The Great Southern Star - January 13, 2009 by The Great Southern Star

Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland

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

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The Great Southern

Star

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2009

PUBLISHED TUESDAY 56 PAGES

INSIDE

Desal decision ...page 3

Show stoppers ...page 46

Life savers Dozens of swimmers rescued from local beaches

Mud madness

By Bert van Bedaf

...page 54

INDEX Column 7...........10 Opinions............12 Kids’ Page.........33 Property Guide..23 Classiﬁeds........42 Sport..........47-56

BIG swells, strong winds and alcohol consumption have been blamed for a spike in the number of neardrownings on local beaches. Dramatic rescues took place at Venus Bay, Woolamai and Inverloch surf beach, where a father suffered spinal injuries and was ﬂown to Melbourne by air ambulance. Meanwhile, two ﬁxed-wing aircraft patrolled the sandy shores for sharks after the fearsome predators were located well off the coast, including some near Kilcunda.

They were not spotted in patrolled areas and there was no need to close any South Gippsland beaches. The most serious rescue took place at Inverloch surf beach last Tuesday. The drama unfolded around midday when body boarders discovered a man ﬂoating face-down in the water. He was unconscious and seemed to have been knocked from his board by a wave. The group of swimmers pulled him closer to shore. They were met by two lifesavers, who brought the man to the beach, where he gained consciousness. He told his rescuers that he had no feeling below the

waist and spinal injury was suspected immediately. “The lifeguards put the man in the appropriate position to minimise stress to the spine,” Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club president Philippe du Plessis said. An ambulance was called and paramedics arrived shortly after. They decided the man needed an emergency ﬂight to Melbourne. The nipper program had just ﬁnished and more lifesavers were recruited to patrol the beach while others ended to the injured man. Mr du Plessis said it was later established that the man was 46 years old and

from Melbourne. His wife was on the beach and they had a couple of children. About 90 minutes after the near-drowning, the helicopter landed and the man was ﬂown to The Alfred Hospital. Mr du Plessis said the man was later transferred to the Austin Hospital, where he was still receiving treatment. “The last I heard he had still not regained the feeling in his legs. The prognosis is not good,” Mr du Plessis said. He said it was a nice, sunny day and the beach was busy when the incident happened. Continued on page 9.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Swamped by thousands ORGANISERS estimate 4000 people visited the swap day event at Korumburra showgrounds on Sunday. President of the South Gippsland Branch of the Gippsland Historical Automobile Club, Ian Nicholas said attendance was up on previous years. “Maybe the weather has helped a bit or with the economic situation people want to cash in on their stuff,” he said. “Lots more people set up yesterday, which made it easier as we didn’t have as many people trying to set up this morning.” One intrepid seller had travelled all the way from New South Wales to attend the swap day. It’s the 27th time the event, which includes a vintage and classic car display, has been held. “The club appreciates the support of its members to put it on and the Lions Club of Leongatha and Korumburra who do a great job with the food,” Mr Nicholas said.

Potential treasure: stallholders, Stephen and Glen Halliday, Poowong, had car bits and household bric a brac on offer.

One more: Stephen Cue with son, Jason, Korumburra had found two Austin hub caps, but was looking for a third. Bits and pieces: Justin Parker, Korumburra and Simone Pouw, Fish Creek were searching for old Holden parts at the swap meet.

Meet welcome: David Rickards, Mirboo North and Albert Jolly, Outtrim, during one of their three, two-hour shifts on the gate.

Family outing: Hugh, Stuart, Alexis, Rachel and Flynn Cameron of Bena were having a wander around at the swap meet.

Top selection: Jenny Martin and granddaughter, Renae Moore, both of Leongatha, were browsing through some of the items at this stall.

Silver pail: David Thompson, Yanakie, picked this bucket up for his daughter who breeds Newfoundland dogs.

Old beauties: the vintage and classic cars were on display in the oval of the Korumburra showgrounds.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 3

Desal green light Opponents see red over EES approval By Jane Ross

THEY’RE calling it “dirty Friday”. After State Planning Minister, Justin Madden, announced that an independent Environment Effects Statement panel had found that Williamsons Beach Wonthaggi, was suitable for the desalination plant, anger in South Gippsland went into overdrive. The president of Watershed Victoria, Stephen Cannon, said, “There should have been no illusion that the EES would stop this project. That is because the project’s proponent (the Department of Sustainability and Environment) is also the project’s judge and jury. “Hundreds of hours of input to the EES by the community and other submitters have been virtually ignored.” He accused the panel members, whom he described as “puppets”, of showing “abhorrent disregard for the opinions and expert advice of over 400 submitters”. There is one bright note. The option of a gas ﬁred power station on site, has been rejected. Mr Cannon, whose Dalyston property overlooks the desalination local-

Minister visits STATE Health Minister, Daniel Andrews will today visit Leongatha Memorial Hospital to announce funding for early intervention into chronic disease. The money will provide “managed care” for people with, or at risk of, chronic disease. Mr Andrews will tour the hospital and the new aged care facility that replaced Koorooman House.

No, no: the State Government’s release of the desalination EES inquiry report drew protesters to Williamson’s Beach Wonthaggi yesterday. ity, said there was nothing independent about the EES or the inquiry, which he labelled “an absolute failure of due diligence”. Members of Watershed Victoria and their supporters staged a protest on Sunday at the desalination site. The “dirty Friday” tag came from John Gemmill, president of the Bass Coast Boardriders club and organiser

of the previous weekend’s celebrity surﬁng challenge at Inverloch, which drew big sporting names including triple Olympic gold medal rower Drew Ginn. Mr Gemmill accused Premier John Brumby, of “grubby manipulation of the 30-year-old environmental laws that govern this State”. “He will stop at nothing to build the

Snakes alive at ’thaggi show THE Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show in Wonthaggi was a huge success on Saturday and Sunday with record gate

takings. Among the many happy show goers were this bunch from Wonthaggi and Dalyston: Matt Curew, Chloe Butler, Stacey Sarton, Eliza

Atwell and Lizzie Monk who were being crawled over by some slithering reptiles. The “Snakebusters” presentation is a popular part of the show. See more show highlights on page 46.

dirtiest, cheapest and nastiest climate change-accelerating desalination plant in the Southern Hemisphere on pristine Victorian coastline.” Mr Gemmill said surfers represented five per cent of the population and he is devastated that one of surfing’s most beloved beaches will be lost. “Labor has now arrived at its watershed,” he warned. In announcing his decision, Mr Madden said the independent EES inquiry into the desalination plant had found the project would result in significant benefits to the State. He said he supported the 42 recommendations in the inquiry’s report and was satisfied the project could proceed, subject to environmental management measures. “Any environmental impacts that result from the desalination plant can be largely minimised or off-set to acceptable levels through the application of strict requirements that will determine how the final project is delivered,” he said. Bass Coast Council, which opposes the plant, is not so sure. CEO Allan Bawden said the inquiry report did not provide a great deal of assurance and was light on

details about how council and the community’s main concerns would be addressed. “It is vital that the government now commits to a new era of co-operation and consultation to ensure this project does not negatively impact on the Bass Coast community and environment.” Mr Bawden said the report’s recommendations and approvals were based on concept designs and “an exceptionally good monitoring system” will be needed, making the role of an independent auditor “extremely important”. He welcomed social and economic impact measures such as an accommodation strategy and regional impact fund, but council would have preferred these were requirements, rather than mere recommendations. Mr Bawden also called for a ﬁrm commitment from the State Government to work with council to deal with the degradation of local roads, because the EES inquiry did not do so. There remain serious community concerns about powering the plant. Mayor Cr John Duscher, called on the government to work closely with council and the community so that construction works do not disrupt community life.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Star PEOPLE

Strange days By Chris Brown

LLOYD Morcom’s eyes sparkle with the potential to reveal endless tales. Indeed with a life that, so far, has entailed shark fishing in Bass Strait, building oil rigs in Asia, renovating houses in the suburbs, lobbying for the Australian Conservation Foundation, writing a play and constructing interactive educational models, the Foster area resident should sparkle. “And that’s only half of it,” he says, with an amiable smile, of his long list of endeavours. Lloyd’s year as a Bass Strait shark fisherman was an “extraordinary experience. “We’d go out for a week at a time and the boat was very old,” he said. “I’d like to write a book about it one day, but I’d have to wait until everyone’s dead. We had some astonishing adventures, which I tell people about late at night over a few wines.” One escapade from 1974 Lloyd shared, involved fishing on an eight foot tinny during a storm close to Flinders Island. “After putting out the nets, four submarines came into the area and anchored just off the beach,” he said. “We had caught a whole lot of virtually worthless fish, so the skipper decided he would go and try to sell these fish to the submariners. “They roared up to us in rubber dinghies and the master of one of these subs bought our fish for several cases of hard liquor. After we’d transferred the fish he invited us onboard to partake of the hospitality of her majesty’s Australian navy, which we did; in full.” After a tour of the submarine they went and checked the nets and sea lice had eaten most of the fish, except for a seven foot shark. It was sold for another case of rum, gutted and placed in the captain’s bunk. “When they discovered the shark in the bunk we were unceremoniously thrown off the submarine in the middle of the night in a storm,” Lloyd said. The married father of four adult children was in charge of about 150 young Indonesians who were building oil rigs, barges and dredges in a construction yard on an island near Singapore. “I worked 16 hours a day, seven days a week and I had six weeks in hospital with hepatitis in Singapore and two, one week breaks in Australia in 16 months, and that was it,” he said. “I came back, paid off my house and land and had enough money to build a shed and fill it with tools, and then it took me 18 months to recover my health.” Trying to stop copper thieves and building an enormous 28,000 tonne dredge were among the challenges. “A couple of years later I briefly worked in Bass Strait on an exploration rig and the guy in charge of that was an old American. He said to a co-worker, ‘son, the oil fields have been good to me, I raised three families on the oil field,’” Lloyd says. “I thought yeah, that’s right, not good for stable family relationships.”

Strange life: Lloyd Morcom has had a wonderful array of interesting experiences so far.

The latest concern for this man whose interactive models can be seen at Scienceworks, the Ford Discovery Centre and Powerworks is peak oil, which was sparked by a question from his son. “One day he said, ‘look Dad, I’m really concerned about climate change and what’s going to happen in the future” and I thought, I don’t know enough to talk to him about this,” Lloyd says. “So I started to read about it and discovered while climate change will be severe, peak oil is coming up on us fast.” Later this year he will be featured on Radio National because of his interest in the issue. “I’m concerned with community wellbeing and I think peak oil is part of that, because we are going to have a huge economic change over the next few years and could end up in serious trouble, especially in the country where we are dependent on trucks delivering our stuff and

the easy availability of fuel.” At the moment the secretary of the Foster Chamber of Commerce and Industry is in the early stages of setting up some planning to keep the region economically healthy when peak oil arrives. “We’re lucky in Foster, we’ve got a lot of enthusiastic co-operative people and it’s made it a lot easier to get things done. The town generally has a really good atmosphere,” he said. “There’s an unforced friendliness about the place, which I ﬁnd really refreshing. Having lived in a lot of different places, I think Foster has a hell of a lot going for it. “I just hope that not everybody in Australia discovers it, because it will lose whatever it’s got.” There are probably few places Lloyd would rather be as his self-described “strange life” continues.

Pieces make big impression THREE determined women from Wonthaggi have combined to stage a varied exhibition at Stockyard Gallery in Foster that will delight visitors as well as surprise. Amanda Robbins, Pauline Grotto and Fay Stitt Jones are friends who have much in common. They all live in Wonthaggi; they are single parents; they are all working and studying, and so one might imagine they do not get much time over for anything else. Yet, such is their devotion to art that they managed to stage this eclectic exhibition, called Pieces

of Us, which will run until January 20. Being so busy with other things, they ﬁnd little time to spend on their love of art. But it is this “small piece” in each of them they won’t give up and which they have combined to make a big impression. The exhibition brings together a variety of work in a mix of media in the very different styles of the three friends. Because their output is so different, visitors have a great opportunity to view a variety of art and buy something beautiful as well as practical in the process. For details, call the gallery on 5682 1125.

Three pieces: From left, Amanda Robbins, Pauline Grotto and Fay Stitt Jones have put together a great exhibition with a variety works.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 5

Heated milk meeting By Chris Brown

MURRAY GOULBURN suppliers are gearing up for a controversial meeting in Leongatha on Wednesday morning after the co-operative slashed milk prices in December.

A Meeniyan supplier said the meeting was likely to be fiery, while an Inverloch supplier predicted there would be some hard questions from his fellow dairy farmers. Last week Fonterra cut base milk prices for February to June by an average of 32 per cent, which will be a nine per cent reduction for the full season. Their prices for kilograms of butterfat and protein are slightly higher than Murray Goulburn’s revised figures released on December 18. Trading conditions influenced by economies in recession, credit contraction and sliding commodity prices

were cited as reasons for the milk price dive by Fonterra Ingredients managing director, Bruce Donnison and national milk services manager, Heather Stacy in a letter to suppliers. “We realise this announcement will be disappointing, but the price change reflects the seriousness with which the global financial conditions are impacting the Australian dairy industry,” they said. Burra Foods was expected to announce any changes to their prices on Monday, but by 2pm a supplier The Star talked to was still waiting for a fax. Inverloch Murray Goulburn supplier, Warren Redmond plans to sit and listen at the Leongatha meeting to hear the reasons for the price drop. “I think there will definitely be people asking a lot of heavy questions, but it’s a worldwide problem and hopefully the factory can manage it as best they can,” he said. The milk price drop will put

pressure on Mr Redmond’s cash flow between now and June. “Hopefully some of our costs will come down, though my grain supplier said he couldn’t see grain dropping so that is a major concern. “If grain doesn’t come down we’ll have to work out how to survive by feeding none or very little grain. “I’m definitely concerned and wanting to watch where I spend my money.” Mr Redmond said young sharefarmers and those with serious debt from new farm purchases were likely to be hit hardest. Meeniyan Murray Goulburn supplier Keith Jeffrey said the 9.30am meeting would be difficult to get to due to its early starting time. “I’d say it will be pretty fiery,” he said. “(But) I haven’t met anyone who’s particularly angry. A lot of people who are speaking to me are former dairy farmers and they are the most vocal.”

Mr Jeffrey said his main concern was that those purchasing dairy products from Murray Goulburn were becoming selective and waiting for a lower price. “I haven’t really calculated my farm costs this year, but I was expecting something to happen with the milk price, due to the global situation,” he said. “In regards to Murray Goulburn, we have a good man there with (managing director, Stephen) O’Rourke. “He’s come through the industry and we just have to put our faith in those sort of guys.” Mr Jeffrey said he was a cooperative man through and through. “Before my grandparents joined the Mirboo North co-operative they barely got back the transport costs to take the milk on the train from Darlimurla to Morwell,” he said. “Don’t wait until the vultures are ready to pick your bones; there’s consultants, ﬁeld ofﬁcers and the UDV

supports the rural counselling service. You’re not on your own.” Leongatha South Murray Goulburn supplier, Max Jelbart said there had been a lot of rumours around and suppliers should go to the meeting for the facts. He said many people don’t understand the volatility of the world market. “Everybody’s going to be under a bit of pressure, which might be a bit of an understatement, but this is the situation and we have to deal with it,” Mr Jelbart said. “We’re in the process of looking for costs we can trim and have to work our way through the issues as best we can. “One of the key issues for the general community is going to be the ﬂow on affect, because the farmers will stop spending money and that will ﬂow on to all the local communities in the towns.”

Hall hints at fresh glory THE renovation of the Toora RSL hall is underway. Construction of the new bar, toilets and smoker’s room extension has begun and should be finished within a month. RSL members have volunteered many hours, under the supervision of fellow member and semi-retired builder, Barry Ramsay. A new wall has been affixed to the west end of the hall and the kitchen modernised. Still to come is a false ceiling and new walls inside the main hall. Toora RSL sub-branch president John Benton is eagerly anticipating the day the men and women of his sub-branch can officially call the renovations complete. “We have spent $20,000 on the hall now because we’ve had it restumped and re-roofed and we’ve installed the kitchen that was do-

nated,” he said. “It will make a really big difference. We will be able to do more things with the hall. If people want to have a dance or have birthday parties here, then they will be able to.” Toora electrician, Martyn “Jock” Nicholls has salvaged lights from the old Foster police station for use in the hall. RSL members meet at the hall every Monday, Tuesday and Friday night for darts practice and competition, and plan to enter a team in the pool competition held in hotels from Welshpool to Fish Creek. The sub-branch has funded the works to date, using proceeds raised from barbecues held outside the Toora Post Ofﬁce every Thursday, and stalls at the regular Toora market. Members are hoping to receive funding from the Department of

Veteran’s Affairs to help offset the cost. The hall was originally built by the Army at Korumburra and moved to Toora in 1946, giving a permanent home to the subbranch established in 1921, originally as part of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. The sub-branch has 39 members from the Second World War, Korean and Vietnam wars

Nearing completion: Toora RSL sub-branch president John Benton amongst the construction site of the new bar, toilets and smoker’s room.

New brooms sweep into New Year

The ofﬁcial starting date for the new directorial organisation was Monday, January 5. “The signiﬁcant change to the structure is the redistribution of the senior management responsibilities from two general managers to three directors,” chief executive Paul Bawden said. “The departments within the directorates have been reorganised for better focus on service delivery and the

three recently appointed directors have now commenced in their roles.” Heading up the new directorate of corporate and community services is Dirk Holwerda, who has returned to the community he grew up in. Mr Holwerda will oversee ﬁnance, information services, libraries and health and family services. Andrew McEwen started on December 15, 2008, as director, sustainability, and will oversee social and economic development, planning, sustainability, emergency management, environment and community safety. His most

Single car fatality

recent appointment was as economic development manager at Townsville city council. Returning to council as director of infrastructure is Anthony Seabrook, former manager of assets and engineering. His directorate covers infrastructure maintenance, assets and engineering. His intimate knowledge of the shire and its infrastructure history will be invaluable, Mr Bawden said. Raelene Bennett has been appointed manager information services following a period as acting manager.

“We’re delighted to have been able to make an internal appointment to this position,” said Mr Bawden. “We are keen to encourage and facilitate career paths for staff to expand their skills and responsibilities within the organisation.” Helen Lawless also started this week in an interim capacity while council seeks to appoint a manager for organisational development. Ms Lawless has a comprehensive background in organisational development that will assist council to settle in the new structure.

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20% Off Selected summer stock A woman died in a single car collision on the South Gippsland highway yesterday afternoon.

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Police said the woman collided with a tree at about 1.20pm at Hedley, between Pt Welshpool and Yarram.

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2011348

SOUTH Gippsland shire council has begun 2009 with its new organisational structure in place.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

POLICE BRIEFS

Police powerless on pipis

PUBLIC complaints continue to pour in over the continued plunder of pipis on Venus Bay beaches, but police are powerless to act because of poor wording of the law.

male driver was caught doing 120km/h on the South Gippsland Highway. The offenders will be receiving penalty notices and demerit points.

Bike stolen

“It is absolutely disgraceful that people are pipying at Venus Bay,” a local woman, who did not want her name used, said. “Over the past few years, the beach has been destroyed by the constant digging of pipi hunters and the pipi populations have depleted signiﬁcantly.” Senior Constable Carl Baido, of Inverloch police, said police received numerous complaints, especially from the local population but also from concerned visitors who noticed the high number of pipi hunters. “We have received numerous complaints and there have been several police checks,” Sen. Const. Baido said. “The regulations state there is a bag limit of ﬁve litres for each person and 15 litres for each car and we have found that people are within those legal requirements.” But there is no limit on the number of cars and as a consequence, groups of Melbourne people who want to exploit pipis commercially can do so by taking as many cars as they can, adding to an increasing car parking problem at the bay’s popular beaches. “Until there are changes made in the law, there is nothing we can do about it,” Sen. Const. Baido said.

A RALEIGH mountain bike was stolen from the front yard of a home in Elizabeth St, Wonthaggi, last Tuesday. Coloured orange and silver, with a black handlebar, the $690 bike was stolen only metres from the front door between 6.30am and 1pm. Although a fairly new bike, it has a rusty chain, police said. Any witnesses are asked to call 5672 1222.

Eagle catch

Car break-in

LEONGATHA police have caught several speeding motorist with their stateof-the art Golden Eagle radar during the weekend. A woman driver was caught doing 128km/h on the Bass Highway, while a

POLICE are investigating a theft from a car, after receiving a description of the suspects from witnesses. Korumburra police said a car stereo, mobile phone and sun glasses were stolen from a car parked outside a home in

Box disappears ONE of two ticket boxes at the Wonthaggi recreation reserve was stolen last week before the opening of the agricultural show. Valued at $700, the box was stolen between January 7, 9.30pm, and January 8, 8.30am. The large box has a metal frontage and side and a wooden bench. It is 2.5 metres tall, 2 metres wide and .8 metre deep. Anyone with information is asked to call Wonthaggi police on 5672 1222.

Spirited thieves THIEVES stole $80 worth of alcohol from a fridge in an open farm shed in Ruby on the weekend. The offenders took a quantity of spirits but left the beer behind, police said.

Victoria St. The theft, valued at $500, took place at 12.30 am last Sunday. Police said witnesses saw two young people near the car and called the station. But by the time ofﬁcers were at the scene the two suspects had gone. They were described as in their late teens or early 20s. They had shaven heads and were wearing tops, described as ‘hoodies’. Anyone who can assist police in their inquiries is asked to call Korumburra station on 5655 1244.

Hotel theft A 21-YEAR-OLD Cheltenham man was charged with burglary and theft and will need to appear at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court at a later date. The Melbourne man was charged with the offences after entering the Inlet Hotel in Inverloch just before closing time last Sunday and gaining entry to the restaurant through the kitchen. Police allege he stole four or ﬁve bottles of spirits but was detected on the hotel’s security system by staff members. They called Inverloch police and the man was apprehended.

Wallet stolen A WALLET was taken from the seat of a car outside the ﬁsh co-operative on Marine Parade in San Remo last Thursday. A visitor, the owner of the car went into the co-operative at 5pm and when he returned to the car 15 minutes later his wallet had gone. Police urged visitors to be vigilant and make sure no valuables are left in their vehicles and that cars are locked at all times.

Bike theft POLICE are looking for a stockilybuilt man with tattoos on his arms and

Mounted police MOUNTED police from Melbourne have been patrolling local beaches during the holiday period. Imogen Kaye-Helmot, of Inverloch (pictured), got to pat Rubicon on Ramsay Boulevard, with Sergeant Lisa Royce supervising. Imogen, who is 10, said she loved horses and one day would love to have her own horse. The other horse, called Persiaton, belonged to Leading Senior Constable Natalie Shaw, who was absent at the time.

neck in relation to a bicycle theft. Two young boys went to make a purchase at the North Store in Park St Wonthaggi last Friday, at 4.45pm, and left their bikes outside. Police suspect a man hopped on one of the bikes and took off on it. The tattooed man appeared to be in his 30s and was wearing a white t-shirt. The bike, valued at $200, was a green coloured Mongoose BMX. Anyone able to give more information regarding the theft is asked to con-

Keeping things cool 2009 class: looking learned at the end of another VICSWIM lesson at the Toora pool were, from left: Eemaan Zafar of Yarram, Lara Brosche of Toora, Jack Dixon of Yarram, Chelsea Elliott of Stony Creek and Azaan Zafar of Yarram. The two-week VICSWIM course will ﬁnish later this week.

tact Wonthaggi police on 5672 1222.

Plates stolen NUMBER plates were stolen from a car parked in the front yard of a home in Turner St, Wonthaggi, last week. The owner was on holidays. Police said the theft of the front and rear plates of a green Holden Commodore sedan took place between January 7 at 7pm, and January 8 at 10am. Police suspect the plates, ONZ 854, may be used for petrol theft.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 7

Big idea: Port Welshpool’s Long Jetty could be transformed into a tourist mecca like the Underwater Observatory that attracts 70,000 people per year to Busselton in Western Australia.

Underwater wonder

By Brad Lester

THE historic Long Jetty at Port Welshpool could be saved by a major tourist attraction that would reveal the secrets of the deep. Plans are afoot to create an underwater observatory at the end of the jetty, shut since 2003 due to a fire. The glass viewing room would be similar to that at the end of the famed Busselton Jetty in Western Australia, which attracts 70,000 people a year and employs 20 staff. Visitors could venture beneath the surface of Corner Inlet to see marine animals and plants without getting wet. A consultant hired by the Welshpool and District Advisory Group will visit WA this month to see the popular tourist attraction firsthand. The group received a $15,000 State Government grant last year to prepare a feasibility study to see whether such a project would be viable at Port Welshpool. Advisory group spokesperson Kerry Pinzone is confident the idea could become a reality. “It would be like having the Melbourne Aquarium down there,” she said. “It will be an attraction of the likes of the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi. When the ferry (to Tasmania) was running down here, there were huge

numbers of people here and yet this attraction is not dependant on the weather, so it’s perfect.” South Gippsland Shire Councillor Jeanette Harding has thrown her support behind the concept. “To think what a dream it would be, to have an observation place like that down there,” she said. Divers from Parks Victoria and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority have explored the waters beneath the jetty and found an exquisite variety of marine life, including amazing seahorses. Advisory group members will now meet with representatives of the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria, and politicians Gippsland South MLA Peter Ryan and McMillan MP Russell Broadbent to see if they can make the project a reality. Yanakie-based consultant Bob McDonald will prepare a feasibility study and that will entail visiting Busselton this month, to see the tourist wonder there and learn the secrets to its successful operation. That jetty, at 1.8km long, is the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere. The company that built the Busselton Jetty attraction, Marine and Civil Engineering, is interested in constructing something similar at Port Welshpool. “The Busselton community repaired the jetty enough to put in the underwater facility and gave

people access to the facility at the end of the jetty. With the money they raised, they continued to repair the jetty,” Ms Pinzone said. The Busselton observatory is the culmination of 10 years of planning and fundraising, and opened in 2003. Designed to accommodate up to 40 people at once, the observatory allows visitors to descend 8m beneath the surface to see more than 300 species, including spectacular coral and fish, through 11 viewing windows within a 9.5m diameter observation chamber. A lift within the observatory also enables wheelchair bound people to have access to one of Western Australia’s unique natural wonders. However, one advantage Busselton may have over Port Welshpool is that the Western Australian Government is willing to repair the jetty at a cost of $14 million this financial year and a further $10 million next financial year. The Long Jetty is nearly a kilometre and was opened in 1938. During World War Two, the jetty was used for servicing minesweepers and corvettes involved in anti-submarine work in Bass Strait. After the war, the jetty played a role in early oil exploration and extraction in Bass Strait, before the Barry Beach Terminal was established. The jetty is now considered to be in an unsafe condition for shipping and for fishing.

Grand vision: a forward-thinking community plan to build an underwater observatory at the end of the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool would be a major tourism attraction.

• OBITUARY

101 reasons to remember Auriel by grandson Danny Fowles

AURIEL Griffiths, nee Rossiter was born on June 13, 1907 in Yarram, later moved to Korumburra where she celebrated her milestone 100 years in 2007 and saw out her days at the Loganville aged care hostel in Bentleigh. As family contest, Auriel always joked about being born on Friday 13th although this would not affect the length and the many happy experiences in her life. Before her marriage she worked in her father’s family newspaper business, the Gippsland Standard in Yarram as a secretary. She married Bernie Grifﬁths at St Mary’s Catholic Church on June 8, 1933 in Yarram. Auriel became a convert from the Church of England. She would often quip that she considered being a Church of England nun. She lived in Yarram, raising six sons Peter, Frank, Graham, Brian, Tony and John in humble surroundings through a difficult time in history. Australia was at war and Bernie was about to be sent to New Guinea. Grandma remembered Bernie in Brisbane training before being sent to New Guinea. She was pregnant with Graham. Bernie remained in Australia to hear of his son’s birth before being sent overseas. Bernie would not see his newborn son until his return from

the war. It was instances like these that would have a profound effect on Grandma’s life and her unspoken rule of not taking anything for granted. She understood what it meant to struggle, what it meant to save and making the best of everything. For Bernie and Auriel who were raising six sons, they had very forward thinking ideas for the time. While living in humble surroundings, they recognised education as a valuable asset and every possible means was put into giving their sons a quality education at St Patricks in Sale, which was a highly regarded boarding school at the time. Money was by no means plentiful, but there would always be food on the table for growing boys. After many happy years in Yarram where both Auriel and Bernie were members of the Yarram bowls club, Auriel was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and the Blind Auxiliary and their many cherished friends, they moved to Korumburra. With Bernie not well the move was to bring them closer to family. Bernie passed in 1984, a cherished partner that Auriel would miss deeply. Again family continued to be Auriel’s priority. Family would keep in touch each Sunday night when not visiting. Although her signing off on the phone was a great concern to those who did not know her, we all remember fondly it was never a goodbye. Grandma would say what

she wanted to say and the phone would just go dead. Her humble home would be remembered fondly for family visits, with grandma’s voice very much louder than everyone else’s because of her deafness. Grandma moved to Loganville in the remaining two years of her life. During this time she reached her 100 year milestone which was celebrated at the Korumburra Senior Citizens. After receiving her life membership years before, receiving letters from

the Queen, Govenor General of both Australia and Victoria, the Prime Minister and the Premier, she was heard to say – “I don’t care much for them, you can return to sender if you wish”. Grandma passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning in her 102nd year. So what has been Auriel’s lasting legacy for all of us? Was it her amazing outlook on life? She had an amazing understanding of people. Nothing seemed to faze her, although I believe she felt things deeply. She was nicknamed “Groovy Gran” because of her amazing understanding of the problems of not only her generation but those 80 years younger than her. She was known to share many a laugh with Kate and discuss how “hot” the latest heart throb on television was. She had a vibrant presence, a very good understanding of human nature and a very positive outlook on life. Fancy a woman who wanted to learn to drive in her 70s, learnt to use a microwave oven in her 80s, knew nothing of remote control TVs to her 90s, but still mastered it. We remember Auriel’s resilience. One of her favourite phrases after Bernie had passed was: “I’m ready to go”. But there must be a reason that she stayed with us for so long. I believe it was the way she continued to touch our lives. She loved seeing her family, including her grand children and great grand children. She adored them and she

made any new mum showing off her latest child, feel that her child was the most gorgeous and beautiful child in the world. As Grandma would say, “Money can never buy this beautiful baby”. We remember many funny stories which always seemed to occur when Grandma was around. At a special mass being held in Korumburra with many priests and the bishop present, after communion Father Walsh was busy wiping out the many chalices on the altar. Grandma gave one of the family a dig in the side and said in what she thought was a whisper “Look, they have left Father Walsh with the dishes”. Of course laughter was heard three rows in front and behind. Grandma’s faith was profound. Since her conversion on her wedding day, she would never miss saying a daily rosary, or even two if it was a particularly quiet day for her. People would remember her generosity. There was no one in her street in Korumburra who was sick that didn’t receive a regular meat or apple pie. Her lasting legacy is the family. The sons and their wives, the grandchildren and their families and great grandchildren. Grandma Griff has left this world a much better place than when she entered it. Auriel Grifﬁths has certainly left her mark upon all who have known her. And I’m sure, as we all remember her in the future, we will do it with a smile on our faces.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Funds will cover local blitz By Bert van Bedaf

THE South Gippsland and Bass Coast policing areas have received $17,000 of TAC funds to hold its own summer blitz on liquor licence operators in addition to the Victoria Police campaign on drinking behaviour.

