The Great Southern Star - January 10, 2012

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012 - $1.20

Peaceful protest CLIMATE change, global inequality and coal seam gas were among the issues debated at the Occupy Wonthaggi forum in Apex Park on Saturday.

Ten people spoke at the event, far less hostile than a gathering of the same name in Melbourne last year, in which protestors clashed with police.

Organisers deemed the event a success. Turn to page 3 to find out more.

Shellfish threat Call for pipi moratorium, studies

By Isaac McCallum and Brad Lester THE future of pipis at Venus Bay could be under threat, as thousands of people rush to the coast during the peak harvesting season.

Resident Beverley Walker has thrown her support behind a moratorium and more research, saying the pipis are being over-fished as collectors flout bag limits.

The Star has also been alerted to collectors using shovels and other tools to collect pipis illegally recently.

Authorities believe the pipi population at Venus Bay is not at risk, with fisheries patrols finding 85 per cent of harvesters complying with regulations.

Parks Victoria and fisheries officers will patrol Venus Bay over summer. Three pipi collectors were convicted of illegally taking pipis last year.

Venus Bay business-people also believe pipis bring extra people to town, boosting business.

Ms Walker said the animal’s future is at risk.

“My idea would be to block off the roads. Don’t let them (pipi poachers) in, then they’ll have to walk in.

That’s a pie in the sky but it could happen given the anger of local people who are prepared to do it,” she said.

“Pipi beaches 1, 3, and 5 should be left from anyone taking pipis for at least a year to allow them to recover.”

Colin Suggett, of the Venus Bay Community Reference Group set up to focus on the pipi problem, said while the issue was not getting any worse, it was not improving.

He said a lack of knowledge was the major issue.

“Information is the big problem here. Perhaps a lot of the people who are coming down to collect pipis are coming from an area without strict constraints,” he said.

Continued on page 3.

Power cuts mooted -

page 3.

Peak season: pipi collectors at Venus Bay last Wednesday.

~ Boy revived -

page 5.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Fire risk still high

By Jacob de Kunder

sessions over the past few weeks.

FIRE brigades have been spreading awareness of bushfires, with informal information

The sessions kicked off on New Year’s Eve, with the Mirboo North CFA hosting a road accident rescue display and supply-

ing the community with valuable fire information.

CFA volunteers and staff helped residents complete their fire plan and discussed free bushfire risk assessments.

Many tourists attended the next information session at the Walkerville Caravan Park.

“This was really successful,” CFA brigade support officer Jodi Butler said.

“We were able to connect with a whole group of people that we never have before.

“Most of the people that we chatted with were tourists who were there for only about a month at a time but still didn’t have a fire plan.”

Meetings were held at Port Welshpool and Koonwarra on Saturday, and Venus Bay on Sunday.

People are becoming less cautious about bushfires as the memories of Black Saturday are erased from their memories, according to CFA community presenter, John Henshaw at Koonwarra on Saturday.

But the Gippsland officer said three years on, the threat was just as real.

“No one should be feeling completely safe.

The real threat this year could be grass fires, given the amount of rain we’ve had,” he said.

Incidences of grass fires have been increasing across the state.

The fires can burn up to two metres high and travel 30 to 40 kilometres an hour, destroying everything in their path.

“We just hope people have got a plan, no matter what it is. Are they going to try and defend their house or leave?” Mr Henshaw said.

Preparing a fire plan was the focus at Venus Bay. “We used to just give

all the information to people and tell them to go fill it out themselves,” Ms Butler said.

“But this year we’re offering to sit down one on one and work out a fire plan for your home.”

Ms Butler said it was important to develop a personal fire plan.

“Your plan can be different to your neighbour’s,” she said.

“You might have pets to consider or disabled or elderly people in your house.”

The last of the fire information sessions is on the Sandy Point foreshore this Saturday, January 14, between 10am and 2pm.

Be ready: urging locals to be ready for fires this season was Gippsland’s Community Safe presenter John Henshaw. He is with Koonwarra CFA’s Ross Considine, Anthony Clemann, Harry Forrester and South Gippsland Shire Council emergency management co-ordinator Linda Jamieson.

Beef, veg goes down well THE Bass Coast Bodies art group opened their exhibition, Prime Beef and Mixed Veg at the Stockyard Gallery, Foster, to an enthusiastic gathering last Thursday.

The name for the exhibition came about when the group, all members of the Bass Coast Artists’ Society, met at a local hotel after one of their weekly sessions at the Goods Shed Art Space in Wonthaggi.

The discussion of a name for

their forthcoming exhibition was hot on the agenda.

One of the group noticed an item on the counter lunch menu that described their exhibition perfectly.

Prime rump, represented the models they drew weekly and mixed veg described the combination of art styles that they all represented.

In opening the show, exhibiting artist Heather Carroll took the guests on a tour of the styles that each artist represented.

Paintings based on the live model indicate the different styles

of the artists and the titles of some of the paintings provide an overall concept of the exhibition: Winter Garden, Autumn Delights, Cloudburst, Relaxed Model, Sea Birds, Siesta, Dancing Man were among the more than 30 paintings on show.

The eight exhibiting artists are Heather Carroll, Jessica Harrison, Jill Hill, Russell Kent, Lyn Landon, Johanna McKenzie, Wendy Saphin and Marian Quigley. The exhibition continues at The Stockyard Gallery, Foster until January 17.

Standing out: The Bass Coast Bodies at the opening of their exhibition, from left: Marian Quigley, Lyn Landon, Heather Carroll, Russell Kent, Jill Hill, Jessica Harrison and Wendy Saphin.

Antique joy: Max and Christine Grigg from South Gippsland Historical Automobile Club show off just one of the group’s collection at the Korumburra Swap meet on Sunday morning.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 3

Protestors occupy Wonthaggi

By Isaac McCallum IT MAY not have attracted quite as many supporters as Occupy events in Wall Street or Melbourne, but the Occupy Wonthaggi movement was a step in the right direction, according to organiser Jessica Harrison.

There was also far less hostility.

The peaceful affair at Apex Park on Saturday resulted in 10 speakers talking about climate change, coal seam gas, the desalination plant, natural disasters, refugees and constitutional law.

“The police have no problems

with us here, and no one that has been passed has had any problem,” Mrs Harrison said.

“A lot of these issues are important to the community, and it’s good to be able to have this stage where we can voice our opinions.

“It’s important people realise that the Occupy movement isn’t fading away; it’s actually growing.”

Ken Irwin, part of the United Christian Constitutional Law Group, influenced the crowd, discussing land rights and constitutional law.

“I’ve had run-ins with the council. It’s gone on for near two years now,” he said.

“I’m glad to be able to get a chance to come here today and see the mood of the people, and hear how they think

the council is performing.

“I understand that complaining doesn’t do anything, so it’s all about taking some action.”

Neil Rankine, the endorsed Greens Party candidate for Bass at the previous state election, was another to attract attention when he spoke.

He touched on issues with coal seam gas. He plugged a ‘Farmers do have Rights’ event to be held on February 1 in Wonthaggi, an information session that will let farmers know their rights in relation to coal seam gas.

Such was the success of the event, many speakers and supporters have voted to hold another event on March 3.

The event will start at 10.30am at Apex Park.

Power may be cut

By Isaac McCallum A STATE Government decision to cut power during bushfires could put families and businesses at risk, despite the government claiming it would be an “absolute last resort.”

The State Government plans to reduce the risk of electricity assets starting bushfires by 64 per cent in 10 years’ time, but will completely cut power in times of high fire risk.

It was not confirmed whether the changes in government policy would affect South Gippsland.

The changes relate to the operation of automatic circuit reclosers (ACRs), which automatically reconnect power after an outage caused by a line fault.

The Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission found automatic reclosing had the potential to start fires in high risk areas on high risk days and should be suppressed at times of

greatest risk.

Safety settings for ACRs will now be made more sensitive on total fire ban and code red days.

Where it is not possible to rapidly adjust and re-adjust safety settings, such as on some single wire earth return lines, electricity distributors will change the settings for a sixweek period determined by the Fire Services Commissioner.

This fire season, this period commences on January 23.

“This does not mean people’s power will be cut off in these areas, but they may experience longer waits to be reconnected if network faults occur,” Simon Troeth, Minister for Energy and Resources Michael O’Brien’s media adviser, said.

“If this does occur, it will be due to an electric fault occurring in conditions highly likely to start a major bushfire.”

But Venus Bay General Store owner David Liebelt said his local area could not afford to be cut off from power.

“If the power gets cut, then the water pumps won’t work. Our water supply is dependent on power,” he said.

“We lost power here four years ago and the shop was shut for three days. There are a lot of elderly people down here and no public transport.

Some people would have no access to cold products during that time.

“If the powerlines are the issue, then they really need to start spending money having the lines cleared and managed properly.”

Sandy Point General Store owner Andy Cumming, who is also a CFA volunteer, admitted the power line cuts would be devastating for his business, he believed concerns were unsubstantiated.

“I think the media has jumped on something that’s not really justified at this stage yet,” he said.

“This place has been the same way for 60 years. There was the same amount of vegetation around then as there is today, so I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal now.”

Shellfish threat at Venus Bay Continued from page 1.

The reference group has sent an application to Bass Coast Shire Council and Fisheries Victoria in a bid to have a beach liaison officer employed.

That person would offer information and observe bag limits.

“We’re hoping to see a person employed for a period of time, possibly six months on a part-time basis,” Mr Suggett said.

“They could do some preliminary work before the season and co-ordinate a volunteer group of beach advisers who would be full time on the beach during the summer period.”

Reference group members believed the only way to stop the illegal harvests was to catch collectors red handed.

“It’s a compliance issue, and like all compliance issues whether it be drink-driving or people driving too fast, they need to be caught,” Mr Suggett said.

Asian families have been the target of residents’ concerns, as they travel in groups to collect pipis. A statement from the reference group mentioned Indian, Chinese and South-East Asian families prefer to travel in large family groups as families are “core to their culture”. Pipis are popular

in Asian diets.

A reduced catch limit was introduced to Venus Bay in 2009 in a bid to manage the pipi population.

People can only collect two litres in shells or half a litre without shells, and only use hands and feet to harvest.

In a letter to The Star this week, Venus Bay ratepayer Lina Caneva said since Christmas, hundreds of people in large family groups have been digging pipis and filling eskies, with “no Department of Fisheries inspectors in sight”.

“Their takings are in commercial quantities,” she said.

Ms Caneva said pipis had “become a ‘throw away’ resource, sacrificed for the business/tourist dollar”.

“Calls for a moratorium on the taking of pipis from Cape Liptrap Coastal Park until more extensive research into their ‘sustainability’ can be carried out have fallen on deaf government ears,” she said.

“Just based on one of the many conservation arguments for a moratorium, the pipis are part of the vital food chain for migratory birds. Parts of NSW and South Australia have already been fished out.”

Not everyone in Venus

Bay is against the pipi collectors.

David Liebelt of the Venus Bay Store said pipi harvesting has benefited the town. He has been involved with the community reference group and believed the tensions between the community and pipi collectors are largely racially based.

“The tensions exist but I really believe it’s an issue of education on the part of both parties to have a better understanding and gain the facts on what is happening, rather than rely on scaremongering and rumours,” he said.

Mr Liebelt said pipis are being collected more sustainably but believed the State Government must continue to manage the issue.

“We are going to have problems if government agencies say there is nothing they can do,” he said.

Jacob van der Meulen of the Venus Bay Caravan Park welcomed pipi collectors to town.

“The more people that come down, the more money that comes into town. Day trippers buy coffee, they buy food, they buy bait and there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.

But Mr Suggett hit back at the comments, calling them “irresponsible”.

“We all have to be concerned about the sustainability of the environment and the sustainability of the pipis is an issue if they’re being over harvested, so those are irresponsible comments,” he said.

Ms Walker, a member of the community reference group, said the current rate of pipi harvesting was unsustainable, a direct contradiction to Fisheries Victoria.

“Fisheries believe that if people stay within the complied limits, the pipis are sustainable, but there is still further science to be done,” she said.

“There is still no minimum size limit. Some of the pipis being taken from the beaches are described as very immature. It is therefore not sustainable to harvest these pipis.

“These immature pipis should be put back, like the undersize fish caught from boats and shore.”

Fisheries Victoria did not respond to The Star before going to print.

Listen to me: Foster’s Ken Irwin made sure his opinions on constitutional law were heard on Saturday.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Dedicated to job: Brian Rintoule at the headquarters of Leongatha’s State Emergency Service, armed with a chainsaw and a Trauma Teddy given to children involved in road accidents.

Passion remains after 30 years in orange

By Brad Lester RESCUING people from crushed cars, repairing damaged roofs, and protecting life and property during floods have been part of the past 30 years for Brian Rintoule.

That’s how long he has been a volunteer with the Leongatha unit of the State Emergency Service.

As a pat on the back, Brian received a 30 year Long Service Medal from SES hierarchy recently.

“I just enjoy it. I enjoy learning different things and the training and the jobs we do are different, and the guys that are members are good mates.”

The trademark orange uniform has not deterred him either.

“I do not think anyone looks good in orange but that’s the colour they

give us.”

On top of lending a hand to the residents of South Gippsland, Brian has searched for people missing in the Victorian High Country, helped flood affected residents of Benalla and recently aided Melburnians whose homes were damaged by hail at Christmas.

He specialises in road rescue.

Having worked as a panel-beater, he is familiar with the insides of a car.

Today’s SES has more modern equipment and funding is readily available compared to Brian’s early days with the service.

“When I started, we had a wooden shed and a truck that was 20-yearsold,” he said.

Then again, SES volunteers are busier these days, with more traffic on the roads but also more community support, thanks to a higher profile due to marketing efforts from the team at

SES’ head office.

The unit now has 26 members and among them are three founding volunteers: unit controller Tony Lindhard, Charlie Baillie and Ian Lester.

“The only problem is getting young members around 18, 19, 20. It’s something that kids have to be brought up with: the want to be involved (in the community). Some of them come up through Scouts and want to put something back into the community.”

The SES offers plenty to youthful adventurous types, from four-wheeldriving and bushwalking, to ropework. Volunteers receive training in climbing roofs, chainsaw use, wind storms and road rescue.

“We have a tower out the back to practice our abseiling and we go down steep embankments. We used to abseil off Eagles Nest (at Inverloch) but we don’t do that anymore.”

Brian makes no secret that some jobs can be confronting.

“It’s a personal thing how you deal with cutting vehicles and recovering bodies, but we do have counselling available and we talk amongst ourselves.

“We’ve had a couple of incidents where the car has been on fire and we can’t do anything until the firies get the fire under control.

“But the good things definitely outweigh the bad.

“Family is fairly important. They have to be patient because you can be called out in the middle of the night to fix someone’s roof.”

Despite its challenges, the job has its rewards.

“You might be walking down the street and you walk past someone you may have pulled out of a car and you just think that they might not be alive unless it was because of the work that

you do.

“You do not expect a reward for it.

You just do it for the hell of it.”

These days, Brian is a regular member of the SES but in the past, has served as deputy controller and training officer.

His employer Murray Goulburn makes his SES work possible, freely allowing him to leave his duties in an emergency and says there are many other like-minded bosses around town.

“In the days before pagers, we used to have someone ring around looking for people. Now for a road accident, we have to have a vehicle on the road in eight minutes after receiving the call.

“You do not get a chance to get bored. That’s the beauty of it.”

To learn more about the SES, phone unit controller Tony Lindhard on 0429 343 199.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 5

Boy revived at Inverloch

By Jacob de Kunder and Tayla Kershaw

On patrol: Tom Kefford and Mitch Stuenenberg keep a watchful eye at Venus Bay.

A BOY was revived after being found lying in the shallows at Inverloch surf beach on Friday.

A member of the public commenced CPR on the boy until the lifeguard took control of the situation.

As the lifeguard was relocating the boy to higher ground for resuscitation, he was found to be breathing.

“It was a close call but he left in a stable condition,” Inverloch lifeguard Tom McMorrow said.

Cape Paterson and Wonthaggi surf lifesaving clubs were busy as well, when sea kayakers disappeared on Wednesday.

Both of the clubs launched rescue boats to rescue the pair after they became disorientated near Undertow Bay, and were returned to Cape Paterson.

“We’ve had problems with people swimming outside patrol hours as well,” Wonthaggi SLSC president Mark Scott said.

Sunny conditions at Venus Bay almost turned disastrous when an adult male almost drowned on Sunday, January 1.

The emergency occurred at midday.

Conditions appeared calm but the man was swimming five kilometres outside the flags and was caught in a rip at

Beach 5.

The ambulance and CERT team were notified and the man was rescued.

More minor rescues occurred closer to the patrolled area.

The beaches have been busier than ever due to the weather, with about 1200 people at Venus Bay on December 30 and about 2500 people on New Year’s Day. Across the beaches, Nippers programs are underway, Bronze Medal camps have come and gone, and lifesavers have been manning the beaches look-

ing out for the public.

At Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club, coverage has improved for 2012.

“We’ve been lucky enough to receive some grant money and purchased a new six-wheel-drive all terrain vehicle,” club president Julian Meagher said.

“This will hopefully give us the ability to be able to service more of the beach by using the new vehicle to do some roving patrolling along the foreshore at Sandy Point.

“We do know people swim outside of the flags and it’s a long beach to grab a

tube and run a kilometre or so for a rescue, so hopefully this means more roving patrols.”

The club has also bought a new fourwheel-drive.

At Inverloch, the crew has been extending its watchful eye on the beach by heading to Anderson Inlet to patrol.

“We have been heading down there a little bit just to make sure there aren’t any dangers for swimmers,” Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club president Angela Malan said.

“We’ve also got some great young

lifesavers watching the water this summer.”

The Nippers program at Inverloch has received solid support, with about160 participants.

At Venus Bay, club president Ken Schell said for safety reasons, all swimmers should be between the red and yellow flags.

“We’ve had a lot of pipi collectors come down over the past few years who often go along the beach collecting pipis on a hot day, and then go in for a quick dip and get themselves in to trouble,” he said.

“People just need to be aware of the risk they’re putting themselves into, and certainly if people are going for a dip, the safest place to be is between the flags.”

The clubs in the area are looking forward to Bass District Life Saving Development Camp later this month at Waratah Beach SLSC. The camp pulls together smart members across the district for a weeklong program of advanced life saving awards.

“It improves the number of awards that members have across all the clubs in the Bass District and improves the access to people who are highly qualified to deliver a whole raft of services, including advanced first aid, advanced resuscitation techniques, RIB driver and crew certificates,” Waratah Beach SLSC president Julian Meagher said.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Man denied hospital entry

By Jacob de Kunder AMBULANCE drivers were told not to bring a patient to the Leongatha Memorial Hospital, The Star has been told.

Leongatha resident Greg Challis had to be transported to Korumburra hospital when the Leongatha hospital refused to take him in, his wife Marion said.

Mr Challis called for an ambulance around 9pm on Christmas night.

“When the ambulance got to us, they called the Leongatha hospital to tell them they were coming but the hospital said that they couldn’t come,” Mrs Challis said.

“The ambulance staff was told ‘no we cannot take him here’.”

Mr Challis said that when a second ambulance arrived at his home, the paramedic was just as sur-

prised to be denied access at Leongatha.

“I’m not real happy about it but at the end of the day, I’m not in any real position to argue. They were able to get me to Korumburra in the end,” Mr Challis said.

“The care I received and the attention I received at Korumburra was perfect and very, very good. I’m just surprised that I couldn’t get into the Leongatha hospital, when I live here.”

Mr Challis is disappointed that there was no excuse given why Leongatha Memorial Hospital couldn’t accept him.

“The only thing we could think of is that my wife and I are patients of the Korumburra Medical Centre, but over the years I have been a Leongatha clinic patient as well,” he said.

“It’s just something that needs to be brought to the people’s attention.

“If it had been a road accident or something,

Not happy: Greg Challis was denied admittance to Leongatha Memorial Hospital via ambulance and had to be taken to Korumburra.

THE MUD MONSTERS ARE BACK! Bigger and better in 2012

would you be accepted at Leongatha on that same day?”

Mr Challis realised that Christmas Day was not the ideal day for an emergency.

“I know Christmas Day wasn’t a good day to call on medical services but hey, that’s what we pay

taxes for. I had no choice in when I was going to be crook,” he said.

“I don’t want to say that the hospital’s a bad hospital. I’m just saying that on that particular day I could not get in there in an emergency situation.”

Director of nursing for

Gippsland Southern Health Neil Langstaff, said the hospital was investigating the incident.

“I’m not sure why that would have happened,” he said.

The Challises have made a written complaint to the hospital.

Landslip road to re-open

By Jacob de Kunder FOSTER Mirboo Road is on its way to being fully repaired after being re-opened before Christmas.

The road has been closed since June and is set to be fully re-opened by mid January if all goes to plan.

A large landslip took out most of the land under the road and a large amount of the road surface.

The road has been temporarily open for locals to use during the Christmas period.

According to South Gippsland Shire Council’s operations manager Fred Huitema, the road will be finished soon.

“Work is almost complete,” he said.

“Weather permitting, we hope it will be reopened by mid January.”

Funding for the repair was given to council through the State Government’s Natural Disaster Financial Assistance.

“The estimate to repair the slip was $200,000,” Mr Huitema said.

“And it is on track to come in on estimate or slightly below.”

The repair bill was originally thought to be in

Washed away: Foster Mirboo Road was washed away by torrential rain in June, but it is almost as good as new again. excess of $300,000.

Foster Mirboo Road resident Peter Williams is happy to have the road open again.

“Everything’s back to normal and good again,” he said.

Mr Williams is one of the many residents who had to travel an extra 30 minutes to get to the South Gippsland Highway via Ameys Track.

“Cost wise (the forced detour) was pretty bloody enormous to us and others,” Mr Williams said.

“Having it finished in itself is a big saving.”

Mr Williams looked on the positive side though.

“I enjoyed the quietness for the six months,” he said.

“It was wonderful, but now in the last week or

so I’ve noticed the traffic noise much more as people realise that the road’s open again.”

Other land slips from the wet year have caused havoc on South Gippsland’s roads, such as Turtons Creek Road and Foster Boolarra Road which remain closed.

Mr Huitema said it was hard to tell what will be fixed next due to changing weather and priorities.

“It’s difficult to give a time-frame (on other repairs) because we still have about 50 slips to repair out of over 100, and priorities are constantly changing,” he said.

“One wet day could determine which one we do next, however we hope to start on Foster Boolarra Road soon.”

Mud munchers are back MODIFIED and road registered fourwheel-drive vehicles are welcome to join the regular mud bashers that take on the popular Dalyston Mud Racing Circuit this Sunday.

DALYSTON 4WD MUD DRAGS Sunday, January 15, 2012. Dalyston Recreation Reserve Gates open 9am, racing starts 11am Full catering available. Alcohol at licensed booth only.

Road registered & five modified classes of mud creatures Proudly sponsored by:

WONTHAGGI TOYOTA WHERE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION COMES FIRST

GOLD SPONSORS: Dalyston Timber Treat, Kilcunda Oceanview Hotel, Luscombe & Colahan, Alex Scott & Staff P/L, Coldon Homes, Stockdale & Leggo, Wonthaggi Retravision, TS Constructions, Anderson Buck Stop, SAFE Scaffolding, AWM Electrical, Donmix, Wylies True Value, Bass Coast Rubbish Removal, Paint Place, Southern Ceilings, Blochy’s Cleaning & Maintenance, Good Year Auto Care, Wonthaggi Club, Coastal Smash Repairs, Wonthaggi Caravans, Archies On The Creek, Wonthaggi Meats, Full Tilt Towing & Crane, Bass Coast Radiators JA7474

A number of new vehicles will also feature at this year’s driver and crowd favourite venue.

The Dalyston circuit will be wet, muddy and ready for the local round of the 2011-12 Modified 4WD Mud Racing Australian championships.

The Dalyston Recreation Reserve will once again come to life on Sunday, January 15 as it is invaded by mud mashers of all shapes and sizes. Organisers predict another great day of thrills and spills as mud monsters ranging from 50 to a whopping 500 horsepower take on the sharp and challenging twin circuits.

Racing starts at 10am at the circuit south of the playing oval at the reserve. The tight, close tracks provide a great spectacle from excellent viewing locations around the track.

Drag racing is an action packed form of mud-racing. It consists of two modified fourwheel-driving vehicles racing side by side on separate tracks through mud, water, bends

Dirty sport: a competitor ploughs through the mud at Dalyston. and jumps to achieve the fastest time without hitting any marker pegs.

Action is relentless and often airborne.

The Dalyston event is one of the most popular in the series with its great vantage points around the tight, viewer friendly circuit.

Categories of racing include five classes of vehicle.

There is action aplenty with four heats on alternate tracks.

Around 25 radically modified vehicles are expected to compete, with entries for road registered vehicles taken on the day. Interest from road registered vehicles is always strong as the drivers and their vehicles test themselves against the challenging circuit.

The extremely popular human mud run will take

place at the half-way point of the day’s racing.

Off circuit activities are family orientated, with carnival rides and other children’s amusements included as part of a full day of action and entertainment.

The venue will be fully catered with a variety of hot and cold food and refreshments available. Alcohol will be restricted to the licensed booth and corporate facility at the venue.

This event is being staged by the Dalyston Recreation Reserve Committee of Management with the proceeds used to finance improvements at the reserve. The reserve’s own water storage dam will again supply the water to ensure the track is suitably muddy.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 7

Kongwak wants danger roads fixed

RISKY ROADS

THE Star is launching a new campaign to support local communities in making their town more liveable and safe. This week the focus is on Kongwak. We welcome input from the local communities and would like to help address concerns and issues in your town. Drop an email to Star editor Brad Lester, news@thestar.com.au, phone 5662 2294, find us on Facebook and check out www.thestar.com.au

KONGWAK’s roads are in a very poor state and pose a serious threat to motorists.

The Kongwak Community Group has been campaigning for years to have their roads fixed and are frustrated the process is taking so long when the state of their roads is so appalling.

Group president Les Cruickshank said they have written letter after letter to relevant bodies. Many articles about the roads have been written in newspapers. He believes the group has done all they can to have the roads fixed.

Mr Cruickshank said all main roads leading into Kongwak are riddled with potholes or are breaking up, and the roads in town are poor as well.

“The roads problem in and around our town is widespread and we want some urgent action to see our roads fixed and made safe for local residents, school children, school bus travellers, visitors and holiday-makers,” he said.

“The time-frame is the biggest problem. Everything just takes too long from the reporting of road damage to the relevant authorities to when there is any action to fix the problem.”

Mr Cruikshank said the hazardous “big dip” in front of the town’s tennis courts took three years to fix.

“The other major concern is that the works done to fix potholes or road surfaces just don’t last. We have had works done on roads in and around the town and within 24 hours the road or potholes are back to the same poor state.

“What I would like to know is who the supervisor is who checks off works being carried out.

“There has been a huge decline in our roads and the problem has got progressively worse over the last five years and the rain just causes havoc.

Urgent action is needed.”

Mr Cruickshank, along with group members secretary Betty Anderson, treasurer Russell Savige and concerned resident David Jones met with The Star on Thursday.

Mr Savige said the group has been in constant communication with South Gippsland Shire Council and VicRoads to get some roads action.

“We have written endless letters for years and even had a phone-a-thon to

Concerned: Kongwak Community Group treasurer Russell Savige points out just one of the dangerous sections of the Inverloch-Kongwak Road last Thursday.

see if we could get some assistance.

There has been some work done but it just seems the works done do not last long,” Mr Savige said.

“There just doesn’t seem to be any accountability by the private road contractors and often the work done is shoddy.

“It just seems the work is always just patch up jobs and within a short period of time, with rain and traffic, the roads revert back to the same poor and dangerous state.”

The road leading out of town, past the Kongwak Primary School towards Outtrim and Inverloch, is a disaster waiting to happen. Mr Savige said he has seen near misses outside the primary school.

“I was talking to friends who use the Inverloch-Kongwak Road and they said they had buckled the rims on their wheels of their Commodore after travelling along that road,” he said.

Mr Savige said hundreds of people visit Kongwak every Sunday for the market or pass through the town to other tourist destinations.

The group carried out a random survey of visitors to the Kongwak Sunday market, last year in an attempt to get more parking and counted 800 people crossing the road on that particular day.

“We should have safe roads free of dangerous potholes and broken edges for tourists and locals to travel on and it is important we get some action to fix our roads now,” he said.

Mr Jones has real concerns for his property given the poor state of the road into town from Outtrim.

“One of my boundary fences is now less than a metre from the road on a sharp bend and I have seen trucks coming within an inch of one of the fence posts,” he said.

“Motorists are dodging the potholes on this section of the road daily and it is just an accident waiting to happen. It is just dangerous.

“We regularly get trucks tipping over on this section of the road and several have ended up in the ditch. In the last 15 months we had a cattle truck tip over and many of the cattle were badly injured. Another truck ended up in the ditch only six months ago.

“It is just lucky we haven’t had a fatality.”

Acting Premier Peter Ryan told The Star he is only too happy to assist the Kongwak Community Group in getting the roads fixed.

“I invite the Kongwak Community Group to write to me direct to my elec-

Kongwak concern: from left local residents David Jones, Russell Savige, Les Cruickshank and Betty Anderson want to see the shocking roads in and around Kongwak fixed. toral office and list all the roads of concern,” he said.

“Some of these roads are the responsibility of the South Gippsland Shire and some are VicRoads’ responsibility, so I need to have all this infor-

mation, and photos would be helpful also.”

Mr Ryan said his government had committed an extra $160 million to 40 regional councils over a four year period and South Gippsland Shire was

one of the 40.

“Each of these 40 shires would receive an extra $1 million dollars for four years. This is on top of the government funding these shires already receive,” he said.

Road repair battle AFTER discussing Kongwak’s road concerns with The Star on Friday, South Gippsland Shire acting director for engineering services Fred Huitema, got straight onto the matter.

He headed out to Kongwak to inspect Inverloch-Kongwak Road.

Mr Huitema said following his inspection “the road was worse than he thought.

“The road has got worse since the signs were put up and we are trying to get someone out there to get some work done as soon as possible,” he said.

“I have checked and this road is scheduled for a major reconstruction.

The drains and pavements will all be redone. Basically this means we will rebuild the road from scratch in 2013.

“In the meantime we will carry out some works to make the road safe.

“There is just so much water around Kongwak. There are many soft spots

and in some places the water keeps bubbling up under the road, making it very difficult to fix,” he said.

“This is really a hard one to tackle and to permanently repair that road at this stage would be difficult as there is so much water around and so many soft spots.”

Mr Huitema said council undertakes regular inspections around the shire but relies on calls from residents.

Customer requests are then logged and prioritised based on the level of risk.

“We have had to revise our construction programs due to the heavy rains and the 100 landslips that occurred all round the shire,” he said.

“We have fixed around 60 to 70 of the 100 landslips, many of those being in the Foster hills area.

“This really has been an unusually busy year for us with all the heavy rain.

We are just flat out and we have had double the normal customer requests regarding roads concerns.”

Mr Huitema encourages residents to report any road concerns they may have to council.

Close shave: David Jones points out a post, now dangerously close to the road, posing a real threat to motorists.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Sausages for dinosaur THE Wallace Avenue Community Park Group held its first fundraiser activity on Saturday: a sausage sizzle at the Rotary

Market in Inverloch.

The group hopes to build a park on land in Wallace Avenue, Inverloch.

The Wallace Avenue Community Park was

obtained by the former Shire of Woorayl in 1987.

A State Government ruling by the Planning and Environment Minister, Jim Kennan, stated that public open space must

be retained if Apex Park, on Williams Street, was to be sacrificed for the development of elderly accommodation.

In February 2010, Bass Coast Shire Council proposed to rezone and sell the Wallace Avenue property for residential development.

Local residents launched a vigorous appeal to save the park and council opted to retain the area as public open space for passive recreation.

Council has since installed picnic tables and a bench seat, and plans to plant trees in autumn.

Due to the park’s size and location, council will not allow playground equipment, but has agreed to the installation of a dinosaur seat/sculpture, in keeping with Inverloch’s fame with dinosaur fossils.

Council is working with the group to achieve this and the group must raise funds.

A casual survey of surrounding streets revealed almost 200 children represented, however it is the group’s

Cooking away: Norm, Judy, Sarah and Michael Vradenburg, and Barb Langston staff the sausage sizzle at the Inverloch Rotary Craft Market on Saturday. ideal that the park attract people of all ages across the whole community.

The group wants the park retained in honour of former Inverloch Apexians and all volunteer groups, especially Inverloch Rotary and Lions clubs, as members have given their

full support to the project.

The group thanks Gerry Lonergan and the Inverloch Rotary Club, Paul the Pieman Bakery for donating bread, Inverloch Quality Meats, Helen and Allan Johnstone, Carli Johnstone, Ross Tanner, Belinda Langston and

Dorothy Milligan.

The group would also like to thank Bass Coast Shire Council for their continued support, especially Cr Veronica Dowman, Jenny Churchill, Bernie Murphy, Chabrelle Chisholm, Ella Angerane and Carl Gheller.

POLICE BRIEFS Missing boy found A BOY who went missing from Wonthaggi on Saturday was found soon after.

The seven-year-old went missing between 10am and 2pm while his heavily pregnant mother was resting.

Sergeant Trevor Tier from Wonthaggi Police said the boy was playing at a friend’s house and returned home around 6pm.

The mother of the young boy was thankful towards police and SES for their efforts in trying to find her son.

Big burglary ABOUT $17,000 worth of items including firearms were stolen from a Tarwin Lower property.

The burglary occurred between 3pm on Wednesday, January 4 and 11.30am Thursday at the Walkerville Road address.

Offenders used bolt cutters to gain entry to a shed and then a firearms storage unit, from which they stole five firearms.

The offenders also

smashed windows in the house at the property and stole jewellery, electrical goods and cash.

