Bass Coast needs rates of 12.9% - page 3
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012 - $1.20
Families rush to seaside
INVERLOCH is proving such a popular place for young families to raise their children, that Prep enrolments at Inverloch Primary School have risen by nearly 40 per cent this year. Last Thursday, 63 new Preps began, up from 40 last year, prompting a third Prep class to be added.
The school is hosting two American student teachers this year, Sydnee Bridger and Rachel Lehrner, pictured with some of the new Preps, front, Indy, Victor, Mason and Kelera, and back, Claire, Amy and Chloe. The Star this week presents a comprehensive wrap-up of schools across South Gippsland. Turn to pages 2, 41-43, and 54 to see what is happening at your school.
POOL BACKFLIP
By Brad Lester
PUBLIC pressure has forced South Gippsland Shire Council to give all pools a fair go. Council’s final draft aquatic strategy released last Wednesday gives all pools in the region an equal opportunity to survive. Council has offered support for extensions and upgrades at the three least used pools: Foster, Mirboo North and Poowong. When applying for grants for such works, the initial draft required communities to fully fund the local contribution. Now council will consider paying up to 30 per cent of the costs for “well developed proposals”.
Page 4.
Defying the odds
Funding from communities and non-council grants will be required to make up 70 per cent of the project cost. The change follows community opposition to the original council plan. However renovating and maintaining the pools will cost council $9.816 million - an extra $1.034 million over 10 years, based on council’s Long Term Financial Plan. That equated to an average of $100,000 a year and council CEO Tim Tamlin was confident the community could help raise that amount, given the level of community interest in the aquatic strategy. External grants and commercial sponsorship would also be sought. The Mirboo North and Korumburra pools will also be
renovated over the next 10 years. Master plans for those pools will be developed in 2012-13, followed by Poowong, Foster and Toora pools in 2013-14, to guide future investment in those pools. However trigger points for closure – such as low attendance and plant breakdown – will prompt council to review the future of pools. Mary Baker, secretary of the Mirboo North Pool Committee, said the new Strategic Direction for Aquatic Facilities in South Gippsland 2012-16 seemed “positive”. “There is definitely more help for the Mirboo North pool. Previously we were part of the ‘have nots’ but now we can get ahead and pursue the works that we want, working with council’s consideration of course,” she said. Continued on page 3.
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Page 20.
Crash duo recover
TAFE honours
PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
One on one
Foster fun
FOSTER Primary School got off to an excellent start on Friday with 199 students coming back to school, including 20 Preps.
STUDENTS at St Laurence’s Primary School started school yesterday (Monday). Last Thursday and Friday were spent as one on one time between students and teachers. “Each student was rostered to come in at a certain time and get to know their teacher and develop relationships before they start school,” principal Chris Dortmans said. There are 38 Prep students, the same number as last year and the school has added a junior class. “We had a few part time teachers and have extended their hours and Patricia Saultry is back at the school teaching as well,” Mr Dortmans said. With a total number of 189 students, the school has 20 more children than last year. Coming up at the school, are the swimming program for Grade 2-6 and a Fish and Chip night with families on February 17. “It is a good way for families to mingle, as there are a lot of new families, so they can create networks with existing families,” Mr Dortmans said.
They have three new staff, a graduate teacher in Prep/1, a primary welfare officer and a new PE/Science teacher. “We have one more grade than last year, taking it to 10 classes,” principal Fiona Bull said. Part of the school has been refurbished, with the old buildings removed to allow more play area and garden and three classes renovated into two. “This is to allow for more Exciting adventure: Zac and Bayleigh enjoyed space for working in teams building objects with Lego on their first day of and groups,” Ms Bull said.
school at St Laurence’s Primary School.
New faces on staff KORUMBURRA Secondary College has welcomed in the new school year with new staff. The college has welcomed seven new staff in a range of areas. Taking on the role of assistant principal is John Wilson who has moved from a school in Mount Waverly. Mr Wilson is excited about the things to come in 2012 for Korumburra where he will be involved with AP duties, student pathways and wellbeing as well as taking up a role in the Maths classrooms. Dr Qaisar Ameer has also joined the math/science department, coming from a history of tutoring and research at Monash University Churchill. Taking over in the textile room is Jen Manhal. Ms Manhal has a history with the school doing relief teaching throughout the past few years. Meghan Bye is coming into the art room and looking forward to getting the students into art and will be taking Year 8, 9, 10 and 12 art classes. Kim Cross is the school’s new business manager.
Sharon Merrett has taken on the role of librarian after moving to the area from the city. Damien Crowe is taking Year 7 and 8 PE and Health, replacing Larissa Wilson while she is on leave. Along with the shake up in the staff room at KSC comes one for the senior school. “We’ll be settling into our new structure where we’ve increased the number of periods which our Year 12 students do,” principal Lynne Hardy said. “We also have about 60 students studying units that are above their year level, which is very exciting.” Ms Hardy is looking forward to the partnership with Leongatha Secondary College via the Polycom classroom link system. “We will be running VCE Instrumental Music via video link with Leongatha,” she said. “It is an exciting time as this is the way education is heading and we’d be looking forward to doing more of these types of classes in the future.” In Year 7, KSC has 68 students for 2012 and 511 for the entire school.
• More school wrap-ups on pages 41, 42, 43 and 54.
On board: new assistant principal John Wilson (front left) is welcomed to Korumburra Secondary College by principal Lynne Hardy and assistant principal Harold Cheung along with other new staff (back from left) Sharon Merrett, Damien Crowe, Qaisar Ameer, Kim Cross, Jen Manhal and Meghan Bye.
Tarwin Valley settles in A HUGE show of parents turned up on Friday morning to see off their children for their first day at Tarwin Valley Primary School at Meeniyan. The 20 Preps were left in the capable hands of Donna Russell, who is taking up her first year with the younger brigade. All 115 students in the school made an impressive start, easing into the school
year well. Tarwin Valley also welcomes new teacher Kady Hemming, who has taken up a role with the school after completing a degree last year. Principal Brett Smith was looking forward to another exciting year. He announced the school will be introducing solar energy this year, with solar panels being installed on buildings and blinds used to reduce the heat.
New friends: Isabella, Kirra, Bodhi and Burke made the transition to school quite easily.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 3
Rate rise of 12.9% needed By Simone Short A RATE increase of five per cent is required for Bass Coast Council to maintain the shire’s assets over the next six years.
The rise would be on top of the 7.9 per cent increase in the 2011-12 budget, bringing the effective rate rise to 12.9 per cent. At the first council briefing session for the year, infrastructure and property management manager Mark Simpson provided information on the status of asset management and the challenges council faces in maintaining and im-
proving assets within the shire. There is currently a gap of around $1.5 million between the resources for roads, buildings, drainage and other facilities, and what is required for renewal. Mr Simpson said this figure had decreased from $5 million in previous years, but without considerable rate rises in the future, the gap would increase again. “This is not an impossible situation. It’s not going to go away, but a five per cent rise solves the immediate six year problem,” he said, listing urban roads and buildings as the biggest gaps. Mr Simpson said in the worst case
scenario, the community would become “dislocated” with no facilities, and the council would have to decide how and what they deliver to the shire. “We’ve certainly got to stand up to community expectations and it’s hard to pull back from what you already provide,” he said. “We can’t afford to let assets fall down, because it will cost more to rebuild. You can’t win if you don’t put money into it. “When you look at what we do, we do okay, but we could do better.” Councillor Gareth Barlow said Bass Coast needs to avoid finding
themselves short in a shire with a rapidly growing population. “So many councils face dilemmas when the community calls for increased services and facilities, and ultimately they have to close roads and buildings,” he said. “The 7.9 per cent doesn’t cover service bills and asks us to close assets in the long term.” Deputy mayor Cr John Duscher said sitting down to discuss the budget every year was “not easy”. “2006 was a turning point and it’s better now we know the assets we have, how they’re deteriorating and what we can spend,” he said.
Woman flees fire
School to open next week
A 51-YEAR-OLD woman was lucky to escape a house fire early Wednesday morning, with the cause still unknown.
KOONWARRA Village School will officially open its doors as of next Monday. A year after it was first planned to open, students will partake in orientation activities on Monday and Tuesday next week. School co-ordinator, Fiona McKenzie said they were waiting on the planning permit to be issued today (Tuesday) and the lease to be signed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment on Wednesday. Teachers and parents have been busy setting up classrooms over the past week, with the Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority coming to inspect the site later this week. “The buildings are finally starting to look like classrooms and we’re very confident everything will be ready for next week,” Ms McKenzie said.
Burnt out: a house in Bridge Street, Korumburra following a fire that destroyed the interior of the house.
Council’s pool backflip
Continued from page 1. Cr David Lewis, who was applauded by Mirboo North pool supporters after the strategy briefing for advocating changes to the initial strategy, said the new plan proposed “significant improvements” and was a “big plus compared to the previous one”. “This strategy removes the discrimination between the pools and utilises the energy of the community to facilitate improvements and expansions of pool facilities, and I think that will reduce the cost to rate-payers, because with the community behind an issue, it will tend to push for more support from the State and Federal governments in the way of grants,” he said. “If the community is behind something, I think that weight will aid us in our requests to state and federal politicians. It’s the votes element.” South Gippsland SPLASH is in the best condition of all pools, followed by Toora, and then equally Foster and Korumburra, and Mirboo North the worst, with major maintenance needed to prevent further deterioration. The draft strategy attracted a high level of public reaction, with council receiving 860 submissions to the draft strategy, including three joint submissions with more than 2500 names. Among the issues raised were: • the least used pools (Foster, Mirboo North and
Happier now: members of the Mirboo North community welcomed changes to South Gippsland Shire Council’s Strategic Direction for Aquatic Facilities in South Gippsland 2012-16. They are front: Bill Valle, Jack MacDonald and Geoff Williamson. Back: Gerry Rabach, Glenys Valle, Liz Paterson, Mary Baker, Derrick Ehmke, Judy Potter, Maggie Tree, Bert Bright and Janet Bradley. Poowong) were disadvantaged by not being offered council support; • all pools need financial commitment from council; and • comparing outdoor pools with the indoor regional complex South Gippsland SPLASH in Leongatha was unfair. As a result, the new strategy recognises South Gippsland SPLASH as servicing the entire shire and council will continue to plan to improve the facility. The future of pools will be governed by the following trigger points:
“Other shires have a population that’s dwindling and can’t find resources at all; we’re much better off.” Cr Duscher said any rate rises in the future need to be clearly communicated to the ratepayers. “Critics of rate rises need to better understand what we’re doing with the money,” he said. “We don’t like to put up rates but we’ve got to; the community needs to understand we’ve got a lot of infrastructure we have to maintain.” Cr Phil Wright suggested introducing a concession or type of pension for people who could not afford higher rate payments.
• the pool operator is not able to comply with occupational health and safety requirements within maintenance and capital work budgets; • legislative changes require additional investment beyond projections; • breakdown of pool filtration, pool shell or critical infrastructure; • non-compliances with annual operations budget; or • drop in attendance by 20 per cent over two consecutive seasons based on average attendances from 2005-06 to 2010-11. If a pool triggers a
point, a report will be prepared for council to consider the future of the pool. Ms Baker told council the Mirboo North committee was seeking a dedicated first aid room, as that room is now shared with an office. Mayor Cr Warren Raabe suggested she wait for the master plan to be done. The strategy is now available for public comment and will be consideration for adoption by council at the February 22 meeting. The strategy will be reviewed in 2016-17.
She was forced to leave her Korumburra house through a window after reporting the blaze around 1.10am. She was taken to hospital where she was treated for smoke inhalation. Twenty fire-fighters from Korumburra and Ruby brigades arrived at the Bridge Street property. Operations officer David Chugg said they responded quickly and extinguished the fire in 30 minutes. “There was potential danger with her nursing home
next door but the firemen did very well to contain the blaze as quickly as they did,” he said. “We are unsure at this time of the cause of the blaze, but believe it started in the lounge room. “The woman was very lucky to have woken up, and only suffered from smoke inhalation.” The fire has and is not likely to be deemed suspicious, but the whole interior of the house was destroyed.
PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Big day for once little baby By Isaac McCallum KATREENA Poletti was lost amongst a sea of 20 Prep students on Friday at Tarwin Valley Primary School at Meeniyan, but her journey to school was different to most. The six-year-old was born more than three months premature, and Leongatha doctor Tim Linton held little hope for her survival. She was born after 24 weeks and weighed just 737 grams. “Tim Linton said she was the most premature baby who has survived,” Katreena’s mother Tracy said. “Apparently it is pretty rare. Tim called it a miracle that such a premature baby survived in a small regional hospital, especially one that doesn’t specialise in natal care.” Katreena’s first four months provided some scary times for Tracy and her husband Joel. The Middle Tarwin couple sat on edge as they watched their daughter battle for survival.
“For the first couple of months, we sat and watched her stop breathing about 40 times a day,” Tracy said. “She was hooked up to all these machines and every time she’d stop breathing they’d start with these alarms. It really was touch and go for the first few months.” In a room jam packed full of premature babies, it was common knowledge when one lost its battle. “There were so many premature babies and some weren’t as small as her,” Tracy said. “I could go in there some days and say to the nurse ‘What happened to the baby that was next door?’ and she’d give me a look to say it didn’t make it, and those babies were a fair bit bigger than her.” But six years on, Katreena fits in with the crowd easily. She has not had too many troubles, aside from a rare chest infection every now and then. Her proud parents had big smiles on their faces as she ran inside the classroom with the rest of the students. “She was very excited. She can’t wait to get in there,” Tracy said.
Off to school: it has been a big trip to school for Katreena Poletti, who was born prematurely at Leongatha Memorial Hospital six years ago. She is pictured with parents Tracy and Joel and brother Braydon.
Rotary raises $10,000 INVERLOCH Rotary Club’s annual boat raffle raised $10,000.
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Funds raised will be shared by the Inverloch State Emergency Service and Interplast, a Rotary program that sponsors teams of plastic surgeons to visit developing countries and perform corrective surgery. Children particularly benefit, receiving a quality of life they wouldn’t otherwise be able to have. Club president Ken Fisher thanked the local community and summer visitors who support the raffle each year; sponsors Inverloch Marine, Rod Bending’s Fishing Supplies, Eugenie’s and the Leongatha Golf Club; and Rotarians who spent much time selling tickets and transporting the boat. The winner was Mark Olden of Cape Woolamai. Second prize of a night for two at Eugenie’s of Inverloch Top prize: Inverloch Rotary Club boat raffle win- was won by Carina Nods of Rowville, and third prize ner Mark Olden of Cape Woolamai was presented of four rounds of at Leongatha Golf Club was won by with his prize by club president Ken Fisher. 17-month- old Will Jenkins of Chelsea Heights.
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Paul Seymour, 24, of Brisbane is working 52 jobs in 52 weeks, traversing Australia to both find his passion and fulfi fulfill his fundraising dream. dream During the One-Week Job Project, all of Paul’s wages will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a communitybased mentoring program for vulnerable young people. He was working at a beef farm at Inverloch last week and this week is working with the General Practice Alliance, which helps the region’s medical clinics. “I’ve chosen to donate all of my wages from the 52 jobs to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia as they provide a lot of great opportunities and support for the kids of Australia to succeed,” he said.
At work: Paul Seymour on the Inverloch beef farm.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 5
Limited rights for farmers By Simone Short FRUSTRATED farmers and landowners feeling helpless over the threat of coal seam gas exploration do have “a few” legal rights to protect their land.
Environment Defenders Office lawyer Nicholas Croggon attended an information session in Wonthaggi last Wednesday night to explain all legal rights and answer questions. Mr Croggon said while mining is an environmental issue, it can also have severe economic impact for farmers. “I think it’s often polarised into environmentalists versus the rest; something like mining really makes it clear that while there’s serious environmental impacts, it fundamentally comes down to a land use question,” he said. “It directly involves farmers who spend their entire lives looking after the land and want to protect it against companies who may harm their livelihoods.” Mr Croggon said the general purpose of the workshop was to explain to landowners what their options are if they want to oppose mining on their land or in the community. “The sense I got going in was landowners, particularly in that area, felt a degree of powerlessness and not being able to do anything,” he said. Mr Croggon however, agreed there are only limited legal rights when it comes to landowners versus mining companies. “From a broader perspective, I think that’s right; the law doesn’t give a lot to landowners and that should be improved,” he said. “The EDO has done some law reform work on that point towards getting the act amended for approved rights for landowners.” With around 60 people attending, Mr Croggon said he thought the session went “really well” and was
Legal advice for farmers: Environment Defenders Office lawyer Nicholas Croggon informed landowners they do have legal rights should they want to oppose coal seam gas exploration and mining on their property or in the community. pleased so many landowners and farmers attended. “I spoke to a couple of people afterwards and they seemed a little more buoyed by it and knowing there’s an office like us prepared to help out,” he said. “It can be intimidating when you’re up against the government and mining companies that have huge legal help, and it’s heartening to know there’s an organisation like us that is aware of the implications of mining.” Mr Croggon said it is vital landowners do not get pressured into agreeing to anything they’re not happy with, and to seek independent legal advice immediately. Attendees also heard from local dairy farmers and Groundswell Bass Coast climate action group representative Neil Rankine. Glen Alvie dairy farmer Shiona Berry said she was “appalled” it seemed farmers had no rights when it came to exploration and mining licences. “At a meeting held with the DPI (Department of Primary Industries) before Christmas, they couldn’t assure me there would be no environ-
mental damage on our property,” she said. Ms Berry said questions regarding whether chemicals used for mining would contaminate water, and therefore result in tainted milk, were left unanswered. “A new report from the DPI showed earnings from dairy export in Victoria were $1.96 billion in 2011-12, and Victoria makes up 86 per cent of exports from Australia with the majority of that coming from South Gippsland,” she said. “There will be a huge impact on the economy if our product is tainted because of mining. I cannot believe the government will not stand up and protect our food and agriculture.” Mr Rankine claimed “the government is keen to see mining go ahead for the royalties” it would receive, and said he was also concerned for any possible contamination. “If the chemicals used during the fracking process get into the food chain, it takes forever to clean them up,” he said. Anyone requiring legal advice regarding coal seam gas mining can contact the EDO on 03 8341 3100 or by visiting www.edo.org.au/edovic.
Valve failure won’t delay desal THE failure of some valves at the Wonthaggi desalination plant will not delay construction, according to plant builders Thiess Degrémont. Spokesperson Serena Middleton said replacing the valves would have no bearing on either the timeline for or cost of delivering the project.
“The fact is each and every piece of equipment in the desalination plant passes through final quality assurance tests as part of the pre-commissioning process,” she said. “This process is designed to confirm that the plant will operate safely and to specification. It is not unusual for issues with equipment only to be evident when it is installed and undergoing
commissioning.” Ms Middleton said some issues were identified in a small number of valves, but certainly not the thousands of valves inside the reverse osmosis building as alleged in the Melbourne media last week. “The fact that these issues were identified means our quality assurance process is doing what it should. The
valves are being replaced under warranty, and at no extra cost,” she said. Thiess Degrémont has submitted extension of time claims due to issues with extreme bad weather. “We’re still aiming to produce the first water from the plant around the middle of this year, as part of the commissioning process,” Ms Middleton said.
Drafting fever: Kerry and Ryan Sipthorpe got into the spirit of the campdraft held by Meeniyan Dumbalk United Football Netball Club at Dumbalk on the weekend. Turn to page 58 to read more.
TAFE funding cuts would hurt region By Brad Lester REGIONAL education would be damaged by any government cutbacks, the CEO of GippsTAFE declared yesterday (Monday). Dr Peter Whitley has called on the State Government to not follow through on a recommendation by the Essential Services Commission to slash $230 million over four years in government funding from Victorian TAFE institutes. TAFE institutes stand to suffer, with institutions such as GippsTAFE stand to lose on average around $7 million each. These funds support and provide courses, classrooms, teachers and smaller campuses. Peter Hall, Minister for Higher Education and Skills, said the government is not considering the cutbacks, but Dr Whitley is concerned the recommendation is even before the government. While he said GippsTAFE campuses, including Leongatha, would not be closed if funding were reduced, students would ultimately be affected. “It’s not as though our TAFE institutes in regional areas are massive money making machines,” he said. “A few dollars go back into Leongatha as a result of having a GippsTAFE campus. We spend money on stationery, catering and we have a stack of staff in town. “We would want the government to not consider the Essential Services Commission’s recommendation. We in regional Australia are doing the best we possibly can.” David Williams, executive director
of the Victorian TAFE Association, said: “The cuts would amount to the biggest single funding cuts to the sector in its 120 year history.” He said the government should be building the system, not cutting it down. “Not only should the Victorian Government halt any further cuts to TAFE, there should be heavier investment in TAFE as the primary provider of Victoria’s skills,” Mr Williams said. “Victorians have been investing in one of the best vocational training systems in the world for over 120 years. These developments shake their very foundations.” Mr Hall said the association was simply “scaremongering” “The Essential Services Commission’s review of fees and charges advocated strongly for greater transparency with funding. The review recommended phasing out the TAFE differential, paying all providers the same amount, but separately paying TAFEs for additional costs they incur because of their public provider status,” he said. “The government has reduced the TAFE differential for large institutes by 25 per cent and reinvested nearly half of this in a fund to assist TAFE with the transition. “This has meant for a certificate I or II level course, the TAFE rate has dropped from $9.21 per hour to $8.33, compared with the rate for private providers an unchanged $7.70. “The government has not made any decision on whether to further follow the ESC’s recommendation.”
PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Poor phone service chokes growth By Brad Lester THE development of Dumbalk is being stifled by poor mobile phone service in the district.
Lives are also being put at risk, with residents unable to phone emergency services in the event of an accident unless they have access to landline. Families are fed up paying for mobile phone services without adequate coverage. The community has been battling for better mobile phone service for 15 years, but to no avail. Service provider Telstra has effectively ruled out installing a tower to service the Dumbalk district, with a spokesperson declaring doing so was not a commercially viable proposition. However the telco has offered Dumbalk residents a dedicated officer, but that will not improve coverage immediately. Don Couper, president of the Dumbalk and District Progress Association, is outraged. “In this modern age, we are back with the horse and buggy. It’s not only mobile phones, but also to a large extent internet,” he said. “I don’t think businesses can work these days without the internet.” Dumbalk General Store owner Ineke Veale was simply frustrated. “It’s no good trying to develop this community because we’re handicapped,” she said. Sue and Andrew Horvath install solar hot water systems and moved their business to Dumbalk from Phillip Island in May last year. “Our business has dropped dramatically because we do not have
Missing out: Ineke Veale and Chris Oliver are among the Dumbalk residents frustrated by the lack of mobile phone service. Their views are shared by Tony Tomada, Stan Fitzgerald, Ian Wise, Tracie Tomada, Faye and Tommy Marshman, and Ed Hanley. phone reception and no one can contact us,” Mrs Horvath said. “My husband has voice to text (on his mobile) so he has to walk somewhere on the property and wait for reception to receive his messages, and then walk back to the house and make calls on the landline. It’s time wasting. “If you can’t get a call there and then, there is a 95 per cent chance that that you have lost that sale.” Agricultural contractor Ian Wise is also missing out on business. Despite the Dumbalk valley being a prosperous dairying district, reception means contractors and farmers are hindered. “If you are going from one farm to the next, a farmer wants to know a rough time that you will be there and if you
can’t ring him, it’s frustrating,” he said. Chris Oliver is a casual relief teacher and is worried she is missing out on work. “If I’m in the paddock working, I cannot receive a call to teach the next day so if I’m not there at the time, the school will move on to the next person,” she said. “When I get to the end of the road out here, my phone starts beeping with all these messages coming through.” Mr Wise believes Telstra should erect a mobile phone tower on Austin’s Hill, 17km from Dumbalk and a high point overlooking the valley, that would provide ample coverage. Mrs Horvath said mobile phones were effectively an essential service in
contemporary society, but mobile phones were useless at Dumbalk. “I’m locked into a two year plan because it was guaranteed to work in this area but it’s useless,” she said. Tracie Tomada said Telstra customers in Dumbalk should be offered cheaper plans. “We get one bar of reception but we pay for five,” she said. Mrs Tomada and her husband Tony recently toured Tasmania and despite being in valleys, did not lose reception. “If you are out in the boondocks and you have a mishap, what do you do?” he said. Mr Wise added: “I’m largely working by myself and if I have an accident at 10 in the morning, a lot of people would not
miss me for a few hours.” Mr Tomada has been frustrated while undertaking internet banking, as he relies on an authorisation number sent from his bank to his mobile - via text message - for the transaction to proceed. He must leave his computer, run to the front of his house and quickly return to his computer as the number is only valid for 30 seconds. “The pollies don’t give a damn because there are not enough voters here,” he said. The former police officer said quality mobile reception is vital in the event of an accident to alert emergency services quickly. Dumbalk resident Graeme O’Connor knows that only too well. He recalled a night when he was awoken by a car accident at 2am. He found a ute overturned in the middle of Nerrena Road and the driver 30m away, bloodied but otherwise okay. “I had to leave him to run 100m up my hill to get telephone reception. The guy was never going to die but it is going to happen around here when someone might not be so lucky,” Mr O’Connor said. “Where that accident happened was not as though it’s a ravine. The car was in the middle of the road and I wondered whether the next person to come around the corner was going to run into him. “I can’t understand why they simply can’t fix it. There is a whole heap of Telstra customers in that one valley. If I treated my customers like that, they would not use me. “It makes a mockery of when they say only three per cent of Australia is not connected. We are just a couple of hundred kilometres from the nearest capital city.”
Tower hopes dashed TELSTRA has ruled out building a mobile phone tower to service Dumbalk and district. There are simply not enough people in the district to make the project feasible, said Telstra Country Wide area general manager Jeanette Vannapraseuth. “We cannot just walk in and put in a new tower without there being some form of commercial return for us as a business,”
she said. Ms Vannapraseuth urged Dumbalk residents to contact customer service manager Garry Austin, a Mirboo North resident, with their concerns. His direct line is 5173 4101. “He is the point of contact for the community,” Ms Vannapraseuth said. She urged customers experiencing issues to change their handset to a Blue Tick handset or consider installing
an antenna. A spokesman for McMillan MP Russell Broadbent said the MP had raised Dumbalk’s concerns in Parliament and made numerous representations to the Minister about the issue. “It’s not just Dumbalk but there are a number of places in the electorate, such as Noojee and Walhalla that are affected,” the spokesman said. “We will raise the issue again in Parliament if
people in the electorate are raising it again.” In a letter to Mr Broadbent dated July 6, 2011, Jonathan Chowns, an adviser to Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, suggested Dumbalk people contact Telstra, Optus andVodafone Hutchison Australia to voice their concerns. The adviser also noted satellite phone subsidies were available to people living in areas without mobile phone coverage.
Bid to transform kinder THE Dumbalk community has a dream. It wants to turn the former kindergarten into a community and education centre, but to do so, the town needs better mobile phone and internet reception. “That underpins everything the town is trying to do to promote itself,” resident Chris Oliver said. The Dumbalk and District Progress Association leases the building from South Gippsland Shire Council. Association secretary Bev Hanley said the association would prepare a business case for the building once the Dumbalk Community Plan is undertaken in conjunction with council. “We have to have the business case done by August this year to
prove that our plan is viable,” she said. The former kindergarten is now used by the progress association, the Country Fire Authority’s junior and senior groups, Relay for Life, and craft, card and exercise groups. An historical society could also be established there. “We have lots of information here. Dumbalk is where the pioneers came into the area from Morwell and spread out from here,” Mrs Hanley’s husband Ed said. The vision to transform the building into a community centre has been bolstered by a $3200 donation from the Mirboo North Community Foundation to buy computer equipment. The community is also calling for better roads around the
district, particularly as Dumbalk is on a major route between South Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley. The road to Meeniyan is crumbling and other roads are posing a safety risk. Former police officer Tony Tomada is not happy. “VicRoads has done sweet Fanny Adams to fix the roads around here. If there are any roadworks to be done, they have not been able to get to them because they are putting up these stupid rope barriers all over the roads,” he said. “For six to seven months we have been having trouble with the road from here to Meeniyan. People are hitting the holes in the middle of the road when they are full of water and they are snapping rims.”
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 7
Rower still eyes Pacific crossing By Tessa Hayward A MAN rescued from Bass Strait last week is still planning to paddle the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Sydney later this year. Ben Turner broke his elbow while attempting to row across Bass Strait last week. He and Margaret Bowling and Clark Carter were returned to land by police after the accident in rough weather.
Above: Water support: water police picked up the three rowers after one of them, Ben Turner, broke his arm.
Happy times: Clark Carter was part of a team that attempted to row across Bass Strait to raise money for cystic fibrosis research.
The trio was attempting to row from Walkerville South to Hobart in Tasmania for cystic fibrosis research which is the most common life threatening, recessive genetic condition affecting Australian children. Mr Turner was attempting this row as practice before his epic Pacific crossing. He is planning to complete an east-west crossing of the Pacific Ocean from Lima, Peru aiming for Sydney, Australia taking him across more than
13,000 kilometres of water and about 270 days to complete. If successful, Mr Turner will become the first Australian and youngest person to cross the Pacific Ocean solo, non-stop and unassisted. The record would not mean much to Mr Turner, but raising awareness and money for cystic fibrosis does. His broken arm from the crossing is extremely sore and doctors are yet to find out what is wrong. “We couldn’t get a
very good angle of it in the x-ray as I wasn’t able to straighten my arm out. It is very sore,” Mr Turner said. “I am having more tests this week and more x-rays as we still don’t know what is wrong with my arm, but it is extremely painful!” Mr Turner said he has raised $15,000 to $20,000 so far and is aiming for $1 million. Team members are disappointed they were not able to continue the trip, as the weather had cleared by the time the water police vessel Fearless reached them. The crew was returned to Port Welshpool. “We would definitely have continued if I hadn’t hurt my arm,” Mr Turner said. As for the proposed Pacific Ocean crossing, Mr Turner said he will find out what is wrong with his arm first and then decide if the trip would be delayed.
Rescue mission: a flare was let off to direct the rescue boats to the team’s location after Ben Turner unfortunately broke his arm.
PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Hospital redevelopment advances by Tessa Hayward THE first portable building arrived at Leongatha Memorial Hospital last Thursday on the back of four trucks and was successfully put together by midday Friday. Gippsland Southern Health Service CEO Gary Templeton said it was one more sign of the hospital redevelopment moving
ahead rapidly. “We are expecting another portable next week as well,” he said. The first portable is mainly for staff services such as offices and desks, and a room to have meetings. “It will be fully operational in three weeks,” Mr Templeton said. The second portable will hopefully arrive on Thursday and will be for allied, community and education services. It will have some cli-
ent based activities to do with social work and counselling. The construction of the new hospital will cost $32 million and will include 25 multiday acute beds, two beds for palliative care, a dedicated emergency and urgent care facility, operating theatre and procedure room, pathology, obstetric procedures suite, maternity rooms enabling families to stay, water therapy in each birthing room, internal courtyard and cafe.
Council backs young families THE Municipal Early Years Plan adopted by South Gippsland Shire Council in December provides a clear template for staff to further strengthen partnerships with the local community. Sally Baker, council’s manager of children and family services, said the plan will enhance programs that support the health and education of young children. “We have a great team of professional staff who are dedicated to providing quality services through our maternal and child health and immunisation teams, as well as inclusion support for pre-schools and playgroups,” she said. The plan will guide officers on the facilitation of: • playgroups for isolated and vulnerable families; • activities for children and families in Children’s Week; • immunisation programs;
• expanded maternal and child health services; • encouraging fathers’ involvement with their babies; • support for children with disabilities – transitioning to pre-school and then on to school; and • provision of a Children’s Services Directory and networking with providers. “The MEYP sets out the work we will be undertaking over the next five years and sits comfortably within the Council Plan and budgetary guidelines,” Ms Baker said. “My thanks go to the members of the steering committee and consultant Carol Blair who worked together closely to ensure this document was practical and relevant to our community.” The plan, which will be reviewed annually to ensure service provision targets are met, can be viewed on www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au, For further information contact 5662 9200.
Rapid start: Gippsland Southern Health Services maintenance manager Mark Withers, social work coordinator Kim Bolding and CEO Gary Templeton stand in front of one of the new portable buildings which will be used while the new hospital is being built.
POLICE BRIEFS Man assaulted POLICE are investigating the assault of an elderly man in Inverloch last week. The 86-year-old male, who was visiting from Melbourne, was found with facial injuries around 10pm on January 31. It is reported the assault occurred inside a vehicle. Police would like to speak to a male who was in the Esplanade Hotel earlier that evening, but are waiting for the victim to be released from hospital before they speak to him for further details. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Wonthaggi Police on 5672 1222.
Fire awareness A NUMBER of small fires over the past week have reiterated the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour to police. A fire lit in a pile of dry leaves in McIndoe Park in Leongatha yesterday (Monday) was fortunately put out by members of the public
before it was reported to police. Another fire started around 5pm on Saturday on the corner of Strzelecki Highway and Huntingfords Road when a power line disconnected and shorted, causing sparks to light a small grass fire. Fortunately the CFA were notified and managed to extinguish the flame before it got out of hand. Police remind the community to be aware of fires, especially during this time of the year and to call 000 should they see any activity at all.
Slow school zones WITH BACK to school times comes back to school speed zones, and police remind motorists to slow down. Officers are targeting school safety zones as of this week, and patrols of the school zones yesterday resulted in warnings to a number of drivers for going too fast. Leongatha Police Senior Constable Rohan Michael said motorists need to be aware at this time of the year. “School is back and they need to be aware of 40km/h zones and slow down,” he said.
Holden progress COLIN Watson Motors, a dealer of Holden and Mitsubishi cars, has lodged a planning application to South Gippsland Shire Council to build a dealership in Koonwarra Road, Leongatha. Situated between Re:Cycling and Hartley’s Carpet Choice and Beaumont Tiles, the site has been unused for a few years. The planning permit outlines the cost of the construction which would be $1.64 million. The new building will have two franchise showrooms including car yards, a five bay service area and mezzanine administration area. Cars will be washed and detailed off site and transported to and from. Vehicle delivery will be via a vehicle freight carrier and unloaded in the existing on-street car parking bays at the front of the site. The application to council explained there would be three full time employees on the site at any one time. Access into and out of the site exists and traffic movements would not be affected. Lighting will also be designed to ensure direct light is contained and will not affect neighbours. The public still has one week to register objections to the plan.
Tool theft BURGLARS have stolen around $400 worth of power tools from a dairy farm in Foster. Unknown offenders entered a dairy on Fuller Road and stole power tools stored inside. The offence occurred between January 21 and 22. Anyone with information regarding the theft can contact Foster Police on 5682 2407.
Phone stolen POLICE are looking for any information regarding a stolen phone. The phone was stored in a boat in a shed on a farm in Foster, however the owner only discovered it was gone last month. It was taken between December 19 and January 4. The phone has been used by the offender to make phone calls. Anyone with information can contact Foster Police on 5682 2407.
Dry spell in January
THERE was a dry spell in January, with 15 days in a row with no rain.
Fish Creek received no rain for 15 inclusive days - the longest period since November 2009. Overall, Fish Creek received 71mm during January over 11 days. Ruby also had a spell of 15 days from January 15 to January 29 without rain. “The 15 days was ended by 21mm on January 30 and 31 which was a welcome relief,” Ruby rainfall recorder Margery Robson said. The total for January in Ruby was 90mm over 11 days. Last year, Ruby had 72mm over 10 days in January. “There are still lots of cracks in the ground to be healed by more rain in February, we hope,” Ms Robson said. Leongatha also had a dry month. “We only had 49mm for the month, with the second week being wet for six of the days,” Leongatha rainfall recorder Kay Puru said. The biggest drop was 19mm on January 11 and then on the second last day another good downpour gave 12mm. Last year January, Leongatha had 41.7mm; 32mm in 2010; 10.7mm in 2009; and even less in 2008 with 7mm. “Strangely though, in our dry year of 2006, our January total was 53mm,” Ms Puru said.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 9
Half a million for health SUPPORT for the Living Healthy in Bass Coast project is set to improve with a $556,000 grant secured by Bass Coast Shire Council.
New year: Kirsten Herrald and Anna Wilson, kinder teachers at Leongatha Children’s Centre, welcomed new students last Wednesday.