Called Operation Reduction, the local campaign adds to the State-wide Summer Blitz. Both campaigns will target licensed premises to ensure compliance with liquor licensing laws and clamp down on public disorder. The local campaign will target licensed outlets during the holiday period. The campaign started on Boxing Day and will continue throughout January. Acting Inspector Mick West, standing in for Inspector Brian Curley, who was on leave late last December, said licensed liquor holders needed to be “diligent, especially during this time when there was a great inﬂux of tourists in the region. “There must be a concerted effort to ensure people attend a safe and friendly environment,” Act Insp West said. The local campaign was organised by Leongatha station Sergeant Scott Bodycomb. “Police will be targeting behaviour

Booze buses: As part of the local Operation Reduction, police will also conduct breath and drug tests on the district’s road users. Senior Constable Wayne Beale was recently in Leongatha with the .05 booze bus. associated with drinking at licensed premises,” Sgt Bodycomb said. “The campaign is aimed at reducing behavioural and public order offences, including issues related to licensing and under-age drinking and reducing damage to properties in the licensed area.”

Victoria Police will be blitzing pubs and clubs right across the State as part of a continued focus on alcohol related behaviour. They have set their sights on country and coastal Victoria, with operations to be conducted on Phillip Island and

other regional hubs. This is the second year that Victoria Police has conducted Summer Blitz. Last year, police made almost 1000 visits to licensed premises, with close to 100 licensing offences detected. More than 80 people were arrested

and several charges and fines were issued for a broad range of offences, including assault, drink-driving, underage patronage and criminal damage. As part of operation Summer Blitz, police will be visiting licensed premises to ensure that venues are being operated in accordance with the Liquor Control Reform Act. Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said the operation highlighted police commitment to tackling alcoholrelated offences. “The key aim of this initiative is to improve behaviour in and around licensed venues and it is hoped that the visible police presence will contribute to a higher degree of compliance with liquor licensing laws and an improvement in public behaviour,” Mr Walshe said. As part of the operation, suspected under-age patrons will be checked for identification and licensed venues will be under close scrutiny to ensure responsible serving of alcohol. “We want people to enjoy themselves over the summer holidays, but we are warning people and licensed venues that police will take a zero tolerance approach to drunken and unruly behaviour.” Summer Blitz will also conduct additional traffic operations to target drink and drug driving.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 9

Salvos come of age By Jane Ross

THE Salvation Army’s motto is Soup, Soap and Salvation, its aim to offer a message of hope. And while members devote a great deal of time to helping others, they also know how to party. The Salvos will be hosting a weekend of celebrations at the end of this month, to mark the 21st anniversary of their presence in Leongatha. Captains Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw have done their best to organise the weather for a big community celebration in McIndoe Park on Sunday February 1. There’ll be a free barbecue at 1pm, a jumping castle, light music by the Salvation Army Brass Band and, said Martyn “a nice relaxed atmosphere”. The barbecue will follow a dinner the previous evening at Leongatha’s Dakers Centre. Everyone is welcome, cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with those under 12 free. If you want to go, ring Martyn on 5662 4670, who is expecting up to 200 to attend. The dinner will take the form of a cabaret. Guest speaker at the dinner will be Commissioner James Knaggs, who will be attending the weekend celebrations with his wife Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs. They are the Salvation Army’s leaders for the Australian Southern Territory, which embraces most of Australia and will lead an anniversary Sunday morning church service. Both James and Carolyn Knaggs

grew up with the Salvation Army and became officers in 1976, serving in their home territory of USA Eastern until being appointed to their current Australian role. Lieutenants Graham and Margaret Maxfield were Leongatha’s first officers, when corps status was granted in mid-January 1988. More than 100 people attended that proclamation. Twenty-two attended the first meeting as a corps and the inaugural salvation meeting attracted 23 to army quarters at 26 Bellingham Street. The corps moved to the old Leongatha Bowling Club rooms in Hughes Street and the Seventh Day Adventist Church in A’Beckett Street, before shifting to new premises in Anderson Street. That was in January 1993, at the time Lieut Graeme Golding became corps officer. Who can forget him? Young, dark, good looking, he quickly endeared himself to the community with his engaging personality and musical prowess. By the end of 1995, he had become so popular, 650 people packed the Memorial Hall for his Salvo’s Christmas concert. Then he was gone, replaced by Rhonda Elkington and Belinda Rawlings. That’s how it is in the Salvation Army. Appointments last for 12 months. Leongatha has been lucky in its latest incumbents. Heather and Martyn Scrimshaw have been here eight years. They, too, have endeared themselves to the community. Martyn may not have

the youth that was on Graeme Golding’s side, but he does have considerable musical talent (he directs the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band) and he and Heather have amazing organisational skills. One of their greatest triumphs has been the Mainly Music mornings, held throughout school terms and offering music and dance for families with preschool children. At the Christmas breakup, Martyn said he stopped counting “at 200 mums and dads and kids”. Calm and seemingly unﬂappable, the Scrimshaws oversee a wide range of programs in the area, including a thrift shop at both Korumburra and Leongatha, court chaplaincy at Korumburra, emergency welfare, positive lifestyle program, kids’ club for primary school children, personal support program for Centrelink clients, team visits to nursing homes and hostels (music included), emergency services team, help for the homeless, assistance with temporary and permanent housing, foster care, housing services for the young and the mentally ill, men’s options to help those with anger problems, domestic violence workers and special assistance such as at Christmas and back to school. “Why do we do this?” smiled Martyn. “Because we care about people and we live in this community.”

Own home: the Salvation Army moved in to its own quarters, which were renovated in 1999. The Thrift Shop shifted to Bair Street a year ago, resulting in a huge boost to takings.

Special visitors: leaders of the Salvation Army Australian Southern Territory Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, will be guests at the 21st anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Salvation Army Leongatha Corps.

Life savers

Continued from page 1. “It was a terrible accident, but it could have been worse. It is very unfortunate, but if it had not been for the alert swimmers and the experienced lifesavers, this could have resulted in a tragic death,” Mr du Plessis said. “Inverloch is not a dangerous beach, compared with others on the coast, but people will need to watch out when they enter the water. “People also need to respect the water and respect the fact that at times it can be dangerous. The important thing is that people swim inside the flags, so that if they’re in trouble, lifeguards can see them. Stay safe and have fun at the same time.” Venus Bay surf lifesavers performed the summer’s third multiple rescue last Saturday when 3000 bathers descended on Venus Bay’s five beaches and 14 people had to be saved. Lifesavers came to the rescue of four people at Beach No.1, another two were rescued at Beach No.4, while four people were rescued a kilometre further down and another four further towards the Venus Bay outfall pipe. Ambulance officers tended to several stricken swimmers who required oxygen treatment. The club plucked eight people from the waves on Saturday January 4, while on New Year’s Eve lifesavers pulled five people from the water after they were swept out in

Meals roster (Leongatha) Mr and Mrs Hogan, Uniting Church Guild, Smith and Heide 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and National Bank (Tuesday, January 20) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning January 19, 2009.

a rip at the patrolled No.1 Beach. Julian Seri, communications officer of the Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and patrol captain last Saturday said the 12 lifeguards on patrol were working non-stop. “We were extremely busy. We experienced several mass rescue situations. We had some 3000 visitors that day,” Mr Seri said. “We get a diverse group of multicultural people here and many of them have no water culture and can’t swim. We also spend a lot of time warning people not to swim on unpatrolled beaches. We’re deeply concerned that people continue to swim on unpatrolled beaches and outside the flags and put themselves at risk.” Lifesavers also performed one of the biggest rescues at Woolamai, where 17 swimmers struck trouble on January 6, prompting a huge effort by five lifeguards. A five-year-old boy was rescued several days ago from the rock pool at Bay Beach, Cape Paterson, by a Wonthaggi Life Saving Club lifeguard who noticed the child in trouble. The boy was holidaying with his parents and was rescued from the deeper end of the pool. The weekend of January 3-4 and the following Tuesday proved one of the busiest rescue days of the traditional holiday period, when tens of thousands of visitors flocked to South Gippsland and its pristine beaches.

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(Meeniyan/Dumbalk) Meeniyan Uniting Church will be responsible for delivery the week beginning January 19, 2009.

www.chisholm.edu.au 5671 2300

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

KEN Hogg of Leongatha North was busy dismantling the nativity scene atop St Peter’s Anglican Church in Leongatha on Thursday around lunchtime. The careful process involved undoing lots of screws and then lowering items to

Shirley, who live in Sydney, announced the birth of Mirabel Ashley immediately after she was born at 3.25am. A PUBLIC meeting will be held in Dumbalk later this month to discuss the future of the school and kindergarten buildings. The Jan 22 meeting will be held at 8pm at the kindergarten. Ideas for town signage will also be discussed.

the ground with a rope. COAL Creek heritage village coordinator Rowena Ashley and her partner Korumburra art dealer Doug Keane became proud grandparents for the ﬁrst time last Thursday. Parents Mike and

THE Leongatha Shopping tour held in November raised nearly $2500. The money has been donated evenly to Gippsland Southern Health Service and Woorayl Lodge. Neil and Judy Langstaff, who organised the evening, would like to thank all those who helped on the night, the local traders for supporting the night and most of all, the 70-plus shoppers who shopped locally on the night, supporting local health services and local businesses. HUSBAND creche. That’s how the Westernport Hotel in San Remo has been advertising itself this summer. On a chalk board outside the pub, is the invitation to park your husband at the hostelry if “you’re tired of him getting underfoot while you shop”. All you have to do is pay for his drinks! THE Corner Inlet Stamp Club is holding a stamp and coin fair on Sat Jan 24 at the Foster Uniting Church Hall from 9am to 4pm. The president of the club is Rob Knight and the secretary is Bev Tyers (ph: 5688 1018). They have held several fairs before, but this is the ﬁrst in January and they are trying to attract a few

visitors given that it is the long weekend. The fair will be of interest to anyone who collects stamps or coins. There will be dealers attending and special Olympic Games exhibits, a lucky door prize with entry to the fair by gold

coin donation. Bev will be able to give you any other info you may need. STORYTIME for kids at McIndoe Park is held on Wednesdays at 10am. Contact Marg for details on 0439 628 053.

He’s ﬁxed: Ginger, the cat that caused havoc, has had his “wings” clipped. He’s with his adoptive owner Ruth Sage. PATRICIA Fleming (pictured left) celebrated her 90th birthday last Saturday, January 3, at the Uniting Church Hall in Foster. She was joined by her four children, John, Geoffrey, Merran and Prue, six of her nine grandchildren and her two great grand children, along with her brother and sister-in-law and many friends. Pattie is the wife of the late Dr Robert Fleming (Robbie) with whom she settled in Foster in the early 1950s. Also pictured are her son John Fleming and friend Claire Campbell.

This 14-year-old border-collie called Jack loves a swim to take the weight off his ageing hind legs. The downside is when he comes out of the water. The old boy affords himself a thorough shake of his salty wet fur, much to the consternation of his young owner Narelle and mother Maddie Elsum, from the Latrobe Valley, who were holidaying in Inverloch last week.

GINGER, the feral cat that set up home on Robert and Ruth Sage’s farm just out of Leongatha and created havoc at the vet’s just before Christmas, is a philanderer no longer. His ability to romance female felines has ended and he is now (hopefully) content with quiet days at home in the company of his good friend, the Sage’s other furry boarder Missus Cat and with Ruth herself. Ruth said Ginger is still imbued with occasional wanderlust, hankering after the days of yore when he roamed the countryside at will. But she’s hoping he will adjust to his new status and settle down. As detailed in The Star on December 2, Ginger lived up to the more colloquial meaning of “feral”, when Ruth first took him to the vet. The task was not easy and became chaotic in the vet’s car park, when Ginger refused to co-operate, high tailed it out of his cage and ran. No one could find him and Ruth was broken hearted. But, she hadn’t accounted for Ginger’s doggedness. He found his own way the five kms to his adopted home, where Ruth’s equally determined nature has ensured he live a responsible life. Ginger’s is a story Ruth is hoping continues to have a happy ending.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 11

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Fuel for thought Saving lives SOUTH Gippsland’s surf lifesavers are … well … lifesavers. The red suited saviours of the swell have been at their busy best this summer, plucking struggling swimmers from the surging surf. Without these Speedo-clad heroes, it would be fair to say more than one life would have been lost along the region’s often dangerous coastline. These young men and women – not much older than children in many cases – risk their lives on a daily basis over summer to keep beachgoers safe. They often work and train under rudimentary conditions that do not do justice to the important role they play in keeping the community safe. The Inverloch Surf Living Club is housed in a shipping container on the foreshore – a disgraceful situation that needs to be rectiﬁed. All of us can do our bit to help the lifesavers.

Wonderful weather YOU’D be hard pressed to ﬁnd a better part of the world to spend a stunning January weekend than our own South Gippsland and it seems hordes of people agreed. From the Wonthaggi show to the 27th annual swap day at Korumburra and mud drag racing at Dalyston, organisers were celebrating record attendances and appreciative crowds. At each event, as well as at Woolamai horse racing and premier league cricket in Leongatha, people gathered with others to enjoy the occasion and the companionship. They included tourists from Melbourne spending their holidays beachside and locals making the most of their region. The cold summer might be a concern for those sleeping in tents or hoping to spend all day swimming in the ocean, but it’s made going to the myriad of events on in the region at this time of year a pleasant experience. With temperatures now heating up, we’ll always have this wonderful summer weekend to remember and be thankful for.

Letters guidelines ALL letters should be kept to 400 words or less. The Star reserves the right to edit all letters for length and style. Writer’s details, including full name, address and phone number (not for publication), must be included.

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

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

I WAS interested to read Janine Boag’s letter questioning high fuel prices in South Gippsland in your paper on December 1 where she wondered why the high price phenomenon is conﬁned to the area between Korumburra and Yarram? Last night 23/12/08 the price was 106.9c/litre at Bairnsdale while it was 111.9c/litre at Leongatha, so high price is clearly nothing to do with distance from Melbourne. But it’s the price of LPG that really takes the cake. Some prices include 39.9c/l at Lang Lang, 46.9 c/l at Bairnsdale and 49.6c/l at Cann River – that’s as far away as the state border. But wait for it, LPG is 52.9c/l at Leongatha and surrounds. I have been seeing the same pattern for months. When you see the price at our surrounding towns you know it will be up to 10 cents a litre cheaper once you are out of this area. I believe it is time for a proper and

Genetic timebomb HOW many ways are enough to compromise the health of our children? Heavy metals, pesticides, food colours, preservatives; obesity, asthma, allergies, ADD, ADHD and more: is genetic modiﬁcation of their food another? Since Charles Darwin and August Weismann 150 years ago, we have believed the “Weismann barrier” protected our genes. Accepted truth was we received the family genes from our parents and passed them unchanged to our children, regardless of how we lived our lives. But since the late 1970s, some have thought otherwise, and noted genetic defects caused by damage to parental DNA by radiation and chemicals such as Agent Orange. Then came the ability to actually read our genetic code, and ﬁnally in 2006, irrefutable proof was obtained that DNA could be damaged and passed at conception to our children. Then last year, HHV-6 virus

thorough investigation into the real reason why in this area we are always higher. I believe we used to have some competition until Safeway sold their lease, to

that causes roseola in children was conﬁrmed as inserting the virus genome into human DNA and causing infection. GM technology and crops were developed in the heady days of the Weismann barrier. How many geneticists and biologists would give a rolled-gold, iron-clad guarantee that unstable transgenic DNA from our food crops will not change our DNA? It will be 10 to 20 years, when our grandchildren are born before we know for sure. GM apparatchiks will be unmoved, but will the average parent take that risk? Robert Vickers Nyora

Business before health THE striking thing about the people involved in the GM debate is that both sides are represented by people who are well- intentioned, responsible and intelligent. So how does anyone reading the letters column work out who/ what to believe about the issue?

VOXPOP! VOX Do you swim between the flags?

I’m a surfer so when I swim I do as it’s safer; when I surf I don’t. Tom Healey Korumburra

Most of the time. My brother has done life saving things, so he knows where the danger is. Curtis Heywood Moree (Leongatha)

I always do down at Venus Bay as that’s the safest place to be. We have been to a non-patrolled beach, but we have kids so we usually go to the patrolled one. Carol Adriaanse Lilydale (Venus Bay)

If I went to a beach with ﬂags I would swim between them as it’s safer. But in Melbourne I haven’t been to beaches with ﬂags. Yelka Ishmakovich Camberwell (staying at Mirboo North)

whom? I ask the question - now we have none. Wayne Mathieson Dollar

I think people who believe that GM is the way to go fall into two rough categories. Most are just like I was until 2007, trusting that our governments in Australia are duty-bound and capable of protecting the interests of the people, in particular the health interests of Australians. Since I have examined detailed information from both sides of the debate I can only conclude that governments, business and scientists are working together to impose GM foods on the population because they foresee some economic gain. The public is so overwhelmed by other issues that food safety is seen as something they can’t control. The other rough group of proGM people seem to be living in a paradigm where science has all the answers for the world. Clearly science has transformed our world and many (possibly most) people would not be alive today without modern medical and engineering advances. It is folly to neglect the pitfalls of science though. Many people are sick or dead as a result of the economic imperative to introduce things which were thought to be safe (PCBs, Agent Orange, asbestos, smoking). Governments are notoriously slow to act to redress the damage caused by such substances because they are committed to supporting business. Business now determines the direction of scientiﬁc research, as academics now have to seek funding for their projects rather than remain government-funded and truly independent. The most damning evidence I have found regarding the health risks of GM foods has come from the FSANZ (Food Safety Australia and New Zealand) website and from my phone discussions with staff of FSANZ and OGTR (Ofﬁce of Gene Control Regulator), the supposed guardians of food and GM crop safety. And this was way before FSANZ’s credibility was publicly belittled over the melaminein-milk issue. I believe that our govern-

ments and their relevant departments are sadly failing Australians, probably with all the best intentions I suppose. This is the main reason it’s so vital that local governments across Victoria are allowing people to have a voice when it comes to the food we eat. If we all care about the health of our children we need to support and demand GM-free foods in our area. Barbara Hoare, MBBS, FPA cert, ACRRM Foster Medical Centre

Locals must work together

WITH most businesses predicting a turbulent and uncertain year ahead, Councils across regional Victoria are in a unique position to help local building businesses survive this rough patch. The most obvious thing they can do is reduce the backlog of new construction work held-up in the planning system. In 2008, builders in regional areas reported that their clients were experiencing on average 10 weeks delay in securing planning permits through their local councils. In 2009, country builders struggling to survive a downturn simply cannot afford to wait so long. While awaiting planning approval, builders are often servicing credit and paying labourers and suppliers. Months of planning delays and associated costs can spell the end of businesses - even proﬁtable ones. Councils which are keen to stimulate their local economies and minimise job losses should look to work with the local building community to improve their planning services where they can. Communities which pull together in these difﬁcult times will inevitably come out stronger at the end of them. Brian Welch Executive Director Master Builders Association of Victoria

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 13

Please, just back off By Brad Lester

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S a common experience. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re driving down the highway, admiring the countryside, thinking about work, play or whatever the clown on the radio is wafďŹ&#x201A;ing on about.

You check the rear vision mirror and panic. Gone is the endless road and rolling hills behind you, replaced with the grille of a truck, so close you can hear the driver yell â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hurry up!â&#x20AC;?. Feelings of fear and anger overwhelm you. Your life is in danger, as this multi-tonne vehicle with the capability of driving over your car like a size 14 shoe stepping over an ant, sits fair and square on your behind. Waiting for the nearest straight and pulling over to let the truck pass is the only way to rekindle a sense of calm. Tailgating is one of my pet hates when on the road and truck drivers are not the only culprits. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had couriers and car drivers coming too close for comfort, even when sitting on the speed limit. It just seems that 100km/h is not fast enough for some drivers, but even when presented with ample opportunities to pass, some offending drivers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, rather preferring to sit tight on my back bumper. Some people tailgate to let drivers in front know they are travelling too slowly.

Too close: it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take much to back off from the vehicle in front when on the road (Yes, these cars were parked). Others cling to the right hand side of the lane, indicating their desire to pass. Maybe some drivers simply donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anything of it. Or maybe they think the person in the back seat is good looking. Who knows? While 304 drivers died on Victorian roads last year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the lowest ever road toll

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 people have been killed already this year. At this time last year, the road toll stood at eight. According to the Transport Accident Commission, in 2008, 17 people died throughout the state as a result of collisions involving vehicles travelling in the same direction. Of these, four were aged

under 20. The TAC also reported that during 2007, when the latest ďŹ gures were available, 1244 people were seriously injured due to crashes also involving vehicles going the same way. Again, 170 were quite young, no older than 20. Drivers fared the worst, with 707 feeling the

brunt of these type of accidents. These startling ďŹ gures prove the need to drive safely and while tailgating may not play a part in many road deaths, the psychological effects of feeling nervous when trafďŹ c speeds up behind us can deter people from getting behind the wheel, yet alone create an unnecessary distraction. Fortunately, local police do not encounter many tailgaters while on patrol. Sergeant Jim Baum of the Bass Coast TrafďŹ c Management Unit said tailgating is not a problem throughout South Gippsland, with failing to wear seatbelts and motorists using a mobile phone while driving more pressing issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are more courteous in this area and so we concentrate on other issues,â&#x20AC;? he said. But Sgt Baum pointed out drivers caught tailgating will cop a $253 ďŹ ne and lose one demerit point. VicRoads recommends drivers keep at least two seconds away from vehicles in frontâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; simply line up a tree or post, wait until the car in front passes it and count two seconds. If you pass the object before two seconds is up, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re travelling too closely. When on the roads, please remember that simply taking your foot off the accelerator can determine whether or not a family is united around the dinner table that night.

Bush Magic hits Foster THE puppets will ďŹ nally come alive in Foster this month, when the Bush Magic show opens at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre.

Award-winning local theatre company, Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association will present this happy, home-grown pantomime from January 14â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25, 2009. The opening performance starts on Wednesday, January 14, at 7pm, followed by Thursday and Friday, 7pm. In the ďŹ nal week the shows are on Thursday, January 22, 7pm; on Friday at 6pm on Friday 23 as well as matinee performances at 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Written by Edwin Coad with music by Rob Ellis, Bush Magic is described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a playful pantomime of puns, perďŹ dy plus puppetryâ&#x20AC;?. As well as the actors, musicians and production personnel usually involved in a show, FAMDA has also had puppet makers and puppeteers on hand to weave their magic and cre-

ate special summer holiday entertainment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a very Australian show designed to appeal to all ages and ďŹ lled with an amazing mix of Australian bush animals and birds plus some very friendly domestic animals all found in the Australian countryside,â&#x20AC;? FAMDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jennifer Paragreen said. As in any traditional pantomime, there are heroes and villains and, in Bush Magic, these tend to be of the human kind. The heroes of the show turn out to be six children, three environmentally aware country kids and three city slickers, who save the bush animals from a fate worse than death. The real villains of the piece are Connie and Snide. They are the kind of characters audiences, young and old, love to hate. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $12 concession or $8 for children aged 12 and under. There is also a special family ticket of $50 maximum. Tickets are on sale at Main Street Revelations, 31 Main St, Foster, or by phoning 0400 867 872.

" % !

% ! % ! Bush villains: Watch out for Connie and Snide who are the villains in FAMDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bush Magic pantomime.

Brochure lists cultural feast AT LAST, the Prom Country arts and culture brochure is available. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a cultural guide not to be overlooked. South Gippsland shire councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Penni Ellicott said 10,000 copies had been printed. They will be distributed across the shire. The brochure comes with a map, covering all of South Gippsland, and includes a wide range of galleries, potteries and individual artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; studios in the district. It also lists live theatre and music events, museums, annual art shows and exhibitions and several cultural events and festivals in the region. For more information, drop in at any South Gippsland visitor information centre, such as Coal Creek, Leongatha Memorial Hall complex and Stockyard Gallery centre in Foster.

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PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Information overload By Jane Ross

IT’S 9am and Anne Harland is turning the key in the back door of the Inverloch Visitor Information Centre. Already there are customers lined up waiting to come in. One wants a map of the area, another seeks advice about the Bunurong Coastal Drive, access to rock pools and eateries suitable for her young children. Anne and her husband Jim, are two of the volunteers who man the centre during the week. It’s been so busy this season, there has been a 119 per cent increase on last year’s visitors. “We have about 600 people a day,” said Anne. “I’ve never seen so many people in Wonthaggi and Inverloch. I think it’s because people are holidaying nearer home, times are

tighter for families.” She and Jim are rostered on Wednesday mornings. At this time of year, they do their shift together and remain cheerful as they keep up with the ﬂood of inquiries. “We managed to help everybody but we always ﬁnd time for coffee!” said Anne. Sometimes it’s an effort to lock the door at 5pm, because visitors are still coming in. “We’ve been doing this for six years,” said Anne. “We’re both retired and this is a good way to get out. It’s lovely to meet people and it keeps the brain fresh. We have a good time.” Those who come to the information centre want to know about walks in the area, where the rail trails are so that they can ride their bikes, things for young families to do, accommodation bookings, bus timetables, trips to Phillip Island and its attractions. Volunteers man the centre during the week

and paid staff take care of the weekends. The co-ordinator is Teresa Wilson. The centre serves the needs of holidaymakers, but also permanent residents, particularly those new to the town. The information hub has a community notice board and copies of the Bass Coast Shire Community Directory, which help newcomers ﬁnd ways to settle in and make friends. Anne said one of the most popular walks this summer has been the one at Screw Creek. It’s not very long, young families can wheel a pusher and the views are splendid. The Bunurong Coastal drive is sought out too, because its views are also spectacular. Many visitors want to know about cafes and restaurants. Some ask which are the best, but Anne said she and her colleagues skirt that question with necessary diplomacy. “We just hand out the brochures.”

Busy time: Jim and Anne Harland are ready for another busy day at the Inverloch Visitor Information Centre, which has seen a 119 per cent increase on last year’s visitors.

Hot meals back on menu HOT Meals on Wheels for a dozen or more Mirboo North recipients will be secure once new arrangements have been put in place.

THIS SUMMER THE ANSWER IS

At the December 17, 2008 meeting, councillors voted for a cold meal service and allocated $1000 for the provision of a freezer at Leongatha hospital, despite efforts by Cr David Lewis to have hot meals provided. Following inquiries by The Star last year, it became apparent that hot meals could still be provided by Mirboo North Aged Care and as a result Cr Lewis will move a rescission motion to have the hot meals service restored. “The intent of my rescission motion for the council meeting of January 21 will be to delete the provision of frozen meals for Mirboo North provided for in the proposed contract with Gippsland Southern Health Services, and also delete the $1000 provision for a storage freezer for these frozen meals,” Cr Lewis. “In the interim, arrangements have been made for Mirboo North Aged Care to continue to supply hot meals for meals on wheels recipients in Mirboo North. “I expect a new contract for hot meals on wheels for Mirboo North to be drawn up and for this contract to come to council for approval in due course.”

Raw Vibes: last year’s organisers Ellie Thwaites and Gabby Panther show their vibes with current committee member Alex Karavis and one of this year’s organisers Billy Ziebell.

Tickets on sale

TICKETS for the March Raw Vibes Youth Music Festival are on sale now to ease congestion at the gate.

NCASP-286

In its sixth year, the festival promises to be better than ever, with a great line-up of top acts for the Mossvale Park event. Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, the festival will feature performances from national bands Phrase, Borne and Polo Club, along with local acts In-Sol-Inside, Thieving Gypsies, Face Aches and The Shardies. Gates open at 11.30am, with non-stop entertainment until 7pm. Organised by and for the young people of South Gippsland, with the support of South Gippsland shire council, South Gippsland Youth Council and the FReeZa program, the festival has attracted many visitors from outside the region. Tickets are available at several local retail outlets. They are $15 each. For further information contact council’s Penni Ellicott on 5662 9202 or visit www.myspace.com/ rawvibesfestival2008.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 15

Enjoying a rails run THERE’S no better travel than at home. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that The Ghan and Indian Pacific are classed among the world’s great train journeys, considering their length and breadth of stunning scenery. Travel agents Ed and Jill Carmody, of Jetset Leongatha, have done both rail journeys and can thoroughly recommend them as a great way to relax and enjoy a wide range of whistlestop tours along the route. The Ghan travels through the Red Centre from Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin, while the Indian Pacific crosses the continent from Sydney in the east to Adelaide and Perth on the Indian Ocean. One of the aspects Ed and Jill enjoyed so much was the constantly changing landscape as they went along, from wheat farms to salt pans. They recently did The Ghan journey, which is three days, including two nights of sheer luxury in their Platinum suite. The Platinum package includes double beds, separate en-suite and 24-hour room service. Along the way they stopped at Port Augusta, Alice Springs and Katherine, where they took a 30-minute helicopter flight over Katherine Gorge.

Train luxury: Travelling on The Ghan is a journey of sheer luxury; so say Ed and Jill Carmody, of Jetset Leongatha. “It’s all about the journey and the places you see on the way,” Jill said about the Ghan journey. “And I would do the same trip again, but I would do it south-bound, start-

ing in Darwin, to get a different perspective.” The Indian Paciﬁc ride offered the similar high standard of service, she said, and gave yet another won-

Chopper ride: While in Katherine, Ed and Jill took a helicopter ﬂight over the famous Gorge.

