien said.

“We’re looking at the different attributes of the different forages and mixing and matching them to fill key gaps in farmers’ feeding systems.”

Mr O’Brien said the predominance of late autumn breaks, better forage growth in winter and early spring, shorter winters and hotter summers was creating new challenges for Gippsland farmers, prompting many to review their herds’ diets.

“We have a bigger feed gap between the

end of spring and the start of autumn growing season, so there is a need to bring more feed into those gaps,” he said.

Winter growth: Wayne Bowden and Greg O’Brien inspect a trial plot of Crackerjack triticale and Kaspa pea.

500 foxes removed PARKS Victoria’s move towards permanent fox baiting in Cape Liptrap Coastal Park has been a great success, with over 500 foxes removed from the park over a 12 month period.

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This success has been achieved by an integrated control program based on baiting, trapping and shooting.

The new initiative, funded by a “Caring For Our Country” federal government grant, is part of a co-ordinated approach to fox control works between South Gippsland Landcare Network, Parks Victoria, local landowners and Friends groups.

Parks Victoria ranger Bill Gurnett said “Fox control is benefiting the local native wildlife but also making a big difference to our farming neighbours, with some reporting up to a 20 per cent improvement in lambing percentages.

All parties are winners; the more people who control foxes the better it is for everyone.”

Parks Victoria reminds dog owners that the poison baits used are very dangerous to their animals if eaten.

Anyone requiring more information about fox baiting can contact the Foster Parks Victoria office on 56839000.

Leongatha Nerine Courtney

(03) 5662 5910 0407 355 134

Allan Fletcher 0428 118 696 www.ruralfinance.com.au

For further information on our services contact your local office.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

public notices

public notices

public notices

public notices

public notices

Mirboo North COUNTRY MARKET

Gippy Waste

KONGWAK MARKET

Scots Pioneer Church

CHIROPRACTOR

Baromi Park 8.30am - 1pm

Last Saturday in each month Stalls may be set up from 7.30am Plants, toys, bric-a-brac, books, crafts, flowers

Contact Maxine 5668 2465

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

0422 998 025 1800 611 368

Sunday from 10am Inside & out!

It's great, no matter what the weather!

Vintage, collectables, Retro, stamps, trash, treasure, organic dried things, gorgeous local veg, coffee, curry, snags, massage, music, and so much more...

Warm-up under the heaters

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

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

Mardan South

Garry Harrison

September 27, 2009 2pm

19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson

Civil Engineer The Magic of the Aboriginal Missile

Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday

Dennis Maxwell

Rev. Alan Dyall presiding EVERYONE WELCOME Afternoon tea served

DEVELOPING HEALTHY SOILS WORKSHOP With Kevin Hughes Koonwarra Recreation Reserve Saturday, October 3 12 - 3pm FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE Nerrena Landcare Group Contact Richard: 5664 0081 Jill: 0417 380 273

Lyrebird Hospital Auxiliary (GSHS) presents “Sara and Brian live an idyllic life with their young son and daughter.

But their family is rocked by sudden, heartbreaking news that forces them to make a difficult and unorthodox choice in order to save their baby girl’s life. The parents’ desperate decision raises both ethical and moral questions and rips away at the foundation of their relationship. Their actions ultimately set off a court case that threatens to tear the family apart, while revealing surprising truths that challenge everyone’s perceptions of love and loyalty and give new meaning to the definition of healing.”

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Alec Baldwin, Sofia Vassilieva, Joan Cusack, Jason Patric

By appointment Ph: 5674 8290 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

FUN WITH FLOWERS WORKSHOPS Come and join the great vibe, socialise and learn some of those basic techniques that you’ve always wanted to know about flowers Call Cheryl at

Simply Blooming Gorgeous 5672 1708 or email Blooming_gorgeous@live.com

When: Thursday, September 24, 2009 Where: Stadium 4 Cinema Leongatha Cost: $15 - includes supper Pre-paid tickets preferred Time: 6.30pm Movie: My Sister’s Keeper

Email your adverts to “The Star”

RSVP to: Susan Ritchie 5654 2733 Lindy Elliott - 5662 9356 or 5662 3650

ads@thestar.com.au

situations vacant

situations vacant

CHEF

FULL TIME or EXPERIENCED COOK Self motivated, reliable team player Apply by phoning Elaine

Riverview Hotel 5663 5211

Community Facilitator Rural Access 59,000 to 65,000 pro rata Permanent part time position This government funded position provides an exciting opportunity to utilise your skills and experience to initiate positive change in the community.

You will be committed to improving access for and inclusion of people with all types of disabilities, and of all ages.

Your key responsibilities will include: raising awareness and improving support and access for people with disability relationship building with key local community service providers establishing initiatives to meet people with disability and their families needs and expectations ertiary uali cation in health or social sciences and previous experience in project work would bene t you in this role. or a position speci cation go to www.basscoast. vic.gov.au or contact HR on 1300 BCOAST (226 278). Written applications should be emailed to jobapps@basscoast.vic.gov.au or posted to Cheryl Sanders, Human Resources Coordinator, Bass Coast Shire Council, PO Box 118, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 by 5.00pm, Friday, 2 October 2009.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 43

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

BEAR GULLY COASTAL COTTAGES

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Walkerville South

CASUAL CLEANER

DISTRICT NURSE, DIVISION 1

required

Multiple Casual Positions

Must be reliable and have ABN Phone Jill 5663 2364

South Gippsland Hospital at Foster has casual positions available for the delivery of direct nursing care for residents in the Corner Inlet area.

Applicants should have a minimum of two years postregistration experience in the acute sector, an ability to work flexibly in a supportive team with a minimum of supervision and excellent time management skills.

A position description is available by phoning 5683 9777.

Send applications to: HR Manager PO Box 104, Foster 3960

by October 9, 2009

Casual Pool Lifeguards On behalf of the South Gippsland Shire Council, The Global Group Of Companies is seeking suitably experienced and qualified casual lifeguards for the Korumburra, Foster and Poowong swimming pools for the upcoming 09/10 season.

You will be required to undertake a wide range of duties including the supervision of pool users, pool and grounds maintenance, monitoring plant operations and providing excellent customer service.

Applicants must hold a current Pool Lifeguard Certificate, a Level 2 First Aid Certificate and a Working with Children Check.

(Courses are available if you would like to obtain these qualifications)

situations vacant

Early Childhood Intervention Workers, AH2 Ongoing, full time and part time (EFT 0.8) positions available Gippsland Region Are you a Speech Pathologist, Psychologist or Occupational Therapist with an interest in providing better outcomes for families of young children who have a developmental delay/disability?

Positions are based with Specialist Children’s Services in Bairnsdale or Sale.

Further information about the position is available from Gail Evans (03) 5136 2400.

Interested applicants should apply for this position via the ‘Careers with the Victorian Government’ website - www.careers.vic.gov.au. In the Reference field on the Jobs Board page, enter the position reference GIP078.

Applications close 30th September 2009 ZO961552

LEONGATHA COMMUNITY PRE SCHOOL CENTRES INC. Is seeking a dedicated and motivated

TEACHER

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

To commence work January 2010 at the ALLORA KINDERGARTEN

Visitor Information Of cer

UNEMPLOYED? Why not start your own business?

Free business training Free business mentoring Income support for up to 52 weeks

Are you are on Centrelink payments?

Then you could be eligible.

Heard of NEIS? For further information and application forms: email neis@chisholm.edu.au or phone: 1300 CHISHOLM/1300 24474656

www.chisholm.edu.au

Attractive hourly rate Part time and casual positions Bass Coast is a leading Australian tourist destination offering a variety of visitor experiences. It features natural beauty including wetlands, rural countryside, wideopen beaches and bushland reserves. It is home to world-renowned events and attractions including the penguins, Grand Prix and V8 Supercars.

These positions will join the Visitor Services team, who are responsible for the delivery of world class customer service and ensuring that each of our visitors enjoys everything that Bass Coast has to offer.

Your application should address the key selection criteria. or a position speci cation go to www.basscoast.vic.gov.au or contact 1300 BCOAST (226 278). Written applications should be emailed to jobapps@basscoast.vic. gov.au or posted to Cheryl Sanders, Human Resources Coordinator, Bass Coast Shire Council, PO Box 118, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 by 5.00pm, Friday, 2 October 2009.

An excellent opportunity to work full time in an important strategic industry, situated in one of the fastest growing and beautiful sea side regions in Victoria. Remuneration $65k to $75k not including superannuation Reporting to the Senior Engineer-Projects to provide project management expertise to ensure that the corporation fulfils its obligations regarding the safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable delivery of projects.

To be successful you will need to possess proven and diverse experience in project management preferably within the water industry and have a successful track record in; • contractor OHS and environmental management, • developing and delivering appropriate project solutions You will also need to possess: • Superior interpersonal and liaison skills, • Highly developed written and oral communication skills, and • A willingness to share knowledge and mentor less experienced staff A Position Description and application details are available by downloading from our website @ www.westernportwater.com.au or, from Keith Gregory – General Manager Human Resources on (03) 5956 4171 or email kgregory@westernportwater.com.au Please forward applications to Keith Gregory 2 Boys Home Road Newhaven, Vic 3925 or email kgregory@westernportwater.com.au, by the close of business on Friday 9 October 2009.

Specific inquiries about this position should be directed to Steven Porter General Manager Operations (03) 5956 4123, email sporter@westernportwater.com.au or Colin Bowker Senior Engineer Projects (03) 5956 4155 cbowker@westernportwater.com.au Westernport Water is an EEO Employer and provides a Smoke Free environment.

ZO921300

www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Community Based Child Protection Practitioner Community Care & Housing, Gippsland Initial Work Location: Morwell $67,622 p.a. - $76,731 p.a. + Superannuation Full Time / Fixed Term - 2 years Are you?

• Enthusiastic, committed and able to demonstrate a capacity for sustained effort and hard work, set high standards of performance for self and others?

• Able to actively seek to improve others’ skills and talents by providing feedback, coaching and training opportunities, appropriately delegate responsibilities to further the development of others, empower others by giving them capacity to accomplish tasks effectively?

•Able to persevere to achieve goals even in the face of obstacles, cope effectively with disappointments and setbacks, remain calm and in control under pressure, accept constructive criticism in an objective manner without becoming defensive?

In this position you will work collaboratively both within the regional Child Protection program and with the community based child and family services sector, to support earlier and more effective intervention to vulnerable children, young people and their families.

Mandatory Qualifications: Bachelor of Social Work or Diploma of Community Welfare Work.

Other tertiary qualifications at Diploma or above level will be considered only if they include units of study in case management/casework practice and supervised practical work placements in relevant field/s.

If this position appeals to you please view the position description via the web site below. For further information contact Vicki Levey on 5662 4311. Please quote the reference number VG/DHS/GIP/94299. Closing date for application is Sunday, 4 October 2009.

Safety Screening requirements including Police checks apply to DHS recruitment practices.

Applicants need to be committed to the DHS Values - DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values Diversity To apply online and view the job description, visit

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/careers For other Victorian Government opportunities, please visit www.careers.vic.gov.au

Fast Art94887-v2

To apply please either email your application letter, resumé and copies of your qualifications to sarahm@the globalgroup.com.au or Send to 27 Wyndham St Shepparton Vic 3630, Attention Sarah.

This is a permanent position working with 2 groups of 4/5 year old children, 38 hours per week, (20 contact & 18 non contact). You will be required to deliver programs in a progressive and creative way and must demonstrate effective communication skills at all levels.

You will play a vital role in the ongoing success of our parent managed Kindergarten and be responsible for the co-ordination and management of a team of 6 staff and the centre, with the support of the committee of management.

Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or equivalent • Possess a working knowledge of the Children's Services Act and Regulations • Hold a current Working with Children Check, valid Police Check, current First Aid Certificate and approved Anaphylaxis Training • Work within the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework Applications should be submitted in writing to: Position Vacant The Leongatha Community Pre School Centres Inc. PO Box 211, Leongatha Vic. 3953 Closing date: October 12, 2009 For further information and a copy of the job description phone Sue 5662 2547

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

situations vacant We currently have 3 positions available for

CASUAL COOKS No experience necessary as full on the job training provided. Background in the hospitality industry essential, must be available weekends, current Victorian Driver’s Licence required.

Attractive salary IMMEDIATE START Send resumés to The Manager, C/- PO Box 195 Leongatha 3953 Applications close Oct 5

situations vacant

situations vacant

TRUCK DRIVER

South Gippsland Shire Council

PART TIME Approx 30 hrs per week MUST have MC Licence

situations vacant

situations vacant

CLEANERS Home/Apartments We are seeking the services of experienced cleaners who will be available for high and low seasonal duties.

Must have current driver’s licence, equipment and be available for weekends in high season.

you'll come for the beauty and stay for the lifestyle

Ryans Transport Leongatha

Municipal Emergency Manager / Deputy Municipal Recovery Manager

Call: Tom 0409 613 664

Attractive Salary Package including Vehicle

For further information call 0439 561 695

situations vacant

South Gippsland is one of Victoria's most beautiful rural and coastal areas, yet is only an hour and a half from Melbourne. Vibrant communities and economic opportunity form a strong base for Council's vision of sustainable social, natural and built environments.

As Municipal Emergency Manager you will join our Management Team in achieving our mission. To effectively plan and provide for the social, built, economic and natural environments that ensure the wellbeing of South Gippsland Communities.

