The Great Southern Star - January 6, 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 6, 2009

PUBLISHED TUESDAY 48 PAGES

INSIDE Triple Olympic gold medallist, Drew Ginn seemed equally at home in the waves as he does in a rowing shell. Ginn, in his ﬁrst sports outing since injuring his back in Beijing, took to the waves as part of a protest against the desalination plant. Along with Tiger star Matthew Richardson, former Hawk Dermott Brereton and a host of other celebrities, Ginn competed in a lighthearted surf-off in front of a large and appreciative crowd. For more, see page 2.

Water aplenty ...page 7

Racing action ...Sport

Nippers carnival ...sport

INDEX Column 7 ............. 10 Opinions .............. 12 Kids’ Page ............ 42 Property Guide .... 21 Classifieds ........... 36 Sport ............. 43 - 48

Cold cash

Business booms as cool weather brings in tourists

By Jane Ross TOURIST dollars are ﬂooding into Leongatha as cold weather forces holiday makers inland. Hundreds of extra shoppers have inundated the cinema, supermarkets and stores, insulating the local economy against any downturn. Last Friday was so busy there was barely a parking space free and crossing the road was problematic. The IGA car park was full all day, the newsagency ran out of daily papers by 3pm, shopkeepers were worn out but elat-

ed and Stadium 4 staff were run off their feet – as they have been for the past week. Families have been taking advantage of SPLASH, calling in for a swim and some post-Christmas exercise. It appears the weather has been behind the post-Christmas boom. The cold has kept holidaymakers from the beach, so they’ve come to Leongatha to browse, shop or watch a movie. Shirleyanne Wright at Shan’s Lingerie in Bair Street, was succinct, “It’s been wonderful,” she said. “It’s been excellent.” Lina Chizonitti at L C Excessorise echoed those sentiments.

“I’ve been flat stick.” Gerry Shellcot, who had called in to Lina’s for a bit of light relief, said her McCartin Street Optometrists was very hectic. “We’ve been busy all week, lots of strangers are coming in too.” Sue Mueller said Judy Stone, the proprietor of Influence on Dusk, was delighted that December’s figures were up on last year, with both pre and post Christmas sales doing well. Now, an end-of-season sale looms. The thriving trade in the town hasn’t surprised Shirleyanne’s husband Glenn, who is with Landmark.

Whilst real estate has been characteristically quiet at this time of year, he sees Leongatha as a solid, steady hub. “We must be the only place in Australia where three highways meet at the one roundabout. This is certainly a place where people go through to get anywhere,” he said. “I think we’re going pretty well. Leongatha has always been a very solid town. “I think the cinema has been a great help and the eating places are booming. At Henriettas the other day, the latte set was still out and about at 5pm. I’m one of them myself – I enjoy a coffee!” Continued on page 7.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Surﬁng Hawk: former Hawthorn Football Club great Dermott Brereton got a rousing reception from the huge crowd gathered on the Inverloch beach for the celebrity surﬁng contest on the weekend.

REALLY inspiring. Those are the words John Gemmill used to describe the Celebrity Surf Challenge at Inverloch surf beach on Saturday, held to promote the anti desalination plant message. Mr Gemmill is president of the Bass Coast Boardriders Club, which organised the event. The challenge drew top names from the sporting and entertainment world and gained wide metropolitan media coverage. Mr Gemmill said their attendance “helped restore faith to many in the community that there are still people who value the true meaning of justice and truth in the world. “It seems a stupid place to put the plant on this beautiful coastline,” said AFL Tiger legend Matthew Richardson, who tumbled in the 195 centimetre surf, before standing triumphantly on his board, giving the thumbs up to the huge crowd watching from the beach. Olympic rowing triple gold medallist Drew Ginn grew up in Inverloch and has surfed many Bass Coast beaches. He is an ardent critic of the desalination plant. “It is just devastating what is proposed and scary to think this was just pushed through. This (desalination) project is questionable. “This is one of the greatest coastlines in the world and this should be the last resort for solving the water problem.” Hitting the Inverloch waves on Satur-

day marked another milestone in his recovery from major back surgery following the Beijing Olympics. Mr Gemmill said the day summarised everything about the anti desalination message, including massive greenhouse gas emissions and the wisdom of recycling. “Celebrities travel overseas and see areas that are affected by climate change. They have friends in the Maldives whose land will sink. Every time they travel by plane, they are drinking recycled water from Singapore…..” Other top names taking part in the challenge included Nick Seymour of Crowded House, Dermott Brereton, a football legend and TV personality, Dave Rastovich a pro surfer and Rhys Uhlich, who recently won the Make Me a Super Model challenge. Rhys grew up on Phillip Island and went to Newhaven College. Desalination protest group Watershed Victoria, is now estimating that the plant will cost $5 billion, not the $3.1 billion as announced by the State Government. Watershed president Stephen Cannon of Dalyston, said the new ﬁgure included the cost of pipeline and power supply. The group is organising a “Last Chance” ﬁshing day competition on Sunday January 18, at the Powlett River and nearby beaches. Register and weigh in at the Mouth of Powlett Car Park between 9am and 5pm. For more information, go to www.watershedvictoria.org.au

Nippers: Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club nippers from left Daniel Monacella, Chloe Cousins, Emily Monacella and Katherine Ellis enjoyed the celebrity challenge on Saturday.

Go Tiges: young Inverloch holidaymaker Henry Harrison got some special surﬁng tips from Richmond footy club hero Matthew Richardson and former team mate Andy Kellaway after they hit the waves for the celebrity contest.

Standout: making a stand against the desalination plant to be built at Wonthaggi local surfer Tim Baxter showed his champion winning style during the celebrity surf challenge.

Making a stand: Richmond football star Matthew Richardson was thrilled when he nailed a few waves at Inverloch during the celebrity surf challenge and strongly supports the campaign to stop the desal plant being built on the Bass Coast.

Young champs: Australian School Surﬁng champions Jess Laing and Nick Van Dyke of Phillip Island starred in the celebrity surf contest at Inverloch.

Twin act: Mirboo North twins Prue and Alice Tyson were thrilled to meet the newly crowned Make Me A Supermodel winner, Rhys Uhlich, formerly of Phillip Island and Olympic rowing triple gold medalist Drew Ginn.

Off and running: Bass Coast Board Riders club champion Tim Baxter, Australian School Surﬁng Champions Nick Van Dyke and Jess Laing of Phillip Island and Bass Coast Board Riders women’s club champion Kate Wells were ﬁrst off the mark for the celebrity surf challenge.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 3

Splashing money about By Jane Ross SOUTH Gippsland Council is hoping stages three and four of SPLASH will be funded under the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. A gymnasium, creche and hydrotherapy pool would all but complete the ambitious SPLASH project. Their combined price tag is around $3 million. Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett, who headed the fund raising arm of the SPLASH steering committee, said the project had eight stages, but the last few were

minor by comparison. The federal municipal economic stimulus package was announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in November. It comes in two parts: a speciﬁc allocation and the chance to apply for “strategic projects” that need a minimum contribution of $2 million. South Gippsland was awarded $685,000; Bass Coast $599,000. At its last meeting for 2008, South Gippsland Council agreed to try its luck at the $2m-plus pool. Councillors listed seven more projects for the $685,000 allocation. These are scattered throughout the shire and include renewal of the soundshell at Mossvale Park, upgrading a toilet block at the Fish Creek Hall, im-

provements to the jetty at Venus Bay, painting and work in and outside the Mechanics Institute in Leongatha, upgrading the Toora Recreation Reserve and stage two of the Korumburra and Foster visitor information centres. There is also a reserve list of 23 suggestions, the biggest of which is a new hall for Sandy Point, costing $1.2 million. Councillors authorised CEO Paul Bawden to “reﬁne the project list subject to conﬁrmation of supplementary State and local funding opportunities”. Bass Coast Council has taken six projects from its capital works list, to be funded with its federal allocation. The biggest is $215,000 to upgrade the drainage network in McCrae Av-

enue and Sunseeker Court Cowes, to alleviate persistent ﬂooding, followed by a $150,000 reconstruction of a toilet block at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve. The construction of new paths in a section of Wentworth Road Wonthaggi, Beachcomber Avenue Smiths Beach and Osbourne Avenue Cowes, are costed at a total of $190,000. Bass Coast Landcare will manage the sixth matter, the installation of a grid-connected solar system to its ofﬁces at the Bass Community Centre which, said council’s infrastructure director Steve Piasente, came from the shire’s environment sustainability plan. Mr Piasente said the $599,000 rep-

resented six per cent of council’s capital works program. “Obviously we do welcome the funding and we would like to see it continue.” “We have consistently lobbied the government for extra funding, through organisations such as the Australian Local Government Association, the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Sea Change Task Force.” He said the six projects were chosen because they are spread across the municipality and involve different types of labour, thus boosting economic activity. There’s little time to lose, projects have to be completed by September this year.

Crowds flock to Stony Creek THE warm weather drew a large crowd to Stony Creek races last Saturday, which offered a range of entertainment as well as horses. Children were in full pull during the tug-of-war games, while young women brought style and charm to the venue. Elsewhere, wine and cheese stalls offered a variety of tasting, while a band entertained the crowd between races. See more reports in Star sport.

Great entertainment: On left, the tug-of-war games attracted lots of children and older ones, pitting their combined strength against each other. Above, from Poowong, Nyora and Korumburra, Jacinta and Eliza Cochrane, Jessica Hancock and Rachel Morris enjoyed their day out, while Djinta Djinta winery owner Alex Biro ﬁelded a host of tasting visitors.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

POLICE BRIEFS

Drivers fined for several offences ALTHOUGH there were no major crashes or fatalities in Bass Coast and South Gippsland districts over the festive period, police fined many drivers for drunk driving, speeding and other offences. “It is amazing how many motorists are still not getting the message and continue to drink and drive or speed,” Sergeant Jim Baum, of the Bass Coast Traffic Management Unit, said. “Fortunately we had no major crashes, but drivers seem to maintain an attitude that they can get away with things. “The point is they might get away with things once, but eventually they will get caught. “What is worse, while they’re not obeying the road laws, they are risking the lives of others. They need to realise their responsibilities when on the road.” Under Operation Omnipresent, local police patrolled hot spots right around the region, including Sandy Point, Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay, Cape Paterson, San Remo and Cowes. Not only visitors were guilty of breaking road laws, but locals as well and not only young hoons were caught, but elderly drivers also fell foul of the law. “A male driver, aged 68, was found to be double the .05 limit and driving without a licence at Phillip Island,” Sgt Baum said. “When we dealt with him, he felt hard done by.” In all, 13 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit and 129 drivers were caught speeding. One was caught doing 150km/h and had his car impounded under the hoon legislation. Police fined 23 passengers for not wearing seatbelts, 17 motorists for using mobile phones when driving and another 20 for being unlicensed or disqualified to drive. Two cars were seized under Victoria’s hoon legislation.

Plane death A 62-year-old local man, identiﬁed as Bob How of Woodleigh, died at the scene when his single engine plane crashed on Christmas morning. Police believe the single engine Cessna plane struck a power line shortly before it lost control and crashed into a paddock off Edden Road, bursting into ﬂames on impact.

applies to those over 21. “The same alcohol rules apply to boaters as it does for motorists,” Sen Sgt Barras said. “Getting behind the wheel of a vessel when you are affected by alcohol is just as irresponsible as getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking. Those who choose to take this risk will face the appropriate penalties. “People do not think that the same drink driving laws which affect motorists apply to boaters. They see a clear stretch of water and do not see that it poses the same risk as a busy road, when in fact the dangers are often hidden under the surface of the water,” Sen Sgt Barras said.

Failed to give way CHRISTMAS got off to a bad start for a 69-year-old woman from Leongatha after a two-car collision on the intersection of Turner and Roughead Sts on December 23, 2008. The unfortunate woman was ﬁned $187 and three demerit points for failing to give way after colliding with a Nissan Pathﬁnder before noon. The woman was taken to Leongatha hospital for observation with cuts to her head. She stopped at the Turner St stop sign and when moving again she failed to notice the Nissan coming on her right. The victim was a woman, also from Leongatha. She had four children in the car, police said. She and the children were not injured.

Licence suspended

Drug trade nabbed

Patrol alert: Water police will be patrolling local water waterways to enforce boating laws. Body found A MAN’s body was found washed up on the beach at French Island last Friday morning. The body of an Asian man was located by two campers who were out walking 500 metres north of the Fairhaven campsite at 10am. Hastings Criminal Investigation Unit members were taken to the scene which is about 5km north of Tankerton in a Water Police boat. The man was discovered wearing only socks and had no distinguishing features. The cause of death is unknown and the man’s body has been conveyed to the Coroner. Anyone who may know the identity of the man is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppers.com.au. Police will also issue $142 ﬁnes to boaters caught without wearing a life jacket.

POLICE are investigating a bonfire at Mossvale Park last Saturday night. Offenders set alight two large piles of wood, causing a fire unit of Berry’s Creek CFA to rush to the scene. Fire fighters managed to control one pile, but the other pile burnt too fiercely and was left to burn out. Any possible witnesses, who might have noticed anyone suspicious entering the park, are asked to contact Leongatha police on 5662 2285.

Car impounded A MIRBOO North driver had his car impounded for 48-hours under Victoria’s hoon legislation after doing burn-outs in Roughead St, Leongatha, on the weekend. Police received a complaint and later located the car in the McDonald’s restaurant car park. The 19-year-old driver was interviewed and will face charges at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court at a later date. Police are urging witnesses to burn-outs or other unlawful driver behaviour to report the incidents, which will be followed up.

Patrol alert VICTORIA Water Police will be patrolling popular holiday beaches along the South Gippsland coast to ensure people are complying with the relevant marine regulations. This includes breath-testing vessel operators, checking required safety equipment and boat licences. Water Police Acting Senior Sergeant Greg Barras said recreational boaters should understand they are not immune from the law, especially when consuming alcohol. A blood alcohol limit of zero applies to those under 21 and their supervisor, and a .05 blood alcohol limit

Theft from car

A CD face and music CDs were stolen from a car parked in Peart St, Leongatha, on New Year’s Eve. Police said the theft, valued at $220, occurred between December 31, 2008, 8pm, and January 1, 2009, 5pm. The car was unlocked. Any possible witnesses are asked to contact Leongatha police.

A LEONGATHA woman was ﬁned and had her licence suspended for six months after failing a breath test on New Year’s Day. Leongatha police intercepted the 49-yearold driver in Turner St, Leongatha, at 1.30am and tested her over .05.

Bonﬁre

Two-car collision: An elderly woman was injured in a two-car collision in Leongatha last December.

recently. The theft occurred on December 31, around 10.30pm, police said. A pair of motorcycle goggles was stolen as well. Leongatha police are asking for possible witnesses to contact them on 5662 2285.

Soda-bomb incident POLICE are seeking witnesses to an incident at McDonald’s restaurant, Leongatha, on New Year’s Eve. Around midnight a person threw a sodabomb on the driveway. The bomb did not activate, police said. It burnt itself out. However, police regard the incident as serious and will continue to investigate.

Fuel stolen ABOUT 150 litres of unleaded fuel was siphoned from a farm tank in Allambee South

WHEN two members of the Cowes police spotted a suspicious vehicle outside a local hotel recently, they kept the occupants under observation and intercepted the car after it drove off along the Esplanade. Three men, a 20-year-old Sunset Strip man, a 24-year-old Cowes man and a 19-year-old Cape Woolamai man were in the vehicle when it was stopped. A search of the car revealed a quantity of ecstasy tablets and an amount of cash. The men were taken to the Cowes police station where they were interviewed in relation to trafﬁcking a drug of dependence, possessing a drug of dependence and other related offences. A later search of a house in Sunset Strip produced more ecstasy tablets and more cash.

Overnight burglary

KORUMBURRA police are investigating a burglary at a Jumbunna home a fortnight ago. The burglar forced entry into the rural home on Wonthaggi – Korumburra Rd overnight on December 28-29, 2008, and stole items to the value of $250, including a camera, a torch and a Leatherman tool. The offender gained entry through a window. The occupant was not at home, working night shift.

Salvos window smashed

POLICE are waiting for the results of a ﬁngerprint check, following an incident at the Salvation Army opportunity shop in Korumburra. Someone threw a beer stubby through the shop window on December 31, causing $500 damage. Police took ﬁngerprints from the stubby and are waiting for the results to be returned. Meanwhile, any possible witnesses are asked to contact Korumburra police on 5655 1244.

U-turn ﬁne

A MIRBOO woman was ﬁned for making an unsafe U-turn, resulting in a two-car collision. The collision occurred on Leongatha Rd, Korumburra, on December 29, around 9.45am. The Mirboo driver’s Hyundai sedan collided with a Honda sedan. Both cars were towed away. There were no injuries.

Take care of GPS

LOCAL police are urging motorists to ensure their satellite navigator is not stolen from their cars. Police statistics show that thieves stole 6787 GPS units from cars across Victoria, despite police continually warning people to remove valuables from their vehicles. Police said that leaving GPS units or their cradles in cars, or leaving evidence of a GPS unit, such as suction cup marks on windscreens, could prompt thieves to break into cars regardless of whether it’s in sight or not. Local evidence has shown that people will break into cars for any items of value, including a GPS.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 5

Naked water chase

By Bert van Bedaf

A 27-year-old Inverloch man was taken into custody yesterday morning for a number of offences and will face Korumburra Court later this month. Police pepper-sprayed the man but could not contain him. He ended up naked in Anderson Inlet and was ﬁnally apprehended on the beach between Veronica and Ozone Streets. He was interviewed at Wonthaggi police station and taken into custody, waiting for psychiatric assessment. The drama began in Pymble Avenue on Sunday midnight. The man fol-

lowed a group of teenagers and asked them for cigarettes, police said. The teenagers said they did not have any cigarettes and kept walking towards one of the parents’ homes in the avenue. The man is alleged to have spat at the youths and thrown a brick, injuring one of them. The teenagers ran into the house, alerting a parent. The man broke a letterbox and smashed a window with a kid’s push bike, police said. A parent came out and allegedly threatened the man with a broom. The agitated man then ran away towards a house in the same avenue. However, in the morning, around 8.15, he was seen in Inverloch’s main

street yelling abuse at people. Three police, from Wonthaggi and Inverloch, arrived at the scene and arrested him around 8.40am. But the man violently resisted and broke free. He ran towards the nearby park and into the scrub, where he was pepper-sprayed. The man broke from the scrub, discarded his clothes and jumped naked into Anderson Inlet, letting the outgoing current drag him away to the sandbar. Knowing the man was extremely agitated and intoxicated, police were concerned for his safety and enlisted two Inverloch Surf Lifesaving guards to assist. Using an inﬂatable rescue boat, the

guards guided the man, who appeared to be a strong swimmer, back to shore, where he was arrested at 9.30am. An ambulance was on stand-by, but the man was not treated for any injuries. The man will be assessed by psychiatric services and bailed to appear at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court on January 16, police said. Meanwhile, an Inverloch man will face LaTrobe Valley Court on various charges, following a spate of recent offences and burglaries last year. The 36-year-old man, who now lives in Venus Bay and was charged with damaging a door of the Inlet Hotel, Inverloch, on December 29, was again arrested last Saturday for another offence.

At 10.30pm he went to the Riverview Hotel in Tarwin Lower, but was refused entry by the manager. He left the front of the hotel and drove away with the hotel’s courtesy bus, driving to Venus Bay. Hotel staff had alerted police and the man was soon intercepted on Lees Rd by Inverloch police. He was taken to Wonthaggi police station and breathtested. Found over the legal limit, his licence was suspended. The man was charged with theft of a motor car and required to appear in court on January 23. He will also appear in relation to previous charges of burglary on local commercial premises in September, police said.

A lifetime together By Jane Ross THE montage of photographs tells the story. She a beauty in a fetching pose, smiling, her wavy hair ﬂowing; he, his signature hat at a slightly rakish angle, giving him an uncharacteristic larrikin air. Here are their four children, seated around the mudguard of a car. There’s a photo of them with ﬁshing gear; another taken recently. Their wedding photograph is in the middle, the men in their dark, wide-lapelled suits, the bride in satin and lace. The framed family story has pride of place on a table in the loungeroom. It tells of a quiet life, a family life, which, on December 28, saw Colin and Glenda McArthur mark 60 years of marriage.

Their children came from far ﬂung points of Australia to their parents’ home in Blackmore Avenue Leongatha, bringing some of the nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren that have turned Colin and Glenda into a patriarch and matriach, to mark the gift of a diamond wedding. Friends and other family joined them, until there were enough people gathered in the home and garden, to represent each of those years of union. The day was a happy one, adding to the shared memories that have made up a lifetime together, more than ﬁve decades of which have been spent in the one house. Colin grew up in Nerrena, attending the Mackie State School. Glenda moved to Leongatha when she was 16 and not long afterwards, met Colin through a group of friends. When they started

courting, he found he didn’t have far to walk her home, they lived almost next door to each other. They married at the Church of England (Anglican) in Korumburra. “We’ve been happy enough, I think,” said Colin. “We’ve had our tiffs, but we’ve always made time to work it out,” said Glenda. He drove machinery and worked on the roads, while she cleaned at the Leongatha Tech. They’ve long since retired, giving them time to enjoy a favourite hobby: sea ﬁshing. Colin also likes to grow vegetables. “We’ve slowed down a bit,” mused Glenda. “You’ve got to slow down a bit,” agreed the man who has been her husband for six decades. They can’t for the life of them, imagine where all those years have ﬂown.

Wedding day: Glenda Luxford and Colin McArthur on their wedding day 60years ago in Korumburra. To Glenda’s left is her father Perce Luxford and her sister Julianna. To Colin’s right is Glenda’s sister Olive Luxford and Colin’s brother Chris McArthur.

No free ride CONTRARY to a story in the Tourist News recently, train rides at Coal Creek Heritage Village are not always for free. Unless stated otherwise, rides are $5 per person and free for children, aged four and under, said village coordinator Rowena Ashley. However, once you’ve paid for your ticket, you can ride as many times as you like on that day.

Recyling water WATERSHED Victoria is calling on the State Government to release details of the business case for recycling water from the Eastern Treatment Plant at Bangholme. Stephen Cannon of Dalyston, who heads the group, said feasibility and business case studies for the recycling of 150 gigalitres of water from the plant, have been under review for six years. “Why haven’t we seen an outcome?” he asked. He said members of Watershed Victoria are appalled by a press release from State Water Minister Tim Holding, issued in mid-December, which quotes him as saying climate change means we face a future with less rainfall and desalination offers a climate proof answer.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

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

Inverloch campdrafter makes history AN Inverloch horse rider has become the first woman to win the Victorian Campdrafting Open Championship in the five-year history of the event. Bec Vuillermin combined with her stockhorse “Quality” to nudge out competitors from across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, with a flawless performance in the final at Yarram on Sunday. She won the first round of the event and secured a place in the final with perfect rides in the second round. Vuillermin secured first place ahead of Vicki Hiscock of Maffra, taking home the coveted blue ribbon and prize-money. Vuillermin starred in the first round on Saturday, which comprised a total of 121 rides alone, with a tally of 90 points.

