The Great Southern Star - February 14, 2017

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017 - $1.40 0

Garlic gala Magical Burra show Pages 6 & 7 MEENIYAN’S Lily Gorman is looking forward to the inaugural Meeniyan Garlic Festival this Saturday. Lily will be volunteering at the festival by helping to run fun children’s activities. Read more on page 30.

Channel conquered LEONGATHA HOSPITAL’S NEW Page 54 $4.1M CENTRE STARTS

School kidnapping - 40 years on Page 9

HEALTH TONIC

By Tony Giles CONSTRUCTION has commenced on the $4.1 million Integrated Primary Care Centre at Leongatha Hospital.

Footings and some brickwork are now in place on the 819 square metre project and a large pour of concrete was done last Friday.

The facility will be used by doctors from Leongatha Healthcare and allied health professionals.

Chief executive officer with Gippsland Southern Health Service, Mark Johnson, said the project was more than four years in the making, with federal funds of $3.6 million and state funding of $500,000 enabling the much anticipated project to go ahead.

Continued on page 3.

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PAGE 2 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 3

Empty shops not just in Leongatha THE Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry met last week to discuss solutions for vacant shops in the town, a problem it was stated that was not unique to Leongatha.

The meeting was one of the best attended for some time and was bolstered by the attendance of South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Ray Argento, and councillors Cr Meg Edwards and Cr Maxine Kiel.

Cr Edwards raised the idea of trying to get all the shire’s town associations or chamber of commerce groups together to discuss ways of attracting businesses to towns.

“We could try to get all these groups into one room at the same time to try to nut out some ini-

tiatives. We could have our local state and federal members there as well,” Cr Edwards said.

“There are initiatives working in other towns throughout Australia that we could bring to the table.”

It is believed this form of meeting had happened in the past but not for some time.

One trader lamented the fact Leongatha had lost all its florists and didn’t have a shoe shop either.

There were a number of things being done to move the town forward, said Ken Fraser from council’s economic development unit.

These included improvements made to the entrances of the town, better signage coming into Leongatha and a current retail assessment taking place from Essential Economics, in order to as-

sist with Bair Street redevelopment funding.

He said an exchange of letters between council and VicRoads should be through soon to officially recognise the new route as the highway, freeing up Bair Street for redevelopment.

As well as Bair Street, the future use for the railway yards was also up for discussion, with a railyards committee to meet at the end of February.

Sixteen people have so far registered for the group to discuss possible developments for the site, including making the area a major starting point for the rail trail, including ideas such as parking, toilets, a picnic area, playground, toilets and a cafe at the station.

“Leongatha has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Gippsland and I’m sure the new Trade Skills Alliance at the Leongatha Secondary

College will also assist in placing students into jobs,” Mr Fraser said.

Clare Williams from BJ’s Earthmoving said Leongatha had so many positives and she suggested the areas of biggest attraction for the town be photographed and featured.

The Leongatha Industrial Estate was also mentioned as one of the most successful around with a massive occupancy rate reflecting the degree of services offered there.

Amongst other items discussed at the chamber meeting was the highly successful Leongatha Community Carnival before Christmas, early plans were suggested for the Leongatha Daffodil Festival, and the Lennie Gwyther statue project is about to be commenced, subject to a few slight amendments to the design.

Leongatha hospital’s new $4.1m centre starts Continued from page 1.

The hospital provided land for the care centre and also included additional parking for the centre when it constructed the main hospital building.

Mr Johnson said the facility would provide a ‘one stop shop’ for inter-professional practice between doctors, nurses and allied and community health professionals.

“Clients will now be able to see a general practitioner on the hospital site and in the same

building could, for example, then see a diabetes educator, a dietician or a speech therapist,” Mr Johnson said.

“It will give people much better access to coordinated care in one location.”

Mr Johnson told The Star Leongatha Healthcare had agreed to take on six of the 12 consulting rooms in the new building.

“The doctor on call could be one of the doctors located here which would make it a lot easier

and quicker to access inpatients,” he said.

Also in the building are four treatment rooms, wash areas, staff amenities room, store rooms and two large rooms which can be used for training, group discussions or meetings. The larger room has room mounted projectors.

The rooms could potentially be hired out by drug companies or other groups to present health related workshops or seminars.

The facility, being constructed by Becon Constructions Australia Pty Ltd, is due for completion in October, 2017.

Leongatha and Korumburra hospitals are now about to go solar with the installation of 792 solar panels across both campuses.

The panels, costing approximately $200,000, will not only reduce greenhouse emissions but will save the hospital $40,000 a year in electricity; meaning the panels will pay for themselves in about five years’ time.

Health service finance manager Peter Van Hammond said with electricity prices rising by between eight and 10 percent this year, the savings will exceed $40,000.

“We wanted tier one solar panels and they’ll still have 80 percent efficiency after 25 years,” he said.

“Both the Korumburra and Leongatha hospitals will have 99 megawatt systems installed, considerably saving on day time energy use on the grid.

“Ausnet approvals are imminent and the project should be underway this week.”

Mr Van Hammond thanked Heidi Hamm from South Gippsland Shire Council who supplied a template for the request to quote, while he also thanked Brad Shone from local group COMET (Communities Making Energy Together) for his assistance in analysing the 16 tenders Off and running: Gippsland Southern Health Service CEO Mark Johnson is pleased to see received.

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PAGE 4 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Show time: one of the highlights of the Mirboo North Italian Festa on Sunday were the traditional Italian performers.

Italians love their food

By Jessica Anstice

A FUN filled family festival celebrated all things Italian in the beautiful rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges in Mirboo North on Sunday.

There was something for everyone, with lots of authentic Italian food and drinks, art, craft, fresh

produce and market stalls. Plus there was on stage entertainment that included music, singing, dancing, comedy, cooking demonstrations, cultural exhibits, plus loads of free children’s activities.

The day started with an outdoor mass in Baromi Park and concluded with a traditional Italian procession.

The event drew about 7000 people to Mirboo North, and despite the wintry weather, everyone enjoyed the array of amazing Italian food and entertainment.

“We had so many positive comments from the community and so much fantastic support from everyone in Mirboo North and beyond,” event organiser Rosie Romano said.

One of the day’s highlights was the wedding

gown exposition in the town hall. Around 700 people visited the hall and many tears were shed when viewing the gowns of women and reading personal stories about their wedding and marriage experiences.

“We’re trying to extend the exposition because it’s special, unique and stunning,” Ms Romano said.

Entertainment included up beat Italian performances that inspired people to dance, and large crowds appreciated the cooking demonstrations.

“The majority of people came for the Italian food and were not disappointed,” Ms Romano said.

Most of vendors sold out by the end of the day.

The festa will run again next year, and then take a break the year after due to expenses.

“We’re thinking next year we might focus on

making it a food and wine festival,” Ms Romano said.

“We’d like to thank the South Gippsland Shire Council and the Bendigo Bank and all of our sponsors who supported us on the day.”

Pizza time: Nicholas, Nicolas and Amelia from Mirboo North indulged in original Italian style pizza at the Mirboo North Italian Festa on Sunday.

Delicious food: from left, Olivia, Lizzy and Brad Snell, Paul Butterfield, Sonia Zalucki, Peter Prysten, Jeff Van Gisbergen, Sue Jukes, Concetta Butterfield and Liz and Michael Guest came from all around South Gippsland including, Mirboo North, Ruby, Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay and Leongatha, enjoying Italian food at the Mirboo North Italian Festa on Sunday.

per” a sp ew n y it n u m m co r ou Y “

36 McCartin Street, Leongatha 3953 Postal : PO Box 84 LEONGATHA 3953 Telephone : 5662 2294 Fax : 5662 4350 Web : www.thestar.com.au Editor Brad Lester : news@thestar.com.au Advertising Manager Joy Morgan : advertising@thestar.com.au Find us on Facebook Produced and published by Giles Newspapers Pty Ltd and printed by Latrobe Valley Express, Morwell.

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“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 5

Water worries Authority defends pesticide findings

By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Water is confident traces of a weed killer found in the region’s drinking water are not a risk to human health.

That is despite a claim to the contrary by environmental organisation Friends of the Earth, which said testing of drinking water by South Gippsland Water found regular evidence of the herbicide Triclopyr since at least 2011 and the levels detected were among the highest in Australia. The spray is often used to kill blackberries.

While the levels found are within Australian standards, Friends of the Earth said some readings exceeded the European guideline, which is more stringent than Australia’s.

Anthony Amis, Friends of the Earth’s national spokesperson for pesticides and drinking water, said, “This chemical is designed to kill plants and you don’t want them anywhere near where you’re drinking.

“This chemical is dangerous at a lower level.

What is deemed safe now will not necessarily be what is deemed safe in the future. This stuff should not be in the water.”

Mr Amis said the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines specified a safe level of Triclopyr was 20 micrograms per litre of water, while the European guideline for individual pesticides – not only Triclopyr - and regulated by the Drinking Water Directive, is 0.1 micrograms per litre – 200 times less than Australia’s level.

Mr Amis said data he obtained under Freedom of Information from South Gippsland Water showed the highest level found in South Gippsland was 2.6 micrograms per litre in the Toora and Welshpool water supply in April 2015 –above the European guideline.

He said data also showed a reading of 0.58 at Leongatha in April 2016 and a reading of 0.52 at Dumbalk in April 2016.

Readings above the European guideline were also found at Fish Creek and Foster over the years, and lower readings found at Korumburra, Dumbalk, Meeniyan, Lance Creek reservoir (supplies Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson), Poowong and

Devon North, which supplies Yarram.

Mr Amis said Triclopyr in drinking water could be linked to birth defects, damage to the kidney, liver and blood, and affect hormone levels, particularly in fetuses.

He was concerned about possible risks to pregnant women, babies and people with compromised immune systems, as well as wildlife.

“If I was eating fish out of the Tarwin (River), I might not be too pleased to know there are chemicals in the water,” he said.

South Gippsland Water said it operates under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council, a division of the Australian Government.

South Gippsland Water managing director Philippe du Plessis said, “Yes, South Gippsland Water has detected Triclopyr at very low levels in all its water supplies from time to time. A detection in the Toora source water in April 2016 was approximately eight times lower than the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines health guideline.

“A detection in the Leongatha source water in April 2016 was approximately 34 times lower than the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines health guidelines.”

Mr du Plessis said the levels of Triclopyr detected were well below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

“In addition, this particular chemical breaks down rapidly in water. The Australian Drinking Water Guideline value is based on potential health effects of significant long-term exposure,” he said.

Mr du Plessis said South Gippsland Water has a robust water testing program for treated water at approximately 90 sample points across all water supply systems.

“With respect to raw water, all South Gippsland Water catchments are open to the rural environment, including farming practices, and occasionally there have been very low level detections of pesticides,” he said.

“Periodic additional testing is undertaken on a risk based program for a range of chemicals.

“Testing processes and all results are available in the annual South Gippsland Water - Water Quality Report located on our website.”

Team support: Korumburra Secondary College Year 8 students Ellie Stewart, Grace Matsel, Tahlya Gugich and Taleyia Brown cheered their house teams along in their annual swimming carnival at the Korumburra outdoor pool last Tuesday, February 7. Full report on page 45.

Farmer offers reward A FARMER is offering a $10,000 reward to find out who stole cattle from his Pound Creek farm in December.

Andrew Harmon lost 16 Angus steers to cattle rustlers in the week before Christmas.

He believes several people loaded the steers, aged 18 to 20 months, on to a truck, after drafting them from a mob of 64.

Mr Harmon said he is hoping the reward will lead to information.

“They could have been hanging on the hooks two hours later,” he said.

“I want the cattle back but the chances of getting the cattle back are like winning Tattslotto.”

Mr Harmon estimated the steers weighed 480 to 520kg liveweight.

They were fitted with National Livestock Identification Scheme tags and green Perul tags. Perul is the name of the Harmon farm on Inverloch-Venus Bay Road, opposite the Mahers Landing turnoff.

He believes the thieves lifted the locked gates and replaced them, after loading the steers on to a truck.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Mr Harmon on 0418 311 462, Inverloch Police on 5674 1202 or Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

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PAGE 6 - “THE STAR� Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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Winner: Cruize Heal from Korumburra won first place in a pony competition at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Show supporters: Tiffany, Sarah and Trish Joyce were ambassadors for sponsor Barastoc at p the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

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Congratulations: Chloe Dell from Kardella South won second place in the local led pony over 12 not over 14 competition.

Dedicated: Yvette Stewart from Korumburra won second place in the local led hack over 16 competition at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Get riding: Steph Goode from Poowong Fun time: Ashleigh Crouch from Loch competed at the Korumburra Show with showed off her pony at the Korumburra show horse Sinclairs Diamond Jubilee on Saturday. on Saturday.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 7

Korumburra stages sensational show

By Jessica Anstice JUST as promised, Korumburra was full of fun at the 122nd Korumburra Show on the weekend.

Show-goers were not stopped despite the heat on Saturday and the rain on Sunday, at the Korumburra Showgrounds.

The showgrounds were packed with lots to see and do and provided plenty of quality entertainment.

“The show was a hit. Everybody was quite happy with how everything went down,” Korumburra show secretary Josie Buchanan said.

Leongatha Medieval Society gave a demonstration. There was a display of monster trucks.

The wine and cheese tasting was enjoyed and there were beautiful wedding dresses on display, a tug of war competition and the usual show entertainment pleased the crowds.

“The fireworks were fantastic,” Ms Buchanan said.

Audience numbers were up this year compared to previous years.

“The show was well supported by everybody and a huge thanks goes to all of our sponsors,” Ms Buchanan said.

There was a huge turnout in all of the horse events.

“Horses went really well,” show president Sandy Carfrae said.

“The weather was perfect and everything ran well. The Korumburra Show will be back again for 2018.

Results Farm and produce: Most successful exhibitor Barry Barton.

Collection of vegetables, six or more distinct varieties displayed in a basket or a box: 1st Tony Gardner, 2nd Katrina Lewin.

Collection of fruit, six or more distinct varieties displayed in a basket or a box: 1st Tony Gardner.

Home products: Most successful exhibitor Allison Potter.

Three plates of baking suitable for afternoon tea, presented on a tray: 1st Dawn Wylie.

Organisations/group championship cooking competition: 1st Matchbox, 2nd Koringal, best presented entry Koringal, trophy and sash for best individual entry Jessica Ekins.

Rich fruit cake competition: 1st Allison Potter, 2nd Jessica Ekins, 3rd Ross Crawford.

Preserves: Aggregate Dawn Wylie.

Mixed fruit jam Dawn Wylie.

Jam, two jars of distinct kinds, uniform size, Dawn Wylie.

Collection of sauces, two distinct kinds, Dawn Wylie.

Home brew: Beer, Ron Davis; wine, Joe Andronoco; cider, Barry Barton; cordial, Jean Kelly. Best entry Ron Davis.

Flowers and plants: Cut flowers: most successful exhibitor classes 1-20 Carol Summerfield. Container grown plants: Best exhibit classes 21-32, Margaret Brown. Floral art: Best exhibit classes 33-45, Marilyn Mackie.

Needlework: Most successful exhibitor C. Heward.

VAS hand embroidery competition, any article hand embroidery: 1st Penny Wolswinkel, 2nd Noelle Walker.

Best exhibit classes 1-10, Penny Wolswinkel.

VAS knitting competition, hand knitted garment made from pure new Wool Mark yarn or wool blend, Jan Appleton.

Novelty tea cosy, Jan Appleton.

Best exhibit classes 11-23 knitting, Barbara Hosking.

One woman’s work, three distinct articles, Maryke Dann.

VAS patchwork competition, patchwork piece, machine pieced and quilted, Wilma Norton.

Best individual entry classes 25-29 patchwork, Wilma Norton.

Best exhibit classes 30-41 spinning, Glenda Beresford.

Organisation or group craft exhibit: Make, bake and grow, two of each: 1st Bena CWA, 2nd Koringal.

Six made articles to cost no more than $10 each suitable for a craft market: 1st Koringal, 2nd Bena CWA. Best individual entry classes 1-2, Margaret Freestone, Bena CWA. Art: Painting, oil, Lois Wust. Painting, acrylic, Louise Hesketh. Painting watercolour, Jackie Ranngot. Art, any medium, Christine Muir. Drawing (pencil, charcoal) Peta Francis.

Photography: Best exhibit classes 1-13, Craig Anderson; best exhibit classes 14-15, Kylah James.

A sporting scene located within South Gippsland: 1st Craig Anderson, 2nd Leanne Richards.

VAS photography competition: Photo taken of a sunrise/sunset, senior 19 and over on the day of the show: 1st Rhonda Brooks, 2nd Shirley Arestia.

Handcrafts: The George Fox Memorial Trophy for best exhibit classes 1-2 woodwork, Doug Moon. Best overall handcraft entry classes 3-11, Sarah Oxley.

Junior section: Junior cookery: 13-16 years of age, most successful exhibitor, Autumn Crimp; 8-12 years of age, most successful exhibitor, Tennessee Crimp; 7 years and under, most successful exhibitor, Jarrah Gurney.

Flowers and plants: 16 years and under, best entry from classes 1-10, Kylee Western.

Needlework and craft: 16 years and under, best entry from classes 1-13, Liam Richards.

Original artwork: 16 years and under, best entry pre-school/ kindergarten, Emma Crocker. Best entry Prep to Grade 3, Jayden Douglas. Best entry Grade 4 to 6, Rylee from Chairo. Best entry

Secondary, Autumn Crimp.

Special junior art: Best entry from Class 10, Prep - Grade 2, ‘A Friendly Monster’, Roquel Nuzzaco. Best entry from Class 11, Grade 3 to 6 ‘A Dinosaur’, Noah from St Joseph’s Primary School.

Experimental Art: Best individual entry classes 12-14, Autumn Crimp. Best individual entry classes 15-16, Year 3 Korumburra Primary School.

Junior colouring competition: Class 1, 7 years and under, Logan Potter; Class 8-12 years, Tanisha Hill; Class 3016 years, Autumn Crimp.

Handwriting: Best entry from Grades 1 to 3, Mabel Carr. Best entry from Grades 4 to 6, Madison Shepherd.

Adult colouring competition: Adult 17 to 60 years: 1st Aaron Potter, 2nd Leanne Richards, 3rd Lisa Dawes.

Senior 60 years plus: 1st Beryl Waycott, 2nd Beryl Clay, 3rd Anne Hopwood.

Right, Cute puppy: Sarah Oxley from Loch had the best kept pup named Teddy at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Victory: Brianna Weaver and Zali Deenen from Leongatha won second place in the 15 and over junior handlers competition at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Excitement: Hailey and Brianna Gordon from Korumburra tried their luck at the laughing clowns at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Holding a tune: Kathryn Davey-Philips from Leongatha participated in the Buskers Festival at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

► More Korumburra show photos on page 10.

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PAGE 8 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

CFA pleased with fire rehearsal AUTHORITIES undertook large scale grass and scrub fire training at Cape Paterson on Wednesday, with members from Country Fire Authority brigades

The exercise tested authorities’ current fire The training exercise simulated a fire that plans in case of a real fire.

More than 60 people used 15 firefighting aporiginated behind the Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club and continued along the foreshore pliances to put their pre-planning into action.

Members from the Bass Coast Shire emertowards the caravan park. gency management team were present, as well as firefighters from Parks Victoria, and they all worked with the CFA. Access to the fire was put to the test and road

across the region taking part.

closures were practised.

“It was a successful day. The exercises went well and everyone involved treated it as a real fire,” Wonthaggi CFA captain Kim O’Connor said.

“The plans we already have in place are 95 percent there and we’ve identified a few small things we will change to improve them.”

Vehicle hits guard rail POLICE believe a medical issue may have caused a car crash at Koonwarra on Friday afternoon.

A car ran off the South Gippsland Highway at 12.55pm, hitting a guard rail.

Fire ready: members of the Country Fire Authority, Bass Coast Shire emergency manageLeading Senior Constable Paul McDonald of ment team and Parks Victoria firefighters put their fire plans into action on Wednesday at a Meeniyan Police believed the accident was postraining exercise in Cape Paterson. sibly caused by the driver’s medical state.

The driver was taken to the Latrobe Regional Hospital with general soreness.

The vehicle spilt oil on the road and the oil was fixed by VicRoads with sand.

Veered off: a man was taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, after his car left the South Gippsland Highway at Koonwarra and crashed into guard railing on Friday.

Lucky escape: emergency services were called to the scene of yet another car accident on Crightons Hill in Leongatha on Sunday night, after a driver lost control and rolled her car.

Car crashes at Crightons Hill A WOMAN escaped uninjured after another accident at the crash hotspot known as Crightons Hill at Leongatha on Sunday.

A 22 year old Wonthaggi woman driving a Toyota was travelling south on the Strzelecki Highway when she lost control on a left hand bend, at the Yarragon Road intersection, at about 7pm.

The vehicle left the road, hit an embankment and flipped onto its roof.

The driver was treated for shock at the scene, but was otherwise uninjured and did not need to be admitted to hospital.

Three-wheel driver A 25 year old Dumbalk North man was intercepted by Korumburra Police on Sunday night after a phone call from a concerned member of the public who had witnessed the man driving a car with only three wheels.

The back wheel of his car had come off and he had continued to drive on just the rim.

The man was conveyed to the police station where he was found to be above the prescribed concentration of alcohol. He was charged with drink driving, licence offences, and use of an unsafe vehicle, and will be summonsed to appear at Korumburra Magistrate’s Court at a later date.

Police find hoon AFTER an appeal to the public through the Bass Coast Eyewatch Facebook page, Korumburra Police have arrested a 30 year old man in relation to ‘hoon’ riding around Korumburra.

The man was charged with the theft of a motorbike and traffic offences, and was bailed to appear at the Korumburra Magistrate’s Court at a later date.

Police thanked the community for helping to solve the crimes.

Car impounded A KORUMBURRA man had his car impounded for the third time on Friday night.

Country Fire Authority, police and ambulance attended the scene.

The road was wet at the time and police advised motorists to drive at a speed conducive to the road and weather conditions.

The driver, who holds a P2 probationary driver’s licence, will be summonsed to appear at court for careless driving.

Police believe she was extremely fortunate to have not seriously injured herself or other road users.

The tight bends of Crightons Hill have been the scene of many crashes over the years.

The 20 year old was stopped for hoon related offences and charges are pending as a result.

Holiday house burgled A RURAL property in Tarwin Lower has been broken into and burgled, with about $1500 worth of goods taken.

The incident occurred within the last two weeks and windows in the house were smashed, alcohol was taken, and a lawn mower and chainsaw were stolen from a shed.

Police are hoping to get prints from the scene and locate the person/s responsible.

Stalking charges A MAN from Venus Bay was charged with stalking on February 4 after an ongoing dispute with three people.

The 35 year old male was charged and bailed to appear at the Korumburra Magistrate’s Court on March 9.

Money found MONEY has been handed in to Mirboo North Police after being found in the town on Thursday.

Police are hoping to return it to its rightful owner and it will be available on description at the Mirboo North Station.

A large earring was also handed in to police on Sunday during the Mirboo North Italian Festa.

“THE STAR� Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 9

Kidnapping remembered

By Sarah Vella FORTY years ago today, nine young students and their teacher were abducted from the Wooreen Primary School by Edwin Eastwood.

The students and their teacher were taken on a horror ride east, with Mr Eastwood picking up a further six hostages along the way to a camp near Woodside.

According to the Yarram Standard at the time, the remote camp in bushland off Boundary Road “contained provisions for an extended stay�.

There were tinned foods, a case of potatoes, milk, sleeping gear, a sun lounge and dozens of cartons of cigarettes. “The spot was well concealed from aerial search,� the newspaper reported.

Mr Eastwood horrified the nation in 1972, when he and an accomplice kidnapped teacher Mary Gibbs and six children from Faraday School, south of Bendigo, and held them at ransom for $1 million.

He escaped from a Geelong jail in December 1976, where he was serving 15 years for the Faraday kidnapping.

On February 14, 1977, while armed with a revolver, he entered the Wooreen Primary School and chained up the nine students and bound and gagged their teacher Robert Hunter.

The hostages were loaded into the back of a Dodge utility and driven east, via Mirboo North.

In her police statement, one of the abducted students, Brett Fisher, recalled the moment. “He made us children get in the back and told us if we sat up and looked out the window we’d be punished. He didn’t say how we’d be punished,� she said.

Mr Eastwood collided with a log truck on Grand Ridge Road and took the driver and passenger, Robin and David Smith from Devon North, hostage at gunpoint.

Brett described the moment: “The man got out of the vehicle we were in and went up to the log truck driver and told them to get out in bad language. There were two men in the truck. The man had the gun and told them to get out and lie on the road.�

The driver and passenger of another truck, Greg Peterson from Yarram and Ian Webber from Moe, were also taken hostage at gunpoint.

The Dodge utility was badly damaged in the crash and Mr Eastwood was in need of a new vehicle.

A Kombi van, driven by two women, arrived at the scene and Mr Eastwood took them hostage and stole their vehicle.

The 16 hostages were then taken in the Kombi van to the prearranged

From the past: nine young school children and their teacher were taken hostage by escaped criminal Edwin Eastwood from the Wooreen Primary School on February 14, 1977. campsite in the Mullundung Forest.

During the night, hostage Robin Smith was able to escape from the chains holding him and travelled around eight kilometres to a farm house to raise the alarm at around 6.30am.

On discovering the missing

hostage, Mr Eastwood bundled his captives into the Kombi and fled towards Sale. He was intercepted by Yarram Police but ignored a request to stop.

After a high speed pursuit, a rifle was used to shoot out the Kombi’s tyres. Mr Eastwood was shot in the

leg and arrested.

He was sentenced to a further three years in prison.

Mr Eastwood was released in 1993 after refusing parole in 1991.

In 2001 he was arrested for stealing a yacht to sail to the Philippines with drugs and guns.

Father reflects on shocking crime

By Sarah Vella FEBRUARY 14, 1977 was a difficult day for the parents of nine Wooreen Primary School students.

They arrived at the school to pick up their children, only to find them and their teacher missing.

The students and teacher, Robert Hunter, had been abducted at

gunpoint and driven to the Mullundung Forest by serial criminal Edwin Eastwood.

Roy Fisher’s daughter Brett was one of the students.

He and fellow parent Merv Forrester were in Bermagui on a fishing trip on the day of the kidnapping and were not aware their children were missing children until 7am the next day. “We were about to get on a charter boat when a policeman ap-

Homecoming: Roy Fisher’s daughter Brett as one of nine young students kidnapped from Wooreen Primary School by Edwin Eastwood on February 14, 1977.

proached us. All he said was they had been looking for us since the night before because our kids had been kidnapped,� Mr Fisher said. “We threw our rods and fishing gear down and shot out of Bermagui.�

Mr Fisher said the way Merv was driving, they were going to kill someone or themselves, so they decided to fly back to Leongatha from Merimbula. “By the time we got back, we had the news that all the kids were all right and at the Sale police station,� he said.

Mr Fisher said when his daughter arrived at the school after her ordeal, he felt a huge amount of relief. “Merv and I were lucky, because we didn’t have to worry about them overnight. We only suffered for a few hours,� he said.

Only five years before, Mr Eastwood had committed a similar crime at Faraday near Bendigo, where he abducted six students and their teacher and held them to ransom for $1 million.

The attempt failed and Mr Eastwood was sentenced to 15 years in jail.

In December 1976, he escaped from a Geelong prison and evaded capture for two months, before kidnapping the Wooreen students and Mr Hunter.

Between Wooreen and the Mullundung forest, Eastwood took another six people hostage at gun point, including truck driver Rob Smith.

Again the kidnapping failed, after Mr Smith escaped and alerted the police to Mr Eastwood’s whereabouts.

Mr Smith was never rewarded for his heroic effort that ended the horror. “Eastwood had chosen his spot really well. They wouldn’t have found him if it wasn’t for Rob. He is a hero,� Mr Fisher said.

“He is an unsung hero, with only the appreciation of the other hostages and their families. He has had to suffer since then, with no formal recognition.�

Despite his previous crimes, Mr Eastwood was only sentenced to a further three years in prison, which Mr Fisher was not happy about. “He shot at people, he kidnapped

people who even now are affected by their experience,� he said. “I think it stinks.�

Mr Fisher said after the ordeal, Brett did worry when it was windy and people were out shooting nearby, or when branches rubbed against her window. “It only lasted a month or two though,� he said.

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Fancy: Christy Cockram from Nyora with her Ford Felcon FG on display at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Magic: magician Lachlan Wilde showed Annie Brocklesby from Loch a few tricks he had up his sleeve at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Left, Rides: back, Nakayla and Simone and front, Sophie and Stacey Jans from Meeniyan enjoyed the roller coaster ride at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

Unique bags: cousins Lexie Barrett and Billie Wrigley from Korumburra were excited to dig into their show bags at the Korumburra Show on Saturday. See pages 6 and 7 for the full show wrap-up.

Welshpool Flower Show celebrates the farm THE annual Welshpool Flower Show is acknowledging the local farming community this year, with many sections honing in on autumn tones and the harvesting of produce and flowers.

Educational: back row, from left, Quinn Brady from Kardella, Emiley Hadicke from Bena, Callum Olden from Outtrim, Michael Grigglestone and Tony Lindhard and front, row from left, Matt Saario, and Jarred Haw, members of the Leongatha SES, informed the community at the Korumburra Show on Saturday.

THE gardens, vegetable patch and chickens at Tarwin Lower Primary School were kept in good health over the summer school holidays thanks to the efforts of Kylie Laing, Jean Jones and John Fedley.

FOR all those die hard addicts of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries there is some great news.

There is another top ABC Australian series on the way created by Deb Cox and former Leongatha girl Fiona Eagger, daughter of the late Leongatha Lyric theatre talented couple Ron and Mary Eagger.

Fiona and Deb produced the world acclaimed Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and have partnered again to deliver Newton’s Law which will star one of Australia’s best and well known television talents, Claudia Karvan.

Filming is nearing an end for this comic legal drama and it will be one you won’t want to miss.

BECOME a Charger this March and give cancer a run for its money.

Cancer Council is encouraging people and teams from across the state to participate in the March

Free household chemical collection at Morwell’s Detox your Home

RAISING much needed funds and awareness for ovarian cancer, Leongatha Community House will host an Afternoon Teal (teal being the international colour for the disease) for community members on Wednesday, February 22 at 2pm.

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Morwell’s collection 25 February 2017 10.00 am to 1.00 pm 141 Commercial Road Morwell

For more information: sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome 1300 363 744

MEENIYAN Bowls Club members were saddened by the death on January 6 of one of the club’s most dedicated and popular members, life member Ron Thorson.

The club was well represented at the memorial service held for Ron in Dumbalk, supporting his wife Evelyn and their family.

Go teal for ovarian cancer

Detox your Home is a safe, FREE and easy-to-use service to dispose of common household chemicals without harming your health or the environment.

Simply turn up on the day with your unwanted items and we’ll do the rest.

Charge by setting a walking or running challenge for March and move towards a cancer-free future.

Money raised from The March Charge will fund cancer research, provide support for those affected by cancer and their loved ones, and run prevention programs to reduce the impact of cancer.

More than 1800 cases of bowel, breast post-menopause and endometrial cancer could be prevented each year if Australians were physically active for more than 150 minutes per week.

People and teams can set up a walking or running target depending on fitness levels, and will receive information and support on how to fundraise and how to reach their goals. Join the Chargers and register online at http://www.themarchcharge.com.au.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Leongatha Community House hopes to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia to support their advocacy, awareness, support and research programs.

Eunice Donovan, coordinator of Leongatha Community House, was inspired to host the fundraiser, having learned that ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all women’s cancers.

“I was shocked and saddened to learn that only 43 percent of women with ovarian cancer will still be alive within five years of their initial diagnosis,” she said.

“In comparison, the overall five year survival rate for

women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 percent. And, on top of that, there is currently no early detection test for ovarian cancer, either. As a community, we need to do something to help change this situation.

“One way we can help is to host an Afternoon Teal, so, we’re looking forward to a fun afternoon of yummy treats and good company, all tinged with the colour teal, and the knowledge we are contributing to such an important cause.”