A Honda 250 Enduro Motorcycle was also taken.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Bass Coast CIU in Wonthaggi.

Stolen bike A MOTORBIKE was stolen from Inverloch Gas and Hire overnight on Friday, January 6.

The offenders cut through the Mitre 10 timber yard fence to access the premises.

The Yamaha 250 dirt bike was taken from the site.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Constable Grist from Inverloch Police.

Learner positive AN L-plater recorded a positive blood alcohol concentration reading in Leongatha on Friday night.

The 23-year-old Allura man passed though a random breath testing site at around 6.20pm on Ander-

son Street.

He received a $305 fine and 10 demerit points.

Soft drink theft A 13-YEAR-OLD boy was arrested for shop theft in Leongatha on Thursday.

The offender stole two bottles of soft drink from a Leongatha store, and was chased by the proprietor.

Police observed the incident and arrested the boy, and he will appear in court at a later date.

Tool theft A LARGE number of tools was taken from a construction site on Bear Gully Road, Walkerville.

Offenders cut the padlock on a storage container between 10.30am on Friday and 8.30pm Saturday.

Police suspect this may be related to other burglaries in the area.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Bass Coast CIU in Wonthaggi.

Dog attack A WOMAN was attacked by a dog on Powlett River Beach last week.

Koonwarra market success THE Koonwarra Farmers Market attracted plenty of passers-by on Saturday morning.

Stall-holders reported a steady flow of visitors as they sold their fresh produce and wine.

Wine master: Brian Gaffy of Clair de Lune Vineyard in Kardella was kept busy with customers on Saturday morning.

At around 2pm on Tuesday, January 3, the black Staffordshire terrier attacked another smaller dog.

The owner of the smaller dog attempted to break up the pair and was bitten by the terrier.

Police are currently trying to identify the owner of the dog.

Dog owner: the police are trying to identify this man, whose dog attacked a lady last week.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 9

New life on old school site

By Jacob de Kunder COMMUNITY College Gippsland began moving to their new home on the former Leongatha Primary School site last week.

Classes are set to start at the new facility in February, after shifting from the existing base within the Leongatha Education Precinct.

College business operation manager Alex Todorovski said the move was going well.

“We will be running all the same courses such as hospitality, beauty, hairdressing, business and IT,” he said.

“This is as well as aged and childcare and the VCAL programs.”

The old gym and canteen area will be used for hospitality courses while there are rooms perfect for IT classes.

The move has come after the rejig of educational services in Leongatha over the past few years.

Since the primary school took over the west campus of the secondary college, the school has been short on space and so will be moving into the old CCG buildings for 2012.

“We thought this site would be best because it was already set up like a school,” Mr Todorovski said.

“So we got a 10 year lease from the Education Department and we’ll see how it goes.”

The CCG team has not had to un-

Moving in: Alex Todorovski and Jade Ciccia help move Community College Gippsland into their new residence. dertake many repairs to the disused building.

“We’ve put in some new carpet, done some touch up painting and then just been cleaning before we get everything in really,” Mr Todorovski said.

The site had been disused through last year and had become quite an eyesore, but that is changing as CCG takes over.

Mr Todorovski is open to making the new facility like a community hub, and is offering to make deals with sporting clubs and community

groups to use the grounds as well.

“We’ve got these two big ovals and plenty of space which local sporting groups could make use of,” he said.

“We want to make sure that the community will be able to have access to this large facility.”

Arrangements have already been made for the new campus to be supporting the University of the Third Age. CCG will still be holding classes in the Bass Coast region as well as on Phillip Island in 2012.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

A UNIQUE fundraiser for the Meeniyan Art Gallery (MAG) is currently underway.

Desperately in need of some restoration, the committee of the not-forprofit gallery decided to hold an art sale of preloved art works with nothing over $100.

There are also some new art works kindly donated by local artists and craftspeople.

All money raised will go to the restoration of the distinctive old building.

The art sale is being held during the month of January in the vacant offices opposite the MAG and is definitely worth a look.

THE props department has been really busy at the Meeniyan Amateur Dra-

Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

matics Society (MADS), making Captain Kirk’s spaceship and Dr Who Darliks for the latest production of Into the Future.

This show promises to be fun for young and old alike, with lots of singing and two short plays by Cerise de Gelder.

MADS is a training theatre group for young people and therefore a couple of the young people involved are trying their hand at directing successfully.

Because of the broad appeal there will be two Sunday matinee shows, January 15 and 22, and one evening performance Friday January 20, all at the historic Meeniyan Hall and the cost is only $20 for an adult and $10 for concession.

FAMILY and friends of the local men who served in the 2/22nd Battalion and Lark Force are invited to attend a service at the Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday, January 22 at 2.30pm.

The fall of this battalion at Rabaul in New Guinea on January 23, 1942 and the horrific events that followed claimed the lives of 12 local men.

This year’s service marks the 70th anniversary of this tragic event in our history.

GREG Price of Alex Scott and Staff celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday.

Around 170 guests travelled from far and wide to celebrate the milestone with this well known Gippslander. Happy birthday Greg.

LOTS of locals enjoyed a rare sunny day at the Woolamai Racing Club’s Picnic Races event on Sunday afternoon.

Families enjoyed the weather and the atmosphere at the first event for the season at Woolamai.

RED Cross is urging all Australians to re-gift their unwanted presents to one of

Looking for names: the Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club is trying to identify the people in these photos in order to update their records. The photos were taken in January 1974 at Cleeland Bight. If you have any information that may be helpful or you know who is in the photo, please contact Graeme on 5678 5039 or 0412 789 499. their 163 Red Cross recycle stores around Australia.

“Red Cross retail stores are dependent on donations of clothing, bric-a-brac and homewares and we are currently in desperate need of quality donations for the New Year,” says Olivia Cozzolino, Red Cross general manager of merchandise.

“A donation of quality clean saleable goods to a Red Cross store works in a similar way to a donation of cash, as we are able to use the profits

from sales to fund our humanitarian work to improve the lives of vulnerable people both in Australia and overseas.”

Donations can be delivered to any Red Cross store - including at Inverloch - during opening hours. Unfortunately the stores cannot accept donations of electrical items or mattresses.

HEAR how Israel in the Bible clearly relates to our Anglo-Saxon identity today.

Chris Chetland from Archies Creek will be sharing insights on this subject on Sundays in January from 6.30pm at the Christian Revival Crusade in Hughes Street Leongatha. All are welcome.

The Star is wishing a happy birthday to both Jesse Poulton and Sam Sperling, who shared their birthdays on January 8. Jesse turned 21, while Sam ventured out of the teens, turning 20.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 11

Bay boost

By Brad Lester ALL shops in Venus Bay are full for the first time in many years, coinciding with the bumper tourist season.

Relaxation time: Harry Ledger joined mum Nicole Ledger (back, centre) and Vicki O’Brien (right), at the Venus Bay Caravan Park, with proprietor Fenna van der Meulen.

Council commits millions to island

In mid 2011, council secured an option to purchase part or all of the 32ha of land on the corner of Phillip Island and Ventnor roads.

Acting chief executive officer Steven Piasente said the purchase fitted with the recreation needs assessment of the island and represented value for money for ratepayers.

“Council has committed $1 million to secure 16ha of the land. The majority of the money required to fund the purchase will come from existing funds that council has obtained from developers who have been unable to provide recreation land,” he said.

“Although council considered purchasing the entire site, our independent valuation showed that the asking price for the whole area was very inflated and well above market value.

“Our research indicates that this much land will meet

the recreation needs of the Phillip Island community for at least the next 30 years.

“To give people some comparision, 40 acres is equivalent to two-and-a-half MCGs. It is four times the size of the current recreation reserve and about the size of the block bounded by Thompson Avenue, The Esplanade, Steele Street and Church Street.”

No decision has been made about what would be located on the site, but there is enough space, for example, for two full sized ovals, tennis courts, netball courts, aquatic facilities, sporting buildings and club rooms.

Bass Coast mayor Cr Veronica Dowman welcomed the decision to buy the land.

“We have made a decision for the long term interests of the community and one that is financially sustainable,” she said.

“We will need to develop a plan for the site to guide what is developed there in the long term.

“Buying this land is just part of an ongoing commitment to ensure we get the best possible

facilities for Phillip Island and we will work with the community to ensure this happens.”

This new recreation land is in addition to the existing Blue Gum and Recreation Reserves in Cowes.

Council has entered into a contract for the purchase and payment will not take place until the start of the 2012-13 financial year. It is planned that council will take possession of the land at the end of July 2012.

A development plan for how the site might be used in the future will be considered in the 2012-2013 financial year.

Mr Piasente said allowing for budget considerations and the council elections in October, he anticipated the process to develop a plan for the land would commence in 2013.

“We will keep the community informed on the progress of the purchase,” he said.

“In the meantime, we need to work out a timeframe for development and start to identify the needs and requirements of the site.

“We have established

a register of interest for people who would like to be considered for involvement in the development plan process.”

Anyone wishing to register their interest can do so online at www. basscoast.vic.gov.au, by email basscoast@basscoast. vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

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around Beach One that people parked around the shops and walked 500m to the beach.

“If an ambulance had to go to Beach One on New Year’s Day, they would not have got there because it was just blocked,” he said.

“I think it’s time the council has a look at what is happening around here over summer and work out ways of maybe assisting that. It’s only going to get bigger.

“It only just takes an ad hoc decision and we could end up with an ugly environment.”

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THE recreation future of Phillip Island is secure after a decision

by Bass Coast Shire Council to purchase 16ha of land on the edge of Cowes.

A new restaurant, takeaway shop and gift shop have opened as thousands of visitors fill the town, lured by the beaches and relaxed coastal atmosphere.

The kiosk at the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club is also open after a hiatus of several years.

David Liebelt of the Venus Bay Store is delighted.

“I’ve had the store for four years and this is the first time that I have known Venus Bay to have all of the businesses up and running and really vibrant,” he said.

“There is quite a lot of enthusiasm around the place because of that and I’ve had fantastic feedback from our regular customers.”

Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, Mr Liebelt was averaging 5000 people through his shop a day.

“It’s quite extraordinary when in winter you might get 500-600 people through on a good Saturday,” Mr Liebelt said.

The Venus Bay Caravan Park has been full since Christmas, with up to 500 people staying across 100 sites.

Park owner Fenna van der Meulen said the park would most likely be

fully booked into the end of January, and predicted February and March would be busy months too.

“The park is as full as it was last year. This is our busiest time of the year,” she said.

Most visitors come from Melbourne, drawn by the patrolled beaches, park facilities and proximity to Melbourne.

Mr Liebelt believed Venus Bay needs more parking to cope with the summer influx. On New Year’s Day, he said so many cars were parked

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Questions still unanswered CHRIS Herbert’s letter (The Star, January 3) provides us with more questions than answers.

The sheer size of this desal plant makes any comparison with existing Australian desalination plants meaningless, with its environmental footprint being many times greater than any of them.

The Age report (September 18, 2011) on the Parliamentary Environment and Natural Resources Committee Inquiry into the Environmental Effects Statement Process in Victoria (September 2011) found that the current system (the EES framework) was “ineffective and could easily be politicised”.

The Premier has been urged to overhaul the environmental test that has been applied to some of Victoria’s most controversial projects, including

the desalination plant.

“The key objective of the Victorian EES framework is to provide transparent, integrated and timely assessment of the environmental effects of projects capable of having a significant effect on the environment. In conducting this enquiry it is the committee’s view that this objective is not being met.”

Dr Matt Edmunds, director of Australian Marine Ecology, revealed during the inquiry that the desalination EES was conducted in a very hasty manner, was mainly desk-top produced (ie had woefully inadequate on-site investigations), and was probably manipulated to produce the desired outcome.

This inquiry undermines Mr Herbert’s assertions about the thoroughness of the “detailed” EES process he refers to.

By his admission 20-40 tonnes of vegetation, sediment and micro-organisms will be captured by the plant’s filters every day – hardly a trifling amount, considering this is the

E D I T O R I A L

More fisheries officers needed THE Star today leads with a story about the viability of the pipi fishery at Venus Bay, and community angst over whether or not harvesting is not only good for the pipi but also the community.

This not the first time this newspaper has reported on the matter and nor will it be the last as long as the opinions within the community, and also authorities, conflict.

As it stands, people collecting pipis are not doing anything illegal unless they use hand tools to harvest or exceed the bag limit.

Studies on which the laws are based suggest Venus Bay pipis are being collected sustainably, but the fact catch limits specifically in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park were reduced in 2009 implies authorities are concerned – to some extent – about the future of pipis of Venus Bay. Between Point Smythe and Arch Rock, including Venus Bay, the reduced daily catch limit is two litres with shells and half a litre shucked.

In other parts of Victoria, the daily limit is five litres per person with shells and one litre shucked.

Beverley Walker in The Star today calls for a size limit to be imposed to protect young pipis and ensure the sustainability of the species. Her idea has merit, as size limits apply to other marine life.

While measuring individual pipis would be time consuming for collectors, such a rule could have the added benefit of discouraging collectors determined to take more than their legal share.

While many Melbourne residents of Asian backgrounds harvest pipis for food, many anglers of other backgrounds – including Anglo-Saxons – collect pipis for bait.

Using local bait can help to increase catches as that is what fish find appealing and critics cannot ignore the economic benefits of recreational angling to the community.

This issue essentially points to the need for greater patrols by fisheries officers, and also staff from the Department of Sustainability and Environment, and Parks Victoria, as they have been involved in the past.

Officers need to be seen on the beaches several times a week during the peak pipi season, inspecting for fishing licences, checking catch limits, and ensuring no pipis are hidden in the dunes or being taken to mobile refrigeration units either in Venus Bay or Tarwin Lower.

This would of course demand extra resources from Fisheries Victoria.

Given that officers based in Yarram are responsible for Venus Bay and the coast in between, they already have a substantial workload.

Greater police presence on the streets leads to less crime and more fisheries officers would lead to less fisheries offences.

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.

base of the local marine food chain.

The EES states that some larval species “could experience reductions ... from as far as Cape Schanck and east of Wilsons Promontory”.

You have stated that this “waste” will not be returned to the sea but exactly where will it be disposed of?

Considering that the plant was originally supposed to be operating at the end of 2011, one would assume that the consortium would have worked this out by now.

What exactly will be studied in the “ongoing monitoring program” to which you refer in your final paragraph?

We know that cetaceans, for example, were poorly studied during the EES and that no studies have been undertaken since – a situation that Federal Opposition Environment spokesperson Greg Hunt MP recently described as “bizarre”.

What other species will continue to be overlooked by the responsible authorities?

Over to you Chris.

Mark Robertson, president, Watershed Victoria.

Broiler opposition SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council passed the proposed erection of broiler sheds at Stony Creek with only one councillor negating the application.

If this goes ahead, it will be the thin edge of the wedge and we will see many more animal factories going up on prime farming/growing land.

My reasons for not wanting the industry are many.

As is normal, one reason is selfish. I opted out of city life to live an unpolluted, quiet county lifestyle and forfeited a large salary to achieve liveable simplicity.

This will disappear rapidly with industrial farming. Having recently completed a degree in psychology, I am aware of human frailty and how we counter stressful cognitive dissonance if an undesired or morally superior alternative does not fit with what we do.

We simply rationalise it away. Hence we have folks believing that we must accept

cruelty to sentient creatures because we need a massive supply of meat and to believing that we need to eat the quantity of meat that we do to keep healthy.

Broiler chickens suffer fear, acute and chronic pain due to selective breeding, unnatural confinement, forced fattening, over antibiotic use, bone structure malformation, transportation injuries, and unceremonious handling and slaughter.

I refer you to a couple of internet sites which emphasise the downside of intensive farming. http://www.animalsaustralia. org/features/global-warmingfilm/, dealing with world effects and http://www.chickenindustry. com/cfi/videogallery/ , a grizzly view of state of broiler farming.

But in case dissonance has taken over, here are a few facts from chickenindustry.com: In the 1950s, it took 84 days to raise a five-pound chicken.

Due to selective breeding and growth-promoting drugs, it now takes only 45 days.

Such fast growth causes chickens to suffer from a number of chronic health problems, including leg disorders and heart disease.

According to one study, 90 per cent of broilers had detectable leg problems, while 26 per cent suffered chronic pain as a result of bone disease.

High stocking densities make it impossible for most birds to carry out normal behaviours and cause the chickens to suffer from stress and disease.

Another study indicated that no amount of state of the art technology ever prevents sheds from building up ammonia levels to the extent that humans should not remain inside for more than five minutes, but the birds are in it for eight to 10 weeks.

The council has said the Stony Creek proposal lies within industry guidelines, presenting no grounds to refuse a permit.

I urge anybody who is concerned about animal welfare, climate change and biodiversity to protest to council or at least to consider what I have said here.

Aussies have protested regarding the treatment of animals in Indonesia. This is

surely hypocritical considering what happens here.

Who sets the grounds for standards regarding bird welfare? Surely not the God I was asked to pray to at what should have been a secular meeting of council. I wonder which God it was anyway, considering the metaphysical array.

Sylvia Ashcroft, Stony Creek.

Pipi pillaging THE Premier Ted Baillieu appears to be content to sacrifice the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park in South Gippsland and its marine supply of the shellfish known as pipis in favour of luring more tourists to the region.

The Cape Liptrap coastal town of Venus Bay is facing another summer with hordes of day trippers pillaging the beaches for pipis in amongst the many thousands of regular holiday makers trying to enjoy the beaches.

Community committees, partitions and even the recommendations of a research paper into the possible dangers of over fishing the pipi population are being ignored. Instead, the government is actively ‘inviting’ tourists to Venus Bay for a family fun day collecting pipis on the expansive sandy beaches.

Pipis have become a ‘throw away’ resource, sacrificed for the business/tourist dollar.

Calls for a moratorium on the taking of pipis from Cape Liptrap Coastal Park until more extensive research into their ‘sustainability’ can be carried out have fallen on deaf government ears.

Just based on one of the many conservation arguments for a moratorium, the pipis are part of the vital food chain for migratory birds. Parts of NSW and South Australia have already been fished out.

Currently at Venus Bay, most of the day-trippers are blatantly flouting the law that allows for a maximum of two litres of pipis in their shells, per person, per day to be taken from the beaches.

Beach harvesting also requires a fishing licence. No digging tools are allowed.

Since Christmas, hundreds

of people in large family groups have been seen digging the pipi lines and filling and then emptying their buckets, time and time again, into larger coolers in the boots of their cars, with no Department of Fisheries inspectors in sight.

Their takings are in commercial quantities. There has been one conviction and fine in 12 months for a woman found with 80 litres! (The Star newspaper, December 20, 2011).

This is a precious resource for all Victorians and for the ecology of the beaches and the marine and bird life, Mr Baillieu.

Please place a moratorium on any further pipi taking and consult with the community and the experts as a matter of urgency.

Lina Caneva, Venus Bay.

Lost chance

IF YOU are a tourist, avoid Leongatha.

Other than the fast food multi-nationals on the outskirts of town, the town is dead to you.

Between Christmas and New Year, most food and coffee houses were closed, as were about 50 per cent of the shops.

The industrial estate was dead even though for farmers, as well as tourists, it was a very busy time. Last Saturday, one minute past 12, most shops had shut up and gone.

Bair and McCartin streets were still full of cars but blow the tourists; go home.

Different story when it comes to Meeniyan, Fish Creek and Foster. They have come to love the tourists.

They know they can make cream in the months of late December, January and February and into March.

Not Leongatha. Despite many saying how quiet 2011 had been, we just do not care for tourists and their dollars.

Shop-owners wonder why tourists go to Wonthaggi.

It’s not just the big stores there. The shops stay open and welcome the tourists.

Maybe shops in Leongatha have had it too easy for too long. Time to wake up!

Graeme Dell, Leongatha.

VOXPOP! VOX Are you looking forward to the Australian Open?

Not really, I don’t follow tennis.

Chloe Butler Wonthaggi

Not really, I don’t really watch sport on TV. Hannah Tanner Toora

I’m going to the tennis so I am looking forward to it.

Dylan Adams Leongatha

Yes, because my friend and I are intending to go see it.

Teagan Matthews Leongatha

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 13

Probe delay

AN INVESTIGATION into the cause of the train accident at Coal Creek at Korumburra is taking longer than expected.

The investigation was called for after the bush-tram came off the tracks during the park’s Halloween celebrations last year.

South Gippsland Shire Council’s acting chief executive officer Phil Stone did not think the investigation would take this long.

“We have received word that repairs to the engine are taking longer than expected,” he said.

“We anticipate that it will be another two weeks before the train is back on the rails.”

The bush-tram is one of the highlights for visitors to Coal Creek.

“We are trying to get it back on the rails as soon as possible for summer,” Mr Stone said.

“We also expect the outcome of the investigation to be finalised in that time as well.”

Left, Wonderful occasion: Michael Resasco and Clare McRae are thrilled with their beautiful daughter Shayla Clare McRae, who was the first baby born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital.

Right, Bigger family: Jenny, Dave and Jobe welcome home Sass Mya Martin, the first baby born in 2012 at Bass Coast Regional Health.

Baby born 8 minutes into New Year

By Tessa Hayward

A LEONGATHA couple celebrated New Year’s Eve in an unusual way: in the birthing suite at Leongatha Memorial Hospital.

Shayla Clare McRae was born at 12.08am Sunday, January 1 at the hospital, weighing eight pounds, seven ounces.

Delighted parents Clare McRae, 34 and Michael Resasco, 33 of Leongatha were surprised by Shayla’s gender as they already have two sons together and thought their third child would also be a boy.

“We are very excited to have a girl and she has

been very good so far, very quiet,” Clare said.

Sons Izack, 10 and Dane, 14 months were excited when their mum and baby sister returned home last Wednesday.

Due on December 31, 2011 Shayla made her entrance into the world only eight minutes late, taking her parents by surprise.

“With my first two children, they were both about 10 days late, so we thought she (Shayla) would be too,” Clare said.

The birth went well, with labour only lasting four hours.

“Living in Leongatha and close to the hospital meant we did not have to rush,” Michael said.

Clare thanks all the midwives who were

there to help, saying they were “fantastic”.

The first baby for 2012 born at Bass Coast Regional Health, Wonthaggi was Sass Mya Martin.

A daughter to Jenny, 27 and Dave Martin, 29 of Inverloch, Sass was born at 10.37am on January 2 and weighed seven pounds, eight ounces.

Sass is the second child for the Martin family. Her older brother Jobe is just 18 months old.

Two days after her due date of December 31, 2011, Sass arrived after a mere two-and-ahalf hours of labour.

Her proud parents say that she has been really good so far, even during warm weather.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.

Car drives crash impact home

By Jacob de Kunder TOO many young drivers are losing their lives and livelihoods on South Gippsland roads.

More young people die from road crashes than any other cause. While they make up only 13 per cent of all licensed drivers, 18-25 - year- olds account for 27 per cent of driver deaths.

The statistics seem to speak for themselves, but it has been difficult to get young people to connect with the very real risks they face when they get behind the wheel.

A Bass Coast RoadSafe initiative - the Crash Vehicle Project - is making a dramatic impact on young people by graphically demonstrating the results of physical speed impact.

This project includes the display of a 22-year-old man’s car after it was involved in a high speed incident near Grantville.

The confronting remains of the car are accompanied by the man’s story.

He did not die in the accident but was left with extensive brain damage.

After the accident, he was to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair with no leg movement, very little arm use and limited speech. He was not able to care for him-

self in any way.

In January 2011 he died as a direct result of injuries sustained in the accident.

The story does not just focus on the young man’s physical injuries but the emotional impact it had on his family and friends, as well as the community.

“This vehicle has its own local crash history, which provides the opportunity for discussion about car safety that young people can relate to,” Bass Coast Shire Council community safety manager, Philippa O’Halloran, said.

“We have found it successful in both indoor displays and at outdoor events – it brings the message home in an uncompromised way.”

Mrs O’Halloran said young people today are tactile in their learning.

“What they see and do themselves remains with them and in turn forms their future decision making. If in the process of seeing and doing, the young person also has an emotional response, then the message is even stronger.”

The vehicle is currently used throughout Bass Coast and South Gippsland to convey the road safety message.

Bass Coast Shire Council, Victoria Police and the local community RoadSafe committee would like to see the display used throughout Gippsland.

Confronting: the display reminds young people of the dangers on the road and the possible outcomes of pushing the limits.

Victorian road toll still way too high

By Jacob de Kunder WITH a state-wide road toll of 288 for 2011, South Gippsland’s roads attributed to eight of those deaths.

All of the tragic fatalities occurred between March and July, with no deaths in the latter half of the year.

Sergeant Jim Baum from the Bass Coast Highway Patrol said eight deaths on the road was too many.

“It’s a pretty disappointing year in South Gippsland where we had a majority of the fatalities. We only had one in Bass Coast,” he said.

“Apart from the two pedestrian fatalities, which are unusual for our area and the double fatality, a lot of the others have been preventable.”

The first fatality of the year oc-

ANC H C T S LA

curred just east of Leongatha along the Strzelecki Highway on March 4.

At around 9.15am, a 22-year-old female lost control going around a corner and collided with a power pole.

The driver suffered fatal injuries as a result of the impact.

This was followed by another on Westernport Road in Lang Lang where a 20-year-old female collided with a tree after failing to negotiate a bend.

On May 30 at 3pm, a vehicle travelling west on St Hellier-Woodleigh Road near Loch veered off the road into a ditch.

The driver was trapped in the car and received fatal injuries in the accident.

The worst two days on the roads came in late June, when three people died in 48 hours.

On June 29, a vehicle travelling north on the Strzelecki Highway near

Delburn veered across double lines into the path of a prime mover travelling in the opposite direction.

Both occupants of the first vehicle, 19 and 25-year-old males, suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

This was followed by an early morning fatality at the intersection of Hade Avenue and Bass Highway at Bass.

A 42-year-old male was killed in the collision.

The last road fatality for 2011 occurred on July 15 at around 3.35pm.

A vehicle veered across double lines and collided head on with another vehicle on the South Gippsland Highway near Korumburra. A 20-year-old female suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

Two pedestrians were also killed during 2011.

On April 16, around 9am a pedestrian on the road in Waugh Avenue in Ko-

rumburra was struck by a vehicle. The 48-year-old man suffered fatal injuries.

Another pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in July.

At around 7.50pm on July 9, a female pedestrian was struck by a bus along the South Gippsland Highway near Kardella.

The 44-year-old suffered fatal injuries.

Sgt Baum said even though some traffic policing operations are over, police are still on high alert.

“It is good to have not lost anyone on our roads over the holiday period which means everyone is driving safely on our roads,” he said.

“We’re still out there catching drivers doing the wrong thing even after our summer operations end.

“We can’t lower the road toll on our own. We need everyone to be safe on

E!

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Fatal: drivers are urged to take care on roads in all conditions.

the roads and keep their guard up.”

The weather determines the way people should drive but drivers still need to take great care on a nice day, Sgt Baum said.

“Drivers need to remember that even on a nice sunny day with great weather you can’t lose concentration on the road,” he said.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 15

Youth Allowance win

By Jacob de Kunder ALMOST 21,000 students across the country will benefit from changes in Youth Allowance which came into effect on January 1.

This will give almost 5500 additional students in regional areas access to independent Youth Allowance.

Students from inner regional areas, including South Gippsland, can now receive the same benefits as those from outer regional and remote areas.

Thousands more students are now eligible to receive up to $388.70 a fortnight in Youth Allowance.

“We recognise students in regional areas often face greater barriers to university. Our reforms will give greater access to independent Youth Allowance and greater support to relocate for study,” Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans said.

The changes recognise that students from regional areas also experience higher costs to relocate for study by increasing the value of Relocation Scholarships for eligible students.

Eligible regional students will now receive a relocation scholarship of $4000 for the first year of study, $2000 for each of the second and third years, and $1000 for any subsequent years.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Monash University Professor Helen Bartlett said the new rules took into account rural students’ needs.

“In South Gippsland, many students are required to either move away from home to study, or spend considerable time and expense on daily travel to and from university;” she said.

Serene sight: whales photographed off Bass Coast last year. Watershed Victoria believes whales could become another tourist attraction in the area.

MP lobbies for desal studies

By Brad Lester SHADOW Environment Minister Greg Hunt continues to lobby the Federal Government to call for more detailed environmental studies of the Wonthaggi desalination plant.

He has asked the government to act but is still waiting for a response.

The move follows campaigning from desal opposition group, Watershed Victoria.

“The evidence from local groups is of a strong and active local whale population. The evidence presented to the study had no reference to a significant whale population,” Mr Hunt said.

President Mark Robertson is hoping the region’s potential as a whale watching destination will be realised and is urging Bass Coast Shire Council to come on board.

“They keep promising us meetings but those have not happened as yet,” he said.

Watershed’s Whale Watch program

last year recorded sightings of at least 42 whales from Venus Bay through to Phillip Island, with whales also spotted at Inverloch and Kilcunda.

Humpback whales dominated the sightings, with Southern Right Whales and a dead pilot whale also detected at The Oaks beach between Inverloch and Cape Paterson.

Most observations were made from land.

“The sheer number of sightings should be enough to show that this coast is important habitat for EPBC-listed cetaceans, and hopefully (Federal Environment) Minister (Tony) Burke will finally see the need to conduct proper studies in to longterm marine impacts of the Victorian Desalination Project,” Mr Robertson wrote to Mr Hunt.

“I fail to see how the Aquasure consortium can still claim that ‘there will be no environmental impacts’.”

Mr Robertson remains concerned about Aquasure’s environmental management plans and believes plans to date have been “rushed”.

. y a d o t e t a r b e Cel . w o r r o m o t n i a Live it ag Australia Day isn’t just about freedom and wide-open spaces. We’re not just celebrating our diverse blend of cultures. And it’s not just about friends coming together for an all-day eat-a-thon. We celebrate on 26 January because tomorrow, we get to live it all over again. To find out about celebrations near you, visit australiaday.org.au

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Nature’s power: Inverloch photographers Steph Hall and Evan Enbom captured these impressive images of lightning around Inverloch on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when storms passed over the district for several hours. Photos courtesy Coastal Light Photography: coastallight@y7mail.com

Inverloch bound: Cyndi O’Meara will talk nutrition at Inverloch.

Nutritionist to speak

WELL-KNOWN nutritionist Cyndi O’Meara is giving a presentation this Saturday at the Inverloch Community Hub.

Cyndi disagrees with low-fat and low-calorie diets and believes chocolate, butter and salt is good for you.

She will explain how bodies need to recognise the food we are eating in order for it to be most beneficial to our health.

This means we need to know what to look for on a product’s ingredient list and which additives to avoid.

Knowing this information allows people to make informed choices about the food they choose for their families.

“I am constantly hearing from customers that they want straightforward information about simple and unprocessed foods, which is why I decided to invite Cyndi down from Queensland” said Fiona McKenzie of Green Heart Organics.

“I have been a follower of Cyndi’s work for some time and she’s doing a great job of helping people to improve their diets through simple changes to their eating habits.”

The event is being held on Saturday, January 14 from 3 to 4.30pm and will include a question and answer session.

Each ticket to Cyndi’s talk also includes free entry to a Thermomix demonstration by chef Maria Stuart of Milly and Romeo’s, Koonwarra, starting at 1pm.

“It is an opportunity to see how this special kitchen appliance can turn wholefoods into a delicious meal in minutes and then sit back and sample the results,” Ms McKenzie said.

Tickets can be purchased from any of the sponsoring businesses or phone Fiona McKenzie at Green Heart Organics on 5674 2759 for further information.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 17

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Doctors’ dedication rewarded DOCTORS from South Gippsland have been honoured in the 2011 Victorian Rural Doctors Awards.

More than 150 of Victoria’s rural and regional GPs and specialists were recongised during a ceremony at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Melbourne.

Victorian Minister for Health David Davies presented the awards for outstanding contribution to rural communities.

Dr Mauricio Haddad was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1953 and gained his first degree in medicine in 1978.

In January 2004, Dr Haddad arrived in Australia with his family and commenced work with Southern Health at the Monash Medical Centre.

He began work at the South Gippsland Family Medicine Centre in January 2009 and it soon became apparent to him that many of his young patients were drug dependent.

Dr Haddad undertook training to deliver the methadone program and is the only doctor in the area supporting these patients.

He also works closely with Bass Coast Regional Health and other medical service providers supporting a growing number of patients who, given their rural location, wouldn’t have access to the help they need.

“I never expected to move from orthopaedics to general practice, but the fulfilment I have achieved in seeing people beat addictions makes this the most amazing job,” Dr Haddad said.

Dr Nola Maxfield grew up in the country and going to school in Drouin made her return to the country after finishing her university degree.

She spent a short time in Echuca and joined the Rural Doctors Asso-

ciation of Victoria, enjoying a couple of years as president.

With the advent of Divisions of General Practice, Dr Maxfield joined that board, became executive director and served many years as chair.

Dr Maxfield has an interest in ensuring the education of the next generation of rural doctors.

Wonthaggi was the first PGY2 rural practice attachment in Victoria, which has now evolved to an intern program where half the time is in the practice, the remainder at the hospital.

“The pleasures of rural practice are the variety of work, the adrenaline surges, being part of a community and to treat multiple generations of the same family,” Dr Maxfield said.

She now works at the Wonthaggi Medical Centre.

Dr Leon Malzinskas joined Wonthaggi Medical Centre in 1989, where he joined a partnership of six GPs, two GP surgeons and one specialist general surgeon in providing both GP and hospital services to the local community.

Dr Malzinskas stayed with the group until 2008 when he took up an appointment with Bass Coast Regional Health Wonthaggi Hospital as the senior medical officer.

He trains and mentors young doctors and has been a Rural and Remote Area Placement Program supervisor, GP registrar supervisor, designated aviation medical examiner, and SCUBA diver examiner.

Dr Malzinskas was also the South Gippsland Displan Area Medical coordinator for several years.