Your critical focus will be to ensure that the South Gippsland Shire community can feel safe and confident that Council is doing all it can in relation to prevention, preparation, responses and recovery to emergencies.

Your duties will include but are not limited to:

Registered Nurse, Midwifery Endorsed

• Maintain the South Gippsland Shire Municipal Emergency Management Plan, in consultation with the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, to ensure that it is effective and current

Part Time or Casual

• Maintain effective liaison with all Regional, State or Commonwealth emergency agencies servicing the community

SGH is a 16 bed acute hospital treating medical, surgical, maternity, emergency, adult and paediatric patients. The hospital is supported by a highly skilled medical workforce from the local general practice.

A Shared Care Model for midwifery services has recently been introduced.

If you are a Midwifery Endorsed RN Division 1, this is an exciting opportunity. Full orientation, ongoing support, access to further education and a friendly team atmosphere are awaiting you.

A position description is available by phoning Wendy White on 5683 9777 Applications close October 9, 2009

• Ensure that in the event of an emergency a Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre and Council resources can be activated at short notice on a 24 hour 7 days per week basis You will need to have either formal qualifications or relevant experience in Emergency Management to apply for this position.

We also welcome direct discussion with Andrew McEwen regarding this role.

Applications addressing the selection criteria are to be submitted by 5pm 25th September addressed to: Human Resources, South Gippsland Shire Council, Private Bag 4, Leongatha 3953 or emailed to council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au Further information and a position description is available from Human Resources or visit www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

South Gippsland Shire Council Private Bag 4, Leongatha Vic 3953 e-mail - council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au Phone (03) 5662 9200

All required to commence in 2010 Previous experience in operating a spray drier with the leadership skills and attitude of striving to do things better (safety, quality. delivery and cost) is essential for the positions of Spray Dry Operators.

Mandatory pre-requisites for all positions include: • Previous experience in dairy industry with an understanding of dairy food processes in a strict hygiene environment • To be able to operate as part of a team in a continuous improvement environment.

• Willingness to work rotating shifts including weekends.

Applications close: October 16, 2009

Technical Manager Reporting to the Chief Manufacturing Executive, this opportunity assumes responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of quality systems to ensure excellence in product quality. Other responsibilities include interface with customers regarding all technical issues, the management of all testing laboratories and product development on new line extensions.

To be successful for the position we require a person with: • Qualifications equivalent to a professional scientist/ engineer or Diploma in dairy chemistry/technology.

• Previous experience in the dairy industry in a process laboratory, product development and/or quality control supervision role with a record of successful achievement.

Applications close: September 28 If you are looking for an opportunity to work for a friendly medium-sized business in Korumburra then apply via post or email: Burra Foods Pty Ltd PO Box 379 Korumburra, 3950 or to jobs@burrafoods.com.au

training

training

CARAVAN, good order, 12’ x 7’, has everything, $5,000. Ph: 5664-3276 a/h.

PAINTER

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

Qualified painters required in local area for up to 4 months work Red Card required Phone Mark 0412 595 677

FIREWOOD Local messmate, split and delivered.

Phone Jim Morgan on 5662-4329.

TRUCK DRIVER REQUIRED

HAY, small squares, Approx 300, $6 per bale neg. Can deliver. Ph: 5664-0028.

With Medium Rigid Licence PERMANENT PART TIME

HEN HOUSES, fox proof, good quality, 6-8 chooks; plus dog kennels. Ph: 56642443.

For the Yarram area Further information ring 5662 3287 between 9am and 4.30pm

INVALID mobility scooter in very good condition, hardly used. Includes rear bag and green cover. $2,300 ONO. Ph: 5663-7109.

KEEP FIT AND EARN MONEY

SADDLE: Syd Hill fully mounted stock saddle, good condition, with various other items of tack included, $350. Ph: 0438232440.

Earn $100 - $200 per week 8-10 hours Delivering & Collecting Catalogues.

NO OUTLAY

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

personal MEN:

training

WANT LONGER LASTING

SEX?

GOOD ERECTIONS? PREMATURE EJACULATION?

Have you considered a career in the Dairy Industry?

WOMEN:

PROBLEMS GETTING AROUSED OR REACHING ORGASM? Talk to the doctors at AMI

You don’t need to have grown up on a dairy farm to work in the dairy industry.

The National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) is the provider of dairy education and offers opportunities for learning, with nationally recognised courses aimed at providing the necessary skills and knowledge vital to a career within dairy farming and its support industries.

The NCDEA delivers programs for all stages of career progression from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma on a full time, part time and flexible basis.

Expressions of interest are being taken for: • School Based Apprenticeships • VET in Schools • Traineeships • Full time Certificate IV, Diploma & Advanced Diploma of Agriculture NCDEA graduates are in high demand in dairy farm management and associated service industry roles.

For more information visit www.ncdea.edu.au or contact the Customer Service Centre on 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332).

HAY, small square bales $8 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 56641320.

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

FOR SALE Golden Yolk Layer Pellets 20kg - 2 for $25 Calm Performer Horse Pellets 20kg - 2 for $26 Hypro Adult Dog Pellets 20kg - 2 for $40 19-23 Watson Road Leongatha 5662 5590

ENDS SEPTEMBER 30

1800 20 40 90

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

meetings

meetings

CALL OR SMS ‘TRY’ TO

mitch30167

Milk Powder Spray Dry Operators Trainee Powder Operators Filling Operators Forklift Drivers

ads@thestar.com.au

CARAVAN, Millard, 14’6” pop top with awning, e/ brakes, 2 single beds, sleeps 4, full oven, VGC, $8,500 ONO. 0448638883.

For further information contact Sue on 5674 2255

Call 1300 663 161

Email your adverts to “The Star” We are a growing Australian based company, which manufactures a unique range of specialised, high quality dairy ingredients for some of the most rigorous markets in the world.

As part of an exciting new capital investment the new positions exist to join our Production team at our Korumburra manufacturing facility.

for sale

AI TANK, M.V.E. SC20-20.

Great condition, $300. Ph: 5662-4547.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 45

for sale

garage sales MASSIVE GARAGE SALE 12 years of living has seen us with a stack of stuff to sell Kid’s clothes & shoes Adult clothes & shoes Cot & baby goods Household items & furniture Saturday, Sept 26 8am - 1pm 21-29 Brendan St Meeniyan

accommodation BOARD in a Leongatha home for a 24-year-old employed, quiet man. Chris on 0417-370080.

congratulations LAVIS - SLATTERY Congratulations Mal and Kylie on your marriage.

With all our love, Mum and Pete.

marriage celebrant PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

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

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

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

used machinery

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

5672 3127

HAY

Northern, top quality oaten hay, lucerne, oats, clover and vetch ALSO LOCAL HAY AVAILABLE

G. & P. HILDER TRANSPORT For delivered price ring Greg 0429 822 544

free

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

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

livestock POULTRY and Cage Bird Auction at the Traralgon

Showgrounds Poultry Pavillion on Sunday, Sept 27, 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.

JERSEY BULLS (6), 2 year old. Ph: 5183-2586.

lost BORDER Collie cross female, black. Has collar and registration. Dumbalk North area Friday. Reward offered. Ph: 5662-5552, 0428-513803.

NEW HOLLAND TN 75 tractor, 4WD, front end loader, 1400 hrs, $36,300 inc. GST. Ph: 0417-563033.

used vehicles

FREE CAR REMOVAL Will pay up to $300 for complete car Buyers of scrap metal All machinery Bins provided

Bass Coast Metal Recyclers 5672 2946 0417 556 593 RODEO 4x4, 2007, 19,000km, 2 door cab chassis ex. tray, manual, UVS572. As new, $22,000.

Ph: 0407-859405.

UTE, Commodore, white, 1 tonne, 140,000km, 1 owner, full service history, ladder racks, tool boxes, TGM243, $12,500. Ph: 0417-845312.

births KALDVEE (Taylor) - Jeremy and Jessica are thrilled to announce the early but safe arrival of their twin boys, Angus Hamish 4lb 8oz, Oliver Lucas 4lb 15oz, born September 12, 2009 at Monash Medical Centre.

A special thank you to Dr Tim Linton (Leongatha) and Dr Andy Linton (Warragul).

MIFSUD (Smith) - Kevin and Karen are delighted to announce the arrival of their second granddaughter, Stella Nellie, to Leanne and Steve on 18/9/09, at Sydney.

bereavement thanks BOWLER (Millar) - Jean.

Jean’s family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to relatives and friends for their kindness, support and expressions of sympathy, following the recent passing of their much loved Mum and Nan. Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Koorooman House for their kindness and care.

Special thanks to Rev Janet Wallis, Marg Beck and staff at Handley Funeral Services for their sensitivity and guidance.

in memoriam wanted AGISTMENT or lease, 3040 acres for beef calves and yearlings, around Dumbalk and Buffalo area.

Phone Brett 0407-644463.

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

OLD CARS, Holden, Ford, Valiant, Chevrolet, hot rods, also Mazda 1300 coupe.

Abandoned projects, wrecks or parts. Not for scrap. 0488-294894.

work wanted FULLY Qualified Painter.

No job too small. Good rates. Call Drew on 56624238 or 0418-517443.

BOWLER - Ernest William.

11/4/39 - 22/9/95.

BOWLER - Fredrick Keith.

18/3/32 - 22/9/08.

Gone but not forgotten.

Forever in our hearts.

Loving sister Daisy, brotherin-law Norman, nephews Michael, Steven, Shane, Colin; nieces Veronica, Leanne (dec.). xo xo.

EDDY - Ian. 25/9/85.

Loved and remembered always.

Lorraine and families.

HANILY - Rick.

11/5/76 - 25/9/98.

Rick, you are gone from our touch but never from our hearts. Love and miss you every day.

Mum, Dad, Mick, Ronnie, Ned, Tom and Matilda, Ants, Michelle, Anna and Lily, and Joshua.

deaths BRADSHAW - David John.

24/01/1982 - 13/09/2009.

Died tragically while on holiday in Turkey.

Beloved son of John and Jenny (dec.), stepson of Liuda, brother of Sarah, Evan and Owen.

Sadly missed and loved forever.

DEERING - John Lewis.

October 8, 1933 September 13, 2009.

A better brother a man would never have.

Much loved brother-in-law who will be sadly missed.

My ever-cheerful uncle who always brought smiles (and fencing tips) when visiting.

Farewell cobber.

Bob, Rae and Jim Deering.

DEERING - John (JD).

Our town has lost a true gentleman and a loyal friend. Our thoughts are with Mel, Sumo, Debbie and their families.

Bill, Keren and family.

DEERING - John Lewis.

34750, 1st Fd Regt.

The President, Committee and Members of the Meeniyan RSL are saddened at the passing of our well respected member on September 13, 2009.

Our condolences to JD’s family.

Lest We Forget DOWEL - Betty.

Passed away on September 17, 2009 at Latrobe Regional Hospital.

Loved and loving wife of Frank and cherished mother of Adam.

We’ve shared our lives these many years.

You’ve held my hand; you’ve held my heart.

So many blessings, so few tears. Yet for a moment we must part.

The memories you’ve given me are times I’ve shared with my best friend.

I’ll hold them, Love.

Right here they’ll be until we share our lives again.

A loving, kind-hearted daughter-in-law.

Betty you will be in our hearts forever and we share the painful sorrow with Frank and Adam.

Rest in peace.

George and Beryl.

Dearly loved daughter-inlaw of George and Beryl.

Much loved sister-in-law of Kath and Ken, Les and Bev, Robyn and Bob and all her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts.

There is a place in our hearts that’s yours alone, A piece of our lives no other can own.

The tears in our eyes we can wipe away But the memories of you will always stay.

Love you Bet. - Cheryl, Luke, Kane and Adam.

deaths

deaths

DOWEL - Betty.

You’ll be sadly missed.

Our thoughts go out to Frank and Adam.

Rest in peace darling, you will be in our hearts forever.

Love Ski, Kelv, Cam and Leesa xxxx.

SOUTER - George Robert.

George you have left us with some fond memories of a true gentleman. Thanks for all the good times.

Sincere condolences to Glenda, Longgrass and family. George will be greatly missed.

DOWEL - Betty.

Sister-in-law of Les and Bev, aunt of Jason, Mel, Matt, Scott, and families.

Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Frank and Adam.

DOWEL - Betty.

The wonderful Betty Boo has gone. Who am I going to have a cup of tea with now? Missing you already Betty.

So sorry Frank and Adam.

Geoff.

- Ian, Elissa, Ashton, Victoria and Mandy.

HUTTON - Peter Lloyd.

25/03/1951 - 14/09/2009.

Husband of Karen, loved father of Tim, Kristine and Alexander.

Loved son of George (dec.) and Jean, loved brother of Robert (dec.), John (dec.), Ron and twin of Bruce.

Loved brother-in-law of Jeanette (dec.), Suzanne and Sue, and their families.

Sadly missed.

Brother of Ron, brother-inlaw of Sue. Uncle Peter to Geoff, Leanne and Jess, Jenny, Arty and Evan.

Sleeping peacefully.

Loved and will always be remembered twin brother of Bruce, fond brother-inlaw of Sue. Loved uncle of Robert and Kathryn, Lorri and Brett, Kylie and Justin, and Daniel. Admired great uncle of Dean, Jesse and Conor (Rod and Tod), Zara (Zarrina), Jerum and Thomas (Hekyl and Jekyl), Neka (the little one) and Jack (Jacky Boy).