Sale rider Tammy Goff won the second round of 50 runs on Sunday and was among the 21 riders to progress to the ﬁnal. Another South Gippslander, Robert Bell of Buffalo, won the Maiden event for horses without a campdraft title to their name, on Friday. Riding his chestnut mare “Sugar Oak”, Bell rode extremely neatly to win ahead of 175 other competitors, impressing the judges, Toni and Peter O’Neill from Queensland. Competitors and spectators travelled from as far as Leongatha, Dumbalk, Inverloch and Yanakie to pit their skills against reputable riders from further aﬁeld. Campdrafting is a national horse sport, in which men and women on horseback herd cattle around a course in the quickest time possible.

Full ﬂight: Ian Hengstberger of Dumbalk returns to the yard after competing.

Following up: Ian Hengtsberger of Dumbalk with his horse “Bill” and mate David White of Somerville, discuss the competition.

Youth, experience: Shania Bentley took part in the campdraft alongside grandparents Kerry and Ray Bentley, all of Toora.

Playing together: father and daughter, Barry and Burgan Svenson of Leongatha, are regular competitors in the Yarram campdraft, aboard “Colette” and “Breeze”.

Go, go: Kerry Beaumont of Leongatha and Chris Mackay of Mirboo North keep a close eye on the campdrafting action.

Close friends: Stan Harris of Outtrim on board “Buddy”, looks pleased after taking to the campdraft ring.

Supported Residential Services (SRS)

Preliminary themes from the forums are now available. To obtain a copy of the themes, please call the SRS Legislation Review Project Team on 1800 079 537 (free call) or visit www.health.vic.gov.au/srs

mitch23836

Public consultation was conducted from July to August, 2008 to seek views from members of the public on the current SRS laws and whether changes are needed. Residents, families, staff, proprietors, service providers and advocates participated in the consultation.

0161208

The Victorian government is reviewing the laws that regulate SRS in Victoria to make sure they continue to provide protection for residents.

Fan club: Charlie Hengtsberger of Dumbalk with Somerville mates Travis and Toby White, cheer on the White brothers’ dad, David.

Family affair: father and daughter, Brian Vuillermin of Yanakie and Bec Vuillermin of Inverloch, were one of many family groups competing.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 7

Water, water everywhere By Jane Ross DECEMBER was Leongatha’s wettest month for 2008. And it’s showing in the Ruby Creek holding. Photographer and public water monitor, Gerard Bruning, snapped a shot of the Western Reservoir just before new year, showing the storage to be just below the tree line. He was both surprised and pleased. “You have to give credit where credit’s due,” he said of South Gippsland Water, “they’ve pulled it back.” Mr Bruning was one of the authority’s sternest critics when the Leongatha storages sank to an all time low of around 10 per cent in the very dry year of 2006. That necessitated the feverish sinking of bores, supplementing from the Tarwin River and the spending of more than $2 million on pipes and pumps. South Gippsland Water’s managing director, Steve Evans reported that Leongatha’s four reservoirs are now 86 per cent full, having dropped slightly from December 22. So far this year, 5mm of rain has fallen on the catchment. The Western Reservoir is the larg-

est and uppermost. Foster has had 15mm of rain and its holding is at 94 per cent, while Wonthaggi’s Lance Creek is now 89 per cent full, having dropped from 92 per cent on December 22. There has been 4mm of rain so far in 2009. With 5mm of rain at Korumburra, Coalition Creek is 80 per cent full. It was 84 per cent on December 22. Fish Creek has had 10mm of rain and its holding is at 87 per cent, while Little Bass, with 5mm of rain so far, is at 93 per cent. Little Bass supplies Poowong, Loch and Nyora. Leongatha weather recorder Kay Puru, was excited about the amount of rain we had last month. “Well, what a wet month December was,” she said. “In fact, the wettest month I have recorded.” There were 14 wet days, delivering a total of 170.4mm. Most of that fell on December 13 and 14, when the town had 85mm and 31.6mm respectively. “Those two days gave us 116.6mm, which is more than we’ve had for some months’ totals.” Ms Puru said the tally for 2008, was 856.8mm, compared with 956mm the previous year, 661mm in 2006 and 914mm the year before.

“Our driest month last year, was January, when we only had 7mm.” The second driest month was October with 28.5mm and the second wettest month was August, with 103mm. The picture was similar in Outtrim where, according to weather recorder Alan Cichero, “it looks like it was the best December for at least four years”. The daily average of 3.77mm was higher than the 3.61mm in 2007. A good dumping of 42mm on December 13, followed by 37mm on December 14, helped boost the monthly tally to 117mm, 5mm more than the previous year. The total for 2008 was 739.5mm, compared with 908.5mm in 2007. At Ruby, Margery Robson noted the highest daily recording for 2008 of 44.5mm fell on December 13, with the year’s second highest falling the following day: 25.5mm. It was the third wettest month of the year. Ms Robson said the annual total of 829mm, which fell over 167 days, was well below the 1000mm that is typical of Ruby. “But,” she added, “the country is looking beautiful.” The Tarra, Agnes and Tarwin rivers are all ﬂowing well.

See sand sculpting at Bass Coast Show THE Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show is on this Saturday, promising an enticing array of attractions. The show goes from strength to strength each year and is pitched as an affordable event for families. A ticket for two adults and two children will cost you $20 on show day, or $15 if you call in during the week to the ANZ Bank in Wonthaggi. “We try to make the show affordable for ordinary people,” said organiser Rosemary Loughnan. One of the new attractions this year will be sand sculpting. Ricardo, who lives locally, will

run a workshop. He said he will show how to “look at sand in a different way, ﬁnding shape in a sand mound”. “I’ll be asking kids to help me.” He’ll create a small sculpture, probably of a dinosaur, out of “brickie” sand. Ricardo explained that beach sand grains are egg shaped, whereas quarry sand is square so the grains stick together better. Clay content helps too. Ricardo has been sculpting since he came in the top three of the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships in 2004. He’s just been part of a major event at Frankston, where he moulded 4000 tonnes of

sand into his favourite dinosaur, an apatasaurus. His sculpting tools consist of pallet knives, kitchen utensils and a small trowel. The show offers many other attractions, including dog ﬂyball which, this year, has attracted 22 teams. “The biggest we’ve had before is 13 teams; you wouldn’t get more than 22 in a national ﬁnal,” said Ms Loughnan. Flyball is a relay competition suitable for dogs of any size. The show starts at 9am at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve. It goes all day.

Cool weather brings in tourists

Continued from page 1. Barbara Carpenter at Wear 4 You in Bair Street, said Saturday had been the best Saturday her business had experienced for a while. Sue Panther of Panthers Mensland in McCartin Street, was relieved to finally have a cup of coffee late on Friday afternoon. “It’s been busy in here,” she exclaimed, “I’m exhausted! “The week has been hectic, it’s been good.” Joan Smith of A W Smith, said trade had been busy in the McCartin Street homewares store. “Tuesday and Wednesday were flat out. “People are spending money. Others have just been looking, but that’s good because they come back.” Kelvin Smith at Retravision was flat out too, but he was smiling. “It’s normally busy at this time of year because we always get a cold snap. For the traders in Leongatha, I hope the beach weather doesn’t come.” He’s been doing a roaring trade, including big ticket

Summer safety plans

BASS Coast Council staff spend 12 months planning for the safety of visitors during the summer.

They liaise with police and others to reduce the incidence of ﬁres and glass on beaches, illegal camping and drinking in public places. District inspector Brian Curley heads a committee which has been meeting since July, to ensure that young people attending schoolies and the thousands who ﬂock to the coast during the Christmas holidays are safe. Shire community safety manager, Peter Laydon briefed the new council last week, about measures which have included encouraging liquor outlets not to sell alcohol in glass containers, thus reducing broken glass on streets and beaches. More shire staff have been trained in ranger duties, doubling the number available during the summer and allowing day patrols to prevent drinking on beaches.

items like washing machines and fridges. “People go to their holiday places and find mice have got into the cupboards and chewed their towels, their fridge has broken down or their supplies need restocking. “It’s all good, I’m very happy. “And, when the hot weather comes, our air conditioners will go!” Corrie Hemming, supervisor at Officemart, which is part of Leongatha Newspower, said by mid afternoon on Friday, all daily newspapers were sold out. “That’s unusual. We’ve been busy, but not flat out. We’ve had a lot of tourists through, buying magazines.” Joan Smith at A W Smith and Sons, said the McCartin Street homewares store had been “flat out” mid-week and “steady” on other days. “People are spending money and people are looking, that’s good because they come back.” At Nikolina’s, Vicki Halabarec noted the town was busier than at the same time last year. “There are lots of people about, lots of tourists.” Heather Walker at the Shoe Gallery, has noticed the number of tourists too. They’ve come to the shop in droves. “It’s been terrific. Early last week we were saying wow, what’s happening today!” Ian Jenkins, the operations co-ordinator at SPLASH, said families had been coming to the pool and there’ll be plenty more activity, with school holiday programs starting there this week.

Holding full: Leongatha’s Western Reservoir is all but full, a far cry from the puddle that was there during the height of the drought. Photo by Gerard Bruning.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Artistic ﬂair: Port Welshpool photographer Gloria Haycroft with her piece, “At Rest”, snapped of the town’s jetties.

Festival a maritime marvel A CELEBRATION of the ocean lured visitors and locals alike to Port Welshpool over the weekend. The annual Sea Days Festival showcased the area’s maritime past and present, with interactive exhibits ranging from touching marine life and tram rides, to puppet shows and model boat displays. The ferry terminal was the hub of the three-day extravaganza, that ofﬁcially opened on Friday night with a presentation by paleontology enthusiast Mike Cleeland, about dinosaurs of the Gippsland coast. Displays were staged by the Port Welshpool Volunteer Coast Guard and the Corner Inlet Fisheries and Habitat Association. Parks Victoria exhibited tanks with marine animals caught from beneath

the Port Welshpool jetties, with such creatures as seahorses, ﬁshes, seastars and sponges. Waterwatch and Gippsland Ports also staged displays, and the “Dreamer in the Deep” puppet show was popular with children. Beachcombing and treasure hunts were held on Saturday, and horse carriage rides reminiscent of the Welshpool tramway that operated from 1905 to 1940 were popular with families and friends. Aussie Whittley displayed his fascinating collection of model boats, including many scale replicas of ﬁshing boats from Port Welshpool’s past. Port Welshpool couple Gloria and Keith Haycroft exhibited their artistic range of photography of South Gippsland, and particularly port, scenes.

Real lesson: Welshpool sisters Teresa and Charlotte Gordon experience seastars ﬁrsthand, with Parks Victoria summer ranger Allan Standering (left) and Coast Care ofﬁcer, Bruce Atkin.

Historical ride: Chris Rump of Kardella brought her horse carriage complete with equine friends to re-enact the historical tramway that once serviced Port Welshpool. She is with Julie Graham and daughter Josephine of Croydon, visiting grandparents Ann and Craig Smith of Welshpool.

Barry Beach sisters: Jenara, Kiara and Erin Leach were fascinated by the diaries of former Port Welshpool ﬁsherman William BM Smith and his son Arnie, written between 1895 and 1973, and now part of the collection of the Port Welshpool Maritime Museum. LEFT History re-lived: John Woolley and Aussie Whittley with a model of the “Janet Isles”, a ﬁshing boat once worked by the Smith family around Corner Inlet and Bass Strait. The original is now ready for restoration at the Port Welshpool Maritime Museum.

Popping up: Parks Victoria marine ranger Jonathan Stevenson collected marine animals from beneath Port Welshpool jetties.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 9

Sustainability starts early

NINETY South Gippsland students recently learnt about making sustainable choices through an Adopt a School Waste Wise Project. Students toured the Koonwarra Transfer Station, landfill, and rehabilitated landfill site, Wonthaggi Material Recovery Centre and Grantville landfill. Workshops on recycling, sustainability and personal choices and waste management also provided valuable lessons for the young South Gippslanders.

Students from the Leongatha Secondary College, South Gippsland Secondary College (Foster), South Gippsland Specialist School and Korumburra Secondary College participated in the project. The project aims are to assist schools in becoming resource smart, introduce young people to sustainability, assist young people to make sustainable choices and teach young people about careers that are available in sustainability. “This project has been a wonderful success, with a very high level of

involvement from the schools and the students,” project ofﬁcer with the South Gippsland Local Community Partnership, Daniel Hodges said. “It has helped provide a fantastic foundation for four schools to move towards Educating for a Sustainable Future.” Adopt a School Waste Wise Project is a partnership between Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group and the South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Community Partnership, which is run by LLEN and the Education Centre Gippsland.

Top right, Recycling sense: students learnt about what goes where. Below, Be sustainable: South Gippsland Secondary College students look at a worm farm as part of the School Waste Wise Project.

Transfer station: lucky students were given a ﬁrsthand account of the recycling process.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Most South Gippslanders contacted by Column 7 said they had better things to do than worry about the Hilton Hotel heiress’s shopping habits.

FOLLOWING their Grade 6 graduation dinner at Inverloch Primary School, three students from Inverloch and Kongwak were presented with 2008 scholarship awards for all round accomplishment and good citizenship from the Lions Club of Inverloch and District. President Dawn Rasmussen presented certificates and cheques to Hannah McKittrick, David Lawson and Jarrod Tipping, who are photographed displaying their certificates with President Dawn. A LEONGATHA lady whose name is Andrea was looking for a new bracelet in Wonthaggi when she took her own one off and left it behind in a jewellery shop. Desperate to find it again, she left details with every shop owner she had visited. When the bracelet did turn up in Garden of Thoughts, the owners rang the number, but it was evidently the wrong one.

THIS little dog was found yesterday on the highway into Meeniyan. The entire male seems to be middle-aged and sports a brown collar with no tags. The owner can call 5664 7420.

The bracelet was then taken to Wonthaggi police station, where it remains today. If Andrea is out there, could you please call Wonthaggi police on 5672 1222 and ask for Pauline.

HERE’S a good way to meet new friends and get plenty of exercise at the same time. Come along to the Dumbalk dance lessons, every Wednesday night 8pm to 10pm, with supper provided. Don’t worry if you haven’t a partner, there’s always plenty of people to help. For more information please contact Marg Cantwell on 5664 1236 or Lindsay Richards 5664 1239. First lesson begins on January 14 and it’s back to basics. Children most welcome. A FUNDRAISER for CFA to Barham will leave on February 14 from Traralgon at 8am, picking up passengers through to Melbourne, returning February 18. Enjoy ﬁve great days at Barham Country Music Stampede, listening and dancing to many talented artists, such as Laura Downie, Shane Teinaki, Olive Bice, Wayne Horsbrough, Rodney Vincent, to name just a few. Howie Bros. Dance night on Sun-

ON Christmas Eve, a Beanie Kid appeared to have dropped out of a parked car. A Star reader was distraught at the thought that it may be some child’s favourite toy that they are missing terribly. It does appear to have been much loved. It was taken home so it could spend Christmas with fellow Beanie Kids, but I’m sure it would love to be returned to its rightful owner. The owner of the Beanie Kid can contact The Star to ﬁnd out where you can pick it up. PARIS Hilton was not seen in Leongatha over the New Year period. Sources close to Leongatha Aerodrome told The Star that the woman most famous for nothing in particular was expected to ﬂy into town last week for a day long shopping spree, but turned her plane around after an apparent lack of interest from locals.

day is a great way to dance the night away. Inside venue, motel and fully air conditioned coach costs $429 and includes dinner, motel, breakfast, coach and entertainment. Enquiries to Val Murphy, phone 5634 6267. MEENIYAN’S “Carols by Glow-

stick” was a major success this year. A number of people who had been to both the Leongatha and Meeniyan events said the intimate atmosphere at the smaller venues gave the evening a special feeling. The lack of modern carols in favour of traditional songs was also commented upon favourably.

THE Ulysses club has donated $1000 to the Leongatha SES. Pictured here is Mark Grimley from the motorcycle club with SES controller Tony Lindhard.

Koony Market KOONWARRA mar- (right) enjoyed havket always has a range ing his glass ﬁlled by of delights to tempt the taste buds, but last weekend proved to be an even greater pleasure for the palate.

Paradise

Enough’s

John Bell.

Wine tasting in the Koonwarra Hall proved to be extremely popular, with market-goers queuing up to sip the ﬁne reds and whites on offer from wineries like Lyre Bird Hill, Windy Ridge and Paradise Enough. Windy Ridge’s Graeme Wilson (left) was selling wine by the case load, while Inverloch’s Terry Woolger

Wizard puts magic into Oz THE musical production of Wizard of Oz by Limelight Theatre and Lisa Pellin Dancers is a fantastic performance that will enthral parents as well as children. The wonderful show is ideal holiday entertainment. It is running at the Inverloch YMCA Community Centre until January 10, with per-

formances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 7.30pm, and Saturday, 11am and 5pm. It stars the hugely talented 15-year-old Susannah Babos as Dorothy Gale and 18-monthold Pixie, the most endearing dog ever to have graced the stage, as Toto, Dorothy’s pet. But others, teenagers and adult actors, in the lead cast are equally as terriﬁc. They draw smiles and tears in a two-hour

Great cast: From left are Matt Hilman (Lion), Mitchell Lack-Powell (Scarecrow), Dorothy with Toto (Susannah Babos and Pixie), Robbie Smith (Tinman), Kerrie Giles (Glinda) and Di Paragreen (Wicked Witch).

song and dance extravaganza that takes the audience on a runaway journey to a fairy tale world, where Dorothy meets Scarecrow, wanting a brain, Tinman, wanting a heart, and a lion without courage. But together they brave the evil world of the wicked witch to make dreams come true. Finally Dorothy returns home, realising that “There’s no place like home”.

Show stealer: Toto, here with owner Lucy Lennox, was the favourite among the many children in the audience.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 11

Forests encroach on farms By Brad Lester

AGRICULTURAL land in South Gippsland could be swallowed up by carbon sink forests under the Federal Government’s carbon emissions trading scheme.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) suggests that anywhere between 5.8 million and 26 million hectares of farmland could be financially viable for carbon sink forests, if carbon credits become available for afforestation. Carbon sink forests are forests planted for the purpose of storing carbon and rewarded with carbon credits recognising the carbon stored by trees. The government’s White Paper, outlining the ﬁnal design of its Carbon Pol-

lution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), was released on Monday. Significant levels of farmland have already been consumed by bluegum plantations in South Gippsland in recent years, on the back of tax breaks offered by management investment schemes. Murray Goulburn chairman Ian MacAulay recently said the company was always concerned about prime agricultural land being consumed by other enterprises due to tax breaks, as less dairy farming land equated to less milk supply. “If you look at where timber plantations have been going, they’ve not just been going on second class farming land but on good quality farming land,” he said. A study by Deakin University indicated dairying created ongoing employ-

Golden Eagle: The Directional Golden Eagle II radars are installed inside police vehicles and are ideal for detecting speeding motorists in country conditions.

Golden Eagle has landed THE Golden Leongatha.

Eagle

has

landed

“Hence carbon sink forests could represent an additional source of income for farmers in circumstances where farms are typically less proﬁtable.” Great Southern Limited is one of the major companies behind timber plantations in South Gippsland, with 5000ha largely under bluegums across broader Gippsland. Communications manager David Ikin said the company had no intention of planting for the sake of claiming carbon credits. “We’re very much focused on planting trees for pulpwood rather than speciﬁcally for carbon credits,” he said. “But we are optimistic that the plan will enable us to generate carbon credits from our plantations.”

Meals roster (Leongatha) Woorayl Lodge Auxiliary, Lions Club and Catholic Women’s League will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning January 12, 2009.

(Meeniyan/Dumbalk) Meeniyan CWA will be responsible for delivery the week beginning January 12, 2009.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

THIS SUMMER THE ANSWER IS

Leongatha police have taken delivery of the Golden Eagle, which is state-of-the art speed radar equipment. Elsewhere in the district the Silver Eagle has been operating, but Leongatha recently snapped up the latest Golden version of the Moving Mode Radar (MMR), which nabs speeding motorists in front or from the opposite direction from as far away as 800 metres. A TAC-supported initiative, the Directional Golden Eagle II radars are installed inside police vehicles and are used primarily on two-way, undivided, 100km/h speed limit roads, making them ideal for country conditions. Drivers on country roads will be targeted throughout the holidays with the Moving Mode Radar (MMR) equipment, which was rolled out across Victoria, including at Korumburra, Leongatha and Yarram, last December. Leongatha Sergeant Scott Bodycomb took The Star down the Bass Highway with the MMR in operation. “The MMMR allows us to lock on and measure the speed of vehicles travelling towards or away from us,” Sgt Bodycomb explained. “A large percentage of fatalities in the country are speed related and this equipment is proven as an effective tool for reducing casualty and fatal crashes on undivided highways in regional areas. “These vehicles fitted with MMRs will be specifically tasked over the holiday period to concentrate on high risk stretches of roadway and specifically target speed offences.”

ment in rural communities, whereas timber plantations created peak periods of employment, but a lull in between. A spokeswoman for the Minister of Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said: “The government is working hard on getting the balance right in the CPRS for our economy, our environment, our communities, and our kids and grandkids.” ABARE analysis also stated that a carbon price beyond $100 a tonne of carbon would be required before returns to carbon sink forests were competitive with existing farming land use. “These ﬁndings suggest that investment in carbon sink forests is likely to be most attractive where returns from traditional agricultural practices are low, for example, in less productive regions or on low productivity land units in the landscape,” an ABARE report stated.

NCASP-286

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Desal farce

Think local THE New Year should always offer the promise of better times ahead. Entering 2009, however, many people are predicting an economic downturn for at least the ﬁrst half of the year. There is no doubting that the world economy is in trouble. Whether it is a blip on the radar or a major disaster, only time will tell. We can’t do much about the troubles of Wall St, Hong Kong or even Iceland, but we can do something to protect our local economy. Buying locally is the single most important thing that South Gippslanders can do to support the region in a ﬁnancial sense. Investing the weekly spending money in shops in your local town will help us all get through the tough times ahead. Every dollar pumped back into the local economy is a dollar that will remain in South Gippsland to be spent over and over again. Every dollar that is spent out of the region will never be seen again. Sometimes we can feel powerless against the forces that direct the world economy. But we must remember to concern ourselves with what we can control and not worry about those things that we can have no affect on.

Local attractions SOUTH Gippsland was the place to be over the past few weeks, with activities wherever you looked. Just last weekend, there was a plethora of outdoor fun to be had from Phillip Island to down Yarram way. The magnificent beaches and beautiful inland areas are the great attractions of South Gippsland and it’s fantastic to see so many people making the most them. In an age where so many people suffer from obesity and general lack of fitness, South Gippslanders need look no further than out their front door to find a reason to get outside and get active.

