The Great Southern Star - June 26, 2012

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012 - $1.20

Cold but not homeless

LEONGATHA Secondary College student leaders Max Rounds, Emily Wilson, Amy Burns and Bronte Robb were just some of the masterminds behind the South Gippsland Winter Sleep Out last Friday night.

The event, where 18 people camped out behind the Leongatha Memorial Hall without the comforts of a mattress or heater, raised awareness for homelessness in South Gippsland as well as money for the Salvation Army.

With the mercury dropping to as low as five degrees Celcius throughout the night, participants rose the next morning with a far greater appreciation for their warm beds and hot showers waiting at home. Turn to page 8 to read more.

Floods chaos

By Simone Short

A HEAVILY pregnant woman and her husband were evacuated from their flood-threatened Wattle Bank home on Friday.

Rainfall of more than 60mm in 24 hours resulted in upended lives across the region, shutting roads, disrupting workers’ plans and interfering with school bus routes.

The heavy rain was the second natural event to cause concern in a matter of days, after an earthquake rattled South Gippsland on Tuesday night.

The Wattle Bank couple called the

Region rumbles Page 3.

State Emergency Service as floodwaters two metres deep isolated their home, but volunteers were unable to access the house.

The male occupant said water first began to approach their back door on Thursday night but he was not alarmed.

“At 6am (on Friday), Foster Creek crept into our property and inundated the back of the house,” he said.

“We waited it out, put sandbags at the door and called SES who came out and said it was best if we leave and we totally agreed.”

Wonthaggi SES controller Joe Borg said they immediately realised it was too

dangerous for the occupants to stay, with water flowing rapidly around the house.

“The water level was getting higher and it was lapping at the door and just starting to get inside. The woman was 36 weeks pregnant. It was in their best interest to get out,” he said.

“We could only keep in touch with the couple via mobile phones. It was over the phone that we convinced them to leave.”

The SES crew initially organised a rescue boat to vacate the couple, however a neighbour arrived with his tractor and was able to drive in and carry them out to safety.

Continued on page 2.

Gas protest Pages 4 and 5.

Strzelecki Highway: floodwaters slowed traffic on the highway near Mardan Road at Leongatha last Friday, but the water had cleared by later that afternoon.

Also in today’s Star • Machete attack - page 3 • Tax bites - page 7 • Blues in town - pages 9 & 27.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Floods cause havoc Continued from page 1.

“We were able to get them both to the lady’s parents’ home in Inverloch,” Mr Borg said.

“We really wish to thank the farmer for coming to

their aid. He was a godsend for sure.”

Despite only being four weeks away from her due date, the woman’s husband said he wasn’t too concerned about the incident.

Although no other homes were damaged by floodwaters, the same could not be said for roads, with dozens of closures occurring during one of South Gippsland’s wettest days for the year.

During the 24-hour period between 9am Thursday and Friday, Fish Creek recorded its second highest reading for the year of 54mm while Leongatha recorded its highest at 62mm.

Wonthaggi was not far behind, with 44.6mm of rainfall.

The continuous rain caused havoc for motorists and sent South Gippsland and Bass Coast shire councils and VicRoads into overdrive, closing roads and warning motorists of the conditions.

A closure on the Bass Highway near Kirrak Road in Wonthaggi saw traffic backed up for over a kilometre on Friday afternoon, with only one lane open.

Weekend visitors from Melbourne wanting to reach Phillip Island or Wilsons Promontory also felt the frustration, taking up to five hours to detour up the Princes Highway to Drouin and back through Lang Lang, or to Warragul and back through Korumburra or Leongatha.

VicRoads regional director Sebastian Motta said VicRoads had to close some major roads due to inundation, and put temporary traffic conditions in place on a number of other roads.

“These temporary conditions included speed reductions and partial lane closures where water had flowed onto the road,” he said.

“Now that floodwaters have receded in many locations and inspections of road conditions are being carried out, VicRoads has been able to start re-opening roads and remove temporary traffic conditions wherever it is safe to do so.

“Some sections of road may have suffered deterioration as a result of heavy rainfall and VicRoads urges drivers to take care and drive to the conditions at all times.”

Six roads in South

Gippsland remained closed yesterday (Monday), while landslips have limited the Loch-Poowong Road at Loch, just under a kilometre from the South Gippsland Highway, and LeongathaYarragon Road at Hallston between Grand Ridge Road and Allambee Estate Road to only one lane.

Five roads also remain closed in the Bass Coast Shire while water over roads enforced speed restrictions at five others.