People can reserve a seat by phoning Leongatha Community House on 5662 3962 as soon as possible, because numbers are limited.

The house is asking for donations of baking ingredients to enable more funds to be sent to Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Anyone can make a direct donation to support our efforts at: https://ovariancancer.secure.force.com/Fundraise/AfternoonTeal2017/LeongathaCommunityHouseAfternoonTeal

The Welshpool and District Horticultural Society’s 56th autumn show will be held on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11 at the Welshpool Hall. Exhibitors have until 11am on the Friday to stage their work.

As usual dahlias will be a feature, with a number of very clever growers living in the area.

Floral art is becoming increasingly popular and this time sections include A Feather in my Cap, Out of the Farm Shed, and It’s all Gone Pear Shaped Pair, all topics to get exhibitors thinking.

There are also extensive photography classes, which include farm activities, such as chooks and a scene over the farm fence. Photographers are encouraged to take the camera to the farm or country show.

There is the Foster Show coming up, which is an ideal time to gather appropriate shots.

Keep in mind the flower show needs photos with a horticultural flavour. Painters are encouraged too, with the year of the rooster and a still life or farm scene.

The flower show also will have classes for cut flowers, pot plants, vegetables, home produce – there will be plenty of opportunity for exhibitors to have a go.

There will be assistance at the show for new exhibitors, so have a go, it quite good fun. You don’t need to be a member of the society.

Schedules will be available from show secretary Fran Grylls at 5184 1376.

Time now for solar and batteries?

WITH blackouts in the news, is it time to install combined solar/battery systems?

The Energy Innovation Co-op, with support from South Gippsland Shire Council, is showing and discussing a working solar/battery system operating at the Sustainability Hub (Grow Lightly shop), with presentations first at the Coal Creek Auditorium, this coming Sunday, February 19.

“Like many others I’d like to add to my energy security,” co-op secretary Susan Davies said.

“I know Grow Lightly’s battery set-up enabled the Grow Lightly fridges to keep operating during a power cut. It would be great to have a system where the operation of my freezer and house pump was secured, and I want to know if it’s time to get it done.”

Questions like these will be discussed at this free information session. Donations will be much appreciated.

Community interest is high.

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“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 11

Ratepayers call for action

Long Jetty hits milestone

A NEW group has formed to work with South Gippsland Shire councillors to get a better deal for the community.

THE Long Jetty rehabilitation project reached a major milestone last week, with Gippsland Ports inviting tenders for the works.

The South Gippsland Action Group will address high rates, the proposed municipal precinct, council transparency and accountability, council’s running of caravan parks, and the future of home and community care services.

The group’s Steve Finlay, of Leongatha, said, “The name South Gippsland Action Group reflects the group’s desire to see action on issues affecting the South Gippsland community, and to that end to work with our new councillors.”

Formed in the wake of significant community interest in last year’s South Gippsland Shire Council elections, the group has held several meetings and formed a steering committee representing each shire ward.

The committee comprises Terry Aeschlimann of Leongatha, David Amor of Korumburra, Matt Sherry of Port Franklin, Otto Ippel of Mardan, Lindsay Love of Leongatha, Gus Blaauw of Venus Bay and Mr Finlay.

The steering committee has members with accounting, business, technical and professional expertise, but new members only have to be interested in South Gippsland matters.

“We want to have a positive relationship with

With funding secured from all levels of government, the jetty will be rehabilitated from the shore through to the section damaged by fire in 2010.

Many assessments, evaluations, inspection and reports have been carried out over recent years to inform the rehabilitation.

Gippsland Ports staff are currently removing decking over piles to facilitate the best possible inspection by prospective tenderers.

Tenders will be open until March 17, 2017 with the project still expected to be completed by Christmas 2018.

South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Ray Argento was pleased the project was on schedule.

“Council, Gippsland Ports and the community have been advocating for the rehabilitation of the Long Jetty for a number of years so it is promising to see the first steps of the project underway,” he said.

“Not only will the Long Jetty be an asset for the community to enjoy but it will become a tourist destination that will enhance the economy of the region.

“We look forward to the awarding of a successful tenderer so the much anticipated project can begin.”

People can keep up to date with the project by viewing the information board at the project site or visiting www.southgippsland. vic.gov.au/longjetty where information will be updated as it becomes available.

Any organisations wanting more information on the tender process can contact Gippsland Ports on 5688 1303.

our new councillors and work with them to help them,” Mr Finlay said.

The group will meet monthly and present thoughts to councillors at public presentation sessions.

To find out more, ring your local contact: Korumburra 0418 515 682, Venus Bay 0410 043 948, Mirboo North 0455 365 527, Leongatha 0413 966 603 and Foster 0400 572 505.

Foster to be ready for floods THE Foster community will be better prepared for flooding thanks to a $100,000 funding boost from the State Government to help complete a detailed flood study.

The study will use local knowledge and data collected by the Foster community during last year’s flood to update flood maps, and other flood emergency planning and education material.

The community’s recommendations for upgrading flood warning services and for constructing flood mitigation works will also be assessed.

Heavy rain in July 2016 led to flooding on

y a D y r e v E R O F E U L A V Every

R E N E D R A G

Blower

Ready to speak: the steering committee members of the newly formed South Gippsland Action Group. Back, from left, Terry Aeschlimann, David Amor and Matt Sherry, and front, from left, Otto Ippel, Lindsay Love, Gus Blaauw and Steve Finlay.

local community will play a critical role in shaping this study.”

Council will manage the flood study, with West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority providing technical advice and input.

The Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy acknowledges that flood damages and trauma can be reduced by using credible data about flood behaviour, such as flood heights, flood extents and flood probabilities.

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Eastern Victoria Region MLC Harriet Shing said the government would provide $100,000 to help South Gippsland Shire Council prepare the flood study, after listening to local concerns about the lack of information available leading up to the 2016 flood.

“The Foster community told us they need better information and resources when floods occur and we’ve listened,” she said.

“The government will work with council to deliver this study to ensure the township can better prepare for the next flood.

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PAGE 12 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

OPINIONS

E D I T O R I A L On anniversaries, we remember FEW events in South Gippsland’s history have shocked the region like the Wooreen school kidnapping 40 years ago to this day, February 14.

Edwin Eastwood took nine children and their teacher hostage, and demanded a ransom after escaping from prison where he was serving time for a similar kidnapping at the Faraday school.

Some of the children taken from Wooreen, and their families, still live in the area and will gather together to reflect on the fortieth anniversary of the event that no doubt changed their lives forever.

While culprits are jailed as a result of their crimes, they have the chance to return to normal lives after serving their time, however the impact their actions have on their victims lasts a lifetime.

It’s on occasions such as anniversaries that victims may well take the time to reflect on what happened to them, how it impacted their lives and how their lives may have been had they not experienced this trauma.

Does the judicial system really consider the long lasting impacts a crime has on victims, particularly when they’re only children and their minds are being moulded by experiences – a mould they will live in well into old age?

Does the system stop by and check on victims of crime, not just in the days and weeks afterwards, but in the years that follow?

Does the system take appropriate steps to ensure offenders stand no chance of making money from their crimes?

While the anniversary is a private time for the victims and their families, let’s be sure not to forget them, nor how this kidnapping impacted South Gippsland at the time, nor thereafter.

Letters to the Editor

Prison would boost coffee sales

Well done on the Ruby Straight?

IT’S a shame the Werribee South prison couldn’t be built in Leongatha. There’d be so many jobs created we’d probably need another coffee shop.

Damien Noonan Leongatha.

GIPPSLAND South MLA Danny O’Brien must be a glass half full kinda guy to congratulate Fulton Hogan and VicRoads for fixing the deplorable job that was done on the Ruby Straight, on the South Gippsland Highway at Ruby.

The question that is on the lips of all the people of South Gippsland is who paid for the job to be done satisfactorily?

Does VicRoads demand a warranty on the quality of workmanship and was Fulton Hogan forced to repair at its expense?

We are seeing so much shoddy work being done by imported contractors. It is little wonder we are convinced VicRoads bureaucrats never set foot on country roads to check the quality of work being done.

We would love to congratulate you on your efforts Danny but for years former deputy premier and your predecessor Peter

Here’s an idea RECENTLY a group of cyclists had parked their cars in the Leongatha railway station carpark in Leongatha and asked me where the rail trail started.

I have been asked this question quite a few times as I walk that way to the shops.

Wouldn’t it be great if that was one of the starting points and there was more signage in the town and promotion, as this is something that is unique to our town - the ‘Start of the Great Southern Rail Trail’.

Jenny Lim, Leongatha.

Email: letters@thestar.com.au Post: PO Box 84 Leongatha 3953 Fax: 03 5662 4350

Ryan allowed our roads to get to the parlous state they are in today, and no amount of criticism seemed to get us anywhere, so it’s a bit rich for you to take a swipe at the Labor Party, when it’s the first government in years that we have seen getting on with the job.

Bruce Beatson, Agnes.

Wonderful Leongatha BE careful what you wish for. I agree with the sentiments of the letter “Cherish what we have”

by T. Griggs and L. Nicol in last week’s Star.

Leongatha is a jewel. As I walk around the shops I just love the feel and vibe of the place. I have always worked out of town but have often wished I could work in the town.

For me the shopping area is big enough that I can get most things I need, with great help from assistants if needed.

I can park near the shops.

Even on busy days I can still park close enough, only a short walk away.

I don’t want our town to become busy like the city suburbs where even a trip to the shops to buy a few essentials fills me with dread with the busy, speeding cars, congestion and parking dilemmas.

I think we need to take a long term look ahead to decide what we want the place to be like in 10, 20, 50 years’ time.

We live in a beautiful part of Australia. We must “cherish what we have”. Some new industry may be welcome to secure more jobs but we must think about how big we want the town to be.

I hope we can maintain the lovely country village feel of the town so that our children who move away for education and work, and visitors, will want to return time and time again.

Angela Smith, Leongatha South.

VOX VOXPOP! What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?

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.

“Valentine’s Day is my partner Darrell’s birthday and we’ll both be working.”

Elly Gostling, Leongatha North.

“We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day.” Kristyn Armstrong, Meeniyan.

“I’m cooking a special dinner then my husband and I are going to the beach at Inverloch to sit and drink champagne.”

Chris Clark, Koonwarra.

“Nothing. I hope she has something planned because I don’t.”

Anthony Argento, Leongatha.

Highway overhaul named budget priority UPGRADING the South Gippsland Highway has been raised as a budget priority for the State Government.

The Committee 4 Gippsland highlighted the highway’s poor state in a submission to the 2017 state budget.

The regional peak body’s CEO Mary Aldred stated, “Freight and commuters along the South

Gippsland Highway would benefit from additional overtaking lanes and the realignment of the heavily curved section at Coal Creek, Korumburra.

“Ultimately a dual carriageway could be developed between Lang Lang and Leongatha to provide better access to the ports of Melbourne and Hastings for food processing manufacturers in South Gippsland.”

The committee also highlighted the need for improved roads to better service local traffic, tourists, trucks and particularly milk tankers.

The submission called for more funding support for local roads to improve maintenance and safety.

“Increased funding across this area would also improve minor access blackspots and intersections. Key priority areas on local roads

include Boolarra-Mirboo North Road, Budgeree Road, Bullumwaal Road, Ferguson Road/ Willow Grove Road intersection, Grand Ridge Road, Grantville-Glen Alvie Road, Jeeralang West Road, Kongwak Road, Loch-Wonthaggi Road, and Morwell River Road. WarragulKorumburra Road should also be considered in this context,” Ms Aldred stated in the submission.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 13

Maintaining Our Assets for the Future

Council understands the importance of maintaining South Gippsland’s multi-million dollar portfolio of assets and infrastructure for the future.

The quality of our local roads are a priority and we aim to keep them maintained as per the Roads Maintenance Schedule. Residents are encouraged to report any traffic hazards on local roads for Council to attend to. While the majority of high traffic roads in South Gippsland are owned and managed by VicRoads, we do pass on known issues so they can be addressed.

We have also worked in partnership with the community and the local newspapers to advocate for better funding for our local VicRoads road network.

As part of Council’s commitment to local infrastructure and assets last year: •

2,093 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads, 145 kilometres of footpaths and 159 bridges were maintained.

•

857 kilometres of roadside weeds were sprayed.

•

The $5.1M Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route was constructed.

•

Leongatha Skate Park was built with involvement from more than 800 young community members.

•

A further $15.3M in maintenance and improvements to local roads.

•

Our request for funding from the Commonwealth Government for the Long Jetty, Port Welshpool was successful.

Council aims to be the voice of South Gippsland to State and Federal bodies to secure infrastructure and asset projects that support our region now and into the future. Council was successful in this venture with full funding received for the Karmai Integrated Community Children’s Centre priority project ($1.6m from both State and Federal Governments). Council also successfully sought funding for the Great Southern Rail Trail Black Spur Bridge priority project.

Need more information on Council’s Capital Works and Assets?

Call us on 5662 9200 or visit our website www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Quality art tough to judge SO high was the quality of entries in last weekend’s Rotary Club of Korumburra art show, judge Bob Pelchen had a difficult time choosing the winner.

The club’s 40th Annual Art Show was held in the Federation Art Gallery in Korumburra and opened on Friday night.

The official opening was conducted by South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Ray Argento.

He noted the important role the arts play in local communities and commended the Rotary club on its efforts to conduct such a wonderful art show of 240 exhibits.

The crowd appreciated Mr Pelchen’s comments Winning entry: Joan Denner won first prize at the Rotary Club of on each winning painting and the audience gained a Close call: Adrian Johnson (left) and Rotarian Ken Sim with Mr John- Korumburra’s art show with her work Bowl of Apples on Friday better understanding of what makes an award winson’s entry, Rising Dune, which won second prize at the Rotary Club of night. Her entry is held by art show co-director Peter Van Hamond ning painting. and Rotarian David Child, with art show judge Bob Pelchen (right).

Mr Pelchen is a renowned artist from Morwell, Korumburra’s art show on Friday night. who has won awards at Korumburra art shows in the past.

Art show committee co-director Peter Van Hamond was the MC for the evening and he did (+=,9;0:,4,5; a great job thanking sponsors, artists, organising committee, the RotaryAnnes and Koringal Womens Service Club for catering.

Special mention was made of the important role played by co-director, Marilyn Sim. Awards and sponsors: • First prize: Joan Denner, Bowl of Apples, sponsored by Burra Foods; • Second prize: Adrian Johnson, Rising Dune, sponsored by Korumburra Sports and Spinal Clinic and Korumburra Lime and Spreading; • Best pastel: Barbara Beasley-Southgate, A Jewel in the Forest, sponsored by Korumburra Post Office; • Best watercolour: Diana Edwards, Magic Moments, sponsored by Hartley Wells; • Best oil painting: Rhonda Gray, Girl with the Sapphire Earring, sponsored by Retire and Wealth Planners Pty Ltd; • John and Lynette Kurrle best local entry: Julie Lundgren-Coulter, Rural Afternoon, sponsored

by Jenny Rowe - Picture This Framed; • Best contemporary painting: Bruce Plant, Crucifixion, sponsored by Auddino First National and Vic Properties; • Highly commended paintings: Do Nobile, Artists’ Garden; John French, Warrior; Kelly Brumley, Gentle Giant; Walter Magilton, Monarchs of the Range; Jacqueline Simpson, Evening Glow; and Elise Judd, Winter’s Coming.

This category was sponsored by Kelly’s Bakery, Harley’s Buslines, Korumburra Car Company, Gippsland Global Travel, Korumburra Dental and the Rotary Club of Korumburra.

• Best youth paintings: secondary college; Tahnee Cause, Junele Dreamers; primary schools; first prize: Kasey Sage, Toucan; second prize: Eileen Tanaka Morrison, Flock of Fluffy Birds; • Artists with a disability: First prize: Michael Jones, Approaching Storm; second prize: Graham Rees, Inverloch Jetty; third prize, Sandra Duffelen, Purple Wave.

The Rotary Club of Korumburra would like to congratulate all of the winning entries, as well as all of the artists who took the time and effort to enter paintings into the show.

The raffle prize was won by Judy Stockddale and she receives the beautiful painting by local artist, Adrian Johnson.

The painting Gentle Giant by Kelly Brumley received the most votes to win the People’s Choice award of $100.

The winning ticket for this went to Brian ‘Happy’ O’Neill, who receives a $50 gift voucher from Jenny Rowe’s - Picture This Framed.

THE INVITATION FOR FREE BREAST SCREENING NOW COVERS WOMEN UP T0 74

The invitation for free breast screening has been expanded to include women aged 70-74. Early detection saves lives. If you’re aged 50-74 you should be screened every two years. If you’re over 75, talk to your GP or health professional to find out if breast screening is right for you. For more information visit the website.

IT’S AN INVITATION THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE australia.gov.au/breastscreen

Call

13 20 50

Maritime alert SOUTH Gippsland was at the centre of a maritime incident on Friday when a cruise ship lost propulsion off Cape Liptrap.

The Norwegian Star was adrift 20 nautical miles off the coast of Venus Bay with thousands of passengers on board, bound for New Zealand.

The vessel had been without power since early Friday morning. Tug boats were brought to the stricken vessel and the ship was towed to Melbourne’s Station Pier.

The Star received a report the ship was visible on the horizon between Inverloch and Cape Paterson.

Having initially departed Sydney bound for Melbourne, the ship is still expected to head to Auckland, New Zealand.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 15

Scandinavian trip will be unforgettable TRAVELLERS will not be disappointed this year, promises Jill Carmody, owner/manager of Leongatha Travel and Cruise.

After a long wait and due to strong demand, Jill has designed an exclusive itinerary to Scandinavia that will depart in July.

Holidaymakers will experience the Midnight Sun in The Arctic Circle – a destination on Jill’s bucket list, but one she had not had the opportunity to visit until now, due to other destinations taking priority in the past.

Having escorted many tours to different parts of the world with her husband and business partner Ed Carmody, Jill has been planning this trip for a long time.

“We have already sold over half of our allotment on this hand crafted tour through Bentours, our Scandinavian specialists, after releasing it to our pre-registered guests in late November,” Jill said.

“I am very excited about the itinerary, which has taken a great deal of time to organise and plan, to ensure as many highlights as possible are included. Many of which are not included in traditional brochured tours.

“Our group will depart Leongatha on July 6, flying into Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, where after a two night stay and an introductory tour of this fine city, including entrance to the City Hall and the Vasa Museum, we continue on our tour with a rail journey to Copenhagen, Denmark.”

Jill has allowed a three night stay in Copenhagen, so in addition to the highlights of this beautiful city, the group will enjoy an extended visit to the Tivoli Gardens, followed by a full day side trip to Odense for a guided tour to “follow in the

footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen”.

“After a short flight on to Oslo, we have time to check out the city including a visit to the Viking Ship Museum before journeying on the Flam Railway,” Jill said.

“This iconic train journey through the breathtaking fjord region incorporates ‘Norway in a Nutshell’, which ends in the historic trading port of Bergen. From Bergen we commence our six Coastal exploring: the six night voyage on the MS Polarlys will take travellers through night voyage on Hurtigruten’s MS Polarlys which some of the world’s most majestic scenery. will take us through some of the most majestic scenery in the world, including the Geirangerfjord, the Royal City of Trondheim, and across the Arctic Circle to our destination, Kirkenes.”

During the journey through Lapland, the group will stay overnight in Saariselka and Rovaniemi with a visit to Santa Claus Village, and a very special sightseeing opportunity to experience the Midnight Sun. “To complete our journey we visit Helsinki, the capital of Finland, with a side trip to Tallin in Estonia. This former Soviet Union city with its beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage listed old town, will make for a memorable end to our in depth experience, having visited so many diverse regions of Scandinavia and Northern Europe,” Jill said.

This is a unique opportunity to visit Scandinavia on a tour that incorporates so many highlights, and a variety of modes of transport.

Jill added, “I am very excited about what this very special tour has to offer, especially as it has always been my ambition to undertake a voyage on the Hurtigruten while visiting Scandinavia, a Stepping back: the historic trading port of Bergen in Norway features distinctive architecture. definite standout on this small group tour.”

In order to find out more information about this exclusive departure, or to reserve your place, contact Jill and the team at Leongatha Travel and Cruise without delay on 5662 3601.

Rain fails to stop reservoirs dropping THE region’s water reservoirs are dwindling despite heavy rainfall.

South Gippsland Water managing director Philippe du Plessis said, “The weather conditions over the past week have seen both extreme heat and wet weather experienced across the region.

“Despite considerable rainfall most storages have continued to drop. Rainfall received has done more to dampen demand than to replenish storages.”

Pumping from the Tarwin River to supplement Korumburra’s water supply system continues, with water being transferred and stored in

Korumburra’s reservoirs.

South Gippsland Water will monitor storages across the region and ensure treatment processes are in place to deal with varying water quality experienced at this time of year.

Rainfall recorded at South Gippsland Water’s storages from February 4 to 10: Lance Creek 33mm, Ruby Creek 52mm, Coalition Creek 64mm, Deep Creek 52mm, Little Bass 51mm and Battery Creek 40mm.

Any customers who have questions or concerns regarding their water supply can contact South Gippsland Water’s customer service team on 1300 851 636.

McMillan change bid gains pace

By Sarah Vella THE Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group has called on the Bass Coast and South Gippsland shire councils to support its bid to change the name of federal electorate, McMillan.

The group presented to the Bass Coast Shire Council community engagement session last Wednesday and will present again to the South Gippsland Shire Council tomorrow (Wednesday).

The group’s co-chair Anne Davie said as the electorate of McMillan was up for a redistribution of boundaries at the end of this year, it also offered the opportunity for a name change.

“We wish to mount a successful case to change the name of McMillan as it memorialises a murderer, Angus McMillan,” she said.

“McMillan was responsible for at least nine massacres of Aboriginal people in the 1840s and contributed significantly to the near annihilation of the Gunnai-Kurnai people in a decade.”

Ms Davie said the Aboriginal people of Gippsland understandably “loathe the notion of McMillan and living within an electorate named after him”.

“We believe it is offensive and unworthy of a fair-minded community to retain this name now we understand what he did,” she said.

The group approached current McMillan MP Russell Broadbent and Labor candidate for the seat Chris Buckingham prior to last year’s election.

Ms Davie said they took up the cause and subsequently South Gippsland Shire Council took the initiative and approached other councils to voice their support to the Australian Electoral Commission.

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PAGE 16 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Congratulations: chair of the Mary MacKillop College Advisory Council Renae Littlejohn, school captains Julia Enter and Nathan Rowley, vice captains Billy Wilson and Rani Knight, South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Ray Argento and college principal David Leslie at the Mary MacKillop College opening assembly last Thursday morning.

Outstanding: from left, 2016 Mary MacKillop College dux, Matilda McNeil; Cardell Accountant’s Humanities and Social Sciences Award recipient, Bree McRae; Leongatha Medical Group Sciences Award recipient, Isaac Frith; and Rhonda Malone Memorial Bursary recipient, Gemma Philips.

Mary MacKillop acknowledges excellence MARY MacKillop Catholic Regional College held its annual opening mass ceremony and awards assembly last Thursday morning.

In memory: the Rhonda Malone Memorial Bursary recipient at Mary MacKillop College was 2016 Year 12 student Gemma Philips, pictured with Mrs Malone’s grandson Alfie Edwards.

Principal David Leslie presented the 2017 school captains with their badges and acknowledged the 2016 award recipients.

College captains for 2017 are Julia Enter and Nathan Rowley and vice captains are Rani Knight and Billy Wilson.

The Rhonda Malone Memorial Bursary commemorates the late Mrs Rhonda Malone. This award was instituted in 2015 by her husband, Michael Malone and his family in her memory.

Mrs Malone was well known and loved throughout the district, for her community service and for her work as a nurse and nursing leader. She was a caring person who wanted to

inspire others to do likewise.

She was associated with Mary Mackillop College as a parent and her family remains respected and active members of the college community.

The bursary is awarded to a student who enrols and commences a nursing or health course in 2017. Valued at $3000, the award helps the recipient start studies towards a career in helping others, like Rhonda did.

The award was presented to Gemma Philips who will be undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing at Federation University at Churchill.

The Cardell Accountant’s Humanities and Social Sciences Award is presented to a student from the humanities stream earning the highest ATAR in this range of subjects. Bree McRae received the award with an ATAR of 93.7.

She received a certificate and a cheque for

$200. Bree will this year study professional communication at RMIT University.

Another award went to Isaac Frith, who had the second highest ATAR score in 2016 of 94.9.

The award was sponsored by the Leongatha Medical Group and Isaac received a certificate commemorating his achievement and a cheque for $200.

This year Isaac will be studying engineering honours and science at Monash University.

The college dux of 2016 was Matilda McNeil, with an ATAR of 96.6.

She received a framed certificate commemorating this achievement and a cheque for $500, and her name will be engraved on the College Honour Board.

She will study law honours and global studies at Monash University.

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“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 17

Big moment: Indi Johnstone (left) and Indi Matthews shared the excitement of their first day as Preps at Inverloch Primary School on January 30.

Easy step into Prep: Ella Hopwood (centre) started her first day of Prep at Korumburra Primary School on January 30. She was eased into the transition with help from her mum Karen, and big sister Janae who began Grade 2.

New staff Smooth sailing welcomed for Korumburra INVERLOCH and Kongwak primary schools have welcomed new and returning staff for the start of the new school year.

KORUMBURRA Primary School began the new school year by welcoming new teachers Allysa Drill, Troy Halfpenny, Tilly Halfpenny, Kate Perry and Greg Eddy.

The new staff will have big shoes to fill after the school farewelled assistant principal David Gray and Nigel Kilpatrick at the end of last year.

Jenny Mulqueeny will spend 2017 at Inverloch Primary School and Leigh McCahon will also be absent for the year as she is taking 12 months’ leave.

“Our first day ran very smoothly,” principal Nathan Pirouet said.

“The Prep parents had the opportunity to meet our Parents and Friends committee – we call it Cheers and Tears where parents can come together and be

At Inverloch, Jenny Mulqueeny has returned to teach grades 5/6, LoreeLee Jamieson has come from Wonthaggi North Primary School as a leading teacher in student welfare and is teaching grades 5/6, while Rachelle Roberts is teaching grades 3/4.

Returning from family leave are Kate Eldred (Preps), Amy Geisler (3/4), Tegan Renden (5/6) and specialist teacher Della King.

Anna Wilson returns to Inverloch to teach grade 3/4 after two years teaching at Kongwak and she will be replaced there

by Jess Stone (junior room), joining Gab Patterson (senior room).

Former assistant principal Andrea Penrose has left the school to coordinate the introduction of the Responsible Relationships program across Gippsland schools.

She will be replaced by Ms Jamieson and Nigel Kilpatrick, leading in curriculum.

Inverloch has 394 students this year and Kongwak, 24.

A roof will be built over the courtyard outside the Prep/art area with funds raised from last year’s Easter fair and preparations for this year’s fair are underway.

Inverloch fisherman Bob Young’s first fishing boat is now part of the Prep playground and Grade 4 students will visit Candlebark camp at Healesville for the first time this term.

Fresh coat at St Joseph’s Started with a smile: new Prep Maddison Olsen was dropped off at Korumburra Primary School on January 30 by her dad Mark and got stuck into a puzzle straight away. provided with a shoulder to cry on, some tissues and a little something to drink and eat,” Forty-three Preps be-

gan their schooling, joining the 374 total student enrolments.

“We also had a successful assembly with much

excitement introducing the new staff and our new care dog Jamie who will be assisting a little Prep child,” Mr Pirouet said.

Mentors help out KORUMBURRA Secondary College has offered a new mentoring program this year for the 58 Year 7 students.

This gives students and their parents two days at the beginning of term to have an individual meeting with their mentor for the year before they started regular classes.

Principal Abigail Graham said parent feedback for the program had been fantastic.

The school starts the year with 350 students, a decrease in numbers from last year, and 45 Year 12s.

The school will be without two long term staff members who left last year.

Ross Crawford, who had taught

at the school for more than 30 years, has retired and the much loved Linda Jennings has moved closer to her family.

The construction of the new learning hub marks a new chapter in the school’s history. The school also adopted a more flexible ‘bring your own device’ policy for computers, and a continuous reporting system.

STUDENTS at St Joseph’s Primary School in Korumburra will be taking part in a school wide positive behaviour program this year.

Principal Michelle Charlton explained the new program would help students develop an approach to appropriate behaviour for learning.

The school was also given a face lift during the school holidays, with painting

at the front of the buildings.

The school started the year with 134 students, an increase of 12 on last year, with 19 Preps – the same as last year.

Two new teachers have joined the staff: Carole Livesey teaches Grade 1 and Foundation classes, and Jess Ginnivan takes grades 4 and 5.

The much loved Nicole Dudman left the school last year and Emily Sherriff is currently on maternity leave.

Specialist staff join ranks SOUTH Gippsland Specialist School started the school year with 47 students enrolled.

There were five new enrolments, one being a junior and four middle year students.

“The students have settled back into routine well,” school principal Heather Braden said.

Two new staff members have begun working at the school: Laura Gibb is a new aide and Bianca Quinn is a new

teacher in the junior room. She taught at Wonthaggi Primary School prior to this position.

Two new umbrellas have been installed over the sandpits during the holidays with the assistance of a Sunsmart Victoria grant last year.

South Gippsland Specialist School is looking to employ a social worker who will help support families and connect with community services or support services.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Top dogs: Toora Primary School has four Grade 6 students this year. From left, Brodie, Scarlet, principal Robert Tinker, Reghan and Mackenzie.

Splash time: Welshpool and District Primary School students Liley, Zachary, Faith and Jack were having a ball at the Toora Pool in the first week of the new school year..

Steady going at Toora

TOORA has a new acting principal and the man in the top job is hoping to make his position permanent when it is officially advertised later in the year.

Principal of Tanjil South Primary School for 20 years, Robert Tinker decided it was time for a change and said his intention is to stay at Toora, to provide stability for students.

The school has five new Prep students this year and a total enrolment of 35, however there are two more students expected to enroll by the end of the month.

Numbers are similar to last year, however the school has been condensed into two grades and has one less teacher.

Brett Whittle is teaching in the Grade 3/4/5/6 classroom, with some team teaching with Mr Tinker and Louise Gilbertson is teaching the Prep, Grade 1/2 class.

During the holidays, the school playground had new shade sails erected and some drainage work was completed.

This year, a new four year plan will be developed for the school, which will focus on oral literacy.

New faces at Mirboo North MIRBOO North Secondary College is gearing up for another big year, with 68 new Year 7 students, and 48 students taking on the challenge of Year 12.

The school has a total of 321 students enrolled this year, which is a slight increase from 2016.

While the school has said goodbye to teacher Ben Zanella, it has welcomed Nic Ryan as the new teaching and learning leader and mathematics teacher.

Jordan Townrow has also joined the team as physical education, health and sport coordinator.

Following extensive renovations in past years resulting in an enviable facility at Mirboo North, there are no plans for further buildings works this year.

Welshpool welcomes university input WELSHPOOL and District Primary School had three new Prep students start this year, the same as last year.

The school’s numbers are holding with 30 students enrolled.

Principal Gabbi Boyd said the staffing has not changed, apart from the addition of Pete Harris, a fourth year placement student from Federation University.

“At the end of last year Welshpool and Toora primary schools together with the Welshpool/ Toora Kindergarten and the Toora Facilitated

Playgroup developed a partnership with Federation University,” she said.

“This partnership will focus on oral language of children and developing teacher capacity. It is a partnership that is developing and we are excited to see it grow and its impact on oral language within our area.”

This year will also see the implementation of the whole school writing program.

“This program will run in conjunction with the whole school reading which is already running in the school,” Ms Boyd said.

Poowong looks fresh Loch increases numbers BRAND new uniforms were a welcome

sight at Poowong Consolidated School LOCH Primary School has increased its when students returned. student numbers this year, beginning the The uniforms were a long time coming for the year with 99 overall enrolments, an inNYORA Primary School started the school and it is currently in a transition year for the crease of 14 students from last year. uniform, with some students still wearing the old The school also welcomed 19 new Preps and two school year by welcoming five new uniform. new teachers.

