The Great Southern Star - September 29, 2009 by The Great Southern Star

Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland

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

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PAGE 42 - 46

The Great Southern

Star

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

PUBLISHED TUESDAY 64 PAGES

INSIDE

Beach break

Lodge opening

Cutbacks possible to holiday policing

...page 16 & 17

By Brad Lester POLICE have assured holidaymakers that public safety will not be at risk if police numbers are reduced this summer.

Down to earth ...page 11

Moto-X anger ...sport

INDEX Column 7 ............ 10 Opinions ............. 12 Entertainment .... 22 Kids’ Page .......... 27 Property Guide... 29 Classiﬁeds.......... 50 Sport .............. 54-64

EVER since i she h was 15, 15 Lee-Anne L A McLean M L has h desperately d t l wanted to be a paramedic. The cost of the study has been prohibitive but she has held onto the dream. Now it’s real. Lee-Anne went on Channel 7’s game show Deal or No Deal and won enough money to pay for her course. That’s Lee-Anne with Deal or No Deal host Andrew O’Keefe. Turn to page ﬁve to read all about it.

More police are typically seconded to Inverloch over the busy summer period to cover Inverloch, Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay and Walkerville, when the population of those towns swells by thousands. But less temporary officers could serve there this summer and the police station is likely to be without a second patrol car. However an additional permanent officer will join the Inverloch ranks early in December, boosting staffing levels to a sergeant and four senior constables. Acting Senior Sergeant Damian Whitford of Wonthaggi Police said police command is now determining staffing numbers for Inverloch and guaranteed holiday-makers would not be left vulnerable. “We would like as many members as we can get, but we will manage with what we get and will manage with members from Wonthaggi and the TMU (Traffic Management Unit),” he said. Acting Snr Sgt Whitford confirmed command had reviewed staffing numbers for the holiday season and were yet to indicate final numbers and the likelihood of another patrol vehicle. “I’m not sure of the exact details but I believe the numbers would have been adjusted because we will have an extra member,” he said. “We will still get the additional temporary people down for the summer.” Outgoing Inverloch Tourism Association president Lewis Stone urged police command to allocate appropriate troops. “It would be a disappointment, as the Inverloch township swells over the Christmas period. I know the local police are quite often stretched in normal circumstances and when you multiply the

population by three to four, it puts them under strain,” he said. “Inverloch has a reputation as a family-orientated holiday spot and we would like to see it as safe and trouble-free as possible over the holiday period.” Police Association of Victoria assistant secretary, Bruce McKenzie, hopes the Inverloch station would not be under-resourced. “If the same number of holidaymakers are expected to ﬂock to Inverloch and surrounding areas this summer as we’ve seen in the corresponding period in previous years, then in our view there of course should at the very least be no reduction in the number of extra police working out of the Inverloch police station during the holiday period,” he said. Acting Snr Sgt Whitford – the regular sergeant at Inverloch – said policing levels would be adequate for New Year’s Eve and the Australia Day long weekend, when crowds typically peak. He was not aware of Victoria Police directing police away from coastal destinations to the Melbourne CBD this summer, as street violence continues to plague city nightspots. “We don’t lose members from the area here,” Acting Snr Sgt Whitford said. Nor has the introduction of video surveillance around Inverloch alleviated the need for police presence, he said. “The cameras are not there to replace us. They are there to give us extra assistance and to be a deterrent,” Acting Snr Sgt Whitford said. “I have not had anyone from senior management say the closed circuit television is a reason to do what they like with numbers.” An extra senior constable will be posted to Inverloch after the Assistant Commissioner for Region Five allocated additional staff across the Inverloch, San Remo and Cowes stations. Continued on page 5.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Thirty years of high standard care

CARINYA Lodge Homes in Korumburra celebrated a great achievement by becoming 30 years old and passing the necessary accreditation standards.

Lodge celebrations: Lodge manager Clyde Paterson, president of the management committee Ian Wilson, Cr Bob Newton and volunteer Peter Gilbert shared a toast during the anniversary celebration.

EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEERS.

VITAL. VALUED. VICTORIANS.

Residents, friends and relatives, past committee members and volunteers gathered for an afternoon tea last Wednesday and paid tribute to the dedicated staff and management who have made Carinya such an outstanding home. Lodge manager and secretary Clyde Paterson said the lodge had passed all 44 points of the Aged Care Accreditation and Standard Agency accreditation process. He welcomed honorary life members Mel Cosgriff, a former councillor, president of the Carinya committee of management for seven years and a member for 25 years, and Karlee Curphey, who was a volunteer for 40 years and an honorary secretary for 16 years. The women shared the highlight of the presentation; the cutting of the 30th anniversary cake. Others present were South Gippsland shire councillor Bob Newton, whose wife Marilyn is a volunteer at the lodge and was also present, members of the women’s auxiliary, including Shirley Holland, whose late husband Fred Holland was president of the committee of management at the ofﬁcial opening of the lodge on September 9, 1979, by (Dame) Margaret Guilfoyle, the then Minister for Social Security in the Fraser Government. The current president Ian Wilson said “We can be justiﬁably proud for the work that is taking place (at the lodge). For many people this is their home.” Cr Newton said staff and management “put so much work into the place” to ensure it provides the highest standards of care. The lodge began with 38 bedrooms and now has 43 beds, including two respite beds, an unfunded bed, 40 low care beds and 28 independent living units, with 30 residents (two couples). There are 46 people on staff, full and part time.

Long association: from left, Mel Cosgriff and Karlee Curphey have enjoyed a long association with Carinya Lodge and shared the honour of cutting the 30th anniversary cake.

Senior moments THE focus will be on seniors during the week of October 4 to 11.

dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ ŽĨ ĞǀĞƌǇĚĂǇ sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂŶƐ ǁŚŽ ŐŝǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů Ɵ ŵĞ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ ŝŶ ŶĞĞĚ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ŚŝŐŚůǇ ƚƌĂŝŶĞĚ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐǇ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌƐ ƉůĂǇ Ă ǀŝƚĂů ƌŽůĞ ŝŶ ŬĞĞƉŝŶŐ Ăůů sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂŶƐ ƐĂĨĞ͘ tŚĞƚŚĞƌ ŝƚ͛Ɛ Į ŐŚƟ ŶŐ Į ƌĞƐ͕ Ă ƌĞƐĐƵĞ Ăƚ ƐĞĂ͕ Į ŶĚŝŶŐ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ůŽƐƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ďƵƐŚ Žƌ ŐŝǀŝŶŐ ǀŝƚĂů ŵĞĚŝĐĂů ĂƩ ĞŶƟ ŽŶ͕ ǇŽƵ͛ƌĞ ƐƵƌĞ ƚŽ Į ŶĚ ĂŶ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐǇ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ ƚŚĞƌĞ͘ dŽ Į ŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŵŽƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǀŝƚĂů͕ ǀĂůƵĞĚ͕ sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂŶƐ Žƌ ƚŽ ƐŝŵƉůǇ ƐŚŽǁ ƚŚĞŵ ǇŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ Žƌ ^D^ ͞sŽůƐ͟ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵƌ ŵĞƐƐĂŐĞ ƚŽ Ϭϰϴϴ ϱϬ ϱϬ ϱϬ͘

^ĞŶĚ Ă ŵĞƐƐĂŐĞ ŽĨ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƵƐŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ ŵŽďŝůĞ͘

Bass Coast Council has joined with the State Department of Planning and Community Development to offer low cost events across the shire. A free Go For Your Life seniors’ walk will follow the shoreline at Corinella on Monday, October 5. Ring 5678 0777 for details. Inverloch’s Warrawee Senior Ctizens’ Club will hold a sausage sizzle at noon on the Monday, followed by afternoon entertainment. Cost is $1 for club members or $2 for non-members. Contact Marjorie Ford on 5672 3667. Wonthaggi Senior Citizens’ Club will host a free barbecue lunch at noon on Tuesday, October 6, followed by an afternoon of carpet bowls. Ring Joy on 5672 1301. A live performance of cabaret songs will be presented at the Cowes Cultural Centre on Thursday, October 8 at 2pm. Cost is $8 and tickets are available at the door. Ring Anne Davie on 5956 8216 for details. Young Talent Time’s Debra Byrne will perform at a free concert at the Stony Creek Race Course at 1pm on Friday, October 9. Free bus transport will be provided from Grantville, Anderson, Cowes, Wonthaggi and Inverloch. Ring Linda Ryan on 1300 266 278. The Phillip Island RSL is hosting a week of activities including morning melodies, a demonstration of cooking, and a healthy heart lunch. Ring 5952 1004 for details. The Wonthaggi Italian Senior Citizens’ Club is having a barbecue and carpet bowls on Thursday, October 15, from 12.30. It’s free, but please ring Lena on 5672 2942 for catering purposes.

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

Fresh face for CEO By Bert van Bedaf

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has appointed an outsider as its new chief executive officer, but that might not be such a bad thing. New ideas from a fresh source without internal baggage could be just the tonic council and the shire needs to achieve greater service levels and engage with the community in different ways. Council’s recent community satisfaction survey identified improvements were needed in community engagement, roads and footpaths, town planning and economic development. At 45, Tim Tamlin has proved to be of high calibre in his achievements. His latest appointment came on his birthday, last Wednesday, September 23, which might be an omen. Born in South Australia, at 25 he became the youngest person to have been appointed senior technical officer at the State’s transport department (the equivalent of Victoria’s VicTrack). Nine years later he moved into private enterprise, working for a road contractor, RPC Roads. Because work took him away from his young family for long durations (covering two states), in 2001 he joined the City of Greater Dandenong. Four years later, in 2005, he was appointed director engineering services. He will leave this position and take up his appointment as council’s new chief officer on November 4, after the Melbourne Cup weekend. He has been given a five-year contract. Mr Tamlin said he came to the job with a clean slate, “without pre-conceived ideas” and a fresh approach. So fresh, in fact, that South Gippsland previously had not been on

Shaking hands: Mayor Jim Fawcett congratulates Tim Tamlin on his appointment as chief executive ofﬁcer last Thursday. He will start on November 4. his radar. He has never been to Wilsons Promontory or Coal Creek. The family lives in Pakenham and he will stay in Leongatha “in some capacity”. He and his wife have a 16-year-old son and two girls, 14 and 15, who are all school-going and in critical stages of development. “We can’t pull the children out of school,” Mr Tamlin said. “But I realise it’s important to be here and I will be staying here on occasions.” Although an Essendon supporter,

Mr Tamlin is not really a football fan. As a youngster in Loxton, he did a lot of water skiing. Motocross, skate boarding and rollerblading were to his taste. But these days, he works out at the gym. He has an interest in the arts because one of his daughters likes acting and the theatre. “The position offers a great opportunity for me to have a positive impact on people’s lives. I look forward to working in partnership with council and leading the organisation to take the

shire from good to great in meeting the broader community’s aspirations and goals,” Mr Tamlin said. Local government has given Mr Tamlin a passion for working with people, staff and the community. Although staff responsibilities will double from about 200 in Dandenong to just under 400 in South Gippsland, his budget responsibilities will be less. As director of engineering he managed a budget of about $44million, while this council’s budget is about

$40 million. Mayor Jim Fawcett said the selection process began about two months ago. More than 35 people applied. Four candidates were left standing. Although councillors Kieran Kennedy and Jeanette Harding were not at the final selection meeting, Mr Tamlin was councillors’ “unanimous choice”. “We picked who we believed was the best applicant, who has the right skills and the range of experience, both in private enterprise and local government,” Cr Fawcett said. Expectations are high. Cr Fawcett outlined a long list of outstanding issues. “Tim will address and manage council’s operational capacity and key performance indicators,” Cr Fawcett said. This will include improving council’s community engagement and building on the relationship between councillors and staff. Then there’s a raft of issues that will need to be resolved, including the farming zones, the C48 amendment and draft rural strategy; the bypasses in Leongatha and Korumburra, towns which have other problems as well. The stalemate over the former saleyards and commercial centre in Korumburra will need fixing and in Leongatha, council will need to resolve the issue over the VicTrack railway land. Infrastructure, roads and capital works are also on the agenda. “Council is facing major capital expenditure in the next eight years in office accommodation and pool replacement,” Cr Fawcett said. “No doubt, having fresh ideas, Tim will identify a few others. He is a can-do person. Let’s get our priorities right. Let’s run with it and let’s finish it.”

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

POLICE BRIEFS

Korumburra shooter LIFETIME Korumburra resident and licensed shooter Katrina Adkins believes it was a bullet not a slingshot projectile that narrowly missed her. Ms Adkins was out walking in town on the evening of Thursday, September 3. Though she walks up to 15km a day, she has given up going out after dark. “There was a car right beside me when it shot the sign. There was a mark in the sign and we called the cops. While we were waiting for the cops we heard another bang, where they shot out a car window,” she said. Ms Adkins said there was a driver behind the wheel, and a shooter riding shotgun beside him. The police checked along Victoria Street, for evidence of the shooting. “While the policeman was interviewing us he got a call to say there was something that was probably a related incident,” she said. The Star reported in its September 15 edition that Korumburra Marine had also had a projectile ﬁred through its front widow, causing $4700 damage. Similar attacks have also occurred in Inverloch and Wonthaggi. “We got a look at the car and the bloke hanging out of the window. To me it sounded like a gun. I’m involved with guns and the sound to me was like a gun,” Ms Adkins said. “We’ve had guns all our lives. The police said to us that something similar had happened two months earlier. It was quite scary. We were only about 15 feet away from it. “You know how you duck, you cringe? It was a very still night and only 20 to eight. Around the corner there at the Parish hall there was a little kids’ event going on.” Ms Adkins said the shooting had “scared the absolute daylights” out of her. “You’re out for an evening stroll and you see a car coming, you don’t think anything of it. The projectile could have ricocheted, whatever it was,” she said.

“I want him caught. There were so many people around that night. And to do it again. I won’t take the kids or the dog out for a walk after dark.” Korumburra Marine owner Mark Stedman is offering an award of $500 to anyone with information leading to the arrest of the shooter who damaged his window.

Incest charge A South Gippsland man has been charged with a series of historical sex attacks spanning four decades. Aged in his 50s, the man is facing 27 counts dating as far back as 1971. Charges include seven counts of carnal knowledge of a child under 10, three counts of sexual penetration of a child under 10, one count of incest and one count of threatening to kill.

Knife attack

Coates said. “He was charged with criminal damage, driving while disqualiﬁed, and driving an unregistered

tractor. “He was summonsed to appear in the Korumburra Magistrates Court.”

Safety plea A FARMER is being treated for head injuries in Melbourne after flipping a quad bike at Mardan last Thursday. The farmer, who is aged in his mid-70s, was not wearing a helmet, prompting WorkSafe Executive Director, John Merritt, to renew calls for all quad bike riders to make helmet use a priority. “Whether you’re riding a pushbike, motorbike or quad bike - on or off the road – helmets can make a significant difference to your chances of survival or reduce injuries,” he said. “While they are useful equipment on farms, quad bikes are responsible for around 10 deaths and many serious injuries – work related and recreational – across Australia each year. Use of quad bikes without helmets, carrying passengers on them; inadequate maintenance, incorrect tyre pressure and attaching equipment at odds with the manufacturer’s specifications creates risks. “Some people call them All Terrain Vehicles, but they’re not. Using quad bikes in steep or wet conditions can be dangerous, which is why it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what these machines can and can’t do and the operators’ capabilities. When something goes wrong in the farm environment, it can take hours, even days, for others to realise you’re in trouble and begin a search.”

A 26-year-old Toora North man will appear in the Korumburra Magistrates Court after allegedly threatening to attack four people with a knife. The attack occurred on Wednesday, September 23 at about 11.45am. The victims remained in a car. “Four people in a vehicle were allegedly threatened by a man brandishing a knife at a property at Toora North. Fortunately no persons were injured,” Foster Police Sergeant Neil Coates said. “The man will be charged with four counts of assault and four counts of assault with a weapon.”

Trail arrest A 24-year-old Buffalo man has been charged with criminal damage after bulldozing gates at the Great Southern Rail Trail in Stony Creek. “Police investigated damage to the gates at the rail trail at Stony Creek on Thursday, September 24, where a tractor had been used to ﬂatten the gates. As a result police made enquiries and arrested the man,” Foster Police Sergeant Neil

Amendment motion CR DAVID Lewis will move a Notice of Motion for the South Gippsland Shire Council meeting in Mirboo North on October 7, relating to the State Government’s C48 farming zone amendment. Cr Lewis will move “that Council sends a delegation to the Minister for Planning (Justin Madden) to discuss hardship caused by the Minister’s C48 amendment (banning dwelling on land less than 40ha in the farming zone) to the South Gippsland Planning Scheme. “The intent of the delegation is to agree to a process and time frame and information needed for rapidly addressing hardship cases caused by C48 in South Gippsland. Cr Lewis said his motion was prompted by representations made by the Mildura Council on its similar position after it was issued with its planning amendment, known as C58. Representations were made “to the State Minister for Planning after a study was conducted to advise the Minister of the hardship caused in Mildura by the Minister’s C58 amendment to the Mildura Planning Scheme”. “As a result of the study and further representations, the Minister announced new arrangements for Mildura in a press release dated September 18, 2009. This will allow owners of speciﬁc sites affected by C58 to apply for a planning permit to construct a dwelling.

Harley stolen INVERLOCH Police are asking for public help to track down a thief who stole a Harley Davidson motorcycle valued at $45,000.

Phil Moody said. “If anyone saw any activity around it please give us a ring.”

The top-end motorcycle was stolen on Monday, September 21. “The theft occurred between 10am and midday on Surf Parade, Inverloch, near Veronica Street. It was a black and orange Harley Davidson parked there and stolen from that location,” Inverloch Police’s Leading Senior Constable

Dance the night away PUT on your dancing shoes and bring your shaking style to a new rock ’n’ roll dancing group starting in Leongatha early next month. It will provide a much-needed outlet for local dancing enthusiasts and beginners who’ve previously had to travel to Port Franklin or Morwell for their dance ﬂoor fun. All skill levels, group and partner dances will be taugwht with style and attitude. Korumburra’s Neil Olsen will use the 20 years of experience he has under his silver studded rock’n’ roll belt to teach the dance lessons. Organisers say rock ’n’ roll is about the man showing the lead and being in control. This type of dancing is fun exercise, with the freedom to add your own style, which means you are never wrong. The group’s ﬁrst lessons are at the Leongatha Masonic Hall on the corner of Church and Bruce streets on Thursday, October 8. No partner is necessary and the cost is $5.

For more information contact John and Judy Kerville BH 5662 2229 or AH 5662 4004, Diane at Retravision 5662 2136 or Neil Olsen 0428 552 284.

Dance time: Leongatha’s Judy and John Kerville are ready to rock ’n’ roll at a new group starting soon.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 5

What a wild week!

By Jane Ross

TWO people had a very lucky escape when a large gum tree fell on their car at about 4pm on Sunday, capping off a week of wild weather throughout the district.

Strong winds and pouring rain combined to ﬁll all of South Gippsland Water’s storages and send South Gippsland Shire crews on 31 calls in the past week, to attend to fallen trees and ﬂooding. The lucky escape car was travelling on the Prom Road just out of Meeniyan, when the tree collapsed on the bonnet. As Leongatha State Emergency Service controller Tony Lindhard said later, “One nano second faster and there would have been a tragedy. “The tree landed on the bonnet, it took the entire motor compartment off. “Those two men were so lucky, they should buy lottery tickets!” By the time the SES arrived on the scene, four members of the Meeniyan/ Stony Creek Fire Brigade had cut up the tree. That brigade’s John Hattam, said the heavy part of the tree fell on the car and its occupants were “damn lucky” it landed where it did and not on them. Three hours later, three brigade members cleared a large pine tree that had fallen on the South Gippsland

Highway near Foster. South Gippsland Water’s managing director Steve Evans, is well pleased with the full reservoirs. “The longer they stay at 100 per cent, the happier I am,” he crowed. That Lance Creek, which supplies Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson is at capacity, further reduces the chance of restrictions in the face of construction of the desalination plant and

the inﬂux of an expected 1500 workers. This month’s rain has revived the spectre of springtimes long past. The solid downfall has come on the back of similar conditions last month and the farmers are starting to smile. Their dams are full or ﬁlling. “This will set up our spring nicely,” said Fish Creek farmer and weather recorder Neville Buckland. “We’d just like to keep getting a bit more in Oc-

Dealing in dreams By Jane Ross LEE-ANNE McLean, this is your deal! As her chance came up on Prime’s Deal or No Deal game show with host Andrew O’Keefe, the Leongatha mother of three was so overcome, she burst into tears. The tapes stopped rolling for 10 minutes while she calmed down. Before her lay the chance that a dream she had held since she was 15, would ﬁnally come alive. In that heart-stopping moment, Lee-Anne was so excited, her emotions took over. She went on to win enough money to allow her to study as a paramedic. She had tried to enroll in the course some years ago, but the rules for admission changed with candidates having to pay for their university study rather than being employed by the ambulance service and paid to train. That ruled her out and Lee-Anne was heartbroken. But her decision to have a girls’ time out with her friend Liz Knight from Korumburra, has changed everything. The two women thought they’d

have a go at auditioning to be in the Deal or No Deal audience. “We thought we’d have a bit of fun to see if we’d be chosen,” she said. “If either of us was called down, that would be a bonus.” The audition involved ﬁlling in a two-page questionnaire before being interviewed. Lee-Anne and Liz took their time. “We wrote heaps,” she said. “We tried to make ours stand out.” The ruse worked. Lee-Anne and Liz were called to a table to chat with one of the show’s producers. “He said, so tell me about yourselves and what you would do with the money if you win.” “It was funny, we had a great rapport.” They were told they might hear from the show “in a couple of months”. Five days later, they were summoned. “That was a huge surprise,” said Lee-Anne. A total of 175 people attended for the taping of ﬁve shows on one day; one person being chosen as the lucky contender in each show. “It’s extremely exciting and has opened so many opportunities for me.”

Lee-Anne has applied for a scholarship to study through Monash University’s Frankston campus. If she’s lucky enough to be successful, she’ll use her winnings to buy books and help keep her family going while she is studying. If not, the money will pay for the course. “I have to get in yet!” But she is hoping her great deal is an omen. Her husband Bret, whom she describes as “gorgeous” and her children Tait 17, Tayla 15 and Rileigh 11, are right behind her. Bret is employed by South Gippsland Council as a risk management officer and Lee-Anne works there as an immunisation admin. officer. Lee-Anne kept the result of the show quiet and when it went to air two weeks after being taped, her children watched and were thrilled to bits. She wants to eventually become a MICA paramedic and her long term ambition is to be part of an air ambulance crew. “I’m so dedicated and passionate to be a paramedic. “My dream’s alive.”

Cutbacks possible to holiday policing

Continued from page 1. The number of extra officers is typically staggered over summer and most come from the Latrobe Valley, with a few from Melbourne. The Inverloch station is now just staffed by two officers, with one senior constable on leave and Acting Snr Sgt Whitford at Wonthaggi for at least another week. Some shifts are uncovered by a local officer. “But Inverloch does have the back-up of Wonthaggi when no one is at Inverloch. We don’t believe it is a big issue,” he said. “We are confident enough that the members there now are good members. The senior constables

Beach patrol: Police numbers are still in question. there have been at Inverloch for a long time and are very good investigators.

“Although the numbers are not always great, we do a great job with what we have got.”

tober and early November. The weather pattern seems to have changed again.” Indeed it does. Meeniyan recorder Lindsay Fromhold said, “This is the best September rain we’ve had this century!” To 9am yesterday, he’s already tipped 121.8mm out of the gauge, more than twice last September’s 47mm. Mr Fromhold said the tally was nearly as much as last month’s and

twice as much as 2006. “It’s also heaps more than in 2001.” In the big dry of 2006, September storage levels were: Ruby Creek (Leongatha) 25 per cent, Coalition Creek (Korumburra) 54 per cent and Lance Creek 61 per cent. The following year, these were at 70, 97 and 62 respectively and this time last year, they stood at 95, 95 and 100. Korumburra had 151mm until 9am Sunday which, according to rain recorder Russell Daniels, is the same as August. “That’s 12 inches in two months!” he declared. Margery Robson said Ruby had had 50mm over Saturday, Sunday and Monday, giving a tally of 77mm since last Tuesday and that’s not including yesterday. Margery had to go back to 1999 to ﬁnd a September with as much rain as this, 135mm. “The dams are full, we’re sloshing around in gumboots and cleaning out the inlet; all the tanks are full,” she said gleefully. To 9am yesterday, Leongatha’s Kay Puru had noted 114.6mm. “Last September, we had 68.7mm for the whole month!” Fish Creek had had 130mm, with 56mm falling from Friday to Monday. Last September’s total was 90mm.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Voice from Ruby Tough and turbulent times Bill Verboon of Ruby, near Leongatha, has served as an MG director ﬁve years. He is currently on the MG board’s Zone Committee and Supplier Relations Committee. A member of the Leongatha Lions Club and Lions Association for 25 years, Mr Verboon is an active CFA volunteer. He and wife Leanne and their seven children have farmed at Ruby and Katamatite in northern Victoria.

Bill Verboon.

Bernhard Lubitz and his wife Karin milk 230 cows at Leongatha. “My future, as well as the Australian dairy industry’s future is linked with MG’s future as MG’s strengths will allow me to prosper into the future,” he said. Mr Lubitz said the next six to 18 months will be tough and turbulent for suppliers. “Without a strong and loyal supplier base we will not have a strong co-operative. It is time to think about ways to reward that loyal supply base. It is of no value to have farmers struggling financially,” he said. “MG must use its strong position and balance sheet to maximise milk price to set the co-op and its suppliers up for a strong and prosperous position into the future, with the ability to take up any market opportunities for MG to grow.” Mr Lubitz called for more timely communication between farmers and the co-op, especially regarding milk price and market conditions, so farmers are better able to manage their businesses and minimise risk. “More emphasis must be placed on educating Australian consumers that the Devondale brand and products are the only truly Australian-owned dairy products on the market, where all profits go directly back to Australian farmers,” he said. “MG’s grain and fertiliser businesses need to be made more competitive and efficient when it comes to service and price. If this cannot be achieved we should not be in those businesses as it is the role of these businesses to drive down costs for farmers.”

Bernhard Lubitz.

A good listener Paul Bourke, 49, has worked as a dairy farmer in the Macalister Irrigation District for the past 29 years. Married to Helen and with seven children, the couple owns two dairy farms at Nambrok and Upper Maffra, milking a total of 360 cows. “As a director, I would see my role as ensuring management carries out the board’s wishes, along with protecting the value of the company, whilst representing all shareholders regardless of whether they milk 100 cows or 1000 cows,” he said. “In the boardroom, I will be asking: ‘How will this decision affect the people who milk the cows and own the company?’” Mr Bourke believes a director needs to be a good listener, accessible and most importantly, create a future for the next generation of farmers. “In conclusion, I would like to say that I have had a long and strong involvement with the local community, sporting and farming organisations,” he said. “I believe my experience, knowl-

edge and skills will be of beneﬁt when representing you at board level. I am a team player, passionate and hard working. I welcome your support.”

Paul Bourke.

Maffra man on board John Vardy of Maffra has been an MG director for 11 years.

John Vardy.

He has served as chairman of the MG board’s Suppliers Relations Committee and has been involved in the Maffra sporting community, including serving as Maffra Football Club president for 10 years. Mr Vardy and his wife Julie run three farms with their son Ryan and daughter-in-law Skye in the Macalister Irrigation District and at Meerlieu in East Gippsland.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 7

MG director chase on

MURRAY Goulburn suppliers are going to the polls around Gippsland to elect new directors to represent Gippsland on the dairy cooperative’s board. Seven candidates have nominated for three positions representing a broader zone encompassing all of Gippsland. Alberton West farmer and MG chairman Ian MacAulay will stand down, as will another director, Bill Brown of Kongwak, at the cooperative’s annual general meeting on November 26. Incumbent directors Bill Verboon of Leongatha and John Vardy of Maffra will seek re-election, and compete alongside Bernard Lubitz of Leongatha, John Car of Ryanston near Wonthaggi, Philip Tracy of Yanakie, Bill Bodman Junior of Won Wron and Paul Bourke of Maffra. Candidates have spoken at supplier meetings at Darnum, Leongatha, Yarram, Maffra and Orbost, declaring their strategies for dealing with low milk prices and the co-operative’s future. Ballot papers were mailed from September 21. Voting will close on October 8 and the results announced on October 9. The Star this week invited all candidates to state their reasons for standing and intentions, if elected.

Best prices paid Changing with John Car will ensure MG suppliers are able to make a proﬁtable living by keeping the company strong to ensure the best possible milk prices are paid.

John Car.

The farmer from Ryanston near Wonthaggi believes now is an ideal time for a strategic review to: • take advantage of efﬁciencies and opportunities, to return the best possible milk prices; • enhance the knowledge, decision-making of new board members, existing board members and the senior management team to optimise the company performance; and • give the new chairman space to be conﬁdent that decisions made are in the best interests of Murray Goulburn, suppliers and employees. Mr Car has been involved with the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, GippsDairy and as a senior manager at Coldon Homes. He represented dairy farmers at the UDV Central Council when the Australian dairy industry was deregulating and was a retiring director when Vicstock P/L, the company set up to buy chopper cows, was sold last year, “bringing a good return to the groups that supported the company”. Mr Car is the longest serving board member of Bass Coast Regional Health and was an inaugural member of the Gippsdairy board. He is married to Annabel and the couple has three sons. They run two dairy farms, employ staff and milk 700 cows. Mr Car has also completed a rural leadership course at Marcus Oldham college, sponsored by the UDV.

Keeping MG innovative Bill Bodman of Won Wron said a director must understand the business, be willing to ask questions of management, be accessible to suppliers and willing to make hard decisions. “I want to ensure that Murray Goulburn pays the best price that we can, while making sure Murray Goulburn remains innovative while prudent with its financial management,” he said. Mr Bodman supports MG’s continued pursuit of business avenues in the domestic liquid milk market to reduce exposure to the fluctuations of the world milk powder market. “It’s tough to get into but it will help with our returns. Despite the volatile returns of the export market, I still believe there are opportunities there for us,” he said. Mr Bodman has been president of the Yarram branch of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria for 10 years and believes that experience, coupled with his involvement in focus farms, will benefit suppliers. “I am quite interested in the business side of farming and the management of the co-operative is something that I take a keen interest in,” he said. “I think the Gippsland zone is the better model to get a better director but at the same time, it will mean a bigger job for the directors because they will have the responsibility for the whole of Gippsland.”

the times Philip Tracy, 43, now milks 800 cows at Yanakie with his wife Robyn. The father of four believes MG must continue to rebalance the product mix into higher value uses and reduce its reliance on bulk commodities. “This will help reduce the level of milk price volatility and ensure the maximum return to its farmer members,” he said. “The industry is changing and as farmers we need to adapt quickly as this occurs. To aid this process, Murray Goulburn must continue to improve the information ﬂow to suppliers, without bias.” With competition from private companies increasing, he believes MG must continue to lead the industry forward. “The best defence will always be to maximise returns and pay a competitive milk price. As farmers, we must continue to support MG, as without your support the whole industry will suffer,” he said. Mr Tracy called for continued equity and fairness in how MG supports farmers in difﬁcult times with initiatives such as interest-free fodder loans, and short term loans secured by suppliers. “Whilst MG must continue to perform these functions, it cannot ignore the fact the milk volumes in the indus-

Senate inquiry THE Federal Senate will hold an inquiry into low dairy prices.

Bill Bodman Junior.

Gippsland MP Darren Chester said dairy farmers were under enormous ﬁnancial pressure due to massive and unsustainable cuts in milk prices. He called on the Federal Government to take a lead role and protect the dairy industry, and welcomed the Senate inquiry. “In the midst of longterm drought, dairy farmers have been faced with a 30 per cent cut in export prices,” Mr Chester said.

try continue to decline. Management must remain vigilant in controlling overheads during this period, and not allow overheads to erode farmer returns,” he said. A strong supporter of the co-operative model, Mr Tracy has a strong farming background and as a qualiﬁed accountant, will bring “considerable ﬁnancial skill” to the board.

Philip Tracy.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Slow stimulus spend STIMULUS money for schools is slowly being spent in South Gippsland.

While work is underway at many schools others are struggling to get building work happening. Loch Primary School’s two classrooms and project space building has been retendered. Principal Greg Bull said original tenders were above what the panel of selectors thought were a reasonable price. “We’re just waiting, almost not patiently anymore, but there’s not a lot we can do,” he said. “We want to get best value for money and because most of the major companies know there’s a lot available there’s probably a bit of padding in their tenders.” Tarwin Lower, and Bass Valley Primary Schools have also had their new classroom construction works retendered. At Wonthaggi North Primary School the senior school centre building has been renegotiated. Fish Creek Primary School’s three new classrooms and project space is still out to tender.

Work underway: St Laurences Primary School in Leongatha last week.

Asphalting as part of the National Schools Pride program will happen at St Laurences this week. Work will also begin on the schools new performing arts centre, toilets and kitchen. Earthworks will begin this week on South Coast Christian College’s multi-purpose hall. The main frame is due to go up in the ﬁrst couple of weeks of October. At Foster Primary School refurbishment works worth $125,000 will be almost ﬁnished over the holidays. The area where four classes and a resource centre will be built is fenced off and ready to go.

Part of the slab has been laid at St Joseph’s Wonthaggi for their new library and two classrooms. Preliminary works have just commenced on a new library, multipurpose space and classroom at Newhaven College. The architect and builder have been appointed and it should be completed in 10 to 12 months. At St Josephs Korumburra everything is right on target with the ﬁrst tentative moves on the ICT and library happening. At Nyora Primary School a portable was removed on Friday.

Anglers, don’t get caught FISHERIES officers will be promoting and enforcing the reduced catch limit for pipis in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park as the busy fishing season approaches. Acting senior fisheries officer Simon McBeth said increased harvesting of pipis by recreational fishers in the Venus Bay area prompted a reduction in the daily catch limit, which came into effect on May 25 this year. “The new catch limit is two litres with shells or half a litre without shells, per person,” Mr McBeth said. The revised catch and possession limit is specific

to the beaches between Point Smythe and Arch Rock within the coastal park. Mr McBeth said the protection of the intertidal zone, which includes the abalone fishery, would continue to be a statewide priority for Fisheries Victoria. “The vast majority of fishers in the area fish responsibly, and people are generally pleased to see fisheries officers out and about, ensuring fish resources are secured for future generations,” he said. “Local fisheries officers, with support from like agencies and the general community, continue to have an ongoing presence in the area.

Tribute: Wilma Western presents her portrait to Ian Macphee.