Port Augusta: Jill Carmody was glad to catch up with down town Port Augusta again, which she had visited a few years ago.

derful view of Australia and its vast landscape. Jill said a rail journey could be compared to a boat cruise. Although one was land-bound and the other on

water, they shared an enclosed environment, which had all facilities available on board. “With a ship you anchor at ports and take guided tours or venture out alone, while the train will make regular stops for group or individual sightseeing.” Jill said from her experience as a travel agent she would recommend that her customers take advantage of guided tours. “Guided tours are the best and quickest way of learning about a destination. The guides are always well informed and generally very enthusiastic about their area.” Jetset has available a special offer for Early Birds for both rail journeys. Bookings close on February 28 and the journey must be taken before June 30, 2009. The 2009/2010 edition of Australia’s Great Train Holidays brochure is now available from Jetset at Compass Arcade off McCartin St, Leongatha. The brochure includes tour and accommodation options as well as a special offer to purchase a Red Sleeper Holiday package and receive a free upgrade to travel in Gold Service for the Indian Paciﬁc and The Ghan. For further details, contact Jetset Leongatha staff on 5662 3601 and make an appointment to inspect the various options.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 17

Summer tyre pressure TYRE pressure is important at all times. It’s critical to have properly inflated tyres, as this assures the best possible contact between the tyre and the road. Read your owner’s manual to find the correct tyre pressures, and, if necessary, adjust pressures to compensate for the hotter operating conditions - especially if you’re doing lots of high-speed driving on a summer-vacation road trip. Properly inflated tyres will also last longer and improve gas mileage. Because of summertime’s higher temperatures, the air pressure in a warm tyre rises. Why? Because air is a gas, and gas expands when it heats up. Keep this in mind if you are checking tyre pressures. The given tyre pressure specifications are for when the tyres are cold, therefore the pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold. Also, an improperly inflated tyre can heat excessively, potentially leading to a blow-out on the highway.

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

The green machine FRANK Materia has a “beaut ute”. It’s bright metallic green, has a 383 Chev motor with a 671 super charger and he loves it. Fresh from the Summer Nats in Canberra where he won the number one encouragement award and was in the top 60 out of 1300 entrants from around Australia, Frank took his ute to Phillip Island at the weekend for a hot rod show. He’s been working on it for ﬁve years, with the help of his mate Michael McGrath from Moe. “If it wasn’t for him, the ute would still be in pieces,” said Frank. He’s loved cars since he was 18 and has been to 21 of the 22 Summer Nats in Canberra. This is the ﬁrst time he’s won anything and he’s “stoked”. Being named in the top 60 is very special. “I was overwhelmed,” said Frank, “it’s great to get something out of it. “I used to see others being presented with trophies and I used to think geez, I wish that was me.” While his ute, a WB Holden, is geared for drag racing, he doesn’t actually drive it. The vehicle looks far too smart to be reduced to the pedestrian level of being driven. He might have enjoyed driving it to Canberra, but with its bright colour and big, obvious racing back tyres, he’d be a magnet for the police, who, said Frank, would take a dim view of him taking to the highways in

Award winner: after years of going to the Summer Nats in Canberra, Frank Materia has ﬁnally won prizes for his ute. It’s a bright green WB Holden.

such transport. The ute took Frank and Mick two years to build. “We had it going for 12 to 18 months, then we stripped it and did it properly, so, we’ve been making it for ﬁve years. It takes

time and money.” Leongatha Body Repairs did the paint job. The hue is called House of Colours and it’s painted over gold metallic, which brings out the green. Bright emerald would describe it well.

Frank is hoping to take the ute to a show at Melbourne’s Exhibition Building in January and to a car show in Traralgon in March. “I have more plans this year, I’m always doing different things.”

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Fire destroys playground POLICE believe a smouldering cigarette butt caused the fire that burnt down the Venus Bay playground at Jupiter Park last Tuesday night, but a local fire fighter disputes that. Tarwin Lower CFA captain John Classon, who lives in Venus Bay, said he was called to the fire at 10.38pm and when he arrived the playground was well and truly ablaze. He said a resident living opposite the park had made the call. There were lots of teenagers on Jupiter Boulevard and in the park

that night and there had been “a fair bit of yahooing. “We had two tankers from Tarwin Lower attending the fire, with units from Pound Creek and Inverloch assisting,” Capt Classon said. It took half an hour to control the fire, which caused $40,000 damage, gutting the playground. The intense heat had melted the plastic roof, panels, slide and swings and the mulch was burnt away. Capt Classon said he had reported the incident to the CFA fire investigator, but because it was not a residential fire it was left to

police to take further action. The playground, owned by South Gippsland shire council, was just over a year old. It had been installed just before Christmas 2007. The incident was referred to council’s insurers. Council’s manager infrastructure maintenance, Fred Huitema said Inverloch police had contacted council and believed that the ﬁre was not deliberately lit. “They suspect a cigarette butt in the mulch,” Mr Huitema said. “I don’t think so,” Capt Classon said. “To me a cigarette butt must be smouldering for a long time. The ﬁre happened quickly.

It did look like an accelerant had been used. I put it down in my report that it was suspicious.” Constable Jim Haylock, of Inverloch police, said the ﬁre was “possibly started with a cigarette, we believe at this stage. The ﬁre is still being investigated. But from our investigation so far there was no accelerant used and it did not look suspicious.” Mr Huitema said for safety reasons it was better that the playground be completely replaced and pending material availability, it would take between two and three months at least.

Tin shake: junior and senior members of the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club walked the beaches, caravan parks and streets to raise money for a desperately needed new clubhouse. The response was excellent. The Inverloch and District Community Bank enlisted “piggy” to help shake the cans.

Playground ﬁre: The Jupiter Park playground will need to be replaced at a cost of $40,000.

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES—March 21-April 20 Every old saying has a new meaning, from beauty is in the eye of the beholder, to haste is to waste. Expected payment may be slow in coming. Healthwise, don’t laugh off aches and pains. TAURUS—April 21-May 22 Work mates are inconsistent and a loved one is surprisingly dramatic. Be alert to a financial opportunity in the domestic environment. Will power is low, particularly regarding diet. GEMINI—May 23-June 21 Your ideas are valuable things, so guard them closely. On the other hand, express love more freely - to your romance partner and especially to youngsters. News of an upcoming visit brightens the weekend. CANCER—June 22-July 22 Emotional strain eases up during this very social week, with activities ranging from the very earthy to the glittering and glamorous. By the weekend you stumble on a solution to a domestic dilemma. LEO—July 23-August 22 This is a week of mystery. Among the offerings a sullen acquaintance turns into charm personified. A missing object is found in the unlikeliest place. A trip becomes more surprising with each twist. VIRGO—August 23-September 22 Your memory plays games with you so double check your facts. You bring a touch of class to a weekend happening. A romantic debate is settled by the end of the week. Selling is favoured all week. LIBRA—September 23-October 22 Your taste is impeccable - but also leans to the expensive Your parties, intimate dinners or grand buffets are memorable. Spend more time encouraging loved ones to realize their potential. SCORPIO—October 23-November 21 Don’t feel obligated to defend a point of view to a critical friend. The weekend accents nostalgia - a loving gesture puts you in a sentimental mood. Your status at the workplace increases. SAGITTARIUS—November 22-December 22 Every rule has an exception, as you see throughout the week. Someone you love may need a health hint - issue it by Friday. A favourable financial announcement arrives when least expected. CAPRICORN—December 23-January 20 You could find yourself wearing a new hat by the end of the week, taking on the role of consultant, writer or artist Opt for more spontaneity on the weekend. Contact outof-town relatives, even if not your turn. AQUARIUS—January 21-February 19 Remember those recent ventures? Well, this is the week to realize substantial gains. It’s also a week that favours real estate hunting, expanding educational horizons and avoiding gossipy types. PISCES—February 20-March 20 If possible, tackle whole jobs rather than single sections. A loved one may be cynical, but don’t press. Intuitive gifts are especially strong after the weekend. BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Your approach to life and above all, to romance is one of optimism. You are rarely at a loss of words, which in your case is both a positive and negative trait. Imagination was your best friend last year, using it to develop personal and professional relationships.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8153

Church Times ANGLICAN: Tuesday, January 13: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk/St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship. Wednesday, January 14: 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Friday, January 16: 7.30pm St David’s, Meeniyan HC. Sunday, January 18: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Contemporary Worship with HC; 10.30am St Andrew’s, Tarwin Lower Uniting Service. 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. Poowong: First and third Sundays, 11.30am. 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 Comm- union. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984. THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660. ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248. A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466. Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219. Leongatha South Gippsland Liberty Fellowship - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm. All enquiries contact Pastor David Stegmann 5662 2785. Office: 5662 3100. Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984. CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha. Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm:

Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly; For all enquiries contact 5662 4371 or 5664 5455. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School - 11.30am. CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday. Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm/6pm Mass daylight saving Saturday. Meeniyan: 9.30am Sunday Mass. Mirboo North: 11am Sunday Mass. St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass. Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass. Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass. KORUMBURRA’S WOMEN’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214. GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at the Senior Citizens Centre, Mirboo North, Tuesday evenings: 7-8pm Communion, 8.15-9pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children. Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5662 2388 Bob Stevens. SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Kid’s Club - Tuesday, 4 - 5pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome. Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122. SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship. Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228. PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service and Sunday School 10am. Corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone 5662 2107.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. Teaching service at 7.30pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2762. Minister: Rev. Ron Nauta. UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Services from December 21 until the end of January will be at 10am. Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am and 11am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 10am: Rev. Deacon Tom Kirchner, 5655 1997. BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Phone 5658 1366. BAPTIST CHURCH WON-THAGGI: 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.

6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 16. 20. 22. 23. 24. 25.

ACROSS Make up (10) Gas (4) Brass instrument (4) Flower (5) Shout (4) Flattering (9) Throb (9) Plant (4) Short (5) Meat (4) African tribe (4) Shortage (10)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 13. 14. 15. 17. 18. 19. 21.

DOWN Plump (6) Attack (7) Bone (6) Garment (6) Coin (5) Merry (5) Fuel (3) Plug (7) Spurious (5) Unanchored (6) Penetrate (6) Threefold (6) Room (5)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8153 ACROSS 6. Intend to keep an eye on? (4,2,4). 8. Thought I had started eating (4). 9. Go ahead and give the OK to (4). 10. Had destroyed the evidence that one had made a hash of it? (5). 11. Captives don’t find them funny! (4). 12.Listening attentively to every word while waiting? (7,2). 16. Did it, being unable to back out (9). 20. Very little notice (4). 22. What the experienced pearl-stringer knows? (5). 23. Having one name the club (4). 24. On Sunday, again dropped in for a yarn (4). 25. Found unsheathed? (10). DOWN 1. Presreve the name of the country (6). 2. News would seem to have got out about the gas explosion (7). 3. In winter, need I say, will be shut up (6). 4. In which you’ll see a lot of French nippers (6). 5. Having no score, the footballer is unsettled (5). 7. The evergreens start running riot in the border (5). 13. Stick up a fool (3). 14. Marked in the various dates for holding it (7). 15. Drops the flowers (5). 17. Sit on the work counter (6). 18. For many, a race-course that’s lucky (6). 19. Eaten, naturally (6). 21. The traffic at the time, dear, was all snarled up (5).

Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 19

Top citizens to be honoured Last year: the award recipients in 2008 were young citizen Crista Beaumont, event of the year award accepted by Joan Liley for the Seachange festival and citizen of the year, Noel Gregg.

Community event nominees Bed of Roses Celebration A Community celebration was held to publicise both the filming of the ABC series and its launch on TV, and the unfurling of the three town banners and sign to proclaim Meeniyan as the home of “Bed of Roses.” Three hundred attended, including 100 children and their teachers from Tarwin Valley Primary School. A barbecue lunch was held, followed by homemade cakes and slices contributed by so many. Previews of the series were running continuously in a marquee at the celebration, which was held in Tanderra Park. Dumbalk and District’s Back to celebration Some 30 years after the last district reunion, it was decided to rekindle the spirit of the Dumbalk area, recognise its history and record it for the future. After wide promotion, the celebrations attracted an estimated 3500 from all states of mainland Australia and ran from noon on Friday until noon on Monday. The three days included barbecues, supper dance, book launch, casserole dinner, church service, area bus tour, football and netball matches, memorabilia exhibition, an old time sports day display, vintage cars and old farm machinery. Korumburra Secondary College 50th anniversary celebration About 2700 people came from across the country to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary, ex-teachers and ex-students with their families returning to honour the college’s influence on their lives and to reconnect with old school friends. The celebrations launched on Friday evening with tours of the college and decade rooms operating so visitors could easily reconnect to their peers. Saturday was the big day, with a school assembly, luncheon, musical performances and group photos, followed by a cabaret in the Korumburra Recreation Centre. On Sunday, a combined church service was held in the Performing Arts Centre, followed by a farewell barbecue. Leongatha Daffodil Festival and 2008 Australian National Daffodil Championships The Leongatha Daffodil Festival has been running successfully for 52 years. And this year it had the honour of holding the National Daffodil Championships, an event that only comes to Victoria every 10 years, and was last held in Leongatha in 1997. The nationals bring amateur and professional daffodil growers from across Australia to discuss their activities and new developments in the industry. They also attract busloads of keen garden lovers to admire the exquisite array of flowers, providing significant flow on revenue to the local economy. Loch Food and Wine Festival This inaugural Food and Wine festival was strategically created to fill a large gap in the Loch calendar of events,

which is designed to lure visitors to the village. About 2000 visitors revelled in the sensory pleasures of good food, wine, music and quality craft presented by artisans who networked beautifully to create a wonderful winter event over the Queen’s Birthday weekend. The success of this first festival reaffirmed the value of a festival at this time of year when there is less happening, and the committee and stakeholders are enthused to proceed again next year. Mirboo North Arty Gras This inaugural event was created to celebrate Mirboo North’s wealth of artistic and cultural diversity, and to showcase it for the enjoyment of spectators, performers, exhibitors and organisers. Over 1000 people attended the festival which featured a street parade, an art show, an Arts Council performance, the production and screening of the video Beyond the Boundary Fence, a photographic ‘Breast Art’ exhibition, and a fresh food market showcasing local producers. Benefits from the festival flowed on to the Mirboo North Art Show which had record attendances this year, and the Breast Art project has become a travelling art show. Poowong School’s 50th year More than 600 people attended this significant event in the history of Poowong, which comprised musical presentations by current students, the launch of the school’s commemorative book The New School on the Hill featuring the artwork of three students on the cover and contributions from every student in the school, and the dedication a newly installed archway and mosaic to mark the occasion. A slide show highlighting the different eras shown throughout the event provided great viewing and created a host of memories and lots of laughs, as did the committee’s attempt to march to Seventy-six Trombones.

CELEBRATE South Gippsland Shire’s stand-out citizens at the Australia Day awards ceremony in Memorial Hall, Leongatha, next Wednesday. Twelve people are in the running to be the 2009 citizen and young citizen of the year in the region. Seven events are also vying for the community event of the year award. Shire Australia Day awards coordinator, Jeannie Hicks said the awards ceremony is a special night to honour all nominees and not just the ﬁnal recipients. “There is often only a hare’s whisker between them all, making it extremely difﬁcult to judge,” she said. “We usually have a crowd of three or four hundred at the presentation, and everyone is welcome.” There are four females contending for the young citizen of the year award, all from the Strzelecki Ward of the shire. “Credit must be given to Cr Jennie Deane who enthusiastically encouraged groups in her ward to recognise their own young people,” Ms Hicks said. “Younger people are doing great work in the community and need to

be encouraged to continue; they are role models that may inspire others to contribute more.” Ms Hicks said there is an extremely high quality field of nominees in both categories, as usual. Award recipients, (Ms Hicks says all nominees are winners) were chosen in early November and approved by council in December. “A report is provided to council to support our recommendations and the review of the recommendations is done in camera,” she said. “The confidentiality of the process is well respected to make the announcement a valued experience. “Each of the questions in the nomination form is scored individually and separately by each member of the selection panel and scores tallied to reveal the highest score.” The selection panel comprises Ms Hicks and three councillors. Ms Hicks said the event of the year is to recognise the hundreds of people who contribute collectively to add value to the community. “The category captures far more than just entertainment festivals; it recognises milestones in human endeavour and authentic expressions of community spirit,” she said. “The festivals attract visitors to our region and contribute significantly to our local economy, but any-

one who has worked on a committee knows they are labour intensive and those who do the hard yards deserve to be recognised,” she said. Entertainment on the night will be provided by Wendy Reed and Peter Hall and Korumburra group, Beggs to Differ with Phil Beggs, Terry Lay and Christine Ross. Festivities kick off at 7.30pm on January 21 in Memorial Hall with the RSL donating Anzac biscuits, so people can socialise with a cuppa after the presentations.

Entertainment: Beggs to Differ

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Citizen of the year award

Donna Gray Foster

KNOWN as a battler with a big heart, Donna is the mother of two teenagers and does incredible work caring for injured native animals and running an animal rescue service near Foster.

ment for 10 years, undertaking numerous construction jobs around the building to improve the facility; • member of the Foster and District Agricultural Society for many years, attending working bees before and after the show and handling the arena announcing amongst other tasks; • A regular Meals on Wheels volunteer for at least seven years; • Master of Ceremonies for several local organisations including the hospital auxiliary; • He is also a willing helper to the many organisations that his wife Kate is involved in. Now in his senior years and with some hearing difﬁculties, Bruce is an inspiration to many much younger people who are in awe of the level of commitment and energy he exhibits.

Of modest means, Donna works voluntarily to save these animals that she loves, and pays for their food and veterinary bills out of her own pocket, as well as the petrol to collect and ferry the animals around the region, from Foster to Phillip Island. Passions like this are irrational and Donna’s only concern is the wellbeing of the animals, and the great reward in store when the animal is able to return to the wild and resume its destiny.

Janine Milkins Leongatha

THE fact Janine was a ﬁnalist in the Woolworths 2008 Mother of the Year, and that she has been nominated by her 13-yearold daughter, is a clear indication that we are dealing with a very special person in our community. Bruce Crowl Foster

AFTER a lifetime in radio, theatre, ﬁlm and television, Bruce Crowl and his cache of talent ‘retired’ to Foster for the quiet life. For Bruce, that meant seeking out other retirees with time on their hands and involving them in one or more of the many projects he undertakes. For 12 years he has been set construction manager for FAMDA, the Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association, organising crews to work with him on over 20 productions, teaching and supervising along the way. He has also led several theatrical workshops, attracting participants from across the region. He is FAMDA’s man of all seasons: directing, producing, acting, building sets and working backstage at performances, plus judge and guardian of the archives. Bruce instigated a One Act Play Festival and has been the producer/ coordinator of it for the past eight years. He was made a Life member of FAMDA in 2007 in recognition of his contribution to the success of the company and growth of audience numbers. His other activities include: • member of the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre committee of manage-

Married for 22 years, Janine and three of her five children have a life threatening heart condition, and two of her children are autistic, challenges that would daunt a lesser person. But not only have she and husband Peter created a home of love, laughter and learning, she finds time to volunteer at the local schools, assisting on camps and undertaking a lifeguard role at the local pool. Her support of other families living with disabilities is immeasurable. Janine is informed, articulate and compassionate when providing support to families with disabilities and who may have newly diagnosed autistic children, providing facts on networks, agencies, phone numbers of specialists and a positive perspective at a challenging time. Janine is passionate about raising awareness in the community about the autism spectrum and Long QT syndrome, an inherited heart condition that can cause fainting and sudden cardiac death. She displays amazing strength and fortitude to keep on looking for ways to better manage these conditions and to give her children the best chance at fulfilling lives. She is a regular speaker at events where she can get the message out, talking to teachers, parents and community groups. As a result of her incredible work, the South Gippsland community has a greater understanding and knowledge of children and adults with disabilities.

Ray Humphrey Loch

RAY has tirelessly worked for the Loch Recreation Reserve in a voluntary capacity for 40 years, as a committee member, president, secretary and groundsman over varying periods. He played over 400 games of football for Loch and is still playing cricket for the Loch Poowong Cricket Club. He has coached both cricket and football and umpired the cricket for several years. His dedication to local cricket and football was recognised with life membership awarded to him from both clubs. A committed community volunteer, Ray has also: • served on the Poowong School Committee for six years; • been a member of the Loch Masonic Lodge for 25 years; and • is a committee member of the Loch-Nyora Landcare Group. In 2008 he received a certiﬁcate of appreciation of his formidable contribution to the Loch community from the Strzelecki Lions Club, all accomplished whilst running a dairy farm and raising six children with his wife, Barbara. Citizens like Ray are the strength of our South Gippsland communities.

Neville Meikle Meeniyan

NEVILLE’S community involvement began as a 20-yearold when, as a member of the Meeniyan Younger Set he joined the Meeniyan Hall Committee, and stayed on board for 47 years. This was a sign of things to come as he went on to serve on the Leongatha Show Committee for 40 years, the Tarwin Water Board for 17 years and as a Poll Hereford steward at the Royal Melbourne Show for 20 years. Neville also spent 23 years in varying capacities with Lands Department Committees advising government ministers of all political parties on the control of vermin and noxious weeds, and working closely with former Premier Joan Kirner.

Neville travelled the breadth of Victoria and interstate to develop and promote Poll Herefords and was a board member for Beef Week for nine years. Ten years of service were given to the Leongatha High School where he drove the development of Nicholas Oval, and another 10 to the Meeniyan Cemetery Trust, all the while as he developed and ran his Poll Hereford Stud and raised a young family of six children. His dedication to excellence has disseminated throughout all his activities, with his contributions recognised when he was awarded the title of honorary patron of the Victorian Poll Hereford Association, and life member of the Leongatha Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He is a skilled negotiator and orator, and has always applied a practical and ‘hands on’ approach to resolve issues and improve processes and facilities in his areas of interest. Although now retired, Neville is a keen member of Leongatha Probus, the Meeniyan Bowling Club and the Meeniyan Historical Society where his vast knowledge of the local history is valued. His contribution is indelibly printed in our community, for which we are grateful.

Alan Clark Leongatha

ALAN is widely known across the shire from his days of owning and operating Clark’s Music Store in Leongatha and a lifetime of sharing his passion, talent and joy for music through regular performances at local dances and parties. But this nomination is to recognise the great body of community work he performs for aged care centres around the region, giving freely of his time and talent on a regular basis. He also performs at many church events and is in great demand for all the local Deb Balls. With his cheeky smile and friendly manner he has brightened the lives of hundreds of senior residents over the years. He visits aged care facilities at Mirboo North, Korumburra, Leongatha, Trafalgar and Traralgon on a monthly basis. His repertoire is extensive and on the rare occasion he doesn’t know the song, he will always seek it out and learn it for the next visit. Alan’s music has much more impact on some than merely an afternoon’s entertainment. In many cases, it brings back memories of happier times and past loved ones, and has positive effects on the spirits of dementia sufferers. Music is a proven powerful tool in the treatment of anxiety and depression and over the years Alan has validated this time after time. Alan makes the effort on special

theme days, providing rollicking Irish ballads on St Patrick’s Day, and favourite carols at Christmas. Never short of a twinkle in his eye and a good joke up his sleeve, he takes the time to chat to the seniors, who adore him and await his visits eagerly. His generous nature and happy talent have been a vital addition to the health and wellbeing of many hundreds of people in South Gippsland.

Renae Littlejohn Leongatha North

ARTIST, teacher, businesswoman and mother of three are just some of the ongoing roles that Renae incorporates into her busy and dynamic life, and that inevitably link her to a wide array of voluntary work. Renae is an active volunteer for the Leongatha Children’s Centre, Leongatha Pre-Schools and St Laurence’s Primary School where she serves as parish fete co-ordinator and netball coach for Under 11 girls. She shared the presidency of the Parents and Friends Association from 2005 to 2007, and her creativity and drive as a fund raiser for the school community is legendary, initiating many events such as the Fathers’ Day breakfast and Oaks Day celebration, which continue to be popular. She has painted eye catching murals and signs at both local kinders and at the children’s centre, and as a committee member for the past six years she has assisted with fundraising, governance and policy development and has run workshops for staff development. Currently president of the South Gippsland Businesswomen’s Network, Renae is passionate in her support of women succeeding in the business world. She also co-ordinates Women’s Networking Seminars across South Gippsland and Bass Coast to inspire women to reach their potential. Renae also assisted with a 24 week VCAL program in 2008 at Leongatha GippsTAFE campus that strove to help students realise their talents and what they can offer their community. Her artworks can be seen regularly around the region and she was a ﬁnalist in the Gippsland Tourist Awards in 2001 in recognition of her charming postcard images that quirkily capture the character of our local towns. She is enthusiastic in teaching her young art students, who beneﬁt not only from her artistic skills, but from the passion and purpose she brings to all her endeavours. South Gippsland is richer for her dynamic presence and positive attitude.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 21

nominees Get in the spirit

Michael Curley Leongatha

MIKE Curley’s dedication to Leongatha’s aged community is exceptional. For over 10 years he has volunteered thousands of hours to assist the residents and management of Woorayl Lodge, doing maintenance, research, quotes, advocacy, transportation and

committee work. Mike has contributed a great deal of time assisting with the Woorayl Lodge’s annual fair. He is also an original committee member and dedicated worker for the Leongatha Progress Association (LPA), producing the Progress Leongatha community newsletter each quarter, and attending the South Gippsland Towns’ Network meetings and Keep Australia Beautiful meetings on behalf of LPA. Other roles he has undertaken are: • Committee chairman of Woorayl Lodge; • Active member of the Planning for Real Leongatha Project; • Board member of the Leongatha Water Board 1986 – 1995; • Past treasurer of the Ratepayers and Citizens Association; • Meals on Wheel volunteer. Mike is a quiet and diligent community worker without any thought of personal gain, who ﬁnds his reward by achieving outcomes that support the wider community.

THE National Australia Day Council suggests some way to help celebrate on January 26. Australia Day is more than a public holiday - it’s the day we come together as a nation to celebrate Australia and being Australian. There are many ways to celebrate what’s great about Australia, from attending organised community events to marking the occasion in your own simple way. The National Australia Day Council has put together some ideas to get you thinking and planning how you’ll get into the spirit this Australia Day: • Think about what it is we celebrate - what is it about Australia that you value most? • Understand your region’s Aboriginal history and culture - ﬁnd out more

about the indigenous Australians of your area and their customs. Consider how Aboriginal people feel about Australia Day. • Take an Australia Day holiday - visit a part of our country you’ve never seen before and attend its community Australia Day celebrations. • Share a multicultural Aussie barbecue - invite

your neighbours, especially those you’ve never met before and taste the many ﬂavours that make up our nation. • Revisit our history read a historic novel or visit your local museum. • Enter the Advance Australia Dare competition www.advanceaustraliadare. com.au - send in your rendition of the anthem.

• Learn both verses of the national anthem – did you know the original version of Advance Australia Fair was written in 1878, but only ofﬁcially proclaimed our national anthem in 1984? • Create an Aussie photo montage - collect all your Australian themed photos together in a fun display on your wall, a Facebook photo album or make an Australian styled photo for your computer wallpaper or screensaver. • Nominate an Australian who makes you proud, for the Australian of the Year Awards 2010 at www. australianoftheyear.org.au For more information about Australia Day events around the nation, visit www. australiaday.org.au or contact the Australia Day Committee in your State or Territory.

Young Citizen of the Year award nominees

Nicole Harvey (21) Poowong

Kristy Lee Jones (17) Korumburra

NICOLE stands out because she has the KRISTY seeks out challenges and gives her time and skills selflessly. ability to ‘get on and do things’. She has been an active and financial member of the Poowong Community Consultative Committee (PCCC) since she was 15, and is currently vice president. Working alongside adults to develop Bimbadeen Park and walkway, Nicole regularly undertakes maintenance work in the park including spraying weeds, and assists on the many other projects PCCC have undertaken. Among her many achievements, Nicole has: • participated in 12 consecutive Clean Up Australia Days; • been a member of girl guides for 10 years, a junior leader for five years, and received the Queen’s Guide Award in 2004; • worked on the Poowong Consolidated School’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, which were held in April 2008; • helped create a mosaic mural for Poowong; • been the driving force for re-forming a Young Farmers’ Club in South Gippsland and was recently elected president at their inaugural AGM; • regularly contributed to and was the Poowong reporter for the Loch Express newsletter for two years; • represented South Gippsland at the National Rural Youth Convention in WA in 2006. • gained her Diploma in Agriculture, has worked as a steward at the Warragul Show and raises prize- winning Tamworth pigs. Her evident leadership skills and initiatives have already provided great benefit to the Poowong and South Gippsland communities.

Kristy Lee has just completed her VCE and is preparing for university. Generous to a fault, she regularly tutors three younger disadvantaged students across a range of subjects to help them to succeed. A talented all rounder, Kristy Lee’s achievements include: • Dux in Years 9 and 10 at Korumburra Secondary College; • Selection as a “Kwong Lee Dow” young scholar by Melbourne University; • Recipient of a certiﬁcate in an Australasian Writing Competition; • Lions Club Youth of the Year 2007; • Rotary Citizenship Award 2007; • representing her college in netball, athletics, swimming and cross country; • Winner of two Best and Fairest Awards for netball in 2006 and 2007; • First place in the Under 17 Cross Country race. She is a regular blood donor, and has taken part in the local Cancer Council’s Relay for Life in each of the three years since its inception. Kristy Lee is outstanding in every respect. She has taken advantage of the opportunities offered to her both at school and in the wider community, as well as working part time in the local pharmacy for several years. Hard working, organised and adaptable, Kristy Lee is a very caring person who is highly respected by her peers, teachers and those who have been fortunate to observe her pleasant manner and her exemplary citizenship skills in her communities.

Jemima Page (17) Poowong

Alanna McKinnon (22) Ranceby

JEMIMA has just completed Year 11 at Korumburra Secondary College and has held part time jobs for the past four years, as well as undertaking regular babysitting jobs.

THE values of contribution and compassion were developed in Alanna at an early age when she willingly undertook numerous tasks to support elderly relatives, and later as a guide, visiting the elderly in a retirement village to brighten their day.

In the school community, teachers and peers alike respect her maturity and leadership. She is a bus captain, a trained peer mediator and has mentored younger students with their work. Jemima has achieved her Level 1 first aid qualification and recently trained as a swimming life guard. She assists in the school canteen, and has from time to time looked after the school office when staff briefings have been held; a significant demonstration of trust. An extremely conscientious student, Jemima is also a keen sportswoman, representing the college in basketball, netball, tennis and swimming. She is heavily involved in her Poowong community, playing netball and refereeing for the basketball association. At the end of the 2008 season she was awarded the police and PCCC Award for the most disciplined player. Jemima is a quiet and respectful young woman who is an accomplished public speaker, winning the best public speaker award in the 2007 Strzelecki Lions Youth of the Year competition. She also sang a beautiful solo of A Thousand Miles in the school concert before an audience of 300 people, a feat that would intimidate most people. Jemima was awarded an Australian Defence Force Long Tan leadership and teamwork award in 2007.