Schools buses were also sent into disarray, with some routes cancelled at around 3.15pm on Friday afternoon.

Students from Leongatha and St Laurence’s Primary School were taken by bus to the Leongatha Secondary College before realising their connecting routes had been cancelled.

Students had to be taken back to their schools by teachers, where parents were contacted and asked to collect their children.

V/Line services were also disrupted, with some routes cancelled and others drastically delayed.

“The Melbourne to Cowes service ran an altered route and was at least 120 minutes late – not all stops were serviced,” V/Line spokesperson James Kelly said.

“Koo Wee Rup and Inverloch services did not operate and Leongatha and Yarram services ran as a train from Melbourne to Morwell, then as a bus from Morwell to Leongatha.”

Despite the wet conditions, both Leongatha and Wonthaggi SES reported fairly quiet weekends, with only 10 and 15 call-outs respectively on Friday, with no flood related call-outs over the weekend.

Leongatha SES controller Tony Lindhard said fortunately the majority of the floodwaters over roads had receded by Saturday morning.

Jeannie Hicks from South Gippsland Shire Council commended all workers and volunteers for their dedication during the floods.

Back in business: flooding near Screw Creek closed the Bass Highway near Inverloch on Thursday night, but the road re-opened Friday morning.

“A big pat on the back to all the council crews and the SES; it’s a reminder how indebted we are to these people,” she said.

“At a moment’s notice they give up their weekends to put the safety of the community before everything else.”

Police were also pleased with responsible driver behaviour around floodwaters, with only one accident reported due to wet roads.

Around 10.30pm on Sunday night a 21-year-old man from Devon North lost control of his car around a bend and collided with roadside shrubbery along the Foster-Waratah Road near Fish Creek.

The man was taken to hospital with minor injuries to his chest and neck but was not admitted.

Affected driving conditions: a truck drives through the flooded entrance to Mardan Road, Leongatha on Friday. Dozens of roads throughout South Gippsland were closed after heavy rainfall.

Tankers delayed MURRAY Goulburn milk transport vehicles were affected by rising floodwaters and road closures on Friday.

Brad Close, transport safety and compliance manager at Murray Goulburn said that, like everyone the road closures were causing them some trouble.

“The floods are currently making it difficult for us to make on farm pick-ups,” Mr Close said.

“We are experiencing problems across the entire region and are currently taking it hour by hour.

“No trucks are stuck, but a lot of planning is done to prevent that sort of stuff from happening.

“We are finding it difficult to access farms at the moment, but will endeavour to do it the safest way possible, as soon as possible. We are working with local authorities to make sure it happens that way.”

Budget decision time COUNCILLOR David Lewis will seek a reduced rate rise when South Gippsland Shire Council debates the 2012-13 budget tomorrow (Wednesday).

He wants a rise of 3.25 per cent, in line with the Consumer Price Index inflation rate.

Council officers are seeking five per cent.

He would cut 18 jobs to fund his plan, saying council has increased staff numbers by 36 in the current council term. Cr Lewis believes his plan would reduce management, overhead, administrative and recurrent costs by $1 million by June 30, 2013 and $2 million

by June 30, 2014.

His cuts would target sustainability, social

planning, ageing activities and general staff costs.

Councillors last Wednesday discussed submissions to the draft budget.

The Foster War Memorial Arts Centre sought support to build a storage shed at a cost of $5000 to allow an existing room to be used as a consulting room or office for a youth assistance clinic doctor.

Council officers said the site suggested by the committee was subject to flooding during heavy rain. Council will work with the committee to find another storage solution.

Council will provide an extra $7053 in recurrent funding to the West Gippsland Library Corporation to provide for two hours of shelving per week at the Mirboo North

library and four hours at the Foster library.

Safety concerns at the access to the Mirboo North Recreation Reserve and rail trail will be closer to being addressed with $12,000 allocated to engineering designs.

Mirboo North residents Luke McGrath and Darien Jack wanted design and construction costs included in the budget to enable traffic islands and road widening.

Council will still allocate $23,000 to upgrade the kitchen, undertake drainage works and replace carpet in the office at the Korumburra Tennis Club. The club also wanted improved lighting, toilets and playgroup equipment.

Council will suggest the club apply for a community grant to do such works.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 3

Quake cracks school

By Jacob de Kunder CRACKS riddle the walls of the Leongatha Primary School staffroom after last Tuesday’s 5.4 magnitude earthquake.

Cracked up: Leongatha Primary School principal Rob Higgins points out one of the cracks caused by last Tuesday’s earthquake.