Art from Burma THIS year, Local Leongatha artist Wilma Western painted a contemporary portrait of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese pro-democracy leader. Wilma donated the painting to Prospect Burma, a UK based Education Trust where at a London gala fundraiser celebrating Suu’s birthday in June, the portrait raised thousands of pounds towards the education of young Burmese studying at international universities. Prospect Burma, founded 20 years ago partly with Aung San Suu Kyi’s Nobel Peace Prize money, has funded over 1400 scholarships awarded to young Burmese committed to the democratic development of their country. Wilma’s generosity has been acknowledged by Prospect Burma. She joins many supporters, including HRH The Prince of Wales, actor Joanna Lumley, wanting Aung San Suu Kyi’s release from house arrest and a return to democracy in Burma. For further details contact Julie Macphee at bassrelief@bigpond.com or telephone 5663 2249.

Music for a good cause THE Rotary Club of Leongatha has joined forces with local musician Carmel Slater, in an effort to raise funds in a musical setting.

A Grand Concert, being held on November 8, at 5pm, at Celia Rosser Gallery, Fish Creek, will donate proceeds to the establishment of a new youth choir for Leongatha, together with donations to Gippsland Rotary Centenary House. This concert will feature piano trios, piano duets, contemporary vocal and more, with local professional musicians Carmel Slater (piano), Dianna Rees (piano), Hilary Harrison (flute), Michael Killian (cello), Elly Poletti (vocal), and many more. Also, brilliant young Wonthaggi pianist Josh Hooke, will perform solos by Beethoven, Rakhmaninoff and Chopin. He will also team up with Carmel to perform a number of piano duets including well-known selections from Westside Story. A highlight of the concert will definitely be vocal performances by Elly Poletti, who has performed widely throughout South Gippsland and Melbourne. There will also be other guest artists performing on Chinese flute and guitar. The Grand Concert sits alongside a second musical event being planned by Carmel Slater, The Bloke’s Concert, featuring up to 12 local male singers, also at the Fish Creek gallery, being held on November 15 at 5pm. Carmel Slater, the central organiser, has been teaching piano and theory for 28 years, both in the Leongatha area and in Melbourne. She currently teaches at the Leongatha Primary School, South Coast Christian School, and also runs a private practice. Students are given the opportunity to perform in a number of formal and informal concerts, eisteddfods and to sit for AMEB exams. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 concession. Proceeds will go to Centenary House and towards youth music in Leongatha. People can book tickets directly through Carmel on 0428 622 801, or by contacting Col Byatt of the Rotary Club of Leongatha on 5662 4153, during business hours.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 9

Bushfires on agenda SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council will hold its ordinary meeting of October 7 in Mirboo North to discuss bushfire related issues. For a start, council will implement a Prescribed Burn Plan, for Baths Road Reserve, Mirboo North, as part of a Fire Management Plan, which will be prepared by recently appointed consultant Obliqua. The consultant started work this month. An expression of interest has also been sent to suitably qualified and experienced consultants to assess the remaining 11 reserves in terms of fire risk in the South Gippsland shire; prepare fire management plans, includ-

ing prescribed burn plans for the three highest risk reserves; and recommend interim works/measures that can be undertaken to reduce any fire risk at the 11 reserves. “We understand the community is somewhat anxious about the coming fire season, and Council has been working continuously since last summer to review and refine emergency plans,” said council’s environment and community safety manager, Philippa O’Halloran. “New information and directives following the Royal Commission are coming through almost daily, and we are integrating these into our existing plans to protect the community to the best of our ability.”

Council recently approved the employment of a full time emergency manager. As well, council has been undertaking staff training in the emergency field and is collaborating with the CFA to develop township protection plans. Local laws officers will start property inspections in early November to assess fire risk in all towns and small subdivisions. “We look at the property in terms of the risk value as at December and if we think it should be slashed or mowed, we issue a Fire Prevention Notice asking owners to cut grass back to 75mm,” council’s fire prevention officer Ian Nicholas said. “Although we are only legally re-

quired to give seven days’ notice to complete, we allow owners two to three weeks and supply a list of approved contractors who can assist if they can’t manage it themselves.” “In rural areas we trust the commonsense of landowners to manage the fuel loads on their properties but we will investigate any complaints received about rural risk areas,” he said. Council strongly urges all residents to share the responsibility for their own safety, by preparing their ﬁre plans in detail and clearing up rubbish and excessive ﬁre fuel around their homes, and having communication plans among neighbours and family. “Simple actions such as upgrading your mobile phone if you don’t have a

Celebrating 25 years THE Meeniyan Tavern Night on October 10 will mark 25 years of this unique entertainment event.

The ﬁrst night was held in September 1984. There were ﬁve acts and about 50 people in the audience in the Meeniyan Hall supper room, according to long-time organiser and Meeniyan identity Eric Mould. By 1996, the entertainment had moved to the main hall after the audience had shot up the 200 people. Five tavern nights are held during the year. Bringing your own nibbles and drinks is as much part of the tradition as the acts, and emphasises the highly social element of the enjoyable nights. Eric said some “stirling performers” had agreed to take part on the anniversary night. They include Sue Lester and Steve Horton, who were part of the second night. Folklore will have it that Steve wasn’t too impressed with the (then) $2 entree and decided to start performing instead. These days Steve is a sought-after bush poet and a regular at the nights. Meeniyan’s very own Silver Belles will strut the boards. Previously known as The 60s Chicks, the vocal quintet is best known for their medleys, including a rousing Gershwin rendition they did at the Meeniyan Hall 70th anniversary recently. Avril van Wamel will be emcee. “This has all the hallmarks of a very memorable night,” Eric said. A DVD will be made of the anniversary tavern night, produced by John Taylor of Gippsland Audio Visual. Orders will be taken on the night. For more details, call Eric on 5664 7376 or email jazzbo@dcsi.net.au.

Vocal quintet: Formerly called The 60s Chicks, the Silver Belles will perform during the Meeniyan Tavern Night’s 25th anniversary.

Emergency response COMMUNITY resilience and preparedness are vital in dealing with emergencies

such as ﬁre and ﬂood. To help residents in Bass Coast Shire, the council has set Sunday

Fire ready: Bass Coast Group CFA member Bill Barbour (right) shows Bass Coast Council municipal emergency co-ordinator James Bremner, some of the CFA equipment that will be on display during an emergency services day at San Remo.

October 4 aside to showcase emergency services. Accordingly, the CFA, Ambulance Victoria, State Emergency Service, Victoria Police and others will take part. Rotarians, Lions and representatives of

other emergency service groups will be included. The day starts at 10am and runs until 3, on the San Remo Foreshore. To ﬁnd out more, ring James Bremner on 1300 226 278.

good range, and having a spare battery could be the difference if you needed to call for help,” Ms O’Halloran said. “If you were thinking of buying a new computer, it could be worth considering buying a wireless laptop which would provide another mobile communication tool to keep abreast of ﬁre conditions in an emergency. After all, no one anticipated the ABC transmission tower burning down last summer, so the message is to be as well prepared as you can, using new technologies that are available, and then relax.” Council will regularly place emergency updates on its website.

Logo closer LEONGATHA is a step closer to having its own town logo. School children have had the chance to submit their ideas and now you, the public, are being asked for your input. Renae Littlejohn, who is co-ordinating the search for a suitable design, said the committee planning the idea had been very pleased with the students’ efforts and wanted to thank them. The committee has teased out some shapes from some of the children’s designs and Renae’s sketches give an outline of those. She said the committee likes the lyrebird tail shape because it reﬂects the old Shire of Woorayl logo. Its members agree that they want something to do with a daffodil incorporated in the design because the Daffodil Festival is such an integral part of community life. The hills and something representing a building (such as the spire in her sketches) are other requirements. Renae said the logo needs to be stylised and not too busy. It’s not a competition as such because there’s no prize, but Renae is hoping lots of people will think about the logo and jot down their ideas; they don’t have to be professionally presented. “Anyone has the opportunity. Start doodling! “It’s all about the community.” Hard copy entries should be left in the box at the front counter of The Star ofﬁce, or emailed to jane@ thestar.com.au by October 19. The town logo committee will meet the next day to consider the designs.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

HAPPY birthday to one of Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s “funniest on-stagers” Tim Edwards. Tim celebrated his 40th birthday last Saturday, September 26. Lyric friends and partners joined him to mark the milestone. THE excitement of the AFL footy finals season came to St Joseph’s Primary School in Korumburra recently. Kids dressed up in their favourite team colours and raised $70 for the Bishop’s Family Foundation. CATS and Saints fans rushing to buy a new jumper for the grand final were disappointed to find there were none available in Leongatha. In fact, there were none to be had in Gippsland at all. A trip to Melbourne was the only way for fans to get their hands on a guernsey. Just shows how much interest there was in this year’s grand final. IF YOU have a mobility scooter or are thinking of

buying one, ﬁnd out what is involved at any of four free information sessions during October. Sponsored by South Gippsland Shire Council, Rural Access and South Gippsland Transport Connections, the sessions will feature three guest speakers to provide information and answer questions. Geoff Nelson from Gippsland Scooters will outline what to look for when buying a scooter, a Police Community Liaison Ofﬁcer will describe what safety rules you will need to follow and occupational therapist Antoinette McHarg will assist with safety awareness and health issues. The sessions will be at Leongatha Senior Citizens Centre, Friday, October 16, 1.30-3pm; Korumburra Senior Citizens Centre, Thursday, October 22, 1.30–3pm; Foster Senior Citizens Centre, Friday, October 23, 1.30–3pm; Mirboo North Senior Citizens Centre, Monday, October 26, 11am – 12.30 pm. For bookings, call council’s transport connections

co-ordinator Katherine Cousins on 5662 9324. WHEN you want a nature story and kids’ event, experience this unique nature sight. It has Tammar Albino Wallaby and her Joey and you can see the cutest emu chicks at Maru Koala and Animal Park on the Bass Highway in Grantville. You can see koalas up close, hand feed and pat kangaroos, including rare albinos and see wombats, Tasmanian Devils, the crocodile and much more. There’s also Pirate Pete’s Mini-golf and other attractions. For more details visit the website www.marukoalapark. com.au or call 5678 8548. FREE meditation classes will teach you easy techniques that you can use at home. The four week course starts on Wednesday October 7, at 7pm, at the RSL meeting room, on the corner of Smith Street and Michael Lane, Leongatha. A FREE track and ﬁeld coaching clinic will be held on Saturday October 3, at the Leongatha Velodrome oval from 11.30am to 1pm. Athletes of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend. For enquiries contact Lyndall or David Green 5662 3637. IT’S a light bulb moment! Inverloch Rotarians, Lions and the Bendigo Bank have combined to run a light bulb exchange that will also raise money for the community. All you have to do to be part of Ban the Bulb, is to register

at the bank where staff will arrange a convenient time for an Inverloch Rotarian or Lions Club member to come to your home and exchange your light bulbs for efﬁcient “green” ones. For each bulb exchanged, the service clubs are paid $2 through Ban the Bulb, an initiative of Bendigo Bank’s Generation Green. THE Bass Coast Skate Series will be held this week, with competition categories for open and under 16. There will also be spot prizes. The contest, at 11am and 2pm, starts at Cowes Skate Park on Thursday, moves to Inverloch on Friday and Wonthaggi on Saturday, where a live band will play. The event is being supported by the Department of Planning and Community Development and Vortex Skate and Surf. BASS Cost TMU and VicRoads Transport Safety Services staff will be holding an information session at Riseley Transport Depot, Cusack Road, Leongatha on Friday, October 9 at 5pm to answer questions relating to heavy vehicle fatigue and Work Diary compliance. This session is to enable heavy vehicle operators to increase their understanding of the requirements of the Work Diary, and is an ideal opportunity to obtain information on the correct completion of the Work Diary and the initiatives put in place by the State Government to combat fatigue amongst heavy vehicle operators. Please RSVP to Riseley Transport on 5662 3648 for catering purposes. A BUSHFIRE relief song

LEONGATHA has been struck by a vandal with an angry attitude to signs – ripping them out or tearing them apart. Signs in the car park off Sparrow Lane (off McCartin Street) have been lying, strewn on the ground for weeks. In other attacks, the giant Mick Fanning surf poster on the side of the Sportspower building was also ripped off, as were signs near IGA.

written by a woman working with children affected by the Gippsland ﬁres, was launched on Saturday night. Carol Abery wrote the song called This is Who We Are. She performed it live on stage at an exhibition of art works created by the community of Traralgon South and

bushﬁre affected areas. The exhibition and CD launch were held in the Traralgon South Community Hall. Through Anglicare Victoria in Gippsland, Carol has been facilitating groups for children to help build emotional intelligence and resistance, cope

with stress and respond to grief and loss. She wrote the song because she wanted to reﬂect on the devastation of the ﬁres, but also the hope, support and generosity that they engendered. The CD is available from Sarah Gover at Morwell Anglicare on 5133 9998.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 11

Earth Kids are cool THE ﬁrst ever Earth Kids event was held at Koonwarra on Sunday. Its aim is to help raise a generation sustainably with a range of new and second hand products on offer. Organiser Melanie Cole said the Earth Kids event differed from traditional recycle markets. “It’s about education and new products with demonstrations as well,” she said. “It’s no good talking about raising kids sustainably if you can’t offer solutions.” Earth Kids aims to become a quarterly event in the school holidays, drawing people from across the region. Among the stallholders was Kenny Yang with clothes made of bamboo. A four step process turns the bamboo into bamboo ﬁber. He said it required no pesticides and grew very fast in the wild.

The clothes are more expensive than their cotton counterparts though. Melinda Licciardi of Hire for Baby was promoting her business and the opportunity of hiring rather than buying something that is only needed for a few months. Other stallholders were selling organic dolls that aim to remind children about living sustainably, organic clothes, Body Shop products and second hand children’s toys. There were even children selling their toys, so another family could beneﬁt from them. Across the road at the CFA, vegetable seedlings planted and tended by students from Tarwin Lower Primary School were for sale. Children also had the opportunity to plant their own seedling to take home at the Outside Bit nursery.

Art work: Sunday Plowright from Foster ponders her next move.

Creative ﬂair: Freya Liepa from Inverloch concentrates on her work.

Art Zillery stall: Sharon Hoober, Renae Littlejohn and Andy Bennett, all from Leongatha. Above: Time together: Emelia Licciardi (Wonthaggi) and her grandmother Dawn Clam (Churchill). Right: Peas please: Tarwin Lower Primary School gardener Cheryl Brennan was selling seedlings grown by students.

Right: Body Shop: consultant Margaret Denbrok (Leongatha North) applies some product to her daughter Joanne Denbrok (Mardan).

Below: Making poverty history: Ella Benary-Belfer and her brother Jessy from Murrumbeena with campaigner Johanna Haasjes.

Koonwarra visit: Sandi and John Steward of Cranbourne were spending time with their Leongatha-based grandchildren Corey, Elly-May and Kasey.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Corporate owned nature Fresh start

A SINCERE welcome to our new South Gippsland Shire council chief executive, Tim Tamlin. The Star is sure that every person in South Gippland wants you to succeed in the job after a string of CEO appointments which, for various reasons, have not worked out. What the area needs right now is a stable hand on the tiller of local government. This ship needs to be steered through potentially rough waters for several years to come. Let us hope that Mr Tamlin, who is a relatively youthful 45 years old, has the right combination of energy and experience to lead the council. The Star urges all South Gippsland citizens, and particularly local councillors and council staff, to get behind Mr Tamlin. Having an outsider come into the role will not suit everybody, but it appears this shire needs an injection of new ideas and enthusiasm to help get it back on track. It is of concern that Mr Tamlin has chosen to stay in Pakenham, but presumably he made this clear before accepting the job. This job will require a huge commitment. Mr Tamlin deserves the chance to show that is capable of taking on the challenge. Welcome aboard.

Roar silenced

THE sound of roaring motorcycles competing in the Victorian Off-Road Championships in the region is at risk. State Government rules don’t allow motorcycle racing in the farming zone even on marginal country at Hedley. It’s a bitter blow to the Corner Inlet Motorcycle Club, which was trying to do the right thing and get a permit for the event. They held it on the same property last year and attracted 230 riders giving the local economy a big boost. The ban on motorcycle racing in farming zones is another example of one-size-ﬁts-all craziness. Sure it would be inappropriate on good country, but sandy ﬂats at Hedley suit the purpose. Let’s hope this is all sorted out before next May.

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

“WHY I still oppose GM Crops” by Verlyn Klinkenborg, of the New York Times and posted on September 17 2009 at http://e360.yale.edu/content/feature. msp?id=2191 Klinkenborg’s arguments are crystallised in the following paragraph. “These crops close the circle on the farmer’s knowledge, finally eliminating, after 10,000 years, the farmer’s role in the genetics of agriculture. Genetically modified crops are rigorously licensed forms of intellectual property. Every seed is a binding contract with stiff penalties attached. This represents the final transfer of the collective farming wisdom of the human race into corporate hands. Only the minutest fraction of the DNA in a genetically modified crop has been modified. The rest is the result of the infinite elaboration of working farmers choosing their own seeds, season after season, over all those thousands of years.” In other words, the biotechs have selected a handful of the best varieties developed by farmers over generations,

Rise to occasion I WOULD like to draw your attention to a brochure put out by the South Gippsland Shire. The brochure talks about some newsworthy issues, the heading on the brochure is “South Gippsland matters”, and turning to page seven the heading reads “Resolving the planning deadlock”. A paragraph in the brochure talks of an amendment known as “Amendment C48” and reads as follows. “This amendment is a temporary measure intended to give council some space to resolve its rural strategy”. What is also important to note, is that the ﬁnal strategy must satisfy the “Minister”, so it is essential that council presents a plan that will address all the criteria of the State Government. The wording “Space to Resolve” is a play on words. What a lot of smoke and shadows, you would think that this was a decision made by council. No way, it was brought about by the planning minister Justin Madden, who used his powers to stop building permits being issued, hence the “Space to Resolve”. “I now draw your attention to the other two sentences: “Must satisfy the minister and address

and modified them to their own corporate purposes. Once their patent protected soy, canola, etc. is grown in the field, every other freely used and native variety is contaminated and thus protected by the same ruthlessly enforced patent law. With GM canola on Australian farms, within five years, on-farm hybridisation to suit ‘the back paddock’ or ‘the other side

all the criteria of the State Government”. I think it makes it quite clear to everyone who is running the Council. What is going on when you think you have voted in a Council, in a fair and democratic way, then to ﬁnd out your voice and your vote stand for nothing. At this point I would like to talk about the failure of the Council to come to an agreement on a Rural Planning Strategy over the past eight years. The failure says one thing to me. If it wasn’t for four councillors, the matter would have been resolved years ago. I for one am proud to see the four councillors that stood up for their ratepayers, showing courage and wisdom in their line of thinking. I would like to thank Cr David Lewis, Cr Kieran Kennedy, Jeanette Harding, and Cr Bob Newton. We need more councillors like these four. We truly need all the councillors to band as one, get out of your cosy ofﬁce and the talk to as many people as possible, as I have. This council is not held in high esteem, the word is they’re undemocratic, uncaring, unpopular and uninformed. When the people vote for what they want, you are in for a big shock at the next elections.

VOXPOP! VOX What are you doing for entertainment in the school holidays?

I’m staying at my dad’s house. I’ve been sewing, playing on the computer and going on the motorbike. Tarli Hancock Leongatha

We went to a birthday party and the movies and saw Up. It was good. We are going away for the weekend to Hamilton. Isla and Levi Hickey Leongatha

Reading Cathy Cassidy books. They are about people’s lives and are just different. Grace Davidson Loch

We’ve been staying with our grandparents in Leongatha. We went to the Melbourne Show with our aunty. Ashlyn and Tyron Boromeo Red Cliffs

of the hill’ will risk ﬁnancial ruin for the farmer struggling to earn an honest living off the land. How have we let the ‘powers that be’ and a few farmers with dollar signs in their short-sighted eyes, trade our heritage and breeding ingenuity for eternal obligation to the likes of Monsanto? Robert Vickers Nyora

The people of South Gippsland want and demand the right to build on the small acres they bought, before the C48 amendment came into force, this applies to all the small landowners in the shire. I urge all the South Gippsland people to rise to the occasion. This ﬁght is not just about your right to build, but your right to not be dictated to in a democratic country. “No rights”? What next. Let your voice be heard, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Write email or ring the Shire Council and give them your opinion, better still, send a letter or email to: Justin Madden – Minister For Planning. Level 17, 8 Nicolson Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000. Ph: 9637 8087 Fax: 9637 8921. justin.madden@parliament.vic.gov.au. You only get what you put in. Ken Irwin, Paul Richardson

Conspiracy theory I KEEP finding reasons that drive me to put pen to paper. It is becoming a problem, what not to write about. This week the community has been assaulted in so many ways by the media. Poor Mr Holding, significantly the minister for water, lost in the mountains and all alone. Forgive me for questioning the story’s legitimacy. If I was on the nose in so many ways like this Labor government, I might have a word with my public relations department. I might suggest they concoct a sob story intended to pull the heart strings of the general public. There we have the ‘deep mid winter’, the fighting man alone against the odds. The question is stressed, will he survive? One can just hear the dramatic music playing in the background. We also have the tough, but compassionate premier assuring the public that all will be well. It could almost be Mr Churchill during the second world war terror. May I point out to you Mr Holding that bush walking

alone is a ‘no-no’, especially of course at times of extreme weather conditions. It is also the case that your selﬁshness has cost the community valuable resources. I am quite sure those resources could have better helped those in need. To a person who considers state governments a costly anachronism, such waste is particularly galling. I wonder what sort of punishment the society should arrange for people like you, or will you simply become the next premier? R. Brown Turtons Creek

Open letter

Open letter to Mayor Fawcett. AS to your reply to Mr (Steve) Hodgson by way of a letter to the editor of the Sentinel Times, September 22, 2009, page 30, we should note the following. It was not by way as the councillor whom the Tarwin Valley Ward elected you as, but as Mayor, which your fellow councillors elected you as at the statutory meeting on November 08 to represent themselves and all voters within the shire of South Gippsland - a privilege under our democratic society. I note that there are about two pages in our ‘Local Laws’ as to how we elect our mayor, but nothing as to how he or she could be removed (we won’t go there). I hope as mayor that your views put in your reply are representative of your fellow councillors and most of your ratepayers, because it is as mayor you replied to Mr Hodgson. As I stated at the last council meeting, I wonder if councillors have a good grasp on Section G, part 1, of the council charter “to provide generally for peace, order, (and) good government of the municipal district”. Unfortunately for myself, your reply to myself as regards to the peace part, you may simply quote the Bible, “He who is without sin let him cast the ﬁrst stone.” Paul Norton, Leongatha South.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 13

10/30 rules under fire By Matt Dunn A LEADING fire expert believes that allowing property owners to clear their blocks of trees without proper guidance could do more harm than good. Melbourne University’s senior lecturer in fire ecology and management Kevin Tolhurst, said there was little advice from the State Government as to what people should clear. The new ‘10/30 rule’ allows property owners in bushfire-prone communities to clear trees within 10 metres of their house and vegetation within 30 metres. “It may well require you to remove

some trees, but certainly clearing the block is not necessarily an advantage. It can be a disadvantage. That’s the problem. There’s been no guidance given about what needs to happen,” Dr Tolhurst said. “The 10/30 plan won’t especially make the problem worse. I guess the clearing of vegetation around your property from which to work from and making sure you don’t have tall ﬂames and embers close to your house, with trees potentially falling over is all important. “There’s no reason for people to go cutting down all the trees around their house, but it is important to clear fuel, particularly the under storey, so you don’t have tall ﬂames up close to your

house, making it impossible to defend your property.” Dr Tolhurst said that trees can often act as a screen against the effects of fire. “The benefit of leaving some trees is that it helps reduce the wind and the ember load. There is some benefit in having the screening effect. Clearing away all the trees from around your house can make it more dangerous,” he said. But Dr Tolhurst said there was a constant battle between those who wanted to save trees and those who wanted to cut them down. “There has always been this tension between those who don’t want to see any trees removed and those

at the other extreme. You can largely maintain the character of a place with some limited tree and more shrub removal. That makes a huge difference to the survivability of a property,” he said. Removing trees to help people feel safer is a problem acknowledged by workers at Landcare too. Bass Coast Landcare Network’s Sustainable Agriculture Program coordinator Moragh Mackay was another who believes there is a risk that people may go open slather on the 10/30 rules. “Ideally, Landcare’s position is that any land clearing would be done as sensitively as possible. We’d hope that people would clear native vegetation

only in extreme fire danger situations and that the more planning that people put into the vegetation around their homes the better,” she said. “Ideally trees can grow on farms in areas where they don’t pose risks to house or shedding. People react impulsively in these situations when they’re faced with a potential danger. Fire behaviour and understanding fire behaviour is a science, so scientific principles should be applied. “There’s another fire season looming and people are agitated already about the risks they’re facing. They want to do something that makes them feel better, whether that actually does improve their safety or not.”

Gaining ‘off farm’ skills TEN Gippsland farmers recently completed Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, delivered by Leanne Bunn from the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) at Leongatha. Seven of the ten participants were funded by the Rural Skills Connect Program, a State Government initiative designed to enhance farmers’ abilities to obtain ‘off farm’ employment to increase their income. Rural Skills Connect Project Officer Ross Robinson is based in the offices of the South Gippsland Shire Council at Leongatha, and services South Gippsland, Bass Coast and Baw Baw Shires. “This qualification is a win-win all round,” said Ross.

“Not only does it assist these farmers to augment their farm incomes as trainers, they will be able to educate another generation in practical farming skills which will help fill the current farm skill shortages. Seven of the ten participants were from South Gippsland.” The participants attended lectures in Leongatha one day a week for 20 weeks, and were required to complete assignments and assessments in their own time. The NCDEA will be running another Certificate IV in Training and Assessment early next year. The program is still able to assist farmers and farm workers with skills and qualifications to help them gain ‘off farm’ employment. Mr Robinson can be contacted on 0428 336 942 or rossr@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Council markets workshops

Apply now for Round 7 funding

City West Water Melbourne Water South East Water Yarra Valley Water Department of Sustainability and Environment

Individuals, community groups, business and industry are invited to apply for seed funding to research, plan, design, construct or operate an innovative water saving, water recycling or biosolids management project.

She talked about her recent journey on the Kokoda Track. “Jenny has proved herself a survivor, having recently come through a serious illness and decided to do the Kokoda Trek as a celebration of her survival,” society president Brian Conroy said. Ms Churchill provides these talks as a fundraiser for Kokoda for Bowel Cancer research. The society re-elected to its executive committee president Brian Conroy; treasurer Bob Tyler; secretary Liz Glynn and welcomed new committee member, Judy Jennison. Other members of the committee are Hazel Zander, Zoe Kidd, Hazell Billington, John Wilson, Mahnua Fletcher and Myrna Horner. In his president’s address Mr Conroy said the treasurer and secretary would be resigning next year and it was imperative that as many members as possible join the committee to spread the work load and to ﬁll forthcoming vacancies. He also said the year had been successful for the society and that it could look forward to the future with conﬁdence.

Applications close 20 November 2009. For further information about the Smart Water Fund, to download an application pack or to view past projects, please visit www.smartwater.com.au email info@smartwater.com.au or freecall 1800 882 432.

futu re

There is $2 million now available to fund innovative sustainable water use projects throughout metropolitan and urban regional Victoria from the Smart Water Fund.

BASS Coast Shire Council arts ofﬁcer Jenny Churchill was the keynote speaker at the Bass Coast Artists’ Society annual general meeting,

wa ter

Smart Water Fund

Do you have a smart water idea?

Arts talk on track

re ou r

The latest workshop, Creating Marketing Messages that Sell drew enthusiastic operators to Mirboo North last Wednesday to learn from industry expert Jo Banks. “Customers are our only source of revenue. Everything else is just an expense,” Ms Banks said. ‘You have to continually check that your marketing dollars are creating increased customer revenue for your business, so they must fulfil their selling purpose, turning your investment into customer generation and profit.” Council’s business support officer Alycia Stivic said it was great to see the enthusiasm of operators engaging in group discussions and working to make the information relevant to their businesses. “Council is providing these courses at a very low cost to support small businesses to access information that is going to help them grow and prosper. The right information at the right time could make these some of our leading businesses in the future,” Ms Stivic said. A program of the upcoming workshops can be downloaded from www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au.

Bass Coast arts: executive committee members, from left, Brian Conroy, Bob Tyler and Liz Glynn are pictured with keynote speaker, Jenny Churchill (second left).

ps ec u

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council’s Business Refreshment Series will continue until November.

ply p A

yt a t od

el h o

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Pizza doesn’t deliver By Matt Dunn MYSTERY surrounds the question of if and when the Leongatha outlet of Mr Pizza will open.

Although the company’s slogan proclaims ‘Once tried, always preferred,’ people in Leongatha are wondering if they’ll ever get the chance to decide whether that is true. The business’ owner Graeme Mannik (aka Mr Pizza) assured The Star in early July that the latest restaurant in the chain would begin cooking in McCartin Street early in August, but the town continues to wait. Mr Mannik said at the time that with management and contractor problems resolved at other Mr Pizza outlets, it was now full steam ahead for the Leongatha opening. But the enigmatic businessman has since gone to ground, and is believed to be overseas. The shopfront has an empty ‘Mr Pizza’ pizza box in its front window and a sign with the company logo, the only hint that something resembling a pizza shop is ready to spring to life in the lonely-looking building. The premises’ owner, Evan Stavridis, said his lessee would open the business soon. Mr Mannik has leased the shop since November last year. “He deﬁnitely is coming. He wanted to open up in January, but sometimes one thing leads to another. He will open up. He has got a franchise going,” he said. “He actually owns six or seven outlets in the Gippsland area, with Warragul, Traralgon, Moe. Sometimes when you’re running a lot of things, and one bloke leaves you’ve got to cover him. “But we will be appreciating lovely, cheap pizzas. I’m actually looking forward to it because I think the town needs something like this.”

Mr Stavridis said Mr Mannik was an exemplary lessee and a “nice man”. “At the end of the day people will be able to appreciate nice things for good value,” he said. “He will be employing people from the town, so that will be a good thing too. It’s taken a while, but it will definitely be going ahead. It just takes time to deal with the minor nitty-gritties of establishing a good business. “It’s been a long time in the making, but sometimes it takes a long time to come up with a nice recipe. I think it’s something that’s much needed there.” Paradise Pizza’s owner Sam Spadaros, who used to lease the premises now occupied by Mr Pizza, said he was unconcerned whether or not the potential rival came to town. Mr Spadaros has moved his business further down the street. “If he opens up, I’m not scared of him. He will bother for the first couple of months, because people will try him. After that it will go back to normal,” he said. South Gippsland Shire Council’s business support officer Alycia Stivic. said that “in an ideal world” there would be no empty shop fronts in the region, but it was not something over which councils had control. “When it comes to business it’s a private transaction between the owner and the tenant. So we can’t say whether a shop should be filled or not,” she said. “In regards to the situation of Mr Pizza not opening, that’s really the business owners’ responsibility. There could be a certain amount of reasons why he hasn’t opened, be it financial, family or he’s business planning. “In an ideal world it would be fantastic to have all the shops filled and operating. It does look a lot better, but it’s a personal business venture and unfortunately we can’t get involved.”

That empty feeling: Mr Pizza may come to town, the question is, when?

Awards keep coming for Kellys KELLY’S Bakery has won a silver and a bronze medal at the Great Australian Pie Competition. Held in Sydney this year, the contest drew entries from around Australia. Jason Kelly said the bakery won the silver medal for its Ned Kelly Pie, a delicious mixture of onion, bacon, egg, cheese and chunks of meat. “We dreamed it up and the customers like it; it’s popular,” he said. Top class: Jason Kelly making The judges liked it too. tops for his award-winning pies. The bronze medal was for Kel-

ly’s plain pie. Jason said the pies are judged on many aspects, including appearance, taste, texture, thickness of pastry, aroma and colour. As luck would have it, the pies he baked in the lead up to those needed for the competition were “fantastic”, as were those cooked the day afterwards. Alas, the competition pies were not up to what Jason had hoped. He’s determined to keep entering the contest so that Kelly’s can win an elusive gold medal. They are, according to Jason, very hard to come by.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 15

Poowong gets on its bike BIKE Ed State champions Poowong Consolidated School won their way to the regional ďŹ nal in Morwell on September 21 with a win at Lardner Park.

They will join Cowes, Newhaven, Nilma, Yarragon, Buln Buln, Boolarra and Grey Street Traralgon vying for a place for the State Final at Woodend in November.

East Gippsland and Wellington Shire challenges will be held on October 12 and 16 respectively at Bairnsdale and Sale. South Gippsland Roadsafe representative, Don Turner, presented the prizes and thanked South Gippsland Shire for their continued support in a very important Road Safety program. Poowong entered two teams against Leongatha and Nyora Prima-

ry Schools. Final scores were Poowong A 625 points, Poowong B 604, Leongatha 533 and Nyora 524. Prize winners were Best Boy: Reuben de Battista (Poowong A) 83 points out of a possible 85. Best Girl: Tahnae Bright (Poowong B) 84 points. Special Encouragement Awards went to Matthew Stewart (Leongatha) and Maddie Cavigan (Nyora).

Poowong rides on: Don Turner presents the trophy to the winning Poowong team with Michael Morgan (Baw Baw organiser).

Do you own or manage a river or creek frontage? Grants are currently available to help you manage your river or creek frontage. Melbourne Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River Health Incentive Program provides funding to help landowners, land managers, organisations and groups improve the condition and health of their waterways. Grants are available to assist with: â&#x20AC;˘ Fencing â&#x20AC;˘ Weed control â&#x20AC;˘ Revegetation â&#x20AC;˘ Off stream stock water systems â&#x20AC;˘ Maintenance of already fenced waterway frontages To be eligible you must live in the Port Phillip and Westernport region and own or manage land adjacent to a waterway. Preference is given to frontages of greater than 50m on priority rivers and creeks.

Both Poowong: Rueben de Battista and Tahnae Bright were best boy and girl, both representing Poowong.

Winning ways: Ashley Tilling of the Poowong A team with his trophy.

Making Victoria FireReady: To prepare for bushďŹ res, the Department of Sustainability and Environment is reducing fuels in Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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To apply for a grant, complete an expression of interest form available on Melbourne Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.melbournewater.com.au or contact the River Health Team on (03) 9235 2231 or email river.health@melbournewater.com.au

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Friends now: newly retired Gippsland Southern Health Service board member Les Eastman (left) chats with CEO Gary Templeton, outside the Hillside Lodge Leisure Centre. Their professional relationship got off to a rocky start, but 11 years on, that’s changed.

Unveiling: South Gippsland mayor Cr Jim Fawcett (right) unveils a plaque marking the ofﬁcial opening of the Hillside Lodge Leisure Centre watched by Gippsland Southern Health Service vice president David Harvey.