After growing up through the ranks of guides, Alanna has been keen to give back, enthusiastically demonstrating her leadership skills as she mentors younger girls through the guiding journey. She is a leader with the Warreen guides, attending meetings weekly, and is also supporting a group of guides from Korumburra and Poowong who are striving to achieve their Queen’s Guide awards. Alanna is studying at Chisholm Institute to work with children, and works part time at Coal Creek, as well as volunteering there. Her other good deeds include: • Producing a business and community directory for Poowong, designed to assist new families in the area; • Raising money for homeless children as part of the “Snooze in a Box” committee. • Working on the Korumburra and District Australia Day Committee; • Volunteering at the Prom Country Visitor Information Centre; • Co- hosting several Lions Exchange students with her parents in their home. Alanna has also been an overseas exchange student, an experience from which she gained great maturity. Her love of children and bright bubbly personality endear Alanna to those who meet her, and through public speaking skills she imparts her passion to audiences.

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

SCHOOL holidays in South Gippsland mean fun for children who are part of the SPLASH vacation care program.

Green and gold: Kate, Leongatha, had chosen the Australian colours of green and gold for her puppet.

Summer read: Jo Bowler, who works at Leongatha and Inverloch libraries, can recommend a great summer read.

On Wednesday last week, participants were making puppets for the SPLASH puppet show before heading to the pool for an inﬂatable challenge. SPLASH programs coordinator, Sheree Paterson said the program was off to a good start. “Numbers have been extremely high considering this is the ﬁrst year we’ve been booked out some days in our January program,” Sheree said. There are 45 children attending on a full day. Working parents across the region make use of the program as it runs from

8.30am to 5.30pm each day. Bad weather meant a couple of holiday makers also used the program last week. Highlights are likely to be a trip to the Melbourne Zoo on January 29 and beach day at the Phillip Island Discovery Camp on January 22. Other activities still to come include bowling at Morwell, cooking and a talent quest. The program began on January 5 and continues until January 30, except for Australia Day. Parents are still able to make enquiries regarding booking by calling SPLASH on 5662 5911.

Right: Dressed up: Ainslee, Leongatha, has given her puppet a stylish South Gippsland look. In progress: Amber, Leongatha, and Elizabeth, Leongatha South, were giving their painting work extra careful attention.

Court time: Jayden, Foster North, Richard, Zac, Jay, all Leongatha and Callun, Korumburra were into the ball sports.

Sourcing a great summer read THERE’S always time to read a good book on holidays. Whether it’s sitting in the shade with a cold drink, or saving it for a rainy day, turning the pages of an engrossing story continues to be one of the best pleasures in life. And there’s a fantastic resource on everyone’s door step. Aside from adding to your personal library by buying the latest novel, biography or non-ﬁction bestseller, the local library is the ideal venue. Leongatha is among a handful of South Gippsland towns that are part of the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation. Others include Foster, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Korumburra, Mirboo North and Poowong. “A public library is about much more than books,” the corporation’s chief executive John Murrell said. “It ensures people have better social networks, are more tolerant about differences, more computer literate, better educated and informed. There are 140,100 items in the West Gippsland library collection to inform and entertain the local public. “Members also have access to 3,078,718 titles held by sister libraries in the SWIFT consortium, all available via inter library loan. These inter library loans can be delivered to your nominated local library.” The Swift Consortium is a large group of Victorian libraries that share one library computer system, allowing access to more than two million items.

A reader survey by Libraries Building Communities unearthed some interesting statistics. The study surveyed all 238 public library branches in Victoria and drew on a sample of nearly 10,000 Victorians. It revealed that around six in ten Victorians were public library users. The largest proportion of library users falls into the age groups 30–39 years and 40–49 years, but young children and their parents form the backbone of library users. About half of all users come from households with a dependent child. A further 21 per cent of users come from households with non-dependent children. Couples without children account for about 10 per cent of users and single people about 14 per cent. About two-thirds of library users are female and one-third male. On average, every day each Victorian public library will lend about 500 items. They will receive nearly 270 visits from a total of 2.5 million registered users and respond to nearly 30 reference enquiries. Every second person in Victoria is a member of a local public library. In the last year 46.9 million items were borrowed from Victorian public libraries, 2.7 million reference enquiries were answered and home library services visited 14,500 housebound individuals. Free access to the internet is available for all Victorians through their public libraries and proved popular. Newspapers and magazines are also well read. DVDs are very popular with our male users. The Leongatha Library is at 2 Smith Street. For inquiries, call 5662 4829.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 23

Homestead haven RETIRE to this home on ﬁve acres near Tarwin Lower. Read about it on page 32.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A marriage made in heaven B

EHIND a white picket fence and just a stroll to coffee at Henrietta’s is a romantic period home that oozes all the charm of yesteryear, married with a modern rear extension. The result of this union is a gorgeous, characterfilled home that takes full advantage of its northerly aspect, its soaring ceilings and its generous rooms. Tastefully renovated in light, muted tones, and estimated to have been built around 1907, the original three double front bedrooms and wide central hallway feature tongue and groove dado panelling, 11 foot ceilings, deep skirting boards and sash windows. The separate lounge room, also in the original section, has a warm gas log fire with a period timber surround, and is opposite the master bedroom suite. A smooth transition into the rear zone takes you past all-glass outlooks to courtyard gardens, opening onto a gleaming expanse of Jarrah floors. Here the ceilings soar even higher, with atrium

style window treatments and full glass outlooks to the gardens. The kitchen, galley style, features stunning tiles, oodles of quality, vinyl wrap cupboards and pot drawers, stainless steel appliances and pantry. This informal zone also contains a dining area that will satisfy those who love to entertain, and a big living space that opens out to the rear timber decks. The study and laundry are also at this end, with the study opening through French doors onto the decks, and the laundry also with its own direct outdoor access, and ﬁtted benches and cupboards. The bathrooms have beautiful tiles, and there are two toilets. Outdoors, entertain in style on the timber decking with shade sails, and potter in the double garage-sized garden shed. There ﬁnd expansive lawns, vegie garden zone and direct rear laneway access. This deep rear garden has plenty of room to store the boat, the caravan or the trailer, out of sight from the house. Whether you are alone,

a couple, or a family, this central Leongatha home will tick many boxes if you seek something unique. There is potential to subdivide (STCA), but most will want to retain the entire property for themselves. See for yourself, at the open house this Saturday

and Sunday from 1pm to 1.30pm, or by private appointment. The property is offered for sale to suit buyers $350,000 to $385,000. Contact the agents Prom Country Real Estate on 5664 0224 for more information.

At a glance Location: 16 Young Street, Leongatha. Price range: $350,000 to $385,000. Agent: Prom Country Real Estate, Meeniyan. Contact: 5664 0224.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 25

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Large corner block on avenue I

F you are looking to move into town, but still want the feeling of privacy, space and views then this quality brick home could be the one for you.

At a glance Location: Blackmore Avenue, Leongatha. Price: $340,000. Agent: SG & P Real Estate, Leongatha. Contact: Zel Svenson 5662 5155 or 0438 636 290.

Located on a large corner block of about 1209 square metres in popular Blackmore Avenue, the home is solid and has been immaculately maintained by the original owners. Offering around 18 squares of living, the home has three bedrooms all very spacious and light ﬁlled with built-in robes. The master bedroom, has a full en suite. The kitchen is timber and has everything you would expect, including a dishwasher, electric stove, electric ceramic cook top, convection microwave, sliding drawers for ease

of storage, and good sized pantry. The kitchen/ dining and living room are open plan and are heated and cooled by a Daikin reverse cycle split system. The formal living/ sunroom adjoins the lounge. Opening from the dining area is a sliding door onto the deck, allowing you to enjoy the views and gorgeous gardens. Under the home is a double garage with remote control door that provides easy, safe access and plenty of storage or a work shop area. The gardens are well maintained and can be watered from the 10,000 litre water tank. Access is available into the back yard from Arthur Street. An inspection will impress.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 27

Fine undulating Meeniyan farmlet H

ERE’S a 70.5 acre farmlet, with a four bedroom home, on the edge of Meeniyan. The undulating property is divided into 15 paddocks and would be ideal for a retiring farmer seeking to downsize, yet still remain on the land. An added bonus for newly available spare time is the Meeniyan golf course down the road. The well maintained brick veneer home has an en suite and reverse cycle air conditioner in the main bedroom. All four bedrooms have built-in robes. There are two separate living rooms with an open plan living area combining kitchen, meals and dining, and a large, L shaped lounge. The kitchen has a St George stove and dishwasher. Keep warm with a wood heater that is ducted to other areas of the house through the ceiling, and two electric wall heaters in the lounge and dining area. The home is in a delightful garden setting, which is one of the highlights of

the property. An outdoor, undercover patio allows for barbecues and entertaining. Workshop and three car garage are also on the house block. A huge amount of shedding, including a 60 by 40 three bay machinery shed are located away from the home. There’s also a three bay storage shed, hay shed, disused dairy and another workshop. An abundance of water is available from ﬁve dams, and catchment off the shedding. Stockyards are a further feature of this well set up property.

At a glance Location: 125 Promontory Road, Meeniyan. Price: $750,000. Agent: SEJ, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 4033, Lyle Miller 0408 515 665 or Barry Redmond 0418 515 666.

visit our website! www.promcountryrealestate.com.au koonwarra

‘five acre farmlet with magnificent 30 sq home’ Quality built north facing architect designed home with panoramic rural views in a quiet rural setting. Formal lounge & dining rooms, huge informal zone with hostess kitchen, conservatory-style meals nook, 4 king sized bedrooms, study, 2 bathrooms & mud room. 3m ceilings, jarrah floors. A luxury, private hideway.

leongatha

‘romance is alive in leongatha’

Just Listed!

suit buyers $550,000 - $595,000

stony creek

‘stony ponies ~ nearly 2 acres’ Cute and comfortable country home on hard to ﬁnd small acreage. With 2 paddocks, and a level allotment, it’s perfect for people and ponies! The home has been re-plumbed, re-wired, re-stumped and has new colourbond roof, septic system, water tank and more. Great rural environment, close to horse race track! suit buyers $245,000 - $270,000

(03) 5664 0224

allen: 0417 274 624

80 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan

Beautifully renovated and extended heritage home, featuring high ceilings & period fittings, light filled interior spaces, and a superb indoor/outdoor entertaining environment. Comprising 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, formal lounge, and fabulous open plan kitchen, dining and living area opening to northerly rear deck. Set suit buyers amidst pretty gardens, $350,000 - $385,000 on a deep block with rear inspect sat & sunday lane access, a short walk 1 - 1.30pm or by appt to shops and schools. A rare and affordable 16 young street leongatha quality town property.

kaz: 0417 516 998

email: info@promcountryrealestate.com.au

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Leongatha’s hottest new address T

AKE a drive to the top of Shingler Street in Leongatha, check out the view, then imagine waking up to it every day.

This exciting new housing estate has blocks of land for sale, or take advantage of a house and land package. Shinglers Ridge has a total of 81 blocks starting from $105,000, ranging in size from 787m² to 1654m², and situated off either Eccles Way, Royal Place or Shingler Street. It is complete with no through roads, a secure playground with tan bark under foot, park benches, and bitumen roads. Curb and channelling, distinctive street

lighting, footpaths, and paving give the estate an elegant ﬁnish. All this is located just an easy walk or quick drive from supermarkets, cinema, and fast food outlets, or if you prefer, the sporting hub of Leongatha. The blocks have been designed to obtain maximum northerly exposure, and with great rural views towards Leongatha North, what better place to bring up your family. Secure your allotment now by contacting Andrew Newton for more information on blocks, or house and land packages. Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha is the sole agent.

At a glance Location: Top of Shingler Street, Leongatha. Price: starting from $105,000. Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha. Contact: Andrew Newton 5662 0922 or 0402 940 320.

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Move into your first home I

NTEREST rates are lowering and incentives are high, so now is the perfect time to inspect this well priced home in excellent condition. Neat in presentation, from the moment you arrive at the property and step into the home, you will be impressed by the sizeable living area and well appointed kitchen and meals area. The home comprises three bedrooms, each with built-in robes, quality carpets and window furnishings. The living area

includes a reverse cycle air conditioner and is naturally lit by the ﬂoor to ceiling windows. A practical covered outdoor area runs along the side and rear of the property, providing an ideal place for a barbecue and shelter to enter the home from the single lock-up garage. The block is level and provides plenty of room for further shedding if required. Don’t delay, check this one out as it is the complete package and priced to sell in today’s market.

At a glance Location: 28 Miller Street, Dumbalk. Price: $179,000. Agent: Holderhead Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha. Contact: 5662 5800.

Next big opportunity

RESENTLY occupied as a fully renovated three bedroom weatherboard home, this Bayview Avenue, Inverloch allotment could be the location for your next big opportunity. This is the perfect investment property, with the option of redevelopment later down the track. A north facing rear yard and short walk to the assortment of cafes, bakeries and boutique shops at the A’Beckett Street shopping village, schools and

beaches are all conveniences of this great location. It is an excellent opportunity that is worth considering. There is a prime redevelopment opportunity, with planning permits pending for the construction of two townhouses. Two road frontages to Bayview Avenue and Murray Street are another bonus. The home is currently leased to quality tenants for $250 per week.

At a glance Location: 23 Bayview Avenue, Inverloch. Price: $395,000. Agent: Southcoast First National, Inverloch. Contact: 5674 2255.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 31

It’s a top place T

HERE’S plenty to be positive about when people start discussing what makes South Gippsland a great place to live. Business opportunities, beaches, services and the proximity to Melbourne all rate a mention. Kaz Hughes at Prom Country Real Estate in Meeniyan said as a tree changer herself, it was the scenery that ﬁrst attracted her and partner, Allen Bartlett, to the area after a weekend staying in Koonwarra, as well as the affordability of the land compared with places closer to Melbourne. “This area is so close to Melbourne, with great road access. That’s what we’re ﬁnding, with buyers coming to us from outside the area; many of them are only just discovering what South Gippsland has to offer and what great value it can be,” she said. “Many are coming off the Mornington Pensinsula because it’s getting so busy and expensive down there. “Here they can still have the beaches: the Prom, Inverloch, Sandy Point, Port Albert; you can be having a South Gippsland holiday every weekend, without all the crowds. Ms Hughes said there are some pretty good business opportunities here, too, if people want to be self employed. “We found that the set-up costs were a lot less than if we had stayed closer to

Melbourne,” she said. “And the pace is slower, so you can have a business without burning out.” For people who are thinking of making the move to a few acres, it’s a pretty good idea to do it as soon as you can, because the prices of good, smaller acreages are steadily rising and they are getting harder to ﬁnd. “Another tip, if you intend to build on a few acres, is to check out its planning permit situation,” Ms Hughes said. “Speak to the council, or the local agents who all have a pretty good handle on those issues. “Town properties represent great value too. It’s very affordable to re-settle in one of the townships, and be within walking distance to shops.” In Leongatha, Alex Scott & Staff’s Andrew Newton said he generally pitches the town as the central business district for South Gippsland. “We have the infrastructure to keep the town sustainable and Murray Goulburn is one of the key employers,” he said. “The shire is about to have some big developments in rezoning land for industrial and residential projects, so there will be some employment opportunities over the next ﬁve to 10 years. “There are some other projects they’re looking at doing, such as with the old railway land in the near future.” Mr Newton said one of the main things is it’s the heart of dairy country and “the

natives are friendly”. “Our prices are fairly realistic, and when you compare them to the south eastern suburbs you can still buy a block of land for $100,000,” he said. He suggests people do homework via the internet before they come, talk to local businesses about opportunities available and use resources at the shire like the economic development teams. Lewis Stone at Harcourts in Inverloch said South Gippsland is still an undiscovered region of Victoria. “It’s close to the coastline and boasts rolling green hills, a very temperate climate and is well serviced by a good selection of towns and services,” he said. “The other thing is its proximity to Melbourne, which is an hour and a half to two hours from the majority of South Gippsland.” A diversity of interests is catered for with ﬁshing, surﬁng, sailing and snorkelling opportunities available along the coast. “Then in the hinterland there’s vineyards and other horticultural things popping up, like olive groves and right through to the dairy and beef farms,” Mr Stone said. His enthusiasm for the region is increased with better access roads to South Gippsland, such as Eastlink.

Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Big house on the prairie T

HIS two storey cedar homestead near Tarwin Lower has a real “Ponderosa” feel to it. It’s set on ﬁve acres with a garden entrance of colour, a landscaped pond with jetty, plus an impressive

fountain to greet you at the door. Inside, timber ﬂoors and ceiling and the exposed beams create warmth and character. The carved timber balustrade leads you to a spectacular mezzanine, looking down into a light-ﬁlled room. Enjoy inlet views from the sec-

ond storey bedroom and balcony. There are two other bedrooms for family or guests, with lovely views of the property. This is a perfect retirement haven or family home, with space for horses, vegetable garden, tennis court and much more. It’s selling for $560,000.

At a glance Location: 187 Sparks Road, Tarwin Lower. Price: $560,000. Agent: Harcourts, Inverloch. Contact: 5671 1212, Lewis Stone 0407 505 141 or Heather Atkins 0409 741 607.

Langford Jones Homes “Winner of the 2008 HIA CSR Victorian Housing Awards in the category of Project Homes up to $250,000”

Display Home Locations Phillip Island, Grantville, Korumburra, Wonthaggi & Inverloch For display home locations, price listings, inclusions & plans Phone: (03 ) 9579 2277 or 56 725 680 Email: sales@ljhomes.com.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 33

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Images of kin IT has been a rewarding few months for Agnes artist Marilyn Ardley. Having work shown in both the Meeniyan Art Gallery and its Access Gallery companion recently, she has begun 2009 with an exhibition at Gecko Studio Gallery in Fish Creek. The exhibition opened last Sunday and will run until

February 14. Entitled Akin - Layers of Relating, Marilyn investigates the sometimes bafﬂing or concerning transitions within relationships, family and the environment with a series of engrossing images. “Despite a ﬂat-out work schedule and family commitments, Marilyn seems to be able to keep

producing innovative and intriguing art for exhibition after exhibition,” Gecko co-owner Michael Lester said. “Marilyn has been experimenting with enamel paint for some time now and this show is also a progress report on where she is at (technically).” “I use various media in my paintings to explore is-

Abstract relations: Marilyn’s interest in abstract painting allows her to explore the range of kin relationships among family and the environment.

Exploring bi-cultural heritage LAST year, Yvette Atkins toured the district as the project officer of the Breast in Show exhibition, this time she is making her debut as solo artist at Mushroom Art/Craft Space in Leongatha. Although an experienced group exhibitor in West Gippsland, Yinnar, LaTrobe and last year at the Mirboo North Art Show, this is the first time she has had space on her own and she’s making the most of it. Yvette is a woman of causes. The Breast in Show exhibition aimed at raising awareness of the impact breast cancer has not only on the woman having cancer but also on family and friends. This time Yvette has set out to highlight cultural heritage in Australian society and especially her Australian/Maori heritage, which has heavily influenced her

belief structures. Called Cultural Exchange, the exhibition is a series of oil paintings and drawings that explores her particular bi-cultural heritage. Australian-born of Maori descent, Yvette said she drew inspiration for the works from “evocations of the Australian landscape, Australian history and Maori symbolism” and used “the methodology of post-modern appropriation” as her way of self-expression. The intricate drawings feature Maori images, of Papatuanaka (Mother Earth) and Ranginut (Father Sky) and forests as well as the obligatory Ned Kelly, titled Notoriety. The reliefs and sculptures, such as Wahine (Maori for woman), are not for sale. But they are exquisite to view. The exhibition in Bair St runs during January and is worth a visit.

Unravelling world: Of Maori descent, Yvette Atkins explores her bi-cultural heritage in her solo debut at Mushroom Art/Craft Space in Leongatha.

sues of connectedness, to each other, to the land and to the self,” Marilyn said. Leaving the use of materials aside and the fact its abstract form requires active viewer interpretation, the works on show reveal intriguing responses to her situation, with kids growing up and leaving home and what these transitions entail emotionally “My interest in abstract painting allows me to explore a sense of place, with special reference to the female in the rural landscape,” Marilyn said. “Marilyn and her family’s concern over the changes happening around us with the environment, the global economy and the other changes and challenges that face us all were going through her mind,” Michael said. Living on a dairy farm has also inﬂuenced Mari-

lyn to consider the landscape in different ways. “The spiritual connection with the land and the people who live in it is a major inspiration for my work,” Marilyn said. “Sometimes it expresses itself as the turmoil of our existence, attempting to discover the beauty within.” Marilyn began studying art in 1978 at Caulﬁeld Institute of Technology, Melbourne, where she completed a diploma in Art and Ceramic Design. Her desire to live in the country brought her to South Gippsland, where she made and taught ceramics part-time. Her increasing interest in the decoration of her pots led her to painting. She returned to study at Monash University, Churchill, and completed a degree in Visual Arts in 2006.

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Making food dish-licious IT’S TIME again for local chefs to step up the plate and vie for the best dish in the district. The annually run competition looking for Gippsland’s favourite recipe features local produce. The 2009 Gippsland Signature Dish Competition is open to all chefs and cooks working in hospitality businesses across Gippsland, with $3000 of prizes up for grabs. “Entering the 2009 Gippsland Signature Dish Competition could not be simpler,” council’s tourism co-ordinator Christian Stefani said. “Chefs and cooks just need to submit a recipe of their signature dish, which should showcase as much Gippsland produce as possible and match it to a Gippsland wine or beer.” Although run as a competition, an important outcome is to encourage the promotion and use of quality Gippsland produce within Gippsland’s restaurants, pubs and cafes. “Many of us want to see local produce promoted and used more often wherever possible,” Mr Stefani said. “The use of locally grown produce can appeal to many residents and visitors who seek food and wine experiences in South Gippsland. “There is a good opportunity to raise the proﬁle of quality food experiences in our hospitality businesses by encouraging the development of local supplier networks and using local ingredients in our dishes.” Written entries close on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, and should also include a photograph of the dish and a list of all ingredients, in particular details of any local produce used. From the written entries a judg-

ing panel of food and wine specialists (including The Age Good Food Guide and Epicure contributor Jane Faulkner) will select three ﬁnalists to participate in the Gippsland Signature Dish Grand Final Cook-Off at the Jindi Cheese Harvest of Gippsland Food and Wine Festival at Lardner Park on Sunday, March 1, 2009. The winner will take home $1000 in cash and $1000 of advertising with either Southern Cross Ten or Star FM, thanks to Macquarie Southern Cross Media. Also new is the ‘People’s Choice Award’. In addition to the three highest scored written entries being chosen to compete in the Grand Final Cook-Off, three commended entries chosen by the judging panel will also be selected and invited to cook live on stage. Entry to the 2009 Gippsland Signature Dish Competition is free and open to all chefs and cooks working in a Gippsland hospitality business. There is no limit to the number of entries a business can submit, so restaurants and cafes are encouraged to get their head chefs, sous chefs, cooks and apprentices all to enter. For further information or an entry form, contact Christian Stefani on 5662 9322 or competition organiser Sophie O’Neil on 0414 559 338.

Garden setting A CART drawn by Clydesdales, took Stacey McIndoe to the Campbell Homestead in Mardan, for her marriage with Matt Dowel on December 6. Civil celebrant Cam Abood, conducted the ceremony in the picturesque gardens of the home. Stacey is the daughter of Craig and Wendy McIndoe of Mardan and

Matt is the son of Les and Bev Dowel of Leongatha. The bride wore her grandmother’s brooch on a strapless white gown featuring beading on the bodice and skirt, with a half metre train and jewel tipped veil. She was attended by her sisters Kayla and Courtney McIndoe, Leesa Dowel and Amy Lester, wearing strapless electric blue cocktail length

dresses. Stacey’s niece Jemason Lily Cameron and nephew Adam McIndoe, were ﬂowergirl and pageboy. The 100 guests attending the reception at the Mardan Hall, watched as the wedding party did the Eagle Rock instead of a bridal waltz. Following their honeymoon in Brampton Island, the couple will settle in Mardan. Photo by Rebecca Bond.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 39

From Ghana to Leongatha

You can take the girl out of South Gippsland, but you can’t take South Gippsland out of Maddi. By Bert van Bedaf

IT has been more than 10 years, but Foster-born Maddi Dale has finally returned to South Gippsland. The 18-year-old granddaughter of well-known Leongatha identity and artist, Pat Dale has decided to take a break from Ipswich, Queensland, where her mother Trudi Dale and partner Ralf Schoers have a business. Maddi completed her Year 12 Queensland Certificate of Education last year and is looking for a job in animal care or childcare in this area. Another priority is to get her drivers’ licence, which is not far off. Although Maddi missed her family and Queensland friends, she said it was “nice to be back in South Gippsland”, where she grew up and she was looking forward to re-connecting with the region. Born at the Foster hospital, she lived in Dumbalk as a child and went to the local primary school until Grade 5. When she was only 20 months old, Maddi was taken on her first overseas adventure. Her mother took her backpacking to Zimbabwe, where they met Ralf, who worked for a German nongovernment aid agency in agriculture. The three of them settled in Sale, Gippsland, on return, but not long after, in 2001, they set out for Ghana. A former British colony with a population of 22 million, the people of Ghana speak English as well as native African languages. The country borders on the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), Burkina Faso and Togo where the going language is French. Maddi visited Togo once. The three stayed for a year at the

western timber town of Mim, which had a population of 22,000 and bordered the Ivory Coast. Maddi went to Grade 6 in Ghana at a local school, which was used mainly by the children of staff of two major timber companies. Only 11 and turning 12 years old, she experienced a side of life she had never imagined existed. “I was put in the best school and stayed there for two terms. There were two major timber companies in town and all the workers’ children went to this school,” Maddi said. “Most were from mixed race parents. There were some Europeans. I was the oldest white child.” The cane was exercised liberally at the school, she said, for all sorts of misdemeanours. Students could be wearing the wrong colour handkerchief that day, or the wrong socks, or a crushed uniform and were punished for it. Maddi never felt the cane. “I think the teachers were too scared to touch me with it. They thought white skin broke easily and they didn’t use it on me,” Maddi recalled. “It was normal for the other students, but it was scary to me. It wasn’t good.” Maddi was tempted to say something about it but refrained, saying, “I was only young myself and I had to go along with it.” She remembers an instance when the principal used his thickest cane on two girls. They had stolen some money and run away. They were caught and called out at school assembly that morning. “They were given 12 lashings each with this massive stick and the other kids were laughing and carrying on and cheering,” Maddi said. “The girls were screaming and wanted to get away, but they were held down by their arms and

legs to complete the punishment.” Although the region was mostly Christian, it had a sizeable minority of Muslims, Maddi said. “It was a mixture. People were extremely religious. There were big mosques.” Deforestation was rampant and native animals were “gone, because there’s nowhere for them to live”. Also, the Ghanaians happily eat any native fauna they can catch. “Anything they can ﬁnd they will cook up,” Maddi said. “There’s no concern for animals. Pets, cats and dogs, suffer from malnutrition. They roam around and are covered in disease. Chicken, goats and sheep are also running around. “Kids are taught in religious class that humans are superior to animals. They are told how animals can’t be constructive. They can’t think. I wanted to say, if birds can’t be constructive how can they build nests? But I didn’t, because I didn’t want to start anything.” When the year was over, they went back to Sale, where Maddi attended Gippsland Grammar School and ﬁnished Years 7 to 9. When the family went to Ipswich, she completed Years 9 to 12. In 2007 Maddi travelled to Munich, Germany, where she met Ralf’s family. She also visited Austria and took a trip to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. But she’s happy to settle in Leongatha now and start work. “Leongatha is a nice place to settle down,” Maddi said.

Leongatha home: Maddi Dale (right) wants to settle in Leongatha, much to the delight of her grandmother Pat Dale. The little girl is another of Pat’s grandchildren, four-year-old Ella Dale-Haywood, daughter of Kristin Dale.

Hannah Kerry Worthy was born at Leongatha hospital on December 19, 2008. Hannah is a special sister for Shari and gorgeous little girl for Katie and Jess.

Jack Timothy Mathieson was born on December 31 at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital. He is the ﬁrst child for Tim and Christie of Inverloch.

Izsaiah Teale Richards was born on December 20, 2008 at Leongatha hospital. Izsaiah is an amazing young lady who gave her family a very special gift and for that she will be in their hearts forever. Kate, John and big brother Dylan would like to introduce the world to Izsaiah.

Ghana friends: Maddi shared a game of soccer with the local children when living in Mim.

Above: Lenny Ray Hender was born on December 28 at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital. He is the first child for Ian and Christine Hender of Newhaven and the first Grandson for Ray and Margaret Hender of Wonthaggi. Lenny is also the first Grandchild for Lino and Josie Tabone of Westmeadows.

Indiana Rose Hocken was born at Mt Gambier hospital on November 8. Indiana is the ﬁrst child of Fiona and Leigh.

Giaan Lily McKenna was born at William Angliss Hospital in Ferntree Gully on December 12. Giaan is a daughter for Luke and Rachael.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Annual store sale success ELDERS agents were “very happy” with their 25th Annual Store Sale at VLE, Leongatha on Friday. “We yarded just short of 1200 cattle, of which about 1100 were steers,” Rod Draper of Elders said. “Apart from a few little cattle that were from out of the area, the rest were predominately local bred weaners and yearlings of excellent quality. “Local demand was very strong and there were several feedlot operators that purchased from New South Wales and the Charlton feedlot in Victoria.” Mr Draper said prices were equal

to those achieved pre-Christmas in north-eastern Victoria and the Western District. Twenty-seven, two-year-old Angus and Angus Hereford cross steers from Adval at Anderson averaged $814. R. and C. Donat (South Gippsland) 38 Angus steers, 15-months-old; averaged $810. D. A. Hall (Fish Creek) 92 steers, 14-months-old; averaged $725. A. and S. Richie (Arawata) 32 Hereford Shorthorn cross steers; averaged $772. The Firs (Tarwin Lower) 63 Angus and Angus Hereford Cross steers, 14-months-old; averaged $696.

Talk time: Colin McAinch, Foster, and Russell Motton of South Gippsland based, Motton Livestock were catching up before the sale. Bid spotted: Elders’ Michael Foote was helping to show off the cattle in the yards at the start of the sale on Friday.

Weaners: Greenwald Pty Ltd (Foster) 140 Angus and Angus Hereford cross steers reached $712 and averaged $666. K. Heggen (Mirboo) 112 red Angus steers reached $685 and averaged $600. M. and C. Stone (Dumbalk) 50 Angus steers reached $716 and averaged $654. M. and C. Russell (Glen Forbes) 32 Hereford steer weaners averaged $632. Heifers: D. A. Hall (Fish Creek) 22 Angus, 12-months-old; averaged $495. M. and C. Russell (Glen Forbes) 21 Hereford heifers; $490.