Kids embrace kinder LEONGATHA Children’s Centre kinder children were back in action last Wednesday, excited to be off to a new world. They were introduced to teachers Kirsten Herrald and Anna Wilson, who will be taking care of them this year. Their first day was made all the more special when they celebrated Kirsten’s birthday with a cake. Maternal and child health nurses Maureen Boston and Marg Barter also moved into new facilities at the centre last Wednesday. Sally Baker, manager children and family services at South
Gippsland Shire Council, was also delighted with the move. “This council partnership embraces the concept of integrated services, providing a ‘one stop shop’ for long day care, kindergarten, and maternal and child health under one roof,” she said. “Families are busier than ever these days and integrated facilities offer highly effective synergies that support both the parents and the children. “Our days of operation remain the same at the new address. That is each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and alternate Fridays. Appointments can be made on 5662 0853.”
A similar service is operating at the Prom Coast Centre for Children which opened last July in Foster, and is also proving popular with both the community and the agencies involved. “Council has plans to extend the car park in the next two to three months, weather permitting,” Ms Baker added. “South Gippsland families can be assured that council acknowledges the need for early childhood support, as outlined in the Municipal Early Years Plan which was adopted by council in December.” The Municipal Early Years Plan can be viewed on www. southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Council’s proposal was one of 47 projects from across Australia to be awarded a Healthy Communities Initiative grant from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Community and economic development director, Steven Piasente, said the aim of the project is to reduce the escalating rates of obesity through communitybased physical activity, healthy eating and lifestyle programs. “The project concept was put together by Berni Murphy, council’s social and community planning team leader, and the key idea is to get everyone moving and eating a healthier diet,” he said. “The fact is, very few people get enough physical activity or eat enough fruit and vegetables which protect us against lifestyle diseases including diabetes and heart disease.” Mr Piasente said unfortunately evidence indicates that across the Bass Coast, there are alarming rates of diabetes and heart disease. “The Living Healthy in Bass Coast project will be a key initiative in seeking to turn this around,” he said. “Council will use the funding to support other facilities and groups to offer new activities or improve existing activities.” Heart Foundation walking groups have already been operating in limited locations across Bass Coast for some years now. The grant will enable walking groups to be set up in several new locations, sup-
ported by trained facilitators. “Walking groups encourage people to be more active, while providing participants with the opportunity to meet new friends in their local communities,” Mr Piasente said. Two other national programs will also be rolled out as part of this project. The HEAL program (Healthy Eating Activity and Lifestyle) will provide lifestyle education seminars and supervised exercise sessions. The Lift for Life program will involve supervised weight lifting sessions, particularly for people at risk of diabetes. “Healthy lifestyle education sessions will be held across the shire to encourage people to join in the push for Living Healthy in Bass Coast. These sessions will also provide opportunities for people to sign up to programs,” Mr Piasente said. While the intention is to get everyone moving and eating a healthier diet, the main target groups for this project in Bass Coast are older people, people who are not in full time employment, people with a disability and their carers, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Mr Piasente said some funding will also be allocated to community gardens, where community groups can work together to grow their own fruit and vegetables. “Up scaling existing community kitchens through the provision of new kitchen equipment and support from trained facilitators will also be made possible by this grant. This funding means that we can provide a lot more choice in the type and location of healthy activities on offer,” he said. “I encourage everybody to get involved in one of the new health programs as we all need to keep working at maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
IF you are interested in coming to a six week zucchini class starting Saturday, February 11 it will be held at Millie and Romeo’s, Koonwarra, from 10am until 2pm. For bookings phone 5664 2211. MELISSA Heagney from the Cancer Council-Victoria is urgently seek-
ing community service stars! They’re looking for people who have lost a loved one to bowel cancer who was aged in their 50s and 60s to be part of a new Cancer Council Australian television commercial. The commercial will be used to put pressure on the Australian Government to make bowel cancer screening eligible for all people aged 50 and over. Filming will take place next week in Melbourne and will require up to three hours for production. For further information call Melissa on 9635 5673. DON’T forget a meeting will be held next week to discuss the formation of the Leongatha Men’s Shed. The shed will be a place for men to socialise while working on projects. The meeting will be held in Meeting Room One, Leongatha Memorial Hall complex, at 2pm, Thursday, February 16. To find out more, phone Rolf Taylor on 5662 2784. A HAT was left behind at the Australia Day Ceremony at McIndoe Park on Australia Day near the face painting section. If you have lost a hat please contact Mimmie Jackson on 0418 572 826. THE Leongatha Courthouse is available to hire for functions, birthdays and celebrations. To find out more, contact Darryl Hunt on 5662 3623. THE Meeniyan CWA is holding a Breakfast on the Bridge event on Saturday, February 25.
Meet at the rail trail bridge between Meeniyan and Koonwarra. The event celebrates the Year of the Farmer. IT’S been a long time waiting, but the Grand Ridge Rail Trail is finally set for its official opening. Those wishing to attend the event should meet at the new bridge crossing Bair Creek on the rail trail at 11.30am. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing with plenty of sun protection. INVERLOCH has a different meaning in the metal music scene. Inverloch is the name of a metal band hailing from Melbourne, not to be confused with the seaside tourist town we all know in South Gippsland of the same name. A NEW scholarship program for country students has taken off in Victoria thanks to Rural Health Workforce and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Victoria). Applications are open now for the Give Them Wings scholarships which will support young people from country Victoria in the study of nursing and allied health at university. One nursing and one allied health scholarship will be awarded in 2012, with each recipient receiving $2500 towards their first year university living expenses - plus a Royal Flying Doctor experience. Applications for the first Give Them Wings scholarships close on March 31, 2012. Further details, including the application
form, are available at www.rhwa.org.au/ GiveThemWings. CFA and the National Relay Service are urging people with hearing loss to consider how they will stay in touch with friends and family during the bushfire season. “With one in six Australians affected by hearing loss, it is essential that everyone has a way to communicate and to access bushfire information and warnings,” CFA project manager Christine Elliott said. Ms Elliott said that the Victorian Bushfire Information Line - an important source of updates during major bushfires - is “relay friendly” for the first time this bushfire season. “We would encourage anyone already set up with the NRS and living in a high bushfire risk area to keep the Victorian Bushfire Information Line number handy,” Ms Elliott said. For more information on the National Relay Service call their Helpdesk on 1800 555 660; email helpdesk@relayservice. com.au; or visit www.relayservice.com.au. The Victorian Bushfire Information Line is 1800 240 667. PANCAKE Day is fast approaching and UnitingCare is asking schools, businesses and community groups to host an event. The 10th anniversary of the UnitingCare Pancake Day, February 21, can be celebrated by anyone with all proceeds going to UnitingCare to help them support young people in need. For more information or to register go to www. pancakeday.com.au. THE milestone 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth 11’s accession to the throne was marked yesterday Monday, February 6. Queen Elizabeth reigns over seven countries and joins Queen Victoria as the only other monarch in the histories of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and a few other Commonwealth realms to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee. Celebrations will be held in the UK in June and in other Commonwealth countries throughout 2012.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA, VICTORIA Make a Difference in your Region The Australian and Victorian governments are seeking volunteers with vision and drive who have community, industry or government experience and are able to represent the broad interests of their region, understand local challenges and achieve results. You will use your experience, skills and local regional knowledge to build relationships between all levels of governments and regional communities. Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees are representative of the diversity of each particular region. Expressions of Interest from people of all backgrounds are welcome. Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural backgrounds, people with disabilities and people from across every age group are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest. All Expressions of Interest will be considered against the skills and expertise needed by RDA committees. Terms of appointment are generally for up to three years. Further information on RDA Victoria, the Expression of Interest Handbook and an Expression of Interest form are available from www.rda.gov.au. If you require additional information, or require the Expression of Interest package to be mailed to you, please contact 1800 505 938 (Mon–Fri 9am-5pm AEDST) or email rdaeoi@regional.gov.au. Existing members whose terms are expiring, previous applicants and interested community members should submit a new Expression of Interest.
AG58214
Expressions of Interest are encouraged by 5pm AEDST, Monday 5 March 2012.
HAVE you ever thought it might be really rewarding to be a volunteer but just not got around to doing anything about it? The Meeniyan Art Gallery Inc. (MAG) is completely run by a dedicated band of volunteers. This high profile gallery has a different exhibition each month as well as a gift shop and a smaller access gallery. If you think that you may be able to spend a day
Many memories: sisters Myrtle Lloyd, Joyce Kelly and Marjorie Rattray celebrated Joyce’s 90th birthday at Moo’s at Meeniyan last Friday. JOYCE Kelly celebrated her 90th birthday at Moo’s at Meeniyan last Friday with her family. Originally from Ringwood, Joyce has lived in Meeniyan for 60 years. Her four sisters, all still alive, Dorothy, Lucy, Myrtle and Marjorie have been a great support to each other through the years and are very close. Joyce’s daughter Rhonda said her favourite memory with her mum is making pikelets on the old wood stove.
Rhonda said she would get home from school and they would have pikelets. Joyce has been a church-goer all her life and is an avid reader. She has been on a few plane trips and has decided she is not very fond of planes. Joyce loves living in Meeniyan as there are friendly people and it is a lovely country town. She has also loved watching her children and her grandchildren grow up.
Family support: Ivy McInnes’s children Annette, Glen, Dorothy and Merle surrounded their mother, centre, on her 90th birthday. ABOUT 200 friends and relatives gathered at the Dakers Centre, Leongatha to celebrate Ivy McInnes’s 90th birthday on Sunday, January 29. Ivy and husband Gorden spent 30 years farming at Outtrim and then retired to Leongatha in 1974. They have five children; Merle (Mrs John Axford), Dorothy (Mrs Graeme Brown), Ashley, Annette (Mrs Ron Jardine) and Glenn. Ivy has been very active in public life; she has been with the CWA for 55 years, 38 years in horticulture and is a or even half a day a month operating the gallery contact MAG on 5664 0101 or ring Winsome 5689 1319. THE power went off on Sunday at 3.30pm in Cowes and surrounding towns due to storm damages. AusNet were quick to get it back up and running so that hundreds of homes were only without power for about an hour. MAGPIES are built tough out Lance Creek way. Mark Drury of Leongatha was driving through the district on his way to a gig on Saturday when he accidently collided with a magpie at about 100km/h. On the way home, some three-and-a-half hours later, he stopped to check his
keen member of the senior citizens. She is renowned for her craftwork, cooking and encyclopedia on gardening Ivy thanks everyone for their attendance, flowers, presents and cards, to Merle and Rod Hopcraft for speeches, Annette and Merle for making and decorating a lovely cake and great granddaughters Samantha and Jolie for singing so beautifully One day at a time. Ivy now has 16 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.
phone and remembered to inspect his car. Mark noticed the number-plate was bent and on closer inspection, could see the tail feathers, with the rest of the magpie wedged in the air dam, between the number-plate and the radiator. Peering closer, the bird moved! Mark found a long stick and gently levered the bird out, and to his surprise it flew off, seeminly unharmed. WALKERS along the Great Southern Rail Trail are reminded to lookout for snakes. A baby snake was spotted on the trail between Meeniyan and Stony Creek on Saturday in speckled shade, mak-
ing it particularly hard to see.
PASTORS Rob and Liz Bailey will be the speakers at the Leongatha Christian Revival Crusade in Hughes Street on Friday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 10.30am and 6.30pm. Rob has a great prophetic ministry.
MICK and Kate Adkins celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary yesterday. Congratulations!
THE San Remo Channel Challenge is being held this Saturday starting at 4.30pm. There will be entertainment throughout the day in San Remo and presentations will be held at 5.30pm.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 11
Water warriors patrol inlet By Matt Dunn PORT Welshpool is a busy place, especially in the summer when the fishing and boating fraternity descends.
Ready to serve: Melbourne Water Police members Senior Constable Jon Anderson, Sergeant Lachlan Holding and Senior Constable Glenn Powell assisted the Port Welshpool Coast Guard recently, as the boating fraternity descended on the town.
Theatre approved for Coal Mine THE Wonthaggi Theatre group is celebrating this month after the Victorian Coalition Government granted it a new home at the State Coal Mine. Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith announced last Friday that the group had signed a 21 year lease with Parks Victoria that will allow them to build a facility to serve the Wonthaggi community long into the future. “This agreement builds on the strong relationship that the Wonthaggi community has with the State Coal Mine,” he said. “The theatre group has been looking for a permanent home and the Coalition Government is really proud to provide a
site for the group to develop their own purpose-built facility.” The 350 member theatre group plans to start building on the site near the Coal Mine in February and will continue to use a warehouse in the middle of town until the new facility is up and running next summer. Bass MLA and Speaker for the Legislative Assembly Ken Smith said he was proud to be able to deliver this local win for his electorate. “Not only is this a win for the theatre group, but the State Coal Mine will also benefit from the different types of visitors that the theatre will attract,” he said. “This will be a great addition to the complex as a whole.”
Little wonder that the local volunteer coast guard has been working hard. But they have not been without a little help. Recently members of the Melbourne Water Police spent a five day stint in Port Welshpool, using the town as a home base for local operations. Port Welshpool Coast Guard flotilla commander Rocky Maruzza joked that his volunteer group would be well served by “something similar” to the police’s 10-seat Hurricane Zodiac inflatable. Boasting two Mercury Verado 350 SCi engines, the craft has 700 horse power of thrust behind it and a top speed of about 50 knots (or close to 100km/h). “It was really good to work with the water police. We went on three rescues during the time they were here,” Mr Maruzza said. An arduous overnight rescue off Singapore Point had left police and coast guard volunteers with bleary eyes when The Star dropped in. More recent excitement at the port occurred when Melbourne water police
brought three ambitious rowers to shore after a dramatic high seas rescue south of Wilsons Promontory (see story on page 7). The trio, who was attempting to row across Bass Strait to Tasmania to raise money for cystic fibrosis research, was hit by a massive wave. Their boat capsized and one, Ben Turner, suffered a broken arm. It took 16 hours for a police boat to reach the stricken vessel and take the crew to the safety of Port Welshpool. “The water police towed them in. The man was alright. He visited hospital and then his mum and dad came to collect him after he stayed at a motel in Yarram,” Mr Maruzza said. Melbourne Water Police’s Sergeant Lachlan Holding praised the volunteers for their professionalism and help during the busy summer safety blitz. Unfortunately, he said, incidences of people not being well prepared for the dangers of the open waters were all too common. “It’s been a very busy summer. There’s more recreational vessels getting out there every summer. Most people are doing the right thing, which is great, but there’s a few that require some education about the correct things to do in regards to wearing
Maher’s Landing facelift still mooted UPGRADING a popular boat ramp near Inverloch is still in the pipeline for Bass Coast Shire Council. A boating action plan assessing the viability of upgrading the facilities at Maher’s Landing was completed in August last year. Council will undertake further consultation with the parties who made submissions during the preparation of the plan. The plan identifies what would need to be done to upgrade the boat ramp facilities and considers: • the potential impact on marine life, seagrass, and migratory species; • the requirement for dredging; • the safety of boat users; • the ongoing impact of wave action; • the management of parking; and • the requirement for other boating facilities. The plan was developed with combined funding from Marine Safety Victoria and council.
Council’s new environment manager Alison Creighton is prioritising the team’s projects for the year, but at this stage, cannot say when the project would be scheduled. Kayaker Brian Conroy of Inverloch believes the existing ramp is ideal for launching his small craft, but as a former boatie, knows how difficult launching and retrieving a bigger vessel can be. “High tide is really the best time to put your boat in here,” he said, given the absence of a jetty and limited length of the ramp. “Most of the time, the Inverloch jetty ramp is adequate but during the peak holiday periods, you can’t get near it. This is the ideal place to have a back-up, so if they can do something about it, you would get the benefit for the locals who tend to say ‘We won’t put our boats in at Inverloch because there are too many visitors’. “At Inverloch, I’ve seen people fighting for a space in the queue. It’s not uncommon to wait half an hour.”
Taking off: Brian Conroy (left) and friend John Wilson of Coronet Bay depart the Maher’s Landing boat ramp.
life jackets, carrying the correct safety equipment and being safe on the water,” Sgt Holding said. “Our role, first and foremost, is search and rescue. Second to that, but just as important, is the policing of the recreational and commercial vessel fraternities. “We’re hoping to lessen the number of search and rescue missions by making sure everyone has the correct safety equipment
and they know how to use it.” Sgt Holding said there had been four kayaking fatalities on the Victorian waters so far this summer, but none locally. “They’ve been some of the bigger jobs for us as far as the response required. We’re called on to conduct the search in the first place, conduct a rescue if it’s required or conduct the recovery of deceased people,” he said.
PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Plan ahead
THE association representing local CFA volunteers, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), is urging every Victorian to think like a volunteer this summer. CFA volunteers are trained, ready and always work to a plan, and we want every Victorian family to have their own fire plan. A fire plan is a simple list of actions you will take and decisions you have made that mean your property is ready and every member of your family knows exactly what to do. That is important because experience shows that one of the great dangers to members of the public on a day of serious bushfire threat is simply not knowing what to do. If your plan is to leave a high risk area, you need to choose the trigger signal that says it’s time to leave, have your travel bag packed and know where you are going – make those decisions now and you are thinking like a volunteer and preparing for a safer summer. For a simple questionnaire that helps you to make up your own fire plan, visit the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. On behalf of your local CFA volunteers, we urge you to think like a volunteer, be prepared and have a safer summer. Bill Rodda, president VFBV District 9, Representing CFA volunteers.
Water concern THE decision by South Gippsland Water board to supply South Gippsland towns with desal water must be reviewed due to increasing costs and the boron scare. The Business Plan released
by the South Gippsland Water Board reveals that their preferred option for the supply of water in our southern region is to decommission one reservoir in Poowong, three in Korumburra and four in Leongatha. This northern section of our region will be supplied totally from the desal operation via an existing pipeline to Lance Creek and then pumped uphill through a proposed new pipeline and electrically operated pumping plant. Water will be distributed from Korumburra as the total supply for Leongatha, Korumburra and the towns of Poowong, Nyora and Loch. Lance Creek reservoir will be the only one operating in the region. The Minister for Water Mr Peter Walsh has supported the preferred option plan though no funding has been granted. South Gippsland Water states that without funding, the total costs will have to be met by the southern region customers. This includes all customers in Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson. South Gippsland Water states in the report all water rates will rise by 25 per cent by 2013-14. The Business Plan was released in April 2011. Since then there have been significant increases in electrical power costs. These costs will rise further as suppliers are required to upgrade lines. These costs will increase further as a result of the recent announcement by the State Government to put all power lines underground in bush fire prone areas. The introduction of the Carbon Tax in July this year and the implementing of the decisions taken at the World Climate Change Meeting in South Africa late last year to be introduced in 2015 will affect the operation of the brown coal power plants in
the Latrobe Valley and lead to higher electricity prices. All these power increases will be reflected in the cost of producing water from the desal plant. On Wednesday, February 1, the Herald-Sun in an editorial stated that the capital cost of the desal plant over 28 years will be 24 billion dollars. These costs will be met by those who use desal water. I fail to see how South Gippsland Water can produce a business plan for a project when as yet no one knows the price the desal water will cost per megalitre. There is another option to the preferred plan which can be costed now, and that is to upgrade the Poowong, Korumburra No3 reservoirs and by 2020 increase the storage on Ruby Creek by 1000ML. As well as being cost effective, this option also would overcome the danger of supplying straight desal water which will contain the dangerous chemical boron. John Sullivan, Inverloch.
Well done Parks Victoria IN JANUARY 2011, I wrote to this paper a letter with the heading Shame Parks Shame regarding the closure of the walking track between North and South Walkerville. This letter was very critical of Parks, Victoria. For those who are not familiar with this track it provides access between North and South Walkerville at high tide. The track, which is some 800 metres, is the only land access
other than a 12km trip around the road. The past year has been very wet and as a result there have been a number of landslides along this track, the major one was stopped by a sturdy fence built by Parks some years ago for just such an eventuality. A smaller slip in another area spilled across the track and made access difficult. There was some concern whether the track would be opened for the holiday period this year. Since January 2011 there have been several meetings with Parks by members of the Walkerville Progress Association and others. As a result of these meetings and discussions a considerable amount of work was undertaken by Parks to ensure the track would be ready for the current season. Not only has the track, including the path to the old cemetery, been cleared of all debris and mudslides, it has been slashed to a good width to remove overhanging bushes and grasses. Because of concerns with the remnant of the number five kiln, being now structurally unsound, it has been closed. However Parks have opened up and maintained the access to number one kiln. With a lot of work by Parks, the walking track was announced open prior to Christmas. Parks have also on their own initiative had a small set of steps built adjacent to Bluff Creek. These steps and the opening created in the fence to the rock platform allow alternative convenient access to the track
E D I T O R I A L
Still swimming
SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council is to be congratulated on reconsidering its strategy governing the future of pools. Council last Wednesday released a final draft aquatic strategy revealing its pledge to support the upgrade or extension of all pools where “well developed proposals” were lodged. Previously, council had ruled out contributing any funding for new works at the three least used pools: Foster, Mirboo North and Poowong. The change of heart is welcome but one does wonder why council could not have considered this option in the initial document, thus saving the three communities affected from the stress of facing the prospect of losing their pools. Volunteers have spent time and energy preparing submissions and calling for council to take a fresh look. Council’s new decision was largely brought about by pressure from these communities opposing council’s lack of support. Maybe the tactic was one by council to warn communities of the real likelihood they would lose their pools if they did not act. Sure the cost of operating pools to council – and therefore ratepayers – is significant and therefore council rightly acted to ensure the economic impost on the whole shire was assessed. No doubt the communities of Mirboo North, Poowong and Foster will do all they can to maintain attendances and raise funds to ensure the pools remain.
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.
Open again: the new steps at Bluff Creek allow alternative access to the Walkerville track.
and also the old Cemetery should the track be blocked elsewhere. The photo below shows these new steps at Bluff Creek. A special thanks to Gerard Delaney and Bill Gurnett of Parks Victoria, Foster, for their input and understanding. Don Atkins, Walkerville.
More staff needed THE pipi issues continue year after year here, in Venus Bay. Different studies and surveys and public opinions differ constantly. A range of solutions are recommended such as locals patrolling the beach and educating visitors who collect pipis, different limits are placed on permitted quantities allowed to be taken. A few information signs are strategically placed. As well, from time to time, locals and visiting pipi collectors have argued and ended up in violent disputes. Complaints made to various authorities attract little response i.e. an offence reported on a weekend, will lead to wildlife and fisheries officers turning up after the fact, on a Monday. I've witnessed other endangered species, a kangaroo, trapped in the Tarwin River for more than five hours whilst a distressed young woman repeatedly called a Wildlife Rescue number. After many appeals, the animal eventually freed itself with no assistance ever arriving from the Wildlife Rescue people. The authorities raise a lot of hype when enough people complain. They indicate their interest and suggest solutions, but they appear incapable of seriously following through. The smaller the communities, the less interest or action is forthcoming. We see this attitude prevail with local council rangers, totalling three in number. The three are responsible to patrol the entire South Gippsland region. Allegedly, the State Government will not provide extra funding to employ extra staff for this vital but neglected service. Ironically, the State Government can find enough resources to have traffic infringement of-
ficers fining citizens - in 2011raising an estimated $280 million in revenue which ends up where? No one is told. I'm afraid government authorities claiming they act on behalf of all species of animals or the environment, all have the ready-made political answers engineered by some brightspark sitting behind a desk all day, but never providing achievable solutions. They have trained teams to pacify concerned communities but nothing specific to deal with problems outlined to them. They place little value on independent surveys but rely on their own studies that meet their agenda. Like most organisations or authorities responsible to the State Government, including our local council, their first loyalty rests with it, not the community. Robert Field, Venus Bay.
Fiskville probe
YOUR readers will probably be aware that an independent investigation is underway into concerns that people may have been affected by training activities at the CFA Fiskville facility, south of Ballan. The investigation team would also like to hear from people who have worked or trained at Fiskville and can provide our investigators with information about past chemicals handling and fire-fighter training practices. People who would like to make a written submission or to meet with an investigator are encouraged to contact the Independent Fiskville Investigation by close of business Friday, February 17, 2012 by phone 5420 9260 or email info@fiskvilleinvestigation. com.au or by visiting the investigation website www. fiskvilleinvestigation.com.au, where the terms of reference are available. The report on the investigation is to be finalised by the end of March, so I strongly encourage those wanting to make an input to get in touch with the investigation team as soon as possible. Professor Robert Joy, chair, Independent Fiskville Investigation.
VOXPOP! VOX What are you looking forward to most about starting Prep?
I am looking forward to playing with my friends. Jaxon Foon, Wonthaggi North Primary School
I’m looking forward to playing with everything and making friends. Matthew Sullivan, Korumburra Primary School
I’m looking forward to playing in the playground and the sandpit. I can’t wait to do writing, painting and drawing. Bodhi, Tarwin Valley Primary School
I want to make new friends, play on the playground and learn new things. Nathan Occhipinti, Leongatha Primary School
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 13
Plenty to see at Loch THE Loch Woodworking Festival was once again a huge success, with plenty of locals and tourists making their way down to see the event. Organiser Terry Oakley was dumbfounded at the turnout, saying plenty of people stopped to thank him for putting on the show.
“I couldn’t believe how many people came. The hall was packed, as were the workshops and the street,” he said. Skilled woodsmen included the Wonthaggi Woodcrafters, Warragul Woodturners, Robin Henry of Foster and Ron Constantine of Devon Meadows. Lathes were heard running smoothly as the woodworkers
created beautiful pieces for the passers-by. Mr Oakley offered a huge thank you to everyone involved with the event. “It was better than magnificent! I’d just like to thank everyone involved, my wife, family, stall-holders, sponsors and the general public for turning up – they made it what it was,” he said.
Woodcraft kings: Bernie Brambling and Tony Stephens of the Wonthaggi Woodcrafters show off their creations.
Chick magnet: even the most skilled wood workers like to have a bit of fun, as Sue Constantine shows off her husband’s work – the chick magnet.
Fluoride in water by March by Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Water expects to receive opposition to adding fluoride to the Lance Creek Reservoir.
That system supplies drinking water to people and businesses in Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson. The corporation’s new managing director Philippe du Plessis said the directive came from the Department of Health. He assured South Gippsland residents the fluoridation of water would improve dental health in the region. Lobby groups such as Fluoride Free Australia claim fluoride increases the risk of cancer, can damage brains and also affect thyroid glands. “We will receive that (opposition) but that’s expected,” Mr du Plessis said. “There is a whole raft of scientific research that shows over a long period of time the health benefits of fluoride.” Mr du Plessis said South Gippsland Water is committed to ensuring that drinking water provided to its customers is of a high quality and meets the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. “Following the directive by the Department of
Health to fluoridate these water supplies, South Gippsland Water has obtained approval from the department for the plans and specifications of the fluoride dosage system,” he said. The water corporation said fluoride would be introduced using proven technology with a “systematic controlled dose system”. “This equipment has the capability to adjust its dosing rate according to the background levels of fluoride that are naturally occurring in the drinking water supply. The system is a proven controlled method of dosing fluoride and is already used throughout other parts of Victoria,” a statement from South Gippsland Water said. South Gippsland Water estimated the fluoridation system would be brought into full operation in late March 2012. According to a fact sheet from the Victorian Government, fluoride in drinking water helps protect teeth against decay, without altering the taste or smell of water. “Fluoride works by helping to strengthen the mineral structure of developing teeth,” the statement reads. Customers will receive further notification from the Department of Health, with all customers provided with detailed information by mail dur-
ing February 2012, prior to fluoridation occurring. Residents can seek further information regarding the health benefits of fluoridation from their dentist, GP, pharmacist or maternal and
child health nurse. Information can also be obtained by contacting the toll free information line on 1800 651 723 or by visiting www.health. vic.gov.au/environment/ fluoridation.
Light fire: on Valentine’s Day, book a cosy table for two at the Wonthaggi Hotel. Chefs Matt Matthews and Anoop Kumar will be serving up an intimate tasting platter for two for the special occasion, including a delicious selection of Moroccan chicken tenderloins, fish goujons, battered prawns and lemon pepper squid, as well as crispy Turkish bread and a duo of dips. Already got the tastebuds tingling? It gets even better; every platter is served with a complimentary bottle of wine. Treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at the Wonthaggi Hotel. See page 23 for more Valentine’s Day ideas.
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Look at this: Ron Constantine made a beautiful array of wood works.
PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.
Positive outlook buoys crash pair By Simone Short FOUR months after a serious car accident, Rick and Jarryd Coleman are finally getting back into their normal, everyday lives.
In September last year, the two were in a single car accident in Leongatha South, when Rick momentarily blacked out and hit a tree, despite his son Jarryd’s attempts to take control of the vehicle. “I was gazing out the windscreen and all of a sudden realised we were on grass and not bitumen,” Jarryd said. “I had this sinking feeling and called out to Dad and gave him a shove to wake up him, but when he didn’t respond I realised he wasn’t going to.” Jarryd said he tried to grab the wheel, but knew he was too late to avoid a collision. Rick suffered 13 broken ribs, a broken collarbone and knee, a sprained patellar tendon and bruised organs in the accident, while Jarryd had a compression fracture in his T12 vertebrae as well as cuts and bruises. They spent around two weeks in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, with Rick in an induced coma for two days, but luckily all their injuries will fully heal with time. Rick said it was unnerving doctors could not find an explanation for his black out after conducting heart and coronary artery checks, a brain scan, tests for epilepsy, sleep apnoea, and a lung test. “I feel a bit edgy about it because there’s no 100 per cent guarantee it won’t happen again,” he said. “I’m fairly cautious these days and it’s going to take time to get back to normal.” Rick had been back on the road for one day before doctors identified another injury in his arm last month, requiring
a plaster cast for another eight weeks, which he said was “very frustrating”. However, they are both grateful to be at home and healthy, with Jarryd going back to school and starting Year 11 last week, and Rick slowly getting back to work around their property. They said despite not asking for any help, the community support for the family following the accident was incredible. “The community really rallied around us, including Brett Nagle’s Chemist and neighbours cooking us dinners and helping out by driving the other children to school,” Rick said. “It really took the stress off. The support network in the country is amazing; if you lived in the suburbs in the city, you’d be sitting around on your own.” Rick said it is important for anyone who is unfortunate enough to find themselves in an accident to keep alert as long as possible. “The longer you stay alert, the better,” he said. “I woke up just after the crash and was able to communicate my name, address and phone number so somebody could let my wife know what had happened. “I also suffer from asthma, so when I was having trouble breathing, Jarryd and I could tell the paramedics so they could get me on oxygen as soon as possible.” Jarryd said keeping positive was the best way to make it through difficult times. “Don’t get bogged down because you have to wear a brace, or sling or have to be in a wheelchair for a while,” he said. “Keep your mind on the fact you will recover and things will get better.”
Sick of potholes? IF YOU are tired of crashing your vehicle into potholes on South Gippsland roads, The Star would like to hear from you. By reporting local danger spots, The Star aims to continue to bring the deplorable state of our roads to the attention of VicRoads and politicians. Contact editor Brad Lester on 5662 2294 or news@thestar.com.au with your concerns. Readers are also urged to contact their local member of parliament to voice their issues.
Back to the normal routine: Jarryd Coleman and his father Rick are getting back to everyday life and recovering after a serious car accident late last year.
Road “disgustingly woeful” KERRYN outraged.
Occhipinti
is
The Leongatha woman was ropable after travelling the Bass Highway between Leongatha and Wonthaggi last Wednesday, telling The Star the condition of the major road was a disgrace. She has voiced her concerns twice to the Leongatha office of VicRoads and is sick of being told the roads authority is unable to
act, despite damaging her car after hitting a pothole. Her anger comes just two weeks after a Leongatha doctor collided with a milk tanker after running into a pothole on the highway. Two weeks on from that near fatal collision, the pothole remains unfixed, with only a 40km/h speed limit imposed around the site. Mrs Occhipinti described that pothole as the size of
“planet earth”. “The road from Leongatha to Wonthaggi is disgustingly woeful,” Mrs Occhipinti said. “I’m not concerned about a car but a life. That road is sure to take someone’s life. The road must see thousands of cars every day and nobody is doing anything about it. They just keep patching it up, but what’s the use of that?”
Choose a car that could save your life.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 15
IGA success THE Shop’n’Save coupon campaign run by Michael’s IGA Leongatha and Korumburra in The Star last week resulted in the newspaper selling out at the supermarket last Friday. Shoppers eager to save up to $20 on their groceries rushed into the store and snapped up The Stars to get the coupons and The Star rushed more papers to the Leongatha IGA store. Manager Chris O’Leary said the Shop’n’Save coupon campaign was a
huge success. “It is the first time we have tried the Shop’n’Save and it was a great success,” he said. “People want to save on their shopping and we are more than happy to pass on the savings to our customers.” Winner of a national award for excellence, Michael’s IGA is proudly Australian owned and supports local produce with the Buy Local campaign. Chris is pleased they employ local staff and encouraged shoppers to check out their competitive prices.
Up close: Eulalie Brewster of Inverloch inspects a photo of herself and other members of the Prom’n’aides group at Wilsons Promontory National Park, in the exhibition.
Exhibition urges climate action A NEW exhibition at Inverloch commemorates people acting to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Saving on hot water WATER heating is one of the most costly uses of electricity in the home, but with solar technology it can become efficient and cost effective. The Edson Solar Evacuated Tube Hot Water System is the leading product when it comes to solar hot water systems. This advanced design uses the latest in solar technology and is leading the way in the industry. Edson is a trusted name in hot water with many years of experience, and the team at the Energy Eco Sustainable Living Centre in Korumburra is happy to
stock their products. “They have great products and are a tested name in the industry,” Energy Eco’s Shane Clayton said. “They have industry leading warranties and their evacuated tube has been proven as an efficient system for our cooler conditions.” The Edson Solar system has the added benefit of thicker glass than most and is proven to be much stronger. Energy Eco now have a close relationship with Edson Solar after meeting with state sales manager Neil Edney last week. “It’s a great relationship now,” Shane said.
“We’re happy to be dealing with these great products.” The local installer which the Energy Eco team deals with, Emanuel Licitra has many years of experience with a range of Edson products. “They have a very good range of sizes and products,” Shane said. “With that variety of system sizes and configurations we’ve got what we need to satisfy everyone’s needs.” The team at Energy Eco is looking forward to the release of the Edson Solar dairy system. “This will no doubt be very popular among farmers,” Shane said.
Class leading: (from left) certified installer Emanuel Licitra with Edson Solar state sales manager Neil Edney and Energy Eco’s Dave Chiavaroli all support the Edson products.
Harbingers of Change: Citizens and Sustainability will continue at the Inverloch Community Hub until February 28. The exhibition documents something of a citizen’s movement which is underway throughout Victoria. A diverse range of people, faced with evidence of climate change and environmental degradation, are acting to live more sustainably. South Gippslanders feature in the show. Rob and Joan Liley of Walkerville have planted shelter belts and fenced drainage lines on their farm, creating wildlife corridors and increasing
biodiversity. Members of the Prom’n’aides group identify and list plants regenerating at Wilsons Promontory National Park after the devastating bushfires, and are now doing similar work at Walkerville and the Wonthaggi wetlands. Bob Davie of Phillip Island is farming sustainably by not using growth hormones and antibiotics in his beef operation. Welshpool fisherman Joe Pinzone represents the Corner Inlet Fisheries Habitat Association, established to maintain the habitat of Corner Inlet and ensure fishing is conducted sustainably. Harbingers of Change comprises 15 large, framed, black and white photographs, and texts which give the images context, providing captions
and testimony. Most images show individuals and groups of people within their living and working environments – farmers, fishermen, inventors, business people, manufacturers, fruit and vegetable growers and distributors and community activists, men, women and children. Every image shows that there are, within reach, ways of living and working which are productive, economically sound and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The people who contributed to the exhibition are harbingers of the changes we will all have to make if our children are not to inherit a badly damaged world. The exhibition has been shown in Melbourne and in the Western District, and is sponsored by the South Gippsland Conservation Society.
PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Country star to visit Wonthaggi COUNTRY music royalty is coming to Wonthaggi and this will be a show you don’t want to miss. This March, multiaward-winning musician Troy Cassar-Daley will be performing new songs from his yet to be released, eighth studio album Home, along with well loved tracks from the records. Held at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on March 24, Troy will be joined by special guest Harmony James and warns he may even bust out the banjo during the concert. Troy not only has a magical ability to sing and play, but combined with his talent of telling stories through his music, his latest musical additions will tug on the heartstrings, and have the audience feeling right at home themselves. Tickets are available from the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club by phoning 5672 1083 and will sell out fast, so be sure to get in early to avoid disappointment.
Back then: the former Leongatha High School in the early days.
School officially 100 FEBRUARY 6 (yesterday) marked 100 years of state secondary education in Leongatha.