It’s official at Lodge By Jane Ross

SOUTH Gippsland Shire mayor Cr Jim Fawcett, ofﬁcially opened the Hillside Lodge Leisure Centre yesterday morning. He was a ﬁtting choice, having been president of the Gippsland Southern Health Service board of management when Hillside Lodge opened in 1994. Before unveiling a plaque to mark yesterday’s ceremony, Cr Fawcett expressed concern about what was behind the royal blue silk curtain to the right of the centre’s entrance. “I hope it’s not a photo of me; I think there’s one down the street!” He was referring to a series of billboards erected in Korumburra objecting to councillors’ stance on the rural strategy. Cr Fawcett said when Hillside Lodge opened “we chanced the Korumburra weather” to hold the ceremony outside. The crowd was less ambitious yesterday, preferring the comfort of the leisure centre as drizzle continued to fall. The mayor said he was treasurer of the then Woorayl District Memorial Hospital board when money was being raised to build Hillside Lodge, so he was not heavily involved in that. The Woorayl and Korumburra hospitals merged to form Gippsland Southern Health Service in 1994, the same year that Hillside Lodge opened. Community consultation was not to the fore when Hillside Lodge was planned and Cr Fawcett said he was pleased to see that had changed in the planning of the leisure centre.

“This will be a very valuable facility for the community, Hillside Lodge and Korumburra Hospital. “Leisure is the key word; I hope you enjoy it.” He commended benefactor Eunice Faddie, whose bequest of $245,000 made the facility possible. It cost $450,000, with the Friends of Hillside Lodge adding $50,000 to ﬁt out the hub and the board of GSHS putting in the rest. Eyeing the well appointed morning tea table, the mayor smiled and said. “When I ﬁrst joined the board, a familiar routine was scones with cream and jam. We were trying to save money so we stopped the scones, jam and cream for afternoon tea to cost cut.” Scones were off the menu for about a year and protests continued. “We really didn’t save any money. It’s nice to see them back on the agenda. And it’s nice to be back here as a former (board) president.” On behalf of the board, Mark Holmes paid tribute to Les Eastman of Korumburra, who has just retired. “During his 11 year association on the board, he has always been vocal, he’s the true character, the Korumburra lad.” Mr Holmes said Mr Eastman had been a great mentor whose commitment to the community was borne out by him listening and putting community views to the board “in a most forthright manner”. He recounted the work Mr Eastman had done when it looked as though Korumburra Hospital would disappear in a forced State Government merger with Woorayl.

“Les ﬁlled the recreation centre with 1000 people.” He also fronted the new CEO of the as yet un-named merged facility, Gary Templeton and said, “I don’t like you!” Happily, that distaste has waned. Mr Eastman told the gathering he had had “a great time” on the board. But, he was critical of Hillside Lodge for not using its bus to take residents out more often. “If you don’t come up with something, I’ll be on your wheel,” he warned.

Full house: Hillside Lodge Leisure Centre was packed for the ofﬁcial opening yesterday morning. South Gippsland Shire mayor Cr Jim Fawcett, chatted with the crowd before the ceremony.

RESIDENTS and staff at Hillside Lodge are very proud of the unique design of their home. Set up in units of ten rooms, each with its own dining and television area, the facility caters for 30 low care residents who appreciate the family atmosphere of being in small groups. Now, with their new leisure centre, they have the chance of all gathering together in a multi purpose hub that has plenty of room. Like the rest of Hillside Lodge, the centre is light and airy, the residents themselves having had considerable input into its construction. As the building has progressed, resident representatives have been able to offer suggestions at fortnightly meetings with the builders, to ensure that those who call Hillside Lodge home have a leisure centre that best suits their needs. The residents are responsible for the name too. “We took a survey and ‘leisure centre’ got the most votes,” said Dee Bradley, the lodge’s lifestyle and leisure co-ordinator.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 17

She is typical of the Hillside staff: enthusiastic, outgoing, gentle. As she guides a resident to the afternoon session of skittles, she places a friendly arm around the woman’s waist, chatting easily as they make their way down the wide passage. There are about 28 staff, some of whom are casuals. Supervisor Heather Taylor, who has held that role for seven years, said most of the staff are locals and have worked there long-term. So, when a new resident moves in, most of the staff already know that person and vice versa, easing the transition for the resident and adding to the friendly atmosphere. Hillside Lodge sits at the bottom of Bridge Road Korumburra, just below the Korumburra Hospital. For those with long memories, it is on the site where solicitor Herbert Birch used to live. The lodge opened in October 1994. Dee is very proud that this year, Hillside Lodge pipped its competitors to the post to win the Inter Lodge Games. Now that her charges have a brand new big room in which to practise and host

Knock ’em down: enjoying a game of skittles are from left Jock MacKay, Alan Coleman, Tony Wardle (in action) and Dorothy Berryman. The new centre will allow much more room for activities like this.

such contests, she’s hoping there’ll be more such trophies. The leisure centre will also help residents into the computer age, a wish that many have expressed. Thanks to a large screen which rolls down at the touch of a button, information on a computer will be visible to all who gather in the leisure centre. The news, the weather, topical events such as recent earth tremors, anything on the world wide web will be readily available. Dee said the screen will also allow the lodge’s activity plans to be discussed and planned by the resident body. She’s very excited at the potential of the centre and so are the residents. They had a sneak preview before Monday’s ofﬁcial opening and on Sunday afternoon, their families were invited in for a “viewing” and entertainment by the 18 piece Rathdowne Street Big Band. Thanks to the Friends of Hillside Lodge, there

Above: Your move: fresh from digging in the soggy garden, volunteer Andrew Gillman (centre) plays a game of noughts and crosses with Sam Chessari (left) and Ron Barnes. Top left: Grand ﬁnal: volunteer Bronwyn Wheeler (kneeling) helps from left, Betty Barry, Anna Van Eck, Lorna Oswald and Alma Robertson plan their tactics for Friday’s AFL grand ﬁnal fun.

are a number of glass fronted cabinets which will be used to add a yesteryear flavour to the new communal room. A multi media library is planned, with two residents already designated as librarians to catalogue books, CDs and DVDs. The hub has a kitchen too, which Heather and Dee say will allow greater flexibility for cooking activities. Until now, any cooking or baking has had to be geared around meal preparation in the lodge’s dining rooms. “We have theme and culture days,” said Dee, who is delighted that decorations for such events will be easier to put up and leave in place, instead of the difficulty of trying to accommodate that in the facility’s small dining areas. The hub can be accessed from the lodge or via a door on the hospital side leading to a car park, with plenty of room for buses or cars to pull up and deposit passengers at the entrance.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Grand Prix delays MOTORISTS are advised to allow extra travelling time when the Motorcycle Grand Prix is on at Phillip Island from October 16 to 18. Big crowds are expected. Trafﬁc is managed as well as possible, but Bass Coast Council is warning that there will be delays.

The introduction of destination-based parking should help traffic flow near the track. Council’s special events co-ordinator Frank Angarane, expects road works on the Bass Highway to be in manageable condition, but motorists should stick to speed restrictions and drive safely. There will be a reduced speed limit on the Bass River bridge. For advice about traffic safety,

ring VicRoads on 5172 2666. Up to 1000 riders are expected to take part in the annual Barry Sheene Memorial Ride from Bairnsdale on Thursday October 15. The ride is expected through Inverloch at 1.45 to 2.15, Wonthaggi between 2 and 2.30 and San Remo from 2.30 to 3. Riders will come through Leongatha on their way to Inverloch at around 1.30.

Making Victoria FireReady:

Science achievers: back: Jess, Steve, Blake, Tayla, Michelle, Paul, Caitlyn, Josh and Samantha; front: Jasmine, Jacob, Jacob, Aaron, Anne-Maree, Katelyn and Melissa were recognised for their excellent scores in an international science test.

KSC’s star students

Simpler rules for clearing trees and vegetation The Victorian Government has made it simpler for landowners in bushfire prone areas to reduce the bushfire risk around their homes as part of their wider preparations for the 2009/10 bushfire season. These changes are helping make Victoria as fire-safe and fire-ready as possible. 10/30 Right-Clearing Vegetation on Private Property If you own a property in a bushfire 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 bushfire 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 bushfire should prepare a bushfire survival plan prior to the start of the 2009/10 bushfire season. As part of this, residents

A PLETHORA of achieving students were recognised at Korumburra Secondary College at an assembly last month.

are encouraged to remove fine fuels such as long dry grass, fallen leaves and twigs around their homes. Bushfires are fuelled by the amount, availability and arrangement of surface and near surface fine fuels, including leaf litter, twigs and shrubs. Trees and elevated fuels such as bark can contribute to extreme fire behaviour. The ‘10/30 right’ is part of a suite of measures to help Victorians in bushfire 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.

Cross country: back: Todd, Michael, Bec, Amy, Daniel, Sam and Scott; front: Alanna, Tarli and Ashley. Both the male and female U16 teams won the Southern Zone ﬁnals.

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 bushfire risk. This includes conducting controlled burns on roadsides that are identified as high risk. Careful selection of sites will minimise the impact on important plants and animals. Victorians can remove fallen firewood 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

Senior girls netball ‘B’: holding certiﬁcates, Brooke, Sarah, Candice Jose and Caitlyn were the Southern Zone Gippsland champions.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 19

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 21

Talented teenage performer Tamika Ball steps into the demanding role of Cinderella in the musical Into the Woods by FAMDA on October 2. Reporter Bert van Bedaf spoke with her about her dreams, ambitions and aspirations.

Cinderella dreams “A DREAM is a wish your heart ma makes.”

It is the heartfelt song in the 1950 Walt Disney D ﬁlm Cinderella, when she encourages her animal a friends to never stop dreaming. “Have faith in your dreams and someday som If your rainbow will come smiling through. throu you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true,” Cinderella tells her friends. frien a At 17, Tamika Ball lives her dream to have h career in musical theatre and she is to determined to follow it right ri the end. young you “While you’re youn can chase your dream,” dream her mother Serena said. “You have a crack at it and make the choices you want to live with.” Serena and husband Steve, who run a dairy farm in Middle M Tarwin, are right behind the th ambitions of Tamika and their other daughter, Rhianna, 16, who is as a determined as her sister to have h successful performing arts career. caree Her choice is contemporary dance. “First I want a career in dance danc and then I want to teach, to share with others what I have learned,” Rhianna said. Right now, Tamika is preparp ing for a demanding singing si Cinderella in role. She plays Cindere the musical Into the Woods Amateur Muby the Foster Amateu Association. sic and Drama Assoc its gala The musical has it opening on Friday, October 2. In fact, the whole involved in family is involv the production. RhianR Beauty, na is Sleeping B while Serena assists in costume sewing s helps out and Steve hel backstage. “I love the Cinderella role,” said. “I Tamika sa wearing love w pretty dresses.” S h e won’t be won disapppointeed. She to gets wear a beautib ful ballroom dress, a wedding gown princess outand a princes Cinderella role: Talented Tamika Ball will moves from ﬁ t as she move play the major role of Cinderella in the musiforgotten girl to t the cal Into the Woods. Here she wears the ballprince’s favourite. favourite room gown and her golden slipper that lead Although Into the her to meet her prince. plots of Woods combines plo

Banking on it THE Inverloch and District Bendigo Community Bank has paid its ﬁrst dividend. Chairman Alan Gostelow, said shareholders would receive two cents per share for their portion of the $15,000 total dividend to be distributed. This is based on 750,010 shares issued at $1 each. “The result is a culmination of a lot of hard work and local support from the Inverloch and surrounding community,” he said. “The directors of the Community Bank® Company have decided the dividend is a fair reward to all the shareholders who initially funded the establishment of the branch and who have been patiently watching its development over the past three plus years. “Without their support the branch would not exist.” The company continues to support the Inverloch and district community via a range of donations, and sponsorships.

several Brothers Grimm stories, taking characters from such endearing tales as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella, it also follows its own creative path, which does not quite follow the traditional scripts. It takes some surprising twists. The storyline of the musical involves a baker and his wife and their “quest to begin a family”, with all the complications that entails. Into the Woods will see Tamika do “a lot of singing and acting”, with dancing taking a back step. “It is complicated; I sing a lot of songs and a lot of the time I’m walking with one shoe on,” Tamika said. “But I’m working with fantastic people. They are so good to work with, which makes it so enjoyable.” In Year 11 at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Tamika has been dancing for 10 years, learning all styles of dance. She has had success as a soloist, in a duo or trio and as a troupe member over the years. Her cabinet is brimful with winning trophies. This year’s highlights included placing first in the prestigious Carol Holman senior modern championship in Morwell and third in the classical championship as well as third in the Wally Melbourne memorial tap scholarship. In the last three years Tamika’s budding music theatre career has taken giant strides. In 2007 she performed as part of a group of dancers in FAMDA’s production of The Producers, which was her first foray into musicals. The following year she performed in the dancing chorus for Lyric’s production of Shout and had a singing solo. Last May Tamika joined another talented teenager, Leongatha Secondary College student Josh Gardiner in taking lead roles. They were the love interests in the spectacular production of The Witches of Eastwick by Leongatha Lyric Theatre. Since last year Tamika has developed a definite love for musical theatre, which has her acting and singing as well as dancing, which is the career combination of her dreams. However, she is not neglecting her first love. She is still a student at Lisa Pellin Dancers in Leongatha, attends lessons three nights per week and still competes in eisteddfods and other events. Summer holidays are spent attending casual master classes in Melbourne, where she is learning all sorts of interesting tricks of the trade. For example, an iPod comes in handy for learning lines. Fortunately, Tamika found she learns lines and lyrics fairly quickly. She will pursue her performance education at higher levels in coming years. Tamika started in gymnastics aged seven. After six months she discovered dance, which became her first passion. Gradually swimming, netball and horse riding fell by the wayside as she concentrated all her efforts on dance. “Dancing became bigger and bigger,” she said. By 1999 she began competing as part of a troupe and a year later she was winning her first solos, culminating in a promising musical career that might take her to the bigger stages in Melbourne and others, such as West End and Broadway, one day.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Senior school art exhibition

Different perspective: Cathy Jukes from Year 12 showing off her collagraph.

By Work Experience student Blake Johnson LEONGATHA Secondary College’s annual Senior School Art Exhibition will once again be running at 6.30pm, Friday October 16 in the arts wing at the school. The exhibition shows all kinds of art from fashion to photography and at about 7pm guest judge Ned Dennis from the shire will be announcing the winners of this year’s awards. Each VCE student studying one of the many arts that Leongatha has to of-

fer will all be required to show one or two pieces of their work on the night. Year 11 photography students Brooke Beaton and Emma Wilson are both entering two pictures that they have taken for their photography class into the show. Emma has taken pictures of her goldﬁsh in wine glasses and “hopefully this will win because it is different and makes boring old goldﬁsh interesting.” Brooke has taken a picture of a fountain she walked by in Melbourne. “It really caught my eye because water was spraying in every direction and the light coming in from behind

made it stand out,” she said. Brooke has also got a friend to take a photo of her “sitting on the moon” in Melbourne Museum where they have a template of the moon made exactly for that. She says that this is a part of an earlier photography era when, back in the 50s, people used to pay to get a photo very similar to this of them sitting on the moon. The art exhibition is sure to be a good one and anyone from the public can drop in to take a look. Student Ewan Cummings will also be playing some music on the night for entertainment; make sure you check it out.

Art alive: Brooke Beaton and Emma Wilson holding up their pictures which will be shown at the exhibition.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 23

New directions By Bert van Bedaf COAL Creek Heritage Village in Korumburra continues to develop in new directions. It now also has its own community gallery in the auditorium to show local and regional artists as well as major works from across Victoria. The exhibition will run until Wednesday, September 30. Mayor of South Gippsland Shire Council, Jim Fawcett opened the gallery last Friday week. The inaugural exhibition comprises 25 paintings from council’s own collection of art acquisitions, curated by well-known Korumburra art dealer Doug Kane. Cr Fawcett pointed out that the shire does not have a large collection and that there had been “very limited space to display the works acquired for public viewing”.

He emphasised that council continued to support the arts and culture through the extensive community grants program and marketing. The acquisitions illustrated tastes and trends over a number of decades, with landscapes the dominant theme. They included paintings by Fish Creek artist Bianca Biesuz-Stefani (two) and Inverloch’s Julie Lundgren Coulter (four). Older outstanding works were two oils by Harris Smith, Leongatha Landscape and Towards Leongatha (1987). A marvellous still life by Venus Bay artist Joanna Miles was acquired in 2003 and the fantastic print by another Fish Creek talent Kerry Spokes, titled The Gathering, stole the show. It was unfortunate that none of the artists, those still among the living,

were unable to attend this historic occasion, which provided a welcome approach to its public acquisition process. Similar exhibitions are sure to follow. The next shows at the new gallery will be a Japanese inspired, mixed media display by Suzanne Jones, who is part of the Anita Archer stable. Ms Jones has travelled widely and this is reﬂected in her work, which includes exquisite portraits. She lived in Hong Kong and the Oriental culture is a strong theme in her paintings. Her exhibition will open on October 2 and run until October 18. This will be followed with a prints exhibition by Lynn Keating, opening on October 23 and running until November 8. For details, call Coal Creek on 5655 1811.

Marbling image: artist Robert McLaren enjoyed a well-attended opening of his marbling exhibition at Gecko Studio Gallery in Fish Creek.

Marbled art PEOPLE who attended the opening of the marbling show at Gecko Studio Gallery in Fish Creek recently were “fascinated and intrigued” by the beauty and variation of the works. Robert McLaren and Joan Ajala were joint exhibitors with a ﬁne range and variation of the works. The show, called Marbled Papers, will run until October 17. “Robert’s landscapes look like photographic images and Joan’s twice marbled pieces are just beautiful,” gallery co-owner Michael Lester said. “Sales have been good and there has also been a great deal

Enterprising trio: from left, Coal Creek curator Shirlee McPherson, Coal Creek co-ordinator Rowena Ashley and South Gippsland shire acting economic development manager Ken Fraser helped make the gallery become reality. Art collection: Curator Doug Kane (left) and Mayor Jim Fawcett discuss the bright colours of The Great Southern Festival (in Korumburra) by Frank Smith at the new Coal Creek gallery, which opened last Friday.

of interest and critical acclaim.” “Joan has some small and affordable matted marble pieces and marble cards. She also has available a wide range of more traditional patterned marble pieces at reasonable prices in a portfolio set out on a table in the gallery,” Michael said. “Joan’s work is more experimental and her contemporary pieces are beautiful and as good as any created by the best in the world.” Michael and partner Kerry Spokes also celebrated the ‘opening’ of their newly extended gallery space with a cutting of the ribbon ceremony.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Moon rises again THE Shire of South Gippsland held their council meetings on Wednesdays closest to the full moon and they had their reasons. The meetings were often late affairs and councillors could sleep on the way home, because their horses would be able to see the track in the bright moonlight. Things were done this way a long time ago, but author and Oxford-educated historian Barry Collett has revived those early memories of South Gippsland in his book Wednesdays Closest to the Full Moon. At 51, he graduated Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, with a thesis in Italian intellectual history. He taught at the University of Melbourne during during 1992-2004 and then became Research Scholar in the Faculty of History at Oxford. The original version of the book was ﬁrst published by Melbourne University Press. Dr Collett launched it at Foster in October 1994. Now history is repeating itself. An updated version has been published by Fernbank Publication, which is a joint venture between Dr Collett and Meeniyan bookshop owner Peter Cvek, of Meeniyan Antiquities Bookshop. It has an additional chapter that includes happenings from the past 15 years. It will again be launched in Foster at the Exchange Hotel on Saturday, October 3, at 11am. Dr Collett will be available until 4pm to sign his book. The Federal Member for McMillan Russel Broadbent, the Leader of the Victorian Nationals Peter Ryan and South Gippsland Shire Councillor David Lewis will speak at the launch between 1.30 and 2.30pm.

Historic book: Locally raised Dr Barry Collett has updated his book on South Gippsland. Learning to ﬂy light aircraft, he recently visited Leongatha aerodrome. Dr Collett’s father, Len Collett, was the stationmaster at Toora and Korumburra. When he retired, he took up residence in Long Street, Leongatha, not far from the train station and railway track. Dr Collett is one of several authors who will conduct workshops at the Coal Creek literary festival, The Magic of Words, on October 10. His book traces the history of the southernmost part of the Australian continent from its indigenous inhabitants to the present day.

Dr Collett tells his story in detail but writes without academic jargon, using clear and imaginative language, laced with ﬂashes of lateral thinking, insight and new interpretations. An Oxford-educated professional historian of Renaissance Europe, he also knows every inch of the bush and the small towns of Gippsland. He grew up here and he has written from the heart, giving a fresh account of people of the past in the region. For inquiries, call 5664 0063.

Loch focuses on antiques LOCH possesses a rural charm enriched by its surrounding backdrop of rolling hills, colourful cottage gardens and township of original buildings. The township was established in 1876 and sits nestled in the Strzelecki Ranges of South Gippsland. It is ﬁtting that such an historic town would thrive on its renowned collection of antiques with its focus on the Annual Loch Village Antique Fair each year, held in a relaxed atmosphere and friendly crowd. This year’s fair will be the ﬁfth. It will be held at the Historic Loch Public Hall on Saturday and Sunday October 3-4, 2009. Exhibition times are 10am to 4pm. Entry is $5 per person. Resident Grahame Hastie is the fair’s convener and one of the vil-

lage’s experts on antiques. He owns Carringtons, a store that specialises in unique antiques. He has more than 30 years experience in the business. “It is a warm and intimate fair and displays the friendly ambience of Loch, creating a place for people to go and lose themselves for a couple of days,” Grahame said. The fair showcases the ﬁnest in antique china, glassware, furniture, lace and linen; traders come from all over Victoria. Patrons can also get their own collectables valued at the fair by experienced antique experts. This year’s Loch Village Antique Fair will beneﬁt Loch Public Hall Restoration Fund.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 25

Occupying the crease Graeme “Paddy” Watkins has been a ﬁxture in local cricket for decades. Described by one of his Fish Creek Tarwin colleagues as the best player in the competition for the past 20 years, there is no doubting his position as one of the all time greats of the local game. But at 45, Graeme reckons his days at the very top of the tree might have passed.

bowl quick at training because he would have killed most people, because that is what he liked to do. How did you go facing the standard of bowling in district cricket? You adapt. When I was playing thirds I was facing the district “ones” bowlers who were charging in, which was pretty daunting initially and you feared you would be killed (laughs), but it really helped your game, because that fear of being killed helped you get your head out of the way – usually. I think it was that fear that drove you to improve your game, because you just knew you had to be more alert, you had to concentrate better, you had to have better footwork and just improve every part of your game. They used to get me out a lot, but after three or four weeks you become – not comfortable with it – but you adapt.

There are lots of good players, but I’m not sure I’d be the best. I think the lack of quick bowlers helps me out, there’s not many quick bowlers around. You don’t like them quick more? I just think as you get older reﬂexes get slower and I think would sort me out more so than would someone who is 25.

any your they they

When you were 25 you were a lot more conﬁdent against pace? The quicks have never worried me, I’ve never worn a helmet – sorry, I wore one once – but as I’ve got older my reﬂexes are not as good and my eye is not as good. You must realise you have a real talent for the game. Do you enjoy that? Yeah. Probably right from an early age I’ve had lots of shots and it’s come fairly naturally, but I’ve also worked at it a fair bit and read lots of books. How far does talent take you, technique being another big factor in cricket? Talent takes you a fair way, but for me, it is from here up (motions above the shoulders). Lots of guys can make

brilliant 20s and 30s and there’s lots of guys who can do that much better than I will, but I can probably pace myself to go on and get better scores. It’s whether you get sucked in by the opposition or whether it is too hot, or if you feel the opposition has the better of you. If you just play each ball as it comes … you will live to ﬁght another day. What is it about cricket that keeps you coming back each year? I like being around the guys, particularly the younger guys. I’ve done a bit of coaching of junior cricket and have a real passion for trying to impart some of my knowledge onto the younger guys. It’s a good sport you can play at all ages. The ﬁtter you are the better, but you can still play cricket at 50 and not be left behind like other sports. Do you ever get bored when you’re

fielding? No. You never think, “gee I could be doing something else rather than standing around on an oval on a hot day”? I’ve never bowled that much, but even as a kid I learnt to enjoy fielding. I’m not sure why a lot of people are bored stiff after five minutes and then drop catches and miss run outs. Cricket can be a slow game where you might not participate for a whole day’s play. Do you think that could be a problem in attracting kids to the game? You’re asking the wrong person. (laughs). Yes, they seem to prefer 20/20 games where there is a lot of action. Personally, I much prefer to sit down and watch a test match, even if there was not

much happening. I get involved in the contest rather than seeing fours or sixes going over the fence. I like to see what the skipper is doing, how he is manipulating his bowling, how he is manipulating the ﬁeld, whether he has worked out the batsman and where he places his ﬁeld for him and then how the batsman responds to that and adjusts his game. Over a decade spent in various grades of district cricket saw Graeme facing some of the best bowlers in the state while playing for Waverley. With no helmet, he padded up to tear-away speedsters who wanted to knock over more than just his stumps. Rodney Hogg was the coach for one year – he was a great coach actually. He certainly got white line fever, though. He was more astute off the ground than I thought he might have been. He didn’t

As a non-cricketer, I marvel that batsmen can react to a ball being bowled from 22 yards at 140 km/h and have time to make a decision, adjust the footwork and hit the ball for six. Do you have a similar admiration for that sort of skill? I know at training last year, a ball reared up of a decent length and at the last minute I went like that (motions a bat going in front of his face). I didn’t think to do it, it just happened. If I hadn’t of done it it would have got me right between the eyes. It was just reﬂexes and technique. The more you face fast bowlers the better those parts of your game become. If I was thrown in front of fast bowlers now I would really, really struggle.

Who is the best you have faced in South Gippsland? Craig Mollison from Inverloch always used to get me out. He was just a good consistent bowler. He wasn’t lightning quick but he bowled with a bit of pace, put it in the right spot and just did enough with the ball to get me out.

Still helping out Child FIRST opening day MEL Thatcher does not let age get in the way of lending a hand. The 93-year-old helps at the Australian Red Cross fundraising shop in Inverloch every second Tuesday. She joined the shop a few months after the store opened in March 1988 and recently accumulated 21 years of service. Shop manager Lorraine Scott said Mel continues to make a signiﬁcant contribution. “We think it’s fantastic she still walks to the shop and she is much loved by all of our customers, and there is no sign of her slowing down,” she said.

By Work Experience student Blake Johnson

SOUTH Coast Child FIRST and Integrated Family Services ofﬁcially opened recently with morning tea, children’s activities and short speeches from John Lawrence (Kilmany Uniting Care CEO) and Val Callister (Dep. of Human Services Gippsland Regional Director). The building is located at the Kil-

many UnitingCare on Church St, Leongatha and its aim is to support vulnerable children, young people and their families in South Gippsland and Bass Coast. Kilmany UnitingCare, Anglicare Victoria, Bass Coast Regional Health, Berry Street Victoria and the Department of Human Services have formed a partnership in creating the service for local people. Child FIRST (Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team) work with children aged up to 17 years and their families who are experiencing difﬁculties, including

Above: Fun times: Jeremy, Sienna and Scott having a ball. Thanks a lot: Lorraine Scott, manager of the Australian Red Cross shop at Inverloch, presents Mel Thatcher with a gift of appreciation.

Right: Happy faces: Emma and Ruby enjoy face painting.

parents expecting a child. They are set up across Victoria and are a place where school, service providers, community members, or families can ring for advice or referral when concerned about a child or young person’s welfare. South Coast Integrated Family Services aims to work with families with an early intervention and solution focus to prevent involvement of Child Protection whilst promoting stability, development and safety within families.

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Nightmare scenario Book review by Robina Hunnam ON the surface The Pipes Called Them by Mirboo North author David Arnault reads as a cautionary tale of the dangers posed by the followers of a fundamentalist religion coming to political power and imposing their belief system onto an unwilling and uncomprehending population. We are fairly familiar with the results of Muslim fundamentalism being imposed on Middle Eastern countries, but David Arnault asks us to consider the ramifications of Christian fundamentalism having the same political power in America, and he projects it forward in time to one not impossible, outcome. The Pipes Called Them is written in three separate parts. Each part is narrated by a different family member who offers the reader a unique viewpoint of the world events around them and how these events impact on their own personal journey. The first part is called “Independence” and initially, the reader is uncertain of where and when the storyline opens. The first clue is a child-like map of “the Island” which appears to be floating in time as well as space. “Stick” then speaks, slowly revealing his story and that of the island. Stick is a slave on a pig farm which had been seized along with most of the island after a long and brutal war by religious fundamentalists who now call themselves “the Republic”. As a slave, Stick not only has no rights but has to work on the farm which his parents owned and on which he was born. Most of the southern part of the island has been taken over by the Republic and converted to pig farms, but the mountain that rises beyond and north of the farm forms a natural barrier, its terrain inaccessible to the Republicans on the farm or from their law-enforcers. It is in this natural wilderness where na-

David Arnault ture has been undisturbed that Stick intuitively seeks peace and privacy. It is also here that his dead mother speaks to him and where he begins to see himself in relation to the Republic clearly. It is on the mountain that Stick meets Lu, a native rebel who teaches him to track and hunt, and to understand fully the pain of the disempowered and disenfranchised natives of his country. Lu teaches Stick to ﬁght intelligently and effectively on an individual level and it is with Lu and the people who help and support them that Stick learns of the history and rise of the Republic, the use of violence to protect a belief system, and the role fear plays in the leadup to aggression. Part Two of the book, “Hubris”, is narrated by Stick and Lu’s son Dorje many years later. The family has taken refuge from the Re-

public and its so-called “judges” at an abandoned Buddhist Abbey on the northernmost tip of the island and have made a home there with Esther, a Buddhist and the widow of a Republican governor. But the war comes to the Abbey, and Dorje decides reluctantly to fight with the rebels and by doing so is made aware of the paradox that when you fight for your beliefs you can be in danger of betraying them. Meanwhile Dorje’s older sister, Pema, is sent to Europe to be educated and later to work for the equivalent of today’s United Nations Peace keeping Forces, leaving Dorje to fight for his country’s freedom with the enigmatic Thomas, his mentor and friend. Part Three is called “Light”. The battle has been fought, but the subsequent challenge of constructing an administrative base and future government of a population of mixed races and religious beliefs has to be negotiated creatively if future “Republics” are to be avoided. I suppose this book could be classified as “science fiction/ fantasy” and could certainly be read that way. But it has so much more to offer than just a good read. It is the story of a lost and dominated people, but it is also the story of the courage needed for individuals to fight for self-knowledge before they can even begin to fight for the freedom to exercise their beliefs. There is pain as well as salvation in selfknowledge and this is as true for the collective life of a country striving for self determination as it is for the individual. David Arnault lives and writes in Mirboo North. Books can be purchased from: The Wren’s Nest, 90B Ridgway Mirboo North, 5668 1776, and Health & Energy Education Centre, 17 A’Beckett Street Inverloch, 5674 3181 or by contacting David directly: darnault@bigpond.net.au.

Cough vaccine Art show popular OVER 500 entries have been received from artists and photographers from all over Victoria and interstate for the 2009 Leongatha Rotary Art Show. This number includes 47 entries in the new youth category, from the 24 young artists who are competing for the president’s award for young artists. Art show co-ordinator, Rotarian David John, is thrilled with the number of entries and is anticipating another excellent collection of works for the people of Leongatha to view. “I hope that many will find a painting or photograph that will adorn a wall in their home or office,” David commented. New lighting has been installed for this event, while the set out on the floor of the hall has been revamped in an attempt to make all entries more accessible for viewing. The exhibition will be held in the Leongatha Memorial Hall on Friday to Sunday, October 9 to 11. An official opening will take place from 7.30pm on the Friday night, while public viewing will commence at 1pm on that day. The event will be open from 10am to 7.30pm Saturday, October 10 and 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday, October 11. All proceeds from this event are used by Rotary to support local and international charities.