Store sale: Annette and Rob McDowell, Outtrim, were looking to restock their property.

First place: Scott, Adam and Dave Pugh’s 27 steers were the ﬁrst animals sold on Friday. Dave said they looked “brilliant” in the yards.

Highest price: Elders’ James Kyle and Rod Draper were on the rail and spotting buyers last week. Family time: Rachel, Gary and Sarah Owen, of Budgeree, took a school holiday business trip to Koonwarra. Bottom right: Father and son: John and Carl Mitchell, both from Leongatha, were thinking about buying before proceedings began.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 41

Results differ in the grown cattle sale

A VERY solid supply of bullocks and cows led into the first sale for 2009, but conflicting demand saw bullocks sell at firm to dearer prices, while cows sold to less competition and weaker demand. This saw cows sell at rates between 10c and 30c/kg lower. The mostly good quality penning of steers and bullocks sold very well, with heavy yearling steers making up to 176c, but bullocks made from 164c to 175c/kg. Crossbred bullocks and Friesians made from 142c to 168c/kg. Weaker demand for cows, and one exporter yet to commence buying for the new year, led to cheaper prices. Better quality beef cows made from 125c to 143c, while a large range of plain to very poor condition cows made between 75c and 126c/kg. Young cattle prices generally held their own, with some suiting lot feeders selling at dearer rates, while a small number of sales of heifers were up to 12c/kg cheaper. The best quality B muscle vealers made from 178c to 198c with most other C muscle cattle making between 152c and 180c/kg. Some pens of heifers only made from 132c to 152c/kg.

Wednesday, January 7 and Friday, January 9 BULLOCKS 2 K. & J. Riseley, Leongatha 13 S.W. Scott, Kongwak 6 R. & P. Davis, Leongatha 10 R.J. & C.M. McGill, Outtrim 12 T. & M. Neesham, French Island 13 Deenja Past Co., Woorarra West

642 597 576 685 693 670

177.2 176.2 176.2 174.6 174.6 174.2

1138.51 1051.54 1014.62 1196.88 1209.00 1166.47

STEERS 1 J.M. White, Kardella 5 M.D. & L.E. Kerr, Yarram 7 Loch Hope Nom., Leongatha 8 R. Davis & P. Brangus, Leongatha South 1 H.T. & P.R. Goldsmith, Dumbalk

445 356 555 498 320

185.0 180.6 178.0 176.6 175.0

823.25 642.94 987.00 878.59 560.00

COWS 2 D. Hargrave, Yan Yean 1 D.B. & D.M. Fairbrother, Tarwin Lower 1 T. & B.M. Dodds, Corinella 1 D.L. McIndoe, Leongatha 2 R.W. & L.M. Brooks, Korumburra South 1 D. & B. Stefani, Fish Creek

808 615 630 645 570 560

148.6 1199.95 146.0 897.90 143.6 904.68 141.2 910.74 140.0 798.00 140.0 784.00

HEIFERS 1 Tarraleaha Past Co., Wonthaggi 1 L. Harrison, Dumbalk 1 K.L. & J.R. Wylie, Kongwak 1 R.K. & I.J. Brumley, Leongatha 1 G.J. & C.M. Alford, Woolamai 10 K.W. & R.F. Battersby, Korumburra

420 555 425 330 455 402

183.2 175.0 174.0 170.0 168.6 168.0

769.44 971.25 739.50 561.00 767.13 674.52

Jepson & Clark, Hallston C. & P. Degaris, Meeniyan L.W. & M.A. Barrett, Korumburra J. & M. Arestia, Krowera D.C. & D.C. Wylie, Korumburra D.J. & L.B. McNaughton, Loch

340 415 350 385 345 413

198.0 197.6 193.0 192.6 192.0 188.6

673.20 820.04 675.50 741.51 662.40 777.98

BULLS 1 D.J. Jeffries, Kongwak 1 M. Brown, Korumburra 1 P. Brydon, Koonwarra 1 L.R. & A.E. Jervies, Foster 1 M.A. & M.H. Scanlon, Glenburnie 1 T.J. Thomas, Loch

895 820 775 765 940 920

165.0 164.6 162.6 159.6 155.0 150.0

1476.75 1349.72 1260.15 1220.94 1457.00 1380.00

VEALERS 1 1 1 1 1 2

Lamb and sheep market Thursday, January 8 South Gippsland Stock Agents Association yarded 5684 lambs and 217 sheep at the lamb and sheep market on January 8. The next sale will be Thursday, January 15 at 11am. Prices: Loch Hope Nom., Leongatha, 58 @ $128; T. & P. Handcock, Inverloch, 48 @ $121.60; Maxray Nom., Buffalo, 37 @ $115; I. & R. Hengstberger, Dumbalk, 101 @ $105.50.

New NCDEA location THE National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) is expanding to better cater for the needs of the Gippsland dairy industry, according to the Gippsland Regional Manager, Tony Seymour. The NCDEA currently delivers dairy farming courses from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (Dairy) and is expanding its delivery in response to growing dairy community needs. To achieve this, NCDEA has established new campuses and training facilities, conveniently located across Gippsland. The NCDEA has a new Leongatha campus at 18 Smith Street, which is diagonally opposite the Department of Primary Industries office, and the Warragul office will now be located within the dairy industry service hub at 183 Queen Street. The NCDEA has a strong working relationship with both the DPI Victoria and the GippsTAFE, East Gippsland TAFE and Chisholm Institute of TAFE campuses across Gippsland. This expansion further strengthens those relationships for the future. Tony said current trainers and staff in the NCDEA are excited about the expansion. It means the industry-endorsed training qualifications will better provide relevant, up to date dairy specific training to meet the needs for dairy apprentices through to large dairy farm business managers and owners.

Late season: recently baled round bales sit in a paddock near Leongatha last week.

Latest hay ever AGRICULTURAL contractor, Phil McNaughton said it’s the latest hay season he’s seen in his 17 years in the industry. He mainly bales around the Korumburra and Leongatha areas. “The hay around Leongatha on the red dirt was a lot lighter,” he said. “It’s earlier country and needs to be done by the end of November or the ﬁrst week in December and that has really suffered, because it wasn’t. “Usually you lock up the paddock in October and it should be ready by December.” The three inches of late rain put a bit of bottom into hay.

VLE LEONGATHA Say KOONWARRA cheese Sale Draw January 14, 15 & 16 Victoria VICTORIANS are the biggest cheese consumers in the country, eating 88,395 tonnes of the delicious foodstuff in the 2007/2008 year, according to the latest ﬁgures from Dairy Australia. New South Wales residents were the second biggest cheese, lovers, consuming 56,256 tonnes of cheese over the same period. Natural cheddar cheese is Austrlia’s favourite type of cheese with a market share of 53.3 per cent of total cheese volume sold. Consumers are still supporting the speciality cheese segment in a bigger way, with a growing number of both blue and white mould cheeses in the supermarket. The same goes for snacking cheeses, be they for children’s lunch boxes or adult lunches, for both in-home or out-of-home consumption.

1. David Phelan & Co 2. SEJ 3. Rodwells 4. Everitt & Seeley 5. Elders 6. Alex Scott 7. Landmark

“The rain got the clover going and that is the only thing keeping the crop of any quality,” he said. But the delay in cutting and baling had some negative effects on quality. “I was talking to a couple of other contractors and they thought the grass was a bit lighter than it could be, because it has been locked up for so long,” he said. “The sap has probably gone out of the grass and it has gone to head and a bit of weed is coming out of it.” Mr McNaughton said he saw some hay that had been done earlier in December around Tarwin Lower and Leongatha South.

“But I don’t think it was much good. The weather just wasn’t good enough to make hay and it wasn’t curing properly,” he said. “The bales were sagging as they heated up because the inside was too damp because of when it was baled. “Baling hay when it is 20 or 22 degrees is hopeless.” By Friday afternoon Mr McNaughton had baled about half of the hay he had to do and was expecting a hectic weekend with the heat coming. The Star left messages with seven hay contractors on Friday, but obviously baling and raking was keeping them busy and only Mr McNaughton returned the call.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

public notices

ANDERSON INLET SWIM CLASSIC Monday, January 26 1.2 km - 8.30am start Inverloch Angling Club Beach Anderson Inlet Help support the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club Building Fund www.islsc.org.au

public notices

DEADLINE

MDUFNC

STORYTIME FOR KIDS

The next edition of Gippy Buy Sell & Trade is January 19 Phone 5145 1269 Free advertising for private sellers

KONGWAK MARKET Sunday 10am

Inside and out Come early if it's hot! Collectables, vintage, retro, designer clothes and wares, books, plants, massage, trash, organic dried things, Hopefarm bread, lovely veg, curry, coffee, live music and more... PLEASE bring SMALL notes and a BIG bag for your goodies!

It's fun - come! PH 0417 142 478 Kongwak Market is a smoke free event

The Salvation Army of Leongatha Invites you to its

21st Birthday Celebration Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1 6pm At the Dakers Centre Bookings necessary on 5662 4670 by January 21, or why not come along to our free community celebration at McIndoe Park from 1pm on Sunday, February 1. Free barbecue lunch, jumping castle, face painting, Mainly Music, musical entertainment and displays

SENIOR NETBALL TRAINING Commences Wednesday, January 28 at 6pm Meeniyan Courts Junior & new players welcome

JUNIOR BOOTCAMP Saturday, February 7 2.30pm Waratah Bay Enquiries phone Sarge 5662 4754

care2dance ENROLMENTS FOR CLASSES FOR 2009 Commencing on Tuesday / Wednesday February 10 and 11 Phone Bronwyn Kent on 0410 624 451

MCINDOE PARK Wednesdays 10am Marg 0439 628 053

CHIROPRACTOR

Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 43

public notices

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG

LEONGATHA SQUASH CLUB

“NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropratic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

public notices

Special General Meeting Thursday, January 22 7.30pm Netball Clubrooms Rec. Reserve Phil Smith 5662 4261

situations vacant

COMMUNITY CARE WORKERS/PCAs Home Carers are seeking caring and reliable people to join our valued team of Carers who enjoy working with aged and disabled people living in their local community. Aged, Disability and/or Nursing qualifications preferred. $20.20/h. Training provided to suitable applicants. Car is essential. Email your resumé to: admin@homecarersonline.com.au or phone: 9783 7099

Admin / Book Keeper A Leongatha business requires an experienced administration employee with excellent QuickBooks knowledge. The successful applicant will require a sound knowledge of general office skills including assisting with accounts, reception, customer service and personal assistant to the manager. You will be required to work 2 days per week, 9.30am to 4.30pm and be able to relieve staff on leave. Please apply by fax 5662 4697, email leongatha@workways.com.au or in person to Workways, 1a Church Street, Leongatha 3953. Applications close Wednesday, January 21, 2009. Workways Association Inc. No. A0021572L

public notices

situations vacant

FULL TIME CHEF required for Poowong Hotel Excellent conditions Must be reliable, motivated and creative, to join family business. Contact Fiona 5659 2351

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

Family Resource Centre

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS Gippsland Southern Health Service faces an exciting and challenging period of facility redevelopment. Due to routine retirements, the opportunity exists for committed local community members to join the Board of Management and make a positive contribution to the provision of high quality health service in South Gippsland. These positions will be appointed from July 1, 2009. Applications are sought from people with a long-term commitment to and involvement in their local communities. Skills and expertise in business management, legal issues, people management and/or organisation change will be highly regarded. Recommendations are made by the Minister and formal appointments are made by the Governor in Council, having regard for the need to ensure that the Board includes a balance of expertise in areas such as business and management, community knowledge, health, finance, law, human resources, etc. Be involved and make a difference! For further information on these honorary positions and to obtain an application form, please contact the Executive Assistant on 5667 5504. Applications close on Friday, February 6, 2009 and should be addressed to Mrs Tracey Gibson, President, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Private Bag 13, Leongatha VIC 3953.

WANTED! MORE ORGANIC DAIRY FARMERS In 2002 a group of dedicated Organic Dairy farmers formed a co-operative to market their certified organic Milk and develop the “True Organic” brand. We have established strong alliances with other co-operatives such as Murray Goulburn, Bega/Tatura and with leading milk processor Parmalat. Demand for Organic Milk has overtaken supply and now the next wave of entrants into this exciting industry of the future is about to begin. If you want to be part of this fast-growing sector of Agriculture and wish to work closely with likeminded farmers who seek sustainable farming practices in harmony with nature and do not trust GMOs in the production of food - then we invite you to join us. GIPPSLAND INFORMATION SESSION The Organic Dairy Farmers Co-op welcomes your enquiry and asks you to consider joining other like-minded dairy farmers in a shared journey in our “Conversion to Organic” program with incentives for ‘in conversion’ milk. A FREE ‘obligation-free’ Information session will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2009.

WE ARE FARMERS WHO CONTROL OUR OWN DESTINY For more information or to register for the information session, contact Organic Dairy Farmers of Australia Phone: 03 5623 6622. Email: ofﬁce@trueorganic.com.au www.trueorganic.com.au

(38hrs/week negotiable) BCRH is seeking an experienced Social / Welfare Worker with assessment and case management skills to work in the Sth Coast Child First and Integrated Family Services team. Working closely with Community Based Child Protection to reduce client re notifications to DHS, the role requires an understanding of the needs of complex families and lies within a multidisciplinary team.

Enhanced Intake Position (38hrs/fortnight) This position requires a resourceful Social/Welfare Worker or equivalent who is experienced in conducting psychosocial assessments, has demonstrable counselling experience, knowledge of mental health issues, and enjoys brief interventions and a rapidly changing case load. Remuneration for both positions will be according to experience. Salary packaging is available. Enquiries and written applications with CV, including 2 professional referees, and current police check to: Karen Chugg Family Resource Centre Co-Ordinator Bass Coast Regional Health PO Box 120, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Tel: 5671 3278 www.bcrh.com.au Applications close January 23, 2009

www.dhs.vic.gov.au

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISOR The Department of Human Services (DHS), Gippsland Region is seeking written expressions of interest from suitably qualified people for the position of Professional Supervisor. The position will be responsible for conducting supervision with students who are undertaking studies in social and community welfare from a range of educational institutions and who are undertaking placements within DES programs across the region. Knowledge and skills in relevant theory and practice will be essential. To find out more about the position contact Judy Budge on 5177 2568. Please forward applications including a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae marked ‘private and conﬁdential’ to: Human Resources Department of Human Services PO Box 1661 TRARALGON 3844 or via email HR.Gippsland@dhs.vic.gov.au Expressions of interest close 23 January 2009 Safety Screening requirements including Police checks apply to DHS recruitment practices. Applicants need to be committed to the DHS Values - DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values Diversity To apply online and view the job description, visit

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/careers and click on Vacancies. For other Victorian Government opportunities, please visit www.careers.vic.gov.au

Kilmany UnitingCare 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. Kilmany UnitingCare has the following vacancies:

Family Services Worker x 2 Leongatha Office - South Coast Child and Family Services (SCCAFS) 23 hours per week - ongoing 23 hours per week - 12 month contract (maternity cover) The worker will have a generic role within the Integrated Family Services team; this will include a role in intake (Child FIRST) and case management of children, youth and families. Knowledge of risk assessment, case management models, group work, crisis intervention, assertive outreach, intensive and long term intervention is essential, as is experience of working with children and youth to improve safety, stability and development. Tertiary qualifications in a welfare related field are required. Kilmany UnitingCare offers a family friendly workplace. You can negotiate to pick the kids up from school, or to have school holidays off, and we offer many other forms of practical family friendly opportunities. Applications forms and position descriptions are available at www.kilmany.org.au, Kilmany UnitingCare, 3 Church Street, Leongatha or call 5662 5150 to have copies emailed/sent to you. Applications close 5pm January 27, 2009 and are to be addressed to: Leanne Coupland Assistant Director Kilmany UnitingCare PO Box 272, Leongatha 3953 Kilmany UnitingCare interviews in the interests of safety and well being of children and young people

We’re all about service. Are you?

people

Customer Service Officer An opportunity to help people in a positive environment Part time position located in Inverloch, VIC Bendigo Bank branches are all about people working together to build stronger communities. To be successful as a Customer Service Officer you’ll be committed to putting customers’ needs first, you’ll be a great communicator with customer service, computer experience and ideally cash handling – and you’ll enjoy being part of the local community. You’ll be the face of Inverloch Community Bank® Branch and will be given the support you need to do what you do best – listening to customers and helping them achieve their financial goals. In return you’ll become a key part of a diverse team in a rewarding work environment where you will have the opportunity to learn and advance your career. So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be part of the Bendigo team, we want to hear from you. Visit careers.bendigobank.com.au to find out more or to submit your application, quoting reference number VIC521075. Or write to Mark Hoffman, Customer & Community Officer, PO Box 698, Warragul 3820. Applications close on Monday, 19 January 2009.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178. AFSL 237879.

(78611-v2) (6/01/2009)

Inverloch Community Bank® Branch

Fast Art78600-v1

Family Services Case Manager

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

situations vacant

LEONGATHA SECONDARY COLLEGE

for rent

for sale

ROOM to let in luxurious Leongatha home. Professional preferred. $200 per week. Ph: 0418540533. VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Contact: 0408320001.

for sale

SEWING MACHINE

HAY - square bales, $6 per bale. 5664-4246, 0458320522. HAY - small square bales. New season, organic, and in shed. $6 per bale, pick up Berrys Creek. 56688288.

REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

HEN HOUSES, fox proof, good quality, 6-8 chooks. 5664-2443.

5672 3127

meetings

2009 TRAINEESHIP Outdoor Education COMMENCING JANUARY 2009 Expressions of interest close 16/01/2009 Contact Tony Clark 0400 556 281 Leongatha Secondary College Private Bag 1 LEONGATHA 3953

Dumbalk and District At Dumbalk Kindergarten Thursday, January 22 at 8pm

SUFFOLK flock rams, 1 - 2 yrs old, well grown (Allendale bloodlines), reasonable prices, brucellosis accredited. 5659-6382.

5664 4344

training

HAY

CHOOSE

Northern, top quality oaten hay, lucerne, oats, clover and vetch

SITUATIONS VACANT

ALSO LOCAL HAY AVAILABLE

G. & P. HILDER TRANSPORT For delivered price ring Greg 0429 822 544

• Registered Nurse Division 2

BURMESE kittens, M&F, P/B, vacc., vet checked and wormed, blue, red, brown and tortie. Affectionate beautiful babies, $350 each. Ph: 0458-076732.

(Endorsement - Medication Administration)

• Personal Care Attendants (Certificate III or IV in Aged Care Work) Applicants are required to have a current Police Check (relevant to Aged Care Work). Successful applicants will be required to work a variety of shifts to cover day, evening and night shifts. For further particulars please contact Mrs Ella Duder on 03 5672 1716 between the hours of 9am - 3pm Tuesday to Friday. Applications close on Friday, January 30 and should be addressed to: Mrs Ella Duder Acting Administrator Rose Lodge 225 Graham Street Wonthaggi 3995

COMPUTER, IBM, Vista, 256mb RAM, Windows 2000, Epsom colour printer and monitor. A good first computer, $200. Ph: 0408324829. DACHSHUND (Mini) purebred, black and tan, smooth coat, 8 weeks, M&F, vet checked, vacc, wormed, happy, healthy pups, $750 each. Also parents available, 1 red M, 1 black and tan F, both microchipped, vacc, vet checked, 3 y.o., proven breeders, $1,200 pair. Ph: 0458-076732.

situations vacant

We are a growing Australian owned company which services overseas and domestic customers with a highly successful range of locally manufactured, premium branded dairy products. Positioning for our growth through new products and export markets, a new opportunity exists for an energetic production operator with leadership abilities to make their mark. This role assumes all the responsilities of a process operator but with an emphasis on learning and operating all plants, leadership and influence, technical and process knowledge, commitment and ownership, initiative and development potential. We require people who are willing to have a red hot go, not scared about making decisions, have the ability to be organised and plan with a strong attention to detail and competent computer skills. The successful applicant will have previous experience in a manufacturing environment with the demonstrated capability to work safely in a factory environment. If you are looking for an opportunity to work for a privately owned, friendly medium-sized business in Korumburra then apply via email to: jobs@burrafoods.com.au or by post to Burra Foods, PO Box 379, Korumburra Vic. 3950 Applications close: January 16, 2009

SILAGE: Sep-Oct, some second cut, 4’x4’ solid bales, quantity available. Negotiable for qualities. Loaded approx. $66 per bale + GST. 0427-302773.

1. Future of Dumbalk School and pavers owned by local families 2. Future of Dumbalk Kindergarten 3. Ideas for town signage - logo

Due to the expansion of this facility, Rose Lodge is seeking applications from interested, enthusiastic and suitably qualified people to fill permanent and relief positions in the following areas.

Process Operator ... with leadership potential

PRAM, Steelcraft 3 wheel jogger, VGC, suit newborn onwards, toddler step included, $90. Ph: 0438232440.

PUBLIC MEETING

training

Rose Lodge

PRAM, Emmaljunga Nouvelle, VGC, green, toddler seat, storm cover, $130. Ph: 0438-232440.

meetings

situations vacant

WONTHAGGI PATHOLOGY NURSE / COLLECTOR Casual / Maternity Leave Position • Past nursing experience or Certificate III in Pathology Collection is essential • Hours 8am - 1pm Contact: Lee Henthorn Regional Coordinator Latrobe Pathology Tele: 0411 161 371

The Salvation Army Leongatha Community Support Centre WELFARE CO-ORDINATOR Permanent part time, (approx 20 hours per week)

Applications in writing to Captain Martyn Scrimshaw, PO Box 441, Leongatha 3953. For a job description contact 5662 4670. Applications must be received by COB, 5pm, January 23. For further information contact Martyn Scrimshaw on the above number. Please note that a satisfactory Police Check, Working with Children Check, Proof of Eligibility to Work in Australia, and three referees, are mandatory for this position.

DEB dress, size 14, beaded bodice, tulle skirt, worn once, dry-cleaned. Excellent condition $350 ONO. 5663-5274. HAY - small squares, $5 each. Ph: 5664-0164 a/h. HAY, small square bales $5 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 56641320. HAY - new season’s round bales, $66. Kevin 0407792051. HAY RAKE $400, crate 16’x6’ $200, calf trailer crate heavy duty smudger cement mixer $100. 3276 a/h.

cattle 6’x4’ $200, $400, 5664-

free

FREE Pick-up and delivery in Leongatha/Meeniyan areas for MOTOR MOWERS,

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

garage sales

GARAGE SALE The “STAR” can help you promote your event with our

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $30.80) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Marker Pen • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $37 ADVERTISE by calling Marg on 5662 5555 or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement KORUMBURRA, 59 Bellevue Lane, Saturday, January 17. Enormous clearing out sale. Everything cheap. 8am onwards. LEONGATHA, 6 Laura Grove, Saturday, January 17, 8.30 onwards. Moving sale, household, outdoor furniture.

FOR SALE Bedroom suite - Queen Australian made 5-piece, solid timber Bed, 2 bedside drawers, tallboy and cheval mirror. Very good condition. Paid $5,000 - sell $1,500. Phone 5662 5593 or 0417 376 475

livestock

YEARLINGS, 3 geldings, grey, buckskin and black. Mature 12.2hh to 13.2hh, $500 each. Branded and reg. Ph: 0428-891211 or 5682-2842.

personal

WANT LONGER LASTING

SEX? Talk to the doctor at AMI about Nasal Delivery Technology Men Call

1800 20 40 90 Women Call

1800 20 50 80 used vehicles

FREE CAR REMOVAL Will pay up to $300 for complete car Buyers of scrap metal All machinery Bins provided

Bass Coast Metal Recyclers 5672 2946 0417 556 593

TOYOTA Landcruiser, 80 Series, 1992, GXL, turbo diesel, auto, air, alloy bullbar, towbar, reg. NPW215, no RWC, $7,000 ONO. 0407-344897.

wanted

OLD CARS, Holden, Ford, Valiant, Chevrolet, hot rods, also Mazda 1300 coupe. Abandoned projects, wrecks or parts. Not for scrap. 0488-294894.

wanted to buy

FEED SYSTEM and silo for 15 double-up herringbone. Contact John 0428646523.

work wanted

MOBILE MECHANIC Car servicing, brakes and repairs Very good prices Fully qualiﬁed mechanic 10 years Call Steve 0439 338 643

QUALIFIED Builder, 30 years experience. All building requirements, renovations, extensions. Free quotes. Pensioner discounts. Phone Russ 0439-112410.

marriage celebrant PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

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

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 45

message of hope COME and see what God has done, His wonderful acts among men. Everyone on earth worships you; they sing praises to you, they sing praises to your name. Psalm 66: 4 & 5.

in memoriam JEFFERIES - Lawrence Norman (Lawrie). 17/10/42 - 19/1/07. My darling you are never far from my mind, miss you heaps, but look forward to the day when we will be together forever! Your loving wife Thelma. Loving father to Norman and Julie, father-in-law to Rachelle. Grandfather to Makenzie, Lachlan, Blake, Piper, and Kaylah and Rebekah.

bereavement thanks ALLEN - Dorrie. We would like to thank everyone for visits, phone calls, flowers, food, and cards, etc. following Mum’s death, and all who attended the funeral. Special thanks to Rev Denis Simmons, Paul and Margaret Beck for their loving care, also Dr Tim Linton for his special care, and staff at Leongatha hospital for their care and support. Please accept our thanks one and all. From Merv, Marg, Rob and Graham, and their families.

deaths DEAN - Norman Daniel (Norm). Died in his sleep on Saturday, January 10, 2009 in his 94th year. Late of Leongatha. Dearly beloved husband and companion of Doris for 66 years. Peace Be With You. Respected father and father-in-law of Pam and Ian. Grandfather of Clare and Graham, and Nigel. Respected father and father-in-law of Kerry and Euan. Grandfather of Georgia and Nick, Prue and Marco, and Nicholas. Great Grandpa Dean of 5 great grandchildren. Respected father and mentor of Geoffrey. DEAN - Norman. Members and partners of the Lions Club of Leongatha are deeply saddened by our charter member’s passing. Our sympathy to Doris, Pam, Kerry, Geoff and families. His community service and friendship was most appreciated. Rest in peace. GROEN - Stephen. The members and committee of Mirboo North Football Netball Club are saddened at the loss of friend and member, Stephen, and extend their sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Helen and family. Our thoughts are with you all.

deaths HICKEN - Jack. Passed away peacefully at Grandridge Lodge, Mirboo North on January 7, 2009. Aged 95 years, late of South Gippsland. Dearly loved and sadly missed by the Hicken family. The Funeral Service was held at the Franklin River reserve on Saturday, January 10, 2009. READ (nee McLaren) Maureen Joy. Passed away suddenly on January 5, 2009. Aged 60 years. Late of Middle Tarwin. Dearly loved wife and soul mate of Pat. Much loved and cherished mother and mother-in-law of Tracey and Chris, Debbie and Anthony, Darren and Sasha, Michelle and Leo, Berniece and Glenn, Jamie and Sonya. Devoted and loving nanna of Joshua and Rhiannon; Erin, Liam, Alice, and Max; Jed (dec.), Alejo, Nenita, and Juan; Jake, Tess, Mitch and Zoe; Jayde, and Jye. You were the Centre of our World. Maursie, They say it’s a beautiful journey, From the old world to the new, Some day I’ll take that journey, Up the staircase that leads to you, And when I reach that garden, Where all are free from pain, I’ll put my arms around you, And we’ll never part again. Your soul mate, Pat. Life is not measured by the years you live, But by the love you gave and the things you did. You had a smile for everyone, You had a heart of gold. Forever in our hearts. Trace, Chris, Josh and Rhiannon xxxxoooo. God broke our hearts the day When he took our Mum and Nana away. Gone to heaven to make another home For when we are together again. Much loved Mum to Anthony and Debbie. The best Nana in the world to Erin, Liam, Alice and Max. We had the prettiest Nana, We loved her very much. It’s just not right with Nana gone. Love Erin, Liam, Alice and Max. Lost without you. Mum, Dad might have been the president, but you were the captain/ coach, trainer, runner and chairman of selectors. You were the centre of our lives. You lived for us. We already miss you. Love Dash and Sash.

deaths Our Mum, Our Nanny, Our best friend. Oh Mum, You are the centre of our world. How do we go on without seeing you, hearing your laughter, and having a cuddle. We still have so much to share and do with you. God has broken our hearts! We love you. Shell, Leo, Jed (dec.), Alej, Nita and Juan. Nanny walked to Heaven. Love Nita. My Nanny, I miss Nanny Juan. Nan, Thank you for giving us our Christmases and other parties. They’re not right without you. I love you - Alej. Mum, You started your family and you were there for me when I started mine. Thanks for all your support in our life, and thank you for supporting my kids the same as you supported all of us. Thanks Mum. Love Jamie, Sonya, Jayde and Jye. READ - Maureen. A gentle nature, a heart of gold. These are the memories we will hold. Love and sympathy to Pat, Deb, Tracey, Darren, Michelle, Bernice, Jamie, and all the family. Forever in our hearts. Love, Paul, Maree, Nicholas, Georgia-Kate and Jack. READ - Maureen. A wonderful and caring friend of Glenda and Rod McRae and family. We will miss you very much. God only takes the best.

Email your adverts to “The Star” ads@thestar.com.au

deaths SINCLAIR - Craig. December 27, 2008. Dear Craig, You were a great friend to us all, and we will miss you very much. Love from Billy Pearson and Milly James. SINCLAIR - Craig. December 27, 2008. Dear Caroline, Steve and Troy, We are so sorry for your loss. Craig was such a sweet little boy and will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered. Great mate of Billy. With love, Tim, Kylie, Ebony, Billy, Tom and Bella. SINCLAIR - Craig. We will remember a gentle boy who loved playing games with his mates. A popular student and valued friend in our school community. We will miss that beautiful smile and caring nature. Our thoughts are with Troy, Caroline, Steve and families. From the students and staff of Tarwin Valley Primary School.

Girl’s day out: friends Alex Holness of Tarwin Lower and Blair Taber and Lauren Pearson of Inverloch enjoyed their day out in the sunshine at the Stony Creek Races on Monday.

Sun shone at Stony THE sun shone brightly for the Stony Creek races on Monday and attracted a good crowd of race goers for the eight race local meeting. There was a relaxed picnic atmosphere, with many friends and families lunching

on the lawns, and children enjoyed the face painting, animal nursery, fairy ﬂoss and delicious food. Stony Creek attracted people from Melbourne and many holidaymakers from the local beach resorts including Wilsons Promontory, Venus Bay and Inverloch.