Preps into the student ranks.

The new outfit features aqua and blue, with smart

Nyora Preps excited

Rachael Geerts will be taking a Grade3/4 class There were no staffing changes reported for dresses and shirts. and Angela Phillips will teach performing arts and the new school year.

“It’s been great to see the fantastic new uniforms music.

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on all the students,” principal Cate McKenzie said.

The 19 Preps settled in beautifully at the school owing to a longer transition program of 11 sessions the school ran last year.

Total enrolments have increased slightly and the school starts with a total of 141 students.

Katie Jones has joined the staff as a new Grade 1 teacher, as has Kalina Brew who will be taking a Grade 6 class.

“We have had a fantastic start to the year. I’m very proud of all our students,” Ms McKenzie said.

The school is looking to develop the gardens this term and the totem art project students finished last year is ready to be installed.

“It has been a fabulous start to the school. Teachers, staff, and families have been very organised and everyone’s enjoying the swimming program that started,” principal Tracey King said.

The school is introducing specialist subjects this year in environmental science, and digital technologies with designated teachers who will be teaching the whole school.

Students have also begun wearing the new Loch Primary School uniform as it is slowly phased in.

The new uniform features a new logo with an updated lyrebird symbol and new items including a navy polo, a school sports top, a micro fibre sports jacket and an everyday zip jacket.

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“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 19

Leading the way: Wonthaggi North Primary School leaders for 2017, from left, vice captain Dakotah Verboon, captains Saher Biggs and Nicola Hales and vice captain Levi Jones.

Excitement awaits children A SCHOOL picnic, football clinic and camp will be among the highlights for students at Wonthaggi North Primary School this term.

Yesterday (Monday), AFL footballers from the Western Bulldogs visited grades 3 and 4 students at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.

The school picnic will be held on Feb-

ruary 15 and on February 22, the school will take part in district swimming sports at Cowes.

From March 15 to 17, Grade 5 students will camp at Wilsons Promontory.

Prep to Grade 2 students will learn about responsible pet ownership on March 28 and on March 30, the school will hold its house swimming sports.

Ready to go: looking forward to the new school year at Wonthaggi Secondary College are, back, from left, Dudley Campus principal Ross Bramley, Imogen Graham, Shanae Riley, Hannah Simmonds, Xyleigh Tobias and acting college principal Darren Parker. Front, from left, Imari Painter-Davis, Taneisha Mascaris, Jade Anderson and Shyla Jogi.

Student influx at college WONTHAGGI Secondary College has seen an enrolment of 240 Year 7 students and new students at other levels, with many families moving to the area and some students transferring schools.

Joining the team: from left, new teachers at Wonthaggi North Primary School are Grade 5/6 teacher Sarah Burgess, Grade 1/2 teachers Courtney Standfield and Samantha Jelbart, and Prep teacher Jemma Farbus.

New beginnings: Newhaven College Prep teacher Mrs Linda Austin was impressed with the beautiful letter new Prep student Bessie had written for her about how excited she was to be starting school.

Year 7 students will head off for their camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort at the start of March where they will have a great opportunity to develop friendships, develop leadership skills and learn teamwork

that will be incorporated into their learning at school.

Along with new students, the college has 14 new staff, gaining an exciting blend of quality experienced teachers and young teachers who have a strong knowledge of the latest educational trends.

The school has changed its Middle School program to incorporate knew maths and English initiatives, an intensive collaborative teaching and learning initiative amongst staff, and an enhanced welfare approach across all classrooms.

Welcome: Jake Munday (centre) has attended Newhaven College since Prep and this year started Year 7. He was pleased to welcome new Year 7 students Kyra Harman-Giliam, Joe Barbati, Alfie Harris and Scout Salathiel.

The junior Dudley Campus will be a busy place in 2017, with many programs being conducted in performing arts, sport, community service and academic extension.

The campus is undergoing a refurbishment of the home economics room, while the senior McBride Campus had its preliminary masterplan work for a new school in McKenzie Street concluded at the end of 2016. This will be officially submitted for budget consideration early in 2017.

New staff: Newhaven College welcomed Katelyn Jones who switched from Year 12 student in 2016 to staff in 2017 as the AFL sports trainee. Beth Quinn will care for students in the Health Centre and Rikki Porter has moved to the area from Somerville Rise Primary to teach Grade 3 students.

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PAGE 20 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Centennial Centre back in action WONTHAGGI Centennial Centre has regained its vitality with three community volunteer groups now settled into the facility.

The building was facing closure, but Wonthaggi ArtSpace, the Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association and the information centre volunteers have ensured it remains open for public use.

ArtSpace was the last to fully move its operations to the new site. The old gallery officially closed its doors in January.

“It is wonderful the three groups have joined forces,” ArtSpace’s Ursula Theinert said.

“The Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association has been fantastic, and the information centre volunteers have been very kind and generous while welcoming us into their space.”

To celebrate the transition, a welcoming party was held and attended by

more than 100 people.

Light nibbles were provided and the Bass Coast Pickers musicians volunteered their time to entertain guests to support the volunteer groups.

Ms Theinert said moving into the Centennial Centre had been a fascinating experience.

“We’ve all come together and we are starting to learn each other’s roles. The information centre volunteers have so much knowledge about the area that we’ve started to learn. All volunteers here are starting to answer questions about the local area and about art,” she said.

“This is a very interesting and exciting time. It has also been very busy. We have gotten more than 70 people through the door on some days. People are coming in for information and to look at the art so the word is getting around about the new set up. We have great new signage as well.”

The gallery features beautiful pieces of local

art that will be changed every six weeks. The art flows on from the gallery into the boardroom, which can be hired out by members of the public for functions and conferences, as well as special occasions like weddings, birthdays and dinner parties.

The Centennial Centre is surrounded by stunning parkland, which the three groups have big plans for.

“We are thinking about putting in a playground and having a night market during the summer,” Ms Theinert said.

“Rotary was very pleased about how this turned out, so they will support us. We will also be working with Bass Coast Shire Council.”

By 2018, the groups hope to be involved in an exchange program with sculptors, which would result in the development of a sculpture park.

In the meantime, they are looking forward to 2017 with some great plans coming up. In conjunction with Creative Gippsland

Fresh look: from left, ArtSpace’s Deb Watson and Ursula Theinert showcase the new gallery at the Centennial Centre in Wonthaggi. an environmental exhibition will be held in line with council’s ‘Come and Play all of May’.

ArtSpace has also received a detailed proposal from a well known Sydney artist to create a se-

ries of works based on the myth of the ‘Wonthaggi monster’.

The print exhibition will also return in 2017, following its success last year.

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officer Deb Watson said the groups will be looking to host other art forms as well, including writers, poets, dancers and performers.

“We want to tap into people’s skills and create a

rich experience for people who come here,” she said.

“So far we’ve received positive feedback so we are feeling really good about what we have accomplished. We hope it’s going to be very busy.”

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 21

Great start at Bass Coast Specialist School THE Bass Coast Specialist School was given a makeover during the holidays, including new paint, new walls and the grounds even received a spruce up.

What’s up doc: Bass Coast Specialist School student Brooke tries on some big bunny ears as part of interactive story time in class last Wednesday.

There are 62 students enrolled at the school for 2017, including five new Preps, similar to last year’s numbers.

School principal Edith Gray said the school has three new teachers this year including Rob Sands, Jack Malzinskas and Caroline Sibly.

“We also have a new teacher assistant, Nicole Reed. Including teachers, assistants and allied health we have about 32 staff,” she said.

Ms Gray said the “place was jumping” over the school break and looked wonderful at the start of the year “We had all of the classrooms painted and two new walls installed.

We had a damaged ceiling and roof repaired and our grounds were given a makeover,” she said.

“We also put in new wooden seats around the

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Cool class: from left, Bass Coast Specialist School students Adelaide, Jake and Robert with their teacher Kathy Wiltshire during circle time in class last Wednesday. school that were made for us by a company on Phillip Island. One garden bench was specially designed to allow wheelchairs to get close to the table.”

Ms Gray said there are a few changes in the curriculum at the school in 2017.

“We finally have an

inclusive curriculum that includes programs for students with a disability. The students here follow a similar curriculum guideline to mainstream schools,” she said.

“This year we are offering visual arts and physical education as our electives. Favourites for

the students such as yoga and cooking will be running again.

“The senior students will be running a school café and canteen again in 2017. It is called the Rainbow Café, a name selected by the students.”

Ms Gray said the school is hoping to open

up the café to the community.

The school’s two new school captains were interviewed by the staff from Bass Coast Shire Council recently and will meet with other school leaders to have lunch with the mayor in coming weeks.

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PAGE 22 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Wonthaggi calls for safer crossings SAFER crossings and connected footpaths top Wonthaggi’s priorities list.

Bass Coast Shire Council invited several community groups to join a Future Wonthaggi Focus Group last year.

Many members of this group shared concerns about pedestrian movement in Wonthaggi against the flow of traffic.

“Poor traffic intersections make it difficult for pedestrians to safely travel on foot in the town,” group member Fay Quilford said.

“Graham Street and Murray Street are two dangerous areas for pedestrians. Traffic moves International flavours: Felicia Di Stefano, Caroline Charles, Etsuko Yasunaga, cook at both ends of these streets and there is limitGomathy Sivasi, Nina de Bono, Jennie Deane and Nancy van den Hoven discovered the ed opportunity for pedestrians to cross the road safely.” secrets of successful Indian cooking during a class at Ms Sivasi’s Wonthaggi home.

The group also proposed the relocation of the VLine bus stop on Biggs Drive.

“This bus station affects visibility for motorists turning right onto Biggs Drive from Murray Street. There’s no toilet block there for people getting on and off the bus, and there’s disconnected footpaths surrounding it. Once people are off the bus, there’s not a lot of opportunity for people to walk safely,” Ms Quilford said.

The group suggested connecting the footpaths, which would not only protect the pedestrians, but would link the plaza to the rest of the town.

Increasing the town’s accommodation was COOKS unravelled the intricacies of cooking techniques.

Participants tried their hand at making dosa, spices during a recent class in authentic a type of pancake, and learned the importance of Indian cooking in Wonthaggi recently. stirring the food and smelling it as they cooked.

Held at the home of Gomathy Sivasi, the Ms Sivasi lives in Wonthaggi with her husband cooking lesson was an event of the South Raj Paramanandan and son Shamakh.

Gippsland branch of Rural Australians for The cooking gathering was an eclectic group, Refugees. with participants from Malaysia, Holland, Japan, BASS Coast Shire Council received Ms Sivasi talked about the spices she used Poland and Australia. high praise for its community engageand their health benefits, and demonstrated her

Indian spices inspire cooks

also a focal point to attract more tourism to the area.

Apartments and motels were highlighted as viable options for Wonthaggi.

Improving signage coming in and out of the town was another strategy to attract tourists.

The group supported the idea of a sports stadium to benefit local youth, but also felt more needed to be done to ensure all young people felt as if they had a place in the town.

“Not all people are interested in sport. Some enjoy arts and culture. We need to think about everyone needs so there is a future for young people in Wonthaggi,” Ms Quilford said.

“We need to promote the town as a growth centre. If there is an influx of families, we need to ensure we have the facilities to cater for them.”

The group also valued community spirit and maintaining Wonthaggi’s historical significance.

“We’d like to see our heritage buildings maintained and celebrate the multicultural aspects of our town,” Ms Quilford said.

The focus group wrapped up its sessions late last year and presented its ideas to both the outgoing and current council.

The information from the focus group and from the recent string of community consultations forums across the shire will go towards finalising council’s four year plan.

Council commended for community engagement

ment efforts in recent times.

Councillors and council staff have made the effort to visit most towns in the shire to discuss the community’s vision.

Inverloch’s Glenn Cant applauded council for its commitment to engaging the community.

“I enjoyed with the way council has conducted these sessions. There have been lots of ideas put forward and I think this time we will get a positive result,” he said.

“I attended the Wonthaggi session and, from my point of view, it was an exciting meeting.

The mayor (Cr Pamela Rothfield) and councillors Brett Tessari (deputy mayor), Les Larke and Julian Brown were inspiring and I think it will be a

very interesting four years.”

Mr Cant supported some of the topics discussed at the meeting, including a safer pedestrian crossing for Graham Street, an improved plan for dogs on beaches in Inverloch and greater expenditure on infrastructure.

Cr Rothfield said she was delighted with the outcomes from the sessions.

“We’ve heard so many ideas. A few of the ones that keep cropping up in Wonthaggi are more footpaths and traffic lights,” she said.

“We still have Rhyll and Corinella to go but we will consider everything presented to us; nothing will be neglected. We want to involve the community as much as we can in this plan and achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The community engagement will direct the outcome of council’s 2017-2021 plan.

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The song was written in 1934 by Jack O’Hagen after, he was commissioned by the government to tour Victorian towns and write a theme song for each town.

When the soldiers marched home, this was the song they sang.

Leigh Moran was the only person commissioned by the coalminers of Wonthaggi to record this song.

Lee Owens arranged the backing track and Colin Suggett of Venus Bay did the recording.

As part of Wonthaggi’s centenary celebration in 2010, Moran sang the song live on ABC radio.

Check out the song on YouTube: www.youtube. com/watch?v=mTm9Mj2A_jg

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 23

Let the good times roll KAWASAKI’S Mule and Teryx vehicles from Wonthaggi Motorcycles and Power Equipment are equipped with everything needed to get the job done.

Japanese durability ensures these models are built tough with robust construction and reliable components to ensure they have the durability to get the job done day after day in the toughest conditions.

“The components and quality are great in all of our ranges,” Mathew O’Donnell from Wonthaggi Motorcycles and Power Equipment said.

All Kawasaki Mule and Teryx models come with a long warranty of three years.

All models are fitted with seals to major components like wheel bearings, suspension components and differentials to stop dirt and mud entering vital components.

With models ranging from 400 cubic centimetre petrol engines with two seats to 1000 cubic centimetre diesel engines and six seats, you are assured Kawasaki has something to suit everyone’s needs.

All Mule and Teryx models come with the ever reliable continuously variable transmission belt drive with two and four wheel drive and locking differential.

The Kawasaki Mule range has been made affordable with the entry level four wheel drive model being similarly priced to an all terrain vehicle.

Together with the government rebate of $1200 for rollover protection options, this vehicle is an attractive option for any farm.

A full range of accessories are also available including roofs, windscreens, full cab kits and hunting accessories, just to name a few.

With a large tray space you can use the vehicle for all your spraying needs, fit a large amount of fencing gear in the back, as well as animal feed, ensuring your vehicle can do more jobs.

Wonthaggi Motorcycles and Power Equipment is there to help you with any needs and the team is happy to give you advice at any time.

“We provide exceptional customer service here,” Mr O’Donnell said.

First class: Tim Brown, owner at Wonthaggi Motorcycles and Power Equipment is offering the best deals on the Kawasaki range of agricultural vehicles right now. Make sure you get in and get the most from your government rebate and talk to the experts.

VFF: communications lagging in country FARMERS are being crippled by unacceptable telecommunications access, according to the state’s peak farmer group.

The Victorian Farmers Federation urged the Federal Government to invest more in rural telecommunications infrastructure at a Productivity Commission inquiry last week into the effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s Universal Service Obligation.

VFF vice president Brett Hosking said the USO, which is intended to ensure all Australians receive a basic level of service from their telecommunications providers, had lost its rel-

evance with an emphasis on maintaining fixed line services when advances in technology meant more farmers were using mobiles.

“The current USO is seriously outdated and ignores the dependence on our daily lives of mobile phones and the internet,” he said.

“Mobile coverage especially is crucial not just for farm safety, but for everything from checking market reports on your phone to emailing yield data to your agronomist.”

The Productivity Commission recommended in its interim report last year into the USO that a baseline service should be extended through

the National Broadband Network to include data as well as voice telecommunications.

But Mr Hosking said the VFF had concerns over the NBN’s capacity to deliver a basic level of service for rural communities, with the farmer group receiving complaints from rural communities frustrated with frequent telecommunication drop outs caused by the Sky Muster satellite.

Mr Hosking urged the Federal and State governments to work together in increasing infrastructure spending, but he acknowledged rural communities need to keep fighting for an improved service.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Adventure of lifetime: French cycling tourist Thomas Guillaume experienced the rugged beauty of Snake Island as a guest of the Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association recently.

Tourists join island muster THE Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association ran a changeover trip to the island recently and accommodated two groups of tourists along the way.

Barb Beaumont and her sister Jenny Bland are long time members of the cattlemen’s association and were among the first group to head over to the island in Corner Inlet.

“We were on the island on Friday and Saturday before heading home on Sunday afternoon,” Ms Beaumont said.

Her group included six locals and two from Westbury and two from Ballan, while the second group of 20 people included 10 tourists who had come from Seville, Yalingbo, Scarsdale, Yackandandah, Nangana, Corowa, Corryong, Colac,

Ballarat, Pakenham, Longwarry, Yarragon and Maryknoll.

Both groups were entertained by dolphins as they rode along the beach.

Some 48mm of rain fell overnight on the Sunday but it did little to dampen the enthusiasm of everyone on the island.

“We continued with our activities which included checking the cattle and rides to take in the beautiful scenic views of Wilsons Promontory, the beautiful blue of the ocean and the golden sands on the pristine beaches, which are what the tourists have come to enjoy,” Ms Beaumont said.

“The animals, such as kangaroos, hog deer, and birdlife including sea eagles, black cockatoos and all the sea birds, make these trips an amazing

Beating the storm: Snake Island Cattlemen Association members Helen and David Towns head back to the mainland as storm clouds gathered all around after another wonderful trip to Snake Island. Photo by Barb Beaumont. adventure.”

Ms Beaumont’s group included interesting people, including Thomas Guillaume, a French tourist who arrived in Brisbane and has made his way down the coast to Gippsland on a bicycle.

“Thomas’s family has a small property in France and is heavily involved with horses, breeding Standard breds,” Ms Beaumont said.

“He was riding through Foster on Australia Day when Marg Haycroft saw him and invited him to stay for their Australia Day celebrations.”

Mr Guillaume stayed with local Deb Collins while in Foster and during this time volunteered to work at the Corner Inlet Pony Club on a weekend.

While at the pony club Mr Guillaume, spoke with Marni Dyson about the Snake Island adven-

Learn how to switch to solar A FREE community information session about solar power and batteries will be held this Sunday, February 19.

South Gippsland Shire Council will hold the session with the Energy Innovation Co-Operative.

The session will cover common concerns about solar power and batteries including money savings, practicality of systems and what sort of systems to use.

Local guest speakers will include energy auditor Rhys Freeman, resident and Grow Lightly Food Hub director Gil Freeman, and installers Andy McCarthy and George Fairlie.

These guest speakers have a range of expertise in green energy and will be able to assist residents with any ques-

tions or concerns they may have about the systems.

Council’s sustainability officer Heidi Hamm said the workshop was a great opportunity for people to ask questions about solar power and batteries.

“We encourage all community members to come and attend the community information session to learn more about green energy and how solar systems and batteries could be used at their properties,” she said.

“Installing solar systems and batteries are one way to reduce our impact on the environment while also gaining other benefits including self-sufficiency and saving money.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to make sustainable choices when it comes to using the planet’s resources.

Attending this community information session could be one step towards making better choices for our environment.”

The free community information session will be held from 2pm to 4pm in the Coal Creek Auditorium Korumburra, and will include a viewing of a working solar battery system at The Food Hub nearby.

Please RSVP for catering purposes on the Sustainability Gippsland website: www.sustainabilitygippsland. com/event/small-solar-batteries-inpractice or phone Energy Innovation Co-operative board member Susan Davies on 5657 3108.

People wanting more information about the session can contact council’s sustainability team on 5662 9200.

Inverloch drainage overhaul Drainage improvements for Goroke Street BASS Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction on stormwater drainage works in Goroke Street in Inverloch.

The current drainage system for Goroke Street consists of an open channel, which requires constant maintenance due to overgrown vegetation and silting.

The open drain is also now within a residential area since the development of the Surf Beach Estate.

This stage will involve the instal-

lation of large concrete underground drainage pipes and back filling to the end of the caravan park, alleviating costly maintenance and removing any risk to the public.

Further works will be programmed as required downstream and as budgets allow.

Construction of drainage works started last week and are expected to be completed in late March, weather permitting.

“Council will be working closely with the contractor to ensure a mini-

mum amount of inconvenience and disruption to the public,” mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield said.

“The community, local residents, businesses and other stakeholders will be kept up-to-date with the project through council’s website updates and letter box drops or mail outs where appropriate.”

This project will be carried out by Carriford Earthmoving and the project cost is $75,000.

For further information, contact council on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or 5671 2211.

ture and she organised his clothing and a horse from Sue and Kevin Jones from Jack River.

“He had a ball. Thomas is currently working on a beef farm at Inverloch and is hoping to go and tour New Zealand before heading back to Queensland to take part in a big cycling event at Toowoomba and then heading home to France to start work again,” Ms Beaumont said.

Snake Island is Victoria’s largest sand island located off Port Welshpool. Local farmers have been agisting cattle on the island since the 1880s.

The Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association continues to regularly drive cattle across the channel from the mainland onto the island, providing a unique horse riding experience for people interested in Australia’s pioneering past.

Mayor’s message Cr Ray Argento LAST week I had the privilege to address the students at Mary Mackillop College in Leongatha and to assist with their award presentations.

As I pondered what to say in my address I was conscious I would be talking to the next generation of possible leaders, the generation of computer-savvy students who could Google information at the touch of a screen.

In my generation children were told the Great Wall of China was built to keep the rabbits out, there’s no way anyone would get away with that now!

Students today are abreast of most issues and are extremely well informed, often a challenge for many parents to contemplate let alone understand.

As a father of three I know all too well that the toughest audience you could possibly have are your own children, and here I was confronted by some 500 students.

I was soon put at ease with the knowledge Google could not replace life experience, and that one’s full personal journey and experiences could not be found on any internet site.

So when your children pose a question or ask for advice, don’t forget to pass on some real life experience.

As councillors, we receive many enquiries regarding a variety of issues surrounding rates and charges.

What seems to be the most popular is how individual rates are calculated. A common misconception is that the 2.5 percent rate cap introduced by the Victorian Government was applied universally to all rate notices.

The rate cap actually applies to the overall rate revenue collected by coun-

cil, not individual properties.

Additionally, the waste charges (charged by council) and the Fire Services Levy (levied by State Government) are exempt from the rate cap.

Property valuations are used to calculate how much you pay in rates.

Council uses the capital improved value method to determine your rates, which is basically a percentage of the market value of the land and improvements.

There’s no doubt rate rises can affect the cost of living, especially for people whose property value has increased faster than their income. Retirees can be particularly at risk.

Council provides flexible payment arrangements and has a Rates and Charges Hardship Policy to help people who may need assistance.

Rates revenue provides council with the income to undertake over 150 services for our local community and is vital in maintaining community quality of life. As a ratepayer, I like to think it is not so much ‘how much’ I pay, but whether we, as a community, are getting value for money.

From the moment you leave your property you are enjoying use of the services council provides – roads, footpaths, parks, street lighting, bins, public health services, sporting and community facilities, and much more.

These are all areas the council either funds directly or facilitates in some capacity to ensure our community has what it needs.

Any individuals needing more information about their rates can visit council’s website at www.southgippsland. vic.gov.au/rates or contact our rates team on 5662 9200.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 25

STAR Real

THE GREAT SOUTHERN STAR

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Page 28 24

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Private and tranquil lifestyle O

N offer at this slice of paradise of approximately 17.7 acres is a quality brick home, a truly unique magnificent established parklike garden with arboretum and exquisite lake.

Catering for plenty of leisurely activities whether it be gardening, observing the prolific birdlife, keeping a few animals, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the location, an inspection of Spring Plains is a must.

This beautifully maintained home was designed well ahead of its time.

Solid brick and almost completely rendered throughout, it has two bathrooms, one an ensuite off the main bedroom. Character features such as high ceilings, colonial windows and fireplaces have been retained with a solid fuel heater insert in lounge.

Carefully updated to meet modern day comforts, additions include gleaming jarrah flooring,

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new quality curtains, pure wool carpet in hallways and bedrooms, plus gas ducted heating.

Rich blackwood cabinetry, St George oven and recessed window wall over the sink can be found in the country kitchen, along with commanding rural views.

An impressive lounge complemented with full bay window to one end, small sunroom through French doors to the other, is a place to relax and enjoy those garden views.

All bedrooms have high built in robes, the study suitable as a fourth bedroom or additional TV room.

Outside offers a myriad of shedding, including a three bay garaging with workshops to either end, garden, wood and chook sheds.

Sweeping lawns surround the house and meander parklike around established garden beds, through stands of deciduous and gum trees.

A paddock of approximately four acres with small holding yard completes this wonderful package.

This much loved home Insight Real Estate and very speLeongatha cial lifestyle 5662 2220 property is an absolute credit to the current owners.

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Affordable housing action needed REAL Estate Institute of Australia’s Pre Budget Submission to Government focuses on taxation as it relates to property and the need for a holistic approach and housing affordability including the need to address the rapid decline in the number of first home buyers.

The Submission notes that dwelling investment supported by historically low interest rates has been a significant contributor to growth in the Australian economy since 2013 and 2014.

Australia’s property industry has been a main driver of economic growth and increased employment in the transition away from a decade long reliance on mining.

Providing a stimulus to economic activity outside the mining sector, including the housing and building sectors, was amongst the main reasons for the rentable building area to keep the official cash rate at record low levels since August 2013.

“It is against this background that Real Estate Institute of Australia’s Pre Budget Submission for

2017 and 2018 is framed and seeks Government action to facilitate further sustained growth in the property sector which is critical to the Australian economy”, said Real Estate Institute of Australia President Mr Malcolm Gunning.

“Whilst investor activity in housing has in large part been responsible for the supply response from the building sector contributing to economic growth, this has been at the cost of first home buyers and their ability to enter the housing market. The number of first home buyer commitments as a proportion of total owner occupied housing finance commitments in November 2016 was 13.8 percent and compares to long run average of 18.5 percent,” “Since April 2012, when official interest rates were 4.25 percent compared to the current 1.5 percent, the number of home loans issued to home buyers increased by 25 percent while the participation of first home buyers declined by 17 percent. This decline is despite 10 cuts in the official interest rate over that period”, added Mr Gunning.

“THE STAR� Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 27

STAR Real

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OCATED in a family friendly estate, this very comfortable home is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with views elevated from the living area and rear deck.

The quality home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an ensuite in the master bedroom, a formal lounge, a central kitchen with an electric cooking and ample bench and storage space.

There is a living room to the rear which is adjoining to the large undercover outdoor entertaining area.

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PAGE 28 - “THE STAR� Tuesday, February 14, 2017

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Centre of town T

HIS centrally positioned retail space is located in the heart of the main shopping precinct of Leongatha, adjacent to Woolworths, council chambers and major banks.

coast and just over an hour to the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Landmark Harcourts Leongatha will be holding an auction on Friday, March 10 in the Memorial Hall in Leongatha at 1pm.

Long term secure leases are in place, with options through to 2025.

There is an attractive combined net income of $74,684 per annum from sound tenants being Bakers Delight and Leongatha Photographics, with the option for a third tenant.

Front and rear access is provided via an arcade, and there is an exceptional rear car park, as well as angle car parking at the front of the building.

Leongatha is the capital of South Gippsland, supported by a prime dairy industry, close to the

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“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 29

Heppell raises disease’s profile ESSENDON Football Club captain Dyson Heppell was last week named an ambassador for Scleroderma Victoria.

Dyson, formerly of Leongatha, and his family have a direct connection to the disease, with Dyson’s maternal grandmother Corry Schelling dying due to the disease.

“Scleroderma Victoria approached me and asked if I would be an ambassador.

Myself and my family, especially my mum (Ann-Maree Heppell) have been directly affected by Scleroderma and I was more than happy to say ‘yes’ and help in any way I could,” he said.

“Hopefully I can assist them to bring more awareness to a disease that currently has no cure and help with any fundraising they do for on-going medical research, support services and their dedicated Scle-

roderma nurses.”

President of Scleroderma Victoria, Amanda Lawrie-Jones, was delighted with Dyson’s acceptance of the role.

“We know Dyson understands the complexities of this debilitating condition and we have great confidence he will do an outstanding job for us,” she said.

Scleroderma is an auto-immune disease that currently has no cure and attacks the body’s skin and internal organs.

Scleroderma affects different people in different ways, but ultimately life expectancy is reduced, sometimes severely.

Three out of four people with Scleroderma are female.

Although it affects all age groups, it develops most frequently between the ages of 25 to 55.

Raising awareness: Essendon Football Club captain Dyson Heppell (second from left) with members of For more information on Scleroderma Scleroderma Victoria, from left, president Amanda Lawrie-Jones, secretary Jennene Caton and committee go to: www.sclerodermavictoria.com.au member Gene Swinstead.

Milpara Community House news WHAT a great weekend. Congratulations to the Korumburra A and P Society for again doing a fantastic job with the annual Korumburra Show.

Milpara had a stand to advertise all the activities and services we offer here at the house and also introduce our upcoming TIPS Centre. TIPS stand for Training Information Pathways Service and we will commence this service in March.

Our Food Safety course is on this afternoon and RSA is this evening, Tuesday, February 14. We may still be able to squeeze you in if you give us a call.

Group Guitar lesson may start this Wednesday afternoon, February 15. Over a seven week period you’ll learn the

basics. It is suitable for all ages and no music knowledge necessary.

Next week we will have MS Excel and/or MS Word and Computer Basics classes commencing. We also have a rug making workshop and the first Family History session. It’s not too late to join the classes, please let us know if you are interested.

A Wills and Power of Attorney free information session will be held midafternoon on Thursday, February 23.

This will be a fantastic session run by Ian Symonds and Adele Anthony on behalf of Ian Symonds and Associates Solicitors. It will explain the merits of having/updating a will and power of attorney. This is a free session but please book your seat.

For more information please give our friendly staff a call on 5655 2524.

Mayor’s message Cr Pamela Rothfield

I WAS so delighted to welcome yet another cruise ship to Bass Coast recently.

Along with my fellow Island Ward

Making magic: Alyson Sharban with the creation she made during the Pioneer Bay Australia Day cel- councillors, Stephen Fullarton and Miebrations as part of the Luminous Streets arts project. chael Whelan, I had the pleasure of meet-

Light up Waterline streets WATCH an outdoor nighttime gallery magically grow in the parks of five Waterline towns - Pioneer Bay, Grantville, Corinella, Tenby Point, Coronet Bay - leading up to the Luminous Streets celebration night on Saturday, April 8.

Five artists, each dedicated to one town, will lead creative making sessions during February and March, and then the galleries will come alive with light, food and people.

Anyone can see them all travelling from town to town by car, free

minibus or carpool.

Luminous Streets will be a festival with a difference. It is part of the Victorian Government Small Town Transformation arts project called The Edge of Us. In a competitive process, the cluster of five towns won one of only six grants available to Victorian towns.

Students at Bass Valley Primary School have already begun constructing with recycled plastics and new materials during three weeks of workshops with artists.

Workshops have taken place in community halls, outside on the foreshores and in the streets of the

towns to create simple forms that are easy to build and will look wonderful when assembled together.

There are many opportunities to become involved. Get in touch to have us come to your club or even your own home.

Workshops are free and open to everyone. See the website www. theedgeofus.com.au for full details and contact details for each town.

Celebration night is Saturday, April 8 from sunset to 11pm, and Showcase Week is Sunday, April 9 to Friday, April 14, when The Luminous Street galleries will power up every night from sunset until 10pm.

Help prevent suicide LIFELINE is offering people the chance to learn the skills to help people at risk of suicide.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day workshop that prepares professionals, volunteers, and informal helpers of all kinds to provide suicide first-aid interventions to people at risk of suicide.

Participants will learn to: • identify situations in which someone may have thoughts of suicide; • understand how beliefs and attitudes can affect suicide interventions; • review a person’s current risk of suicide and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behaviour for an agreed period of time; and

• follow-up on safety commitments and access further support as needed.

Participation in the full two days is required.

The workshop includes lectures, videos, group discussions, group work and skills practise.