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

ON page seven of the Herald Sun paper on New Year’s Day, Jan 1 2009 in their New Year quotes, Premier Brumby is reported as seeking “To have shorter meetings.....”

On November 13, 2006 then Premier Steve Bracks stated in a Herald Sun interview, while launching the ALP re-election campaign: “Recycling and conservation will secure Melbourne’s water supply. “The desalination plant (part of Liberal party policy)...the energy generation is enormous, the intrusion on the community is enormous and, of course, it’s extraordinarily expensive....and really, what a hoax it is....” So why is the Government now building a $5billion “hoax” desalination project? And what about the enormous energy generation required - the Government’s solution of renewable energy certiﬁcates is like excusing a few more drinks for an

Thank you Jumbunna WHEN I was feeling disillusioned after having had my trailer stolen from outside my property, my faith in human nature and neighbourly consideration was reaffirmed following the drama when my two horses went looking for greener pastures right on dusk, the other night. I could not thank the people of Jumbunna (and the police officer) enough for coming to my rescue. People dropped whatever they were doing (Marleen hurried up my steep drive to give the alarm as I was outside preparing to feed the horses and unable to hear the phone call to send the alarm) and came to my aid. The horses were very flighty as it was right on dusk and darkness was approaching quickly. It was a matter of a couple of minutes and the two escapees were on the main road to Wonthaggi. I would like to publicly

alcoholic. Victoria already has energy addiction. With massively increased energy consumption since 1990, energy offsets won’t nullify the further 2 per cent increase in State energy consumption for this project, and 1.2million tonnes of CO2 annually. The extraordinary expense- that’s going to fund huge proﬁts for foreign desalination consortiums Veolia or Degremont,

thank my neighbours, one of whom (Gareth together with Sara) went back for his car and turned the horses around. Together with the police officer whom I did not get to speak to, they drove them back into Cruickshanks Rd so I was able to catch the leader of the two. A driver passing by also joined in. They had the foresight to drive around and block off the road we passed which also led to the Wonthaggi road. Then again, with the help of other neighbours Joy and Arnie, I was able to lead the horse with the other following and yet again another neighbour, Don Wylie (junior), joining the procession ready to head them off should it be required. It was great team-work and showed that Community Spirit is still alive in our township of Jumbunna. I wish to thank all those kind neighbours who took part in the rescue and the police officer with the police car’s lights flashing which prevented other traffic from passing. Shirley Cowling Jumbunna

VOXPOP! VOX Is the cold weather worrying you?

Max Richmond Foster

Chris Welford Wonthaggi

No, I think people in South Gippsland appreciate the cooler weather generally speaking. It’s always been that way.

I like to see the warm weather as it brings people into town and they are in better spirits. It’s good for business.

William Galanos Leongatha Not at all. I prefer the cold.

Matt Rutherford Leongatha Not really, but you can’t get down to the beach as much though.

with minimal injection of money or jobs locally. Forget about democracy, forget about governing according to pre-election policy mandate, our tunnel-vision Premier wants shorter meetings, no questioning, polite speak for totalitarian government.

Rudeness not appreciated IN your paper of December 16 2008 I was astonished to see a letter from Madeline Love from Benalla in which she was quite rude about me. So I did some research and discovered that, as well as a spokesperson for Madge, Ms Love was a Senate candidate in the last Federal election for the small party What Women Want (WWW). They ﬁelded two candidates in Victoria. After their own candidates, they gave their highest value preferences to the Greens. This now made sense, as I have been quoted elsewhere as saying that the push to have South Gippsland Shire (and others) be declared as ‘GM-free’ is a part of the plan by the Greens and their fellow travellers. I think that they intend to say in both the Victorian and the Commonwealth Parliaments that being GM-free is ‘the will of the people’. This, as we all know, is not so. Councillors in these issues do not express the views of anyone else – especially as the green lobby was pushing this issue in shires all over Victoria shortly before the local government elections. Some of the comments made in the article in The Star of December 9 are not correct. There was mention of the dairy industry and of trials. If you wish to have independent information on these issues I recommend the following web-sites: www.dairyaustralia. com.au (for dairy related issues); www.ogtr.gov.au (for information from the regulator on all trials, research and decisions); www. biotechnologyaustralia.gov.au (for surveys and a number of other links). Lastly, there is a link between emissions trading and gene technology – especially for ruminants’ ability to expel methane. This is likely to cost dairy producers a lot of money. Gene technology needs to be used to reduce that cost before the bench marking is done. Other technologies will take at least 20 years and will cost

Stephen Cannon Dalyston

dairy producers twice over – once via the levy costs over a longer period (due to the number of years funding is necessary) and secondly the actual cost of mitigating methane production in the meantime. Meg Parkinson Fish Creek

Get on board

RIGHT now any certiﬁed organic growers can enter into contracts to sell their produce to anyone, including Chinese businessmen. It’s the producer’s own certiﬁcation and auditing that count, as long as there’s demand for their produce at satisfactory prices. Let’s look at facts, not propaganda purveyed by Cr Barlow. Bass Coast Shire does not have GM-free status. It merely has a resolution on its books that the previous council aspired to being served GM-free food at council noshups. The council also told other governments it would like to be given GM crop-free status and that Australia should have stricter food labelling laws. What were the replies, I wonder? And before anyone gets too carried away with the riches to be had from exporting to China, especially in the present circumstances of plummeting ore and dairy export prices, a bit of research is recommended. Remember deer farming and the fortunes to be made selling velvet (from deer horn) to the Chinese? Another very commendable sheep-leather project was set up by a local farming family. Sales to the Chinese okay for a couple of years. Well, the export of dairy heifers with support from Landmark is still a going concern...with no need for GM-free labels! Perhaps it would be a good idea to enlist the help of Austrade rather than Cr Barlow if anyone is keen to sell to China. Incidentally, Chinese agronomists and increasing numbers of Chinese farmers have enthusiastically embraced GM crop varieties, blithely ignoring patent restrictions! Wilma Western Leongatha

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

Invisage, in fashion MANAGER of Invisage, Trina Anderson said blinds and curtains were the best way to beat the heat. “It saves on energy costs and adds to your comfort during hot weather,” she said. The latest trend was to “double up” with a sheer blind for the day and another when everything is closed up for the night. The experts in interiors and quality window furnishings, Invisage knows not only what is functional but what looks good too. Invisage has chain operated roller blinds, Roman blinds, timber venetian blinds, plantation shutters, curtains, aluminium venetian blinds, panel glide blinds and motorised blinds. “I’ve been in the business for ﬁve and a half years. We mainly do curtains and blinds, but we do all types of interior design too,” Trina said. “Looks, functionality and price are all very important

to us – the whole service. We do a lot of new houses and people like to keep up with the latest trends. “People like roller blinds, and nice fabrics and drapes. People with established houses like to update, and look for something new.” Trina said the company specialised in “suggesting certain types of treatment for particular windows. “The secret is to ﬁnd out the most important factor, whether it be design, functionality or whatever else,” she said. “Some people know what they want, and that’s ﬁne. But some people have no idea. We take a range of samples out to the home owner and we can decide together what works best.”

Trina Anderson: the manager of Invisage knows what looks good and what works best.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Cool splash: 10-year-old Hannah Lilleyman from Moyarra enjoyed cooling down on Monday.

IT was ﬁnally warm enough for a swim at the Korumburra Outdoor Pool on Monday. Manager, Kevin McPherson said the water was a beautiful 27 degrees. “The weather’s picking up now and we’re getting more people in, so that’s good,” he said. “This is my ninth year and it’s the coldest Decemeber we’ve had. It’s not good. “We’re all praying for sunny weather.”

Summer dip: Jarryd Hansch and Daniel Macri, both of Korumburra, in the pool.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 15

Pumped up for fires WITH the bushfire season upon us, there is plenty of work to be done to ensure your property is safe from the threat of wildfire. There are many aspects to bushfire prevention, but owning a quality, well-maintained pump can be one of the most critical factors in keeping the flames at bay. Ken Wardle from Action Pumps and Irrigation in Leongatha said today’s pumps are relatively lightweight and dependable and can be operated by both men and women. “They’re pretty easy to use and reliable,” he said. “You can even buy electric start models for ladies who might find it hard to start an engine.” Mr Wardle said pumps are crucial in keeping a water supply flowing when the electricity supplies have been cut and mains pressure is struggling to cope with demand. “Basically, you need a firefighting pump to put the fire out,” he said. “Power is the first thing to go in a fire, so you can’t rely on that.” “With a fire-fighting pump you can connect with a dam, tank or swimming pool and ensure there is always water avail-

Ready for action: Ken Wardle with some of the ﬁre ﬁghting pumps available at Action Pumps and Irrigation.

able to keep things wet as the fire approaches.” It is important that everyone in the household knows how to start and operate the pump. Pumps can be heavy to move around so consider using a trolley. Pump suppliers will be able to advise you of the size of pump you require for your property. Garden sprinkler systems can be used during a bushfire to wet down the area around your home, prior to the arrival of the fire front. It is also possible to install roof mounted sprinklers and/or sprinklers under eaves, but you need to consider how you will draw water and where the water will come from. There are several factors for

consideration: Mains power may not be available. How will you draw water and where will it come from? If you have a limited water supply – how long can you run your sprinkler system for? If you are not at home, does a neighbour know how to operate your system for you? Remember, as the fire front approaches you will need to move inside the home to stay safe. Where possible, take your equipment inside with you to protect it from the extreme heat. Once the fire front has passed, go outside again wearing your personal protective clothing and extinguish any spot fires that have started around your property.

Too late: preparations must be taken now before the ﬁre season really hots up.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Staying cool with Daikin

Warranty service: Leongatha Refrigeration Service is a Daikin warranty agent, which offers customers a range of valuable services, says Brad Smart.

AS the summer heat approaches there’s no better way to stay cool than turning on a quality air conditioning system like Daikin. To stay cool in summer Brad Smart, managing director of Leongatha Refrigeration Service in Leongatha, recommends the Daikin split system range as one of the most efficient air conditioners available. “They are the best air conditioning system on the market. They come in a range from floor, wall and ceiling cassette mounted to multi-split and ducted, conventional and inverted models. The inverted models are 30 per cent cheaper to run than conventional models,” Brad said. Leongatha Refrigeration Service offers obligation-free quotes and employs an expert staff of three qualified refrigeration mechanics, a qualified plumber and a third-year refrigeration apprentice. The business is in its 51st year. It is a Daikin warranty agent, which offers customers a range of valuable services. When choosing an air conditioner there are five easy steps to consider: get the right size unit for your home; choose a professional installation, ensuring the unit works at maximum efficiency; choose a unit with minimal noise levels; make sure of optimal energy efficiency and have the unit performance certified. “We have a system suited to every home. We can come around and advise what size conditioner the customer needs.

Once the unit has been installed, we can show how to operate it,” Brad said. “With us as the warranty agent, we can quote, supply and repair units, if required. We can offer a full service when required. There is a five-year parts and labour warranty on the units. “We advise people interested in getting an air conditioner not just to look at the price. There are cheap units on the market for $350, but they are poor quality. “It’s better to stick with recognised brands, and obviously Daikin is our preferred supplier. They are highly efficient units. They cool up to 46 degrees Celsius and heat down to minus 15 degrees. “We can install an air conditioner in a day. Customers who buy now will beat the rush before summer really hits.” Daikin air conditioners are endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia and the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand under its Sensitive Choice program, identified by a butterfly symbol. “The units are fitted with air purifying filters, which helps with people who suffer from allergies or asthma,” Brad said. The program identifies products that are better suited to people who suffer from asthma and allergies. Daikin was chosen as the only split system air conditioner authorised to display the symbol. Leongatha Refrigeration Service is located at 32 Yarragon Road, Leongatha. For further information on the units, call 5662 4161.

Asthma sensitive: Daikin air conditioners are the best, says Brad Smart. They display the butterﬂy symbol, which signiﬁes they are suitable for people who suffer from asthma and allergies.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 17

Splash into the fun WHEN it comes to summer fun, Leongatha’s Splash is sure to hit the mark. A bumper program bursting with activities is sure to keep every child busy and active over the school holidays. And if the temperatures really start

to rise in January, the indoor pool will keep adults and kids cool and out of the blazing sun. The 25m pool offers everyone the chance to get a bit of exercise, while the smaller pools allow children and toddlers a safe environment in which to have a dip.

Cool kids: enjoying last year’s activities were brothers Michael and Matthew Wong, who were staying cool in the pool.

The school holiday program starts on January 7 with a fun activity called Mini Society, which teaches children about the market place. A puppet party and a visit to Coal Creek round-out the week. Highlights of the second week include a visit to a baker to see how

Good times: Leongatha nine-year-old Chelsea Hulls was having her face painted by Splash lifeguard Michelle Street during last year’s holiday activities.

Family time: the pool offers a cool area for kids of all ages.

bread is made, a sports day and happy hippy event. The third week sees children engaged in a talent quest, putting their minds to test on the science day and celebrating our national day with the Aussie, Aussie, Aussie activities. Week four will see the program

teach children how to be superheroes for a day and will educate them on how to be good environmental citizens. Summer Fun at Splash is a true winner for children who are bored at home and for parents who are struggling to entertain their children in the hot house atmosphere of the summer holidays.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Keeping cool on long hot summer nights WITH summer now in full swing it seems almost impossible to escape the heat – be it day or night. The heat can drag you down and make you feel very cranky, particularly if you’ve been robbed of valuable shut-eye. When it’s really hot outside and you don’t have air conditioning, it’s difﬁcult to fall asleep. You can toss and turn but may never ﬁnd the sleep you so desperately need.

All this movement will make you even hotter than you already are, but there are ways to get cool and remain cool long enough for you to fall asleep. Here’s what to do: Plug in your fan and turn it towards you. Buy a big bag of ice cubes. Empty the entire bag into a wide, shallow container (to contain the water as the ice melts) such as a roasting pan. Place the container of ice right in front of the fan (between the fan and you), at the level of the top of the bed.

The ice-cooled air will be noticeably cooler than the room air for the amount of time it takes for the ice to melt — which is as long as it should take for you to fall asleep. Alternatively, try the towel method. Hang a wet towel from two chairs to hold the ice. The melting ice will wet and chill the towel and the fan will blow that cold air on you. Place a container under the towel to catch the melting ice water. You can use a thread to connect the bottom of

the towel with the container to avoid the annoying dripping sound. Take a cool shower or wipe your body down with a cool wash cloth. Without fully drying yourself, hop into bed, and let the air slowly dry you. This will keep you cool for a long time, allowing you to fall asleep. Consider using the Egyptian method by wetting a sheet or bath towel that is large enough to cover you with cool or cold water, and wring it or run it through the spin cycle on a washing

Ice, ice baby: ice can help bring relief on a hot summer’s night.

machine until the sheet is quite damp but not dripping wet. Place the dry towel or sheet on your bed underneath your body and use the wet sheet as your blanket. The damp blanket will keep you cool. Take a pair of cotton socks, rinse them in cold water and wring them until they are damp and put them on. Cooling your feet lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body. Sleep in a ‘spread eagle’ position, and think cool thoughts.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 19

Angus’ family life By B Brad dL Lester t DATING a mermaid, living in Sydney and starring in one of the most popular shows on Australian television were all part of 2008 for actor Angus McLaren of Krowera.

The 20-year-old star of family drama Packed to the Rafters returned home to the McLaren beef property for Christmas to see his real life family, parents Peter and Kerena, and brother Rhett, and was looking forward to a slightly more subdued gathering than a typical Rafter barbecue. Angus plays youngest Rafter son Nathan on the Channel Seven drama, a husband and real estate agent come call centre worker, whose quest for wealth and success distances him from his family. “It’s great to be home. I’m not here for long but it’s certainly nice to have something that I can call home. It’s a bit of a haven, I suppose,” he told the Star during his new year break. Angus returned to the Gold Coast on December 27 to film the third series of children’s TV series, H2O Just Add Water, at Sea World and Warner Brothers’ studios. He plays Lewis, the friend of a group of girls who mysteriously become mermaids and obtain magical powers after swimming through moonlight, beaming through the sea. The show has a world-wide audience of 200 million and is even the subject of a weekly magazine in Germany. Angus is dating the actress playing the newest mermaid on the show, Indiana Evans, known for her former role as Matilda on Australian soapie, Home and Away. “On H2O we’re all a big bunch of best friends and the material is very different to Rafters. Filming is a lot more carefree. It’s lots more enjoyable because you’re in the sun, we’re often driving boats around and because it’s directed at a younger audience,” he said. Pre-production for the second series of Packed to the Rafters starts on January 30: two weeks of meeting with fellow cast members, the director and producer, to discuss scripts. The cast behind the Rafters have become a surrogate family of sorts. The cast – Erik Thomson, Rebecca Gibney, Michael Caton, Jessica McNamee, Jessica Marais and Hugh Sheridan – first met three weeks before filming began and socialised by taking part in regular family activities such as ten pin bowling and watching cricket. “So by the time filming began, we had a pretty special relationship. My real mum and dad find it a little strange,” Angus said. More than a little strange, according to Peter. “It is very hard,” Peter said, “to see him on tele and see him with another family and to be calling

someone else ‘Mum’’ and ‘Dad’, it’s strange.” l ‘M d ‘D d’ it’ t ” “But it’s not me, Dad,” Angus adds. “It’s someone else.” But still, Peter concedes he has a favourite character on the show, smiling at his son. “I see a bit of Angus in Nathan,” Peter said. “Just the good bits. The redeeming bits,” Angus adds. “Nathan is a bit spoilt. There are fundamental things that I relate to in him, in that we both left the nest early. “I was pretty keen to get the show on thee road and have a go at acting. I left home when I was 16 to move with mum to the Gold Coast too film H2O. That was a big challenge.” Unlike Nathan, Angus has always been en accepted by his family and has been able to relate late to his father. Friction between Nathan and dad Dave (Thomson) is a frequent theme, but that willl soon change. “They start to find a bit more in commonn later on in the first series,” Angus said, saying Nathan would become his father’s accountant. Nathan drives a Volvo; Angus a Mazda 3. And he wouldn’t contemplate a career in real estate. tate. “It’s been a good chance to learn about ut real estate, but it’s tough and it’s cut throat. Att least I’ve pretended to be an agent,” he said. An actor’s life may appear glamorous to an outsider, but cast and crew will say otherwise. rwise. Typical filming days start at 4.30 or 5am, and nd often span 12 hours. Lines are learnt intensely in the preceding days, with up to two pages of lines nes to remember at any time. And then of course, there is the challenge nge of playing husband to Sammy, played by Jessica essica McNamee. “It’s a big challenge. It (being a husband and in reality) is not something that I have particularly ularly thought about, but it’s cool and Jess McNamee Namee has made me feel very comfortable,” Anguss said. It was the script of Packed to the Rafters rs that first caught Angus’ eye – and also the fact he was looking for work. “I remember how fluent the script was and how good it sounded, and the scenes seemedd to come naturally. I did one audition withh Jess (McNamee) and then another with Hugh, because I was the last one to be cast. And the fact we all looked similar helped. The producers had their Rafter kids,” Angus said. He comes from a performing background. nd. Peter still sings and plays guitar in local bands nds “Fossil Fuel” and “Press Play”. Eldest brother rother Aidan is now in Germany with his band “Long Walk Home” and Leongatha’s Lyric Theatre re has been a big part of the McLarens’ lives. Peter has helped behind the scenes, andd both Kerena and Angus have appeared on stage. ge. In fact, Angus got his first taste of acting in the Lyric

production as an eightd ti off Wind Wi d in i the th Willows Will i ht year-old, joining the show on tour to Moss Vale Park, Coal Creek Heritage Village and Churchill Island. Angus was never one to put on shows for his family and conceded he was “never the drama kid”; he also played football with Wonthaggi Power and cricket for Glen Alvie. He completed his primary schooling at Wonthaggi North PS and then attended Mary MacKillop College in Leongatha. But music has always been a love (the soundtrack to Packed to the Rafters was playing in the McLaren house during the interview). Angus is now drummer for the group “Ballet Imperial”, a band with fellow H20 crew. His ﬁrst big break came with the role of Jason Cassidy on Something in the Air, the TV series largely filmed around Nyora some years back. Jason was the younger brother of broadcaster Ryan, played by Jeremy Linds a y - Ta y l o r,

now a goodd friend. fi d With 10 episodes of the ﬁrst series still to air, Angus’ face will be on Australians’ television screens for some time to come. However, fame is not an issue. “It’s certainly something that I’ve been dealing with, because up until now, I haven’t been in anything that’s been prime time,” he said. “In fact, I ﬁnd the whole experience of it quite humbling.” humbling.

Above, Home again: Angus McLaren and his father Peter, at their Krowera home. Left, Rafters lot: Angus McLaren (front, third from left), with fellow Packed to the Rafters cast. Front: Zoe Ventoura, Jessica McNamee, Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Jessica Marais and Hugh Sheridan. Back: George Houvardas, Justin Rosniak, Caroline Brazier and Michael Caton.

Trial holiday bus service links region A TRIAL holiday bus service will be introduced over the summer period. “It will link the local inland communities with our local coastal areas,” said Fred Boreham, transport connections co-ordinator at South Gippsland shire council. “This will provide an excellent

transport link for those seeking holiday activities and will be of great beneﬁt to those smaller isolated local communities en route.” The service is a joint initiative of the Wellington and South Gippsland Transport Connections programs and is funded by the Victorian Government. It will be launched this week, link-

ing the local communities of Sandy Point, Fish Creek, Foster, Toora, Agnes, Welshpool, Hedley, Alberton, Yarram, Yanakie and Tidal River. As well, tourists camped at Wilsons Promontory and Sandy Point over this period will now have a transport link for accessing the many cafes, shops, and galleries at both Fish Creek and Foster.

The service will operate every Monday and until Friday, January 23, 2009. The bus will depart Sandy Point 8.15am and arrives at Yarram 9.30am; departs Yarram 10am and arrives Tidal River 11.55am; departs Tidal River 12.10am and arrives in Foster 1.35pm (stopping at Sandy Point and Fish Creek).

On its return, the bus will depart Foster 3.15pm and arrives at Tidal River 4.40pm (stopping Fish Creek and Sandy Point); departs Tidal River 5pm and arrives Yarram 6.55pm. A full timetable and fares can be accessed on council’s website, roadside stops, or contact Moons Bus Lines on 5687 1249, mobile 0428 672 833.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Another year over As we head into 2009, Star journalist Chris Brown looks back on the highs and lows of 2008.

On February 14 it took two excavators 15 minutes to turn the Leongatha Pathology hub into rubble as part of the construction of the new $9.5million Koorooman House. When the residents made the move to the stunning new facility in November, nearly half of them had access to bedside computers with email and internet capacity. But there was no happy ending for the much needed, and talked about, redevelopment at the 50-yearold hospital.