Always in our hearts.

A Private Family Funeral Service has been held.

HUTTON - Peter Lloyd.

25/3/51 - 14/9/09.

Brother of Ron, brother-inlaw of Sue. Uncle Peter to Geoff, Leanne and Jess; Jenny, Arty and Evan.

Sleeping peacefully.

SOUTER - George Robert.

Suddenly passed away at home (Leongatha) on September 16, 2009. Aged 60 years. Late of Leongatha and Kalgoorlie.

Dearly loved husband of Glenda for 40 colourful years. Much loved father of Michele, Waine, Doug, Steven, Christine, Emily and their partners.

Loving Grandad of Markis, Anthony and Riley; Tracey, Kristy and Jessica; Mariah and Jade; Tayah and Wyatt; Seth and nearly arrived special little granddaughter.

A big man with a big heart who touched so many with his humorous antics and infectious laughter.

Here for a good time, not a long time.

Please see later Herald Sun for funeral details.

ZENNER (Cashin) nee Drowley - Mavis Christina.

17/5/1919 - 20/9/2009.

Aged 90.

Loving wife of Reg (dec.), Cam (dec.) and friend of Les (dec.).

Mother of John and Sue, Pamela and Ian, Donald and Marianne and friend of Merle.

Loving grandmother of Darren, Amanda, Travis, Cara, Tarryn, Bernard, Stephen, Christina and partners.

Loved great grandmother of 14 and special friend of Simon and Felicity.

Treasured mother, grandmother, great grandmother and special friend.

Loved by all and will never be forgotten.

meetings

funerals

BRADSHAW - The Funeral Service for the late David John Bradshaw will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Leongatha on Friday, September 25, at 11am, followed by a burial with his mother at Leongatha Lawn Cemetery.

Paul & Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 AFDA

DOWEL - The Funeral Service for Mrs Betty Dowel of Inverloch will be held at the Inverloch Cemetery on Thursday, September 24 commencing at 2pm.

Ray & Maree Anderson HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Wonthaggi 5672-1074

ZENNER - The Funeral Service for Mrs Mavis Christina Zenner (Cashin) nee Drowley, late of Inverloch, will be held at The Anglican Church of Ascension, The Crescent, Inverloch on Friday, September 25, 2009 commencing at 11am.

A Private Burial will follow.

Ray & Maree Anderson HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Wonthaggi 5672-1074

message of hope INTERCHANGE CENTRAL GIPPSLAND INC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2008/2009

Interchange Central Gippsland's AGM will be held on October 5, 2009 at MOE LIFESKILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE High Street, Moe Commencing 8pm Finishing at 8.30pm Previous to the AGM a Cyber safety session conducted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority will be held commencing at 6.30pm All relevant parties are respectively invited to attend.

RSVP by 1/10/09 to 5127 7979 or email admin@icg.asn.au JENNY FOX Secretary - Interchange Central Gippsland

PSALM 12:6 And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.

Korumburra badminton SENIORS competition saw two lopsided results this week.

Shenanigans 193 d Gladiator 137, while Transformers 205 d Rambo 138.

The ladder sees Transformers well out in front.

Shenanigans are a clear second, with Gladiator, Matrix and Rambo trying to make something of their seasons in third, fourth and fifth places.

At the half way point of the season it’s hard to foresee Transformers being seriously challenged, but stranger things have happened. All players now have a well earned two week break over the school holidays.

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8189 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Flat denial. 8, In-ch. 9, (bo)Und-o(ut). 10, Table. 11, Salt. 12, Mad-e haste. 16, Inel-astic. 20, Fi-sh.

22, AB-out. 23, Nips .24, Pa-I-r. 25, Salmon-Ella.

Down - 1, Gl-end-a. 2, S-too-ped. 3, B-ertha. 4, Tit-bit. 5, Flies. 7, Scale. 13, See. 14, A-s-under. 15, D’-I-van. 17, No-odle. 18, Lot-I-on. 19, I-MP-ale. 21, Ha-R-sh.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8189 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Washington. 8, Kite. 9, Aged. 10, Vital. 11, Elan. 12, Remainder. 16, Nightmare. 20, Data. 22, Chair.

23, Roll. 24, Urdu. 25, Triplicate.

Down - 1, Bangle 2, Cheddar. 3, Uneven. 4, Statue. 5, Ankle. 7, Steal. 13, Dog. 14, Embrace. 15, Carry. 17, Italic.

18, Hurtle. 19, Relate. 21, Acute.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Once in a lifetime concert The Watoto children’s choir live ‘Concert of Hope’ is a once in a lifetime chance to experience a soulful blend of African rhythm, contemporary gospel and ethnic dance right here in Leongatha.

Back in 2004 Leongatha’s people opened their hearts to this cause, donating over $20,000, the cost of one house in Uganda; to house eight kids and a ‘mother’.

This was an incredible result and an amazing feat for our community, so now on Thursday, October 15 starting at the Leongatha Memorial Hall we have a chance to see some of the “fruits” of our generosity.

The goal of Watoto, which was founded by senior pastors Gary and Marilyn Skinner, is to rescue 10,000 children in

Uganda from extreme poverty, aids and civil war by the year 2023.Their aim is not only to save these children, but to educate them in how to live, become a leader and help others at the same time.

The Watoto Children’s Choir has toured internationally since 1994, travelling to countries such as Brazil, UK, USA, Germany, France, Israel, South Africa and Canada.

A team of 29 people will be performing at the concert, 18 of which are orphans between the ages of 8 and 13. Watoto provides these people with a loving home and family, education, food, clothing and medical care.

These kids now have hope and a future which they want to share with all of us.

The concert starts at 7pm and is entirely free, but there will be an opportunity to make a donation or purchase some of their goods on the night.

A home: a Ugandan house which has been built using funds raised from other countries.

Children’s choir: attend the ‘Concert of Hope’ in Leongatha and witness a stunning show.

Better life: children like this young Ugandan girl will benefit from the generosity from towns like Leongatha.

Talent: individual members of the choir are extremely talented in their own right.

Dinner with a difference A local group of keen cooks served up a delicious ‘dinner with a difference’ at Mount Eccles Hall on Saturday night, September 12.

A full house of 65 guests tucked into a selection of Asian, Mediterranean and hearty Australian dishes.

Proceeds from the night will benefit the Mount Eccles Hall and the local

CFA unit.

The cooks are already planning something different for another dinner in the next few months to build on this first successful event.

Happy days: Warren and Vicki Kenney enjoy the meal.

Good times: David and Christine Corbidge relax at the Mt Eccles dinner night, which was a great success and is likely to be repeated in years to come.

Good friends, good food: enjoying themselves at the dinner were, back from left, Doreen Curtis, Steve Brew; front, Sue Rounds, Anna Patterson and Dave Rounds.

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, September 23, 2008 Korumburra resident Malcolm Hopwood attacks Cr Bob Newton over the adoption of Route N3 bypass around Korumburra for heavy traffic. Hopwood approached Cr Newton at his desk and seized him by his tie, allegedly telling him, “I’m gonna get you, you bastard.” **** The fight goes on as more than 150 people meet at Wonthaggi Town Hall to discuss their next move in stopping the desalination plant being built at Williamsons Beach Wonthaggi. All were unanimous in forming the new group Watershed Victoria in an attempt to reinvigorate the campaign.

Five years ago, September 21, 2004 Maffra came out with their third consecutive premiership after a win against the Wonthaggi Blues by over 90 points on the weekend but it was the public brawl involving over 50 spectators and players from both team which took centre stage. It seems now that this rather nasty public incident will be the closing chapter of the WGLFL which is set to be broken up after the fiery finale. **** Leongatha Parrots shared in the glory winning the A Grade final by six points against opposition Traralgon.

It was always set to be a good game, with just a single point deciding the winners of the last three times they had faced but the Parrots stayed tough and made it over the line in the end with Claire Hutchinson being awarded

‘best on court’.

10 years ago, September 21, 1999 An elated but exhausted Susan Davies finally realised that she had retained the seat of Gippsland West.

Despite an ALP and National Party candidate joining the fray, Susan had actually managed an increase to 55 per cent on a two party preferred basis, compared to the 50.3 per cent which initially won her the seat back in 1997. **** Huge international fast ferry developer Incat has presented the Tasmanian government with a radical new strategy for a service between the island and Victoria. If the project succeeds it will carry up to 12,000 passengers and 5520 cars with the most likely port being Port Welshpool.

30 years ago, September 25, 1979 Vandals continue to attack Dumbalk, as they have been for the past three months, now breaking in and burning all the cricket gear which was stored at the reserve. The football club rooms and town hall have also been attacked. **** Rotary District 982, which covers all of Gippsland as far as Orbost and across to Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs including Dandenong, is now just one single member away from reaching the 2000 Rotarians milestone.

Leongatha itself contributes over 40 members to this amount.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 47

Communication history at creek FROM the old Ericsson wall phone to the mobile phone, quill to laptop, communication technology has made giant strides in a short space of time.

All this and other communication means have been researched and documented by eight Year 9 students of the Korumburra Secondary College. Their work is on display at Coal Creek Heritage Village in the specially provided museum exhibition space right off the entrance.

The students have called their display The Revolution of the Communications Evolution and describe it as “interesting information on the development of communication in South Gippsland from our earliest settlers to the present day.

“The exhibition includes historical memorabilia from the Coal Creek collection and explains the improvement and importance of communication through history.”

South Gippsland Shire Councillor Bob Newton opened the display last Friday morning by cutting a ribbon.

An avid collector and preserver of all things historical, Cr Newton said the re-

search should keep the students in good stead in the future. He said he was himself interested in local history, “which we must preserve as much as we can. You’ve done a fantastic job.”

The exhibition is a project of Coal Creek’s Strategic Partnership Program funded by the Department of Early Childhood Development. It will run during the school holidays until October 5.

Large cast at launch: Many people were involved in putting the display together, including the Korumburra Secondary College students Tarneesha Felton, Sophie Adkins, Rachel Adkins, Georgia Suckling, Glen Halliday, Jake Cochrane, Mitchell Smith and Daniel Longden, Chris Clements (Year 9 coordinator), Marty Box (acting principal) Anita Gourlay (Coal Creek education officer), Shirlee McPherson (Coal Creek curator), Joanne Knox (teacher), seen here with Councillor Bob Newton (second left). The college’s other teacher involved in the display, Emma Fellows-Cooke, is not in the photo.

Hoon clocked near 200km/h A 23-year-old driver had his car impounded after he was clocked doing 197km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Bass Highway near Lang Lang last Friday night.

The driver’s VY Holden Commodore, six cylinder green sedan, was impounded for 48 hours. The impound fee is $480.

The man faces charges in relation to exceeding the speed limit and driving at a dangerous speed.

He will face Korumburra Magistrates Court at a later date. It is mandatory he will lose his licence for a minimum of 12 months and

the magistrate may decide to impose further penalties.

At 10.35pm, a police laser speed detection unit first noticed the driver doing 157km/h coming from the South Gippsland Highway where it merges with the Bass Highway.

Acting Sergeant Gary Slink and Leading Senior Constable Wayne Beale, of Bass Coast Traffic Management Unit, went in pursuit and registered the offending driver doing 177 km/h.

The pursuit went for about four to five kilometres and when the two policemen finally caught up with the man and were able to intercept him, he was clocked at 197km/h, nearly

twice the legal highway speed.

Although he gave his address as Cann River, he’s believed to have close ties with the Meeniyan area, where he was believed to have attended a best-and-fairest football function.

“He was heading for Melbourne to meet friends,” said Leading S/C Beale, who was shocked and amazed at the excessive speed of the driver.

“This kind of speed will not be tolerated on our roads. The Bass Coast TMU unit will do everything in its power to remove such hoon drivers from our roads for as long as possible.”

Keeping school chaplains CHAPLAINCY in schools will be the topic of a meeting at Korumburra next month.

The Federal Government hasn’t committed to funding the positions beyond 2010 and chaplaincy supporters are getting in early to rally support and think about fundraising.

Chaplain at Korumburra, Loch, Nyora and Poowong primary schools Matt Stear said chaplains provide children with an adult to speak with that isn’t a parent or teacher.

He doesn’t deal with a crisis every day, but there are more issues around than people would expect.

Chaplains do pastoral care and food bank duties, and deal with foster care ar-

ARCHIE Delabere Moore was born on September 13 at Leongatha hospital. Archie is the first child for Glenn Moore and Caroline Bousfield of Kilcunda.

SETH Garry Lee Marinus-Martin was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on August 27, to Jessica Marinus and Ross Martin of Wonthaggi.

Above: MICHAELA Grace Shepherd was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on August 20, to Oona and Jess Shepherd of Wonthaggi.

Michaela is a new sister for Noah, 22 months.

TEJ Sai Gaddam was born on September 6 at Leongatha hospital. This little bundle of love is the first child and a son for Divi and Satish of Leongatha. Tej is a precious gift born on Father’s Day.

rangements in schools.

“In order to keep them we need to be able to fund them,” he said.

“While I’d love to be able to say I can live on fresh air, I can’t and the other chaplains can’t either.”

Mr Stear said if the police force and football teams had chaplains then schools should too.

He said all community members wanting to keep chaplains in schools are welcome to come to the meeting and be a voice and offer fundraising ideas.

The meeting is in the Korumburra Primary School library on October 14 at 7.30pm.

MILLIE Leigh Kolb was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on September 6, to Sally-Anne Fletcher and Matthew Kolb of Wimbledon Heights.