He has also made several trips overseas, teaching APLS in both Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

“Despite some difficulties associated with working in a rural area,

these are far outweighed by the rewards of practice and the enjoyment of the lifestyle and community,” Dr Malzinskas said.

Dr Daryl Smith was brought up on a dairy farm and attended Leongatha South Primary School and Leongatha Secondary College.

Now working at Bairnsdale, he has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the community through visiting patients in local nursing homes, training and supporting Monash medical students during their time at the clinic and providing leadership to interns at the Bairnsdale hospital.

“Professionally, Bairnsdale has enabled me to work in the full range of family medicine, including obstetrics, anaesthetics, paediatrics, accident and emergency, and palliative care,” Dr Smith said.

Mother Lorraine Smith was very proud of her son for receiving the award.

“Just to get into medicine was good,” she said.

Dr Phil Huguenin started work at the Korumburra Medical Centre in 1983 and over time has supported and worked as VMO with the Korumburra District Hospital – now known as the Gippsland Southern Health Korumburra Campus.

He has mentored medical students within the practice and is an accredited supervisor for the PGPPP program and Southern GP Training, and teaches students from the Gippsland School of Rural Health.

“As a rural doctor you have an opportunity to see things through, and with that comes increased responsibilities, but also increased rewards and job satisfaction,” Dr Huguenin said.

Rural achievements: Rural Workforce Agency Victoria chair Dr Philip Webster, Dr Leon Malzinskas, Minister for Health David Davis and CEO Dorevitch Pathology Neville Moller.

Dedicated doctor: Rural Workforce Agency Victoria chair Dr Philip Webster, Minister for Health David Davis, Neil Rankine (Dr Maxfield’s husband), Dr Nola Maxfield and CEO Dorevitch Pathology Neville Moller.

Outstanding contributions: Rural Workforce Agency Victoria chair Dr Philip Webster, Minister for Health David Davis, Dr Daryl Smith and his wife Robyn, and CEO Dorevitch Pathology Neville Moller.

Make safety a priority Are you catching yabbies?

WORKSAFE wants businesses returning from holidays to make safety a priority on their new year’s resolutions list after 25 people died on the job in 2011.

It was a tragic end to the year, with nine of the deaths occurring in November and December, bringing the annual toll to two above the 23 deaths recorded in 2010.

A 94-year-old man riding an ATV hit a hole at Hedley and rolled the vehicle in April 2011, sustaining fatal injuries.

That incident occurred just a week after a 55-year-old man was rammed by a cow at Inverloch and later died in hospital as a result of his injuries.

WorkSafe’s executive director of health and safety, Ian Forsyth, said of the 25 deaths, 12 were in metropolitan Melbourne and 13 in regional Victoria, including eight in agriculture. Those who died were aged from 11 to 94 and all but one worker was male.

“Workers are entitled to return home safe from work at the end of the day. When this doesn’t happen, it’s a tragedy that is felt by many

people including their family, friends, colleagues, employers and the wider community,” he said.

“WorkSafe is responsible for educating the community and enforcing the law, but employers, managers, supervisors and workers must share responsibility to maximise safety and reduce the number of workplace incidents.”

In addition to the number of deaths in Victorian workplaces, around 29,000 people are hurt badly enough every year to make a workers’ compensation claim.

“For some, challenging the practices and habits of your working life can be hard, but if something goes wrong, the consequences are often immediate, horrific, longlasting or fatal,” Mr Forsyth said.

He said most incidents often involved workers doing routine jobs, which showed no one was immune from the risk of serious injury or death.

“WorkSafe inspectors and investigators are often told ‘he was experienced and always careful’ or that ‘we’ve been doing it that way for years and never had any problems before’,” he said.

“Safety is about understanding what can happen and doing all you

can to ensure people are trained, supervised and have what is needed to work safely, even if they’ve done a job a thousand times before.

“The fact that so many people died in the last few weeks of last year shows that while you can be doing well, constant vigilance is needed as the situation can change quickly.”

With many workplaces reopening this week and next, or coming down from peak periods, Mr Forsyth urged businesses to get on top of health and safety issues.

“Do it today because tomorrow might be too late. We’re talking about business across all industries, from manufacturing to farming to retail to hospitality. Injuries and deaths don’t just happen in one sector or in one area,” he said.

“While Victoria is Australia’s safest state and its employers pay the lowest average workplace injury insurance premiums, that can only be maintained if we all do what we can to make workplaces as safe as possible.”

WorkSafe’s “Who’s there” campaign which shows a mother and daughter’s response when told dad isn’t coming home will be relaunched on Sunday.

THE Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is reminding anyone going yabbying in Victoria this summer to make sure they are catching the right creatures.

DSE biodiversity officer Jodie Honan said: “We want to make sure that people going out to catch yabbies don’t accidentally come back with a threatened freshwater crayfish instead.”

“The Common Yabby (Cherax destructor) can be legally caught but people may not know there are 38 species of freshwater crayfish in Victoria and 27 of those are threatened species.

“The best way to avoid catching the wrong crustacean is to be aware of the other species that might be present in the area.”

The species most people come across in a dam is the Common Yabby, but in rivers, lakes and wetlands, people could end up catching something that is definitely not on the menu.

“To identify threatened freshwater crayfish go to Museum Victoria’s Field Guide to Victorian Fauna that is available as a smart phone app at http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/ mv-field-guide-app/ or go to http://www.dpi. vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/catchlimits-and-closed-seasons/crustaceans,” Ms Honan said.

“If you catch a threatened freshwater crayfish please return it to the water quickly and gently.

“It’s a common mistake to think that you can identify freshwater crayfish by their colour, but unfortunately colour isn’t much help because many crayfish change their colour to match their environment.”

To identify freshwater crayfish check the shape and size of the body and patterns of spines and grooves.

Species listed as threatened that could be confused with a yabby include South Gippsland Spiny Crayfish (Euastacus neodiversus).

The Victorian Government has a responsibility under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 to protect threatened species. These animals and plants contribute significantly to the biodiversity of their ecosystems.

OK to catch: the Common Yabby.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 19

Round back!: Paul Macphail was teaching dogs new tricks in the new year at his Beloka Kelpie Stud at Welshpool on Friday. The larrikin dog trainer hosted a trial for dogs and their owners, and has just released a new video on his website: www.belokakelpies.com

Fire risk heightened WET weather has limited planned burns to reduce fuel loads in South Gippsland.

The news comes as the Country Fire Authority warns rain will increase vegetation growth and increase the risk of bushfires this summer.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment has planned burns for Foster, Wilsons Promontory and The Gurdies.

“Preparation works have been undertaken in these areas and planned burning will commence when weather conditions are suitable,” DSE South Gippsland district manager Geoff Pike said.

The CFA is warning all Victorians who live, work or travel in Victoria this summer they need to be prepared for an above average risk of grassfires across the state.

CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said the massive growth in grass and other vegetation - thanks to recent rains - was quickly drying out and becoming fuel for fires.

“It only takes a few weeks of hot, dry weather to create a considerable fire risk.

In north-west Victoria the grass is almost 100 per cent cured already and the rest of the state won’t be far behind,” he said.

“Grass fires can claim lives and property as we saw in the horrific fire at Lara in January 1969. They start quickly and spread rapidly, travelling at speeds of more than 20km per hour. They produce large amounts of radiant heat that can kill anyone caught out in the open including travelling on roads.”

Mr Ferguson said Victorians, especially in high-risk areas, need a written and practiced bushfire survival plan to help protect themselves and their family.

“When preparing your plan consider the needs of children, the elderly, people with special needs or disability, pets and livestock,” he said.

“Fires don’t arrive at convenient times – think about what you will do if fire threatens on a work day, during school

holidays, when you are away from home.

When will you leave your home, where will you go, what will you do if your plan fails?

“You can help protect your home and property from grassfire now by slashing, mowing, grazing, spraying and using herbicide, and creating fuel breaks by removing all fuel (vegetation) down to the soil.”

CFA Gippsland regional commander Michael Owen said while fires could occur at any time, it is expected that Gippsland will be most at risk later in the fire season, from January onwards.

“There’s been significant grassland growth across the whole Gippsland region and communities should factor this into their preparedness planning,” he said.

“Vegetation is still wet from the recent rain and it won’t take much hot weather for this fuel to dry out. Anyone living in a rural area needs to be getting out and mowing the grass around their home.”

Mr Owen encouraged people living in high-risk areas to attend a Fire Ready Meeting or join a Community Fireguard group as part of their preparation for fire season.

“Attending a Fire Ready meeting is one of the simplest ways to start preparing for fire season and increase your home and your family’s chances of surviving a bushfire,” he said.

“Meetings cover information on fire behaviour, Code Red days and preparing your home.”

To find Fire Ready Meetings in your area, download a Fire Ready Kit or find out more about preparing for the fire season, go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Details of planned burning are listed in DSE’s Fire Operations Plan for South Gippsland. This is available at www.dse. vic.gov.au/fire-and-other-emergencies/ planned-burning-an-introduction/fire-operations-plans-approved

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Nominations flood in for citizen title VOLUNTEERS across South Gippsland are being celebrated in a bigger way than ever.

South Gippsland Shire Council has received 27 nominations for awards this year – the largest field council can recall.

All winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Leongatha Memorial Hall, from 7.30pm, Wednesday, January 18.

There are 11 nominations for Citizen of the Year Award.

BRIAN Ahearne has been active in the Mirboo North community, serving as treasurer for Friends of the Lyrebird Walk, Lions Club, Swimming Pool Committee, Friends of the Pool and the Grainstore.

With a love of cooking, he helps cater for many events and festivals, including St Paul Festa, Mossvale Park concerts, movie nights, Mirboo North Idol and gourmet morning teas for the Wednesday Warriors.

He also works in the opportunity shop, delivers Meals on Wheels, helps maintain the pool grounds, is a Wednesday Warrior, sells raffle tickets and organises fundraisers for many causes.

Brian was a driving force in the establishment of the Friends of the Lyrebird Walk in 2003 and was at the heart of establishing a Lions Club in the town in 2004, becoming their inaugural president.

He is highly respected in the community and uses his great attitude and passion for numbers, gardening and cooking to help others.

GREIG Barry is a well respected citizen of Loch and district whose voluntary contributions extend well beyond the local area.

He is a trained and experienced Critical Incident Stress (CIS) Peer who has helped many CFA volunteers from Gippsland and interstate deal with stressful incidents, such as the Long-

ford gas explosion and the Linton fires.

He is a member of the Loch Fire Brigade and the Loch Road Rescue, and the Working Horse and Tractor Rally Committee, a life member of the Nyora Car Club, active Landcare member, president of the Loch Public Hall/Historical Group for the past 20 years, and organises monthly old time dances in the hall.

Greig is a keen local historian and has been president of centenary celebrations over time for the Loch Primary School, Loch Football Club and Loch Anglican Church. He was also the main driving force for the Loch 125 year celebrations.

He is a member of the Harry Ferguson Tractor Club and the West Gippsland Ploughing Association, helping with the organisation of ploughing competitions and demonstrations with vintage tractors.

What hours left in the day are used to help local fundraising events such as the Good Friday Family Fun Day.

KIT Boag is a quiet achiever and has been a resident of the Leongatha/ Koonwarra area for more than 90 years and a major contributor to the success of the Leongatha Golf Club.

Kit joined the club in 1969 and helped establish the Monday clinic, which continues to thrive 40 years later.

While Kit received great help from Reg Cashin, Geoff Davis and the club professionals, she is revered by hundreds of golfers who began the sport at the Monday clinics.

She has served as ladies captain and club secretary, and in 1977 began the Kit Boag Mixed Canadian Foursome Day, which still attracts large enthusiastic fields.

She continues to play nine holes every Wednesday, occasionally plays 18 holes with the assistance of a cart, and this year competed in the final of the West Family Trophy with her nephew.

Kit was a valued volunteer at Vinnies for 40 years, working two days a week until last year when failing eyesight stopped her.

She has always quietly assisted people in the community, helping many elderly people, and young mums, minding children or providing food donations if they were in need.

Kit is a great community ambassador, keeping fit and fully engaged in life.

GEOFF Douglas has been a member of the Poowong CFA for 25 years.

He is extremely reliable, attending emergencies at any time of day or night and helping at working bees, training sessions and representing the brigade at Municipal Fire Prevention meetings.

Geoff has acted as first, second and third lieutenant, and currently is also the brigade’s communications officer. His CFA skills were gainfully employed during the Black Saturday fires.

The brigade’s major annual fundraiser is the Poowong Mower Muster and Geoff is a major driving force, supplying more than 170 hay bales to define the course and provide seating, as well as machinery to move the bales.

Geoff also helped with the reconstruction of the Poowong oval for the local football club.

A laconic character, Geoff just sees these jobs as part of community life where everyone pitches in to make things happen.

He goes the extra mile for his community and it is keen for him to be recognised for his unwavering generosity and commitment.

LAURIE Gregg is an integral part of the Poowong ‘can do’ brigade.

If she is not co-ordinating music concerts at the Pioneer Chapel, hosting groups of visitors to the town, she is likely to be found fundraising, completing grant applications and acting as volunteer photographer at many events.

Laurie has also developed invaluable resource databases that support the co-ordination of so many local activities.

Her contributions have ranged from leadership positions with mothers’ club, school council, the hall committee and the West Gippsland Arts Centre, to ongoing outstanding work for the Uniting Church and Lions Club.

She supported husband Noel while he was a councillor at the Shire of Koru-

mburra for six years and continues to be a powerful partner in his many endeavours that include chairman of the South Gippsland Dairy Expo, an iconic annual event run by the Lions of Strzelecki.

She is the recipient of a rare Lions Club award for her outstanding service: the International President’s Appreciation Certificate.

A keen member and current vice-president of the Poowong Historical Group, Laurie organised its 30th anniversary celebrations and wrote a community history of the Poowong North schools. She also organised the ecumenical church service during Poowong’s 125th anniversary celebrations in 1999.

Her generosity of spirit pervades so many facets of her local community where she is commonly regarded as a living treasure.

JOAN Henry has demonstrated a strong environmental focus over many years.

With her late husband Gordon and daughter-in-law Rochelle, Joan was a driving force in the formation of the Loch-Nyora Landcare group and the development of their property, Henry’s Creek Sanctuary near Loch.

A six foot electric fence was erected around 100 acres of bush to protect native animals from cats and foxes, and a conservation covenant with Trust for Nature was secured to ensure the bush will always be protected and never cleared.

The property is home to more than 200 native plant species, towering 300-400year-old messmates and a rare colony of yellow bellied gliders.

Such vision and commitment is indicative of Joan, and her generosity in sharing the property with like minded people for bush walks, seed planting demonstrations, scientific study, Landcare meetings and open days has been appreciated.

In 2001, Joan and Gordon were recipients of the Victorian Landcare Bushcare Nature Conservation Award, and in this year of 25 years of Landcare, Joan has been nominated for the 2011 Landcare Achievers’ Honour Roll for her work in protecting this valuable piece of the Bass Valley eco-system.

Joan has also assisted with Clean up Australia Day, and despite the recent sale of the sanctuary, remains active with her Landcare group, walking group and Probus.

FLORENCE Haw is a quiet caring person who demonstrates the best qualities of the amazing country women who make up the iconic Country Women’s Association: she is friendly, happy and extremely generous with her time and skills.

She has dedicated 47 years of continuous service to the CWA, serving as president, secretary and treasurer on numerous occasions and attending many conferences in Melbourne as a delegate for the Gippsland Hills group.

At 87, she is still an active member, attending all branch meetings and cooking beautiful cakes and biscuits to fundraise for worthy causes.

She has been a very successful exhibitor at CWA group exhibitions for her cooking and craft.

A keen gardener and member of the horticultural society for many years, she has also provided produce and cuttings from her lovely garden for fundraising causes.

Her life of farming at Leongatha South with her late husband Neville was peppered with all the acts of voluntary contribution that come with raising a family and supporting your local community.

She brightened many people’s days while delivering Meals on Wheels.

MARJ Jarvis has contributed to her community for more than 60 years and the fundraising activities of CWA, Woorayl Lodge Auxiliary, Leongatha Senior Citizens and the Red Cross Eye and Ear Hospital Auxiliary.

Knitting and cooking have been her tools of trade, with her outstanding fruitcakes always popular; Marj won first prize with her rich fruit cake at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1976.

Marj and her husband moved to Berrys Creek in 1946 and she has been an active member of Woorayl Lodge Auxiliary since1972.

During that time she has worked tirelessly in all their fundraising activities to provide amenities for the residents as well as participating in entertainment activities.

For senior citizens, Marj still makes jams and cakes

for the weekly fundraising stall, and models for their popular fashion parades.

Over the years she has held executive positions in CWA and been a significant force in the branch.

With all her involvements she is fondly acknowledged for her willingness to buck in and help out, no matter what the chore, and to do so with good humour.

MAXINE Kiel and husband Colin moved their business to Mirboo North 17 years ago and have definitely earned the right to be called a local.

For 14 years, she volunteered in an executive role for the town association, now Mirboo Country Inc. Maxine has run and raised funds for the annual Traders’ Christmas in the Park; prepared the free Easyfind Directory each December; co-ordinates the community market each month; was involved in the winning team for the 1998 Tidy Town Award and is now focusing on helping the RSL to establish a Remembrance display.

She has been involved in the Gippsland Historical Automotive Club for eight years and regularly hosts touring car clubs from around Australia on their property, and is instrumental in promoting the region as a tourism destination.

Through her family business, Maxine has provided employment and publicity for the town through their national and international clients, and as the first inductees in the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame.

She has been an active member of the Southern Business Women’s Network, supporting events and sharing her vast business acumen and experience with other members.

Recently retired, she has become an active member of the historical society, researching every returned serviceman and woman in the Mirboo North district for the Remembrance project.

MARY Ann Sanderson’s loving and caring nature led her to take up

nursing at Traralgon upon leaving school, and it is a career that has been the cornerstone of her life.

Mary works part time as a carer for South Gippsland Shire Council, visiting frail HACC clients in their homes, brightening their days and offering superb care.

She also nurses at Grand View Aged Care Lodge in Mirboo North where she is much loved. Mary has never been one to back away from a situation needing attention – she just appears and in her own unobtrusive way gets the job on hand done.

At home she has raised and continues to care for her adored 35-year-old son, Nathan, who has a significant disability.

She is a loyal and caring friend and is loved, honoured and respected by her clients and the community.

p

JOHN Van Wamel was made a life member of the Meeniyan Progress Association in 2002, testament to the outstanding and diverse contribution he has made to the Meeniyan community.

Known as a ‘doer’, John can be found at his desk researching, planning, drafting, costing or assembling newsletters, catalogues, advertisements for local events.

His work at the hall has ranged from unpaid cleaner and maintenance man to writer of several successful submissions to buy lighting and sound equipment.

John has also organised many working bees and spent many hours keeping the floor in top condition. p He has created wonderful Christmas tree street decorations, tables and seats from local recycled wood for Tanderra Park, a bluestone barbecue for People’s Park and shelves for the Book Exchange.

John’s influence can be seen again at the Meeniyan Art Gallery where he is treasurer, and has built plinths, display and storage racks and a huge table. Even the leadlight window above the entrance was made by John.

He has had an ongoing involvement with the annual art and craft show, now in its 39th year, printing cat-j alogues, installing lighting and assisting in setting up and dismantling stands.

John and his wife Avril owned and operated the Meeniyan Supermarketb from 1980 to 1995, and were known for their friendly service and generous community support.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 21

Youth prove their worth Choices galore on Australia Day WITH a new title this year, the award for Youth Community Contribution recognises the selfless service of young people across the region.

After receiving just one nomination last year, seven names were put forward this year, giving young people the attention they deserve.

G E N E V I E V E Abbott has been a weekly volunteer youth leader with the 2nd Korumburra Cub Scout Pack.

The 18-year-old has an excellent manner with the 8 to 11-year-olds which extends to her program planning, running of activities and leadership.

She is a regular team member in weekend activities, and regularly gives up a week of her school holidays to camp with the Cub Scouts.

Academically, Genevieve does very well, this year completing Year 12 at Newhaven College.

She has been the Duke of Edinburgh youth coordinator for Newhaven and achieved her own Gold Duke of Edinburgh award this year.

She recently also gained her Queen Scout Award, the highest Venturer award.

Genevieve travelled to Japan in 2009 to take part in a youth science forum and was a much sought after guest speaker at local service clubs upon her return.

Her interests include playing hockey, camping and participating in her local Landcare group.

KRYSTAL Clark joined the Poowong Fire Brigade in 2010 and has since completed her minimal skills training and has attended emergencies.

The 20-year-old has been an outstanding support at the Poowong Mower Muster, organising children’s activities and engaging the local Girl

Guides to help.

She also has taken on the role of secretary for the muster committee and has handled sponsorship and promotional tasks.

The Poowong and District Apex Club is also appreciative of her efforts. Krystal initiated a walkathon for the morning of their Family Fun Day. She overcame a number of hurdles to make it happen and raised a significant amount for the Good Friday Appeal.

Krystal also volunteered at the recent dairy expo and organised a team for the Relay for Life event.

GRACE Davidson volunteers at the Loch Food and Wine Festival and leads groups in the Primary School’s Active After- School Program.

She is also a patrol leader in her Scout troop, models in local fashion parades and participates in a monthly environmental radio program.

The 14-year-old’s leadership qualities emanate from her every activity. She is poised, honest and extremely caring with exceptional communication skills and understanding of human nature.

She is already successful and will no doubt go on to achieve great things in her life.

GLEN Halliday is always willing to lend a hand when it comes to community events. The 17-year-old and his band contribute to the Poowong Apex Club’s annual Family Fun Day by playing great music.

He has helped out at the Poowong Historical Society since he was young, mowing and participating in working bees as well as selling tickets at functions.

Glen is a friendly and enthusiastic contributor who is much appreciated by the Poowong community.

AUSTRALIANS deserve to be proud of their nationality every day of the year, but in South Gippsland, official Australia Day celebrations begin on Wednesday, January 18.

LAUREN Jacobsen has a friendly personality which makes her a wonderful role model for her young charges in her work as a youth leader for the Korumburra Joey Scouts.

The 17-year-old is enthusiastic, fun and respectful and willing to go the extra mile.

She attends weekly Joey meetings, and assists with program activities and games for the five to seven-year-olds who go home buzzing with excitement after their time with Lauren.

Academically, Lauren is a high achiever, with her sights set on becoming a marine biologist.

ASHLEIGH Parr is an active member of the South Gippsland Youth Council that provides input to council on issues relating to young local people and organises activities and support.

This year, the 17-yearold represented South Gippsland at the Australian Youth Action Convention in Sydney along with fellow nominee Lauren Trani, and was active in the organisation of the Raw Vibes Youth Music Festival.

LAUREN Trani is involved in the South Gippsland Youth Council, which advises council about issues relating to young people.

Lauren, 17, represented South Gippsland at the Australian Youth Action Convention in Sydney along with fellow nominee Ashleigh Parr, and has been a key player in running the Raw Vibes Youth Music Festival.

South Gippsland Shire Council will then present the annual awards ceremony at Leongatha Memorial Hall, from 7.30pm.

Presentations will be made to all nominees and the winners of South Gippsland Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year will be announced, and Youth Community Contribution Certificates presented.

Australia Day events on Thursday, January 26 are:

Leongatha and district: McIndoe Park, corner Turner and Hassett streets. Contact Sue Miles 0432 379 119.

8.30am. South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, distribution of flags.

8.40am. Parade. Call to order by MC Leonnie McClusky. Flag raising and National Anthem.

President’s welcome. Ambassador’s address by Euan Ferguson. Local award presentations.

Musical interlude. Citizenship ceremony. Affirmation.

10.30am. Australian breakfast provided by community groups.

Face painting, jumping castles, giant puzzles and games and stilts.

11am. Historic walk around Leongatha High School/Secondary

College site. Meet on corner Nerrena Road and Horn Street. Enquiries: 5668 6304.

10am-2pm.SG SPLASH: fun and games at the pool.

Corner Inlet: Pearl Park, Foster. Contact Margaret Haycroft 5688 2107.

Noon. barbecue, music, stalls and community displays.

1.45pm. Flag raising and National Anthem. Local award presentations.

2.30 pm. Close of formalities.

Kongwak: Kongwak Hall. Contact Betty Anderson 5657 4317.

8.30am.

Free breakfast.

9.30am. Welcome. 9.35am. Guest speaker: Vaughan Werner (retired policeman. Was in charge of the CIB, and was officer in charge of the Walsh Street murders investigation.

Currently Grand Master of Masons in Victoria).

10am. Flag raising and National Anthem.

Meeniyan and district: Meeniyan Hall, Whitelaw Street.

Contact Clive Hope 5664 7464.

8am. Flag raising in main street in front of hall.

8.10am. National Anthem and affirmation in hall. Reading by youth representatives.

Ambassador’s address by Lawrence Money. Local award presentations.

Musical performance.

8.45am. Close of formalities followed by barbecue breakfast for community.

Tarwin Lower and district:

Fisher Park (200 metres along Walkerville Road).

Contact Glenda Arbuthnot 5663 5244.

8am. Welcome. 8.05am. Raising of flag, National Anthem and affirmation.

8.15am.

Public discussion.

8.25am. Reading. 8.30am. Free breakfast. 10am. Close.

Mirboo North and district:

Shire Hall, Ridgway. Contact Ian Bristow 5668 1340.

9.45am. Children’s activities.

10am. Morning tea with music.

10.30am. Call to order, welcome by MC Ian Bristow. Flag raising and National Anthem.

10.40am. Affirmation, led by Cr David Lewis. 10.45am. Shire awards: Cr David Lewis. Presentation of children’s prizes.

11am. MC introduces ambassador Shawn Cosgrove. Ambassador’s Australia Day address.

11.20am. Australia Day prayer.

11.25am. Local awards. 11.45am.

Closing remarks. Noon. Barbecue lunch at Mirboo North Pool.

Korumburra and district:

Poowong Recreation Reserve, Poowong. Contact Heather Gregg 0418 595 429.

4.30-7.30pm. Family fun competitions, tractor rides, sheep shearing, dress-up, tug o’ war, barbecue, local musicians, drive-in movie and more.

6pm. National Anthem and local awards.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Community Event of the Year ARTS, history sports and farming were all celebrated by events nominated for South Gippsland Community Event of the Year.

Nine nominations were received this year, all worthy of being bestowed the ultimate honour.

Carols in the Drome is a free community event that brings people and families together in a joyful celebration of Christmas.

The inaugural event in 2007 drew 1500 people, and continues each year to draw a large crowd. Most are local but many visiting relatives and friends from other regions are delighted to join in.

The event engages schools, bands, music groups, businesses, churches and service clubs in community carol singing, plays, items and a visit from Santa. There are also sausage sizzles, face painting and a jumping castle for the entertainment of all ages.

It is heart warming to see our talented young people have the opportunity to perform and express themselves in front of their community.

The combined churches sponsor the night and raise the necessary money to finance it.

Mirboo North and District Historical Society’s Triple Opening Day was attended by 120 people, including the Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, in April to celebrate the unveiling of three significant projects auspiced by the society.

The first was the completion of the Commemorative pathway which leads to the Strzelecki monument in Baromi Park, naming not only pioneer families but others who have contributed to the town.

The second project was a historical signage project that resulted in 16 signs with photos and text along Ridgway, describing what was on the sites 100 years ago.

The third project was the production of a brochure to guide people on an exploratory walk to enjoy the history encapsulated in the signs.

The three initiatives are a delightful passive recreational way to enrich people’s lives with the heritage of the town and to honour the past.

Meeniyan on Fire was a community event to celebrate the opening of the new supermarket that replaced the previous one destroyed by fire in 2009.

The buzz of excitement was clearly audible, from the barbecue breakfast right to the bonfire in the evening.

Community stalls, children’s en-

Magical night: children sing during last year’s Carols in the Drome. Photo: Mark Drury. tertainment, free live music all day, an official opening and a live radio broadcast all combined to make it a fun and interesting day.

Organised by the Meeniyan Traders and Tourism Association, many businesses had a record breaking day and numerous community groups benefited from the profits: the CFA, CWA, MADS, MACS, the preschool and the football/netball club to name a few.

The loss of the supermarket was a major blow for the small community so this was a united town determined to fight adversity and let the wider community know they were back in business.

The colourful activities encouraged tourist traffic to stop in the town, renewed business confidence and revitalised the community morale.

The community is considering it will become an annual event.

Mirboo North Arty Gras and Art Show is a vibrant and diverse celebration of the arts over three days comprising dance, theatre and music performances, workshops, exhibitions, competitions, the art show and a colourful street parade.

More than 4500 people visited Mirboo North over the Mother’s Day weekend, with 80 per cent coming from within a 50km radius and 20 per cent from further afield.

The festival engages more than 60 community groups in the celebrations, with about 80 community volunteers involved.

The art show is the main annual fundraiser for the primary school and organising committees ensure the events are financially sustainable by securing cash and ‘in kind’ sponsorship.

The festival provides an opportunity for residents to connect with each other, have some fun and nurture the arts and community spirit which is so strong in the town.

Mirboo North Idol is now in its seventh year and showcases local musical talent in the beautiful setting of the municipal pool.

More than 400 people attended this event which supports young people in particular to gain confidence to follow their dreams.

Idol is a free community event and relies heavily on the generosity of council and local businesses and community groups to cover expenses.

Popular TV star Angus McLaren was a celebrity special guest judge and drawcard for the event.

Having the Mirboo North Youth group involved in the organisation gave them an opportunity to exercise their leadership skills while providing a fantastic community service.

The result was a fun community gathering in a delightful summer setting that brought people of all ages together to encourage one another.

Poowong Mower Muster is an annual fundraiser for the Poowong CFA, and draws participants from across Victoria and NSW. While it runs on a fairly simple formula of sporting exhibitions and racing competitions, behind the scenes a good deal of work takes place to ensure its success.

Marketing, sponsorship, raffles, catering, track marshalling and maintenance are all essential components.

Last year the event raised $3000 for the CFA and this was put toward the purchase of their ultra light tanker.

While the event is run with a high degree of professionalism, it is a favourite event on the mower racing circuit due to the warm and friendly hospitality of the organisers.

South Gippsland Dairy Expo promotes dairying and agriculture to the broader community while providing an educational sector and opportunities for suppliers to showcase new technologies to their clients in a one stop shop environment.

Industry forums, lectures, demonstrations, competitions and information create a dynamic package

for the farmer keen to improve his operations and to enjoy the social aspect of catching up with colleagues and friends.

With more than 1000 attending and about 130 exhibitors, a key objective is always to raise funds to serve and support the communities of Poowong, Loch and Nyora, the area serviced by the organisers, the Lions Club of Strzelecki.

The club has an annual disbursement meeting where all requests for community assistance are considered.

The event also encourages and fosters relationships between other community groups.

There are substantial long term benefits that extend beyond the event.

Youth programs such as peer mediation and exchange programs are offered to schools and provided with funding.

This was the 12th year of the dairy expo but the first time it has been run in Korumburra after many successful years at Poowong.

Tour de Tarwin is a popular Easter event, now in its fifth year, that has grown from 210 registered participants in 2007 to 1075 in 2011, with more than 70 per cent coming from outside the region.

Such success can be attributed to the teamwork and co-operation of community groups in implementing a common goal and the active promotion by local businesses.

The event evolved from a desire to link the towns of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower more closely, and bring together the local and transient communities in a friendly non competitive way in the form of a fun family event.

It is also a key fund raising event for community organisations such as the Tarwin Lower CFA, Venus Bay CERT, the Venus Bay Men’s Shed and others.

This year over $14,000 was raised.

With an average growth rate of 30 per cent each year, Tour de Tarwin has become an iconic South Gippsland event greatly enjoyed by Easter visitors, holiday home owners and residents.

Loch Village Food and Wine Festival delivered profits to 11 community groups. The festival showcased Loch and South Gippsland to people from beyond the region, and also introduced them to Loch’s antique shops and other attractions.

The professionally run festival capitalises on Loch’s reputation for antiques and offered luncheons, dinners, tastings, entertainment and lectures around quality local food.

Lamb is the dish for Australia Day AUSTRALIA Day is the time Australians join together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about our country and being Australian.

With lamb being one of Australia’s most loved meals, what could be more fitting than celebrating our national day over a lamb barbie and a few cold drinks?

Whether you plan to spend Australia Day with friends at the beach, over a backyard barbie or at a family picnic, lamb is the perfect dish to salute our country.

Tender and tasty, lamb can be served with a range of fresh salads and vegetables for a dish that is truly a tribute to our beloved nation.

Visit www.themainmeal.com.au for more luscious lamb dishes and ideas this Australia Day.

Juice and rind of 1 lemon 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil Capsicum, Roma tomatoes, red onions and mixed salad greens Balsamic vinegar and lemon wedges

1 medium yellow capsicum, cut into 3cm pieces 1 medium zucchini, halved and diced 400g can diced tomatoes Fresh thyme leaves

Char-grilled spiced lamb cutlets with Ratatouille.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 12 frenched lamb cutlets 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 2 tsp ground cumin Ratatouille 1 small onion, chopped 1 medium red capsicum, cut into 3cm pieces

Brush the lamb cutlets lightly with oil.

Season with salt and pepper and the cumin.

Preheat the barbecue or char-grill pan to hot before adding the lamb cutlets.

Cook the lamb cutlets on one side until the first sign of moisture appears. Turn the lamb cutlets once only. Test for degree of doneness with tongs. Rare feels soft, medium will be springy and well done is very firm.

Remove the lamb cutlets from the heat, loosely cover with foil and allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve the lamb cutlets with the ratatouille.

To make the ratatouille: Heat the oil in a large frypan. Add the onion and capsicum and cook until just soft.

Add the zucchini and tomatoes.

Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with thyme leaves to serve.