Country music star: multi-award-winning musician Troy Cassar-Daley will be performing songs from his newest album Home, as well as his biggest hits at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on March 24.
Latrobe Regional Hospital
Mental Health Triage Service Q. What is mental health triage? A. The mental health triage service is a telephone-based assessment, support and referral service for anyone seeking assistance for a mental health problem. Mental health triage is the first point of contact with the specialist mental health service. Mental health triage is located at Latrobe Regional Hospital. Q. How do I contact the mental health triage service? A. By telephone, the number is 1300 363 322. An experienced mental health triage receptionist responds to calls during the hours of 8.30am and 5pm. Callers will be asked for their name, contact details and if their call is urgent. These details are then forwarded to the triage clinician for action. After hours, a triage clinician will respond to calls. It is sometimes necessary to place calls in a queue while the staff are dealing with other calls. Q. Who works in mental health triage? A. Psychiatric nurses and allied health staff members who have special training in mental health and triage. The staff are experienced mental health professionals who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. A consultant psychiatrist provides supervision to the triage team and also reviews referrals to ensure we continually improve our service.
Q. Who is it for? A. People with a mental illness, their carers, family members, emergency services, health professionals and the general public. Anyone in the community can contact triage for advice and assistance. Q. What can I expect when I call mental health triage? A. Expect to be asked lots of questions when you call mental health triage as the person taking the call tries to establish the nature of the mental illness and the urgency of the matter. The clinician will also be trying to determine if there is a risk involved to the person, their family or others. Using this information and the statewide triage scale, the clinician will decide where the caller should be referred to. This may be to another support service for drug and alcohol counselling, grief counselling, a GP, a non-government mental health service, community health or housing/welfare services. The caller may be referred to one of our community mental health teams based at Wonthaggi, Korumburra, Warragul, Latrobe Valley, Yarram, Sale, Bairnsdale or Orbost. The community mental health team would then invite the person for an initial assessment to determine the nature of the mental health support required. Q. Is there other telephone support available? A. Yes. For general mental health advice, information and assistance anyone can call Lifeline 13 11 14, Nurse on Call 1300 606 024, Griefline 9935 7400 and Alcohol and Drug 1800 888 236. For all urgent life threatening situations call 000.
Mental Heath Triage Service is available 24 hours a day by calling:
1300 363 322
GP1348181
Latrobe Regional Hospital operates a telephone-based mental health triage service. Here, LRH Mental Health Director Cayte Hoppner answers some questions about the service.
Leongatha Agricultural High School was opened on February 6, 1912. On that day, a group of 57 students and three teachers gathered at the Leongatha State School (primary school), then on the corner of Jeffrey Street and Hassett Street. The new high school building had not yet been started, so the high school was given a large room at the state school to use for the first year. Arthur Mesley had been appointed as headmaster and in January he and his family moved to Leongatha to live. Mr Mesley was born and bred in Omeo and he started his teaching career there as a 15-year-old. He attended Melbourne Teachers College and then taught at Warrnambool Agricultural High School. After studying at Dookie Agricultural College, Mr Mesley was appointed to found Leongatha Agricultural High School. The students in the first year came from Leongatha and district and many areas of South Gippsland including Korumburra, Yarram and Mirboo North. The students were allocated into
classes and levels according to their score on the entrance exam rather than age, and were mostly over 14-years-old. The curriculum was basically academic with an agricultural stream provided for boys. A farm was established at the school site and Mr Mesley and the students set about making a fine mixed farm designed to teach modern agriculture to the farmers of the future. Other talented students wanted to be able to attend university and teachers college and they were able to do so in their own community for the first time. In 1930 the school farm was closed and the word agricultural was removed from the name. From then on Leongatha High School successfully ran until 1989. Leongatha Technical School was established in 1967 and amalgamated with Leongatha High to form Leongatha Secondary College in 1990. The centenary of state secondary education in Leongatha will be celebrated on the weekend of April 28 and 29 this year with a grand reunion. Everyone with a connection to the three schools over the past 100 years is welcome to come along and enjoy the events. Please register your contacts with the school if you wish to be part of this once in a lifetime celebration.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 17
PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Adventurer promotes midwives AUSTRALIAN midwife Margaret Phelan has ridden 10,000 kilometres on a bike ride around Australia so far to raise women’s awareness about midwives. She visited Grantville recently. Members of the Australian College of Midwives, Home Birth Australia, Maternity Coalition and family and friends gathered at midwife Barb Dunn’s home in Corinella to welcome Marg on her Go-Girl Australia tour. The tour began in Darwin and has
continued around Australia. Cycling around Australia is Marg’s way of raising the profile of women’s rights to choose where and with whom they give birth and to be properly supported in their choices. “Far too many women are not well informed about their choices in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting,” Marg said. As she rides, Marg is accepting donations for the Rhodanthe Lipsett Trust that financially encourages and supports aboriginal women to become midwives.
Vet clinic welcomes first patients By Tessa Hayward TARWIN Veterinary Group Large Animal Centre on the South Gippsland Highway at Leongatha had its first ‘in house’ patients recently. A facility which was long overdue has now been completed to service horses. The first two patients were Jet and Kenny, the horses of Samantha Drinkwater. They were dropped off at the centre at 9.30am for Jet to have
dental work done in the new horse crush specifically designed for vets to do a more precise job. Kenny was gelded. They were picked up from the new and safe facility at 3.30pm. The veterinary group had been looking for a property to expand into for two years and then this one arose and they acted quickly to secure it. “Treating horses in paddocks is not always the best for them, so we prefer them to come in and we can treat them here,” Tarwin Veterinary Group director Gerhard Labuschagne said.
The Large Animal Centre features a round yard for minor treatments, two day pens and a horse crush, and will soon have a big shed with five stables. There are five to eight vets on the road through the day servicing the community’s needs. “Stage one is now completed, we want people to know we are doing dental work, gelding and minor procedures,” Dr Labuschagne said. For more information contact the Large Animal Centre on 5662 2251 or 5667 4888.
23,500 ,5 00 Driveaway
Raising awareness: Corinella’s Barb Dann, Coronet Bay’s Laurie Black, Marg Phelan and Corinella’s Leanne and Emily Pendlebury, Cathy McLeod and David Laing have all supported Marg on her bike ride around Australia.
Free cancer help in Inverloch THE Cancer Council and Bass Coast Regional Health will host a one day Living With Cancer education program on Saturday, March 3. The event will be held at the Inverloch Community Care Centre (4 Reilly Street) from 9.30am until 3.30pm. This free program provides an opportunity to learn more about cancer, along with strategies to help people deal with the life changes often associated with a cancer diagnosis. Dr Amanda Horton, director of the Cancer Information and Support Service, said: “Discovering that you or someone you love has cancer can be very distressing.”
The local program is facilitated by Bass Coast Regional Health staff, Lucy Scott (district nurse), Christine Henderson (breast care and renal dialysis nurse) and Maria Nethercott (supportive cancer care), who have trained with and are resourced by The Cancer council. Ms Nethercott said: “Living With Cancer Education Program allows people to ask questions and discuss concerns in an open and supportive environment. It provides an opportunity to share with others going through a similar experience.” Pharmacist Joanne Roland will explore some of the myths and truths associated with medications used to relieve symptoms of cancer and treat-
ment, while dietitian, Deanna Lloyd, will discuss how to manage a diet to aid recovery and maintain weight/ health during treatment. Marjory Scott, complimentary therapist, will address spiritual/emotional well being and self caring. “Participants will learn a great deal about cancer and what to expect throughout the diagnosis and treatment journey. Often survivors of cancer have a lot of questions, such as ‘What happens now?’” Ms Henderson said. For an information brochure and or to book (essential for catering purposes) please ring the receptionist in the Community Rehabilitation Centre, Bass Coast Regional Health on 5671 3343.
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TRARALGON, Wights Toyota, LMCT 9648 5174 8200 WANGARATTA, Wangaratta Toyota, LMCT 543 5722 2000 WARRACKNABEAL, B. Schilling & Sons, LMCT 1142 5394 1237 WARRAGUL, Ted Neill Motors, LMCT 1720 5623 1331 WARRNAMBOOL, Warrnambool Toyota, LMCT 8021 5559 0000 WODONGA, Jacob Toyota, LMCT 7082 02 6055 9999 WONTHAGGI, Wonthaggi Toyota, LMCT 7985 5672 1722 YARRAM, Turnbull Toyota, LMCT 2140 5182 5722
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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 19
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Passion for trade pays off TOP achieving TAFE students were celebrated at GippsTAFE’s Industry Awards Evening in Leongatha last Thursday. Successful students were praised for their dedication to their studies and workplace performance, and employers and sponsors thanked for their contribution to training. All award recipients study at GippsTAFE’s Leongatha campus. Campus manager Stuart Cooper said the night recognised many. “Tonight’s event takes place because of the efforts of a number of people: the students who will shortly be recognised for their outstanding achievements; family and friends who have supported those students; the employers and workplace supervisors; our individual award sponsors; the catering and venue staff; our special guests, our GippsTAFE teachers and administrative staff,” he said. Mr Cooper said 2011 was a “significant year” for the Leongatha campus. “Our on-campus, online and flexible student numbers were more than double the budgeted target. To those students, our teachers delivered around 306,000 funded contact hours, some 60,000 up from 2010 – a new record for Leongatha campus,” he said. Mr Cooper said apprentice numbers in 2012 were pleasing. “This is the first time we are going to offer second year hairdressing apprentice training this year,” he said. “Last year, we had first year training because of the new facilities and so we will have two years of hairdressing apprentice training.” Student numbers in first, second and third year cookery are solid. “More and more employers have thought it timely to put apprentices on. It could be that people are committing to completing their apprenticeships and their employers have confidence in putting on first years,” Mr Cooper said. Classes resume this week, including the VET in Schools program. The TAFE last year celebrated receiving $7.7 million from the Federal Government to establish the South Gippsland Trade Training Centre. The TAFE has been a long term
member of the centre committee, which also includes government, Catholic and independent secondary colleges. GippsTAFE CEO Dr Peter Whitley said enrolments for online courses at GippsTAFE had grown by 25 per cent. In the last year, the institute opened the new Leongatha campus and a brand new location at Traralgon. The Chadstone campus is nearing completion. Dr Whitley said training to enter a field in which one wanted to build a career was of great importance, as was having a job one enjoyed. “What you do is quite pertinent in defining who we are as people and often enables us to do the things in life we enjoy such as travel, networking, sports and other hobbies,” he said. Award winners: Tara Wallace, Outstanding Student Hospitality (Front of House); Nathan Ahmed, Outstanding Apprentice First Year, Commercial Cookery; Karryn Simpson, Outstanding Apprentice Second Year, Commercial Cookery; Lauren Netherway, Outstanding Apprentice Third Year, Commercial Cookery; Kara Schelling, Outstanding Student, Commercial Cookery; Nicole McFadzean, Outstanding VET in Schools Student, Hospitality. Madeline Tuddenham, Outstanding VET in Schools Student, Hairdressing; Ellie-Jade Kelly, Outstanding First Year Apprentice, Hairdressing; Ashlie Talbot, Outstanding Student, Hairdressing; Aleisha Humphrey, Outstanding Student, Beauty; Sarah Boasman, Outstanding Student, Children’s Services (Out of School hours care); Zoe Beckerleg, Outstanding Student, Allied Health; Stefka Anderson, Outstanding Student, Aged Care; Kirsty Buchan, Outstanding Student, Disability; Ian Dewar, Outstanding Student, Alcohol, Other Drugs and Mental Health; Thomas Sorrell, Outstanding Student, Education Support; Heather Wilkinson, Outstanding Student, Business Studies; Hayden Ferguson, Outstanding First Year Apprentice, Automotive-Mechanical; Nick Cambridge, Outstanding Second Year Apprentice, Automotive-Mechanical; Sascha Voigt, Outstanding Third Year Apprentice, Automotive-Mechanical. • More photos from the night in next week’s Star.
Noting success: GippsTAFE industry award winners. Front: Karryn Simpson, Heather Wilkinson, Nicole McFadzean and Tara Wallace. Middle: Lauren Netherway, Kirsty Buchan, Madeline Tuddenham, Aleisha Humphrey, Sarah Boasman, Nick Cambridge, and Nathan Ahmed. Back: Ian Dewar, Kara Schelling, Ashlie Talbot, Hayden Ferguson, Ellie-Jade Kelly, Thomas Sorrell and Sascha Voigt. Absent: Zoe Beckerleg.
Proud pair: Tara Wallace of Nyora won Outstanding Student Hospitality (Front of House), much to the delight of her father Ian.
Mayor’s message Achieving highly: Nicole McFadzean of Dalyston won Outstanding VET in Schools Student, Hospitality. She was praised by boyfriend Steve Diston and mother Susan Hulme.
Left: REECE John McRae is the first child for Nathan and Emily of Leongatha. He was born on January 25 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital.
HEIDI Joanne Considine was born on January 30 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the second daughter for Deb and Scott, and a sister for Leah, 2. Left: MAX Daniel Scicluna was born on January 2 at Casey Hospital. Max is the first child for Max and Meagan Scicluna of Cranbourne East.
Cr Veronica Dowman
THIS council appreciates the importance of art in a community. As well as the revitalised Art Acquisition Award and Exhibition, we have made a $50,000 commitment to public art annually. Public art has the ability to enhance the experience of a place, to represent something about its location and potentially to become a local icon. Bass Coast Shire Council is fortunate to have public artworks that do all of these things, such as the newly installed work, Shaft at the Wonthaggi Centennial Centre. This work represents what it is like to mine coal and be in a mine shaft, which is perfect for where it is located. Shaft will officially be launched on February 17. There is also an intriguing sculpture by Victoria Nelson at the Grantville Memorial Park, reflecting the history of Grantville. An artwork being planned for Cowes Town Square will represent some of the most beloved aspects of why people choose to live on an island surrounded by the sea. The concept plan for Cowes Bells by artist Dr Anton Hasell printed in a local newspaper last week shows an image of the ‘work in progress’, used at
a community workshop. There were 17 attendees at the workshop held Saturday, October 22 2011, who were there representing 33 local groups. They were there to discuss and provide feedback on Dr Hasell’s image in the concept plan. Concept plans are most often used to illustrate a planning discussion such as at this workshop Dr Hasell had with the community. The image alone is only half of the information about a concept and doesn’t accurately represent what the final art will look like. I would like to explain more about the artwork. The proposed Cowes Bells artwork is made of bronze. The bell shapes are modelled on ship’s bells and will have small individual sculptures of waves on top of each of them. These represent the sea waves, the waves of people who come and go from Phillip Island, and they also have the ability to make waves of a soft harmonic sound. Each bell will have a tapper attached and if they are all struck together they will make a soft harmonious and peaceful sound. Cr Veronica Dowman, mayor, Bass Coast Shire Council.
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Prom View on the mark THE PROM View Aged Care fundraising campaign celebrated a successful first year after passing the $1 million milestone just before Christmas.
With a current total of $1.2 million, the final target of just below $3 million will require efforts to continue with full force into 2012. Fundraising committee president Julie Need said the community support the cause had received was outstanding. “We had someone celebrate an 80th birthday recently and instead of presents, they asked for donations to be made towards Prom View,” she said, with a final donation of just under $1000. “We’re very appreciative of all the clubs, organisations and individuals who have contributed so far; everyone has given what they can.” PVAC also received $300,000 from a philanthropic trust. Ms Need said the amount of dona-
tions was definitely on track, with the deadline still over a year away. “We’ve happy with what we’ve done so far,” she said. “The donation is not needed until towards the end of the building being completed, so we’re investing the money until then.” The plans for the building are yet to be finalised by Town Planning, with a response expected by the end of February. Committee of management president Sandy Bucello said they’re extremely happy with the effort so far. “We’re a bit ahead of what we hoped, but we’re still not there yet,” she said. “There’s a fair bit of work to do and it’s going to be a big year; we’re hoping to get to the $2 million mark by the end of the year.” Ms Bucello said while it will be hard and is going to take full community support and input to achieve that goal, they’re certainly going to give it a good shot, and she cannot thank
everybody involved enough for their support. “The generosity of the community has been overwhelming; everyone has been digging deep,” she said. “Our CEO Claire Schmierer and the team are really working hard to bring it all together and without their continued effort, it would be a different organisation, as well as the volunteers that work across Prom Country Aged Care, the fundraising committee and the committee of management.” A few upcoming events have been planned to continue the fundraising effort. A sausage sizzle manned by PVAC board members was held at the Prom Country Market in Foster, while the Rotary Club of Foster is holding a clearing sale on Dick and Judy Edwards’ property in Fish Creek on March 2. The sale is being held on behalf of the fundraising committee, with all proceeds going towards the building project.
One million towards a new home: Toora’s Prom View Lodge resident Golda MacCormick with Prom View Aged Care fundraising committee president Julie Need.
Chip it or lose it Runaway Rosie returns By Simone Short
MICROCHIPPING your pet isn’t an option, it is a neccessity
It is also now an offence to sell or buy a pet that has not been microchipped, with identification numbers required in any advertisement or notice when selling a dog or cat. Korumburra Veterinary Clinic vet nurse Carmen Mansell said microchipping an animal gives the owner an 80 to 90 per cent chance of finding it if lost. “It will mean your pet will be returned to you if someone hands it in or the ranger picks it up, and also guarantees your legal ownership of the animal; if someone finds an animal without a chip and decides to keep it, there’s nothing you can legally do to get your pet back,” she said. A registration tag can also help identify an animal, so it is important they are worn on a collar at all times, and it is also vital contact details are kept up-to-date, especially if an animal has been bought from a breeder or previous owner. Ms Mansell said she had heard stories of people losing their pets and expecting to never see them again, before they turned up kilometres
THREE weeks after her beloved dog had gone missing, Sue Fleming didn’t expect she’d ever see Rosie again.
Responsible pet: veterinary nurse Carmen Mansell, pictured with four kittens ready for new homes at the Korumburra Veterinary Clinic, stressed how important registering and microchipping your pet is. away many months later. The consequences of an unidentified pet can often be fatal; an animal turned in to the pound that has not been collected or re-homed within eight days may see a sad end. “We try our absolute hardest to get every animal a home, but in the end it is
not our responsibility,” Ms Mansell said. “The majority of animals surrendered here get euthanised.” All horses also require identification, while wildlife are also often chipped so rangers can keep track of which animals have been treated before release.
Thanks to an article in The Star however, Rosie is now safe and sound back home with her family. The five-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel escaped from her Leongatha home on December 14 and when she had not returned by the evening, Sue began to worry. “Rosie’s gotten out once or twice before but she’s always come back,” Sue said. “I immediately emailed photos of her to the vet and asked them to pass it around to everyone they could.” Sue also called South Gippsland Shire Council to see if the ranger had collected Rosie, who is both registered and micro chipped, and also called the pound to see if she had been handed in, but there was no sign of her. The next step was to create a Facebook page, spreading the message about the lost dog and while many people commented and sent their wishes for a safe return, there were still no sightings.
Back home: Sue Fleming is delighted to have her dog Rosie back after someone saw an article about the lost dog in The Star. It was not until an article appeared in The Star’s Column 7 on December 20 asking if anyone had spotted Rosie did the phone calls begin. “I got a couple of phone calls; one saying they saw Rosie running down Horn Street,” Sue said. “Another said they had seen her in front of Dinky Di Furniture on Yarragon Road and a car had pulled up that seemed to be looking for her.” Two days before Christmas, Sue spoke to someone
Wedding with sporting twist YOU could say Stuart Dowel took the catch of his life when he married his beautiful bride Megan Brooks on January 7. Following a ceremony at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dandenong, the couple and their bridal party played a quick game of cricket and posed for photos on the pitch of St Mary’s Cricket Club; the place the bride and groom first met. It was then off to the reception at Merrimu in Oakleigh, where the newlyweds danced the night away with their guests. Stuart is the son of Colin and Jenny Dowel of Korumburra, and Megan is the daughter of John and Lorna Brooks of Dandenong. Megan looked stunning in a silk Maria Chiodo gown, with subtle crystal beading on the bust, fitted around the
waist and falling into an A-line design, while Stuart completed the picture in a pinstriped black suit, white shirt and green silk tie. The bride carried a bouquet of flowers with sentimental significance; white and pink lilies in memory of her grandmother Lillian Brooks, and mascara pink and ivory roses in memory of her grandfather Norman Hogan, completed with cream orchids. Megan was accompanied by childhood friend as matron of honour, Katrina De Koning, and bridesmaid, Emily Cukalevski, while the bride’s goddaughter Emily Blackmuir was a gorgeous flower girl. Stuart was joined by his brothers, best man Mark and groomsman Wesley. Father Guelen came out of retirement for the wedding, having christened
Megan over two decades ago, and despite forgetting to announce “You may now kiss the bride”, Stuart and Megan quickly made up for it before walking back down the aisle. The wedding was attended by 130 guests, some travelling from as far as England, Queensland and New South Wales for the occasion. The couple will tour Italy, with visits to Dubai and Kuala Lumpur for their honeymoon later this year, and in the meantime are enjoying married life in their Narre Warren home.
From pitch to proposal: Stuart and Megan Dowel married after meeting at St Mary’s Cricket Club in Dandenong. Photo courtesy of Scott Turner Simply Digital Photography.
who said they’d seen a gold Magna pull up on Yarragon Road and put a dog in the car before driving off and on January 4, she received a phone call from a lady in Gormandale saying she thought she knew who had Rosie. “She’d come across an old copy of The Star and just happened to see the article about Rosie, and took an interest because she has a dog just like her,” Sue said. “She was telling a friend the next day, who said one of her friends had picked
up a dog matching that description.” Sue managed to get onto the lady, and after confirming the dog was in fact Rosie, they organised for Sue’s mum to meet her in Traralgon and collect the dog. “When Mum first got her home, she was still fairly unsettled and quiet, but as soon as I walked in the door she was so excited to see me,” Sue said. “She’s settled in back at home just fine and we’re very happy to have her back.”
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 23
Romantic intentions: Lorraine and Vicki Halabarec of Nikolina’s Florist and Gifts in Leongatha offer traditional, modern and customised options of flowers for any occasion. With Valentine’s Day approaching quickly, Nikolina’s is a great destination to shop.
Show your love: let your love blossom this Valentine’s Day by dropping into Big Twig in Wonthaggi. You’re bound to impress with a wide selection of flowers, gorgeous gifts and helium balloons all available. Don’t know the different between a peony and a pansy? Not to worry; with 25 years of experience, Emma Cunningham can create beautiful bouquets that will have hearts all aflutter, whether it’s combining brilliant pink lilies, stunning purple orchids or deep red celosias. To make it all too easy, she even delivers locally. We all know the secret to the perfect present is a dozen red roses, and as a Valentine’s Day special, everyone who pre-orders their bouquet before February 12 will receive a free Valentine’s Day cookie made by Moo’s Cakes and Catering in Wonthaggi. So get your order in quickly with Big Twig in Wonthaggi, or you may miss out on showing just how much you adore that someone special this Valentine’s Day.
Variety for Valentine: NewsXpress Leongatha employee Nicole Whiteside displays goods on offer this Valentine’s Day. They have teddy bears, chocolates, a wide range of cards and much more.
Valentine’s power: Flower Power Leongatha’s Jesse Jarvis (owner), Renee Houghton (final year apprentice) and Julie Moss (first year apprentice) have a wide range of Valentine’s gifts available, from teddy bears to balloons to roses.
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SWIMMING pools are not just for two months of swimming. With added features such as heating, spas, lights, water features and landscaping, they can be enjoyed for 12 months of the year. Steve Donald and Marie Haw from Narellan Pools Gippsland have been based in the region for more than three years. Being in the pool industry for over 10 years, Steve and Marie love the opportunity to bring families’ dreams to life by building swimming pools in their backyards. Narellan Pools Gippsland is also the local licensed MagnaPool dealer, providing the benefits of Mineral Science Therapy with every pool installed with this system. Narellan Pools Gippsland is committed to ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy a safe, fun swim in their new pool. Every Narellan Pool comes with a range of safety features such as a childsafety perimeter ledge, nonslip surfaces, smooth nonabrasive curves, night-time safety lights and is compliant with all Australian building and safety standards.
They also have pools with gradual depth, extensive wading areas and wide steps, so there is a pool to suit every member of the family. Narellan Pools was established in 1971 and is a family-owned business specialising in manufacturing and installing inground composite fibreglass swimming pools. Servicing over 70 locations around Australia with 14 locations around Victoria, Narellan Pools have more than 30 shapes and sizes and a huge selection of colours to choose from. Narellan Pools have won over 100 SPASA Awards nationally, as well as a swag of awards for environmental pool builders and the Best Practice Manufacturing Accreditation from Fiberglass International - the premier supplier of resins to the industry. Contact Narellan Pools Gippsland today to receive your information pack or to organise your free onsite consultation to discuss your pool dreams. Phone: 5169 6293; email: gippsland@narellanpools.com.au or website: Guaranteed fun: Narellan Pools Gippsland is committed to ensuring every member of the family can enjoy a safe, fun swim in www.narellanpools.com.au their new pool.
“THE STAR�, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 25
WANTING to care for your pool but not spend valuable time week after week doing so? Then A. W. Smith and Sons Outdoor Living and Garden Centre in Leongatha has the solutions for you. The business stocks the reputable BioGuard range of pool and spa care products, and offers free computerised water analysis. Pop in and collect your free water sample bottle and receive personalised instructions for keeping your pool in superb condition. A.W. Smith and Sons is part of the nation-wide network of BioGuard approved retailers who are pool and spa care professionals.
They provide dependable, accurate, helpful advice. BioGuard has developed an extensive range of patented premium pool and spa water treatment products, and encourages a programmed approach to pool and spa care. That is the easiest way to sparkling clear pool or spa water. The customised programs are convenient and effortless, so customers will only spend minutes per week maintaining beautiful pool and spa water all year round. The store also stocks an extensive range of pool accessories, including vacuums, covers, automatic cleaners, solar heating, and pumps and filters.
Priorities right: spend more time in the pool with your family, instead of cleaning.
Fun in the sun: Tabatha Stevens makes some waves in the pool on her inflatable toy at the Mirboo North pool on Australia Day.
Splashing around: Daniel and Hayley of Cranbourne decided Mirboo North was a good place for a swim on Australia Day.
PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Interested still: Nancye Durham and Eulalie Brewster from the Inverloch Historical Society wander along the sea wall at the end of Pymble Avenue.
A reminder of past emerges from bushes By Bra B Brad rad d Le L Lester stterr A S families families sit i andd eatt th heir i AS their lunch in a barbecue rotunda at Inverloch, few would know that beneath them is a sea wall. In the 1930s, the edge of Anderson Inlet was just a short distance from what is now The Esplanade. What was once water is now a popular foreshore park and dunes. Part of the sea wall protrudes nearby, obvious for a few metres before vanishing into coastal bushland. For keen Inverloch historians such as Eulalie Brewster and Nancye Durham, what little of the sea wall that is exposed now is a reminder of the town’s past. “It’s just how the coast changes. The coast is moving all the time,” Eulalie said. Both ladies are members of the Inverloch Historical Society and note that a sea wall actually spanned from the bottom of Anderson Avenue on the
eastern eea stern t n si side de ooff In IInverloch verllochh to bbeyond ey yondd Venus V enus Street towards the west. t. sandstone, There the wall is initially sa nddstone, e then becomes bluestone between Hillside Avenue and St Kilda Street. At the end of Pymble Avenue, the wall is made from redstone sourced from the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi. Around Anderson Avenue, the wall was timber. The sea wall at the Pymble Avenue barbecue area was built in the 1930s to create work for the unemployed during the Depression and to stop erosion. “When Nancye and I were children, there were so many World War One soldiers out of work and they gave them these jobs, so they could support their children,” Eulalie said. “My children would later come down here for swimming lessons and they would jump off the wall opposite Anderson Avenue.” The barbecue area was once known as Toy’s Backwater, after Alan Toy who moored his hire boats there. Locals often referred to the spot
a S as tinkky Ba Bayy because bbee of the of h odo dourr dour Stinky odour ccreated cr eattedd by aan open ddrain ttha h t flow edd that owed tthere heree when Inverlo ch h ddid not havee Inverloch street drainage. The locale featured in a postcard created by then Leongatha newsagent Gerald Ford in 1906. “He did a series of postcards of around South Gippsland and the glass negatives were sent to England to be printed because that technology was not available in Australia at the time,” Eulalie said. Sand dunes began to reclaim the spot in the 1970s and have since taken hold, leaving the sea wall some 90m from the high water mark. Society members unearthed the wall at Pymble Avenue in 1998, after clearing weeds, bushes and dead trees. The Inverloch Historical Society was formed in 1996 and despite membership falling from the original 100 to 60, the group continues to be Natural change: Stinky Hole as captured by Gerald Ford in 1906. The site is active. now the location of a barbecue area at the end of Pymble Avenue.
Milpara Community House news IF YOU are thinking about studying Aged Care, Home and Community Care, Disability, Child Care or Community Services, the Introduction to Community Services course will help you make the right choice. You will also complete part of a unit towards a qualification in the above areas. This course will outline workplace expectations as well as study and placement requirements and will be held over four days: February 20, 21, 27 and 28. **** MYOB AccountRight course will be held over six Mondays, commencing on February 13 from 10am to 1pm. No class on March 12. You will learn how to set up your business books, step by step with the MYOB accounting system, including chart of accounts, sales, purchases, payroll, bank reconciliation and GST. Participants need good basic computer skills. To book your place, please contact Sandra or Belinda on 5655 2524. **** Would you like to learn how to use a computer? The Computers for Beginners class, held over three Thursdays, commences on February 16 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. This class will boost your confidence and you will gain an understanding of the computer operating system. Learn how to use the mouse, open and close programs and create files and folders. Bookings are essential. **** Have you been using the internet and want to know a little more about it?
Email and Internet Beyond Basics class, which is held over three Thursdays, commences on February 16 from 1pm to 4pm. This class includes attachments, file sizes, how to zip files, save and send photos, address book, virus checks, how to make safe internet transactions on banking and buying websites. Bookings are essential. **** For the Blokes meets on Friday mornings from 10am to noon at Milpara Community House, 21 Shellcott’s Road, Korumburra. For further information contact Colin on 5655 2510 or leave a message on 0428 520 034. **** Milpara Men’s Shed is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9.30am to 1pm at Coal Creek. The Men’s Shed is run by men for local men. You don’t have to be a handyman to come along. This is an obligation free workshop environment in which men can create, chat, watch, dabble, exchange knowledge or just enjoy the ambience. For further information contact John Davies on 0411 485 113. **** Lifeskills for Women will be running in Leongatha this term. It will be held over six Tuesdays commencing February 14. This class will help build your confidence and self esteem, help you to communicate more effectively and manage stress. For further information and to book your place, please contact Sue Armstrong at Uniting Care Gippsland on 5662 5150.
Disabled deserve to travel PROM Country Regional Tourism will host an Inclusive Tourism luncheon at the Leongatha Dakers Centre this Thursday (February 9). Featuring a special presentation by Bill Forrester, founding partner of Travability travel agencies, the event aims to provide an insight into why Inclusive Tourism is now an important, economic consideration for many businesses. Travability was formed in 2007 after Bill’s mainstream travel agency was asked to organise a tour for a group of elite disabled sailors to attend their inaugural world championships in Toronto, Canada. He was so frustrated with the lack of support from the general travel industry with regard to the travel arrangements, that later the same year he decided to do something about it and formed Travability. Today, Travability is part of a small group of international Inclusive Tourism experts who have identified that the once
There to help: Bill Forrester with Travability’s co-Founder, Deborah Davis in the Florida Everglades. niche ‘disability’ sector is rapidly becoming mainstream, now representing over 11 per cent of the total tourism spend and equating to a combined expenditure of $8 billion annually. Travability is a strong advocate for shifting the paradigm away from a disability rights issue, in favour of an economic argument, based on the value and competitive advantage to be derived from the Inclusive Tourism sector for the mainstream travel industry.
Bill says that often businesses don’t need to make large, expensive changes to be more inclusive, stating that “often the issue with inclusive experiences wasn’t the availability of accessible venues, but rather the lack of information presented to enable people to make informed decisions.” The presentation will examine Australia’s ageing population and what it will mean for the future of tourism, local businesses and communities and why incorporating Inclusive
Tourism into your business is worth considering from an economic perspective. The event is proudly supported by Prom Country Regional Tourism and the South Gippsland Shire Council. The presentation will run from 12–1pm. A light lunch will be provided, following the presentation. All welcome. $15 per head (PCRT members free). To confirm your attendance please phone 0435 261 281 or email promcountry@mac.com
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 27
Wine is talk of the region DESPITE near 40 degree heat, the inaugural South Gippsland Summer Wine Fest, launched at Archies on the Creek, proved to be a tour de force for the South Gippsland wine industry. A gathering of the best of wineries offered tastings to an appreciative crowd. Led by local wine producers, the event was held under the shady trees and accompanied by a live band, and provided a showcase of the best cold climate wines produced by vineyards in South Gippsland. Participating vineyards included Lucinda Estate, Bellvale, Windy Ridge, Lyre Bird Hill, Mardan Hill Wines, Lithostylis, Purple Hen, Waratah Hills, Claire de Lune, Tarwin Valley Wines, Mallani and Phillip Island Wines. Event organiser for Archies on the Creek, Sierra Dunton said: “The feedback from the wineries was that it was a good day, and they were happy with the large crowd who seemed on the whole to have a good knowledge of wines. “There was lots of good
Out, about: Archies on the Creek owner Vern Rickman talks with Lucy Gromotka of Lucinda Estate Winery.
Right: Longstanding presence: John Ellis of Bellvale Wines takes a break from the tastings.
conversations about regional wine and promoting the South Gippsland area. Many guests spoke very highly of the quality of the wines they were tasting, and one guest who hadn’t tasted Gippsland wines in the past six years stated that Gippsland wines have come a long way.” Many locals and visitors from Melbourne who attended this inaugural wine festival enjoyed the day so much they plan to return next year, and many said they would bring more friends with them. “With this set to become an annual event, it will only grow and become better, with huge potential for growth in the South Gippsland region,” said owner of Archies on the Creek, Vern Rickman said. “In regards to the wineries, they all told me how nice it was to be able to be involved with each other a bit more and working together – sharing experiences and advice. “I think what we are doing here is really important and valuable to the growth of our region, and hopefully the permanence of Archies on the Creek as a destination for wine lovers.”
Teens find feet in workforce By Tayla Kershaw WHETHER it is for further schooling, travel or just for some extra money, parttime jobs are an average part of the teenage lifestyle.
Some plan to spend their hard earned money when they finish Year 12, putting it towards the education they need to reach their aspirations. “I like that with a job I have financial independence,” said Hannah McKittrick from Inverloch’s Chutney Bar. As well as saving for the future, extra money is handy for immediate desires. “I’m also saving for a ukulele,” said Hannah.
Of course, it’s not just about the money. It is also a productive way to spend time. “I needed money and it gives me something to do,” said Michael Mackay from Inverloch’s Paul the Pieman Bakery. Having a part-time job allows teenagers to develop skills they need in the workforce. The experience goes toward career goals in the long run and helps them to gain an idea on what they plan to do for a living. “I thought it would be good to get into the hospitality industry while I’m young, so when I’m older I can pick up a waitressing job easily because I have the experience,” Hannah said. “It gives me customer skills and food handling skills that I could use later
in life,” said Caleb Hooke from Youki’s Japanese Takeaway in Wonthaggi. Employers are understanding when it comes to hiring people in the teenage bracket. School remains a priority. “It doesn’t interfere with school because I’m not given long shifts after school,” said Tom Green from Target in Wonthaggi. Ultimately, part-time jobs take away reliance on parents, and allow teenagers to receive an earlier opportunity of experiencing independence and responsibility. “Working at the cinema is a quality experience towards my future,” said Sam Holland from Leongatha’s Stadium 4 Cinema.
On the job: Sam Holland serves popcorn at Stadium 4 Cinema. Holiday fun: YMCA team leaders Maddie Dowel and Matt Cook took Tiffany and Tina Tran and Cameron Stanley to Coal Creek Community Park at Korumburra for a day’s fun as part of SPLASH’s YMCA Vocational Care Program recently. Coal Creek’s Bill Reynolds looked on. The children enjoyed the tractor ride and bush cooking activities, plus the resident emus Edward and Edwina, and of course a visit to the general store filled with delicious old-fashioned sweets.
PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Model children: last year, from left, Makayla Summerfield, 7, was awarded the prize as Miss Korumburra Showgirl (age category seven to 12); Indie Cameron, 3, took out the Master Tot prize; while Emily Kurrle, 5, won the Little Miss Korumburra Showgirl prize at last year’s show.