Millie is a new sister to Justin Leigh Kolb, 23 months.

IVY Patricia Ward was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on September 5, to Heather Kane and Michael Ward of Cape Woolamai.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Leongatha Golf Club

Meeniyan Golf Club ON Tuesday September 15 the winner was H. Richards 65 net from F. Peile and J. Mortensen, both with 66.

The fourball aggregate was won by W. and H. Richards 135. Best nine, D. Gregg with 29.5 and nearest the pin was B. Challis.

Thursday 17, the winner was S. Collins 44 pts from B. McGeary 41 pts.

The fourball winners were P. Wilson and S. Collins 74 pts from J. Cusack and G. Thurrle 73 pts. Best nine was J. Cusack 20 pts, nearest the pin, D. Gregg.

Saturday 19 was a free shot par event with the winner of A. Grade, J. Wilson +6, runner-up A. Kuhne +5. B. Grade winner, R. Findlay +10 from I. Warman +7.

Nearest the pin, C. Buckland, balls down the line to W. Reilly +6, P. Gornall and W. Richards +5, S. Bright, P. Hutcheson and B. Spokes +4.

Many thanks to A. J. McHarg for his kind sponsorship.

Ladies With a beautiful day to play golf, 20 players set out for a crack at par.

Section one winner was Grace Benson (28) with +1 (great to have you back after a bad shoulder).

The section two winner has been on the edge of breaking her handicap for some time and on Wednesday she did it with fine style.

Dot Elliott (43) came in with a fantastic +7 to reduce her handicap to 36.

The best nine went to Jan Roberts with + 2 down the line balls to Mary Trease sq, Gwen Heppell -2 and Irene Holm -2.

The 45 handicap winner was Kristen Elliott with -6.

Don’t forget the Give Golf A Go sessions for men and ladies commence on Sunday 27.

If you are interested please ring Sue Hoskin on 5683 2467 to book a spot with Trevor Hollingsworth.

Junior golf The Meeniyan Golf club is about to embark on a program to give players under 16 a chance to learn about golf over a 10 week program.

On Tuesday, September 15 Bob Bowtell from the V.G.A. came down for the day to attend clinics at Tarwin Valley Primary School, Fish Creek Primary School and Tarwin Lower Primary School, where the children enjoyed the one hour lessons.

If there is anyone in the area of Meeniyan who would like to join the program please ring Irene Holm 5663 6253.

There is a free come and try day on Monday, September 28 at 9.30am-11.30am.

The 10 week program commences on Monday, October 5 at 4pm until 5.30pm.

TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area.

To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below.

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

At Port Phillip Heads

SEPTEMBER Time

23 WED

24 THUR

25 FRI

26 SAT

27 SUN

28 MON

29 TUE

height (metres)

0300 0828 1446 2047

1.68 0.47 1.53 0.14

0343 0906 1523 2128

1.65 0.49 1.50 0.16

0422 0944 1559 2206

1.59 0.52 1.46 0.20

0500 1021 1634 2245

1.51 0.56 1.40 0.26

0540 1059 1712 2322

1.43 0.61 1.33 0.33

0622 1137 1751

1.34 0.66 1.26

0001 0711 1219 1838

0.41 1.27 0.72 1.19

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

Leongatha THIS week’s report will also include the major results from the previous week.

Saturday’s stableford was won by Peter Rayson with 38 points. He is in good form as he was also in the winning ambrose team a week earlier.

Jeff White, who won the September monthly medal, played well again to amass 40 points and a victory in B Grade. B. Harrington won pro-pin, with Peter Stivic taking out nearest the pin.

Ball winners: D. Prior 37, P. Stivic, J. Cummins, K. Scott 36; M. Stubbs 35, I. Murchie 33, J. King, N. Savino 32, S. Miller, G. McDonald, R. Davies, G. Morrison 31.

The ambrose played on Saturday, September 12 saw a massive win to the team of Peter and Sharon Rayson, Wendy Brown and Michael Thomas (60-8¼-51¾). It is unusual in an ambrose to see a winning margin of four shots to the runners-up Peter Hartigan, Chris Leaver, Rob Thurston and Peter Stivic (64-85/8-553/8).

Phil Edwards boosted his team’s score with a great hole-in-one on the long par three fourth hole. Congratulations Phil. Michael Thomas won nearest the pin on the 16th and Barry Attwood won pro-pin on the 14th.

Tuesday The previous Tuesday’s par event

saw Michael Thomas once again in dominating form. A brilliant +4 which included a ‘tap-in’ birdie on the ninth gave him a sub-par round and reduced his handicap to three. Noel Smith scored a fine +3 to take the runner-up prize.

Nearest the pin winners were Peter Walsh and Michael Thomas, and balls down the line went to -3 (Phil Browne on a countback).

Tuesday, September 15 was a stroke round and club president, Jack Cummins, celebrated his first year as president with an excellent score of 82-17-65. Jack also won nearest the pin and the quality of this round can be seen by the six shot margin to his nearest rival.

Ball winners: K. Macfarlane 71, P. Hobson 72, G. McDonald 73, P. Waters 74, D. Webster, G. McRitchie, F. Martin 75.

Thursday Thursday’s stableford was a pretty damp affair, though Geoff McDonald produced a good round of 36 points to hold out Hugh Goodman on 35. John Renwick won nearest the pin, and balls went to: H. Goodman 35, M. Williams 34, P. Hartigan, M. Street 32; J. King, A. Sperling, M. Oliver 31.

The previous Thursday, Jack Cummins won A Grade with 34 points as he warmed up for his fine round a few days later. But it was Dave Web-

Mirboo North

ster who played the round of the day, winning B Grade with a very good 38 points.

Ball winners: J. King, P. Hobson, M. Stubbs 33; G. McDonald 32, R. Hughes, D. Hanna 31; A. Sperling, N. Hughes 30; J. Renwick, K. Macfarlane 29.

Next Saturday’s grand final day event is stableford, with the R. and M. Hodges 4BBB mixed stableford to follow on Sunday.

Ladies Thanks to Carol Sowden and Mary Brewis who sponsored the stableford ABC event on Wednesday, September 16.

No, it’s not a mistake, you can believe your eyes. The winners were a repeat of last week’s winners.

When you are playing well, you are hot it seems.

Marg Berry notched up 36 points to be the A Grade winner.

Barb Lee won B Grade and broke her handicap (again) with 41 points.

Debbie Erwin was the C Grade winner with 32 points.

Loris Clark. 35, Carol Sowden 33, Dot Stubbs 33, Toni West 33, Marea Maher 33, Glenys Day 31, Shirley Welsford 30 and Coral Gray 30 all won balls down the line balls.

Saturday’s winner was Marilyn Williams who scored 32 stableford points.

Brian Twite bowl A FIELD of 75 ladies from district clubs, competed in the Brian Twite Bowl, held at Leongatha Golf Club.

This event is sponsored each year by Brian Twite, who conducted clinics for South Gippsland juniors over a period of several years at Leongatha Golf Club.

The winning team, from Leongatha Golf Club, were Dot Stubbs 34, Val Brydon 30 and Coral Gray 33, with a total of 97 points.

A Grade winner was Toni West with 35, Dot Stubbs B Grade with 34 , and C Grade was snaffled by Wendy Brown with 34 points.

Down the line balls went to Ann Walker 33 (Wonthaggi), Bec Thomas 32, Marion Bellingham 32, Maxine Eabry 31, Sheila Constantine 30 (Metropolitan), Delores Harvey 30 (Wonthaggi), Shirley Welsford 30, Irene Holm 29 (Meeniyan), Joan Peters 29 (Korumburra), Heather Kurrle 29 (Ko-

Foster Golf Club SATURDAY, September 19 – Lefties v Righties, Kevin and Marilyn Flett trophy, Righties 68.16 win – Lefties 70.66.

A Grade winner: Kevin Witheridge (Righty) (13) 64 net. B Grade winner: Col Pulham (Lefty) (16) 69 net.

Down the line balls: Brenton McKenzie (14) 65 net, Peter Dight (7) 69 net, Lloyd McKenzie (9) 69 net, Owen Kindellan (21) 69 net, Noel Black (7) 69 net.

Nearest the pins: 6th Ray Prain, 13th Henk de Graaf.

Saturday Ladies September 19 – stableford winner: Barbara Warren (11) 34 pts. Down the line balls: Gayle Reid (33) 32 pts, Jenny Mountford (20) 31 pts. Nearest the pins: 6th Jocelyn Town, 17th Gail Tyers. Money hole: Barbara Warren.

Friday, September 18 – twilight stableford winner: John Mathers (15) 19 pts on countback. Down the line balls: Kevin Witheridge (13) 19 pts, Kevin Flett (9) 14 pts on countback.

Nearest the pins: 4th John Mathers, 6th Kevin Flett.

Thursday, September 17 – par winner: George Draeger (26) +3. Down the line balls: Larry Giddy (19) -1.

Nearest the pins: 17th Neil Chandler.

Ladies Wednesday, Sep-

tember 16 – stableford, Flo Larking trophy. A Grade: Robyn Galloway (10) 38 pts. Runner-up: Barbara Warren (11) 34 pts on countback. B Grade: Frances McGlead (35) 34 pts.

Runner-up: Kaylene Morris (27) 31 pts. Down the line balls: Beth Curram (17) 34 pts, Jenny Mountford (20) 32 pts, Anne Horstra (16) 30 pts, Margaret Blake (24) 30 pts. Nearest the pins: 17th Mary Ellis. Star medallist qualifiers: Anne Horstra, Margaret Blake, Gale Tyers, Kaylene Morris, Robyn Galloway, Trudi Prue, Judy Bacon, Frances McGlead, Beth Curram.

Tuesday, September 15 – stableford winner: Dave Hutchinson (13) 38 pts.

Down the line balls: Gary Clavarino (16) 36 pts, Kevin Witheridge (12) 35 pts.

Nearest the pins: 6th Fred Tyers.

Coming events Tuesday, September 22 – stableford. Wednesday, September 23 – 4BBB draw for partners, Jean Ryan and Wilma Scheerle trophy.

Thursday, September 24 stableford. Friday, September 25 – twilight stableford.

Saturday, September 26 – fourball all multiplication - draw for partners. Michael Cahill trophy. Ladies Saturday, September 26 – par.

Winners of Brian Twite Bowl: Coral Gray, Brian Twite (sponsor), Val Brydon and Dot Stubbs. rumburra), Moira Rogers 29 (Korumburra), Marg Berry 29, Beth Curram 28 (Foster), Jill Steer 28, Joan Scott 28, Delphine Altson 28 (Metropolitan), Sheila Harper 28 (Berwick/Montuna) and Flo Davis 27 (Wonthaggi).Nearest the pins:16th Rebecca Thomas, 14th Debra Orr (Phillip Island).

Woorayl Golf Club LAST Saturday we played an aggregate pairs stableford event sponsored by Edney’s Nissan.

The winners were Anthony Clemann and Dennis Lim with (wait for it) 87 points.

The runners-up were Geoff McKinnon and Alan Trease with a very respectable 77 points.

Balls went to G. Fennell, J. Redmond / P. and T. Burgess / J. Lovie, W. Turner and B. Wilson, G. Salmon.

The nearest the pins went to B. Robjant and N. Lovie.

Next Saturday (grand final day) we will play a men’s and ladies stableford event sponsored by Middendorf’s. Please note we will all play straight through. There will be no lunches prepared, so BYO.

Ladies ON Tuesday, September 16 a stableford aggregate qualifying round was played, sponsored by Brian and Shirley Thomas, day event sponsored by Jackson & Lawry. The AWCR was 72.

The winners were A. Forsyth 44/38, M. Martin 42/30, S. Wakefield 17/30, M. Dwyer 25/34. Qualifiers: A. Forsyth and M. Martin, S. Wakefield and M. Dwyer, D. O’Connor and D. Jarvis, P. Lancaster and J. Riseley.

Nearest the pin: 8th M. Dwyer, 17th A. Poole, 2nd shot on the 11th P. Lancaster.

Down the line balls: Dot Jarvis and Di O’Connor, P. Lancaster and J. Riseley.

Handicap break: A. Forsyth, 44 to 43. Well done.

Next week, September 23, par sponsored by Marg Tuckett.

Welshpool Golf Club TUESDAY’S barbecue nine hole event was won by Pappy Pope 19 points.

Friday’s chicken run winner: Pappy Pope 18 points on countback Brian MacPherson.

Saturday’s 18 holes stroke winner: Brian MacPherson 71 net.

Ladies - Kay Mines 77 net.

Sunday 18 hole stroke winner: Graeme Rowe 69 net. The winter K.O. was won by Gary Brown 81 versus Harry Mines 5-40.

Well done Gary. Thanks to all the players who participated.

Note, next Saturday, nine holes, hit off at 11am.

THIRTY-NINE starters attended the final (third round) of the club championships held on Saturday September 19.

CCR 69.

Final scratch results: A Grade Shayne Stimson (5) gross 224 SCR; B Grade Phil Stimson (15) gross 259 SCR; C Grade Stan Evison (22) gross 297 SCR. Handicap: A Grade Shayne Stimson 15, 206 net; B Grade Phil Stimson (15) 214 net; C Grade Connor Williams (26), 220 net.

Club champion, 54 holes stroke scratch: Shayne Stimson 224.

Veterans scratch: Ray Matthews (10) 162 gross.