For the ﬁrst time in more than a year, harsh stage four water restrictions were removed from Leongatha residents on January 31. Level four restrictions had been introduced in July 2006 when the Ruby Creek reservoir was 26 per cent full. Not everyone was happy though. Councillor Bob Newton said the move to permanent water saving measures was “absolutely ridiculous...at this time of the year”. But we’ll be paying for it, with water bills to increase by about $255 each per year by 2012/2013. In mid-December reservoir holdings were still above 80 per cent.

There was no Leongatha show in 2008 and there may never be again, The Star reported in August. Even horse events were unlikely to happen, due to concerns over hoof prints on the football ground surface.

The $2million construction of new pens at VLE Leongatha started early in the year. The move followed widespread concerns over space following the move from Korumburra saleyards to Koonwarra in August 2007. More controversial was the standoff between buyers and sellers at VLE Leongatha on January 23. A number of major meat processors refused to purchase at the export cattle market. Processors blamed the pre-weighing of cattle, which was changed to postweighing the following week.

The Star revealed South Gippsland businesses and residents were likely to be waiting a while longer for natural gas as the cost of 45kg bottles of LPG gas soared. At the time it was negotiation difﬁculties between BassGas and Alinta (now Jemena) causing the problems. An optimistic spokesperson for the Energy Minister predicted gas would ﬂow by winter. But when June arrived there were now problems negotiating a contract

between Alinta and gas retailers. It was an exciting day for Star readers when their community newspaper began coming out in the morning on February 12. More than 12 illegal migrants working on snow pea farms in South Gippsland were sent back to Vietnam early in the year. Raids on March 17 in Leongatha and Korumburra found a number of people who had overstayed visas and were in the country illegally after breaching their visa.

about applications stuck in planning for more than a year. The owner of Kelly’s Bakery, Korumburra said council inaction cost him an extra $300,000 to build his new premises. Gilbert Kelly said “nothing seems to happen in this town and when it does it seems to be slow”. In June it was revealed that the region missed out on a multi-million dollar abattoir development and 350 jobs.

Messy business: the Venus Bay outfall pipe plagued Murray Goulburn all year.

The State Government ﬁnally revealed the train would not return to Leongatha late on a Friday afternoon in May. The government said the reason for breaking its promise was that the $72million price tag, including $43million for track work, was too much. Instead the region would get new bus and coach services, which still had not been introduced by the end of the year. The saga of excess railway land in Leongatha continued on its way in 2008. It was revealed a developer had wanted to construct a Big W on the site in March 2004. More recently VicTrack found that no big retailer such as Coles, Aldi or Big W wanted to build a store on the land. In May Expressions of Interest were sought for the land, with Mayor Heather Bligh saying the land had a “huge potential for a large player we don’t have in Leongatha”. But in August it was reported that there was only one response and it was unsuitable. Phase one of the South Gippsland Shire rural strategy kicked off in midFebruary. Concerns revolved around subdivisions, right to farm issues, environmental protection, high land prices and water. By August a ﬁghting fund had been established to oppose the draft, with some farming industry and property development interests against the plan. But it seemed the draft rural land use strategy was doomed, when prospective councillors refused to endorse the document. Concerns that red tape was holding back millions of dollars of development in South Gippsland Shire dominated The Star on March 4. One local developer complained

Game over: brothers Lachie and Reece Jones ponder a weekend without footy after Yarram boycotted its match against Wonthaggi Power. Rumours of a secret meeting between eight Alberton Football League clubs were aired on April 8. In mid-April discussions about eight Alberton Football League clubs forming a breakaway league were exposed. Then on May 17, Yarram forfeited against Wonthaggi Power in a move that rocked the local football world. While experts predicted the forfeit was unlikely to be the last, thankfully it was the only one. Wonthaggi Power won the grand ﬁnal on a day when police were forced to use capsicum spray to stop violence by drunken supporters. Later AFL clubs voted Wonthaggi out of the league, but controversy over the vote’s legitimacy has delayed an ofﬁcial decision. Landholders around Nyora and Loch were shocked to learn in the middle of the year that their properties may be used to put pylons on to power the desalination plant. The electricity would be taken from Tynong North to Woolamai. In June Bass Coast Council called on John Brumby to abandon the desalination plant.

Pedal power: Mick Malone, Mark Haines and Brian Martin in training for their cancer fundraising ride from Perth to Inverloch

Concerns over the quality of ocean water at Venus Bay was a regular theme throughout the year. In early February the Environmental Protection Authority investigated concerns about a black smelly waste discharge from the outfall outlet. The substance was non-toxic ferric chloride, which was added to suppress odour. In mid-February the pipe to Venus Bay broke, leading to a spill of sulphide on a Koonwarra property. South Gippsland Water has responsibility for the pipe. Businesses near Murray Goulburn complained of smells like rotten eggs around the factory in early March. In August a mysterious black substance was washing up on the beach, but it was deemed to be naturally occurring. Then in October white fat globules from Murray Goulburn were polluting the Venus Bay beach. MG called them “residual fat”. In August the results of the desalination plant’s Environmental Effects Statement was released and effectively gave the green light to the construction of the water factory.

Petrol price pain was another issue that dominated thinking throughout 2008. In January The Star exposed how local motorists were missing out on ﬂuctuations in fuel prices. While in Leongatha unleaded was almost $1.50 a litre all week long, those in Lang Lang could choose from lows of 137.9 or highs of 149.9 cents per litre. Prices soared mid-year, with livestock carriers paying $1.88 a litre for diesel, but dropped again near the end. Mid-year there was puzzlement over higher gas prices in Leongatha. BP Korumburra was charging 69.9 cents a litre compared to 76.9 at Safeway Caltex Leongatha.

Council elections in late November saw Clyde Paterson defeated in South Gippsland Shire. New faces include Leongatha’s Mimmie Jackson and Jim Fawcett and Mohya Davies in Coastal Promontory Ward. Jeanette Harding and Warren Raabe made comebacks. Newcomer Jim Fawcett was elected mayor.

The South Gippsland Specialist School was 80 per cent finished in July. The construction of the $5million plus project began in 2008. It includes a hydro pool, home economics area with kitchen, five classrooms and a hall gym/area. Students will be in the new school, which is the first stage of the Leongatha education precinct, this year. Councillor Bob Newton was assaulted at council on September 17. A Korumburra resident seized Cr Newton by the tie in a shocking incident. According to The Star, the meeting “descended into violence”. Mirboo North area potato growers were devastated following the discovery of potato cyst nematode at Thorpdale.

Flying high: Brodie Chadwick had plenty of hang time during a Leongatha Auskick session.

Remembering Nick: the late Koorooman House resident, Nick Courtney was delighted to hold the Melbourne Cup during its visit to Leongatha.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 21

Loch’s Victoria Manor is sure to charm all those who view it. See page 22 for more details.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Lord of the manor

IN the heart of Loch Village, historic Victoria Manor will ignite your imagination with its variety of uses.

The new owner could continue with the antique business theme, create a boutique hotel of warmth and period magniﬁcence or live in the main residence and use the cottage for B&B or in-law accommodation. The property offers endless possibilities and an idyllic village lifestyle - just one hour’s drive from Chadstone and 45 minutes from Dandenong and Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. The property is offered on two titles (either individually or together) and totalling 2000sqm in the heart of the shopping precinct. The ﬁrst title incorporates the manor with main street frontage, cottage with its own street access, and the lock up double garage. The second retail shop (also with main street frontage) and old ‘butcher’s apprentice’ cottage make up the second title. If you have ideas of a tree change,

this rare offering is sure to make you think about bringing them to a reality now.

rooms have excellent restaurant or gallery potential, or could convert to private living use.

The residence

The cottage

Built in 1902, Victoria Manor is a marvellous example of the constructional integrity and architectural interest of its era. Walls of up to five brick thickness and four metre ceiling heights complement original period features. The five bedroom residence incorporates a stunning formal lounge and dining room with inglenook and French doors opening to gardens; study/office; and stunning hostess kitchen. The upstairs rooms look out across the village to the surrounding hills and sky.

Sharing the Manor’s land title is a pretty, two bedroom cedar cottage. Completely self contained and maintained to a high standard, the cottage enjoys a private, fenced front courtyard and opens onto glorious gardens. Offering potential for additional income, with its own street frontage and separate driveway, guests may come and go in complete privacy.

The shop A substantial north facing shop/ showroom with Chubb barrel vault and original Baltic pine floors enjoys a commanding town presence. Featuring fitted ceiling, antique front counter and ample space, with a private adjoining office. These

The grounds Magniﬁcently kept grounds adorn the various buildings and pathways, enhancing the overall feeling of gracious and relaxed living. The second title comprises an original three roomed cottage (power and water connected - ideal studio/workshop, spa/sauna area) plus another shop - originally the Loch butchery - with various rooms and main street frontage with plans prepared for improvement (STCA).

At a glance Victoria Manor shop and dwelling plus adjoining block Location: 42-44 Victoria Road, Loch 3945 Agent: Prom Country Real Estate Contact: Allen Bartlett 0417 274 624

Where eagles dare T

HERE currently exists an outstanding opportunity to purchase an almost unheard-of 40.1 (approx) hectares. Eagles Ridge has rich red fertile soils which are ideally suited to grazing, cropping or some other type of farming enterprise. Water is sourced from a spring-fed dam. There is excellent boundary fencing, supported by good internal fencing as well. Access is by sealed road and within three kilometres of town, the property is bounded by two road frontages. A fertiliser and farm management history is available.

The lay of the land is north facing, very appealing and very, very easily managed. There are some really good views across to the Strzelecki Ranges. Subject to South Gippsland Council’s approval, the property would beneﬁt greatly from one of the many home sites that are available. Note - the property is being offered on a ‘subject to basis’ - the sale is solely dependent upon approval from the relevant authorities agreeing to the 40.1 hectares being excised from the original title. Further enquiries should be directed to exclusive handling agents BJ Bennett & Co Professionals Real Estate, Mirboo North.

At a glance Auction date: January 24 on site at midday. Location: 300 Grand Ridge Rd, Mirboo Nth. Price: Approx $5000 per acre. Agent: BJ Bennett Real Estate Contact: David Tree 0408 683 871

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 23

proudly sponsoring the GIPPSLAND WINE SHOW 2009 february 11th and 12th visit us on the web! www.promcountryrealestate.com.au Just Listed!

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PROTECTED HILLTOP HIDEWAY ON 5 ACRES. Perched atop a crest with views to live for, the extended original cottage now caters for increased inhabitants, although you might prefer to secret you and your loved-one here, and keep it to yourselves. Level and cleared around the home, with shelter trees and abundant shedding, this weekender will be yours permanently. SUIT BUYERS $285,000 - $310,000

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stony creek

Buyer price range $380,000 - $420,000

NEAT & SWEET ON NEARLY 2 ACRES Fenced to home and gardens plus 2 separate paddocks, this level allotment is perfect for people and ponies. The home is recently relocated so there’s new plumbing, wiring, septic system, water tank, colorbond roof and more, with permits and insurance for your security. Serious sellers – early enquiry recommended.

PARADISE FOUND ON PRIVATE 8 ACRES Perhaps an artist’s Eden, or just for those seeking peace and tranquility where close neighbours do not exist. Tucked away from the quiet road, the cottage is cosy and comfortable, and the views across the valley to the hills beyond are always breathtaking. A blend of cleared land and native ﬂora and fauna. SUIT BUYERS $275,000 - $300,000

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meeniyan

Buyer price range $380,000 - $420,000

SUIT BUYERS $245,000 - $270,000

meeniyan ~ land

koonwarra - land

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Ideal 2.5 acre allotment with very gentle fall and the ideal north and east aspect. Well fenced, powered & uninterrupted outlooks across farmland. Between the Prom, Leongatha and Inverloch, perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of Sth Gippsland’s country and coast environment together. Reasonably priced Rural Living zone is rare. SUIT BUYERS $140,000 - $155,000

On the Leongatha side of Meeniyan township is this picturesque 3 acre “farmlet with the lot”: immaculate and welcoming 4 bedroom home, shedding, gorgeous gardens, great paddock areas for ponies, alpacas or stock, stock yards with ramp, pool, covered verandah with lovely rural outlooks. Town water, town convenience, privacy, great value for money! FOR SALE $470,000

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Brilliantly positioned commercial half acre site in middle of Koonwarra, where village life is bustling and the community spirit is thriving! Town zoned. $199,000

Land - nearly 2 acres ready to build on. Design your home to take advantage of the elevation with outlooks to the preferred northerly direction. Be just 350m to Meeniyan village and yet feel like you’re living in the country. Zoned Town Living and with a colorbond shed complete with twin roller doors, this is bargain buying. FOR SALE $148,000

koonwarra

Well positioned acre in a sought after court backing onto native bushland, inviting kangaroos at dusk to your back door! The acreages offers the opportunity to construct a dwelling to take advantage of the site’s long northern side, maximising the potential for solar passive design. Your country lifestyle awaits! SUIT BUYERS $150,000 - $165,000

koonwarra

Lyre Bird Hill offers 15 acres of secluded, gracious country Estate living with the added potential to supplement your living with the fruitful six-acre vineyard and expansive guest wing that exists within the Fasham-Johnson designed residence. Verandas, orchard, olives, lawns, water, roses and grapes... the lifestyle is absolutely wonderful and still only 1.5 hours to Melbourne CBD. SUIT BUYERS $1.4 million 27 squares plus verandas with tall ceilings and amid stunning park like grounds with fantastic shedding and garaging. Generous living areas, spacious timber kitchen, 4 bedrooms plus study, 2 bathrooms, 3 car-plus garage and a 60sqm Colourbond shed/workshop. Town water, bordered by native forest and Castwellen Golds. SUIT BUYERS $430,000 - $470,000

80 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan

Very stylish and new 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home on 1.6 acres. A light$350,000 interior with Buyer price range - vaulted $385,000 ceilings and natural timber ﬂoors ﬂows outside through French doors onto elevated decks. Elegant entertaining and living zone, stunning hostess kitchen, spacious main bedroom with private balcony. Split system aircon, dishwasher. SUIT BUYERS $370,000 - $400,000

loch village

koonwarra

Exclusive and comprehensive country lifestyle or commercial property with prominent main street frontage. Victoria Manor, c1902, on 2 titles (may be separated) offers restaurant, shop fronts, gallery, and b&b potential - all at once! Absolute quality, exciting opportunity, in quaint Loch Village, where Melbourne weekenders love to browse and spend their pocket money. TITLE 1: around $1.15m TITLE 2: around $250k

Quality built, true north facing architect designed on 5 acres with stunning 180 degree rural views. Formal lounge, formal dining, huge open plan informal zone with hostess kitchen, conservatorystyle meals nook, 4 king sized bedrooms, study, 2 big bathrooms, mud room & outdoor spa. 3m ceilings, jarrah ﬂoors. Your private, luxury hideway with low maint. gardens & fenced paddocks. SUIT BUYERS $550,000 - $595,000

5664 0224

email: info@promcountryrealestate.com.au

ALLEN: 0417 274 624

KAZ: 0417 516 998

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Family oriented D

O you have a growing family, and looking for that something extra?

Come and inspect this little beauty. It’s the little things that count, and this home has plenty of those to offer, beginning with a paved driveway, edged in bluestone, which leads to the carport in front of the home. Its many features include two lounge rooms and three bedrooms, the master with en suite, walk-in robe, and mini split system. The second and third bedrooms both have built-in robes and mini split systems as well. The first lounge is situated at the front of the home, complete with reverse cycle air conditioner, and is ideal as either a home office, or parent’s retreat. The central kitchen is well set up for the family, with two breakfast bar areas, electric stove, laminate and glass overhead cupboards, timber flooring, and a double window complete with vertical blinds, looking out over the outdoor

entertaining patio. The dining area is adjacent to the kitchen and features an Ultimate wood heater, great for those cold winter nights, whilst eating your meals. A renovated bathroom complete with spa bath and shower, and a separate toilet is accessed directly off the dining room, as too the laundry, and a sunken lounge area with sliding door to access the undercover, paved outdoor entertaining area which also has a pot belly heater. The property features secure yards on both sides of the home, creating a great play area for the kids where you know they are safely locked away from the road. There are two garden sheds, a sand pit, and the larger yard area has a double lockable gateway giving you direct road access to store your trailer or caravan. Priced for a family and suitable for a family, bring your family and inspect the many qualities that make this the perfect family home.

At a glance Location: 15 Valley View Crescent, Leongatha Price: $289,500. Agent: Alex Scott & Staff Contact: Andrew Newton on 5662 0922 or 0402 940 320

Creating a baby-safe home PLANNING and preparation is the key to baby-proofing a home, but the crucial steps in making a home safe for a crawling baby or exploring toddler are often overlooked until it’s almost too late, according to First National Real Estate. “Often new parents are understandably caught up in the excitement of the new arrival for the first months,” First National Real Estate marketing manager, Jason Verstak said. “But this frequently means that they overlook making the home safe for a crawling baby.” Forty per cent of child deaths in Australia are caused by poisoning or injury. The ensuing loss and guilt parents feel is worsened by the knowledge that has come too late: that an accident could have been avoided by baby-proofing the home. “To get an idea of the potential

dangers to a baby or toddler, many experts recommend parents crawl around on all fours for a little while,” Mr Verstak said. “It may sound crazy but you’d be surprised how many things you realise can be pulled down, knocked over, bumped into or climbed on. It gives new parents a good starting point in identifying the hazards an infant may encounter.” But if crawling around the house sounds too far-fetched, First National Real Estate has a list of babyprooﬁng measures. “One of the most common reasons people decide to upgrade a home is because a new baby is on the way or children have reached the toddler stage,” Mr Verstak said. “Our agents often ﬁnd themselves in discussions with potential buyers about whether a home is suitable and safe for a baby or young children, so we’re well aware of steps that can be taken to create a safe environment.” First National Real Estate recommends:

• Heaters and fireplaces are fitted with wall-mounted safety screens. • Scald-preventing devices are installed on bathroom taps, so that the temperature of baby’s bathwater can be measured, and the water thermostat is turned down to 37 degrees Celsius. • Safety gates are placed at the top and bottom of all staircases, although accordion-style gates with large openings that children could fit their heads through should be avoided. • All cupboards and cabinets are equipped with safety latches and cleaning products, and matches are kept on shelves far out of reach of children, high up in locked cupboards. • Bookshelves are securely mounted to the wall. “Crawling babies and toddlers are adventurous and may try to climb bookshelves,” Mr Verstak said. “It can be disastrous if a shelf tips over onto the baby. It can also be worthwhile removing tall lamps and plants, which can also topple over.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 25

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

New team: the new year has ushered in a new era at Harcourts, with Kylie Stevenson (right) joining Heather Atkins (left) and Lewis Stone.

Happy New Year from WITH a new year comes a new look for Harcourts, Inverloch.

Former ofﬁce administrator, Heather Atkins has recently stepped out from behind her desk to join owner and manager Lewis Stone in the sales department. Having lived in the region all of her

life, Heather’s knowledge of the area, lifestyle and its residents is extensive. This combined with her enthusiasm, integrity and friendly disposition will ensure that you have a true friend in the business of real estate. Filling Heather’s previous role as ofﬁce administrator is Kylie Stevenson. With over 20 years of combined administrative experience in the private and public sectors, Kylie looks forward to assisting Heather Atkins and Lewis Stone in continuing to offer excellent customer service for all of your real estate needs. The team at Harcourts wish everyone a happy start to 2009 and hope they can be of signiﬁcant assistance to you throughout the coming year. Enquiries: Heather Atkins, Sales Consultant, m: 0409 741 607 Lewis Stone, Licensed Estate Agent and Auctioneer, m: 0407 505 141 Harcourts Inverloch: 5671 1212

Modern and stylish townhouse THIS Cuttriss St property is a very stylish two bedroom townhouse only a few minutes walk to the beach and a short stroll to the town centre. An open plan living/meals area with breakfast bar is complemented by a very modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and large corner pantry. Timber ﬂoors and trendy decor give this room a very fresh inviting feeling. A large sliding door opens to a patio, perfect for al-

fresco dining and outdoor entertaining. A downstairs powder room and separate laundry makes living very convenient. Timber stairs lead to two upstairs double bedrooms, both with large BIRs and a full family bathroom. There is also a private back yard with pergola and outdoor shower. Modern design and low maintenance are features, with a double auto garage to ﬁt the car and boat! At the reduced price of $385,000, make this your next investment.

At a glance Address: 2/24 Cuttriss Street, Inverloch Agent: Harcourts, Inverloch Price: $385,000 Contact: 5671 1212, Lewis Stone 0407 505 141 or Heather Atkins 0409 741 607.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 27

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Leongatha Secondary gets ready to celebrate THE centenary of secondary education in Leongatha will be celebrated in 2012. The coming together of students who attended The Leongatha Secondary College and its early incarnations, Leongatha High School and Leongatha Technical School, will be one of the biggest gatherings of ex students and staff ever held in the region. A committee has already started the planning process and Lyn Skillern has been appointed. She will also be editor of the book to be written for the centenary. The collection of information has begun and contributions from the public will be

most welcome. Lyn is especially interested in reminiscences and can be contacted on 5668 6304. The intention is to record the names of all students and teachers in the book but there is one problem. The original school burnt down in 1933 and all records were lost. The enrolments for the years 1912 to 1933 are thus unknown. Lyn has already listed some 200 students from other sources but she would like to list as many as possible. Students in the early days came from all over South Gippsland and the school once had boarding facilities. If your relatives attended Leongatha High School at any time from 1912 to 1933, let Lyn know

by contacting her on 5668 6304 or Leongatha Secondary College on 5662 4333. The committee is organising a database of former student contacts. Former students and teachers can email their contact address to lsccentenary2012@live. com.

Looking back: the Year 9 class of 1928.

Get ready to swap KORUMBURRA’S annual swap meet is on this weekend and is sure to be bigger and better than ever.

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES—March 21-April 20 This is a week of detours. Ideas and plans go off course. A Leo figures prominently in the financial picture - perhaps a partnership will be offered, or a challenging suggestion passed along. TAURUS—April 21-May 22 Recreation is featured through the week. Shopping is also highlighted, but bring a friend along for a second opinion when it comes to major purchases. The weekend is outstanding for friendship. GEMINI—May 23-June 21 Learn to use your talents to a new advantage. Inprovisation becomes the weeks’s keyword - you find you are quite resourceful. It is important to do lots more physical and mental exercise. CANCER—June 22-July 22 In any kind of relationship, make policy crystal clear. A friendship with a Scorpio or Aries can take on important new dimensions. Luck is with you on the weekend. LEO—July 23-August 22 The weekend favours a conservative approach. Long distant news has a surprise twist. Romance demands that you be more supportive. Financial strains ease. Planning in general is favoured. VIRGO—August 23-September 22 You could have trouble expressing important thoughts. Consider a new medium. Don’t play hunches now. Investigation is the current keyword. Travel hassles can be a way of life on the weekend. LIBRA—September 23-October 22 Your human resources are really vast now - put them to profitable use. The weekend has the feel of an obstacle course - but a special person can guide you along. SCORPIO—October 23-November 21 This is a great week for advancement in an association or at the work place. Conflicts could become a way of life. New tactics can help you avoid them. Arts are featured through the week. SAGITTARIUS—November 22-December 22 Your romantic touch is magical. It is a great time to pop any important questions. Weekend events feature a new and perhaps strange personality. Lots of laughter Friday and throughout the weekend. CAPRICORN—December 23-January 20 This a week for fun rather that profit, for changes rather than stand-still and for friendship generally. Count all your funds carefully. Don’t enter into any spur-of-themoment negotiations. AQUARIUS—January 21-February 19 Emotionally the week is like a weather report - there may be sunny periods, but some intermittent downpours too. Perk up sagging spirits of ailing friends and relatives. Investments can pay off. PISCES—February 20-March 20 This is a week of work, with organization and cooperation the keys to profit. Creative forces are strong, too. Neighbours can get pesty and relatives picky. A new friendship may be kindled on the weekend. BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Your moods may shift with the wind, but when they settle down you take on a persuasive air. People think you are younger than you are. Enjoy it while you can.