Lifeline Gippsland, partnering with Latrobe Regional Hospital Mental Health Services, is running an ASIST workshop on February 20 and 21 at Lifeline Gippsland, corner Church and Fleming streets, Morwell. Bookings are essential.

Cost of the workshop is $275 (GST inclusive).

Training materials, lunches and refreshments are included for both days.

To book place or for further information please call the Lifeline office on 5136 3500.

ing the captain of the Seabourn Encore on its maiden voyage to Phillip Island, where its passengers and crew spent the day.

The Rhyll community once again put on a very warm welcome, jazz band included!

A number of passengers commented how blown away they were with the welcome they received.

Having already travelled down the east coast of Australia, stopping at Townsville, Sydney and Brisbane, they commented the Bass Coast welcome eclipsed all others!

The Seabourn Encore will return later in the year, whilst the Golden Princess, that visited us in January, will be back on Saturday, February 18, when of course we’ll be putting out our red carpet welcome once again.

I had the privilege of meeting with a group of talented artists visiting San Remo recently who will be vying for their work to be selected as the next public art project in the shire.

The artists were there to scope out the township and foreshore, hear about its history and capture the character of the area in preparation for their concept design.

It was wonderful to see the beginning of the process for this $45,000 project and was a great opportunity for local representatives to speak with the artists about what’s important to the San Remo community.

I also met with the chairman of the San Remo Foreshore Committee, Andy Chappell, and spoke to him about how the foreshore committee works. Personally, I think they do a brilliant job and the work they do for the San Remo Foreshore is invaluable.

It is a wonderful illustration of how the community can work together and use initiative for the greater good.

Council hosted the first of its monthly Community Connection Sessions for 2017 last Wednesday, with the first presenter of the year the Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group.

It was moving to hear about its Australia Day picnic at Kongwak and the group’s commitment to renaming the federal electorate of McMillan. I applaud its passion.

It was fantastic meeting a variety of community groups and individuals at the engagement session, and great to see a large number of our community members in the gallery.

Our first council meeting for the year is coming up in Wonthaggi on Wednesday, February 15, and again, I look forward to welcoming everyone.

Speaking of community engagement, all of the community feedback we received from the ‘Shape a better Bass Coast’ campaign is now available online – over 300 pages of it!

You can find all of the comments and ideas we received categorised into broad themes, as well as the feedback from each community engagement session.

Those who provided us with their email addresses should have received an email with a link to that information and an update on the Council Plan (and if you haven’t, please contact us at communications@basscoast.vic.gov.au).

The draft plan is scheduled to go out for community feedback in mid-March, and we’ll also be sending out emails to let people know when that happens.

In the meantime, you can check out all of the feedback for yourself at www. basscoast.vic.gov.au/abetterbasscoast.

When reading, I suggest you settle in for the long haul in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

The Good Life

Your LOCAL guide to Art and Entertainment

Study of life shapes Jansen’s art

PERSONAL views on government decisions to remove children from mothers and promote war, and the impact of capitalist society have shaped new works that will hang at Gecko Studio Gallery at Fish Creek.

Striking image: Stephen Jansen’s oil painting Blue Path is part of his exhibition Memory Mine to open at Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek, this Sunday.

continually fired at with live ammunition,” Jansen said.

Honour roles on war memorials include text but no visual imagery, as do the vast majority of graves in cemeteries.

“Many family albums handed down from a deceased parent include often very faded imagery and no written reference, making feelings of empathy and of a supposed relationship impossible,” Jansen said.

“Lastly to the related series of paintings, from the depiction of the successful entrepreneur/industrialist leaning on a car surveying his empire in Us to The Memory Mine, where he/we are confronted with the new reality as past memories fade.

“These works are not meant to be depressing but to be lyrical and poetic in nature, their feelings and relationship help us by lifting up our spirits by increasing our awareness and allowing change to be a possibility.”

Memory Mine, an exhibition by Ryanston artist Stephen Jansen, will open at the gallery this Sunday from 2pm to 5pm, and continue until March 18.

Jansen commentates on the governmental approval of the removal of ‘white’ new born children from single mothers in the 1950s, of which he has “intimate knowledge”.

He also tackles the federal and state Governments’ promotion of the construction of memorials that honour people’s sacrifice in war, and he believes, in turn promotes armed conflict.

Lastly, he exposes the “self-indulgent nature of the ‘capitalist materialist society’ and the effects it is having on the destruction of our planet”.

His work explores the importance females make to a male’s life: “their beauty, charm, intellect, wit, and their loving, caring nature come easily to mind”, he said.

“In essence they are part of the male psyche and are instrumental in his survival.”

The titled Pencil Portraits include names, the layout of text seeming like musical notation, therefore allowing a simple chant to be performed by reading the names aloud, much like a chant at a protest rally.

“Incidentally, when overseas I became aware of students protesting against the government in Egypt.

These same students took to writing their names Teach us: well known Victorian gardener Penny Woodward will host the education talks at on their arms to assist identification after being the Garlic Institute at the Meeniyan Hall, as part of the Garlic Festival this Saturday, Febru-

ary 18. Photo courtesy of Dan Coates.

Discover garlic secrets at Meeniyan PENNY Woodward will host the Garlic Institute series of educational talks in the Meeniyan Hall during the Meeniyan Garlic Festival on Saturday, February18.

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

Probing deep: The Industrialist, an oil painting by Stephen Jansen, looks at the impact of contemporary capitalist materialist society.

Starting at 10am, four garlic experts will give presentations on topics including growing garlic at home, growing garlic commercially, managing herd health with garlic, garlic cultivars and going organic.

Penny is the author of eight books on edible and useful plants, including Asian Herbs and Vegetables, Herbs for Australian Gardens, Pest Repellent Plants and her latest book Garlic: An organic guide to knowing, growing and using garlic.

Most of these will be on sale at the hall.

Penny is also a panellist on Melbourne’s 3CR community radio gardening program and gives talks to gardeners around Australia, as well as being the horticultural editor for the ABC’s Organic Gardener magazine.

She also regularly contributes articles and photographs to these publications as well as the Organic Gardener website and has her own websites, pennywoodward.com.au and australiangarlic.net.au.

A dedicated and passionate organic gardener, Penny lives near the coast in Victoria.

She has a degree in botany and zoology, and her commitment to the environment in all its forms has led to a lifetime of writing about and photographing organic gardens and produce.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 31

Heather happy to be back at Edney’s IN the predominantly male industry of cars, Heather Walker has been paving the Back at work: sales consultant Heather way for women and she has brought her Walker has begun working at Edney’s in Lewealth of knowledge back to Leongatha. ongatha again after a two year hiatus from

Ms Walker is back at Edney’s in Leongatha af- the car industry and dealer principal Darryl ter a two year stint in Howlong in New South Wales McGannon is glad to have her back. along the Murray River.

It was a lifestyle change and a break from cars after working for Edney’s for five and a half years and Nissan motor companies for 20 years before that.

“We’re more than happy to have her back,” Edney’s Leongatha dealer principal Darryl McGannon said.

“She has a really great personality.

“She is very obliging, has good product knowledge, and with over 30 years of experience in the industry she is a great asset.”

Ms Walker started back as a sales consultant on February 1 and she has already settled into work.

“It’s a fun industry and it’s really interesting to be a woman in the industry because we are a rarity,” Ms Walker said.

“It’s heartening to see women in here and they’re excited I’m here and working.”

Living in Mirboo with her beloved horses and dogs and driving her Nissan, she is back to familiar territory and the cheerful workplace at Edney’s.

“I couldn’t think of a nicer place to be. We have fun here and it’s an ethical business; you can’t ask for anything more,” she said.

Still a favourite: Nissan Qashqai is in demand, 10 years after the crossover vehicle was first sold.

Qashqai reaches sales milestone FEBRUARY 2017 marks exactly 10 years since the Nissan Qashqai crossover first went on sale.

Nissan is the first brand to reach the 10 year milestone for one simple reason: the Qashqai is the model that pioneered the crossover segment as the industry and car buying consumers know it today.

A decade ago, there was no vehicle that successfully mixed the practicality and desirability of an SUV with the size, efficiency and dynamic performance of a compact hatchback.

The Qashqai's innovative design and versatile packaging started life in 2002, during the development process for what was originally intended to be the new Nissan Almera. The creative team decided to go back to the drawing board and conceived a car that truly reflected what buyers were looking for.

The first generation of the Nissan Qashqai went on sale in February 2007 and was a success.

In 10 years of the Qashqai, more than 2.3 million examples have been sold in Europe. The car has won more than 80 awards, including 19 recognising it as the ‘Car of the Year’.

That process of ongoing improvement to the Qashqai is perfectly illustrated by the addition of Around View Monitor, Nissan's acclaimed 360-degree parking camera technology. Similarly, in 2014 with the launch of the second-generation Qashqai, Intelligent Park Assist was integrated.

Nissan's pioneering spirit has unquestionably changed the European car market. In the decade since the Qashqai was launched, C-segment crossover sales in Europe have gone from zero to 2.6 units in 2016 alone.

However, the inventor of the segment remains the number one model.

Success has spread beyond Europe, with global sales of the Nissan Qashqai standing at 3.3 million units across 137 countries worldwide over the 10 years. Today the Qashqai is on sale in 99 markets.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 33

Cancer relay spreads hope HOPE is the catch-cry of the Cancer Council’s Relay For Life as thousands of volunteers walk to raise money for cancer research around the country whilst remembering loved ones who have been touched by this disease.

This year’s South Gippsland event will once again take place at Terrill Park in Fish Creek, on the weekend of March 18 and 19.

This will be the last time Fish Creek hosts the relay, before it moves on to another town in South Gippsland next year.

To date, 81 walkers have registered in 16 teams. Fundraising is well underway with over $13,000 already raised towards the target of $40,000.

Early bird registration closes at midnight on Sunday, February 19.

Anyone who registers before then will pay $20, compared to the $25 it will cost to register after that date.

Some of the upcoming events include a Fun Run on Sunday, February 26 from the Fish Creek playground at 9.30am.

A high tea will be held on Friday, March 3 from 2pm to 5pm and movie buffs might like to see Beauty and the Beast at Stadium 4 Ciema in Leongatha on March 23 at a time to be confirmed.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Irene Gale on 5684 1579.

There are two new teams participating in the South Gippsland Relay For Life: H4H from Mirboo North and The Zodiacs from Leongatha.

The Burra Flames team raised $2500 at its trivia and auction night On yer bike: Kelly Pruyn pedalled to earn her milkshake at the 2016 South Gippsland Relay for Life. recently, not included in the funds raised to date.

Tourists love our Prom Tarwin Lower Red Cross WILSONS Promontory National Park continues to be the backbone of South Gippsland’s tourism industry, with visitors filling the park over the recent school holidays.

The Tidal River campground was booked out on the Australia Day weekend and overall, numbers for January in Tidal River were up on the previous two years, while year to date numbers are still slightly down on 2015-16.

Between July and January, 167,800 people visited the park, down from 169,200 for the same period in 2015-16, but above the 150,600 visits for the same period in 2014-15 and 155,100 in 2013-14.

FEBRUARY was the first meeting for the year for Tarwin Lower Red Cross.

Reports were given for the regional meeting held at Warragul and the next meeting at Phillip Island on March 14.

Members heard the Big Cake Bake raised $200 and how member Pauline Hetherton opened her house for a Postie Fashion Day that raised $338 for Red Cross.

Members enjoyed a Christmas lunch at Ripple Cafe in December.

Penny Walter and Muriel Riley decorated the tables, and poems, jokes and stories were told during lunch.

The Christmas hampers raffle raised money for Red Cross headquarters.

The next fundraiser is for Red Cross Calling in March.

Entertainment for the meeting was of members telling funny stories of happenings over the holidays.

Union backs unemployed PUSHED to their limit by unfair pressure to look for non-existent jobs, 16 people voted to form the Wonthaggi branch of the Australian Unemployed Workers Union recently.

“We heard many heart-rending tales of people caught in the catch-22 of having to apply for jobs while suffering serious health conditions,” Jessica Harrison said after an unemployed rights workshop held on Monday, February 6.

Participants came from as far away as Churchill and Phillip Island to discuss Work for the Dole, voluntary work and the mutual obligations of job seekers and service providers.

“There are now a number of groups formed to support people owing money after receiving incorrect Centrelink ‘debt’ notices.

There are lawyers offering help.

We are supporting people who are in this situation. We hope the new branch of the Australian Unemployed Workers Union will work towards a just outcome for everyone affected,” Ms Harrison said.

The union’s Owen Bennet said, “We welcome the Wonthaggi branch, which is the 41st local branch of the union. By working together can we achieve dignity and justice for unemployed people.”

Bass Coast Shire Cr Geoff Ellis attended the workshop.

“For some years now I have noted Centrelink is increasing the burden on recipients while decreasing the amenity of the service. Long queues and lengthy phone calls are now standard,” he said.

“The smaller towns in our region have no permanent offices so people must attend pop up offices or use phone and internet services to provide information and complete forms.

“Many of the people now being

United they stand: members of the newly formed Wonthaggi branch of the Australian Unemployed Workers Union with supporters have pledged to represent people looking for work. Back, from left, Mark Robertson, Bass Coast Shire Cr Geoff Ellis, Jessica Harrison, the union’s Valerie Farfalla, Doug and the union’s Theresa Cahillane. Front, from left, John Carson, Julie Tyrrell and union president Owen Bennett. confronted by the imposition of an alleged debt and the consequent inquisition are not well served by technology. If they don’t have a computer or an internet connection they have to use their local library as a de facto Centrelink office.”

Cr Ellis said with the decline of full time employment, increase of casual work and general under-employment, the trend toward income top up payments was increasing.

“Manufacturing jobs are now few and far between; locally there is constant pressure on dairy farmers to reduce labour through automation. A large number of us are likely to interact with Centrelink at

some stage. People need to be treated with respect and fairly guided through the process,” he said.

If you are unsure of your rights and obligations, or need help or just want to share the burden, attend

the first meeting of the Wonthaggi branch of the Unemployed Workers Union at 1pm, Monday, March 6 at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood House, 6 Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Children are welcome.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 35

River safety promoted THE Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club has become the centre of community engagement for the Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower region.

Club members wanted to highlight the ‘Respect Your Rivers’ campaign during summer.

More than 20 percent of drowning occurs in inland water ways, yet these areas are not patrolled by lifesaving clubs.

The Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club feels it is important to raise awareness of the dangers inland waters hold and promote education throughout the local and visiting community.

The Interclub Ironman event was held in the Tarwin River to raise awareness for river safety.

Participants were all active lifesavers and demonstrated safe water usage throughout the event.

South Gippsland Shire Council granted the

Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club $5000 at the end of last year.

The Ironman event was held on December 29, 2016.

“It all went very well and the whole community got around the event,” the club’s Paul Hoffman said.

Most of the funding went towards advertising, getting permits, renting equipment, event management and cleaning up.

“We would like the get funding again because the cost will be higher due to the day being bigger,” Mr Hoffman said.

Raising awareness: Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club hosted its Ironman event in December last year and after great success, the event will be held again at the end of this year, only bigger and better.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

GippsDairy appoints new chair HALLORA dairy farmer Grant Williams has been elected GippsDairy chair with Yannathan dairy farmer Lauren Finger elected deputy chair at the last GippsDairy board meeting.

Leading the way: from left, GippsDairy general manager Allan Cameron with new chair Grant Williams and deputy chair Lauren Finger. They will determine the dairy advocacy group’s future direction.

The elections came about after the resignation of Graeme Nicoll who leaves GippsDairy to be a director on the Dairy Australia board.

Mr Williams, who has been a GippsDairy director for more than four years and deputy chair for the past year, said he was excited with this opportunity and is looking forward to playing his part in supporting the Gippsland dairy industry.

“Over the past 12 months GippsDairy has focused on helping dairy farmers during a difficult period. I think we’ve risen to that challenge,” he said.

Mr Williams said he was keen to spread the message of the dairy industry being an integral and responsible part of the wider Gippsland community.

“I am a passionate dairy farmer, proud of our industry and I will continue to promote dairy farming as a long term, profitable and sustainable way of life,” he said.

Mr Nicoll’s role as chair for the past 16 months was acknowledged by Mr Williams, who said the Fish Creek dairy farmer had provided decisive and intelligent leadership during a time when many farm-

ers were dealing with the effects of low rainfall and milk price.

“Graeme has been a wonderful servant, generously giving his time and energy to GippsDairy and Gippsland dairy farmers,” Mr Williams said.

“I congratulate Graeme on what he has achieved at GippsDairy and I know he will make a significant contribution as a Dairy Australia director.”

GippsDairy regional manager Allan Cameron welcomed Mr Williams and Mrs Finger to their new positions.

“Grant and Lauren are both innovative farmers, committed to the dairy industry and their appointments are an indication of the esteem in which they are both held,” he said.

Summer ideal time to eradicate footrot

By Dr Jeff Cave, district veterinary officer IF YOU have the time, resources and determination to eradicate virulent footrot, summer may provide the right conditions needed for an eradication program to succeed.

For the most part, if the spread and severity of footrot was restricted during spring, it will increase the likelihood of success of your eradication program.

Initially, once the pasture has dried off in summer, all sheep must be tipped-up and individually examined, foot by foot, paring sufficiently to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The success of your footrot eradication program is largely determined by this activity.

During this examination, sort sheep into clean and infected/suspect mobs.

If infected sheep are retained they require paring, sufficient to expose all pockets of infection, and treatment. This isn’t necessary if infected sheep are to be culled for slaughter.

The clean mob can then be released into a clean paddock, which is one that has not had sheep in for the previous seven days.

Every sheep in the clean mob must be examined again three to six weeks later, and again until two consecutive clean inspections are achieved.

If the infected mob was retained, inspect all feet after four weeks. Any sheep not cured should be culled immediately. Repeat treatment and examinations until two clean inspections are achieved. The infected mob now becomes the cured mob.

From there, keep the clean and cured mobs separated and isolated until after the next spring.

Keep sheep under close surveillance for signs of lameness; any lameness must be checked to determine the cause. If footrot is detected, the program will need to be repeated.

Sheep handlers, pneumatic shears or contractors could make this difficult job a little bit easier.

Expert advice on diagnosis, treatment and program design to eradicate footrot is available from your veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health officers or veterinary officers.

“THE STAR� Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 37

Jason benefits from Farmers’ Fund DUMBALK dairy farmer Jason Riley is urging farmers to apply for funds to enable work to be undertaken on their properties.

He was a first round Farmers’ Fund grant recipient and put his $20,000 in funding towards pasture and paddock renovations on his farm.

The Farmers’ Fund is paid for by the part proceeds of Farmers’ Fund milk sold at Coles supermarkets in Victoria.

Forty cents a litre from the milk sales has been directed to the Farmers’ Fund established by the Victorian Farmers Federation to provide practical support to dairy farmers in south eastern Australia.

As a result of the sales and a $1 million donation to the fund from Coles, grants of up to $20,000 were allocated to 60 farming families in the first round of funding. Additional grants are due to be allocated in the second round of funding this month.

One million litres of the Farmers’ Fund milk has been sold since being launched last September.

Mr Riley’s love for the outdoors and animals encouraged him to pursue a farming apprenticeship, which led him to realise a passion for dairy farming. “I am a young farmer just starting out and following a particularly tough season, a helping hand was very much appreciated. The Farmers’ Fund grant has been a huge help and I cannot be more thankful for the contributions that the VFF and Coles have made,� he said. “Everyone I have encountered in the dairy industry has been so supportive to work with

and it really reaffirms my decision to pursue a life in the farming industry.�

All funds raised through the sale of Farmers’ Fund milk will be distributed through a new round of grant applications every three months. “The VFF is thrilled with the positive impact the Farmers’ Fund has achieved through delivering $1 million worth of grants in the first round to 60 dairy farmers. The livelihood of local farmers is of the utmost importance and we will continue to support the industry with grants from the Farmers’ Fund,� VFF president and chair of the Farmers’ Fund Advisory Panel David Jochinke said.

The second round of grant applications for the Farmers’ Fund has now closed and successful applicants will be announced once the review process is complete.

Applications for the third round of Farmers’ Fund grants will open for dairy farmers from Monday, February 20, 2017.

To find out more about the Farmers’ Fund please visit www.farmersfund.org.au Mr Jochinke, said the VFF was delighted to see consumers choosing to support dairy farmers through the purchase of Farmers’ Fund milk. “One million litres of milk sold is a strong milestone and allows us to continue providing grants to farmers in need,� he said.

Above, Brighter outlook: Dumbalk dairy farmer Jason Riley has benefited from funding allocated to farmers through the sale of Farmers’ Fund milk.

Poor power hinders farmers, says UDV RURAL power networks are no longer serving the needs of farmers and the State Government needs to step in and upgrade the outdated infrastructure, said the state’s peak dairy farmer group.

The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria has blamed single wire earth return (SWER) power lines for threatening to jeopardise the dairy industry’s global competitiveness. “We need to modernise Victoria’s energy infrastructure by upgrading the SWER lines to threephase power across the state,� UDV president Adam Jenkins said. “As it stands, our dairy farmers cannot continue to operate with a power supply that was barely adequate even last century and fixing the networks will support our innovative, expanding dairy businesses. “But to achieve any innovation we need help from the State Government so dairy farmers in areas with poor supply can remain profitable.�

Mr Jenkins said the upgrades were necessary to future proof the dairy industry and was an opportunity for the government to take a big picture approach in ensuring dairy farmers stayed competitive. “The dairy industry needs investment in power upgrades to strengthen the performance and resilience of our dairy farmers, boost productivity and reduce costs to maintain a competitive advantage and keep jobs,� he said. “We’ve seen both government investment in private enterprises like the Alcoa aluminium smelter at Portland as a way of keeping local jobs, but it’s important to realise the dairy industry is also an Australian industry that employs thousands of workers. “Dairy farmers need energy day and night to run their operations and we need to guarantee a reliable power source in our dairy regions to encourage people to invest in these areas.�

The UDV has committed to keep pushing power line upgrades as a priority into 2017.

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PAGE 38 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;? Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Best sheep stand

Successful sell: beef and sheep farmers Mike and Bev Littlejohn from Mirboo North sold 161 sheep through Landmark at the VLE Leongatha sheep and lamb sale last Wednesday.

Country day out: dairy farmers Montana and Jack Carew with their children Lachie and Jake from Nerrena inspected the offering at the VLE Leongatha sheep and lamb sale last Wednesday.

Doing well: beef farmer Glen Reid from Korumburra South sold 88 sheep at the VLE Leongatha sheep and lamb sale, while Ryan Nicoll, beef and sheep farmer from Fish Creek, was hoping to buy sheep.

p

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 39

out at final weekly sale LANDMARK’s best sale of sheep at the VLE Leongatha sheep and lamb sale made up to $155.50 last Wednesday, resulting in a price of $1.20 per kilogram last Wednesday.

“The sheep sold very well even though there wasn’t many there.” Landmark livestock agent Brian McCormack.

SEJ livestock agent Bill Egan said the yarding

of lambs and sheep was small.

Lambs made up to $160 for SEJ, which was equal to most other markets and the bulk of the better lambs made between $142 and $155.

Lighter and inferior lambs made less.

There was a small yarding of sheep that made up to $129, which was also equal with current market rates.

“The lamb sale is now fortnightly due to lack of numbers,” Mr Egan said.

Business: beef farmer Corey Van Dyke attended the VLE Leongatha sheep and lamb sale in the hope of buying while David Piggin from Port Franklin was selling his sheep through SEJ Leongatha.

Watch out for eye cancer

by Dr Jeff Cave, district veterinary officer EYE cancer is the most common form of cancer in cattle. It is a tumour of the eyelid or eyeball most commonly seen in Hereford or Poll Hereford cattle or white faced Friesians.

Eye cancers may cause losses to producers due to condemnation at the abattoir and loss of potential production of affected stock, and also suffering in cattle if left unchecked.

Eye cancers occur as a result of lifelong exposure to sunlight.

The tumour begins as a tiny growth and steadily increases in size. It may invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

The severity of eye cancers can be reduced by the early identification of growths and prompt action to treat or cull.

The incidence can be reduced by genetic selec-

tion by selecting animals with pigmentation in the sclera ‘white’ of the eye and the eyelid.

The course of action that should be followed depends largely upon the size and severity of the cancer. Small eye cancers may be readily cured by prompt veterinary treatment.

However, if the owner elects to cull the following guidelines should be used.

If the cancer is smaller than a five cent piece, clean, and not flyblown the animal can be sold through a saleyard for slaughter only.

If the cancer is sized between a five and 20 cent piece, clean, and not flyblown the animal can be sold directly to an abattoir only.

If the cancer is bleeding, purulent (infected), flyblown or larger than a 20 cent piece the animal should be immediately disposed of on farm or via a knackery.

Owners who fail to take reasonable action to prevent suffering in their animals may be considered for prosecution under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria.

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PAGE 40 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Dairy still sour

By Sarah Vella NEARLY 12 months on from the dairy downturn that caused chaos for the industry, South Gippsland farmers are still feeling the pinch.

Gippsland advisor Matt Harms from On Farm Consulting said cash flow was still very tight.

“People are feeling they just get their heads above water and then the bills roll in and they

are back under water again,” he said.

“Because of this, morale is not fantastic. It is okay, but there is definitely not a lot of optimism.”

Mr Harms said most South Gippsland farmers would be in the situation where money is all going into paying bills and playing catch up.

“The majority of farmers will end this season in negative cash balance. Some of that is carry over from last year; it is not all this season,” he said, “There won’t be a lot of people in positive territory.”

Mr Harms said seasonal conditions were helping balance out the financial challenges facing the industry.

“The season is travelling well for the middle of summer,” he said.

“Fodder supplies are holding quite nicely and grain prices are low, which means bought in feed costs are low compared to where they have been in the last few years.”

Mr Harms said farmers were remaining cautious when it comes to farm gate milk price,

despite several step ups being announced by milk companies.

“There is absolute caution around price and there is no certainty at all about what Murray Goulburn will do,” he said.

“The recent Fonterra step up was welcomed.

It was a small step up and yes it all helps, but the price for most spring calving, medium sized South Gippsland Fonterra suppliers is $4.93 per kilogram per milk solids.

“For the same farm supplying MG, the price is at $4.67kg/MS, so there is a considerable gap between companies.”

Even with the unprecedented events of last season, Mr Harms said very few farmers had abandoned the industry.

“There has certainly been reasonable movement between milk companies and the majority of that movement has been away from MG,” he said.

“The Longwarry Food Park has also been quite active in the Nyora and West Gippsland Still cautious: advisor Matt Harms from On area. Most of movement in South Gippsland Farm Consulting said farmers were waiting for cash to flow. has been towards Fonterra.”

• VLE Leongatha

Prices fall, cow offering dwindles THERE were approximately 1800 export and 300 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 300 head week on week.

There was a full field of buyers present and operating in a mostly cheaper market.

Quality was good in the prime categories and

most of the yarding reduction came out of the cow pens.

Vealers sold firm while the yearling trade cattle eased 5c to 10c/kg. Grown steers and bullocks eased 3c to 9c/kg. A better selection of heavy weight grown heifers were down 4c/kg. Heavy weight crossbred manufacturing steers sold 5c/kg cheaper.

Heavy weight beef cows slipped 7c to 11c, while the dairy cows which made up the majority of the cow run sold from mostly firm to 4c/kg easier.

Heavy weight beef bred bulls sold from firm to 5c easier while the dairy lots struggled to attract competition and slipped 25c/kg.

Vealers suited to butchers sold from 322c to 353c/kg. A handful of yearling trade steers made between 310c and 340c/kg.

Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 288c and 332c/kg.

Grown steers made from 290c to 323c/kg. Bullocks sold from 290c to 328c/kg. Heavy weight grown heifers made mostly between 260c and 315c/kg. Heavy weight crossbred manufacturing steers sold between 259c and 315c/kg.

Most light and medium weight cows made from 170c to 230c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 205c to 255c/kg.

Heavy weight C and B muscle bulls made between 246c and 288c with the dairy lots between 200c and 257c/kg.

The next sale draw - February 15 & 16: 1.

Landmark, 2. Elders, 3. Phelan & Henderson & Co, 4. Rodwells, 5. SEJ, 6. Alex Scott & Staff.

Sheep sale Wednesday, February 22 at 12pm (fortnightly).

Prime Sale - Wednesday, February 8

BULLOCKS 10 J. & R. Dixon, Phillip Island 11 Holt & Perry 17 T. & M. Neesham, French Island 8 D.J. Bentley, Leongatha South 13 Hurstdale Pty Ltd, Tarwin 20 J. & V. Alicata, Thorpdale STEERS 1 B. Taylor, Jack River 2 R.L. Olsen, Poowong East 2 G.L. & M.L. Tuckett, Leongatha 1 Traselasons Pty Ltd, Loch 1 J.D. & S.M. Humphrey, Nerrena 1 M. Hanks, Leongatha HEIFERS 8 P.R. & J.R. Carnegie, Jindivick 1 S. McDonald, Darlimurla 1 Traselasons Pty Ltd, Loch 3 R.L. Olsen, Poowong East 6 S. McDonald, Darlimurla 1 G.L. & M.L. Tuckett, Leongatha COWS 1 I.M. Ross, Poowong 1 P. & S. Scheerle, Wonga Wonga 12 W. & C. Raabe, Korumburra 1 R. & K. Bellingham, Dumbalk 10 Horsfield Farms, Thorpdale 4 P. & S. Campbell, Mirboo North BULLS 1 D.L. McIndoe, Leongatha 1 A. Nichol, Fish Creek 1 L.P. & H.J. McRae, Buffalo 1 A.J. & N. Caithness, Koonwarra 1 P.L. Lang, Glengarry 1 D. Pilkington & F. Toohey Waratah Nth

661.0kg 670.9kg 606.2kg 623.1kg 598.5kg 675.0kg

327.6 324.2 323.0 322.6 322.0 321.6

$2165.44 $2175.09 $1957.95 $2010.20 $1927.05 $2170.80

250.0kg 407.5kg 365.0kg 310.0kg 390.0kg 355.0kg

359.6 345.0 344.6 343.6 338.0 333.6

$899.00 $1405.88 $1257.79 $1065.16 $1318.20 $1184.28

326.9kg 400.0kg 345.0kg 415.0kg 385.0kg 370.0kg

352.6 350.0 343.6 341.6 340.6 340.0

$1152.56 $1400.00 $1185.42 $1417.64 $1311.31 $1258.00

670.0kg 525.0kg 568.3kg 795.0kg 593.0kg 591.3kg

255.0 250.0 248.6 245.6 245.0 243.6

$1708.50 $1312.50 $1412.88 $1952.52 $1452.85 $1440.29

595.0kg 1140.0kg 945.0kg 955.0kg 945.0kg 1020.0kg

303.6 288.0 280.0 279.6 277.6 274.6

$1806.42 $3283.20 $2646.00 $2670.18 $2623.32 $2800.92

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 41

Coalition froths over dairy aid THE State Government has defended its support of the dairy industry, despite the Coalition saying Premier Daniel Andrews under funded and over promised on grants offered to farmers hit by the dairy crisis.

The Nationals’ Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien said just 332 of Victoria’s 4200 dairy farmers received funding from the Dairy Development Grants Scheme before the grants ran out.

Mr O’Brien said farmers were angered by the ‘first come, first served’ availability of the grants which were not limited to farmers most affected by the slashing of milk prices last year.

“Daniel Andrews has severely misunderstood the needs of dairy farmers hit hard by this crisis if he thinks supporting just eight percent of farmers to recover is enough,” he said.

“I regularly keep in touch with farmers, major banks and rural financial counsellors and I have heard just this complaint from farmers in the Gippsland South electorate. For many, the grants ran out before they’d even heard of their availability.”

• Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien.

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh, said Victoria’s dairy farmers were handed scraps off the table with this under funded and over promised grants scheme.

“Dairy farmers were under enormous stress adjusting to the milk price downturn and making big decisions about their future,” Mr Walsh said.

“They had no time to complete onerous paperwork quickly and were angered to discover the funds were fully exhausted in November – just a month after the announcement.”

Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the government’s response “was rapid and targeted”, injecting cash into local economies with an $18 million package to support farmers and local businesses, as well as families with kindergarten support, financial and much needed mental health and emotional support.

“The vast majority of farmers tell us they don’t want handouts. They want support that will help their business be profitable and boost their local community in tough times,” she said.

The program included expanding the mental health support provided to dairy farmers, money for dairy farming families to receive 15 hours of free kindergarten per week in the year before school, and $1.5 million for camps, sports and excursions so no child misses out.

Agriculture Victoria also is delivering programs supporting farmers including: • Young Dairy Farmer Bootcamps to support business planning; • free effluent testing and providing guidance on how to develop effluent management plans; • providing assistance on animal welfare; • $750,000 for Rural Skills Connect employment program for farmers; • $600,000 for targeted dairy technical support; • $320,000 to extend Rural Financial Counselling services to dairy farmers; and • support for retraining through the TAFE system.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Have you seen Sharee?

POLICE are currently appealing for public to assist them in locating 31 year old Sharee Arthur.

Ms Arthur is wanted on warrant after she failed to appear on bail at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 1.

Investigators have released the image of Ms Arthur in the hope that someone may have information on her current whereabouts.

She is believed to frequent the Latrobe Valley and South Gippsland areas.

Anyone who sees Ms Arthur or has any information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Learning experience: Landcare members Helen and Ian find farming in South Gippsland’s Wanted woman: the search for 31 year old Sharee Arthur is on after she failed to appear Hill Country rewarding and challenging. at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court.

Landcare welcomes you MARDAN and Mirboo North Landcare Group is excited to announce a series of one-day workshops for new and experienced farmers, covering ‘Hill Farms’, ‘Small Commercial Farms’ and ‘Lifestyle Farms’.

These are practical on-farm days with experts discussing farming topics such as soil health, erosion, stock selection, water management, business models and home food production combined with farm tours.

The workshops will be held on farms in the Mardan and Mirboo areas of South Gippsland.

Phil Piper, president of Mardan and Mirboo North Landcare Group, said, “As people move into our area, and perhaps on to a rural property for the first time, it can be challenging to learn the basics of farming. Even experienced farmers may need to learn new techniques for managing our erosion-prone hills.

“Our aim is to help our local farms become more productive and sustainable.”

Each workshop is focused on topics relevant to the unique farm type and has a keynote speaker who is a well-known specialist.

The courses are: • ‘Hill Farms’, March 5. Keynote speaker Major-General Michael Jeffery, national advocate for soil health and former Governor General of Australia and chairman of Soils For Life. This event will focus on soil improvement, water management, erosion control and farm safety; • ‘Small Commercial Farms’, March 19.

Keynote speaker Graeme Sait, international soil nutrition expert and founder/CEO Nutri-Tech Solutions. The workshop will focus on business planning for profit, farm-gate sales and soil nutrition; and • ‘Lifestyle Farms’, April 30. Keynote speaker Tino Carnevale from ABC’s Gardening Australia.

This workshop will focus on small scale livestock, fruit and vegetable raising and eco houses.

The courses will be held on farms in the Mardan and Mirboo area of beautiful South Gippsland.

The courses are funded by the Federal Government. Entry is free, however numbers of participants are limited and registration is mandatory.

For information and registration, go to: www. sustainablefarmdays.org.au

Police search for Alexander POLICE are continuing to appeal for public assistance as they broaden their search to locate missing man Alexander Aitchison.

The 30 year old disappeared from a caravan park in Wonthaggi on December 23, but it’s now believed he was last seen in Brisbane on January 3.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare as he has a medical condition.

Alexander is described to be Caucasian and 170cm tall with a

medium build, fair complexion and short dark hair. He is also known as Nic. An image has been released of Alexander in the hope someone may recognise him and provide information on his current whereabouts.

Investigators believe he may be in the Queensland areas of Brisbane, Charleville, Roma or Winton.

Anyone who sees Alexander is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Please help: police have asked the public to help find missing man Alexander Aitchison, also known as Nic.

Flooding sparks council action BASS Coast Shire Council will work with Inverloch residents to address flooding issues in the town.

Drains filled with leaves and overflowed after a downpour of rain on February 5.

The rush of water pushed drain caps off in Cashin Street and even flooded some shops in A’Beckett Street in the central business district.

Council’s asset team manager Jamie Sutherland said council engineers would consult the community

to find out how they were impacted and what action could be taken to reduce the likelihood of future flooding.

“We had up to two inches of rain in a relatively short period of time,” he said.

“Drainage systems are designed to cope with a certain amount of water and when you get a gush of water it can be over the capacity of the drain.”

Mr Sutherland urged the community to contact council and report flooding issue so as council can improve the drainage network.

Council revamps Inverloch creek BASS Coast Shire Council is continuing works to prevent flooding and rehabilitate Ayr Creek in Inverloch.

Earthworks are currently underway within the wetland located to the north of Royal Parade.

Excess silt has been removed from the site with the majority of the wetland remaining undisturbed, and there has been minimal removal of native vegetation and little wildlife disturbance.

The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) is helping with water quality sampling to ensure there are no negative environmental impacts.

All rehabilitation works will be conducted in accordance with the recently completed Ayr Creek Management Plan.

EcoProjects Australia Pty Ltd began works last week and they are scheduled to be completed by late March 2017, depending on weather and ground conditions.

The rehabilitation works will include: • de-watering of the Royal Parade wetland; • construction of a retarding basin near the Bass Highway; • swale and instream pool construction; • installation of culverts and headwalls; • re-shaping of channel and construction of grade control structures; • completion of works in the Royal Parade wetland inlet and outlet zones; • modification of the Royal Parade wetland outlet pit;

• outlet structure works downstream of Royal Parade; and • revegetation, subject to weather conditions.

Mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield, said council has developed a Management Plan for the Ayr Creek Reserve to guide the management over the next fiveyears.

“The plan will improve and protect the aspects of the reserve which the community value,” she said.

“The development of the plan has involved a collective effort of a number of departments and individuals including the South Gippsland Conservation Society and the Inverloch Residents and Ratepayers Association.

“We appreciate that these works may present an inconvenience to users within this section of Ayr Creek and we ask for your patience during these times. Our contractor will make every effort to minimise these disruptions.”

The works are not related to the Ayr Creek lagoon where the mouth of the creek meets the beach, which had been closed and the stale water had been causing an odour.

Council has spoken to the responsible authority, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, about this occurrence. The authority ran water tests on the water within the lagoon but the issues are expected to subside after the lagoon opened naturally after heavy rain on February 5.

For any queries, please contact council’s infrastructure delivery team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or 5671 2211.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 43

public notice

public notice

MARINE LICENCE COURSE Vic. Boat Licence with Jetski endorsement

INVERLOCH Wednesday, March 1 6pm - 10pm BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Phone Bob: 0417 524 005 Approved TSV course www.abcboating.com ABN 43080057923

meetings

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Sales Representative

90TH BIRTHDAY

Ryans Bricks Leongatha are looking for a Sales Person to join their team.

The main role is to help customers with their brick or landscaping selections from our display centre in Leongatha and occasional site visits to re-sellers and builders.

• Excellent communication skills are a must.

• Basic computer skills to order and invoice product.

• Some knowledge of the building or landscaping industry would be an advantage.

• Must have a can-do attitude and the willingness to assist in other roles as required.

An attractive remuneration package, including company vehicle will be offered to the successful candidate.

Please forward you application to melanie@ryansbricks.com.au

Mardie Hilliar AFTERNOON TEA 2pm SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 at John Hilliar’s 2120 Foster-Mirboo Road MIRBOO All welcome

meetings

South Gippsland Branch

GENERAL MEETING

Date: Monday 20 February 2017 Time: 7.30pm Venue: Meeniyan Hotel 117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan We have organised a guest speaker, the new South Gippsland Shire Mayor Ray Argento.

Any enquiries: Damian Murphy (Secretary) 0458 645 437

AN INVITATION FROM

Donna Faulkner CEO of Work Solutions Gippsland: Do you have a Disability?

Are you keen to work?

situations vacant

situations vacant

Subject to eligibility, Work Solutions Gippsland (WSG) can offer you a free service to help you find and keep a job at award wages or better.

Last year WSG found almost 400 jobs for people with disabilities throughout Gippsland.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

Call 1300 974 669 (1300 WSG NOW) and ask for Robyn

VACANCIES Nurse Unit Manager Koorooman House 1.0 EFT Permanent Full Time (Job ref: ND0205)

CASUAL EDUCATORS Prom Coast Centres for Children is currently recruiting Casual Early Childhood Educators to support our educational teams.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a growing Early Childhood service that strives to provide high quality education and care for its children and their families. Casual Educators cover breaks and work within all rooms as required.

Essential Criteria for Casual Educators: • Minimum Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care • Current WWCC and First Aid • Excellent communication skills, flexibility and reliability Position enquiries can be made to the Centres Director on 56 839 800.

Applications close: Friday 3 March 2017

Nurse Unit Manager Multi-Function Ward/Alchera – Korumburra Campus (Re-advertised) 1.0 EFT Permanent Full Time (Job ref: ND0204) Contact: Vicki Farthing, Executive Director of Nursing. Ph: 5667 5507 or email vicki. farthing@gshs.com.au.

Three Exciting Opportunities

Registered Nurse – Gr 2 Multi-Function Ward – Korumburra Campus 2 RN Positions 0.7 EFT Permanent Part Time (Job Ref: ND0201) 0.2 EFT Permanent Part Time – Limited Tenure til 5/11/2017 (Job Ref: ND0202)

• • •

Medication Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

Flexible workplace | RDO available | Idyllic South Gippsland location

Alchera House 0.8 EFT Permanent Part Time (Job Ref: ND0203) Contact: Glenis LeMasurier, Acting Nurse Unit Manager - MFW. Ph: 5654 2751 or email glenis.lemasurier@gshs.com.au.

South Gippsland Water is an equal opportunity employer committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and feel valued and supported.

Community Services Manager 1.00 EFT Permanent Full Time (Job Ref: PH0201) Contact: Selina Northover, Director of Primary Healthcare. Ph: 5667 5696 or email Selina. northover@gshs.com.au.

Receptionist / Clerk Casual Bank (Job Ref: AD0201) Contact: Jo Hutchinson, Reception Supervisor.

PH: 5667 5555 or jo.hutchinson@gshs.com.au.

Full details, including the position descriptions are available at www.gshs.com.au.

Email applications, quoting relevant job reference number to jobs@gshs.com.au no later than Thursday, 23rd February 2017.

SCADA Automation and Controls Coordinator Maintenance Planner– Mechanical & Electrical Electrical Maintenance Technician

All positions are additions to our current structure to help us meet current and future service demands and customer service expectations.

Positions are full time (negotiable). Flexible working arrangements may be considered.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit www.sgwater.com.au for a copy of relevant Position Descriptions and for a detailed outline of the application process.

Please contact Lee Hamilton on 03 5682 0403 for enquiries about the application process or working at South Gippsland Water.

Questions regarding individual role requirements should be directed to Paul Tregoweth 03 5682 0426 for the SCADA role or Greg Baud 03 5682 0440 for the Maintenance Electrician and Planner roles.

All positions close 9am Monday 20 February 2017.

PAGE 44 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;? Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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Gippsland Centre against Sexual Assault (GCASA) has some exciting opportunities available based in Morwell, Gippsland. At GCASA you will have the opportunity to enhance safety and quality of life by assisting in reducing the incidents and impact of sexual assault. GCASA is funded to provide crisis intervention, individual counselling and group work, professional consultation, community education and community development activities throughout the Gippsland region. All positions come with a competitive, above award package.

CLINICAL MANAGER 0.8 EFT We are seeking a highly skilled clinician with management experience to supervise our Senior Clinicians and provide oversight of GCASA service delivery. This role has reporting responsibility to the CEO for clinical governance and prevention work.

The successful applicant will have a degree level qualiďŹ cation, experience working systemically and collaboratively, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in all aspects of their work.

COUNSELLOR/ADVOCATE (2 Positions - 1 ongoing and 1 ďŹ xed term) GCASA has received additional service delivery funding and has vacancies for experienced Counsellor/Advocates based in the Morwell MDC; (1 ongoing - 0.6 EFT and 1 Fixed Term - 0.6 - 1.0 EFT).

The successful applicant will hold a relevant tertiary qualiďŹ cation and have a feminist understanding of the social and legal issues pertaining to sexual assault.

GCASA is an equal opportunity employer, with a staff group representative of our diverse community.

Position descriptions can be obtained by contacting Gippsland Centre against Sexual Assault on, 5134 3922 or email mail@gippscasa.org Please address the selection criteria to Laura Higgins, Administration Manager.

Better health, Better lifestyles, Stronger communities

Applications close 4pm on Friday 17th February 2017.

Make a positive difference in our community

Prosthetic Laboratory Coordinator (22310) Latrobe Valley, Permanent full time

A great opportunity is available for the position of Prosthetic Laboratory Coordinator at LCHS for a highly motivated Prosthetic Lab Technician or Prosthesist with experience in and/or willingness to gain teaching certiďŹ cations. If you have a Diploma in Dental Technology or a Dental Prosthetist qualiďŹ cation this would be a great prospect for you to further your career and professional development.

Reporting to the Manager Dental Services, your role will be essential in the establishment and operation of the Prosthetic Laboratory in our soon to be completed state of the art facilities in Churchill, and other dental sites. The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination of the design, development, delivery and evaluation of innovative, customised, high quality vocational education and training of Laboratory Technician apprentices.

To be successful you will need to possess the following; excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong ability to lead, listen and inďŹ&#x201A;uence, a commitment to promoting best practice standards and the provision of high quality services and sound knowledge of the functionality of both the public and private dental sectors.

If you are looking to step into a challenging new role, this is an opportunity to become part of an innovative and dynamic team.

For further information please contact Jenny Juschkat, Manager Dental Services on 0407 757 134.

Applications will be accepted until 11pm, Wednesday 1 March 2017.

Funding Administrator (22354) Morwell, Permanent Ongoing

A key objective of this role is to contribute to ensuring that LCHS is meeting funding contractual reporting requirements speciďŹ cally as they relate to the client business applications and generally to the whole of the organisation. Another key objective is to take a lead role in ensuring that the funding, submission records and data administrative infrastructure systems are maintained and continuously improved.

The role requires an energetic self-starter, committed to continuous improvement and customer service, who can work independently as well as part of team to deliver the key initiatives of this unit.

For more information please contact Jean Murphy, Manager Client Reporting and Records on 5136 5414

Full time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fixed Term (2 years, with the possibility of extension) Traralgon or Leongatha

Interchange Gippsland provides supports and services to people with disabilities. We deliver community and in home supports that are e ible innovative and rewarding. We assist our participants to access social inclusion activities develop li e s ills and build community connections.

Community Access Worker - parental leave We are see ing a motivated ommunity ccess Wor er to ll a

month parental leave position. he role is days a wee ed term part time wor ing rom our Wonthaggi o ce. perience in personal care is pre erred.

Support Workers We are see ing motivated and s illed individuals to oin our team or casual wee day and wee end wor across outh Gippsland and ass oast hires. perience in personal care is pre erred.

Volunteers from 14 years We are see ing volunteers or our disability programs. olunteers provide peer support and guidance to participants on activities and trips. olunteering is a great way to gain e perience and assist others in our local community. urther in ormation on employment and volunteering is available online at www.icg.asn.au. Interchange Gippsland is a hild a e organisation and success ul applicants will be re uired to undergo comprehensive screening. pplications close on unday st arch . Interviews or the ommunity ccess Wor er role will be conducted on arch

. In uires to ebecca assaro anager espite and upport.

Applications will be accepted until 11pm, Wednesday 15 February 2017. â&#x20AC;˘ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply â&#x20AC;˘ For further information and copies of each position description visit our careers page www.lchs.com.au/careers â&#x20AC;˘ Applicants must address the Selection Criteria and lodge their application online. â&#x20AC;˘ No late or hard copy applications will be accepted.

ZO740256

Call 1800 242 696 or visit www.lchs.com.au

Waterways Project OfďŹ cer

Interchange Gippsland ommercial d orwell Watt t Wonthaggi t -

e - admin@icg.asn.au i - www.icg.asn.au

Want to join an organisation that supports your personal and professional development? At West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority we pride ourselves on providing an encouraging work environment that helps staff reach their potential.

The Waterways Project OfďŹ cer will work with government and non-government agencies, community groups, individuals and internal staff, to achieve the objectives of the West Gippsland Waterway Strategy, and related policies, plans and programs.

The position will manage and lead the development and implementation of river, estuary and wetland (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;waterwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) projects, and will provide strategic and technical advice to inform the development and implementation of waterway strategies and related projects.

It includes project ďŹ nancial management; contract and relationship management with delivery partners and contractors; facilitation and communication with a broad array of stakeholders; and monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

The remuneration range is $75,496 to $109,406 inclusive of superannuation.

A copy of the Position Description can be obtained via our website www.wgcma.vic.gov.au or by emailing reception@wgcma.vic.gov.au with the job title in the emailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subject line. Applicants must address the Key Selection Criteria, demonstrating their ability to undertake the role.

For further information about the role please contact Eleisha Keogh, Water Team Leader on 0407 352 103 or via email eleishak@wgcma.vic.gov.au Applications addressing the Key Selection

Criteria should be marked â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Application: Waterways Project OfďŹ cer and sent c/o Organisational Development and Support Coordinator amiet@wgcma.vic.gov.au and must be received by 4.00pm on Tuesday February 24th, 2017.

Martin Fuller Chief Executive OfďŹ cer

PO Box 1374, Traralgon VIC 3844 www.wgcma.vic.gov.au T: 1300 094 262 | F: (03) 5175 7899 E: westgippy@wgcma.vic.gov.au

ZO700104R

Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) is one of the largest community health providers in Victoria. We provide professional and career development, salary packaging, an employee assistance program, work life balance and much more.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 45

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CASUAL MOTEL HOUSEKEEPERS Housekeepers/Cleaners required for regular weekday morning motel housekeeping work.

Shift availability will vary depending on motel occupancy but can be expected to range from 6 to 15 hours per week (with more hours required occasionally). Shift duration can vary from 2 to 5 hours.

Motel, caravan park or holiday home cleaning experience preferred. No “cash in hand” payments. Must be reliable, injury-free and energetic to cope with the physical demands of the job.

Applicants should be prepared to undergo a Police Check and have verifiable references.

Please phone Leongatha Motel on 5662 2375

for rent

for sale

for sale

livestock

marriage celebrant

deaths

HOUSE for rent, Venus Bay $320, 4 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, spacious kitchen, 12 month lease.

Call Lisa 0447-979159.

ANTIQUES: Vintage 6ft Sunshine McKay drill $1,000 ONO; lge Victorian robe with central mirror $500; small mahogany chiffonier $350; elegant Victorian ladies’ chair $400; mahog occasional table $250; lge French travel trunk $250; mahog towel rail $150; oak saddle stand $250; 30 pianola rolls $50; boxes of original recycled Victorian tessellated tiles, hexagonal, square, triangular, some patterned, predominantly burgundy red, black and white. Ph: 0423-682580 for photos or more information.

COGAN 55” smart coloured television. As new condition, $400.

Ph: 5674-1789 or 0418319623.

BLACK FACED Suffolk rams, 7 months, ready to work, 6 available, priced from $400. Wild Dog Valley Suffolks, 5668-9209.

PAM HERRALD

Could not have had a better dad. You will remain in our hearts always.

Love Stephen and Karen.

free FIREWOOD - standing green. Need 4WD and chainsaw. Ph: 56689292.

situations vacant LOOKING for someone practical and sensible, with computer skills to do various tasks. Willing to pay pensioner rates.

Ph: 0429-136895.

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situations vacant

Part Time Sales Assistant Do you love talking to people and building relationships? Do you have a flair for fashion and colour? We are looking for a creative, enthusiastic, positive, reliable and responsible person who has a passion for fashion to work for us on our busy Saturday morning shift. The perfect person must have: • Strong focus to customer satisfaction and relationship building skills • Ability to work independently • Creativity with an ability to ‘think outside the square’ If you think you are the most memorable person for the job then we would love to hear from you.

Please write a letter explaining how you are the perfect addition to our team along with your resumé and drop it in-store before close of business Friday 17th February to: The Manager, Insideout Clothing, 21 Main St, Foster, Vic 3960.

Administration Officer x 7 Shepparton, Wangaratta, Seymour & Leongatha Fixed Term to 30 June 2017 Full Time & Part Time positions available GOTAFE, Northern Victoria’s leading ter ary educa on provider, is seeking experienced and friendly Support Officers to join the Educa on Services team.

2 x Shepparton full time 1 x Shepparton part time (0.6) 2 x Wangaratta full time 1 x Seymour full time 1 x Leongatha part time (0.4) The role requires dedicated administra ve support in course planning, ASQA compliance documenta on and consolida on and standardisa on of the student enrolment process. You will be required to exercise you own judgement in priori sing the workload and make decisions within guidelines of GOTAFE policies and procedures.

To be considered for this role you will require as a minimum, Cer ficate IV in Business Administra on and relevant experience in a similar role, or an equivalent combina on of qualifica ons and/ or experience. Excellent customer service skills, wri en and verbal communica on skills and the ability to work independently is a must.

How to Apply Please go to www.gotafe.vic.edu.au and a ach a Cover Le er, Resume and a statement addressing the Key Selec on Criteria as outlined in the posi on descrip on. Please note that applica ons that do not address the key selec on criteria will not be considered. For further informa on regarding this opportunity, please contact humanresources@gotafe.vic.edu.au A Working with Children Employee Check and Police Check are a requirement for this role.

Applica ons close: 21 February 2017 This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens Ins tute of TAFE (3094).

ZO740274

www.gotafe.vic.edu.au 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468233)

KITCHEN COORDINATOR Koonwarra Village School provides an alterna ve school environment from Prep-Grade 6.

We are looking for an energe c, versa le and team oriented person to fill the role of kitchen coordinator for 20 hours each week.

Please visit the News page of our website koonwarravillageschoool.org for a posi on descrip on Applica ons close Sunday, February 19, 2017 admin@koonwarravillageschool.org 0409 172 812 Fiona McKenzie (School Coordinator)

Mowing Contract Leongatha PS Mowing Contractors are invited to tender for the mowing contract at Leongatha PS. The contract will involve mowing and edges for the Primary School section of the Leongatha Education Precinct site for the next 12 months.

Contractors will need to supply their own equipment and have their own insurance. School visits will be available on Friday 17/2/2017 and quotes need to be delivered to the school by Friday 24/2/2017.

For full tender details please contact the Leongatha PS Office on 5667 4600

REFRIGERATION MECHANIC A well-known and long-time established business based in South Gippsland is looking for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic.

The successful candidate will be required to maintain and repair industrial, commercial and domestic air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment. Preferably fully qualified and licensed, but can be in the last year of apprenticeship.

Required duties will include: • General servicing and maintenance • Fault diagnosis and rectification • Commissioning • Installations We seek a person with good communication skills and strong references. We require a person who works with a high regard to safety and someone who works as a team player.

Please send your resumé to info@wilburns.com.au.

You can make enquiries to Sharon on 5678 7463.

For further information on our company you can view our website www.williamsandburns.com.au

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408980-711, A/H 56625175.

FIREWOOD - local messmate/stringy bark, cut, split, dry. Discounts on bulk loads. Free delivery available. Pick up or delivered. $100 per cubic metre. Ph: 0437-176187.

FIREWOOD, commercial quantity, dead, standing, Leongatha South. Ph: 0428-332219.

HONDA 110 Postie bike $700; John Deere Z445 28hp ride-on mower, 54 inch cut with catcher $6,500; Honda 240V generator $2,000; John Berends carryall $250; slasher $750; 12ft smudger $1,500; Robinson round bale feeder $750; 4 hay rings $350 each. Ph: 0423682580 or 0411-293984 for photos or more information.

LG WASHING machine, 5.5kg, as new, $450. Ph: 0437-610223.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200 x 50 x 2.4 $12.10 each, 200 x 75 x 2.4 $16.75 each, 200 x 75 x 3.0 $ 20.90 each.

Free delivery for pack lots. Phone Joe 0417530662.

SMALL square bales, Tarwin, $7. Ph: 0417563033.

TIMBER Kiln dried blackwood, silver wattle, cypress, celery top pine, most sizes for furniture and craft, also slabs and structural pine. Ph: 5681-2261.

30 TONNE pellet silo, 18 months old, excellent condition, $5,000 plus GST. 5995-2065.

MOWERS We stock the largest range of New push and ride-on mowers in South Gippsland, including - Honda,Victa, Greenfield, Deutscher, Cub Cadet, MTD, Masport, Toro, Yard Machines & Rover from $149.

Professional repairs and service for ALL mower makes and models.

Also stocking a large range of parts and accessories.

We also have a large range of secondhand mowers available.

MOTORCYCLES & POWER EQUIPMENT

Cnr Allison & South Gippsland Hwy, Leongatha. L.M.C.T. 2714

Ph: 5662 2028

www.marriottsmpe.com.au

livestock POULTRY / CAGE BIRD AUCTION Traralgon Showgrounds Poultry Pavilion, Sunday, February 19, 10.30am. Wide variety of poultry, hens, ducks, many breeds, fertile eggs.

Open for sellers from 8am. Ph: 5197 7270.

BULLS for hire or for sale. Friesian, Angus, Hereford, Limo or Jersey. All sound young bulls. Hire or sale. Phone 0447-331762.

garage sales MONSTER

Garage/Clearing Sale PROPERTY SOLD

148 Ogilvys Lane POOWONG Everything must go Farm equipment, farm tools, antiques, household items and bric-a-brac

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25 at 9am

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

$27.50 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $33.00) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $41 ADVERTISE by calling 5662 5555 or emailing classifieds@thestar.com.au or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement

wanted CARS WANTED - Cash for cars - call Rob. Ph: 0419-218277.

URGENTLY required, cheap rental in cleared land close enough for fresh ocean breeze for convalescing. Ph: 0429136895.

wanted to buy ANY OLD farm four wheelers, good or bad, 4WDs or trucks. Will pay cash. Phone Matt 0401194601.

5662 2553 0438 097 181

Wendy Rutjens

Weddings ~ Funerals ~ Namings

0429 688 123 e: rutjenswendy@gmail.com

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

deaths MARTIN - Noel David.

15.2.1932 - 6.2.2017 Passed away peacefully at Leongatha Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Loved and loving husband of Brenda.

Loving dad and father-inlaw of Laurie and Barb, Yvonne (dec), Noel and Adele, Stephen and Karen, Joy and Al, David and Amanda.

Loved Poppy to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Always in our hearts.

My husband, my soul mate. The fight is over.

Rest in peace my love and fly free.

Love always, BB. Passed away peacefully at Leongatha Hospital on 6.2.2017.

My Dad, my hero.

No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love, or to prepare our hearts for goodbye.

We will keep our memories and dad’s sayings close to us always.

Loved dad of Loz, and daughter-in-law Barbie.

Loved Pop of Daniel and Great Pop of Arianna and Tyler.

Thanks for a lifetime of memories, For your love and kindness, Help and encouragement...

Adored dad to Joy and Al. Cherished Pop to Jake and Jen, Jesse and Josie, and Bethany.

Loved Great Poppy to Flynn, Arlo and Gracie.

Words are few, our feelings are deep, Our memories of you we will always keep.

Loved dad to David and Amanda, Poppy to Blake, Emily and Courtney.

MARTIN - Noel.

Dad, Pop, The tides of life ebbs and flows But the gates of memory never close.

Your loving son Noel, Adele and Tom.

Email your adverts to The Star ads@thestar.com.au Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

Paul & Margaret Beck Proprietors

Caring for our Community, personal dignified service to all areas 5662 2717 Pre-need Funeral Plans available Office and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha hfs1@vic.australis.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

in memoriam BOROMEO - Lorraine.

16.02.2011 Gone is the face we loved so dear Silence is the voice we loved to hear Loving memories are as sweet today As six years ago when you passed away.

Still dearly loved, still sadly missed.

Sheryl, Grant, Mathew, Kelly, Aaron and families. xo xo xo xo xo SMITH - Clarrie.

5.12.1924 - 15.2.2014 In loving memory of our dear husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather.

Shirley, Judith, Janette and Gregory, and families.

Scott and Sharon Anderson With care & dignity we serve South Gippsland and Phillip Island Main Office: WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH 5672 1074 176-178 Graham Street, Wonthaggi 3995 Fax: 5672 1747 email: randm33@bigpond.net.au PHILLIP ISLAND 5952 5171 15 Warley Avenue, Cowes 3922 (by appointment only) Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans available CARING & PERSONAL 24 HOUR SERVICE www.handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

SPORT |

thestar.com.au

St Kilda here for community camp TWO time reigning St Kilda Football Club best and fairest Jack Steven headlines a starstudded list of Saints players attending this week’s AFL Community Camp.

The Saints have confirmed more details of their two day visit to South Gippsland, with the three time Trevor Barker medallist among the most exciting inclusions.

Rising star Seb Ross, cult figure forward Josh Bruce, popular ruckman Tom Hickey and exciting recruits Jack Steele and Koby Stevens are also among the 14 players making the trip.

The Saints kick off a jam packed camp schedule with a Superclinic for local primary schools at Foster Show-

grounds from 1.15pm on Friday.

Players will then break in to groups for community visits, including autograph signing sessions at Alex Scott and Staff offices at Inverloch and Wonthaggi from 5pm to 5.30pm.

Day one rounds out with the official community camp function at The Wonthaggi Club, offering the Saints fans the opportunity to hear from players and coaches and mingle with the visiting stars.

The fun continues on Saturday, with a handful of players attending Inverloch parkrun in the morning before the entire group returns to the Foster Showgrounds for a junior registration day, practical coaching seminar and training session for local thirds and fourths players.

This is followed by a session for

the newly formed AFL Gippsland South Gippsland Junior Academy.

Traralgon raised Saints forward Tim Membrey was excited to be returning to the region where his AFL journey began.

“I’m really looking forward to heading home to give back to the community who gave so much to me,” Membrey said.

Tickets are still available for the official function and can be purchased by visiting www.trybooking.com/OFRN or calling AFL Gippsland on 51348733.

Coming back: Traralgon raised St Kilda star Tim Membrey is looking forward to returning to Gippsland for the upcoming AFL Community Camp.

• Soccer

Summer Sevens program in South Gippsland kicks off THE social soccer program summer sevens is in full swing in Wonthaggi.

The six week program provides current players

across South Gippsland a chance to get ready for the winter season and it is also a great environment for those wanting to try a new sport before committing to a full season. With three weeks left

you can still get involved.

It is a fun, social seven a-side kick around which is an initiative of Football Federation Victoria (FFV) and supported by the Gippsland Soccer League. Summer

Get into soccer: girls’ Summer Sevens members brush up on their skills.

7’s involves seven players on each team on a modified, smaller pitch.

The program is being run in Wonthaggi on Monday nights from 5.30pm until March 6. Players must be between ages 10-15 years of age for girls and 13-15 years of age for boys. The cost is $5 per player per week.

GippSport Program coordinator Gene Parini believes it’s a great way for new and current players to come together and play in an informal setting. “Different teams are put together each week so players are getting to play with different players from varied towns each week. We have girls and boys games running sepa-

rately but will bring both together towards the end of the program.”

The program will con-

clude in March intentionally timed to lead into the 2017 winter soccer season.

To register or to find out

Soccer skills practiced: youth Summer Sevens members enjoyed a recent week of the program.

Future cricket stars

• Soccer

TIDES City marks 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 Point Lonsdale

FEBRUARY Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

15 WED

16 THUR

17 FRI

18 SAT

19 SUN

20 MON

21 TUE

0401 0951 1615 2159

1.62 0.36 1.51 0.33

0437 1031 1658 2236

1.60 0.32 1.50 0.37

0510 1108 1738 2312

1.56 0.30 1.47 0.43

0540 1143 1816 2347

1.52 0.30 1.44 0.49

0611 1216 1854

1.47 0.31 1.39

0023 0644 1251 1936

0.56 1.41 0.33 1.35

0101 0719 1328 2024

0.63 1.35 0.37 1.31

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

10 years P R E PA R AT I O N S are well under way for season 2017 with Korumburra City Soccer Club (KCSC) celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Player registrations will be open soon with KCSC looking to field 10 teams ranging from Under 6’s through to senior men and women; there will also be a girls Under 15’s team carrying on from last year.