’Burra on show IT’S on again! The Korumburra Show is back for its 117th time and is set to be a fun-filled weekend. Saturday - the main show day - is packed full of rides, displays, action, side shows, competitions, music and much more. The always popular (and scary) Snake Busters hands-on reptile show is back again, giving people a chance to get up close and personal with a range of slithering snakes. Jeff Marriott will have his dog and duck display, while Travis Scott will be showing his sheep and dogs. Freestyle motocross antics will be on display from Tristan Wilson and his team. The Miss Junior Showgirl, Master Tot and Little Miss Showgirl awards will be awarded, as well as prizes for all animal exhibitors in dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, coloured sheep and horses. In the exhibit shed, there will be fruit and vegetables, jams and preserves, flow-
ers, cookery, art and photography, needlework and craft, as well as a large junior section. As the afternoon sets in, the show will come even more to life with show bags, rides for all ages, food, games and much more. A fireworks display will be the highlight of the night and will start around 9.15pm. “There are some old favourites and some new things which are also set to impress,” show secretary Creel Waugh said. “We’re hoping for some good weather and some good numbers coming through.” Competitions this year include the classic Apple Pie competition as well as the special photography competition. This year, the photos have to be of the interior of a farm or work shed in South Gippsland, which could make for some very interesting images. Get down to the Korumburra Showgrounds on Saturday, February 11 for some great country family fun.
Ride on: Bailee and Kelysey Pavlou had a great day out.
Best in show: from left to right, Debbie Sigmund (who was given the gong for Champion Bird in Show with her Blue Australian Langshan Bantam), judge Neville Chiselett and David Holden (who won the Reserve Bird in Show with his Old English Game Partridge) at last year’s show.
“THE STAR�, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 29
Superb and modern property
This cleverly designed home has all the features and is available through Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha. See page 30 for details.
PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Construction is underway S
TOCKDALE & Leggo is excited about commencement in construction of the McCartin Street development by well known local builder Mike West. The development will comprise of two and three
bedroom units. Mike West is renowned for his quality workmanship and approachable nature. This development will be no exception and will be detailed in a full specification available upon request from our office. Each unit will have turn key fit outs complete with floor cover-
ings, window furnishings and landscaping. Inside will boast a large open plan living area, nostep showers, built-in robes, large kitchen with loads of cupboard space, dishwasher and stainless steel appliances. Each unit is designed for the living areas to capture
the northern sun and has a five star rating. The three bedroom units will have en suite and walk in robe to the master bedroom and double garage with remote control roller door with direct access inside. A sliding glass door from the living room leads to an undercover alfresco area and large yard, with each unit set on a generous sized allotment. A short 500 metre stroll is all that stands between you and the main shopping precinct. At the rear of the property residents can take a leisurely stroll around the well constructed wetlands with rotunda. Early birds can take full advantage of the huge stamp duty savings by buying off the plan, which equates to thousands of dollars.
Up and running: Principal at Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha, Michael Hanily (left) looks over the McCartin Street unit development with builder Mike West.
LEONGATHA Location: 105-107 McCartin Street Price: ranges from $295,000 to $355,000 Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha Contact: 5662 5800
Quality, comfort and space A cleverly designed home at 83 Parr Street has all the features a growing family is looking for.
The property boasts a huge central family room with a large kitchen and quality appliances. The lounge area is also sizeable and has a built-in study space which is great for the policing of kids on
the computer. The second living area or rumpus room is ideal for all the kids’ toys with double doors to hide away their activities and completely separate both living rooms. The master bedroom has a walkin robe and a big en suite with spa and oversized shower. The outdoor entertaining area services both living rooms and has
LEONGATHA Location: 83 Parr Street Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $465,000 Agent: Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 5800
a beautiful north facing aspect. The backyard is accessible through the double garage and has been well landscaped, with a water system and a water tank with pressure pump, A 6x6 metre lock-up garage in the back yard completes this superb home. An inspection is a must to appreciate the size and quality of this modern property.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 31
PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Motel business with lifestyle thrown in I
N the heart of Prom Country, amid the green rolling hills of South Gippsland sited on approximately half an acre, is the Meeniyan Motel.
In the Meeniyan Township with highway exposure, the Meeniyan Motel business incorporates 12 rooms including a family suite, plus modest manager’s quarters. Equipped with quality accommodation, in ground pool and barbecue facilities, the business enjoys a high level of repeat custom. It has a comprehensive database, quality website, tourism and Budget member-
ships, and takes advantage of regular tourism events, both in Meeniyan and surrounding areas. Along with its primary business source, the Wilsons Prom traffic, Meeniyan’s reputation as an art / music destination and
local eateries and wineries provides the Meeniyan Motel with a broader client base, ensuring that occupancy is steady throughout the year. The Meeniyan Motel’s standing as a clean, family-friendly destina-
tion makes this the rural business lifestyle opportunity of the year. The present owner has successfully operated this business for nine years. A secure lease has eight years to run (three years plus five
year option).
The sale of the Meeni-
yan Motel business is a
wonderful opportunity to
become a part of Meeni-
yan’s growth and community now.
Meeniyan has:
Meeniyan is:
Two restaurants, two cafes, a hotel with bistro, a deli, IGA Licensed Supermarket open seven days, chemist, jeweller, home wares, post office, hall, newsagent, petrol station, art gallery, hardware, farm produce, beautician, hairdresser, sports ground, bowling green, sports stadium, churches, kindergarten, primary school, bridge club, table tennis club, gardening club, CWA, Red Cross, Fire Brigade, footy club, golf club, netball club, cricket club, Traders Association, Progress Association, choir, Rail Trail, nearby Stony Creek Racing Track, nearby Stony Creek Go-Karts, nearby Koonwarra Village, nearby wineries, and much more.
Only 1.5 to 2 hours from Melbourne and is the primary route to Wilsons Promontory just 30 minutes away, it is famous for its live musical events at the Meeniyan Hall, through Lyrebird Arts Council (see http://lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au) and also the Meeniyan Tavern Nights (see http://www.meeniyan. org.au/Meeniyan/Home.html ), live theatre, home to the ABC’s Bed of Roses TV series starring Kerrie Armstrong, part of the ‘Progressive Town’ scheme with the Victorian State Government and fully sewered with an extensive wetland treatment plant nearing completion.
MEENIYAN Location: 119-129 Whitelaw Street Bedrooms: 13 Bathrooms: 13 Price on application Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Kaz Hughes 0417 516 998
“THE STAR�, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 33
MEENIYAN
MIRBOO NORTH
HALLSTON (VIA LEONGATHA) INSPECT * A.GG A.+G
Corner the Market! New Kitchen!
Piece of Perfect Patchwork
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5662 3100
Leongatha
PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Big living spaces on the schools side of the highway W
HEN the kids can walk to school and you can walk to the shops, rail trail and medicals, you might think it is the location that has top billing with this family home tucked securely in the bowl of a quiet court.
But when you realise you have plenty of space, four bedrooms (or three plus study), two living areas and two bathrooms plus a decent shed, you will have everything and everybody, covered. A separate entry hall has master on one side, with walk-in robe and en suite, while on the other is a small bedroom (with built-in cupboard) or study. Walk through to a big central living space presently used as lounge and separate dining, but the potential here is to be a games, theatre or extra study room. A split system air conditioner in here
LEONGATHA Location: 6 James Court Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $320,000 Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Kaz Hughes 0417 516 998
makes sure the house is kept cool on those really hot days. Through this room, you will find a practical and spacious kitchen, with pantry, breakfast bar and gas stove. The kitchen overlooks a really spacious meals and family area, certainly large enough to take the modular couch and a big TV. The laundry is positioned perfectly off the kitchen, while beyond is a separate zone with two more bedrooms with builtin robes, and a family bathroom. Outside, a double carport offers convenient ‘straight inside with the shopping’ access to the house, and behind is a three bay lockup shed the ideal tradie’s or hobbyist’s haven. A garden water tank, vegie gardens and easy care gardens round off this good value package, which could be updated if desired, either now, or down the track a bit.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 35
When quality and style matter T
HIS stunning picture perfect country style home is packed with quality features and is ready to occupy immediately. The lovely home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, large open plan living with pristine solid timber
floors, central kitchen with gas cooking and loads of bench space. The living areas take advantage of the northerly aspect, with double glass doors spilling onto the wrap around verandah, and a raked timber lined ceiling accentuating the sense of space. Other features include reverse
cycle split system air conditioner, double garage, handpicked vanity and fittings, multipurpose third bedroom and more. The views over the rolling green hills and the established garden leave you nothing to do except move in and enjoy.
LEONGATHA Location: 6 Floraston Drive Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $355,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922
Choose a house you like. Create a home you love. my alfresco room
hunter
Airlie design
Inverloch / Leongatha 2 Ramsey Boulevard Ph: Caroline 5674 3058 Find out how you can tailor our plans
Licence: DBU-3480/DBU3480
Start making plans
1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au
HOT5128_AIR102
Your local office:
PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sensational investment or holiday apartment T
HIS spacious modern apartment includes three living zones downstairs, open plan kitchen with CaesarStone benches, Blanco
appliances, double glazing, powder room, and direct access from double garage. Upstairs there are three large bedrooms, main with en suite and walkin robe, parents retreat and main
bathroom. There are also balconies and views to the ocean, solar hot water, a security system, water tank and pump and low maintenance synthetic lawns.
INVERLOCH Location: 4/20 The Crescent Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $585,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Inverloch Contact: Dawn Hughes 0417 380 736
Affordability improves The REIV 2011 December quarter median prices confirm that house and unit prices remained relatively stable over the quarter. REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said that demand in the local residential market improved marginally from the previous quarter, as did housing affordability, due to the two interest rate cuts; however, transaction numbers were significantly lower than for the same time the previous year. “REIV data confirmed that, overall, the median house price has not changed over the last six months; the key factors driving the current market are a combination of lower consumer confidence, a slowing state economy and an increase
in supply.” Feedback from REIV Members during the December quarter was that buyers are not as willing to buy and sellers are not as anxious to sell as they hold out for an improvement in conditions. “As we head into 2012, there is no doubt that housing affordability has improved with the combination of lower house prices and two interest rate reductions. “The median price of a house in regional Victoria rose by 0.8 per cent to $312,500. Of the three main regional centres, demand was highest in Bendigo, where the median house price increased by 6.3 per cent to $294,000. In Ballarat the increase was 3.6 per cent to $290,000 and in Geelong there was a drop of 2.3 per cent to $380,000. “The REIV does not predict any significant change in the market during the March quarter as it is generally the quarter with the least activity, however we are starting to see signs that the market may have bottomed in 2011and, if there are improvements in economic conditions, we may see an improvement in transaction activity from the
second quarter of this year,” Mr Raimondo said. The median house price in metropolitan Melbourne was $550,000, representing a minor increase of 1.9 per cent from a revised September quarter median of $540,000. “The strongest growth in demand was found in Kew, Prahran, Kensington, Mornington, Port Melbourne, Balwyn North, Blackburn, Wantirna South, West Footscray and Mount Waverley; however, most of these suburbs recovered ground lost in the September quarter. “In contrast to the last few quarters, there was very little difference in the performance of the auction and private sale markets. Houses sold at auction recorded a median of $700,000, an increase of 1.4 per cent, while those sold at private sale recorded a 0.7 per cent increase to $478,444. “The performance of the unit and apartment market mirrored that of houses, with the median price increasing by 1.1 per cent to $455,000. The strongest demand was recorded in North Melbourne, Armadale and West Footscray.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 37
QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8311
Church Times
Think ahead: planning can help guarantee a safe boating trip.
Stay safe on boats TRANSPORT Safety Victoria (TSV) is reminding people of the dangers of refuelling powerboats, house boats and personal water craft, after two people were injured when their house boat caught fire while refuelling on Lake Eildon recently. TSV’s director of maritime safety Peter Corcoran, said refuelling is a potentially hazardous part of boating and it is important to take care and to follow the correct procedures. “Fuel fires spread very quickly, so it is important that you have fire protection equipment readily available,” he said. “Boat fires are very serious and can lead to disastrous consequences, so the key is to know how to prevent them, and if they start, know
how to respond.” Boaters should follow these safety tips: • do not smoke at any stage; • switch off the engine and turn off all potential sources of flame, such as pilot lights, gas refrigerators, electrical equipment and mobile phones; • remove all passengers from the boat when refuelling; • petrol fumes are denser than air and difficult to detect. Be alert to the smell of petrol; • do not overfill the tank; • clean up any fuel spill; • only allow passengers on the vessel after the engine has been restarted; and • carry fire protection safety equipment, including: portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets, bucket with lanyard and fixed fire extinguishing systems.
ANGLICAN: Wednesday, February 8: 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Sunday, February 12: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Exploring Worship; 10.30am Union Church, Tarwin Lower HC. Tuesday, February 14: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk / St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am. ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am. ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion. CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984. ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248. A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466. Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219. Equip Church - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday service 10am. Contact: John 0408 305 880. Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984. CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha. Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455. THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School 11.30am. CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday. Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday. Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays. St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass. Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass. Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass. KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214. GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at The Grain Store, Mirboo North, Sundays: 4-5.10pm Communion, 5.15-6pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children. Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5668 2226 Bob Stevens. SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Sagala - Tuesday, 4 - 5.30pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome. Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122. SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship. Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228. PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump
5662 2107. CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. All Sunday evening services at 5pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2527. UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, February 12, 10am. Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday. BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Phone 5658 1366. BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769. MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall. COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm. SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627. FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.
7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 15. 16. 18. 20. 22.
ACROSS U.S. state (3,9) Mute (6) Chauffeur (6) Pamphlet (7) Nervous (5) Out of line (5) Cat (7) Tool (6) Inn (6) Disregard (4,2,6)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 11. 13. 14. 17. 19. 21.
DOWN Dangerous (8) You (4) Stifle (7) Apart (5) Cruel (8) Present (4) Memento (8) Plant (8) Fate (7) Slope (5) Abhor (4) Bar (4)
CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8311 ACROSS 7. Only ordinary shares, but one’s as good as another to you (2,10). 8. Jam made from scratch (6). 9. Will it allow you to put it in the box? (6). 10. Gathers it disconcerts one (7). 12. Maliciously derogatory, so I send reeling (5). 15. A male going by the name of Bird (5). 16. Annul, or just the opposite (7). 18. Seem frightened when the article appears in it (6). 20. Brown having a little vermouth in the pub (6). 22. Not harmed by the group, he swore otherwise (4,3,5). DOWN 1. Deduce it’s close (8). 2. The girl Ivor lost his heart to, mother (4). 3. Volunteered to feed for a change (7). 4. Hardwearing material for school (5). 5. The nice vacillating man in the case (8). 6. Regard, you say, as a pet (4). 11. Buoyant, beat the woman in return (8). 13. Give first aid to first, amid the misery (8). 14. Hide when the tale is unfolded to the woman (7). 17. Join the outfit at the end of June (5). 19. Give to a member of the staff(4). 21. Figure oil was spilled on the instrument (4).
PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Australia Day celebrations at Leongatha, Meeniyan, Mirboo North and Pound Creek. More Australia Day photos on page 40.
CFA Ladies Auxiliary: Jill Price and Dot Holton take a quick break from preparing lunch for 200 at the Pound Creek Australia Day celebrations.
Honouring our volunteers: members of the Leongatha SES came together to celebrate Australia Day in McIndoe Park, Leongatha.
New Australian citizens: former New Zealand citizen Katherine Lagoudis and former Netherlands citizen Jack Verlaat were all smiles after receiving their Australian citizenship in Leongatha.
Famous breakfast: Marge and Harry Prosser tuck into Meeniyan’s famous Australia Day breakfast of bacon and egg muffins.
CFA volunteers: members of the Leongatha brigade were on their best behaviour when the ‘big boss’ of the CFA, chief officer Euan Ferguson dropped by as guest-of-honour for the Leongatha Australia Day celebrations.
Good job: Australia Day organising committee Val Hallas, David Lewis and Ian and Kate Bristow created another successful occasion at Mirboo North.
Celebrating all Australians: Isabelle Pruin from Outtrim, Anja Stockdale from Korumburra, Gail and Brian Thorburn from Pound Creek and Gemma Pruin from Outtrim celebrate with one of the country’s littlest Aussies, Asher Stockdale from Notting Hill in Melbourne.
Young Australians: members of the Second Leongatha Scouts, Tarwin River Venturers and Tarwin Junction Rovers celebrated Australia Day. Back, from left: Alex Swan, Tim Wolswinkel, David Williams and Ethan Bath. Front, from left: Katie Jackson, Ben Browning, Erin Baudinette and Lauren Baudinette.
Flagging their intent: Sue Cashin, Audrey Goldsmith, Sue Buckner and Fiona Harrington showed where their allegiances lie at Meeniyan.
Appreciating women’s work: Jill Price, Audrey Fraser, Lorraine Smith, Evelyn Harris, Marion Bowron and Carol Cashin received medallions for 25 years of service in the Pound Creek CFA Ladies Auxiliary.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 39
Challenge entices athletes THE 27th annual San Remo Channel Challenge will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 4.30pm and will be supported by local events throughout the day. Being awarded Community Event of the Year by Bass Coast Shire Council has made event organisers proud. Dennis Harris said: “It is a feather in our cap, the second time we have won it.”
Official starter of the event will be Ken Smith, Bass MLA and Speaker of the Victorian Parliament. The Channel Challenge 2012 begins in San Remo with competitors swimming 550 metres across the channel to come ashore at Newhaven, followed by a two kilometre run over the picturesque Phillip Island Bridge to the township of San Remo. “Last year the weather was awful and the wind blew three different ways, so hopefully this year the
weather will be a lot better,” Mr Harris said. About 250 competitors have already entered, but Mr Harris said he is expecting about 600. Competitors can sign up online before 5pm Friday, February 10 or on the day. “We are assembling everyone a bit earlier this year just in case of the tide,” Mr Harris said. During the day there will be an all day market, onstage entertainment,
In the swim: some 580 competitors hit the water at San Remo for the annual Channel Challenge in 2011 and organisers are hoping for even more competitors this year.
a fashion parade by Full Circle Surf Shop, an aerobics display by YMCA Leisure Centre in Cowes, and bands Seven Winters and The Desmonds playing all afternoon. “There is a carnival as well for the kids, with all sorts of rides,” Mr Harris said. People from all over Victoria compete in the challenge. Some have contested all 27 challenges. Brian Dallinger and Geoff Daff (the shark fin pranker) have competed
in every event and will continue to compete this year. Jamie Rhodes of Mount Martha crossed the finish line first last year followed by Heidelberg’s Stuart Walpole and local boy Mark Rowe of Wonthaggi. Penny Reid-O’Connell has been the first female over the line 14 times and is again competing. Race presentations will be held at 5.30pm.
PAGE 40 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Australia Day celebrations at Inverloch, Wonthaggi, Foster and Poowong. More Australia Day photos on page 38.
Very grateful: Marjorie and Thomas Beaton were overwhelmed when they received the Family Achievement Award from Bass Coast Shire at Wonthaggi.
Slide fun: Mahni Hardy-Smith of Inverloch had a fantastic time playing on the slide at Inverloch on Australia Day.
Colourful Aussies: Shirley, Greg and Tiffany Dell of Wonthaggi were in the Australian spirit.
Patriotic: Robert and Janette Allan were commemorating Australia Day in Foster.
Cutting the cake: deputy mayor Cr Mohya Davies, Corner Inlet Citizen of the Year Prue Fleming, Heather Spooner and Cr Jeanette Harding cut the Australia Day cake at Foster.
Community award: Cr Jeanette Harding congratulates Pieter Burghoef on his Community Service Award at Foster.
Proud country: guest speaker Jean Melzer gave the Australia Day address and spoke about the Australian Natives Association at Inverloch.
Event awards: Howard Booth (representing the Loch Food and Wine Festival), Stephen Douglas (representing the Poowong Mower Muster) and Noel Gregg (representing the South Gippsland Dairy Expo) at Poowong.
Good couple: Sean McDonough and Georgia Findlay were enjoying the Australia Day celebrations at Poowong.
Passed on: former Corner Inlet Citizen of the Year 2010, Mick Dorling passed the perpetual honour board to 2012 recipient Prue Fleming at Foster. All ages: Jye Madden and his grandfather John Hutchinson love being Australian.
True blue: Lauren Trani, Brittany Staples and Ashleigh Parr were being Aussie as they could be at Poowong.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 41
100 reasons to party LEONGATHA Secondary College has a huge year coming up, especially given the imminent centenary reunion. But on their first day of 2012, the current 491 students were only worried about the future. Seventy-two Year 7 students donned new uniforms as they settled into class, but principal Brett Windsor reported there were plenty of other fresh faces. “We’ve had new enrolments across all year levels, which is encouraging,” he said. The school will be looking forward to further success in the Year 12 level, with
72 students enrolled. The tender for the school’s new building is set to go out in the next couple of weeks, with a delay caused by the addition of a room. “We expect them to start with things in early term two. It’s very exciting for the school,” Mr Windsor said. The school will also be taking part in a web-based ICT program run by the University of Oregan in the USA. It will bring students’ learning capabilities into the 21st century, according to program organisers. The school’s centenary celebrations will be in April 28-29, and will involve all of the current students.
Great teachers: Prep students Julia Matthew, Allirra Carmichael, Kyran Freibe and Kyra Helms were happy to have Ebony Best, centre, as their teacher.
Leongatha welcomes four Prep classes FOUR classes of excited and nervous Preps started at Leongatha Primary School last Thursday. The 82 students poured into the Prep learning space with their parents and met other students just like them. There were a few tears and many smiles as the Prep students settled in. “We are up on Prep numbers from last year and averaging about 20-21 students in each class throughout the school,” principal Rob Higgins said. There are two new teachers on
staff, Marie Gestrin for Grade 6 and Nick Eddy for Grade 3. Mr Higgins said a lot of things are happening this year. “The Grade 4s are getting new laptops and we are continuing to work with Cathy Walker, through the Walker Learner Approach,” he said. The Walker Learner Approach focuses on student engagement through investigations and interests. Leongatha Primary School is one of 25 schools in the world involved with Yong Zhao’s global community. He is currently the presiden-
tial chair and Associate Dean for Global Education, College of Education at the University of Oregon. The global community involves students working on projects with buddies from across the world. In March, Mr Higgins and two other teachers, Crista Davies and Bruce Crawford will travel to China to visit Leongatha Primary School’s new sister school in Suzhou. As well as a sister school in Jakarta, there will also be a sister school in Suzhou.
Enrolments climb at MacKillop MARY MacKillop Catholic Regional College is growing at a rate of knots with 524 students in total.
With 108 Year 7 students in four classrooms, school numbers are increasing every year. Year 7 and 8 co-ordinator Tara Cox is happy with the high number of students wanting to attend. “We now have a waiting list,” she said. She also said that the Year 7 and 8 classrooms have been updated. “We have new tables which are a different shape to the normal rectangle and large TVs in four of the rooms,” Ms Cox said. The classrooms were looking fantastic and the Year 7s and 8s settled in quickly. The Year 7s started
New language: Year 7 students Joel Norton and Jacob Beckwith started learning French at Mary MacKillop CRC. last Thursday along with Years 10, 11 and 12 and then Years 8 and 9 started on Friday. The updated
driveway is still a work in progress. Part of it has been re-bitumened and there are proper car parks
for the teachers, but the student drop-off and pick-up area is not quite complete.
More school photos and news on pages 2, 42 and 43.
New stuff: Cameron Tuckett, Zac Caughey and Will Collins show off their brand new diaries.
$300,000 office opens STAFF at Tarwin Lower Primary School can work in style, after a $300,000 administration building was opened in time for the new school year. The complex features a new staff room, administration room, new principal’s office, computer room, sick bay and storage space. Principal Sharyne Munday is chuffed. “We’re feeling a little bit special,” she said. “It’s fabulous and when we have parents come through, they will see this professional looking building.” Graduate teacher Steph-
anie Donaldson has joined the staffing ranks, teaching Prep students. In fact, the school has a group of nine Preps this year, the largest in about 10 years. Ms Donaldson will take over from Bev MitchellSymons, who is on long service leave. Jenni Cox will teach Grades 4, 5 and 6. Students in Grades 1, 2 and 3 will be taught by Kath Roberts and Ms Munday. Lindy Vangiesbergen will continue to manage the office. The school has 44 students this year and more are welcome, as some students have moved on. Children are looking forward to swimming
sports and a performance at Fish Creek Primary School early in the new school year. The Active After School Community Program will continue. Classes resumed on Friday, after staff joined the teams from Fish Creek and Tarwin Valley primary schools for a first aid day on Thursday. “We have had some fabulous community people come in and do some landscaping and gardening over the holidays. The place just looks amazing,” Ms Munday said. She particularly praised the volunteers of the Venus Bay Men’s Shed for clearing fallen trees.
Friendly support: new Prep students Grace Taylor, Will Piening, Anna Dowdle, Megan Gale, Stephen Gardner and Shea White surrounded their new teacher Felicity de Jong at South Coast Christian College.
Preps led by excited teacher SOUTH Coast Christian College had six new and excited Preps start last Thursday. Prep/Grade 1 teacher Felicity de Jong was excited to start the year with them. In other parts of the school, the new
middle school complex is still under construction and will hopefully be finished this year. There are also only three Year 12 students at the school this year and they will be doing many subjects by distance education.
PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Students come from afar
WHILE plenty of Mirboo North Secondary College’s 60 Year 7 students have not moved far from primary school, the school has drawn many students from elsewhere. Primary schools in Boolarra, Yinnar, Narracan and Thorpdale have fed the secondary college, while nearly all of the Mirboo North Pri-
mary School students came across the way. “We think about 98 per cent have come from the primary school, but it’s good to be fed from other places as well,” principal Karen Lanyon said. The school has also welcomed four new teachers, with Alison Edgar and Aimee Soden taking on English and Humanities, Caroline Tait teaching Maths and Science, and
Bec Woodall returns as a Music and Art teacher. Year 9 to 12 students will all be receiving a netbook computer to use throughout the year. The college will also introduce VCAL for the first time, with enrolments still not finalised. Mrs Lanyon will be hoping for another good year of VCE following what she described as “outstanding results” last year.
Teachers boost ranks MIRBOO North Primary School has welcomed three new teachers and 38 Prep students. Clint McCaughan, Ben Kimpton and Will Jeffs have taken up roles with the school after graduating from university
last year. Parents who dropped off Prep students had a chance to ease their morning excitement with a coffee, and meet and greet with the staff and parents club on Thursday morning. The active club was hoping to recruit some
more members for 2012. Preparations for the student art show, part of South Gippsland Shire’s award winning Mirboo North Arty Gras and Art Show weekend, have already begun. Students from every class will be helping out by submitting art pieces,
whether individually or in a group. The Grade 5/6 children are set to enjoy the start of their year, with a camp to Wilsons Prom coming up in the early part of the year. The swimming sports will be taking place on February 16.
Broadening their horizons: Shayla Leatherland and Erin Hoghton are from Yinnar and Boolarra primary schools respectively.
Staff win awards OVER the school holidays, staff members from Korumburra Primary School took out awards for Gippsland. Prep manager Kerrie McPherson was awarded Gippsland Teacher of the Year, while the Education Support Officer Team was recognised as the best in the region. The ESO team included Cathy McCrae, Emma Morton, Sharon Jones, Di Wilshaw and Anne-Marie Clark. School principal Bill Jeffs was happy with the achievements. “I’m proud of the teachers and it shows the great staff team we have here at the school,” he said. It’s a smooth start to the school year, with no major construction for the first time in years. “It’s pretty much business as usual,”
Mr Jeffs said. “We’ve a good number of Preps at 58 and numbers are up overall at 396.” New staff members include Claire Guy, who is taking up an intervention position concentrating on literacy support across the school, while Rosemary Daniels is taking Grade 2s. Rachael Warren is replacing Jaci Williams in the art room while she is on long service leave for Term 1. “The music teaching position was filled but the applicant has withdrawn, much to our disappointment,” Mr Jeffs said. The school is now making other arrangements. The school was recently recognised as one of 20 Microsoft schools in Australia. This will lead to major projects to do with using computers in learning.
New kids too: Clint McCaughan, Ben Kimpton and Will Jeffs, back, with assistant principal Lorraine Gurnett and principal Wendy Inman. The three men have graduated from university while Lorraine has come from South Gippsland Secondary College.
Jumping straight into school FISH Creek and District Primary students settled back into learning last Friday, while 15 new Prep students were overjoyed to be
starting their first year of school. Principal Robin Smith said the school has five classes this year, with around 20 students in each class.
“We will be working to maintain our long-term very high levels of academic achievement and repeat our excellent results from last year,” he said. “This year Fish Creek
Happy start to school: Fish Creek and District Primary welcomed 15 new and excited Prep students last Friday.
will be focusing on further improvement in our writing and spelling programs as well as the further integration of technology across the curriculum.” The school is also excited to have three new teachers on board this year thanks to excellent recruitment. An experienced educator, Gay Higgins, joins staff, while Cameron LePage and Ashleigh Jordan will bring new ideas and passion to the school, both coming with excellent reputations. Mr Smith said the school’s facilities are looking great after refurbishment last year. “The new building comprises three classrooms, a large project space and an outdoor learning area,” he said. “This has enabled us to have a dedicated music room as well as our art room and gym,” with specialists offering Art, Music/Drama, and PE at the school.
School starters: Zac Grabham, Tarkyn Walker and Oliver Wilcox meet their new teacher Kerrie McPherson.
Solar grant secured ST JOESPH’S Primary Korumburra has received a $50,000 solar power grant for 2012. Funded by the Federal Government, the National Solar School Program gives schools the chance to save money on electricity while also allowing the students to learn about solar energy first hand. Principal Greg Synan is excited about the grant. “I’ve been applying for this for the past three years and I’m very happy that we’ve finally got it,”
he said. “It’ll give us the chance to save energy as well as letting the kids see renewable energy in action.” Seventeen Preps are starting their schooling at St Joe’s while overall numbers have jumped to 84, up six on last year. Teachers are all the same at the school, just with a few changes of classes and set ups. Doreenie Blum is replacing long time education support officer Josie Lomagno. “Josie has been great
at the school, with over 25 years of service,” Mr Synan said. “She’s not completely out of the picture though, as she will be coming back to help out with camps and other events.” Improvements to the grounds are on the cards for 2012. “We’re just going to concentrate on the beautification of the place,” Mr Synan said. “And we’ll also be looking into some playground equipment as well.”
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 43
Hundreds ready for next level WONTHAGGI Secondary College Junior Campus welcomed more than 200 new Year 7 students when it opened its doors last Thursday, and numbers are still growing. Assistant principal Gay Findlay said the school began the year with around 1200 students enrolled at both campuses, however late enrolments are still arriving. “Numbers are slightly down on last year, which was particularly
huge, but they are still substantial,” she said regarding 10 Year 7 classes. Ms Findlay said there was some anxiety at the buses before the first bell, however everything flowed quite smoothly once the students settled in. Year 7s are not the only fresh faces in the classrooms either; around 10 new teachers have joined staff, with many of them recent graduates. With work completed throughout the holidays, a new roof now shades the basketball court and new
carpet was also laid in a number of buildings. There’s no slow start to the school year either; students are quickly getting into their studies and extracurricular activities, with swimming sports, school photos and Year 7 camp all approaching quickly. An advance program is again running at the school, enabling students to accelerate their learning, and there are also a number of international students at the school studying English as a second language.
No problem for Preps WONTHAGGI North Primary School’s Prep students didn’t have a problem settling into school last Thursday. Assistant principal Loree-Lee Jackson said a transition program, where kindergarten children attended the school every Friday for a few hours,
was “really beneficial”. “We ran it for the first time last year and the students settled in really well,” she said. “They already knew their way around and knew the routine.” The school has two Prep classes for the year, with 48 students in total, higher than recent years. The Parents and
Friends Association also held a Tears and Tissues morning tea for parents seeing their children off for their first day of school, giving them a chance to meet other parents and get to know the roles of the PFA. The school has also welcomed five new teachers, including two student visitors from the
United States. Cameron Myers and Erica Kallergis from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio are spending first term aiding Prep classes as part of their studies. Other new teachers are Abby Dowd (Grade 5), Sarah Murphy (Grade 2) and Danielle Snelling, who is assisting Kelly Dow with Grade 1.
Wonthaggi Secondary College: Jorja Small and Sharon Sand are excited to get their new lockers on their first day of Year 7.
Busy start for Wonthaggi WONTHAGGI Primary School began the year with its biggest Prep class yet when students returned last Friday. A significant increase on last year, 50 new Preps started at the school, taking the total to 255 students. The school also welcomed two new teachers, Liz Humphries and graduate Jessica Sutherland, as well as returning teachers Ailsa Goding and Mickey Morris. Students may not have recognised parts of their playground, with plenty of work done over the holidays, including a recoated gym floor, paint-
ed toilet block, and new fencing and gate at the swimming pool as well as refurbished change room. Principal Vin Halley said it is a busy start to a short eight week term, with school programs and activities beginning right away. “We’ve got external and internal literacy coaching starting, which will also build teacher capabilities in literacy,” he said. “The main emphasis is on learning literacy and numeracy, and we’ve got other fantastic programs happening as well.” A new initiative for student welfare and wellbeing is the Dolphin Groups, which combines
around 10 students from Prep to Grade 6 levels meeting on a weekly basis, with additional responsibilities to Grade 5 and 6 students. Swimming classes for Grade 2 to Grade 6 students begin today (Tuesday), with beach days also being held. The Life Education Program will also run at the end of February, while Grade 6 students are already looking forward to their camp at the end of term. “We’re really looking forward to having a fantastic year,” Mr Halley said.
Four join Powlett Welcoming new teachers: Grade 5 teacher Abby Dowd and Grade 2 teacher Sarah Murphy joined the staff at Wonthaggi North Primary, while Cameron Myers and Erica Kallergis from the United States are assisting with Prep classes for Term 1 as part of their university studies.
Sporty news at Nyora SCHOOL started for students at Nyora Primary School last Thursday, with a brand new multi-sport roofed stadium available to students. Principal Mick Hussey said they have the same number of Preps as they did last year and no changes in the teaching staff. “We have the swimming program coming up and the active after school program,” Mr Hussey said. The new sports facility will provide students a place to play under cover.
Prep influx at Loch PREP numbers have dramatically risen at Loch Primary School due to high kindergarten numbers last year. There are 17 Preps this year, com-
pared to five last year. “It is the highest number we have ever had in history,” principal Greg Bull said. “We have a program that appeals to families.” The school has just finished a major upgrade, with two old rooms completely re-built into one large learning space. Two offices have also been created for Mr Bull and his secretary, as well as the whole school being re-painted and new carpet being laid. One new teacher has started, Melanie Davidge, who is taking the Grade 3/4 class. “We are looking forward to a great year, continue on with the great program we offer and develop children’s independence and leadership skills,” Mr Bull said.
Poowong proves popular SCHOOL numbers have gone up at Poowong Consolidated
School from 118 students in 2011 to 135 students in 2012. Prep sizes are about the same as last year with 18 students. “We have one new teacher, Michelle Street, who is a graduate teacher,” principal Leonie Anstey said. Grade 3/4 students are going on camp in the next couple of weeks to Forest Lodge Farm in Yarram and the swimming program is starting next week. “We are looking forward to another great year and we have a new sandpit which was built by parent volunteers over the summer holidays and all the materials were donated,” Ms Anstey said.
New faces at South Gippsland STUDENT numbers are slightly up in Year 7 classes at South Gippsland Secondary College this year.
FOUR new Prep students joined Powlett River Primary School at Dalyston last Thursday. They have 67 Year 7 students, with the total number of students at the school being around 365. “There are also three new teachers and two returning teachers at the school this year,” teacher Russell Ford said. Mr Ford said the school was happy with the VCE results last year and is looking forward to another good year.
One Prep at Welshpool STARTING last Friday, students at Welshpool Primary School are already enjoying being back at school. With only one Prep student this year, the school is still looking forward to a really good year. “We are going to focus on numeracy and literacy and develop the garden program and implement computer/ technologies to the fullest extent possible,” principal Geoff Cooling said.