Bargain hunt: Phil Jones (left) and Norm Burchell (centre) try to snare a bargain at last year’s event.

Gates open on Sunday morning from 6am, with plenty of people expected to arrive early to snap up a bargain. South Gippsland Historical Automobile Club member, Gerard Bruning said the Korumburra Swap Meet is a must for any car lover. “Anyone who does restoration work from the hot rods to motorbikes and classics will want to be there,” he said. “There’s also plenty for treasure hunters looking for a bargain, or mums and dads just looking for a great day out.” “There’s something for everyone, from the kids to the grandparents.” An indoor pavilion selling plants will add a touch of something different.

Church Times ANGLICAN: Wednesday, January 7: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Sunday, January 11: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Exploring Worship; 10.30am St Andrew’s, Tarwin Lower HC. Tuesday, January 13: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk/St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am. ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am. 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.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8152

1. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 18. 20. 23. 24. 25.

ACROSS Defer (13) Brittle (5) Foolish (7) Herb (6) Luck (6) Snake (5) Fight (5) Elevation (6) Swindle (6) Shine (7) Relative (5) Disease (13)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 13. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21. 22.

DOWN Calm down (6) Vegetable (5) Full (7) Drink (4) Nationality (5) Aerial (7) Surpass (6) Lessen (7) Wine (7) Attack (6) Adjournment (6) Moor (5) Garment (5) Stingy (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8152 ACROSS 1. Taking a piece of private land to be public? (6,7). 8. Give everything back to (5). 9. Fancies there will be a veto and is not mistaken (7). 10. Money for the caretaker (6). 11. Give the twit a gin-sling (6). 12. In the story, black list (5). 14. Pretended to be, just for show (5). 18. Make certain it runs out in midweek (6). 20. A doll, a little dog and another tame animal (6). 23. Having gone through the money, an atonement (7). 24. Is one fifty in age, though limber? (5). 25. What the skin specialist made in an offguard moment? (4,9). DOWN 1. Plans to have the child star perform (6). 2. At half-time the man gets fruit (5). 3. Having nothing at breakfast, perhaps, but a cereal (7). 4. Whose is the explosive device? (4). 5. Places one sees, so to speak (5). 6. In an ice-cream, it could kill you (7). 7. While in the interior of, for instance, it’s slackening off (6). 13. Agrees the fool was made to go through with it (7). 15. Prison stifles our spirit (7). 16. He maintains a uniform should go with his job (6). 17. The way in which a setter runs (6). 19. Encloses the items of jewellery (5). 21. As before, I’m going first (5). 22. Cleans out the inside for her (4).

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 31

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A very Poowong Christmas Nativity play: Bimbadeen Park Poowong, was the setting for a nativity play to mark the festive season. Samantha DeVere (left) and Candice Paige, both of Poowong, took part. Below Edible decorations: Liza Stear, eight (left) and her sister Rebekah 11, made these Christmas decoration biscuits during the Poowong festive season celebrations. They are the daughters of Matt Stear, chaplain to the Korumburra/Poowong Primary School cluster. Formerly of Foster, they now live in Berwick, but Matt said the family will return to South Gippsland to live sometime this year.

The happy couple: Russell White and Amy Knox.

Honeymoon on Langkawi Island AMY KNOX, daughter of Garry and Rosemary Knox, and Russell White, son of Les and Diane White, were married at Koonwarra Cottages on November 22 last year. Amy looked radiant in a one piece strapless gown by Maggie Soltero, created from crushed satin, ornamented with Swarovski crystals placed at the sweetheart neckline. She carried a bouquet of white roses. Amy’s bridesmaids were Louise Christopher of Korumburra and Sarah Knox of Leongatha, who wore black satin cocktail length strapless dresses with sweetheart necklines, made by Bev

Kurrle from Inverloch. They carried bouquets of hot pink roses. Russell’s groomsmen were Paul Wilson of Leongatha and Dave Jeffries of Kongwak. The reception was held at the Italian Social Club, which featured a three course sit down meal catered by Sarah Ashe. Amy’s aunt, Joanne, made the wedding cake – a two-tiered mud cake with white chocolate panels and curls. The bride wore her late grandmother’s engagement ring. The couple spent their honeymoon on Langkawi Island in Malaysia. Photographs were taken by Paul Rothier.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 33

Top quality vealers open 2009 sales SOUTH Gippsland vealer sales are renowned for the quality and breeding of the cattle at this time of year, and there was no disappointment for the buyers, for the ﬁrst young cattle sale for 2009. The year opening yarding was small, but the very good quality will potentially give processors some very high dressing percentages. The majority of the yarding were very good to top quality B and C muscle vealers of breeding inﬂuenced by European breeds.

There was a good ﬁeld of buyers present considering the small yarding, with more buyers physically attending the sale. This strong representation, plus the quality of the cattle saw price averages range between 4c higher to 2c/ kg lower than the last sale for 2008, which was two weeks prior. A large portion of the penning were B2 steer and

heifer vealers that made between 174c and 200c/kg. Prices for C muscle cattle were from 165c to 186c/kg with lighter weight calves and those suiting lot feeders selling to the best advantage. There was a very small selection of yearling steers and heifers sold from 165c to 175c, with the top price paid by a lot feeder for heavy steers.

Friday, January 2 VEALERS 1 8 1 1 1 9

N. Stuart, Nerrena J.F. & M.C. Wilson, Glen Alvie R.J. & L.H. Harris, Korumburra South Jepson & Clark, Hallston M.R. & C.E. Stone P/L, Stony Creek J.B., M.E., C.J. & J.M. Moscript, Leongatha South

395 399 355 380 415

200.0 196.0 192.6 192.0 190.0

790.00 782.78 683.73 792.60 788.50

402 190.0

764.22

New year for sheep VICTORIAN sheepmeat producers and wool growers are reminded that new National Livestock Identiﬁcation System (NLIS) tagging requirements commence nationally on January 1, 2009.

Tackling on-farm crime WITH the holiday season here, many farming families will have their sights set on a well-earned break. But before heading down the driveway, Kondinin Group is reminding farmers to take the necessary actions to safeguard their farm and protect valuable equipment, machinery and livestock from theft. While every Australian community experiences crime, the risks for farmers and rural communities, are often different to their urban counterparts due to the isolated nature of their business. The 2003 national farm crime survey found 17 per cent of farmers experienced farm crime at least once during the previous year. Highly accessible farms close to regional and urban centres were more likely to experience burglary or theft of farm machinery, vehicles or tools; whereas remote farms experienced the highest levels of livestock theft, illegal hunting and ﬁshing, theft of materials and illegal dumping of waste. Kondinin Group writer, Laureta Wallace, said there were a number of practical steps farmers could take to minimise the risk of crime to their family and their business.

“Develop and maintain good relations with your neighbours. A community that works together is the best defence against crime,” Ms Wallace said. “Let your neighbours know when you will be away from the farm and leave a contact telephone number and address.” Ms Wallace said feed, produce and fuel were attractive targets for theft and should be kept stored away and out of sight. “It is also important to maintain accurate and thorough stock records, including personal proﬁles of special stud stock, so it is easy to indentify when stock are missing,” Ms Wallace said. “Where possible, lock all machinery and store keys together in a secure place. Keep a record of your tools and engrave or mark them with your name. “Ensure on-farm fuel

supplies are locked when not in use. It may also help to locate fuel tanks so they are visible from the homestead.” Findings from farm surveys suggest most farm crime is never reported. Farmers should contact their local police when they believe they have been a victim of farm crime to ensure police can target problems and provide assistance and resources to best effect. A comprehensive guide on combating crime proactively is published in the December edition of Kondinin Group’s ﬂagship publication Farming Ahead and online at farmingahead.com.au. Kondinin Group, with support from Wesfarmers Federation Insurance, provides farmers with two pages of farm safety information each month, presented in Farming Ahead and online.

The Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Manager of the Animal Standards Branch, Tony Britt, says all sheep, as well as meat and ﬁbre producing goats, that are leaving a property must be identiﬁed with an NLIS (sheep) tag from January 1, 2009. “A tagging exemption for sheep and goats sent to an abattoir on an ‘over the hooks’ basis and for old sheep and goats has operated since the commencement of the NLIS (sheep and goats),” Dr Britt said. “These exemptions will be removed this Thursday, following na-

tional agreement between the sheep and goat industries and State and Commonwealth governments. “There is national agreement that the tagging exemptions for dairy goat breeds, and also for feral goats consigned directly to slaughter, should continue. “The NLIS (sheep) tags that are used must be printed with the Property Identiﬁcation Code (PIC) of the property on which the sheep or goats are being tagged. “Breeders are encouraged to use NLIS (sheep) breeder tags that are the correct ‘year of birth’ colour. “The ‘year of birth’ colour for 2009 is white. A pink NLIS (sheep) post-breeder tag should be used to identify sheep and goats that are yet to be tagged but have already left their properties of birth. “Consignors of sheep and goats must provide a correctly completed National Vendor Declaration (NVD)

form to the person receiving their livestock. “It is generally accepted that enhancements are needed to the NLIS (sheep and goats) to improve the performance of the system. Victoria’s Sheep and Goats Identiﬁcation Advisory Committee (SIAC) is overseeing the implementation of the NLIS (sheep and goats) in Victoria.” Dr Britt said the SIAC will meet in the New Year to discuss proposed enhancements. “It is important to appreciate that the NLIS (sheep and goats) will evolve.” he said. “Monitoring, periodic reviews and the introduction of enhancements will be features of this process.” For further information about the operation of the NLIS (sheep and goats), please visit www.dpi.vic.gov. au/nlis or call 1800 678 779 during business hours.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Riding on the sheep’s back

Lamb surprise: Brother and sister, Alannah and Campbell Reid (above) were given two surprise lambs by their grandfather, Nick Murphy (pictured below with Alannah) of Leongatha. Waiting game: Thronged together, these sheep were waiting to be herded into the cattle trucks.

Below Too tired: The sales became too much for young Jack, who decided on a well-earned rest on the shoulder of his dad, Gordon Couper of Mardan.

Abattoir bound: Wayne Reid, of Wagstaff Abattoirs in Cranbourne, informed his boss that the sheep load was on its way.

Going, gone: Bids were brisk at the sheep sales in Korumburra.

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw January 7, 8 & 9 1. Everitt & Seeley 2. Elders 3. Alex Scott 4. David Phelan & Co 5. Rodwells 6. SEJ 7. Landmark

Big crowd: The sheep sales at Korumburra Saleyards attracted a large contingent of buyers last Friday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 35

Emergency milk disposal OVER time there is likely to be occasions when milk will have to be discarded due to a number of situations, such as refrigeration failure, a problem with milk collection from the factory, or contamination of the milk, making it unsuitable for processing. The options for the disposal of milk on the farm without causing pollution, smell or damage to pasture are discussed below. Whilst the principles that need to be observed are common to all farms, each farm will have different constraints and opportunities that will inﬂuence the ﬁnal decision as to the best option. For example, the equipment available on the farm for applying the milk to pastures or available for digging trenches, the proximity of neighbouring houses and the farm house to the disposal site, the topography of the farm, the weather conditions at the time, the volume of milk involved, the possibility of selling the milk to neighbours with stock that could utilise the milk, the likely number of days milk will have to be disposed, are all factors that will need to be considered when deciding what the best option will be at the time.

Milk disposal methods

Reduce lameness HOOF-friendly laneways reduce lameness in dairy herds. Department of Primary Industries Research and Extension Scientist and CowTime Manager Darold Klindworth, said covering the laneway with soft material such as wood products can improve cow movement from paddock to dairy, as well as reduce lameness, which all adds up to easier milking. Wood chips provide a soft surface for cattle to walk along. A trial at Flaxley, SA, showed cattle preferred to walk along woodchipcovered laneways rather than an uncovered surface. Wood chips don’t get wedged into the cows’ hooves, but they can cause a problem with efﬂuent pump systems. Sawdust is often used at the junction of tracks and yards, where drainage is not as good as it could be and a muddy spot may develop. Used this way, sawdust can help stones fall away from hooves, and reduce stone bruising when cows step on to the concrete. If using sawdust, make sure it is about 100mm thick. Some farmers use other wood products such as mulched bark or hardwood waste to ﬁll boggy spots in laneways and to provide a more hoof-friendly surface. It is reported that the material drains and dries better than sawdust. Recommendations for laneway materials are available in The CowTime Guidelines which can be downloaded from www. cowtime.com.au. For more information contact Darold Klindworth, DPI Ellinbank, on 5624 2269, darold.klindworth@ dpi.vic.gov.au, or go to www.cowtime.com.au.

Whole milk may be fed to animals where there are suitable storage facilities. Discharging into effluent ponds is not a recommended option. Effluent ponds that accept milk will produce odour and a reduction in treatment efficiency. Ponds that have had large amounts of milk added will take many months to recover and severe odour problems will occur for many months to follow. Tractor mounted sprayers, or dairy effluent irrigation systems can be used to spray milk onto pasture; milk should be diluted to a ratio of 1 part milk to 10 parts water; if sufficient water is not available, then the milk should be sprayed onto the pasture, followed by, whatever water is available or shed washings, to rinse milk residues off the leaves; sprinklers should be kept well clear of watercourses and should be moved after each irrigation. A trench or pond, capable of holding two days’ milk, can be constructed using a frontend loader, siting of these ponds should be well away from any houses and the farm dairy as odour may occur; the pond should be back filled immediately after the last discharge to reduce odour. Subsequent ponds or trenches should be dug if more than two days milk is to be disposed.

These trenches should only be used in areas where suitable soils exist, otherwise the trench may allow the waste milk to leach into the ground water or a stream system. Milk can be dumped onto a piece of nonproductive land clear of watercourses, houses and the farm dairy; pasture damage and odour can be expected and to minimise this, each dumping should be carried out on a different site, followed by flushing with water to wash the milk off the leaves. The application of the milk to an area that is to be cultivated will be advantageous. Milk is approximately 100 times more powerful a pollutant than dairy-shed effluent. Discharging milk into watercourses has two major effects: • all aquatic life is killed and, • agricultural and domestic users downstream cannot use the water due to contamination by the milk and by the dead fish and vegetation. The damage to streams is long term and therefore under no circumstances should watercourses be subjected to discharges of milk. Under the Environment Protection Act, 1970, milk must not be discharged into watercourses. Offenders may be prosecuted.

Keep cows cool this summer DAIRY farmers can be a step ahead of heat stress this summer with the launch of Cool Cows, a booklet and series of web-based tools released by Dairy Australia’s Grains2Milk program. Cool Cows provides information for dairy farmers and their advisers to keep cows cool and reduce the effects of heat stress which include a drop in milk production, reduced herd fertility and lower milk protein and fat tests. It can also trigger live weight losses and create animal health problems. Many people are surprised to hear it doesn’t take really high temperatures to trigger heat stress in dairy cows. They start to feel uncomfortable once temperatures hit 25 degrees C, which means heat stress is an issue in all Australian dairying regions, according to Grains2Milk program

leader, Steve Little. “Heat stress is not just about daily maximum temperature,” Dr Little said. “The length or severity of hot conditions and humidity also contribute to the effect. “The good news is that heat stress can be effectively managed on farm and the beneﬁts are clearly visible. Dr Little said providing ways for cows to stay cool will result in substantial beneﬁts in terms of improved production, better farm profitability and more contented cows. Cool Cows is full of suggestions including ideas to provide shade and evaporative cooling, hot season strategies and ways to monitor how a herd is coping with the heat. Some heat stress strategies are simple, quick and cheap to put in place, while others are longer term, involving more cost and effort. Dr Little said dairy farmers need to manage heat stress by making the best use of the resources they

already have and looking to add to their ability to keep cows cool from year to year. “The Cool Cows web-based tools help you work out what changes will best suit your farm and be prepared for excessive heat load events in the hot season,” he said. For example, the Weather Forecaster tool lets farmers monitor weather conditions in their region and the anticipated heat load on their herd. The site’s ‘Actions Generator’ helps farmers develop a list of options in terms of improving shade, evaporative cooling or changing farm management to further combat heat stress. Dairy farmers who do not have a copy should call Dairy Australia on 1800 004 377.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Classifieds public notices

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350 public notices

ANDERSON INLET SWIM CLASSIC

public notices

Help support the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club Building Fund www.islsc.org.au

public notices

for rent

CHIROPRACTOR

/(21*$7+$ *$//(5<

Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday

Monday, January 26 1.2 km - 8.30am start Inverloch Angling Club Beach Anderson Inlet

Sell it in the "Star"

3 22.,1* :,7+,1

By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

'(,'5( 63(1&(5 )/(7&+(5

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG

' ( & ) ( %

“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

Expressions of Interest – Regional Coastal Boards Caring for the Coast

APOLOGY from the Bass Coast Show Society (Wonthaggi) - due to circumstances beyond our control the “Show Personality competition” will not be held in 2009. Any queries 5672-3259.

The Victorian Government is calling for members to serve on the Gippsland Coastal Board, Central Costal Board and Western Coastal Board. Board membership will be skillsbased, represent community interests and be accountable for clearly defined outcomes. Regional Coastal Boards strive to plan for regional coastal and marine environments consistent with the principles of sustainable development and for the long term benefit of Victoria. The major statutory role of the Regional Coastal Boards is to: • provide advice to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Victorian Coastal Council on coastal issues • develop Coastal Action Plans • prepare and publish guidelines for coastal planning and management • facilitate implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Action Plans and coastal guidelines • liaise with and encourage the co-operation of a wide range of agencies and groups in implementing strategic solutions to matters affecting the conservation and use of their region’s coasts. For further information on any of the Regional Coastal Boards and their current projects please visit www.vcc.vic.gov.au

situations vacant

• • • •

public notices Dr R.P. Delbridge DENTAL SURGEON FISH CREEK Phone 5683 2292 Wishes to advise the surgery will be closed for holidays until Tuesday, February 3 Sorry for any inconvenience

KONGWAK MARKET Sunday 10am

Inside and out Come early if it's hot! Collectables, vintage, retro, designer clothes and wares, books, plants, massage, haircuts, 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

situations vacant

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

Are you prepared for a bushfire in your area? Do you have a written bushfire survival plan? Do you know how to protect yourself and your family during a bushfire? Do you know where to get information about fires?

VENUS BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE Bushfire Planning Workshop Canterbury Road Saturday 3 January 2009 2.00 - 4.00pm ALL WELCOME

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

TARWIN LOWER MECHANICS HALL

Full Time Position

Fire Ready Meeting River Drive Tuesday 6 January 2009 6.00pm ALL WELCOME

WALKERVILLE NORTH PUBLIC HALL Fire Ready Meeting on Foreshore Beach Wednesday 7 January 2009 6.00pm ALL WELCOME

NYORA FIRE SHED Fire Ready Meeting Hewson Street, Nyora Wednesday 7 January 2009 11.00am ALL WELCOME

www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667

mitch 7920

mitch25158

Expressions of Interest Members must have a genuine interest in, and vision for the future, of Victoria coastal and marine environments. Members will be selected on the basis of their skills and experience in areas such as conservation, tourism and recreation, community affairs, coastal engineering, business, commerce, Indigenous peoples issues, town planning and local government. Men and women with appropriate skills are encouraged to apply. Existing Council and Board members will be considered. The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring the diversity of our Boards represent the diversity of our communities. Women, indigenous persons, people with a disability, young persons and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Expression of Interest application forms and further information can be obtained by calling the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136 186 or by visiting the ‘What’s New’ section on the DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au Expressions of Interest close Monday 9 February 2009. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. www.dse.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186

VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Contact: 0408320001.

COMMUNITY CARE WORKERS/PCAs

Free Fire Ready Meeting

The Board Each Regional Coastal Board can have a maximum of twelve members, including one chairperson. The duration of the appointments will be from 1 July 2009 until 30 June 2012.

HOUSE for rent, $230 pw. References required. Ph: 0400-021062.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

A rewarding and challenging opportunity exists to work as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of Gippsland Southern Health Service. The successful applicant will be required to provide confidential executive, secretarial and administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and other executives, support special projects and undertake research activities as required. You will be responsible for maintaining professional standards for secretarial and typing services throughout the organisation. You will also be required to demonstrate flexibility to attend meetings out of normal business hours. Skills required You will be highly motivated with excellent secretarial and administrative skills. You will be required to be discreet, tactful and flexible in dealing with a range of issues. You will be expected to work independently and to demonstrate a pride in achieving quality outcomes within a close team environment. The successful applicant will be required to provide a successful police check as a condition of employment. Application Kits are available by contacting Mrs Janet Arrott-Watt on 5667 5503. Applications should be lodged with the Chief Executive Officer Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13, Leongatha VIC 3953 By Monday, January 12, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 37

business opportunities EXECUTIVE level income, P/T from home. No experience, no matter. Serious, motivated and driven. Visit www. AccelerateYourWealth.net.

business opportunities

lost

for sale

CAT - disappeared from Eden Cres., Leongatha. Female, tortoiseshell in colour, wearing blue collar with rego tag, microchip tag and bell attached. Reward offered. Ph: 5662-3730.

HAY

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

For delivered price ring Greg 0429 822 544

VACUUM CLEANER

HAY - this season’s quality round bales, Toora North, Vic. Phone Richard 0418672393.

G. & P. HILDER TRANSPORT

business opportunities

Don’t buy a job when you can invest in your future

Exclusive Lawn & Garden Care Franchise

Repairs

DUST BAGS

Great lifestyle choice includes Trailer, Mower, Blower, Trimmer, Hedger and lots more. Ready to go now! ONLY ONE AVAILABLE Huge exclusive territories, strong support and great brand identity. Build your future under the Grey Army banner! Now in our 5th year in Gippsland.

Sales

FREE

5672 3127

situations vacant

We are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals for the following positions:

Case Manager

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Tuesdays

Permanent Full Time 76 Hours per fortnight Based in Korumburra

QUOTES

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

0428 870 489

for sale

HAY, small square bales $5 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 56641320.