KCSC will be hosting a junior’s Come and Try Day in mid-March for any juniors (ages 4 – 16) who want to come down and find out about joining the club. There will also be a Senior Meet the Coaches Function on the evening of March 18.

Rory Cull - senior men, Lucy Macpherson - senior women and Phil Richards -reserves have all been confirmed to carry on coaching their respective teams, in the junior teams there is a mixture of coaches carrying on from last season and some new coaches.

Club coaching coordinator, Tony Gardner said “as a club we are looking at

training our coaches in line with FFV’s curriculum and this will improve the standard of coaching throughout the club, we currently have three coaching courses coming up over the next few weeks.”

Behind the scenes, the club has been working hard on fundraising and club secretary Simon Brady said, “We’ve been successful with receiving funding from the South Gippsland Shire which will enable the club, along with the recreation reserve committee, to redevelop our aging change room facilities, this will provide the club with three change rooms – male, female and away, rather than the existing single change room.”

The Social Committee has also been busy planning a series of events for the coming months, with the first being an Under 13’s disco, an annual ball, Trivia Night and various family functions.

Anyone interested in playing for KCSC, whether as a junior or senior should email the club at korumburracitysc.secretary@outlook. com for more information.

more about the program contact Gene Parini, gene@ gippsort.com.au or 5674 6004/0428 358 335.

GIRLS aged between 11 and 18 have more opportunities than ever to play cricket this summer.

Cricket stars: Gracie Barlow from Korumburra, Abbie Noorbergen from Leongatha and Claire Trewin from Korumburra participated in the come and try day for the Star Girls Cricket League at the Leongatha Primary School oval last Monday.

The focus of the Stars Girls Cricket League is to provide the opportunity for girls to have fun with their friends within a team setting, offer a place where girls can improve their skills in a welcoming environment, and play in a girls only cricket league.

The four week season commenced on February 13.

The come and try session was held last Monday February 6 at the Leongatha Primary School oval.

Register to play at Playcricket.com.au.

For further information call Rob Wood on 0408 820 582 or email him robwoodgcc@outlook.com. au or Greg Mattingley on 0419 546 015 or email him quoll1972@gmail.com.

Left, Girls cricket: Jasmine Taylor from Walkerville and Chloe Battersby from Leongatha attended the come and try session for the Star Girls Cricket League at the Leongatha Primary School oval last Monday.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 47

BOWLS | SPORT

thestar.com.au Leongatha TUESDAY, February 7 saw Division 1 ladies up against Corinella ladies in the semi final rounds and they won the day 90 to 55 shots.

M. Pearson’s team won 37 to 17 shots, R. James’ team won 28 to 12 shots and J. Millier’s team lost 25 to 26 shots.

Division 3 travelled to Fish Creek to play Phillip Island and according to all reports the game was played under some adverse weather conditions for both sides.

Leongatha won the day 76 shots to 60: B. Thompson’s team won 26 to 20 shots, M. Jepson’s team won 23 to 21 shots and M. Rayson’s team won 27 to 19 shots.

Well done ladies and good luck in the next round of finals.

Tuesday evening, February 7 saw round two of the business bowls in action with results as follows: Parks d Gatha Lions 80 to 56, Murray Goulburn 77 d Spencer HBB 37, X Factor 73 d Bowls & Beauty 35, Smiths 72 d Robbos/T 43, Whackers 67 d Nomadness 36, Nesci Trans 69 d Stihl Team 39, Repco 71 d L/G Bowls Pam 43, Murphys Boys 64 d Posties 37, Westaway Ford 69 d Nagles Chemist 43, L/G Bowls 1 64 d Beers 46, Mini Skips 65 d Stewart’s Tyres 47, B.J. Earthmoving 60 d Mountain View 2 50, L/G Bowls Club 2 58 d The Davos 48 and Mountain View 1 56 d Edney’s 51.

As a result of the battles that took place there has been some changes to the ladder top six.

Leongatha Bowls Team 2 and Repco remain tied on top with 134 points each followed by Murray Goulburn 130, X Factor 126, Leongatha Bowls Team 1 124, Westaway Ford also 124, Whackers 122 and Parks and Mini Skips tied on 121 each. After the next round I will give a rundown of the full ladder.

Wednesday social bowls winners were B. Fisher (s) and H. Deenen with plus 11 and runners-up were Ken Williams and Susan Crouch with plus four.

Saturday, February 11 saw also a great day for our men’s pennant teams’ semi finals.

Division 1 went to the ’Burra to play Wonthaggi and won the day 70 shots to 68: J. Hall’s team lost 22 to 26 shots, B. Anderson’s team won 28 to 22 shots and R. Trotman’s team drew 20 shots each.

Division 3, also at the ’Burra played Port Welshpool and won the day 72 to 54 shots: A. Rayson’s team won 29 to 11 shots and R. Young’s team won 27 to 17 shots.

Division 4 travelled to Corinella to play Inverloch and also won the day 69 to 64 shots: M. Carnell’s team won 32 to 17 shots, L. Wilson’s team won 19 to 17 shots and R. Symmons’ team lost 18 to 30 shots. Well done and good luck in the next round of finals.

As can be assumed there were some happy faces, both ladies and men, in the clubhouse on Saturday evening but I wish to advise readers it was not a case of the club counting its chickens before they hatch, it was that one of the club’s long time members, Fred Sauvarin, turned 87. Well done Fred and may you continue to have many more years of life and bowls.

A reminder to Leongatha members, please mark your diary for the annual general meeting to be held on Thursday, April 20 at 7.30pm.

Until the next report, good bowling - ‘Jackhigh’.

Tarwin’s barefoot winners: Steven Baker (Sass), Vern Nash and Brian Dacey (Dace).

Tarwin CONGRATULATIONS to our Division 2 team who managed to defeat Port Welshpool last Tuesday, gaining them a place in next week’s Grand Final This important game will be against the winners of this week’s battle between Port Welshpool and Wonthaggi.

Our Barefoot bowls season has come to an end, to the disappointment of many players who have enjoyed the competition. The winning team of Vern Nash, Steven Baker (Sass) and Brian Dacey (Dace) celebrated long into the night and took numerous “selfies” with their Grand Final cup.

Congratulations guys; you played well all season and appeared to enjoy yourselves every week even though according to Vern, “Barefoot bowls is for those who have nothing else to do on a Tuesday night!” Congratulations also to the Barefoot organisers for ensuring an enjoyable and successful season.

Wednesday Triples was played under sunny skies and an enjoyable day was had by all. The team of Jeff, Ray and Mike from Leongatha were winners on the day.

Our thoughts are with Peter and Alan, who are currently undergoing hospital treatments, and their lovely wives, Marian and Heather. We are all here for you and are willing to assist in any way we can.

South Gippsland pennant bowls Results semi finals Saturday, February 11 Division 1: Inverloch (B) 14/77 (16 shots) d Phillip Island (B) 2/61, Leongatha 13/70 (4 shots) d Wonthaggi 3/66.

Inverloch is through to the grand final. Phillip Island plays Leongatha in the preliminary final. Wonthaggi is out of the competition.

Division 2: San Remo 16/84 (26 shots) d Fish Creek -/58, Wonthaggi 12/71 (12 shots) d Corinella 4/59.

San Remo is through to the grand final. Fish Creek plays Wonthaggi in preliminary final. Corinella is out of the competition.

Division 3: Foster 14/77 (16 shots) d Phillip Island 2/61, Leongatha 14/72 (18 shots) d Port Welshpool 2/54.

Foster is through to the grand final. Phillip Island plays Leongatha in the preliminary final. Port Welshpool is out of the competition.

Division 4: Wonthaggi 14/84 (27 shots) d Korumburra (M) 2/57, Leongatha 14/69 (7 shots) d Inverloch 2/62.

Wonthaggi is through to the grand final. Korumburra (M) plays Leongatha in the preliminary final. Inverloch is out of the competition.

Division 5: San Remo 15/91 (44 shots) d Toora 1/47, Fish Creek 16/105 (52 shots) d Foster -/53.

San Remo is through to the grand final. Toora plays Fish Creek in the preliminary final. Foster is out of the competition.

SGBD Tuesday pennant bowls Semi finals - February 7 Division 1: Inverloch 14/70 (7 shots) d San Remo 2/63 (C. Hughes 25 d M. Forrest 21, A. Tschiderer 23 d R. Dennis 17, L. Dowson. 22 lt S. Carvosso 25).

Leongatha 15/71 (11 shots) d Phillip Island 1/60 (R. James 25 d P. Francis 24, M. Pearson 26 d R. Eames 16, J. Miller 20 drew J. Dyer 20).

Inverloch is through to the grand final, San Remo plays Leongatha in the preliminary final at Korumburra on February 14 and Phillip Island is out of the competition.

Division 2: Tarwin Lower 14/74 (15 shots) d Port Welshpool 2/59 (H. Twite 34 d M. McDonald 19, S. Browne 23 d B. Crawford 20, H. Marshall 17 lt L. McLaine 20).

Wonthaggi 14/80 (16 shots) d San Remo 2/64.

(S. Hamilton 26 d J. Farquhar 19, J. Kellow 36 d W. Brunsden 23, S. O’Connell 18 lt J. Grindlay 22.

Tarwin Lower is through to the grand final, Port Welshpool plays Wonthaggi in the preliminary final at Korumburra on February 14 and San Remo is out of the competition.

Division 3: Leongatha 16/76(16 shots) d Phillip Island -/60 (M. Rayson 27 d L. Waters 19, M. Jepson 23 d C. Hoffman 21, B Thompson 26 d D. Reynolds 20.

Mirboo North 14/76 (8 shots) d Korumburra 2/68 (A. Plowman 32 d M.Brown 17, D. Stein 26 d S. Martin 25, M. Briscoe 18 lt M. Hams 26).

Leongatha 16/75 (22 shots) d Phillip Island -/53 (M. Rayson 27 d L. Waters 21, M. Jepson 24 d D. Reynolds 15, B. Thompson 24 d C. Hoffman 17).

Leongatha is through to the grand final, Mirboo North plays Phillip Island in the preliminary final at Korumburra on February 14 and Korumburra is out of the competition.

Division 4: Corinella 14/60 (26 shots) d Foster 2/34 (H. Fox 29 d G. Giaccherini 20, P. Scammel 31 d R. Raita 14).

Inverloch 12/45 (3 shots) d Phillip Island 2/42 (V. Muir 24 d C. Honkey 18, M. Paynting 21 lt D. Bateman 24.)

Corinella is through to the grand final, Foster plays Inverloch in the preliminary final at Korumburra on February 14 and Phillip Island is out of the competition.

Overall winners: John Geyer from the Wonthaggi Club presented the prize to the winners of Inverloch’s Monthly Triples, Wilma Coleman, Linda Gallyot and Carol Hughes.

Inverloch DIVISION One Tuesday Pennant team finished on top of the ladder for the season and with Division Four finishing third, both teams played on Tuesday, February 7 in the Semi Final round.

Division One played San Remo who had won both games during the season. With Carol Hughes rink winning by four shots and Lorraine Dowson’s rink down by four shots, it was left to Anne Tschiderer’s team of Marg Griffin, Lois Luby and Janis Parks to make every shot count.

Being a few ends behind, we watched and rode each bowl and they came through with the bowls that mattered. Division One was victorious over San Remo by seven shots to book at place in the Grand Final against either Leongatha or San Remo.

Division Four Tuesday Pennant played at Tarwin against Phillip Island. With Maureen Paynting’s team getting off to a slow start, the game appeared to be in the hands of Phillip Island. Once the team got possession of the mat, the game changed in Inverloch’s favour. They maintained the momentum and defeated Phillip Island by three shots.

They will play Foster at Korumburra on Tuesday, February 14 in the Preliminary Final. Good bowling.

The Wednesday Monthly Triples sponsored by the Wonthaggi Club was played over three games of 12 ends in hot conditions with the competition being as hot as the weather.

The Best Overall Game had to be separated by ends won with two teams having 10 shots up. With seven ends won, Marg Flett, Pam Sutcliffe and Joy Brown missed out to the team of Carol Waters, Laurel Lee and Judy Parker who achieved nine ends won.

The runners up with 40 points and 13 shots up were Diana Patterson, Sue Nation and Yvonne Kee beating Jaye Allen-Dayle’s team for runner up spot also on 40 points but only two shots up. Congratulations to the winners of the day, Ivy Sheppard/Carol Hughes, Linda Gallyot and Wilma Coleman who had two wins and a draw and 43 points. Our raffles were won by Joyce Arnold, Nell Van Grunsven, Jill Bateman, Judy Parker and Yvonne Kee. A reminder that our ladies news and views session will be held on Wednesday, February 15 starting at 11am.

This will be followed by a game of social bowls.

Thursday social game saw eight men’s pairs take to the greens to play two 10-end games of ‘two and walk.’

Only one team managed to win both games. Winners, with 31 points, were Bob Davis (S) and Harry Dunn.

Runners-up, with 23 points, were Doug Muir (S) and Steve Snelling.

Next Thursday, February 16, Inverloch will host their Monthly Triples match with Social Bowls returning the following Thursday, February 23.

The Semi Finals for Saturday Pennant saw Division One and Division Four take part in the action. Inverloch had a day of mixed fortunes, with Division One enjoying a win over Phillip Island Blue and Division Four going down to Leongatha following a valiant effort to reach the finals finishing in third place after a disappointing first half to the season. The winning rink on Saturday in Division Four was the ever reliable Huie Nation’s foursome, which included John Arnold, Rob Dowling and Wayne Clark .

The following is Division One player Mick Coram’s report of the Inverloch versus Phillip Island Blue Semi Final. With fourteen rounds of home and away completed, Inverloch and Phillip Island again found themselves in first and second positions on the ladder and thus playing for direct entry into the Grand Final.

Alan Spooner had his bent grass green starting at a comfortable 14 seconds which got quicker as the day went on. Ron Burge (Skip), Glen Scott, Ross Gabb and Chas Buccilli were up against John Newcombe and at one stage were 12 - 21 down.

In what every Burge rink has been known for, refused to give in and fought back to only go down by 2 shots 23 - 25. Frank Seaton (Skip), Mick Bowman, Wayne Parks and Gavin Butler played the extremely dangerous rink of Dave Hanlon’s. With great bowling from the front three and absolutely brilliant bowling from Frankie, they managed to hold on to a comfortable lead during the bulk of the game and ended up winning 24 - 18. Mick Coram (Skip), Andrew Rowe, Dave Roberts and Gary Hardy again drew Daryl Major. They got out to an early lead but Daryl caught them and by the break was leading.

Great bowling from the front three saw Mick’s rink lead again and a seven shot end saw them skip further away, with the game overall blown wide open, after across the board it had become very tight. The final score on Mick’s rink was 30 - 18 and an overall victory of 16 shots 77 - 61. We now wait to play the winner from Phillip Island and Leongatha.

Given the ladder positions of Inverloch’s five teams, there will be no changes in season 2017-18, with Inverloch again fielding two Division One teams, a Division Three, a Division Four and a Division Five.

This Friday Night will be Member’s Night with the jackpot growing.

Buffalo indoor Wednesday, February 8 ON a very warm, humid night bowling at Buffalo saw nine bowlers with Peter, Rod and Andrew watching and chatting on the sideline.

We were pleased to have Maureen and Mark Taylor and Gwenda Bevan join us for the night’s bowling.

Three pairs and one three team were selected and six bowls used for three games of eight ends.

In the first game Joyce Occhipinti and Mark Taylor narrowly defeated Bill Wolswinkel and Denyse Menzies 7-4, and on the other mat scores were level after the seventh end.

Toni Heldens and Maureen Taylor scored one shot on the last end to beat Joe Occhipinti, Carolyn Benson and Gwenda Bevan 8-7.

Game two saw an easy win to Joyce and Mark 11-3 over Toni and Maureen. Joe, Carolyn and Gwenda found some form to win 9-3 over Bill and Denyse.

The third game saw Joyce and Mark continue their good bowling to record their third win over Joe, Carolyn and Gwenda 10-5. Bill and Denyse bowled well and out bowled Toni and Maureen 13-3.

Joyce and Mark were declared the night’s winners as they were the only team with three wins (WWW) 15 ends; next Bill and Denyse (LLW) 13 ends, third Joe, Carolyn and Gwenda (LWL) 10 ends and fourth, Toni and Maureen (WLL) nine ends.

Social bowls Wednesday 7.30pm at the Buffalo hall - all welcome.

Friendly competition: Chris Fricke, Howard Spencer and Ken Gill from the Phillip Island Bowls Club and Jeff Liversidge from the Foster Bowls Club got together to socialise during the afternoon break in pennant finals.

Fish Creek BAREFOOT (Social) bowls is still progressing well. Tuesday evening was shortened due to inclement weather, but still proved to be very enjoyable for those who took part.

A reminder that this event will be held every Tuesday and Wednesday of each week concluding on March 7 and 8. This is an opportunity to learn about the game and any members of the community who are still interested in playing should contact Andy Kerr 5683 2380 to register your name or team or for further information.

General committee meeting will be held at the club rooms on Thursday, February 16 starting at 7pm.

Saturday pennant results and team selections: Division 5 made it through to the next round of the finals with a convincing win over Foster. Toora lost to Wonthaggi. Therefore San Remo, have a safe path to the Grand finals to play the winner of this week’s game.

Division 2 lost to San Remo, but still have a lifeline to remain in the finals, by having a win over Wonthaggi on

Saturday. Wonthaggi lost to Sam Remo. San Remo will play the winners of the Fish Creek v Wonthaggi game for the flag in this division.

The teams going through to the next round of the finals are as follows: Division 2 will be playing Wonthaggi at Inverloch. bus will depart from the clubrooms at 11.15am. Teams remain unchanged: T. McLean (S), R. McKenzie, R. Grylls (TM), A. Kerr. R. Mortlock (S), R. Knight, M. Heywood, C. McGannon. D. Christie (S), N. McKenzie, B. Cooper, B. O’Keefe.

Division 5 playing Toora at Tarwin Lower, please meet at the clubrooms at 11.30am. Teams remain unchanged: Rob Poletti (S), J. Lindeman, Joe Lavarda, R. Staley. R. Barham (S), N. Buckland-(TM), A. Atwell, A. Masson.

K Flanders(S), D. Stefani, C. Bell, R. Vuillerman. Emergency: Mark Angwin.

Team players are urged to participate in a practise session which will probably be held on Thursday, skips to advise teams of the timing and venues.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

SPORT | GOLF

thestar.com.au

Opening day for women’s association SOUTH Gippsland Women’s Golf Association played its Opening Day at Korumburra Golf Club last week.

A large field of 64 players

in 32 teams competed.

This event is sponsored annually by Handley and Anderson Funeral Directors of Wonthaggi and a lovely assortment of plants was provided for the winners.

All clubs in the district, from Welshpool in the east to

Phillip Island in the west, were well represented.

The winners of the A Grade event were Toni West and Jocelyn Howson from Leongtha Golf Club, with 45 points, on a countback from Elly Berryman and Heather Sullivan from Woorayl Golf

Play a round: hundreds of golfers have flocked to the area to compete in the South Gippsland Golf Classic that began on Saturday. Having already played at Foster, Korumburra and Woorayl, the nine day event continues today at Meeniyan before it moves on to Welshpool on Wednesday, Phillip Island on Thursday, Leongatha on Friday and finishing at Yarram on Saturday. Ross Winkler from Woorayl, Greg Fennell from Woorayl, Joy Hester from Jubilee Golf Club in Wangaratta and Jo Fennell from Woorayl played as a team on day three of the South Gippsland Golf Classic at Woorayl on Monday.

A Grade runners up and winners: Runners up, Heather Sullivan and Elly Berryman (Woorayl), with winners, Jocelyn Howson and Toni West (Leongatha).

Golfers near and far: the 28th annual South Gippsland Golf Classic has drawn competitors from across Australia and even overseas. Maree Ciavarella from Rich River, Geoff and Jan Alborough from Stawell, Jenny Riseley from Woorayl Golf Club, and Tony Ciavarella from Rich River played in the Mixed Irish Fourball on Monday at Woorayl Golf Club for day three of the tournament yesterday.

B Grade winners and runners up: Winners, Lyn Perks and Betty Thomson (Korumburra), with runners up Jan Beaumont and Leonie Bentick (Wonthaggi).

Leongatha ladies A VERY large field competed in a stableford event

sponsored by club member Glenyce McRobert.

Women’s captain Shirley Welsford, was pleased to see

Beginner’s Day winners: at Korumburra were Ronda Castle, Heather Grist, Jenny Blackmore and Lynne Schwennensen.

Korumburra ladies THERE was a ‘Quick’ n Easy’ concept for playing golf at Beginner’s Day last Wednesday, with the nine hole, shorter yellow course and the ‘Big Holes’ being used for the first time.

Even the experienced golfers loved the larger sized holes on the green and thought these were much better than the regular diameter. Thanks to Viv and David Enbom, who sponsored this event and provided lovely trophies for the winners.

It was wonderful to have 14 pairs playing in the Beginner/ Member Ambrose event and 11 members played off the 10th tee, using the red course and regular sized putting holes.

Jenny Blackmore and Lynne Schwennensen were the winning pair and runners-up were Heather Grist and Ronda Castle.

Balls down the Line went to Pam Eyers/Janet Arrott-Watt, Barb Twite/Conny Van Leeuwen, Jan Follett/Tina Prosser, Lee Clements/Jasminka, Sharon Adams/ Diarne Maskell.

The lucky beginner who won the putter was Gail Beer.

The ladies who did not play with a beginner, competed in an Ambrose event, starting on the back nine, with regular sized holes on the putting greens. The winning team members were Betty Yann, Jenny Pollard and Lynette McIvor.

NTP’s went to Betty Thomson, 1st and Beryl Brown, 7th.

The club hopes the ‘Beginners’ enjoyed their day and are keen to return to have more golfing experiences. A

reminder some new clubs and golf bags are available to be borrowed, for women who are new to golf, whilst they try out the game.

Lessons for beginners have been organised for Wednesday, February 15 and 22 and March 1 at 9am, meeting at the clubhouse. Darren Cole, who is the Golf Vic regional development officer and professional golfer, will run these ‘Give Golf a Go’ sessions. Equipment is available, if needed. Please contact Lee Clements, 0429926849, for more information. After the lesson, participants are welcome to play a few holes and then have a cuppa.

There is a time-sheet in the foyer for a Stableford competition next Wednesday.

Last Thursday, the ‘Big Holes’ were used on the front nine for Twilight, and these must have helped with scores, as four pairs finished with 23 points. The count-backs were in full swing, with Carol and Bob Stiff coming out the winners.

Runners-up were Betty and Bill Thomson, from Diarne and Terry Maskell, then Chris Rickard and Geoff Nelson. Andrew Gilbert was the only NTP for the night, on the first green.

On Saturday, February 4, a small group of women played, with Sharon Adams winning with 119(40)79, on a c/b from Sherrin Solly, 113(34)79. Barb Twite was the RB Scratch Score winner with 105 and Marg Harper was NTP on both the first and 13th greens. There was no women’s competition last Saturday.

There is a separate report for the results of the SGWGA Opening Day, 4BBB event, which was held at Korumburra last Friday.

It was a busy weekend, with the SGWGA Opening Day Friday, counter teas and Bingo Friday night, an engagement party Saturday and the Classic Ambrose event Sunday. There was much to organise and the club appreciated the many hours so many people have put in lately.

Thanks to Beryl Brown, who had various hats to wear and coordinated numerous ‘behind the scenes’ tasks.

South Gippsland Classic Mixed 4 Person Ambrose event The South Gippsland Classic Mixed 4-person Ambrose event was at Korumburra on Sunday, with 138 players.

The Scratch Team winners were Peter Kane, Jamie Ricardo, Michael and Rebecca Thomas, with 58.

Winners of the handicap team were Jeanette Mitchell, Melissa Baharis, Leesa and Mick Mathews, 65(12 7/8) 52 1/8 net.

Runners-up No 1 were Ian Cash, Ricky Johnson, Mat Wrigley and Carie Harding, 53 5/8.

Runners -up No 2 were Richard Horseman, Maree Morrison, Dan Macey and Gayle O’Loughlan, 55 7/8.

Balls down the line went to 58.5.

NTP’s went to Peter Kane, Steve Bromby, Lance Lancaster, Dan Macey, Wendy Parker and Margaret Finch.

Grade winners: Lynda Bassett (C Grade) Jocelyn Howson (A Grade) and Alison Strong (B Grade) took out Leongatha’s ladies event last Tuesday, February 7.

Korumburra THERE were 54 players on Saturday, February 11 for the two man Ambrose Guest Day, with trophies supplied by Noel Ladgrove.

Member/member: B. Hessels, S. Bromby 57¾; R. Rees, M. Belvedere 62¼; C. Clements, M. Bull 63½; M. Garnham, P. Hornibrook 63¾.

Member/guest: T. O’Neill, M. Brown 62¼; T. Fowles, S. Sartori 63¾; J. Wilson, W. Hopkins 63¾.

Nearest the pin: 1st N. Ladgrove, 7th R. Besley, 10th M. Brown, 13th S. Bromby.

Tuesday’s winner was I. Cash 39 pts and Thursday’s winner G. Wilson 37 pts.

Leongatha SATURDAY’S Stableford competition was held in ideal conditions with the fairways and greens in their usual great condition.

Alexander Hill had a day out with 41 points to win C Grade and the overall.

A Grade was taken out by Chris Leaver with 38 points in a countback and Peter Hobson won B Grade with 39 points, also in a countback.

Balls were won by Ron Chaplin, John McLennan, Geoff Tyson, Peter Brownlie, Ian Debenham, Tom Williamson, Hugh Goodman, Jason

Dennerley, John Feddersen, Neal Gillin, Doug Clemann, Nick Lafferty, Alan Briggs, David Mock, Tim McCarthy, Ted Bruinewoud, Anthony Sparks, John Moor, Henry Sedelies and Gordon Morrison.

Peter Hobson was NTP on the 16th hole and Bryan McCorkell won the Par 3 Super Comp with 10 points.

On Tuesday Les Newton had 39 points to win the Overall and C Grade, both in a countback from Frank Thomas.

A Grade was won by Michael Thomas with 36 points and Rob Martin took B Grade with 37 points.

DTL Balls were won by Frank Thomas, Ken Smirk, Ted Ridge, Bill Warren, Brian Fennessy, Geoff McDonald, Will Norden, Keith Finney, John Housey, Trevor Steer, Andrew Smith, Bert Borg, Neale Gillin, Bruce Hutton, John Eabry, Bill Bittlemann, Denis Wallace and Geoff Maher.

NTP’s were Geoff Maher on the 14th hole and Wayne Keen on the 16th.

Some 52 golfers took part in Thursday’s Stableford competition with Peter Walsh leading the way with 39 points to win A Grade and the overall in a countback from Craig Hams.

John McLennan was successful in B Grade with 37 points and George Misson

some of our new members participating in this competition having recently completed clinics run by our PGA professionals Josh Hall and John Payne.

Jocelyn Howson (23) was our A Grade winner with 33 points, well clear of the other A Grade contenders. Alison Strong played a very steady game and came in with 39 points to win B Grade. The C Grade winner, and also playing very consistently at the moment, was Lynda Bassett with 37 points.

Down the line balls were given to the following: Lianne Adamson and Fay Quilford took out C Grade also with 37 points.

DTL Balls were awarded to Craig Hams, Bruce Hutton, Ron Paice, Leroy Sharrock, Ian Barlow, Andrew Henley, John Renwick, Peter Hobson, Marilyn Williams, Peter Hartigan, Frank Gill and Kevin Castwood.

NTP’s were John Moor on the 14th hole and Barry Attwood on the 16th.

Woorayl WOORAYL Golf Club saw 42 players on Saturday, February 11 with the men playing a Stableford Best Ball event and the ladies a single Stableford.

The ladies winner was E Berryman and the runner up T Scoble.

The men’s event was strongly fought, the top six groups all within three shots from one another. The winners for the day were T Ryan and J Hickey, runners up on a count back were M Grist and the Sponsor - T Williams.

Down the line balls went to E Poole and R Beilby, J Newton and G Fennell, R Sullivan and T Hogan and G Salmon and B Wilson.

Nearest the pins went to G Forrester on the 8th and K Miles on the 17th.

Raffle was won by J Bolge syndicate.

Club, who took the Runners Up trophies.

B Grade was won by Korumburra’s Lyn Perks and Betty Thomson, carding a lovely 48 points, with Leonie Bentick and Jan Beaumont from Wonthaggi scoring the Runners Up trophies with their 45 points.

Rhonda Boyd, from Phillip Island Golf Club, won Nearest the Pin on the 1st hole, Wendy Parker from Leongatha Golf Club was closest on the 13th, Dot Christie (Meeniyan) came close to the pin on the extremely hard-toreach 7th and Colleen Touzel’s first shot towards the difficult 10th was closer than all others.

Down the line balls were won by Jan Hewitt and Pam Eyers, Jenny Blackmore and Chris Rickard, Faye Quilford and Sue Bowler, all with 44 points; Beth Curram and Trudi Prue, Barb Warren and Gail Tyers, with 43 points; Viv Enbom and Lorraine Knox with 41 points.

The South Gippsland Women’s Golf Association executive extends thanks to the Korumburra Golf Club for hosting the 2017 Opening Day, with particular thanks to new captain, Heather Grist, President Kath Welsh and her committee, for all the organising and work involved.

A reminder to players that the next district event will be the SGWGA Bowl at Leongatha Golf Club, on April 7.

36, Marg Griffiths 35, Melinda Martin and Coral Gray 32, Marianne Leaver, Lesley Renwick and Jan Brownlie 31, Julie Howard, Georgina Mitchell, Pat West, Shirley Welsford and Glenyce McRobert 30 and Helen Mackenzie and Louise Schache 29 points.

Nearest the pin honours went to Lesley Renwick on the 14th (second shot), Helen Mackenzie on the 16th (second shot) and Evelyn Indian on the 14th.

Marion Chalmers cleaned up in the 9 hole competition with 17 points with Karen Murchie earning a ball down the line with 16 points.

Good luck to all if playing next week.

Woorayl ladies THERE was another good attendance of ladies for the first round of the Tony McLeod Memorial Stableford Aggregate on Wednesday, February 8.

The forecast was for a hot summer’s day and this was the case by the time players commenced the back nine holes.

The A Grade winner was Elly Berryman (17) 40 points with the B Grade winner Jo Graeme (32) 35 points on a count back from Marg Tuckett (27) 35 points.

NTP 8th J Riseley, 11th P Lancaster.

DTL Balls C Perrett 35 points, M Tuckett 35 points, J Thompson 34 points and D Jarvis 32 points on a count back from L Young. Next week is Par.

Mirboo North 8/2/17 Ladies Stableford 1st Sue Traill (19) 38 pts DTL: Sandra Hughes (29) 37 pts; Anne Wood (41) 37 pts 9/2/17 Mens Stableford 1st Ian Blencowe (20) 41pts DTL: Tom Traill (10) 40 pts Countback; Col James (16) 40 Pts; Joe Kus (15) 36 pts countback; Pro-Pin: Col James.

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Meeniyan Basketball JUNIORS at Meeniyan commence on Friday, February 17 with sections two and three, while section four commences on February 22.

Below is a list of names and the draws for the first three weeks.

Draws will not be given out until week three of the competition.

Section Two: Red: Coach Elly Jones: Henry Wynne, Tahlia Lafferty, Riley Ladiges, Olivia Pedley, Teagan Elliott, Lenny Mackie, Chloe Smedley.

Blue: Coach Michelle Hibberson: Timothy Hibberson, Caitlin Hibberson, Zekhai Giles, Angel Alexander, Holley Rip, Jai Brocklebank.

Gold: Coach Darlene Jones: Cameron Bruce, Farrah Vanderzalm, Sienna Musilli, Conner Sellings, Jocoa Cameron, Indi Cameron, Charlie Potter.