While enrolment sits at 40 students, many children of families with employment at the desalination plant have moved as construction slows. Principal Jeff Bell reported a large Grade 6 class of 16 students and no changes to staffing arrangements. He will teach Grades 4, 5 and 6; Claire Donohue will take Grades 3 and 4; and Karen Easton will instruct Prep, 1 and 2. Specialist classes will continue to be offered in music, library and science. “We will build on our environmental program from last year and that will be a focus for us this year,” Mr Bell said. “We will be looking at an energy audit and we will continue to do work on community tree planting and our reduce, reuse and recycle program.” Staff and students work with the members of the Powlett River Landcare Group to plant trees around the Dalyston area, and the school has a greenhouse in which trees are propagated. Building works were completed last year, with four new classrooms and a major electricity upgrade is also due. “We have a new entrance gateway and path, and it all looks really great for the start of the new school year,” Mr Bell said.
PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Clearing sale closes era in beef Come on, bidders: SEJ auctioneer Michael Stevens asks for a rise in the bids at Bruce Lester’s clearing sale at Yanakie recently.
Above: Fine chefs: Rex Baxter and Stan Pomroy of Yanakie kept everyone coming back with some tasty treats at the clearing sale.
Taking a break: Carolyn Fryer of Fish Creek, Lynne Paree of Ocean Grove, Gillian Carpenter of Fish Creek and Toora’s Wendy Whelan took time out for a snack at Bruce Lester’s clearing sale.
From pages past Historical snippets from The Star 30 years ago, o, February 9, 1982 982 A FIRE bug hit the Leongatha area on Sunday - on a day of total fire ban. As the temperatures soared, police believe the person deliberately started four fires. 10 years ago, February 5, 2002 BURGLARS escaped with goods valued at $4850 from a Wonthaggi property last Tuesday. Tools and a Panasonic television were among the items stolen. **** HE’S our most successful sportsman, our only Olympic gold medallist, and Drew Ginn will be in Leongatha on Wednesday, February 13 to officially
launch the public appeal for the South Gippsland Centre. Leisure Centre Five years ago, February 6, 2007 SOUTHERN Rural Water has approved an application by South Gippsland Water to obtain more water for aqua starved Leongatha. One year ago, February 8, 2011 AN underground marijuana plant accessed via a chook shed was uncovered by police at Trida near Hallston last Wednesday. **** RAIN has once again cursed the LDCA, with only six matches getting starts across all grades. No A Grade Division 1 matches were played.
Attention parents PARENTS are being reminded their children need to be fully immunised to receive Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement this year.
The Australian General Practice Network is reminding parents about changes to the rules to receive the benefit of $726 per child. Network chair Dr Emil Djakic said while the changes don’t come into effect until July 1 2012, is a good time to act. “Parents need to ensure their child is fully immunised according to their appropriate age schedule and also check that the information has been sent to the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register or ACIR,” Dr Djakic said. “The Family Assistance Office will get this information from ACIR so they can pay the Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement.”
Meals roster (Leongatha) Mary MacKillop College (Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri), Yooralla and National Bank (Tues), Red Cross (Mon, Thur & Fri), SG Specialist School (Wed), South Coast Christian College (all week) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning February 13, 2012.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 45
Art on show THE members of the Korumburra Rotary Club will celebrate their 35th annual art show this weekend.
Fascinating perspective: Robyn Rinehart’s works explore the beauty of old objects.
Rust and decay at Archies on the Creek SHE rides a Harley Davidson and never tires of its glorious shapes. Each bike has been created to be admired, worshipped and each part made to operate as a necessary part of the whole. Robyn Rinehart is an artist with attitude. She lives and works in her studio/gallery at Seaview in the Strzelecki Ranges and is to be the feature artist for February at Archies on the Creek. Describing her work, Robyn says: “I am presently expressing a long held passion for machinery - its size, strength, and organic nature. All machines’ basic designs are driven by their purpose, but can also translate into sculptural shapes, and often finally decay; appearing static, but in reality, still in the process of change.”
Subjects are presently drawn from the decaying objects at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum at Korumburra: rusty trains, rotting windows and metal objects that don’t readily give up their original purpose. The pieces tell their own story. Robyn has diverse interests in subject matter and has been painting seriously for more than 20 years in oils, pastels, watercolour and pencil. Her work is represented in private collections worldwide. With more than 40 awards and commendations, Robyn has had numerous successful solo exhibitions. The exhibition opened in the Hunt Foyer at Archies on the Creek on Sunday and continues until February 26. It is open to the public from 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
The show is still going stronger than ever, with 380 entries to be hung in the Rotary Federation Art Gallery. Committee member John Kurrle said the art show is a great community event. “We have raised significant funds over the 35 years the show has been running,” he said. “Last year alone we raised over $7000 and averaged around $6000 before that.” The money raised goes back into the community through Rotary activities. “We’ve got a wide range of Victorian and some interstate artists showing works,” Mr Kurrle said. “We are also raffling a piece by Ernest Trenbach,
Up for grabs: Ernest Trenbach’s Grazing near Alexander is the raffle prize at the Korumburra Rotary Art Show on the weekend and is a worthy prize, according to committee member John Kurrle. a long time supporter of the art show.” The piece, titled Grazing near Alexander, is a brilliant work, worth winning and is valued
Hop in to local tucker SOUTH Gippslanders were encouraged to put the best of Gippsland on their plate recently by a regional agribusiness group. “Seafood, spuds, dairy, beef, eggs, lamb, leafy vegetables, fruit and wine - Gippsland is the complete shopping basket,” said Alex Arbuthnot AM, chair of Agribusiness Gippsland. “Add something extra with herbs sourced from Clyde, turkey from Bairnsdale, berries from Moondarra, beer from Mirboo North. I’m bound to have overlooked something! “Conventionally grown or organic – whatever you prefer – take the time to understand where your food comes from and what effort has gone into producing it. We live in one of the most bountiful regions in the world and we have a duty to sustain and appreciate it.” Since 1997, non-profit group Agribusiness Gippsland Inc has helped support regional agribusiness by working in partnership with farmers, councils, State and Federal government, catchment management authorities, community groups and others. Visit http://agribusinessgippsland.com.au or www. aginc.wordpress.com
at $1350. The opening night starts at 7.30pm on Friday, February 10 and all are welcome. Raffle tickets are available on the night.
If you can’t make it on Friday, the show is open from 10am until 3.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 47
PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Young farmers learn the ropes By Jacob de Kunder
WILTIPOL Ewes & rams for sale from $250 Phone Colin 0414 912 137
TWO local girls were among young breeders from across Australia to learn valuable skills in cattle breeding recently. Clipping, cleaning and handling were all invaluable skills acquired during the National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The 40 participants aged 16 to 20, included Mariah Campbell and Ashlea Hughes from Mirboo North and Koonwarra respectively. Seventeen-year-old Miss Hughes thoroughly enjoyed the camp. “It was really fun,” she said. “We did some great things during the week and I met some great people.” Organiser Sue Bird said the camp was an enormous success. “The kids have really enjoyed themselves and learnt about all aspects of
the dairy industry, from commercial to showing,” she said. Each participant prepared a heifer for show at the end of the week, with leading and judging competitions culminating the camp. The camp was hosted by 14 leaders, which included experts from all areas of the dairy industry, as well as past participants. Ms Bird said the leaders were able to impart valuable knowledge to the kids. “The camp also has sponsors like Genetics Australia and the kids have to research each company and organisation,” she said. “It’s great because the kids really begin to understand the different types of jobs that are available.” However, the week wasn’t all about hard work. On-farm visits included Kerry Ross’ dairy farm at Ballarat, which was a particular highlight for many kids.
Young farmer: Koonwarra’s Ashlea Hughes enjoyed her time at the National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp. Miss Hughes said this camp gave her a great insight into what showing cows is like. “The competitions on the Saturday had us all working hard beforehand to present our heifers,”
she said. “Our group came first in the competition, which I was pretty happy with.” Miss Hughes is currently studying a certificate II in agriculture at National Centre for Dairy Educa-
tion Australia (NCDEA) TAFE in Leongatha. “I want to have a career in farming once I finish school,” she said. “I will definitely want to go along to the camp again next year as well.”
• VLE LEONGATHA
Demand drives cattle prices up A MUCH larger yarding was offered to a full gallery of buyers who were all intent on buying a number of cattle. This led to higher prices for most cattle, with prices lifting 2c to 6c/kg. The only cattle that sold at unchanged to lower rates were over fat cows. The yarding was very mixed and included a lot of dairy breeds and their crosses, and this affected the overall averages. Away from these the offering was of good to very good quality. Stronger demand for the penning of 105 vealers saw the best quality make from 190c to 231c/kg. Because of the breeding of some vealers, others sold from 145c to 190c/kg. Around 180 yearlings were penned and most were heifers. The steer portion sold from 172c to 210c for most sales, while heifers made between 160c and 185c/kg.
Over 500 grown steers and bullocks were penned, and the competition varied as much on weight as quality. The best competition was for steers up to 630kg lwt, especially those mouthed 0 to 2 teeth. These sold from 186c to 195c/kg. Prime C muscle bullocks made 172c to 188c, while manufacturing grades sold between 158c and 172c/kg. Demand for most of the 510 cows was stronger, aided by solid restocker competition. The better quality beef cows sold from 134c to 157c, with 5 and 6 score 125c to 151c/kg. Several pens of extra heavy Friesian cows made 132c to 147c, while most of the lean 1 scores sold between 105c and 135c/kg. The carcass weight price average was estimated to be 281c/kg. A very large yarding of 119 bulls generally sold at unchanged rates. The better quality heavy bulls sold from 148c to 169c/kg.
Wednesday, February 1 BULLOCKS 19 E.M., K.M. & G.E. Mullen, Thorpdale 602kg 192.0 $1156 14 J. Scarbossa, Tarwin Lower 599kg 192.0 $1150 10 B.J. & E.M. - Est Fowles, Korumburra 600kg 191.0 $1146 30 Strathbrae Equity P/L, Inverloch 566kg 191.0 $1081 8 E.J. & L.M. Ronalds, Drumdlemara 563kg 190.6 $1074 14 N. Littlejohn & Son, Mirboo North 652kg 190.6 $1242 STEERS 2 T.J. & J.M. Hayward, Leongatha South 357kg 230.6 $824 1 L.R. & J.M. Boyd, Korumburra 355kg 227.6 $807 4 K. Trotman, Buffalo 417kg 223.6 $933 1 E.C. & T.M. Grabham, Leongatha 360kg 220.0 $792 1 W.J. Sheers, Mirboo North 385kg 219.6 $845 1 J. Lamont, Moorooduc 300kg 212.6 $637 COWS 1 K.J. & G.E. Harris, Inverloch 490kg 167.6 $821 1 Krishlaye P/L, Nerrena 545kg 167.6 $913 1 N.R. & M.A. Staley, Yarram 480kg 167.6 $804 7 B.F. & D.M. Summers, Fish Creek 727kg 156.6 $1139 1 R. & C. Barnacle, Loch 640kg 150.6 $963 1 E.C. & T.M. Grabham, Leongatha 645kg 150.6 $971 HEIFERS 1 J. Lamont, Moorooduc 310kg 226.6 $702 1 K. Trotman, Buffalo 340kg 221.6 $753 2 S. Newton, Mirboo North 357kg 210.0 $750 2 D. & C. Bye, Budgeree 292kg 202.6 $592 2 T.J. & J.M. Hayward, Leongatha South 347kg 202.0 $701 1 W.J. Sheers, Mirboo North 380kg 195.0 $741 BULLS 1 A. & Y. Morrison, Inverloch 830kg 169.6 $1407 1 R.L. & P.J. Olsen, Poowong East 880kg 169.2 $1488 1 R. & S. Abernethy, Yarram 1110kg 165.0 $1831 1 B.F. & D.M. Summers, Fish Creek 985kg 163.0 $1605 1 N.L. & S.A. Carfrae, Korumburra 695kg 160.6 $1116 1 R. Saario, Meeniyan 955kg 158.6 $1514
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 49
Auction day: SEJ managing director Bill Egan and Pound Creek’s Dan McCaughan caught up while looking over the heifers on offer at VLE Leongatha yesterday (Monday).
Auctioneers: Alex Scott and Staff’s Dane Perczyk, Simon Henderson, Rob Ould and Greg Spargo were first up at the heifer sale.
Potential sale: Robert and Bill Vosper of Narracan looked over the joined and un-joined heifers for sale at VLE Leongatha yesterday (Monday). Prospective buyers: Jodie and Joy Hayward of Leongatha South were looking to buy some heifers at the 23rd Annual Feature Heifer Sale at VLE Leongatha yesterday (Monday).
Feature sale: Graeme Hastings of Glen Forbes and Arthur Buckland and Alan Pell of Fish Creek inspected the heifers on offer at VLE Leongatha yesterday (Monday).
Anticipation: Lyn Mayo of Loch and Fred Tay of Cranbourne eagerly awaited the start of the 23rd Annual Feature Heifer Sale at VLE Leongatha yesterday (Monday).
Get down & dirty! At the Gendore-Alpego Demo Days MACHINERY ON DISPLAY: U «i} Ê Ê, Ì>ÀÞÊ iÃ]Ê/Ü ÃÌi`Ê >`iÊ, Ì>ÀÞÊ/ iÀÃ]Ê * ÜiÀÊ >ÀÀ ÜÃU ii«Ê, ««iÀÃ]ÊÎ* Ê ÃVÊ Õ Ì Û>Ì ÀÃÊ UPLUSÊÌ iÊ iÜÊÀ> }iÊ vÊ > LiÀ Ê-«Ài>`iÀð For further details and to confirm your interest, ÓÇÊ iLÊ Ê7 ÜÊ À ÛiÊÊUÊÊÓ Ê iLÊ Ê i }>Ì >ÊÊUÊÊÓÊ >ÀV Ê Ê/ À>` phone Tim Burgess 0409 950 011 or Derek Genoni 0418 388 768.
TOORADIN 79-83 Sth Gippsland Highway (03) 5998 3216
LEONGATHA 82-84 Yarragon Road (03) 5662 4044
PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Farmers talk genes IT was all about dairy at Hill Valley Holsteins on Tuesday, with farmers travelling from far and wide to get tips on their farming.
The free information evening was held by Holstein Australia and included guest speakers within the industry. Around 50 people came out to the Kongwak property of Roger and Helen for the evening. After a free barbecue and a social chat among farmers, Roger gave the crowd a firsthand look at his award - winning cow, Page House Shottle Noni. She took out Grand and Supreme Champion Holstein at International Dairy Week recently. Karinza Phoenix from Pfizer Animal Health presented to the group an effective
way to prevent mastitis. The product, Teat Seal, is great for combating mastitis, according to Miss Phoenix. “In the long term it can save farmers lots of money by not having the same cows out of action and so forth,” she said. Michael King from Trafalgar Tractor and Machinery was on hand to answer any farming machinery queries anybody had. “I will happily try to clear up any issues involving farm machinery so that people can get the most out of their machinery,” he said. Melissa Perrett from Hill Valley Holsteins was more than happy to host the evening. “It’s great to catch up with some old friends and share some ideas and learn a bit as well,” she said.
Experts: Melissa Perrett from Hill Valley Holsteins and Karinza Pheonix from Pfizer who spoke to the group about Teat Seal.
Cooks: Brian Gannon, Michael O’Keeffe and Jade Graves from NAB Agribusiness cooked up a storm for the farmers at Kongwak on Tuesday night.
Farmers: Peter and Jeanette Clark made the trip from Glen Alvie to the Perretts’ farm in Kongwak on Tuesday night.
Chatting: Shane Zuidema and Callum Moscript from Leongatha South enjoyed socialising at the Hill Valley Holsteins on Tuesday night.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 51
public notices
public notices
PROM COAST MARTIAL ARTS CLUB Tai Chi / Qigong & Karate Training recommencing for 2012 on 30/1/12 Sandy Pt, Foster, Toora and Inverloch New students always welcome Accredited I.M.A instructors, 25 yrs exp For all info call Andy Law on 0409 871 305
ADVANCE NOTICE Hear the St Peter’s Allen Organ played by Local Organists joined by Associate Artists
public notices
public notices
PUBLIC NOTICE Be advised road construction and footpath repair works will be undertaken near the exit of our BP Service Station at 95 Bair Street, Leongatha, on or around February 20, 2012. During this time, traffic restrictions will be in place due to partial closure of 1 lane of the highway, and total closure of the footpath. Traffic restrictions are expected to last for only 1 day, but restrictions on large vehicles entering and leaving our property will be in place for at least a week. We apologise for any inconvenience to customers and the general public alike.
The Organ and More! A Concert with a Difference for Lovers of Inspirational Music The Organ and… Voice/Flute/Violin/Ensemble… More!
Sunday 17 June at 2pm St Peter’s Anglican Church Leongatha
CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG
Followed by Afternoon Tea Admission $10 per adult (children free) (Proceeds to support events for children — Christian Religious Education and Carols in the Drome)
“NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropractic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L
New mail delivery for Shinglers Ridge Leongatha and Berrys Creek Both Shinglers Ridge Leongatha and Berrys Creek residents have told Australia Post they would like to see a new street mail delivery service introduced to their town, in a mail delivery poll conducted over the last four weeks.
CHIROPRACTOR Garry Harrison
Seventy per cent of households in Shinglers Ridge Leongatha and 80 per cent in Berrys Creek voted in favour of a new street mail delivery service being introduced and as a result, Australia Post will now take steps to implement the new delivery service.
19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday
The Shinglers Ridge Leongatha poll ran from 14 December 2011 until 15 January 2012 and the Berrys Creek poll ran from 20 December 2011 to 20 January 2012. Residents at all eligible delivery points received polling forms and a reply paid envelope with which to lodge their vote.
By appointment Ph: 5674 8290
Australia Post is happy to be guided by the will of the community and looks forward to continuing to provide the service that best meets the needs of the majority of the community. Australia Post would like to take this opportunity to thank Shinglers Ridge Leongatha and Berrys Creek residents for participating in the polling process.
CAMPDRAFT WONTHAGGI
AG59125
SATURDAY & SUNDAY February 11-12 6km Korumburra Rd Powlett River Downs FULL WEEKEND CATERING Enquiries: 5664 7586 5674 9333
QUIT SMOKING WEIGHT LOSS
Tender 7946 – Fire services maintenance, Wilsons Promontory National Park
Achieve Success in 60 Mins
John Simmons
Parks Victoria is calling for tenders from suitably qualified individuals or organisations to carry out inspection, testing, preventative maintenance and surveying of fire services in Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Clinical Hypnotherapist Group & Private Sessions
A mandatory meeting will be held at 11.00am on Monday 13 February 2012 at the Tidal River Visitor Centre, Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Wonthaggi - Thur. Feb 16 Leongatha - Fri. Feb 17
Tender documentation and further information may be obtained by calling Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or from www.tenders.vic.gov.au Documents are available for inspection from the address below. Office hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Bookings: 5333 1565 or 1800 110 660 simmonshypnotherapy.com.au
Respondents are to lodge their tender responses marked CONFIDENTIAL, Tender 7946 – Fire services maintenance, Wilsons Promontory National Park, by 2.00pm Wednesday 22 February 2012 in the tender box located at Parks Victoria, Level 10, 535 Bourke St, Melbourne Vic 3000.
RADIO 80s AUSTRAL HOTEL
The lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.
SPEED DATING
mitch43929
More information Phone 13 1963 www.parks.vic.gov.au
presents February 14 7 till 11pm $30 per head AUSTRAL HOTEL Korumburra Bookings and enquiries 0431 554 252
PAGE 52 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
message of hope
situations vacant
situations vacant
LET us not love in word or in tounge, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:8.
for hire
SHIPPING CONTAINER hire, $25 per week, site hut $35 per week. Your place or mine. 0419-313483.
for rent HOUSE in Leongatha for rent, close to shops. 0407212038. LEONGATHA 2 bdrm unit, quiet area, short walk to CBD. No pets. References essential. Contact SEJ 5662-4033. VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Permanent rental also available. Contact: 0408-320001.
room to let BUNDOORA area near Latrobe Uni. Singles preferred. 0488-981584.
wanted to rent WANTED to rent, land Gippsland area. 0401047088.
New Year, New Career! The RACV Inverloch Resort is an award winning resort on the Bass Coast and is looking for enthusiastic and hardworking individuals to join its Housekeeping and Food and Beverage service teams. As a result of an upcoming resort expansion a number of opportunities have become available within:
â&#x20AC;˘ Housekeeping â&#x20AC;˘ Food and Beverage â&#x20AC;˘ Kitchen These teams have a range of positions available so if you are looking for work and have the ďŹ&#x201A;exibility to work days, evenings and weekends then this could be the perfect opportunity for you! If you would like to know more, please attend our Information Sessions being held at the Resort. We will be running a session for each department as follows:
Housekeeping at 10.30am Food and Beverage/Kitchen at 2.30pm Thursday 9th February 2012 RACV Inverloch Resort 70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd Each session will include a brief presentation which will be followed by a quick interview for interested candidates, so please bring along an updated resumĂŠ. As part of the recruitment process, we will need to complete a police check on all successful candidates. Interested and like to attend? Simply register either by contacting Mailin Dando on 03 9944 8221 or just turn up on the day to ďŹ nd out more about these amazing opportunities and what the resort has to offer!
Service Technician Most photos that appear in The Star can be purchased by calling 5662 2294.
situations vacant CASUAL / part time tractor driver farm hand. Nerrena area. 0400-188673.
Full Time QUALIFIED BEAUTY THERAPIST TUESDAY TO SATURDAY Must be competent in all waxing Above award wages
Complexions on Billson 5672 5546
Experienced Full Time COOK or CHEF for modern cafe Excellent remuneration Fax resumĂŠ to 5662 5848 or call 0417 331 332
EARN $50-$300+ Drop & collect catalogues and deliver orders in your area. IMMEDIATE START Phone 1300 306 306 www.homecare.com.au
situations vacant
situations vacant
situations vacant
Careers with the YMCA!
thanks DANCS - Margit (Little Margit) wishes to thank all who have sent cards and good wishes after her recent fall. Margit is currently recovering at the Caulfield Hospital, Kooyong Road, Caulfield.
situations vacant
Windmill Ag is a growing company with a big future in the agriculture machinery market. Due to the expansion of the company we are seeking motivated, punctual individuals with the right attitude towards their career and our company. With the agricultural industry growing signiďŹ cantly in this area we are always in demand for Service Technicians with a strong work ethic to tend to our valued customers needs in the service department. Essential Duties: 1. Follow all safety rules and regulations in performing work assignments. 2. Diagnose problems and determine what repairs are required. 3. Develop skills in disassembly, assembly and repair of machines. 4. Perform all service tasks as assigned by the Service Manager or Shop Foreman. 5. Report any additional work required on equipment to the Service Manager, for proper and safe operation by the customer. 6. Participate in all training programs as directed by the Service Manager. 7. Maintain a clean work area and perform work in a neat and orderly fashion. 8. Bring to the attention of the Service Manager any shop tools, equipment or vehicle that is not in a serviceable condition or is unsafe to use. 9. Always conduct self so as to present a professional image of the dealership. Skills & QualiďŹ cations: â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to write diagnosis and work completed on routine reports and correspondence. â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to speak effectively one on one or before groups. â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measurement using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. â&#x20AC;˘ Have a basic set of tools â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to ďŹ ll out all required paperwork such as Time Sheets and Repair Orders. Please forward cover letter and resumĂŠ to: Jason Henry Windmill Ag PO Box 231 Leongatha VIC 3953 Jason.henry@windmillag.com.au
Boost your career with YMCA Victoria. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll invest
because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re as interested in your career as you are!
Members & Guests Coordinator $42,899 - $47,325 + super YMCA Wonthaggi Aquatic & Leisure Centre are seeking a person with exceptional customer service You will be required to manage a team of customer service staff to ensure excellence in customer service and member acquisition/retention. Recreation/Health & Fitness background desirable.
Applications close 19 February 2012 Visit www.victoria.ymca.org.au/careers or contact Rebecca.Wilson@ymca.org.au to apply.
Store Manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leongatha â&#x20AC;˘ Make a difference in a community-focused organisation â&#x20AC;˘ Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday 38 hrs per week - no late nights or weekends â&#x20AC;˘ Above award salary + Tax-effective salary packaging + Super Applicants should submit their CV together with a covering letter stating how their experience and qualiďŹ cations meet the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description which is available at www.vinnies.org.au/vic & email to jobs@svdp-vic.org.au Or by post to: HR - Recruitment, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. Locked Bag 4800 Box Hill 3128 Applications close: Sunday 12th February 2012 Previous applicants need not apply
Go online for PDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and other careers available with YMCA.
ADMINISTRATION JOURNALIST OFFICER â&#x20AC;˘ Cadet (VCE completed) A new opportunity to join Leongatha Basketball Association exists in 2012 The Association Committee is looking to appoint an Administration OfďŹ cer to assist our committee with the day-to day activities. The role involves management of the basketball ofďŹ ce and attendance courtside for a variety of tasks. We are seeking a self-motivated and well managed person to work within this role. A remuneration package available. The Position Description can be obtained by sending an email to leongatha.basketball@gmail.com or contacting President Morgan Fisher on 0409 647 554. Applications to be in writing submitted via email or sent to PO Box 134, Leongatha 3953 by the closing date Friday 17 February
A position exists for a full time cadet journalist on the award winning South Gippsland newspaper, The Great Southern Star, Leongatha. The successful applicant will need to live in or close to Leongatha, be highly motivated and have excellent communication skills. The cadet position would suit a person with VCE recently completed with a high English score. On the job training will be provided including enrolment in the Cadet Journalism Course through Deakin University. Immediate start All applications to: Manager Tony Giles Email tony@thestar.com.au Enquiries phone 0407 528 192 Applications close Friday, February 10
Join the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading food and agribusiness bank
Finance Officer
Rabobank Leongatha Rabobank is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. One of our key strengths lies in our people who have a deep understanding of agriculture and are committed to adding long-term value for their clients. As a Finance Officer, you will support the Branch Manager to prepare credit submissions, maintain annual credit reviews and conduct financial analysis. You will also respond to information requests, process loan applications and assist with general office duties. For more information or to apply in strict confidence, please contact: Russell Mann, Branch Manager, Rabobank on 03 5662 6900 or 0419 986 094 or by email to Russell.Mann@rabobank.com or mail to PO Box 601, Leongatha VIC 3953 You may also apply online at: www.rabobank.com.au/careers
Applications close Friday 17 February 2012. Please be aware that as part of the recruitment process the successful applicant is required to complete pre-employment screening (credit, criminal and bankruptcy checks) as a pre-requisite to their employment.
www.rabobank.com.au 61 branches throughout Australia
JOHN DEERE
RETAIL VACANCY
RABO0212-5425 CoĂśperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank BA (Australia Branch) ABN 70003917655
UnitingCare Gippsland is a quality accredited community service agency. Staff and volunteers provide a range of community services in Gippsland for children, young people, families and individuals. The Agency has a vision of a healthy Gippsland, where disadvantage and inequity are challenged. UnitingCare Gippsland has the following vacancy:
KOORIE PRE-SCHOOL ASSISTANT 20 hours per week Baw Baw and South Gippsland
The Koorie Pre-school Assistant works as a member of the teaching team to ensure that kindergarten programs are able to effectively meet the needs of all children, including Koorie children. Koorie Pre-school Assistants assist with the implementation of kindergarten programs within the context of the principles and philosophy to: â&#x20AC;˘ Increase and enhance the participation of Koorie children in preschool service â&#x20AC;˘ Work in preschool services to encourage the attendance of Koorie children â&#x20AC;˘ Encourage and assist Koorie families to enrol their children in preschool services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders encouraged to apply. CertiďŹ cate III in Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services required. Application forms and position descriptions are available at www.ucgipps.org.au or call Kirstie on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you. Applications addressing the key selection criteria close: 5pm 13th February 2012 and are to be addressed to: Kirstie Pearce, HR Co-ordinator UnitingCare Gippsland PO Box 454 BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875 Or email humanresources@ucgipps.org.au UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and well-being of children and young people.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 53
situations vacant
situations vacant
POSITIONS VACANT Vacancies currently exist for:
2 FULL TIME INTEGRATION AIDES INVERLOCH CAMPUS
1 PART TIME INTEGRATION AIDE KONGWAK CAMPUS For further information please contact Wendy Caple at Inverloch Primary School on 5674 1253
situations vacant
situations vacant
DENTAL NURSE / LEONGATHA A leading Dental practice in Gippsland requires a Dental Nurse. The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills, ability to foster great customer relationships, strong organisational skills and initiative, be friendly, hardworking, and very reliable and have a real interest in caring for customers. Send your resumé to catena@sgdental.com.au or call Catena on 0418 171 240
free
for sale
FREE Pick-up and delivery in Leongatha/Meeniyan areas for MOTOR MOWERS,
CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services
Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012 FIREWOOD - Free. Ph: 5668-9292.
for sale
TRAVEL CONSULTANT We are seeking an experienced Travel Consultant to join the award-winning team at our Leongatha office Contact Jill at Jetset Leongatha Phone 5662 3601 Email: jill@travelexcellence.com.au
South Gippsland Shire Council
Operations Team Member Roads and Concreting focus • Permanent full time positions • Fortnightly RDO • $51k including super and allowances As a member of the Operations Team your primary responsibility will be to assist in the delivery of Council’s maintenance, concreting and construction works. Experience in operating road construction and/or road maintenance equipment and knowledge of road infrastructure maintenance and construction techniques, are essential. Previous concrete experience would be an advantage but not essential. Enquiries to: Fred Huitema, Manager Operations on (03) 5662 9100.
UnitingCare Gippsland is a quality accredited community service agency. Staff and volunteers provide a range of community services in Gippsland for children, youth, families and individuals. The Agency has a vision of a healthy Gippsland, where disadvantage and inequity are challenged.
All applicants must submit an Application Form and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description, by 5pm Wednesday 22 February 2012. Further information and a position description is available from our website.
www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au
KINDERGARTEN CLEANER
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER - 3 yo group Based at JLM Kindergarten Corinella 5.75 hours per week
For further information including closure dates, application form and position descriptions are available at www.ucgipps.org.au Or call Kirstie on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you. UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and well-being of children and young people.
HERD SERVICES COORDINATOR Leongatha Genetics Australia is the leading artificial breeding centre and supplier of elite genetics and herd improvement services to the Australian dairy industry. We have a full time vacancy for a Herd Services Coordinator working from our Leongatha branch. The primary focus of this position is the representation and coordination of Genetics Australia’s herd services in Leongatha and surrounding districts. The position involves the application of artificial insemination, freeze branding, calf dehorning, and other related services, with a strong emphasis on building and maintaining customer relationships. Training and support will be provided to the successful applicant. The successful person will have excellent organisational and customer service skills, have a good team member, and be a strong working knowledge of the dairy industry. Competent AI skills would be advantageous. For further information, please contact Leanne Nicholls on 56232207. Applicants should forward a written application (marked “confidential”), detailing qualifications and experience relevant to the position to: Mr Neill Coker Business Services Manager Genetics Australia Co-operative Limited PO Box 195 BACCHUS MARSH VIC 3340 A detailed position description is available by emailing: ncoker@genaust.com.au Applications close on 22nd February 2012
Repairs
DUST BAGS
Sales
FREE
QUOTES
WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE 167 Graham Street, Wonthaggi (opp. Ritchies IGA)
5672 3127
Taaffe Roses
A bucket of perfumed cut roses delivered or picked up
FROM $15 a bucket ALL ENQUIRIES: David 0434 355 991 Barb 0434 925 640 DEB DRESSES (2), white elegant, excellent condition, size 6-8 & 8-10. Leongatha. Ph: 0439-623206. DICKY SEAT 2 place seating for Ford wagon. Converts car to 7-seater. As new $1,300 - with warranty. 5662-3947.
UnitingCare Gippsland has the following vacancies:
Based at JLM Kindergarten Corinella 4 hours per week
VACUUM CLEANER
VICTORIA’S LEADING ADVENTURE CAMP
VACANCY
KITCHEN ASSISTANT Approximate hours flexible: (7am - 2pm) or (3pm - 9pm).
CLEANER Hours 9am - 3pm (flexible). Join our team to work in this rewarding and caring environment. PREREQUISITES ARE: Good presentation and communication skills High level of care (customer service) Working With Children Check (Application) A positive “can do” attitude Training is provided and ongoing. Camp Rumbug is a Smoking Free environment. To apply: email or fax your application letter and resumé attention to Matt Wallis. BH (03) 5664 6524 FAX (03) 5664 6542 or email to mattwallis@activ8.net.au
VICTORIA’S LEADING ADVENTURE CAMP
VACANCY
OFFICE MANAGER This renowned children’s school camp is expanding due to unprecedented demand for its services. An exciting new opportunity exists for a highly organised and motivated person with a caring manner. PREREQUISITES ARE: A positive, can do attitude Highest level customer service Excellent communication skills Extensive computer and book keeping knowledge 38 hour working week - Monday to Friday (preferred). School holidays (flexible). Considerable life experience would be an advantage. Training is available and ongoing. To apply: email or fax your application letter and resumé attention to Matt Wallis. BH (03) 5664 6524 FAX (03) 5664 6542 or email to mattwallis@activ8.net.au
FIREWOOD available, cut to order. At Nerrena. Ph: 0417-141559. FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175. HAY - $7 per bale, excellent quality, free delivery for 100 or more. Ph: 0419-313483. HAY - small square bales, $7 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 5664-1320, 0428-999691. HAY FOR SALE Compact small squares, lucerne / clover / straw. Now available. BROWNS STOCKFEED 23-31 Geary Road, Leongatha. 5662-3199. ISA BROWN pullets, 17 weeks, fully immunised, not debeaked, $20 each. Also laying hens 30 weeks old, $25. Taking orders now. Trade-ins welcome. Pick up on Friday, February 24 between 3 and 4.30pm at the old Korumburra Saleyards. Chook food available on the day. Unwanted animals taken, other animals for sale. Call Mark at Animals From The Farm, 0419-425257 or 5629-9685. LUCERNE HAY and mulch, LSQ, rolls, sml sq. ASK Ag., Cowwarr. Ph: 5148-9397. MAHOGANY writing desk, 9 drawers, $1,500 ONO; original tallboy $800 ONO; antique 2 drawer table $250. Other items. Ring Jim 0409-882073. PASTURE HAY premium quality, all bale types. ASK Ag., Cowwarr. Ph: 51489397. POOL TABLE solid slate, 7’ x 3.5’, turned wooden legs, all accessories, $1,400 ONO. Ph: 0418-515480.
SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each. Free delivery for pack lots. Phone Joe 0417-530662.
livestock DAIRY HEIFERS (50). Regrettable sale. W. Widmer 0408-623795. OLD PORT POULTRY FARM delivering 20 week old laying hens to your area, Saturday February 18. $18 each. Phone B/H 0438-832535, A/H 5183-2515.
garage sales
HUGE GARAGE SALE Saturday February 11 8am - 2pm 50 Horn Street Leongatha Furniture, kitchenware, homewares, handbags, baby goods, and much more!!
GARAGE SALE The “STAR” can help you promote your event with our
$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90)
used vehicles
FREE CAR REMOVAL Will pay up to $300 for complete car Buyers of scrap metal All machinery Bins provided
Bass Coast Metal Recyclers 5672 2946 0417 556 593
TOYOTA CAMRY CSX, 1998, excellent condition, 2nd owner, $136,000km. Rego PAM965. $5,500 ONO. 0417-362916, 56624325 a/h.
wanted DUST AWAY CLEANING SERVICE Family owned business DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL CLEANERS Pensioner rates COVERING SOUTH GIPPSLAND AREA Phone 0400 614 056 or 0409 547 461
wanted to buy
OLD FARM four wheelers, ag bikes, machinery, to do up. Call and let me know what you have. Will pay cash. Phone Matt 0401194601.
OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.
OLD ride-on lawn mowers. Ph: 0488-294894.
marriage celebrant
• 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag
Jenny Milkins
Total package valued at $39
CAM ABOOD
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
GARAGE SALE Saturday February 11 8am - 2pm 61 Farmers Road DUMBALK
All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com
Leongatha 5662 4191
births
CHARMAN (Charlton) - Darren and Kimberley welcome the arrival of their daughter, Lilah Eve, born January 20, 2012 in Canberra. First grandchild for Geoff and Pam and first great grandchild for Dorothy Boscombe to love and cherish. CONSIDINE Debra and Scott welcome Heidi Joanne on January 30 at Leongatha. A little sister for Leah. Thanks Deb and Scott, love Nana and Pa.
House lot furniture, homewares and bric-a-brac
GARAGE SALE Saturday February 11 8.30am till 3pm 7 Higg Street Leongatha
Household goods, tools, secondhand building materials, furniture, clothes, shoes and lots more
used motorcycles YZ 144 2009, immaculate condition, very well maintained, regretful sale. First to see will buy. $5,200 ONO. 0400-776650.