Machete suspected in Meeniyan attack AN ALLEGED machete attack left a man in hospital with head injuries last Tuesday night.

A 39-year-old man from Dumbalk allegedly assaulted the 39-yearold victim in McKitterick Street at around 5.40pm.

Police believe the incident was a domestic dispute.

While police are yet to identify the weapon, first witnesses on the scene said they believed the weapon used in the attack was a machete.

The victim was taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital in Traralgon where he received stitches.

Five police cars surrounded the block while police searched for evidence, however officers were unable to locate the offender after he fled the scene.

Sergeant Andy Boldiston from Leongatha Police said the community was not threatened while the offender was at large.

“We had no concerns for public safety; there were certainly no dan-

gers to the public,” he said.

Detective Sergeant John Rose from the Wonthaggi Criminal Investigation Unit said the man was later located and interviewed last Thursday.

“We were happy to wait until he had calmed down,” he said, adding both parties were known to each other.

“He has been interviewed and released pending summons.”

The victim will be interviewed today (Tuesday).

Sandy Point works halt

By Sarah Vella WORK has reportedly halted on construction of the new Sandy Point Community Centre, which is believed to be caused by Core Constructions being placed into voluntary administration on June 19.

An anonymous contractor working on the site phoned The Star yesterday (Monday) morning to advise of the failing project.

“Due to poor management by the South Gippsland Shire Council, a lot of local contractors are out of work and money,” he said.

“The contractors working on the project were not being paid so they contacted council, who insisted that the contractors would be paid, through them.

“Originally, the project was going to use a local builder; however we heard that Core Properties came in $5000 cheaper, which is why the council went with them instead.

“The project was supposed to be completed back in December last year, but due to certain delays the end date kept getting pushed further and further back.

“Contractors that weren’t getting paid would stop coming to the site, then they would receive some payment and would come back to work.

“It is still not finished.

Council says that they cannot pay the outstanding amounts because Core Properties have not released the contracts to

them yet.”

Anthony Seabrook, director of engineering services at the South Gippsland Shire Council, said “we are working through some contractual issues at the moment but the project is expected to be completed in three to four weeks”.

The Star tried to contact Pat Scrimizzi of Core Properties on Monday, however their telephone was disconnected.

The heritage listed building also received damage to the stumps but building inspectors deemed it safe to use.

“All the newer buildings are fine but this older building obviously shook around a lot more than the others,” school principal Rob Higgins said.

“There is some cracking in the walls and some definite movement in the foundations.

“We’ve had the shire building inspector to look at it as well as a contracted inspector, and it has been deemed safe.”

The floor is unstable and even the slightest footsteps cause furniture to shake.

The earthquake stemmed from 13 kilometres north of Mirboo North and was felt across South Gippsland when it hit at around 8.53pm.

The 30 second rumble was felt as far as Albury to the north, the western suburbs of Melbourne and all the way to Orbost in the east.

Seismologist for Geoscience Australia Dan Jaska said there could be more earthquakes to come.

“The Gippsland area has a lot of fault lines and is a hot spot for earthquakes,” he said.

“We’re not sure when another might come but it’s possible they could be up around magnitude seven or eight.”

Gippsland is situated over the Selwyn Fault which caused last week’s quake.

Moe received the most damage, with supermarket stock flying off shelves and some structural damage.

Home-owners are being urged to check for damage in their homes from the earthquake.

Mirboo North dairy farmer Brian Moore discovered cracks in his lounge wall.

“I thought my dog Max was jumping on the deck when it started shaking,” he said.

General manager of Archicentre, David Hallett said small amounts of damage can lead to big problems.

“Leaning walls or brick fences which previously had cracks should be care-

fully checked, along with any decks and elevated water tanks on old timber stands,” Mr Hallett said.

“Safety should be the most important consideration in all instances.

“Cracks in walls and ceilings, especially in older homes where there is considerable weight in lathe and plaster ceilings, should be treated with caution and people should get professional help to assess their homes by an appropriately qualified structural engineer or architect.”

Mr Hallett added that anyone getting repairs carried out on their home should get at least three quotes to ensure they are paying a fair price.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Talk to people, Peter Ryan DEPUTY Premier Peter Ryan will be invited to hear South Gippslanders’ opposition to coal seam gas.

South Gippsland Shire Council will contact the Gippsland South MLA, urging him to listen to people’s concerns.

Mr Ryan said he is happy to meet with council and constituents.

On Friday landholders’ rights would remain a priority in the consideration of exploration of natural gas in South Gippsland.