Green: Coach Matt Moss: Will Campbell, Ostin Pedley, Brody Smedley, Ruby Mackie, Kelsey Fisher, Aaron Bruce, Olivia Allen.

Draw: February 17, 4:00 Green v Gold, scorers Campbell Bruce; 4:45 Blue v Red, scorers Giles Wynne.

February 24: 4:00 Red v Gold, scorers Lafferty Vanderzalm; 4:45 Blue v Green, Alexander Pedley.

March 3: 4:00 Red v Green, scorers Ladiges Mackie; 4:45 Blue v Gold, Rip Sellings Section Three: Green: Coach Darlene Jones: Kirra Jones, Flynn Lord, Brody McEwan, Sophie Kenney, Taya Cameron, Kodi Ladiges.

Blue: Coach Will McDonald: Jenn Moss, Burke Vanderzalm, Ben Hibberson, Skaylah Pedley, Mack Gorman, Allison Oliver.

Black: Coach Kate Lafferty: Zak Bright, Brayden Sellings, Aiden Elliott, Ayla Lafferty, Ava Lord, Kealey Oliver, Charlie Robertson.

Tan: Coach Danielle Mackie: Zara Jones, Isabella Mackie, Brodie McNaughton, Ryan Marshman, Sharni Campbell, Maddi Campbell, Red: Coach Pete Waldron: Maddi Herbert, Dylan Hicks, Elijah Butler Reid, Lachie Bell, Kira Waldron, Lachlan Hibberson, Isobel Pedley.

Gold: Coach Gary Webster: Harry Herbert, Angus McInnes, Erik Webster, Jordan Fisher, Jade Cousins, Georgia Hamilton, Aliarna Wright

Draw: February 17: 5:30 Green v Black , scorers Lord Sellings; 6:15 Blue v Tan, scorers Moss Marshman; 7:00 Gold v Red, scorers McInnes Herbert.

February 24: 5:30 Tan v Gold, scorers Campbell Cousins; 6:15 Green v Red, scorers McEwan Bell; 7:00 Black v Blue, scorers Robertson Pedley.

March 3: 5:30 Tan v Red, scorers McNaughton Hicks; 6:15 Black v Gold, scorers Elliott Wright; 7:00 Green v Blue, scorers Ladiges, Gorman.

Section Four: Red: Coach Lee Ballagh/Leasa Drysdale: Riley Drysdale, Gemma Drysdale, Adrian Ballagh, Jayden Battersby, Will McDonald, Sam Bright, Rhys Lindsay.

Black: Coach Steve Collins: Hugh Collins, Alfie Herbert, Sulli Herbert, Wade Oliver, Aaron Farrell, Lily Gorman.

Tan: Coach Tim Bright: Jai Bright, Tylah Linke, Mitch Hoober, Ben Cantwell, Will Hibberson, Sam Chadwick, Mikayla Pedley.

Green: Coach Darlene Jones: Dylan Clark, Ethan Lavis, Kayla Redpath, Grace Thorson, Sean Pearce, Lachlan Elliott,

Quillan Bayley.

Blue: Coach Doug Hank: Rory Hanks, Stuart Bright, Harry Vanderzalm, Connor Salmons, Fletcher Moon, Ben Mackie, Luke Boyle.

Maroon: Coach Troy Palmer: John Philips, Cody Palmer, Jake Palmer, Hughie Elliott, Kit Skinner Tarlo, Lexi Scott, Travis Nash, Gold: Coach Gene Vanderzalm: Tyler Bentick, Elly Jones, Angus Wright, Lucas Vanderzalm, Flynn Moore, Beau Davey.

Draw: February 22: 5:30 Gold v Maroon, scorers Wright Phillips; 6:20 Green v Black, scorers Clark Farrel.

7:10 Tan v Red, scorers Linke Battersby. Bye Blue.

March 1: 5:30 Gold v Blue, scorers Davey Bright; 6:20 Green v Red, scorers Redpath McDonald.

7:10 Black v Maroon, scorers Potter Nash. Bye Tan. March 8: 5:30 Red v Maroon, scorers Bright Elliott; 6:20 Green v Tan, scorers Thorson Hoober 7:10 Black v Blue, scorers Herbert Salmons Bye Gold.

Executive: from left, the 2017 Alberton Football Netball League board of management includes Neil Park as director of football operations, Ralph Hubbert as director of finance and sponsorship, Lynn Whelan as South Gippsland League coordinator and Dean Cashin as director of special events and publicity.

League ready to face 2017 THE Alberton Football Netball League may have lost five clubs and its junior league in 2016, but it is remaining positive about the year to come.

With just seven clubs, Barry Stride said in his president’s message he is expecting 2017 to be great in the 120 year history of the league.

He said he is looking forward to “all parties working together” to get an eighth side for 2018.

The league made a loss of $17,824 from ordinary activities in 2016, compared to a $3184 loss in 2015.

The huge increase was blamed on a reduction of around $10,000 from grand final gate takings and an increase in several expenses, including umpire fees and interleague costs.

“Bank accounts are stable but huge efforts are continuing to gain new spon-

GOLF | SPORT

thestar.com.au Foster A FANTASTIC week of golf saw great scores and lots of fun.

The course is in great condition as reflected in the scoring.

Fred Tyers was present to collect the $850 on Friday so it is now back at $500. Neil Cook was not present to collect on Saturday so it now stands at $220.

A great day was had by all who played on Saturday in the first round of the South Gippsland Classic. Don’t forget February 19 is the CFA Ambrose fundraising event.

Results Tuesday, February 7: Stableford.

Winner: Larry Giddy 37 pts; NTP: 6th N. Thompson, 17th N. Thompson; DTL: N. Cooper 36, N. Thompson 36.

Wednesday, February 8: Ladies Stableford.

Winner A: B. Warren 31 points, winner B: Di Berryman 38 points; NTP: 6th Di Berryman, 17th Anne Heywood; DTL: C. Thompson 38, V. Reid 33, S. Cook 33, A. Heywood 33.

Thursday, February 9: Stableford.

Meeniyan DRY conditions saw the ball rolling further and handicaps dropping at Meeniyan.

A good field of 18 played singles stableford on Tuesday with Reg Hannay back in form with a nice 38 points. Mat Vanboven was the most consistent player for the week with good form all week scoring well on the three days of competition, and taking out the win on Thursday with 35 points on a countback from Bob McGeary.

No one from the very strong field of 32 could catch the old

sors, as our major sponsor has been lost to the new West Gippsland league,” South Gippsland League coordinator Lynn Whelan said.

The election of office bearers saw Barry Stride returned as president, Neil Park returned as director of football operations and Dean Cashin returned as director of special events and publicity.

The netball subcommittee is being replaced by a delegate system this year.

Ms Whelan said 2017 is a new phase for the AFNL and she is looking forward to working with passionate people to build a strong and healthy environment for the local sporting communities.

“I have great faith the AFNL can retain its strength and vitality with such committed and talented people in control,” she said.

“Together we can look forward to positive and prosperous times ahead.”

TUESDAY, February 7.

Event: Tuesday Competition - 2BBSTB Field: 44.

Winner: Nick Dehey (12) 38pts, runner up: John Bolton (35) 35pts, 2BBB winners: Doug Dorratt (22) and Bruce Healey (34) 41pts countback; NTP: 5th Keith Stockdale 117cm, 9th Nick Dehey 362cm, 12th Mick Colley 100cm; 15th Robert Stead 761cm.

1 Ball Drew Pearson 35, 1 Ball Bill Merrigan 34, 1 Ball

Wednesday, February 8: 17 players. Division 1 - Ruth May (19) 39, Division 2 - Jean Wallace (39) 35; NTP: Libby Dehey, Pat Randall and Jean Wallace; DTL: Sue Purser 35, Libby Dehey 33 and Kirra Moon-Curry 32; 9 hole comp winner - Noela Maxwell - 11 points.

Thursday, February 9: Thursday Comp - 2BBSTB and Field: 60.

Winner: Tony Ambrus (11) 39, runner up: Charles Hodge 38 and 4B winners Ben Hall and Peter Colgan - 45; NTP 5th Ian Stewart – 141cm, 9th Mal McKenna – 133cm, 12th Ralph Stewart – 75cm; 15th John Bolton – 173cm.

1 Ball Ron Smith 36, 1 Ball Noel Bradford 36, 1 Ball David Chadwick 35, 1 Ball Mal McKenna 35; 1 Ball Peter Colgan 35, 1 Ball Ben Hall 34, 1 Ball Michael Bushe 34, 1 Ball Thomas Johnson 34 and 1 Ball David Allen 34 countback.

Saturday, 11 February 11,

Event: Saturday - Stableford.

Field: 157.

Grades A: Peter Sellers (6) 38, Grades A: Drew Pearson 38, Grades B: Mat Trebilco (17) 45; Grades B: Matthew Mitton 41, Grades C: Clint Kracht (30) 44 and Grades C: Michael Quinn 40. NTP: 5th Laurie Burgess, 9th David Allen, 12th James Hedrick, 15th Phil Conroy; 18th Chris Roberts; Ladies: Kerri Davey (20) 36; NTP 5th Lee Andrews, 9th Kathrine Bray and 15th Kerri Davey. 1 Ball Martin Clough 40, 1 Ball Neil Daymond 39, 1 Ball Michael Harmes 38; 1 Ball Noel Zunneberg 38, 1 Ball Arch Janssen 38, 1 Ball Michael Grass 38, 1 Ball Chris Roberts 37; 1 Ball David Lovie 37, 1 Ball Alan Robertson 37, 1 Ball Dean Da Costa 36, 1 Ball David Chadwick 36, 1 Ball Gary Wigham 36, 1 Ball Peter Hookem 36, 1 Ball Danny Wyhoon 36, 1 Ball Chris Kelsall 36, 1 Ball Andrew Wellwood 36, 1 Ball Peter Caust 36, 1 Ball Peter O’Toole 36, 1 Ball Clint Williams 36, 1 Ball Russell Wright 36, 1 Ball Brian Hall 36, 1 Ball Fred Skepper 36, 1 Ball Mal Delzell 36 sand 1 Ball Steve Pollock 35 countback.

master Col Stewart on Saturday who came away with a magnificent 44 points. Scoring overall on Saturday was high which is a reflection on the condition of the course at the moment.

The works crew has been working very hard so that the course is in tip top condition for the Classic which will be played at Meeniyan on Tuesday, February 14 (today).

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who keep the club running both out mowing and behind the bar in the clubhouse.

Results for the week:

Tuesday, February 7: Singles Stableford.

Winner - Reg Hannay (26) 37 points; runner up - Bo Fiek (20) 36 points on a countback from Will Bullock; nearest the pin - 2nd Lloyd Redpath, 8th Lloyd Redpath; best 9 - Mat Vanboven 20 points.

Thursday, February 9: Singles Stableford Winner - Mat Van Boven (19) 35 points; runner up - Bob McGeary (11) 35 points; nearest the pin - 2nd Bob McGeary, 11th Mat Vanboven Saturday, February 11: Sin-

gles Stableford.

The club thanks Bob McGeary for his generous sponsorship of Saturday’s competition.

A Grade winner - Will Bullock (15) 42 points; runner up - Chris Buckland (5) 39 points; B Grade winner - Col Stewart (25) 44 points; runner up - Daryle Gregg (22) 42 points; pro pin - 11th Ross Batten; nearest the pin - 8th Bruce Betts; down the line: Winston Reilly (24) 40 points; Col Olden (21) 40 points; members draw: Bill Pratt, jackpot next week.

Winner: Gary Buckland 40 points; NTP: 4th nil,15th N. Thompson; DTL: D. Hutchison 36, J. Hassett 33, Clackers 32.

Friday, February 10: Chook Run. Winner: Bill Fuller 24 points; NTP: 13th W Fuller, 17th L. McKenzie. DTL: L. McKenzie 21, T. Price 20, A. McKenzie.

Saturday, February 11: South Gippsland Classic at Foster G/C. 4BBB Mixed Winners: G. Shandley and J. White; 4BBB Men Winners: G. Renwick and C. Long; 4BBB Ladies Winners: G. Tyers and A. Heywood.

Lang Lang

Craig Davidson 33, 1 Ball Ralph Stewart 33.

1 Ball Leslie Anderson 33, 1 Ball Chris Macgeorge 32 and 1 Ball Mal McKenna 31 countback.

Ladies

Winners: from left, C Grade winner Chris Hamilton, A Grade and Monthly Medal Ally Adams, B Grade winner Pam Hanley.

Wonthaggi ladies THE cream rises to the top and Ally Adams was the cream of the crop on a blustery and hot February day for 29 ladies to play for the February Stroke Monthly Medal.

With a lovely 80 (12) 68 net she had the medal pinned on her at presentations. She was the scratch winner with 80 gross but lost the putting of 29 puts on a count back to Marg Johnson.

Pam Hanley with a lovely 98 (26) 72

net won the B Grade while president Christine Hamilton 107 (33) 74 net won the C Grade.

NTP 17th Lorraine Peters, Pro Pin Balls, Jan Beaumont. Marg Johnson had a birdie/ gobbler for 3 on the 15th.

Vale Ria Stewart who passed last weekend was a past captain, champion and mentor at Wonthaggi Golf Club. She started her golfing history in Leongatha and was a SGWGA delegate for many years.

Tuesday winner: Reg Han- Thursday winner: Vanboven. nay.

Mat Saturday Stewart.

winner:

Col

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Jack cracks top 200 INVERLOCH’S 16 year old tennis player Jack Clements recently won singles in The Victorian Grasscourt Championships Gold 18 and under at Geelong.

Swimming spirit: Newhaven College Year 6 students Willamina Donohue and Saffi CampellWalker got into the full carnival spirit last Friday at their swimming event in Korumburra.

Red everything: Newhaven College Year 6 students Faith Stewart-Walters and Coco Stafford wore everything red to support their house last Friday at the Korumburra outdoor pool.

Newhaven students make a splash MCHAFFIE took out the house shield at Newhaven College’s middle and senior school annual swimming carnival last Friday.

The carnival was held at the Korumburra outdoor pool and luckily enough the weather was perfect on the day.

McHaffie house won first place with a total score of 1381 points, runner up was Sambell house with 1184 points, third place went to Clarke house with 1123 points and Bass house came fourth place with 959 points.

Go Bass: Newhaven College year 12 students Saxon Taylor, Cerys Sinnott, Juliet Pirouet and Kiara Caile celebrated their last school swimming carnival last Friday at the Korumburra outdoor pool.

• Wonthaggi Table Tennis

No age limits at table tennis NEW players are welcome for the new 2017 season at Wonthaggi Table Tennis Association.

There are no age limits.

If you can hold a bat and get a table tennis ball over the net and on the table we would love to see you.

A number of keen Wonthaggi table tennis players recently competed in the Melbourne Open Table Tennis Champion-

ships. The youngest was 11 years old, Beau Dobbins from Cape Paterson, and the oldest was 80 year old Case de Bondt from Inverloch. Beau came home with his first trophy from a major tournament and Case sailed through the Over 80 Singles Championship with yet another win to his very long tally.

Table tennis is renowned for being a sport for all ages.

If you would like to

give it a try just turn up for a practice hit on any of the following nights: A Reserve: Monday from 6.30pm A Grade: Wednesday from 7pm B Grade and Juniors: Thursday from 6pm This year B Grade will be in a different format with the more advanced junior players being invited to compete.

Social table tennis has already commenced

from 11am to 12.30pm on Thursdays. A great sport for retirees or stay at home parents who want to get the benefit of exercise and some social interaction at the same time.

The Access for all Abilities Program commences on Thursday February 23rd at the Wonthaggi Table Tennis Centre, from 1pm to 3pm.

Enquiries for the new season: Bruce 56 722130 or Nancy 56 744628.

Case de Bondt Latto stars at Venus you’re a legend Bay championships LAST week’s table tennis article “Can anyone beat Allan Robic?” has generated a lot of interest.

Thanks to Joan De Bondt who rightly pointed out that her husband Case has won many more singles titles there than anyone else.

Case was a foundation member and also is a life member of the Leongatha Table Tennis Association In addition he holds a combined 17 Australian and New Zealand Singles titles as well.

He is the World Masters Singles, Doubles, Mixed and Teams gold medal holder.

He was awarded the Ken Cole Memorial Trophy for the best Australian Veteran

Player of the Year for 2016.

Case has also beaten Alan Robic some three years ago in competition so just maybe at 80 years of age he may be able to pull off a win.

• Case de Bondt

CLUB captain Josh Latto defied six foot surf to win the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s annual championships at Venus Bay beach recently.

The size of the surf made it difficult to competitors on the day, although everyone showed commitment and determination throughout the competition.

Latto gave a standout performance, thriving in the big surf and was one of the only competitors to make it past the buoy in the open swim race.

He took out the open

men’s division comfortably with wins in the two kilometre run, swim, board and iron man.

Latto’s preparation leading up to the day was colossal.

“Staying fit and healthy leading up to an event like this is very important to me,” he said.

“Healthy food and plenty of water is what makes me able to compete and perform at my best when it comes to competition day.”

The Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club presentation night will be held on Easter weekend, when Latto will pick up his gold medal.

Climbing ranks: Inverloch’s Jack Clements (right) with his winner’s trophy after overcoming Ryan O’Meara in the final of The Victorian Grasscourt Championships Gold 18 and Under at Geelong.

His Australian men’s open ranking has improved by more than 200 positions in the past year.

His current ranking is an impressive 186 in Australia, only 185 positions behind Australia’s number one player Nick Kyrgios.

It’s Jack’s highest ranking and he is now ranked 16th in Australia for his age.

Allambee Mirboo & District tennis WEATHER wise it was a good day for tennis on Saturday, February 11.

In Section 1 it was disappointing to see Inverloch forfeit as it was not able to field a team.

It was a close match between Leongatha and Leongatha North with North the winners by four games. Leongatha won five sets. Well done to Elise Dowling and Will Littlejohn winning the third mixed.

In Section 2 Outtrim had a big win over Korumburra which has almost settled the four in this section.

Hallston had hopes but it seems the chance may have slipped by this season.

Another close match between Koony and Baromi with a win to Baromi by seven games and there were three tiebreakers.

Berrys Creek had a win over Leongatha Gold. Well done to the younger Gold

team winning two sets. Berrys Creek is on top of the ladder.

Hallston won against Leongatha Green and there were three tiebreakers in this match.

The competition is very close in this section with tiebreakers each week in most matches.

In Section 3 Parrots were winners over Eagles with Alicia and Luke Marshman were in opposing teams. Luke took the points this week.

Hawks won against Mardan and well done to all players playing a part. Well done to Jo Eady getting herself together and helping out winning her three sets.

All players, let your team know if you are not able to play.

Country week this week.

Good tennis and good fun, enjoy the week.

Results Section 1: Leongatha North 4.57 d Leongatha 5.53, Phillip Island v Inverloch

(forfeit), Koonwarra - bye.

Section 2: Outtrim 9.72 d Korumburra 0.30, Hallston 5.62 d Leongatha Green 4.58, Baromi 5.61 d Koonwarra 4.54, Berrys Creek 7.67 d Leongatha Gold 2.35.

Section 3: Parrots 6.47 d Eagles 1.19, Hawks 5.44 d Mardan 2.30, Baromi - bye.

Ladders Section 1 Phillip Island......................120.5 Inverloch ............................106.5 Leongatha North .................73.0 Koonwarra ...........................69.0 Leongatha..............................58.5 Section 2 Berrys Creek......................129.5 Baromi ................................ 116.5 Koonwarra ......................... 114.0 Outtrim .............................. 111.0 Hallston ...............................102.5 Korumburra ...........................44.0 Leongatha Gold.....................43.5 Leongatha Green ...................34.5 Section 3 Parrots ..................................90.5 Baromi * ...............................82.0 Mardan.................................68.0 Hawks ...................................56.5 Eagles * .................................53.0 * Ladders not complete

Mirboo North and District Junior Tennis Association Results and Ladders from Round 13 – 11/2/2017 Only one more match before the finals, hope everyone has enjoyed the season.

All teams in both A and C Grade are still a chance to play in finals depending on this week’s results.

In B Grade there’s only Leongatha - Williams that may sneak into the final four positions after this week’s matches.

All the best to all the junior players this week.

A Grade Leongatha North: -6 sets, 36 games d Djokovic -Leongatha 0 sets, 10 games Mardan: 4 sets, 28 games d Fish Creek 2 sets, 21 games

Wawrinka - Leongatha: Bye Ladder Leongatha North ..........58.44 Fish Creek ....................53.56 Mardan .........................52.14 Djokovic-Leongatha ....31.36 Wawrinka-Leongatha ...29.87

Federer-Leongatha .......57.30 Barty-Leongatha ..........45.50 Williams-Leongatha .....43 Baromi-Black ...............41 Nadal-Leongatha ..........35.21 Baromi-Yellow .............33.55 Kerber-Leongatha ........30

B Grade

C Grade

Williams - Leongatha: 3 sets, 26 games d Mardan 3 sets, 22 games Baromi - Black: 3 sets, 25 games d Baromi-Yellow 3 sets, 22 games Federer - Leongatha: 4 sets, 31 games d Kerber - Leongatha 2 sets, 21 games Fish Creek: 5 sets, 33 games d Barty - Leongatha 1 set, 17 games Nadal - Leongatha: Bye Ladder Fish Creek ....................65 Mardan .........................57.89

Tsonga - Leongatha: 5 sets, 27 games d Berdych Leongatha 1 set, 14 games Fish Creek: 6 sets, 28 games d Tomic - Leongatha 0 sets, 10 games Murray - Leongatha: 4 sets, 25 games d Mardan 2 sets 17 games Ladder Fish Creek ....................86.50 Murray-Leongatha .......47.50 Tomic-Leongatha .........36.50 Tsonga-Leongatha ........36.50 Mardan .........................35 Berdych-Leongatha ......31

Race to finish: from left, Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club captain Josh Latto, with David Gee and Jack Roper before the open iron man which Latto took out comfortably.

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50 Years for South Gippsland Yacht Club SOUTH Gippsland Yacht Club celebrated its 50th anniversary at Inverloch on Saturday with a good crowd of past and present members along with families and friends.

The afternoon’s program began with a specially dedicated race which saw sailors competing in fresh conditions for a one-off 50th anniversary medal.

Conditions proved to be challenging with several boats going over at the gybe mark or while pushing a little too hard on the reach back from Point Smythe.

Visitors were able to watch the action and see the club in full swing while reminiscing about the basic facilities and homemade boats of the early days along with the changes in the Inlet over that time, changes which were highlighted by many of the old photos and items of memorabilia on display in the club rooms.

The rest of the day was devoted to catching up and sharing stories over some food and a few drinks.

Commodore Rob McNair welcomed everyone before introducing Life Member Allan Meiers to open the formal speeches. Kevin Cousins, now living on Bribie Island, regaled the crowd with stories of the early days when the club started on a 35 foot square of land.

For many years the club’s brass bell has been used to signal sailors crossing the finish line at the end of every race. It was news to many to hear how it had made its way from Japan after WWII to spend some time in a local church before finding its current resting place.

Formalities concluded with the winner of the 50th anniversary race, Bradley Westaway, receiving his medal.

The presentation was made by one of the early members, Colin Brennecks, who travelled from Bunbury, WA to take part in the celebrations.

Young club member Aaron Lopez-Freeman then provided the musical entertainment leading up to a barbecue dinner on the lawn with much of the crowd making the most of the ideal weather well into the evening.

Enjoying the celebrations: Jonathan Parise with daughters Bonnie and Polly as crew.

Race winner: past member Colin Brennicks presents Bradley Westaway with the winStiff competition: Jake Lurati ties to catch eventual winner Bradley Westaway. ner’s medal.

• Leongatha Cycling

Harrison McLean takes out track title HARRISON McLean won the Leongatha Cycling Club’s track title last Friday night at the velodrome.

The 2017 club track titles were run on Friday night and the weather conditions were great with a warm evening and no wind.

The club titles are run over three events – a 500m time trial, a sprint event and a scratch race event – a mass start race. The first four placegetters earn points and the overall champion has the best points tally.

The Friday night racing follows a pretty hectic schedule for the local riders with riders racing at Warragul for Sunday morning criteriums, Monday night track training and Wednesday night twilight racing for a Gippsland summer road series Some riders found the step up from the 400m time trial to the 500m a bit of a challenge for the mind but this is done so that riders can record a time for usage when it comes to entering state based events.

The riders are also riding in age group events – seniors, Under 17 and Under 15 years groups. The weekend also clashed with some state based events so some of the riders chose not

to race the club event.

In the Under 15 time trial, Kaleb Jans 46.37 sec was just ahead of Jack Allen 46.51 sec whilst Nick Blogg was at 56.20 sec. In the Under 17 group, Oliver Mclean 40.05 sec grabbed the five points on offer, ahead of Oscar Bowler (41.59sec), Tom Fitzgerald (43.35sec) and Felicity Waddell (49.51 sec).

In the senior group, Harrison McLean kept the family name on top with 39.89 sec. Steve Allen on 40.14 sec was next , followed by Dylan Adams 41.64 and Dane Herbert close at 41.94 sec getting the one point.

On to the sprint event and in the Under 15 group Jack Allen, who has improved markedly over the season took the points from Kaleb Jans and Nick Blogg.

In the Under 17 division, Oliver Mclean and Oscar Bowler won their first round heats to set up a heat for the major placings. In the final Oliver McLean had too much experience and duly claimed his second set of five points from Oscar. The minor place heat saw Tom Fitzgerald grab third ahead of Felicity Waddell.

In the senior sprint event, the first round heats saw Dylan Adams get a great lead out in his heat to move him

into the final whilst Harrison McLean took out heat 2. The final match up saw Dylan Adams grab a narrow win over Harrison leaving them on level points with the scratch race as the decider. The minor placings went to Steve Allen third and Mark Bensley in fourth.

The last event of the championship, the scratch race was set up for a decider in the Under 15 section as well and in a desperate run to the line Jack Allen secured the win ahead of Kaleb and Nick and hence took home the Under 15 club champion. In the Under 17 division, Oliver McLean kept it all under control and took out the win and the title. However, on the last bend, Oscar managed to tip himself off the bike and take a hard fall which let Tom Fitzgerald in for second whilst Felicity took third. However, the final points tally saw Oliver with 15 as winner, Tom with 7 points just moved ahead of Oscar on 6 point and Felicity on 4 points.

The senior race saw a steady pace for the race and Harrison and Dylan watching each other. In the dash to the line, Harrison just pipped Dylan whilst Steve Allen grabbed third ahead of Dane Herbert. The end points tally saw Harrison on 13

points as champion, Dylan with 10 points took the silver medal, Steve Allen with seven points took the bronze medal.

Earlier in the night, Jack Allen won the B Grade warm up scratch race from Kaleb and Felicity whilst in the A Grade event Chris Ray was too quick and had a commanding win from Harrison and Steve.

The last rides for the night saw

the B Grade riders ride a five lap progressive points race and this saw a real slug fest between Kaleb and Jack with the better fitness of Kaleb eventually overcome the greater speed of Jack take the win whilst Felicity secured third place.

The A Grade field raced an elimination and Oliver McLean was on fire controlling the race from the front and seeing off the challenges

each lap. The end result was a great win to Oliver ahead of Chris Ray and Harrison in third place.

Next Friday there will be no track racing as a number of the officials and riders will be away helping with the Tour of East Gippsland at Bairnsdale.

Riders will have to make do with Monday night training and a Wednesday night hit out at Hazelwood for the Gippsland twilight series.

Tight contest: Dylan Adams takes gold from Harrison McLean in the sprint final of the championships on Friday night in Leongatha. Harrison won the overall club champion on the night.

Leongatha Little Athletics THIS week we had 138 athletes participate achieving 178 personal bests and four centre records.

This week’s records go to: U7G Ella White long jump

2.69m U11B Xavier Bolge 1100m Walk 7:07.68min U15B Paul McKeown 200m 24.75sec and 70m 9.01sec Personal Bests are: 6G: Anika Edwards 1.86 Long Jump; Annabel Gammon

1.35 Long Jump; Mikayla Richards 53.47 200m, 19.90 60m Hurdles; 6B: Zeb Anderson 10.56 Discus; Lachie Bowler 48.65 200m, 16.48 60m Hurdles; Frazer Livingstone 9.87 Discus; Cooper Rogers 1.47 Long Jump;

Centre record holders: from left, Paul McKeown, Xavier Bolge, Mikayla Richards, Georgia Burns and Zeb Anderson.

Left, Senior girls start their sprint: from left, Sophie Allen, Maddi Cruickshank and Erin Clark.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

SPORT | CRICKET

thestar.com.au

• LDCA B Grade Division One

Town grabs vital second spot LEONGATHA Town has knocked OMK off its perch winning 9/281 batting first to the Diggers’ 247.

Town is now in second place, OMK moves to third while Club has been propelled to top spot but there’s nothing in the top three sides.

OMK chased well with Dylan McMeekin completing a great match with bat and ball, scoring 65 on Saturday. Opener Russell White made 39, Nathan Cant 41 and Justin Greenwood 37 but the Diggers were 34 runs short. Colin

Bruce with 4/70 was best for Town.

MDU scored a big outright win over Kilcunda Bass; MDU 2/128 to Killy Bass 64 and a dismal 35.

Paul Vine took 4/19 for MDU in the second innings.

Nerrena was gallant in defeat when it scored 299 chasing a mammoth 325

by Club the week before.

Two half centuries were scored by the Red Caps, to Leigh Fisher 57 and Nathan Trotto 59 not out while Michael Croatto made 48. Scott Williams took 4/56 for Club.

Inverloch all out 70

was no match for Phillip Island 5/270.

Scott Boyack’s 3/1 impressed while Clint Wilson took 2/16.

NERRENA def by WON CLUB 1st innings Won Club 325 1st innings Nerrena J. Beckwith c. J. Sheerin b. J. Brann ..............................9 A. Harrison c. B. Evans b. S. Williams .......................12 S. Lester b. L. McGuirk ...........37 J. Kelly c. L. McLean b. R. Geyer .............................3 L. Fisher b. L. McGuirk ...........57 R. Clark b. S. Williams ............15 C. Baudinette c. S. Williams b. D. Herbert ........................33 M. Croatto lbw. b. S. Williams .......................48 N. Trotto n.o. ............................59 C. Dougherty c. J. Sheerin b. S. Williams .........................7 Extras ......................................19

Total .......................................299 Bowling: S. Williams 4/56, L. McGuirk 2/80, D. Herbert 1/24, J. Brann 1/40, R. Geyer 1/22, L. McLean 0/59, B. Evans 0/12.

INVERLOCH def by PHILLIP ISLAND 1st innings Phillip Island 5/270 (cc) 1st innings Inverloch C. Fisher c. T. Hornsby b. M. Young............................4 D. Harris r.ol ............................17 J. Smith r.o. ..............................14 D. Cashin c. B. Christopher b. Z. Brown ............................2 A. Mujtaba stp. T. Hornsby b. C. Wilson..........................18 W. Williams c. B. Insall b. Z. Brown ..........................16 E. Cousins c. T. Hornsby b. C. Wilson............................4 L. Anderson c. T. Hornsby b. S. Boyack .........................10 S. Hayes c. T. Hornsby b. S. Boyack ...........................0

M. Goldsmith c. Z. Brown b. S. Boyack ...........................0 D. Charkley n.o. .........................1 Extras ........................................4 Total .........................................90 Bowling: B. Christopher 0/13, M. Young 1/7, M. Wright 0/7, Z. Brown 2/44, C. Wilson 2/16, S. Boyack 3/1.

2nd innings Inverloch C. Fisher n.o. ............................40 D. Harris c. B. Insall b. M. Young.......................... 11 J. Smith n.o. .............................23 Extras ........................................6 Total ...............................1/80 (cc) Bowling: S. Boyack 0/11, M. Young 1/13, C. Wilson 0/12, Z. Brown 0/14, A. Finlayson 0/6, B. Christopher 0/5, T. Hornsby 0/3, B. Insall 0/14.