SMITH (McGuire) - Trevor and Nicole welcome with love a son, Taysen Leo on 4.2.12 at Port Hedland, WA.
Email your adverts to The Star ads@thestar.com.au
PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Inverloch brimming with kids A THIRD Prep class has been added at Inverloch Primary School this year. Prep enrolments have risen from 40 to 63 this year, prompting class numbers to expand. With a total enrolment of 318, a rise from 295 last year, principal Wendy Caple attributed the increase to an influx of young families and not desalination plant workers. “The kinder has noticed the change because it has an extra building and is full,” Ms Caple said. “It’s a good area to move to and people are coming from all over
bereavement thanks GOURLAY - The family of the late Betty Gourlay wish to thank everyone for their support and condolences. We appreciate the professional efforts of Minister Geoff Smith, Paul and Marg Beck and RSL staff. HALES - Kevin Joseph, of Inverloch, late of Lance Creek, who passed away on November 30, 2011. The Hales family would like to thank all of his and their friends for their cards, flowers and messages of sympathy. Please accept this as our personal thanks. Alwyn, John, Graham, Peter, Ian and families.
Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays
deaths
the place. We have kids from Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.” A novelty until May is the presence of two American student teachers, Sydnee Bridger and Rachel Lehrner. The pair is studying at Miami University in the city of Oxford in the state of Ohio. “We love it. It’s beautiful here. The children are so well behaved for their age, it’s unbelievable,” Ms Lehrner said. Ms Bridger said, “The accent difference is a little bit difficult. The kids look at us a little funny when
deaths WARREN - Kevin. A gentle nature, a heart of gold, a laugh, a grin, a joke or two, what beautiful memories you left behind. Our deepest sympathy to the Warren family. Elise Manning and Craig Hall. WARREN - Kevin. Loving memories of you will always make us smile our very dear friend. A man of great courage and inspiration. Love to Noelene and family. Pam, Graeme and family. WARREN - Kevin. A true gentleman respected by all - your integrity and courage will never be forgotten. Jessie, Kevin (dec), Robert and Susan.
deaths
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
crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8311 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, No preference. 8, Scrape. 9, Letter. 10, Ruffles. 12, Snide (anag.). 15, He-Ron. 16, Reverse. 18, Wh-it-en. 20, Ta-ver(mouth)-n. 22, None t-he worse. Down - 1, Conclude. 2, I(vo)r-ma. 3, Offered (anag.). 4, Drill. 5, In-Stan-ce. 6, Peke (peek). 11, Flo-atiN-g. 13, DIst-ress. 14, Leat-her. 17, Unit-(Jun)e. 19, Hand. 21, Viol. QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8311 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, New Hampshire. 8, Silent. 9, Driver. 10, Booklet. 12, Tense. 15, Askew. 16, Persian. 18, Chisel. 20, Tavern. 22, Take no notice. Down - 1, Perilous. 2, Thee. 3, Smother. 4, Aside. 5, Pitiless. 6, Here. 11, Keepsake. 13, Shamrock. 14, Destiny. 17, Slant. 19, Hate. 21, Veto.
we talk.” The women will teach grades Prep and One. American students start kindergarten at the same age Australian children would be starting Prep. “Our kids do not have to wear hats because we don’t have enough sun,” Ms Bridger said. “If anything, they’re more likely to have to grab a coat before they go outside,” she said. Works are now underway to build a group learning space between two portable rooms. Students are enjoying new buildings and new teachers, first year graduates Della Drysdale (Grade 4) and Clare Peterson (Grade 2). Jenny Mulqueeny from Korumburra Primary School will teach grades 5 and 6 for a year. Mel McRae will return from leave in second term and Russell McCartney is back from regional office, taking grades 5 and 6. Andrea Penrose has also returned as vice principal, after time at the regional office. The front of school will be landscaped this term, with a native garden designed by Olga and Ken Shaw. A flag pole will be erected by the Inverloch RSL. At the Kongwak campus, 26 students, including four Preps, have enrolled. Sharyn Noble is teaching grades Prep, 1 and 2, and Adam Foster is taking grades 3-6.
Newhaven College The Phillip Island school opened its doors to more than 140 new students in years Prep to Year 12 last Tuesday. Some 22 new Prep stu-
dents enjoyed their first day of school and 76 students entered Year 7. College principal Gea Lovell said it is an exciting year for the college, with curriculum and infrastructure developments happening across the three sites. “The Junior School started the year with a new classroom, new teachers and the introduction of a new program called Kids Matter which focuses on the emotional and social development of children,” she said. “The 2012 year also sees the opening of a second Year 5 class which currently includes 40 students. There are still some places in the Year 5 class so enquiries are welcome.” Head of junior school Rod McKinlay said: “Outside of school hours, a new after-school care program has been launched at the Junior School which will allow for up to 20 children to be cared for from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.” Ms Lovell said the Year 7 students quickly adjusted to senior school life with a special transition program delivered through the help of Year 10 peer support leaders. The students spent a day at the Cowes foreshore taking part in numerous activities to familiarise the students with each other and with the wider school community. The induction program continues throughout Term One. A new cohort at the Year 9 Environmental Centre received a welcome to country in an official ceremony conducted
All smiles: Heidi Driscoll of Cape Woolamai was dropped off for her very first day of school at Newhaven College by her parents Donna and Ben Driscoll. by Steve Parker the Indigenous project officer for surfing Victoria. It was quite poignant that the symbol of the Bunurong people, Bunjil the Eagle flew overhead, as Steve commenced the smoking ceremony. The new surfing academy, which will be officially launched in March, has gained some wonderful coaches, including Mal Gregson. The college has also welcomed a number of new staff who bring with them a wealth of expertise. Ms Lovell said plans are being finalised for the next stage of the school building project, which is set to move the Middle School to the new site on Phillip Island Road.
“Our pavilion on this site is nearing completion and it is hoped this venue will be made available to members of our community,” she said. “The school is also seeking support to build an all-weather multi-purpose court at the site and welcomes any donations to the building appeal.”
Toora Primary School Students had their first day last Friday with nine new Prep students. With an average of 20 students in each class, there are about 60 students altogether. The school is going straight into its swimming program and is also having a netball program for Grades 2-6. They finally received
a contract for the $50,000 solar grant. “We are hoping to get the panels up as soon as possible,” principal Barbara Purvis said.
St Joseph’s Primary
St Joseph’s Primary School in Wonthaggi had some exhausted Preps at the end of their first day yesterday (Monday). The 41 new students spent the day exploring the playground, making new friends, singing songs and discovering the difference between their snack and their lunch. They were also excited to get out all of their new books and pencils. Overall it was a great day for the school and all the students settled into term one with ease.
Hit the pavement and pool TAKE part in the 2012 YMCA Aquathon Series with your community at YMCA South Gippsland SPLASH on February 10. The Aquathon Series, an annual summer swim and run event co-ordinated and managed by the YMCA, continues to grow and this year consists of 14 events at 13 locations across the state. “There are multiple events to choose from, with individual and team entry options, so it’s a great opportunity to get active with your family and friends and participate in a community event,” said YMCA Victoria Aquathon co-ordinator, Josh Hunt. “We welcome beginner and elite entries and really want to encourage families, friends, sporting groups or workmates to participate in the various events. “With five categories and distances on offer including an open team event for families, the event is accessible for everyone.” At SPLASH, spot prizes and a barbecue will be provided and the event will be fully-supervised by YMCA staff and volunteers. Funds raised from this event will go to supporting local people and families in the Leongatha area experiencing disadvantage, through YMCA Open Doors. Don’t miss out on the early bird saving if you enrol seven days before race day and you can also enter four races for the price of three. Register online for the SPLASH Aquathon race at www.eventsvictoria.ymca.org.au YMCA Victoria is a community charity that strengthens people, families and communities largely through recreational opportunities. www.victoria.ymca.org.au
Fit duo: previous winners of the Aquathon Series at South Gippsland SPLASH were Dyson Heppell and Rhett McLennan.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 55
Inverloch IN the last round of home
and away pennant matches last Saturday, three divisions playing at home had very good wins. The first division match between us and Leongatha a rehearsal for next Saturday’s semi-final and winner to take top spot on the ladder, ended in a very good result for us. We got away to a good start in this game and by the break we had all rinks leading with around a 30 shot overall advantage. The second half was more even but our boys were able to hold on very well and take the match by 33 shots, with all rinks winning by comfortable margins. Division 2 ended their season on a very good note taking their match against Leongatha by eight shots. Kevin Marriott’s and Harry Rybalkas rinks won their matches by eight and 10 shots respectively. Division 3 needing a win to secure second place on the ladder struggled early against bottom side Foster and were trailing by one shot at the break. They finally got on top and went away to a 26 shot win and secure the vital sec-
ond chance in the finals. Division 4 travelled to San Remo and went down by 32 shots with all three rinks losing. Match results: Division 1 - Inverloch 85 defeated Leongatha 52, N. West (ld), G. Pope second, C. Buccilli third, R. Burge (sk) defeated J. Nizlorski 31-17. D. Roberts (ld), P. Shaw second, R. Lawson third, M. Bowman (sk) defeated P. Kennedy 26-19. N. Hughes (ld), G. Butler econd, K. Gardiner third, M. Coram (sk) defeated J. Hall 28-16. Division 2 - Inverloch 78 defeated Leongatha 70. C. Coram (ld), W. Parks second, M.Yates third, H. Rybalkas (sk) defeated J. Kuiper 29-21. G. Hardy (ld), J. Sutcliffe second, N. Everitt third, K. Marriott (sk) defeated B. Fisher 32-22. G. Vernon (ld), G. Dunlop second, T. Hancock third, D. Muir (sk) lost to A. Rayson 17-27. Division 3 - Inverloch 74 defeated Foster 48. D. Watt (ld), K. Perrett second, J. Miller third, J. Hedley (sk) defeated G. Kirk 28-11. B. Phillipson (ld), R.
Leongatha
CONGRATULATIONS to Pam Kennedy and Fay Turner on winning the Strzelecki Region pairs champion of champions. Well done and the club wishes you both the very best for the next encounter which we understand will be in April at Bendigo. Tuesday January 31 saw the semi-finals of ladies pennant in action with our Division 2 ladies winning their way into the grand final after defeating Phillip Island ladies by 19 shots. However our Division 3 ladies were unsuccessful in their semi final and lost to Phillip Island by 11 shots. Our Division 3 ladies are now out of the running this year but Division 2 will now head for the grand and we wish tem the very best and trust you can bring home the flag to our Division 3 ladies. Well done for your efforts in the season and you have done the club proud. Tuesday evening saw round two of the business bowls in action with 28 teams doing battle. The top 10 after round one were Sports First followed by Retravision, Tennis club, A. W. Smith (2), NAB, Mc Donald Roberts Taranto, The Chalkies, Riverbank and Edneys. Missing from the top 10 and sitting in 26th place, is this team who in the pre Christmas business bowls were so much in form that they threw out a challenge to three of the club’s Division 1 bowlers and have to date also been unsuccessful in this encounter. Never give up guys you never know what my be just around
South Gippsland Pennant Bowls Division 1: Inverloch
16-85 d Leongatha 0-52; Korumburra 0-55 lt Phillip Island 16-83; Foster 4-56 lt Wonthaggi 12-76; Toora 1688 d Lang Lang 0-65.5: Division 2: Wonthaggi 1468 d San Remo 2-61; Mirboo North 2-68 lt Meeniyan 14-91: Inverloch 14-78 d Leongatha 2-70: Phillip Island 16-100 d Loch 0-56. Division 3: Inverloch 1474 d Foster 2-48: Korumburra Maroon 4-60 lt Corinella 12-70; Fish Creek 16-100 d Wonthaggi 0-37; Tarwin Lower 16-89 d Korumburra Gold 0-53. Division 4: Wonthaggi 1680 d Leongatha 0-63: Mirboo North 0-56 lt Phillip Island Blue 16-78: San Remo 1693 d Inverloch 0-61; Phillip Island White 16-118 d Lang Lang 0-33; Division 5: Fish Creek 2-54 lt Loch 14-73; Tarwin Lower 14-75 d Meeniyan 2-68; Port Welshpool 16-15 d Inverloch 0-0 (Forfeit). Division 6: Meeniyan 0-34 lt Corinella 14-51; Foster 14-53 d San Remo 2-37; Wonthaggi 12-47 d Phillip Island 2-38; Toora 12-45 d Korumburra2-34.
Brevitt second, J. Turner third, B. Hensley (sk) defeated J. Osborn 25-13. B. Bain (ld), R. Howard second, N. Van Grunsven third, T Scott (sk) lost to J. Ganson 21-24. Division 4 - Inverloch 61 lost to San Remo 93. K. Cousins (ld), R. Rees second, H. Nation third, S. Drew (sk) lost to P. McWilliams 29-14. R. Pritchard (ld), B. Humphries second, B. Growse third, M. Cargrill (sk) lost to G. Stuart 31-21. R. Kee (ld), A. Johnstone second, R. Paynting third, R. Delahoy (sk) lost to G. Ryan 33-26. Our club wound up the home and away pennant season with a very enjoyable spit roast dinner after play on Saturday with a round 90 people in attendance. Mick Coram one of the main organizers of this very successful evening thanked the many people who helped to make this the success it was. Last Thursday social bowls saw 24 players playing pairs there was only one two game winner who was Ken Peterson (sk) and Huie Nation lead with 34 points. Runners-up with one win
the corner. February 1 saw 30 players take to the greens in the mid week social triples event with the winners being the team of B. Fisher (s), David Bee and a very excited Sue Crouch on 2 wins plus 19 while the runners-up were R. McGannon (s) with O. Crouch and Anne Lye with one win, a draw plus four. Saturday 4 saw the last round of the men’s pennant. Division 1 lost on all rinks to Inverloch while Division 2 had only one rink a winner so going down to also to Inverloch the winning Leongatha team was A. Rayson (s) with dedicated faithfuls F. Sauvarin, F. Filomeno and W. Walker. Division 4 teams travelled to Wonthaggi which was a must win game if we had any hope of playing in the he finals. The only division that will find themselves in finals is Division 1 with Division 2 and 4 season finished for 2011 and 2012. The club wishes our Division 1 teams the very bet for the finals. Friday night saw the monthly kitty club teas. It was great to see the attendance and I understand that some 94 meals were served on the night and M. C. John was at his usual best with the raffle prizes and assisted by Ken the man. Until next report. Good Bowling. Jackhigh.
With the ‘home and away’ rounds now completed, the finals commence. Next week will see the semi finals played. In Division 1 played at Wonthaggi: Inverloch v Leongatha and Phillip Island v Korumburra. Division 2 played at Inverloch: San Remo v Mirboo North and Phillip Island v Wonthaggi. In Division 3 played at Tarwin Lower: Corinella v Inverloch and Fish Creek v Korumburra. In Divisionision 4 played at Korumburra: Phillip Island Blue v Wonthaggi and San Remo v Phillip Island White. In Division 5 played at Fish Creek: Loch v Meeniyan and Port Welshpool v Tarwin Lower. In Division 6 played at Meeniyan: Toora v Foster and Korumburra v Wonthaggi. All games commence at the normal starting time of 1pm. Good bowling to all those competing in the finals.
Ladders Division 1 Inverloch ....................+229 Leongatha ..................+173 Phillip Island ..............+191 Korumburra ..............+109 Wonthaggi ......................-31 Toora ............................-177
176 161 149 128 98 72
Lang Lang ....................-239 58 Foster ............................-253 54 Division 2 San Remo .................... +42 145 Mirboo North ............. +45 135 Phillip Island ............... +81 118 Wonthaggi ................... +10 116 Meeniyan .................... +101 115 Leongatha .................... -117 100 Loch .............................. -74 74 Inverloch ....................... -88 73 Division 3 Corinella .................... +174 177 Inverloch ..................... +87 147 Fish Creek ................. +123 142 Korumburra Gold ......... -8 111 Tarwin Lower ............... +46 109 Wonthaggi ..................... -84 86 Korumburra Maroon ... -130 76 Foster ........................... -208 48 Division 4 Phillip Island Blue .... +198 160 Wonthaggi ................. +166 160 San Remo .................... +72 134 Phillip Island White ... +35 121 Leongatha ...................... -18 105 Inverloch ....................... -90 80 Lang Lang ................... -230 79 Mirboo North .............. -133 57 Division 5 Loch .............................177 +209 Meeniyan .......................143 +59 Port Welshpool ..............131 -48 Fish Creek ......................117 -32 Fish Creek .......................114 -80 Inverloch .........................38 -204 Division 6 Toora ......................... +126 150 Foster ........................... +57 132 Korumburra ............... +68 109 Wonthaggi ................... +29 100 Phillip Island ................ +23 89 Corinella ........................ -75 89 San Remo ...................... -17 77 Meeniyan ..................... -211 38
and a draw were Bryan Hensley (sk) and Arthur Moule (ld) with 28 points. Last Wednesday evening was the start of our second series of business bowls. This series will be played on the five Wednesdays in February. There were 26 teams playing and the winners with 20 shots up were the Inlet Hotel teams. Runners-up on 18 shots up were the Wonthaggi Motor Cycles Team. Ladies UNFORTUNATELY First Division lost to Wonthaggi by four shots. They have a second chance and will be playing next Tuesday (February 7) at Forster. Triples are next Wednesday, so please get your teams down on the sheet for that day. A very happy group of ladies played yesterday in very pleasant weather with Gloria Growse, Cynthia Hensley, and Yvonne Kee winning the day and Pam Lawson, Rhonda Davies, Elaine Miller and Carol Waters were runnersup. The raffle was won by Joyce Arnold and Gloria Growse.
Buffalo indoor ON Wednesday February 1 there were 10 players in four teams, two of three and two of two. They played three games of eight ends with six bowls. In fourth (LLL) was skipper Col Densley, Joyce Occhipinti and Rod McConchie; third (LLW) was skipper Joe Occhipinti and Peter Heldens; second (WWL) was skipper Charlie Tumino and Carolyn Benson and first (WWW) was skipper Toni Heldens, Mary Tumino and Ian Benson. The best first game was to Charlie (14-5), second to Toni (9-5) and third to Toni 7-6 and Joe 8-7. We hope to see you all next Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Dumbalk indoor ON Monday January 30 we started back after our Christmas break and there were seven players, which saw them play two games of 10 ends. We are looking for some new players to come along and play on Monday night with us.
Semi finals February 11 Division 1 at Wonthaggi; Inverloch v Leongatha, Phillip Island v Korumburra. Division 2 at Inverloch; San Remo v Mirboo North, Phillip Island v Wonthaggi. Division 3 at Tarwin Lower; Corinella v Inverloch, Fish Creek v Korumburra Gold. Division 4 at Korumburra; Phillip Island Blue v Wonthaggi, San Remo v Phillip Island White. Divison 5 at Fish Creek; Loch v Meeniyan, Port Welshpool v Tarwin Lower. Division 6 at Meeniyan; Toora v Foster, Korumburra v Wonthaggi. Start times, normal pennant rules and conditions apply.
Korumburra Parlor bowls THE second round at Korumburra Parlor Bowls, held on Thursday, February 2, provided an array of interesting results. Two of last week’s winning teams were well defeated whilst two of last week’s losing teams won this week. The stand-out team, at this point, appears to be VRI as they strive to be the force of the competition; a force displayed by many VRI teams over the past 60 years. This week their settled line-up was too strong for Kardella and with consistently accurate bowling, they scored an easy victory. Unfortunately, Kardella was unable to capitalise on their shots at vital times. Battlers, defeated by Kardella last week, were on the rampage this week. Pretenders were totally steam-rolled by Battlers whose bowling persistently pin-pointed line and length, allowing no leeway for Pretenders at all. The third game, Sicilians versus The Burra, was a much tighter, hard-fought game until The Burra scored six shots on one telling end and then bravely followed it up with another five shots over the next three ends, thus breaking the Sicilian spirit. After last week’s disappointing
Meeniyan Bowling Club WE ARE currently in the middle of our corporate bowls program. The leaders for Tuesday are Prom Country- 16, Windmill Ag 1 -16, Bombers -12, Triple Trouble -12. Wednesday leaders are Deans - 14, McBrowns-12, Dumbalk Nth-12 Mercus, Greg Hogan, Prom Country and MDU all on eight points. Wednesday social bowls numbers have been down in the past few weeks. Last week’s winners were Avril VanWamel, Bob Wylie and Ron Thorson. Kath Brown won the lucky draw. Saturday February 4 was the last of the home and away games. Playing Mirboo North on their home green Meeni-
start to the season, The Burra regrouped for a fine win. It was pleasing to note that The Burra stalwarts, Beth and Alan Dyall, both bowled well to provide a good basis for their younger “whipper snapper” team mates. Sicilians and Kookaburras are now the only teams without a victory but it is anticipated that wins will be forthcoming as the season has only just begun. The weekly results were VRI 26 d Kardella 15, Battlers 29 d Pretenders 16, The Burra 25 d Sicilians 18, Kookaburras – bye. The group of players who also enjoy games of indoor bias bowls have returned to play at Outtrim Rec Reserve hall on Monday evenings. This group is always delighted for newcomers to try their skills and tuition is freely given. The players have had two weeks of bowls – the first one was a bit rusty but Geoff McCord teamed with Lee Armstrong and Charlie Tumino to win the evening. In the second week, games of pairs were played with Geoff McCord and Lance Waller winning by +23 shots, including a full house of six shots on one end. Will Geoff manage a third week of victories?
yan won two rinks 91 shots to 68. Unfortunately they missed out on a place in the four by one point. Division 5 were away to Tarwin Lower, winning one rink but going down overall 68 shots to 75. In second spot they play Loch in next week’s semifinal. Division 6 at home to Corinella went down 34 shots to 51. Sunday February 5 was our married couples event
which was sponsored as they have been for many years by Coldon Homes. First fill winners were Paul and Robyn Griffith (Tarwin Lower) with runners-up Andy and Robin Dennis (San Remo). Second fill winners were Jim and Heather Garnham (Loch) with John and Jenny McVeigh (Korumburra) runners-up. A big thank you to Russ Thorson for the roses which were greatly appreciated by the ladies.
SGBD Tuesday pennant bowls Semi final results January 31 Division 1 Wonthaggi 78 (5 shots) d Inverloch 73 (K. Simpson 35 d A. Tschiderer 24, I. Donohue 24 lt I. Sheppard 25, J. Clarkson 19 lt R. Dennis 24). Phillip Island 77 (4 shots) d Korumburra 73 (P. Davis 24 d D. Williams 17, P. Francis 28 drew B. Button 28, J. Boyce 25 lt J. McLaren 28). Preliminary final February 7 - Inverloch v Phillip Island. Division 2 Leongatha 67 (19 shots) d Phillip Island 48 (E. McIntyre 20 d G. Caile 16, F. Turner 27 d D. Coleman 9, T. McCormack 20 lt J. Farmer 23). Wonthaggi 67 (8 shots) d Tarwin 59 (T. Kavanagh 25 d B. De Rooy 13, A. Green 24 d H. Twite 21, K. Bird 18 lt D. Barnes 25). Preliminary final February 7 - Phillip Island v Wonthaggi. Division 3 Wonthaggi 57 (11 shots) d Toora 46 (V. Griffiths 30 d K. Barwick 18, E. Coram 27 lt B. Curram 28). Phillip Island 56 (11 shots) d Leongatha 45 (M. Puncher 34 d M. Rayson 19, E. Stephenson 22 lt G. Emmerson 26). Preliminary final February 7 - Toora v Phillip Island.
Loch Bowls OUR ladies played the first round of their 21 up on Wednesday. Twilight bowls winners this week were Kim Kuyer and Alan Provis. Our match committee requests that club events be played as soon as possible. Our Saturday pennant Division 2 team was soundly defeated by Phillip Island at Cowes, while our Division 5 team travelled to Fish Creek where they managed to win two rinks in a keenly contested afternoon’s play. Good luck in the finals to our Division 5 team who finished on top of the ladder.
TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area. To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below. Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90
At Port Phillip Heads
FEBRUARY Time
height (metres)
Add one hour for daylight saving
8 WED
9 THUR
10 FRI
11 SAT
12 SUN
13 MON
14 TUE
0001 0536 1145 1747
1.34 0.74 1.21 0.35
0051 0634 1247 1841
1.42 0.62 1.30 0.32
0135 0720 1342 1928
1.49 0.49 1.40 0.30
0215 0803 1431 2013
1.54 0.36 1.48 0.30
0254 0845 1519 2057
1.57 0.26 1.54 0.33
0331 0929 1605 2140
1.58 0.17 1.56 0.37
0408 1011 1652 2223
1.57 0.12 1.54 0.42
All times shown in 24 hour clock 0001 - 1200..................AM 1201 - 2400..................PM
PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
60 years of golf for Lyle LYLE Hawkins loves her golf. In a life full of adventures she has enjoyed one constant- a round of golf at least once a week. Last Wednesday she celebrated 60 years on courses all over Australia, and indeed the world. She calls Leongatha Golf Club home now, but it was her beginnings in the sport that most find surprising. Working as a secretary for Qantas, Lyle was able to find enough spare time with co-workers to belt balls up and down the airstrip. After a move to Lae in New Guinea 60 years ago, Lyle began working as secretary for the District
Long time golfing: Lyle Hawkins (right) celebrated 60 years of golf last Wednesday. She is pictured with Dot Stubbs.
Allambee Mirboo & District tennis LEONGATHA North and Leongatha Green were even on games. The men’s sets were 8/6 and a tie-breaker. Green were down on games before the mixed but won two mixed to level games, but lost by a set. Gold had a win over Korumburra, tie-breakers in two men’s sets. Baromi took the points over Koony. Baromi men had a good day, winning all three sets. Koony won two of the ladies sets and a mixed. A Reserve is a very close section, the ladder altering each week. Koony are well on top but the next five positions are changing and not many points between each team. Leongatha won well against Korumburra and have gone to second. Baromi won against Outtrim to keep their hopes alive and are now in fourth spot. Korumburra and Berrys Creek are still hoping to make the finals, with three rounds remaining. Berrys Creek and Mardan had a close match, two tie-breakers and a 7/5 all going Mardan’s way. Koony were big winners against Hallston, a 7/5 each way and a tie-breaker to Koony. In B Grade there were two 9/0 matches this week. Outtrim, having a good season, and won well over Koony and Baromi the other team to win well against Mardan. Foster and Korumburra had a closer game - Foster the winners. Results A Grade: Leongatha Gold 7.68, Korumburra 2.44;
Baromi 6.59, Koonwarra 3.49; Leongatha North 5.55, Leongatha Green 4.55. A Reserve: Berrys Creek 5.51, Mardan 4.42; Koonwarra 8.55, Hallston 1.33; Leongatha 7.49, Korumburra 2.35; Baromi 5.46, Outtrim 4.36. B Grade: Outtrim 9.55, Koonwarra 0.26; Foster 6.47, Korumburra 3.31; Baromi 9.54, Mardan 0.18. Ladders A Grade Leongatha North ........ 108.5 Baromi ........................... 95.5 Leongatha Green .......... 89.5 Koonwarra .................... 82.0 Leongatha Gold.............. 68.5 Korumburra .................... 50.0 A Reserve Koonwarra .................. 106.0 Leongatha ..................... 92.5 Outtrim ......................... 91.0 B a r o mi...................................87.0 Korumburra .................... 85.5 Berrys Creek .................. 85.0 Mardan ........................... 61.0 H a l l ston..................................52.0 B Grade Outtrim ....................... 106.5 Foster............................. 97.5 Baromi ........................... 88.0 Korumburra ................. 86.0 Koonwarra...................... 62.5 Mardan ........................... 54.5 Mixed doubles tournament A Grade: Five doubles matches were played and in the last set played both had won their other three sets. Bronwyn Williams / Justin Krohn and Ange Williams / Sam Wilson played a well contested game and the winners were Bronwyn Williams and Justin Krohn.
A Reserve: Six doubles matches were played. Well done to the players who played up from B Grade who played very competitively. The winners were Belinda Whiteside and Matt Row. B Grade: There were three doubles with young players from Korumburra and Mardan. The winners were Chris and Lorren Amor. The trophies for the tournament will be presented at the presentation night in March after the grand final. Thanks to those who helped with the day with draws and the barbecue, well done.
South Gippsland Field and Game THE weather on Sunday was extremely muggy for the 56 shooters that attended the monthly 75 target event at Hallston. Unfortunately due to a human error the winners and place getters are not available. One of the clubs life members, Leith Johnson makes a trophy and a case of cartridges available to our junior champion for the year. The club also organized training night for the waterfowl identification test and the test will be held Thursday February 9 at the DPI office in Leongatha, if you are interested in taking the test phone Geoff on 0408 623738.
Gippsland recruits training FIVE talented young table tennis players from Wonthaggi commenced training this week with Alois Rosario, a top Australian table tennis coach.
They are second year squad members Dean Snelling, Brittney Taylor and Tanya Milnes, and Caitlyn Taylor and Donald Milnes, successful first year squad members. A sixth candidate, Zach Anstey, who won a place, has unfortunately had to withdraw due to work and study commitments. The Academy year includes all day training sessions each month at Gippsland venues and tournaments around Victoria several times each month. Players are also competing
in Wonthaggi and Leongatha competitions and receiving local training from Wonthaggi coach Bruce Harmer. Wonthaggi Table Tennis Association wishes them well and congratulates each family for their dedication. Costs are extensive and some local financial sponsorship would be sincerely appreciated. Competition practice nights have commenced. Practice nights in all grades have commenced and are as follows: A Reserve: Monday 7 to 9pm. A Grade: Wednesday 7 to 9pm. B Grade: Thursday 6 to 7pm. Players must turn up for practice to be eligible for competition play. New players are very welcome. For further information ring Trish for A Grade
on 56 723421, or Nancy for A Reserve and B Grade on 56 744628. Please leave a message if necessary.
Summer pool Results Round 10 Grizzlys 6 d Bairs 3, Gunners 8 d Otago 1, Gladiators 7 d Meeniyan 2, Gingers 6 d Titans 3. Round 11: Meeniyan v Titans, Gingers v Bairs, Gunners v Grizzlys, Gladiators v Otago.
Ladder Games F A Gladiators . .....49 41 Gunners ..........59 31 Grizzlys ...........51 39 Titans ..............51 39 Gingers .............40 50 Bairs .................46 44 Otago ................35 55 Meeniyan..........29 61
%
Pts
119.1 190.3 130.7 130.7 80.0 104.5 63.6 47.5
32 28 28 24 20 12 8 8
Commissioner. “After a while he decided he wanted a golf course, so he gave some land to the golf club and I joined up there,” Lyle said. She met her husband Alex in New Guinea, and as a civil engineer his job took him all around Australia. This meant plenty of golf clubs for Lyle to call home including Cairns, Atherton, back to Cairns, Pacific (Brisbane), Melbourne (Box Hill), Midlands (Perth), Long Island (Melbourne, for 33 years) and eventually she joined Leongatha in 1999. “When you’re moving around a lot it is a great way to make friends,” Lyle said. “But it’s also great because you don’t need anyone else to play. It’s
a challenge of bettering yourself, and beating your score from the hit before.” And even after 60 years, Lyle’s fascination with the sport has continued as strong as ever, playing up to six days a week in the past, but at the moment she has been cut back to just one. “I’ve had a couple of foot operations, and a couple of new ankles put in which is holding me back a bit,” she said. The challenge of the game has kept her coming back for more, and Lyle hopes to get back out on the course twice a week in about a month’s time.
• CYCLING
Big return for riders FRIDAY night saw a welcome return of bike riders and hence some good racing. The club also welcomed Aaron Frazer into the junior ranks whilst his dad Geoff had a go in the senior ranks. After a couple of nights of training and racing, riders are starting to move well again. There is some healthy banter as to who can record the best one lap time trial time. This week that honour went to Ronald Purtle with a slick 30.49sec. Thomas McFarlane managed a 30.99sec to keep Ronald working hard. Jesse Boyd at 33.81 sec was third best for the A Grade riders. In the junior section, Will Lumby went around best in 36.98 sec whilst Matt Minogue was at 38.88 sec and moving much better this week. Hamish Bissett was at 39.53 sec whilst Aaron Fraser was at 43.52 sec on the 26 inch bike. The next event was a scratch race for both groups. The junior race went to Will from Matt
and Hamish. In the A Grade 8 lap race the pace was steady throughout and in the last lap Ronald made the move with a jump off the bank and carried the gap to the finish ahead of Thomas and Jesse. After a short break the juniors were back on for a one lap handicap. Will Lumby was on scratch, Matt on 30m, Hamish on 40m and Aaron on 90 m. Whilst the backmarkers bunched up the endplacings were in the starting order – a win to Aaron from Hamish and Matt. The senior raced over two laps with Ronald on scratch, Thomas on 10, Jesse on 30 and Kevin Feely on 100m. Kevin rode a steady pace and finished strongly to keep the chasing trio behind to claim the win. Ronald led the chasers home for second with Thomas in third. The juniors fronted up for a two lap handicap with Aaron on 100m, Matt on 40m, Hamish on 35m and Will on scratch. The field bunched up with about 200m to go
Mirboo North junior tennis January 28, 2012.
Ladders A Grade Leongatha Federer................ .50 Leongatha Hewitt....................39 Baromi Panthers.....................36 Meeniyan............................... 28 Mardan Gold. ...........................25 Leongatha Nadal ......................23 Dumbalk Aces..........................13 Baromi Pumas...........................9 B Grade Fish Creek White ...................50 Leongatha Nth Friesians .......39
Leongatha Murrays.............. 39 Fish Creek Red .......................39 Leongatha Djokovic .................38 Leongatha Stosurs ....................37 Leongatha Nth Herefords ........25 Leongatha Tsongas ...................21 Baromi Tigers...........................20 Mardan Blue.............................15 Baromi Cubs ............................10 Hallston ......................................5 C Grade Baromi Lions .......................22.5 Mardan Red.........................22.5 Fish Creek ...............................20 Leongatha Williams ...............15
Leongatha Croquet Members of the Leognatha Croquet club have been out and about. Two members travelled to Swan Hill for coutnry week. The facilities there are excellent, as the tennis players next week will experience, country week tennis is being held at the same venue. Thelma Arnup was the winner of section two from a field of 11. Four members are playing in the Phillip Island tournament. We wish them well. Mirboo North High School is starting a six week program of golf croquet at our lawns. Teachers Alan Riseley has a great sporting program organised for his students.
and it was anyone’s race. Matt Minogue found plenty in the run to the line to score a great win ahead of Hamish and Will. The seniors were given a four lap pursuit with two teams of two riders. Ronald Purtle and Kevin Feely versus Jesse Boyd and Thomas McFarlane. With the winning team based upon the finishing of the second rider it meant the teams had to be mindful of how each rider was performing. With a strong ride Ronald Purtle led Kevin for the four laps and just finished in front of the other team who were swapping turns all the way. The junior riders were given a similar event over three laps. This time it was Will and Aaron versus Matt and Hamish. Will tried to ride it like Ronald and led his partner all the way but Matt and Hamish swapped turns well and finished strongly to claim the win. In a big night of racing, the juniors had a three up sprint between Will, Matt and Hamish.
Will showed his track craft to slip away from the other two to score an easy win ahead of Matt and Hamish. The seniors saw Ronald, Thomas and Jesse on the track for a sprint. Thomas quickly moved to control the race and work it to his advantage with the smaller gear. At the business end he showed his track craft to perfection to get Ronald on his hip and blocking Jesse as they raced to the line. A fine win to Thomas. The last race of the night was a motor paced event – six laps for the juniors and 10 laps for the seniors. In the junior race, Hamish made his move as the bike pulled off, however the others were quick to follow. In the final 200m Matt Minogue was the strongest in the run to the line to cap off the night with a great win ahead of Will and Hamish. The senior race saw the fit Thomas McFarlane the strongest at the end scoring another win from Ronald and Jesse.
23rd annual South Gippsland Golf Classic WE commence this year on February 11 at Yarram Golf Club and will continue with a variety of golf events for nine consecutive days, concluding with the men’s and ladies’ 36 hole South Gippsland Classic. Competitors must register prior to the final two days to be eligible to participate in this prestigious event. The very attractive South Gippsland Classic polo shirts are again available at your local club on their event day. A few late entries are now available and will only be accepted at the local club until all positions are taken. The committee is grateful to the various sponsors of events for their continued support in making the South Gippsland Golf Classic a renowned event. The program for the
2012 classic is as follows: Saturday February 11: Yarram GC, 4BBB mixed / ladies or men. Sunday February 12: Korumburra GC, ambrose teams of four. Monday February 13: Woorayl GC, mixed Irish 4-ball teams of four. Tuesday February 14: Foster GC, stableford men and ladies. Wednesday February 15: Welshpool GC, mixed Canadian. Thursday February 16: Phillip Island GC, stableford men and ladies. Friday February 17: Leongatha GC, 4BBB stableford men and ladies. Saturday February 18: Mirboo North GC, stroke 1st round of Classic. Sunday February 19: Meeniyan GC, stroke 2nd round of Classic.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 57
Leongatha
Winners: Marni Hattam, Libby Seebeck and Rebecca Thomas after winning on ladies day at Leongatha last week.