The Victorian Government would not allow planned on shore drilling for coal seam gas to damage Gippsland’s water tables, he said.

“There has been some concern about potential impacts to water tables following the recent announcement of drilling for exploration wells in Gippsland over the next 18 months,” Mr Ryan said.

“Under no circumstances would we as a government, and would I as a leader of The Nationals,

ever countenance the prospect of the remotest risk to our water tables. That will never happen while we are in government.”

Mr Ryan said it was important to understand what the process being proposed actually involved, with planned drilling considered ‘modest’ when looking at the geography of Gippsland.

“The planned drilling will entail five to seven exploratory wells drilled over the next 18 months. That is the extent of it,” he said.

“The technology used in coal seam gas exploration is conventional exploration technology which has been used in Victoria for decades. The companies have indicated that no fracking will be used during the exploration phase.

“Since 2000, a number of exploration licences have been issued in Victoria for exploration of coal seam gas. To date, no production of coal seam gas has occurred.”

Mr Ryan said if the companies chose to proceed to the production stage they would need to apply for a mining licence,

which would involve extensive community consultation and would involve substantial environmental assessments.

“The Victorian Government recently signed a National Partnerships Agreement on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development. The independent expert scientific advice that will be provided under this Agreement will be used in assessing any potential mining application,” he said.

“Victorian Government agencies have regulated the safe extraction of gas, both onshore and offshore, for more than 40 years, successfully protecting both local communities and the environment. This will continue.”

Mr Ryan rejected any suggestions that farming communities would be adversely affected.

“Our farmers are a vital component of Gippsland’s and Victoria’s community and economic base. They are the best in the business when it comes to the production of clean, green agricultural products that are sold both within Aus-

All together: protestors came prepared for the South Gippsland Shire Council session. tralia and in our export markets. That situation will be protected and enhanced by our government,” he said.

“Victorian farmers have the strongest rights in Australia during exploration and mining developments.

Those safeguards offer landholders, including farmers, strong protection in relation to land use.

“The government will continue to work with Victoria’s agricultural and resource industries to continue the successful relationship that has evolved over many years to the benefit of the wider community.”

Representatives from the Department of Primary Industries have already promised to talk to council in private, sparking community suspicion.

Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said council would also ask for the DPI to hold a public meeting.

Gas objector Phil Piper of Mirboo North was outraged.

“I’m confused about why one part of our government would want to come to talk in secret with another part of our government,” he said at the public presentation last Wednesday.

Cr Raabe urged the community to establish a petition.

Jess Beachley of Outtrim said more than 420 people had already signed a petition in South Gippsland objecting to coal seam gas mining.

“People are not aware of what is going on,” she said, urging council to: “Please, I urge you to advocate on behalf of the people you represent.”

Cr Raabe sought to allay the community’s concerns by saying that on average, one in every 1000 exploration licences became a mining licence.

About 200 people attended two council public presentation sessions about the topic in Leongatha last Wednesday, with many attending both meetings.

Cr Raabe said council was powerless to stop such mining proceeding and urged residents to object to the responsible authority, the DPI. “If you want to change the opinion of the decision-makers, you need to change the opinion of the State Government,” he said.

Lyn Sellens of Mirboo North called on council to ban gas mining.

“I urge you to be braver and stronger when you are speaking to state politicians,” she said.

Council has lodged a submission to Leichhardt Resources’ application for an exploration licence, saying it respected the industry’s contributions to the economy.

Council also called for the region’s farming land, environment, water and community to be protected.

Noise, aquifer contamination, saline water, chemical use, traffic implications, disruptions to farming and

Attend meeting JENNY McDonald and her husband Glenn Cant are so worried about the ramifications of coal seam gas mining in South Gippsland, they’ve taken an advertisement in The Star urging people to attend tomorrow’s South Gippsland Shire Council meeting.

“We’re concerned citi-

zens,” Mr Cant said.

The meeting will decide council’s stance on the issue and Mr Cant said it will provide a good guide for ratepayers who will have to vote in October’s shire elections.

The couple lives at Koonwarra and moved to the area because of the lifestyle it offers. They overlook the Koonwarra wetlands and think the prospect of ground or surface water being affected by mining chemicals is alarming.

Ms McDonald also stressed the area’s importance as a food bowl.

Anti-gas chief to speak THE founding leader of a coal seam gas opposition group will present at a meeting in Leongatha next week.

Drew Hutton is the head of the original Lock The Gate Alliance.

He will help landowners understand what happened in Queensland and New South Wales, and what can be done in Gippsland.