E. Lamers c. D. Hume b. W. Turner............................4 A. Busana lbw. b. W. Turner..........................10 N. Cant c. M. Hanily b. C. Bruce ...........................41 N. Creed c. C. Bruce b. S. Clark ............................23 W. Dowel c. C. Bruce b. W. Turner............................4 D. McMeekin c. M. Wilson b. S. Clark ............................65 J. Greenwood b. C. Bruce ........37 R. Dixon b. C. Bruce................ 11 P. Green b. S. Clark ...................1 D. Wylie n.o. ..............................0 Extras ......................................12 Total .......................................247 Bowling: S. Clark 3/73, W. Turner 3/73, C. Bruce 4/70, D. Hume 0/14, M. Borschman 0/11.

TOWN d OMK 1st innings Town 9/281 (cc) 1st innings OMK R. White c. M. Wilson b. C. Bruce ...........................39

KILCUNDA-BASS def by MDU 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass 64 1st innings MDU 2/128 (cc) M. Olden c. C. Elliott

b. R. Duff .............................10 J. Sinclair b. D. Bettles.............69 W. Prosser n.o. .........................29 P. Vine n.o. ...............................10 Extras ......................................10 Total .............................2/128 (cc) Bowling: D. Bettles 1/47, R. Duff 1/34, C. Elliott 0/38.

2nd innings Kilcunda-Bass R. Gardiner c. T. Sinclair b. S. McRae ..........................10 S. Tapscott lbw. b. P. Vine ................................1 D. Ferguson c&b. P. Vine ...........2 A. Batty b. S. McRae .................1 J. Bastwrous c. M. Cantwell b. P. Vine ................................1 R. Duff c. T. Zukovskis b. P. Vine ..............................13 D. Bettles n.o..............................0 S. Oates b. M. Patching..............3 J. Mahood b. M. Patching ..........0 Extras ........................................4 Total .........................................35 Bowling: M. Patching 2/11, P. Vine 4/19, S. McRae 2/3, C. Hoober 0/0.

• LDCA B Grade Division One

Korumburra up to the challenge KORUMBURRA maintains top spot on the B2 ladder after a solid effort, scoring a win 6/251 to Miners’ 8/235.

Opener Shayne Harland’s 61 and Jeremy Oxlee’s 64 put the Cobras well on the way. With overs running out it was left to Travis Gray not out 22 and Mathew Olden not out 25 to finish off the win.

Wayne Chapman’s 4/72 was the best effort with the pill for Miners.

Bottom side Imperials put in a determined effort with the bat against second placed Poowong Loch scoring 253 chasing

6/288.

Kristian ‘Pistol’ Gray plundered top score of 57 and Ricky O’Loughlin 41 but the Imps, with 81 overs bowled, couldn’t quite get the job done. Four Poowong Loch bowlers took two wickets apiece.

Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL were very nearly upset by lower placed Foster on Saturday.

Number 11Adam Drury strolled to the crease with Koony still needing two to win.

He received a no ball full toss which he got a nick to, the ball sailing over the slips and into the boundary-the Cougars’ home- 155 to Foster’s 141.

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments EVANS PETROLEUM Round 13 - February 18 & 25 Home team Grade A1 Phillip Island Won Club Inverloch Nerrena Grade A2 Won Miners Foster Imperials MDU Grade B1 OMK Kilcunda-Bass Town MDU Grade B2 Glen Alvie Koon-L/RSL Korumburra Imperials Grade C1 MDU OMK Nerrena Won Club Grade C2 Poowong-Loch Koon-L/RSL Kilcunda-Bass Won Club Phillip Island

Away Team

Ground

Umpire

v v v v

OMK Korumburra Town Kilcunda-Bass

Cowes Butch W I Turf Nerr

G. Goss G. Wightman G. Adams T. Rogers

v v v v

MDU Koon-L/RSL Glen Alvie Bye

Won Rec G. Laird FGC C. Salmon L Turf J. Curry

v v v v

Phillip Island Nerrena Inverloch Won Club

Outt Bass Rec SP 1 Meen

A. Stride A. Jordan L. White M. Heenan

v v v v

Foster GA Won Miners Koon Poowong-Loch Kor Rec Bye

N. Barnes N. Grabham I.Richards

v v v v

Phillip Island Town Inverloch Korumburra

I. Thomas B. Bek N. Graydon K. Scrimshaw

v v v v v

Korumburra Glen Alvie Town OMK Bye

Dumb KSC L Velo McMhn Loch MMcK Bass 2 WSC

TBA TBA M. Wishart L. O’Brien

Any person interested in umpiring contact Graham Laird 0408 454 741.

Please note all games start at 1pm.

Kevin Thorne and Nigel Grimes each scored 28 while Andrew Starret took 4/19 for the Tigers.

Glen Alvie had the bye.

WON MINERS def by KORUMBURRA 1st innings Won Miners 8/235 (cc) 1st innings Korumburra C. Smith lbw. b. R. Todd ...............................4 S. Harland lbw. b. W. Chapman .....................61 S. Hayes c. M. Hibbins b. M. Greenway....................23 J. Oxlee c. M. Hibbins b. W. Chapman .....................64 E. Allaway c. L. Jones b. W. Chapman .....................15 T. Gray n.o. ..............................22 N. Leppin c. L. Jones b. W. Chapman .......................4 M. Olden n.o. ...........................25 Extras ......................................33 Total ....................................6/251 Bowling: M. Hibbins 0/37, R. Todd 1/25, M. Greenway 1/18, T. Wells 0/39, W. Chapman 4/72, T. Walker 0/16, L. Granger 0/6, G. Peters 0/14, L. Jones 0/7.

IMPERIALS def by POOWONG-LOCH 1st innings Poowong-Loch 6/288 (dec) 1st innings Imperials J. Forrester lbw. b. G. Poynton .........................9 C. Mondal b. G. Poynton .........36 K. Gray c. K. Miller b. T. Allen .............................57 K. Cooper b. B. Monson ............0 T. McGrath c. K. Miller b. B. Monson ..........................4 R. O’Loughlin c. T. Allen b. B. Knight ..........................41 H. McGannon c&b. T. Allen ....25 M. McGrath b. M. Allen ..........16 J. Van Der Kolk c. B. Monson

Clean bowled: Koony’s Jack Stockdale is bowled by Foster’s Andrew Starret for 14, starting the collapse which left Adam Drury, the number 11 bat, with two runs to score victory - he hit a four. Photo by Mark Drury. b. M. Allen ...........................25 M. Portelli n.o. ...........................8 W. Horvath r.o. .........................10 Extras ......................................22 Total .......................................253 Bowling: B. Monson 0/23, S. Head 2/29, G. Knox 0/23, B. Knight 1/23, T. Allen 2/50, G. Poynton 2/76, M. Allen 2/11.

KOONWARRA-L/RSL d FOSTER 1st innings Foster 141 1st innings Koonwarra-L/RSL K. Thorne lbw. b. G. Tanner ..........................28 J. Rockall lbw. b. G. Collis .............................1 D. Clark r.o...............................17 A. Rockall c.

b. G. Tanner ............................0 J. Hastings lbw. b. S. Chaseling .....................14 N. Grimes c. b. A. Starret ..........................28 M. Thomas lbw. b. G. Collis ...........................18 J. Stockdale b. A. Starret ..........14 L. Enter b. S. Roffey ..................0 J. Geary n.o. ...............................0

A. Drury c. b. A. Starret ..........................10 Extras ......................................25 Total .......................................155 Bowling: L. Edgelow 0/6, G. Collis 2/44, S. Chaseling 1/30, G. Tanner 2/23, P. Jervies 0/17, A. Starret 4/19.

• LDCA C Grade

Clear win for Cobras KORUMBURRA won an outright win against Inverloch on Saturday; Korumburra 1/170 defeated Inverloch 72 and 55 runs.

Matt Wrigley 3/24 and Aaron Brinksma 2/15 cleaned out the Inverloch bats ensuring maximum points.

Despite the loss of OMK’s Sam Matthews for three, the Diggers scored freely after that.

James Paterson made 62 runs, Peter Miller 56 and Paul Harper 31all not out.

It was an easy win for OMK after MDU’s performance last weekend. OMK finished their innings off with 2/157 in reply to MDU’s 9/151.

Club’s Mitchell Davey secured the win after making 52 runs on Saturday against Nerrena. Ian Barnes made 36 runs.

It was a convincing win for Club after making

4/147 runs chasing Nerrena’s 123 runs.

Phillip Island smashed Town on Saturday ending its innings with 6/293, defeating Town’s 235 runs from last weekend.

Champion player Russell Cleeland made a total of 144 runs before retiring.

Peter Cleary made 60 runs not out in Phillip Island’s big win. Town’s Nathan Hawkins took 2/24.

C Grade Division 2 Korumburra’s 9/191 runs was enough to defeat Koonwarra/LRSL’s 175 runs chasing this weekend.

Koony’s Paris Buckley made 88 runs before being caught out by Korumburra’s Glen Barrett.

Billy Manicaro made 32 runs for Koonwarra/ LRSL which was a great effort for the 13 year old.

Korumburra’s Matt Patten took 4/55 adding

to its win.

Cameron Dowling of Town made 56 runs on Saturday against Phillip Island and John Schelling made 25.

Phillip Island took home the win though with 230 runs and Town finished with 163.

Kilcunda Bass’s 62 runs weren’t enough to beat Glen Alvie’s 146 runs on Saturday.

Gary Burchell made 14 runs which was the most for Kilcunda Bass.

Glen Alvie’s Lachlan McRae took 2/7 overs.

Wonthaggi Workmen’s had a good start on Saturday against Poowong Loch.

Opening batsmen Daniel McGuirk made 58 runs, followed by Darcy Brosnan 54 and Keith Dutchman 21.

Poowong Loch’s Sean McKinnon took 2/25.

Wonthaggi Workmen’s had a clear win with 8/207 runs to Poowong Loch’s 108 runs.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 53

CRICKET | SPORT

thestar.com.au • LDCA A Grade Division One

Inverloch stumbles against Island INVERLOCH was knocked over for just 66 runs in A1 cricket with the top four side not even coming close to Phillip Island’s 9/190.

Played at Cowes, the Island’s big win was on the back of a great spell from Simon Kirton taking 6/22 and Charith Keerthisinghe taking 3/33. Only Dave Newman with 28 provided any real resistance.

Leongatha Town was not able to get close to OMK’s target of 8/305. The Scorpions made just 158 at Outtrim with OMK’s Jamie Dewell the destroyer taking 5/25 with Sam Jenkins 3/16.

Town’s openers Matt Davies 36 and Jack Hume 22 fared well while down the order Steve Fixter made 43.

Wonthaggi Club’s 3/256 was too big an ask for Nerrena; all out for just 100 on Saturday. Damien Symmons got 30 but no other batsman was able to stay around for a partnership.

Club’s best bowlers were James Sheerin 6/23 and Jakeb Thomas 3/25.

As expected top side Korumburra completed a win after its 7/309 was way too many for Kilcunda Bass which batted on Saturday and made 181.

John Bastwrous was best

with 66 and Ashley Larcombe 43 while the Cobra’s Dale Wyhoon claimed 4/35.

Division 1 PHILLIP ISLAND d INVERLOCH 1st innings Phillip Island 9/190 (cc) 1st innings Inverloch W. Taberner c. D. Johnston b. S. Kirton .............................6 B. Debono c. J. Asbury b. S. Kirton .............................4 D. Newman b. C. Keerthisinghe ..............28 K. Rotthier c. E. Richards b. C. Keerthisinghe ..............13 W. Rankin c. E. Richards b. S. Kirton .............................0 J. Bowring c. S. Kirton b. c. Keerthisinghe .................8 H. Smith lbw. b. D. Johnston ........................3 L. Rankin c. L. Cleeland b. S. Kirton .............................0 B. Thomas c. B. Johnston b. S. Kirton .............................0 R. Sparkes b. S. Kirton...............0 R. Thomas n.o. ...........................0 Extras ........................................4 Total .........................................66 Bowling: S. Kirton 6/22, C. Keethisinghe 3/33, M. Dennerley 0/8, D. Johnston 1/0.

2nd innings Inverloch K. Rotthier n.o..........................10 B. Debono c. D. Johnston b. C. Keerthisinghe ................0 W. Rankin c. B. Johnston b. S. Kirton ........................... 11 W. Taberner n.o. .........................1 Extras ........................................8 Total ...............................2/30 (cc) Bowling: S. Kirton 1/15, C. Keerthisinghe 1/4, D. Johnston 0/0, M. Dennerley 0/5.

WON CLUB d NERRENA 1st innings Won Club 3/256 (cc) 1st innings Nerrena

D. Symmons b. J. Sheerin ........30 D. Trotman c. K. Brann b. J. Thomas .........................15 T. Wightman b. J. Thomas .........0 G. Murphy c. D. Britt b. J. Sheerin ............................4 J. Hoy b. J. Thomas ..................12 P. Matheson lbw. b. J. Sheerin ............................3 D. Baldi c. K. Brann b. A. Geyer .............................4 H. Funnell c. R. Thomas b. J. Sheerin ............................3 S. Helms c. Z. Macdermid b. J. Sheerin ............................9 J. Trease stp. K. Brann b. J. Sheerin ..........................12 A. Trotto n.o. ..............................0 Extras ........................................8 Total .......................................100 Bowling: R. Thomas 0/8, M. McCall 0/16, J. Thomas 3/25, Z. Macdermid 0/10, J. Sheerin 6/23, A. Geyer 1/12.

2nd innings Nerrena D. Symmons c. J. Sheerin b. J. Thomas .........................19 D. Trotman n.o. ........................17 T. Woightman n.o. ......................8 Extras ........................................5 Total ......................................1/49 Bowling: J. Thomas 1/23, Z. Macdermid 0/6, J. Sheerin 0/6, M. McCall 0/0, M. Thomas 0/7, A. Geyer 0/5.

OMK d TOWN 1st innings OMK 8/305 (cc) 1st innings Town M. Davies c. S. Jenkins b. J. Dewell ..........................36 J. Hume c. J. Lamers b. J. Dewell ..........................22 M. Weerasinghe Silva c. A. Rose b. J. Dewell ...........0 A. Ratnaike c. J. Dewell b. N. Auddino .......................10 M. Smith c. J. Cochrane b. J. Dewell ............................0 S. Fixter c. D. Lloyd b. S. Jenkins .........................43

Delicate: Town’s Matt Davies lofts over slips to the third man boundary.

S. Browne b. J. Dewell...............2 A. Hickey r.o. ...........................21 M. Borschman c. N. Auddino b. S. Jenkins ...........................0 J. Schelling n.o. ..........................1 L. Smith c. P. Dell b. S. Jenkins ...........................1 Extras ......................................22 Total .......................................158 Bowling: P. Dell 0/18, J. Cochrane 0/48, J. Dewell 5/25, N. Auddino 1/37, S. Jenkins 3/16.

2nd innings Town M. Davies c. A. Rose

b. J. Van Rooye ....................16 J. Hume lbw. b. J. Van Rooye ....................42 M. Weerasinghe Silva b. T. Wyatt ............................ 11 A. Ratnaike n.o. .......................15 S. Fixter n.o. ...............................1 Extras ........................................3 Total ......................................3/88 Bowling: P. Dell 0/23, J. Cochrane 0/6, J. Dewell 0/8, S. Jenkins 0/9, T. Wyatt 1/10, J. Van Rooye 2/31.

KORUMBURRA d KILCUNDA-BASS 1st innings Korumburra 7/309 (cc) 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass C. Davidson b. D. Wyhoon ........2 J. Markland c. I. Osman b. S. Dole..............................27 A. Donohue lbw. b. S. Dole.............................. 11 J. Bastwrous c. D. Wyhoon b. I. Osman ...........................66 J. Tregear c. D. Salmon b. D. Wyhoon .........................7

A. Larcombe lbw. b. D. Wyhoon .......................43 P. Donahue stp. D. Salmon b. I. Osman ...........................16 A. Wells c. P. Dunlevie b. D. Wyhoon .........................2 C. Peckett c. M. Giles b. I. Osman .............................0 D. Blackney n.o..........................0 Extras ........................................7 Total .......................................181 Bowling: L. Zanchetta 0/20, D. Wyhoon 4/35, S. Dole 2/62, M. Giles 0/28, I. Osman 3/29.

• LDCA A Grade Division Two

Cougars’ “never say die” victory KOONWARRA/Leongatha RSL managed to score a nail biting seven run victory over Glen Alvie on Satur-

day to finish out day two of round 12.

The Cougars bowled Glen Alvie out for 218 after setting the target of 9/225 the week before.

A big partnership between Alex Hamilton 50 and Daniel Hales 60 of 104 runs saw Glen Alvie at 5/206 and seemingly cruising to victory with just 20 required and plenty of bats

Stunning win: Koony’s Jason Kennedy in full flight. He caused the runout of Hamilton off his bowling.

in the shed.

But Koony claimed 5/12 in amazing fashion with the wicket of Hales by Nick Arnup sparking the collapse with the Glen Alvie boys hitting panic mode when three runouts occurred just as they were in a seemingly impregnable position.

Poowong Loch was up to the challenge scoring 287 to defeat Wonthaggi Miners who had set a target of 222.

Jacob Bardwell was in stunning form and made 111 before being run out. Opener Colin Knox made 64 and Paul Dyer’s steady hand of 21 made sure Poowong Loch got over the line.

Mark Lafferty with 101 not out was the top score in Imperials victory 7/389 over Foster 218.

The victory was set up earlier in the contest though with Gary Sauvarin 40, Ryan Higgins 53, Luke Rogers 59 and Tim Sauvarin 40 all paving way for Lafferty to have a dash at it. This he did with his century including 10 fours and 5 sixes.

KOONWARRA-L/RSL d GLEN ALVIE 1st innings Koonwarra-L/RSL 9/225 (cc) 1st innings Glen Alvie P. Palmer c. B. Perry b. J. Guinan ..........................33 S. Smith c. S. Hughes b. J. Kennedy........................17 J. Glen c. J. Hale b. J. Guinan ............................0 J.A. Reid hit wckt. b. J. Guinan ..........................10 J.R. Reid b. J. Guinan ..............28 A. Hamilton r.o. .......................50 D. Hales c. S. Hughes b. N. Arnup...........................60 S. Watson c. B. Hastings b. N. Arnup.............................7 R. Slade r.o. ................................0 K. Simpson r.o............................0 W. Luke n.o. ...............................1 Extras ......................................12 Total .......................................218 Bowling: N. Arnup 2/33, J. Hoy 0/28, J. Guinan 3/66, J. Kennedy 1/41, B. Tomada 0/16, B. Hastings 0/6, J. Hale 1/24.

POOWONG-LOCH d WON MINERS 1st innings Won Miners 222 1st innings Poowong-Loch C. Knox c. C. Thomas b. J. Honeysett ......................64 A. Bardwell c. J. Rumbold b. J. Loos ................................2 J. Bardwell r.o. ....................... 111 N. Allen lbw.

Twilight croquet is here!

OUR annual twilight competition got off to a great start on Monday night.

Plenty of laughs: this year’s group of twilight players.

Once again it has been very well supported by the local community and it didn’t disappoint with lots of laughter, a few shenanigans and some great croquet.

Last year’s winners ‘Sandra’s Boys’, have hit the front early, however they are being chased fiercely by the other teams. With three more weeks to go, we’re sure we will have an interesting outcome.

Anyone wishing to come and try our great game is welcome to come along on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at 1pm, please wear flat soled shoes and use of equipment and coaching is free.

b. J. Piasente.........................36 P. Dyer lbw. b. J. Piasente.........................21 A. Fisher c. C. Thomas b. B. Andrighetto ..................18 J. Hibbs c&b. J. Piasente............0 M. Hancock c. J. Honeysett b. J. Piasente...........................5 J. Poynton c. J. Loos b. B. Andrighetto ....................0 M. Loader n.o...........................10 A. Jenkins c&b. B. Andrighetto ...............4 Extras ......................................16 Total .......................................287 Bowling: J. Loos 1/86, J. Rumbold 1/39, J. Piasente 3/44, A. Hall 0/39, J. Honeysett 1/53, B. Andrighetto 3/21.

FOSTER def by IMPERIALS 1st innings Foster 218

1st innings Imperials G. Sauvarin c. J. Chaseling b. J. Weston ..........................40 A. Meyer b. F. Griggs ..............26 R. Higgins c. J. Weston b. F. Griggs ...........................53 J. Ginnane b. N. Clarke ............13 L. Rogers c. O. Straw b. H. Griggs ..........................59 T. Sauvarin c. M. Lynch b. M. Jones ...........................40 M. Lafferty n.o. ......................101 S. Vagg c. M. Lynch b. H. Griggs ..........................31 Extras ......................................26 Total ....................................7/389 Bowling: F. Griggs 2/60, R. Johnston 0/44, O. Straw 0/48, J. Weston 1/83, N. Clarke 1/21, H. Griggs 2/40, D. Lacasa 0/25, J. Chaseling 0/37, M. Jones 1/18.

LDCA ladders A Grade Division 1 Korumburra .........................108 Won Club ..............................102 Inverloch .................................84 OMK........................................78 Town.........................................66 Kilcunda-Bass ..........................54 Phillip Island ............................42 Nerrena .....................................42 A Grade Division 2 Poowong-Loch ........................96 Koonwarra-L/RSL .................90 Won Miners ............................66 Glen Alvie................................66 Imperials ..................................54 MDU ........................................54 Foster..........................................6 B Grade Division 1 Won Club ..............................108 Town ......................................104 OMK......................................102 Phillip Island...........................90 MDU ........................................68 Nerrena .....................................42 Kilcunda-Bass ..........................42 Inverloch ..................................36 B Grade Division 2 Korumburra ......................... 110 Poowong-Loch ......................108 Koonwarra-L/RSL .................72 Won Miners ............................54 Glen Alvie ................................50 Foster........................................30 Imperials ..................................24

C Grade Division 1 Phillip Island.........................102 OMK......................................102 Won Club ................................96 Korumburra ...........................92 Town.........................................90 Nerrena .....................................48 MDU ........................................42 Inverloch ..................................12 C Grade Division 2 Phillip Island...........................96 Glen Alvie................................84 Won Club ................................84 OMK........................................72 Poowong-Loch .........................72 Kilcunda-Bass ..........................48 Korumburra ..............................48 Koonwarra L/RSL....................36 Town.........................................36 Under 16 East Zone MDU ........................................96 Town ........................................72 Korumburra ...........................72 OMK........................................60 Nerrena .....................................24 Koonwarra L/RSL......................0 Under 16 West Zone Won Club ................................84 Poowong-Loch ........................72 Glen Alvie................................72 Inverloch .................................60 Phillip Island ............................36

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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On patrol: Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club members Nick Kirby, Kade Perry, Declan AnOn your marks: female participants get set for San Remo’s Channel Challenge on Saturday, dreola and Jay Haig volunteered to patrol at the annual San Remo Channel Challenge event February 11. on Saturday, February 11.

San Remo event a real challenge IT was all smooth sailing for the 32nd San Remo Channel Challenge with great weather for the 550 metre swim and two kilometre run aquathon event that saw hundreds competing for some great prizes on Saturday.

While the race, run at 12.45pm, went without a hitch there is a cloud over next year’s the event with organisers facing huge increases in costs, the cancellation of one of the big money spinners, the popular hole in one competition due to objections by the Phillip Island Conservation Society regarding concerns stingrays may swallow the golf balls that hit the water and endless red tape.

The hard working Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and its volunteers do a fabulous job running this event, sponsored by the San Remo Branch of the Bendigo Community Bank and is the club’s major fundraiser for the year. It also provides a welcome boost to the San Remo economy.

During the daylong event San Remo was busReady to race: sisters Daisy and Poppy Corbett, Emily Goode and Ashlee Moxey from Cowes tling with children’s rides, market stands, various participated in the annual Channel Challenge in San Remo on Saturday. food vendors, a fashion parade, and live music.

Langwarrin’s Nathan Buschkhuel won the event overall in a time of 11:46.8, Kazimir Boskovic of Melbourne was second and Ben Wright was third. Overall women’s winner was Rebecca Henderson in a time of 13.15.1 from Kate Murphy, second, and Bridget Cain, third.

The first three overall local males to cross the finish line were Luke Plant, Mark Rowe and Rob Fleisner.

Inverloch’s Georgia Kaye-Helmot, Georgia Turner, Cowes and Mayson Vanderkolk were the first three local females to cross the finish line.

The swim started in San Remo on the mainland and crossed the Westernport Channel to Newhaven on Phillip Island.

After the competitors completed the swim leg they ran barefoot into the grassy transition area and after donning their running shoes they started the run back to San Remo.

The run back up over the picturesque Phillip Island bridge to the township of San Remo spread Water refreshment: Lucas Kent, Tom Onley, Jack Matthews and Andre Hefe from Woola- the runners out, and made for a spectacular sprint to the finish line in the main street where the large mai all participated in the San Remo Channel Challenge on Saturday. crowds urged the participants on.

Top effort: from left Inverloch’s Georgia Kaye-Helmot was first across the line for the local women in Saturday’s San Remo Channel Challenge with a time of 15.34.8 and was congratulated by Bass Coast Shire mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield and Georgia Turner of Cowes was second across the line with a time of 15:42.3.

First place: Rebecca Henderson was the first female to cross the finish line in the San Remo Channel Challenge with a time total of 13 minutes and 15.1 seconds, receiving a prize of $500.

Nerves kicked in: Max Stafford and Ash Smith from Philip Island stood at the starting point before the race began last Saturday in San Remo.

Champion: Nathan Buschkhuel earned first place overall male in the San Remo Channel Challenge on Saturday with a time total of 11 minutes and 46.8 seconds, receiving a prize of $500.

Big race: Georgia Turner received 6th place in the ladies competition and Debbi Mahon came 8th in the San Remo Channel Challenge, both from Cowes.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - PAGE 55

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Stevic push: let Matt Stevic be the field umCaptain appointed: Dyson Heppell is congratulated on taking on the Essendon captaincy by outgoing captain Jobe Watson. Photo Hawks leader: Jarryd Roughead was announced as Hawthorn cap- pire for the historic Essendon v. Hawthorn tain in January. Photo courtesy Michael Klein, Herald Sun. clash on March 25. courtesy Wayne Ludbey, Herald Sun.

Give Stevic the ball Roughy, Hep to go head to head on the “G”

By Tony Giles IN a proud moment for Leongatha and the whole of South Gippsland Dyson Heppell and Jarryd Roughead will shake hands in the centre of the MCG when Essendon play Hawthorn.

They will be doing so as captains of their respective football clubs, with the Bombers and the Hawks meeting in the opening round of the AFL season on Saturday, March 25 in a night game.

Heppell, the newly crowned captain of Essendon for season 2017 joins the other captain from Leongatha, Jarryd Roughead who was announced as Hawthorn captain just three weeks ago.

Publicity officer for the Leongatha Football Club, Dale McCahon, said it was a promoter’s dream and he called for our other great Leongatha to AFL export and probably the best field umpire going around, Matt Stevic, to be there for the coin toss and bounce the ball to open the contest.

“Stevic has been the favoured umpire for the last few AFL grand finals and wouldn’t it be great to have him officiate for this game,” Mr McCahon said.

Mr McCahon went a step further and said it

would be great to have one of the Leongatha Junior Football Club’s players tossing the coin in front of Heppell, Roughead and Stevic.

The Leongatha Football Club may even consider running a bus down to the match.

The Parrots play Berwick at Berwick in a practice match that day and could hop on a bus for the match which starts at 7.25pm.

McCahon paid tribute to the two leaders of their football clubs for what they have been able to achieve in their careers.

“It’s not just what our football club has done it is a credit to themselves, their family, friends, their school and the community as a whole,” Mr McCahon said.

“Both Jarryd and Dyson also loved their basketball and were very good at it too, playing at representative level so it’s also a credit to the Leongatha Basketball Association.”

“We’re just proud to be part of their development. The two guys came up through the juniors with us, both played senior football when they were 16 and both then went to the Gippsland Power before being picked up by the two AFL clubs.

“Both have been excellent role models and we know how much young children look up to high profile athletes. They both have outstanding

leadership qualities as well.

When they can both footballers come back to their communities and the football club to have a look at matches. Both Dyson and Jarryd have attended the last two Gippsland Football League grand finals where Leongatha, unfortunately, lost both contests. Their fathers Paul Heppell and Michael Roughhead both played their footy at Leongatha.

Heppell was handed the honour of leading the team by long standing and highly respected captain, Jobe Watson, at last Wednesday’s team meeting.

Watching the announcement was Dyson’s brother Aaron Heppell who was selected on the same side as Dyson for the club’s intra-club practice match.

Parents of the boys Ann-Marie and Paul Heppell watched the intra-club match before joining Dyson after the match and going out for a family dinner to celebrate that night.

“We’re very proud of his achievements; he has been a leader right through in his involvement as a junior in representive basketball and football,” Mrs Heppell said.

“He captained the Victorian Primary School’s side in representative football and basketball as a junior. He was also a captain at Gippsland

Power.”

The 24 year old headlines a new seven man Leadership Group, which will be charged with upholding and driving the team’s values throughout the upcoming campaign.

Dyson said he is extremely proud to be named captain.

“It’s an absolute honour to be named the captain of this great club,” Heppell said.

“Jobe has been a tremendous captain of our club, he’s one of the great leaders of our game, and he’s been a wonderful mentor to me over the journey.

While Hawthorn’s major announcement in January was that Jarryd Roughead had been appointed as their new captain, the man himself deftly put the elevation into perspective.

Roughead, 29, was cleared of cancer only in December, and until that point had thought he may not play again until midway through this year once his treatment had finished. Roughead had a melanoma removed from his lip in 2015 and in May last year it was diagnosed it had spread to his lungs.

While football is, and remains, important to him, the four time premiership star now understands there is far more to life.

GCL Final: the Leongatha Under 16 cricket team pictured before the final, back row from left, Brad Monson, Drew Herbert, Matt Allen, Jacob Lamers, Jack Hume, Ryan Sparks, Aaron Bardwell and front from left, Josh Shulz, Joel Brann, Alex Geyer, Rohan Slade, Blake Christopher and Josh Williams. Unfortunately the side lost the final, going down to Warragul.

• Gippsland Cricket League

LDCA Under 16s miss title LEONGATHA and District Cricket Association’s Under 16 team was defeated in the final of the Gippsland Cricket League on Sunday at Korumburra Recreation Reserve.

Warragul won the toss and batted, making 7/239 with the best wicket takers for the LDCA being Jakob Lamers 2/19 and Jack Hume 2/42.

In reply the LDCA boys were all out for 133; Aaron Bardwell opening with the top score of 30 and Jakob Lamers making 29.

Scorpion Park Leongatha looked magnificent when it hosted the senior GCL final on Sunday; Sale Maffra completed a brilliant year with a win 191 over Traralgon 139. Well done to the Leongatha Town club for the won-

derful effort in preparing the wicket so well for the final.

In the Under 18 GCL final on the Leongatha turf, Warragul 7/172 defeated Sale Maffra 6/171.

The following players received awards at Sunday’s GCL presentation.

Senior All Gippsland XI: Perry Hill - Bairnsdale, Rory Hare - Central Gippsland, Ross Whelpdale - Traralgon, Mark Rawson - Traralgon, Josh Davis - Sale/ Maffra, Jordan Gilmore - Traralgon, James Williams - Warragul, James Sheerin - Leongatha, Jack Tatterson - Sale/Maffra, Fraser Duncan - Warragul (Captain), Dylan Bolton - Sale/Maffra, Daniel Mock - Leongatha, Alex Mellor - Sale/Maffra Alan Rankin Memorial, Senior Best and Fairest: Alex Mellor - Sale/Maffra U/18: Connor Hughes - Sale/Maffra U/16: Caleb Serong - Warragul

Try outs: Harper McLennan, Zara Littejohn, Ella Littlejohn and Makenzi Gourlay tried out for the Leongatha Parrots under 13 netball team.

Parrots select LEONGATHA Parrot netballers had their first round of try outs for the 2017 teams last Thursday afternoon at the

LDNA courts in Leongatha.

The turnout was remarkable with more girls trying out than any other year, with old players and new players.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, February 14, 2017