THE February monthly medal drew 84 players and was played as a stroke round. Shane Law took out the medal courtesy of a fine 84-18-66 score line. Shane was also our B Grade winner. Bruce Hutton is playing very well and he was successful in A Grade with 769-67. Bruce went out in 36, but will be annoyed with 40 on the back nine, Neil Gillin (89-21-68) won C Grade and Ross Evans (96-26-70) won D Grade. Anthony Loughnan took the pro-pin prize while nearest the pin on the 16th was Steve Earle. Balls winners: P. Stivic 68, I. Watson, S. Earle, I. Barlow 69, G. Sherman, N. Cairns, P. Du Plessis, J. Fraser 70, F. de Bondt, F. Debono, J. King, I. Nunn, S. Nasreddin 71, B. Stevens, T. Moss, J. Feddersen 72, K. Wardle, G. Burt, W. Norden, A. Edney, P. Seth 73. Tuesday Michael Grist paid a suc-
cessful visit to win A Grade with 36 pints after a steady round of 77. Ken Gardner was easily the day’s high scorer with 42 points in winning B. Grade, also collecting nearest the pin on the 14th in his round. Keith Finney was close to his third hole in one with a great shot on the 16th hole. Ball winners: L. Newton 39, P. Horman 36, G. McDonald, R. Nelson, N. Cairns, M. Oliver 35, G. Morrision, L. Peterson 34, J. Eabry, P. Hobson 33, A. Edney 32. Thursday Congratulations to Geoff McDonald on a magnificent round of golf. Geoff did what most club golfers can only dream about - he parred the course. On a handicap of eight, he scored 44 points with four birdies in a 37-3370 score line. John Duscher won B Grade with 39 and Peter Horman took C Grade with 35. Trevor Steer and Denis Hanna were nearest the pin winners. Ball winners: T. Steer 41,
Mirboo North
Runners-up: Anne Gibson, Val Canobie, Evelyn Indian and Trish Owen.
Welshpool golf
TUESDAY’S pub nine hole stableford event was won by Andrew Brown with 20 points. Balls down the line to David Bligh 15. Other scores J. Roberts 14, B. MacPherson, K. Hallett, A. Hayes 13. Achievers award Pat Carroll. Pub Points - Toora 13.5, Welshpool 13, Pier Port 9.3, Port Albert 6.5. Friday’s nine hole chicken run was won by Alan Hayes with 19 points on countback from Tom Welsh. Balls down the line to K. Lear 17. No nearest the pins. Others to score were - B. MacPherson 16, K. Hallett 15,m P. Carroll, D. Lucas 13, L. Pope, C. Bailey, J. Paynting 11. Saturday saw a small contingent play a Canadian mixed medley event. The team of Alan Hayes and Jeanette Swann came out on top with a score of 70 3/4 followed by Len Wood and Lionel Pope 74 1/2. No nearest the pins
Woorayl On Saturday we played a stableford event sponsored by Bairs Hotel.
The A Grade winner with best score of the day was Tom Ryan with 41 points. B Grade went to John Hickey with 39 points. The same as C Grade winner Pat McCaughan. Balls down the line were won by I. Balfour, T. Scott, G. Calder, M. Wilson, B. Stubbs,
with others following- K. Lear, F. MacPherson 76 7/8, B. MacPherson, N. Stoitse 80 1/2, P. Carroll, R. Wiggin 813/4. A small field but a very enjoyable game of golf. Sunday was men’s monthly medal day played in ideal conditions with Phil Jonson with a net 66 taking the most of the opportunities. Balls down the line went to Lionel Pope 68. Nearest the pin 6th R. Wiggins, 17th B. MacPherson. Other good scores went to Alan Hayes, Joe Paynting, Brian MacPherson all 69, R. Wiggins 74, K. Hallett 75, P. Carroll, G. English 79, E. Fischer 80. The winner of the bottle of Port donated by Bob Wiggin ws Kieth Lear with 24 putts. Events coming up - Wednesday 15 South Gippsland Classic mixed Canadian. Sunday 21 Roy Drummond 4 BBB stableford for men’s and ladies. Wednesday 22 Red Cross day mixed 4BBB.
C. Hall, D. Lim, G. Blew, B. Wilson, S. Hannon and J. Newton. The nearest the pins were won by Michael Grist and Pat McCaughan. Winners are Grinners with T. Ryan Syndicate winning the ball raffle. The ladies event went to Sue Wakefield with 40 points and balls to K. McKenzie and T. Scoble. The ladies nearest the pins went to Marg Tuckett and Shirley Thomas.
Our Thursday stableford competition went to Bruce Challis with Balls to J. Barton, B. Beilby and J. Hassett. Next week we will play an Irish 4 ball event so get your team together then read the rules of the day because as the name suggests, all have different rules. As an example it will differ from the event of same name that we will run for South Gipplsand in the classic, our day being Monday February 13.
Life membership for a lifetime of work Continued from page 64. “Sometimes people have questioned the way he’s gone about things, but he’s always right,” he said. “He is the person that everyone could relate to. And if anyone had a question or a comment they knew who to go to.” Trevor described the decision to nominate Denis as a no-brainer. “When you’ve put in as much work as he has over the years you deserve to be recognised,” he said. The man of the moment has decided to pull the pin from secretary-treasurer duties, and will ease his way into
retirement, still picking up the odd job here and there. He would like to spend more time on the golf course, but as a current Division One bowler for Wonthaggi and pennant recorder, he will have to wait until winter. Denis’ mother has told him to slow down and step aside from his bowls and golf duties, but Denis only has one answer for that: “There’s plenty of time for rest when I’m dead.” Toils of a life member Denis Stanes’ administrative record Member of Executive committee for SGDGA from
1986 – current. Secretary-treasurer of SGDGA from 1992 – current. Pennant secretary from 1990 – current. Country Week manager – 1993-2011. SGDGA delegate do East, South, West Standing Committee from 1990-1999. Captain of the Wonthaggi Golf Club from 1984-5 and 1990-92. Vice captain of the WGC from 1983-83 and 1988-90. Handicapper at WGC from 1982-89. Member at Leongatha Golf Club 1992 – current.
THERE were 39 starters for the midweek competition held on February 2. The CCR was 71. The day winner was Greg Gunn (34) 45 points. A Grade winner was M. Grist (7) 38 points. Down the line: M. James 41 points, R. Pentalnd 36 points, W. Warner 35 points, W. Fox 34 points countback, R. Thompson 34 points counback and C. Long 43 points. Birdies: 4th A. Williams, 6th P. Draper and C. Long. The winner of the ladies stableford competition held on February 1 was Chris Gunn (18) 37 points.Down the line: Nicole Allen (22) 36 points. Nearest the pin: 6th Tracey Higginbottom and 13th Barb Stimson.
Foster Golf Club THE course is hard and fast and the weather has been great – ideal conditions for good scoring. Trevor Jones (27) had a day out to record +6 and win easily from Larry Giddy (18) on +3 and Ray Prain(13) on +1 last Tuesday. Larry Giddy(18) went one better to have 43 points and win on Thursday. Down the line balls went to John Ellis (20) on 41 points and Kevin Witheridge (10) on 38 points. The nearest the pin was won by Peter Wright. A lovely day brought plenty out to play on Friday. John Ellis had 21 points to win the chook on a countback from D. McIntyre and Tony Vanin. The ladies event was won by Sheryn Cripps with 18 points also on a count-
There were 40 starters for the monthly medal on February 4. The CCR was 71. The day winner was N. Whitelaw (12) 79/67. B Grade winner was Nigel Bracecamp (19) 89/70. Down the line: J. McFarlane 82/70, N. Rutledge 87/71, C. Bracecamp 91/72, I. Evison 82/72, D. Woodall 77/73 countback. Nearest the pin: 4th I. Evison, 6th J. McFarlane, 13th R. Robbins, 16th G. Shandley. Birdies: Second shot first hole was Mal Payne. 4th W. Reynolds, 6th J. McFarlane, 13th R. Robbins, 16th N. Whitelaw. The ladies winner was J. Clark (36) and runner-up S, Hughes. There were 68 starters for the Hip-
back from Isobel Dean. The down the line balls went to the countback losers, Ross MacKenzie on 20 points and Phil Nightingall on 18 points Norm Cooper won a nearest the pin, while Ross MacKenzie got another to complete a very successful night for him. We played the medal round for trophies provided by Bruce and Rae Knee on Saturday. Greg Cox returned to form to shoot the hot score of 76-13-63 and win in a canter. Greg really cleaned up as he also took out the best scratch score (76), the putting (27 putts) and also the eagles nest with his eagle on the 12th. B Grade went to Peter Wright with 87-19-68 on a countback from Clarke Gray with 101-33-68. Clarke got a down the
Meeniyan Golf Club SATURDAY was Monthly medal day with the sponsor for the day being Jeff Buckland which is much appreciated. The winner of A Grade and the medal was Rod Matthews with a net 71. Runnerup in A Grade was Jeff Wilson, on a count back with a net 73. The B Grade winner was Lloyd Hemphill, on a countback with a net 72. The runner-up in B Grade was Alan Kuhne with a net 72. Balls down the line went to Graham Hoskin 73, Henry Mueller 73, Craig Buckland 74, Jim Byrnes 74, Russ Evans 74 and Col Graeme 74. The winner of the putts was Frank Peile with 26 putts. Pro pin on the fifth was won by Brett McKnight. The Moos raffle winners were Graham Hoskin and Peter Riddle. The members draw was Graeme Hughes, who played but was not there so it jackpots to next week. This week’s super 66 winners were Irene Holm and David Hoskin. Next week is a 4ball aggregate event. Next Sunday there will be a free Junior Clinic being held at the club with Trevor Hollingsworth from 10am. On February 27 is the Kelvin Johns
P. Seth, P. Cannon 38, D. Hanna, L. Newton, G. McRitchie, J. Arnott, R. Martin, R. Davies 36, J. Moor, I. Nunn, N. Hughes, P. Hartigan 35, J. Gilder, G. Maher 34. Saturday’s event is par with round five of the Gordon West nine hole competition on Sunday. Ladies LADIES Opening day was well attended with 47 ladies competing in a Stabrose Event generously sponsored by Drummond Golf, Traralgon, followed by a scrumptious chicken and champagne luncheon. The winning team for the day with 63 points was Bec Thomas (4), Libby Seebeck (34), and Marni Hattam (45). The highlight of their round was their third shot on the Par 5 sixth. Bec put a lovely shot onto the green from 110 metres out and challenged Marni and Libby to “get inside that”. Marni pulled out her three wood and played a lovely shot which promptly disap-
well Plate event on February 5. The sponsor was IGA Mirboo North. The A Grade winner was C. James (11) Woorayl 36 points. B Grade winner was J. Redmond (16) Woorayl 42 points. C Grade winner was B. McClure (20) Traralgon 38 points. Scratch winner was Ray Matthews (6) 80. Down the line: J. Grant 38, J. Fenech 37, R. Hampton 36, T. McNaulty 36, G. Whelan 36, L. Hunt 36, P. Williams 36, D. Dwyer 35, G. Beyer 35, G. McClure 35, J. McFarlane 35. Nearest the pin: 4th S. Saynor, 6th P. Govaars, 13th M. Heiberg, 16th C. Bailey. Hipwell plate winners Traralgon number 1 were A. Axford, B. Muir, G. O’Brien, B. McClure.
line ball along with Ray Prain 82-13-69, Gary Clavarino 85-15-70, Chris Foulds 94-23-71, Phil Schofield 8817-71 and Lloyd McKenzie 80-9-71. The nearest the pins were won by Ray Prain, Fred Tyers, Lloyd McKenzie, Noel Black and Gary Clavarino. George Draegar made it two in a row when he won the encouragement award again with 85 net. The ladies winner as she continued her remarkable run of good form was Gayle Reid with 96-26-70. The nearest the pins went to Gayle Reid and Gale Tyers. Who said golf was not a dangerous game? It’s so easy to throw your shoulder out when throwing a golf ball towards the next tee – just ask Owen Kindellan. We were all pleased to
Retravision day so please get your entries in early. The winner of Tuesday’s single stableford event was Frank Peile with 41 points. Balls down the line went to Lloyd Hemphill 39 points, Cam Harris 36 points and Alan Shatten with 34 points. Best nine was won by Will Bullock with 18 points. Nearest the pin on the 2nd was won by Brian Dewar. The 4BBB aggregate winners were Frank Peile and Bill Pratt with 70 points on a three way countback. The winner of Thursday’s single stableford event was Col Stewart with 37 points. Balls down the line went to A. J. McHarg with 37 points. Best nine was Steve Collins with 22 points. Nearest the pin on the eighth was won by Alan Kuhne. Ladies WE HAD a great turn out for the February Monthly Medal with 21 ladies hitting off. Section One and medal winner was Heather Poletti 71net Winner Section Two Tanya Thorson 73nett. Best 9 went to Nereda Scholte. Putting was given to Dot Christie. Down the line balls: Veronica Park, Gwen Heppell, Jan Trease and Kristen Elliott.
peared into the hole for an eagle three. Runners-up were Ann Gibson (22), Ev Indian (30), Val Canobie (45), Trish Owen (19) with 60 points. Down the line balls: Toni West, Glenyce McRobert, Barb Dyke, Brenda McLean with 59 points; Wendy Brown, Loris Clark, Pam Christensen 59 points; Wendy Parker, Jill Steer, Margaret Raynor 57points; Marg Berry, Jan Bissett, Faye Quilford 57 points. Nearest the pin: 14th Wendy Parker, 16th Toni West. Saturday February 4 Eighteen ladies played stroke with Rebecca Wilson (17) continuing her fine form winning A Grade with 69 net. Shirley Welsford (29) won B Grade with 76 net. Down the line balls - Rita de Bondt 73, Wendy Brown 74, Elaine Dempsey 75, Bec Thomas 76 on a countback from Anna de Bondt. Nearest the pin on 16th was Di Williams.
hear that Neville Thompson has had his heart operation, and has come through well. Neville is looking forward to being back bouncing them off trees again very soon. Peter Spencer was not in the clubhouse to collect the $500 cash, so the $500 is available again next week for someone who is in the clubhouse between 7 and 8pm and has their name drawn out. Coming Events Thursday February 9 par. Fri Feb 10. - Foodworks chicken Run - 9 holes stableford – holes 1 - 9. Saturday February 11 - stableford – trophies from Andrew Boyd and Scott Rathjen. Tuesday February 14 – S.G. Classic at Foster.
Korumburra EIGHTY players attended the stroke monthly medal on February 4. Trophies: Ross Dowel. The CCR was 70. Goyne Handicapp - M. Trewin 66. Parry Scratch - L. Guilfoyle 78. Juniors - I. Marotti. A Grade: I. Marotti 70,N. Perks 70, P. Johnson 71, R. Ludenid 71, L. Guilfoyle71. B Grade: M. Trewin 56, W. Thomson 56, S. Rodda 70, N. Walker 70, D. Vanrooye 71, N. Zunneberg 72, P. Hornbrook 72, R. Crawford 68. C Grade: M. Giles 66, W. Hopkins 67, J. Alger 71, G. Wilson 71, R. Wamill 71, N. McKenzie 71. Putting: S. Branby 25, N. Walker 27 countback M. Trewin, P. Hoskins 28. 1st M. Wrigley, 7th C. Clements, 10th L Goad, 13th G. Wilson. NAGA R. Dowel 95 nett.The Tuesday winner was C. Clements 40 points. Thursday’s winner was T. Marotti 38 points. Ladies winner was H. Young 37 points.
PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Campdraft success for MDU MEENIYAN Dumbalk United held their annual campdraft over the weekend.
Here we go: David Martin, Casey Bergmeier (Wonthaggi) and Amanda Eldridge of Korumburra had themselves revved up before riding on Saturday.
With over 580 runs plus finals to go through it was a 6.30am start for riders in the Brown Wigg maiden draft. Jenny Neave and her horse she calls Rumours was first out and put a score of 86 on the board for everyone else to chase. On the lovely run of cattle that Gary Anthony had donated 13 riders achieved this. Jenny and her horse Rumours were able to stay at the top to take the Blue ribbon, followed by Ken Boulton of Sale on Alibi. Ethan Park from Buffalo started his good form by achieving a creditable fifth in this event. Next was the Charles ‘Nails’ Cook draft sponsored by Landmark and judged by Alan Mitchell of Wonthaggi. The 189 riders and their horses fronted up to the beautiful run of cattle donated by the Delbridge family. Matt Holz was unstoppable on three of his five horses in this event to take first place on Strauchanie, second on Posh and fifth on Shiver. Ethan Park again placed in this event, coming third. The lovely run of cattle used for the Maiden and Novice draft was donated by Graham and Debbie Dyke of Dollar. The Meeniyan Stockfeed Open Draft was next, with 78 riders fronting judge Neil Park and the big bullocks donated by Wayne and Kathy Reid. Ken Boulton of Sale was able to put a two round score of 178 together to take out the blue ribbon followed by three riders on 177. Local rider Heather Walker was able to achieve a sixth placing in this event on her horse Darwin. With 12 hours of drafting over, horses were rugged and put away, the competitiveness of riders tucked away with their saddles, everyone headed over to the great meal and light refreshments supplied by the Football/Netball club. Talk of what could have been, if we had gone a little quicker or slower and of good runs celebrated, riders went to their trucks
to dream of what they could do the next day. The Evans Petroleum novice draft was first up on Sunday morning, with 96 riders fronting up to judge Ken Boulton and the cattle donated by Shane Harris. Fourteen riders were taken into the final. Neil Park and his horse Flame, took the blue ribbon with a 175, with Gail Baker and her little mare Ardno Rose hot on his heels with a 174. Shania Bentley and Smart lill Annie followed with a 169 to take third. The Ponderosa Hereford Open was next up with 75 riders taking on Albert Jans’ run of black steers. Matt Holz from Modella again saluted the judge Ken Boulton, on his horse Archer with a 178, Lachie Bowman from Foster second with a 177, Ethan Park was equal third with Michael Kelly on 174. Our future drafters were up next with the 8/13, with a lovely run of poddy calves donated by John and Sandra Heppell, they all lined up for their turn to show us what they could do. The eager faces of the young kids were a joy to watch, as they tried their best to put their calves and ponies around the course. Georgia Goff and her horse Maria took out the blue ribbon, with Rachael Boyce coming second. The older kids (13/17 years) were up next, the bigger calves of the Heppell family were used. Ethan Park again scored in this event to take the blue ribbon, with Steph Ryder hot on his heels second, Kathryn Hengstberger was third on her horse Darwin. With the competition all completed the trucks and floats headed home. The cleanup of the grounds all done, the weary workers talked about the successful event. We thank all concerned in helping to stage this event, from the truck drivers to the yards men, cattle donors, and major sponsors, Evans Petroleum, Brown Wigg, Landmark, Meeniyan Stockfeeds and Ponderosa Herefords. The next camp draft on the Gippsland calendar is at Alan and Leanne Mitchell’s property, just outside Wonthaggi on February 11/12.
Enjoying the day: Kenny Boulton, and Rick Morgan of Sale with Yarram’s Christine Davis.
Can’t catch me: Nothing outran Regina Cox, who was on fire at the campdraft on Saturday.
Smooth sailing: Martin Kelly had no trouble steering this cow around the bend.
Let me walk: Corry Van Breugel stretched his legs after a few rides on Saturday.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 59
Mama mia! They’re back
EXCITEMENT is building amongst Bass Coast mums as the countdown begins and they approach another Swell Mamas season.
Meeting each week for the past two years, Swell Mamas is a free surfing support program for women with or without children. With the launch of the National Year of Reading (NYR), in February, Swell Mamas have announced their support for this campaign. “We are very proud to support this initiative,” said Swell Mamas co-ordinator Lucy Cousens. In November 2012, Swell Mamas will be hosting a morning of surfing activities for NYR VIPs, ambassadors, sponsors and supporters, and will take part in some exciting beach-themed National Year of Reading presentations and activities, at the Inverloch Community Hub. “Apparently we’re going surfing with Alison Lester, so that’s pretty exciting. The Magic Beach book is one that I’ve read over and over to my girls,” said Ms Cousens. The women kick off their Friday morning with a coffee and chat at the RACV club cafe,
before they embark on a fun session of surfing at Inverloch Main Beach. For women with young children, a ‘sister surfer’ is matched to them to share both the care of the children on the beach and to take it in turns to have a surf. “It’s a very safe environment and it’s encouraged that each mum cares for only two or three children on the beach at a time,” said Ms Cousens. Swell Mamas was initiated two years ago by Cousens and friend Geraldine Archibald. “We wanted to set up a group for women to surf in a supportive and nurturing environment; an activity where women could feel comfortable to bring along their children if they wished, or go for a surf without children in tow, but with the support and friendship of other women,” said Ms Archibald. The Bass Coast Board Riders Club is the umbrella body for Swell Mamas, and Surfing Victoria, Inverloch Foodworks, Vortex Surf and Skate, the Bass Coast Shire Council and UnitingCare Gippsland have been proud supporters of the program. “We have been fortunate enough to receive some great community grants and business sup-
port to build our equipment base,” said Ms Archibald. “Those women who don’t have their own wetsuits or surfboards are welcome to utilise ours. “We’ve had so much community support for the program, which has been integral to its success.” Boogie boarding is also a great way to enjoy the time at the beach and women are encouraged to bring a boogie board along if they prefer this to stand up surfing. Swell Mamas is a voluntary-run program. Program facilitators are hoping to gain future business sponsorship to further support the facilitation of the program. Caz Allen from Hotondo Homes has been a Swell Mama since its inception and has been very keen to find a way to support the program. Inverloch’s Hotondo Homes kindly provide the Swell Mamas with much needed rash vests to improve visibility in the surf and on the beach; a great safety initiative. “Supporting this community project is close to my heart. Swell Mamas has been an excellent fitness and social outlet for me,” she said. “I’ve completed my Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion qualification
Big group: the Swell Mamas is a very popular group, which has attracted a fair bit of attention. and had so many fun times with the girls. This is our opportunity to give back.” Swell Mamas are also looking forward to the launch in March of the ACMI documentary on the Bass Coast, as they are one of the eight feature stories in the documentary. To join Swell Mamas, log on to their website and download a Bass Coast Board Riders Club membership form. Cost is $20 per year. Participants will re-
Volleyball hits the beach KORUMBURRA Volleyball held its 19th annual beach volleyball competition at the Inverloch surf beach on Sunday January 29 in perfect conditions. Players came from Melbourne, Latrobe Valley, Drouin, Germany and locally for lots of fun, sun, sand and sea. All divisions were hotly contested and prizes sponsored by local businesses. Results were; Orange Division – Mad Dog defeated Workmates 25:22; Blue Division WGVA defeated Seagulls 31:23; Pink Division Vikings defeated Sandcastles 25:17; Yellow Division - Castaways defeated Mixed Bag 25:15. Local indoor volleyball hits off this Thursday, February 9 at Leongatha SPLASH and all players should come to register and join in the pre-season super spikes night. Juniors and Spikezone will start later on Thursday, February 23 at 6pm. Please contact Tom (5658 1043) or Mandy (5662 4395).
ceive an email sharing upcoming surf conditions, Mamas style! Swell Mamas will resume on Friday, February 10 at the RACV Club Café, Inverloch, 9.30am. All welcome. See website for details. For more information about the Swell Mamas contact Geraldine 0427 401 530 or Lucy on 5674 1059 or email info@ swellmamas.org / www. swellmamas.org.
Bass Coast prepares for Demons THE Melbourne Demons Football Club will grace the Bass Coast Shire with their presence next Monday.
Blue Division: Seagulls players – Leigh Demurk, Chad Harvey, WGVA players Jake Murphy, Travis Jones, Sam Jones, Jake Harrison, front, Seagulls players Cortney Brann, and Taryn Demurk.
Orange Division: winners Mad Dog: Craig Brown, Russell Brown, Will Crawford, Pete Saario. Runners-up Workmates: Riley Houghton, Yasha Gurevich, Matt Sanders and Nick Houghton.
The Demons will touch down as part of the AFL’s Community Camps, and will visit Wonthaggi and Phillip Island. Their two day stay will be jam-packed full of events, which begin at 1.30pm Monday at the Wonthaggi Football Ground. The Demons will be training on both the Wonthaggi and Phillip Island football grounds, and will be conducting a superclinic on Monday. For more details on the Community Camp program head to the Bass Coast Shire Council website, www. basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Get involved: Annie Chisolm is a keen surfer, and enjoys being involved with the Swell Mamas.
PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
• LEONGATHA LITTLE ATHLETICS
Little athletes shine A BIG field of competitors from Leongatha Little Athletics Club relished the warm conditions at the velodrome oval on Saturday, recording a combined 164 personal best achievements across various track and field events.
No less than five PBs were recorded by three athletes: Tara Swan (Under 12) and Caithness sisters Jemma (Under 11) and Lily (Under 8). Leongatha Little Aths is also seeking help in locating starting blocks and associated equipment (green blocks, pegs, allen keys, spanners) that were taken from outside the club’s equipment containers at the velodrome oval – located next to the
junior football clubrooms – between last Thursday evening (February 2) and Friday lunchtime. Some were found strewn around the oval area, but a number of green blocks and other items are still missing. The club would greatly appreciate this equipment being returned, or receiving any information on their whereabouts. Please call David Green on 0419 560 481. PBs recorded last weekend were as follows: Under 6 Girls A. Snell vortex; P. Barry vortex; E. Allen vortex; T. Kenzie vortex. Under 7 Boys M. Keitley 60m hurdles, 100m; T. Richards high jump; E. Colwill 60m hurdles, 100m; D. Abernethy 60m hurdles, vortex; D. Shone 100m,
high jump, 60m hurdles; X. Bolge vortex; J. McRae vortex. Under 7 Girls C. Caithness 100m, 60m hurdles; N. Crimp 60m hurdles, vortex; C. Molloy high jump, 60m hurdles, vortex; E. Snell high jump, vortex, 60m hurdles. Under 8 Boys L. Marshman 100m; R. Carter long jump, discus, 400m; J. Bongers long jump, discus; J. Wight long jump, 400m, discus; M. Molloy long jump; P. Smith long jump, discus. Under 8 Girls L. Caithness 60m hurdles, 100m, long jump, discus, 400m; D. Kemp long jump, 60m hurdles, discus, 100m; A. Ritchie discus, 400m, long jump, 60m hurdles; G. Patterson long jump; E. Trease discus, long jump, 100m.
Under 9 Boys R. Kemp triple jump, 100m, shotput, 60m hurdles; C. Riseley 400m, triple jump, 100m, 60m hurdles; R. Giliam 100m, 400m; B. Fennell 100m, triple jump; E. Tudor 60m hurdles; J. Charlton shotput, 60m hurdles, triple jump. Under 9 Girls N. Martin triple jump; B. Dyer triple jump, shotput; C. Allen 60m hurdles, triple jump, 400m; T. Kelly shotput; M. Giles shotput, triple jump, 60m hurdles; J. Woods 400m, triple jump; M. Scott 100m, triple jump, 60m hurdles, shotput; T. Snell triple jump, shotput. Under 10 Boys H. Chandler javelin; R. Frank 100m, triple jump; A. Herbert javelin; A. Ritchie 100m; N. Bongers 60m hurdles; R. Patterson
Picture of concentration: Taylah Kenzie heads skyward in the Under 6 Girls high jump.
400m; A. Trease triple jump. Under 10 Girls J. Rhoden 400m; A. Marshman 60m hurdles, triple jump; L. Colwill javelin; E. Lyons 400m, triple jump; M. Birrell javelin, triple jump, 60m hurdles; K. McJames-Court 100m, triple jump, javelin; C. Smith 400m, triple jump, 1500m race walk. Under 11 Boys T. Kelly javelin; P. Bevis long jump, 60m hurdles; J. Burgess-Pincini long jump, javelin. Under 11 Girls K. Thorson 400m, 1500m race walk; J. Caithness 400m, discus, long jump, 100m, 400m; L. Riseley long jump; L. Graeme long jump, 100m, 400m, 60m hurdles; R. Martin 1500m race walk, 100m; H. Wight long jump, 400m, 1500m race walk; S. Allen discus, 400m; T. Olsen 60m hurdles, 100m; A. Tudor long jump; J. Gardner 400m, discus, 100m; E. Findlay 400m. Under 12 Boys B. Thorson javelin, 60m hurdles; C. White 1500m race walk, long jump. Under 12 Girls A. Standfield shotput; S. Riseley high jump; T. Swan 1500m race walk, 100m, 400m, high jump, 60m hurdles. Under 13 Girls L. Akers 100m, javelin, long jump. Under 14 Boys W. Graeme javelin. Under 14 Girls G. Martin javelin, long jump; F. Warren 400m.
Walking tall: Connor White (U12B) crosses the line after a brilliant effort in the 1500m race walk.
Jump start: Sophie Allen flies through the air in the Under 11 Girls long jump.
• WONTHAGGI LITTLE ATHLETICS
Athletes prepare for regionals The 2012 athletics season is gearing up for the coming Regional event in Newborough. Seventy-one athletes attended this week and although no club records fell, two boys almost achieved such a feat. Tadgh McGrath came close to toppling the Under 7 Boys high jump record with a jump of
one metre. Ethan Slade missed out on the record for the Under 14 boys 100m by 0.2 seconds. There were 116 personal bests for the day, five to Kayleigh Allworth in the Under 10 girls. The following competitors all achieved four PBs: Lanni Pryor Under 10 Girls, Elijah Spaull Under 9 Boys, Connor Thompson Under 12 Boys
and Declan Ryan Under 14 Boys. Only two more meets remain (Saturday February 11 and Wednesday February 15) before the big weekend in Newborough on February 18 and 19. Results Under 6 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Jett Garnham 21.29. 400 metres: 1 Jett Garnham 1:50.7. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Jett Garnham 16.55. High jump: 1 Zac Mabilia 0.73. Shot put: 1 Jett Garnham 4.96. Under 6 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Ania Todd 24.21. 400 metres: 1 Olivia Bramley 2:05.9. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Ania Todd 19.31. High jump: 1 Ania Todd 0.67. Shot put: 1 Ania Todd 3.28. Under 7 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Saher Biggs 18.17. 400 metres: 1 Jai Williamson 1:45.5. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Saher Biggs 13.89. High jump: 1 Tadgh McGrath 1.00. Shot put: 1 Tadgh McGrath 5.11.
Under 7 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 19.86. 400 metres: 1 Tess Wingfield 1:49.2. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 14.21. High jump: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 0.69. Shot put: 1 Tevuro Ihomana-Montgomery 3.74. Under 8 Boys 200 metre sprint: 1 Jacob Timmermans 43.17. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Fraser Clark 13.77. 70 metre sprint: 1 Fraser Clark 12.38. Discus: 1 Fraser Clark 15.07. Long jump: 1 Fraser Clark 2.47. Under 8 Girls 200 metre sprint: 1 Dallas Loughridge 39.88. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Dallas Loughridge 13.16. 70 metre sprint: 1 Dallas Loughridge 12.67. Discus: 1 Dallas Loughridge 12.67. Long jump: 1 Dallas Loughridge 2.72. Under 9 Boys 60 metre hurdles: 1 Elijah Spaull 11.77. 70 metre sprint: 1 Elijah Spaull
11.90. 800 metres: 1 William Edward 3:27.2. High jump: 1 Jenson Garnham 1.05. Shot put: 1 Jenson Garnham 6.07. Under 9 Girls 70 metre sprint: 1 Harriet Fallaw 12.83. 800 metres: 1 Chloe Bramley 3:47.8. High jump: 1 Nicola Slade 1.05. Shot put: 1 Chloe Bramley 5.09. Under 10 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Patrick Ryan 16.49. 200 metre sprint: 1 Patrick Ryan 35.99. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Patrick Ryan 13.69. Discus: 1 Ben Wingfield 14.01. Triple jump: 1 Patrick Ryan 7.42. Under 10 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Lanni Pryor 15.78. 200 metre sprint: 1 Lanni Pryor 34.45. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Lanni Pryor 12.32. Discus: 1 Samara Clark 12.98. Triple jump: 1 Lanni Pryor 7.52. Under 11 Boys 1500 metres: 1 Marvin Sellars 6:10.4. 200 metre sprint: 1 Marvin Sellars 36.73. High jump: 1 Mar-
tin Peters 0.95, 1 Jaidyn Battista 0.95. Javelin: 1 Marvin Sellars 13.16. Under 11 Girl 1500 metres: 1 Cassie Fallaw 7:50.5. 200 metre sprint: 1 Cassie Fallaw 37.69. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Melody Notley 13.18. High jump: 1 Melody Notley 1.06. Javelin: 1 Melody Notley 14.83. Under 12 Boy 100 metre sprint: 1 Mitchell Fallaw 15.60. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Brodie Anderson 12.04. 800 metres: 1 Brodie Anderson 2:56.5. Discus: 1 Mitchell Fallaw 14.53. Triple jump: 1 Mitchell Fallaw 7.85. Under 12 Girl 100 metre sprint: 1 Ciara Ryan 14.93. 60 metre hurdles: 1 Ciara Ryan 12.65. 800 metres: 1 Ciara Ryan 3:23.3. Discus: 1 Bridget Lowe 12.11. Triple jump. 1 Ciara Ryan 7.68. Under 13 Boy 100 metre sprint: 1 Andre Toussaint 14.64. 300 metre hurdle: 1 Andre Toussaint 1:07.3. 400 metres: 1 Andre Toussaint
1:32.5. Long jump: 1 Andre Toussaint 3.70. Shot put: 1 Andre Toussaint 8.97. Under 13 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Georgia Filippi 18.16. 300 metre hurdle: 1 Georgia Filippi 1:13.3. 400 metres: 1 Daisy Filippi 1:51.4. Long jump: 1 Georgia Filippi 2.75. Shot put: 1 Georgia Filippi 4.34. Under 14 Boys 100 metre sprint: 1 Ethan Slade 12.65. 300 metre hurdle: 1 Ethan Slade 56.59. 400 metres: 1 Ethan Slade 1:06.5. Long jump: 1 Ethan Slade 4.64. Shot put: 1 Declan Ryan 6.50. Under 14 Girls 100 metre sprint: 1 Nicole Davis 15.15. 300 metre hurdle: 1 Tegan Lowe 1:03.3. 400 metres: 1 Tegan Lowe 1:20.3. Long jump: 1 Jade Dalton 3.58. Shot put: 1 Nicole Davis 7.99.
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 61
Unlucky finish, now for Country Week LEONGATHA and District Cricket Association was all set to make it two wins from two games on Sunday before the rain interrupted the Senior match.
Earlier in the day the Under 18s had snared the title against Traralgon, but the Seniors could not replicate their success despite being on top. Having restricted Traralgon to just 135 runs thanks to Ryan Thomas’ epic 6/16, the LDCA looked the goods. Thomas bowled 10 overs and completely dominated the batsmen from the start, at one stage having 3/2 from four overs. The rest of the bowlers kept a tidy line and set up their batsmen. LDCA lost Mitch Clark for just four runs, and Wilson was gone soon after, but the association’s other Ryan Thomas, from the Workers, stuck around with Gav Britt to steady the innings. Eventually he was out caught, and after Britt hit a six the rain started to pour. It was unrelenting and play was called off completely, which granted Traralgon the win. The group now eyes off a big Country Week campaign after returning to the provincial division this season. After taking out last year’s Division 2 title, the league will be attempting to match it with the top seven cricket associations in Victoria, including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Murray Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Sale-Maffra and Traralgon. And given the result against Traralgon on the weekend, the team is in good stead to aim for a place in the final. Jason Wilson has been named as the captain of the side while Tim Wightman will be his vice-captain. Leongatha and District Cricket Association Country Week Squad
Barry Wyatt (OMK) This year’s OMK captain, he is one of the young all rounders of the LDCA whose cricket is becoming very reliable. As a lower order batsman and very accurate medium pace bowler, he gives good options for quick runs and accurate bowling.