ALSO LOCAL HAY AVAILABLE

Korumburra / Leongatha REGION

situations vacant

for sale COMPUTER, IBM, Vista, 256mb RAM, Windows 2000, Epsom colour printer and monitor. A good first computer, $200. Ph: 0408324829.

HAY, round bales 4x5, $50 each inc. GST x 100, Korumburra South. Ph: 0419-313483. HEN HOUSES, fox proof, good quality, 6-8 chooks. 5664-2443.

BERRIES, BERRIES Pick your own at Yileen Berry Farm, 1345 Yarragon / Leongatha Road, Hallston. Ph: 5668-5268.

HOUSEHOLD items: Kitchen dresser, matching round table and 4 chairs; Phillips 340lt fridge (no freezer type), Hoover 8kg washing machine. All items $110 each. 5662-4352.

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

LARGE bench saw with its own petrol motor. On its own trailer. Believe it works. Was left behind by previous occupants of house. $250. Ph: 5664-7420.

A0030829F

situations vacant

www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Program & Service Advisor Community Care & Housing/ Disability Partnerships & Service Planning Initial Work Location: Regional- negotiable $62,116 - $70,477 p.a. + Superannuation GHS960007

LCHS requires a suitably qualified person who is looking for an exciting new challenge to work with us as a Case Manager. Their role will be to assist older people and people with a disability and their carers to maximise their quality of life and to continue to live in the community for as long as possible. This role will also involve providing case management to consumers with a disability and to the frail aged. Applications received for the above positions must address the relevant selection criteria. Applications can be made through our website: www.lchs.com.au or for further information please contact Tara Morley by phoning 5136 5077. Closing date for applications is 4:30pm Monday 12 January 2009. …better health better lifestyles stronger communities…

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

Fast Art78494-v1

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

Program and Service Advisor Community Care & Housing/ Placement & Support Initial Work Location: Morwell Employment Type: Full Time/ Fixed Term until August 2009 $62,116 - $70,477 p.a. + Superannuation

If this opportunity appeals to you, you may wish to discuss it with Euan Comrie on 03 51362 509. Please quote reference no VG/DHS/GIP/154259 Closing date for applications is Friday, 23 January 2009.

To apply online and view the job description, visit and click on Vacancies. For other Victorian Government opportunities, please visit www.careers.vic.gov.au

5672 2946 0417 556 593

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

DAEWOO Lanos, 2000, 4 dr sedan, automatic, silver duco, only 85,000km, QFB994, $6,000 ONO. 0417-505731.

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

legal notices Re: RITA MAUDE BARNES deceased. Take notice that WENDY LYNETTE ROUGHEAD the executor, she being the current Chief Executive Officer of Woorayl Lodge Inc. as at the date of death of deceased, appointed in the Will dated 28th June 2007 of RITA MAUDE BARNES deceased late of Woorayl Lodge, McCartin Street, Leongatha, Victoria, will 14 days after the date of publication of this advertisement apply to the Supreme Court of Victoria for a Grant of Probate of that Will.

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

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.

wanted to buy

TANDEM trailer, 12-14 foot long, 6-6’6” wide, must be in good working condition, cash paid. Ph: 5664-1320.

work wanted

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

tenders

South Gippsland Water invites tenders to undertake fish surveys in the Tarwin River and two associated tributaries as part of a Bioassessment Monitoring Program. The project should determine the fish species currently present in the River and Creeks above the estuary; their abundance and composition. The full scope of the project can be found in the Tender Package to be obtained from South Gippsland Water by calling Kerry Matthews on 5672 1590, Mob: 0438 318 487, at the following web address: www.sgwater.com.au or email: kmatthews@sgwater.com.au Tenders must be received by COB January 30, 2009. Tender submissions are to be submitted to South Gippsland Water’s Foster office addressed to:

Freshwater Bioassessment Services (Fish Surveys) TARRA RIVER

The Program and Services Advisor will work in a team structure and in partnership with both internal and external stakeholders. The position monitors service agreements and works to develop a comprehensive service system to promote the healthy growth and development of children and families, specifically those involved with the statutory service system.

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/careers

FREE

FOR TENDER

Do you have a broad experience of family and child services? Can you work collaboratively with staff from the Department of Human Services and family and placement service agencies to develop the service sector? Do you understand the needs of vulnerable families, and children at risk of involvement with the child protection system?

Safety Screening requirements including Police checks apply to DHS recruitment practices.

All machinery Bins provided

Freshwater Bioassessment - Fish Surveys Tarwin River Tender No. 08-53 C/ Kerry Matthews PO Box 102 Foster Vic 3960

www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Applicants need to be committed to the DHS Values - DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values Diversity

Will pay up to $300 for complete car Buyers of scrap metal

Freshwater Bioassessment Services (Fish Surveys) TARWIN RIVER (including Coalition Creek and Ruby Creek)

Fast Art78469-v1

Family Services Worker x 2

FREE CAR REMOVAL

FOR TENDER

If this opportunity appeals to you, you may wish to discuss it with Lisa Mason on 03 51504500. Please quote reference no VG/DHS/GIP/51077 Closing date for applications is Friday, 23 January 2009. Safety Screening requirements including Police checks apply to DHS recruitment practices.

used vehicles

Bass Coast Metal Recyclers

free

tenders

This position is part of the Disability Partnerships and Service Planning team working across the whole of Gippsland. A Program and Service Adviser is responsible for broad service system planning, service system development, funds allocation to disability service providers and an ongoing role in monitoring the financial viability of those providers.

Applicants need to be committed to the DHS Values - DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values Diversity

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

OAKLEYS McKENZIEMcHARG Lawyers 13 McCartin Street Leongatha

Initially this role will contribute to the strategic direction and planning of accommodation and support for people with disability in Gippsland.

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:

PUPS - 10 Kelpie / Border Collie puppies from good working Kelpie, 7 weeks old, no vet check, $80. 5659-2248.

South Gippsland Water invites tenders to undertake fish surveys in the Tarra River as part of a Bioassessment Monitoring Program. The project should determine the fish species currently present in the River and Creeks above the estuary; their abundance and composition. The full scope of the project can be found in the Tender Package to be obtained from South Gippsland Water by calling Kerry Matthews on 5672 1590, Mob: 0438 318 487, at the following web address: www.sgwater.com.au or email: kmatthews@sgwater.com.au Tenders must be received by COB January 30, 2009. Tender submissions are to be submitted to South Gippsland Water’s Foster office addressed to: Freshwater Bioassessment - Fish Surveys Tarra River Tender No. 08-54 C/ Kerry Matthews PO Box 102 Foster Vic 3960

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

for sale

wanted

for sale

garage sales

FIGS: Anyone with figs to sell please ring Lorna on 5662-3061.

LEONGATHA, Sapphire Court, Saturday, January 10, 8am - 2pm.

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

12 STALLS - collectables, antiques, bric-a-brac, car books, model cars, jams, toys, air brushed t-shirts, books etc., in pavilion. Swapmeet - Korumburra Showgrounds, Sunday, January 11. Doors open 6am.

garage sales

GARAGE SALE

marriage celebrant

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

CAM ABOOD

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

Leongatha 5662 4191

GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $30.80)

MERLENE STRATTON

$25

• 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

Leongatha 5662 2574

engagements ASHWORTH - HEPPELL Ian and Wendy, together with John and Sandra, are delighted to announce the engagement of Kate and Ben on 20/12/08.

message of hope BEFORE you created the hills or brought the world into being, you were eternally God, and will be God forever. Psalm 90:2.

for sale

births CROSTHWAITE - David and Christy are pleased to announce the arrival of Evie May Johari on December 23, 2008 at Leongatha Hospital weighing 8lb 8oz. A little sister for Daniel, Indigo and Willow. Lots of thanks to Tim and Marion, and the staff at GSHS. McKENNA (Christensen) - Luke and Rachael ecstatically welcome with much love their daughter, Giaan Lily, born December 12 at William Angliss, Ferntree Gully. Darling granddaughter for Ralph and Jenni, and beautiful cousin to Jayden, Izaak and Silas. NICHOLAS (Wilson) Proud parents Laura and Martin are delighted to announce the arrival of Heidi Lara, sister to Ethan, born December 10, 2008 (7lb 9oz). Thank you to all mid staff at Leongatha Hospital. WEBB - Doug and Alison of Meeniyan would like to welcome Lochlan Elliott into their lives on December 13, 2008, weighing 3430gm (7lb 9oz). Thanks to doctors and staff at South Gippsland Hospital. Lochlan is a little brother for James, Lucy and Adam.

in memoriam OLLE - In loving memory of Graham who left us on New Year’s Eve 2007. Elaine, Bev, Denise, Rhonda, Jeff, and families.

for sale

in memoriam PATERSON - Leanne Sharon. 15/3/80 - 1/1/98. The day comes with deep regret, a day we will never forget. Tears in our eyes we wipe away, the ache in our hearts is there to stay. We who love you, love you still, forgetting you we never will. Our darling angel in Heaven. R.I.P. Leanne xxoo. Loving parents Daisy, Norman, brothers Michael, Steven, Shane, Colin, sister Veronica.

deaths BROWN - Heather Anne (Anne). Suddenly but peacefully at home (Kardella) on December 28, 2008, aged 58 years. Beloved daughter of Les and Beryl (both dec.). Loved sister and sister-inlaw of Margaret and Brian Capon, Robert and Norma, Douglas, Barry and Kim (UK). Aunt of Darren, Trudy, Janelle; Daniel, Renee; James, Callum, Lucy. Great-Aunt of Madeline, Alex, Chloe, Anton, Juliette, Olivia, Natalie, Hayden, Jessica, Dakota, and Laticia. Another rose in God’s garden. At peace in the arms of Jesus.

for sale

deaths KLITZING (nee Scott) Gwen. Died peacefully on December 25, 2008. Your passing leaves us with the greatest sadness but fond memories that will live forever. Beloved wife of Wal (dec.). Together again at last. Mother of Adrienne, Chris and Jeremy. Motherin-law of Tony, Jan and Alison. Grandmother of Andrew, Emily and Megan; Robert, Jenni and Michael; Jordan and Sarah. Great grandmother of Seth. Sister to Pat, George (dec.), Ian (dec.) and Margaret. Peace at last. LANE - Alan Maclellan. Passed away December 28 at his home in Mirboo North, in his 99th year. Loved and respected older brother of Frank and Mary Lane. Loved uncle of Roslyn and Cavan Sibson, and Jenny and Don Bowman, and family. Our sympathy and love to Dorothy. PRESTAGE - Shane Aaron. Your voyage has been rough, But you’ve reached your golden shore, Where your boat is now at anchor, And peace is yours once more. Forever in our hearts. Mum, Beau, Craig and Darlene, Glenn (dec.), Michelle and Kevin, Kylie and Aaron, and all of our families.

for sale

deaths ROBJANT - Colin Herbert. December 15, 1954 December 24, 2008. Late of Leongatha. Loving husband and best friend of Maggie. Adored father of Brendan, Kim and Mark. Forever in our hearts. Col, our life together was cut short but the memories of all the wonderful times we shared will last forever. Love you always - Maggie. Dad, you are an inspiration to us all, you put up such a brave fight right to the end. I will never forget all the great moments we shared. Love you always Brendan. Dad, it’s now time for you to rest peacefully, we love you lots. Love always - Kim and James. A loving husband, proud and caring father and great mate. We will remember the strength and courage you taught us all. Love ya Dad - Mark and Bianca. Dearly loved son of Betty and Bert (dec.). Brother of Ian, Faye and Lindsay, Dawn and John, Allan and Michele. Loving Memories. ROBJANT - Colin. Dearly loved husband and friend of “our Maggie”, loving father of Brendan, Kim and Mark. With very deep regret from the partners and staff of Fawcett and Pickersgill.

for sale

deaths

ROBJANT - Colin. The committee and members of Woorayl Golf Club wish to express their sincere sympathy at the loss of Colin. A long-serving treasurer of the Woorayl Golf Club who was held in high esteem by all club members. Our thoughts go out to Maggie, Brendan, Kim and Mark during this difficult time. SINCLAIR - Craig Alan. Aged 9 years. Suddenly at home on December 27, 2008. Dearly loved precious son of Caroline and Stephen Sinclair of Stony Creek. Much loved brother and best mate of Troy. A day won’t go by when we don’t think about you. “Love you Craig”. Grandson of the late Alan (Stumpy) and Ann Sinclair. Nephew of Daryl and Fay, Greg and Tammy, Donna and Barry and loved cousin of Brent, Hayden, Joel, Kurt; and Laiken. In Pop and Nana Sinclair’s loving care. Grandson of Stan and Rita Jones (NZ). Nephew of Irene and Phillip and Evan. Loved cousin of Lisa and Adam. Your beautiful smile and your caring, loving nature will remain in our hearts forever. Craig, A very happy and special friend who will be greatly missed but always

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 39

deaths remembered. Dreaming of the big green C. Love Kurt, Joel, Hayden, Brent, Uncle Daryl and Auntie Faye. SINCLAIR - Craig Alan. Aged 9 years. Suddenly at Stony Creek on December 27, 2008. Treasured grandson of Rita and Stan. Nephew of Irene, Phillip and Evan. Loving, caring cousin and playmate of Adam and Lisa (N.Z.). Our lives will never be the same without our little man. SINCLAIR - Craig. You always put the fun into everything. I miss you Craig. Dylan. SINCLAIR - Craig. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your lovely little boy Craig. Our thoughts are with you. Anne, Col, Matt, Ryan, Mikey and Cam. SINCLAIR - Craig. To Caroline, Steve and Troy, our deepest sympathy on the sudden loss of Craig. Our thoughts are with you. MDU C.C. committee, players and supporters. SINCLAIR - Craig. Your wonderful smile and laugh will always be remembered at our home Craig. Love, Fiona, Ben, Liam and Rory. SINCLAIR - Craig. Deepest sympathy to Caroline, Stephen and Troy. From Cheryl, Brian, Beryl and family. SINCLAIR - Craig Alan. Our sympathy for your family cannot be expressed in words. We would give our right arm if it meant you could have your beautiful boy back in yours. Dean, Twila, Jacob, Alex, Astrid.

• TENNIS

deaths SINCLAIR - Craig Alan. Suddenly at home on December 27. Aged 9. Chucky life was way too short. I am going to miss your smile and watching you getting into trouble, which was always fun. Lots of love Doug. Chucky, the world just got a little less bright. I am going to miss you cheeky boy. Lots of love Tish. Craig you were a gun, you’re awesome. Love Josh. Chucky, you’re the best. The only kid I knew who wouldn’t give up. Hopefully you’re watching your family from up there. Love Rhys. Craig was a fun, intelligent boy and I will miss him. Love Tristan. Craig was a really very great boy, I am going to miss you. Love Rory. To Steve, Caroline and Troy, nothing we say or do will ever be enough. We love you all and you are in our hearts and thoughts always. Love from family.

the

Hanks

TATTERSON (nee Rodda) - Muriel. Passed from her loved ones on December 24, 2008, aged 96 years. Beloved wife of George, loved and loving mother of Meree. Dearest Ma of Glenn and Suzi, and Melina. Ma to her cherished great grandchildren Elsie, Darcy, Lachlan, Ethan, Evie, Mitchell and Melisse. Gone to be with her dear George whom she has missed for so long. Her book of life is closed, but her story remains. Eldest daughter of the late John and Muriel Rodda, sister to John and Lorna (both dec.) and Lesley (Mrs Marino). November 30, 1912 December 24, 2008.

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

Perfect for Inverloch tournament THE 28th Annual Inverloch Junior Tennis Tournament was played over three days in perfect conditions. The event once again proved very popular with the holidaymakers and attracted many participants from Melbourne. Glen Dawes from Narre Warren won the Boys 18s singles title, edging out Sam Sheppard in a tie-breaker, with Sam having caused a major upset in his convincing semi final win over his younger brother James Sheppard. James Sheppard dominated the 16s and 14s events with a tight win over Dawes in the 16s final, and dominated Nathan Spinks in the 14s to win 8/0. In the 12s Tim Mashado from Narre Warren had too many weapons for Carlton’s Henry Moore and young Oliver Read from Melbourne defeated Timothy Harbinson 6/2 in the 10s final. In the girls events many of the locals performed well, in particular the emerging Madison Sanders from Phillip Island and Georgia duPlessis from Inverloch who secured

titles in the 14s and 16s respectively. A polished Emma Riviere from Wonthaggi was also in ﬁne form, taking out the 16s girls singles defeating Melbournes’ Madleine Nemececk 8/1. A special thankyou to all the sponsors, in particular Finance Consulting & Accounting who have been a major backer of tennis in the area, and McDonalds who have always supported these tournaments. Also Blue Light Disco who have been a staunch supporter of the Inverloch Tennis Club and the annual tournament. Without the support of these organisations, tournaments of this nature would be impossible to conduct. The canteen was run tirelessly over three days by the resilient Sarah Smith and Sharyne Munday. These two ladies should be congratulated for a magniﬁcent effort over the duration of the tournament.

Results 18 & U Boys singles: Glen Dawes d Sam Sheppard 8/7 (7/5); doubles: Sam Sheppard / Glen Dawes d Tim and James Sheppard 8/6; Conso-

lation singles: Henry Wilde d Blake Rigby 6/2. 18 & U Girls singles: Madeline Nemececk d Kate Appleyard 8/3; Doubles: Natalie Tawt / Madeline Nemececk d Suzie Fidler / Kate Appleyard 8/6; Consolation singles: Jessie Tyson d Suzie Fidler 6/1. 18 & U Mixed doubles: Tim Sheppard / Jessie Tyson d James Sheppard / Suzie Fidler 8/7 (7/3). 16 & U Boys singles: James Sheppard d Glen Dawes 9/7; doubles: James Sheppard / Glen Dawes d Stephen Buxton / Wade Aitken 8/2; Consolation singles: Stephen Buxton d Luke Taylor 6/2. 16 & U Girls singles: Emma Riviere d Madeline Nemececk 8/1; doubles: Emma Riviere / Emily McKaige d Kate Appleyard / Suzie Fidler 8/5; Consolation singles: Kate Appleyard d Emily McKaige 6/1. 16 & U Mixed doubles: James Sheppard / Georgia DuPlessis d Luke Taylor / Madeline Nemececk 8/1. 14 & U Boys singles: James Sheppard d Nathan Spinks 8/0; doubles: James Sheppard / Nathan Spinks d Sam Wilson / Justin Krohn

10 and Under: trophy winners, from left: Jack Clements, Elijah Cousins, Timothy Harbinson, Oliver Read, Hannah Davenport, Gabriella Sprague, Kaitlin McClusky, Bridget Monaghan, Vinnie Monaghan, Daniel Roche.

Dearly loved husband of Gwen (dec.), father and father-in-law of Charlie and Val, Norm and Christine, Jenny and Glenn. Poppy Ed of Kendall, Natalie, Joel and Hayley.

12 and Under: trophy winners, back row from left: Michael Grist (popular local tennis coach), Bridget Monaghan, Kasey Teakle, Holly Monaghan, Kirsty Kennedy, Ashley Spinks, Annette Sheppard, Mark Sheppard; (front row) Corrie Argus-Smith, Henry Moore, Tim Mashado, Matteo Gatto.

Rest in peace.

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8152 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Common mistake. 8, All-ot. 9, No-tions. 10, Tender. 11, Ass-ign. 12,Ta-B-le. 14, Acted. 18, (w)E-nsure(k). 20, Pup-pet. 23, Pen-an-ce. 24, Ag-I-L-e. 25, Rash statement. Down - 1, Ch-arts. 2, (ti)Me-Lon. 3, O-at-meal. 4, Mine. 5, Sites (sights). 6, A-con-it-e. 7, E-as-in-g. 13, As-sent-s. 15, C-our-age . 16, Keeper. 17, Street (anag.). 19, Rings. 21, Pr-I’m-e. 22, Lena (anag.). QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8152 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Procrastinate. 8, Crisp. 9, Idiotic. 10, Fennel. 11, Chance. 12, Adder. 14, Scrap. 18, Height. 20, Diddle. 23, Radiate. 24, Niece. 25, Elephantiasis. Down - 1, Pacify. 2, Onion. 3, Replete. 4, Swig. 5, Irish. 6, Antenna. 7, Exceed. 13, Dwindle. 15, Chianti. 16, Charge. 17, Recess. 19, Heath. 21, Dress. 22, Mean.

TENNIS starts back this week with tournaments both Saturday and Sunday.

14 and Under: trophy winners, back row from left: Nathan Spinks, James Sheppard, Keinen Hemming, Justin Krohn, Sam Wilson, Vikki Teakle (treasurer of Inverloch Tennis Club; front row: Jennifer Dawes, Ashley Spinks, Stephanie Roche, Madison Sanders.

competitive. In A Reserve three teams are striving for ﬁrst and second spot, with fourth position still open to a couple of teams. In B Grade Koony are at the top of the ladder. Hasbeen and Outtrim trying for second, with fourth still up to a few teams. Good luck to all teams for the rest of the season. There are a lot of names on the list of ﬁll-ins still able to play in any team. There are quite a number of juniors coming up this season, keep on encouraging these players.

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.

YOUNG - Edwin John (Eddie). May 20, 1939 - December 27, 2008. Passed away peacefully at Foster Hospital, late of Stony Creek.

Bridget Monaghan d Kirsty Kennedy 6/4. 12 & U Mixed doubles: Henry Moore / Ashley Spinks d Corrie Argus-Smith / Kasey Teckle 7/6 (7/0). 10 & U Boys singles: Oliver Read d Timothy Harbinson 6/2; doubles: Oliver Read / Daniel Roche d Jack Clements / Elijah Cousins 6/2; Consolation singles: Vinnie Monaghan d Lachlan Scott 6/2. 10 & U Girls singles: Gabriella Sprague d Rebeckah Command 6/0; doubles: Rebeckah Command / Bridget Monaghan d Gabriella Sprague / Courtney Teckle 6/1; Consolation singles: Hannah Davenport d Courtney Teackle 6/4. 10 & U Mixed doubles: Oliver Read / Rebeckah Command d Jack Clements / Kaitlin McClusky 6/4.

Allambee Mirboo and District tennis

Men’s and ladies’ doubles on the Saturday and mixed on Sunday. All clubs please support the association with entries in all sections. The Leongatha tennis courts are the ideal venue for families. A barbecue will be a go on Saturday, depending on support for the Sunday. Rounds commence the following week, January 17. A Grade are very close, let’s hope for the ﬁnal seven rounds to be just as

YOUNG - Edwin John. Brother to Charlie, uncle to Anne-Maree, Charles (dec.), Karl and Karen, and families.