Lemon and rosemary lamb kebabs.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 8 minutes Serves: 4 600g lamb eye of shortloin/backstrap 3 red onions, cut into small wedges 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Cut the lamb into 2.5cm cubes. Thread the lamb and red onion wedges alternatively onto 8 skewers with 4-5 pieces of lamb on each skewer.

Combine the garlic, rind, lemon juice, rosemary and oil. Brush over the lamb kebabs. Marinate for 20 minutes.

Preheat the barbecue char-grill plate or pan to moderately-hot before adding the lamb kebabs.

Let the lamb kebabs cook on one side until moisture appears before you turn.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Remove the lamb kebabs from the heat and cover loosely with foil. Allow to rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Serve the lamb kebabs with salad vegetables including capsicum, Roma tomatoes, red onions, mixed salad greens, balsamic vinegar and lemon wedges.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 23

Surpassing the written word

By Isaac McCallum DAVID Arnault was sad, but admittedly relieved to see his good mate Dragan Kovic go.

He’s been involved with him for nearly a decade but the time had come to say goodbye.

Dragan isn’t like most friends – he is a character in a seven part series written by the Mirboo North author.

But that does not mean he isn’t real, especially in the mind of his creator.

“I’ve been working with him for 10 years. I know him really well and I care about him. I know he’s fictional, but still,” he said.

“There are similarities between us, but he’s not me.”

David’s intimate relationship with his characters does not stop with Kovic.

Each of his characters is born from experience. His main character in The Koan of the Fisherman’s Wife revolves around six of his friends, taking from their stories and their traits.

The short story tells the tale of a fisherman who disappears at sea, and his wife back home. The fisherman shows up two months later, but he’s a changed man.

“It’s about his wife, and a friend of hers. It’s certainly a mystery though,” David said.

The author does shy away from calling his novels mysteries, preferring instead to note that “there’s a mystery in each of the stories, but there’s a mystery to all stories.”

His other stand alone tale, Disorientation, focuses on a woman coming to terms with doubts in her own mind, and how she focuses on redeeming herself.

“The main character is similar to a friend of mine. She left Australia to head back home to look after her father,” David said.

“She turns to one thing she knows – maps. It helps her to regain control of her life.”

So how does one write such compelling, believable stories about topics such as maps, the Japanese environment, the struggle of life in Bosnia and northern Canada?

Research, and lots of it. But he hardly finds the task laborious.

“The great thing about writing the stories is they all involved something I wanted to know more about,” David said.

“I’ve written about forestry, shonky pharmaceutical research, aboriginals and all sorts of topics. All of the ideas curiosity, a desire to learn came from a curiosity more.”

But with time restraints, not only for the author but for his eager fans as well, David has explored a different path of late, writing novellas (a smaller novel) to help keep people of today’s society interested.

“It was a coincidence really. It’s a very enjoyable way to write, and from what people are telling me, they really like the formats. They don’t have time for the 300 page novels,” he said.

“Every story has a natural length.

Once you’re into the story and you’re sketching out the plot/characters, you get a sense for how big it’s got to be. With the novellas I know right away. The story tells itself.”

David says he is able to punch out a first draft for a novella in around a month, a favourable option compared to a year-long novel project.

The same attitude even helped launch The Kovic Files.

“My first novel was a real slog. It’s a big novel, really complex with lots of characters. I think I got to the end of the first draft and I needed to put it away for a year or so to get some distance and perspective on it,” he said.

“I thought I’d write a little detective story just for a break, a little light writing. In the end it took me 10 years to get through it.”

In more recent times David has taken his talents to the teaching lecturn, conducting a seven week class in Yinnar to help aspiring writers gain the edge.

With a modest edge to his voice, he describes teaching as a simple joy, though not at all comparing it to a high school gig.

“Teaching is great. And it is surprisingly easy. All my students are bursting full of energy and it makes it very enjoyable,” he said.

The class, taught in Yinnar, will be running again next year.

His four books, Crimes Neither Seen Nor Heard, Death in a Featureless Landscape, Disorientation and The Koan of the Fisherman’s Wife are all available now.

They can be picked up at the Leongatha Newsagency, as well as in Foster and the Mirboo North book shop.

Exciting times: Mirboo North author David Arnault with one of his four recent releases, The Koan of the Fisherman’s Wife.

Priest calls Catholics

By Jacob de Kunder AUSTRALIA is nothing like home for Father Joseph Abutu, but he is enjoying it all the same.

The Nigerian priest is set to spend three years working throughout the Catholic Diocese of Sale. He is currently working in Leongatha.

“I was originally planning to go to America but when the need came for priests in Australia, I came here,” Fr Joseph said.

Fr Joesph is fulfilling a role in Leongatha as assistant priest to Fr Peter Kooloos.

He hails from the Catholic diocese of Otukpo in Nigeria where he says the Catholic following is much greater than in Australia.

“In Nigeria we have people coming from all over to attend masses,” Fr Joseph said.

“We usually have about 6000 people turn up for mass on a normal weekend.

Long way from home: Nigerian Fr Joseph Abutu is currently serving in Leongatha during his three year stay in Australia.

“We also have services three times a day during the week as well.”

Fr Joseph has noticed the older population makes more effort to attend church in Australia.

“You don’t find many young people in the church here, while we depend on the youth and the women in Nigerian churches,” he said.

“Australian Catholics are really committed though and have very strong faith.”

Fr Joseph loves his time in Australia.

“I’m really enjoying my time in Australia so far,” he said.

“I’m used to more constant weather though.”

Fr Joseph explained the weather in Nigeria hovers between 20 and 30 degrees, making Australia’s varied climate hard to get used to.

“I do like to just go for a drive and see the countryside when I have the time. It’s so beautiful,” he said.

“It’s nothing like I expected it would be, that’s for sure.”

Fr Joseph is not sure how long he will be in Leongatha but is prepared to go anywhere he is placed within the diocese.

Colin Coomber from the Catho-

lic Diocese of Sale offices said Australia has always been a missionary country.

“We’ve had the Irish priests up until the 1960s and then we’ve been on our own, and we’ve had a flood of Dutch and Maltese priests, but in recent times it’s Vietnamese and African priests coming into not only Australia, but other countries around the world,” he said.

The relationship with Fr Joseph’s diocese and Sale was established last year.

“Bishop Christopher visited the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Nigeria last year and he ordained some priests there and then their bishop said ‘Well, you’ve done such a good job, would you like to take two of my priests for three years?’,” Mr Coomber said.

“We have an arrangement now so that we can go and set up a Catholic development fund, which is our finanical arm, because they don’t have anything like that over there.

“We obviously can’t help them with man-power. They’ve got the man-power but they don’t have the awareness that is necessary, so maybe our Catholic education office could assist.”

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Movies delight cinema fans

By Tayla Kershaw CHILDREN of all ages have been eagerly waiting to view the next instalments of movies Happy Feet and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The Alvin and the Chipmunks trilogy is an adaptation of the 1958 characters originally created by Ross Bagdasarian.

This recent film is the third of the Alvin and the Chipmunks trilogy, once again starring television sensation Jason Lee, comedian David Cross and the animated voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney.

Happy Feet 2 is an original film aimed for families and directed by George Miller.

It tells a story based around penguins and other such animals from the Antarctic with the underlying message of unity, acceptance, individuality and perseverance.

Elijah Wood, Robin Williams and Hugo Weaving supply the characters’ voices, after playing roles in the original film in 2006.

“Robin Williams is so funny,” said Inverloch’s Daniel Drowley at Stadium 4

cinema in Leongatha last week.

The voices of Pink and Richard Charter have been introduced to the cast for this instalment. Matt Damon and Brad Pitt also join the cast and add a bit of extra humour.

“It was really good; very cute and childish,” Alice Mulqueeny, 15, said.

There was a general consensus among movie-goers that the original was outdone by the sequel and it was an all-round worthwhile film.

Also in cinemas of late is Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, which is the fourth in the Mission: Impossible series.

This film was directed by Brad Bird and starred Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg.

“It was fast-paced, had lots of action and a good storyline that you could follow,” Anne Westaway said.

Anne described the film as having a tinge of humour due to the quirky character immortalised by the acting talents of Simon Pegg.

Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol was recommended for those above the age of 13 who enjoys lots of action.

Movie magic: Mitchell, Mason and Harrison McGannon and Trent Westaway look forward to seeing Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Facebook: teens have their say

By Tayla Kershaw SINCE its inception in 2004, Facebook has become an increasingly popular social networking site, particularly for teenagers and young adults.

Showing support: Dorothy Beard purchases a copy of Mary Grant Bruce from Anne Heide, Judy Greenway and Anne Roughead.

Used books fund the library

By Tayla Kershaw THE Friends of Leongatha Library hosted a book sale at the Leongatha Courthouse last Thursday and Friday.

The group has existed for 20 years and has continued to work hard to build an enjoyable environment for the public at the library.

The book sales are held annually for one day during the Daffodil Festival and two days in the first week of January.

The sale often raises about $1000 towards new books, DVDs and furnishings for the library.

“It’s a lot of hard work but it’s very rewarding,” said president of Friends of Leongatha Library, Sybil Smith.

There was a variety of books on offer, ranging from fiction to hobby books.

Some books are donated and others are library books that are sold in the hope of buying books for the library that have modern appeal.

The library gives away unsold books to worthy causes.

Most were priced at 50 cents each but books that were still in quality condition were marked up. Nothing was too expensive, however.

Those who were holding the book sale were volunteers from the library who enjoy books and wished to maintain the library’s relevance.

“There were a lot of great volunteers.

We are very grateful for their work,” Ms Smith said.

It was an overall good team effort by all those involved.

Many South Gippslanders believe that having access to Facebook is an asset.

Not only does it offer free communication to anyone in the world, but also gives a modern alternative for students to keep up with their homework, despite claims of distracting them from their studies.

“It’s up to the student as to how time is used, just like watching TV or playing video games,” said Newhaven student, Hayden Kirk.

Students find seeking extra help from their peers more easily accessible via Facebook.

“Facebook has helped me with my study because it lets me ask the people in my classes for help when needed and aids discussions about the necessary subjects,” said Wonthaggi Secondary College student, Jasmine Maddox.

However, Facebook has also been known to cause problems due to its limited privacy, addictive nature and the fact that many prefer to spend their time in front of a computer screen rather than being

Modern research: Tayla Kershaw, a Wonthaggi Secondary College student, uses Facebook while on work experience with The Star. productive.

Predominant is the lingering issue of cyber bullying. Some users tend to see Facebook as a means of spreading their opinion without the consequence of confrontation.

“It kind of ruins Facebook,” said Wonthaggi’s Jaimie Pugh.

“People have to be careful of what they say because there is always someone willing to have a go at them for it. It’s just an excuse to be nasty without saying anything to the person’s face.

Alana Hardy, also of Wonthaggi Secondary College, said: “It’s the perfect online site for keeping in touch with everyone, but in saying that. I think a lot of people abuse it by cyber bullying others and the

occasional inappropriate photo being uploaded.

“But then again, that can happen through any internet-based system.”

Facebook has allowed for cyber bullying prevention by means of featuring the ability to block anyone causing such issues.

“You can get cyber bullied on anything these days. If anything, Facebook gives you a place to ignore these people because you can allow and disallow anyone on your profile,” Hayden Kirk, of Newhaven College, said.

Facebook continues to be frequently used despite negative accusations. Its main popularity comes from the benefit of free socialising.

“I don’t think Facebook is killing social skills, but simply is there as a tool to

enhance our social lives,” said 17-year-old Mitchell Sanders of Wonthaggi Secondary College.

I find Facebook to be beneficial for staying in contact with family and friends, whether they are from another town or even another country.

From a journalism perspective, it keeps one up to date with local events and issues.

From time to time it does become a distraction; however it has proven an advantage to my schooling. Being able to ask for assistance at any time from peers does help to keep up.

Facebook becomes a problem when it is used for the wrong reasons but in general it is merely a convenient way to stay in touch.

Effort not wasted

BASS Coast Shire Council is inviting people to comment on a draft plan to improve the way the community can reduce waste.

Improving image: public place recycling infrastructure installed in highly frequented tourist areas throughout Bass Coast Shire.

The Waste Management Plan 2012-2016 is part of council’s commitment to provide waste services that are environmentally and economically sustainable.

The plan recognises that council, community and business all play a part in creating better ways to manage waste.

Council’s waste services manager, David Owen, said the focus of the plan was to increase recycling and reduce waste going into landfill.

“We are also considering alternative waste technologies to help achieve this,” he said.

“We have had a lot of success with our waste education programs, particularly in schools, and these have a continuing role in the plan.

“Home-owners and commercial operators generate waste, so it is important for everyone to look at ways to minimise waste.

“Education programs have raised awareness of what types can be reduced or recycled and how each of us can go about doing this.”

Mr Owen invited public feedback on the draft plan, which is available for comment between January 11 and February 7.

Copies of the draft Waste Management Plan and feedback forms are available on council’s website www.basscoast.vic.gov.au, at customer service centres or by contacting the waste services team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 25

Tractor contest to pull crowds

THE Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck show will celebrate its 15th year of running at the Rutter Reserve, Tooradin, this year.

The 2012 event will be

held on Saturday, January 21.

From the humble beginnings in 1998, the event has grown into an important event for Tooradin and surrounding districts.

After the weather dealt

a cruel blow earlier last year, the committee will make sure the 15th year is a successful one for the show and the community of Tooradin.

The Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show is a

Unusual wheels: tractors get down and dirty at last year’s pull.

non-profit organisation that is run by a committee of local community-minded people with the aim of putting profits back into the community.

Over the years, the Tractor Pull and Truck Show has been able to give back to the community and support local organisations such as Tooradin CFA, Tooradin Primary School, Koo Wee Rup Scouts, Tooradin Cricket Club, TooradinDalmore Football Club and the Balla Balla Lions Club.

Tractor pulling is a family orientated motor sport. There is a friendly atmosphere between all the members and their families.

The sport is open to both women and men and the only restriction is that competitors must hold a current learner’s permit.

The tractors pull a machine that literally becomes heavier the further it is pulled down a 100 metre

Grunt galore: see hot trucks up close at the Tooradin Tractor Pull. track. This machine is referred to as a weight transfer machine or the more common name, sled.

The truck show component has been growing every year since it started in 2005.

There are numerous truck categories for trucks to compete in, with some grand prizes for those who are successful.

There will be kids’ amusements, wood chopping and entertainment in

the main arena to keep everyone entertained.

EFTPOS will be available when purchasing tickets at the gates.

See the website www. tooradintruckshow.com.au for more information.

Safety needed around rainwater tanks Tom entertains tourists VICTORIANS are being urged to be vigilant about the maintenance of rainwater tank stands as many tanks are now at full capacity but not in use because of the lifting of water restrictions.

Deputy Building and Plumbing Commissioner Neil Savery said with “an average rainwater tank holding 2500 litres - two and a half tonnes or the equivalent in weight of a fully grown male Asian elephant - an unmaintained tank could collapse, with consequences for home-owners.”

“The collapse of a tank stand has the potential to not just threaten the structural integrity of nearby buildings, but lives too,” he said.

“In many situations rainwater tanks are installed on wooden tank stands. However, they need to be structurally adequate to bear the water load at full capacity and maintained to do so by home-owners.”

Mr Savery said the commission recommends that water tank stands, particularly those constructed of timber, be checked regularly for signs of deterioration.

“It is often not appreciated how heavy a given volume can be, and if a tank stand is leaning then it is dangerous and can topple without

warning,” he said.

He said that if an owner was in doubt about the structural soundness of a tank stand, they should contact their council or a private building surveyor, a structural engineer or a registered building practitioner.

He said only licensed plumbers were able to install water tanks, whether for toilet flushing or watering the garden.

“If you are upgrading from an older water tank, which are often elevated on timber platforms, you must have a licensed plumber install the replacement tank. This is for health reasons, as well as for preventing structural collapse,” he said.

“A rainwater tank is also required to have the overflow connected to the stormwater drainage system by a licensed plumber.”

Mr Savery said that a building permit may be required if the tank is to be supported by an existing building.

According to the commission, prior to buying or installing a rainwater tank there are some considerations a home-owner should make: • before you have your rainwater tank installed, consult with your local council about any restrictions on size and site location;

• always use a licensed plumber and make sure you receive a compliance certificate upon installation; • ask your plumber to advise you on the type of tank best suited to your needs; • discuss installing a first flush diverter with your plumber. A first flush diverter directs the first rainwater away from the rainwater tank, preventing dust and debris from entering the tank; • your plumber must identify the water pipe running from your rainwater tank as “rainwater”; • ask your licensed plumber whether a filter is required for your tank; • clean your roof gutters regularly so that your catchment area is clear of contaminants and take the precautions when climbing on ladders or on roofs; • ensure access covers are kept closed and openings are sealed to prevent animals and birds getting into the tank; and • rainwater tanks should be cleaned every two to three years to remove any accumulated sediment.

For further information on water tank installation, visit www.pic. vic.gov.au. For advice on building regulations visit www.buildingcommission.com.au

Insurers alert to online dangers THE insurance industry is urging holiday-makers to keep their travel plans off social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to reduce the risk of burglary.

Insurance Council of Australia CEO Rob Whelan said protecting personal information is an essential part of reducing the risk of burglary and car theft during the end-of-year holidays.

“These days many of us feel comfortable sharing personal information with friends and colleagues, but not everyone using social media has a positive motive,” he said.

“It does not take much homework for a thief to connect information about you and work out when your house might be empty or your car unattended.

“When you put your plans on social media it’s like sticking a note

on your front door saying ‘No one is home – help yourself’.

“The Insurance Council recommends that holidaymakers keep their travel plans to a need-to-know basis, and avoid posting holiday pictures to websites and social media until they return.”

Mr Whelan said an empty property is an invitation to burglars, and holiday-makers can take other steps to reduce the risk of burglary and theft over the holidays.

The ICA’s top 10 holiday tips are: 1. Don’t put your travel plans on social media.

2. Have a qualified locksmith fit all doors and windows with goodquality locks, especially deadlocks for doors.

3. Consider installing security screens over doors and windows to impede burglars, and a back-to-base or monitored alarm.

4. Remove any keys you may have left hidden outside the property, such as under mats or pot plants.

5. Put all ladders, garden tools and implements away.

6. Install motion-sensitive external lighting.

7. Take steps to make sure your house looks lived in – the interior should be left tidy, the gardens well maintained.

8. Ask neighbours to regularly empty your letterbox, put your bins out and back in, and if you’re away for more than a couple of weeks, have someone trim your lawn.

9. Trim any trees or bushes that are close to the house to remove hiding places.

10. Put any cars in your garage.

If you don’t have off-street parking, park your car in a highly visible place, preferably under a streetlight, and make sure it has an alarm.

By Tayla Kershaw

WONTHAGGI musician Tom Green is continuing to build a name for himself.

Last Thursday, he played at Inverloch’s Big4 Holiday Park and stayed an extra half hour to take requests.

The 17-year-old was invited through a family friend at the park and was watched by about 50 people.

Tom received positive feedback toward the closing of the night.

Having the chance to entertain locally opens the young performer to other opportunities.

Following the gig at the holiday park, Tom was asked to participate in the two day Relay for Life event for cancer on April 21 and 22.

Tom is known mostly to perform dinner sets for the Wonthaggi Club but has been invited to do gigs elsewhere too.

The Green family offers a lot of support for Tom’s ambitions. His music teachers also share the pride.

“My music teachers are always keeping an ear out for me. They are always there for me when I need a hand with anything,” Tom said.

This will be the second year Tom has performed gigs and he is still enjoying every moment.

“I like seeing people happy and enjoying what I provide,” he said.

“For me it’s no effort. I’m up there doing what I love, but seeing other people enjoy it too makes me happy.”

Tom requests anyone interested in hearing his music to find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tomgreensmusic.

Sharing his talent: Tom Green performs at Big4 Holiday Park at Inverloch.

Don’t leave kids in hot cars PARENTS have been urged not to leave their children in cars during hot weather due to the risk of death or serious injury.

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell said statistics from the RACV show that 1574 children were rescued from cars in Victoria in the last 12 months. Ms Lovell warned that over summer, children’s lives can be endangered within a couple of minutes during a hot day.

“Due to their smaller body size and underdeveloped nervous system, children are unable to cool their body temperature down, leaving them more exposed to risks of dehydration, serious injury and

death,” she said.

“The temperature inside a parked car during the Australian summer can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

“I urge parents, grandparents and other carers to always take their children with them and never leave them in the car – even if you think you’ll only be gone a few minutes.”

Tests conducted by Ambulance Victoria on a 29 degree day with the car’s air conditioning having cooled the interior to a comfortable 20 degrees showed it took just 10 minutes for the temperature to more than double to 44 degrees.

In a further 10 minutes, it had tripled to a deadly 60.2 degrees. Leaving the window down a few centi-

metres does little.

Victorian legislation now makes leaving a child unattended in a car a criminal offence, with penalties ranging from fines of up to $1652 to three months in prison.

Victorian president of Kidsafe Robert Caulfield echoed Ms Lovell’s call for ongoing action on kids in hot cars.

“The clear message is take the children with you, even if you are just going to the shops for a few minutes. It could save their life or avoid them suffering severe brain damage,” Mr Caulfield said.

Information for parents and carers about the impact of leaving a child in a hot car is available on the Kidsafe website at www. kidsafevic.com.au

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Summer means show time THE up-coming Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show is set to be a big one.

The show, which is well over 100-yearsold, is back this weekend.

“It’s going to be a fabulous weekend,” show secretary Rosemary Loughnan said.

“To be honest, if you can get around everything that on the Saturday and still walk and be happy, you’ll be doing well.

“It’s going to be a fabulous lot of stuff jammed into one day.”

The show’s organisers are looking forward to a nice mild day, a change from last year’s boiling hot weather.

The main focus of this year’s show is ‘Horses to Horsepower’.

“We’ll have some Clydesdales and a demonstration of how they are harnessed up and unharnessed on the main arena in front of the general public,” Ms Loughnan said.

“Then we go right through with the Harry Fergie club of tractors and then go on further with the South Gippsland Young Farmers who are staging the Wonthaggi Beaut Ute Show, which has had a lot of interest.

“There are also a lot of engines, historical machinery and classic cars as well.”

This year the show has some favourites back, with the snake and other reptile handlers, the free animal nursery, and the carnival side shows and show bags as well.

“We have Penelope’s puppet workshop from Melbourne where children will be able to do a hands-on workshop making puppets and then having a puppet show at the end of the day,” Ms Loughnan said.

“Tubby the robot is coming back because everyone loved him last year. Tubby is bringing the baby robot along as well.”

Live entertainment will be aplenty, with lots of local acts taking to the stage.

“We’ve also got a group called the Strzelecki String Busters coming from over Churchill way, who will be performing, as well as Marty Box from Leongatha who will be performing on harp and also Geoffrey W. Graham,” Ms Loughnan said.

“So there will be lots and lots of live music.”

Other usual favourites will be Paul Macphail and his working kelpies with ducks and sheep, the touring beef cattle show, show jumping horses, and the art

First showing: Clay Mabilia, and Wayne and Jenny Churchill of Kilcunda said it was the cows’ first time showing last year. and craft pavilion which will have a solid number of entries.

“In the wood chop arena, there are two state titles coming, including the under 21 age group which will be action packed,” Ms Loughnan said.

There are too many activities and pavilions to mention, so make sure you get down and check the show out on Saturday.

The main show is on Saturday with all of the activities and the equestrian show follows on Sunday,

with a lot of top horses.

“On Saturday, we also are having some very good show jumpers as well and hopefully a couple of Olympic equestrians jumping, so it will be exciting,” Ms Loughnan said.

The region’s youth have been quite involved with the show this year.

A lot of the stewards are young people, along with the young farmers running the ute show.

“We’re trying to get that succession planning going because we re-

ally need those young ones coming on to help us,” Ms Loughnan said.

“I encourage all of those people who want to see a really good agricultural show at a pretty good price to come along.

“Lots of the displays are free once you’re in the gate and you can even bring your own food if you don’t want to buy show food.”

Get down to the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve on Saturday and Sunday, January 14 and 15 for funfilled days of family action.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 27

Exceptional value

This hard to come by three bedroom unit is available through SEJ Real Estate. See details on page 33

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Rural excellence on 5.6 acres T

HIS Considine and Johnston built home is a testament to their integral approach to building quality homes for local people.

The home blends perfectly into the picturesque rural setting that surrounds it, while benefiting from a solar passive design through its northern orientation and cross ventilation features.

A classic timber kitchen with slate flooring throughout the open plan family main room makes this an appealing home to the eye and

practical to live in.

A formal dining and living room overlooks the rural landscape while soaking up either the stars from the night sky or light from the winter sun.

The main bedroom offers a large en suite and private views while the home has a further two bedrooms, study, large entrance, laundry and a six car garage.

There is also a further self-contained studio or apartment ideal for visitors or permanent living.

The property boasts a large water supply, with 66,000 litres of tank water and a dam supplying the three

paddocks and garden.

Situated centrally to both Inverloch beaches and Leongatha amenities, this is a most appealing property.

LEONGATHA SOUTH Location: 8065 Bass Highway Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Price: $750,000 Agent: Stockdale & Leggo Contact: 5662 5800

Here’s a fantastic investment T HIS as new home is opposite a nature reserve with walkways and water feature.

It is a beautifully presented home which consists of three large bedrooms, main with walk-in robe and en suite, kitchen with Blanco appliances, pantry and all the

living areas capture the north facing aspect.

The main lounge and rumpus rooms lead directly out to a sunny covered alfresco area and low maintenance garden.

Anyone who has boats/trailers will be happy with the double gated side access.

The owner is keen to sell and the price has been reduced.

INVERLOCH Location: 7 Honeyeater Circuit Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $470,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Inverloch Contact: 5674 1111

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Loves Lane spectacular C

ENTRAL to Leongatha, Mirboo North and Meeniyan, Mardan overlooks the Dumbalk Valley and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Not just about the scenery, though, this property is a complete surprise package.

At the end of a tree-lined driveway, the cream brick house with a deceptively modest exterior opens up into an enormous open plan living expanse of polished boards and big picture windows that are chock-a-block full of hills and sky.

Sit by the fire and watch the weather roll across this ever-changing landscape.

A stunning new granite and Jarrah kitchen with stainless steel appliances takes command of its sizeable corner, providing the cook with a most stylish work space and the essential window for the view.

The ‘meals area’ will accommodate the biggest of dining tables and dinner parties, and flows through to a very generous living space – the one with the wood fired heater and all the windows.

Laundry and bathroom are completely new and gorgeous too, with stone and glass and ceramic counter-top basins.

New carpets in the bedroom zone bring a modern freshness to the three bedrooms, each with robes.

There is a choice of heating, insulation, and all is neat as a pin with a fresh and open décor.

A generous covered outdoor space offers shelter and room for entertaining and outdoor dining.

It has a pretty garden outlook, and is easily accessed from the living spaces.

Nearby, established vintage fruit trees, orchard, neat and sweet ‘house paddock’ for the farm pets, and beyond, more paddock space for

your horse or other animals, with a dam, and quality fencing.

Other infrastructure includes a three-bay steel vehicle or machinery shed, large hayshed, and a workshop (ideally positioned to be a studio or bungalow conversion possibility).

This property has one of the best ‘combos’ for views, quality of fittings and hobby farm land around... make sure you inspect this one.

MARDAN Location: 1630 Meeniyan Mirboo North Road Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $435,000 - $465,000 Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Allen Bartlett 0417 274 624

Garden of Eden with sheds galore U

NLIMITED potential is on offer with this 11 acre paradise.

A spacious four bedroom brick veneer residence with north facing entertainment area offers protected views to the Powlett River valley and beyond.

The house features bull-nose verandas, hydronic floor heating and Coonara style heater in lounge/home theatre, gourmet kitchen and spa in en suite.

Shedding that is a combination of yesteryear and practical storage/work spaces,

offers the purchaser scope to develop a myriad of uses for the entrepreneurial minded.

WATTLE BANK Location: 280 McCraws Road Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $790,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Contact: 5674 1111

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 31

MT ECCLES

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Just 10 minutes to Leongatha on a sealed road, this lush 8 acre parcel is newly fenced & predominately level, with a creek boundary, power provided, & complete with a 5 bay shed. Elusive & Exciting!

This perfect parcel of land, with very gentle fall, is smack dab in the middle of glorious rural surroundings, and is provided with Planning Permit, fenced boundaries, quality pasture, a dam, & power.

On 4.8ac, this property offers a 4BR, 2 bathroom home, 2 SC cottages, barn/workshop, ornamental lake, sep. paddock & more. Continue with ‘Loves

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Brilliant 2.5ac parcel amongst the best of South Gippslands’ scenery! Fantastic views towards the coast, bitumen road frontage, power provided, new fencing, planning permit, and near level home site.

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220 Martins Road

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Quality brick homestead, deep verandas, amidst

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and split system aircon. Covered pergola, decked pool, single garage & carport.Walk to town centre.

19 Old Thorpdale Road

31 Brown Street

When your desire is for SPACE, this beautifully presented home, with stunning outlooks, on a fertile and accessible 4 acres will satisfy. The expansive home comprises: spacious lounge, massive 4sq rumpus, generous family room, big hostess kitchen and roomy meals area. Four bedrooms (two kingsized), 2 bathrooms huge laundry, and sheltered enclosed barbecue area. Double lockup brick garage & workshop. Gorgeous views, colourful, neat gardens. Peace & quiet in a glorious setting.

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330 Mt Vernon Road

$430,000 - $450,000

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LEONGATHA INSPECT Sun 1.00 - 1.30pm

INSPECT Sun 1.00 - 1.30pm

lisa williams

0438 133 385

Prestige Acre on Leongatha’s Town Edge Here’s a quality property in true ‘Australian Homestead’ style. A striking pavilion-style entertainment area with vaulted glass ceiling and a separate ‘studio’ room combine to provide an extended living area that’s usable all year round. Black granite kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, gracious ‘step down’ sitting room and dining area. Expansive lawn areas, huge quality shedding with bus-height doors and service pit. Walk to Leongatha’s centre: the convenience factor here is outstanding.

57 Brown Street

$545,000 - $575,000

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Full Frontal Exposure – the Best so Far! Shinglers Ridge

Sweet Lifestyle Dreams are Made Of This

With a country-fresh façade of weatherboards, verandas and Colourbond roof, this gorgeous new home is now complete. Enjoying full northern frontage to the green belt that passes its boundary, this newest Kohlman house has the now-reknown hallmarks internally: semi vaulted ceilings, stunning $

%

'

fencing.

Ideally nestled between Leongatha and Meeniyan, this classic country residence sits privately on the highly-sought 5 acre parcel. The long driveway leads up to where lawns, cottage gardens and colorful plantings surround the character home, on level land. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and well

decked verandas, it’s sweet dreams indeed. Garaging, sundry shedding, a dam, and more.

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720 Meeniyan Nerrena Road

Mirboo Nth

$345,000 - $360,000

5668 1660

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PAGE 32 - “THE STAR�, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Period home in blue ribbon position I

F you like old style homes, then this is a must as it is an outstanding renovated period home with original features and fittings.

With polished timber floors, fireplaces and leadlight there is a long list of features.

There are three bedrooms of which one has a fireplace and another has an en suite and a very cosy lounge features an open fire as well.

The kitchen/meals area is light and opens out to an undercover deck area, ideal for entertaining.

Electric cooking, a dishwasher and new stylish timber cupboards provide all the conveniences required.

The main bathroom has some unique features and a second wash closet is a bonus. The laundry is enclosed downstairs.

There is lockup storage for tools and equipment under the house.

This excellent home is set on a large 867 square metre block and is surrounded by a magnificent cottage garden featuring pathways, paving and ornaments to complement the setting.

Twenty-one Bridge Street, Korumburra, is a superb investment for the future, being so close and easily accessible to the main shopping centre of town, restaurants and schools.

Properties of such character, charm and position are rare and inspection will impress.

KORUMBURRA Location: 21 Bridge Street Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $290,000 Agent: Elders Real Estate Contact: Don Olden 0417 805 312 or 5658 1894

Gone fishing T

HIS holiday home is set to cover all your requirements, walk to the beach or Anderson Inlet and drop a line, or just sit on the front balcony and enjoy a wine.

The three bedroom home will meet all your needs.

The large lounge is an ideal place to rest and relax in air conditioned comfort and the open plan living

VENUS BAY Location: 4 McIndoe Avenue Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $259,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Venus Bay Contact: 5663 7111

gives you plenty of space and light.

The home boasts a good sized kitchen with electric cooking and generous dining area.

A bonus is the dual driveway and low maintenance garden.

Walk to the beach or just relax, the choice is yours.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 33

Peace in Parkside I

F you like the thought of a new house, but the prospect of building leaves you cold, then this brand new home may be the answer.

The home features all the inclusions we have come to expect, including en suite and walk-in robe, double garage, three bedrooms plus study, and then a few ‘extras’ like stone bench tops, covered outdoor

entertaining area and a rainwater tank.

One of this home’s greatest features is its 7.1 star energy rating, which means lower household running costs for many years to come.

Located in peaceful Parkside Close, where vacant blocks of land have achieved record prices, this home is priced at $392,000.

A brand new home without the building headaches!

LEONGATHA Location: 12 Parkside Close Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $392,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922

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PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Rare three bedroom unit A

rare opportunity has arrived to purchase a three bedroom unit in Leongatha, highly maintained for more than 10 years by an elderly retiree.

The unit is exceptional value at $269,000.

Agent with SEJ Real Estate, Lyle Miller, said three bedroom units in town are hard to come by.

Considering the size of the unit, the price would be under replacement value.

The unit, in the middle of a group of six at 18 Clinton Court off Turner Street, is accessed by a wide driveway.

There is a lock-up garage and shelving for storage and ample room for another park in front of the garage.

The unit is quite spacious with lawns, a garden and paved area at the back.