IN A concerted effort to combat the high incidence of whooping cough in South Gippsland, South Gippsland Shire Council is offering free Boostrix vaccines to the first 90 parents of newborn babies to register with council. “We have the highest rate of whooping cough in Victoria, and as new born babies can’t be immunised until they are two months old, we hope that by immunising their parents we will help reduce the baby’s vulnerability to this stressful disease,” council’s immunisation co-ordinator Tim De Vere said. “We have been able to secure just 90 free vials of vaccine under a funded initiative, so it will be first in, first served. Those who miss out will still be

Meals roster (Leongatha) Lions Club, S. Birch and Rotary will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning October 5, 2009.

able to be vaccinated. They will just need to book in so that their vaccine can be ordered and pay the normal charge of $32.” Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and is spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing to 70-100 per cent of susceptible household contacts and 50-80 per cent of susceptible school contacts. Whooping cough is particularly serious in infants under 12 months of age, while older children and adults usually have a milder form of the disease. Symptoms may vary for different ages but initial symptoms are usually similar to a cold. Severe cases develop sudden attacks of repetitive coughing and often a characteristic ‘whoop’ as the person gasps for breath. Not all cases get the ‘whoop’. Babies may stop breathing (apnoea). Vomiting often follows a coughing spasm. A person with whooping cough is infectious for up to three weeks after they start coughing. The cough may last for months. Babies are at risk from birth as no pertussis protection is passed from mother to newborn infant. Complete immunisation

of children remains the most effective measure to control whooping cough. Pertussis vaccination is offered as part of the government funded immunisation program for children at 2, 4, 6 months, at 4 years and in year 10 of secondary school (or 15 years of age). Adult pertussis booster vaccines (combined with diphtheria and tetanus) are recommended for groups who have previously completed a primary (childhood) course of vaccine. They are adults before planning pregnancy or for both parents as soon as possible after birth; adults working with or caring for very young babies, especially health-care workers and child-care workers; and any adults wishing to protect themselves against whooping cough. Immunisation sessions are held on a monthly basis at Leongatha, Korumburra, Foster, Mirboo North, Nyora and Fish Creek and parents can have their vaccinations at any of these locations. Parents keen to take advantage of the free vaccine are asked to call 5662 9200 to book their appointment or seek further information.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 27

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

SEVEN lucky Leongatha Secondary College students have had the experience of a lifetime as part of their Japanese language studies. They spent the last three weeks of Term Three in Japan where they not only visited Kyoto and Tokyo but stayed in Toyama where Leongatha Secondary has a special Sister-school relationship with Toyama Dai Ichi High School. The exchange program, which was established over a decade ago, is maintained through the efforts of both Australian and Japanese families who work together to provide home-stay home stay

arrangements that take students into homes where a full cultural immersion experience can be had. Japanese homes where students stayed were varied but all were very different to ours. One of the biggest differences students learned quickly was about just how many steps and stairs most Japanese take for granted every day. Being away from home for the ﬁrst time, travelling all the way to the other side of the world and moving into a house where little or no English is spoken is a huge challenge, but each of the young people managed it

Toyama aam assisting at nr ge Ey ia nt Be Helping hand: kindergarten.

extremely well. All were spoken of very highly by their host families and there were tears when they had to pack up to leave. Students enjoyed a range of activities as part of their special enrolment at Toyama Dai Ichi High School, including learning how to perform a traditional Tea Ceremony, Ikebana and Japanese Calligraphy. While the three “s” practice off silence, smile, sleep - may work for some Japanese students, our Leongatha students found they were far too busy negotiating the corridors of a multi storey school that is much bigger than any they have seen before. h They worked hard being interviewed by every English class, struggled with developing their own Japanese speaking d skills very quickly and ﬁtting into a sk school routine which saw some of them sc getting ready for school before 6am and g not n getting on the bus to go home until nearly 7pm. n Some had school days 14 hours long lo and school on Saturday morning as well. Australian students found the long hours quite a surprise, especially when h some so of their host brothers and sisters also al attended “jukus” – extra school, in the evening. To top it off – Toyama Dai Ichi High H students had to wear their school uniform to and from camp – on the un weekend! w On the other hand, students were impressed by the range of activities im students take up through the school st which in Australia would be supported w by community. All Japanese students are involved in clubs which are richly varied

Japan style: Kay la Jolley wearing the kimon o presented by her host family .

a n d which change on a seasonal basis. Sports, community participation, volunteering, cultural activities, ﬁne and creative arts, personal development and developing skills for employment are all part of the clubs agenda. Unwinding at Tokyo Disneyland was also a highlight of the return leg of the

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8190

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

You can count on loved ones to be supportive, though in a quiet way. A home improvement project could grind to a halt on the weekend. It may appear that work efforts may not be appreciated but don’t jump to conclusions. TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

You have more fun being a spectator than a participant in your week’s varied activities. You could be working overtime to solve a family problem, but it pays off by Friday. GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

A conservative approach is favoured in relationships and at the workplace. A neighbourhood project is more exciting than you might think. A conﬂict with a relative ends by the weekend. CANCER - June 22 - July 22

A money making opportunity could open up this week and travel is mixed with romance. Prepare for many types of delays on the weekend and watch out for rivals at the workplace after the weekend. LEO - July 23 - August 22

If planning to relocate, you could run into a temporary snag. Use the week to chase up debts. A domestic stalemate ends by the weekend. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

News is buzzing all about you, but don’t take it too seriously. The light touch is stressed all week despite new hassles at work. An older relative supports your ideas. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Communications improve and while you and a loved one may not see eye to eye, you do understand and respect the other viewpoint. Avoid informal transactions and be alert to investments involving land. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

This is a favourable week for buying, selling and investing. Tensions in a relationship ease, with the prospect of a contract signing by Thursday. The job situation improves. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Spend more time listening to and encouraging children. There is a ﬁnancial theme to the week. It could be a great time to launch a business venture. Make the weekend an athletic time. CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

Your ego receives a boost by Friday, thanks to gestures by friends and superiors. Inspiration strikes at the oddest moments, so keep pad and pencil at hand wherever you may be. AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

The week ﬁnds you sharing the limelight with a surprise personality. Be prepared to update some of your favourite ideas. Resist do-ityourself projects, especially mechanical ones, on the weekend. PISCES - February 20 - March 20

A companion surprises you with his/her wide range of talents while you beneﬁt from narrowing your range of interests. Loyalties are proven and you can sleep a little easier now. BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You have a great capacity for love - of all humanity, yet sometimes you worry too much about your personal security. The creative approach can be the proﬁtable one especially in your career. A long range goal comes into view.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, September 30: 11am St Peter’s MidWeek HC. Friday, October 2: 7.30pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk HC. Sunday, October 4: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Contemporary Worship with HC. 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, October 4, 9am and 10.45am. Tarwin Lower: 10.30am (HC). Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Geoff Smith and Rev. Jim Foley, 5655 1997. BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Phone 5658 1366. BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www.wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769. MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall. COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm. SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627. FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

trip. Tokyo railway stations and the intensity of the population was an experience in itself but all returned to Leongatha with a wealth of stories to share with families and friends, and all were glad to be back in familiar Aussie territory.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 15. 17. 19. 20.

ACROSS Ship (11) Mineral (4) Robust (8) Walk (6) Cash in (6) Cloth (6) Clamour (6) U.S. state (8) Commonsense (4) Absolute (11)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 18.

DOWN Vegetable (8) Tool (6) Animal (6) Potentate (4) Suffer (6) Intended (5) Explode (8) Hatred (6) Elaborate (6) Fruit (6) Circular (5) Recreation (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8190 ACROSS 6. Booze found in the trunk? (4,7). 7. Care to look after it? (4). 8. In the botttom line writing “Asiatic” (8). 9. Learned right away it listed (6). 10. Make sure the dog is inside, safe (6). 12. These ordered a Sunday paper (6). 15. Put out by the opening of the bar: it’s so sudden (6). 17. Does turn in less agitated (8). 19. I have to go back to get a letter (4). 20. No trouble to catch on to, having handles? (4,2,5). DOWN 1. Make it brief, do, stupid! (8). 2. Don’t allow the base to be spiky (6). 3. They are, we’re told, remains of the dead oarsmen (6). 4. Climb up to get a bone (4). 5. With the slammer not so far away! (6). 6. About to strike, we are clearly frightened (5). 11. It’s worn by the character I see on horseback (8). 13. “A blunder!” he wails (6). 14. Tells on and there are tears (6). 15. Give as a token, say (6). 16. Take lodgings with on return, too (3,2). 18. One’s out to do some prying (4).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 29

THIS 150 acre Cross Tasman property, with a large home, at Moyarra is proﬁled on page 30.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mirboo North lifestyle

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 licence 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: $399,000. Agent: Rodwells Real Estate, Leongatha. Contact: Kristin Richardson 0427 092 983.

Smart thinking T

EN minutes from Korumburra in the delightful locality of Moyarra is an interesting property of 60.70 ha (150 acres), which offers a number of choices to generate an income. Set in a commanding position with delightful rural views from every window, the two storey, five bedroom, three bathroom home has a self-contained area downstairs (two bedrooms, kitchen/family, lounge and bathroom) and another on the upper level (three bedrooms, bathroom, lounge/family and kitchen). Also on the ground floor is a huge indoor pool and spa with excellent natural lighting. An adjoining recreation area includes a rumpus room with open fire and a conveniently placed bathroom/change room. This area provides access to the double garage and laundry. A huge, high clearance shed with concrete floor, would be ideal for a purchaser looking for industrial or commercial usage (STCA) and additional shedding includes two

machinery sheds, workshop and deer shed. The contour of the land is rolling to some hill and is mostly tractorable. Stock water is from a series of dams to troughs.

The asking price of $895,000 is considerably below a recent registered valuation, making this a wonderful buy for an enterprising purchaser who can see the possibilities this property has to offer.

At a glance Location: 210 Hairs Road, Moyarra. Price: $895,000. Agent: Cross Tasman Realty. Contact: Gary Walker 0400 106 801.

Auction action A

423 acre property at Fish Creek sold for $2,284,200 on September 18.

About 250 people watched the auction as the price of the Falls Road property increased from $4000 an acre to $5400. The buyer lives in South Gippsland. John O’Connor of Stockdale & Leggo was the auctioneer. “There was great interest in the property because of its proximity to Fish Creek, good improvements and very good terrain,” he said. Stockdale & Leggo were selling the property “under instructions from the receivers and managers”. The property had a herringbone dairy, ﬁve bedroom home, two other dwellings and a 40 megalitre dam. Elders sold 60 Fitzgeralds Road, Bena for $353,000 at auction on September 19. Five people were bidding, three of whom were Melbourne-based. Eventually a local purchased the 2.171 acre property with a four bedroom home. Elders agent Zel Svenson said about 60 people attended the auction. “We were very happy with the result and have a huge demand for lifestyle properties under $400,000,” she said. Meanwhile an industrial shed on Lower Franklin Road, Foster didn’t sell at auction on September 19.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 31

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

You can Bank on its charm! E

ARLY 20th century bank buildings can usually be relied upon for character-ﬁlled ambience, beautiful architectural features and period detail.

The Old Colonial Bank in Mirboo North ﬁts all of these attributes and has a commanding and attractive street presence. The opportunity exists to both live and work from one premises, either continuing with an antique business, or establishing something new, right in the heart of Mirboo North’s township. As an alternative, utilise the entire building for a commercial enterprise, and/ or build your own residence at the rear. Possibilities abound, and of course are subject to council approval. There are six generous rooms from which

to plan your accommodation and/or business needs, plus an updated kitchen with adjoining meals area, separate bathroom, and laundry. The ceilings are up to 14’ high and most are pressed metal. Other period features include leadlight, deep skirting boards, Baltic pine flooring, ornate fireplaces and picture rails. At the rear of the building, you will find an attractive undercover porch area, established gardens and various utilities shedding. The block is deep, with access at the rear to Burchell Lane, offering additional flexibility for your lifestyle or business needs. Mirboo North is an attractive, thriving township with increasing tourist activity, just 40 minutes to Warragul and 20 mins to Leongatha.

At a glance Location: 60 Ridgway, Mirboo North. Price range: $310,000-$340,000. Agent: Prom First National, Meeniyan. Contact: 5664 0224.

Solid, functional and practical T

HIS comfortable brick veneer home is only a short four or ﬁve minute stroll to the popular Inverloch Inlet beach. The home is very well presented and includes four bedrooms, open plan kitchen, dining and living with cathedral ceiling. Stay comfortable all year round with a solid fuel heater and air conditioner. The main bedroom has an en suite and bedrooms have built-in robes. If you are an entertainer there are three outdoor living areas plus a hot-tub spa. The well landscaped native gardens provide both an attractive setting and great privacy. Plus there’s a double lock-up garage with three phase power for the blokes. This is a low maintenance, comfortable home or an investment property.

At a glance Location: 16 Meanderri Drive, Inverloch. Price: $440,000. Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Inverloch. Contact: 5674 1111.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 33

N AY P E ND O SU IS TH

HE OTH T S TO B LATION & BUYERS! U T A R CONG Y VENDORS HAPP

work-from-home near rail trail and Koonwarra Behind a treed screening, this lifestyle oasis on a beautiful, 1 acre garden allotment enjoys glorious countryside views. It features a side road entrance, studio/home ofﬁce, 2 living areas, roomy kitchen and 3 spacious bedrooms plus a huge 14 x 7m (approx) brick garage URL. The prominent position will suit an enterprise requiring good exposure and convenient access, STCA. Address 4 Beilbys Road, Leongatha/Koonwarra To Suit Buyers $375,000 - $410,00

town & country in one special package - 1.5acres A character cottage just minutes to the shops. It’s gorgeous: the jewel in the town this historical home has original timber features, stained Superb craftsmanship in the 72,000 bricks laid, the fully networked technology, the outstanding hardwood floors, picture rails and magnificent views. Pens infrastructure in the three separate levels of comfortable space incorporating a full parents-only storey, a for chooks/pets, shedding, circular drive, fruit trees, 2 BRs sprawling family storey, 4 bedrooms, a 9 square loft, PLUS 16 squares of garaging. Stairways of blackwood and 2 sep. living areas, walk in pantry, wood heater - a cutie! and steel, bench tops of granite, walls of colour, 5-zoned electric floor heating, ducted vacuum, laundry Open to Inspect Sunday, 1.00-1.30pm chute, easterly balcony views. A superb home built to entertain and to please. Address 50 Giles Street, Mirboo North Address 22 Valley View Crescent, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $600,000 - $650,000 To Suit Buyers $310,000 - $339,000

T AY) SAET D

T RK ECA MA P R S R

IN NWA O (K

T AY) SAET D

T RK ECA MA P R S R

IN NWA

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S Tuscan summers ~ as featured by The Age At the end of a private lane is this 10-acre epitomy of country living. A delightfully renovated 3BR home with wood-ﬁred heater and big picture windows, picturesque dam, and 6 acres of income-producing olive trees! Exotic garden, fruit trees, veggie patch, paddock with loading ramp, & huge storage shed. Open to Inspect Saturday, 11.30 - 12.00 pm Address 15 Hanks Road, Nerrena (via Leongatha) To Suit Buyers $495,000 - $540,000

save up to $29,500 with the ﬁrst home owner grant! 13.5 acres! 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. 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! Open to Inspect Meet the Agent on site, discuss the possibilities. Saturday, 11-11.30pm Address Meeniyan-Nerrena Rd (Cnr G.Browns Rd) To Suit Buyers $190,000 - $210,000

low maintenance living! Elegant, modern, and decorated in soft neutral tones, the interior provides surprising space to enjoy relaxed living and dining. Plenty of cupboards and storage, a big bright kitchen, large ﬁtted laundry and roomy tiled bathroom, 2 bedrooms with built-ins, garage with direct in-home access and no body-corporate – it’s on its own title with street frontage. Address 1B Owen Street, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $215,000 - $235,000

N AY P E ND O SU IS TH

under

ct a r t n c 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

, UR

T SA

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, covered outdoor area. Prominent street presence and rear laneway access. Outstanding value, on 763 sqm approx. Open to inspect Sunday, 12-12.30pm Address 60 Ridgway, Mirboo North To Suit Buyers $310,000 - $340,000 the WOW factor - just bring the Butler Why bother building? Surrounded by other quality new homes, in a shiny new area of Leongatha, this is it. Three amazing living spaces include a theatre room. The kitchen is stunning, with stainless steel appliances and an adjoining “Butler’s Pantry” featuring 2nd sink and 2nd dishwasher. The master bedroom suite features double vanities, gorgeous pebble and stone ﬁnishes, a “walk in” doorless shower, and separate hidden loo. The garage has two separate direct access points into the home. The third living space, the rumpus, opens directly onto the purpose built al fresco dining area. Informal living space adjoining the kitchen is massive, leaving room for generous dining, and big furniture for lounging! Don’t pass this buy!

S R,

stake your claim: freehold for sale, shops for lease, &/or business to buy! A commanding corner site in the hub of Meeniyan’s shopping strip with high exposure. FREEHOLD FOR SALE: Four retail premises on single title. To suit buyers $165,000 - $180,000. SHOPS FOR LEASE: Shop “A”: Rent $100 pw; Shop “B”: Rent $145 pw. BUSINESS FOR SALE: Thriving takeaway food business & café occupying the centre two shops. Secure long term lease. WIWO $99,000.

“grant us our ﬁrst home heaven” 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. 3 bedrooms, modern kitchen, new carpets, renovated bathroom with dual vanities, ﬁtted laundry, s/s ac plus big 6x11m garage/shed, gorgeous rear gardens, town & tank water! Open to inspect Thurs 6.00 - 6.30pm, Sat 11-11.30am

Open to inspect Thursday 6pm - 6.30pm Saturday 12 - 12.30pm Address 5 Eleanor Crt Leongatha To Suit Buyers $380,000 - $415,000

Address 12 Meikle Street, Meeniyan To Suit Buyers $180,000 - $195,000

Call Us!

for your fresh fresh Spring Campaign!

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

glenys foster

lisa williams

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Springs Estate A

LEX Scott & Staff is the agent for Leongatha’s newest premier housing estate, with building blocks of just over one acre in size. Located in Boags Road, the estate is fully developed with bitumen

roads, kerb and channelling, modern lighting and young trees. Blocks in Springs Estate range in size from about 4003m2 to 5889m2. Make your new address Tarwin Ridge Boulevard, Darleen Court, or Boags Road; the choice is yours. As a spring bargain, Lot 43

At a glance Location: Boags Road, Leongatha. Price: from $189,950. Sole agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 0922.

Darleen Court is a special price of $189,950 and Lot 44 Darleen Court is $195,950. With house building soon to commence, call into the ofﬁce now and speak to Andrew or Peter for more information.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 35

In mint condition C

ONSTRUCTED in 1896 this a grand old lady, called Aero View, is in mint condition. Generally most of the home is in its original condition, but of course some of today’s comforts have been added over the years.

The home has Baltic pine ﬂoors, pine lined walls and ceilings. Beautiful high ceilings and lead-

light features are wonderful reminders of yesteryear. The home comprises four bedrooms, two with beautiful ﬁreplaces and two separate living areas - both with great ﬁreplaces. An attractive pine kitchen with large 900mm stove complements the home. This property has been beautifully maintained and recently a garage/ games room has been added. Aero View sits proudly in a

At a glance Location: 13a Steele Street, Leongatha. Price: $575,000. Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha. Contact: John O’Connor 0416 193 990.

sprawling garden in one of the most sought after areas of Leongatha. The land is zoned residential and subject to council approval does have subdivisional potential. The vendors are moving to a smaller property and a substantial quantity of antique furniture can be purchased with the property. Your inspection of this ﬁne property is invited.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The perfect South Gippsland combination N

EVAHRUO is superbly located in an elevated position on 71.11 acres with commanding views overlooking Leongatha township.

At a glance Location: Potter Road, Leongatha. Price: suit $1,000,000 buyers. Agent: Elders, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 3523, Zel Svenson 0438 636 290 or Don Olden 0417 805 312.

It is on the north west boundary of Leongatha within 90 minutes drive of Melbourne CBD. The property boasts a charming Victorian residence surrounded by attractive heritage gardens. The home has been renovated with taste, style, and quality throughout; nothing has been spared. To begin with it has been rewired, plumbed, partially restumped, with almost all new windows, and weatherboards. Inside, the home offers a superb kitchen with Caesar Stone bench tops, European stainless steel appliances, and ample storage. It opens into a large open plan dining and living area, which features an open fire place, and has a reverse cycle for heating and cooling convenience. Off the hallway that features the original lining boards are three generous sized bedrooms, all with some original features including high ceilings, open fire places, and highly polished Jarrah floor boards. The master bedroom is spacious and has a large en suite which includes spa bath, and dressing room. The library or second living room is a lovely quiet room with ample storage and could be easily converted to a fourth bedroom if required.

Outside the property is equally impressive; it boasts excellent shedding including double garage, workshop, large machinery shed and smaller storage shedding surrounded in gorgeous highly maintained established gardens. Currently leased to grow snow peas, the land is gently undulating with rich red soils. There’s ample water from the spring fed dam and coupled with South Gippsland’s high rainfall it would accommodate many different farming enterprises. Nevahruo offers the perfect combination of rural living with town convenience and modern comforts.

Attention to detail H

ERE’S a brand new home with a brilliant design at Venus Bay. This home is craftsman built with attention to detail. It features three large bedrooms, the master with an en suite, and sec-

ond bathroom for visitors. The home boasts large, open plan living leading on to a very large, private deck area. Its modern kitchen has an island bench with the sink. There’s also reverse cycle air

conditioning and polished ﬂoors. This modern home is still under the builder’s guarantee and is a short walk from the local shops and the pristine beaches of Venus Bay. This new home is certainly worth taking the time to inspect.

At a glance Location: 9 Woorak Avenue,Venus Bay. Price: $385,000. Agent: Alex Scott & Staff,Venus Bay. Contact: 5663 7111

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 37

IT might seem a long way off, but time goes fast when you’re having fun. The Meeniyan Carnivàle, to be held on November 20-22, will be lots of fun. Lyrebird is celebrating 10 years of presenting live music and the township of Meeniyan is joining in the celebrations. The weekend will kick off on Friday night with an event at the Meeniyan Hall, seeing Ash Grunwald with his new band, followed at 10.30pm by Liz Stringer at the Meeniyan Hotel. On Saturday, events start at 10am. The main street in front of the hall will be closed to trafﬁc and there will be things happening everywhere in the town. There will be something for everyone, with live music into the streets from the front of the hall between 10am and 4pm. Artists will include Lisa Miller, Chuck Jenkins, Liz Stringer and Van Walker. Children’s activities will include a giant slide, mechanical bucking

bull, jumping castle, face painting and mask making. All shops will be open. The street will be home to a farmers market, massage, craft stalls, yoga, vintage cars, special exhibitions and wine tastings at the Meeniyan Art Gallery and a number of workshops in mask making, oil distillation and woven baskets. Well-known Meeniyan resident and music buff, Eric Mould will give an introduction to the history of American recorded Jazz and Lyrebird artistic director Susan Purdy will demonstrate with participants invited in arranging the ﬂower displays for the hall for the concerts on Saturday and Sunday night. All workshops, live music and the children’s activities will be free on the Saturday between 10am and 4pm. There will also be a number of other ‘giveaways’ on the day. On Saturday night The Audreys will perform at the hall, followed by Van and Cal Walker at the Meeniyan Hotel. Sunday from 9am until 11am, there will be a free street breakfast in

the undercover area next to the hall. The HymnFest in the Park will start at 1pm, followed by a Sunday Jam Session at the hotel. The grand ﬁnale will be special. Exactly 40 years ago The Rolling Stones performed one of the greatest live albums, Get Your Ya Ya’s Out. Rock legend Tim Rogers (You Am I) has assembled an all-star cast. They are coming down to Meeniyan to perform the album live. Tim is not only excited about performing the music, which features such classics as Jumping Jack Flash, but he is going overboard on wardrobe choices. Anyone who has anything left over from the 1960s in the wardrobe is encouraged to wear it on the night. All tickets are on sale at various outlets, or phone 5664 9239 or email: lyrebirdarts@hotmail.com.

Great parade: Carnivales around the world feature grand parades that attract large crowds.

New spring marketing campaign DESTINATION Gippsland is springing into spring with the announcement today of the new Spring marketing campaign. The launch, held at Wilsons Promontory, announced a number of new marketing initiatives that will boost tourism into the area and highlight Gippsland’s nature-based tourism assets. The marketing campaign is aimed at increasing visitation and yield into the Gippsland region by enticing Melbourne consumers to visit the National Parks within the region – particularly Wilsons Promontory, Tarra Bulga and Bunurong marine park. The campaign will continue to promote the award-winning “inspired by Gippsland” brand and focus on Wilsons Promontory as the marketing “hook”. Guest speakers at the launch included Craig Stubbins, acting regional manager East Region Parks Victoria, Cr John Duscher, mayor of Bass Coast, Cr Mohya Davies of the South Gippsland Shire Council and Terry Robinson, CEO of Destination Gippsland. As the peak tourism body for the region, Mr Robinson outlined the importance of Destination Gippsland’s role in encouraging a collaborative approach by local, regional and state tourism bodies. “The Spring campaign is a great example of how the Gippsland tourism industry continues to work together in a collaborative effort to boost tourism

Launch pad: Tidal River was the scene of the campaign launch last week.

Hot stuff: coffee cups will be used to promote Gippsland in Melbourne cafes.

within the region”. The spring marketing campaign industry partners include Destination Gippsland Ltd, Parks Victoria, Tourism Victoria, South Gippsland Shire Council, Wellington Shire Council, East Gippsland Shire Council, Prom Country Regional Tourism, East Gippsland Regional Business and Tourism Association and Bass Coast Business and Tourism Partnership. The $150,000 campaign will include: • Extensive print and radio publicity • Installation of posters at Melbourne tram stops • Digital website banners • Email promotions. The campaign also uses branded printed coffee cups as a marketing promotion for the campaign. Over 60, 000 coffee cups have been distributed throughout CBD cafes in Melbourne. The cups highlight Gippsland’s iconic national parks including Tarra Bulga, Bunurong and Wilsons Promontory. With a focus on springtime colour and rejuvenation, the campaign will highlight Gippsland’s many naturebased attractions. Key objectives will be to increase regional visitation and spending, minimise bushﬁre impact and to increase awareness of Gippsland domestically.

Asthmatics breathe easier PAUL O’Connell describes the incidence of asthma in Australia as an epidemic, which is “tragic”.

A sufferer himself from the age of ﬁve, he was hospitalised, medicated and had his life restricted by the condition. Early in 1994, he watched a television current affairs program about a breathing method that promised relief to those with asthma. It tweaked his interest and though he was sceptical, he decided to ﬁnd out more. The method is called Buteyko and Paul found that it worked. He has been free of medication for 15 years. He learned it from Alexander Stalmatski, who had introduced it to Australia from Russia in 1990. Paul was so taken with the results, he said he tried to raise awareness through the media, health authorities and politicians. They appeared to know little about Buteyko, named after the Russian professor of medicine

who developed it in the 1950s. So, Paul decided the best thing was to train as a Buteyko practitioner, teach the method and establish a professional organisation to provide information. He has taught around Australia, in the United Kingdom, United States, Cuba, Italy and Turkey. Now, he is coming to South Gippsland. The Buteyko Institute of Breathing and Health, of which he is CEO, is running free seminars in Leongatha, Inverloch and Foster, on Monday October 19. These, he said, would be of great interest to asthmatics and also those with snoring and sleep apnoea difﬁculties. In fact, the latter two conditions are the main reasons people come to Buteyko. The information sessions will be followed that week by Buteyko breathing courses of 90 minutes over four occasions. Paul regularly conducts courses for adults and children and has trained more than 30 practitioners. As a founding member of the Buteyko

Institute of Breathing and Health, Paul has been involved with many aspects of promoting the method. These include teaching on a major clinical trial in Scotland, making submissions for acceptance of the method by health insurers, establishing a charitable trust in the United Kingdom to support research, developing standards, codes and guidelines for the teaching of Buteyko, opening and presenting at the fourth International Buteyko Conference in Brisbane in 2007 and being a keynote speaker at the ﬁrst Buteyko Schools Conference in Scotland last year. He was also part of a team which visited New York in October 2002, to introduce the method to police and ﬁre personnel affected by respiratory problems resulting from the 9/11 terrorist attack. The South Gippsland sessions will be at the South Gippsland Hospital Community Health Centre, Foster at 1.30pm on October 19, Marks Villa Motel Inverloch at 4.30pm and the Leongatha Motel at 7pm.

Proud pair: Buteyko practitioner, teacher and Buteyko Institute of Breathing and Health CEO Paul O’Connell (left) and the founder of the method, Russian professor Konstantin Buteyko.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

IT’S school holiday time, which means there’s plenty of fun to be had for the children spending it at South Gippsland SPLASH YMCA.

On Tuesday morning, when The Star dropped in, many participants had taken

the opportunity to dress up as their favourite fairytale or super hero characters. There was plenty of fun to be had throughout the week with cooking, gardening, games and swimming. Still to come this week is a trip to Warrook Cattle Farm and a ﬁtness session.

In costume: Hamish, Adam and Matt at the holiday program last week.

Ready to win: Lachlan, Brock, Angus and Lachie at SPLASH.

Gardening grannies come to class CHILDREN are learning vegetables do not magically appear in supermarkets but are the result of fun and a little hard work. Students at Welshpool and District Primary School continue to grow vegetables and fruit under the supervision of green thumb volunteer “Grandmas”, Joanna Gardiner and Elizabeth Roberts. They taught boys and girls about gardening and life, cooking produce they grow, to learn about healthy eating. This year, students in Grades 5 and 6

have been learning about recycling and the role they can play in living sustainable lives. Students recently dug up worms for a worm farm made from stones, hay, soil and wet newspaper. “We are going to feed them by putting some food scraps into the boxes,” student Patrick said. The worms will create a natural fertiliser to use in the gardens. The project followed a rubbish free lunch challenge to reduce the impact of packaging on landﬁll.

Girl power: Ella, Laura, Morgaine and Alex made a big effort to dress up.

Movie magic first hand By Work Experience student Blake Johnson

“THE best part of doing work experience at the movies is playing the arcade games and getting free popcorn and softdrink,” said Lee Sonogan, a Year 10 student from Korumburra Secondary College who recently spent a week of work experience at Leongatha’s Stadium 4 Cinema. Lee chose the cinema because he has a love for movies and has an interest in one day becoming a movie multimedia editor. The jobs that he is required to do include cleaning, re-stocking, making choc-tops and popcorn containers, serving people at the candy bar and opening the doors at the end of the movies. While working at the cinemas, Lee has learnt how to operate a cash register and where the cinema hides all their stock out the back. The worst part of the job for him was cleaning windows and only getting to see the last half an hour of each movie before opening the doors and cleaning up. This annoys

Helping hand: “Grandma” Joanna Gardiner assists Kealee as they prepare the vegetable garden for planting.

Reel life: Lee Sonogan enjoying his work experience at the Leongatha Cinemas. him because it ruins the end of some movies that he wanted to see, such as Funny People. “But,” Lee says, “all in all it’s been great fun and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys movies and free food.” I myself have been doing work experience at The Star and it has

been great. You go out to places and interview people and get to write up your own stories. If you don’t want to be sitting around all day just watching for work experience, come to The Star and have a go at writing some real stories, taking pictures, there is plenty to do.

Tucker time: Teresa enjoys a meal of stir fry noodles made almost entirely from school grown vegetables.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 39

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 41

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, September 30, 2008 Stony Creek trained thoroughbred Rockpecker is set to make an impression at spring races. The horse, trained by Ken Fythe, placed third in the $60,000 Hussonet Cup at Caulfield, his first race after a winter break. **** The rural draft strategy stands to be a major election issue for South Gippsland Shire Council candidates. Two former councillors, Warren Raabe and Jim Forbes, are touting a comeback to oppose council’s direction. Five years ago, September 28, 2004 Heather Beilby has a State Distinction Award in recognition of her commitment to netball. The Koonwarra woman has been connected to netball clubs at Meeniyan and Mount Eccles, and also the South Gippsland Netball Association as umpire, player and office bearer. **** Several grounds could be in doubt for the opening of the Leongatha and District Cricket Association this weekend. Heavy rain in recent weeks has dampened grounds and threatened to make some surfaces unplayable.

10 years ago, September 28, 1999 The Leongatha Aerodrome could be transformed into a multi-million dollar international airport, after a New Zealand freight company expressed an interest in wanting a freight airport. Growing demand for fresh produce in Asian and European markets is behind the push. **** A Melbourne company is keen to buy land in Smith Street, Leongatha to build a four screen cinema complex. The site in question is currently used as a basketball stadium, senior citizens club and preschool. 30 years ago, October 2, 1979 The South Gippsland Conservation Society has asked Korumburra Shire Council to create a nature reserve at Mount Lyall, near Nyora. Council would have to assume responsibility for the 38 acres, including a railway reserve and a dam. **** South Gippsland Gliding Club members have lost their landing strip at Tarwin and will move to the Leongatha Aerodrome this season. The new owners of the Tarwin property used by the club wish to plough the land this season.

Youth card now available A YOUTH card offering discounts and concessions from 54 businesses in Bass Coast, is now available. The card is free and Nyree Davis of YMCA Bass Coast Youth Services, said this is the ﬁrst time the card has offered so many businesses. The Youth Privilege Cards are for those aged 12 to 25 and their families in

Bass Coast. On the back of the card is a directory of services for young people and their families. The cards will be distributed to secondary schools and are also available at YMCA facilities in Wonthaggi and Cowes and from Bass Coast Council ofﬁces. To ﬁnd out more, ring Nyree on 0413 925 411.

Above: DARREN and Colleen Taylor of Loch have a second daughter, Mollie Emma, born on June 20 at Warragul. A sister for Grace, aged 2 and a half.

Top left: AUSTIN Douglas Barnes is a ﬁrst child for Michelle and Morgan Barnes of Wonthaggi. Michelle was formerly Michelle Jones of Wonthaggi and is an occupational therapist at Gippsland Southern Health Services. Austin was born at the Leongatha Hospital on September 16.