8/1; Consolation singles: Keinen Hemming d James Monaghan 7/6 (7/5). 14 & U Girls singles: Ashley Spinks, runner-up Stephanie Roche 7/6; doubles: Stephanie Roche / Madison Sanders d Ashley Spinks / Jennifer Dawes 6/2. 14 & U Mixed doubles: James Sheppard / Madison Sanders d Justin Krohn / Jennifer Dawes 6/2. 12 & U Boys singles: Tim Mashado d Henry Moore 8/1; doubles: Campbell Ross/Tim Mashado d Matteo Gatto/ Corrie Argus-Smith 8/5; Consolation singles: Corrie Argus-Smith d Luke Michael 8/7. 12 & U Girls singles: Ashley Spinks d Kasey Teakle 8/5; doubles: Ashley Spinks / Bridget Monaghan d Holly Monaghan / Kirsty Kennedy 10/7; Consolation singles:

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

7 WED

8 THUR

9 FRI

10 SAT

11 SUN

12 MON

13 TUE

0000 0626 1229 1946

0.65 1.38 0.26 1.34

0050 0711 1319 2056

0.75 1.33 0.24 1.35

0150 0805 1419 2210

0.83 1.29 0.22 1.38

0302 0913 1532 2320

0.87 1.26 0.20 1.44

0423 1032 1650

0.85 1.26 0.16

0024 0539 1152 1800

1.50 0.77 1.30 0.13

0121 0645 1259 1902

1.56 0.65 1.37 0.12

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

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Defining the woman within WOMEN artists have probably existed since the ﬁrst cave exhibitions, however they weren’t recognised as widely as male artists, despite their obvious talents. In the early medieval period women artists often worked alongside men. They were either wealthy aristocratic women or nuns, working in embroidery and textiles or producing religious illuminations. Female artists began gaining reputations during the secular Renais-

sance as a result of major cultural shifts. Humanism became central to Renaissance thinking and helped raise the status of women. Women artists rose in rapid succession during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. One of the most famous artists was Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 - July 13, 1954), whose vibrant colours and style were inﬂuenced by indigenous cultures as well as by European inﬂuences. Many of her works were self-portraits that symbolically expressed her pain (she suffered severe spinal problems) and sexuality (she shocked students by teaching them while in the nude). Wire artist Deidre Spencer-Fletcher will be showing her take on women’s place in the world with her exhibition Looking Within at the Leongatha Gallery until

February 2. It will involve a range of her sculptural works in wire and ﬁbre as well as contemporary acrylic paintings by supporting artist Jan Martin, who is vice president of the Watercolour Society of Victoria. “Deidre’s works of copper wire, silk paper and cane forms represent all aspects of life,” exhibitions co-coordinator Margaret McPherson said. “As I like to work with natural materials, I used bleached tea tree driftwood to create a pyramid, which symbolises ancient wisdom and that which is solid, stable, supreme and long-lasting,” Deidre said about one of the works on show. “It symbolises the strength that women ﬁnd within themselves. It also represents the connection women have with the earth and nature as givers of life.

Strength within: Deidre Spencer-Fletcher has an exhibition at the Leongatha gallery, celebrating the unique place of women as life givers. “The colours of silk thread were hand knitted on jumbo knitting needles to create an appearance of gossamer cobwebs, which symbolises the delicate interweaving of paths and journeys we all take in our lives. Purple represents the spiritual in all women

and green represents the healing and love that we give so freely. “The feathers and beads represent the wonderful women wisdomkeepers of ancient tribes such as native Red Indian, Mayan, Aboriginal and many more, celebrating how unique women are.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 41

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 43

Sport Big crowd watch champion contest Bowls reports CHAMPION of Champions bowls was played at Wonthaggi Bowls Club on the weekend.

Leongatha club’s John Hall took out the title when he defeated Alan Spooner of Toora club 25 to 18. A large crowd of around 70 to 80 people on Sunday afternoon witnessed the final between John and Alan. In the early stages, it looked like being a very short final, as John Hall skipped away to a lead of 13 to three after eight ends. Alan Spooner then appeared to lift, and lost only one of the next seven ends to pull the score back to be only three shots down at 15 to 12. In the next 11 ends, John Hall showed nothing but class as he drew shot after shot to win eight of those ends and take the Champion of Champions title 25 to 18. At the same time, the South Gippsland Men’s pair final was also fought out between Ted Bott/ Norm Hughes (Inverloch) playing John Newcombe/ Brian Griffiths (Phillip Island), play being over 18 ends. Again it looked like being a one sided game, with the Inverloch team streaking away to a 10 shot lead after just four ends.

Phillip Island won the next six ends to pull back to just three shots behind. Over the remaining eight ends the Inverloch team showed their class, to win by nine shots, 20 to 11 and take the title. Both winners will now move through to their respective Group 8 events later this month. All in all, a great weekend’s bowling. Well done to all winners. The greens were in perfect condition for the start of the championships and the weather just as good.Especially given the windy conditions experienced over the past week, the weather just had to get sbetter. Saturday morning saw the round of 16, being the club champions from all 16 South Gippsland Bowls Clubs, in a knock out round. Alan Brown (Meeniyan) 25 d Lance Bullock (Corinella) 9; Kevin Wagner (Phillip Island) 25 d Bruce Anderson (Wonthaggi) 20; Keith Button (Korumburra) 25 d Jim Nicholson (Port Welshpool) 8; John Hall (Leongatha) 25 d John Tuckﬁeld (Loch) 23; Norm West (Inverloch) 25 d Sabastian Blancato (Foster) 12; Alan Spooner (Toora) 25 d Tim Mc Lean (Fish Creek) 22; Alan Knell (San Remo) 25 d Arthur Newsome (Tarwin Lower) 23 and Joe Pinneri (Mirboo North) 25 d Ralph Anderson (Lang Lang) 22.

The morning round was followed by the quarter finals on Saturday afternoon. Kevin Wagner (Phillip Island) 25 d Alan Brown (Meeniyan) 24; John Hall (Leongatha) 25 d Keith Button (Korumburra) 21; Alan Spooner (Toora) 25 d Norm West (Inverloch) 19 and Alan Knell (San Remo) 25 d Joe Pinneri (Mirboo North) 15. On Sunday morning, a large spectator crowd witnessed the semi finals where John Hall (Leongatha) 25 easily accounted for Kevin Wagner (Phillip Island) 14, although it was not as one-sided as the final score showed. Both players went neck and neck and in the early stages scores were about level. John Hall finally pulled away to score a convincing victory to win by 11 shots. In the other semi final, it was neck and neck all the way, with no more than three shots either way all through the game. Alan Spooner finally proved too good and won by two shots over Alan Knell. Players are reminded that pennant resumes on Saturday, January 17 for one week before another week’s break for the Australia Day weekend.

Left Regional competition: Champion of Champions winner, John Hall; Mike Barnes (Association president) and runner-up, Alan Spooner at Wonthaggi Bowls Club on the weekend.

Inverloch OUR first day of social bowls for 2009 was on Saturday when 33 played 12 two ends games of mixed triples and fours. Teams were chosen by a stick draw. At the end of play there were two two game winners and taking first place was a four of A. Johnstone (LD), R. Kee (2nd), K. Peterson (3rd) and John Arnold (sk) with 24 shots up. Runners-up with six shots up were the triple of Brian Griffin (LD), Ron Rees (2nd) and Trevor Scott (sk). Our club is staging a sponsored fours tournament on Sunday, January 18 and they are looking for more teams to make this day a success. It is a 9.30am start. Visiting teams are invited and are most welcome. Singles entries are also welcome. I was talking to our green’s director, John Cook, at the weekend and he is concerned that the very cool days we have had since the Tift Dwarf green was renovated have curtailed the growth of the grass, which needs very warm weather to grow well - something we have not had. John is so concerned, he fears it will not be ready for our next monthly triples on January 15.

Fish Creek Willing way: Korumburra’s Keith Button wills his bowl on its way, while opponent John Nicholson, of Port Welshpool, looks on.

Discerning crowd: A knowledgeable crowd watched proceedings at the championship last Saturday. Club players, they might not be in the champions class, but they knew how to appreciate the skills on display during the highly successful tournament.

Champion winner: John Hall, of Leongatha, shows the style that won him the Champion of Champions title.

Waratah Bay Fun Run ready to go THE Annual Waratah Bay Fun Run will once again take place on Sunday, January 18. The Waratah Bay Fun Run starts on the foreshore at Waratah Bay and ﬁnishes at Sandy Point, totalling 8kms. Registrations will take place at the Waratah Bay Playground commencing at 8.30am, with the race due to start at 10am. Registration forms can also be obtained from the Sandy Point General Store prior to the 18th. The event is now in its ﬁfth year and is coordinated by the Fish Creek

Big field: runners set off in cool conditions at last year’s event. Football and Netball Club. It has quickly become a feature on the Victorian Fun Run calendar and a favourite with holidaymakers. Last year 300 runners of all ages participated in the run. Categories for the event are the Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, as well as Open section, Over 40, Over 50 and Over 60 will make up the field of runners. Each section will be awarded with first, second and third male and female. The Open section will have a $100 prize for the fastest male and female. Any runner would like to compete for the prize money must enter the Open section. The event will culminate with a barbecue lunch provided by the Waratah Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, along with presentation of medallions and trophies at the clubhouse. Presentations will be at

12 noon. Every competitor who ﬁnishes the Fun Run (or walk) will receive a certiﬁcate of his or her achievement and time. Once again Alex Moon of Moons Buslines will generously provide free transport for all competitors by ferrying them back to Waratah Bay playground and other locations to pick up their own transport at approximately 12.30pm. Hope to see you there for what should be another great day for runners, family and supporters. For further information contact Penni Ellicott on 5662 7308 or Greg Buckland at the Sandy Point General Store on 5684 1362.

OUR tournament started on Friday in cool weather with mixed triples. The winners, from Tarwin, were Graham Cridge (sk), Tony Huybregts and Mavis Cridge, with runner-up Jim O’Keefe (skip), Paul and Diane Buckland. Competition winners were Don Livingstone,

Marg Freeman, Peter Harper and Jim O’Keefe. Saturday was men’s fours in good weather and the winners were Rob Staley (sk), Jack Charlton, Duillio Stefani and Don Livingstone (sk) with runner-up from Mirboo North, Phil Stimson (sk), Ross Gabb, Laurie Melhuish and Russ Milner. Competition winners were Cliff McGannon, Ray Lecher, Kevin Doran and Sam Gervasi. Sunday was another ﬁne day, Mixed fours were played and the winners, from Mirboo North, were Kevin Queale (sk), Peter Williams, Jack Irvine and Marg Smith. The runner-up was a mixed Phillip Island and Inverloch team of Peter Forester (sk), Ros Dennis, Andrew Dennis and M. Forrest. Competition winners were Diane Buckland, Jack Irvine, Peter Williams and Glenys Densley. The men’s triples was played on Monday. The club would like to thank all those who have supported our tournament, especially those members from Glen Waverley and Lalor who come along every year. Commiserations to Jim McLean for his loss at the Champion of Champions. Rainfall for Fish Creek for 2008 was 798 mm and for December, 95 mm.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sport Golf reports Woorayl

Welshpool

LAST Saturday we played a stableford event sponsored by Retire and Wealth. The winner of A Grade was Damien Symmons with a fine 42 points. B Grade, and the best score of the day, was Rod Goodwin’s 46 points, and C Grade was won by Brian Wilson with 42 points. Shaun Johnson eagled the 12th hole. Balls went to T. Charlton, D. Perrett, S. Johnson, C. Hall, J. Redmond, V. Haasjes, O. Vandervorm, M. Burggraff, G. Challis and M. Hanily on a countback. The men’s nearest the pins went to D. Burge and D. Symmons. The ladies event was won by Sue Wakefield with 40 points, and balls going to K. McKenzie, M. Martin, S. Thomas on a countback. The ladies nearest the pins were won by S. Wakefield and P. Lancaster. Thursday’s bar voucher went to Ted Jackson with 40 points, and balls went to G. Salmon, G. McKinnon and P. Burgess again on a countback. On Boxing Day we held a men’s and ladies’ stableford which was sponsored by Kelvin John’s Retravision. The A Grade winner with 43 points was Peter Burgess and B Grade went to Alan McEachern with 40 points. The balls went to P. Challis, M. Grist, E. Poole, C. Butcher, J. Redmond and M. Wood. The nearest the pins went to G. Calder and P. Rayson. The ladies winner with 37 points was Sharon Rayson, with a ball going to Chris Gunn. Next Saturday we have a stroke event sponsored by the Opal Motel, and of course it’s the sixth round of the summer trophies.

TUESDAY’S barbecue nine hole event was won by Merv Lowe 18 points. Balls down the line: Pat Carroll, D. Stephenson and Brian Macpherson, all 17; also Don Harris 16. Nearest the pin Stan Walker. Achiever’s award Don Black on a countback from Tim Brown. Other scores: Lurch Lear, B. Wood, Stan Walker, Steve Kalos, all 15; Chris Riddell 14. Pub Club points: Welshpool 12.3, Toora 11.3, Pier Port 11.0, Port Albert 11.0. Friday’s chicken run winner was Lurch Lear, 20 points. Balls down the line: Bill Matthews 18, Alan Hayes 17. Nearest the pin Tom Walker. Other scores: Jeanette Swan, Merv Lowe, Tom Walker and Lachie Walker, all 16; Pappy Pope and Ron Newing 15. Saturday’s nine hole stableford event winner was Gwen Watts 18 points. Balls down the line: Mary Conley 16, Roger Stephens 16, Bob Wiggins 14 on a countback from Charlie Fletcher. Other scores: Jeanette Swan and Mattie Wilkinson 13, Pappy Pope, Pat Carroll, Lurch Lear and Richie Wilkinson 12. Sunday’s 4BBB stableford event winners were Pat Carroll and Richie Wilkinson 44 points. Balls down the line: Rod Walker and Alan Hayes 41 on a countback. Nearest the pin 8th: Harry Mines. Other scores: Bob Wiggins, Barry Reeve 41; Graeme Rowe and J.J. Best 41, Lurch Lear and Gary Brown 40, Pappy Pope and Peter Westaway 39, Ron Newing and Harry Mines 37, J. Hadley and C. Hadley, R. and M. Wilkinson 32. A happy new year and sweet swinging.

Leongatha HOLIDAY-MAKERS swelled Saturday’s field to 99 and the day was marked by good scores and eagles. Both eagles were scored by visitors, though John Dalton, who made two on the par four fifth hole is a former member. Jerry Miller made his eagle on the third hole. Congratulations to both players. Course superintendent Steve Earl must be feeling contented at the splendid condition of the course and his 40 points off a low handicap was an excellent round. Steve won A Grade on a countback from Charlie Baldwin. Ian Hack had the day’s high of 41 points to take B Grade, while Richard Nelson was successful in C Grade with 38 points. Peter Stivic won nearest the pin. Ball winners: C. Waldin 40, J. Eabry 39, R. McRobert 38, M. Westaway, M. Stubbs, P. Stivic, A. Monahan 37, R. Davies, P. Richardson, K. Wardle 36, D. Adams, A. Gedye, M. Fraser, D. Hastings, D. Stanes 35, P. Sanders, N. Johnson, D. Comrie, J. Gerrish and S. Farrar 34. Tuesday Geoff McDonald is on another hot streak and his 41 points indicated a great round in the mid 70s. He followed this up on Thursday with 39. Ron Chaplin was best in B Grade with a healthy 39 points but what happened in C Grade? No C Grader had a score, which would have won a ball down the line, so Richard Nelson got a big surprise by winning on 31 points. Martin Fraser won nearest the pin. Ball winners: D. Clemann, J. Smith, A. Clemann, M. Fraser 37, J. Gerrish, J. P. Malone 36, T. Bruinewoud 35, B. Hutton, D. Vorwerg 33, K. MacFarlane, K. Wardle 32. Thursday New Year’s Day and Alan Monahan’s resolution to lower his handicap is off to a good start. Alan’s 40 points won A Grade first ahead of the in-form Geoff McDonald on 39. Ian Watson with 38 points was winner of B Grade. Ball winners: G. McDonald 39, D. Hanna, M. Fraser 37, P. Sanders, J. Westaway, K. Godridge 36, M. Westaway, M. Stubbs 35, N. Smith and I. Hack 34. Saturday’s event is stroke and monthly medal for January. The Great Aussie Putting Challenge is coming up next week, so challenge your mates to have a go. See if you can get into the top 32 scores for a play-off on Sunday, January 18.

Meeniyan men TUESDAY, December 23 was a single stableford and four ball better ball stableford event. The winner of the singles event was C. Stewart 38 pts from W. Reilly 35 pts and T. Jackson 34 pts. The four ball winners were C. Stewart and J. Mortensen 45 pts, nearest the pin, C. Stewart and best 9, W. Richards. Saturday, December 27 on a good day for golf when the course was in great order, a larger ﬁeld than usual including quite a few visitors played a par event. The winners were A Grade, N. Wells on a count back from B. Hutchinson with +3. B Grade winner also on a count back was R. Evans from F. Peile, +2. Nearest the pin was F. Peile on the second. Balls down the line went to G. Hughes +2, L. Hemphill and A. Shatten +1 with G. Alley, A. Kuhne and R. Findlay all square. Condolences to Fred Stalker and his family on loss of his mother, also to Steve and Caroline Sinclair on the loss of their young son Craig, our thoughts will be with them during this sad time. Tuesday, December 30 was a singles stableford event, the winner was D. Mooney 43 pts from I. Warman 38 pts the four ball stableford winners were G. West and D. Mooney 48 pts. Nearest the pin F. Peile and best nine to R. Evans 20 pts. Thursday, January 1 was a single stableford. The winner was R. Evans 39 pts from L. Hemphill and G. Hughes both with 38 pts. The four

First time putting event LEONGATHA Golf Club launches its centenary year with a ﬂourish next week. Commencing on Tuesday, January 13, the club will stage a major putting event on its brand new practice putting green over ﬁve days. The Aussie Putting Challenge is just that - an invitation to win $1,000 by putting a golf ball around nine holes in the lowest number of strokes. Sounds easy, but the course designed by Superintendent Steve Earle, will present competitors with a challenging layout. An event such as this has never been held in Victoria and it

has already attracted widespread interest from local golfers. It will cost $5 to enter and qualifying sessions will be held from 11am to 4pm daily from Tuesday 13th until Saturday 17th January, with a ﬁnal session scheduled for the morning of Sunday 18th. The entrants with the lowest 32 scores throughout the qualifying sessions will then compete in a knockout tournament over nine holes with the winner collecting $1,000. The total prize pool is $5,000 with special prizes for junior and minor participants. The Aussie Putting Challenge will ofﬁcially open the largest practice putting green in Gippsland.

Covering 1500 sq metres and containing 1000 cub metres of Grantville sand, the practice green provides a superb bent grass surface for golfers preparing to tackle the magnificent Leongatha layout. TheAussie Putting Challenge, sponsored by Dandenong manufacturing firm Aussie Trolleys, has received strong support from the business sector in Inverloch and Melbourne, and is designed to showcase one of Gippsland’s finest golf courses to the thousands of visitors to the area during January. For further information contact past president, Daryl Pease 5674 3041 or vice president, Terry Poulton 0419 557 668.

Melbourne crowd: Melburnians, from left, Phil Baron, Lee Farrington, Deb O’Dwyer, Phillip D’Hui and Jo Baron are holidaying in Inverloch. Phil and his wife Jo joined Leongatha Golf Club recently and took their friends for a game last Saturday.

ball aggregate winners were G. Thomas and B. Pratt 70 pts, best nine to I. Warman 20 pts and nearest the pin was R. Evans. Friday, January 2, twilight saw 22 ladies and 48 men play the nine hole event. Ladies winner was J. Deering 18 pts on a count back. Balls down the line went to K. Briggs and D. Green 18 pts, B. Shatten 17 pts, S. Symmons 16 pts, S. Hoskin, K. Benson and M. Keen all with 15 pts. The men’s winner was D. Mooney 26 pts, down the line balls to G. Green 23, B. Ross 20, R. Davison, S. Browne, D. Burge, J. Ross, P. Gornall, W. Reilly and S. White all with 19 pts. Junior winners were C. Hutcheson and W. Dutton and a special award went to junior Chris Buckland. Nearest the pin to J. Jordan. A record 150 plus meals were served and President Graham Hoskin congratulated chef, Jackie Gillet and her helpers on their tremendous effort. Saturday, January 3 medal day with a very good ﬁeld. B. Hutchinson was the winner of A Grade with 68, runner-up J. Walker 71. B Grade winner was R. Burnell 68 from R. Evans 72. Balls down the line to R. McKnight 71, J. Wilson and R. Findlay 72, A. Shatten, N. Wells, C. Buckland and R. Thomas 73, G. Hoskin 74. Least putts to R. McKnight 27. Many thanks to our sponsor for the day Elgas. Don’t forget Hammo’s Power Pod Day, a four ball ambrose event on Sunday, January 11, all welcome.

Mirboo North THERE were 44 starters for the fourball multiplication (men’s, ladies and guests) event played on December 27. CCR 70. A Grade winner: Richie Robbins (13), Ron Anderson (15) 91 points; runner-up Ray Matthews (9), John Woodall (8) 79 points. Down the line: Joe Kus (14), Peter Sanderson (20) 79 pts; Greg Gunn (34), Chris Gunn (23) 73 pts; Mal Payne (12), Wayne Reynolds (12) 72 pts. Nearest the pin: 4th Chris Gunn, 6th Andy Van Zuylen,

15th John Woodall, 16th Ian Evison. Pro pin Andy Van Zuylen. Birdies: 16th Ian Evison, 4th Greg Gunn, 13th John Woodall; 2nd shot 1st hole Joe Smeriglio. Monthly medal was attended by 39 starters on January 3. CCR 70. Mal Payne (12) 66 was the A Grade winner. B Grade was won by Joe Taylor (17) 69. Down the line balls: Tom Whitelaw (6) 70, Noel Fox (16) 70, John Woodall (8) 70,

Tony Tomada (21) 70 and Graham Watson (6) 71. Nearest the pin: 4th Dave Woodall, 6th Mal Payne, 13th Ron Funnell and 16th Joe Kus. Pro pin: Dave Woodall. Birdies: Mal Payne (4th and 6th), Tom Whitelaw (16th), Graham Watson (6th and 13th), Dave Woodall (4th), Peter Chapman (6th), Joe Taylor (16th) and Kyle Mills (6th). Eagles: nearest the pin, second shot, ﬁrst hole, Dave Woodall.