Inside, the property features an open plan kitchen/dining/lounge room with reverse cycle air conditioning and a gas heater. An additional wall heater services the passage leading to the three bedrooms.

All bedrooms have ceiling fans and situated between the bedrooms, a large bathroom houses a bath, separate shower and toilet.

LEONGATHA Location: 18 Clinton Court Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $269,000 Agent: SEJ Real Estate Contact: Lyle Miller 0408 515 665 or Barry Redmond 0418 515 666

Other highlights of the unit include new carpets, a kitchen with electric oven, and cupboards above and below the benches.

The unit is of brick construction with aluminium windows, tiled roof, there’s a bay window in the lounge, quality drapes and external sun blinds.

The property is well set up for retirees with additional handrails.

It would be equally suitable for a small family as well.

As neat as a pin, you could move in straight away and some furniture could also be purchased.

Nearby is lovely McIndoe Park, a corner milk bar and recreational facilities like the swimming pool and golf course.

Call in and see Lyle or Barry for an inspection.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 35

Prom survey reveals fish galore A DIVING survey has revealed healthy populations of marine life around Wilsons Promontory.

Parks Victoria, in conjunction with Australian Marine Ecology, recently conducted a series of subtidal reef surveys in and around Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.

This subtidal reef monitoring program is part of Parks Victoria’s ongoing Signs of Healthy Parks program. Surveys have been conducted on a regular basis in the park since 1999, even before the park was declared.

A team of seven divers conducted the surveys in a number of locations at the Prom, including Glennie Island, Norman Bay, Roaring Meg, Tongue Point, Refuge Cove and Bareback Bay to name a few.

Parks Victoria marine science manager Dr Steffan Howe said the subtidal reef survey helped to provide a valuable insight into the marine reef communities and species at the Prom.

“These studies enable us to compare findings from the previous surveys and assess the condition of the reef flora and fauna. It is important for informing Parks Victoria’s management of the park,” Dr Howe said.

“We were delighted to record low numbers of the black spined urchins which do occur in high numbers along the east coast of Victoria, as well as NSW and Tasmania, affecting reef biodiversity.

“Even better, is that no urchin barrens were found at the Prom and urchins had disappeared from the Glennie Island site.”

The study also revealed a healthy population of key reef species such as long snouted boarfish, banded morwong, rock lobster and seaweed species.

“We were pleased to observe Weedy seadragons, our Victorian faunal marine emblem, again at Tongue Point, as well as exceptionally high numbers of seals and perhaps more importantly seal pups at what has historically been only a haul out site at North Shellback Island,” he said.

A full report on the results of the subtidal reef monitoring program at Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park will be released in 2012.

For further information, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 131 963 or visit www.parks. vic.gov.au

Regular find: long snouted boarfish are in healthy numbers around the Prom.

Underwater surprise: rock lobsters are popular around Wilsons Promontory.

RYAN Oscar Eustace was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on December 6, 2011. He is the first child and a son for Tom and Kirsten of Korumburra.

TAJ Archer Houston was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on December 5, 2011. He is the second son for Katrina and Rob, and a brother for Chance, 1.

ZACHARY Sean Muir was born on December 31 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. He is the first child for Kane and Lauren of Inverloch.

Majestic site: an Old Wife cruises beneath the waves.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

From pages p g past p

Water career beckons SOUTH Gippsland Water is embarking on a new stage of corporate citizenship and will for the first time offer a traineeship in water industry operations.

An exciting opportunity exists for our region’s youth to kick start their career in the water industry.

Bryan Chatelier, quality manager at South Gippsland Water, said: “Our industry is becoming increasingly regulated and the need for skilled, qualified, plant operators is paramount to ensure South Gippsland Water continues to provide quality water across all our supply systems.

“South Gippsland Water is committed to supporting our region’s youth and the offer of a traineeship goes some ways to meeting this commitment.”

John Bourke, central/western area treatment supervisor for South Gippsland Water, is keen to convey just how valuable an opportunity is being offered.

“The water industry is a dynamic industry, and securing a traineeship and gaining nationally accredited qualifications will set one in good stead for a long and prosperous career within the industry,” he said.

When one thinks of industries or career paths, the water industry may not be one that first springs to mind.

The reality is that we all need water to survive and water treatment/management is crucial to healthy prosperous communities.

Water treatment and the increas-

ing regulation of this treatment will ensure that skilled, qualified persons will always be in need.

South Gippsland Water is offering a two year full-time contract traineeship position. The trainee-

ship position includes the completion of Certificate II and III in Water Industry Operations – Treatment, through the Water Industry Training Centre.

The position will be based in

Major responsibility: Ash Turner, plant operator at Lance Creek Water Treatment Plant, examines a water sample in the lab.

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Take stock of current strengths and weaknesses, strenthening the former and correcting the latter. Self discipline is strong this week.

A friend may not be telling the whole story.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

Cultural involvement may lead to a new friendship. A family dispute heats up and it’s your turn to play the mediator. Salesmanship skills are strong, especially if you are selling ideas.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Your love life accents the intellectual side of your relationship.

Commitments made now are binding ones, so don’t make lighthearted agreements. A financial review is essential at this point.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Modest financial gains are accented. A friend’s interest over your personal affairs may be more than curiosity. Communication tie-ups mean that messages are not getting through.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

New creative interests are spotlighted now. A public speaking engagement wins you an admirer from an important arena. Expect to spend time looking after bookkeeping and related chores.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

You make others, especially older people feel extraordinarily comfortable this week. Use this gift to help those you love. Unexpected arrivals appear through the week.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Carefully investigate the situation before making announcements.

A rival becomes friendlier, but don’t reveal any secrets. Best friends are of the opposite sex.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

New career opportunities may require further investigation. Recent communication difficulties are remedied. This is an excellent time for getting your opinions heard. A health program is a priority.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

You may be a contender for a prestigious award and it’s particularly important that you meet your obligations. Friendship and travel should blend well. Older relatives seek you out as an adviser.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

Friends seek you out for your compassion and guidance. Family members are more exuberant. Watch a tendency to be vague, particularly in career matters. News from overseas may arrive this week.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

You are the toast of the various gatherings you attend now, thanks to your crackling wit. This week finds you excelling in the role of teacher. A career problem requires thoughtful consideration.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

A self indulgent streak surfaces. This is a good time for reviewing resolutions. Romance accents its sentimental side. Decorating and designing are your present strengths.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

Unpredictability and originality - these are your strengths, but sometimes they are liabilities. Kindness is your middle name. The sciences appeal to you, along with writing and humanitarian causes. You love the limelight and this year may see you in it more often than not.

our central/western area ranging across the Leongatha/Korumburra/ Wonthaggi townships.

Desired attributes for candidates include: • motivated and ability to self start; • a reasonable degree of physical fitness; • ability to operate plant and equipment; • demonstrated skills with regards to tool use; • basic understanding of/or interest in chemistry and maths; • a current manual driver’s licence; and • no current qualification or prior training Ash Turner, plant operator at Lance Creek Water Treatment Plant, said: “This job is quite varied and any given day I’ll be responsible for a range of tasks and decisions, from batching and calculating chemicals required for disinfection, monitoring water quality in the reservoir and the plant, to plant maintenance and operation.

“This traineeship is a fantastic opportunity for those students completing Year 12 who may not wish to go pursue academic studies but instead seek practical training based in the South Gippsland region.”

Interested applicants should visit www.sgwater.com.au to view the position description and job advert or contact South Gippsland Water’s HR co-ordinator Paula Smith on 5682 0403 or email: psmith@ sgwater.com.au for more information. Applications close Tuesday, January 31.

Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, January 11, 2011 TRADERS have welcomed a move to beautify an entrance to Leongatha but believe the proposed works could affect their businesses. **** CALLS to shut down Venus Bay beaches to pipi harvesting were made at a public meeting, as poachers continue to break the law. More than 100 outraged residents packed the Venus Bay Community Centre on Saturday morning to share their concerns about the ongoing issue of pipi harvesting.

Five years ago, January 9, 2007 A FIVE hour power outage at Sandy Point disrupted businesses and about 5000 people during the busy summer holiday period last Friday night. **** THE summer holiday season has begun on a positive note at Venus Bay lifesaving club. Several rescues were conducted during the Christmas period, however rescue numbers were significantly down on last year.

10 years ago, January 8, 2002 YOUNG drivers are still threatening the safety of other motorists on South Gippsland roads, with police now fearing a serious accident at any time. **** UP TO 20 people have joined the Tarwin River Canoe Club since it officially formed in April last year. Now the club is raising funds for a boathouse and is hoping to have a pontoon installed at its base, the Tarwin Lower jetty.

30 years ago, January 12, 1982 TWO boats overturned at the weekend on the treacherous bar at the entrance to Anderson Inlet, Inverloch. No one was hurt in either accident but police and emergency crews believe it is only a matter of time before the bar claims a life. **** RESIDENTS of Venus Bay are up in arms after the shooting of 15 kangaroos in that area in the past couple of weeks. The kangaroos have proven a key tourist attraction for the area.

Church Times ANGLICAN: Tuesday, January 10: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk / St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship.

Wednesday, January 11: 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Sunday, January 15: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Contemporary Worship with HC. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am.

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion.

CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248.

A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466.

Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219.

Leongatha South Gippsland Liberty Fellowship - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha.

Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm. Office: 5662 3100.

Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984.

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or

5672 4660.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School 11.30am.

CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday.

Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday.

Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass.

Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass.

Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass.

KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214.

GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at The 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: Kid’s Club - Tuesday, 4 - 5pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome. Please contact Captain Claire Emerton or Lieutenant Rachael Collins, ph. 5662 5122.

SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship.

Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228.

PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump 5662 2107.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and

Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. All Sunday evening services at 5pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2527.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, January 15, 10am. Tarwin Lower: 10.30am. Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays.

Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi.

Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8307

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ACROSS Shook (8) Band (4) Desire (4) Plant (8) Outcast (5) Number (6) Off-colour (6) Season (6) Hole (6) Join (5) Monkey (8) Stingy (4) Metal (4) Decoration (8)

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DOWN Increase (5) Nationality (7) Want (4) Lessen (8) Sign (5) Go before (7) In the open (8) Tell (7) Least (7) Nervous (5) Teach (5) Daze (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8307 ACROSS 1. Conclude the man is shut up inside (8). 6. Question someone about, in the petrol station? (4). 8. Slow and boring (4). 9. Harping on home (8). 10. Writing two letters, you say (5). 11. Worried, gets drunk (6). 13. What you gained by obtaining an admission (6). 15. A most charming hopping insect (6). 17. She’s in the “Ducks and Rabbit” (6). 19. Stop when a number get away (5). 22. On day one, the boy went round to get the dog (8). 23. Beset, contact (4). 24. Bank the spare (4). 25. Under contract to diet, went off dispirited (4,4).

DOWN 2. A man pursued by back-street hooligans (5). 3. In the wild, a number recover (7). 4. Bother the man over nothing (2-2). 5. Taking the naked look off with a sauce? (8).

6. What the doctor feels you may eat (5). 7. Ways in which the wife traps “21 Down” (7). 12. Such literature as “The Jail Break” is? (8). 14. Won’t the cleaner be truthful with him? (7). 16. Unlike the nudists reported on? (7). 18. Run off to the doctor in a flap (5). 20. Is switching to fresh beef (5). 21. Have a punnet put away for her (4).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 37

Keeping it clean A BIT like the bearded man himself at Christmas, over the holidays some of the most important work happens without anyone seeing it.

Early morning starts are the key to keeping the streets and foreshores clean. This year, the rubbish clean up has been running smoothly with only some popular areas needing extra attention.

Jamie Sutherland, Bass Coast Shire Council’s acting infrastructure director, said there were a few places where more rubbish was left about this year.

“Council needed to clean up more rubbish in Cowes including Thompson Avenue. There was also considerable rubbish on The Esplanade, foreshore and beach between Dunsmore Road and Osbourne Road (yacht club),” he said.

Over the Christmas and New Year peak period, a team of council staff and contractors collectively work 25 hours a day to clean up the worst effected areas in Cowes, and 10 hours a day for the rest of Phillip lsland and San Remo.

The rest of the shire is cleaned in about 25 hours a day.

“In peak areas teams start at 6am and generally have these areas cleaned by 11am,” Mr Sutherland said.

“While most people had a slow start on New

Year’s Day, our staff were up bright and early cleaning up the debris from the revellers. ”We had 15 people and a street sweeper for a total of 75 hours cleaning up in Cowes, San Remo, Smiths Beach and Rhyll.

“In Wonthaggi and Inverloch we had six people and a street sweeper for a total of 30 hours.

“We like to get out early to remove public hazards like broken glass. This year, we found broken glass was a particular issue in certain areas.”

Mr Sutherland also said it was pleasing to see no rise in vandalism of public property, though there had been some regular tampering with the Exeloo in Thompson Avenue.

“People have been putting inappropriate items down the toilet including socks and a shirt, which has caused blockages. Fortunately in each case we have been able to quickly repair the toilet,” he said.

“This kind of tampering causes an inconvenience to the public and an unnecessary expense to ratepayers.

“Overall though, we are pleased with our efforts in keeping the shire’s open spaces clean over this busy holiday period.

“I do want to acknowledge all the staff who have worked through the holiday period to keep things safe and tidy for everyone.”

Looking good: Bass Coast Shire Council staff have been keeping the shire clean over the summer holiday period. From left: Mark Lewis, plant co-ordinator; Rebecca Taylor, administration infrastructure maintenance; and Richard Clarkson, parks and gardens supervisor.

Holiday mission spreads word INVERLOCH’S Scripture Union Family Mission (SUFM) holiday program was in full swing last week.

Happy crowd: Samuel, Andrew and Jonathan Martin, team leader Sarah Vernon, Eli-may and Casey Dunn and Benjamin Martin were all enjoying their time at the SUFM retreat.

Plenty of fun activities were on offer for kids of all age groups from role plays, craft work, quizzes and much more.

The SUFM holiday program has been run for more than 50 years now and is still going strong with a large group of around 70 youngsters getting involved.

Cars add class to wedding CASEY and Matt Bateman and their party arrived in a black Pontiac and two black HSV Clubsports cars for their wedding on November 26.

Casey (nee McMahon) is the daughter of Annette and Greg Marshman of Leongatha, and Matt is the son of Sandra and Michael Bateman of Mardan.

The couple wed at a 3pm ceremony at Koonwarra Cottages, followed by an evening reception at the Dakers Centre in Leongatha.

Casey wore a full length, ivory strapless gown with beading and a bow on the lace up bodice.

She carried a round posy style bouquet with cream roses, purple Singapore orchids and purple sweet pea flowers.

Matt donned a grey suit and vest with purple shirt and ivory tie.

Bridesmaids were Tash Bateman (groom’s sister), and friends of the bride, Amy Rose and Emma Harrison.

They wore purple shiraz, full length, shoestring strap, high twist chiffon dresses and carried round posy style bouquets of cream roses and purple Singapore orchids.

Groomsmen Grant Canning, Tom Arrott-Watt and Ed Errey – all friends of the groom – wore grey suits with purple shirts and ivory ties.

Flower girl and page boy were Alicia and Luke Marshman respectively, the sister and brother of the bride.

Alicia wore a three-quarter length replica of the bride’s dress with shoestring straps and a purple shiraz bow, while Luke was dressed in a grey suit, ivory shirt, purple shiraz vest and tie.

Alicia carried a wrist corsage with purple Singapore orchids, purple sweet pea and cream spray roses, and a basket with mixed colour petals.

The groom, groomsman and pageboy each wore a cream rose.

Cam Abood officiated at the wedding and Heather Downing was photographer.

The reception was decorated and catered for by Brent Sinclair. Ninety-seven guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, and a three tiered chocolate mud cake decorated with fresh strawberries and served with a berry coulis for dessert.

Casey and Matt enjoyed a 10 day honeymoon in Fiji and are building a house in Leongatha.

Casey is a massage therapist at Langdon Chiropractic Clinic in Leongatha, and Matt will begin an arborist apprenticeship with South Gippsland Shire Council in January after working at Safeway.

Fiji honeymoon: Casey and Matt Bateman. Photo: Heather Downing of Country Image Photography.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Rotary Club and J. & J. Gaze (all week), K. Davis & E. Derrick (Mon, Wed, Thur & Fri) and National Bank (Tue) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning January 16, 2012.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 39

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Fun machine has arrived THE bold new Subaru XV has arrived and is known as the fun machine due to its smart thinking, high tech connectivity and advanced multi-function display.

Subaru has confirmed that fuel-saving Auto Start Stop technology will de-

but on its new XV and will be available in Australia in January at Traralgon Motor G Group.

Auto Start Stop temporarily stops the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights, and restarts in as little as 0.2 seconds.

It features a new generation 2.0 litre four-cylinder Boxer engine and

the choice of efficient new Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or smooth sixspeed manual gearbox.

The new Subaru XV has significant fuel efficiency benefits and with long stroke engine design alone delivers about 10 per cent improvement.

The exterior of the XV has stylish hawk eye headlights, eye-catching 17-inch alloy wheel design and the body is approximately 10 kilograms lighter.

Inside is a multi-function display with a wealth of information at your fingertips; a spacious wide body cabin with extended wheel base; ultra low noise, vibration and harshness; high quality materials; great field of vision; huge cargo area and 2.0i-S SatNav. The SatNav also has the ability to SMS text to speech and voice commands and there are also multiple entertainment options.

With seven air bags and reversing cameras the Subaru XV will keep you and your family safe.

The XV line-up will include three variants.

XV 2.0i with the choice

Smart thinking: the all new Subaru XV crossover not only looks amazing, but also performs amazingly. of Lineartronic CVT or six speed manual transmission, premium MultiFunction Display and audio with steering wheel control.

XV 2.0i-L adds electronic sunroof, dual zone air conditioning factoryfitted satellite navigation with SMS voice to text

and voice command, and rear privacy glass.

XV 2.0i-S adds leather trim, eight way electronic adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, alloy pedals, silver roof rails, rear privacy glass and HID Xenon headlights and washers.

Subaru Australia’s

managing director Nick Senior said they call the XV the fun machine because on looks, driving and functionality, that’s exactly what it is.

“In fact XV has great strengths across so many areas: high quality interior, economy, high-strength cabin, low emissions and

great technology – not least the multi-function displays, which take driver interaction to a whole new level,” Mr Senior said.

The Subaru XV won’t just unlock life, it unleashes it. So visit Traralgon Motor Group to check out the fun machine.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 41

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

• • • • • •

Chilling out: David Liebelt of the Venus Bay Store shows off his new coffee area to Dianne and Bill Selby, holidaying from Woori Yallock.

Archies Creek Twilight Market Esplanade Hotel, Inverloch South Gippsland Junior Tennis Classic, Inverloch Dune to Dune Triathlon, Cape Paterson Stony Creek races, December 30 Venus Bay Store

Adoring fans: Marg Scott, Angela Toomey, Cairan Toomey and Flynn Toomey watched the action of the South Gippsland Junior Tennis Classic at Inverloch last Wednesday.

Visitors: Steve Denyar, Tim Musgrove and Matt Clark from Belgrave came down for the Dune to Dune Triathlon at Cape Paterson recently.

Summer racing: Cape Paterson holidaymaker Louise Riordan of Melbourne joined friend Kylie Moon of Melbourne, also on holidays at Venus Bay, for fun in the sun at the Stony Creek races.

Holiday racing: from left, Tom O’Hehir and sister Maddie O’Hehir of Kongwak and friend Travis Jones of Korumburra had fun in the sun at the Stony Creek races.

Friends: Roger Alter, Sean Watson and Gordon Porter were all participating in the Cape Paterson Triathlon.

Enjoying Inverloch: Tara Wolf, Anthony Wolf, Annalise Wolf, Megan Foley, Harry Yaeger and Andrew Yaeger from Narre Warren North ordered their lunch from Caitlin Hughes at The Esplanade Hotel at Inverloch last Wednesday.

Team effort: Elliot Gin, Nick Aitkin and Dale Donahue made up team Good Morning Vietnam and got over the line well before their rivals at the Cape Paterson Triathlon.

Woolamai wines: Sarah Hopkins of Mallarni Wines, Woolamai offered Phillip Island holiday-makers Janet Tehennepe and sister-in-law Sara Tehennepe of Bunyip a drop of fine wine during the Archies Creek twilight market.

Hard slog: ready to give the Cape Paterson Triathlon their all was Anne Peitavi and Tim Pittaway from Elwood.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 43

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

MADS looks to future

THE scene is set for Meeniyan’s Amateur Dramatic Society’s next big hit as the group steps into the future.

Show director Paul Hendry promises the three part show Into the Future will have it all: great acting, dancing, singing, comedy and even some romance.

Mr Hendry has been singing the praises of the young cast of around 20, and is eagerly counting down the days until the show begins on January 15.

Two key actors to watch out for will be local youngster Kate Ball and Mirboo North’s Phil Ashton.

I, Robot sees the duo play housewife and robot respectively in a take-off of an Isaac Asimov story.

“This is going to be brilliant. They are going to knock the socks off the whole audience,” Mr Hendry said.

Technofruit is a one man show, featuring plenty of music and dance numbers.

The other show, Crime Stoppers, promises an intriguing twist and Mr Hendry is remaining tight lipped about it.

“It’s about a guy who is believed to have a robbed a futuristic wine depository. It’s captured on camera but the family doesn’t believe it’s him,” he said.

“But there’s a big sting to come, so I won’t say any more at this stage.”

The three comedies will feature hit songs from yesteryear, as well as some current pop sensations.

The crowd will be able to sing along with classics such as Turn Back Time, Rocket Man and Time Warp, while the younger generation will love Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance and Katy Perry’s Fireworks.

The show proves a family affair for the Hendrys, with the director’s wife Pat providing much of the costume design, and their daughter Tara becoming involved as musical director.

Tara will bring fellow singers, and members of trio Turning Point, Tarnya Wilson and Tish Cartwright.

“It’s good to have such great support, and to see these three ladies lending their talents to the stars of tomorrow,” Mr Hendry said.

Counting down: the cast of Meeniyan Amateur Dramatic Society’s Into the Future is looking to Sunday’s opening.

Concert like no other by sea LIGHT opera and songs from popular musicals will be performed while the sun sets over the sea, at the Bass Valley Music Festival’s Serenade at Sunset show.

Coastal tour: The Little Stevies - sisters Sibylla and Bethany Stephen, and Robin Geradts-Gill – are returning to their roots.

Stevies hit the coast THE Little Stevies return to their roots this summer.

The outfit will play Phillip Island and Venus Bay this week, after three tours of North America, including a stint living in Los Angeles to record their album Attention Shoppers and opening for artists as diverse as Bright Eyes, Nancy Griffith and Colin Hay. Catch The Little Stevies at the Phillip Island Winery, 414 Berry’s Beach Road, tomorrow (Wednesday, January 11).

On Thursday, January 12, they will play the Venus Bay Community Centre at 27 Canterbury Road.

Both shows start at 7.30pm.

In September, the band returned from a two month tour of Canada, playing 34 shows, five festivals, and a drive of more than 10,000km - albeit in the luxury of fancy hotels and an air-conditioned SUV. All this is a far cry from their humble beginnings, playing as an acoustic threepiece ambling along the Australian coast in a sweaty three-seater van.

So this January, The Little Stevies have decided to get back to basics.

They’ve dusted off the old tour van, polished up their ‘unplugged’ set and are heading for the beach!

They’ve hand-picked a bunch of very special venues along the Victorian coast for a series of intimate acoustic shows.

The tour takes in some of Victoria’s favourite beachside getaways and coincides with the January holiday period.

“We spent so much time as kids in caravan parks at the beach, and I think a lot of our music taps into that sense of freedom and openness,” guitarist and vocalist Bethany Stephen said.

“We wanted to create a tour where the shows really capture the essence of that.

As we travel farther and wider, I guess it’s something we never want to leave behind.”

The venues are all easily accessible, and family friendly.

“We get a lot of families telling us they have trouble getting to our shows in big venues, because they’re usually licensed,” said Sibylla Stephen, ukulele and vocalist.

Tickets are available through the band’s website www.thelittlestevies.com

The concert will be held on Saturday, February 11 from 5-9pm at the historic homestead Pinehaven at Corinella.

Five of Australia’s most talented performers will play, with a dash of opera and slice of cabaret, Broadway hits and a touch of class, gorgeous costumes, a hint of magic and a big dollop of comedy.

Pot-Pourri will sing Nessun Dorma, Hallelujah, You Raise Me Up, Fields of Gold, The Prayer, Phantom of the Opera, Time to say Good-bye and more.

The Canberra Times described Pot-Pourri as “Music theatre of the highest calibre...Pot-Pourri are brilliant... a standing ovation!”

Josh Hook and James Blair, rising performing arts stars, will also perform.

Guests can bring along a picnic dinner or buy Indian or Italian cuisine from the renowned Archies on the Creek restaurant for just $20.

The members of the committee of Bass Valley Music Festival, all volunteers from in and around Grantville, look forward to the concert.

Organiser Faye Tuchtan said Serenade at Sunset was the only event of its kind in Bass Coast Shire.

“We want to provide a performance that is very special,” she said.

“We will be offering a profes-

Top class: Pot-Pourri was described in The Canberra Times as “music theatre of the highest calibre.” sional, high quality out-door light opera of popular musical numbers, that will appeal to all ages and people from all walks-of-life.”

Collectively, the singers have performed roles for Opera Australia, Oz Opera, Victorian Opera, Melbourne Opera and Melbourne City Opera as well as performing as soloists throughout Australia.

“Guests can watch the sun set over Western Port while enjoying a picnic and a glass of wine, or purchase a meal on site,” Ms Tuchtan said.

“It really will be a magical family evening.”

The event also encourages local concerts and to introduce Opera in Alps-type culture to the area.

Pinehaven Manor is located at 275 Guy Road, Corinella.

Tickets are available from Alex Scott Real Estate at Grantville, Cowes and Wonthaggi, and also Corinella and District Community Centre.

To find out more, phone 5678 0827 or 0417 780 827, or email: doddstb@bigpond.com

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 45

New farmers’ market at Archies on the Creek IT HAS been a tough year for farmers and families as the economic belt gets tightened and our dollar has to stretch further.

We all try to come up with ways to get the best value for our hard earned bucks.

Local producers are struggling to get a fair price for their produce, and mums and dads want a variety of fresher, seasonal produce at a good price to put on their tables.

Archies on the Creek is calling for expressions of interest from local growers to sell direct to the public at a weekly farmers’ market.

To be held each Thursday morning undercover in the huge shed at the back of the block, there is ample space for local farmers to sell off the back of the truck or to set up stalls with easy access to the car park.

Families can shop for the freshest locally grown fruit and vegetables, and enjoy a coffee or a meal in the cafe while they are there.

Any local producers who are interested in being a part of this

unique concept are invited to call Sierra Dunton on 5678 7787 or

email sierra@archiesonthecreek. com.au for more information.

Good value: fresh and homemade produce is always popular at farmers’ markets.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

• VLE LEONGATHA

Restockers lift returns Wednesday, January 4 BULLOCKS 11 A. Siggins, Korumburra 35 Strathbrae Equity P/L, Inverloch 16 R.F. & R.B. Deering, Koorooman 10 Richards Chelt P/L, Wonthaggi 10 K. & B. Schmolling, Foster 5 D. & K. Muir, Korumburra STEERS 1 K.J. & M.L. Fisher, Tarwin Lower 1 N.B., A. & L.J. Smith, Pound Creek 3 L. & M. Overall, Waratah 3 D.C. & D.C. Wylie, Korumburra

590kg 610kg 595kg 591kg 607kg 591kg

195.0 195.0 194.0 193.6 192.0 192.0

$1150 $1190 $1155 $1144 $1166 $1134

360kg 341kg 415kg 308kg

216.2 215.0 205.0 195.0

$778 $733 $852 $602

2 W.G. & F.M. Pratt, Inverloch 392kg 193.2 $758 4 N.G. Hanks, Mirboo North 457kg 192.6 $881 COWS 1 N.R. & M.A. Staley, Yarram 565kg 169.6 $958 5 S. & A. Blundy, Tarwin Lower 720kg 156.0 $1123 2 Melaleuca Pastoral, Meeniyan 680kg 155.2 $1055 1 R.G. & K.F. Glover, Nyora 510kg 155.2 $791 2 T. Pearson, Meeniyan 620kg 155.0 $961 6 Loch Hope Nom P/L, Koorooman 563kg 154.0 $867 HEIFERS 3 L. & M. Overall, Waratah 366kg 200.0 $733 1 N.B., A. & L.J. Smith, Pound Creek 350kg 200.0 $700 4 D. Coric, Nerrena 355kg 196.6 $697 3 D.C. & D.C. Wylie, Korumburra 308kg 195.0 $602 5 K.J. & M.L. Fisher, Tarwin Lower 332kg 191.6 $636 1 I.G. & G. Balbo, Yarram 325kg 190.0 $617 BULLS 1 B.T. & M.M. Brown, Mirboo North 1035kg 172.0 $1780 1 C. Mabilia, Bass 925kg 172.0 $1591 1 K.J. & M.L. Fisher, Tarwin South 900kg 170.0 $1530 1 J. Abrecht, Moe 760kg 170.0 $1292 1 D.J. & J.E. Bowler, Korumburra 830kg 167.6 $1391 1 C. Wilson, Middle Tarwin 870kg 166.0 $1444

A SLIGHTLY smaller penning sold to mixed trade and export competition as some abattoirs do not open until next Monday.

Restocker competition for a mixed grading of cows assisted a reasonable outcome, but the balance of the yarding was anywhere between 2c and 14c/kg cheaper.

The quality of the yarding was very mixed, but did include a number of good to very good quality cattle.

A good quality selection of 122 mostly European bred vealers sold at cheaper rates. Prices for the best quality were from 195c to 216c, others 165c to 195c/kg.

Nearly 100 yearling heifers sold from 153c to 188c/ kg and included some very good quality of all weights.

Light and medium weight steers sold from 163c to 188c/kg.

In the penning of 620 grown steers and bullocks were a lot of medium to heavy C and D muscle bullocks and steers. The steers mouthed 0 to 2 teeth sold to the best advantage from 186c to 195c, while grown steers sold to 193c/kg.

Prime C and D muscle bullocks sold between 171c and 190c, averaging 181c or 8c/kg lower. Manufacturing steers sold from 152c to 176c/kg for better quality Friesian and crossbred bullocks.

Strong interaction between a number of restockers in the cow sale saw some of the 400 cows sell from 120c to 154c/kg. Most of these were plainer 1 score cows of varying weights.

Better quality cows sold between 132c and 155c, being 2c to 8c/kg cheaper.

Plainer cows purchased by exporters sold from 101c to 142c/kg. The carcass weight price average was estimated to be 290c/kg.

The large penning of 45 bulls made from 122c to 172c, and were 6c to 14c/kg cheaper.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 47

Leongatha faces eczema facts A FREE information session will be held in Leongatha for dairy farmers wanting to learn more about facial eczema, which is likely to cause serious problems for Gippsland cattle over the next few months.

The session will be held at the Leongatha RSL this Wednesday and will feature the region’s foremost experts on the condition.

Dairy Australia’s Steve Little, Maffra vet Jakob Malmo and DPI vet Jack Winterbottom will all make presentations and answer questions on the potentially fatal condition.

The warm, wet conditions and high pasture growth currently being seen in the region favour growth of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum,that can multiply in pasture and produce toxic spores.

When grazed by cattle, these toxic spores cause liver damage, and in some animals, photosensitisation.

The experts will provide the latest information on identification of periods of pasture toxicity, and effective and safe control and prevention of the condition.

Dairy Australia has acted swiftly by forming a group of Australian and New Zealand experts to review all the current knowledge on facial eczema and setting up an early warning system for Gippsland dairy farmers this summer-autumn.

Dairy Australia’s Feed2Milk program leader Dr Steve Little said more than 20 “sentinel” farms across the region will be regularly Pithomyces chartarum,monitored for pasture levels of the fungal spores which cause facial eczema.

Local farmers will be able to keep track of developments in their area and be ready to act swiftly once spore levels are on the rise.

“This is the first time such a pasture spore monitoring program has been piloted in Australia,” Dr Little said.

“We will have the results from the sentinel farms updated weekly on the Dairy Australia website, so farmers will be able to track exactly what is happening and make an informed choice as to the facial eczema strategy for their farm.”

The main strategy used for control and prevention of facial eczema is zinc supplementation. Ensuring cows receive the correct daily dosage is vital as too

Thorough process: a scientist counts facial eczema spores using a binocular microscope. little will not provide full protection and too much will be toxic to the animal.

GippsDairy executive officer Dr Danielle Auldist said GippsDairy contacted Dairy Australia about developing a strategy to control the problem.

“Through our networks in the local region, we identified a worrying trend in facial eczema cases,” Dr Auldist said.

“Dairy Australia swung its resources behind it straight away and we have been able to produce an effective strategy to tackle the issue in Gippsland.”

“It’s a great example of how the dairy levy is used directly to help farmers and help keep the industry productive and our cows healthy.”

The Leongatha information sessions will be held at the RSL from 11.30am to 1.30pm, Wednesday, January 11.

Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP for catering purposes to Melanie at GippsDairy by phoning 5624 3900 or via email at: executiveassistant@ gippsdairy.com.au

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

public notices

MINI GARAGE SALE & FETE Craft books Bric-a-brac Mystery parcels Cakes and produce Sausage sizzle Face painting Morning tea, and Bubbles

Saturday January 14 AT INVERLOCH UNITING CHURCH From 9am

public notices ANY PERSON witnessing an accident where an elderly lady fell against a stationary car in the IGA carpark prior to noon on Thursday January 5 please contact Jim 0422-786293.

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “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

public notices

public notices

CHIROPRACTOR

BOAT LICENCE COURSE

Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson

Jetski endorsement included

INVERLOCH Monday January 23 6pm - 10.15pm

Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday

Bookings essential Phone SEAL Diving Services 5174 3434

By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

Approved MSV course Australian Boating College.