Winner: jockey Michael Carson was thrilled with his win on Pakenham trained Musical Lad in the second race at Stony Creek on Monday.

Local success: Stony Creek trained Taku Hally was ridden into second place by jockey Sally Wynne on Monday at Stony Creek.

YOUNG - Edwin John. Brother of Margery, brotherin-law of Bob (dec.), uncle of Judith, Gregory, Trevor, Jeanette, Linda and families, and Michael Dyer. Rest in peace.

funerals DEAN - A Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the life of the late Mr Norman Daniel (Norm) Dean will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Leongatha on Thursday, January 15, commencing at 11.30am. A private family interment will precede the above service. All Leongatha Lions Club members are respectfully invited to attend. Paul and Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 AFDA

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

crossword solutions

Clear winner: number four, Danaman, owned by Robbie Grifﬁths of Cranbourne stormed home in front of No2 Johnny Fiasco and No5 Seasonality for a convincing win in the third at Stony Creek on Monday.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8153 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Have in view. 8, I’d-ea(ting). 9, Pass. 10, Eaten. 11, Gags. 12, Hanging on. 16, Committed. 20, Spot. 22, Ropes. 23, I-Ron. 24, S-aga(in). 25, Dis-covered. Down - 1, Can-Ada. 2, Mes-sag-e. 3, (w)Inter-(eed_. 4, Bistro. 5, O-wing. 7, Verge (anag.). 13, Gum (rev.). 14, Sta-in-ed. 15, Spray. 17, Op-pose. 18, M-Ascot. 19, Eroded. 21, T-rade. QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8153 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Constitute. 8, Neon. 9, Tuba. 10, Lupin. 11, Yell. 12, Adulatory. 16, Palpitate. 20, Moss. 22, Terse. 23, Pork. 24, Zulu. 25, Deficiency. Down - 1, Rotund. 2, Assault. 3, Fillet. 4, Jumper. 5, Penny. 7, Jolly. 13, Oil. 14, Stopper. 15, Bogus. 17, Adrift. 18, Pierce. 19, Thrice. 21, Study.

Sponsors: sponsor of race four at Stony Creek on Monday, Matt Rogers (second from left) of Matt Rogers AG Contracting Services, enjoyed the day out with friends Stewart Notman, and Dean and Shrien Pulham.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The Show goes on BIG crowds attended the Bass Coast Show at Wonthaggi on the weekend, with record gate takings on both days. Show secretary, Rosemary Loughnan said hard work by volunteers, promotion to tourists, beautiful weather, a reasonable entry fee and plenty to see and do made the show a success. “It was probably the happiest crowd ever, as there were smiles on dials all

round,” she said. “It’s a reﬂection of our shire, which is a really great place to live.” Rosemary said the 200-plus volunteers worked and worked. “We don’t know if we can top this year’s show, but we are going to try in the centenary year for the town and we are looking at a carnival in the evening and an extension to a two-day show in some areas.” All show results in next week’s Star.

The loot: Talarni, Sophie, Dayna and Ryley, Cape Paterson had been busy buying showbags. Sideshow fun: Samanatha and Trinity O’Keefe, Glen Forbes, have a go with the clowns.

Beach art: Ruby and Hudson Shaw and Gemma Parson, all Corinella, have a go at sand sculpturing.

On beat: Rebecca Page, Foday Camara, Mariama Camara, Vicki Pugh and Mary Randall of the Wulaba International Drumming Band before their performance.

Morning tea: Margaret Williamson and Burt Blackburne, Wattlebank, enjoy their scones.

Pampered pooch: Fiona McAuley, Wonthaggi, demonstrates her dog grooming techniques. Left: Craft talent: Patricia Higgs, Inverloch, won best homemade novelty category with Little Miss Mushroom.

Fast descent: Sam Rodhi, Wonthaggi, was loving the big inﬂatable slide.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 47

Sport

Never too old: a ﬁne vintage of local players who took on a team from Melbourne at Foster last year.

Sixty not out By Danny Buttler

OLD cricketers never die, they just join the over 60s competition.

That, at least, is the hope of South Gippsland cricketer John Gilder, who wants senior players to take the whites out of mothballs and get back on the field. John, 72, reckons he has never enjoyed the game as much as he has in recent years. The former sub-district player now realises he is not playing for sheep stations and revels in every moment of the on and off field action. “I didn’t think I would ever enjoy cricket again until I bumped into the association,” he said. “You are not supposed to be able to do what you could do years ago.” Even a “shocking” umpiring decision is water off a duck’s back for these golden oldies. “Your temperament improves, you can be given out on a shocking decision and you learn to keep your trap shut,” he said. “You realise it is not life and death” Playing against people of their own age helps these senior players relax and enjoy the resurrection as cricketers. “Because of the state of the game, you’re playing in your own group, so you are able to do a lot of different things.” Despite the slowing down of reactions that come with age, John said he can still bat, bowl and field to a standard that keeps him happy. His major difficulty is catches in the deep. Snaring a fast moving ball in the air can be a test for eyes and muscles that are in their eighth decade. But the wisdom and guile of age have helped many of the over 60s improve the mental aspects of their game. In summer, John plays nearly every weekend in Melbourne, where he seems happy to note there are few firebrand pacemen still patrolling the field. “It’s a bit quieter on the field,” he said. “You don’t strike the demon quick

Looking forward: John Gilder is loving life as a born-again cricketer. bowlers – there a lot of spinners going around.” “Although one fellow from the opposing side was pretty nifty.” The format of over 60s cricket restricts players to a maximum of 40 runs and eight overs each during each of the 40-overs-a-side matches. THE ﬁrst game of over 60 cricket in the world was played in Hurlingham Park, Brighton in January 2003. It was the idea of John Hammer, who at 67 years was captain of the Brighton Union CC fourths and had observed several men aged over 60 still playing in lower suburban ranks. As a result of networking through talk back radio, letters to papers and word of mouth, two teams comprising 28 players representing Yarra North, captained by Alan Duffus and Yarra South, co-captained by Jim Williams and David Wingﬁeld, played two 40over innings. Five seasons later most of the original 28 are still enjoying over 60 cricket,

which has now extended to ACT, SA, Tasmania and NSW. Meanwhile in England, veteran’s cricket for players aged over 50 years had been entrenched in several counties since the mid 1980s. The reluctance of players to retire from competitive cricket, even after 60 years, saw the rise of the over 60 concept there, with the ﬁrst over 60 game ever played in the UK, taking place in June 2003. Over 60s cricket is now played in 14 countries and was predicted to be in 20 countries in 2008, due to the feeder process through its existing veterans competitions in lower age groups. The next national carnival of senior cricket will be held in Tasmania later this year. Anyone interested in playing senior cricket can call John on 5682 1369. A Melbourne side will play the locals at the Foster Reserve (not the showgrounds) on February 8.

In front: Cameron Jones leads Kirstie Column and others in the run leg.

Cape Paterson Aquathon this Sunday THE Cape Aquathon Committee is currently planning the 13th Cape Aquathon to be held this Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 10am. This popular event takes place at Cape Paterson’s First Surf Beach and consists of a 400-metre surf swim and a 3.5 km run. The Cape Aquathon is strongly supported by locals and holiday makers, other community groups and other athletes as both competitors and volunteer marshals. This year, popular Cape Paterson identity and Wonthaggi school teacher, Peter Ferguson, will be competing in his 10th consecutive aquathon. He tells us he has been training assiduously for the event and looks forward to receiving his 10th consecutive year’s prize. Fergus O’Connor from Cape Paterson and Alysha Tamburo from Grantville are up for their five consecutive medals. The Cape Aquathon is the first leg of the Bass Coast Series. The Channel Challenge and the Cowes Classic make up the rest of the series. This year the Bass Coast Shire has added an Over 40 Division to the series. Moneys raised help support the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club essential services (rescues and first aid) and lifesaving programs (e.g. Nippers (children) activities, first aid courses). Why not compete or

Bank supports Waratah nippers JUNIOR life savers at Waratah beach will beneﬁt this summer through ANZ’s sponsorship of the 2008/09 ‘Nippers’ program. “As a voluntary organisation we rely on donations and sponsors, and we are delighted ANZ is continuing to support Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the important work done by lifesaving clubs in Victoria,” Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club president Julian Meagher said. “Last season their sponsorship funded vital rescue equipment for the club including four new rescue tubes and ten new water safety vests and caps. “We also bought six surfboards through

the bank’s support, to help the Nippers’ boardpaddling program and we’ll continue to use that equipment this summer. They have generously provided the kids with a number of items including t-shirts, caps, water bottles and beach balls for a membership pack again this season.” Mr Meagher said ‘Nippers’ provided children with the start-up skills for a career in surf life saving. The program runs every January and teaches children the basics of surf safety, introducing them to surf craft and rescue techniques in a fun and safe environment. “We look after our ‘Nippers’ to ensure they have every opportunity to develop and go on to become the surf lifesavers of the future. ANZ’s support helps us deliver the best possible program for our junior lifesavers, and we look for-

ward to an ongoing association with the bank,” Mr Meagher said. The local bank branch in Foster works closely with the Waratah Club to help support the program. “The Nippers program has been making a difference in water safety in the local community for many years, and our people are genuinely excited to be involved in this initiative again,” Foster branch manager Laurie Kyne said. “We’re delighted to play a part in the important work done by the club as one of the ways we can support the area where our people live and work.” The ofﬁcial launch of the Waratah Nippers 2008/09 season was held recently at Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

just come and watch the event from the lookout? Registration is from 8am with kick off at 10am. You can even have brunch! The Cape Paterson Lions Club is serving a delicious bacon and egg

burger and sausages and there will also be coffee and cake for sale. More information can be found at cpslsc.org.au or phone 5674 8071.

Tenth time: Wonthaggi Primary School teacher, Peter Ferguson, will be competing in his 10th consecutive aquathon this Sunday.

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

14 WED

15 THUR

16 FRI

17 SAT

18 SUN

19 MON

20 TUE

0212 0745 1400 1958

1.61 0.52 1.42 0.14

0259 0839 1456 2049

1.63 0.40 1.46 0.19

0341 0930 1552 2135

1.63 0.30 1.48 0.27

0419 1015 1646 2218

1.60 0.23 1.46 0.36

0456 1058 1741 2259

1.56 0.20 1.43 0.46

0530 1138 1833 2339

1.49 0.21 1.39 0.56

0605 1216 1926

1.42 0.24 1.34

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

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Sport Huge entries for junior tennis classic THE ninth Annual South Gippsland Junior Tennis Classic held at Leongatha last week was a solid tournament with 115 individual entries and 263 matches of tennis played over three days. The canteen was run again by two icons of the club, Mary Jepson and Barbara Ball. Mary and Barabara should be congratulated on their positive attitude and involvement with all these young players. These two tireless workers are looking for assistance in the future or for some younger members in the club to step up and take over the reins from them in their canteen duties. Next year will be their 10th year in this capacity. Well done to Barbara and Mary.

10 and Under trophy winners: Back row left to right: Mark Sheppard (local tennis coach), Anthony Argento, Elijah Cousins, Jack Clements, Vinnie Monaghan, Harry McInness, Connor Krohn, Michael Grist. Front row left to right: Paige Matthews, Gabriella Sprague.

12 and Under trophy winners: back row left to right: Julie Fidler (Melbourne tennis coach), Olivia Cope, Gabriela Sprague, Janie Gordon, Campbell Ross, Vinnie Monaghan, Matteo Gatto, Andy Forster (from Finance Consulting and Accounting; front left to right: Airlie Gleeson, Kasey Teakle, Bridget Monaghan, Corrie Argus-Smith, Nick Argento.

14 and Under trophy winners: back row left to right: Mark Sheppard (local tennis coach), Joe Colaciello, Sam Wilson, Justin Krohn, Jennifer Dawes, Georgia DuPlessis, Madison Sanders, James Sheppard, Tony Colaciello (tennis coach); front left to right: Telece Lane, Emily Wilson, Ashley Spinks. Right: 16 and Under trophy winners: back row left to right: Annette Sheppard (local tennis coach), Nick Mashado, James Sheppard, Patrick Monaghan, Glen Dawes, Phil Williams, James Monaghan, Dan Monaghan; Front row L to R: Gabriella Sprague, Emily McKaige Telece Lane.

18 and Under trophy winners: back row left to right: Julie Fidler (Melbourne tennis coach), Tim Sheppard, Jess Gowans, Emma Gowans, Natalie Turner, Jessie Tyson, Justin Krohn, Taylor Beard, Andy Forster (from Finance Consulting and Accounting); front row left to right: Tom Hance, Glen Dawes.

thews/Harry McInness 8/2. A special thank you to the major sponsor, Finance Consulting and Accounting. This is their ninth successive year as the major sponsor, and they are proud to be associated with such a ﬁrst class event and the youth of South Gippsland. Also McDonalds assisted with sponsorship, which greatly assists with the viability of running such events. Their great contribution to youth in the local community is appreciated by everyone involved.

Results 18 and Under boys singles: Tom Hance d Glen Dawes 8/5. 18 and Under boys doubles: Tim Sheppard/Tom Hance d Taylor Beard/ Justin Krohn 8/2. 18 and Under boys consolation singles: Tim Sheppard d Taylor Beard 6/4. 18 and Under girls singles: Emma Gowans d Jessie Tyson 8/0. 18 and Under girls doubles: Jess and Emma Gowans d Jessie Tyson/Natalie Turner 8/3. 18 and Under girls consolation singles: Jess Gowans d Suzie Fidler 6/1. 18 and Under mixed doubles: Glen Dawes/Suzie Fidler d Tim Sheppard/Jessie Tyson 6/4. 16 and Under boys singles: Glen Dawes d James Sheppard 8/6. 16 and Under boys doubles: Glen Dawes/James Sheppard d Nick Mashado/Phil Williams 8/4. 16 and Under boys consolation singles: Phil Williams d William Crawford 6/2. 16 and Under girls singles: Telece Lane d Emily McKaige 8/6. 16 and Under mixed doubles: James Monaghan/Emily McKaige d Phil Williams/Gabriella Sprague 6/2. 14 and Under boys singles: James Sheppard d Joeseph Colaciello 8/1. 14 and Under boys doubles: Justin Krohn/Sam Wilson d James Sheppard/ Joespeh Colaciello. 14 and Under boys consolation singles: Justin Krohn d James Monaghan 6/1. 14 and Under girls singles: Jennifer Dawes d Madison Sanders 8/2. 14 and Under girls consolation singles: Emily Wilson d Georgia DuPlessis 6/4. 14 and Under mixed doubles: Sam and Emily Wilson d James Sheppard/ Madison Sanders 6/1. 12 and Under boys singles: Corrie Argus-Smith d Nick Argento 8/5. 12 and Under boys doubles: Corrie Argus-Smith/Nick Argento d Vince Monaghan/Campbell Ross 8/6. 12 and Under boys consolation singles: Matteo Gatto d Jack Clements 6/2. 12 and Under girls singles: Kasey Teakle d Gabriela Sprague 8/6. 12 and Under girls doubles: Kasey Teakle/Gabriela Sprague d Janie Gordon/Airlie Gleeson 8/4. 12 and Under girls consolation singles: Holly Monaghan d Janie Gordon 8/2. 12 and Under mixed doubles: Corrie Argus-Smith/Olivia Cope d Matteo Gatto/Gabriela Sprague 8/1. 10 and Under boys singles: Jack Clements d Vinnie Monaghan 8/2. 10 and Under boys doubles: Jack Clements/Elijah Cousins d Anthony Argento/Vinnie Monaghan 8/1. 10 and Under boys consolation singles: Elijah Cousins d Harry McInness 6/2. 10 and Under girls singles: Gabriela Sprague d Paige Matthews 10/1. 10 and Under mixed doubles: Connor Krohn/Gabriella Sprague d Paige Mat

Trophy haul: tournament organiser Mark Sheppard shows the haul of trophies to be won at the South Gippsland junior tennis classic in Leongatha last Tuesday.

High concentration: Jack Clement, of Inverloch, is a picture of concentration when returning a shot at the Leongatha tournament.

Return serve: Leongatha’s Holly Monaghan returns serve at the South Gippsland junior tennis classic in Leongatha last Tuesday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 49

Sport • WONTHAGGI LITTLE ATHLETICS

Kerry Pritchard: the Leongatha ﬁtness fanatic swam about 530kms last year at South Gippsland SPLASH.

Records go at Open Day Ten-year-old Declan Ryan and 14-year-old Matt Sullivan, from Wonthaggi Little Athletics Club, competed at the Southern Peninsula Little Athletics Club (SPLAC) Open Day on Sunday, January 11. Both boys broke an Open Day record during competition, collecting gold medals for their efforts. Declan achieved his record in the 800 metres, breaking the old record by nearly seven seconds. Matt created a new record in the triple jump, beating the old one by nearly 60 centimetres. Declan also achieved a bronze medal in triple jump, made the ﬁnal of the 200 metres and performed well in the discus. Matt obtained gold in the long jump, silver in the 200 metres and was narrowly beaten for a bronze in the 100 metres. Congratulations to both boys on their achievements. Wonthaggi Little Athletics resumes Achievement: Declan Ryan and Matt Sullivan competition this Saturday, January 17. with their medals and certiﬁcates.

Open for business IN December last year, Inverloch celebrated the grand opening of its new recreational facilities - the walkway, the Rotary Club Centenary Park and the Open Gym Fitness Trails along the foreshore.

Walking in the morning since has become more enjoyable, knowing that there is an invitation to the Open Gym to keep people fitter, whilst jogging along the walkway or just stretching whilst doing oceanic deep breathing. It is wonderful to see more people walking, jogging and riding their bikes along the walkway. Later in the day, children can also be seen joyfully riding their bikes. Each fitness station, gives details of care and instructions, as well as a suggested number of movements to achieve a certain level of fitness. The Open Gym has 18 fitness workout posts located over four stations along the foreshore’s walkway which encourages everyone to select various activities and movements to suit their own fitness level. The first station at The Glades is also accessible by wheelchair, making it suitable for people of all abilities. The Open Gym facilities have also been enjoyed by local sporting clubs and fitness leaders who encourage the community to become more physically active and involved. Building on Inverloch’s fitness base will be the Embracing Healthy Lifestyle Festival on Saturday, January 24 at the YMCA Gymnasium in A’Beckett Street, Inverloch. Orgainser Jane Hackel is seeking to encourage a Wellness Mindset by integrating natural and conventional medicine, thus having the best of both worlds for health and wellbeing. Exhibitors of alternative and complementary therapies

will be able to offer their various techniques and modalities, like aromatherapy, reﬂexology, shiatsu, posture care, lymph drainage, as well as products on health and beauty and plenty of massages for everyone, along with naturopaths and herbalists. There will be talks, workshops, demonstrations of techniques, Tai chi, Yoga and all the healthy jazz! Jane is therefore inviting interested Alternative

and Complementary Healthcare Practitioners, as well as promoters and producers of herbs, organic and natural health products to contact her. Fifty per cent of the fees raised through the participants or exhibitors, will go towards the project, which supports local organisations and the local primary school. You may contact Jane on her email at myhealthsanct@ gmail.com or on 0466 520 942.

South Gippsland Bridge Results Monday – Meeniyan: 1st Kathryn Smith, David Baggalay. 2nd Peter and Winsome Richards. 3rd Susan Rufﬁn, Clive Hope. 4th Sally Hoskins, Pat West. 5th Faye Rowlands, Frank Arndt. Thursday – LeonPat West, gatha: 1st Barbara Axten. 2nd Susan Rufﬁn, Clive Hope. 3rd Nancy Embleton, Ellie McIntyre. Friday – Inverloch - North/ South: 1st Jack Kuiper, Dina Drury. 2nd Bruce and Anne Gibson. 3rd Faye Rowlands,

Clive Hope. 4th Kathy geyer, Leila Bell. 5th Colin Manley, Althea Drew. East/West: 1st Norma Hannay, Marj Freeman. 2nd John Sullivan, John Sutton. 3rd John Farr, Anne Williams. 4th Alex Smith, Colin Cameron. 5th Richard Poole, Chae August. Note: Subscriptions are due and payable now. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday February 20 at 11.30am. Come and support your committee.

Kerry laps it up LEONGATHA ﬁtness fanatic Kerry Pritchard has caused a splash in local swimming circles by swimming more than 520km during 2008. Kerry has been trying to top the 500km mark for some years now, but has been held back by injury. “I’ve done 521km so far this year,” Kerry told The Star on December 23. “I couldn’t quite achieve that two years ago and last year I went nowhere near it. I like swimming and really started as rehabilitation for a foot injury after an operation as a result of years of marathon running. “My foot was in plaster for six weeks and when I came back I started getting serious and doing lots of laps.” Kerry is a member of South Gippsland SPLASH and has worked as a member of the fundraising committee for the pool. One of the original SPLASH members, he joined up when the facility opened back in January 2005. In May of the same year a ‘Lap It Up Club’ was formed, a free service designed to track the amount of laps each participant swims each

month, allowing them to create and achieve personal goals. Kerry was quickly way out in front. In an eight month period in 2005 he amassed 272.25kms. Inspired by this early success he set himself the target of reaching 500 kilometres in a calendar year. At the end of November 2006 he had 467.50kms and was well on track to reaching his goal. However, a nasty bike accident early in December, which resulted in a broken hip, quashed any hopes of reaching the 500km mark. He fell 30kms short. By March 2007 he was back swimming more than 2000 laps a month. Unfortunately, another health issue that began in August saw him unable to take to the pool regularly for a month and a half, which saw him ﬁnish up on 425.90kms for the year. With a clean bill of health he set his sights to 2008. With clear determination he knew nothing was going to stop him from reaching his goal. “It’s for my own satisfaction. There’s no competition or anything,” he said. The 63-year-old has been to SPLASH more than 1000 times,

making him the biggest user of the facility. He swims about 80 laps in an hour. “It’s not that long really. Swimming up and down a black line, you know it’s there but you’re not conscious of it,” he said. “It’s amazing. When you’re in the water you go through the things you’ve been doing throughout the day, your brain’s always working. You’re planning, you’re looking at all the gorgeous women that are swimming along beside you. “That’s pretty distracting. When you feel a bit tired and a bit sore it doesn’t hurt to have a gorgeous looking female swimming along beside you. A bit of perving doesn’t do anyone any harm, does it?” Kerry said it was hard to get to the pool some days, because there were “so many other competing pressures”. Not that that stops him. Kerry is as regular as clockwork. Next year, however, he will halve his time in the pool and spend more time on his bicycle. “I don’t plan on keeping this sort of intensity up,” he said.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Sport Bodey takes treble PAKENHAM area jockey, Adam Bodey won a treble at the Woolamai races on Sunday.

Woolamai and District Racing Club secretary, Bev Carmichael said quite a good crowd enjoyed an excellent day in ideal weather for racing. Bev and husband, Robert’s horse, Just Jordie, won in the third race. The couple celebrated with dinner in Wonthaggi last night. Leading Woolamai trainer, Anthony Bolden won the second race of the day with Bramble Blitz.

Right First race: second place getter, Kingston Classic ridden by Raymond Douglas and ﬁrst place, Teppista with Kane Harris after their race. Below Good fun: Emma Roberts, Veronica Strangio, Danielle Pepping and Jessica Roberts, all of Tarwin Lower, make the most of their ﬁrst time at the Woolamai races.

Big win: Teppista ridden by Kane Harris was ﬁrst in the 2000m Happy New Year Open Trophy Race at Woolamai on Sunday.

Summer support: John Cox, Cape Paterson, Arnis Heislers, Cape Paterson, Peter Bacon, Ashwood and Ian Weir, Cowes were concerned about the future of picnic races at Woolamai.

Golf reports

Course excitement: club president, Graeme Winkler, club member, Jason Redmond, Terry Pilkadaris and course superintendant, Damien Symmons.

Pro plays at Woorayl WOORAYL Golf Club played host to Western Australia pro, Terry Pilkadaris last Saturday. Terry is currently playing on the Asian pro circuit. He is a friend of Damien Symmons and accepted an invitation to play here. Terry’s presence on the course created a lot of interest among club members and friends who acted as a ‘gallery’ for him.

Woorayl LAST Saturday a stroke event was held and was sponsored by the Opal Motel. It was nice to see the touring professional, Terry Pilkadaris having a hit, as the guest of course curator Damien Symmons. The winner of A Grade was Paul Challis on a countback from Damien Symmons, both with net 67s. B Grade winner and the best score of the day was George Johnson, with a net 60, winning from Max Wood. C Grade went to John Hassett with a net 66. The runner-up trophies, golf balls, were given by Terry Pilkadaris, if you were in the clubhouse. Balls went to D. Burge, D. Matthews, G. Winkler, G. Fitzpatrick, G. McKinnon, N. Lovie, G. Calder, B. Challis, B. Fitzpatrick, M. Stanes and A. Trease, in a ﬁve-way count-

back. The nearest the pin on the 17th went to D. Dwyer. The ladies’ winner was Pat Harvey with a ﬁne net 68, with balls going to S. Thomas, A. Poole, K. Mckenzie. The ladies’ nearest the pins went to B. James and M. Rayson. Thursday’s bar voucher went to Graeme Winkler with 41 points, and balls going to J. Maynard, B. Fitzpatrick and J. Howard. The Thursday chicken run saw chooks to J. Hassett and D. Lagden, with balls going to M. Wilson, C. James, C. Wilson. On Thursday, January 15 we restart our rafﬂe and meal night, so come along, eat well, and maybe win something. Next Saturday we will play a single par event sponsored by Frank Schwarz. It is also the seventh round of the summer trophies.

Leongatha IN ideal conditions, we had 74 players and Peter Stivic was the medal winner (and B Grade) with 67 net. One stroke behind was Jon Smith who won A Grade and also turned in the best gross score of 77. Len Peterson (73) won C Grade, while Kevin Scott collected the D Grade prize. Talking to John Westaway before he hit off, John remarked in jest that the course is becoming too easy. He partially proved that by making an eagle two on the twelfth hole, hitting a drive and a perfect six iron. The putting comp was won by Geoff McDonald with an impressive 24 putts. Pro-pin went to Steve Fisher, and nearest the pin to Daniel Richards. Ball winners: B. Hutton, R. Williams 69; G. McDonald, N. Savino 70; R. Thurston 71, J. Eabry, P. Rayson, S. Earle, N. Mackenzie, D. Richards 72; G. Wilson-Browne, D. Bethune, D. Grifﬁth, I. Murchie 73; J. Westaway 74.

Tuesday Joe Lowell gave nobody else a chance as he rampaged around the course to amass 43 points. This excellent round (78 off the stick) left Joe miles ahead in A Grade. Richard Nelson won B Grade with 38 points, a much more creditable score than he won with last week. Bob Birrell also had 38 points and that was the winning score for C Grade. Well done Bob - that 33 handicap was very temporary. Ball winners: P. Hartigan, B. Hutton 39; K. Scott 38, R. Thurston, S. Wall 37; R. Chaplin, J. Eabry, J. Cummins 36; J. Hurren, I. Murchie, D. Bethune 35.

Thursday A ﬁeld of 56 players gave

us three grades. Trevor Rickard had the day’s high score of 40 points, playing strong golf off an 11 handicap. The Richard Nelson show continues to roll on. Moving from C Grade to B Grade has posed no problems as he took out B Grade on 36 points. C Grade went to the everreliable Peter Hobson who scored 37 points. Ray Burton won nearest the pin. Ball winners: J. Westaway 38, G. Spruzen, D. Vorwerg 37; J. Eabry, N. Mackenzie, R. Davies 36; A. Barratt, I. Purbrick, B. Cathie 35; J. Cummins, R. Matthews 34. All events for this week are individual stablefords. Don’t forget to have a go at the ‘Great Aussie Putting Challenge’ this week. You can try your luck between 11am and 4pm from Tuesday through to Saturday, and if you are in the top 32 scores, there will be a knockout competition on Sunday.

Sunday nine hole competition Once again the conditions were perfect for the January monthly nine hole competition. There were 50 players in eight teams and many broken handicaps were recorded. The highlight of the game was a hole-in-one scored by Anthony Clemann on the 14th. Congratulations Anthony. Kit’s Litter won the points for the day with a very low score of 128. In second place was the Espy Eagles with 134.5. The Sharks with 138.5 took third place, and The Floggers with 139 came in fourth. All the other teams scored two points. The trophies of the day were presented to the Espy Eagles. The best ladies’ gross was shared by Sharon Rayson and Evelyn Indian with 48. Peter Rayson with 39 scored the men’s best gross.

Race day: Antony Hadjion, West Coburg, and Pamela Pritchard, Mount Waverley, with Pamela’s mother, May Pritchard, Wonthaggi. The best net for the ladies was won by Kit Boag with 51-19½-31½, while Chris Lever, with an excellent 40-11½-28½, won the men’s best net. The next round will be played on Sunday, February 8.

Mirboo North ON Thursday, January 8 there were 47 starters for the stableford event, CCR 69. A Grade winner was M. Payne (11) 40 points, B Grade T. Bailey (29) 39 points. Down the line: N. Fox 40 pts, Barb Stimson 39, C. Eden 39, M. Higginbottom 38, G. Graeme 38, J. Bond 38. Birdies: 4th Barb Stimson, 4th Wayne Reynolds, 6th Andy Van Zuylen, 13th Paul Woodall. ON Saturday, January 10 there were 35 starters for the 4BBB stableford, CCR 46. Grade winners were Jack Oddy (31) and Graeme Colbert (22), 50 points. Down the line: R. Anderson, C. Bracecamp 47 pts; A. Van Zuylen, J. Bond 47 pts; P. Garlick and Ces Eden 47 pts. Nearest the pin: 2nd shot on the 1st John Woodall, 4th Jack Oddy, 6th John Woodall, 13th Graeme Colbert, 16th Terry Bradshaw. Pro-pin 4th Jack Oddy. Birdies: 4th J. Oddy, 6th Terry Bradshaw, D. Napier, John Woodall. Eagle 5th Dave Woodall.

Meeniyan ON Tuesday, January 6 a single stableford and four ball aggregate was played, the winner of the singles was B. Fiek 44 pts from W. Reilly 41 pts, L. Redpath, R. Evans and J. Mortensen all with 39 pts. The four ball winners were B. Fiek and O. Vandervorm 78 pts, best 9 was F. Peile 25 pts and nearest the pin was G. Alley.