Left: CHLOE Rose McRae was born at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital on September 16. Chloe is the ﬁrst and much anticipated child of Shane and Lisa McRae of Wonthaggi.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

A Grade Division 1 Round 1 - Oct 3 Korumburra v Imperials (Kor) Inverloch v Won Workmens (I Turf) OMK v Nerrena (Outt) Glen Alvie v Won Miners (BW) Round 2 - Oct 10 Won Workmens v Korumburra (BW) Won Miners v Inverloch (WFG) Nerrena v Glen Alvie (Ner) Imperials v OMK (L Turf) Round 3 - Oct 17 OMK v Korumburra (BW) Won Miners v Nerrena (WFG) Imperials v Won Workmens (EC) Inverloch v Glen Alvie (I Turf) Round 4 - Oct 24 Nerrena v Imperials (L Turf) Korumburra v Inverloch (Kor) Won Workmens v Won Miners (MR) Glen Alvie v OMK (BW) Round 5 - Oct 31 & Nov 7 Inverloch v OMK (I Turf) Imperials v Won Miners (EC) Korumburra v Nerrena (Kor) Won Workmens v Glen Alvie (BW) Round 6 - Nov 14 & 21 Glen Alvie v Imperials (GA) Won Miners v Korumburra (WFG) Nerrena v Inverloch (L Turf) OMK v Won Workmens (BW) Round 7 - Nov 28 & Dec 5 Imperials v Inverloch (L Turf) Won Miners v OMK (WFG) Won Workmens v Nerrena (BW) Korumburra v Glen Alvie (Kor)

Round 8 - Dec 12 Won Miners v Imperials (WFG) Nerrena v Korumburra (Ner) Glen Alvie v Won Workmens (BW) OMK v Inverloch (Outt) Round 9 - Dec 19 Won Workmens v OMK (BW) Korumburra v Won Miners (Kor) Inverloch v Nerrena (I Turf) Imperials v Glen Alvie (L Turf) Round 10 - Jan 2 Glen Alvie v Korumburra (BW) Jan 10 Inverloch v Imperials (I Turf) Nerrena v Won Workmens (Ner) OMK v Won Miners (Outt) Round 11 - Jan 16 & 23 Imperials v Korumburra (EC) Won Miners v Glen Alvie (WFG) Won Workmens v Inverloch (BW) Nerrena v OMK (Ner) Round 12 - Jan 30 & Feb 6 OMK v Imperials (BW) Inverloch v Won Miners (I Turf) Korumburra v Won Workmens (Kor) Glen Alvie v Nerrena (GA) Round 13 - Feb 13 & 20 Won Workmens v Imperials (MR) Glen Alvie v Inverloch (BW) Nerrena v Won Miners (L Turf) Korumburra v OMK (Kor) Round 14 - Feb 27 & March 6 Inverloch v Korumburra (I Turf) Imperials v Nerrena (L Turf) Won Miners v Won Workmens (WFG) OMK v Glen Alvie (BW)

B Grade Round 1 - Oct 3 Imperials v Korumburra (EC) Won Workmens v Foster (MR) Nerrena v OMK (Ner) Phillip Island v Glen Alvie (Cowes) Round 2 - Oct 10 Korumburra v Won Workmens (Kor) Foster v Phillip Island (FGC) Glen Alvie v Nerrena (GA) OMK v Imperials (Outt) Round 3 - Oct 17 Korumburra v OMK (Kor) Nerrena v Phillip Island (Ner) Won Workmens v Imperials (MR) Glen Alvie v Foster (GA) Round 4 - Oct 24 Imperials v Nerrena (EC) Foster v Korumburra (FGC) Phillip Island v Won Workmens (New) OMK v Glen Alvie (Outt) Round 5 - Oct 31 & Nov 7 OMK v Foster (Outt) Phillip Island v Imperials (Rhyll) Nerrena v Korumburra (Ner) Glen Alvie v Won Workmens (GA) Round 6 - Nov 14 & 21 Imperials v Glen Alvie (EC) Korumburra v Phillip Island (Kor) Foster v Nerrena (FGC) Won Workmens v OMK (MR) Round 7 - Nov 28 & Dec 5 Foster v Imperials (FGC) OMK v Phillip Island (Outt) Nerrena v Won Workmens (Ner) Glen Alvie v Korumburra (GA)

Round 8 - Dec 12 Imperials v Phillip Island (EC) Korumburra v Nerrena (Kor) Won Workmens v Glen Alvie (MR) Foster v OMK (FGC) Round 9 - Dec 19 OMK v Won Workmens (Outt) Phillip Island v Korumburra (New) Nerrena v Foster (Ner) Glen Alvie v Imperials (GA) Round 10 - Jan 10 Imperials v Foster (EC) Korumburra v Glen Alvie (Kor) Won Workmens v Nerrena (MR) Phillip Island v OMK (Cowes) Round 11 - Jan 16 & 23 Korumburra v Imperials (Kor) Glen Alvie v Phillip Island (GA) Foster v Won Workmens (FGC) OMK v Nerrena (Outt) Round 12 - Jan 30 & Feb 6 Imperials v OMK (EC) Phillip Island v Foster (Cowes) Won Workmens v Korumburra (MR) Nerrena v Glen Alvie (Ner) Round 13 - Feb 13 & 20 Imperials v Won Workmens (EC) Foster v Glen Alvie (FGC) Phillip Island v Nerrena (New) OMK v Korumburra (Outt) Round 14 - Feb 27 & March 6 Korumburra v Foster (Kor) Nerrena v Imperials (Ner) Won Workmens v Phillip Island (MR) Glen Alvie v OMK (GA)

D Grade Round 1 - Oct 3 Korumburra v Imperials (MMcK) Inverloch v Koonwarra/RSL (Inv) Phillip Island v Nerrena (New) Glen Alvie v Town (GA) Round 2 - Oct 10 Koonwarra/RSL v Korumburra (MMcK) Town v Inverloch (WC1) Nerrena v Glen Alvie (L Vel) Imperials v Phillip Island (EC) Round 3 - Oct 17 Phillip Island v Korumburra (Cowes) Town v Nerrena (MMcK) Imperials v Koonwarra/RSL (L Vel) Inverloch v Glen Alvie (Inv) Round 4 - Oct 24 Inverloch v Phillip Island (Inv) Town v Imperials (WC1) Korumburra v Nerrena (KSC) Glen Alvie v Koonwarra/RSL (GA) Round 5 - Oct 31 & Nov 7 Nerrena v Imperials (L Vel) Korumburra v Inverloch (KSC) Koonwarra/RSL v Town (MMcK) Phillip Island v Glen Alvie (Daly) Round 6 - Nov 14 & 21 Glen Alvie v Imperials (Daly) Town v Korumburra (WC1) Nerrena v Inverloch (Ner) Phillip Island v Koonwarra/RSL (Cowes) Round 7 - Nov 28 & Dec 5 Imperials v Inverloch (EC) Town v Phillip Island (WC2) Koonwarra/RSL v Nerrena (MMcK) Korumburra v Glen Alvie (KSC)

Round 8 - Dec 12 Imperials v Nerrena (L Vel) Inverloch v Korumburra (Inv) Glen Alvie v Phillip Island (GA) Town v Koonwarra/RSL (WC1) Round 9 - Dec 19 Koonwarra/RSL v Phillip Island (MMcK) Korumburra v Town (KSC) Inverloch v Nerrena (Inv) Imperials v Glen Alvie (EC) Round 10 - Jan 10 Inverloch v Imperials (Inv) Glen Alvie v Korumburra (GA) Nerrena v Koonwarra/RSL (L Vel) Phillip Island v Town (New) Round 11 - Jan 16 & 23 Imperials v Korumburra (L Vel) Town v Glen Alvie (WC1) Koonwarra/RSL v Inverloch (Koon) Nerrena v Phillip Island (MMcK) Round 12 - Jan 30 & Feb 6 Phillip Island v Imperials (New) Inverloch v Town (Inv) Korumburra v Koonwarra/RSL (KSC) Glen Alvie v Nerrena (Daly) Round 13 - Feb 13 & 20 Koonwarra/RSL v Imperials (MMcK) Glen Alvie v Inverloch (GA) Nerrena v Town (Ner) Korumburra v Phillip Island (KSC) Round 14 - Feb 27 & March 6 Imperials v Town (EC) Nerrena v Korumburra (L Vel) Koonwarra/RSL v Glen Alvie (MMcK) Phillip Island v Inverloch (Cowes)

A Grade Division 2 Round 1 - Oct 3 Poowong/Loch v Koonwarra/RSL (Loch) MDU v Inverloch (Meen) Town v Phillip Island (L Turf) Won Miners v Fish Creek/Tarwin (WFG) Round 2 - Oct 10 Koonwarra/RSL v MDU (Koon) Inverloch v Won Miners (I Turf) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Town (FC Turf) Phillip Island v Poowong/Loch (Cowes) Round 3 - Oct 17 Koonwarra/RSL v Phillip Island (L Turf) Town v Won Miners (WC1) MDU v Poowong/Loch (Dum) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Inverloch (FC Turf) Round 4 - Oct 24 Poowong/Loch v Town (Loch) Inverloch v Koonwarra/RSL (I Turf) Won Miners v MDU (WFG) Phillip Island v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Cowes) Round 5 - Oct 31 & Nov 7 Phillip Island v Inverloch (New) Won Miners v Poowong/Loch (WFG) Town v Koonwarra/RSL (L Turf) Fish Creek/Tarwin v MDU (FC Turf) Round 6 - Nov 14 & 21 Poowong/Loch v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Loch) Koonwarra/RSL v Won Miners (Koon) Inverloch v Town (I Turf) MDU v Phillip Island (Meen) Round 7 - Nov 28 & Dec 5 Inverloch v Poowong/Loch (I Turf) Phillip Island v Won Miners (Cowes) Town v MDU (WC1) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Koonwarra/RSL (FC Turf)

Round 8 - Dec 12 Koonwarra/RSL v Town (L Turf) Poowong/Loch v Won Miners (Loch) MDU v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Dum) Inverloch v Phillip Island (I Turf) Round 9 - Dec 19 Phillip Island v MDU (Cowes) Won Miners v Koonwarra/RSL (WFG) Town v Inverloch (WC1) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Poowong/Loch (FC Turf) Round 10 - Jan 10 Poowong/Loch v Inverloch (Loch) Koonwarra/RSL v Fish Creek/Tarwin (L Turf) MDU v Town (Meen) Won Miners v Phillip Island (Tar) Round 11 - Jan 16 & 23 Koonwarra/RSL v Poowong/Loch (L Turf) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Won Miners (FC Turf) Inverloch v MDU (I Turf) Phillip Island v Town (Cowes) Round 12 - Jan 30 & Feb 6 Poowong/Loch v Phillip Island (Loch) Won Miners v Inverloch (WFG) MDU v Koonwarra/RSL (Meen) Town v Fish Creek/Tarwin (L Turf) Round 13 - Feb 13 & 20 Poowong/Loch v MDU (Loch) Inverloch v Fish Creek/Tarwin (I Turf) Won Miners v Town (WFG) Phillip Island v Koonwarra/RSL (Cowes) Round 14 - Feb 27 & March 6 Koonwarra/RSL v Inverloch (Koon) Town v Poowong/Loch (WC1) MDU v Won Miners (Dum) Fish CreekTarwin v Phillip Island (FC Turf)

C Grade Round 1 - Oct 3 Koonwarra/RSL v Poowong/Loch (Koon) Town v Won Workmens (WC1) OMK v MDU (KSC) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Won Miners (FC Turf) Round 2 - Oct 10 Won Workmens v Koonwarra/RSL (MR) Won Miners v Town (Inv) MDU v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Meen) Poowong/Loch v OMK (Loch) Round 3 - Oct 17 OMK v Koonwarra/RSL (Outt) Won Miners v MDU (Daly) Poowong/Loch v Won Workmens (Loch) Town v Fish Creek/Tarwin (WC2) Round 4 - Oct 24 MDU v Poowong/Loch (Meen) Koonwarra/RSL v Town (Koon) Fish Creek/Tarwin v OMK (FC Turf) Won Workmens v Won Miners (MR) Round 5 - Oct 31 & Nov 7 Town v OMK (WC1) Poowong/Loch v Won Miners (Loch) Koonwarra/RSL v MDU (Koon) Won Workmens v Fish Creek/Tarwin (MR) Round 6 - Nov 14 & 21 Fish Creek/Tarwin v Poowong/Loch (FC Turf) Won Miners v Koonwarra/RSL (Inv) MDU v Town (Dum) OMK v Won Workmens (Outt) Round 7 - Nov 28 & Dec 5 Poowong/Loch v Town (Loch) Won Miners v OMK (Inv) Won Workmens v MDU (MR) Koonwarra/RSL v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Koon)

Round 8 - Dec 12 Won Miners v Poowong/Loch (Tar) MDU v Koonwarra/RSL (Meen) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Won Workmens (FC Turf) OMK v Town (KSC) Round 9 - Dec 19 Won Workmens v OMK (MR) Koonwarra/RSL v Won Miners (Koon) Town v MDU (WC2) Poowong/Loch v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Loch) Round 10 - Jan 10 Town v Poowong/Loch (WC1) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Koonwarra/RSL (FC Turf) MDU v Won Workmens (Dum) OMK v Won Miners (KSC) Round 11 - Jan 16 & 23 Poowong/Loch v Koonwarra/RSL (Loch) Won Miners v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Inv) Won Workmens v Town (MR) MDU v OMK (Meen) Round 12 - Jan 30 & Feb 6 OMK v Poowong/Loch (Outt) Town v Won Miners (WC1) Koonwarra/RSL v Won Workmens (Koon) Fish Creek/Tarwin v MDU (FC Turf) Round 13 - Feb 13 & 20 Won Workmens v Poowong/Loch (Daly) Fish Creek/Tarwin v Town (FC Turf) MDU v Won Miners (Meen) Koonwarra/RSL v OMK (Koon) Round 14 - Feb 27 & March 6 Town v Koonwarra/RSL (WC2) Poowong/Loch v MDU (Loch) Won Miners v Won Workmens (Inv) OMK v Fish Creek/Tarwin (Outt)

E Grade Round 1 - Oct 3 Poowong/Loch v Won Miners (Poow) MDU v Town (Dum) OMK v Foster (L Vel) Won Workmens v Phillip Island (Daly) Round 2 - Oct 10 Foster v MDU (Fos) Won Miners v Won Workmens (Daly) Phillip Island v OMK (New) Town v Poowong/Loch (WC2) Round 3 - Oct 17 Poowong/Loch v Foster (Poow) MDU v Phillip Island (Meen) OMK v Won Workmens (KSC) Town v Won Miners (WC1) Round 4 - Oct 24 Won Miners v OMK (Tar) Phillip Island v Poowong/Loch (Rhyll) Town v Foster (WC2) Won Workmens v MDU (Daly) Round 5 - Oct 31 & Nov 7 Poowong/Loch v Won Workmens (Poow) Foster v Won Miners (FGC) MDU v OMK (Dum) Phillip Island v Town (Inv) Round 6 - Nov 14 & 21 Foster v Phillip Island (Fos) Won Miners v MDU (Tar) OMK v Poowong/Loch (KSC) Town v Won Workmens (WC2) Round 7 - Nov 28 & Dec 5 Poowong/Loch v MDU (Poow) OMK v Town (L Vel) Phillip Island v Won Miners (New) Won Workmens v Foster (Daly)

Round 8 - Dec 12 Foster v OMK (Fos) Won Miners v Poowong/Loch (Daly) Phillip Island v Won Workmens (Cowes) Town v MDU (WC2) Round 9 - Dec 19 Poowong/Loch v Town (Poow) MDU v Foster (Meen) OMK v Phillip Island (L Vel) Won Workmens v Won Miners (Daly) Round 10 - Jan 10 Foster v Poowong/Loch (FGC) Won Miners v Town (Tar) Phillip Island v MDU (Rhyll) Won Workmens v OMK (Tar) Round 11 - Jan 16 & 23 Poowong/Loch v Phillip Island (Poow) Foster v Town (Fos) MDU v Won Workmens (Dum) OMK v Won Miners (KSC) Round 12 - Jan 30 & Feb 6 Won Miners v Foster (MMcK) OMK v MDU (L Vel) Town v Phillip Island (WC2) Won Workmens v Poowong/Loch (Tar) Round 13 - Feb 13 & 20 Poowong/Loch v OMK (Poow) MDU v Won Miners (Dum) Phillip Island v Foster (Rhyll) Won Workmens v Town (Inv) Round 14 - Feb 27 & March 6 Foster v Won Workmens (FGC) Won Miners v Phillip Island (New) MDU v Poowong/Loch (Meen) Town v OMK (KSC)

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 43

Best rooms in Banking on youngsters competition

Indoor training: Leongatha Town cricketers trained indoors at SG Splash last week. Pictured is up and coming leg-spinner and batsman, Luke Bowman, who impressed many in A Grade last year. He is with junior coach and club legend Brett Moore.

THEY may not be the best cricket team in the competition but Leongatha Town could well boast the best cricket rooms. Complete with polished floorboards, plasma television, a big industrial kitchen and fantastic elevated views, the new cricket clubrooms completed recently will hold the club in good stead for many years to come. Club secretary Nathan Johnston told The Star that A.W.Smith and Sons Home Hardware plus a big team of volunteers had been fantastic in getting the rooms all built and ready for this season. “We had some great fundraising efforts including a gala auction which raised a total of around $60,000 to build the rooms,” Johnston said. The club will use the rooms for their functions; they plan a New Year’s Eve party as well. An official opening of the rooms will take place this season; a date is yet to be finalised. Leongatha Town didn’t have a great season last year in Division One, but their drop to Division Two should mean the club will be competitive. Luke O’Brien is coming in for his first year as coach while the club is delighted with the appointment of Ash Hickey as captain. The club is fortunate to have the services again of the talented Robert Templeton who won last year’s batting average for the club. He will travel from Melbourne to play. The only player of note who is likely to leave is Matt Willcocks who is having a game with Dandenong. The club will field A2, C, D, and E sides in the seniors and an Under 16 and Under 14 team. Brett Moore will coach the juniors.

Nathan Johnston

THE Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL club is entertaining modest expectation for the season, banking on a youth rebuilding process for the future. Last season was also a development year, but with players leaving or unavailable, it will be up to younger players to take up the bat and run with it. Training started in August and last Thursday they were hard at it at the nets. “We lost a fair few players and we are looking for young players to develop and see them take control,” club president Brad Anderson said. Last season the Cougars finished runners-up in the A2 division and C Grade. The Under 16s made it into the finals. Star batsman Sam Hughes has joined the Casey South Melbourne club. Initially, he’ll be playing in the reserves and be part of the coaching staff before working his way into the first eleven. Hughes has played for the Swans before and he

Promising talent: James Misson worked hard in the nets last Thursday. The promising bowler is part of the Under 16s with an eye on the future.

Modest season: A pensive looking club president, Brad Anderson expects a modest season while blooding several youngsters in the senior grades.

is expected to return to the Cougars in due course. Brad hopes one of the club’s promising young players will return from the Swans, where he has been gaining valuable experience in the last four years and his brother Steve Anderson will bolster the numbers. Steven Arnup has joined MDU as playing coach, while Jack Hughes is taking a break after a hectic football season with the Parrots and Jason Tomada is snowed under by exams. “We have several good juniors,” Brad said, “which we hope to introduce to the senior sides.” They include batsman and wicket keeper Lachie Sperling, Josh Moore, Josh Summers and Tom Davidson. “They were all Under 16 players last year and we’re preparing them to step into the senior grades. A couple could start in the A Grade, while others may try in C Grade,” Brad said. The club will again ﬁeld A, C and D Grade

teams, as well as Under 16, 14 and 12 sides. The coaching load will be shared among Brad, Shane Moore and Graham Sperling. “We’ll be sharing the coaching and rotate,” Brad said. “Each of us will be bringing different ideas to the coaching and we’ll be concentrating on one-onone sessions to sharpen skills and technique with the younger players.”

Shane and Graham are great cricketers and they’ll be bringing a wealth of knowledge to the coaching.” The club will be wearing a new outﬁt, based on their two-day uniform. They’ll be wearing cream pants and shirt with blue pinstripes on the shoulder and pants. The Leongatha RSL and real estate agent Grosvenor Perry will again be the main sponsors.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

OMK boast competition’s best

All set: OMK players Jesse Van Rooye, Kris Kerr and Matt Walker are keen to take their side to the ﬁnals.

THE best batsman in the Leongatha and District Cricket Association will lead Outtrim-MoyarraKongwak this season. Jason Wilson won the LDCA’s A Grade batting average last year, after moving to OMK from Korumburra to serve as captain. This year, Wilson has stepped into the role of captain-coach of the club, much to the delight of new club president, Russell White. “The club expects big things from Jason after a good year last year,” Russell said. Wilson will be joined by the league’s 2008-09 bowling average winner, Peter Dell, who heads a formidable bowling line-up including Barry Wyatt and spinner Jesse Van Rooye. Captains for this year are: Paul Harper, B Grade; Matt Walker, C Grade; and Michael Chizzoniti, E Grade. OMK legend Dell will coach the Under 16s and Noel Creed will serve as head coach of the Under 12s and Under 14s with the support of Geoff “Spic” Wyatt. Pleasing numbers of up

to 25 have been attending training over the past six weeks, giving OMK the confidence to field four senior sides and three junior teams this season. Many newcomers to the district will pull on the pads for lower divisions. The club will contest A, B, C and E Grades, as well as Under 12s, 14s and 16s. A step up of Under 14 players will allow OMK to field a standalone Under 16 side this year, after joining with Inverloch last season. A Grade players competed in a practice match against Koo Wee Rup recently and found their form. Russell takes over the presidency from Neil Grabham, continuing his family’s longstanding connection with OMK. His father, Les is a club stalwart. Gary Adams will continue as secretary, Peter Dell vice-president and Steve McNamara treasurer. The club continues to work on extending the clubrooms, adding a bar and extra changerooms. OMK is still taking new players. For more information, contact Russell on 0409 574 334.

What a record! WATCH out for the Poowong/Loch Under 14s! They won every game last season bar one and lost that by only one run. Club predictions are that this season they’ll be on fire again. The Under 14s are part of a very strong junior squad, which augurs well for the club’s future. There is a new Under 16 side, with a good spread of players that is also looking to be very competitive. The side is an addition and Poowong/Loch is now fielding an A2 Grade team, C and E Grades, as well as the Under 14s and 16s. According to the club’s Matt Holloway, its main goals are for the juniors to improve on their great showing last season and for the three senior sides to make the finals. With this in mind, training has been underway since July, with some enthusiasts having been honing their skills since April, indoors at Pakenham. The club has also purchased a bowling machine to maximise time spent at training. New coaches and players worthy of note are Chris McCurdy, Kurt Nestor, Brent Mitchell and Tom Knox. It will be their brief to help keep the club’s profile high. Poowong/Loch will hold its annual 20/20 games against Hallora in the new year and a busy social calendar is planned throughout.

Young guns: Joel Sinclair and Matt Olden are two of the rising stars at MDU.

MDU to hit the ground running MEENIYAN Dumbalk United could be this year’s big mover in the Leongatha and District Cricket Association. From their new coach to new pitches at both their grounds, the Demons have a new look about them this year. Club president Colin Olden said people around the club were feeling conﬁdent about the season ahead. “Everybody reckons we are looking pretty good at the moment,” he said. A new captain coach in former Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL player Steve Arnup has created a level of excitement at the club that should translate into some highly competitive play once the season begins in earnest. Mark Le Page, Craig Hoober and Scotty Brown are three of the MDU stalwarts who will once again form the backbone of the side. The club will ﬁeld teams in A2, C and E Grades as well as junior sides in the Under 16s and Under 14s. The juniors have big numbers ready to play, which is a great sign for the future of the club. Colin said Dan Gordon was a player of great talent who should build on his strong progress of last season. “Dan Gordon would be our most promising junior, he can bat and ball and even (wicket) keep if he has to,” he said. “He’s Under 16s, but he was playing seniors last year.” Colin’s oldest son Matt is another who should do well enough to ensure he doesn’t have to pad up alongside his dad during the president’s rare E Grade appearances. “Matt’s a left hand bowler and middle order batsman who shows a bit of promise.”

Joel Sinclair is another youngster who could do big things as a middle order bat and wicketkeeper. A big bonus for the club will be the state of the grounds, both at Dumbalk and Meeniyan. Last year, the club was devastated when the Meeniyan oval was ploughed up after the football season ended. Months of cricket were lost on the ground, but this year is a very different story. The Meeniyan oval has just been topdressed, reseeded and aerated, allowing plenty of time for it to be in perfect nick for the upcoming season. New artiﬁcial wickets have been laid at both the Meeniyan and Dumbalk grounds, with the club conﬁdent they will rival any pitches in the LDCA. “Dumbalk is already looking beautiful and Meeniyan will be the same if we get enough spring rain to get the grass going,” Colin said. MDU’s A2 side will start its season with a home game against Inverloch on October 3.

Leading the charge: new captain/ coach Steve Arnup clears the cobwebs in the nets last week.

Pedlow’s Imperial return FORMER Imperials premiership player and district cricketer Brett Pedlow, is returning to coach the club and captain the A Grade side. Club secretary Gary Sauvarin, said Brett is one of the leading batsmen in the league and, together with another player who is still having discussions with the Imperials, should boost the club’s chances of reaching the ﬁnals. Brett played all his junior cricket with the Imperials and is returning to his old club after several seasons away. He lives in Melbourne, but is moving

to an area that is closer to his old home town of Leongatha. The loss of Mick Malloy from A Grade will be felt, but Gary said the club is hoping that Brett and his team-mates will readily plug that gap. Kristian Gray, who has captained B Grade for a number of years, will do so again. He’s been with the Imperials for 15 years. Adam Stivic has gone from D Grade to work interstate. “He’s a loss to the club,” said Gary, adding the Imperials are yet to appoint a D Grade captain. The juniors have just begun training and the Im-

perials will ﬁeld an Under 16 and an Under 14 side. They are also hoping to attract enough youngsters to form an Under 12 team, but that hasn’t happened yet. The Imperials see that as important because it helps shore up the club’s future. A number of working bees have all but completed new cricket nets on the edge of the ground at the east campus of Leongatha Secondary College. “They will be a real bonus for our training,” said Gary. Geof Forrester has been elected president of the club again this year.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 45

Island of cricket dreams Fostering great hopes

PHILLIP Island and District Cricket Club has four teams, in A2, B, D and E Grade, this season.

A2 and E lost during the first week of the finals last summer while B Grade finished towards the bottom of the ladder. C Grade was relegated to D Grade. Last year’s club champion, Clint Wilson is the new A2 captain. Peter Laydon remains the head coach. Club president Peter Francis said he didn’t think any players had left the club and they’d picked up a couple of new ones. “There are a couple of younger guys who pushed their way into the seniors last season, so hopefully they will establish themselves this year,” he said. Orazio Santalucia, a top order batsman and leg spin bowler, is among the pick-ups. He moved to Phillip Island from Melbourne last year. Orazio has also been appointed the assistant coach. Another new player to the Island is Simon Kirten. He’s a good pick-up for the club and was playing for Koonwarra Leongatha RSL last year.

Teenager Eli Richards made the all Gippsland team last season and is a handy prospect for the club. He’ll likely start in B Grade. Attendance has been steady at training, but this should improve now the football season has finished. In the juniors there will be teams in the U12s, U14s and U16s. The U12s is a new team for season 2009/2010. U16s played in the finals last season, Peter said. “There’s a big group of players who have come through, even last year there were plenty of U12s in the U14s team,” he said. The clubrooms at Newhaven have been upgraded by the soccer club, which will also benefit the cricket club. The club had a practice match against Warrenwood, a team from the Ringwood and District Cricket Association. Peter said it was a good hit-out though rain held up play for a while. “We’re just looking forward to see how the new guys go and the development of the existing players,” he said.

First time in A1 IT’S an exciting time to be at Glen Alvie. Season 2009/2010 marks the first time the club will have a team in A1 after winning in A2 last year and being promoted. New recruits make the team a chance for finals action in the top grade and competitiveness across the board. Last season B Grade finished third in the finals while D Grade weren’t too far out of the action. Club president Matt Hull said the club will also field teams in the U14s and U16s. “Were getting a bit of interest from younger players, which is good,” he said. Paul ‘Noddy’ Ware will continue to coach the Under 14s team though he retired last season. Top quality batter, Mick Roberts from Stratford will join his brother Pete in A1 for a season of cricket together. Mick has played a lot of representative cricket for his last Gippsland division. Left-hand batter and spin bowler, Scott Edwards has moved to the region and will play for Glen Alvie. He previously played for Box Hill and Cranbourne. Daniel Hales has returned to the club after a season off and will be vying for the opening bowler position in A1. Teenage brothers Sam and Jess Beasley, from Glen Forbes, are also back after a year off. They return bigger and stronger and will be ones to watch. Glen Alvie also boasts the best nets in the district after the installation of three nets on a slab of concrete 12 metres wide and 20 metres long.

FOSTER has stepped up to B Grade this year and is hoping its rise will continue with another premiership. The Tigers have recruited Fish Creek star Brad Coates, who will coach the Under 16s and hopefully destroy the opposition top order. The right arm quick will probably open the bowling or would be a very handy ﬁrst change bowler for coach Richard Johnston. Elsewhere, the club is looking for improvement from home grown talent like Ben Tilley. “I reckon Ben Tilley is a big

chance to step up,” club secretary Tony Vanin said. “He’s been playing E Grade and juniors and knows how to bowl a good line and length.” Shem Hawking, who made a hundred in the C Grade ﬁnal last season, is expected to be a cornerstone of the batting line-up. “He’s only a young bloke so he had plenty of time to improve, but anyone who can hit a century in a ﬁnal has plenty to work with,” Tony said. Sam Westaway is another younger player who looks like a promising type.

But perhaps the biggest news for the club is its new change rooms. “We’ve pulled the old shed down and we’ve built a bigger shed,” Tony said. “This one is 12 metres by 6, the other one had no room at all. “We now have toilets, so we won’t have to go up to the golf club. “We are going to build some decking as well so we can try to match Town’s new club rooms.” The club has teams in B Grade, E Grade, Under 16s and Under 14s.

Finals in sights for Invy INVERLOCH Cricket Club will be hoping to emulate last year’s success by adding premiership silverware to its collection. The club won the B Grade and E Grade titles last year, elevating those sides to A Grade Division Two and D Grade respectively this season. Club president John Muir is confident those teams can go on to achieve grand final security in their new divisions. For the first time, the club will run a coaching panel in a bid to encourage rising leaders within the club to step up. “We’re hoping to be up there with both A Grade Division Two and D Grade, and we’re hoping to sneak into the finals this year with our A Grade Division One side just missing out by a few points last year,” John said. Jason Smith will head the panel, joined by Wally Taberner, Will Rankin and Brett De Bono, also A Grade Division One captain-coach. “We’re just trying something different because we have a few good younger players coming up and we’re trying to get them to take on more responsibility within the club,” John said. “We’re hoping that a few of the players on the panel will become captain in a few years. We want to give the younger players

the confidence around the club and with dealing with people.” Taberner and Smith will be among the batsmen to watch in A Grade, and pace bowler Adam Hall is expected to perform well, having finished last season with pleasing figures. “Our D Grade side is a really good bunch of players that play well as a team,” John said. Captains for A Grade Division Two and D Grade are yet to be appointed, but junior numbers are looking impressive. Senior numbers are looking ample, with a few clearances now being assessed. “We’re looking at clearing four to five new players, including some from Melbourne who have moved here and one from Glen Alvie,” John said. “We will have Under 14s this year and we’re hoping to have Under 16s too. We’re just waiting on numbers.” As a community service, Inverloch cricketers will also run a MILO in2Cricket coaching program for primary school aged cricketers on Friday afternoons. A registration night will be held on Friday, October 16 at Thompson Reserve with a barbecue. Up to 25 players have been attending training, held at the synthetic wicket at the recreation reserve until the Thompson Reserve wicket dries. In his second year of

Never count out Workers WONTHAGGI Workmens is a cricket team that no other club can afford to discount. The Workers will be keen to bounce back after lean pickings last year which saw them without a senior premiership despite making a couple of finals. However they have won the last two Under 16 premierships and the core of these teams are just coming through. Look out for Mitch Thomas who will definitely push for top grade selection this season. Thomas is a handy left arm all rounder. Another youngster pushing through is right arm quick Nathan Tessari, as well as leggy James Sheerin. Tim Hooper returns for his third stint as captain/coach of the club. Hooper has just been in for some work on the knee and will be sidelined for the first few weeks of cricket. The club retains the core of its senior side, including Steven and David Brann, Gav Bolding, Ash Sartori, Craig Harvey and wicketkeeper Rob Geyer. Only Jay Baker is doubtful for this season.

the presidency, John will be assisted on the executive by secretary Teana Roetz, vice-president Brian Dennerley and treasurer

David Taylor. Interested players or volunteers are welcome to contact John on 0417 506 188.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

‘Burra aims for finals LAST season most grades of the Korumburra Cricket Club just missed out on the finals, but this season’s aim is to be part of them, said club president Allan Summerfield. “The A and B Grades just missed out on finals. D Grade played finals but lost in the semis. Hopefully all grades can make the final 4 and play finals,” Allan said. The club has again entered its A, B and D teams into the competition. Whereas the previous season the club suffered a players’ drain, six A Grade players went to other clubs, this season none of its core squad has left and the mass-exit has been overcome. Better still, David Dutchman has returned from a season at Koo Wee Rup to strengthen the side. “We’re also hoping for our younger players to go to the next level, such as Daniel Salmon, Kyle Dorman and Justin Cook,” Allan said. “We’ve also got some young talented players emerging. We are looking to develop Kallon Rigby, Ilan Osman, Ashley Meade and Benn Hayes into A Grade players”. Scott McKenzie and Darren Scott will be sharing the coaching for their second year, while sensational Sri Lankan batsman and spinner Udara Weerasinghe will be taking on the role of specialist coach. Udara won LDCA A1 Cricketer of the Year last year and has been a big asset at Korumburra. “Udara will be working mainly with the younger players in a more one-on-one role at training. He will also be helping with the juniors,” Allan said. Training started indoors late August. Thursday night training at Recreation Reserve started midSeptember. The ground looks good, having benefited from recent rain. The committee for this year is Allan Summerfield, president; Darren Scott, vice president; Scott McKenzie, secretary; Shane McGrath, treasurer, with Peter Edwards, Matt Loader, Daniel Salmon, Trevor Allen, Justin Greenwood, Cam Smith, Dale Wyhoon, Jeremy Oxlee and Hayden James on the committee.

Cricket shapes up Back-to-back EVERYTHING is in place for another top year of LDCA cricket, president of the Association, Russell Matthews told The Star. Glen Alvie has been elevated to A Grade Division One while Leongatha Town will be in Division Two this season. The only hiccup has been Town pulling its E Grade side due to lack of numbers. Once again a district match is scheduled for Leongatha on Saturday, January 9 between Richmond

and Dandenong. All ﬁxtures that weekend will be played on Sunday, January 10. Glen Alvie will be playing its Division One match against Korumburra on Saturday, January 9 instead of the following weekend. “If we lose any of the ﬁrst four A Grade matches due to complete washouts we have a spare day to play them on Sunday, November 8. Russell also said an allout effort is being made to improve the standard of GCL cricket. “The committee of management is going to put up

a squad of players for the selectors to choose from,” Russell said. “Kelvin Simpson, Clive Salmon and Kristian Gray will be the selectors; while Kristian will manage the side once again. “In the umpire department we have good numbers and a few new faces.” “The juniors will be coordinated by Geoff ‘Spic’ Wyatt. “It is also good to see a number of clubs improving their nets and facilities.” Town will be playing with new clubrooms this season.

Miner’s rich seam THE Wonthaggi Miners have rebuilt their practice nets for the 2009/10 season, to help give them the edge for what they hope will be a bumper year. Their First XI finished runners-up to Nerrena last season and players and supporters hope to do as well, if not better this time. “We’re not saying we’re the best team, but we think we’re good enough to be competitive,” said committee member Jason O’Reilly. The line-up of players will remain the same as last season. Josh Helman, who joined the Miners last year, will captain the firsts and act as club coach. At 21 he’s still a lad, but Jason said Josh’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for cricket are likely to be infectious. His record so far is good too; he took seven wickets in last year’s semi. Josh is a middle order batsman and medium bowler capable of some off-spin too. Such versatility is admirable in a player and a fine example in a coach.

Young gun Jake Trevisi, will lead the Under 16s. Junior parent Nick Brosnan has signed up to coach the Under 12s, while Dave Hamilton has agreed to facilitate the Milo Have a Go Program, which he has previously run at Bass. “We’re trying to step up our junior teams because that’s the club’s future,” said Jason. The Miners will ﬁeld three senior sides, Under 14 and Under 16s, as well as a disability team. The club slogan for the year is Share the Load, which will apply on and off the ﬁeld. As part of that, the club held a working bee, cleaning out its shed to allow full use of the changing facilities. Club secretary Terry Earl, is a life member, former president and treasurer, social secretary and bar manager and one of the Miners’ legends. He was the founding father and captain of the youth development team, set in place to ensure a healthy future for the club. Anyone interested in joining the Miners, either as a player or support person, can ring Terry on 0427 342 333.

chance NERRENA could win it again.

The reigning A1 Grade premiers have kept most of their team and have a new coach. Only Dave Baldi is unable to play at the start of the season due to work arrangements, while new coach Craig Friebe is a capable left hand batsman and left arm spin bowler. Nerrena has been back on the oval since August 2 with a focus on fitness and fielding drills. They’ve already played two practice matches against Flinders and Baden Powell with a win and a loss. Saturday week ago about 18 players were raring for a go on the field. Club president Terry Clark said it had been a strong start to the season. “If you get a new coach it seems to make everyone a little bit more enthusiastic,” he said. “This is the first time we have had a coach from out of the area who doesn’t know anyone, so everyone starts equally and tries to make an impression.” The club will also field teams in B and D Grades, both of which lost semi finals last season. The B Grade team had reached the previous three grand finals. Three Indians who’ve moved into the area have signed up for season 2009/2010, and the club may have a couple of returning players for the lower grades. Dave Trotman is back at Nerrena after three years coaching the Meeniyan Football Club seniors. “He’ll be either a good B Grader or bordering on A Grade,” Terry said. Nerrena will field two junior teams, an Under 12s and Under 14s, after having none last season. “Were very happy with that,” Terry said. “Because I know what happens to teams that don’t have juniors; not far down the track they won’t have seniors.” Gerard Murphy will coach the U14s while the U12s coach is still to be determined. Junior co-ordinator Ben Croatto was responsible for ringing around finding players. In a coup for the club, champion cricketer Brad Hodge helped with a coaching clinic at Nerrena on August 23, which attracted about 20 juniors.