Provider No. 3399

situations vacant

situations vacant

PARTS TRAINEESHIP Windmill Ag is a long standing Victorian business. Starting as a small service station, and then growing over the years into a multi-store outlet for John Deere tractors and farm machinery, Windmill Ag services a large portion of south western and south eastern Victoria. Windmill Ag’s large service and parts team complements their extensive sales business of farm equipment.

The successful applicant’s responsibilities will be to: • Serve retail customers over the parts counter.

• Answer the phone and assist customer enquiries over the phone.

• Always emit a helpful and pleasant manner to internal and external customers.

• Endeavour to assist the customer in every way possible before sending them to another facility • Maintain accurate paper work and record keeping.

• Ensure all parts are receipted in and out of parts.

• Assist with regular stocktakes.

• Maintain a safe, clean and tidy work area.

• Present the showroom in a professional manner, updated regularly.

• Ensure all orders are given the priority they deserve.

• Work until the job is complete, this may require some overtime.

• Present oneself in a professional manner.

• Work alternate Saturday Mornings • Complete on the job training for Traineeship and attending Trade School as required.

Preferred Attributes • Year 11 pass or equivalent • Machinery/Farming knowledge Position closes 23rd January 2012 Please forward application and resumé to: Dealer Principal PO Box 231 Leongatha VIC 3953 Jason.henry@windmillag.com.au

Find an Amazing Read at the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation!

Come into the library and celebrate the Summer Reading Club by making your own Amazing Bag. The session is FREE! All you need is your imagination!

DROUIN LIBRARY (5625 1564) 136 Princes Way, Drouin Wednesday 18 January 2.30pm

FOSTER LIBRARY (5682 1735) Main Street, Foster Friday 20 January 10am

PHILLIP ISLAND LIBRARY (5952 2842) 89 Thompson Avenue, Cowes Tuesday 17 January 10.30am

INVERLOCH LIBRARY (5674 1169) 16 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch Wednesday 11 January 10.30am

For more information visit www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au or contact the library.

situations vacant

WEEKEND MILKER 350 COWS Leongatha South Phone Mark 0427 643 241

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

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 49

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

School Bus Driver LEONGATHA / INVERLOCH / WONTHAGGI

Edney's of Leongatha is seeking a 1st year apprentice and qualified motor mechanic to join its expanding Nissan/Hyundai dealership. The successful applicant will be given the latest dealership training throughout their employment while working in a friendly, modern environment.

You will also have the opportunity to expand your skills with RACV road service.

Forward hand written applications to: Edney's Leongatha Attention: Nick McRae PO Box 72, Leongatha 3953 Applications close Friday 27th January

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.

We currently have the following vacancy:

QUALIFIED Early Childhood Educators (Child Care)

(Diploma in Children’s Services required for Mirboo North) 38 hours per week Readvertised Salary Packaging available For further information on the above position please telephone Rebecca Ford on 5668 2450.

To download position descriptions refer to the website: www.ucgipps.org.au Applications close 5pm 13th January and are to be sent to: Kirstie Pearce HR Co-ordinator UnitingCare Gippsland PO Box 454 Bairnsdale Vic 3875

situations vacant

A bucket of perfumed cut roses delivered or picked up

Ryan’s Transport has a position available for a full time interstate driver, with some local work.

MUST have MC licence, minimum 2 years’ experience and a good driving record. Excellent rates and conditions for the right applicant.

Call Tom on 0409 613 664 or send your resumé to: PO Box 128, Leongatha 3953

Casual Positions We need casual Cook / Kitchen assistants to join our team. These positions require an energetic and out-going person with a strong work ethic who is comfortable working with a wide range of age-groups. Knowledge of, and qualifications in, catering operations or related industries an advantage. Applicants would need to be available 7 days a week including evenings on a casual roster.

Grounds / Maintenance Casual Position This position is for 1 day per week and requires a selfstarter who can take responsibility for the upkeep of the grounds throughout the site and light maintenance jobs. Duties would include: mowing, whipper snipping, spraying, weeding, pruning, rubbish removal and some minor landscaping and maintenance work. Knowledge of gardening and grounds work an advantage.

For a copy of position descriptions or enquiries call Katherine Watkeys at Coastal Discovery Camp YMCA on 5952 2467 or email discoverycamp@ymca.org.au To apply please forward your resumé to the address below: Katherine Watkeys, Manager Phillip Island Coastal Discovery Camp - YMCA P.O. Box 104, Cowes, Vic 3922 Or discoverycamp@ymca.org.au Applications close Friday 20th January 2012 The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes diversity.

ALL ENQUIRIES: David 0434 355 991 Barb 0434 925 640

VACUUM CLEANER Repairs

Building a Healthy Community

Rural Withdrawal & Pharmacotherapy Nurse (Division 1 or 3 Registered Nurse) 0.6 EFT

DUST BAGS

Yooralla Early Childhood Services Sub-contractors – Gippsland Region

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

An exciting career opportunity exists for a highly skilled and motivated nurse to provide administrative and clinical leadership at Leongatha Hospital covering acute, residential and urgent care. The successful applicant will be required to work all tours of duty.

You will possess the following: Essential Criteria • Current nursing registration and experience of greater than 5 years in a range of disciplines, including emergency presentations.

• Well grounded interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.

• Advanced Life Support certification.

• A commitment to high quality evidence based patient care.

• Clinical and administrative leadership / evidence of ongoing self-development.

Desirable Criteria • Registered Midwife GSHS offers a comprehensive orientation program on commencement of employment. All nursing staff have access to excellent staff mentoring, education and support programs.

A current, satisfactory Police Record Check is required.

If you are interested in joining a supportive and progressive team, please contact the Executive Assistant, Dianna Mollica, on 5667 5504 to obtain an application kit or visit our website at www.gshs.com.au Applicants are also encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5504 to discuss employment opportunities at GSHS. Completed application kits can be forwarded

by Friday 27th January 2012 to: Neil Langstaff Director of Nursing Inpatient/Residential Care Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA VIC 3953

Sales

FREE

QUOTES

167 Graham Street, Wonthaggi (opp. Ritchies IGA)

5672 3127

BCCHS seeks expressions of interest for the part-time employment of an experienced, qualified nurse to work with individuals, GPs and local community services, to manage drug & alcohol & mental health issues (Dual Diagnosis).

The successful applicant will work with a team of Drug & Alcohol workers and a Team Co-ordinator to provide a range of innovative interventions to service users wishing to withdraw or maintain abstinence from both prescribed and illicit Drugs & or Alcohol, using alternative replacement Pharmacotherapy medications.

The successful applicant will also need to demonstrate the ability to deliver health and education sessions/ groups to service users.

Remuneration for this position as per relevant professional qualifications.

Inquiries to Karley Oakley, Co-ordinator Drug & Alcohol Services. To obtain a position description and an employment application form, please telephone reception on 5671 3500 or refer to our website: www.bcchs.com.au.

Applications must address the key selection criteria, and include the Application for Employment form.

Applications close 5 pm, January 27th, 2012 and should be addressed to: HR Administrator Bass Coast Community Health Service 1 Back Beach Road, San Remo Vic 3925 Or by email to: hr@bcchs.com.au

After Hours Supervisor – Leongatha Hospital 0.84EFT (8shifts per fortnight)

Cook / Kitchen Assistants

FROM $15 a bucket

Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists

About Us Yooralla is one of the largest disability services in Victoria and has significant experience in Early Childhood Services. We are looking for sub-contractors to provide FaHCSIA funded services for children through the Better Start and Helping Children with Autism initiatives.

About You Do you have a commitment to working with children and families? Do you have an ABN number and are you a member of your relevant professional organisation?

About the Role Yooralla is an approved FaHCSIA provider. As a subcontractor with Yooralla, you will be able to provide therapy services to your clients under the Better Start and Helping Children with Autism funding packages. Yooralla provides the administrative/invoicing requirements of the programs on your behalf. This is funded at an extremely attractive rate.

For more information please contact Tamara Klein Manager Therapy Services on 0432 139 367 or e-mail your interest to Tamara.Klein@yooralla.com.au by the 20th January 2012.

Please visit our website www.yooralla.com.au for further information about our organisation.

Please Note: Applicants must be willing to undergo a police records check and a medical/physical assessment as part of the recruitment process. All electronic applications must be submitted in Microsoft Word format only. This role is only available to Australian residents or to those who hold valid working visas or permits.

Yooralla is an equal opportunities employer and we encourage people of all abilities to apply.

Yooralla People and Culture PO Box 200, Flinders Lane Melbourne, Victoria 8009 Email jobs@yooralla.com.au

HAY - small square bales, $8 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 5664-1320, 0428-999691.

HOUSE for sale. Buyer to remove. Meeniyan area.

Ph: 0408-141290.

RIDE-ON MOWER with trailer, chainsaw, mulcher, washing machine, other household furniture. Moving and must be sold. Ring for details: 0428-594218 or 0427-681917.

SILAGE triple wrap Oct. 2010. 400+ bales, $25 inc. and loading. 0427-302773 Waratah North.

WATT-A-TANK stock clearance. Huge discounts.

10,000 gal concrete tank, lid; concrete posts, mesh sheets, F72 rolls, F521 and F41. Everything must go.

Ph: 0418-595509.

Email your adverts to The Star ads@thestar.com.au

REGISTERED NURSE DIVISION 1, GRADE 5 Phillip Island Coastal Discovery Camp - YMCA is a group accommodation and recreation facility located at YCW beach, Phillip Island. We are currently preparing for our busiest season – February to May 2012.

We are looking for the following staff to join our team.

for sale

INTERSTATE & LOCAL Taaffe Roses TRUCK DRIVER

Fast Art 146807_v1

QUALIFIED & APPRENTICE MOTOR MECHANIC

We have a vacancy for a driver in our company.

Please forward details of relevant experience and expressions of interest.

Full confidentiality is guaranteed.

BERRYMAN’S BUS LINES PO Box 14, Fish Creek 3959

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

WATER INDUSTRY TRAINEESHIP: WATER TREATMENT University not your thing?

Looking for a career in a dynamic industry?

Want to kick start a career through a traineeship?

Want nationally recognised accreditation, yet stay based in your local region?

South Gippsland Water has the job for you! Water Treatment Traineeship: 2 years, Full time, Contract.

South Gippsland Water is looking for a year 12 school leaver or similar, from our local region, who is interested in kick starting a career in the water industry. Upon completion the successful applicant will have a nationally recognised qualification in Water Industry Operations - Treatment. Based in our central western area ranging across Leongatha/ Korumburra / Wonthaggi, the traineeship will include the completion of Certificate II and III in Water Industry Operations through the Water Industry Training Centre. At the completion of the traineeship the successful applicant will be fully qualified to operate a water treatment plant.

Desired Attributes: • A motivated self starter • Reasonable degree of physical fitness • Ability to operate plant and equipment • Demonstrated skills with regards to tool use • A basic understanding of/or interest in chemistry and maths • A current manual drivers licence • No current qualification/prior training Trainee wage band B ($17,584.20 - $23,712 p.a.). All training costs, equipment and protective clothing will be provided by South Gippsland Water.

A position description and further information is available on our website: www.sgwater.com.au or by calling Paula Smith 03 5682 0403.

Applications close Tuesday 31st Jan 2012 Email psmith@sgwater.com.au or post to: Human Resources Coordinator South Gippsland Water PO Box 102 Foster Vic 3960

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

work 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

situations vacant

work wanted CLEANER available 9am - 5pm weekdays for house and commercial cleaning.

Ph: 0400-614056 or 0409547461.

accommodation SINGLE professional person seeks midweek self contained accommodation in or close to Leongatha.

Ph: 0431-380089.

situations vacant

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

room to let ROOM for rent, to live with two others, $115/wk plus utilities. Brand new, modern house, a block away from shops. No pets. Phone Kim 0433-333805.

livestock PULLETS Wednesday, January 18 Commercial crossbreds.

Fully vaccinated.

Not debeaked.

12wk (Red, Brown) $14

SALES ADMINISTRATION An opportunity exists to join our Sales Representatives Team. You will be responsible for the raising of quotes, preparation of plans for quoting, some liaising with builders and other duties that may be required from time to time.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills, punctuality, reliability and be able to work in a busy team environment. Applicants should have competent computer skills with the ability to learn in house programs. A good knowledge of building products is essential.

Applications close on Friday January 20th 2012 and should be forwarded to: Mark Warren Capeview Building Products P.O Box 115 Wonthaggi 3995

IT SUPPORT OFFICER

South Gippsland Water invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of IT Support Officer. The role is based in South Gippsland Water’s Foster office and reports to the Manager Information Technology to assist in the efficient and effective support of the Corporation’s I.T. Infrastructure and applications. Additional responsibilities include backup support to all members of the I.T. group in line with department and organisational objectives.

Specialist knowledge is required in the following areas: • Basic knowledge of computer network systems.

• Experience in remote terminal hardware installation.

• Demonstrated skills in the transfer of knowledge in a training environment.

• Demonstrated training assessment and analysis skills.

• Demonstrated appreciation and understanding of accounting/ finance matters, office procedures and administration.

• Good knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

Salary banding is dependent on applicant’s experience and ranges between $45,607.12 - $48,206.60 Applicants should read the position description relevant to their experience located at www.sgwater.com.au Applications close on Wednesday 25th January 2012 Email psmith@sgwater.com.au or post to: Human Resources Coordinator South Gippsland Water PO Box 102 Foster Vic 3960

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

Application forms and position descriptions are available at www.ucgipps.org.au or call Kirstie or Pam on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you.

Applications addressing the key selection criteria close: 5pm January 16, 2012 and are to be addressed to: Kirstie Pearce HR Coordinator 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.

Available from Elders Past., Leongatha

10.30am Phone 5662 3523 to order now (Brian Larkin Poultry)

ALPACAS for sale. Not registered, males and females, $300 each. Black, greys, browns, whites. Ph: 5662-2286, 0435-677241.

ISA BROWN pullets, point of lay, free range, beautiful and quiet, $20 or price neg. for number. Ph: 0417143218.

LAYER PULLETS Abundant layers, black and gold / reds available now.

Will deliver. 5668-5161, 0438-565721.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

situations vacant

agistment

AGISTMENT 100 ACRES MIRBOO NORTH First month free Minimum 4 months Good yards Phone 0419 596 655 AGISTMENT for cattle up to 60 head, in Leongatha.

Ph: 0428-969809.

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 LANCER COUPE, new Nov 24, 2000. Reg QNK517, white, manual, air con, 63,000km, just registered and fully serviced, new timing belt. Very clean and original $6,200. Contact 5674-1555 Inverloch.

VW GOLF 2001 green manual hatchback, 129,000km, excellent condition, RWC, registered April 2012. Ideal first car $8,500. Stony Creek 0407376137.

situations vacant

free

birthdays

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

garage sales

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

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT

CASUAL INSURANCE OFFICER CASUAL POSITION BASED IN LEONGATHA

Do you have a great personality and experience in a general insurance environment (broker, agent company or similar).

Your duties will not only involve answering phones.

You will greet clients and manage the Administration requirements of the office; assist with processing insurance renewals, claims and data entry.

To be successful you will have a bright personality and be well presented. Excellent computer and administrative skills will be required.

If your experience is from an Insurance/Financial service background and you are looking to reduce your hours or return to work then this is a role you should consider.

Great work lifestyle balance – Apply today and start fresh in January 2012 Please send your resumé and 2 recent references to: Insurance Officer Position PO Box 493, Leongatha 3953 or email kb@laic.com.au Applications close 25 January, 2012

births MUIR (Wallis) Congratulations to Kane and Lauren on the birth of Zachary Sean. With love from the Wallis family.

marriage celebrant

Dianne Smart It’s all about you 0427 075 660

Jenny Milkins

• 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

CAM ABOOD

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

GARAGE SALE & HOUSE CLEARANCE SALE Books, toys, overlocker and lots more

Phone 0428 583 714

Carpet Call is Australia’s largest independent flooring retailer and continues to grow from strength to strength.

Due to unprecedented growth, an opportunity exists for an enthusiastic and self motivated person to join our team in a permanent capacity as a Sales Consultant.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate exceptional customer service qualities, have a manual driver’s licence and a passion for sales.

Pride in personal appearance, good communication skills, basic computer skills, ability to measure/calculate and the ability to work unsupervised are all attributes that will be looked for.

All applications will be treated in confidence.

Applications should be addressed to: Damien O’Connor, Carpet Call, 128 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi 3995 Applications close Friday 20th January 2012

Love from your family and friends.

KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90)

Saturday 14/1/12 9 Blair Crescent Leongatha 9am to 2pm

SALES CONSULTANT

Congratulations to ISOBEL BENSON ON YOUR 90TH BIRTHDAY

thanks Thank you to the person who handed my purse in at IGA on the 4th of January.

May you be blessed with health, happiness and good fortune Grateful JENKINS - Geoffrey.

Roma, Keith, Margot and their families wish to express their gratitude to their many friends for their care and love after the sudden passing away of Geoff. The many messages of sympathy and flowers comforted us. Your generosity in the wonderful provision of refreshments by the Loch Ladies Auxiliary and friends was very much appreciated.

We wish to sincerely thank the ambulance teams who attended and gave of their best. We valued the respect paid by the CFA with their guard of honour at the funeral.

To Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp we are very appreciative of your caring and support. We thank Paul Beck for his thoughtful attention to detail. It all made our time of sadness so much easier to bear.

message of hope TRAIN yourself in godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7.

All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

Leongatha 5662 4191

WENDY STAYNER 0409 259 195 03 9785 9186

engagements HEMMING - TWITE Russell Hemming and Alisha Twite, together with their parents Ann and Paul, Ian and Denise, Jenny and Percy, would like to announce the fantastic news of their engagement on December 24, 2011.

MABILIA - WALLIS Geoff and Jenny Wallis, together with John and Trish Mabilia, would like to announce with pleasure the engagement of Mitchell and Jessica. All our love and best wishes.

in memoriam SHAW - Francis John.

8.1.2011 Not a day goes by that we do not think of you. Always in our hearts.

Nicolas, Helen, Jordan, Elysia and Abbey.

deaths NUTTALL (nee Roberts) Gwenneth Bessie.

Passed away peacefully on January 6, 2012.

Loving wife of Joe (dec).

Loving mother of Ian and Tim. Mother-in-law of Ada and Jan. Beloved grandmother of Jade, Travers, Sophia and Johanna.

Go Pies!

WATCHORN - Gwenda.

Beautiful friend of Maree for 40 years. Adored and cherished friend of Jo, Matt, Brett and Godmother to Cobie.

You enriched our lives with your gentle friendship. We will miss you popping in for a chat and a walk.

Rest peacefully our beautiful friend, we will always remember you.

WATCHORN - Gwenda.

A courageous, beautiful, caring neighbour. You will be sadly missed but memories live on forever.

Rest in peace now Gwenda.

Forever in our hearts.

Davo, Leonie, Brok, Codie, Macey and Phoebe.

deaths WATCHORN (McErlain) Gwenda Mary.

25.5.1941 - 29.12.2011 Loved wife of Terry, dearly loved mother to Dean and Deb, Peter and Sharon and Troy and Janine (dec).

Loving Nanny cherished by Abbie, Molly, Mitch, Koby, Brock, Adam and Kyra.

“My beautiful girl you were the perfect 10, I will love you till the twelfth of never.”

- Terry.

A very special Mum and Nanny, now in the garden of heaven. We will never forget your warmth, your caring nature and your wonderful hugs.

- Dean, Deb, Brock and Adam.

We will always cherish the memories of every moment we shared, from the laughs g to the tears and everything e in between. We were blessed to have you as ourr Mum and Nanny.

Now at peace e, - Peter and Sharon, Abbie, Molly, Mitch and Koby.

d A truly loving, caring and o generous lady we are so d fortunate to have called e our Mum and Nanny. We can all hear your laughterr p echoing with Janine’s, through Heaven’s beaches and gardens.

Love - Troy and Kyra.

WILLIAMS Donald George (Don).

Passed away at Koorooman House, Leongatha on January 7, 2012.

Dearly loved husband of Lexie Helen (dec).

Father of Robert and Gary; father-in-law of Janet, grandpa of Phillip, Sylvia and David.

Brother of Alan.

Reunited with Mum Remembered Always Rest in Peace WILLIAMS - Don. Long time friend and a passionate worker for the community.

Fondly remembered.

Keith and Pat Kuhne.

WILLIAMS - Donald.

Long serving committee member and chairman of the Leongatha Agricultural Recreation Reserve Committee of Management.

Don provided a lifetime of effort towards the Leongatha Recreation Reserve, his contribution will long be remembered.

Chairman and Committee of the Leongatha Agricultural Recreation Reserve Committee of Management.

WILLIAMS - Don. Long serving member of Leongatha South Fire Brigade. A friend to all. Will be sadly missed.

Our thoughts are with Gary and family.

Members of Leongatha South Fire Brigade.

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

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 51

Stepping into the new age THE sixth annual Soulfest New Age Expo brought plenty of new people to Wonthaggi for all sorts of healing and enlightenment experiments on Saturday.

Visitors chose from a range of wellbeing and psychic activities such as seated massage, crystal and sound healing, stress tests, energy and chakra balancing as well as being able to chat with mediums.

The Wonthaggi Town Hall was packed with bright colours and interesting pieces of art and people.

The stage was always occupied and guests had the chance to listen to enlightened spirits as they guided others on tours of their inner selves.

Organiser Jean Lawson told The Star the event was always a success.

“The event has always seen a steady flow of people.

It’s good for people to have this chance to see something a little bit different,” she said.

“It also brings together like-minded people who have a chance to talk about different ideas.”

Balancing energy: New Age Expo organiser Jean Lawson has her energy points balanced by expert Anderi Rieu.

Feeding his passion: Leongatha So!me proprietor Hess Strengers with some of his more m creative stock.

Sea Days Festival a hit THE ever popular Sea Days Festival was held at Port Welshpool last Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The festival was popular with activities and competitions for children, exhibits of artwork, displays of underwater sea life and explanations of

Racey: Jason Prowd of Gelliondale inspects the engine of the race red MG on display.

deaths

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. 8307 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1,Close-Ted. 6, Pump. 8, Dull. 9, Dwelling). 10, Essay (S,A). 11, Stewed. 13, Access. 15, Nicest (anag.).

17, (Duck)S-and-Ra(bbit). 19, A-v-a-St. 22, Al-Sat-I-an.

23, Ring. 24, Lean. 25, Tied down.

Down - 2, Lou-tS. 3, Sa-L-vage. 4, To-d-O. 5, Dressing.

6, Pulse. 7, M-Anne-rs. 12, Escapist. 14, Char-lie. 16, Covered. 18, Dr-ain. 20, Si-new. 21, A-(pu)nne(t).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8307 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Trembled. 6, Tape. 8, Will. 9, Cyclamen. 10, Leper. 11, Eleven. 13, Unwell. 15, Summer. 17, Crater.

19, Unite. 22, Marmoset. 23, Mean. 24, Lead. 25, Ornament.

Down - 2, Raise. 3, Maltese. 4, Lack. 5, Decrease. 6, Trace.

7, Precede. 12, Alfresco. 14, Narrate. 16, Minimum. 18, Timid. 20, Train. 21, Stun.

the ecology to be found in Corner Inlet.

Some of the attractions this year were a marine treasure hunt, golf putting and car education for children.

On Saturday there was a come and try fishing day where kids learnt how to bait a hook, cast a line and bring in a fish.

There were also live coastal and marine wildlife displays, historic photographs, presentations on the local marine protected areas, a Coastguard display and remote controlled boats.

A great time was had by holiday-makers and locals.

The first ever Welshpool Show and Shine event held as part of the festival on Saturday was a

big hit.

Organisers were over the moon at the response to the event, which attracted more than 70 entries in its first year.

Julie Anedda was kept busy with registrations throughout the morning.

“We had just 10 register online, the rest have just turned up today and registered. It has been a fantastic response and we will certainly be running it again next year,” Julie said.

The Show’n’Shine event was run in conjunction with the Prom Coast Summer Festival.

Peter Mayo of Yarram drove away with the top prize, with his stunning orange 1966 Mustang after wins in four individual events. He also took

Kids’ activities: Brittany Ruddell of Moe helped Belinda Wolfe of Newborough touch the marine life gently at the Port Welshpool Sea Days Festival. home the Entrant’s Choice Award.

“Motorists should get to work now on their entries for next year as this will certainly be a yearly event from now on,” Julie said.

“The entrants’ feedback has been very positive and the organisers will be working to make the event bigger and better come the first Saturday in January 2013.”

Results: entry of show,

Peter Mayo, orange 66 Mustang; bike of the show, Doug Wheatley; best hot rod, Mick Clay; best street machine, Peter Mayo, Yarram; best custom, Peter Mayo; and best commercial vehicle, Ron Brag.

Litterers beware!

Soil health lifts profits free of charge You could soon be caught! ARE YOU interest- participant and undertake a top and sub ILLEGAL dumping of rubbish and littering across South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires will be addressed by the appointment of a litter prevention officer.

Leanne Edwards was appointed to the new position after a successful joint application for grant funding from EPA Victoria’s Local Government Litter Prevention Officer Program.

Both councils will provide in-kind support such as vehicle use, and a $4000 contribution from Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group.

Just a few weeks into the role, Ms Edwards has been stunned by the amount of illegal dumping she has seen over the holiday period by both local residents and visitors.

“It is very sad to see the amount of glass bottles, aluminium cans and cardboard packaging that will not be recycled because they’ve been dumped at public waste bins, reserves or roadsides,” she said.

“There really is no excuse not to be recycling, especially in our beautiful part of the world.

“We all know we’ll have increased rubbish over the holiday period and generate more empty bottles and cans over the summer, so we need to manage it.

“More than 70 per cent of everything we buy and take in to our houses can be recycled and all Bass Coast and South Gippsland transfer stations accept recyclables for free.”

Opening times for transfer stations can

be found at their entrance gates, on www. southgippsland.vic.gov.au or by phoning 5662 9200 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Ms Edwards will focus on public education and will network with local businesses, community groups and other sustainability educators to broaden their effectiveness and deliver a positive impact on littering and illegal dumping behaviour in the region.

She will also be enforcing environmental laws and has already identified several offenders in Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower who will each receive a penalty notice of $122 in coming weeks.

Ms Edwards encouraged the community to report litterers and illegal dumping offenders to council or to EPA Victoria at www.reportlitter.com.au or 1300EPAVIC. “Due to the increasing number of litter reports made by the general public, EPA Victoria issued over 17,000 littering penalty notices in 2011 so your call could stop a litterer,” Ms Edwards said.

“It costs each shire tens of thousands of dollars every year to remove illegally dumped waste and manage litter from public areas.

“Littering causes serious environmental harm, especially to our local marine wildlife, and it diverts money away from other projects.”

She is currently planning projects for 2012-2013 and can be contacted on 5662 9200 to discuss illegal dumping trouble spots or ideas for community education campaigns.

ed in improving your knowledge of and the health of your soil?

Healthy soils can lead to better pasture, less inputs and healthier animals.

No matter what your knowledge level is, the South Gippsland Soils Discussion Group is looking for primary producers in the district to join their newly formed group.

The group will be facilitated by the highly regarded independent agronomist Greg Forster of Forster Rural.

Greg has an agricultural science degree through Dookie College in 1998 specialising in integrated pest management.

Landholders of all enterprises, size, soil type and experience are encouraged to apply in order to bring a range of attitudes to the group.

However, in order for the information and discussion to be appropriate for participants, the group will be broken down into two sub groups for primary producers and smaller landholders (especially including horse owners).

Greg will visit every

soil sample from each farm.

Additionally, Greg will also work with the landholders to undertake penetrometer readings to identify any compaction or hard pan issues and a paddock biological monitoring evaluation.

These site visits will then be followed by two workshops where landholders will be introduced to soil management and agricultural issues.

Most importantly the group will discuss the range of soil samples taken and each farmer will create an overall management plan for their property, deciding suitable management options (such as aeration, pasture cropping and grazing management).

The South Gippsland Landcare Network will work with eligible farmers to provide funding to trial suggested practices on their properties.

If you are interested in participating in this program please ring 5662 5759 to register.

To enrol the cost is $50.

All soil tests, workshops and other components are included in this cost.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Leongatha

THE holiday period continues to provide good fields and 88 played Saturday’s stableford.

Anthony Sparks is headed for a single figure handicap after winning A Grade with 40 points off 10.

John Eabry has peaks and troughs with his golf but this week’s effort was a peak one, scoring 43 points to take B Grade.

C Grade went to Robert Rumian on 38 and D Grade to Stephen Lacey with massive 46 points making him the day’s highest scorer.

Michael Westaway won pro-pin on 14th and Roland Rees was closest to the pin on 16.

Balls were won by: N. Lafferty 41, G. Marsham 40, T Rickard 39, J Smith, R. Bride, P. Rayson, F. de Bondt, J

Fraser 38, K. Wardle, E. Jenkins, H. Seddelies, I. Watson, W. Norden, R. French, J. French, N. Johnson 37, M. Westaway, B. Harrington, T. Lund, C. Watson, G. Carcour 36.

Tuesday Peter Stivic and Trevor Moss were both rewarded for their 39 point rounds, Peter taking A Grade and Trevor winning B Grade. J. Burt and Gordon Morrison were nearest the pin winners.

Players to win balls were F. Smedley, G. Morrison, D. Hanna, M. Miles, J. Lowell, M. Oliver, P. Hobson, M. Williams, M. Burt, G. Burt, E. Poole.

Thursday Great conditions for golf saw a quarter of the field of 83 achieve the 36 point standard. Russell Williams

was best of the A graders with a great round of 40 points, equivalent to 76 off-the-stick. Chass Baldwin had the day hight score of 41 to win B Grade.

C Grade went to P. Forrester with 37 points and John Fraser played a very effective round to score 39 points and win D Grade.

Russell Williams (14th) and Gordon Morrison (16th) were nearest the pin winners. Down the line balls D. Forbes, T. Steer, J. Lowell 39, B. Hutton 38, T. Bruinewoud, B. Gibson, R. Bride, R. Burton, N. Hughes 37, G. Wilson-Browne, P.Waters, J.Burt, R. Monacella, A. Hawkins, R.Evans, M. Williams, I. Watson 36, D. Hanna, J. Annott, P. Hartigan 35.

Stableford this Saturday and round four of the nine hole comp on Sunday.

Meeniyan SATURDAY was Medal/Stroke day with the sponsor for the day being Nagel’s Pharmacy, which is much appreciated.

The A Grade winner was Craig Buckland with a net 69. Runner-up was Graeme Revell with a net 73.

B Grade and medal winner on a countback was Col Stewart with a net 69. Runner-up in B Grade was Reg Hannay with a net 72. Balls down the line went to Alan Shatten 73 net, Col Graeme 74 net, Peter Riddel 74 net and Daryle Gregg 74 net.

The winner of the putts was Alan Shatten with 26 putts. Pro pin on the 11th was won by Brett McKnight.

The moos raffle winners were Alan Kuhne and Henry Mueller. The member’s draw was won by Cam Lyons who was not there so it jackpots to next week.

This week’s super 66 winner was Ron Findlay.

Sunday saw our annual Hammos Power Pod four person ambrose event with 110 players braving the wet

weather to play.

The winners for the day were the team of Michael Fowkes, Craig Christie, Steven Evans and Steve Hughes with a net 51.75.

Runners-up were the team of Alex Scholte, Sam Wilson, Matt Olden and Joel Sinclair with a net 54.75.

Best nine out were the team of Peter Wilson, Neil Whitelaw, Gordon Wilson and Rob Gallagher with a net 26.875.

Best nine in were the team of Neil Cavanagh, Dean Burrows, Patrick Arundel and Jack Dell’oro with a net 27.625.

Men’s straightest drive with the power pod was Lee Ferguson. Men’s longest drive with the power pod was Russell Thomas.

Ladies’ straightest drive with the power pod was Tanya Thorson.

Ladies longest drive with the power pod was Sheila Constantine.

Men’s nearest the pin winners were Reno Borg on the eighth and Steve White on the 11th. Ladies nearest the

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

JANUARY Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

11 WED

12 THUR

13 FRI

14 SAT

15 SUN

16 MON

17 TUE

0123 0705 1305 1904

1.50 0.67 1.29 0.26

0203 0747 1355 1945

1.55 0.57 1.35 0.24

0242 0828 1442 2026

1.59 0.48 1.40 0.26

0319 0907 1527 2107

1.60 0.39 1.43 0.29

0355 0947 1613 2150

1.59 0.31 1.45 0.34

0430 1028 1700 2234

1.57 0.25 1.45 0.42

0506 1110 1752 2319

1.54 0.20 1.43 0.50

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

pin winners were Jan Trease on the second and Jan Trease on the 14th.

The golf club would also like to send our condolences to president Will Bullock and his family after the passing of Will’s mother on Saturday night.

The winner of Tuesday’s single stableford event was Russ Evans with 42 points. Balls down the line went to John Mortensen with 41 points. Best nine was won by Wilf Richards with 22 points.

Nearest the pin on the 11th was won by Daryle Gregg. The 4b aggregate winners were Bo Fiek and Otto Vandervorm with 76 points.

The winner of Thursday’s single stableford event was R. Holyroyd with 42 points. Balls down the line went to Matt Olden 37pts, Joel Sinclair 37pts and Rod Matthews with 37 points.

Best nine was Ryan Olden with 22 points. The 4b aggregate winners Henry Mueller and Graeme Revell with 72 points. Nearest the pin on the 14th was won by Bill Pratt.

Mirboo North THERE were 35 starters for the midweek competition on Thursday January 5. The CCR was 71.

A Grade winner was D. Burge (8) 43, B Grade N. Allen (24) 42.