Handicap: Noel Fox (15) 139 net.

Saturday comp: A Grade Ian Evison (11) 69 net; B Grade Craig Dudek (15) 69 net and day winner; C Grade Stan Evison (22) 68 net.

Down the line balls: Ron Anderson (15) 69, Noel Fox (15) 69, Gordon Graeme (15) 70, Peter Chapman (13) 71, Steve Mills (28) 71. Second shot on first hole: Kyle Mills. Nearest the pins: 4th S. Mills, 6th T. Bradshaw, 13th A. Soplokow, 16th G. Watson. Pro pin: 4th S. Mills.

Birdies: 6th S. Stimson, 13th A. Soplokow, 16th J. Kus. Thirty-eight starters attended the Jock Bond Shield event (mixed Canadian teams) held on Sunday September 20. The day was sponsored by F. C. Jock Bond.

Shield winners - Garfield: Peter Kane - Jeanette Mitchell 80 5/8, Bevan Pinner - Lynn Pinner 75½, Dale Clark - Bernie Clarke 69 7/8.

Total 226 net.

A was won by Russ Balfour - Olwyn Balfour 70¾ net.

Down the line balls: A Tom Traill - Sue Traill 72¼; B winners were Ron Anderson - Mary Beruldsen 73 7/8.

Down the line balls B - John Robinson - Olive Robinson 77 5/8. Nearest the pin: 4th Dale Clarke, Bernie Clarke, 6th Ray Matthews - Bernie Clarke, 13th Steve Nyko, Sue Traill, 16th Ron McGill.

Ladies Results of the ladies par, draw for partners competition held on September 16: The winning team in the ladies par event was Rosemary Parker -7, Mary Beruldsen +1 and Raine Leslie 0.

Birdie: 13th Wendy Gervasi, 4th Freeda Fernandez.Nearest the pin: 6th Joyce Dyke, 16th Chris Gunn.

Thursday, September 17 There were 26 starters for the stableford event, and the CCR was 69.

A Grade winner was Ron Anderson (15) 39.

Down the line: Ray Matthews (10) 38, Peter Chapman (13) 38, Joe Taylor (15) 38. Birdies: Peter Draper (4th), Ron Funnell (4th), Tom Traill (16th), Troy Hamilton (13th).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 49

Leongatha bowls Affiliated section ON Wednesday September 16, five rinks played three games of pairs in almost perfect conditions.

The winning rink was that of Peter Bolge and Graeme Drury (skip) with three wins and 18 shots. Runners-up were David Dunkley and Ray McGannon (skip) with two wins and a draw and 13 shots up. ’Gatha Hardware provided the much appreciated sponsorship.

On Saturday September 19, affiliates made up eight teams of fours for pennant practice.

In difficult conditions (quick green and fish-tailing wind), the winners were George Witherow, Peter Bolge, Ray Saunders and George Johnson (skip) with two wins plus 17 shots, over the

runners-up Don McIntyre, Jack Kuiper, Ray McGannon and Peter Kennedy (skip) with two wins plus 14 shots.

We thank Riseley Transport who provided the sponsorship for the day.

Coming events Wednesday September 23, monthly triples, 9.30am start, whites or club shirts.

Saturday September 26, mixed social, 10am start, (grand final day) mufti.

Sunday September 27, visit to Seaford Bowling Club to play mixed social. The bus leaves at 9.45am from the clubhouse. Seaford Bowling Club will be providing lunch.

(Whites or club shirts).

Ladies section

On Tuesday September 15, teams were formed to provide pennant practice and some very competitive games were contested.

On Wednesday, a smaller field played social bowls with team members switching roles.

Lorna Hulls remained undefeated at the end of the day.

On Saturday September 19, pairs games were played again and the winners were Delma Dean and Ellie McIntyre. The runners-up were Lorna Hulls and Marge Barter.

Inverloch will play host for pennant practice today (Tuesday September 22).

Social bowls for the ladies this week will be on Thursday at 1pm, as all rinks will be in use on Wednesday.

Inverloch bowls OUR annual practice match against the Hastings Bowling Club, known as the ‘Battle of Hastings’ was another great match last Saturday.

Played on our greens with 12 rinks playing 21 ends under pennant conditions, we were able to reclaim the trophy with a 13 shot win with a score of 236 shots to Hastings 223 shots.

Hastings won on five rinks to our four with three rinks playing tied games.

Although this was not played on a divisional basis, the selectors had that in mind when choosing the teams.

It could easily have been divisions one, two, three and four and the result would have shown Inverloch winning Division 1 62-56, Division 2 Inverloch 68-55, Division 3 Inverloch 60-45 and Hastings taking Division 4 65-43.

Before the start of the match, our ladies and our barbecue chefs provided the 96 players with a beautiful lunch.

Unfortunately, our first monthly triples for the 2009/10 season had to be cancelled last Thursday owing to the wet weather.

Our club lost another of its great servants last week with the sudden passing of Bernie Hayes.

Bernie’s association with the club goes back many years.

He retired from bowling a few years ago, but gave many seasons of valuable service on the green, many as a pennant skip.

One of his greatest achievements was being a member of an Inverloch team that won back-to-back association fours championships in the middle 1980s.

Ladies The weather smiled on the ladies last week.

Last Monday demonstrators from Tupperware, Enjo, Body Shop and Chef’s Tool Box attended. Around 60 attended this Party Plan, after the demonstrations, we were invited to wander around the tables and inspect the goods for sale. Pizzas were made in a very versatile pan and these were passed around for tasting.

Soup and slices were then served and enjoyed by all.

All in all it was a very productive day and approx $650 went into the Building Fund.

Thanks to all who came and quite a few went home with prizes. Thanks to Veronica and her helpers.

Tuesday was fabulous for our pennant practice against Korumburra. It was good to catch up with our neighboring teams again.

Tuesday, September 22 is another practice match against Leongatha at home.

Wednesday, September 16 was ladies social bowls with 28 bowlers taking to the greens. There was some very close competition, but the winners for the day were the team of Shirley Cook, Veronica Muir and Pam Russell (from Wonthaggi).

Runners-up were Carol Hughes, Jill Bateman, Mavis Parks and Edith Perrett.

They were pleased to have three ladies from Wonthaggi join them.

Don’t forget that there is a general meeting on Wednesday at 10am, so bring your lunch and bowl in the afternoon.

Ready to roll: Meeniyan Bowling Club president Russ Thorson shares a quiet moment with Mirboo North veteran Kenny Smith during last Sunday’s invitational day at Meeniyan.

Loch bowls THE outdoor season was declared open on Friday night with our guest, Bruce Peters rolling the first jack, followed by the first bowl of the season.

This was preceded by a low-key evening where members and friends enjoyed a lovely meal.

Both of our new presidents, Geoff Barber and Margaret Fraser, wish all bowlers well.

Our guest, Bruce gave us some insights into the future of our bowling organisations as well as entertaining us with some well chosen anecdotes.

On Saturday proceedings started with a sausage sizzle followed by two games of mixed bowls. The team of president Margaret, Charlie Hodge and Les Kirk won the afternoon.

This Thursday will see the start of the ladies season on Thursday afternoons commencing this Thursday. Your selectors would like to see as many members as possible turn up.

The men will have a mixed triples day next Sunday September 27. Play will commence at 10am, BYO lunch. Anyone wishing to enter a team please contact Greg on 5659 6444.

Fish Creek

Hose time: coaches and participants at the West Gippsland Zone games training weekend, held at Tarwin Lower last month.

Training at Tarwin Lower TARWIN Lower Pony Club hosted the West Gippsland Zone Games Training Weekend on August 22 and 23.

Originally meant to be held on Black Saturday, the games clinic was aimed at teaching Pony Club members skills that would be useful when playing and competing in games competitions.

It was also aimed at widening the knowledge of active mounted games organisations and competitions.

On the Saturday, the participants were split up into their age groups, and had separate lessons, consisting of riding with one hand, vaulting, picking up and putting down, and learning games.

The Sunday consisted of a friendly competition, with groups of participants from every age level competing in a wide range

of games. Bottle race, mug shuffle, stepping stones, and good old bending race were just some of the twelve games played.

After that was over, participants were offered the opportunity to have a training session on Tarwin Lower Pony Club’s cross country course.

Most of the riders took this chance, and were able to train over the water jump, and other obstacles, used in the Tarwin Lower Pony Club Short Course, held late last year.

It was a very successful day, and Tarwin Lower Pony Club would like to thank all the people who helped make this weekend possible, including the coaches and the West Gippsland Zone Committee Members.

Tarwin Lower Pony Club is always open for new members. Anyone interested in joining, or looking for more information, should contact Jenny O’Sullivan 5663 2386 or Jillian Staton on 0417 177 234.

Written by Imogen Whittaker (age 13).

IN our practice match at Toora on Saturday, we were well beaten.

This Sunday we play Tarwin Lower in our last practice and six teams are selected. L. McKenzie, W. Ferbrache, C. McGannon, D. Christie, R. McKenzie, J. Staley, D. Livingstone, R. Grylls, T. McLean, F. Carter, A. Kerr, D. Stefani, T. Huybregts, P. Tori, F. McLaughlin, R. Cooper, A. Atwell, J. Charlton, T. Taylor, P. Poletti, J. Stefani, R. Flanders, J. Lavarda, J. Lindeman. Emergencies: L. Synan, N. Buckland.

Be at the club rooms to leave no later than 11.45am.

On Saturday, October 3 our fifth division play Meeniyan at Fish Creek.

Tarwin Lower TARWIN ladies day saw 11 ladies come to try out bowls and enjoy a lunch of soup and sandwiches then go on to a game of bowls.

Thanks to Doris for making the lovely aprons for the kitchen staff.

The garage sale and bowls wear day was a resounding success, with a brisk trade being done on the sausage sizzle and Devonshire teas.

As always the bowls wear day proved popular, bringing in visitors from other clubs.

Men’s pennant practice: the men’s were narrowly beaten on five rinks, winning one at Mirboo North.

Next Sunday they take on Fish Creek at home.

Reminders Ladies six person medley to be held Thursday, September 24.

Trivia night this Friday starting at 7pm, bring your own nibbles, light supper provided.

First monthly dinner October 24, get your names in early.

SGDLBA THE South Gippsland District Ladies Bowls Association, will hold an umpire/measurer refresher and marker seminar at Inverloch Bowls Club on Friday, September 25 from 10.30am12.30pm.

All current umpires/measurers, prospective umpires/measurers and bowlers interested in brushing up on marking technique are invited to attend.

Bring current law book, note pad, highlighter and pen, bowls shoes and bowls.

The seminar will include principles and marking followed by practical session on green.

For further information please contact South Gippsland DUP Anne Tschiderer or Carol Thorne.

Leongatha squash is back LEONGATHA Squash Club is now coming out of its 18 months recess to play again at the courts in the industrial estate.

New arrangements have been made with the owner which allows a competition to start back up again.

Practice nights will be starting this week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7.30 pm.

President Tom Ryan invites all past players and

anyone new who wishes to have a go to come down on the practice nights and have a hit.

“Hopefully, if we get good numbers, in a few weeks we should be able to get a competition up and running,” Tom said.

There are no grades or levels on the practice nights so everyone is welcome.

The courts will also now be available for hire, see Tom on the night for more information.

Indoor bowls Mardan THEY welcomed back Heather and Bruce Douglas from their winter break, which brought the numbers present to 20.

Also Joyce and Joe Occhipinti from Korumburra came, so three mats were needed.

There was one team with three wins: Ian Bristow (skip), Tony AllenClay and Marg Campbell.

Runners-up with a draw, win and a loss were Robert Matthies (skip), Lorna Roberts and Jim Atkins.

Dates to remember: September 30 (75 up final and bring a friend night), October 7 (no bowls), October 8 (visit to Wonthaggi), November 4 (presidents night), November 11 (AGM and presentation night) and November 13 (Christmas break-up at Mirboo North Bowling Club).

Dumbalk ELEVEN bowlers competed in three games of nine ends on Monday, September 14.

The winning team with three wins were Frank Peile (skipper), Stephen Holmes and Jim Atkins.

The runners-up with two wins and a loss (WWL) were Robert Burden (skipper), Carol Muller and Morrie Parry.

Buffalo WEDNESDAY September 16 saw us with 11 bowlers, so we had three teams with three and one team with two.

In fourth, (LLL), Karl Kappes, Glenis Densley and Gemma Poletti.

In third, (LWD), Bill Wolswinkle, Peter Heldens and Carolyn Benson.

Second (WLW), Sebastian Terranova and Tamara Teylor. First (WWD), Toni Heldens, Ian Benson and Graeme Tobias. Best first game Toni 11-0, best second game Bill 7-5, best third game Sebastian 8-3.

We’ll see you all next Wednesday night at 7.30pm. All welcome.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Island dominates PHILLIP Island Breakers won three of the four premierships up for grabs in the South Gippsland Soccer competition on Sunday at Korumburra.

Leongatha completed a dismal day for Korumburra City with an extra time win in the women’s game.

In a great match the score was locked at 2-all at full time and 3-all in extra time.

The game came down to a penalty shoot with Leongatha finally winning 5-4.

In the senior match the Breakers won 7-0 and in the Under 16 they had a 9-1 win.

Phillip Island got away to a flying start in the Under 16 final with two quick goals, but

Korumburra City steadied with a goal from Scott McIvor.

Leading 6-1 at half time, the Breakers made it difficult for the Korumburra boys to get back into the match and went on to win 9-1.