New gun in town LIKE in the famous Hollywood western, Fish Creek Tarwin Cricket Club has a new gunslinger in town and his name is Shane. Club secretary Norm Wilkins said a Kiwi speedster had come to town, hopefully to clean-up the bad guys in the opposition top order. Norm only knew his ﬁrst name, but had seen him bowl and could report he was fast and keen. “He’s a genuine opening bowler who has played pretty high grade cricket in New Zealand,” he said. “He’s bought a business down Waratah way and he is a pretty keen cricketer.” With the mystery Kiwi set to spearhead the attack, the club is hoping for a number of juniors to come through the ranks to help the more established players. With wet weather putting a dampener on training sessions so far this year, the club has found it hard to gauge player numbers.

Having teams in A2, C and the Under 16s, 14s and 12s, the club has no shortage of players ready to don the whites. “We’ve got quite a few young ones if we can get then motivated,” Norm said. Young gun Jason Law should hold down the number three position, with the club hoping he consolidates his talent into a pile of runs at ﬁrst drop. As always the form of

Paddy Watkins will have a major bearing on the performance of the club, which missed the ﬁnals last year. Watkins, who has been one of the Association’s premier batsmen for around 20 years, will once again captain the A2 side, as well as coaching the side. New president Gary Webster will take over the off-ﬁeld running of the club.

Above: New season: John Holloway (left) and Joel Renden (right) are with Nerrena’s new coach Craig Friebe (centre).

Catching practice: Nerrena’s Chris Rump at training last week.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 47

Of bulls and silage BUSHLEA Farm’s Wayne Kuhne is part of a partnership with wife Lisa and his parents Keith and Pat Kuhne.

On the stud side what’s been happening? Since the sale in March there hasn’t been a lot going on; we’ve started ﬂushing some cows again. Bull sales have been really good through the year and Genetics Australia are holding a sale in the ﬁrst week of October that we have four lots in.

The Koonwarra team had a part in the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Service’s number one ranked Holstein bull for August, Orana (Bushlea Waves Fabulon). The embryo came from the Anderson family at Kongwak and the bull was sold to Genetics Australia. Wayne spoke to Star reporter Chris Brown about the business recently.

On the farm, what plans have you got over the next few years? About 18 months ago we bought the neighbouring farm of 220 acres, so we want to upgrade the water system and laneways. It probably would have been done earlier this year, but the February milk-price change caused it to be put on the back burner. The farm is set up well enough that we were able to cut the fence and go and milk off it straight away, but over time we’d like to improve those couple of things and get some newer grass in there and grow more grass.

What does it mean to have a part in the number one Holstein bull in Australia? We have to look at it as always progressing. In a way you’re never really at the top of it or number one. At Dairy Week this year there was another stud that had a very good show and beat us pretty comprehensively and that makes you want to get some new animals into the herd. This year’s two-year-old heifers have been a really nice bunch and that’s what you hope for, that each year is getting better. How long have you been diversifying in Holsteins and what led to it? It was probably about five or six years ago we bought the first embryos and it was something for me to do in the stud sector after so much had been achieved with the jerseys. As a business point it was good to diversify; the Holsteins have a bigger market. How’s your farm going at the moment? Everything seems to be going along reasonably well. We’ve pretty much all calved now. The first of the paddocks are probably two or three off being ready to make silage. It’s been a good season for milking cows,

VLE Leongatha store sale Thursday, September 24 Total yarding: Cows - 29 av. $538.59, cows and calves - 180 av. $780.57, heifers - 329 av. $340.88, steers - 1040 av. $565.52, stag - 1 at $550. Cows R. Gillett, 8 av. $568, 8 av. $510; V. Mawhinney, Cawdello, 5 av. $550, 7 av. $535; S. & D. Perry, 1 at $500. Cows and calves D. Harris, Toora, 5 av. $1000, 8 av. $955, 8 av. $900, 1 at $900, 5 av. $865; I. & R. Hayes, 19 av. $905; R.D. & D.J. Collins, Fish Creek, 3 av. $850; I. & R. Hayes, 4 av. $840; L.W. & M.A. Barrett, Korumburra, 4 av. $840, 1 at $840. Heifers M. Pearson, 7 av. $620; C. & V. Pastoral, Korumburra, 2 av. $555, 1 at $550; S. & C. Jones, Foster, 1 at $504; R.H. & M. Greaves, Tarwin Lower, 2 av. $500; J.M. Jarvis, 4 av. $495, 13 av. $455; R. Schneider, Alberton West, 10 av. $462; Kayda Park, Foster, 5 av. $460.

Steers A. & P. Anton & Sons, 7 av. $920, 13 av. $885, 9 av. $852; Ray McGannon, Koonwarra, 2 av. $815; W. Bond, 1 at $815; A.J. Bell, 1 at $810; D.R. Ginn, Cape Paterson, 2 av. $770, 12 av. $756; J.K. Wrench, 3 av. $750; A. Dixon, Loch, 4 av. $746. Stag Deenja Pastoral Pty, Toora, 1 at $550.

Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

Are there other things that are going to happen over the next ﬁve years? We’ve been planning roughly for the next sale. They take a while to plan and come to fruition. We’re in the midst of importing quite a few embryos from Canada and the States and we’ll see how they go. We’ll probably run another similar sale in the next four or ﬁve years or so.

Dairy man: Bushlea Farm’s Wayne Kuhne at Koonwarra. but for us it probably had been a little bit dry. We milk off a lot of red soil and it had been a little bit short of moisture. How’s the silage crop looking? The rain we’ve had recently means

we’ll deﬁnitely have a very good silage crop and there should be plenty of hay to cut. We’ll probably do 250-300 acres of silage. On the whole the quality should be good, which is what we chase a little bit more than total yield.

Is there anything you’d like to say? I hope over the next couple of years things do improve. Prices have gone from one extreme to another really quickly. Hopefully over the next 18 months to two years if we get back to a more sustainable pricing it would help a lot. When you are committed so heavily like a lot of young farmers are, you’ve only got one choice, to stick at it and get through to the next better time.

Higher prices for heavy steers DEMAND was stronger for a small but select number of very good quality steers mouthed 0 to 2 teeth, and prices were as much as 10c/kg higher at VLE Leongatha last Wednesday.

Vealers made from 162c to 196c and heifers between 136c and 153c/kg. Prices for heifers were up to 6c/kg lower. The supply of cows was reduced, and the reasonable size penning included a lot of poor condition cows with a good number of these being lighter weights. Demand was weaker for most cows, only select sales of very good quality heavy dairy cows sold at rates that were ﬁrm to 2c/kg cheaper. Better quality beef cows made from 125c to 139c, while most leaner cows made between 90c and 128c/kg.

Prices for these C3 and C4 steers were between 17c and 188.2c/kg. Away from these, the supply was very limited, which saw most bullocks make from 170c to 178c with manufacturing bullocks anywhere between 133c to 166c/kg. Few young cattle were penned, and most were heifers.

Wednesday, September 23 BULLOCKS

13 8 8 1 1 5

J. & M. Lafferty, Yinnar B.F. & D.M. Summers, Fish Creek Lasmel Nominees, Tarwin South J.K. & K.P. Kirk, Jeetho West P. & H. Miller, Poowong Strathbrae Equity P/L, Inverloch

581 602 602 620 590 617

188.2 180.6 177.6 176.2 176.2 170.6

1093.73 1086.99 1068.93 1092.44 1039.58 1052.60

STEERS

1 3 1

G. & R. Jarvie, Hazelwood J. & M. Lafferty, Yinnar P. Foster, Narracan South

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw September 30 1. Rodwells 2. SEJ 3. Alex Scott 4. David Phelan & Co 5. Landmark 6. Elders

460 189.6 872.16 538 188.2 1013.14 480 178.0 854.40

1 3 1

Jasmel Nominees, Tarwin South J.K. & K.P. Kirk, Jeetho West P. & H. Miller, Poowong

485 177.6 535 176.2 545 176.2

861.36 942.67 960.29

585 675 610 633 612 575

139.2 139.2 139.2 138.0 137.6 136.6

814.32 939.60 849.12 874.00 841.65 785.45

M.W. & D.E. Reynolds, Yinnar 315 G. & R. Jarvie, Hazelwood 440 D.I. Hayes, Loch 410 P. Hillard & R. Bowen, Strzelecki 490 I. & M. Grifﬁths, Foster 500 R.D. & D.J. Collins, Waratah North380

194.6 189.6 170.0 159.2 152.2 149.6

612.99 834.24 697.00 780.08 761.00 568.48

150.0 148.6 148.0 147.6 144.6 142.0

840.00 1374.55 1258.00 1461.24 1286.94 1008.20

COWS

1 2 1 3 3 1

Maxray Nominees, Buffalo G. Bond, Leongatha P. Foster, Narracan South Belfrage Past., Bass P.F. & K.J. McLaren, Krowera R.W. Looker, Berrys Creek

HEIFERS

1 1 1 4 1 1

BULLS

1 1 1 1 1 1

M. & S. Grylls, Welshpool I. & M. Grifﬁths, Foster N.R. & I.M. Holloway, Wattlebank Harris Pastoral, Dumbalk North R.D. & D.J. Collins, Waratah North R. & S. Irvin, Nerrena

560 925 850 990 890 710

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

September means Dairy Expo THE Strzelecki Lions are toasting another successful Poowong Dairy Expo despite unfavourable weather on Wednesday. By Thursday conditions had improved and the football club rooms were full of people listening to agricultural consultant John Mulvany’s Four ‘F’s forum. On Friday Strzelecki Lions Club president Noel Gregg was returning to the Poowong Recreation Reserve for the clean-up after the two day event. He said weather was the dominating factor on Wednesday. “The weather had an impact on the attendance and the comfort for

everyone, though the people there had their wet weather gear on and got into the marquees,” he said. “The information we have is that a number of exhibitors did well despite the weather.” Some businesses targeting dairy farmers have been severely affected by the milk price drop. Noel said dairy machinery sellers are having a difﬁcult period. “Dairy farmers aren’t getting upgrades or new sheds at the moment,” he said. “I was speaking to one exhibitor and he said just prior to the drop in the milk price things were really booming.” As the weather improved on Thursday, so did the attendance.

“The John Mulvany Four ‘F’s session was a full house and from those I’ve spoken to who attended, it was very good,” Noel said. Also on Thursday was the Murray Goulburn and Reid Stockfeeds breakfast in the Poowong hall. “The breakfast was extremely successful, with a full house and everyone really enjoyed it,” Noel said. ‘Women in Dairy’ held their meeting in the hall on the Wednesday. Noel said the volunteers were terriﬁc at this year’s dairy expo. The committee will meet in the next couple of months to decide if the expo will be back for next year and if it is, planning begins again.

Painting cows: sisters Georgie and Ashley Snell of Poowong about to start their art project.

Above: Three’s company: The Lions’ Jenny Watson with Bernadette Tattie and Keryn Wisewould working at the expo for the Nyora Primary School. The Verboon family: back: Clive, Nadine and Alyssia; front: Dakotah, Harry and Dylan at the expo.

Your passion, our commitment (It’s a better way forward) Right: Day out: Poowong’s Arch van Thof with his grandson Jai Newcombe at the expo.

Left: Lending a hand: Strzelecki Lions Club member Ron Payne with former member Ian Gration, now part of the Cranbourne group.

mitch32169

The next time you’re thinking about how money can grow your business, call us. We won’t think twice about speaking with you, personally.

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.

The Four F’s: consultant John Mulvany with Dennison dairy farmers Graeme and Chris Anderson at the forum on Thursday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 49

Windmill Ag, Meeniyan: the sales team are Marilyn, Jason, Mark, Shane and Sam.

Warranty removes worries WINDMILL Ag and Elite Warranty Group join forces to offer used machinery purchasers a unique warranty service. There will be a 12 months warranty on all used tractors, providing peace of mind when making a used equipment purchase. It means Windmill Ag customers will beneﬁt from this exclusive, quality warranty service available on used tractor and equipment purchases. Elite Warranty are a leading ﬁnancial services organisation specialising in extended warranty products across a broad range of industries including consumer products, automotive, equipment and machinery. Elite work at a manufacturer and dealership level to provide additional value for clients and end users on the purchase of their new or used machinery and equipment. The Elite Warranty

You can bank on it THERE’S work underway to create a rural people’s bank and it will be the topic of a dinner meeting in Leongatha next week. The bank would be aimed at farmers and could benefit people starting out in the dairy industry. Profits would be returned to the community. The working name for such a bank is the Agricultural Finance Cooperative, which is in the early stages of being set up. Bob Yabsley will speak about the proposal at the meeting. “The meeting is to get information about a rural bank and see what we need and whether it is a viable option,” said VFF South Gippsland branch spokesperson, Meg Parkinson. The dinner meeting is at McCartin’s Hotel, Leongatha on October 6 at 7pm. Cost is $25. To confirm your attendance leave a message or text 0428 314 312 by October 5.

product provides peace of mind when making a used equipment purchase, as long as you follow basic servicing and maintenance guidelines for your machinery, someone will be there to help if problems arise. The scope of cover on this warranty service provides peace of mind on all the big ticket expenses the purchase of a used machine can potentially offer. Cover includes electrical systems, power train, drive shafts, engine components and much more. Talk to the sales team to get more details on this great new product. Elite warranty is exclusive to the Windmill Ag Group. Terms and Conditions apply.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

public notices

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

0422 998 025 1800 611 368

public notices

DEVELOPING HEALTHY SOILS WORKSHOP

WATERCOLOUR CLASSES

LEONGATHA SECONDARY COLLEGE

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG

KONGWAK MARKET

JUMBUNNA'S 25TH BIRTHDAY BUSH MARKET

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

Commencing October 7 10 WEEK COURSE Wednesdays & Thursdays 9.30am - 12pm

Wednesday Nights 6.30pm - 9pm

Secondary Students 4pm - 5.30pm With local artist Florence Stone Ph: 5664 2466 Mob: 0447 306 090 http://ﬂostoneart.zaca.id.au

Presents

Senior School and VCE Art Show Friday, October 16

6.30 ARTS CENTRE AND STAFFROOM Music - The Shardies THE ORGANIC HAIR & BEAUTY SALON: 150 Bald Hills Road, Tarwin Lower, Deanne Dakers. Ph. 5663-5439, website: www. theorganicbeautysalon. com

Invitation to Community SOUTH COAST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE invites you to

‘Project Orange Thumb Ribbon Cutting’ This ceremony marks the completion of the Fiskars Project Orange Thumb grant that allowed SCCC to construct the “Kitchen Garden”. To be held on

Thursday, October 15 - 11am Followed by morning tea

AT SCCC WONTHAGGI CAMPUS 146 Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi

“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

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

POUND CREEK FIRE BRIGADE October 24, 2009 First Question @ 7.30pm AT POUND CREEK FIRE STATION 776 Inverloch-Venus Bay Road, Pound Creek $10 per person, with tables of eight $5 - 12 years and under BYO drinks, glasses and nibbles Supper provided RSVP: October 12, 2009 Tania 5674 5506, Marion 5683 2507

From 9am All stalls under cover if wet New stalls welcome BOOKINGS M. Smith 5657 3241 or D. Wylie 5657 3253

WHAT WOULD YOU DO

CHIROPRACTOR

if you were a millionaire in 7 years?

Garry Harrison

The Investors Club

19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson

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

Tuesday, October 13 @ 7.30pm Leongatha RSL, Cnr Smith St & Michael Place For more information phone 5182 6757 No charge Investors helping investors

Rock n Roll

New club starting in Leongatha DANCE LESSONS Every Thursday night - 7.30pm Masonic Hall No partner necessary - Cost $5

Starting October 8

TRIVIA NIGHT

Sunday, October 4

Enquiries to: John and Judy Kerville 5662 2229 (BH) 5662 4004 (AH) Diane at Kelvin Johns Retravision 5662 2136 Neil Olsen 0428 552 284

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

Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday By appointment Ph: 5674 8290 Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

personal MEN:

WANT LONGER LASTING

SEX?

GOOD ERECTIONS? PREMATURE EJACULATION? WOMEN:

PROBLEMS GETTING AROUSED OR REACHING ORGASM? Talk to the doctors at AMI

CALL OR SMS ‘TRY’ TO

1800 20 40 90

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 51

situations vacant

PAINTER Qualified painters required in local area for up to 4 months work Red Card required Phone Mark 0412 595 677

DISTRIBUTORS NEEDED Catalogue Distributors and Collectors required. Earn $100 to $200 a week for 2 hours max daily. No outlay. Call 1300-663161.

situations vacant

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

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST REQUESTED

FWohebb 7Zl_ieh

from any person keen to direct for FAMDA in 2010 or 2011 Please contact Raymond Dunstan, FAMDA Secretary 5682 1567 or chris.freeman3@bigpond.com with suggested projects by October 9, 2009.

Maternity Leave Replacement Full Time up to 12 months - $65k Council is seeking a suitably experienced and qualiﬁed Payroll Advisor to provide accurate, efﬁcient and timely processing of payroll. Your responsibilities will involve preparing and maintaining the payroll system including processing salary and wages, superannuation transactions, payment summaries, employee deductions, Enterprise Bargaining Agreement increments and assisting in salary package building. You will provide high quality accurate, service, support and advice and prepare information, reports and employee related statistical data as required.

BEAR GULLY COASTAL COTTAGES Walkerville South

CASUAL CLEANER required

Must be reliable and have ABN Phone Jill 5663 2364

PRACTICE NURSE DIV 1 Full Time Position The Foster Medical Centre has a vacancy for an experienced Div 1 Nurse to manage nursing services. Key Selection Criteria - essential: • Current Registration • Minimum three years experience as a Registered Nurse • Demonstrated patient-focused approach in service provision • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Ability to work in a team as well as independently without direct supervision • Ability to prioritise and organise • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development • An understanding of community nursing practice and allied health teams • Willingness to learn on the job • Computer literacy • Possession of current driver’s licence The Medical Centre is about to commence a major building upgrade which includes expanding the area devoted to Nursing services. This would be an exciting time to enter into General Practice Nursing. Please contact the Practice Manager for the Position Description by phoning 5682 2088 or email Maureen.Buckley@fostermedical.com.au

Civil Design Engineer • Competitive package • One of the fastest growing areas in Victoria Here is your opportunity to consolidate your existing skills by becoming involved in some major infrastructure projects. Massive developments across Bass Coast are providing rare and valuable opportunities for civil design engineers. In this position, you will be involved in all aspects of the designs for rural and urban roads, footpaths and drainage projects while managing the delivery of civil works projects. You will also be responsible for preparing engineer estimates and project briefs for consultants. Experience using civil design software (12D model) and tertiary quali cations in Civil Engineering are essential. Computer Aided drafting experience (preferably Microstation) will also bene t you in this role. For a position speci cation go to www. basscoast.vic.gov.au or contact HR on 1300 BCOAST (226 278). Written applications should address the key selection criteria and 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 9 October 2009.

Chief Executive Officer A progressive not-for-profit organisation, well established and resourced, is seeking to appoint a CEO with a passion and commitment to the ethos and work of Lifeline, relevant tertiary qualifications and substantial professional experience at a senior management level. Lifeline Gippsland provides 24 hour crisis telephone counselling and associated support services and is supported by a strong volunteer base and a dedicated and passionate staff. For further information and a position description, email the Board Chair, colleen.boag@ydhs.com.au

It is essential that you have experience using Chris 21 and a demonstrated ability to interpret Awards, policies and procedures. You will have excellent communication and administration skills, with the ability to maintain attention to detail whilst managing competing demands. A satisfactory police check is essential for this position. We welcome direct discussion with Sharni Mann regarding this role.

8ki^Åh[ H[Yel[ho Fhe`[Yji 9eehZ_dWjeh Temporary Full Time (9 months) - $54k Pro Rata South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking a suitably experienced person to coordinate on-going community recovery projects for the Mirboo North District including Darlimurla and Delburn. Reporting to the Community Strengthening Coordinator, the position involves coordinating a range of specific projects identified by the Community Recovery Planning Committee and funded by Bushfire Recovery funds.

Service Technician Windmill Ag is a growing company with a big future in the agriculture machinery market. Due to the expansion of the company we are seeking motivated, punctual individuals with the right attitude towards their career and our company. With the agricultural industry growing significantly in this area we are always in demand for Service Technicians with a strong work ethic to tend to our valued customers needs in the service department. Essential Duties: 1. Follow all safety rules and regulations in performing work assignments. 2. Diagnose problems and determine what repairs are needed. 3. Develop skills in disassembly, assembly and repair of components and machines. 4. Perform all service tasks as assigned by the Service Manager or Shop Foreman. 5. Prepare all reports and forms required in conjunction with job assignments. 6. Report any additional work required on equipment to the Service Manager, for proper and safe operation by the customer. 7. Participate in all training programs as directed by the Service Manager. 8. Maintain a clean work area and perform work in a neat and orderly fashion. 9. Bring to the attention of the Service Manager any shop tools, equipment or vehicle that is not in a serviceable condition or is unsafe to use. 10. Always conduct self so as to present a professional image of the dealership. Skills & Qualifications: • Graduation from John Deere Tech program preferred but not essential. • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. • Ability to write diagnosis and work completed on routine reports and correspondence. • Ability to speak effectively one on one or before groups. • Ability to use personal computer and various types of diagnostic equipment. • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measurement using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. • Have a basic set of tools. • Ability to fill out all required paperwork such as Time Sheets and Repair Orders. The Manager 110 - 116 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan, VIC. 3956 5664 7365

JOHN DEERE

The Projects Coordinator will also assist the community Recovery Committee and Council with identifying and implementing new projects. This position provides you with the opportunity help ensure community activities and initiatives will assist the Mirboo North district with recovery from the recent ﬁres and be better equipped to cope with future emergencies. We welcome direct discussion with Norman Walker on (03) 5668 2546 regarding this role.

Jekh_ic ?d\ehcWj_ed E\ÅY[h Maternity Leave Replacement Part Time (0.8 EFT) up to 12 months - $48k FTE Council has an exciting opportunity for a Tourism Information Ofﬁcer to join the award winning Prom Country Visitor Information Centres located in Korumburra and Foster. You will be responsible for assisting the Visitor Services Coordinator in key administration tasks, development of promotional material, management of the online accommodation reservation system and the delivery of information to visitors. You will have previous administration experience and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Knowledge of the tourism sector would be a distinct advantage. We welcome direct discussion with Danielle Todaro regarding this position on 1800 630 704. This position is subject to a working with children check.

8k_bZ_d] Fhe`[Yji E\ÅY[h Permanent Full Time - $65k An opportunity exists within Council to assist in the delivery and supervision of Council’s building maintenance and capital works programs. You will demonstrate a proven track record in the implementation and supervision of building capital works, maintenance and operational programs. This diverse position also provides an opportunity to coordinate the preparation of Council’s building maintenance budgets and building reports including the annual maintenance and condition reports for Council’s Building Portfolio. To be successful in this role you will have previous demonstrated experience in the delivery and supervision of building construction maintenance and operational projects. A commitment to a team environment is essential. We welcome direct discussion with Alister Fixter regarding this role. Applications addressing the selection criteria for the above positions are to be submitted by 5pm Friday 9th October 2009 addressed to: Human Resources, South Gippsland Shire Council, Private Bag 4, Leongatha 3953 or emailed to council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au Further information and position descriptions for the above positions are available from Human Resources on (03) 5662 9200, or visit www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

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

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

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

situations vacant

for sale

used machinery

for sale HEELER pups (red, blue), 8 weeks old, 5 male, 2 female. Very cute. Good markings. $100 ea. 56685338. HEN HOUSES, fox proof, good quality, 6-8 chooks; plus dog kennels. Ph: 56642443.

DRIVER POSITION

MARY MacKILLOP uniform, size 16, blazer, $100. Summer dresses $25 each. 0418-574539.

A full time position exists within our company for a local bulk fuel deliveries day Driver. Suitable applicant must hold a minimum Heavy Rigid and preferred Dangerous Goods licence, or be prepared to obtain one. A full job description is available on request by contacting Stuart or Brian on 5662 2217. Applications close October 12 Please forward resumés to: PO Box 588, Leongatha Vic. 3953

MEN’S BIKE, 28” wheels, make “Norco”, model “Vermont”, 24 gears. Adjustable head, suspension seat, full front and rear guards, Pannier carrier, 2008 model. As new, $520 ONO. 56642232. PIANO, Steinbach upright, brand new, EC, one free tuning available, $3,000 ONO. Ph: 0427-919991 anytime.

Experienced Receptionist Full time position An opportunity exists to join the team at LEKANDER DENTAL CLINICS Our team is dedicated to excellence in all areas of dentistry. Applicants need to be enthusiastic, well presented with a caring nature and willing to learn. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Publisher a must. If you possess these qualities please apply in writing to: Dr T. Lekander 1st Floor, 3 Lyon Street, Leongatha VIC 3953

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

FOSTER & DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE & LEARNING CENTRES INC. Foster Community House has a vacancy for the position of

Bookkeeper/Office Assistant Experience required with: • Quicken Cashbooks 2006 and later • Payroll WageZ Window • GST and BAS statements • Financial Audits • General Administrative office work Time: 6 hours per week Fridays during school terms and Thursdays during school term breaks Contact the office, phone 5682 1101 for a position description. Closure of applications: October 9, 2009, time: 1pm. Applications addressed to the President of the Committee of Management, PO Box 176, Cnr Court Street & Station Road, Foster 3960.

VACUUM CLEANER

SOUTH GIPPSLAND PALLIATIVE CARE (incorporating Gippsland Southern Health Service and South Gippsland Hospital)

Repairs DUST BAGS

Palliative Care Support Volunteers Gippsland Southern Health Service seeks volunteers to provide support to palliative care clients. Palliative care offers a positive approach and encourages people to live as full a life as possible when faced with a life threatening illness. Volunteers need to be committed to the principles of palliative care, be dependable, providing compassion, supportive friendship and practical support to the clients and their families or carers. We undertake a selection process to ensure that volunteers are suited to this role. Volunteers are required to complete an extensive palliative care training course provided by the organisation. A satisfactory police check is essential. We provide a supportive environment with ongoing training and education opportunities. Please contact Lyn Yeomans, Volunteer Program Coordinator on 5667 5520 or email lyn.yeomans@gshs.com.au to register your interest or for further information.

situations vacant

Sales

FREE

QUOTES

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE 167 Graham Street, Wonthaggi (opp. Ritchies IGA)

SADDLE: Sud Hill fully mounted stock saddle, good condition, with various other items of tack included, $350. Ph: 0438232440. SHED, 100 x 30 x 12’ heavy duty steel, dismantled and delivered, $12,000. Ph: 0419-371980. SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each. Free delivery for pack lots. Phone Joe 0417-530662. TIMBER - kiln dried blackwood, clear pine, silver wattle. Most sizes for furniture and craft. Also builder’s graded structural pine. Phone 5681-2261.

livestock

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

UTE, Commodore, white, 1 tonne, 140,000km, 1 owner, full service history, ladder racks, tool boxes, TGM243, $12,500. Ph: 0417-845312.

HOLDEN VE 60th Anniversary MY09.5 Commodore, 12,000km, factory dual fuel, bluetooth, rear park assist, leather interior, tinted windows, 10 months old, WTE992. Reluctant sale, $27,900. Mobile No. 0417-455369.

MITSUBISHI Triton ute, 4x4, 2002, RMH293, canopy, RWC, $13,000. Ph: 5663-5439.

PULSAR Q h/back, 1998, air, power steering, mags, 5 speed, 1800 FI engine, 169,000km, WEU094, $2,550 ONO, RWC. 0400840834.

RODEO 4x4, 2007, 19,000km, 2 door cab chassis ex. tray, manual, UVS572. As new, $22,000. Ph: 0407-859405.

PIGLETS - large white X, 8 wks old, $80. 0429029568.

5672 3127 CARAVAN, Millard, 14’6” pop top with awning, e/ brakes, 2 single beds, sleeps 4, full oven, VGC, $8,500 ONO. 0448638883. FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175 HAY, small square bales $8 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 56641320.

situations vacant

business for sale

Leading Edge Music Leongatha Is now offered for sale Excellent figures, long lease, genuine callers only.

For more information Contact Shane Morgan

0407 343 995 meetings

meetings

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

WOORAYL GOLF CLUB LADIES

Notice of Annual Meeting

To commence work January 2010 at the ALLORA KINDERGARTEN

AGM

LEONGATHA COMMUNITY PRE SCHOOL CENTRES INC. Is seeking a dedicated and motivated

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

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER 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.

Tuesday, October 13 at 10am at Woorayl Golf Club All welcome Margaret Harris President

tenders

will be held on

Tuesday, October 20 in the clubhouse at 7.30pm

tenders

Gippsland Beef Brands For Sale by Public Tender

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

Following the decision of the board and members to wind up the Gippsbeef Unit Trust, the following brands and web addresses are available for purchase by public tender.

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.

WELSHPOOL GOLF CLUB INC.

All members are invited to attend Laurie Cooper Hon. Secretary

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

Please note that the Annual Meeting of the

ZO921300

Gippsland Natural Australian Natural Enviromeat www.gippslandbutcher.com.au For more information about the tender process and both the brands visit www.enviromeat.com.au Tenders close Friday, October 2, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 53

for rent BELLINGHAM CLOSE Unit 2

Beautifully presented 2 bdrm unit in quiet enclave. Open plan, light & bright, north facing. Single remote garage plus 2nd parking space. Features dishwasher, courtyard, quality drapes, flat walk to shops, disabled access. Long term lease available. $230 pw. Call Glenys or Kaz to inspect

5664 0224 93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan

3 BDRM home, gas ducted heating, s/s appliances and ample car and storage space, $300pw. 2 bdrm unit close to street, very modern, $195 pw. 3 bdrm home, r/c heating/ cooling, $220 pw. 3 bdrm and study, 2 bathrooms, double garage, avail. now $320 pw. For further information please call Stockdale & Leggo Leongatha on 56625800. VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Contact: 0408320001.

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

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 BASS GUITARIST available. Mature age (early 50s), rock/ blues/ covers. Peter 0425-825508.

legal notices NOTICE is hereby given that Toora Bowling Club Incorporated has applied for a lease pursuant to Section 134 of the Land Act 1958 for a term of 21 years in respect of Crown Allotment 2004, Parish of Toora County of Buln Buln containing 8032 square metres as a site for amusement and recreation and social activities connected therewith (Bowls Club). Ref No: 15L106553 (Traralgon).

garage sales

GARAGE SALE

Old Waratah Road FISH CREEK Books, tools, furniture, etc.

Saturday & Sunday October 3 & 4 10am till 5.30

HUGE GARAGE SALE 70 Turner Street LEONGATHA

Saturday, October 3 Strictly 9am No early birds please Baby goods Something for everyone

GARAGE SALE 53 Horn Street LEONGATHA

Sunday, October 4 9am onwards Furniture, computers, Household items, Clothes, and loads more Strictly no early birds

Garage Sale 7 Dollar Road STONY CREEK

Saturday, October 3 Begins 9am MOVING HOUSE Woodwork machinery, tools, ride-on lawnmower, floating floorboards, timber, Holden car parts, household furniture, clothes & toys Too much to mention

engagements JEFFREY - POTOCNIK Dot and Keith of Meeniyan, together with Lyn and Peter of Greensborough, are happy to announce the engagement of David and Nicole. Love and best wishes to you both.

marriage celebrant

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

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

message of hope PSALM 13:5 - But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

births McCOLL (Dunn) - To Brad and Timna on September 23 at Frances Perry House, a daughter, Greta Charlotte, 9lb 9oz. All well. Lovely little sister for Anais and a treasured granddaughter for John and Barb. TAYLOR - Mollie. Darren and Colleen are proud to announce the arrival of Mollie Emma, 10lb 14oz, born at Warragul on June 20. Big sister Grace is also ecstatic.

bereavement thanks ASHENDEN Arthur (Sunny). Many thanks to all my friends and relations for lovely cards, phone calls and kind words, when my brother passed away. Would all please accept this as a personal thankyou. Gwen Helliwell.

in memoriam HOLTON - John Lionel. Passed away 26/9/89. Loving memory of my dear husband, father, grandad. Of all the gifts I’ve had in life, however big or small, to have had you for my husband was the greatest gift of all. Love you forever, miss you heaps. At peace with the Lord. Your loving wife Doris (Dot) and family xoxox. PAYNE - Matthew. 4/10/05. Matt, the day our lives changed forever, the day you were so unfairly taken from us. Missing and loving you always. Mum, Dad, Geri, Sab and Seth.

funerals MARTY - The Memorial Funeral Service for the late Mr James Antoine Marty will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Leongatha, on Saturday, October 3, 2009 commencing at 10.30am. Private cremation. Paul and Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 Member AFDA RUTJENS - The Funeral Service for the late Mrs Helena Rutjens will be held at the Dakers Centre (cnr Watt and Smith Sts) Leongatha on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 commencing at 1.30pm. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Leongatha Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Council Victoria. Envelopes will be available at the service. Paul and Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 Member AFDA

deaths COMRIE - Michael. 23/09/09. Dearly loved brother, best friend, great fishing mate of Roy, brother-in-law and good friend of Joy, loving uncle of Debra (favourite niece), Kylie, Jason, friends of Casey and Leonie, great uncle of Karine, Brigette and Grant (birthday mate). COMRIE - Michael. 23/09/09. Dearly loved son of Roy (dec.) and Margaret. Loving brother of Roy, Maggie, Kerry and Eileen, and cherished by all their families. Love and miss you mate, Mum. MARTY - James Antoine. Passed away peaceully in his 93rd year at Koorooman House, Leongatha. Loving husband of Helen Marie (dec.). Loving father of Anne, Gilda, Rex and Andrew. Loving brother, uncle, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. Beloved friend of Margaret, whom we thank for her love and devotion over the last few years. Will be fondly remembered for his zest for life and sense of humour. MARTY - James Antoine.