Down the line: N. Whitelaw 41, P. Chapman 40, M. Higginbottom 40, R. Matthews 40.

Birdies: 4th P. Chapman, 6th M. Thompson, M. Fletcher, W. Reynolds, R. Matthews; 13th R. Thompson, 16th D. Burge, R. Pentland.

Forty-two players competed in the monthly competition on Saturday January 7. The CCR was 71.

The day winner was R. Pentland (15) 80/65, B Grade M. Fletcher (21) 87/66.

Down the line: M. Payne 69, R. Matthews 70, R. Thompson, I. Evison, P. Whittaker, G. Watson 71 countback.

Nearest the pin: 6th M. Higginbottom, 13th R. Hoskins, 16th G. Shandley. Pro pin A. Williams.

Birdies: 6th B. Pinner, J. McFarlane; 16th G. Shandley, R. Matthews.

Korumburra SIXTY-SEVEN players attended the monthly medal competition on Saturday January 7.

Trophies: Laurie and Sandra Webster. CCR 69.

Goyne Handicap: D. Gow 66 net.

Parry scratch: T. O’Neill 74 net.

Juniors: T. Marotti 69 net.

A Grade: R. Spokes 66, L Webster 67, T Marotti 69, N. Wardle 70, M. Long 70, M. Wrigley 70, C. Clements 70, T. O’Neill 71.

B Grade: D. Gow 66 net, N Zunneberg 69, I Dixon 70, W. Thomson 70, A. Brocklebank 70.

C Grade: R. Olsen 68, R. Hamill 70, K. Spokes 71, W. Hopkins 71.

Putting: T O’Neill 23 putts, B. Pope 29 putts four way countback, R Olsen 29 putts.

Putting: 1st B. Thomson (hole in one), 7th B Maskell, 10th P Fredericks, 13th T. Marotti.

NAGA D. Van Royen 86 net. P. Dixon Ball.

The Tuesday winner was J. Ozols 40 on countback.

Thursday’s winner was P. VanAgtmaal 44 points.

Buckland’s a golf star FISH Creek’s Chris Buckland is a golfing star in the making.

The junior recently took out a putting challenge at Victorian Golf Open.

The four skill events Chip it, Roll it, Fly it and Rip it were contested by differ-

ent sections, with Chris taking out the 1215 boys Roll It (putting) comfortably.

He beat 19 other competitors to the short-form title.

Chris is a junior member of the Meeniyan Golf Club.

Foster THE fairways are now in peak condition with a bit of run about. The greens are still slow but quite true, and should be fast and perfect in another couple of weeks.

The crazy season has arrived as players welcome the better conditions, and some excellent scores have been returned.

Larry Giddy (19) made a welcome return to form to win easily with +6 on Tuesday, while KevinWitheridge (11) +1 got the balls down the line.

Norm Cooper was the most accurate one.

Gary Clavarino (17) released the hand break and went on to a great round of 44 pts to win in a canter on Thursday. Down the line balls went to Denham Grierson (27) on 40 points, Kevin Witheridge (11), Chris Foulds (30) and Phil Nightingall (18) on 39 points, and Peter Contrill (19) from Morwell on 38 points.

The nearest the pin went to Kevin Flett with a shot a foot away on the 17th.

Chris Foulds fired up to have 23 points and take out the chook on Friday. It took a good score to get a

ball – they went to Bernie Amesreiter 22 points, Gary Phelan 21 points, Andy Johnston and Jamie Freeman on 20 points, and Andrew Naylor on 19 points. The nearest the pin went to Barbara Brittain.

Good to see you back from injury and playing well Barb.

The medal round was played for trophies provided by Robin Taylor on Saturday.

The medal and B Grade were won by ageless marvel Chris Foulds whose hot streak continued with the sizzling score of 92-30-62 net.

A Grade was won

by Noel Black with 736-67, just beating Jamie Freeman.

Both had great rounds of one over par. Noel also beat Jamie on a countback for the best A Grade scratch score. B Grade scratch went to Larry Giddy with 86.

The down the line balls were won by Owen Kindellan 90-23-67, Trevor Jones 97-30-67, Larry Giddy 86-18-68, Jamie Freeman 73-5-68, Norm Cooper 79-11-68 and Geoff Prue 89-20-69.

Noel Black was the best putter with 26 putts.

The nearest the pins went to Lloyd McKenzie (two holes), Rod CoughranLane, Trevor Jones and Larry Giddy.

Robert Fulton scored an eagle on the fifth. The encouragement award went to Clarke Gray with 85 net.

Jocelyn Towns had a day out to win the ladies event with 98-34-64 net, from Gayle Reid with 9931-68. The nearest the pin went to Jenny Johnston.

Murison Skates was not in the clubhouse to collect the $450 cash at the Friday night members draw, so the prize will increase to $500 next week.

You need to be in the clubhouse between 7pm and 8pm to win the cash.

Coming events: Tuesday January 10 stableford; Thursday January 12 - par; Friday January 13 - chicken run - nine holes stableford; Saturday January 14 - stableford - first round of Stig Nelander Trophy; Sunday January 15 Banksia Lodge Charity Day – three ball ambrose (mens, ladies and mixed) .

Junior golf tournament THE South Gippsland Junior Golf committee will hold a Junior tournament next Sunday January 15 at Meeniyan Golf Club.

The tournament is open to junior boys and girls (under 21 years).

Hit-off commences at 9am and concludes at 10am. Entry fee is $5 for all players.

There is also an event for those players without a handicap. The ‘Calloway’ system of handicapping will be used for the players competing without a handicap.

A separate competition will be held for

any parent of a child wishing to play.

Entry forms are available at all South Gippsland Golf Clubs or via the district website at www.southgippslandgolf.org. au then click on the ‘junior golf’ link.

Entries can then be forwarded to Mr Craig Buckland c/o Meeniyan Golf Club PO Box 10, Meeniyan, 3956.

Telephone 5664 7490. Clubs and Junior Liaison Officers are encouraged to get as many juniors to play in these type of events, as this is where junior golfers gain valuable experience in playing competition golf.

Woorayl LAST Saturday we played a stoke event sponsored by the ever popular Opal Motel.

A Grade went to Tim Burgess with a net 68. Ty Hogan’s net 64 was the best score of the day and accounted for B Grade. Don Perrett won C Grade on countback with his net 66.

Balls went to D. Dwyer, P. Wallace, I. Atcheson, B. Thomas, G, Fixter, B. Challis, K. Riseley, I. Smith and J. Hickey. The nearest the pins went to Ian Balfour and Tony Johnston.

The ladies event saw Marg Tuckett win on a countback with her net 69. Balls went

to M. Martin and S. Thomas. The nearest the pins were won by Sue Wakefield and Marg Harris.

Our New Year’s Day event sponsored by the club was won by Mark Carruthers with 43 points and balls going to C. Verboon and J. Hassett.

The Thursday event was won by John Diaper his 42 points winning on a countback with balls going to C. Hall and T. Hogan.

Next Saturday will be a par event sponsored by one of our club’s stalwarts Frank Schwarz.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 53

Bowls reports Leongatha

HAPPY New Year to all and we are back in business with the weekly Leongatha Bowls report. First some late 2011 results from the seasons break and the club’s social bowls.

December 28 - saw 18 players in a triples social match take to the greens with the winners being G. Drury with J. Pendergast and S. Symons on two wins plus 28 while the runners-up were R. Trotman, G. Emmerson and Lyn McIntyre with two wins plus 13.

December 31 - a small field took to the greens for a pairs event with the winners being Ray McGannon and F. Sauvarin on two wins plus nine and a tie for runners- up between J. Kuiper and E. McIntyre and Ellie McIntrye, and Tas Haywood both with a win and a loss.

Into the 2012 year and January 4 saw 18 players take to the greens in another triples event. The winners were G. Drury O. Crouch and Stan Holch with three wins plus 17 while the runners-up were E. Thompson, B. Thompson and Mike Carnell also with three wins plus seven.

Saturday January 7 - in warm and muggy conditions saw 26 players in a two bowls triple event with the winners being John Turner, Tas

Haywood with Lyne McIntyre with two wins plus 16 and the runners up being Mark Coulter and Glenice Emmerson with two wins plus 15.

Friday January 6 - was the first of the 2012 year’s Kitty Club teas and some 70 persons were present and enjoyed as usual. A very nice tea presented by chef Ron Hutton and his team and also some very happy winners of MC John O’Connor’s raffle’s prizes. One of the top business bowls teams took on Col Watt and two of the Division one players Harry Forrester and Bill Fisher in a challenge to a game of triples, a game that would have delighted many as the tradies really tested the Leongatha side with some very excellent bowling that had Col and team having to call on plan b and emerged finally as the winners.

The tradies have issued another challenge on the greens prior to the next Kitty club tea on the first Friday night in February.

Reminders: ladies pennant resumes January 10 with Division 2 away to Wonthaggi and Division 3 away to San Remo.

Men’s pennant resumes on January 21 with Division 1 away to Foster and Division 2 at home to San

Remo while Divison 4 travel to San Remo.

Friday January 13 will see the ladies president invitation day in action at Leongatha.

Sunday January 8 saw the Rod Nicholson memorial pairs in action with all rinks filled and prize money of $1000 to be won on the day.

Winners of 2012 Rod Nicholson memorial pairs were Ray McGannon - John Hall Leongatha, second prize went to the pair of Ken Webb - Rob Spooner Wonthaggi, third prize went to the pair of Paul Angus - Darki Mon Bulk, fourth prize went to the pair of Trish McCormackJack Kuiper Leongatha.

Best last game winners were the pair of Harry Forrester - John Turner Leongatha.

Sincere thanks goes to the club organising committee and to our ladies catering staff and bar staff for their efforts.

Finally a reminder to Leongatha members the cleaning roster for February and March have been issued and if you have been rostered then check the board room table for your roster. Until next report.

Good Bowling - Jackhigh.

Meeniyan THE past couple of weeks have been very busy with the completion of major club events and then moving on to the division.

Our ladies singles champion for this season is once again Marj Pearson who defeated Barbara Grant. Marj went on to the division event where she was again runner-up.

A great effort! Leonie Hanks and Fae Taylor were our pairs winners against Annie Maruzza and Barbara Dyke.

Our mens champion Max Brown playing wonderful draw bowls against some very strong opposition has made it through to the final. We wish him well at Toora on Sunday January 15 against the Lang Lang representative, com-

mencing time 12.30pm.

Alan Hanks and Paul Holmes defeated Rod Jackson and John Cocking for the club pairs title.

The first two rounds of the divsion will be played at Korumburra on Saturday January 14 with the semi and final at Toora on the Sunday.

Thursday January 5 was our monthly triples which was sponsored by Toora Bendigo Community Bank and Foster Bendigo Branch. Locals Paul Buckner, Paul Holmes and Ron Gloster were the only three game winners.

Runners-up were George Kirk, Kane Horvath and Malcolm Ellis (Foster) with two wins and a draw.

Friday January 6 was the ladies tournament which was played in

ideal conditions and was sponsored

by Kelvin Johns Retravision.

Winners were Wonthaggi with three wins. Runners-up were Foster with two wins and a draw. The best last game went to Inverloch.

Thanks to Russ Thorson for the roses.

Tuesday pennant resumed this week with Section One home to Foster and Threes away to Tarwin Lower in the last three rounds for the pennant season.

Lists and dates are up for men’s handicap, B Grade and hundred up.

Saturday pennant resumes on January 21 with the final three rounds.

To complete a very busy couple of weeks corporate bowls triples began on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Inverloch

THERE was no social bowls last Thursday due to our green being used for an association event.

On Saturday 36 players enjoyed a mixed three bowl triples afternoon. At the end of play there were two three game winners.

The winners with 38 points were Barry Rowe a visitor from Bairnsdale as skip with Maurie Cargill (2nd) and Rob Dowling (ld).

Runners- up with 35 points were Pam Lawson (sk), Ron Kee (2nd) Sue Nation (ld).

The other two game winner was Jack Miller (sk) Veronica Muir

Tarwin Lower TWILIGHT Bowls recommenced on Friday with 12 bowlers. The winners on the night were Craig, Trevor and Tom. Twenty-one then sat down for a delicious meal served by the ladies. Barefoot bowls recommences this Tuesday January 10.

CERT will be conducting an instruction session on the use of our defibrillator on Sunday January 15 at 10am. All interested members should attend this informative session.

(2nd) and Don Oates (ld).

When this copy was written next Saturday’s bowls format had not been decided but it is pretty sure to be a pennant practice fours.

Its is hoped there will be a good turnout with the important final three home and away rounds of the pennant season to be played.

Divison one and Division three both sit second on the ladders and with only three rounds to go should both figure in the finals.

Division one play Korumburra, Phillip Island and Leongatha who are in the four.

Spectacular: Wonthaggi’s Madeline Chalmers was one of the best performers during the event.

Ponies meet at Wonthaggi WONTHAGGI Pony Club held its annual three day summer riding camp at its South Dudley grounds last week.

What a huge success it turned out to be. The grounds were a vision of horses, ponies, floats, yards, jumps, tents, caravans, trucks and of course children and their parents.

The camp has been run for many years by the club, and with its popularity and reputation for being a well run and organised camp, it was fully booked out two months prior to the event being held, with a waiting list for those hopeful of being able to attend.

The camp is training-based and non competitive, which makes it an ideal opportunity for riders to develop a partnership with their horse without any pressure to win.

The club sources a variety of qualified instructors in four different disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, cross country and games, who cater for all levels of riders with the aim of improv-

To see if they can remain in the top two and get the vital second chance should they lose the semifinal.

The same goes for Divison three who have to play Korumburra Maroon away, Corinella also away and Foster at home.

In the match against Corinella, the top team will be a big test at Corinella.

Our Division 2-4 and five divisons each have a big job in front of them to get off the bottom of their ladders to survive relegation.

Below Big leap: Jasmin Hamilton rides Coniston Admiration as she leaps the bar.

Loch and District THIS year our Club Champion is Charlie Hodge. Our Ladies Champion is Angie Miller.

Our New Year tournament was held over January 6 and 7. Sunday was washed out due to heavy rain in the morning. Friday was two bowl triples sponsored by T W Plastering.

Four games were played and won by the Korumburra team of P. Goad, G. Hams and G. Fields.

Runners-up were Leongatha’s G. Trotman, R. Trotman and I. Todd. Best last game went to Cranbourne’s J. Bighold, G. Wilson and M. Whittaker.

Saturday’s three bowl triples was sponsored by Mortloch Limousins.

Three games were played and won by the Karingal team of R. Seihg, J. Bighold and M. Whittaker.

Runners-up were Meeniyan’s L. Butterworth, K. Pocklington and M. Brown.

Best last game was won by Mordiallic team of A. Mort, K. McGowan and G. Dickenson.

Sunday was called off due to overnight rain and another 13mm falling between 9.45 and 10.30am.

Twilight bowls will be on again on Wednesday January 11.

ing their skills whilst having fun over the three days in a safe and controlled environment. The camp also offers a wonderful opportunity for the children and their parents to meet and socialise with likeminded people from all areas of Victoria such as Shepparton, Macclesfield, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Moe as well as local clubs.

Those who attended the camp had nothing but praise for the event and the wonderful facilities at the grounds, which is an absolute credit to all the very hard working members and volunteers of the Wonthaggi Pony Club, as running an event such as this requires an enormous amount of time and effort which is all done on a voluntary basis.

New members are always very welcome to join the club, contact details can be found on the club’s website at www. wonthaggi.ponyclubvic.org.au.

The club’s next event will be a Dressage and Combined Training Day which will be open to all Pony Club members as well as Open Riders to be held on March 25, 2012.

Doing well: Madeline Chalmers rides Sharinga Jubilant in a show jumping lesson.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Summer angling competition VENUS Bay Angling Club held their first competition for 2012 on January 6, 7 and 8.

Results: Seniors 1st Bill Gilliam, Flathead 1880g 2nd Con Pavlidis, Trevally 880g 3rd John Blezard, Trevally 840g Juniors 1st Thomas Grech, Mullet 220g

Club AGM On the Saturday evening our club held its annual AGM at the Venus Bay Community Centre.

After a mouth watering barbecue, accompanied by some delicious salads, and desserts, the AGM got underway.

We would like to thank the outgoing committee members for giving up their time, and their commitment to our club for the past year. Special thanks to Gary Young, Ian McIntyre and Doug Grigg who have all stepped down from their positions and won’t be returning for 2012.

Our new committee for the 2012 competition year are president Anne McIntyre, vice president Nick Lujic,

secretary John Graham, treasurer John Blezard and general committee members Terry Shelly, Tony Swinden and Chris Anstice.

Thanks to all of you for putting your hand up when it counted, and I look forward to what 2012 will hold for our club.

For more info about our club, please email me at mail@venusbayanglingclub.org.au, visit us on the web at www.venusbayanglingclub.org.au or you can now find us on Facebook; search Venus Bay Angling Club.

New fishing guide released THE 2012 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide has been released and includes important new information about catch limits, closed seasons and permitted equipment.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said more than 300,000 guides had been printed to help Victoria’s recreational anglers fish sustainably.

Mr Walsh said recreational fishing licence fees had funded the guide and other educational products such as plastic measures for

abalone, rock lobster and freshwater spiny crayfish.

The 2012 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide outlines rules that currently apply and new rules introduced since the last edition, including: • removal of the daily bag limit for redfin, which can now be taken in unlimited numbers from lakes and rivers; • the removal of the 120cm slot limit for southern bluefin, yellowfin and big eye tuna; • the requirement to land albacore, southern bluefin, yellowfin and big eye tuna in whole form; • prohibition on the take of blue

Big catch: Phil Nebel reeled in this big catch during his time off in December.

groper; and • seasonal dates for the take of abalone from central Victorian marine waters.

“Recreational fishers are encouraged to read the new fishing guide so they are fully aware of the rules for their target species,” Mr Walsh said.

“We have also added new maps and more fish illustrations to help anglers understand important rules.”

Guides are available free from Department of Primary Industries regional offices, selected tourism outlets and 900 recreational fishing licence sellers throughout Victoria.

It can be viewed online at www. dpi.vic.gov.au/fishingguide.

Woolamai a huge success THE sight of clear skies was a relief to those in charge of the Woolamai Racing Club’s picnic races on Sunday.

The event went off without a hitch, and attracted a large crowd along to the event.

The club’s last picnic race day was

cancelled due to poor weather, with rain bucketing down during the day.

Overnight rain threatened again, but all six of the races were run.

The fun of the day: Pockets the Clown knocked up this hat for little Sydney Callanan, who was with mother Carolyn.

Close finish: it may look here as if number seven Taku Hally took out race three, but indeed the winner was number one Jacky Boy.

Got it: Vixenite narrowly beats home Just Jordie in race two.

Great ride: Adam Bodey relaxes after taking Jacky Boy to victory in Race 3.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 55

Big five days for LDCA JUNIOR Country week was held at Warragul over the past week for the Under 14s and 15s, with five days of excellent cricket.

The first two days, Monday and Tuesday were very hot, with some rain on Wednesday morning.

There was some excellent cricket played over the week and the future of Gippsland Cricket is good judging by the very high standard of talent.

Twenty-eight of these boys go to Melbourne Carnival from January 16 to 20.

One of the highlights was the excellent cricket played by two girls in the competition, namely Chelsea Moscript from Leongatha and Sophie Molineux from Bairnsdale.

Sophie was selected for Australian Under 15s and Chelsea just missed selection for Victorian Under 18s at 16 years of age.

Leongatha won two games in Under 14s and two in Under 15s, with Bairnsdale winning the Under 15s and Sale-Maffra the Under 14s.

Both teams were competitive and with a little bit of luck could have won a couple more games.

The Under 15 title went down to the last day but the Under 14s was all over by Thursday, with the bigger Sale-Maffra boys winning all five games for the week.

Under 14s Day 1 LDCA v Central Gippsland played at Bellbird Park Drouin.

Central Gippsland won the toss and batted and

with an opening partnership of 43 it could have been a long hot day, but Central Gippsland collapsed to be all out for 90 off 40 overs. Leongatha batted in hot conditions and reached the score in 18 overs. Due to the hot conditions play stopped on passing Central’s score.

Day 2 LDCA v Sale Maffra at Buln Buln Primary School.

Leongatha won the toss and batted in hot conditions on a slow ground, which made it hard for our boys who did not have the physical size of some of the Sale- Maffra boys.

After their 40 overs they were 7/89, a good score considering the slow ground.

Sale-Maffra got on top early and finshed with 9/172 off 40 overs.

Day 3 LDCA v Bairnsdale at Bunyip Leongatha won the toss and batted against a lively attack. They finished with 7/115 off 40 overs.

Bairnsdale’s batting started well, but lost its last six wickets for 26 to be all out 88.

Day 4 LDCA v Warragul at Bunyip Leongatha won the toss and batted. They faced a steady flow of wickets to be all out for 95 in the last over.

Warragul made the runs in the final over, snatching three runs to steal victory. They finished with 9/96 Day 5 Leongatha v Traralgon at Bellbird Park Drouin Some very tired boys lined up for game five against Traralgon, Leongatha won the toss and

batted. The boys collapsed to be all out for 59 off 26 overs. Traralgon’s reply saw them score 3/170.

Not the best note to finish on, but a great effort over the week in tough conditions by the boys who showed off the talent we have.

Tom Officer and Jason Riley finished with nine wickets each for the week and will be selected for the Carnival Gippsland team, and Kevin McGavin 124 runs was second on the run aggregate and will be selected for the Carnival Gippsland team.

It was also a great effort by Geoff Forrester, Gary Sauvarin, Stuart Jenkin and Steve Brann who coached and scored.

Under 15s Day 1 v Central Gippsland at Hallora Turf Leongatha won the toss and sent Central in and had them all out for 124. A total of 34 sundries was a concern, especially 12 wides, 6 no balls and 13 byes.

Leongatha batted in hot conditions and eventually got over the line at 8/125.

Day 2 v Sale Maffra at Buln Buln ground (synthetic pitch) The ground was slow and Sale Maffra won the toss and sent Leongatha in. Suddenly Leongatha were 5 for 10 off 9 overs. They recovered eventually to be all out for 118.

Sale-Maffra managed to creep home with a score of 9/129.

Day 3 v Bairnsdale at Western Park Turf The game started 90 minutes late due to some

early morning rain. Bairnsdale won the toss and batted. They were all out for 113.

Leongatha had less luck, all out for 88.

Day 4 v Warragul at Longwarry Synthetic Warragul won the toss and sent Leongatha in, which saw them post a very good 7/154.

Warragul finished with 8/178. Thirty extras; 19 wides and six no balls the main contributors. The margin was 24 runs, extras probably the difference.

Day 5 v Traralgon at Hallora Turf With Traralgon in the running for the title it was to be a hard fought match. Leongatha won the toss and sent Traralgon in. They scored 173 from their 39 overs. Sundries were again high with 21, including 16 wides.

Leongatha had a show as the ground was quick, but the boys fell just short.

Two wins for the week and a couple of chances. Jakeb Thomas (nine wickets and 149 runs) was a great contributor, while Daniel Turton, Chelsea Moscript, Nathan Brayley and Blake Moscript probably batted best outside of Jakeb.

Lachie Wright bowled consistently, with most bowlers taking a few wickets. Fielding was good, with Chelsea the standout in the field.

Thanks to Jim Dalmau, Matt Pickersgill and Clint Honeysett who worked hard to get the team into shape and thanks to Russ Thomas the bus driver/scorer and Michael Turton (scorer).

Next year Country Week is being held at Sale-Maffra with a chance the Under 14s may be played on turf.

Four represent Gippsland FOUR local cricketers will play for the Gippsland Pride this week in a four day tournament.

Alex Manteit (Phillip Island) will be captain of the team and will play alongside Phillip Island teammate Eli Richards, Wonthaggi Miners’ Ben Foon and OMK’s

Tom Wyatt.

Day one will be a Twenty20 match at Frankston, with days two and three being 50 over matches at Albert Ground and Princes Park.

Thursday’s match format is still to be announced.

GCL cricket side announced The match will be played at Inverloch on Sunday January 15.

Tim Wightman - Nerrena (captain), Gavin Britt - Workmens, Daniel Lloyd - OMK, Barry Wyatt - OMK, Greg Pick-

les - OMK, Alan Jenkins - Poowong/ Loch, Ryan Thomas - Workmens, Dylan Clark - Inverloch, Matt Johnson - Miners, Ryan B. Thomas - Inverloch, Mitch Clark - Nerrena, Eli Richards - Phillip Island.

Players are to meet at Inverloch turf at 9.15am sharp. If unavailable, contact Gary Sauvarin 0407 343 204 or Kristian Gray 0439 825 168.

Bulldogs back on track

South Gippsland Bridge

THE Leongatha Senior GCL representative side for the Round Four match against Traralgon has been announced.

THE Korumburra-Bena Football Club will be back to training on January 16, with the club still looking for more players.

On the ’G: Leongatha Town Cricket Club stalwart Nathan Johnston with fellow Town cricketers. The juniors got their chance to grace the MCG on Boxing Day. The kids are Jonathan Bishop, Anton Shields, Josh Goff, Patrick Johnston, Toby Gale, Josh Allen, Will Davies, Jack Wightman, Alex O’Brien and Will Croatto.

Those who wish to play should contact senior coach Peter Helms on 0467 581 134.

All new players welcome.

Inverloch – Friday - North/South: 1st Alex Czapnik, Damien Czapnik, 2nd Jack Kuiper, Jean Barbour and John Farr, Anne Williams, 4th Phillip and Neville Chapman.

East/West: 1st Alan Johnston, John Sullivan, 2nd Clive Hope, Frank Arndt, 3rd Greg Nicholson, Moya Crowley, 4th Paul and Janet Hill.

’Gatha’s young cricketers grace hallowed turf EMERGING young Leongatha cricketers experienced the highlight of their short cricketing careers when they represented the Leongatha Town Cricket Club in a Milo cricket on-field demonstration at the MCG on Boxing Day. The Leongatha cricketers joined fellow participants from around Victoria in practicing their skills during the lunch break of the Boxing Day Vodafone Test between Australia and India.

The emphasis of the cricket program is on fun and involvement for

children aged 5 -10 years.

Participants are involved in a structured six to 12 week program, which provides them with the opportunity to develop cricket skills, physical fitness, social skills, sportsmanship and an understanding of the wonderful game of cricket.

On top of that everyone receives an exciting starter pack exclusive to the program including: a bat, a ball, a t-shirt, a bucket hat, a backpack, Milo products and much more.

Speaking at the MILO in2CRICKET program launch earlier this year, Australian captain, and MILO ambassador, Michael Clarke declared

the demonstrations a fantastic experience for the young boys and girls.

Clarke is the first Milo cricket program graduate to be selected for the Australian team and he harbours fond memories from his own time spent in the program.

“I remember the first time that I got to play on the SCG as a kid and it was a massive thrill,” he said.

“It’s become a great tradition to have the energetic kids practising their skills and experiencing the big stage during the lunch breaks and it’s fantastic to see MILO and Cricket Australia continuing to give this amazing opportunity to the young boys and girls.”

No run out here: Fish Creek/Tarwin’s Shane Rabbitt makes it back to his crease before this throw hits the stumps.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

• B GRADE DIVISION 1

OMK no match for Island PHILLIP Island has got themselves off to a strong start in 2012, knocking off OMK by 53 runs at Cowes.

Liam Keating scored a fine 62 as his team powered to 4/157 from their 40 overs.

OMK’s chase never got going and as wickets continued to tumble they saw themselves all out for 104.

Wonthaggi Workmens have kept themselves on top of the ladder with a good win over their rivals the Miners.

Skipper Dave Dutchman led the way with a half century. He was well supported by David Turton (28) and Sam Huitema (24).

The Miners looked as if they may threaten the Workers score after a good start from Cam Thomas (40) and Clint Honeysett (33), but it wasn’t to be, despite a good finish from Neil Waters (39).

Inverloch were too good for the Imps, winning their clash by 12 runs.

The Stingrays batted first and made 156, which always looked to be good enough, but a steady flow of runs certainly kept the heat in the match.

The Imps were eventually bowled out in the 36th over.

In the last game played, a big score from Nerrena opener Lachie Roberts

(62) wasn’t enough to see his side home.

Glen Alvie responded to the Red Caps 6/192 by scoring 206 thanks to a half century from Ray Slade.

Details GLEN ALVIE v NERRENA 1st innings Nerrena L. Roberts c. D. Gilbert b. J. Wheeler.........................62 T. Clark c. A. Hamilton b. L. McRae............................8 T. Trotman b. A. McBride ........12 D. Trotman b. J. Wheeler ...........3 C. Baudinette r.o. .....................47 A. Harrison c. D. Wylie b. J. Wheeler...........................0 L. Jongebloed n.o. ....................33 B. Croatto n.o. ............................1 Extras .......................................27 Total .............................(cc) 6/192 Bowling: A. McBride 1/29, S. Nippers 0/30, D. Gilbert 0/12, L. McRae 1/28, R. Ould 0/44, J. Wheeler 3/23, M. Hull 0/20.

1st innings Glen Alvie A. Hamilton lbw. b. B. Croatto .........................19 R. Slade r.o. ..............................50 M. Hull lbw. b. J. Hoy ..............22 D. Gilbert b. D. Trotman ............1 D. Wylie c&b. T. Clark ............27 D. Leach c. B. Croatto b. T. Clark.............................34 J. Wheeler b. B. Croatto ...........16 S. Nippers c&b. B. Croatto ........2 A. McBride n.o. .........................9 R. Ould n.o. ................................8 Extras ....................................... 11 Total ....................................8/206 Bowling: B. Croatto 3/22, T. Lawrence 0/39, J. Hoy 1/40, D. Trotman 1/31, L. Roberts 0/13, T. Clark 2/57.

INVERLOCH v IMPERIALS 1st innings Inverloch A. Rigby c. J. Forrester b. B. Maskell ........................15 S. Brayley c. D. Johnson b. S. McLennan ....................33 D. Ruffin b. G. Forrester ..........14 J. Dennerley c. A. Pellin b. R. Higgins ..........................9 N. Brayley c. R. Higgins b. D. Johnson........................12 W. Holmes c. G. Forrester

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments EVANS PETROLEUM Round 10 - January 14 Home team Grade A1 Glen Alvie (Played Jan 8) Inverloch Won Workmens Korumburra Grade A2 Phillip Island Fish Ck-Tarwin Koonwarra-RSL Foster

Away Team

Ground

Umpire

v Won Miners

W Turf

v Nerrena v Imperials v OMK

I Turf McM Kor

K. Lester G. Laird A. Jordan T. Rogers C. Salmon

v v v v

MDU Kilcunda-Bass Poowong-Loch Leongatha Town

Cowes FC Turf L Turf FGC

M. Heenan B. Bek L. White J. Lea

Nerrena Imperials OMK Won Miners

v Inverloch v Won Workmens v Glen Alvie v Phillip Island

Nerrena LSC E Outtrim Dalys

S.Lanyon B. Thomas D. Brown P. Absolon

Grade B2 MDU Kilcunda-Bass Poowong-Loch Leongatha Town

v v v v

Dumbalk Bass 2 Loch LSC W

N,A A. Stride A. Roberts N.A

Korumburra Fish Ck-Tarwin Koonwarra-RSL OMK

Grade C1 Inverloch v Won Miners Inverloch M. Wishart Korumburra v Nerrena K.S.C N.A. Won Workmens v Leongatha Town Dayls B. Allan NHaven Phillip Island v Kilcunda-Bass N.A N.A v Won Workmens v Foster v OMK v Imperials v Phillip Island Bye

Meeniyan N.A. T.B.A N.A. Glen Alvie N.A Poow N.A. Koon N.A

M. Francis lbw. b. M. Maguire ........................0 P. Colla c. D. Lloyd b. K. Kerr .............................17 M. Manteit n.o..........................36 R. Cleeland ret. hurt .................29 J. Blackwell c. C. Maguire b. M. Hems.............................1 P. Francis n.o. .............................1 Extras .......................................12 Total .............................(cc) 4/157 Bowling: B. Maguire 1/12, J. Cockrane 0/16, P. Green 0/12, D. Lloyd 0/30, R. White 0/20, K. Kerr 1/20, D. Jeffries 1/11, M. Hems 1/21, P. Lloyd 0/13.

WONTHAGGI WORKMENS v WONTHAGGI MINERS 1st innings Wonthaggi Workmens S. Huitema lbw. b. C. Honeysett.....................24 D. Dutchman c. R. Birkett b. C. Thomas ........................54 D. Britt c. C. Thomas b. T. Hamilton ...................... 11 A. Yann c. N. Waters b. P. Owen ..............................8 D. Turton c. C. Waters b. C. Honeysett.....................28 A. Lang c. C. Honeysett b. P. Owen ............................16 A. McLean lbw. b. J. Armstrong .....................22 S. Williams n.o. ........................16 Extras .......................................17 Total .............................(cc) 7/196 Bowling: J. Armstrong 1/35, C. Waters 0/33, C. Honeysett 2/49, T. Hamilton 1/21, P. Owen 2/23, C. Thomas 1/25.

1st innings Wonthaggi Miners C. Thomas c. J. Sheerin b. A. Lang.............................40 R. Birkett c. D. Britt b. A. Yann .............................18 C. Honeysett stp. J. Sheerin b. L. McLean ........................33 P. Hammer c&b. L. McLean ......8 W. Howson r.o. ...........................1 N. Waters c. b. S. Williams .......................39 J. Armstrong n.o. ......................29 P. Cornelis n.o. ...........................5 Extras .........................................8 Total ....................................6/181 Bowling: S. Williams 1/25, A. Yann 1/27, S. Coldabella 0/34, A. McLean 0/13, A. Lang 1/44, L. McLean 2/33.

C Grade results Division 1 Inverloch 9/100 (I. Smith 43, D. Petrie 3/1) v Kilcunda-Bass 105 (T. Stacey-Van Steensel 28, I. Smith 2/22).