On January 8 a single stableford and four ball aggregate was played with the winner of the singles R. Evans with 38 pts on a count back from J. Cusack also 38 pts. Four ball winners were J. Stewart and F. Peile 74 pts, best 9 L. Hemphill and nearest the pin to P. Griffiths. January 9 twilight competition was another good night with 80 players. The ladies winner was G. Benson 20 pts, balls down the line to R. Wells, N. Scholte, D. Robinson, C. Stewart, J. Redpath and D. Christie. The junior winner was R. Olden. Mens winner was P. Gornall 22 pts, balls down the line to B. McGeary, M. Dyer, P. Robinson, D. Soderland, R. Davison, S. Browne, R. Thomas, C. Graeme, P. Benson, C. Olden and P. Redpath. January 10 a par competition with winner of A. Grade J. Du Mont plus five, from G. Hughes five up. B. Grade winner R. Matthews plus six from W. Reilly three up. Nearest the pin was C. Le Page, down the line balls to G. Revell, B. McKnight, S. Browne, B. Spokes, J. Walker, C. Le Page and L. Redpath. Many thanks to sponsor for the day, Gas Connections. On January 11 a field of 133 contested our annual Power Pod Day, a four ball ambrose event. This has proved to be a popular and fun day. Many thanks to our sponsors Mr and Mrs N. Ramsay and all who helped to make this a successful day. Next Sunday is the annual Four BBB Drummond Golf Day. We are looking for numbers, please ring the club on 5664 7490 and submit your entries.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 51

Sport Golf reports Foster

SUNDAY, January 11 – Banksia Lodge Charity Day, Ambrose, teams of three, sponsored by Foster Pharmacy. Winners: Denise Cahill/ Ritchie Cahill/Gary Clavarino (5⅔) 55⅓. First runner-ups: Neville Thompson/Jackie Thompson/Marty Groen (12) 58 on countback. Second runner-ups: Fred Tyers/Gale Tyers/Neil Chandler (7) 58. Ladies winners: Val Gow/Francis McGlead/Pam Mathers (19⅓) 65⅔. Down the line balls: Peter Gilder/Denis Dalton/Col Pulham (7) 59, John Mathers/John Stone/Phil Harris (8⅔) 59⅓, Gary Phelan/R Phelan/N Phelan (12⅔) 59⅓, Ray Prain/Judy Prain/Scott Rathjen (8⅓) 59⅔, P Constance/C Constance/ Marlene Ellis (9⅔) 60, Eddy Fah/Judy Fah/Ken Crompton (9⅓) 60⅔.

Nearest the pin: fourth Ritchie Cahill, sixth Neil Chandler, Sheron Cripps, 13th Pat McKay, Barbara Warren, 15th Gary Phelan, Barbara Warren, 17th Col Pulham, Francis McGlead. Saturday, January 10 – Monthly medal, Robyn Taylor trophy medal winner: Larry Giddy (20) 64 stableford. A Grade Winner: Ray Prain (15) 67 stableford. B Grade Winner: Larry Giddy (20) 64 stableford. A Grade scratch: Jamie Freeman 75. B Grade scratch: Larry Giddy 84. Down the line balls: Jamie Freeman 69 stableford, Doc Menzies 69 stableford, Lloyd McKenzie 70 stableford, Fred Tyers 70 stableford, S Griggs 70 stableford, Jim Parry 71 stableford and Noel Black 71 stableford. Putting: Jamie Freeman 26 putts.

Nearest the pin: fourth T. Cameron, sixth Tony Vanin, th 13 Pat McKay, 15th Paul Robertson and 17th Athol McGrath. Eagle 14th Tony Vanin 10 Balls. Money hole $23: Tony Vanin. Ladies Saturday, January 12 – stroke, ﬁrst round aggregate winner Judy Fah (34) 66 stableford. Down the line balls: Gale Tyers (11) 67 stableford, Ineke de Graaf (17) 68 c/b. Nearest the pin: sixth Val Gow, 17th Gale Tyers. Money hole: Ineke de Graaf. Friday, January 9 – twilight stableford winner: David Knee (26) 22 pts. Down the line balls: David Hutchinson (14) 19 pts, Ray Stewart (11) 18 pts, John Mathers (13) 17 pts, S. Collins (27) 17 pts.

Bowls reports Meeniyan

DURING the break members have been kept busy attending various tournaments, and playing club games. Early in January our men’s champion, Alan Brown, played in the association finals. With a win in the first round, Alan went down on the last end in the second round, in a very close match. On Tuesday it was the final of the ladies singles, with Marj Pearson playing first time finalist, Barbara Scott. In a very exciting match watched by a good crowd, Marj pulled away towards the latter stages of the match, with the score 25 to 16. This is her second win, and we wish Marj well at association level. Corporate bowls began on Tuesday night, with 12 teams taking part. Winners were BGs, with Meeniyan Gentlemen’s Club runners-up. Ten teams competed on Wednesday night, with four new teams entering the competition. Winners were Paul Robinson’s team, with Dumbalk North runners-up. Earlier on Wednesday 20 people played social bowls. Winners were Leonie Hanks, Don Paterson and Julie Cope. Morrie Parry won the lucky draw. No social bowls this week as the association ladies pairs is being played at Meeniyan. With four rounds to go, ladies pennant resumed on Tuesday 13th, with Division One currently in fourth spot playing away to Wonthaggi. Division 3 have a bye and are just out of the four. Affiliated pennant begins on Saturday, January 17. With three rounds to go, Division 1 is away to Leongatha and hoping for a win after some very close losses. Fours are away to Mirboo North, having moved off the bottom of the ladder, and fives are home to Foster, and are currently in the middle of the field. Monday, January 19 is our affiliated two bowl triples, and Thursday, January 29 is affiliated triples for Division 3, 4, 5, 7 and bankers. Etiquette tip: The thirds are responsible for measuring close shots. Seconds and leads should be well back from the head while this is happening. Upshot 2.

Tarwin BAREFOOT bowls commenced January 6 and will

continue each Tuesday until March. All teams seemed as keen as ever. There were 12 players at twilight bowls on January 9. The winning team was John Maloni, Heather Marshall and visitor Louie with 34 adults and three children enjoying the meal. Twilight bowls is on again this Friday (January 16). Please assist caterers by having names in early, we can always manage a few extra, but last week we only had 10 names for tea at 3.30pm and ﬁnished up with 34. Players must have names in by 3.30 for a 4pm start. January 24 is the date for the next dinner night an Australiana theme is planned. List is out for names, again please help the caterers and have names in early. Pennant: The ladies travel to Loch this week, Division 2 are home to San Remo, Division 4 home to Korumburra Gold and Division 5 travel to Lang Lang. Good bowling to all.

Inverloch LAST Wednesday 36 ladies played social bowls, which was a mixed day with the men. There were three, two game winners, the runnersup were Ian Wood, Pam Lawson, Bob Jones and John Hutchinson. The winners were Shirley Cook, Una Stevens, Robyn Dennis and Mike Yates. It was up to Mike to keep the ladies on their toes, as he put down some very good bowls. Some rafﬂe winners were Carol Waters, a visitor Claire Richens who had two wins, Phyll Peterson and Cynthia Hensley. Wednesday, January 21 is the ladies monthly triples sponsored by Keepsake Creations, so please put your name down. The club pairs next round is January 28, and the 100 up is still to be ﬁnalised. Pat Stoneham is still on the sick list, she is happy with her leg operation, but had a set back with her breathing. We wish her well and know it is only a matter of time before she is back on the green. Peg Brook is home now, and we send our best wishes for a good recovery. The next Friday meal is on February 6. Well that is all for this week, good luck to all the

pennant teams.

Buffalo indoor AFTER our Christmas break, 16 bowlers returned refreshed and ready for another year of bowling. The winning team for the night, with two wins and a draw, were Ian Benson (s), Glenys Pilkington, Sebastian Terranova, Gemma Poletti (DWW) 12, next Toni Heldens (s), Carolyn Benson, Tamara Teylor, Illene Tiziani (WLD), then Karl Kappes (s), Peter Heldens, Graeme Tobias, Steve Teylor (LWL), and then Rod McConchie, Andrew Hanks, Jim Atkins, Barbara Kappes (DLW). Best ﬁrst game Toni 8/3, second game Ian 11/2, third game Ian 13/10. A great selection of prizes for lucky ticket, and thanks to all donors. The winners were: chook - Ian, ﬂowers - Tamara and Peter, plums Toni, Graeme, Karl, Gemma; eggs - Andrew, Jim, Carolyn, Glenys, Illene; chips - Steve, snow peas - Barbara, beetroot - Rod, zucchini - Sebastian. After supper, a chat, and a story from Barbara, everyone went home looking forward to another enjoyable night again next week. All welcome Wednesday 7.30.

Loch and District SINCE my last report our club champion played a great match in the champions at Wonthaggi, going down 23 25 to the eventual champion, so well done Tucky. The ladies played the ﬁrst round of 100-up throughout last week, with the next round to be Wednesday, January 21. They will play their pairs this Thursday starting at 9.45am, all to play then please. On Friday last the men’s four day tournament got underway, with the playing of the mixed pairs. Numbers on the green were disappointing, but those who played enjoyed a great friendly day. The best last game went to Brett Hume and Kath Moss (substituting for Glenda Hume). The runners-up were Mick Coram and Lois Luby (Inverloch), and the winners were Peter and Marilyn Forrest (Phillip Island). Saturday the green was full for the men’s catered triples. Alan Mort and his Mordialloc boys got the best last

Nearest the pin: fourth Bernd Amesreiter and sixth Neville Thompson. Ladies winner: Merle Barham (27) 19 pts. Down the line balls: Pam Witheridge (28) 17 pts. The jackpot is slowly going up again next week - this time it will be $650. Thursday, January 8 – stableford winner: Jim Parry (10) 40pts. Down the line balls: Fred Tyers (11) 39 pts, David Grierson (25) 39 pts. Nearest the pin: sixth Bernd Amesreiter. Tuesday, January 6 – par winner: Ray Stewart (12) +6. Down the line balls: Noel Black (6) +2, John Stone (27) -6. Nearest the pin: Ray Stewart. Coming events Thursday, January 15 open single stableford. Saturday, January 17 – single stableford. First round Stig Nelander trophy. Ladies Saturday, January 17 – stableford. game, president Tuckﬁeld and his Loch boys were runnersup, and Mick Coram and his Inverloch chaps were the winners. Many thanks to Tucky who spread some sweetness around the catering ladies, we appreciate your thoughtfulness John. On Sunday the green once again was full for men’s pairs. Best last game went to Geoff Barber and Alan Provis (Loch). Runners-up were the Corams (Inverloch), with Col Cochrane and John Polson (Loch) missing out on a countback. The winners were Mick and Graeme from Mordialloc. Results of the mixed fours will be in my next report. Men’s pennant next Saturday will see Division 5 have a bye and Division 3 play at Loch against Phillip Island. Team will be: P. Stebbings (l), B. McNamara (2nd), F. Luke (3rd) and J. Riddell (s); A. Provis (l), A. Miller (2nd), C. Cochrane (3rd) and G. Hodge (s); J. Bellis (l), R. Lange (2nd), J. Polson (3rd) and J. Tuckﬁeld (s). Greg Hodge is to be the manager.

Korumburra ON the last Saturday of 2008, winners for the day were Brian Clough, Ted Kealy and Bill Daly with two games plus 13 shots, although there were two other two game winners but with not enough shots up.

Meeniyan Golf Club OVER the past few of weeks we have seen the ladies play some great golf. Congratulations to Gwen Heppell who on December 31 had a handicap reducing 70 stableford. Those new clubs are working beautifully Gwen. Runner-up on that day was Jan Roberts, also with a nice 70 stableford, Jan has been consistent with her golf lately. The January medal was played for on January 7, this was won by our hard working captain Sue Hoskin with 70 stableford. There were 20 ladies playing on that day with three new ladies from the Give Golf A Go Program. Well done to Sue Hanily, Lyn Jennison and Veronica

It was great to see Neville Cosson back on our greens. Another visitor to the club during the holiday period was Ben Pepperell who had a win with Ron Hutton, with three games plus 13 shots up on Saturday, January 3. Local bowlers and friends were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of one of our bowlers, Neville Brown, who had been a member for 25 years. Neville held many positions within the club. He was a barman, match committee member, a pennant player and always available to help at working bees. He will be missed by the bowling fraternity far and wide. The club extends its sympathy to Margaret and family on their sad loss. Monday was our ﬁrst men’s triples day for 2009, with 24 teams taking part. Our thanks to Terry Wyhoon of T. and G. Mechanical Repairs for his sponsorship of the day. After three games, our winners were BLG, the lads from Leongatha, Fred Sauvarin, Ron Cook and Frank Filomeno with 19 shots up. Runners-up for the day were the Drouin lads, W. Clinton, J. Dykes and M. Appleyard with three plus 16 shots. The winners for the day were a Warragul/Drouin combo team of Ken May, Des Nottage and Ben Cropley.

Park, who completed their first 18 holes to get official handicaps and to Robyn Woodman for her first nine holes. This golf program, which captain Sue Hoskin has worked very hard at over the past three months, has been well attended and from it the club has gained 17 new ladies so far. Congratulations Sue on all your time and effort that you have put into this program. Meeniyan has benefited big time. The twilight golf on Friday evenings is well supported; anyone can come and play nine holes of golf then enjoy a great counter meal between 6pm and 8pm.

The afternoon’s lucky numbers draw went to Helen Nelson, Hans Bischofberger, Ken Cecil, Rob Snooks, Fred Sauvarin. To all who helped to make the day a success, many thanks. On Wednesday, the ladies had fewer playing but those who did enjoyed the pleasant conditions with both rinks having drawn games for the ﬁrst match with Margaret Goad, Margaret Hams and Brenda Eastman having more ends on the second match and taking home the money. The club extends best wishes to the not so well members and friends, especially Tommy Brown, who is having a spell in hospital. The ladies held their annual tournament on Friday. It was a very different day to last year, when it was cancelled due to a week of extremely hot weather. With 24 teams present, after three games, the winners, with three wins plus 48 ends were the lasses from Mirboo North - Pat Reynolds, J. Polmear, R. Spark and Grace Hatﬁeld. The runners-up with three wins and 46 ends were the San Remo lasses - Kaye Hale, Jay Allan-Doyle, Janice Blackwell and June Farquaher, with the BLG with 18 ends and shots up the Pakenham lasses K. Lewis, L. Mashoke, T. Brown and C. O’Connor.

Winning smile: Meeniyan captain, Sue Hoskin won the January medal on the 7th with 70 stableford.

Many thanks to the ladies in the kitchen and the match committee for their support. The sponsors for the day were Korumburra Pharmacy and O’Donnells Optical, whose support is very much appreciated. Pennant starts this week folks. Have those bowls polished up. The ladies on Tuesday are home against Foster and Inverloch, whilst the lads are home and away. Division 1 are home to Phillip Island whilst Division 4 Gold play Tarwin Lower and Maroon have a bye. Their ﬁrst match won’t be until January 31, due to the long weekend. The ladies next week see Division 1 at Meeniayn and Division 3 to Toora. With many playing at neighbouring clubs’ tournaments, numbers were down for the lads on Saturday, with only 18 players playing triples. After three games, there was only one three game winning team, Grahame Brown, John Myers and George Savage. It was great to see George back on the greens.

Leongatha Bowling Club Leongatha ON a fantastic day for bowls, Sunday saw the ﬁrst major sponsored event for 2009. Thirty-two teams of afﬁliated pairs took to the greens to contest our annual Rod Nicholson Memorial Invitation Pairs. This is the 43rd consecutive year that this event has been held. Teams from the metropolitan area and from throughout Gippsland played three games of 15 ends and at the end of the day four teams had won all three games. The winners of the event were Jack Wylie, a previous winner, and Jack Pater from metro with 60 points. Runners-up were Phil Stimpson and Denis Shiels from Mirboo North with 56 points and 25 shots up. In third place were locals Fred Sauvarin and Murray Blackburn on 56 points and eight shots up while fourth place went to Joe Pinneri and Melhuish of Mirboo North with 54 points. Best last game went to Necip Akarsu and Mike Weatherall from Yallourn. All sponsors of the day were present to congratulate all of the place getters and to present the prize money for the day. Sue Symons represented the Nicholson family, Ian Marshman was present from Edney’s of Leongatha and Col Watt presented the winners prize for the day.

Social bowls Last Saturday saw 44 mixed social bowlers take to the

greens for two games of triples. After some tightly fought games, four teams had won their two games. Greeting the judge in ﬁrst place were Harry Forrester, Chris George and Barry Davidson with 26 shots up. In a very close second from the other two two game winners, were Peter Kennedy, Marg Fisher and Marj Barter with six shots up.

Pennant Next Saturday sees the return to pennant, with all sides playing at home. A win is a must for all sides, particularly Divisions 1 and 3 as a loss to either will see Division 1 possibly miss the ﬁnals and Division 3 possibly relegated to Division 4 next year. A win to Division 2 will cement them in the top two. As all sides are at home, we will be also holding mixed social bowls for any bowler who wishes to come along for a game. If you have correct bowls attire then these will need to be worn but if not then neat, light coloured clothing will do. During the Christmas break, one of our bowlers completed a rare feat in our club. John Hall won the association singles, a week later won our club singles championship and then two weeks later went through to win the Association Champion of Champions Singles. I am sure all at the club joins with me in congratulating John on this excellent effort.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Sport • LDCA A GRADE DIVISION ONE

Nerrena knocks off Workers

NERRENA has beaten top side Wonthaggi Workmens as cricket resumed from the Christmas break on Sunday with round nine of one day matches.

The Red Caps’ win was made possible by a fantastic 115-run partnership between opener Tim Wightman who made 80 and Damien Symmons who made 83. Wightman’s innings included 11 fours and one six, a total of 50 in boundaries. Symmons finished not out in an ominous return to form. Nerrena bowling first had Workers all out for 187 while they achieved victory with the loss of only three wickets, finishing with 213 from their allotted 40 overs. Ryan Clark 3/29 and Reece Stubbs 3/27 both stepped

up to take valuable wickets at the right times.

Imperials v Town Imperials 3/215 easily won their contest against Town 9/140. Batting ﬁrst, opener Xavier Davis made 32. He combined in a partnership with his brother Dom, with Dom making a top score of 68. Gary Sauvarin contributed 29, with Luke Rogers slamming 49 which included three sixes. Town began the chase well, with Robert Templeton 35 and Ash Hickey 39 scoring well. But apart from Warren Turner’s 21 not out, the middle order collapsed. Xavier Davis with 3/30 took the most wickets for Imps.

Miners v Korumburra Miners were expected to win this one and did so comfortably, 8/221 to Korumbur-

Ball watch: Inverloch’s Mark Anderson made 14 runs for his team in A1 on Sunday.

ra’s 165. Jason O’Reilly top scored for Miners with 54 while Miners bowler Jake Trevisi took 4/50 in a polished display.

Inverloch v OMK OMK in ﬁfth place against Inverloch second was always going to be tight, but it was Inverloch who got over the line by 20 runs. Inverloch batted ﬁrst and made 138 with Dave Tessari 33 the top scorer and Nathan Cant contributing 25. Barry Wyatt took 3/20 for OMK. In reply Adam Miller, the Digger’s opening bat, scored the bulk of the runs with 64 but his side could manage just 118 in what was a gettable total. Four Inverloch bowlers took two wickets in an impressive display.

Results TOWN v IMPERIALS 1st Innings Town R. Templeton c&b. D. Connelly ...........................35 A. Hickey c. D. Davis b. X. Davis ............................39 G. Paine lbw. b. X. Davis ...........1 C. Bruce r.o. ............................. 11 M. Smith c. D. Davis b. D. Connelly .........................0 N. Johnston c. D. Davis b. X. Davis ..............................1 J. Walker c. D. Davis b. M. Lafferty ..........................5 S. Fixter b. M. Malloy................6 M. Davies b. M. Malloy .............1 W. Turner n.o. ..........................21 S. Ellicott n.o..............................4 Extras .......................................16 Total ....................................9/140 Bowling: M. P. Malloy 0/24, M. Malloy 2/24, D. Connelly 2/23, X. Davis 3/30, M. Lafferty 1/22, N. Eddy 0/9. 1st Innings Imperials B. Rayson lbw. b. S. Ellicott ......2 X. Davis c. R. Templeton b. W. Turner ..........................32 D. Daivs n.o. ............................68 G. Sauvarin r.o,. .......................29 L. Rogers n.o. ...........................49 Extras .......................................35 Total ....................................3/215 Bowling: N. Johnston 0/36

S.Ellicott 1/34, A. Hickey 0/59, W. Turner 1/26, M. Davies 0/8, M. Davies 0/8, M. Smith 0/1, J. Walker 0/35. MINERS v KORUMBURRA 1st Innings Miners J. Trevisi c. A. Balfour b. D. Wyhoon .......................13 M. Donohue c. A. Balfour P. Matheson .........................47 J. O’Reilly c. D. Wyhoon b. U. Weerasinghe .................54 K. Smith lbw. b. Matheson ........5 M. Johnson b. M. Patching ......16 C. Thomas r.o. ............................0 R. Todd lbw. b. M. Patching.....13 J. Helman n.o. ..........................34 B. Mattock c. U. Weerasinghe b. M. Olden .............................7 D. Foon n.o. ...............................3 Extras .......................................29 Total ....................................8/221 Bowling: M. Olden 1/37, M. Patching 2/34, D. Wyhoon 1/30, P. Matheson 2/33, K. Dorman 0/38, U. Weerasinghe 1/40. 1st Innings Korumburra D. Salmon c&b. J. Trevisi .......26 M. Olden c. M. Donohue b. B. Mattock.........................30 P. Edwards c. B. Mattock b. M. Johnson ........................21 U. Weerasinghe c. C. Thomas b. J. Trevisi ..............................1 D. Wyhoon c. C. Thomas b. M. Johnson ..........................4 P. Matheson c. R. Todd b. J. Trevisi ...........................26 T. Allen c&b. J. Trevisi ............13 K. Dorman stp. C. Thomas b. M. Johnson ..........................3 A. Balfour c. R. Thomas b. B. Mattock............................2 D. Scott n.o. ............................ 11 M. Patching lbw. b. R. Todd.......8 Extras .......................................20 Total .......................................165 Bowling: R. Thomas 0/29, D. Foon 0/27, J. Trevisi 4/50, M. Johnson 3/25, J. Helman 0/7, B. Mattock 2/9, R. Todd 1/9. NERRENA v WONTHAGGI WORKMENS CC 1st Innings Nerrena G. Murphy r.o...........................31 T. Wightman c. T. Hooper b. J. Sherrin ..........................80 D. Symmons n.o.......................83 T. West r.o. .................................0 T. Trotman n.o. ...........................0 J. Richards n.o. ...........................8 Extras ....................................... 11 Total ....................................3/213 Bowling: R. Thomas 0/41,

Sunday game: OMK’s Peter Dell took three wickets against Inverloch in A1, but not that of Nathan Cant. S. Williams 0/50, C. Harvey 0/15, T. Hooper 0/5, M. Thomas 0/22, G. Bolding 0/24, J. Baker 0/19, J. Sherrin 1/31. 1st Innings Wonthaggi Workmens CC J. Baker lbw. b. C. Rump .........14 D. Brann b. R. Clark ................56 G. Britt c. T. West b. C. Rump ..............................9 T. Hooper c. T. West b. R. Clark .............................26 R. Thomas c. C. Rump b. R. Clark ...............................5 G. Bolding b. R. Stubbs ..........21 C. Harvey b. R. Stubbs.............25 R. Geyer r.o. ...............................7 M. Thomas c. C. Rump b. R. Stubbs .............................5 J. Sherrin r.o. ..............................3 S. Williams n.o. ..........................1 Bowling: C. Rump 2/25, J. Trease 0/32, S. Checkley 0/37, T. Wightman 0/31, R. Clark 3/29, R.

Stubbs 3/27. INVERLOCH v OMK 1st Innings Inverloch W. Taberner r.o. J. Van Rooye ..12 J. Smith c. D. Creed b. B. Wyatt ............................10 D. Tessari c. B. Wyatt b. P. Dell ................................33 D. Clark c. J. Van Rooye b. M. Adams ............................1 B. Debono c. M. Adams b. P. Dell ...................................6 L. Cummins c. D. Creed b. P. Dell ................................12 M. Anderson r.o. D. Creed ......14 N. Cant c. J. Wilson b. B. Wyatt ............................25 J. Ogden n.o. ..............................6 A. Hall b. B. Wyatt.....................2 E. Everingham n.o......................1 Extras .......................................15 Total ....................................9/138 Bowling: B. Wyatt 3/20, J. Wilson 0/33, D. McMeekin 0/26,

M. Adams 1/22, P. Dell 3/32. 1st Innings OMK A. Miller lbw. b. J. Smith .........64 M. Adams b. M. Anderson .........0 J. Van Rooye b. J. Ogden ...........0 J. Wilson c. W. Taberner b. J. Ogden ...............................8 D. Creed c&b. M. Anderson ......1 R. White c. W. Taberner b. A. Hall .................................3 G. Miller c&b. B. Debono .........7 T. Miller r.o. J. Smith ...............14 D. McMeekin stp. W. Taberner b. B. Debono ...........................5 P. Dell b. J. Smith .......................0 B. Wyatt n.o. ..............................0 Extras .......................................16 Total ....................................... 118 Bowling: M. Anderson 2/11, J. Ogden 2/11, A. Hall 1/33, N. Cant 0/21, J. Smith 2/24, B. Debono 2/15.

• LDCA A GRADE DIVISION TWO

Dyer, Hughes slam centuries -Star players smash two centuries in one match THE highlight of round nine in A Grade Division Two saw the scoring of two centuries in the one match.

Sam Hughes scored 100 batting ﬁrst for Koonwarra/ Leongatha RSL while, not to be outdone, Paul Dyer for Poowong/Loch scored 109 not out. Hughes and opening partner Clinton Wise 65 scored the round’s best partnership of 150. Despite a 123 run partnership between Dyer and Russell Greaves 56, Poowong/Loch went down 6/229 in reply to Koony’s 7/241. Hughes is in scintillating form for Koony, with three centuries so far this season and an average of 78. The win keeps Koony on top of the ladder while Poowong/Loch should win more games before the season is out and still could make the four. Phillip Island v. Fish Creek/Tarwin Phillip Island got over

the line by four runs to defeat Fish Creek/Tarwin 8/178 to 7/174. Phillip Island has stayed in touch with the leading bunch. The win was set up by Craig Cooke’s 49 plus a useful partnership of 41 between A. Matthews 26 and J. Taylor not out 29. Glen Alvie v Miners Glen Alvie 8/219 scored an easy victory over Miners 164. Glen Alvie batted ﬁrst with Peter Jordan making 90 including 13 fours with useful contributions from C. Tait 40 and A. Donohue 33. Miners started the chase well enough but tight bowling saw the middle order collapse. Top scorer was opener P. Hammer with 49. Workmens v MDU Cellar dwellers Workmens lost to MDU despite Steve Brann playing in this division for Workers and making 25. Workers batted ﬁrst and made 9/152 with plenty of good scores but no bat going on with the business.

In reply MDU scored 7/220 with B Spokes the best with 39. Liam Brandon 3/26 and Craig Hoober 3/31 bowled well for United.