Mitch Willis scored Korumburra’s only goal in their 3-1 defeat by Phillip Island Breakers in the Under 14 final.

Korumburra were without their regular goalkeeper Bridie Allan, who was away on a school camp.

Two early goals in the first 15 minutes enabled the Breakers to hold off a spirited Korumburra City.

Senior trophies: winners from left, Todd Murdoch, Tim Gedye, Nat Jones, Aaron Ware, Phil Young, Sigi Asa Leausa, Declan Kelly, and Paul Young (collecting trophy on behalf of son, Ben).

• WONTHAGGI POWER FOOTBALL CLUB

Three life memberships

Seniors winners: Phillip Island defeated Korumburra 7-0.

Under 16s winners: Phillip Island defeated Korumburra 9-1.

A HIGHLIGHT of Wonthaggi Power’s presentation evening on Friday night was the awarding of life memberships to Terry and Lynne Hanley and Sandra Ware.

In making these awards, club secretary, John Duscher acknowledged the wonderful hard work, passion and commitment of these three recipients and their worthiness of the club’s highest respect and honour.

They have made an outstanding contribution to the Wonthaggi Football Club and Wonthaggi Power Football-Netball Club.

They are truly what grass roots football-netball is all about with their community spirit, friendliness and dedication.

Best and Fairest Results 2009

Under 14s winners: Phillip Island defeated Korumburra 3-1.

Seniors: Aaron Ware capped off a stellar season by taking out the Best and Fairest with 94 votes from consistent, talented utility player Phil Young on 93 votes. Third was youngster rover Nathan Jones on 72 votes and ruckman Andrew Sorenson on 57 votes. Aaron also received the Bentick-Lindsay medal in recognition of his fine achievement.

Reserves: The Best and Fairest was won by fearless onballer-backman Matt Coyne on 86 votes. Matt

New life members: from left, Sandra Ware, Terry Hanley and Lynn Hanley. was injured late in the season and was unable to play in the finals series.

Runner-up was Josh Andrighetto, a livewire, lightweight forward playing his first season at Senior level. He scored 71 votes and kicked an amazing 60 goals. Third was tough backman-utility Chris Sice on 64 votes.

Thirds: In a great battle onballer-forward Fergus O’Connor on 60 votes beat League Best and Fairest Troy Hanley a key forward on 59 votes. Both players capped off their excellent year with games also in the Seniors. Third was dynamic rover Sam Cicala on 37 votes.

Fourths: Michael Kelly capped off a fine season to win the Best and Fairest

A Grade: from left, Melissa Zanella runner-up Best and Fairest, Emma Main, Best and Fairest, and Alyce Abriola, Coach’s award, took out the main awards in the netball. with 67 votes. He is an exciting utility, courageous in the packs and a real leader.

Runner-up on 43 votes was dynamic onballer Pat

Ryan followed by key for-

ward Josh Hughes who

kicked over 80 goals for the season and scored 41 votes.

Rayson wins best and fairest LEONGATHA Football Club conducted its vote count on Sunday, with Brad Rayson winning the Senior Best and Fairest.

Sam Vagg won the Reserves, Lochlan Dumont the Under 18s and Dylan Westway the Under 16s.

In the netball, Kate Govers was Best and Fairest in A Grade, Nikki Green winning B Grade, Carly McCahon C Grade, Sophie Bolge 17 and Under, Pru Tyson 15 and Under and Sarah McCahon 13 and Under.

The club’s presentation night takes place this Friday, Senior winner: Leongatha Football Club Best and Fairest winners, from left, runner-up Adam Govers, Best and Fairest, Brad Rayson with Leongatha Football Club president, Glenn Wright.

September 25.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 51

Junior winners: back: Mariah Grant, Kate Riley and Madison Funnell; front Bianca Hoober, Jade Cashin, Slly Mildenhall and Sarah Marshall.

B Grade: Best and Fairest Lynette Johnstone, runner-up Jo Allen.

Town celebrates season

TOWN Netball Club held its Presentation Night and AGM at Bairs Hotel in Leongatha on September 4.

Congratulations to all the trophy winners this season, which were as follows: Juniors 13/Under Town Black Best and Fairest - Madison Funnell.

Runner-up - Sally Mildenhall.

13/Under Town Green Best and Fairest Sarah Paterson.

Equal runner-up - Bianca Hoober.

Equal runner-up - Jaria Bernaldo.

Equal runner-up - Sarah Marshall.

15/Under Town Green Best and Fairest - Jade Cashin.

Runner-up - Kate Riley.

15/Under Town Yellow Best and Fairest - Lauren Goldie.

Runner-up - Mariah Grant.

Seniors 17/Under - C Grade Town Best and Fairest - Ra-

Under 17: Best and Fairest Monique Goss, Jess Shea, Coach’s Award Gillian Meikle, runner-up Emalie Gordon.

chel McGrath.

Runner-up - Kayla Beardsworth.

B Grade Town Black Best and Fairest - Sandra Cashin.

Runner-up - Cheryl Clasby.

B Grade Town Green Best and Fairest - Sue Fleming.

Runner-up - Jo Dyer.

A Grade Town Green Best & Fairest - Michelle Chandler. Runnerup - Karen Wood.

Under 13: Coach’s Award Georgia Riseley, Tayla Delaney.

Under 13 Blue: runner-up Kaila Bentvelzen, Best and Fairest Eleanor Patterson.

Huge night for St Laurences ST Laurence’s Netball Club recently held their annual presentations after another successful season in Leongatha.

Senior winners: back: Jo Dyer, Sue Fleming, Karen Wood and Michelle Chandler; front: Kayla Beardsworth, Sandra Cashin, Cheryl Clasby and Rachel McGrath.

Mt Eccles Netball Club presentations

Out of the nine teams, three made the grand final with the Under 17s managing to pull off a thriller, winning in over-time.

The two Under 13 teams also made the grand final, playing against each other, with St Laurence Blue coming out on top.

The award winners were, A Grade

Best and Fairest Suzette Tuckett; there was a three way tie for runnersup, with Steph Goss, Danielle Jones and Sarah Kemper taking this out.

B Grade Best and Fairest Lynette Johnstone, runner-up Jo Allen.

Under 17 (Blue) Best and Fairest Jess Shea, runner-up Jess Byrne, Coach’s Award Amy Fowles.

Under 17 (Maroon) Best and Fairest Monique Goss, runner-up Emalie Gordon, Coach’s Award Gillian Meikle.

Under 15 Best and Fairest Bree

Allen, runner-up Laura McHarg, Coach’s Award Paige Richards.

Under 13 (Blue) Best and Fairest Eleanor Patterson, runner-up Kalia Bentvelzen, Coach’s Award Georgia Riseley.

Under 13 (Maroon) equal Best and Fairest Rachel Shea and Kate Edney.

Under 11 (Maroon) Coach’s award Julian Patterson. Under 11 (Gold) coach’s award Tanya Dyke.

MT Eccles Netball Club wrapped up another successful season with a presentation night at the Leongatha Tennis Clubrooms on September 5.

More than 100 people attended the evening to congratulate each other on another great year on the netball court.

All their seven eligible teams made it to the semi finals, which was an amazing achievement and a credit to the hard work of the committee, coaches and players.

Mt Eccles Under 15s won the grand final, in B Grade they finished first, second and third on the ladder and in the grand final Pink defeated Purple in a game that could have gone either way.

In A Grade two teams played off in the preliminary final in a nail biter, which saw a draw, draw in overtime, and White eventually coming out winners.

In the grand final Mt Eccles White were beaten by Town.

Mt Eccles winners: back, from left: Melinda Price, Kate Gourlay, Melissa Nicholls, Kate Anton, Rachael Frassenei and Brooke Jones; front: Emily Lund, Tanya Derrick, Samantha Bright and Chelsea Moscript.

The AGM was also held with all executive positions filled for 2010.

Presentations were made to best and fairest and runnerup best and fairest players in each team and medallions were awarded to all the Under 11 players.

A most disciplined player award was also presented on the night to Chelsea Moscript for her exceptional attitude both on and off the netball court.

A great night of trivia and games was had by all who attended.

The committee thanks

everybody for their hard work throughout 2009 and hopes to see you all again for another successful year in 2010.

Under 13 Best and Fairest: Tanya Derrick.

Runner-up: Emily Lund.

Under 15 Best and Fairest: Chelsea Moscript.

Runner-up: Samantha Bright.

B Grade Purple Best and Fairest: Melinda Price. Runner-up: Tara Peace.

B Grade Pink Best and Fairest: Brooke Jones. Runner-up: Michaela Eagle.

Under 13: Maroon equal Best and Fairest Rachael Shea and Kate Edney.

Under 15: Coach’s Award Paige Richards, runnerup Laura McHarg, Best and Fairest Bree Allen.

A grade: Best and Fairest Suzette Tuckett, runnerup Stephanie Goss.

Under 11: Coach’s Award Tanya Dyke and Julian Patterson.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

• LEONGATHA CYCLING CLUB

Racing at Woolamai FOR the second time this season riders tackled the hilly 38km course, starting and finishing at the Woolamai racecourse.

While conditions were certainly better than the first outing, riders still had to contend with a strong s/w wind but had no rain and the road was dry.

Only 15 senior riders fronted up for the handicapped race, but there were five keen juniors.

The senior riders started off in five separate groups plus the lone Ken Barnes 12 minutes ahead of the pair of scratch riders, Stuart Smith and Nick Aitken.

At nine minutes were Rod Cheyne, Steve Wilson, Kerry Pritchard and Malcolm Ginn. At five minutes were Paul Taranto and Elliott Gin (who withdrew mid-race). At four minutes were Peter Hollins and Eamon Feely, while at two minutes out from scratch were Dave

McFarlane, Clem Fries, Neil White and Kevin Feely.

The nine minute bunch rode strongly to catch Ken before the climb up the gorge. By the top, the group was back to Rod, Steve and Kerry who then rode together until Rod got a break at the start of the big climb near the finish.

In the meantime, a bunch of seven riders had come together and rode right through the field. Nick Aitken however, had everyone’s measure, leaving Stuart in his wake before passing all before him.

He finished alone in the excellent time of 64 min and 22 seconds, two minutes ahead of the bunch of seven who sprinted for second place.

Dave McFarlane won that sprint for second followed by Peter Hollins, Kevin Feely, Paul Taranto, Clem Fries then Rod Cheyne in seventh. In eighth was Eamon Feely, ninth Neil White then a minute back in tenth was Kerry Pritchard.

Of the juniors handicapped race,

James Scott was victorious followed by Clair Scott, Thomas McFarlane, Mitch Ginn then Will Lumby. Will had the fastest time of 16 min 51 seconds.

Last Sunday members successfully gathered to load the shed full of papers into a truck and dog. This is a major source of income for the club and a time of fellowship.

Next Sunday riders will tackle a new course for the final race of the road season, the Tarwin Picnic race, meeting at 9.30 for a race start of 10am, gathering in the IGA carpark.

Due to ongoing traffic issues the race will veer off along Whitelaws Track. At Tarwin Lower riders will continue towards Walkerville for a few km before being turned to ride back and finish in Tarwin Lower.

Riders need to supply their lunch for a barbecue social gathering. They have the opportunity for showers at the Venus Bay Caravan Park.

The winners: from left, second David McFarlane, winner Nick Aitken, third Peter Hollins and, front, junior winner James Scott. Photo courtesy Lynton Clay.

Leongatha table tennis Results A Reserve - after round 8, September 15: (Game scores) Birko 6/23 d Mars Bars 5/17; 5- Seconds 6/20 d Vorocious 5/21; Who’s 8/25 Bulls x 3/12; Practical 6/19 d Finishing Touches 5/19.

Players: Michael H. 23, Satish G. 18, Peter P. 18, Andrew H. 17, Bob C. 16, Mathew O. 15, Bill H. 15, Stephen H. 13, Gerda B. 13, Luke M. 13, Gavin M. 12, Cam D. 12, Katrina S. 11, Lorraine B. 11, John Mc. 11, Mathew T. 10, Lewis H. 10, Johnny H. 8, Rob G. 6, Tammy H. 5, Nick S. 5, Allen G. 4, Bryce H. 4, Shane D. 3, Ray

E. 2, Frank H. 2, Esther G. 1, Keiran Mc. 0.

B Grade - after round 8, September 17: Tigers 7/24 d Spiders 3/11; Butterfly’s 6/18 d Grey Hounds 5/16; Beavers 8/24 d Panthers 3/11; Eagles 9/27 d Cats 2/7.

Players: Bryce H. 23, Kathy C. 20, Stuart C. 19, Tammy H. 19, Stephen L. 17, Daniel C. 16, Alex C. 16, Roy Mc. 15, Aileen H. 15, Chris B. 15, Kelly M. 12, Nicole H. 12, Matt W. 11, Michaela C. 8, Hayley E. 7, Riley H. 6, Scott W. 5, Rachel B. 5, Sue Mc. 5, Mitchell H. 5, Aiden H. 4, Jackie P. 3, Aiden B. 2, Johnno P. 2, Callum M. 1,

Seniors winners: back from left Ty Lucas, Shannon Bray, Tommy Olden, Cade Maskell; front from left Ryan Mortimer, coach Dean Alger, Lachie Earl, Tim Smith and Adam Miller (accepted Best and Fairest for Jeremy Hopkins).