I treasure all we have shared throughout the years. Your love was a gift in our lives. Thanks for the memories. Love Margaret. Also remembered fondly by my children, Gordon, Ronald and Shirley. MARTY - James Antoine. Jim was a very special person and will be deeply missed by all - Ivan. Rest in peace. ROUGHEAD Julia Georgina (Gena). On September 21, 2009 at Koorooman House, Leongatha, in her 93rd year. Dearly loved daughter of the late George and Josie Roughead. Loved sister of Jack, Mary, Charlie, Jim, Anne and Peter (all dec.). A long life lived to the full. May she rest in peace. Loved sister of Peter (dec.), sister-in-law of Jan. Loved aunt of Jenny and Jessel; Karen, Danielle and Liam; Ann-Maree and Kelvin; Gary and Adam, Simon and Gabbi. We cannot stop the hands of time, Nor live again the past; But we shall love and think of you, So long as time shall last. Dear sister of Jim (dec.), sister-in-law of Ann and aunt of Christine, Paul, Greg, Brendan, Mike, Libby and Vincent (dec.), and their families. Rest peacefully. Loved sister, sister-in-law and aunt of Anne and Tom Slater (both dec.), Peter, Sue, Tony, Julie, Colleen, and their families. Rest in peace.

deaths ROUGHEAD - Gena. In loving memory of our beloved Aunty Gena who passed away Monday evening. A beautiful, formidable and modest woman who gave me refuge, unending love, understanding and wisdom. We will miss her so very much. Ann-Maree and Kelvin. ROUGHEAD - Gena. A wonderful neighbour for many years. Fondly remembered. Ken, Jenny, Steven, Amy and Megan. ROUGHEAD - Gena. The President and committee and members of Woorayl Golf Club are saddened by the passing of our life member, Gena. We express our sympathy to the family. M. Harris, pres. RUTJENS - Helena. Passed away peacefully at Prom View Lodge, Toora on September 26, 2009, aged 87 years. Late of Leongatha and Foster. Beloved wife of Peter (dec.). Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Femmy and Russell, Hans, Annie and Jan, Nic and Wendy, Peter, Johnny, Gerard and Sue, Willy (dec.), Liz and Butch, Leny and Greg, Tony and Karyn, Robert and Andrew. Loving Nana to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sadly missed by all. RUTJENS - Helena. A heart of gold has stopped beating. Your smiling eyes at rest. We will always remember the happy times we shared. Loving mother to Annie and Jan. Loved grandmother of Kim, Simone, Tam and Jeremy. Great grandmother of Clea, Kyan, Jarrah and Rye. ZENNER - Mavis (Cashin) nee Drowley. Wonderful memories growing up with such a lovely Auntie. Fondly remembered. Marjie Pearson. ZENNER (Cashin) - Mavis. Members of the Leongatha Tennis Club were saddened to hear of the passing of club life member and tireless club worker, Mavis. Our sincere sympathy to the Zenner and Cashin families from the Leongatha Tennis Club. ZENNER (Cashin) - Mavis Christina. Passed away September 20, 2009. Happy memories of trips to the beach, playing tennis, and family occasions. Rest in peace Auntie Mavis. Love Frances Rae.

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments

Evans Petroleum Round 1 - October 3 Home team Grade A1 Korumburra Inverloch OMK Glen Alvie

v v v v

Away Team

Ground Umpire

Imperials Workmens Nerrena Miners

Kor I Turf* OMK W Turf*

Clive Salmon Graham Laird Alan Jordan Les White & Alan Roberts

Grade A2 Poowong Loch v Koonwarra RSL Loch Brendon Thomas Meeniyan v Inverloch Meen Luke Sullivan Town v Phillip Island L Turf* Ken Lester Miners v Fish Crk/Tarwin WFG Richard Poole Grade B Imperials v Korumburra EC Stephen Lanyon Workmens v Foster MR Ian Thomas Nerrena v OMK Nerr John Lea Phillip Island v Glen Alvie Cowes Bob Allan Grade C Koonwarra RSL v Poowong Loch Koon Kevin Smith Town v Workmens WC1 Geoff Wyatt OMK v MDU KSC Quentin Graham Fish Crk/Tarwin v Miners FC Turf* Rod Grylls Grade D Korumburra v Imperials MM John Williams Inverloch v Koonwarra RSL Inv Herb Roberts Phillip Island v Nerrena New TBA Glen Alvie v Town GA Marion Wishart Grade E Poowong Loch v Miners P’wong TBA Meeniyan v Town Dum TBA OMK v Foster LV TBA Workmens v Phillip Island Dal TBA Please check grounds. All turfs will be change grounds*

deaths ZENNER (Cashin) - Mavis Christina. Thank you for sharing your love of painting, sport, family and life itself. You were a wonderful mother, grandmother and special friend whose stories, interest and support we will miss every day. Love always from Pam, Ian, Cara, Ben, Tarryn, Robbie and Katie cat. ZENNER (Cashin) nee Drowley - Mavis Christina. The President, Board of Management and Members of the Leongatha Golf Club are saddened by the passing of Mavis, who was a dedicated member of the club and a life member since 1991. Our deepest sympathy goes to her family and friends.

Walk safe BASS MLA Ken Smith, is warning pedestrians to be careful walking on those white tactile road indicators because they can be slippery. The indicators are there to help warn those who are vision impaired that there is a road. Mr Smith said he was alerted to the dangers by Inverloch resident Pat Lawson, who broke her leg in May this year after slipping on one of the indicators in her home town. “We have since heard of several other incidents relating to worn or slippery indicators,” said Mr Smith. “While they serve a very important purpose, pedestrians need to be alert when walking on them, especially in wet weather.”

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8190 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Wood alcohol. 7, Mind. 8, Ba-line-se. 9, Lea(r)ned. 10, Se-cur-e. 12, Sheet-S. 15, Abr-upt. 17, Swind-les. 19, I-ot-a. 20, Easy to grasp. Down - 1, Con-dense. 2, Bar-bed. 3, Sculls (skulls). 4, Shin. 5, Closer. 6, W-hit-e. 11, Card-I-gan. 13, Howler. 14, Splits. 15, Assign (a sign). 16, Put up (rev.). 18, Nose (anag.). QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8190 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Merchantman. 7, Talc. 8, Vigorous. 9, Stroll. 10, Redeem. 12, Calico. 15, Outcry. 17, Virginia. 19, Nous. 20, Unmitigated. Down - 1, Broccoli. 2, Shovel. 3, Onager. 4, Emir. 5, Endure. 6, Meant. 11, Detonate. 13, Animus. 14, Ornate. 15, Orange. 16, Round. 18, Game.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Kok lifts Aussie hat-trick

in2CRICKET hits town

lifter to get Olympic gold, was lifting the same weights as Adam at 17 and now similar weights at age 19,” he said. Lukin is Australia’s only Olympic gold medallist in the sport after winning the super heavyweight category at the 1984 games. The tuna ﬁsherman also won gold in the same event at the 1982 and 1986 Commonwealth Games. Adam has been invited to the South Paciﬁc Games at New Caledonia in December, as part of the junior Commonwealth Games squad and will be sponsored by the Australian Sports Commission. He won his third Victorian weightlifting title - the Under 20 championship at the Victorian Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships - in May. There, he also earned bronze in the senior competition, placing third to winner and 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Corran Hocking, and second placed Matthew Falcone, ranked 10th in the world. Adam trains with the Phoenix Weightlifting Club at Huntingdale, Melbourne, under coach Ivan Katz, a former Commonwealth champion. He combines training with cooking studies at NMIT, Preston.

MILO in2CRICKET cricket is coming to Leongatha and it’s time for children, parents and volunteers to get involved.

By Brad Lester

STRONG man Adam Kok is nudging closer to contesting the 2014 Commonwealth Games after claiming his third consecutive Australian title.

Big V: Adam Kok represented Victoria and went on to win his third national title.

The Port Welshpool teenager won gold in the Under 20 division of the Australian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships at Launceston, Tasmania. The latest top placing adds to Adam’s Under 16 and 18 national wins. The 19-year-old was named in the Australian Junior Commonwealth Games Squad after amazing results at the Oceania and Arafura Games in Darwin in May. Adam snatched 120kg and 155kg in the clean and jerk for a combined weight of 275kg, better than his performance at the Oceania games. He competed in the 105kg plus category and has advanced since, snatching 115kg and lifting 145kg in the clean jerk earlier this year. Father Guus believes his son has the potential to achieve international success. “Dean Lukin, the ﬁrst Australian weight-

Leongatha golf

Giving golf a go

WATER, water everywhere and not a putt to sink. No play on Saturday and the Hodges mixed event has also been postponed. The big success of the week was the 100 year tournament held at Woorayl on Tuesday where a full ﬁeld enjoyed the historic event in ﬁne conditions. With so many of our golfers at that venue, Tuesday’s numbers were very low. Thursday’s Ambrose was played and our Ambrose specialists were again too good. Geoff McDonald, Ray Burton, Norm Hughes and Peter Horman shot 64 off the stick, (29 on one nine) to score 563/8 and a clear win. Runners-up were Keith Finney, Michael Oliver, Les Newton and Merv Stubbs on 587/8. Congratulations to Merv who celebrated his 80th birthday. Nearest the pin winners were Neil McKenzie (14th) and Norm Hughes (16th). Down the line balls: K. Godridge, I. Danks, I. Sutherland, G. McRitchie 60, R. Davies, C. Manley, D. Hanna, J. Lowell 601/8, J. Cummins, A. Sperling, D. Vorwerg, F. Welsford 613/8. Welcome back Frank.

IT appeared wild weather scared people away from the Give Golf a Go clinic at Meeniyan Golf Club on Sunday morning. Only seven of the 30 people who inquired about the program turned up, with a few calling in sick that morning. Those who came received tips on correct grip, stance and swing from professional golf instructor Trevor Hollingsworth. Meeniyan Golf Club ladies captain Sue Hoskin said the Give Golf a Go clinic was also held last year. Of the 50 people taking part in last year’s program, 24 joined the club and half of them play every week. “It’s been an excellent result,” Sue said. “Two or three have broken their handicap down, so they are doing really well.”

Golf start: Tanya Thorson (Dumbalk), Linda Brown (Tarwin) and Sarah Zerbe (Meeniyan).

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

SEPT / OCT Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

30 WED

1 THUR

2 FRI

3 SAT

4 SUN

5 MON

6 TUE

0045 0807 1309 1939

0.48 1.21 0.76 1.13

0138 0907 1416 2100

0.56 1.19 0.77 1.11

0248 1005 1551 2222

0.62 1.20 0.72 1.15

0418 1057 1706 2330

0.65 1.23 0.62 1.25

0530 1144 1753

0.63 1.28 0.51

0023 0618 1225 1830

1.36 0.61 1.33 0.40

0109 0657 1305 1904

1.48 0.58 1.38 0.30

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

Foursomes golf championships THE South Gippsland District Golf Association will conduct its annual ‘Mixed Foursomes’ Championship at Phillip Island Golf Club on Sunday, October 11. The event will be played over 18 holes and will see many of the District’s top male and female golfers compete. Included in the events to be decided will be the Chas Hollins Memorial Shield for the District Championship. The defending champions, Michael and Rebecca Thomas (Leongatha) will be hard to beat. Other events to be decided will be B Grade Scratch; A and B Grade handicap; nine holes handicap, Out and In and nearest the pin events. Entry for the event is free. All South Gippsland clubs are expected to provide a minimum of three pairs for the event. Entry forms can be obtained at all South Gippsland Clubs, and should be forwarded to the ‘Tournament Manager’ Mr Denis Stanes, 14 Drysdale Street, Wonthaggi, 3995. Late or telephone entries will only be accepted depending on ﬁeld size.

Woorayl golf AS we all know, Saturday was a wild and wet one. However, some brave golfers turned up and played a stableford event sponsored by Middendorp Electrical. The winner was Jason Redmond from Ian Balfour with balls going to P. Burgess and B. Wilson. The nearest the pins went to Ian Balfour and John Hassett respectively. The Thursday bar voucher went to Ben Fitzpatrick with 39 points. Next Saturday we will play for the September monthly medal with the day being sponsored by Terry Lund Auto Electrics.

Mirboo North golf THERE were 46 starters for the stableford event on Thursday, September 24. CCR was 72. A Grade winner was Noel Fox (15) 40. Down the line: Chad Clasby (7) 38, Joe Taylor (15) 37, Terry Bradshaw (9) 37, Craig Hall (19) 36, Tim O’Neil (4) 35, Athol Worthy (20) 35, Ron Funnell (21) 35, Richie Robbins (15) 35, Bradley Perks (35) 35. Birdies: Terry Bradshaw (4th), Rod Spokes (13th), Noel Ludgrove (6th).

Joyce Berry Trophy ON Friday, September 25, 76 of the district ladies took to the well presented Lang Lang golf course for the Joyce Berry 4BBB par event sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank. With rain around the area it was not long before the South Gippsland Ladies Golf Association players had all the wet weather gear on and set out to do their best. The winners were Helen Fraser and Mary Brewis from Leongatha Golf Club with an excellent scratch score of 82. This pair also took out the A Grade handicap section with a very handy two up on a countback. B Grade winners were Sara Beale and Carol Carrigy from Lang Lang with a scratch score of 90. The B Grade handicap winners were Faye Morris and Robyn Cornell from Phillip Island with a great score of five up. DLB: F. Morris, R. Cornell +5 (Phillip Island); S. Beale, C. Carrigy +4 (Lang Lang); F. Maynard, M. Martin +4 (Woorayl); A. Schofield, L. Brown +4 (Phillip Island); S. Pursen, C. Stockdale +3 (Lang Lang); B. Yann, C. George +3 (Korumburra); M. Brewis, H. Fraser +2 (Leongatha) and A. de Bondt, D. Stubbs +2 (Leongatha). Thanks goes to Lang Lang ladies for the running of the day as well as the ground staff for the presentation of the course in difficult weather.

Joyce Berry trophy: Darren Guinea (Bendigo Bank), Gwen Evison (SGLGA president) and Marg Berry with the winners Helen Fraser and Mary Brewis (Leongatha club).

The Koonwarra / Leongatha RSL CC is proud to announce that it will be running the Cricket Australia MILO in2CRICKET program starting on Friday, October 23. Registration times: Friday October 9, 4pm to 5.30pm and Saturday, October 10 from 9am to 11am. The MILO in2CRICKET program will provide children with an opportunity to experience and learn some of the fundamentals involved in cricket. The program focuses on learning the skills of cricket in a friendly and fun community environment. “This is a great program for pre-competition cricketers as the positive experience that I had when I participated encouraged me to take up a long involvement in the sport and I look forward to passing on the same enjoyment to the next generation of young people,” centre co-ordinator, Braydan Moscript, said. Moscript has recently returned to the club after seasons at premier club Casey/South Melbourne. Regional CV manager, Rob Wood, endorsed these sentiments, having seen many local cricketers such as the Davis brothers, Sam Hughes, Brett Pedlow and Dave Gilliam (Vic Imparja Cup representative) forge successful careers after their involvement in the initial pilot program held in Leongatha in the 90s. MILO in2CRICKET provides children with an enjoyable and safe learning environment where they can build their conﬁdence, develop new skills and play games. The MILO in2CRICKET program is a great way to keep children active over the summer months whilst learning some of the skills associated with cricket. The program also provides parents with an opportunity to become actively involved in their child’s sporting pursuit, either as a coach or a parent helper, during the program. The MILO in2CRICKET program is a great way to keep children active over the summer months whilst learning some of the skills associated with cricket. The program also provides parents with an opportunity to become actively involved in their child’s sporting pursuit, either as a coach or a parent helper, during the program. Parents wishing to register their child for this exciting and innovative program should visit in2CRICKET.com.au for online registration, or for further information, please contact Braydan Moscript on 0447 367 793 or Rob Wood on 0408 820 582 or 5662 5293. Also contact Rob re other centres in the area including Wonthaggi Miners, Wonthaggi Workmen’s, Inverloch, Korumburra, Meeniyan Dumbalk United, Phillip Island and Mirboo North cricket clubs.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 55

Four life memberships at Bulldogs KORUMBURRA/ BENA clubrooms were packed recently with more than 200 people at the presentation night witnessing the announcement of four new life members.

Reserves: Bryce Rawson (Best in Finals), David Caporale (Equal Best and Fairest), Jordon Myors (Coach’s Award), Mat Walker (Best Team Man), Justin Caporale (Equal Best and Fairest), Paul Whelan (coach) and Daniel Salmon (Most Determined). Absent Chris Paterson (Most Consistent) and Hayden James (Most Improved).

Game milestones: Peter Edwards (100 games), Murray Gow (200 games), Justin Caporale (100 gamers) and James Kyle (100 Games).

Fourths: Neil Edwards (coach), Angus Harrison (Most Consistent), Ashley O’Neill (Coach’s Award), Matthew Edwards ( Best and Fairest), Jayson Meade (Most Improved), Sam Macri (Most Determined), Michael Wight (Best in Finals) and Darcy James (Best Team Man). Absent Justin Smith (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Alex Castagna (Most Disciplined).

Lesley and Peter Wall received theirs for dedicated service around the club, mainly for their role running the canteen for many years. Donald Van Rooye, who has served the club in many ways including as vice-president and president, as well as playing 250 games for Bena, was also made a life member. Murray Gow, the other recipient, received his award for bringing up 200 games for the club. Amongst other highlights were two football ﬂags for Thirds and Fourths as well as a premiership for the B Grade netballers. Dean Alger, six weeks ago, was conﬁrmed as the coach of the Seniors for a third year.

Seniors: Ty Lucas (runner-up Best and Fairest), Tim Smith (Most Determined), Lachie Earl (Coach’s Award), Shannon Bray (Most Improved), Dean Alger (coach), Cade Maskell (Most Consistent) and Ryan Mortimer (coach’s Award). Absent Jeremy Hopkins (Best and Fairest), Tom Olden (Best Team Man) and Ben Fitzpatrick (Ian Hillberg Memorial Most Promising Under 21).

Kor/Bena awards: Lesley and Peter Wall (Life Membership), Allan Summerﬁeld (Best Club Person), Murray Gow (Life Membership), Donald VanRooye (Life Membership).

Thirds: back: Leigh Wilson (coach), Nick Auddino (Most Determined), Jason Wilson (assistant coach), Tom Mayo (Equal Best and Fairest), Sam Edwards (Most Consistent), Wayne Hubbard (Equal Best and Fairest), Mitch Olden (Best Team Man), Chad Macri (Best in Finals) and Mario Arestia (runner-up); front: Alex Bull (Coach’s Award), Ash Snooks (Most Improved) and Tim Smith (assistant coach).

Korumburra/Bena Netball Club presentations

C Grade: Hayley Lowe (Coach’s Award) and Melissa Cosson (Best and Fairest).

Right: A Grade: Terrin Olden (Encouragement Award), Shelly Snooks (Coach’s Award) and Christie Hillberg (Best and Fairest). Left: 17 and Under: Lauren Cosson (Best and Fairest), Maddie Dowel (Most Disciplined) and Tarli Hillberg (Coach’s Award).

B Grade: Bec Muir (Coach’s Award) and Brianna Wilson (Best and Fairest).

13 and Under: Caroline Crawford (Coach’s Award), Taylor Smith (Most Valuable Player) and Jacquie Snooks (Most Determined).

15 and Under: Ellen Sorrell (Coach’s Award), Kim Hillberg (Best Team Player) and Bec Paterson (coach). Absent: Hayley Maskell (Most Improved).

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Golfing honour for Daryl By Jane Ross DARYL Pease has been made a life member of the Leongatha Golf Club. President Jack Cummins presented Daryl with the honour as one of the highlights of this, the club’s centenary year. “It was quite overwhelming,” said Daryl, who has been a member for over 50 years. He’s joined a relatively exclusive group. Twenty-two life memberships have been awarded, but only seven, including Daryl, are living. He joined the golf club as a junior in 1958, when his enjoyment of the game was augmented by his willingness to pitch in. With members of his family and others, he took part in working bees, picking up sticks and mallee roots. That task went on for years. The lack of a competitive spirit and demands of the family drapery business in Leongatha, meant Daryl has never played pennant. He’s left that to his wife Pat, who remains a strong pennant competitor for the club. In his heyday, Daryl’s handicap was down to a creditable 16, but his skills are a bit rusty thanks to a health problem that has kept him off the fairways for a while.

Fore, fore: Daryl Pease (left) is congratulated on his life membership of the Leongatha Golf Club by its president, Jack Cummins. Nevertheless, he teed up for the club’s recent centenary game. “It was a good day,” he mused, “but my golf was …….. as expected!” He has thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf and his club involvement over the years. “I think it’s a beautiful place,” he said of the course itself, “I have always

enjoyed getting out there.” Daryl’s ability to do that has been enhanced since he retired in 1998, moving to Inverloch with Pat. He said the golf club represents different things to different people, but to him, its great value is that it plays a very important role socially for older men and women who share a common

interest while doing something that beneﬁts their health and ﬁtness. “There’s the recreational activity and the social aspect.” Daryl’s life membership recognises a long list of contributions. He became secretary of the social committee in 1963 and served as club secretary between 1963 and 1969.

His three-year involvement in the sub committee that applied for a liquor licence was followed by 33 years as the club’s inaugural licensee. Daryl chaired the house committee that ran the bar and maintained the club house for about six years and served on the club committee in 1977. Researching and setting up bingo, Daryl was a founding member of the bingo committee, a role he held for three years. From 1996, he acted as a gaming volunteer for two nights a week for three months, then one night a week for two years. He was a course volunteer for a decade until last year, rejoined the board in 2005 to take on marketing and social activities, served as club vice president in 2006 and president in 2007 and 2008. Daryl became chairman of the greens committee this year, a body he had joined in 2006. Last year, he became a member of the committee that has orchestrated celebrations for the club’s centenary. Paying homage to the newest life member, president Jack Cummins said Daryl had always been willing to take on any role and had made a major contribution to the development of the club.

Full field for Centenary event TO celebrate 100 years of golf, Leongatha and Woorayl Golf Clubs joined forces for a special golf day last Tuesday, September 22. Hosted where Leongatha Golf Club conducted its very ﬁrst tournament 100 years ago, at Woorayl Golf Club, a full ﬁeld of 95 golfers turned

out to mark this historic occasion with a Canadian Foursomes event. There was even a photo produced of Miss Edney, who won the ﬁrst event on September 22, 1909. Miss Edney’s great nephew, Alan Edney, produced the photo and participated in the day’s golf. It was good to see many of the life members of both clubs supporting the day, with hun-

dreds of years of combined golf experience in the room for trophy presentations. Leongatha Golf Club’s centenary committee chairman, Terry Poulton, was extremely pleased with the support from all golf clubs in the region, and the representatives of the various golf associations. He also welcomed the president of the Victorian

Golf Association, John Hobday, who came all the way from Nhill; as well as vicepresident, Patrick Doran. In a ﬁtting ﬁnale, Terry heaped praise on the Woorayl Golf Club for helping to bring this event together and for the warmth in which they hosted the visitors. He also paid tribute to the course which had also held up extremely well despite some heavy rain the night before. Results Mixed Canadian Foursomes winners: Elsie McBride and John Diaper; runnersup Phil and Barb Stimson; third Doug Clemann and Di O’Connor. Ladies Canadian Foursomes winners: Sue Symmons and Sue Hoskin, runners-up Robyn Dennis and Noreen Williams, third, Maxine Eabry and Trish Owen. Mens Canadian Foursomes winners: Geoff McDonald and Norm Hughes, runners-up Craig Hall and Jack Howard, third Ted Bruinewoud and Peter Waters.

Playing at Woorayl: Ted Jackson (Wooryal club), Daryl Pease (Leongatha), Coral Gray (Leongatha) and Pat Pease (Leongatha).

Men’s winners: Geoff McDonald and Norman Hughes.

Enjoying the golf: back: Ed Koscuik (Leongatha club), Gerry Carcour (Leongatha) and Anthony Clemann (Woorayl); front: Sue Symmons (Meeniyan), Sue Hoskin (Meeniyan) and John Hassett (Woorayl).

From near and far: Anne Forsyth (Woorayl club), Roy Fisher (Woorayl), Ted Bruinewoud (Leongatha), Peter Waters (Leongatha) and Phil and Eileen Brewster (Lakes Entrance, formerly Woorayl).

Mixed winners: Elsie McBride and John Diaper.

Memorable day: celebrating the special event at Woorayl are, from left, VGA president, John Hobday, VGA vice-president, Patrick Doran, vice-president of Woorayl, Brian Wilson, Leongatha Golf Club’s centenary committee chairman, Terry Poulton, and president, Jack Cummins.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 57

Life award for Peter Brown A LIFE membership to Peter Brown and the Bill Pollock Memorial to Peter McLean were the highlights at the South Gippsland Umpires presentation night. Peter Brown was recognised with a life membership for his service as an umpire, committee man, observer, advisor and umpires tribunal advocate. Peter McLean took home the Bill Pollock Memorial for Best Performed Field Umpire in his second year back after some time off. It capped off a great year for Peter who umpired the senior grand final. Kevin Jones continued his rapid development as field umpire with the Most Improved. Kevin is now a regular senior umpire and umpired the Thirds grand final this year.

In a positive for the future of South Gippsland Umpires, the remaining field umpiring awards went to first year umpires. Kane Pepperell took out the Coach’s Award after being emergency for both the Thirds and Fourths grand finals, Wade Stoitse the coveted Golden Whistle and a surprised Paul Bourke took out Best First Year. Paul encouraged the younger umpires to stick with their umpiring. Wade Stoitse had a terrific season to take out the Golden Whistle, endorsed by the VCFL for umpires that potentially have a bright future. Wade played Fourths before stepping up to umpire the Thirds and in a great effort for someone his age, umpired his first game solo late in the home and away season. Wade was rewarded for his good work with a Fourths final and joins

Milestone games: Henry Mueller (400 games) and Chris Clements (500) received special certiﬁcates.

an illustrious list of past winners including former AFL boundary umpire Sam Nathan. Boundary umpire Davyd Reid had another good year to win the Best Performed Boundary Umpire for the third time in the past four seasons. Megan Ryan showed plenty of promise to take out Best First Year while the work ethic of Mitchell Jones saw him take out the Coach’s Award. Robbie Gray won the Most Improved and boundary advisor Geoff Kenley hopes that he, along with all the other boundary umpires, can continue next year. Cara Carter won the Ideal Member for her work in obtaining several grants as well as preparing the after training snacks. Max Beard of MDU won the Alf Wilder Memorial for Best Goal Umpire.

Field umpire winners: Paul Burke (Best First Year), Peter McLean (Bill Pollock Memorial Best Performed), Kevin Jones (Most Improved), Kane Pepperell (Coach’s) and Wade Stoitse (Golden Whistle).

Well done: President Mat Holmes with Ideal Member Cara Carter and life member Peter Brown.

Boundary umpire winners: Davyd Reid (Best Performed), Mitchell Jones (Coach’s) and Robbie Gray (Most Improved). Absent: Megan Ryan (Best First Year).

Tom’s desert trek

Holwerda family trifecta

WHILE Tom Dudley is a keen cyclist he will be out of the saddle for the gruelling Simpson Desert Bike Ride, acting as support crew.

LEONGATHA Table Tennis club held its club championships last week.

He headed off last Friday with family friends Wonthaggi doctor Leon Malzinkas and his son Dylan. Dr Malzinkas will act as one of the medical support crew for the 22nd annual desert bike challenge that will see competitors, support crew and ofﬁcials gathering at Purnie Bore, South Australia, on the western edge of the Simpson Desert ready for the ofﬁcial race start on Tuesday, September 29. Dubbed by many competitors as “Satan’s Velodrome” the ride can be a living hell as cyclists battle searing heat and push their bodies to the limit during the nine stages of the event, riding about 590 kilometres over some 700 sand dunes. Son of Nick and Anna Dudley of Leongatha, Tom is a member of the local cycling club and enjoys weekend racing, but he was quick to point out, “I’m not racing in the desert, I will be just helping out along the way”, travelling in the comfort of his friends’ air-conditioned four wheel drive. As to what Tom will be helping out with, he said he and Dylan will hit the

Desert trek: Leongatha cyclist Tom Dudley is off on an outback trek and will act as support crew for the gruelling Simpson Desert Bike Ride.

camp sites ahead of the riders and help set up and may assist with cooking. At 16 years of age, Tom can’t really say he is a master chef, but he is deﬁnitely a dab hand at cleaning up, having had loads of experience in his job as part-time cleaner at The Great Southern Star. Tom, a student at Mary MacKillop College, said he was very excited about embarking on this school holiday adventure which will take him to the great Australian outback and see him roughing it under the stars. As for provisions he said he is packing a swag and a range of clothes as it will be very hot during the day but cold at night in the desert.

For riders the first four days have an 80km morning stage followed by a 50km afternoon stage, and the final 80km stage on day five ends outside a classic Aussie icon, the Birdsville Hotel in the tiny outback town of Birdsville in Queensland. Riders come from all around the country and overseas for the event, many returning again and again for this extraordinary five day event. All funds raised from the race go to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service that provides critical aeromedical emergency and health care services across Australia, assisting more than 250,000 patients each year.

The Holwerda family dominated the singles with Dirk Holwerda winning in A Grade, Michael Holwerda in A Reserve and Bryce Holwerda in B Grade. No pictures of A Grade winners were available. A Grade championships were played on September 23. Singles: winner: Dirk Holwerda. Runner-up: Mark Dowling. Doubles: winners: Kevin Dowling and Mark Dowling. Runners-up: Dirk Holwerda and Frank Hirst. A Reserve championships were played on September 22. Singles winner: Michael Holwerda. Runner-up: Gerda Bongers. Doubles winners: Michael Holwerda and Nick Summers. Runners-up: John McCarthy and Lorraine Bird. B Grade championships were played on September 24. Singles winner: Bryce Holwerda. Runner-up: Tammy Holwerda. Doubles winners: Stuart Campbell and Johnno Page. Runners-up: Bryce Holwerda and Michaela Campbell.

A Reserve: singles winner Michael Holwerda and runner-up Gerda Bongers.

B Grade: singles winner Bryce Holwerda (right) and runner-up, his mother, Tammy Holwerda (left).

A Reserve: doubles winners Michael Holwerda and Nick Summers.

B Grade: doubles winners Johnno Page and Stuart Campbell.

Suspension affect for WGLFL medal MOE ruckman Chris Hancock, despite polling the most votes in this year’s West Gippsland Latrobe Seniors vote count, has been unable to accept the award due to a one match suspension, incurred in Moe’s Round 10 clash with Garﬁeld. Hancock had ﬁnished on 15 votes, one ahead of Sale coach Adrian Cox and Traralgon half forward Michael Geary. This is just the second time a player in this league has polled the most votes, but has been unable to accept the award due to suspension.

Coincidentally, the other time, season 1963, the player featured was also from the Moe Football Club. Indicative of the closeness of season 2009 in the West Gippsland Latrobe Football League, this year’s Senior vote count has been won by Sale’s Adrian Cox and Traralgon’s Michael Geary with a total of just 14 votes, equal to the lowest winning total on record, which shows how widely spread the votes were this year. A total of 14 votes has won the Trood Award and Rodda Medal on two other occasions, the years being 1977 and 1993.

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Fish Creek legends

Pirates head to smoother waters PROM Coast Pirates have a poor season, but are determined to ﬁnally unearth some footballing treasure in season 2010. The Pirates suffered some big defeats in 2009, struggling to match it with the big clubs like Philip Island, Wonthaggi and Korumburra. The on-field mediocrity has been a symptom of a poor off-field situation in which the club has been unable to attract a strong player base. Dwindling junior have seen the club struggle to attract the all important family supporter base, which is both a spiritual and financial lifeline. The calling of an emergency meeting towards the end of the season caused

rumours to start circulating that the club was about to fold. But with a new president, vicepresident and secretary appointed, the pirates embarked on their long voyage from the soccer doldrums. President Dani McGrath said she is confident that there is enough support to build a strong future around. “We need more volunteer parents and we need more players,” she said. Dani said she is confident that, even in an Australian Rules town like Foster, there is plenty of scope for soccer to thrive. “It’s not as rough as football and we are very family orientated,” she said.

FISH Creek will honour another two legends by adding their photos to the wall of the Fish Creek Hotel.

Right Standing ﬁrm: Ben Mellor, Dani McGrath and Kristen Youl holding the line for Prom Coast Pirates.

Aussie hoops in full swing AUSSIE Hoops is an introductory program for basketball, run by Leongatha Basketball Association, designed to provide the sport with a uniformed approach to encouraging children to participate and enjoy the sport. Basketball Victoria Country Council has been very supportive in getting the program up and running as has St Laurence Primary School who has allowed the association the use of its hall. Volunteer mums and several young male players have put together the eight week program, sharing information and skills – a great team effort. The goals are to encourage players to have fun and improve their basketball skills development in a positive, healthy and respectful environment. There has been positive feedback and supportive comments. If you would like to volunteer in some way

Full swing: Alfred and Sullivan Herbert show off their new skills and gear from Aussie Hoops.

please let the helpers know. It is also very encouraging with the overwhelming number of players who signed up for the program, so already they are planning the next Aussie Hoops knowing it will be bigger and better than last time. It is great to see a number of students walking to school with a bag on their back and a blue Aussie Hoops basketball under their arm. Due to the popularity of the “Aussie Hoops” program the Leongatha Basketball Association is running a one day training program over the school holidays. They have been lucky enough to secure Andrea Walsh from Basketball Victoria to be there on the day. The course will run on Friday, October 2 at St Laurence’s Primary School. Under 10s will run between 11am and 1pm and under 12s will run between 2pm and 4pm. The cost will be

Wonthaggi Table Tennis Club JUSTIN Licis and Trish Denier (J ‘n’ T) are leading A Grade with three wins and are the only undefeated A Grade team to date. Black and White (Michael Ede, Wayne Pitts) and Dirk and Ash (Dirk Holwerda, Ashley Hewlett) are close behind with two wins each. A Reserve matches continue to be very competitive. Beau Thompson (Thin Culture) and Gary Morley (Cape Paterson) were in great form last week with their set going to ﬁve and Gary the eventual winner. B Grade did not play last

week but they will resume this Thursday at 7pm. Junior coaching also resumes at 6 to 7pm.

Ladders A Grade J ‘n’ T ........................ 12 10 (42) Dirk & Ash ................... 8 9 (38) Black & White ............. 8 8 (44) Scratch ......................... 4 8 (41) Not Yet .......................... 4 7 (31) Good Guys ................... 0 3 (24) A Reserve

Short Stuff d White Port 5-4. Thin Culture d Cape Paterson 5-3 (ladder next week).

Leading players A Grade Michael Ede ....................... 6 (24) Bruce Harmer ..................... 5 (22) Dirk Holwerda ................... 5 (20) Justin Licis ........................ 4 (17)

$5 per child. For and enquiries or to receive an enrollment form please contact Paula on 56624320 (after 4pm). An introduction to coaching beginners will be held on Friday, October 2 between 6pm and 8pm. The cost is being covered by the Leongatha Basketball Association. Please contact Paula on 56624320 (after 4pm) for more information.

Each year, the Creekers combined with the football club, select members who have served the club well since the war. Already there are eight photos on the wall. Leo Synan served for 18 years as secretary, three years as president, and worked tirelessly in the social club. A life member of the Fish Creek Club and also the Alberton Football League, at one stage he was on their executive committee. The other is Irvine Park who started playing football in the ofﬁcial Seconds in 1948 and played right through to 1961, winning many premierships. When the Alberton Junior League started in 1967, Irvine coached the Fish Creek Fourths and also held the position of president for three years in that league and received the life members medal for his work. For many years he was a trainer for the Fish Creek club. The honours will be presented on Sunday at 1.30pm at the Fish Creek Hotel and all are invited.