Foster Thursday, January 1 – New Year’s Day stableford winner was Scott Rathjen (15) 45points. Down the line balls: Don Cripps (20) 40 points, Gary Clavarino (16) 39 points, Greg Dean (12) 39 points and B Lees (17) 38 points. Nearest the pin: sixth Noel Black and 13th Phil Schoﬁeld. Friday, January 2 – twilight stableford winner was Don Cripps (20) 22 points. Down the line balls: John Mathers (12) 21 points, Ray Stewart (12) 21 points, Robert Blake (11) 20 points and David Knee (18) 20 points. Ladies winner: Kath O’Brien (20) 18 points on countback. Down the line balls: Mary Ellis (28) 18 points and Marlene Ellis (27) 17 points. The jackpot is back again and with no lucky winner this week, next week it will be $600. The Sandy Point Challenge, Ray Stewart trophy was held on Saturday January 3. The challenge has now been running for 11 years and thanks to Ray for the great promotion, which this year paid off for Sandy (the rest of the world) who were the overall winners and will get their name highlighted on the trophy board. Winner - Sandy Point: Geoff Prue (21) 46 points (Geoff has new clubs). Winner - Foster: Phil Schoﬁeld (17) 39

points and Richard Johnston (25T) 45 points. Down the line balls: John Stone (30) 43 points Sandy, Steve Reid (12) 40 points Sandy, Peter Cambridge (13) 40 points Sandy, Gary Clavarino (16) 38 points Foster, Don Cripps (19) 38 points Foster, Jamie Freeman (6) 38 points Sandy, Greg Dean (11) 38 points Foster, Pat McKay (9) 37 points Sandy, C. Macrae (13) 37 points Sandy and Chris Foulds (25) 37 points Foster. Nearest the pin: fourth Lloyd McKenzie, sixth Bob Gamble, 13th Luke Collard, 15th Eddy Fah and 17th Gary Clavarino. Money hole $33: Warren Dummett (13), (Whittlesea). Ladies Saturday, January 1 – stableford, Ray Stewart trophy winner: Pam Witheridge (30) 40 points Sandy. Down the line balls: Carolyn Stevenson (21) 39 points Sandy and Judy Fah (34) 34 points Foster. Nearest the pin: sixth Gale Tyers, sixth Wendy Gregson, 13th Carolyn Stevenson, 15th Gale Tyers and 17th Judy Prain. Money hole: 10th Gale Tyers. Coming events Thursday, January 8 open single stableford. Saturday, January 10 - Medal Day R. Taylor trophy. Ladies Saturday, January 10 - stroke. First round aggregate, Sunday, January 11 – Banksia Lodge Charity Day. Ambrose – teams of three hit off 9.30 to 10.30am.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 45

Sport Top cricket action at Leongatha LEONGATHA will host this Saturday’s Premier Cricket round between Casey-South Melbourne and Hawthorn-Monash Uni. To clear the way for local cricketers to come and watch some of Victoria’s elite players in action, the entire round of LDCA fixtures will be played this Sunday, January 11. There will be free entry to the Premier match at Leongatha, with play starting at 11am and finishing at around 6pm. The Hawthorn-Monash Uni side is coached by former Australian test captain Graham Yallop. Yallop moved from Casey-South Melbourne this year to take on the Director of Cricket Coaching role for Monash Uni. As his former side comes up against his new side, there is sure to be plenty of feeling in the game. There could be some local representation in the Casey-South Melbourne team. Jake Best of Foster has played in the last five games and re-

cently scored 38 at Punt Road. Brett Eddy, also of Foster, has played the last couple of games in the ones. But with Victorian representative Damien Wright and another couple pushing for selection, the make-up of the team won’t be known until Thursday night Hawthorn-Monash Uni are the favourites to win as they are travelling well in the four, while Casey-South Melbourne are anchored on the bottom with no wins. Hawthorn-Monash is taking the game very seriously and are expecting a torrid encounter with Yallop coaching against his old team. Casey was a big chance of winning at least four of their matches, so expect a good contest. Hawthorn Monash also has some quality players representing them, headed by their skipper Simon Dart. Dart, a former Victorian player, has had 800 run seasons but can’t get back into the Vic side at the moment. He recently returned to form with 62 not out against North Melbourne.

Gurauv Kapour is a solid opening batsman, while Darren Dewar, a state Under 17 cricketer, is the other opening batsman. Current Ryder Cup medallist, Steve Spoljaric is in excellent touch with two centuries already this season, while Roger Sillence, an all rounder, scored a century against Camberwell Magpies recently. Dale Tormey, currently in the state under 19 team, is in top touch after recently scoring more than 500 runs in the National Championships before Christmas. Local cricket umpire Clive Salmon is really looking forward to umpiring in this match. Kids program Regional cricket manager, Rob Wood, is encouraging the children to come and spectate with their parents as well. There will be a jumping castle and giveaways to the children. Prior to the big game there will be an under 12 and girls game plus skills activities in the lunch break. To enter individually or as a team contact Rob on 0408 820 582.

Stony Creek back on track Stony Creek raced on Saturday and another big crowd turned out. The club hosted two meetings in six days and attracted over 2600 on course patrons on both days. This is a terriﬁc outcome for the club, particularly after the December 13 meeting was abandoned due to the weather. Saturday’s eight race card was highlighted by a double to the Peter Moody/Linda Meech combination. Committeeman, Rob Armstrong said “it certainly has us back on track and some of the ﬁgures from the December 29 meeting were up 70 per cent on last season. “We’ve probably been fortunate in that the weather has been ideal. They’ve been quite good days, but not quite good enough for the beach, so holiday makers have been coming to the races.”

Telling victory The Telling family, which has a strong connection with racing in the region, saw their latest galloper, Devon Destroyer, hang on to win the ﬁrst event at Stony Creek, the Whirlpool distance maiden. Mike Telling bred the dam, Devon Valley Lady, and this is her ﬁrst foal. Devon Valley Lady won 12 races, including four in town when trained by current Stony Creek chairman, Paul Boag. Devon Destroyer is trained by Michael Templeton.

Follow up Last Mogul, trained by Nikki Burke was a very impressive winner of the Delonghi Maiden plate and will pay to follow, as will Shakuhachi, winner of the Fisher & Paykel class one. He’s a horse that’s had some big name connections, being bred by four time Melbourne Cup winning owner Dato Tan Chin Nam. He was previously trained by David Hayes, but was transferred to Mick Price on December 9, with Hayes still being listed as an owner. Stony Creek does it all again next Monday, January 12, its third meeting in 15 days.

Above Relaxing trot: Head groom Peter Courtney gives ﬁlly Invincible Doll a warming down after she won her race last Saturday. Right Mounting yard: Jockey Mark Flaherty dismounts and heads for the scales after riding Last Mogul to victory in race three last Saturday.

Dumbalk couple: Ed and Bev Hanley spent a relaxing time at Stony Creek races last Saturday. Below Safety team: Members of Gippsland’s CFA Community Safety team enjoyed the sunny race day. From left, Mark Potter, Anna Larkin, Adrian Wakenshaw, Louise Haughton, Andrew Oldroyd (racing committee vice chairman) and David Walters

LDCA Umpire Appointments

Evans Petroleum Round 9 - January 11 Home team Away Team Grade A1 Inverloch v OMK Nerrena v Workmens Town v Imperials Saturday Jan 10 Miners v Korumburra Grade A2 P. Island v Fish Crk/Tarwin Glen Alvie v Miners Koonwarra RSL v Poowong/Loch Workmens v MDU Grade B Imperials v Town OMK v Inverloch P. Island v Nerrena Saturday Jan 10 Korumburra v Glen Alvie Grade C Fish Creek/Tarwin v P. Island Miners v Foster Poowong/Loch v Koonwarra RSL MDU v Workmens Grade D Town v Imperials Koonwarra RSL v Nerrena MDU v OMK Saturday Jan 10 Glen Alvie v Korumburra Grade E OMK v Imperials Foster v Poowong/Loch Inverloch v P. Island Town Bye Saturday Jan 10 Miners v Workmens Saturday Night 20-20 Under lights

Ground Umpire

Imperials

v L’gatja Town

I Turf Nerr L Turf

Michael Heenan Alan Jordan Clive Salmon

Graham Laird

Cowes GA Koon MR

Richard Poole Les White Paddy Cummins Brendan Thomas

EC OMK New

Luke Sullivan Ken Lester Alan Roberts

Kor

Les White

FC Turf Tarwin Loch Meen

John Lea Stephen Lanyon Ian Thomas Les Boyd

WC1 MM Dum

Herb Roberts Kevin Smith Frank Arndt

Peter Kennedy

KSC FGC Rhyll

John Williams Rod Grylls Marian Wishart

WSC Jan 10

Bob Allan Alan Jordan

L Turf

Michael Heenan

Lights on! FOLLOWING the Premier grade game this Saturday, the lights at Leongatha rec will be switched on for another cricket game.

A 20-20 game will be played between Leongatha Town and Imperials, the second round of the LDCA’s knockout competition. Unlike last year’s match between the two D Grade sides, this match will feature A Grade cricketers, so a full day of cricket action in Leongatha is the outcome. Refreshments and a barbecue will be available all day while Ryan’s Transport and Matthews Transport have chipped in with two semis to act as sightscreens.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sport Winning with a pinky snapper MICHAEL de Hamer won the senior division of the January Venus Bay Angling Club ﬁshing competition.

He caught a 2000gram pinky snapper and was awarded 1000 points. Thirty-nine members and visitors entered the competition held January 2, 3 and 4. Conditions were near perfect on Saturday and Sunday, after a windy start on

Friday. There were plenty of boats on the water over the weekend, but fish were harder to find for most members. Small flathead, salmon and trevally were everywhere, but legal sized fish were scarce. There were a few pinky snapper landed by Phil Nebel, Tom Aulsebrook, Michael de Hamer and Brett Shelton. The perch were about for Tyrone Nebel, Aron Sharp, Michael Kleverkamp and

Phil Nebel who target this species. Twenty-five perch in total were weighed in for this competition. Junior member Matt Pavlidis also landed a nice pinky, and Paul de Hamer weighed in a nice flattie and a good sized ling. Results Senior: first Michael de Hamer with a pinky snapper, 2000grams (1000 points); second, Brett Shelton with

a pinky snapper, 1700grams (850 points); third, Gerald Batt with a trevally, 780 grams (624 points). Junior winner: Matt Pavlidis with a pinky snapper, 740grams (370 points). Heaviest gummy shark was landed by Joe Griscti 3000grams (cleaned).

Special secret weight prize of a $50 voucher from Rod Bendings was won by Tom Aulsebrook. This was a good start to the new season. Congratulations to the trophy and prize winners, and thanks to our sponsor and all who entered.

Shooting victor: South Gippsland Field and Game junior club champion, Dean Swan accepts his trophy from club life member and trophy sponsor, Leith Johnson. Dean shot the highest aggregate of targets over the preceding 12 months.

Shooting like a Swan DEAN Swan was the 2008 South Gippsland Field and Game junior club champion. Junior club champion Senior winner: Michael de Hamer with a pinky snapper weighing 2000grams.

Junior winner: Matt Pavlidis with a pinky snapper weighing 740grams.

Each year Leith Johnson, a life member of the club, provides a trophy and a half case of cartridges to the junior who shoots the highest aggregate of targets over the preceding 12 months. The club held their January shoot in superb sunshine on Sunday, January 3. Sixty competitors started the 2009 shoot calendar with a 75 target event, shot over two rounds. The ﬁrst round consisted of 38 targets and the second round of 37 targets. The ground setters did a great job of providing some easily shot targets and some that really tested the good shooters. As with all things mechanical, the day was marred towards the end when a couple of automatic traps played up.

These things at times test the organiser’s patience and sometimes the competitors. Winners on the day were: AA Grade: K. Jacobs 64/75, P. Knox 57/75 and J. Bradley 41/75. A Grade: S. Busana 68/75, R. Evans 54/75 and D. Munday 53/75. B Grade: R. Hemphill 55/75, T. Hardman 55/75 and R. Ould 43/75. C Grade: P. Bowker 50/75, B. Batagol 49/75, D. Morgan 43/75. Vets: G. Hart 55/75, J. Spinks 53/75 and J. Robbins 49/75. Ladies: T. Jacobs 36/75, S. Butler 33/75 and M. Hogan 33/75. Juniors: D. Swan 48/75, S. Cooper 44/75 and A. Notman 23/75. Anyone who may be interested in trying simulated ﬁeld shooting or would like to ﬁnd out more about the club is invited to call Paul Knox on 0428 592 248.

• ALBERTON FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Power and Yarram meet only once FOR the second year in a row, Wonthaggi and Yarram will play each other only once in Alberton Football. The league released its draw for the 2009 season recently and it could be the last

season in its present format without a bye. Spectators waiting for the blockbuster between Yarram and Wonthaggi will have to wait until round 13 on July 11 to see this match at Wonthaggi. Other features of the 2009 draw include:

• Early start of April 4. • Local derbies highlight round one • No Easter games April 11 • Sunday games on April 26 • No break between cricket and football • No matches Queen’s Birthday weekend • Grand ﬁnal September 12

Alberton Football League draw Round 1 - April 4 Toora v Foster Fish Creek v Tarwin Phillip Island v Kilcunda/Bass Allies v Yarram Wonthaggi v Dalyston MDU v Stony Creek Inv/Kongwak v Kor/Bena Easter - April 11 Round 2 - April 18 Stony Creek v Toora Kor/Bena v Fish Creek Foster v Phillip Island Tarwin v Allies Kilcunda/Bass v Wonthaggi Yarram v MDU Dalyston v Inv/Kongwak Round 3 - April 26 (Sunday) Toora v Kilcunda/Bass Fish Creek v Yarram Phillip Island v Dalyston Allies v Stony Creek Wonthaggi v Kor/Bena MDU v Foster Inv/Kongwak v Tarwin Round 4 - May 2 Yarram v Toora Dalyston v Fish Creek Stony Creek v Phillip Island Kor/Bena v Allies Foster v Wonthaggi Tarwin v MDU Kilcunda/Bass v Inv/Kongwak Round 5 - May 9 Toora v Dalyston Fish Creek v Stony Creek Phillip Island v Kor/Bena Allies v Foster Wonthaggi v Tarwin

MDU v Kilcunda/Bass Inv/Kongwak v Yarram Round 6 - May 16 Tarwin v Toora Kilcunda/Bass v Fish Creek Yarram v Phillip Island Dalyston v Allies Stony Creek v Wonthaggi Kor/Bena v MDU Foster v Inv/Kongwak Round 7 - May 23 Toora v Inv/Kongwak MDU v Fish Creek Phillip Island v Wonthaggi Allies v Kilcunda/Bass Dalyston v Foster Tarwin v Yarram Kor/Bena v Stony Creek Round 8 - May 30 Inv/Kongwak v MDU Wonthaggi v Toora Fish Creek v Allies Phillip Island v Tarwin Yarram v Kor/Bena Foster v Kilcunda/Bass Stony Creek v Dalyston Queen’s Birthday weekend (8/6/09) Round 9 - June 13 MDU v Wonthaggi Allies v Inv/Kongwak Toora v Phillip Island Fish Creek v Foster Kilcunda/Bass v Stony Creek Kor/Bena v Tarwin Dalyston v Yarram Round 10 - June 20 Wonthaggi v Allies

Phillip Island v MDU Inv/Kongwak v Fish Creek Toora v Kor/Bena Tarwin v Dalyston Stony Creek v Foster Yarram v Kilcunda/Bass Round 11 - June 27 Allies v Phillip Island Fish Creek v Wonthaggi MDU v Toora Inv/Kongwak v Stony Creek Foster v Yarram Dalyston v Kor/Bena Kilcunda/Bass v Tarwin Round 12 - July 4 Phillip Island v Fish Creek Toora v Allies Wonthaggi v Inv/Kongwak MDU v Dalyston Kor/Bena v Kilcunda/Bass Yarram v Stony Creek Tarwin v Foster Round 13 - July 11 Fish Creek v Toora Inv/Kongwak v Phillip Island Allies v MDU Wonthaggi v Yarram Stony Creek v Tarwin Kilcunda/Bass v Dalyston Foster v Kor/Bena Round 14 - July 18 Foster v Toora Tarwin v Fish Creek Kilcunda/Bass v Phillip Island Yarram v Allies Dalyston v Wonthaggi Stony Creek v MDU Kor/Bena v Inv/Kongwak

Round 15 - July 25 Toora v Stony Creek Fish Creek v Kor/Bena Phillip Island v Foster Allies v Tarwin Wonthaggi v Kilcunda/Bass MDU v Yarram Inv/Kongwak v Dalyston Round 16 - August 1 Kilcunda/Bass v Toora Yarram v Fish Creek Dalyston v Phillip Island Stony Creek v Allies Kor/Bena v Wonthaggi Foster v MDU Tarwin v Inv/Kongwak Round 17 - August 8 Toora v Yarram Fish Creek v Dalyston Phillip Island v Stony Creek Allies v Kor/Bena Wonthaggi v Foster MDU v Tarwin Inv/Kongwak v Kilcunda/Bass Round 18 - August 15 Dalyston v Toora Stony Creek v Fish Creek Kor/Bena v Phillip Island Foster v Allies Tarwin v Wonthaggi Kilcunda/Bass v MDU Yarram v Inv/Kongwak FINALS August 22: Elimination final 3v6 August 23: Elimination final 4v5 August 29: 2nd semi 1v2 August 30: 1st semi final September 5: Preliminary final September 12: Grand final

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - PAGE 47

Sport

Beach sprint: placegetters in one of the girl’s beach runs were, from left, Elizabeth Zagon, third, from Venus Bay, Holly Davies, ﬁrst, from Bonbeach, and Sophia Hughes, second, from Inverloch.

All clear: a shark was sighted just off the Inverloch surf beach on the day before the nipper carnival. Referee George Misson (pictured) made sure everything was all clear before nipper events began on the Sunday.

State nippers head to Inverloch THE cream of the state’s nippers converged on Inverloch for a highly successful nipper carnival on Sunday. Some 450 competitors and more than 800 people in total saw perfect conditions for all events including board rescue, beach ﬂags, surf race, beach run, and wade relays. After a shark sighting on the Saturday, all clear was given by race referee George Misson for events to proceed and fortunately, no injuries (or shark sightings!)

They’re off: Jade McAlear (pictured centre) from Venus Bay takes off in the girls under 10 foam board relay.

Determined: Khy Blizzard of Inverloch runs out of the surf in the under 11 boys surf race.

Hard work: Liam McDonald powers along the beach for Cape Paterson in an under 11 event.

were recorded on the day. The Inverloch club is to be congratulated on a highly successful carnival given that their current clubrooms are two shipping containers. Hopefully new clubrooms in the future will see some bigger senior carnivals hosted by the club. Leanne de Plussis and David Greenwood from the Inverloch club co-ordinated the event and thank the Bass Coast Shire, the Inverloch Lions Club and all the water and beach volunteers for all their assistance.

Bridge Results Friday – Inverloch North/ South 1st. Jack Kuiper. Dina Drury. 2nd. Colin Manley. Althea Drew. 3rd. John Farr. Anne Williams. East/West. 1st. Colin Cameron. Alex Smith. 2nd. John Sullivan. John Sutton.

3rd. Ann Dujela. Chae August. Note: Subscriptions are now due and payable. Annual General Meeting is to be held on February 20, 2009 Please come and show support for your Committee.

DALYSTON 4WD MUD DRAG RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS Sunday, January 11, 2009. Dalyston Recreation Reserve Admission fees - Adults $15.00, Under 13s FREE 10.00 a.m. start - 4.00 p.m. finish Food & Drink available Road registered & 5 modified classes of mud creatures Proudly sponsored by:

WONTHAGGI TOYOTA WHERE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION COMES FIRST

A Camping Block, AC Metal Fabrications, Alex Scott & Staff, Anderson Buck Stop, Archies Creek Hotel, AWM Electrical Suppliers, Bass Coast Diesel, Bass Coast Rubbish Removals, Beveridge Williams & Co, Capeview Mitre 10, Carpet Call Floor Centre, Coastal Smash Repairs, Donmix, Elders Ltd, Eli Sheerin Concreting, Harvey Norman, Kilcunda Oceanview Hotel, Luscombe Colahan, Motherwell Meats, Ozone Hotel, Paint Place, Pinefab Pty. Ltd., Qikazz Hobbies & Computers, Raneye Security Systems, Simon Bolding, Simpson Financial Solutions, Stockdale & Leggo, Timber Treat, Trewins Transport, TS Constructions, Westernport Property Consultants, Wonthaggi Club, Wonthaggi Retravision, Wonthaggi Tyre Service, Wonthaggi Workmens Club.

www.a4wdmra.com.au

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

INVERLOCH Surf Life Saving Club played host to 450 competitors at the State Nipper Carnival on Sunday. Leanne du Plessis from the club said the day went extremely well, with no injuries or incidents reported.

“Everyone showed great sportsmanship, which is a credit to all clubs involved,” Leanne said. Leanne said the club was hopeful that when new clubrooms were built they would be able to host some of the senior carnivals. See story inside.

Right, Hitting the water: these nippers from Mount Martha hit the surf in the board event.

Out in force: nippers from host club Inverloch were out in force. Pictured waiting for their event are, from left, Rebecca O’Halloran, Elise Burt, Payge O’Shea, and Jasmine O’Shea.

Stony fights back STONY Creek racing club has won the backing of the wider community in its ﬁght to keep its current number of race meetings. The club will soon start circulating a petition, calling on Racing Victoria Limited to reverse its decision to cut yet another meeting from the club’s roster. The latest cut-back came as part of a wider country racing blueprint that will also see training facilities at Stony Creek phased out over the next few years. The double blow will see tens of thousands of dollars taken out of the club’s annual revenue – money the club can ill afford to lose.

But in a sign that the South Gippsland community is not willing to accept the treatment meted out to its premier racing venue, the wider community has thrown its support behind the club. “There has been a very strong call from the community to organise a series of public meetings in Meeniyan and Leongatha, which I would be keen to recommend at tonight’s committee meeting,” club committee man Rob Armstrong said. “The Chamber of Commerce, progress associations, various community committees that provide catering and other services to us on race days and a few other interested parties, are all keen to show their support.”

Mr Armstrong said there was growing recognition in the local community about the importance of the club. “It’s been recognised in Meeniyan that any reduction in meetings at Stony Creek will result in a similar reduction in economic beneﬁt to the local community.” The stripping of the training track funding will also be put in the spotlight, with a meeting with trainers set to see protest actions stepped up. “We will be sitting down with the local trainers over the next week to look at a range of options, including their co-operative input,” Mr Armstrong said. “Over and above all that, we will be

looking at mounting a case to RVL and Minister Hulls to argue our case for a continuation of racing track funding, based on the remoteness of Stony Creek relative to other training centres, the closest of which are Cranbourne and Pakenham.” The petition will be distributed throughout South Gippsland and will be available at the race track at next Monday’s meeting. It will also be in shops, hotels and newsagencies throughout the region. As well as the petition, a letter campaign will seek to tap into local discontentment about the RVL decisions. “We will be looking at letters via email and hard copy to get people to

send their protest direct to RVL and the minister, Mr Hulls, and even the opposition parties,” he said. Ironically, the RVL plan to strip Stony Creek of another meeting comes as some of the strongest crowds in years have ﬂocked to the course for the last two meetings. Meanwhile, RVL has announced an extension of the deadline for responses to the directions paper. Rather than February 6, as originally stated, clubs and industry participants will now have until February 27 to lodge submissions. As a result of this change, the date for the release of the ﬁnal infrastructure paper is expected to be deferred to mid May 2009.