• WONTHAGGI TABLE TENNIS

Korumburra/Bena footy awards

A RESERVE team, Thin Culture (Beau Thompson, Michael Veal, Jayden Hallett) scored a narrow 5-4 win over Short Stuff (Dale and Jarrod Donohue, Sam Watson).

KORUMBURRA/Bena Football Netball Club celebrated a successful 2009 season during annual presentation night on Friday.

Croquet greens shocking CROQUET continued at the Leongatha club last week, but not for long, as the greens are in a poor state and members are looking at other venues to host their games.

While cockchafers and the drought have all but ruined the greens at the local croquet club at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve, making play almost impossible, members are thrilled to have received a lifeline in the form of $5000 funding to remedy the situation.

Leongatha member Thelma Arnup said it

was thanks to an article in The Star that they started to get offers of assistance.

“It was only after that article in The Star that people started to realise we were in dire straits,” Mrs Arnup said.

“The $5000 in funding was definitely well received and we are getting a lot of help from the local Apex club. We have a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead and we will have to look at playing our games elsewhere this season as the work gets under way,” she said.

“We have our work cut out and a lot of work to do before Christmas.”

Croquet continues: Thelma Arnup, Ron Bridgman, Elvie Olden and Betty Strong enjoyed their pennant match at the Leongatha Croquet Club recently.

Allambee Mirboo and District tennis THE association annual meeting has been held, Berrys Creek is the host club this season.

Brett Heywood president, Jane Harrison secretary, Phil Munro treasurer, Mary Jepson score secretary.

Motions were voted on and passed. These motions were mainly better wording of existing rules.

Clubs have entered their teams and draws will be drawn up this week.

The season will commence October 3. We wish all clubs a good season on and off the court.

South Gippsland Bridge Club results Meeniyan - Monday evening: 1st Winsome and Peter Richards, 2nd Susan Ruffin, Clive Hope; 3rd Faye Rowlands, Frank Arndt; 4th Kathryn Smith, David Baggallay; 5th Betty and Frank Murphy; 6th Kathleen Dowd, Rewa Pedersen.

Tarwin Lower - Tuesday afternoon: North/South: 1st Frank Arndt, Clive Hope; 2nd Wendy and David Saleeba; 3rd Hannah Martin, Beth Hopcraft; 4th Ian and Julie MacPhee.

East/West: 1st Jack Kuiper, Alan Johnston with a score of 75.6 per cent congratulations to you both; 2nd Barbara Axten, Margaret Munro; 3rd Colin Cameron, Kathryn Smith; 4th John Sullivan, John Sutton.

Inverloch - Friday afternoon: North/South: 1st Jack Kuiper, Dina Drury; 2nd Faye Rowlands, Pat West; 3rd Colin Manley, Kaye Douglas; 4th Barbara Axten, Margaret Munro.

East/West: 1st Anne Williams, John Farr; 2nd John Sullivan, Alan Johnston; 3rd Yvonne Mears, Moya Crowley; 4th Rewa Pedersen, Margaret Bray and George Geekie, Dawn Jolly.

Ilene P. 1, Dean J. 0.

A Grade: to be advised check the board at the centre.

Ladders A Reserve Mars Bars ..............................12 Birko ........................................12 5-Seconds ................................10 Practical ....................................8 Bulls x .......................................6 Vorocious ...................................6 Finishing touches .......................4 Who’s .........................................4 B Grade Tigers .......................................16 Beavers ....................................14 Eagles ......................................10 Grey Hounds.............................6 Spiders........................................6 Butterfly’s...................................4 Cats ............................................4 Panthers ......................................4

Narrow win for Thin Culture

There were a number of very close sets including Beau’s win over Dale. Elevenyear-old Sam Watson made his A Reserve debut by winning a singles and a doubles with Dale. Well done Sam. Justin Licis and Trish Denier (J & T) remain the only undefeated team in A Grade after just two weeks. Bruce Harmer and Michael Ede are the only undefeated players.

Looks like a tight season.

B Grade teams have all won and lost a match. This

means that every B Grade team is on four points, with only percentage separating them. This is quite extraordinary and means that B Grade will also have a very interesting season.

Ellen McIntosh continues to play well and is currently the leading player.

Georgia Filippi (JG) played her best game for the year to win her set against Niki Neducic (The Daly Boyz) and take her team to a 3-2 win.

Junior competition winners: Round the table: Caitlin Taylor, Micah Condron, Daisy Filippi and Don Milnes. Numbers: Georgia Filippi and Don Milnes. Hit the bat: Daisy Filippi (4) and Micah Condron (3).

There will be no junior coaching or B Grade this week, the first week of the school holidays, because too

many players will be away.

Both will resume next Thursday, October 1.

Ladders A Grade J & T.............................. 8 6 (25) Scratch .......................... 4 7 (33) Black & White .............. 4 5 (22) Not Yet ........................... 4 5 (22) Jets.................................. 4 5 (22) Good Guys ..................... 0 2 (17) A Reserve Ladder incomplete, with one match still to play B Grade Diamonds ...................... 4 7 (17) Best of the Best ............. 4 6 (12) Smallies ......................... 4 5 (11) The Daly Boyz .............. 4 5 (10) Da Brits .......................... 4 4 (9) JG ................................... 4 3 (6)

Leading players A Grade Bruce Harmer ..................... 4 (16) Michael Ede ....................... 4 (16) Dirk Holwerda ................... 3 (12) B Grade Ellen McIntosh ..................... 4 (8) Brittney Taylor ..................... 3 (7) Rochelle Savrimoothoo........ 3 (7)

Travel deal for Power Continued from page 56.

Meanwhile there could be a vote of no confidence in Jimmy Harry at the Alberton Football League meeting tomorrow night over his two division plan.

“I could be thrown off the league executive for what I’ve done. But if that happens, there’ll be a big uproar, because I’ve got a fair amount of support now,” he said.

Some league members are angry with Mr Harry’s stance on the issue, believing the league should have been allowed to settle down for a year or two after the exit of Wonthaggi.

The controversial proposal may see two clubs playing out of the Wonthaggi region and a team fielded from Leongatha.

The representatives will also decide on the Victorian Country Football League’s proposal of a board of directors to administer the league, with indications that the idea is certain to get up.

Mr Harry said momentum was building for his split competition proposal.

“There’s a lot of interest actually. I was pretty surprised at the great feedback I’ve got,” he said.

“The push for another Wonthaggi side is becoming more and more of a reality, when you ask the right people.”

Mr Harry said people in Glen Alvie were keen on the idea, with early indications that a Glen Alvie/Wonthaggi side and Cape Patterson/Wonthaggi side could have legs.

“That will get rid of all that Blues and Rovers animosity, putting it out the gate forever,” he said.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 53

Inverloch/Kongwak Presentation Night Results Seniors Coach’s award: James Brosnan.

Best First Year: Dylan Clarke.

Most Determined: Adam Cross.

Most Consistent: Tim Thornby.

Best and Fairest runner-up: Mark Billows.

Best and Fairest: Andrew Seccull.

Reserves Coach’s award: Tom Whelan.

Most Determined: Peter Wayman.

Most Consistent: Clinton McCaughan.

Best in Finals: Byron Drydon.

Best and Fairest runners-up: Josh Dowie and Justen Jackson.

Best and Fairest: Jesse Riley.

A Grade Coach’s award: Megan Taberner.

Best and Fairest runner-up: Karen Deppler.

Best and Fairest:

Kath Reid.

B Grade Coach’s award: Deb Griffin.

Best and Fairest runner-up: Kate Turner.

Best and Fairest: Jen Scott.

C Grade Coach’s award: Abby Blundy.

Best and Fairest runner-up: Alli Hayes.

Best and Fairest: Kara Shaw.

Club legend: Tack Beaton presenting Andrew Seccull with the 2009 Tack Beaton medal.

A Grade: left to right, Megan Taberner (Coach’s Award), Karen Deppler (runner-up) and Kath Reid (Best and Fairest).

Reserves: Josh Dowie (runner-up), Jesse Riley (Best and Fairest) and Justen Jackson (runner-up).

Seniors: Dylan Clarke, Adam Cross, Andrew Seccull, Mark Billows and James Brosnan.

B Grade: Left to right, Kate Turner (runner-up), Jen Scott (Best and Fairest), Deb Griffin (Coach’s award) Rachael Millar and Sindy Boyd (coach).

•WEST GIPPSLAND LATROBE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Maffra wins after the siren Traralgon’s dreams of another West Gippsland Latrobe grand final win were shattered when Maffra’s Nick Horsford kicked a goal after the siren.

Maffra kicked the first and last goal of the match and for the rest of the game the Maroons led. In a game where the scores were close all day the Eagles overcame their shocking inaccuracy to nail the match when it mattered most.

Maffra confirmed the worst kept secret of the week and played former coach Hayden Burgiel and possible AFL draft pick John Butcher.

Hayden Burgiel started well but was not at his best all day while John Butcher kicked 1.7 and one out of bounds on the full.

The Eagles had the majority of the play in the first term and could not penetrate the tight Traralgon defence.

Only two goals were scored in that opening quarter when Ben Robbins kicked the first and Tim Aitken replied for the Maroons.

John Butcher was causing a lot of problems for the Maroons with his marking and ground play but unfortunately his kicking for goal was not up to the standard required of a future AFL player. He will be drafted and I am confident the experts will correct this flaw and he will go on to bigger and better things.

John Butcher is an exciting prospect. He was not the only culprit as Adrian Burgiel kicked five behinds and Jed Costigan three including a

poster 20 metres out directly in front. Maffra’s 27 behinds was also a league record.

Maffra were harder at the football early in the game but found it hard to convert those opportunities on the scoreboard.

At the first break Steve Hazelman was critical of his midfield, citing them as lazy and the defence not punching the ball enough. Maffra’s centreline was on top all day.

Traralgon lifted their game and took the lead for the first time with an early goal, adding five for the term while the Eagles managed 1.9.

With an 18 point lead, Traralgon’s troubles started to surface with Steve Hazelman injuring his troublesome knee but after doing the warm ups before the start of the third term was limping noticeably.

Six minutes into the term Tim Darby became a casualty when he was crunched going for a mark by a Maffra forward and suffered a bruised kidney. Brad Hazelman had stitches in his head and with Nic Quenault off with a hamstring the Maroons were in deep trouble.

This boiled down to the Maroons having no bench to rotate players and many more were out on their feet.

Tim Darby came back on the ground briefly in the forward pocket but could not continue and Steve Hazelman continued to play under duress.

Maffra lost rugged full back Sam Bristow, otherwise they still had the luxury of resting players.

Brendan Rathnow and Daniel Stubbe were able to find the middle of the big sticks to get the Eagles to

within six points but Michael Cooper goaled twice for the Maroons to ease the pressure.

Brendan Rathnow kicked his second for the Eagles to close the gap to four points at the last change.

With the loss of Tim Darby Maffra were able to penetrate the solid Traralgon defence and find targets with short passes. However the shocking inaccuracy of the Eagles kept the Maroons in front on the scoreboard.

Traralgon started to kick the ball long into the forward line and Tim Aitken gave them a bit more breathing space with a 10 point buffer as Maffra continued to pepper the goals.

They added another eight minor scores before the siren sounded with a mark to Nick Horsford, and the rest is history.

Michael Coleman was Maffra’s best player and clearly best on the ground.

He did not win either the VCFL medal, which went to Ben Durrant, or the Stan Aitken medal, which went to Craig Robbins.

In my opinion David Adams was Maffra’s second best player ahead of Craig Robbins and Bern Durrant.

Other good players for the Eagles included Sam Tudor, Josh Stubbe and Jed Costigan.

Jamie Aitken, Ryan Potter and Leigh Cummins did a great job in defence but their task was made harder with the loss of Tim Darby.

Tim Aitken kicked three from limited opportunities.

Nathan Frietag was also a solid player and Matt Smith and Daniel Pahl also came under notice.

No one really stood out

for the Maroons in an even team effort and I suppose if those players were not injured then the result may have been different in a classic grand final clash.

However if Maffra had kicked straighter then the result could well have been over by half time. The bottom line is the best team won on the day and the record

crowd that paid $36,171 at the gate certainly got their money’s worth.

Moe Reserves won their first premiership since 1968 when they defeated Traralgon in another cliff hanger.

In a high standard match the Lions led by 19 points at the last change and looked like they had the flag in the bag until a Traralgon revival

GRAND FINALS SENIORS Maffra 1.4 2.11 6.18 7.27. 69 Traralgon 1.1 6.5 8.9 9.12. 66 Maffra best: C.Robbins, D.Adams, B.Durrant, J.Butcher, M.Coleman, J.Stubbe. Goals: N.Horsford 2, B.Rathnow 2, J.Butcher, B.Robbins, D.Stubbe.

Traralgon best: J.Aitken, M.Smith, R.Potter, L.Cummins, R.Hore, D.Pahl. Goals: T.Aitken 3, M.Cooper, K.GrinsteadJones, B.Hazelman, R.Hore, T.Johnston, D.Pahl.

Stan Aitken Medallist: Craig Robbins (Maffra) VCFL Medallist: Ben Durrant (Maffra) RESERVES Moe 2.2 4.6 6.6 7. 9. 51 Traralgon 2.1 2.3 3.5 7. 6. 48 Moe best: J.James, D.Halstead, P.Ainsworth, A.Bodak, C.Taylor, R.Stirling. Goals: J.James 2, J.Horton, K.Mutke, A.Petrou, D.Price, J.Shields.