South Gippsland Bridge Club Results Meeniyan – Monday evening: 1st Kathy Dowd. Rewa Pedersen. 2nd John Cocking. Frank Arndt. 3rd Kathryn Smith. David Baggallay. 4th Sally and Brian Hoskins. Tarwin Lower - Tuesday afternoon: North/South 1st John Sutton. John Sullivan. 2nd Clive Hope. Frank Arndt. 3rd Dawn Jolly. Phillip Chapman. East/West: 1st Wendy and David Saleeba. 2nd Barbara Axten. Margaret Munro. 3rd Colin Cameron. Kathryn Smith. 4th Betty and Frank Murphy. Meeniyan – Thursday evening: 1st June Metcalf. John Cocking. 2nd Frank Arndt. Norma Hannay. 3rd Winsome and Peter Richards. Inverloch – Friday afternoon: Section 1: 1st Jack Kuiper. Dina Drury. 2nd Colin Manley. Althea Drew. 3rd Hannah Martin. Beth Hopcraft. Section 2: 1st John Sullivan. Alan Johnston. 2nd George Geekie. Dawn Jolly. 3rd Anne Williams. John Farr. 4th Wendy and David Saleeba. 5th Rewa Pedersen. Margaret Bray. Butler Pairs Winners: 1st Jack Kuiper. Dina Drury. 2nd John Sullivan. Alan Johnston. 3rd. Anne Williams. John Farr. 4th Colin Manley. Althea Drew.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 59

Stony Creek juniors STONY Creek Football and Netball clubs recently presented end-of-season awards to their junior players.

Above right: Fourths football: Eli Taylor (Most Determined), Jimmy Monaghan (Most Consistent), Daniel Potter (Coach’s Award), Sam Wilson (Most Improved), Jack Stuart (Best and Fairest runner-up), John Stuart (Best and Fairest) and Tom Stone (Best First Year). Photo courtesy www.fourcornersframing.biz.

Thirds football: Josh Schelling (Best and Fairest runner-up), Matt Potter (Coach’s award), Jacob Bright (Best First Year), Paddy Kindellan (Best In Final and Most Determined), Nick Phelan (Best and Fairest), Luke Bowman (Most Consistent), Terry Fleming (Kevin Dewar Memorial Best Backman) and Jacob Densley (Best Junior Club Person). Photo courtesy www.fourcornersframing.biz.

Right, 15 & Under netball: Renee Eddy (runner-up), Abbi Taylor (Most Consistent) and Emily Wilson (Best and Fairest). Photo courtesy www.fourcornersframing.biz.

17 & Under netball: Anna Irving (runner-up) and Becky Klingenberg (Best and Fairest). Photo courtesy www.fourcornersframing.biz

Successfully surf life saving

South Gippsland Netball Club PRESENTATION Night was held on Saturday, September 12 for the South Gippsland Netball Club.

CELEBRATING another great season, Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club held its 49th Annual General Meeting and award presentations in Wonthaggi recently.

The season saw a record number of awards for the club, with over 180 awards passed by members including three bronze camps. They also conducted their second annual IRB training camp. Several members were honoured at the meeting for their outstanding service to lifesaving and the club. Albert Abraham’s Award: Karen and Simon Marangio were recognised for their service, commitment and dedication through their involvement and tireless work with the Cape Aquathon over many years. Karen and Simon have been instrumental in building this event up over the past 10 plus years. The Norm Legge Medal: Mark “Doogs” Legg was awarded one of the club’s most prestigious awards for his amazing hard work and enthusiasm over the season. Mark has done a great job with his role of IRB captain this season and has really gone the extra (nautical) mile to ensure boats have been at the highest standard possible. Mark has also run training sessions nearly every weekend throughout the season, culminating with four new drivers and eight new crews gaining their qualiﬁcations at our IRB camp that he was also heavily involved in. On top of all of this, Mark also completed 104.5 hours on patrol. Darcy Manks, one of our future leaders, was awarded the Club Captain’s Award, the IRB Captain’s Award and also took out the U19 Club Championship.

13 & Under netball: Holly Monaghan (runner-up) and Olivia Cope (Best and Fairest). Photo courtesy www. fourcornersframing.biz.

Medallions were presented to all players. The Under 11s had a good year and learned a lot, thanks to Mary Mitchem and

Big achievement: Mark “Doogs” Legg (Norm Legge Medallist) and Mike Martin (president Life Saving Victoria). This reﬂects a great season for Darcy who also completed 91.5 hours on patrol. Other awards for the season were to Jacinta Early (127.5 patrol hours) and Sarah McKenzie (119.5 patrol hours). As the club enters their 50th year and looks forward to the celebrations planned for January 2010, it is going from strength to strength, with a wealth of talent leading the club into the future. Over the period of the patrol season from late November to Easter Monday, more than 3150 hours were spent patrolling Cape Paterson First Surf Beach.

Tanya Thorson. The Under 13s made it through to the preliminary ﬁnal, and thanks goes to Belinda Bright and Vanessa Redpath. Under 17s/C Grade made it through to the semi ﬁnals. Thanks to Bridget and Mary Mitchem for managing this team.

Under 11: from left, Kian Pratt, Sharni Cripps, Hannah Thorson, Tanya Thorson (coach), Ally Martin, Grace Thorson and Hayley Flynn. Absent Gemma Martin and Ruby Martin.

Under 13: from left, Kirsten Mowat, Alanna Bright, Belinda Bright (coach), Ebony Pearson, Eloise Scholte, Rebecca Mangiaﬁco, Genevieve Scholte and Erika Pocklington.

Leongatha Cycling Club 50th anniversary

THE Leongatha Cycling Club will celebrate its 50th year on Saturday Oct 10, 2009.

The club has planned a Saturday morning get together at the Koonwarra Reserve at 10.30am. It is anticipated people will either go for a walk or ride using the rail trail or roads before returning for a barbecue lunch. Members will get together at the Leongatha RSL on Saturday evening from 7pm. However, we ask members to

contact Phil Smith 5662 4261 to book in for the RSL session, to enable catering to be planned. Different photos and reports have been prepared for display and to help stimulate some lively talk. The event is also a chance to celebrate the service of one of the founding members for 50 years. Jim Geary has been busy with the club over the 50 years and is still a vital member of the operation of the club. All those who rode with the club

will be keen to see Jim still going strong. The club has had conﬁrmation of attendance from some members from the 1960s, along with the more recent members. It’s sure to be a good chance to catch up with friends, so make sure you book it into your social calendar. The Star newspaper is publishing a special feature in its edition of October 6, so look out for that one.

Under 17: back from left, Vanessa Fisher, Hayley Dutton, Carla Fletcher, Bridget Mitchem (team manager), Jessica Saario; front, Melissa Saario and Miranda Wilson. Absent Sarah Mitchem, Lizzie Jukes, Cassie Willcocks and Lauren Langenberg.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Duscher backs footy plan By Matt Dunn

WONTHAGGI Football Club secretary John Duscher has backed plans by Alberton Football League executive member Jimmy Harry to split the competition in to two divisions. Mr Duscher said the example of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League, which has been a split division competition for decades, was proof the idea could work. “Because it allows the smaller clubs to be competitive against smaller clubs and the areas that are growing have the opportunity to push up into the higher level,” he said. “It’s become a much-strengthened structure.” However, the Bass Coast Council mayor does not believe Wonthaggi could ﬁeld two teams, as proposed by Mr Harry.

“I’m receptive to any ideas. Jim hasn’t spoken to the club yet, but he ran his ideas past me and I think anything is possible. There’s still an opportunity for restructure throughout the competition. Football, to me, is really at a standstill,” he said. “It’s good to have people who have a love of football and a knowledge of football talking about what could happen and what should happen. I think that’s all healthy. “There are some good things and some bad things about his idea. Having the two clubs is a possibility as far as numbers go. Wonthaggi actually had four teams at one stage back in the 50s, because the town had a population of about 12,500.” Mr Duscher said that the town would struggle to ﬁnd the numbers for two teams, losing about 25 players from the 2009 list on the previous year. “To create another team – and we really already have two teams

in the town with Dalyston – would take players away from Dalyston, Inverloch and Bass. Clubs like Bass can’t afford to lose any more players,” he said. “At this stage it looks like there really is only one option. I guess that’s been complicated by the fact that Bairnsdale looks like coming back into the West Gippsland Latrobe Football League.” Mr Duscher said he was upset by the WGLFL’s and Victorian Country Football League’s failure to inform the club that Bairnsdale was planning to re-enter the competition, considering the massive travel problems the move could pose. “Bairnsdale had plans to move back into the league for some time, but the VCFL didn’t choose to tell us. The fact was that Bairnsdale had tried some time ago to re-join the WGLFL, yet that conveniently wasn’t mentioned by the VCFL,” he said.

“That creates another issue for us, as it does for Bairnsdale.” The WGLFL has vowed to make sure a neutral venue can be provided to the clubs when they meet, lessening the distance they would need to travel. Lost gate takings could be another issue if that proposal succeeds. “It’s over three hours travel to Bairnsdale and it creates other issues with the juniors, because the junior games start early,” he said. Although The Star reported the WGLFL’s plan to stage Bairnsdale/ Wonthaggi games at an oval somewhere between the two towns, the league did not tell the Power of its intentions. “We haven’t seen any correspondents at all. That hasn’t been conveyed to us. I haven’t spoken to the VCFL on that. You would have thought they would have contacted the secretary of the club,” he said. The WGLFL and Wonthaggi will meet this week, with the Bairnsdale

travel issue sure to be top of the agenda. The AFL met last Wednesday, and although Mr Harry offered his resignation, it was not accepted by the members. A vote on plans to back an independent board of directors has been deferred until next month. AFL president Graham Laird said the clubs’ response to Mr Harry’s plan was “lukewarm”. The VCFL response could be more aptly described as ‘frosty’. “It’s not an idea that will work for 2010. It has zero backing from the AFL or its clubs. No-one’s been in touch with the VCFL over it, so I would rate its chances as fairly low. Having said that, at the VCFL we always keep an open mind,” VCFL eastern area manager Ben O’Brien said. “Certainly the only move for the AFL in 2010 is no Wonthaggi.”

Meeniyan and District Volleyball IN week one of this year’s Meeniyan and District Volleyball finals series the Purple Meanies defeated the Sharks in a close first elimination final. The minor premiers, the Orange Roughies, won a tight qualifying final against the Blues to progress to the grand final. In the second elimination final, the Black Caps defeated a tired Meanies outfit to get through to the semi final in week two. Unfortunately for the Caps, the red hot Blues were too strong and won easily to earn a second crack at the Roughies in the final game of the season. This year’s grand finalists, the Roughies and Blues fought out a classic encounter in front of a capacity Meeniyan crowd. The Roughies were triumphant on this occasion and celebrated their victory with all the other teams at the local pub. At this year’s presentation night, Blues players’ M. Hoskins (best & fairest), G. Vanderzalm (best first year player) and J. Bright (best junior) were presented their trophies by D. Lavarda (President’s award). T. Zukovskis from the Phoenix was voted most improved player by his peers. Thanks go to the office bearers, D. Lavarda (Secretary), M. Bright (Treasurer), M. Tudor (President) and S. Bright (life member) for their efforts this season.

Winners: the Roughies.

Bairs premiers: back row, Issac Brydon, Rod Hochen, Darren Pocklington; middle row, (capt) Henry Logan, Peter Hulshof; front row, Wayne Bowler. Absent (emerg) Les Boyd.

Tarwin Valley Pool BAIRS finals experience was a major factor in its 5/3 victory over a gallant Grizzly team in the Tarwin Valley Pool grand final. Grizzly jumped the gun early to shoot to a two-nil lead. Bairs finally got on the scoreboard in the next game, Grizzly bounced back to go to a 3/1 buffer. The match changed completely, with Bairs’ previous grand final experience rising to the top. Bairs won the next three frames to win a tightly contested

Runners up: the Blues.

grand ﬁnal. Congratulations to both sides on a great afternoon of pool, played in great spirit. The stars of the day were Bairs’ Henry Logan and Peter Hulshof who won their three matches. The Serge Frassenei trophy for the best player in the grand ﬁnal was Peter Hulshof. Peter completed a magical year, taking out the Rod Hartigan Memorial Shield with Henry for the most wins during the season, on 30 wins.

Unhappy trails Best and fairest: M. Hoskins.

Best ﬁrst year player: G. Vanderzalm.

President’s award: D. Lavarda.

Best junior: J. Bright.

Most improved: Zukovskis.

Continued from back. “This year we paid him $3000 to run it there and he would have been absolutely delighted to get $3000 to run it there next year. “It’s no good for anything else.” A Wellington Shire Council spokesperson said statewide planning provisions prevent motor racing in the farming zone. Motorcycling groups have written a letter to shire councils telling them they are incorrectly interpreting state planning rules. The groups argue the rules refer to a permanent race track rather than a temporary set-up for a one-off event. Hurst said they were trying to get it so they only needed to notify shire councils of events rather than ask for permission. “It’s not like the bloke was going to build a race track like Phillip Island up there,” he said. A motorcycling code of conduct requires the Corner Inlet club to notify

nearby landholders, care for vegetation and minimise signage. They also have $50 million of public risk insurance. “What more do we need?” Hurst said. The Corner Inlet Motorcycle Club made $15,000 from the event last year. Hurst said the surrounding areas would also have benefitted financially from competitors and spectators staying overnight and eating. “It’s a Victorian Championship round and there’s not many of them happening of any sport in South Gippsland whether it’s fishing or rowing,” he said. “It’s absolutely ridiculous. It’s one day a year.” Hurst turns 70 this week and he will keep fighting to use the Hedley land. “I intend to make a fuss about it, because we do want that piece of ground next year,” he said.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 61

Mirboo North celebrates 2009 in style Seniors: back: Josh Taylor (Most Improved), Brent Harriage (Best in Finals), Matt Holland (Most Determined), Jake Nash (runner-up Best and Fairest), Drew Gardiner (Coach’s Award) and Damien Turner (Most Consistent); front: Don Webb (Best and Fairest), Troy Hamilton (coach), Tim Traill (League Leading Goalkicker) and Anthony Bence (Best Utility). Absent: Harley Foat (Best First Year Player).

MIRBOO North Football Netball Club held its annual presentation night at its Tigerland headquarters recently. Over 120 sartorially attired people, including club president, Andrew Taylor, committee persons, players, coaches, training staff, members and supporters attended the evening, which included a sumptuous three-course meal and a full variety of liquid refreshments.

Left: Reserves: Dale Furphy (Most Improved), Shaun Helms (Most Determined), Luke Palmer (Best and Fairest), Chris McDonald (Coach’s Award) and Andrew Soplakow (Most Consistent and League Leading Goalkicker). Absent: Jacob Vuiliermin (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Pat Aveling (Best in Finals).

Right: Thirds: back: Lochie Shaw (Most Improved), Joe Brooks (Best and Fairest), Pat Sandall (Most Improved) Peter Taylor (Most Consistent), Damien Lockie (Most Determined), Front: Connor Munckton (Coach’s Award), Damien Turner (coach) Joe O’Loughlin (Best in Finals) Matt Holand (assistant coach) Luke Gervasi (runner-up Best and Fairest).

A Grade: Ebony Best (Best and Fairest and Best in ﬁnals), Jessica Hilliar (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Jasmin Friend (Coach’s Award and Best First Year Player).

B Grade: Andrew Taylor (assistant coach), Louisa Pratt (runner-up Best and Fairest), Leanne Taylor (coach) and Melissa McRae (Best and Fairest, and Best in Finals). Absent: Maddison Foat (Coach’s Award).

C Grade: Melissa Robins (Best and Fairest) Lesley White (Coach’s Award), Kim Shiels (Coach’s Award), Vicki Halliday (Best in Finals) and Merryn Joustra (runner-up Best and Fairest).

D Grade: Vanessa Busuttil (runner-up Best and Fairest), Amanda Nicholls (Coach’s Award), Bronwyn Pearson (equal Best and Fairest) and Libby Pratt (Equal Best and Fairest). Club person of the year: Carlie Arnold.

Fourths: back: Mitchell Wightman (Most Consistent), Jake Battersby (Most Determined), Sam Leach (Coach’s Award) and Matt Snell (coach); front: Ben Joustra (Best and Fairest), Brodie Groen (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Tom O’Loughlin (Most Improved).

Under 15s: Angie Rogers (coach), Mikki Windsor (Coach’s Award), Emily Loh (runner-up Best and Fairest), Louise Rogers (Best and Fairest and Best in Finals) and Steve Rogers (coach).

Outstanding service awards: Darryl McPherson and Leanne Taylor. Left: Under 17s: Alice Pratt (Best and Fairest, and Best in Finals), Alexandra Mitchell Watt (Coach’s Award), Danielle Hilliar (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Ebony Best (coach).

PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Leongatha Bowling Club FIRST up best wishes to our regular scribe Don, who recently returned to take up the reports again, but has not had the best of health, so the job has fallen back onto ‘Jack High’. Wednesday, September 27 saw a ﬁeld of 32 teams in the monthly triples brave the elements, with teams from as far aﬁeld as Yarram to Phillip Island, venture to Leongatha. Given the appalling weather conditions, each player deserves a medal or we all need our heads examined, as one visitor put it. Nevertheless some tense battles did take place in two games by 12 ends and one game by eight ends triples. I understand from all reports there were several teams in one of their games did not score a shot, and one of those teams was a Leongatha team. “No names no pack drill” but with pennant just around the corner, the selectors for Leongatha will have to study the form very closely.

Meeniyan Bowling Club SATURDAY, September 12 was our annual challenge against Mirboo North, where six rinks competed. We went down overall by nine shots, with two rinks being successful. Wednesday, September 16 was a warm day which attracted a field of 26 to social bowls. Winners were Rob Butterworth and Bob Wylie. Dave Gillett won the lucky draw. We welcomed Greg Hogan who was trying bowls. Saturday, September 19 was a return practice match on Longwarry’s grass green. It was a good workout for our members who have not played on slow grass for some time. The home team were too strong, winning four of the six rinks, 176 to 125. Sunday, September 20 was Guests Day which was sponsored by Marj Pearson, Murray Goulburn (Dumbalk) and Trytell, Wheller & Boucher (accountants). Winners were Mick and Barb Scott, with Russ and Glenda Trotman (Leongatha). Runners-up were Marj Pearson and Dudley Harrison, with Kelvin Flanders and Diane Buckland (Fish Creek). An encouragement award went to Col and Glenis Densley, with Jenny and John McVeigh (Korumburra). A roster of ladies looked after lunch and afternoon tea. Sunday, September 26 was our grand final day, with members dressing in their team colours and enjoying a traditional hotdog and pie lunch. Saturday, October 3 sees Division 5 playing away to Fish Creek in the first pennant match for the season. Members please check the board. All other members are asked to attend practice, beginning at 1pm. Ladies pennant begins on Tuesday, October 6, with Division 1 home to Wonthaggi and Division 3 having a bye. Good luck to all teams for the coming season.

Winners on the day were the Phillip Island team of Graeme Cornell, Peter Forrest and John Newcombe (s) on plus 43. Runners-up were the Inverloch team of Ted Bott, Peter Shaw and Ron Lawson (s) on plus 31. Best last game winners were a Wonthaggi team led by skipper David Marsh, on plus 22. Sponsors for the day were Alex Scott and Co whose two representatives presented the spoils to the winners and runners-up. Ladies On Tuesday, September 23, our ladies had their ﬁrst real test for the coming season at Inverloch at a practice match. Division 1 ladies teams I have been advised will have to brush up on their skills, but the Division 3 ladies teams won by one shot. Well done ladies. While on the subject of ladies bowls, our ladies will only have teams in Division 1

Fish Creek OUR Thursday turkey triples nearly looked like being called off after a couple of ends of persistent drizzle, but the day cleared up and some good bowling was seen. The winners came from Mirboo North and were led by Michael Dillon (skip), Kevin Queale and Clive Dawson with the runner-up a bit of a mixture with Don Birks (skip) and Tony Huybregts. Practice sessions are held each Friday night from 4pm. This week (the ﬁrst Friday of the month) a casserole tea will be served from approximately 6.30pm. Our Division 5 team play Meeniyan at Fish Creek. The team will consist of: J. Stefani, D. Stefani, L. Synan, J. Lindeman, A. Atwell, J. Charlton, J. Lavarda, R. Poletti, R. Cozens, K. Flanders, F. McLaughlin and Russ Cooper. Emergency: N. Buckland. Last Friday was to be the Christenson Trophy day between the SGBA and North Gippsland. Owing to a few mistakes in weather forecasting, the match didn’t get underway, but an excellent lunch by the Toora ladies was taken to lessen the hurt.

and Division 3 this season, and round one of ladies pennant begins at 10am on Tuesday, October 6. Reminders: Pennant practice for men Saturday, October 3 at Phillip Island. Names are badly needed to make up the required teams. Please put your name on the list in the clubhouse before 6pm on Wednesday, September 30. AFF pennant starts on Saturday, October 10 and this season Leongatha club is hoping to ﬁeld teams in Division 1 as well as Divisions 2 and 3. On Sunday, October 4 the club will hold a charity mixed social day commencing at 10am. Proceeds from the day will go to the chemotherapy unit at the Leongatha Hospital. The Seaford Bowls Club visit went ahead on Sunday, September 27 and despite the weather not being good for bowls, the social visit will be of great beneﬁt to both clubs.

Korumburra WITH our pennant season commencing the first week of October, selection committees have been busy co-ordinating teams. Men’s Division 4 start their season on Saturday (12 teams entered in Division 4). Korumburra’s teams have a home club derby (Maroon v Gold). Good bowling lads. Next week sees the ladies start their pennant season. Division 2 are home to Loch, whilst Division 3 are home also to Inverloch. On Saturday October 10 the men’s Division 1 will be home to Phillip Island and Division 4 Gold home to Mirboo North, with Maroon travelling to Port Welshpool. To all involved in pennant, good bowling. With the inclement weather that’s been around lately, there have been many cancelled bowls days. With 30 bowlers taking part on Saturday September 12, the winners with two wins plus 15 shots were Keith Button, Don Mackay and Bill Dilg. The ladies held a mixed day on Wednesday September 15. The winners were Esma O’Flaherty, Keith March Shirley Martin and Roslyn Fox.

The winners last Saturday, with three wins plus 18 shots up were Andy Robertson, Don Harris and Wilf O’Flaherty. Thursday’s winners were Peter Hearn and Alan Morphett with 2½ wins and nine shots, drawn card Ross Besley and Wilf O’Flaherty. The club extends best wishes to Joy and Tony Lewis for their diamond wedding anniversary. Dates to remember: Dandenong will visit on Sunday October 4; men’s triples October 5; the club trivia night October 23, contact Jenny McVeigh for tables or single entry for this night; club championships entries in by mid October please. With the hype of the footy season now over, the club footy tipping contest was finalised with a grand final breakfast on Saturday. Thanks to the men who cooked a great breakfast. Our guest speaker, was Peter Brown who did a presentation on umpiring. President Bill made presentations to our winners of the footy tipping: Keith Button (a soccer man), runner-up Noelene Cosson and equal third Eric Billing, Maurie Rielly and Geoff Furness.

Loch and District Bowling Club AS ladies pennant begins on Tuesday October 6 with the team playing at Korumburra, we were very happy to accept the home teams’ invitation to practice on their green last Tuesday. We appreciated the opportunity and thank the Korumburra girls very much. On Thursday we had a nine end session before the weather closed in. Hopefully we will have nicer conditions this Thursday. The mixed triples, which was to have been held on Sunday was a non-event, also due to the weather.

There will be another opportunity for a mixed triples event on Sunday October 11. Please put your names on the board for this. Men’s Division 5 pennant will get underway this Saturday with our men playing at Tarwin Lower. Contrary to our usual custom, the teams will not be named in the press but will be posted on the ofﬁce window. All men are urged to attend Thursday afternoons for practice. This is also a chance for the newer players to gain

more knowledge of what will be expected of them in pennant play. On Saturday there will be a practice match at Loch versus the Lang Lang men for Division 3. Pennant conditions will apply, match to commence at 1pm. Best wishes to all as we start the ‘nitty gritty’ of pennant. Best wishes also to the girls representing us in the state triples at Leongatha on Tuesday.

Buffalo Bowling Club ON Wednesday September 23, with a total of nine bowlers, we decided to have teams of two with one team having three. A countback for the bottom spots. Fourth Rod McConchie and Karl Kappes (LWL) 10 ends ﬁve shots. Third Sebastian Terranova and Peter Heldens (LLW) 10 ends three shots. Also a countback for the top spots.

Third Toni Heldens, Graeme Tobias and Tamara Teylor (WLW) 13 ends. Ian Benson and Carolyn Benson (WWL) 15 ends. Some wonderful bowling shown by all. Best ﬁrst game Toni 11-5, best second game 8-3, best third game Sebastian 10-6. Let’s see you all next week. Bring a friend. 7.30pm Wednesday nights.

Dumbalk indoor ON Monday, September 21, 14 bowlers played three games of eight ends. The winning team were Robert Matthies (skipper), Stephen Holmes,

Mary Cook and Morrie Parry, with three wins. The runners-up with one win, two losses (LWL) and zero shots were Frank Peile (skipper), Phil Gager and Joyce Fuller.

Inverloch

DOUBTFUL weather early on Thursday morning seemed to deter social bowlers with only 20 players turning out. After the end of play, there was only one two game winner - the pairing of Nick Van Grunsven (skip) and Mike Yates (LD) with eight shots up. Runners-up with one win and a loss were Ray Paynting (skip) and Ron Kee (LD) with 11 shots up. Weather meant mixed bowls last Saturday were cancelled. Next Saturday our pennant season gets underway. The association has decided to start the season for Divisions 4 and 5 one week earlier than the other four divisions. As we have no ﬁfth division, only Division 4 will get underway this Saturday. We wish all players chosen in this team who will be playing at Mirboo North all the best. Other players, will have a practice match against Wonthaggi on our green commencing at 1pm. We will be playing for the annual trophy, the Bunurong Shield, presently held by Wonthaggi, so we are hoping to reclaim it. We extend to our greenkeeper, Keiran and his partner, Debbie our congratulations on the birth of their ﬁrst child, Emma Louise. Although Emma arrived a little over a month early, she is reported to be doing quite well and is expected to be home in a couple of weeks. Maurie Cargill is feeling much better after spending several days recently in the Leongatha Hospital. John Arnold and Brian Phillipson had brief hospital stays last week. Ron Burge has had corrective surgery on one of his feet. His team-mates will be looking forward to his return, as his absence is a big blow to our First Division’s strength.

Ladies

Last Tuesday was pennant practice against Leongatha and we played 25 ends. Wednesday morning was the general meeting and it was decided to have a bi-monthly coffee morning for all lady members. The first of these is Monday, November 16 at 10am. Social Wednesdays will still start at 1pm but bowl two games straight through without a break. In January we will review the starting time for the hotter months. On Monday, October 26 at 10am the Yarram Sports Store will come to our club and show their range of ladies and men’s bowls stock. After the meeting we only had 17 ladies stay for social bowls with the winners the team of Ivy Sheppard, Veronica Muir and Jean Burrows. The runners-up were Carol Hughes, Robyn Dennis and Wendy Fitzpatrick. Seven clubs, with 22 bowlers, were represented at the umpire/marker refresher day on Friday 25. The day started with a talk and principles then a challenging time on the greens. Pennant starts on Tuesday, October 6. Wednesday, October 7 is the first round of the 100-Up. Have you got your name down? The draw will be done at close of play on Wednesday, September 30. Our Gala Day mixed fours lady skip is on Sunday, October 11; we need more teams. Please let Cynthia Hensley or Dorothy Gilfillan know if you can put in a team. The Betty Snedden day has changed to Sunday, December 13. Cup Day on Tuesday, November 3 with brunch at 9.30am and bowls at 11.30am. There will be a hat parade, sweeps and prizes.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - PAGE 63

LEONGATHA Football Netball Club held its night of nights at its clubrooms on Friday. Awards were presented to the on-ﬁeld and oncourt stars of season 2009. Photos supplied by Cindy Winkler.

Phil Riseley Memorial Trophy: awarded to Matt Grylls (right) with Trevor Riseley.

Seniors: back from left: Dwayne Holt (Most Consistent and Senior Goalkicking Award), Mark Coghlan (Most Improved), Adam Govers (runners-up Best and Fairest) and Adrian Campbell (coach); front: Brad Rayson (Best and Fairest) and Marc Truscio (Coach’s Award). Absent: Clinton Johnston (Best in Finals).

Under 18s: from left: Jack Dudley (Coach’s Award), Lochie Dumont (Best and Fairest), Brendan Brewster (Most Improved), Sam Marriott (runner-up Best and Fairest), Jason Kennedy (Most Consistent) and Kristian Gray (coach).

B Grade: Jessie Rayson (Most Determined), Wendy Sperling (coach), Nikki Green (Best and Fairest), Amelia McCarthy (Coach’s Award) and Tameka Bullen (runner-up Best and Fairest).

Above: Reserves: back; from left: John Martin (Most Consistent), Sam Vagg (Best and Fairest) and Geoff Tyson (coach); front: Joel Renden (Coach’s Award) and Kristian Gray (Most Dedicated). Absent: Justin Cowell (runner-up Best and Fairest).w Under 16s: front left: Daniel Gordon (Most Consistent), Dylan Westaway (Best and Fairest and Best in Finals), Rob Davies (coach) and Phil Williams (runner-up Best and Fairest). Absent: Mitchell Clark (Most Determined) and Wayne McCaughan (Coach’s Award).

Peter Dixon Memorial Trophy: awarded to Sean Westaway (left) and Tom Marriott (right) with Joan Dixon (centre).

A Grade: Leonnie McCluskey (coach), Kate Govers (Best and Fairest), Kasie Salmon (runner-up Best and Fairest) and Laura Higgins (Coach’s Award).

Under 17s: Leonnie McCluskey (coach), Bec Vagg (runner-up Best and Fairest and Coach’s Award) and Sophie Bolge (Best and Fairest).

Under 15s: Jacqui Smith (Coach’s Award), Leonnie McCluskey (coach) and Nicola Marriott (runner-up Best and Fairest). Absent: Prue Tyson (Best and Fairest).

C Grade: Kasie Salmon (coach), Sandi Leask-Grylls (Coach’s Award), Carlie McCahon (Best and Fairest) and Tegan Kelly (runner-up Best and Fairest).

Best Person: Rayson.

Club Sally

George Gould Memorial Award: Most Improved: awarded to Mal Mackie (left) with Laura Higgins. Geoff Forrester.

Under 13s: back, from left: Kate Sperling (coach), Georgia Higgins (equal runners-up Best and Fairest), Sarah McCahon (Best and Fairest) and Laura Higgins (assistant coach); front: Abbie Bolge (Coach’s Award) and Jack Ginnane (equal runners-up Best and Fairest).

PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 29, 2009

By Chris Brown TONY Hurst isn’t happy. The Corner Inlet Motorcycle Club secretary was told last week the club won’t be able to hold an off-road championship round on a Hedley property next year. “It’s bureaucratic bloody indifference to motorcycle racing. According to them it’s a farming zone, which is not allowed to be used for racing,” Hurst said. About 230 riders competed in rounds four and five of the 2009 Victorian Off-Road Championships at the same property in May. Previously the event had been held “all over the South Gippsland Shire”. Hurst said organisers thought the Hedley land was in South Gippsland Shire until a few weeks ago when they discovered it was actually under Wellington Shire’s jurisdiction. “The shire of South Gippsland knew it was happening this year, but we didn’t ask for official permission to run it,” he said. “I thought it was simply a matter of formality to do the right thing, so I rang Wellington to ask how to get a permit to run it and they said there’s no way you can get a permit.” Hurst said the flat, sandy property was out of sight making it the perfect venue. “The man owns about 600 or 700 acres of very marginal country,” Hurst said. Continued on page 60.

SPLASH’S net gain By Matt Dunn SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has rejected the pleas of local basketballers, who say a $2 entry fee at SPLASH Leongatha is crippling the sport. The extra cost is imposed on Leongatha Basketball Association members, in addition to court hire fees, making the total cost of a game $8 per player. The association, which is desperate for new players, has been losing about $5000 a year over the past four years. It moved from its old home when council sold the basketball courts that back onto Sparrow Lane as part of the Stadium 4 cinema complex. “What we object to now is, we’re paying $38 or $39 per hour for the court. We have to charge our players $6 a game to play to cover our costs and umpires and all that sort of stuff. And then they have to pay $2, so that makes it $8,” umpires advisor John Schelling said.

“You can go and have a swim all day for four bucks. We’ve got to pay eight bucks for 40 minutes of basketball. If you’ve got three kids, each one has to pay that $8 fee. “We’re struggling to keep the women’s competition going, we’re struggling with a lot of the girls. That’s because they can go and play netball elsewhere for $5. We’re bringing the people to the stadium and then we’ve got to ﬂeece them.” The association was told by council it would have to raise extra money to offset the $2 charge. Mr Schelling believes the association is already putting a great deal of money through the canteen. He said that council justiﬁed the extra cost because the association was using the facility on the busiest nights of the week – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Association president Wally Fleming believes that those nights were busy only because basketballers were using the courts. “If we weren’t there, there would be no one else using it,” he said. “The court hire we’re paying per hour is pretty

steep as it is, whereas if we went somewhere like Mary MacKillop we’d be paying a lot less. We don’t really want to move, because we don’t not want to support the leisure centre in the town.” The association has tried twice to have the fee plan quashed, once before it was imposed and once since, but the council has rejected its arguments. The association has plans to try its luck again soon. “As a basketball association we’ve been running at a loss of $5000 a year for the past three or four years. We can’t afford to lift our fees anymore, because then people won’t play,” Mr Fleming said. “It’s actually picked up a bit more in the past two seasons, but we had quite a substantial drop off before that. We went to the YMCA management about it. People say it’s just a trend with people dropping off, it’s happening everywhere, but certainly people aren’t going to play if they have to pay an extra $2 on top of the other costs.” Mr Fleming said the association was always willing to help out those who could not

afford to pay. “If there was someone ﬁnancially struggling, we would certainly come to some sort of arrangement and help out. It seems that people dropped off around the time the fee came in,” he said. South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Jim Fawcett acknowledged the fee had been a “long standing point of annoyance” to the basketballers. “Council, in its annual fees and charges, agreed that the fee would stay. I’m not aware that the association has another offer on the table. I know it’s an issue for the association,” Mr Fawcett said. “The association is quite welcome to make a presentation on the matter to the SPLASH advisory committee and council about it. It’s not just about basketball, there’s a whole range of users of the facility. We can’t treat basketball in isolation from the rest of the users, when it comes to court hire. “That’s always been the issue when we’ve considered it. We’ve had to consider the implications for the whole complex and its budget.”