Results PHILLIP ISLAND v FISH CREEK/TARWIN 1st Innings Phillip Island J. Johnston lbw. b. D. Rubenis .. 15 T. Horsnby c. G. Watkins b. J. Danckert ....................... 1 L. Keating c. D. Rubenis b. J. Danckert ....................... 0 C. Cooke c. P. Mueller b. J. Staley ......................... 49 C. Wilson c. M. Lynch b. N. Wilkins ......................... 9 T. McCoy c. J. Staley b. M. Watkins ....................... 8 A. Matthews lbw. b. N. Wilkins ....................... 26 J. Taylor n.o. ......................... 29 S. Boyack c. M. Lynch b. N. Wilkins ......................... 0 C. Viljoen n.o. ....................... 15 Extras .................................... 26 Total ................................ 8/178 Bowling: M. Danckert 0/27, J. Danckert 2/24, D. Rubenis 1/26, N. Wilkins 3/39, M. Watkins 1/34, J. Staley 1/22. 1st Innings Fish Creek/Tarwin G. Watkins b. C. Viljoen ......... 9 M. Lynch c. J. Taylor

b. A. Dimech ...................... 28 J. Law c. L. Keating b. J. Johnston ..................... 37 W. W. Cocksedge lbw. b. J. Johnston ....................... 1 J. Staley c. C. Viljoen b. C. Wilson ....................... 25 J. Danckert lbw. b. S. Boyack 10 P. Mueller n.o. ....................... 13 N. Wilkins r.o. ....................... 21 M. Watkins n.o. ....................... 2 Extras ................................... 28 Total ................................ 7/174 Bowling: S. Boyack 1/39, C. Wilson 1/20, C. Viljoen 1/23, A. Matthews 0/20, J. Johnston 2/33, A. Dimech 1/31. GLEN ALVIE v MINERS 1st Innings Glen Alvie C. Tait c. M. Wright b. C. Honeysett .................. 40 P. Ware c. L. Earl b. B. Zanella ....................... 4 A. Donohue c. C. Honeysett b. D. Loos .......................... 33 P. Jordan r.o. P. Hammer ....... 90 A. Simpson b. C. Honeysett .... 5 D. Tiziani stp. L. Earl b. D. Jagoe ........................... 0 M. Huitson c. D. Beesey b. P. Hammer...................... 16 R. Arestia n.o. ......................... 7 B. Ould b. D. Beesey .............. 0 D. Hynes n.o. .......................... 9 Extras .................................... 15 Total ................................ 8/219 Bowling: B. Zanella 1/17, D. Loos 1/33, L. Jones 0/30, D. Beesey 1/53, C. Honeysett 2/34,

D. Jagoe 1/32, P. Hammer 1/16. 1st InningsMiners M. Wright lbw. b. A. Simpson ..................... 20 P. Hammer c. A. Simpson b. M. Huitson ..................... 49 D. Jagoe r.o. A. Simpson ......... 1 J. Andrighetto c. A. Simpson b. K. Simpson ...................... 3 D. Beesey stp. R. Arestia b. A. Donohue .................... 18 L. Earl stp. R. Arestia b. K. Simpson ...................... 8 C. Honeysett c. P. Jordan b. A. Donohue .................... 21 N. Waters b. B. Ould ............. 34 D. Loos b. P. Ware................... 0 L. Jones b. B. Ould ................. 6 B. Zanella n.o.......................... 1 Extras ...................................... 3 Total ................................... 164 Bowling: A. Simpson 1/37, B. Ould 2/28, M. Huitson 1/31, K. Simpson 2/26, A. Donohue 2/35, D. Hynes 0/5, P. Ware 1/1. KOONWARRA RSL v POOWONG/LOCH 1st Innings Koonwarra RSL C. Wise lbw. b. A. Jenkins ..... 65 S. Hughes stp. b. C. Knox ... 100 G. Sperling c. M. Hutchison b. A. Jenkins ...................... 18 J. Hughes b. N. Owens .......... 19 S. Sperling lbw. b. C. Knox ..... 0 S. Arnup b. N. Owens ............ 0 B. Moscript c&b. C. Knox ...... 4 B. Anderson n.o. ..................... 6 B. Davison n.o. ....................... 2 Extras .................................... 27

Total ................................ 7/241 Bowling: A. Jenkins 2/44, B. Hancock 0/54, N. Owens 2/43, C. Knox 3/25, R. Greaves 0/32, S. Jenkins 0/33. 1st InningsPoowong/Loch M. Adderley c. B. Moscript b. B. Davison ....................... 0 M. Healy c. J. Kennedy b. B. Davison ....................... 0 P. Dyer n.o. ......................... 109 R. Greaves c. S. Sperling b. B. Davison ..................... 56 C. Knox c. J. Hughes b. B. Davison ..................... 19 M. Hutchison b. B. Anderson 12 A. Jenkins r.o. B. Davison ....... 0 B. Hancock n.o. .................... 22 Extras .................................... 11 Total ................................ 6/229 Bowling: B. Davison 4/48, S. Sperling 0/27, J. Kennedy 0/39, B. Moscript 0/20, C. Wise 0/19, B. Anderson 1/49, S. Hughes 0/25. WONTHAGGI WORKMENS v MDU 1st Innings Wonthaggi Workmens S. Brann lbw. b. M. Dower .... 25 I. Barnes c. C. Le Page b. T. Beard .......................... 22 A. McLean b. B. Thomas ........ 8 B. Osborne b. L. Brandon ..... 35 J. Bolding b. C. Hoober......... 26 J. Wallace b. C. Hoober ........... 1 R. Birkett n.o. ....................... 16 D. Beaumont b. L. Brandon .... 0 S. Coldabella b. L. Brandon .... 0

S. Huitema c. L. Brandon b. C. Hoober............................ 6 N. Tessarri n.o. ........................ 3 Extras .................................... 10 Total ................................ 9/152 Bowling: T. Beard 1/23, B. McKnight 0/22, M. Dower 1/26, B. Thomas 1/21, L. Brandon 3/26, C. Hoober 3/31. 1st Innings MDU C. Hoober c. S. Brann b. D. Beaumont .................. 16 B. Spokes lbw. b. D. Beaumont .................. 39 M. Le Page c. I. Barnes b. A. McLean .................... 24 W. Prosser c. N. Tessari b. D. Beaumont ................... 22 A. Baillie c. J. Bolding b. S. Coldabella ................. 11 T. Beard c. S. Huitema b. R. Birkett ....................... 10 B. Thomas r.o. R. Birkett, S. Huitema ......................... 27 C. Le Page n.o. ...................... 15 L. Brandon n.o. ..................... 22 Extras .................................... 34 Total ................................ 7/220 Bowling: N. Tessari 0/42, R. Birkett 1/34, D. Beaumont 3/45, A. McLean 1/41, S. Coldabella 1/26, S. Brann 0/28.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 53

Sport Best top scores in Premier match FOSTER’s Jake Best top scored for his side Casey-South Melbourne with 25 not out despite the loss to Hawthorn-Monash University on Saturday. Leongatha hosted the Premier Cricket match with Hawthorn-Monash University, defeating Casey-South Melbourne at the recreation reserve. It was part of the association’s country round where teams travel to regional areas for the day. Gippsland region cricket manager, Rob Wood said the match was pretty well received, with between 300 to 400 people

having a look throughout the day. “That is more than the premier clubs would get at home,” he said. “Hopefully what this might lead to is we get a state game similar to when the Bushrangers played the Redbacks at Traralgon last year.” Hawthorn-Monash University scored 166 to Casey-South Melbourne’s 106. Brett Eddy, also from Foster, scored eight runs for Casey-South Melbourne. Mr Wood said Graham Fixter and Damien Symons from the golf club did a great job on the ground.

Oval game: these youngsters were among the group that played before the main cricket. They are, back: Aidan Roberts (South Gippsland), Dillon Hofman (Leongatha), Steph Wylie (Korumburra), Alex Walker (Korumburra), Blake Walker (Outtrim) and Katelyn Gale (Leongatha); front: Sam Farbus (Arawata), Zak Sydenham (Kongwak), Zach Walker (Korumburra), Bohdan Grayen (Leongatha) and Thomas Rowe (Outtrim).

Above: In right: Lachlan Sperling, Zack Trease and Ryan Clark, all Leongatha residents, make sure the stumps are in properly. Left: Men in blue: John Ward, Melbourne, and Clive Salmon, Leongatha, were dressed up and ready to go.

Top support: Hawthorn-Monash Univeristy team manager, Graham Hole and coach, former Aussie test palyer, Graham Yallop as the match was played on Saturday.

Local talent: Brett Eddy and Jake Best, both Foster, wait to bat for Casey-Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

LDCA Scoreboard - Round Nine • LDCA B GRADE

McNamara scores 93 STEVE McNamara scored 93 for OMK in its B Grade win over Inverloch. In other B Grade matches Glen Alvie 7/190 defeated Korumburra 8/136. Despite the loss Tain Osman took 5/35 for Korumburra while for the victors Steve Nippers snared 4/23. Town 3/185 defeated Imperials 7/153. Town’s easy win was set up by Luke Bowman’s 49 and Travis Willcocks’ 56, the pair scoring a 73 run partnership. In the ﬁnal match Phillip Island 5/178 defeated Nerrena 126.

B GRADE

KORUMBURRA v GLEN ALVIE 1st Innings Korumburra J. Cook c. C. Charles b. S. Nippers............................1 I. Osman b. J. Hales ................28 K. Rigby c. L. Gennicarro b. S. Nippersq........................44 C. Bailey b. A. Ware.................27 M. Loader lbw. b. A. Ware .........1 S. Phillips b. A. Ware .................0 H. Wyhoon n.o. ........................22 R. Webster b. S. Nippers ............1 P. Dixon b. S. Nippers ................0 A. Meade n.o. ...........................10 Extras ....................................... 11 Total ....................................8/136 Bowling: S. Nippers 4/23, J. Hales 1/18, L. Gennicarro 0/27, A. Ware 3/29, C. Beasley 0/13, P. Roberts 0/16. 1st Innings Glen Alvie P. Roberts c. I .Osman b. D. Bailey ...........................58 S. Smith stp. H. Wyhoon b I. Osman .............................43

A. Ware c. D. Bailey b. I. Osman ............................10 S. Nippers c. K. Rigby b. I. Osman ............................39 M. Hull c. M. Loader b. I. Osman ..............................2 J. Hales n.o. ..............................17 E. Sheerin r.o. .............................1 L. Gennicarro c. M. Loader b. I. Osman ..............................4 C. Charles n.o.............................2 Extras .......................................14 Total ....................................7/190 Bowling: A. Meade 0/28, P. Dixon 0/13, S. Phillips 0/42, M. Loader 0/28, D. Bailey 1/35, I. Osman 5/35. IMPERIALS v TOWN 1st Innings Imperials A. Miles stp. T. Willcocks b. L. Bowman........................38 T. Jans c. W. Geisler b. S. McCallum .....................19 B. Lim r.o. ................................22 S. Vagg c&b. J. Schelling.........34 R. Mullens c. J. Scott b. L. O’Brien ...........................1 K. Gray b. J. Schelling ...............6 L. Castagna r.o. S. McCallum ...9 T. Pedlow n.o .............................4 C. Roughead n.o.........................2 Extras .......................................18 Total ....................................7/153 Bowling: S. McCallum 1/20, J. Scott 0/23, S. Westaway 0/28, B. Moore 0/15, L. Bowman 1/30, L. O’Brien 1/18, J. Schelling 2/14. 1st InningsTown L. Bowman c. J. Fiddelaers b. B. Lim ...............................49 B. Moore c. T. Jans b. J. Fiddelaers ......................27 T. Willcocks n.o. ......................56 W. Geisler r.o. ..........................10 D. Burge n.o. ............................17 Extras .......................................26 Total ....................................3/185 Bowling: J. Pellicano 0/28, C. Roughead 0/37, J. Fiddelaers 1/25, K. Gray 0/11, T. Pedlow 0/26, R. Mullens 0/13, B. Lim 1/31. OMK v INVERLOCH 1st Innings OMK P. Miller c. .................................8 S. McNamara c. .......................93 K. Kerr c. .................................39 A. Rose r.o..................................8

N. Audino c. ..............................4 D. Jeffries lbw. ..........................0 T. Creed c. ...............................10 P. Harper n.o...............................4 L. Van Rooye n.o........................0 Extras .......................................16 Total ....................................7/182 Bowling: J. Jackson 3/35, R. Tegg 1/20, W. Williams 1/30, I. Smith 0/33, L. McBain 0/27, M. Foley 1/25. PHILLIP ISLAND v NERRENA 1st Innings Phillip Island D. Kenter c. Z. Trease b. C. Eva................................ 11 M. Price c. A. Harrison b. Z. Trease............................19 R. Velardi c. L. Jongebloed b. Z. Trease............................50 S. Niven b. B. Croatto ................6 M. Cleary c. W. Telfer b. C. Eva................................30 E. Richards n.o. ........................27 J. Kleverkamp n.o. ................... 11 Extras .......................................24 Total ....................................5/178 Bowling: C. Eva 2/34, T. Mackie 0/35, J. Holloway 0/26, B. Croatto 1/22, Z. Trease 2/19, J. Trease 0/24, W. Telfer 0/16. 1st Innings Nerrena Z. Trease c. D. Kenter b. R. Velardi ..........................15 B. Croatto c. J. Broomhall b. A. Velardi ..........................12 A. Harrison b. A. Velardi............6 W. Telfer c. J. Broomhall b. R. Velardi ............................0 J. Renden b. E. Richards ..........40 B. Castles c. J. Broomhall b. A. Velardi ............................1 T. Mackie c. J Broomhall b. J. Kleverkamp ................... 11 L. Jongebloed c. M. Cleary b. Z. Brown .............................5 J. Holloway c. M. Cleary b. Z. Brown .............................9 C. Eva b. A. Emery ....................5 J. Trease n.o................................0 Extras .......................................22 Total .......................................126 Bowling: A. Velardi 3/24, R. Velardi 2/41, E. Richards 1/19, J. Kleverkamp 1/19, A. Emery 1/13, Z. Brown 2/8.

C Grade

Miners 9/175 (S. Jobling 22, W. Howson r.o. 37, P. Loos 41; P. Jervies 3/31, G. Collis 4/20, W. Smith 1/35) lt Foster 7/192 (S. Hawking 63, R. Johnson 47; J. Armstrong 1/24, J. Loos 1/32, M. Loos 1/40, P. Loos 3/33, W. Howson 1/12). Fish Creek/Tarwin 6/135 (C. Fisher 38, N. Bergman 48; S. Poustie 2/14, C. Daw 1/17, B. Walker 1/15, M. Francis 1/13, L. McFee 1/2) d Phillip Island 98 (L. McFee 34, C. Daw 31; N. Bergman 2/17, B. Anderson 4/14, J. Spokes 1/26, C. Fisher 3/13). Poowong/Loch 8/159 (P. Fort r.o. 16, C. Fraser r.o 20, S. Muggeridge n.o. 30; S. Paterson 2/12, M.Robjant 2/19, J. Moore 1/31, J. Tomada 1/31) lt Konwarra RSL 3/171 (S. Moore 96, D. Pearce 31, M. Robjant n.o. 21; S. Head 1/20, N. Hancock 1/24, R. Knox 1/23). MDU 9/125 (N. Hill 24, T. Zukovskis 48, S. McRae 23; W. McCall 3/12, L. Sawyer 1/22, M. McCall 2/18, C. Rigby 1/28, P. Huitema 2/40) lt Wonthaggi Workmens 154 (M. Turton 64, R. Stein 21; S. Brandon 2/19, T. Harris 1/23, C. Harris 5/33, S. Riley 2/10).

D Grade Town 8/143 (M. Warren 37, K. Fleming n.o. 36; S. McLennan 2/25, G. Wright 3/15, B. Rayson 3/33) lt Imperials 178 (T. Cashin 29, B. Rayson 20, N. Hodges 22, S. McLennan 23; M. Hardy 1/28, K. Fleming 2/36, M. Warren 2/27, I. Rutherford 2/44, D. Goss 1/11). Koonwarra RSL 8/84 (L. Hughes n.o. 29; R. Jeremiah 2/11, S. Gaddam 1/14, C. Trease 2/9, S. Jones 3/15) lt Nerrena 5/208 (S. Gaddam r.o. 17, T. Clark 95, S. Jones 36; Q. Graham 1/23, M. Martin 1/28, P. DeMaria 2/26). MDU 54 (C. Boyd 15; G. Adams 6/10, M. Arnold 1/14, C. Paterson 2/17, M. Grabham 1/1) lt OMK 6/164 (B. Grabham 65, M. Walker 37, C. Paterson n.o. 32; R. McKnight 1/16, D. Hughes 2/50, R. Olden 2/26, D. Tuckett 1/17).

Glen Alvie 9/144 (D. Holden 13, I. Brown 15, J. Dempsey 24, H. Simpson 16, G. Chisholm 27, J. Huitson 21, M. Green n.o. 12; S. Hayes 1/30, S. Hall 1/20, H. James 1/26, S. McKenzie 2/30, J. Oxlee 1/9) lt Korumburra 1/220 (G. Barrett 70, C. Smith n.o. 110, B. Hayes 27; P. Palmer 1/51).

E Grade Miners 155 (C. Gooch 35, M. Schreck 23, A. Schreck 39; D. McGuirk 2/24, B. Mills 1/20, R. McGuirk 2/26, R. Van Agtmaal 1/15, P. Wade 2/20) lt Wonthaggi Workmens 6/237 (P. Wade n.o. 95, M. Chizzoniti 25, D. McGuirk 21, B. Mills n.o. 23; R. Jones 1/49, A. Schreck 2/42, T. Hamilton 1/35, C. Gooch 1/11, J Honeysett 1/15). Foster 150 (A. Youl 20, M. Da Costa 60, R. Dower 25; J. Poynton 1/25, B. Ireland 2/38, S. Head 1/11, R. McKenzie 1/31, G. Birnie 2/14, D. Thomas 2/12) lt Poowong/Loch 7/151 (J. Garnham 35, G. Birnie 56, M. Lambe 21; B. Tilley 1/16, D. Dower 2/33, L. Kyne 2/25, S. Jones 1/13). Inverloch 9/257 (C. Bulter 45, M. Goldsmith 115, N. Williams 31, J. Dennerley n.o. 26; J .Blackwell 1/28, D. Palmer 1/33, G. Marshall 5/31, B. Johnston 1/6) d Phillip Island 9/150 (S. Furniss 19, P. Cashman 19, C. O’Neill n.o. 22, D. Palmer n.o. 28; C. Bulter 2/10, Z. Fowler 1/21, D. Jones 2/35, B. Taber 1/17, I. Fowler 2/28). OMK 6/147 (R. Paterson 26, D. Wylie n.o. 43, D. Williamson 25, L. Wilson n.o. 14; G. Williams 1/15, R. O’Loughlin 2/11, C. Sargent 1/28, D. Langstaff 1/12, N. Pye 1/19) d Imperials 140 (D. Langstaff 62, A. Pelin 20, A.Govers n.o. 22; N. Grist 2/32, D. Williamson 1/20, L. Wilson 1/31, L. Lamers 1/23, D. Wylie 1/8, R. Paterson 1/8, G. Smith 2/7).

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments Evans Petroleum Round 10 - January 17 Home team Away Team Ground Grade A1 Imperials v Inverloch L Turf Korumburra v Town Kor OMK v Nerrena OMK Workmens v Miners W Turf Grade A2 Poowong/Loch v Phillip Is. Loch Miners v Workmens WFG MDU v Koonwarra/RSL Meen Fish Creek/Tarwin v Glen Alvie FC Turf Grade B Inverloch v Imperials I Turf Glen Alvie v Phillip Is. GA Nerrena v OMK Nerr Town v Korumburra WC1 Grade C Phillip Island v Poowong/Loch Cowes Workmens v Miners MR Koonwarra/RSL v MDU Koon Foster v Phillip Is. FGC Grade D Imperials v MDU EC Korumburra v Koonwarra/RSL MM OMK v Glen Alvie KSC Nerrena v Town LV Grade E Foster Bye Phillip Is. v Poowong/Loch New Workmens v Inverloch WSC Miners v Imperials Tarwin Town v OMK WC2

Umpire Graham Laird Clive Salmon Alan Jordan Michael Heenan Brendan Thomas Richard Poole Les White Paddy Cummins Ken Lester Stephen Lanyon John Lea Luke Sullivan Alan Roberts Ian Thomas Les Boyd Frank Arndt Geoff Wyatt Herb Roberts Bob Allan Kevin Smith

Marian Wishart John Williams Rod Grylls TBA

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Sport

A muddy good time AS many as 1800 people enjoyed a great day of mud drag racing at the Dalyston recreation reserve on Sunday. More road registered vehicles competed this year and they handled the track and course really well. New vehicles came from across Victoria to compete in a number of different categories. A couple of locals competed and were quite competitive. The human mud run about lunch time saw plenty of young people taking the opportunity to get dirty. One of the organisers said they have learnt how to use the water to achieve the right mix of mud. “It’s a very viewer friendly track so it’s really good that way,” they said.

Mud fun: the drivers did their best to spray as much mud as possible for the enthusiastic crowd at Dalyston.

Above: Wash down: Donna Ward, Korumburra, Laura Williams, Dalyston and Alice Young, Cape Paterson represented the fairer sex in the mud run and managed to keep relatively clean. Too strong: Adam Ridley, Wonthaggi, was the target of another competitor in the mud run, but they came off worse for the tussle.

Right: Mud spray: Kathryn Gheller, Dalyston and Melissa Smelton, Traralgon were surprised by a covering of mud sprayed up by a vehicle around lunchtime on Sunday.

Allambee Mirboo and District • LDCA U18 and U16 GCL teams tennis tournaments THE weather was perfect on Saturday for the ladies and men’s doubles tournaments.

Entries were a little disappointing, but well done to those who made the effort. A Grade: The ladies was well contested, a tie-breaker deciding the winners. This was the most even section. Kerry Rayson and Michelle Krohn from Lauren Snell and Angie Williams. The men’s A Grade was won by Lucas McMillan and Russell Kenny, winning all their sets. A Reserve: The ladies’ winners were Leisa Alcorn and Cindy Nicholas. Justin Krohn and Sam Wilson were winners of the men’s. Bad luck Phil Munro and Brett Heywood. Phil had to go and make hay as the sun shone, a pity, they were in with a good chance. B Grade: This section had the least entries, but winners still played sets to win the trophies. Jill Forrester and Nicole Clark won the ladies, experience and youth a good combination. The men played rubbers and the winners were again experience and youth, Mick and Keinan Hemming, father and son, well done. Trophies will be presented at the presentation night in March. A Grade: Lucas McMillan, Russell Kenny

(men); Kerri Rayson, Michelle Krohn (ladies). A Reserve: Leisa Alcorn, Cindy Nicholas (ladies); Justin Krohn, Sam Wilson (men). B Grade: Jill Forrester, Nicole Clark (ladies); Mick and Keinan Hemming (men). Mixed doubles Entries were disappointing, especially B Grade. The weather was just right, and socially, was a success. Back to the rounds next week, seven to go before the ﬁnals so lots of tennis to play. Some players are off to country week too. A Grade: Ben Webb and Lauren Snell. Ben and Lauren won in a tie-breaker from Greg Marshman and Nicky Cornelis. A Reserve: Max Beard and Michelle Charlton. This section was best entries. Well done to Mick, playing up with wife Sue, and also Saturday playing an extra set to give another player a game. Wish more of this was happening. Well done Mick. B Grade: Keinan Hemming and Jeanie Dekker. Well done to Ron Richards’ two children who had a go, stars of the future perhaps. Brian McIlwaine and Nicole Clark was the other doubles pair.

LDCA ladders

A Grade Division 1 Inverloch ............................99.84 Miners ................................97.44 Imperials ............................96.27 Won Workmens CC ..........88.66 Nerrena ...............................84.97 OMK ...................................77.70 Korumburra .........................68.74 Town....................................54.59 A Grade Division 2 Koonwarra RSL ..............134.53 Glen Alvie.........................109.24 MDU ...................................92.49 Phillip Island......................85.37 Fish Creek/Tarwin ...............83.79 Miners .................................71.36 Poowong/Loch ....................57.81 Won Workmens ...................28.29 B Grade OMK................................. 119.57 Inverloch ..........................106.12 Glen Alvie...........................83.57 Phillip Island......................81.28 Nerrena ................................78.90

Town....................................74.41 Imperials .............................55.89 Korumburra .........................54.50 C Grade Koonwarra RSL .............. 132.01 Poowong/Loch ................... 92.09 Foster.................................. 91.02 Won Workmens ................. 83.60 Miners ................................. 70.22 MDU ................................... 69.48 Fish Creek/Tarwin ............... 67.14 Phillip Island ....................... 55.87 D Grade Korumburra .................... 120.63 OMK................................. 119.16 Imperials .......................... 102.12 Nerrena .............................. 95.80 Glen Alvie ........................... 79.42 Twon.................................... 57.41 Koonwarra RSL .................. 54.56 MDU ................................... 19.34 E Grade Poowong/Loch .................104.24 Inverloch ..........................100.24

Foster..................................94.13 Won Workmens .................81.04 Phillip Island .......................73.37 OMK ...................................64.01 Town....................................61.87 Miners .................................48.98 Imperials .............................35.82 Nerrena ..................................0.00 Under 16 East Zone Imperials ............................69.67 MDU ...................................59.84 Town ...................................58.69 K’warra/L’Gatha RSL .....................................42.95 Foster...................................16.92 Fish Creek/Tarwin ...............15.53 Under 16 West Zone Won Workmens Gold........72.50 Korumburra ......................55.18 Phillip Island......................47.44 OMK/INverloch ................31.15 Won Workmens Blue ..........27.14 Glen Alvie ..........................15.20

THE ﬁfth round of Under 16 GCL will be played on Sunday, January 18 against Bairnsdale at Glenaladale Reserve Turf. The LDCA team is as follows. Luke Bowman, Ben Edwards, Ben Hancock, Benn Hayes, Sam Huitema, Mark McCall, Ilan Osman, Chris Pitman, Justin Pellicano, James Sherrin, Nathan Tessari, Mitchell Thomas. Emergencies G Grant and Daniel Gordon. Players are to be at the Leongatha Football Ground at 6.45am sharp and must bring all own gear, lunch will be supplied for players. Any queries please call team coach Brett Tessari on 0430 068 424. The fourth round of Under 18 GCL will be played on Sunday, January 18 against Central Gippsland at Maryvale Reserve 1, Morwell. The LDCA team is as follows. Ryan Clark (Captain), Jake Staley (VC), Taylor Beard, Michael Danckert, Ben Davison, Dean Foon, Jason Law, Josh Schelling, Sam Sperling, Clay Tait, Jake Wallace, Matt Watkins. Emergencies Brenton Ould, Josh Andrighetto. Please note there won’t be a bus this week and all players are to be at the ground before 9.30am and must bring all their own gear, lunch will be supplied for players. Any queries please call team manager Terry Clark 0428 644 237.

• TRIATHLON

Barracudas fare well at Sandringham race AFTER last week’s successful race at Cape Paterson, with nearly 200 competitors including 65 kids, a few of the Barracudas ventured to Sandringham to contest the Gatorade triathlon. This race had 800 competitors and, with conditions favourable and a good swell in the swim, our little ﬁsh did well. There were two races. Competing in the Olympic distance, (1.5km swim/40km bike/10km run) was Phil Hanley, taking out his age in a time of 2.10.44; swim 26.44, bike 1.01.30, run 39.02. Mark Rowe - 2nd in age, 13th overall 1.59.12; swim25.15, bike 59.38, run 33.02. Thierry Rowland - 9th in

age 2.13.19, swim 28.11, bike 1.02.47, run 38.31. Deb Rielly - 4th in age 2.31.24, swim 30.57, bike 1.08.35, run 47.17. Lou Derricks - 6th in age 2.49.43, swim 35.22, bike 1.20.36, run 48.53. Others who have the triathlon bug contested the sprint distance, 500m swim, 20km bike and 5km run were Rhett McLennan from Leongatha, winning the Clydesdale section in a not so shabby time of 1.14.03, swim 16.09, bike 32.48, run 21.07and Jamie Grenville 1.16.04, swim 17.54, bike 33.03, and running exactly the same split as Rhett in 21.07. Well done to all the guys who got up at 3.30am to travel down to Sandringham, coming home tired, aching and a

Central Gippsland cricket Round 10 results Moe 8/246 (Pat Spiteri 112, Rob Phoenix 69, Anthony Bloomﬁeld 5/33) d Latrobe 86. Second century for Pat Spiteri who now has scored 523 runs at an average of 88. Mirboo North 194 (James Grande 56, Steve Rogers 54) d Yallourn North 85. Steve Rogers has scored 193 runs in three innings and that is his average. Newborough Bulldogs 9/134 d Morwell 95.

Final of One Day Cup ladder

Moe ....................................71.31 Mirboo North ....................46.25 Newborough Bulldogs .......45.29 Latrobe ...............................39.51 Yallourn North ....................27.20 Morwell ...............................25.44

Moe will play Newborough in February for Steve Mayes Hairdressing One Day Cup ﬁnal. Next Round - January 17 and 24: Yallourn North v Newborough Bulldogs at Yallourn North Turf; Mirboo North v Moe at Mirboo North 1; Latrobe v Morwell at Maryvale Turf. Main match as fourth spot is up for grabs.

little more out of pocket than expected when the parking inspector of the Bayside council decided to book everyone. (except sponsors’ vehicles). A bit harsh considering the race started at 7, the ticket booth doesn’t open until eight, and the race takes up to three hours to run. Good luck to those competing over the 2009 season and hopefully we’ll see you at the Cape Paterson triathlon in April.

Under 16 EAST ZONE Fish Creek/Tarwin v MDU No results available Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL v Town No results available Foster 4/68 (J. Gurnett 11, B. Busuttil n.o. 16, J. Lowe 13; R. Higgins 1/3, J. Stewart 1/9, P. McCaughan 1/7) lt Imperials 8/94 (J. Pellicano 12, L. Castagna 11, J. Stewart 28; J. Lowe 3/18, D. Clearihan-Jervies 3/18, J. Gurnett 1/13, J. Polmear 1/4).

WEST ZONE Korumburra 8/110 (K. Rigby. 17, I. Osman 20, M .Wight 20, A. McKinnon n.o. 23; J. Sherrin 2/19, M. McCall 3/7, A. Ferreire 1/8, J. Thomas 1/2) lt Wonthaggi Workmens Gold 3/180 (S. Huitema 41, C. Pitman 20, M. Thomas 41, J. Sherrin n.o. 43, M. McCall n.o. 22; B. Hayes 1/30, I. Osman 1/32, M. Wight 1/27). Wonthaggi Workmens Blue 7/65 (R. Davey 15, J. Liddle 22) lt Phillip Island 5/113 (B. Van Agtmaal 1/2, L. Gennaccaro 1/6, L. McLean 2/13, J. Liddle 1/5). OMK/Inverloch v Glen Alvie Results not available

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - PAGE 55

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Mud, mud, glorious mud WONTHAGGI youngster, Ryleigh Stolk was doing his muddy best to finish the kid’s race at the Dalyston Recreation Reserve on Sunday. But he was finding it tough going as the finish line loomed, with the crowd, and his father, urging him home. While Ryleigh finished last in his age group, his determination surely inspired many. Turn to page 54 for more on the mud drag racing.

Hitting the spot By Chris Brown

AN Outtrim teenager is preparing for the biggest competition of his life when he represents Australia in archery at the Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney later this week. Mitchell James, who has been Victoria’s number one recurve archer since late last year, practises on a makeshift 70m range along the nature strip outside his home. The youth Olympic festival aims to give upcoming sports stars a taste of a world class sports gathering. Mitchell can’t explain what drew him to the sport of archery, though shooting hay bales with an old ﬁbre glass bow helped. Today, competing is one of the Korumburra Secondary College student’s favourite aspects of archery. “It’s an individual sport so you know everything’s reliant on you. If you win it’s only because of you; if you fail it’s because of you,” Mitchell said. “Winning’s a good feeling; everyone loves winning and representing Australia, that’s a good feeling. “Getting ﬂown everywhere is also good and seeing the country and other countries.” Two thousand and nine is shaping up as a hectic year for the Year 12 student as he balances the demands of study with the need to train for 15

Ready, aim: from Outtrim, 17-year-old Mitchell James is ready to compete in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival this week. hours a week. During school holidays, the 17-year-old can spend up to 44 hours a week practising, running and doing weights. He missed two Year 11 exams, media and health, last year so he could go to the Australian Institute of Sport in

Canberra for a ten day training stint. “It was pretty much, wake up, breakfast, go shoot from 9am to 12 then one and a half hours off for lunch, then shoot until around 5pm and then cardio or recovery pools depending on the day,” Mitchell said. He will return to the AIS for about a

week at the end of the Youth Olympic Festival. “They’re trying to change my form and technique,” Mitchell said. “They want me to start shooting really high scores. Even though I’m not a scholarship holder I think they’re showing a bit of interest.”

Mitchell said that his sport is 99 per cent in the mind. “I can tell when it’s going haywire, but I’m kind of ﬁne with it,” he said. “Some people are really messed up in the head with the way they shoot because they are scared of failing; scared of losing. “They can’t look in the middle because they are afraid if they look it won’t go there.” Before shooting, he mentally thinks out what he’s going to do to hit the right spot. “If you think the arrow’s not going to hit the target there’s no way you’re going to hit it,” Mitchell said. “If you get negative it’s going to go to the left or wherever. “There’s a lot of pressure shooting for money or big, big titles; really the person who can keep their cool is going to win.” Mitchell was expecting to become Victoria’s number one recurve archer before it happened. “I thought I’m number one, cool, now I don’t have to worry about Victoria,” he said. But to get higher than his current 10th place ranking in the nation will be a harder challenge. “Depending on how I go at the AIS training I can’t really get much better with the way I’m shooting,” Mitchell said. “I should be able to get up, maybe in the top ﬁve, if what they teach me works correctly.”