Traralgon best: M.Jones, T.Northe, D.Crawford, T.Brady, M.Burge, M.Cummins. Goals: J.Piper 2, L.Blackwood, C.Hodgens, J.Martyn, T.Northe.

VCFL Medallist: Matthew Jones (Traralgon) UNDER 18s Maffra 1.3 3.4 7.5 12. 6. 78 Warragul 3.3 4.6 5.11 8.11. 59 Maffra best: N.Armistead, P.Walker, D.Saunders, C.Smith, T.Tudor. Goals: C.Smith 4, J.Bedggood 2, D.Bedggood, T.Bourke, P.Jones, P.Rowe, Z.Turner, T.Young.

Warragul best: D.Brown, T.Carey, B.Hamilton, R.Harrison, M.Runnalls, C.Shiels. Goals: T.Carey 5, B.Hamilton, J.Lea, C.Shiels.

AFL Victoria Medallist : Callan Egan (Maffra) UNDER 16s Traralgon 3.1 4.5 7.8 13. 8. 86 Maffra 4.0 7.3 7.4 9. 5. 59 Traralgon best: S.Wilkie, T.Membrey, M.Northe, D.Hector, H.Hector. Goals: N.Graham 3, D.Hector 3, M.DiDio 2, A.Slottje 2, D.McGrath, T.Membrey, S.Wilkie.

Maffra best: A.Phelan, C.Smith, S.Wyatt, J.Johnstone, D.Butcher, J.Tait. Goals: J.Johnstone 2, J.Tait 2, J.Weatherley 2, A.Carr, R.Keoghan, S.Wyatt.

AFL Victoria Medallist: Sam Wilkie (Traralgon)

cut the gap to three points at the siren.

John James, Daniel Halstead, Peter Ainsworth, Adam Bodak and Clint Taylor were among the best players for Moe, with John James kicking two goals.

Matthew Jones was Traralgon’s best and won the VCFL medal, with Tim Northe and Michael Burge

playing well for the Maroons.

In the Under 18 match Maffra defeated Warragul by 19 points and Traralgon won the Under 16 match, defeating Maffra by 27 points.

VCFL medal winners in those games were Maffra’s Callan Egan in the Under 18 and Traralgon’s Sam Wilkie in Under 16.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Winners celebrate successful year STONY Creek Football Netball Club presented 2009’s best with their awards at the Meeniyan Hall on Friday night.

Reserves: back: Damien Burge (Best Utility), Tom Cuttriss (Best and Fairest), Lucas Byrnes (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Wally Fleming (Best Team Man); front: Willis Thorson (Most Improved), Andrew Verboon (Best in Finals) and Mark Coulter (Coach’s award). Absent: Craig Scerri (Most Consistent) and Cameron Riley (Most Determined). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz.

Well earned: life membership to Cathy McKnight. Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz

B Grade: Caitlin Browne (Coach’s award) Absent: Caylene Morter (Best and Fairest) and Michelle Moore (Runner-up Best and Fairest). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www. fourcornersframing.biz.

Seniors: back: Lucas Byrnes (Most Improved), Brenton Byrnes (Most Consistent), Matt Davies (Coach’s award), Chris Verboon (Best Utility and ANZ Best Player In Finals), Leigh Andrews (Best Team Man) and Nathaniel Rodda (runner-up Best and Fairest and Best in finals); second row: Brad Hutchison (Best and Fairest and McCaughan medal), Matt Cook (Best First Year); front: Julian Stone (Most Determined), Leigh McQuillen (coach), Greg Burge (president) and Jan Burge (Best Club Person). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz.

A Grade: back: Katherine Jackson (coach) and Rebecca Schelling (Best and Fairest); front: Kayla McIndoe (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Danielle Logan (Coaches). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz.

C Grade netball: Kady Heming (Coach’s award), Karli Brislin (Best and Fairest) and Prue Charlton (runner-up Best and Fairest). Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz.

South Coast Boardriders ABOUT 30 South Coast Boardriders Club members made the journey to Torquay on the weekend of September 5 and 6.

Thirteen of the group took part in the state title event.

A handful of SCB members took part in individual State Championship competition, also held that weekend.

Competition was held at a small, but clean, Jan Juc beach.

The team event allows a broad range of ages, both male and female

from the club to experience surfing with some of Victoria’s best.

This is the fourth year they have entered a team in this event.

This year’s 13 person team was made up of five open surfers: Derek Bassed, Jordie Campbell, Tim Baxter, Cam Taylor and Rory Thomas; two junior surfers: Beau Ross and Zac Redpath; two female surfers: Kelly Laity and Ella Garth; one over 35; Jamie Taylor; one over 40: Cam Walker as well as a cadet Riley Walker and one over 30 surfer, Steve Buckland.

Derek Bassed and Kelly Laity

In training: Kelly Laity at Sandy Point beach preparing for the titles.

also competed well in the individual championship, gaining finals placings.

The club 09/10 season kicks off truly on Sunday, October 23 with a registration day in the Retro style.

The day will begin at 9.30 am at Sandy Point Beach. So drag out that old 70s classic, bring the family and come along for a day of fun water action.

Enquiries: Trevor Eckersall 5684 1417 or Paul O’Neill 5683 2352.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - PAGE 55

BENA resident, Brock Dorling is playing in the Basketball Australia National Club Championships.

FOOTBALLER Dyson Heppell is one of only 11 people to receive a scholarship from the Australian Football League Players Association (AFLPA).

The Gippsland Power back-flanker is doing Year 11 at Leongatha Secondary College and along with team-mate Jed Lamb from Yarram, received the $4500 scholarship.

The scholarship assists up and coming football teenagers to pursue an AFL career whilst maintaining high academic achievements.

This award has been distributed to 99 young players of which about 50 per cent have been drafted into an AFL side including Jimmy Bartel and Lance Franklin.

Dyson was nominated whilst playing bottom age Under 18s in the TAC C Cup, upp, a state wide football league for elite youth.

It was Dyson’s first year for the Power, where they finished second but were ‘knocked out in straight sets’ in the two finals they played.

“Playing with Power was definitely a great learning experience for me, the coaches give you personal feedback on every game and you even get footage of yourself to watch and learn from,” he said.

Dyson said “playing AFL has always been a big dream for me, it is a possibility, but I’ll always have a backup if it doesn’t work out”.

Dyson sees the main challenge ahead as being able to stay away from m injury.

At the start of the year he was diagnosed with a groin injury, which caused ed him to miss most of the pre-season training.

“Keeping your body healthy and strong is always a challenge when doing ng a lot of high intensity sport,” Dyson said.

“For me, I just have to keep looking after myself and working really hard, rd, then see where it takes me.”

Dyson will be returning to play with the Gippsland Power next year and for him, pre-season is just weeks away.

He is part of the Dandenong Basketball Association Rangers Under 14 boys team for the competition at Dandenong this week.

Brock only played three games with the Rangers before he was given this opportunity.

“I’d been training with the team for five weeks, then I’d played three games with them, then my coach asked me to play,” he said.

“It was unexpected, but I got excited when he asked me.”

The Year 7 Korumburra Secondary College student travels to Dandenong on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings to train with his Rangers team-mates.

Brock is a small forward and started playing in the Korumburra domestic league when he was eight-years-old. He said the sport keeps him fit.

“If you’re playing basketball at night you can’t wait until the day finishes,” he said.

South Gippsland Basketball Academy head coach and intensive training coach for the area, Bill Jeffs helped Brock gain a position with the Dandenong Rangers.

“Brock’s been playing with the Korumburra Wildcats for some time and he’s a very talented athlete in many respects, not just basketball,” he said.

“He’s got considerable hops as we say, and he’s a strong rebounder, quick on the first step and he can drive the ball very strongly to the basket.”

Bill said that Brock was the sort of kid who can take the rebound, beat the other players down to the other end of the court and score.

“He can dominate at the local level and he can dominate with the local squad teams and that’s why he needs to be up against other talented kids,” ot he said.

g n u Yo s n u g fire

SAM Quirk will compete at the World Schools Cross Country Championships in the Slovak Republic next year.

The Mirboo North Secondary College student qualified for the event when he came sixth in the Under 18 category at the national titles in Nowra, New South Wales in late August.

It’s the first time the 16-year-old has made the Australian team.

He will spend 16 days in Europe, beginning with a training camp in Athens and including five days in the Slovak Republic and sightseeing in April 2009.

Sam also won two gold medals with his Victorian team-mates at Nowra.

“It was a tough circuit with hills and through paddocks on someone’s property they had just mown,” he said.

“It’s probably the toughest I’ve been on, especially with the conditions as well. It was about 28 degrees before the start, but then it started pouring rain and became really humid and the track was all sloppy.”

Sam didn’t know he was going to Europe until a couple of hours after the 6km race when teams were announced in front of 3000 people.

With 13 out of 24 people in the Victorian team going to the Slovak Republic there were plenty of celebrations.

Before he heads to Europe, Sam will compete in the 1500m and 3km events at the Australian All Schools Track and Field Championships in Hobart in midDecember.

KAILA Bentvelzen is a star in the making. Her only problem is she is blessed with too much talent.

She may never settle down to one sport. Whether it’s basketball, netball, ffooty or athletics, she can turn her hand or foot to anything.

Her latest achievements are as a state netballer, with the Victorian Primary School Under 12s netball team. Her team won a silver medal in the national Sc championships. cha Mind you it’s a sport she has only recently taken up.

The St Laurence Primary School student said the team’s winning of silver T was a “really good” experience.

Naturally shy, Kaila is not one to talk about herself, but there’s no doubt she N got a great deal out of mixing it with the best in the country.

“It was really good. It was a great experience and there were lots of friendly girls. My M team-mates were really friendly,” she said.

There was six weeks of training, which involved not just coaching but advice The about diet di and many other things.

Mother Roseanna described her daughter as an “all rounder”.

Moth “She can continue on as a teenager and go to Gippsland Power’s netball division,” she said.

“That may be the next step next year. That will be the next avenue for her to continue her strength.”

The talent scouts are out to snare Kaila. Who is successful, and from which sport, remains to be seen.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 22, 2009

THE Leongatha Knights women’s team won their soccer grand final at Korumburra, against Korumburra City, in a penalty shoot-out on Sunday.

Knights save day

Celebrating the nail biting victory were: (back) Stuart Grayden, Jo Mitchell, Cassie Stampton, Maddie Gatehouse, Marg Gatehouse, Tenneale Grayden, Yani Cornthwaite, Breanna Delaney, Breanne de Boer, Cathy Jukes and Jeff Murden; (front) Neesa Kirkus, Corine Hart, Cat Cardilini, Cassie Willcocks, Stacie Craven, Mimmie Jackson and Amy Tinnock.

See more soccer on page 50.

Travel deal for Power

By Matt Dunn THE Bairnsdale Football Club has plans to come back into the West Gippsland Latrobe Football League, possibly from 2011.

But the Wonthaggi Football Club would not be forced to drive the 230km trip to Bairnsdale if the two teams become part of the league.

The Alberton Football League also faces upheaval with a meeting tomorrow night to decide whether to back executive member Jimmy Harry’s bid to have a two division competition.

WGLFL president Brian McKenzie said he thought it would be unrealistic to expect any club to travel to Bairnsdale from Wonthaggi or vice versa.

“It wouldn’t be difficult to host those home games at Morwell, Moe or Traralgon. I think we need to take the heat out of that travel issue right off,” he said.

The WGLFL will become the Gippsland League, with a focus on becoming the preeminent football league

in Gippsland.

Mr McKenzie said there had been no further talks with the Power about the club’s intentions next year, but Power president Rob Tesoriero conceded it was the “only option” available to it.

“Personally I think they’ll be here next year. They don’t really have many options, but it’s up to us to make it work as well as we can,” Mr McKenzie said.

Mr McKenzie was quick to hose down rumours that Yarram and Korumburra FC were also being seen by the WGLFL as potential inclusions.

“People have thought, what are the other successful clubs with big population centres? Those two names have popped up, but it’s not on the agenda,” he said.

“Talk about those clubs in the Weekly Times was more about what can fit in the mix.”

Korumburra Football Club president Donald van Rooye said the Bulldogs had no desire to move from Alberton.

“We love the league we are in. It suits us perfectly. We do not see a reason to

change. The Alberton Football League is quite strong,” he said.

Yarram Football Club president Paul Clavarino also ruled out any move to the big league.

“We are quite happy where we are. We have not spoken to the West Gippsland Latrobe league at this stage.

We are not strong enough to go anywhere else,” he said.

Mr McKenzie said it was probably “too late in the year” for Bairnsdale to get itself organised to come back in by the start of next year.

The move comes a decade after Bairnsdale stepped back to the East Gippsland district league, where the club won its eighth flag since 2000 when they defeated Wy Yung by 29 points on Saturday.

Bairnsdale finished fourth in its first season in the East Gippsland league in 1999, but has since won flags from 2000 to 2002, and again in 2004, 2006, 2007 and this year.

“We did stress to Bairnsdale we weren’t interested in a quick come in,

Not that far: if Bairnsdale joins the WGLFL it’s unlikely the Power would have to travel to the East Gippsland city for matches. come out situation. Clearly, they’re looking at this with the cooperation of the other clubs up there too,” Mr McKenzie said.

Embattled football club Garfield has

made its move away from the league, gaining acceptance into the Ellinbank and District Football League.

Continued on page 52.