Next week the Victorian Country Cricket League is conducting its annual Melbourne Country Week competition for cricket associations from all over Victoria. After winning Division 2 of the Carnival last year we now are competing in the top grade Provincial. This pits the LDCA against the top seven cricket associations in Victoria. Selectors Clive Salmon, Gary Sauvarin and Captain Jason Wilson believe they have a well balanced squad representing the LDCA and that we will be very competitive. As in previous years the team will be very capably managed by Kristian Gray, who has engineered the return of the LDCA back to the top division of Melbourne Country Week. To help to support the team he appreciates the support of our major sponsors: Sportfirst Leongatha and Korumburra, Landmark and the Esplanade Hotel Inverloch. The draw for the week Monday, February 13 vs Traralgon at Casey Fields Cranbourne. Tuesday, February 14 vs Sale-Maffra at Box Hill. Wednesday, February 15 vs Murray Valley at Preston. Thursday, February 16 vs Ballarat at Melbourne University. Friday, February 17 final at Albert Cricket Ground or Camberwell. All games start at 10.15. Jason Wilson from OMK will captain the team with Tim Wightman from Nerrena the vice captain. Nine clubs have players represented in the squad. The 23 man squad will be a mixture of players available for the whole week and also others who travel down for a day. This system has worked well in ensuring quality and competitive
Shane Murdoch (Phillip Island): New to the LDCA as Phillip Island’s captain, Shane has shown his all round abilities quickly in A2, being the leading wicket taker with 26 and also having made 306 runs this season. Daniel Lloyd (OMK) Daniel in his first Country Week gives the LDCA team great options as a batsman, bowler and wicketkeeper. English born Lloydy will enjoy the Country Week experience and the chance to play on some of the best cricket grounds.
teams each day. It is great to see the squad comprises eight of the nine leading wicket takers and seven of the top 10 run scorers in the A1 Grade this season. Under 18 - Sunday February 5 LEONGATHA d TRARALGON 1st innings Leongatha E. Richards c. ................................ 9 J Toner lbw. ................................ 12 A Mantiet c .................................. 39 T. Wyatt c........................................0 S. Huitema not out ...................... 16 R. Olden c.................................... 23 J. Liddle run out ......................... 26 M. McCall st.................................. 1 J.Crochrane st.................................1 J. Burge not out..............................3 Extras.............................................9 Total .......................................... 140 1st innings Traralgon Extras......................................13 Total.....................................9/118 Bowling: B. Foon 0/5, M. McCall 2/33, J. Cochrane 1/22, T. Harris 1/10, T.Wyatt 0/20, A. Mantiet 5/24. LEONGATHA v TRARALGON 1st innings Traralgon R. Webber lbw b.R. Thomas ............................. 0 D. Rash b. R. Thomas ................... 3 L. Stockdale c G. Britt b R. Thomas ................................ 12 S. Nicholls c. P. Dyer b. R. Thomas ............................ 0 J. Mayman c T. Wightman b A. Jenkins. .................................. 2 J. Keighran c. D. Clark b.T. Wightman ............................. 21 L. Curtis c M. Clark b G. Pickles ................................. 66 J. Moore b R. Thomas ................ 19 S. Barbour c J. Wilson b R. Thomas...................................6 T. Shippen not out..........................4 M. Warne not out...........................2 Total .......................................... 135
Bowling: R. Thomas 6/16, A. Jenkins 1/20, B. Wyatt 0/12, T. Wightman 1/22, K. Rothier 0/39, D. Clark 0/26, G. Pickles 1/11. 1st innings Leongatha M. Clark c S. Nicholls b S. Barbour................................... 4 J. Wilson c D. Rash b S. Barbour................................. 18 R Thomas c D. Rash b M. Warne ................................. 20 G. Britt n. o .................................. 32 G. Pickles....................................... 0 Total ............................................ 74
Alan Jenkins (Poowong-Loch): Back in the LDCA this season Alan is one of the fast bowlers of the squad who enjoys playing representative cricket.
Tim Wightman (Nerrena) - vice captain: An all rounder who is a top order batsman and leg spin bowler who won the LDCA Cricketer of the Year and bowling awards last year. Nerrena’s captain who has gained All Gippsland honours is a consistent performer, being one of the leading wicket takers in the LDCA this season, with 21 wickets. Ryan B Thomas (Inverloch): One of the fast bowlers of the squad who always has batsmen on the back foot. Along with the other bowlers, he gives us a well balanced attack.
Bowling: A. Davidson 0/18, S. Barbour 2/19, T. Shippen 0/13, M. Warne 1/29, L. Stockdale 0/7.
Damien Symmons (Nerrena): A veteran of Country Week, he is also a previous LDCA Cricketer of the Year. He is recognised as one of the leading batsmen in the LDCA as his hard hitting and aggressive style can devastate an opposition. Anoj Katipearachchi (Korumburra) New to the LDCA, this talented all rounder is having a great season for Korumburra. The LDCA’s leading wicket taker with 27 wickets as a quick opening bowler, Anoj has also made 296 runs this season.
Greg Pickles (OMK) On a cricketing holiday, Englishman Greg has developed a reputation as a hard hitting all rounder. Having a good season being in the top 10 LDCA run scorers and wicket takers for the season. Having won All Gippsland honours, he is looking forward to his country week experience.
Mitchell Clark (Nerrena): Another young LDCA player who as an opening batsman is playing excellent representative cricket as shown by his selection in this season’s All Gippsland team. Craig Friebe (Nerrena): A very experienced player, Craig is one of the most aggressive batsmen in the LDCA. As an opening bat he can quickly tear an opposition apart. With two centuries already this season, the LDCA’s third highest run scorer for the season will be a handy addition to this year’s squad.
Kit Rothier (Inverloch): The fifth highest LDCA wicket taker with 19 wickets, Kit gives another quick bowling option to the team. His first Country Week experience.
Udara Weerasinghe (Korumburra): A previous LDCA Cricketer of the Year, Udara is an all rounder who bats in the top order and bowls off spin. Korumburra’s captain is the LDCA second highest wicket taker this season, with 22 wickets.
Paul Dyer (Poowong Loch): Will assist with wicket keeping and provide valuable middle order batting, as proven with his 208 runs this season.
Gavin Britt (Workmens Club): A multiple batting award winner and last season’s leading player of Country Week, his class and ability will help make this a strong batting team. A big time player, Gavin also has an ability to take wickets and bowl tightly.
Matt Johnson (Miners): An all rounder who is a reliable batsman and bowls accurate leg spin as well as being an excellent fielder.
Luke Rogers (Imperials): A hard hitting batsman who can play as a top order or middle order batsman. The Imperials captain is in the top five run getters this year, with 350 runs.
Eli Richards (Phillip Island): A member of the U/18 LDCA team, Eli has a very good record in senior and representative cricket. Although young, he is the third highest run scorer, with 329 runs this season in A2. His first Country Week experience will help his development into becoming one of the leading LDCA batsmen.
Jason Wilson (OMK) – captain: Led the Division 2 winning team last season. Jason has been instrumental in helping to encourage and ensure our best cricketers put their hands up for representative cricket. An all rounder who is a middle order batsman and medium paced bowler, he has already gained All Gippsland honours this season.
Dylan Clark (Inverloch): As Inverloch’s Captain, Dylan has returned to LDCA cricket this season and has had a great all round season, being the fourth highest LDCA wicket taker, with 20 wickets this season and scored 282 runs as well. Troy Williams (Imperials): Troy brings experience as a reliable batsman who can bat in any position and also be a very reliable wicket keeper.
Ryan Thomas (Workmens Club): This year’s captain for Workmens Club has developed into one of the best LDCA all rounders, as shown by him being the LDCA top run scorer with 385 runs and 17 wickets this season. One of the young LDCA players who is developing a big reputation.
James Sheerin (Workmens Club): Another of the young LDCA champion players, James is a spin bowler who is developing a big reputation, having achieved a lot in representative cricket and backing it up in his local cricket.
PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
• B GRADE DIVISION 1
Huck leads Island to massive total RUSSELL ‘Huck’ Cleeland has scored a giant 194 runs, more than a century of them in boundaries, on Saturday.
Run out chance: Wonthaggi Miners’ ‘keeper Cam Thomas sends the ball down the other end after confusion between Imperials batsmen.
Nine Glen Alvie bowlers were used, but it wasn’t until late in the day that the run veteran was out LBW. He hit 26 4s and one 6 as he helped his side to 5/322 from their allotted 75 overs. It will be a tough task for the Alvie batsmen, who will need to bat at around 4.5 runs per over to have a chance. OMK also put on a handy score, smashing 242 runs before they were all out on Saturday. Jake Cochrane was unlucky not to reach triple figures when he was caught out on 93. Solid innings from Matthew Hems (33) and Gary Miller (29) helped
the team to the total at the end of the day. A half century from Imperials batsman Dale Johnson has saved what was an otherwise bad day for his side. He and Alex Pellin (34) scored well but the rest of the batsmen didn’t follow suit and they were all out for 164. The Miners are currently 0/34 in reply. Aaron Yann (74) and Scott Williams (69) helped their side the Workers to 275 on Saturday. The pair scored the majority of the runs and have no doubt set their side up for a victory against Inverloch. WONTHAGGI MINERS v IMPERIALS 1st innings Imperials R. Higgins c. J. Piasente b. D. Beesey ........................13 Z. Price b. D. Beesey .................8 A. Pellin c. D. Beesey b. P. Owen ...........................34 L. Ballaugh caught b. D. Beesey ..........................2 D. Johnson c. b. D. Beesey ........................50
• B GRADE DIVISION 2
Another Sperling caught short GRAHAM Sperling has gone just one run short of a century after smashing 13 runs from the last over against Korumburra on Saturday.
The left-hander needed 14 but had to be content with 99 not out. It comes a week after son Sam was bowled on 96, four short of his maiden century. Clint Wise also went agonisingly close to 100, given out LBW for 96. The Cougars scored 8/289 to set themselves up for a win next week. A ton to OMK’s Peter Miller has set his side up, with the opener slashing 125 as they careered past
Fish Creek Tarwin’s miserly score of 54. They are currently 4/252, with Gary Knox not out on 43. In the other matches played, a six wicket haul to Davern Goss is the only thing that stood in between MDU and an even bigger total as they piled on 300 runs. Goss bowled beautifully and helped give his side some chance going into the second week. Poowong-Loch posted 158 runs all out from 70 overs at the crease against Kilcunda-Bass. KOONWARRA-RSL v KORUMBURRA 1st innings Koonwarra-RSL C. Moscript c. D. Salmon b. K. Dorman.......................13 C. Wise lbw. b. H. James .........96 B. Heppal c. J. Greenwood
b. J. Richards .........................1 E. Charles c. J. Richards b. K. Dorman.........................3 G. Sperling n.o. ........................99 A. Thorne c. N. Allen b. D. Salmon .......................30 K. Thorn lbw. b. J. Oxlee ...........0 D. Adkins stp. K. Dorman b. N. Allen ...........................22 S. Paterson c. J. Oxlee b. N. Allen .............................2 H. Langenburg n.o. ....................1 Extras .......................................23 Total .............................8/289 (cc) Bowling: K. Dorman 2/26, H. James 1/40, N. Allen 2/40, J. Richards 1/20, P. Dunlevie 0/11, J. Greenwood 0/32, D. Salmon 1/73, J. Oxlee 1/31. POOWONG-LOCH v KILCUNDA-BASS 1st innings Poowong-Loch R. Carvill b. H. Grace ..............13 S. Magnusson r.o. .....................21 H. Hancock c. J. Dakin b. B. Jones ...........................34 C. Knox c. R. Gardiner b. B. Egeberg.........................6 V. Rawat b. B. Egeberg ..............2 R. Humphrey ret.......................36 M. Hancock c. T. Aplin
b. J. Dakin .............................0 Z. Lamb c. B. Jones b. H. Grace ..........................16 H. Elms n.o. ...............................0 B. Murphy c. D. Masinovic b. B. Jones .............................4 S. McKinnon b. H. Grace...........1 Extras .......................................25 Total .......................................158 Bowling: D. Masinovic 2/20, R. Duff 0/39, B. Nicholls 0/9, J. Dakin 1/30, H. Grace 3/29, B. Egeberg 2/15, B. Jones 2/8. OMK v FISH CREEK-TARWIN 1st innings Fish Creek-Tarwin T. Smith lbw. b. G. Lomagno ......................3 J. Pouw c. B. Maguire b. G. Lomagno ......................2 M. Watkins n.o. ........................24 W. Cocksedge lbw. b. B. Maguire ........................8 M. Bright b. B. Maguire.............0 A. Law lbw. b. G. Knox .............0 G. Buckland c. C. O’Brien b. G. Knox .............................4 T. Stybosh b. G. Adams..............3 J. Darcy lbw. b. G. Adams .........0 Extras .......................................10 Total .........................................54
Legside fancy: Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL batsman Callum Moscript hits the ball down to fine leg. Photo by Mark Drury.
Bowling: G. Lomagno 2/9, C. O’Brien 0/7, G. Adams 2/7, G. Knox 2/18, B. Maguire 2/4, C. Truscott 0/4. 1st innings OMK P. Miller c. M. Bright b. J. Pouw ..........................125 G. Lomagno c. M. Bright b. J. Pouw ............................10 C. Truscott lbw. b. A. Law .........0 G. Knox n.o. .............................43 B. Maguire c. G. Buckland b. J. Pouw ............................25 G. Adams n.o............................21 Extras .......................................18 Total ....................................4/242 Bowling: J. Pouw 3/57, T. Stybosh 0/62, A. Law 1/21, J. Darcy 0/11, M. Watkins 0/50, T. Smith 0/35. TOWN v MDU 1st innings MDU Extras .......................................28 Total .......................................300 Bowling: B. Moore 0/16, W. Turner 2/53, B. Graham 1/51, G. Fleming 0/25, D. Goss 6/88, M. Warren 1/40, T. Willcocks 0/3, K. Fleming 0/17.
Under 16 Kildunda-Bass 9/150 (cc) (D. Clay 67, J. Flanders 3/26) v Fish CreekTarwin 4/184 (cc) (J. Buckland 70, K. Condick 2/19). Poowong-Loch 65 (J. Hamilton 25, A. Officer 2/7) v Phillip Island 9/230 (J. Black 105, T. Tack 3/61). Korumburra 4/251 (cc) (P. Dunlevie ret. n.o. 77, T. Byrnes 2/27) & 0/40 (K. Cosson 11, F. Griggs 0/2) v Foster 124 (J. Prain 51, P. Dunlevie 5/25). Wonthaggi Workmens 8/234 (cc) (D. Turton ret. n.o. 72, J. Pickersgill 3/23) v Koonwarra RSL-Town 152 (L. Hanks 96, Z. Macdermid 2/36). Imperials 7/332 (B. Davidson ret. n.o. 75, M. Darmanin 1/19) v MDU 94 (B. Amato 22, B. Davidson 3/9).
S. McLennan b. J. Armstrong ....5 B. Maskell c. N. Waters b. P. Owen .............................2 R. McGavin c. J. Piasente b. P. Owen .............................0 G. Forrester c. W. Howson b. J. Piasente........................23 J. Ginnane b. D. Beesey .............2 L. Wright n.o. .............................0 Extras .......................................28 Total .......................................167 1st innings Wonthaggi Miners Extras .........................................1 Total ......................................0/36 Bowling: S. McLennan 0/6, Z. Price 0/15, B. Maskell 0/6, G. Forrester 0/8. INVERLOCH v WONTHAGGI WORKMENS 1st innings Won Workmens D. Dutchman c. ..........................2 D. Turton stp. ...........................15 D. Britt c...................................32 L. Sawyer b. ...............................5 A. Yann c. .................................74 A. McLean lbw.........................28 J. Sheerin c. ................................0 S. Williams c. ...........................69 L. McGuirk b. ............................3 S. Coldebella n.o. .....................14 L. McLean r.o.............................9 Extras .......................................19 Total .......................................275 Bowling: M. Anderson 1/34, J. Courtenay 3/87, A. Hall 3/62, J. Dalmau 1/36, A. Cross 1/48. NERRENA v OMK 1st innings OMK P. Harper b. S. Helms .................1 R. White c. B. Standfield
b. S. Helms ..........................18 P. Green n.o. ...............................0 J. Cochrane c. S. Helms b. B. Standfield....................93 T. Miller c. T. Clark b. C. Baudinette...................18 J. Van Rooye c. K. Young b. S. Helms ..........................23 J. Paterson c. J. Renden b. B. Standfield......................7 M. Hems b. B. Standfield .........33 A. Miller c. T. Renden b. A. Trotto ..........................12 G. Miller c. T. Clark b. B. Standfield....................29 C. Paterson c. J. Renden b. B. Standfield......................0 Extras .........................................8 Total .......................................242 Bowling: A. Trotto 1/42, B. Croatto 0/22, C. Baudinette 1/21, S. Helms 3/94, B. Standfield 5/59. PHILLIP ISLAND v GLEN ALVIE 1st innings Phillip Island R. Cleeland lbw. .....................194 B. Johnston c. ...........................25 P. Colla c. .................................48 L. Keating c................................7 G. Excell n.o. ...........................12 J. Manning lbw. ..........................3 J. Blackwell n.o. .........................0 Extras .......................................33 Total .............................5/322 (cc) Bowling: A. Russell 2/78, S. Nippers 3/61, D. Gilbert 0/31, J. Huitson 0/28, A. McBride 0/23, C. Sherriff 0/18, L. McRae 0/19, S. Kniese 0/36, J. Wheeler 0/18.
LDCA says goodbye to Herb
HERB Roberts, an umpire of the LDCA Umpires Panel passed away recently as a result of illness.
Good friend and umpire co-ordinator Geoff Wyatt offers his take on the quirky umpire: Herb joined the panel after moving from Vermont in 2002-2003 and umpired 134 games including two D Grade grand finals in 2004-5 and 2007-8. Herb was always willing to umpire Junior games and also umpired GCL and GCL girls games. Herb was a character who loved his cricket and enjoyed umpiring and had a very good rapport with the players and fellow umpires. He made his decisions as he saw them without fear or favour and got on with the job, and nothing seemed to worry him on the ground. A quote that resulted from a tough decision on a bump ball query “My gut feeling is, it’s not out”, so Herb said not out. I had to keep the appointment sheet with me as most Friday nights before a game commenced Herb would ring up saying “I did not get the paper this week, where am I umpiring?” I’d tell him and he was happy to go whereever sent to do the job. Herb was a great bloke to work with and enjoyed what he was doing, he would add his comments if there was a discussion on a rule and he enjoyed all the umpires’ company. He was a character among the umpires panel and local cricket and his absence this year with illness from meetings and games was noticeable. We pass on our sympathy to his family and friends in the passing of Herb, a well respected cricket umpire and a good bloke.
C Grade Division 1 Town 102 (T. Tootell 19, P. Loos 3/16) v Wonthaggi Miners 2/194 (C. Honeysett 138, M. O’Loughlin 2/64). Wonthaggi Workmens 1/132 (S. Osborne 95, S. Hall 1/42) v Korumburra 123 (M. Femley 35, C. Rigby 4/18). Kilcunda-Bass 140 (T. Stacey-VanSteensel 42, K. Clark 4/1) v Nerrena 1/10 (Z. Trease 8, S. Blake 1/5). Inverloch v Phillip Island 9/135(cc) (J. Johnston 64, W. Williams 3/27).
C Grade Division 2 Imperials 8/240 (dec) (R. Murray 51, J. Opray 2/36) v MDU Blue 2/27 (G. Peters n.o. 17, G. Price 1/2). OMK 1/23 (K. Houghton 13, S. Anderson 1/4)
v Koonwarra-RSL 110 (J. Missen 18, T. Eustace 5/40). Foster v MDU Red 8/239 (cc) (N. Hill 65, H. Griggs 4/33). Wonthaggi Workmens 166 (J. Turner 69, A. Blackney 5/22) v Kilcunda-Bass 1/24 (A. Newsome 18, A. Ray 1/5). Glen Alvie v Phillip Island 9/262 (cc) (P. Cashman 66, E. Chandler 3/56).
Under 16 ladder East Zone Imperials ............................96.53 Fish Creek-Tarwin ............95.41 Koonwarra RSL-Town .....82.38 Korumburra ......................74.75 MDU ...................................40.02 Foster...................................39.46 West Zone Phillip Island.................... 119.02 Won Workmens .................91.07 Inverloch ............................81.45 Poowong Loch-GA ............38.23 Kilcunda-Bass .....................34/15
“THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - PAGE 63
• A GRADE DIVISION 1
Katipearachchi’s day out A FIVE wicket haul and 50 run innings from Korumburra’s Anoj Katipearachchi has helped his side into a strong position after day one of their match against Glen Alvie. The opening bowler bowled 21 overs to grab
his five wickets as the Cobras bowled the Alvie out for 185 in the 64th over. Batting for just 11 overs, Anoj came out and batted with intent, hitting a quick fire 52 before he was caught off the bowling of Kelvin Simpson. The Cobras will return next week needing 120 with nine wickets in hand. A five wicket haul to
Let rip: Wonthaggi Miners bowler Dean Foon sends this one down.
the Miners’ Matt Johnson destroyed the Imps’s hopes of a big score at the Leongatha turf on Saturday. Johnson snared 5/15 from just 7.5 overs, ably supported by Ben Foon who grabbed 3/21 from eight. The Imps were all out for 107 and currently have five Miners wickets for the price of 96 runs. OMK’s Ash Meade made it three in the five wicket haul club as he bagged five against Nerrena. They did come at a price, however, with the Red Caps scoring 266 from 73.1 overs. Damien Symmonds made 90 runs, while Craig Friebe (66) and Gerard Murphy (53) also scored well. A solid 83 from Inverloch opener Wal Taberner has helped his side to a total of 219 against the Workers. He was well supported by Daniel Ruffin (57) and Kit Rothier (37). Ryan Thomas (4/27) and Gavin Britt (3/32) were the best with the ball. IMPERIALS v WONTHAGGI MINERS 1st innings Imperials G. Sauvarin b. B. Foon...............5 T. Williams c. M. Donohue b. D. Foon ...........................16
R. McLennan c. R. Birkett b. B. Foon..............................5 L. Rogers c. M. Johnson b. B. Foon..............................4 S. Vagg c. M. Donohue b. P. Burgess ........................16 M. Adkins c. M. Donohue b. M. Johnson ......................33 A. Meyer c. P. Burgess b. M. Johnson ........................1 B. Davidson c. J. O’Reilly b. M. Johnson ........................1 K. Gray c. A. Donohue b. M. Johnson ........................4 A. DeGennaro n.o. ...................16 J. Bloom c. P. Burgess b. M. Johnson ........................0 Extras .........................................6 Total .......................................107 Bowling: B. Foon 3/21, D. Foon 1/18, R. Birkett 0/18, P. Burgess 1/34, M. Johnson 5/15. 1st innings Wonthaggi Miners M. Donohue c. S. Vagg b. K. Gray............................16 A. Donohue b. K. Gray ............12 K. Smith c. M. Adkins b. L. Rogers .........................30 M. Johnson c. S. Vagg b. M. Adkins..........................0 J. Andrighetto n.o. ......................5 J. O’Reilly c. R. McLennan b. M. Adkins..........................8 C. Thomas n.o. .........................20 Extras .........................................4 Total ......................................5/96 Bowling: L. Rogers 1/22, A. DeGennaro 0/11, M. Adkins 2/10, K. Gray 2/19, B. Davidson 0/24, J. Bloom 0/8. WONTHAGGI WORKMENS v INVERLOCH 1st innings Inverloch W. Taberner c. J. Liddle b. G. Britt ............................83 J. Smith c. R. Hassett b. M. McCall .........................4 D. Ruffin c. J. Sheerin b. G. Bolding .......................57 D. Clark r.o.................................0 B. Debono c. J. Thomas b. R. Thomas .........................9
W. Rankin c. J. Liddle b. G. Britt ..............................0 K. Rothier c. G. Bolding b. R. Thomas .......................37 B. Sword b. G. Britt .................15 N. Cant c. M. Thomas b. R. Thomas .........................1 R. Thomas n.o. ...........................1 L. Rankin c. J. Liddle b. R. Thomas .........................0 Extras .......................................12 Total .......................................219 Bowling: R. Thomas 4/27, M. McCall 1/12, M. Thomas 0/25, J. Thomas 0/19, J. Sheerin 0/51, G. Bolding 1/46, G. Britt 3/32. KORUMBURRA v GLEN ALVIE 1st innings Glen Alvie P. Roberts c. U. Weerasinghe b. M. Olden .........................31 S. Smith c. K. Miller b. A. Katipearachchi ............20 A. Hamilton b. A. Katipearachchi ..............0 D. Hales c. K. Rigby b. A. Katipearachchi ............22 S. Lowe c. K. Rigby b. I. Osman ..........................34 D. Tiziani c. K. Rigby b. I. Osman ..........................10 J. Tiziani b. A. Katipearachchi ...2 B. Ould c. U. Weerasinghe b. D. Scott ...........................27 K. Simpson c. C. Smith b. A. Katipearachchi ..............1 J. Hales n.o. ..............................15 D. Williams lbw. ........................6 Extras .......................................17 Total .......................................185 Bowling: A. Katipearachchi 5/66, D. Wyhoon 0/15, B. Bailey 0/10, M. Olden 1/23, U. Weerasinghe 1/16, D. Scott 1/21, I. Osman 2/24. 1st innings Korumburra A. Katipearachchi c. D. Hales b. K. Simpson......................52 K. Rigby n.o. ............................10 J. Cook n.o. ................................1 Extras .........................................3 Total ......................................1/66 Bowling: D. Hales 0/35, J.
Hales 0/22, K. Simpson 1/7, B. Ould 0/1.
OMK v NERRENA 1st innings Nerrena M. Clark c. D. Lloyd b. B. Wyatt ..........................10 C. Friebe c. A. Rose b. G. Pickles ........................66 D. Symmons c. T. Wyatt b. A. Meade .........................90 G. Murphy b. G. Pickles ..........53 P. Matheson c. D. McMeekin b. A. Meade ...........................8 T. Wightman c. J. Wilson b. A. Meade .........................14
R. Clark lbw. b. A. Meade .........................10 L. Jongebloed lbw. b. A. Meade ...........................0 B. Castles c. P. Dell b. G. Pickles ..........................5 C. Eva b. P. Dell .........................0 J. Hoy n.o. ..................................0 Extras .......................................10 Total .......................................266 Bowling: P. Dell 1/28, A. Meade 5/44, B. Wyatt 1/56, J. Wilson 0/20, G. Pickles 3/83, D. McMeekin 0/16, T. Wyatt 0/13.
Flicked: Gary Sauvarin of the Imperials sends this ball down to fine leg.
• A GRADE DIVISION 2
Mark LePage sinks Town MDU icon Mark LePage had a big day against Town on Saturday, snaring three wickets and making a swashbuckling 89 runs off just 57 balls.
LePage hit five 6s and 11 4s as he almost made as many as the Scorpions by himself. Earlier in the day the visitors struggled with the bat as Tim Harris and Michael Patching tore through the opening batsmen. A small partnership between Col Bruce and Jake Burge helped keep them alive, but a flurry of wickets from LePage saw Town collapse. Burge battled hard and was the only Town batsman able to hold his head high following his innings. MDU will no doubt try an outright win after flying past the Scorpions’ score. Foster has a chance to snare a win against Fish Creek-Tarwin if they’re good enough after setting them 213 for victory. They’ve snared two wickets already, and were unlucky to not have Jason Law out after he played a rash shot late in the day. In the other matches played, Kilcunda-Bass have lost one wicket on their way to Poowong-
Loch’s 198. Russell Greaves scored 80 and Paul Dyer 57 for Poowong-Loch. Phillip Island has also lost a wicket as they chase 132 set by KoonwarraLeongatha RSL. Brayden Moscript top scored for the Cougars with 47. PHILLIP ISLAND v KOONWARRA-RSL 1st innings 1st innings Koonwarra-RSL B. Moscript c. M. Francis b. S. Kirton ..........................47 L. Enter lbw. b. A. Matthews ......................0 S. Sperling c. E. Richards b. A. Matthews ......................9 S. Moore stp. A. Manteit b. C. Wilson.........................10 B. Anderson c. M. Manteit b. S. Kirton ..........................26 B. Thomas c. A. Matthews b. L. Cleeland ........................6 N. Grimes r.o. (A. Manteit) ........2 J. Hughes lbw. b. L. Cleeland ........................1 J. Kennedy b. S. Kirton ..............0 T. Davison c. L. Cleeland b. S. Murdoch......................10 N. Arnup n.o.............................14 Extras .........................................7 Total .......................................132 Bowling: S. Kirton 3/46, A. Matthews 2/12, C. Wilson 1/19, S. Murdoch 1/19, M. Price 0/10, L. Cleeland 2/22. 1st innings Phillip Island E. Richards n.o. ..........................2 M. Francis c. T. Davison b. S. Moore............................4 M. Price n.o. ...............................2 Extras .........................................3 Total ......................................1/11 Bowling: J. Kennedy 1/7, T. Davison 0/3, B. Moscript 0/1. KILCUNDA-BASS v POOWONG-LOCH 1st innings Poowong-Loch M. Adderley lbw. b. D. Pipicelli ......................21 C. Fraser c. P. Mohascy b. D. Pipicelli ........................8
P. Dyer r.o. (A. Shackelford) ....57 G. Birnie b. D. Pipicelli .............0 R. Greaves c. T. Miller b. D. Pipicelli ......................80 S. Jenkins c. S. Oates b. S. Tapscott .......................12 A. Jenkins c. S. Oates b. S. Tapscott .........................1 L. Green c. S. Oates b. D. Pipicelli ........................0 D. Brown b. A. Shackelford .......7 T. Hancock c. D. Pipicelli b. A. Shackelford...................6 D. Brain n.o. ...............................2 Extras .........................................5 Total .......................................198 Bowling: D. Pipicelli 5/60, A. Shackelford 2/38, J. Dakin 0/44, C. Davidson 0/14, J. Mahood 0/24, S. Tapscott 2/17. 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass P. Mohascy c. P. Dyer b. R. Greaves .........................4 A. Larcombe n.o. .....................10 C. Hart n.o. .................................8 Extras .........................................3 Total ......................................1/25 Bowling: A. Jenkins 0/19, R. Greaves 1/4, S. Jenkins 0/0. FISH CREEK-TARWIN v FOSTER 1st innings Foster L. Toner b. N. Wilkins..............24 M. Lynch c. G. Watkins b. N. Wilkins .......................18 J. Toner c. S. Rabbitt b. J. Law ..............................53 P. Dower b. C. Bawden ............56 J. Prain c. G. Webster b. S. Rabbitt...........................2 N. Vening b. N. Watkins.............7 S. Chaseling b. N. Wilkins .........0 D. Clearihan-Jervies b. S. Rabbitt.........................28 R. Dower b. C. Bawden .............1 G. Tanner n.o. .............................2 F. Griggs c. C. Bawden b. N. Wilkins .........................2 Extras .......................................20 Total .......................................213 Bowling: S. Rabbitt 2/53, J. Flanders 0/18, N. Wilkins 5/54, C. Bawden 2/22, H. Buckland 0/25, M. Van Boven 0/20, J. Law 1/13. 1st innings Fish Creek-Tarwin G. Watkins n.o. .........................23 G. Webster c. N. Vening
b. F. Griggs ............................0 N. Wilkins c. M. Lynch b. D. Clearihan-Jervies ..........0 J. Law n.o. ..................................1 Extras .........................................6 Total ......................................2/31 Bowling: L. Toner 0/13, F. Griggs 1/9, J. Prain 0/5, D. Clearihan-Jervies 1/2. MDU v TOWN 1st innings Town J. Withers c. R. Olden b. T. Harris ............................7 I. Hanks c. W. Prosser b. M. Patching .......................7 M. Borschman b. T. Harris .........0 C. Bruce b. M. Le Page ............10 J. Burge c. M. Olden b. M. Patching .....................25 J. Schelling b. M. Le Page .........0 J. Hume c. b. M. Le Page ........................0 S. Fixter c. M. Olden b. T. Harris ..........................12 I. McCallum stp. M. Olden b. S. Arnup ..........................26 J. Bolge b. S. Arnup ...................0 S. Clark n.o. ...............................3 Extras .........................................8 Total .........................................98 Bowling: T. Harris 4/52, M. Patching 2/8, S. McRae 0/16, W. Prosser 0/4, M. Le Page 3/15, S. Arnup 1/0. 1st innings MDU C. Le Page c. I. Hanks b. S. Clark .............................4 M. Le Page c. I. McCallum b. J. Burge ...........................89 C. Hoober c. C. Bruce b. J. Burge ...........................30 S. Arnup b. C. Bruce ..................8 S. McRae c. J. Schelling b. J. Bolge ...........................22 M. Olden n.o. .............................3 Extras .........................................5 Total ....................................4/161 Bowling: J. Schelling 0/31, S. Clark 0/50, J. Burge 2/39, M. Borschman 0/16, C. Bruce 1/6, J. Bolge 1/19.
Bending his back: Korumburra’s Kyle Dorman bowled well on Saturday, here he bowls while Clint Wise watches on. Photos by Mark Drury.
Shot mate: Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL batsman Clint Wise finds the gap with this shot on his way to 96.
PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, February 7, 2012
LDCA’s champs LEONGATHA and District’s Under 18 cricket side has won the Gippsland Cricket League title.
Champions: LDCA Under 18 GCL champions, back from left: Brad Parker (coach), Mark McCall (Workers), Tim Harris (MDU), Jake Cochrane (OMK), Ben Foon (Miners), Ryan Olden (MDU), Jake Burge (Town), Cam Harris (MDU), Dave Harris (assistant coach), Geoff Wyatt (team manager), front: Tom Wyatt (OMK), Josh Toner (Foster), Eli Richards (Phillip Island), Sam Huitema (Workers), Alex Manteit (captain - Phillip Island) and Joel Liddle (Workers).
The match was washed out, but after landing atop the table at the end of the five match series Leongatha snared the win. The junior side batted first and were all out for 140, thanks mostly to Alex Manteit who top scored with 39. He even threw the ball to himself late in the day and bowled superbly, picking up 5/24 from 9.3 overs to help get his side on top. At one stage he had figures of 5/9. Brad Parker accepted the Premiership Cup from GCL president George Munro at the Warragul Rooms after the game, Alex Manteit was player of the match, awarded by the umpires, and Thomas Wyatt won the Gippsland Under 18 player of the year voted by the umpires in the lead up games and received the Graham Challis trophy from the Leongatha legend. See the scorecard and Senior results on page 61.
Life membership for a lifetime of work
A LIFE membership didn’t come as much of a surprise to long time South Gippsland District Golf Association secretary/treasurer Denis Stanes, as he had to sign his own certificate. Denis, a 20-year veteran of the role was rewarded by last year’s SGDGA committee. But his passion for golf has lasted much longer than his two decades at Leongatha. “I was 10 years old and my eldest brother borrowed a set of golf clubs,” he said. “With his permission I took them out to Cheltenham and played nine holes, and here I am 55 years later.” But the former policeman’s love of the game doesn’t stop once he’s put the clubs back in the buggy. His love of administration, and keeping the club and association moving forward has helped keep his passion burning.
According to Denis he owes it to the game. “When I was a junior I got so much help from older people around the club, so I’ve always known I’d like to give something back,” he said. And he’s given it back in spades since become a handicapper at Wonthaggi 30 years ago. He also began running a junior tournament 17 years ago that is still running today. “I came across to Wonthaggi in 1981 as a Senior Constable, and I got involved straight away,” Denis said. He moved to Leongatha in 1992 and immediately jumped on board the committee. “It’s a great way to meet people, and since I’ve come to Leongatha I’ve met some really fantastic people.” “I don’t think people understand just how hard a lot of guys work behind the scenes.” One such person who does understand the difficulties involved is
Trevor Steer, who is the immediate past president of the SGDGA, and the man responsible for nominating Denis for his life membership. “Denis is the strong thread that has held this association together,” he said. “Without him I’m not sure where we’d be. A lot of presidents, committee members and players have come and gone but he’s been the one constant around here.” Trevor has, over their 20 year association with each other, played a round or two with the man in question, so The Star had to know: What is he like to play with? “Bloody intense. He’s a very competitive golfer,” Trevor said with a laugh. And Denis agreed: “Well that’s the best way to be isn’t it?” Denis’ intense nature has often followed him into the boardroom, with Trevor saying he is quite firm with his beliefs. Continued on page 57.
Cheers, mate: Denis Stanes accepts a life membership from SGDGA immediate past president Trevor Steer.