Wonthaggi Workmens 9/189 (S. Morison 73, A. Johnson 2/19) v Wonthaggi Miners 9/214 (T. Latham 90, R. Geyer 2/3).

Town 7/192 (B. Graham 36, S. Hall 3/38) Korumburra 124 (G. Barrett 32, J. Schelling 6/29).

Phillip Island 198 (J. Johnston 80, W. Telfer 4/19) v Nerrena 7/161 (W. Telfer 53, J. Johnston 5/20).

Division 2 MDU Red 5/201 (P. Rob-

Grade B1

Grade C2 MDU Blue MDU Red Glen Alvie Poowong-Loch Koonwarra-RSL Kilcunda-Bass

b. D. Johnson..........................9 A. Brayley c. S. McLennan b. G. Forrester ........................4 J. Griffiths c. A. Pellin b. J. Forrester........................26 J.P. Dalmau b. N. Slater ........... 11 J.A. Dalmau n.o. ........................6 A. Hall r.o...................................7 Extras .......................................10 Total .......................................156 Bowling: N. Eddy 0/39, S. McLennan 1/18, B. Maskell 1/28, R. Higgins 1/15, G. Forrester 2/24, D. Johnson 2/10, J. Forrester 1/12, N. Slater 1/8.

1st innings Imperials L. Ballagh r.o............................10 N. Eddy c. ................................20 J. Forrester c. ..............................0 N. Slater b. ...............................20 A. Pellin c...................................4 H. Browne b. .............................0 S. McLennan c. .......................17 B. Maskell lbw. ........................21 R. Higgins c. ............................18 D. Johnson n.o..........................10 G. Forrester r.o. ..........................5 Extras .......................................19 Total .......................................144 Bowling: J.A. Dalmau 2/22, J.P. Dalmau 1/32, A. Hall 3/31, J. Griffiths 1/16, D. Ruffin 0/18, W. Holmes 1/16, J. Dennerley 0/4.

PHILLIP ISLAND v OMK 1st innings OMK K. Kerr r.o. (M. Manteit)............8 R. White c. M. Manteit b. M. Francis ..........................3 P. Harper r.o. (J. Blackwell) .....15 D. Lloyd lbw. b. R. Cleeland.......................19 D. Jeffries c. R. Cleeland b. B. Young.............................9 B. Maguire r.o.

(N. Niven, M. Francis) ...........7 C. Maguire c. M. Manteit b. R. Cleeland.......................12 M. Hems b. R. Cleeland .............7 P. Lloyd c. B. Young b. M. Francis ........................10 J. Cochrane n.o...........................2 P. Green r.o. (J. Sorarti) ..............0 Extras .......................................12 Total .......................................104 Bowling: S. Niven 0/15, M. Francis 2/14, J. Blackwell 0/10, P. Cleeland 0/12, B. Young 1/13, R. Cleeland 3/13, P. Francis 0/20.

1st innings Phillip Island L. Keating c. P. Harper b. D. Jeffries .........................62

inson 41, R. Bolding 2/30) v Glen Alvie 106 (S. Singh 21, D. Tuckett 2/18, N. Hill 4/5).

MDU Blue 4/185 (R. Carvill 46, D. Hughes 1/14) v Poowong-Loch 8/108 (S. Dunlop 45, G. Attenborough 3/25).

Foster 9/150 (A. Youl 37, D. Wylie 3/30, L. Wilson 3/30) v OMK 5/177 (D. Wylie 46, G. Prain 2/32).

Kilcunda-Bass 138 (G. Burchell 71, Z. Price 3/30) v Imperials 4/273 (T. Cashin 95, A. Blackney 1/15).

Koonwarra-RSL 7/164 (M. Green 53, D. Beaumont 2/15) v Won Workmens 91 (D. Beaumont 35, M. Clarke 5/28).

LDCA ladders A Grade Division 1 Won Workmens ............... 112.77 Korumburra ....................108.31 Won Miners .......................91.82 Inverloch ............................88.54 Nerrena ................................ 83.11 Imperials .............................72.04 OMK ...................................69.91 Glen Alvie ...........................35.42 A Grade Division 2 MDU ................................. 114.17 Phillip Island....................105.70 Kilcunda-Bass....................96.30 Poowong-Loch ...................82.33 Koonwarra RSL ..................80.39 Fish Creek-Tarwin...............69.61 Town....................................60.66 Foster...................................28.23 B Grade Division 1 Won Workmens ...............120.57 Inverloch .......................... 110.93 Phillip Island......................92.73 OMK...................................85.34 Nerrena ................................69.24 Won Miners ......................... 69.11 Glen Alvie ...........................67.76 Imperials .............................32.67 B Grade Division 2 Korumburra .................... 112.06

MDU ................................. 111.19 OMK................................. 110.45 Kilcunda-Bass....................94.56 Town....................................68.44 Fish Creek-Tarwin...............60.97 Koonwarra RSL ..................48.92 Poowong-Loch ....................33.20 C Grade Division 1 Won Workmens ...............105.91 Won Miners .......................97.60 Inverloch ............................93.40 Kilcunda-Bass....................85.36 Town....................................70.40 Nerrena ................................65.25 Phillip Island .......................62.46 Korumburra .........................44.42 C Grade Division 2 Imperials .......................... 118.66 OMK................................. 116.98 Phillip Island......................98.82 Koonwarra RSL ................91.66 MDURed ............................89.28 Foster...................................61.93 Glen Alvie ...........................52.41 Won Workmens ................... 52.11 Kilcunda-Bass .....................47.03 MDU Blue...........................35.75 Poowong-Loch ....................22.48 Town......................................0.00

Cutting mad: Eamon Charles cuts on his way to 51 not out on the weekend.

Photo by Mark Drury.

• B GRADE DIVISION 2

Town bowlers destroy Fishy LEONGATHA Town has put in a performance for the record books, knocking over Fish Creek-Tarwin for just 35.

Warren Turner returned amazing figures of 4/3 from eight overs, including six maidens.

Turner was supported well by youngsters Sam Clark (3/14) and Davern Goss (3/4).

Andrew Hamilton top scored with 14 not out, while the next best was six. Six ducks were recorded in the innings.

A score of 84 from Korumburra youngster Keanu Miller saw his side home easily against PoowongLoch.

He was eventually bowled just short of scoring the century, but his side went on to record 7/221.

Poowong-Loch’s response of 7/152 never threatened the Cobras hopes of victory.

Just as they did in A Grade, Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL played out a thriller against KilcundaBass.

And again it was Killy out on top, winning by four runs.

Koony batted first and scored 196, thanks mainly to a fine half century from Eamon Charles.

But the Killy response was too strong, with a Jaydan Tregear half century leading his side home.

Another close game was played between MDU and OMK, with the Demons taking home the chocolates.

OMK batted first and reached 9/135, no thanks to a brilliant bowling performance from Brett Spokes who took 5/16.

He also backed it up with the bat, top scoring with 35 as his team scored 145.

Details KOONWARRA-RSL v KILCUNDA-BASS 1st innings Koonwarra-RSL A. Dalby c. b. Masinovic.........................12

C. Moscript c. b. R. Duff ............................. 11 D. Pearce c. b. H. Grace ...........................32 A. Thorne c. b. H. Grace .............................8 K. Thorne c. D. Masinovic b. B. Nicholls .........................7 E. Charles n.o. ..........................51 M. Hardy c. b. B. Jones ............................23 S. Turner c. b. D. O’Neill ........................38 Extras .......................................14 Total .............................(cc) 7/196 Bowling: D. Masinovic 1/19, R. Duff 1/26, B. Nicholls 1/26, H. Grace 2/34, B. Jones 1/24, S. Blake 0/38, D. O’Neill 0/23.

1st innings Kilcunda-Bass T. Aplin c. D. Pearce b. A. Dalby ...........................32 D. Clay c. E. Charles b. S. Paterson........................10 J. Tregear c. b. A. Thorne .........................59 H. Grace b. S. Turner .................9 S. Blake r.o. ..............................39 R. Gardiner r.o............................4 R. Duff n.o. ................................7 D. Masinovic r.o. .....................27 D. O’Neill b. A. Thorne .............0 B. Jones n.o. ...............................2 Extras ....................................... 11 Total .............................(cc) 8/200 Bowling: S. Paterson 1/27, A. Dalby 1/36, S. Turner 1/21, A. Thorne 2/40, D. Pearce 0/50, J. Pickersgill 0/17.

FISH CREEK-TARWIN v TOWN 1st innings Fish Creek-Tarwin C. Fisher c. D. Goss b. W. Turner............................0 J. Spokes b. W. Turner ...............5 J. Pouw c. J. Bolge b. W. Turner............................0 J. Hibberd lbw. b. S. Clark ..............................6 M. Bright c. K. Fleming b. S. Clark ..............................1 T. Smith b. W. Turner .................0 A. Hamilton n.o........................14 M. Van Boven b. D. Goss...........0 G. Buckland c. J. Schelling b. D. Goss...............................0 T. Stybosh c. W. Turner b. D. Goss...............................5 M. McGannon b. S. Clark ..........0 Extras .........................................4 Total .........................................35 Bowling: W. Turner 4/3, S. Clark 3/14, J. Bolge 0/12, D. Goss 3/4.

1st innings Town B. Moore c. J. Hibberd b. M. Van Boven ..................47 K. Fleming c. T. Smith b. J. Hibberd ...........................3 W. Turner lbw. ..........................31 J. Hume c. b. M. Van Boven ..................27 J. Bolge n.o. ...............................7 M. Warren c. M. Bright b. M. Van Boven ....................1 S. Clark n.o. ...............................0 Extras .......................................24 Total .............................(cc) 5/140 Bowling: J. Pouw 0/16, J. Hibberd 1/5, A. Hamilton 0/25, G. Buckland 0/3, T. Stybosh 0/16, T. Smith 0/12, M. McGannon 0/21, J. Spokes 1/15, M. Van Boven 3/16.

OMK v MDU 1st innings OMK

G. Lomagno r.o. .........................2 P. Miller c. C. Harris b. K. Sinclair ........................37 C. O’Brien c. D. Jones b. S. Riley...............................4 G. Adams c. C. Harris b. B. Spokes .........................16 T. Eustace r.o. .............................0 C. Truscott c. C. Harris b. B. Spokes .........................44 G. Knox c. D. Jones b. B. Spokes .........................28 T. Knox n.o.................................0 R. Provan stp. J. Sinclair b. B. Spokes ...........................0 G. Snow stp. J. Sinclair b. B. Spokes ...........................0 Extras .........................................4 Total .............................(cc) 9/135 Bowling: M. Martin 0/4, L. Mercer 0/21, B. Coulter 0/17, S. Riley 1/23, K. Sinclair 1/15, C. Harris 0/39, B. Spokes 5/16.

1st innings MDU D. Jones c. T. Knox b. T. Eustace ......................... 11 D. Thomas c. T. Knox b. G. Knox ............................10 J. Sinclair c. T. Knox b. T. Eustace ...........................6 B. Spokes c. R. Provan b. G. Lomagno .....................35 T. Harris lbw. b. G. Lomagno .....................29 C. Harris c. G. Adams b. G. Lomagno .......................4 M. Martin b. G. Adams ............23 L. Mercer n.o............................16 B. Coulter n.o. ............................4 Extras .........................................7 Total .............................(cc) 7/145 Bowling: G. Adams 1/17, C. O’Brien 0/22, G. Knox 1/16, T. Eustace 2/15, G. Lomagno 3/39, R. Provan 0/29, G. Snow 0/5.

KORUMBURRA v POOWONG-LOCH 1st innings Korumburra K. Miller b. M. Hancock ..........84 T. Allen c. M. Hancock b. N. Hancock ......................31 J. Richards b. R. Knox ...............0 N. Allen c. b. G. Staindl .........................29 J. Turnbull c. ............................21 D. Fearnley lbw. b. G. Staindl .........................16 P. Dunlevie c. R. Knox b. G. Staindl .........................14 H. James n.o. ..............................3 T. Gray n.o. ................................8 Extras .......................................15 Total ............................(cc) 7/221 Bowling: M. Hancock 1/33, R. Staindl 0/27, R. Knox 1/25, N. Hancock 1/23, L. Green 0/37, G. Staindl 3/42, N. Singh 1/26.

1st innings Poowong-Loch N. Singh b. N. Allen ................. 11 G. Staindl b. J. Turnbull ...........14 R. Knox b. N. Allen .................24 P. Fort b. T. Gray ......................26 V. Rawat c&b. T. Gray ...............3 M. Hancock c. T. Mayo b. D. Fearnley.......................37 N. Hancock n.o. .......................15 L. Green b. T. Mayo .................10 B. Staindl n.o..............................4 Extras .........................................7 Total ....................................7/152 Bowling: N. Allen 2/10, J. Turnbull 1/20, H. James 0/24, T. Gray 2/23, P. Dunlevie 0/22, D. James 0/9, D. Fearnley 1/15, J. Richards 0/13, T. Allen 0/10, T. Mayo 1/3.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 57

• A Grade - Division One

Workers take all-Wonthaggi clash AS has been the trend of late, the Wonthaggi Workmens won the derby against rivals the Miners.

Hero of the day was Ryan Thomas, who took two wickets before taking to the Miners with the bat, scoring 80.

Ritchie Hassett was the top scorer for the day, however, knocking up a brilliant 92 runs before he was run out by Josh Andrighetto.

The Workers’ score of 7/45 eclipsed their opponents by exactly 100 runs, with the Miners finishing on 9/145.

The Imperials have steadied their season with a win over Inverloch at the Leongatha Turf.

The home side scored a competitive, but not overly huge score of 132 from their 40 overs.

But a horror start saw Inverloch 7/34, and the

Stingrays never recovered, crashing to be all out for 117.

OMK easily accounted for Glen Alvie, with a score of 74 from Alex Rose the main contribution.

The number three bat was eventually removed

by Kelvin Simpson, but the damage had already been done.

Glen Alvie’s run chase never got the required head of steam, and they were subsequently bowled out for 95 in the 33rd over.

Nerrena showed promise, but not enough skill to get over the line against Korumburra at home.

The Red Caps scored 158 before another strong performance from Anoj Katipearachchi (47 runs) saw his side home.

IMPERIALS v INVERLOCH 1st innings Imperials G. Sauvarin lbw. .......................14 T. Williams c. .............................1 A. Curnaw c. ..............................2 L. Rogers c. ..............................20 M. Adkins c. ...............................2

Easy does it: Imps batsman Gary Sauvarin places this ball into the gap.

S. Vagg n.o. ..............................36 M. Lafferty b. ...........................12 B. Davidson stp. .........................0 A. Meyer n.o. ...........................22 Extras .......................................23 Total .............................(cc) 7/132 Bowling: K. Rothier 1/21, N. Cant 1/18, L. Rankin 0/16, C. Dudek 2/14, B. Sword 3/24, D. Clark 0/15, J. Smith 0/18.

1st innings Inverloch W. Taberner c. B. Davidson b. A. DeGennaro ....................1 T. Thornby c. T. Williams b. M. Adkins...........................8 J. Smith c. T. Williams b. A. DeGennaro ....................0 D. Clark b. A. DeGennaro ..........6 W. Rankin c. T. Williams b. M. Adkins...........................3 K. Rothier lbw. b. M. Adkins...........................0 B. Debono c. M. Lafferty b. B. Davidson......................31 C. Dudek r.o. ..............................0 N. Cant c. A. Curnaw b. K. Gray...............................8 B. Sword c. T. Williams b. K. Gray.............................27 L. Rankin n.o..............................4 Extras .......................................29 Total ....................................... 117 Bowling: L. Rogers 0/10, A. DeGennaro 3/17, M. Adkins 3/33, M. Lafferty 0/25, K. Gray 2/24, B. Davidson 1/5.

OMK v GLEN ALVIE 1st innings OMK A. Miller c&b. D. Hales .............1 J. Wilson b. A. Simpson ...........20 A. Rose c. J. Tiziani b. K. Simpson.......................74 G. Pickles c. D. Hales b. B. Ould .............................27 T. Wyatt c. J. Tiziani b. A. Simpson .......................24 B. Wyatt c. A. Simpson b. K. Simpson.......................20 J. Van Rooye n.o. .......................1 P. Dell c. S. Lowe b. A. Simpson .........................1 D. McMeekin n.o. ......................6 Extras .......................................13 Total .............................(cc) 7/187 Bowling: D. Hales 1/31, J. Hales 0/12, A. Simpson 3/40, K. Simpson 2/34, D. Williams 0/23, B. Ould 1/39, P. Roberts 0/6.

1st innings Glen Alvie S. Smith lbw.

b. J. Wilson ...........................10 S. Lowe r.o. (B. Wyatt) ..............4 P. Roberts lbw. b. J. Wilson ...........................23 A. Simpson b. D. McMeekin .....3 D. Hales c. A. Meade b. D. McMeekin ...................17 D. Tiziani c. A. Meade b. J. Van Rooye ....................14 J. Tiziani b. G. Pickles ...............0 B. Ould c. J. Wilson b. J. Van Rooye ......................2 D. Williams c. J. Wilson b. G. Pickles ...........................0 J. Hales lbw. ...............................0 K. Simpson n.o...........................1 Extras .......................................21 Total .........................................95 Bowling: P. Dell 0/17, A. Meade 0/11, J. Wilson 2/6, B. Wyatt 0/19, D. McMeekin 2/30, G. Pickles 3/8, J. Van Rooye 2/2.

NERRENA v KORUMBURRA 1st innings Nerrena C. Friebe c. J. Oxleee b. L. Williams .......................19 M. Clark c. R. Arbon b. I. Osman ...........................46 T. Wightman c. A. Katipearachchi b. I. Osman ...........................17 D. Symmons c. D. Salmon b. R. Arbon ...........................15 D. Baldi c. J. Cook b. U. Weerasinghe ................10 P. Matheson c. D. Salmon b. R. Arbon .............................0 G. Murphy c. D. Salmon b. U. Weerasinghe ................14 J. Renden c. A. Katipearachchi b. I. Osman .............................0 R. Clark b. A. Katipearachchi ..14 Z. Trease b. A. Katipearachchi ...1 C. Eva n.o...................................4 Extras .......................................18 Total .......................................158 Bowling: A. Katipearachchi 1/26, K. Dorman 0/24, L. Williams 1/21, R. Arbon 2/34, I. Osman 3/28, U. Weerasinghe 3/21.

1st innings Korumburra J. Cook b. C. Eva .......................2 K. Rigby c. D. Baldi b. T. Wightman .....................34 A. Katipearachchi c&b. G. Murphy ...................47 D. Salmon lbw. b. G. Murphy ........................44 I Osman c. D. Symmons b. Z. Trease...........................13 C. Smith n.o. ............................30

R. Arbon c. J. Renden b. R. Clark ..............................7 K. Dorman n.o..........................21 Extras .........................................5 Total ....................................6/203 Bowling: R. Clark 1/53, C. Eva 1/31, P. Matheson 0/44, T. Wightman 1/23, G. Murphy 2/36, Z. Trease 1/16.

WONTHAGGI MINERS v WONTHAGGI WORKMENS 1st innings Wonthaggi Miners M. Donohue c. G. Bolding b. M. McCall ..........................1 M. Johnson c. J. Liddle b. G. Britt ...............................2 A. Donohue c. J. Liddle b. R. Thomas ........................26

P. Jordan r.o. (M. Thomas) .......42 J. O’Reilly b. R. Thomas..........14 J. Andrighetto c&b. J. Sheerin .......................3 D. Beesey lbw. b. G. Bolding ..........................0 K. Smith c. J. Thomas b. McCall..............................19 B. Foon n.o...............................27 D. Foon c. R. Thmas b. M. Thomas .........................2 Extras .........................................9 Total ....................................9/145 Bowling: M. McCall 2/37, G. Britt 1/14, J. Sheerin 1/25, R. Thomas 2/26, G. Bolding 1/21, M. Thomas 1/22.

1st innings Wonthaggi Workmens

R. Hassett r.o. (J. Andrighetto)..92 G. Bolding c. A. Donohue b. B. Foon...............................6 R. Thomas c. M. Johnson b. A. Donohue ......................80 G. Britt c. M. Donohue b. J. Andrighetto .....................1 C. Harvey b. M. Johnson .........26 T. Hooper c. K. Smith b. J. Andrighetto ...................12 M. McCall b. J. Andrighetto ......7 J. Sheerin n.o. .............................1 J. Liddle n.o................................0 Extras .......................................20 Total .............................(cc) 7/245 Bowling: B. Foon 1/32, D. Foon 0/45, M. Johnson 1/51, P. Burgess 0/29, A. Donohue 1/45, J. Andrighetto 3/33.

On the spot: Inverloch’s Lewie Rankin bowled well against the Imperials on Saturday.

• A Grade - Division Two

Kilcunda rolls Koony by four

Bending his back: Town’s Ash Hickey puts some extra effort into this delivery.

JUST four runs separated Kilcunda-Bass Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL, but it was all they needed.

The victors won the toss and batted first, scoring a slow and steady 6/131.

In response to the total, opener Sam Sperling started with a bang, scoring 35 runs in quick time to help his side along.

But when he was out, the glimmer of hope started fading as Koony wickets tumbled. Eventually it came down to five runs required, three overs to spare and one wicket in hand.

And when Aaron Shackelford picked up his third wicket KilcundaBass were home.

MDU’s young Olden brothers have helped their side to a win, both scoring well against Foster.

Ryan top scored with 68 not out, while older brother Matt was one short of his half century, run out on 49.

The Demons easily accounted for the Tigers, who are still searching for their first A Grade win since returning to the division.

Town skipper Ash Hickey was a key member of his side’s win against Fish Creek-Tarwin, taking three wickets and knocking up 48 runs.

His side was too good for the visiting Fishy, who made 174 from their 40 overs.

The Scorpions responded well, scoring 9/226, the highlight of which was a score of 80 from Mark Borschman.

In the other match played, Phillip Island smashed Poowong-Loch, scoring 4/236 in reply to their opponents’ 146 all out.

MDU v FOSTER 1st innings Foster M. Lynch b. M. Patching ...........0 D. Polmear stp. R. Olden b. S. Arnup ........................... 11 J. Prain c. C. Le Page b. M. Patching ......................14 J. Toner b. M. Johnson .............34 P. Dower c&b. M. Johnson ........0 S. Chaseling c. M. Johnson b. B. Thomas ........................34 F. Griggs c. M. Olden b. S. Arnup .............................1 D. Clearihan-Jervies n.o. ............1 Z. House c. C. Le Page b. B. Thomas ..........................0 Extras .......................................21 Total ....................................8/116 Bowling: M. Patching 2/18, S. McRae 0/22, M. Olden 0/20, M. Johnson 2/21, M. Le Page 0/9, B. Thomas 2/11, S. Arnup 2/13.

1st innings MDU M. Johnson c. M. Lynch b. J. Prain................................0 C. Le Page c. b. P. Dower ........................... 11

M. Le Page c. J. Toner b. F. Griggs ...........................26 C. Hoober c. J. Toner b. F. Griggs ...........................35 W. Prosser c. M. Lynch b. D. Clearihan-Jervies ...........3 M. Olden r.o. (J. Toner) ............49 R. Olden n.o. ............................68 B. Thomas n.o. .........................15 Extras .......................................50 Total .............................(cc) 6/257 Bowling: P. Dower 1/19, J. Prain 1/45, S. Chaselling 0/38, D. Clearihan-Jervies 1/49, F. Griggs 2/39, J. Toner 0/31, D. Polmear 0/31.

KILCUNDA-BASS d KOONWARRA-RSL 1st innings Kilcunda-Bass S. Oates c. b. T. Davison ........................31 S. Tapscott b. T. Gordon.............5 J. Dakin c. b. T. Davison ..........................8 P. Mohascy n.o. ........................28 A. Shackelford lbw. b. T. Davison ..........................0 T. Miller b. J. Kennedy ............17 D. Pipicelli c. N. Arnup b. B. Thomas ..........................1 C. Davidson n.o........................14 Extras .......................................28 Total .............................(cc) 6/131 Bowling: J. Kennedy 1/23, T. Gordon 1/14, N. Arnup 0/25, T. Davison 3/7, B. Thomas 1/31, B. Moscript 0/14.

1st innings Koonwarra-RSL J. Moore c. P. Mohascy b. D. Pipicelli .........................5 S. Sperling c. P. Mohascy b. J. Mahood.........................35 B. Moscript c. P. Mohascy b. J. Mahood...........................9 S. Moore c. S. Oates b. J. Mahood.........................14 B. Anderson c. J. Dakin b. J. Mahood.........................23 B. Thomas c. S. Oates b. A. Shackelford....................9 D. O’Connor r.o. (J. Mahood) ....2 T. Gordon c. P. Mohascy b. A. Shackelford....................8

N. Arnup c. D. Pipicelli b. J. Dakin ..............................1 T. Davison c. T. Miller b. A. Shackelford....................0 J. Kennedy n.o............................5 Extras .......................................16 Total .......................................127 Bowling: D. Pipicelli 1/18, J. Dakin 0/40, J. Mahood 4/24, C. Davidson 0/22, A. Shackelford 3/12, J. Dakin 1/8.

TOWN v FISH CREEK-TARWIN 1st innings Fish Creek-Tarwin G. Watkins c. J. Withers b. A. Hickey .........................64 N. Wilkins c. I. Hanks b. M. Borschman ....................2 S. Rabbitt c. M. Borschman b. M. Davies .........................22 B. Anderson b. M. Davies ..........6 C. Bawden c. M. Borschman b. J. Burge ............................17 J. Buckland c. M. Borschman b. C. Bruce .............................7 W. Cocksedge b. A. Hickey .......3 D. Britton n.o. ............................2 J. Danckert b. A. Hickey ............7 H. Buckland n.o. ........................2 Extras .......................................42 Total.............................(cc) 8/174 Bowling: N. Johnston 0/22, M. Borschman 1/25, A. Hickey 3/36, M. Davies 2/22, J. Burge 1/36, C. Bruce 1/25.

1st innings Town J. Burge c. N. Wilkins b. S. Rabbitt............................2 C. Bruce c. J. Danckert b. B. Anderson......................15 M. Borschman c. D. Britton b. H. Buckland .....................80 J. Withers c. J. Flanders b. B. Anderson......................19 A. Hickey c. W. Cocksedge b. J. Danckert .......................48 M. Borschman c. B. Anderson b. J. Danckert .......................13 I. Hanks b. J. Danckert ...............5 S. Ellicott c. G. Watkins b. H. Buckland .......................0 M. Davies n.o. ............................4 N. Johnston c. J. Flanders

b. H. Buckland .......................0 M. Smith n.o. .............................6 Extras .......................................34 Total .............................(cc) 9/226 Bowling: S. Rabbitt 1/15, J. Flanders 0/45, N. Wilkins 0/44, B. Anderson 2/24, C. Bawden 0/30, H. Buckland 4/40, J. Buckland 0/12, J. Danckert 2/7.

POOWONG-LOCH v PHILLIP ISLAND 1st innings Phillip Island E. Richards c. D. Brown b. D. Brain ............................36 S. Murdoch b. G. Bimie ...........74 T. Hornsby n.o..........................68 A. Manteit r.o. ............................5 L. Cleeland c&b. A. Jenkins ......8 C. Wilson n.o............................19 Extras .......................................26 Total ............................(cc) 4/236 Bowling: A. Jenkins 1/38, R. Greaves 0/54, S. Jenkins 0/40, D. Brain 1/46, G. Birnie 1/30, D. Brown 0/12, C. Fraser 0/11.

1st innings Poowong-Loch M. Adderley c. S. Murdoch b. S. Boyack ...........................6 C. Fraser lbw. b. S. Boyack ...........................0 P. Dyer c. S. Kirton b. A. Manteit ........................76 R. Greaves c. S. Kirton b. S. Boyack .........................16 M. Lewis c. T. Hornsby b. S. Murdoch.........................1 S. Jenkins lbw. b. S. Murdoch.......................20 A. Jenkins c. A. Manteit b. S. Kirton .............................2 D. Brown b. T. Hornsby .............5 G. Birnie r.o. (L. Cleeland) ........3 D. Brain n.o. ...............................2 T. Hancock c. J. Broomhall b. A. Manteit ..........................0 Extras .......................................16 Total .......................................146 Bowling: S. Boyack 3/22, Z. Brown 0/27, S. Murdoch 2/42, S. Kirton 1/17, T. Hornsby 1/22, C. Wilson 0/13, A. Manteit 2/0.

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Stony Creek races in pictures

Second: jockey Dale Smith of Lyndhurst eyes his ride, Network, before Race Two at Stony Creek and was pleased to place second behind the winner Great Dame.

Fine fillies: Vanessa Schroder, Inverloch, Stony Creek Racing Club Ladies Day events co-ordinator Kate Adkins, Venus Bay holiday maker Maureena Tilley of Melbourne, and the face of the Ladies Day race meeting Nicole Salmon added a touch of glamour to the special Triple Dead Heat celebration race meeting at Stony Creek on Monday.

Above, Big shot: winner of Race One at Stony Creek, I am the Big Shot, ridden by Ruth Bradley ran an impressive race in the rain for Cranbourne owner Anthony Logan.

Left, Young racers: Sophie Bolam, Inverloch, Madie Wright, Leongatha, Sonia and Sarah, Inverloch, Jessica and Isaac Wright caught all the action at the finishing post during the Stony Creek Racing Club’s 25th celebration of the Triple Dead Heat race yesterday, Monday, January 9.

Right, Friends: Tia Stephens of Leongatha and Emily Darmanin of Meeniyan enjoyed dressing up for a day out at the Stony Creek Ladies Day races on Monday.

Right, Strong win: Great Dame led the field for most of Race Three and clocked up a convincing eight length win from second placed Network and third, Not Beneficial.

Left, Skittish: winner of Race Three at Stony Creek, Skitter, was a little jumpy before the race and saw jockey Damien Thornton jump off; but he proved a winner and went on to run a great race.

Winner: Skitter led the horses down the straight at Stony Creek to take out a win in Race Three.

Local trainer: Foster’s Ken Fythe checked out his impressive looking filly Charity Lane, led by strapper Lisa Browning before its first start in Race Three at Stony Creek on Monday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - PAGE 59

Classic tennis action OVER 110 tennis matches were played over the two days of the South Gippsland Classic at Inverloch and Leongatha on January 4 and 5.

The tournament attracted just over 70 individual entries, and with all events being round robin everyone got maximum tennis in just two days.

This is the first time the event has held an Open event as well as eight and under age group, with all reports stating the decision to include youngsters was a big success.

Tristan Salerno of Traralgon was crowned the Men’s Open Singles champion, easily beating Korumburra rival Scott McIvor 6-0, 6-0.

McIvor also went down in the Open Doubles section, as he and Bradley Perks lost to Greg and Nathan Spinks 6-4, 6-3.

Gabriella Sprague took out the Ladies Singles, defeating Leongatha’s Sarah Ford 6-1, 6-3.

Keep an eye out on the website www.southgippslandtenniscoaching.com.au for updates on coming tournaments, there won’t be one too far away.

Also South Gippsland Tennis Club will be involved with many tournament trips and new programs for 2012, including Tennis Australia’s Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis.

“Hot Shots will include modified equipment and balls. Cardio Tennis will give players a great work out, basically Zumba for tennis. Participants receive heart rate monitors, calorie counters and all those sorts of things,” coach Matt Pocklington said.

For information on any of this, contact Matthew Pocklington on 5664 5445 or 0402 736 693 or email info@southgippslandtenniscoaching.com.au.

Results: Open Doubles: Greg and Nathan Spinks d Scott McIvor and Bradley Perks 6-4, 6-3.

Open Mixed: Scott McIvor and Ga-

briella Sprague d Ray Lubawski and Sarah Ford 8-7.

Open Mens Singles: Tristan Salerno d Scott McIvor 6-0, 6-0.

Section 1 Singles: Mitchell Wilson d Jack Wilson 6-3, 7-6.

Section 1 Doubles: Jon and David Bulbulian d Bradley Perks and Madison Sanders 8-5.

Section 2 Doubles: David Bulbulian and Connor Krohn d Vincent Monaghan and Cambell Ross 8-3.

Section 2 Singles: Connor Krohn d Isabella Travers 8-3.

Open Ladies Singles: Gabriella Sprague d Sarah Ford 6-1, 6-3.

Open Ladies Doubles: Gabriella Sprague and Ashley Spinks d Shelley Walker and Ange Williams 2-6, 6-5,7-6.

Section 5 Singles: Ariane Ross d Spencer Wilson 6-2.

Section 5 Doubles: Aljon Miel and Ariane Ross d Rowan Hercus and Alliza Miel 8-4.

Section 4 Singles: Harvey Wilson d Roy Trumble 6-1 Section 4 Doubles: Scott Loughridge and Harvey Wilson d Trent Westaway and Harrison McGannon 6-3.

Open singles: winner Tristan Salerno with runner-up Scott McIvor.

Section 2: doubles winners David Bulbulian and Connor Krohn with runnersup Vincent Monaghan and Campbell Ross.

Open doubles: winners Greg and Nathan Spinks with runners-up Scott McIvor and Bradley Perks.

Ladies champion: Gabriella Sprague defeated Sarah Ford.

Big serve: this junior player takes out one of his biggest serves at last week’s tennis tournament.

Open mixed doubles: Scott McIvor and Gabriella Sprague defeated Sarah Ford and Ray Lubawski.

Placement perfect: Tristan Salerno didn’t make too many mistakes in the open final on Wednesday, winning the event 6-0, 6-0.

Section 1: doubles winners Jon and David Bulbulian with runners-up Madison Sanders and Bradley Perks.

Great shot: Sophie Dekker was in complete control of this forehand shot.

Section 4: doubles winners Scott Loughridge and Harvey Wilson with runners-up Trent Westaway and Harrison McGannon.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 10, 2012