Mr Dutton will be hosted by Lock the Gate Gippsland.

He will speak at the Dakers Centre, Leongatha on Wednesday, July 4 at 7pm.

Lock the Gate Gippsland purports to be the main contact point for all Gippsland residents and groups opposing coal seam gas mining.

The group’s website is now active and offers residents information about coal seam gas in Gippsland and what to do if they are contacted by a mining company.

The group is seeking a moratorium on coal seam gas mining in Gippsland until more is known about the process.

Lock the Gate Gippsland has also setup a 24/7 information hotline which can be accessed on 1300 104 149 and they have also setup Facebook and Twitter pages: http://www.facebook.com/LockTheGateGippsland Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/LockTheGateGipp www.lockthegategippsland.com

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effects on tourism were issues raised.

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244 Commercial Road Ph: 5133 0883

GP1362381

By Brad Lester

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 5

Region faces destruction

By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland would be ruined forever if coal seam gas mining was permitted, protestors told South Gippsland Shire Council last Wednesday.

They claimed coal seam gas would cause cancer and ruin agriculture.

Devastating bushfires would be inflamed by gas wells and mining could lead to earthquakes bigger than last Tuesday’s tremor. Communities would be split by pro and con camps.

More than 200 people filled council’s chambers during two public sessions, lobbying council to ask the State Government for a moratorium on the approval of coal seam gas exploration and mining licences in the shire.

Cr Kieran Kennedy has tabled a notice of motion to that effect to be debated at tomorrow’s council meeting, specifying the moratorium remain until all chemicals used during gas mining are proven to be safe.

Some protestors called on council to demand a ban on the controversial mining technique.

Protestors filled the chamber, sat on the floor between councillors, stood around the room and spilled into the foyer.

Many people were from Mirboo North, now the subject of three exploration licences. Rumours abounded that exploration drilling had already started in Nicholls Road.

Others came from Korumburra, Outtrim and Venus Bay. Many people were joined by children.

Mirboo North Anglican minister Geoff Pittaway said “we live in a society that clamours for the rights of the people to be heard”.

“I urge you to respect the need for a moratorium, if not a complete ban,” he said.

Linda Hall said the chemicals used by gas mining posed an alarming health risk, labelling the mining as “genocidal” and “treasonous”.

“Companies would not be able to come in and inject these poisons directly into people, but through coal seam gas mining they would be able to introduce these into our water,” she said.

Angela Carey, a mother of three from Mirboo North, endured the 2009 bushfires.

Not here: Mirboo North’s Peter and Glenda Smith protest coal seam gas mining at South Gippsland Shire Council’s meeting.

“What would happen when Gippsland is full of gas wells and the next bushfire comes through?” she said.

Dr Margaret Lynn of Berrys Creek said coal seam gas would turn South Gippsland into an “industrial wasteland”.

“This is not the economic diversity we were wanting,” she said, saying road networks would “occupy vast tracts of land”.

Janet Carey of Venus Bay said State and Federal governments were “playing catch-up”.

“This industry is growing at such a pace that existing frameworks are inadequate and in my view, all they do is protect the rights of miners over communities,” she said.

Ms Carey said the Venus Bay Peninsula was subject to an exploration licence by Leichhardt Resources despite being a “fragile sandspit”.

Cr Kennedy quipped the peninsula could end up in Tasmania should mining proceed.

Carolyn Robertson of Mirboo North said water shortages were already an issue in Australia and that coal seam gas would contaminate groundwater supplies.

“As councillors you have been elected to be stewards of the people in our shire. We ask you to not allow exploration activity on any shire land; that is our land,” she said.

Denyse Menzies of Nicholls Road believed exploration had already begun in her road and was “horrified”.

“The mining processes and agriculture in South Gippsland are not compatible,” she said, adding chemical tainted water holding ponds could cause acid rain.

“If we go down this path, it certainly is not repairable. We have everything in South Gippsland, in the future we will be a foodbowl for Victoria.”

Helen Groen said she loved Mirboo North and did not want the community destroyed by gas mining.

“Please stop it if you can but if not, just do your best,” she urged council.

That view was echoed by

Judith Bridges of Mirboo North and her daughter Sarah Bridges.

“They (miners) are big players and we can’t let them just come through and take big profits and leave us with a scarred and deserted landscape,” Sarah said.

Lillian Watsford of Berrys Creek said “money can’t replace what we have got here.”

Kelly Schilke of Mirboo told council “if you agree with coal seam gas, you will need to change your logo as you will have no beauty and no lifestyle”.

Phil Piper showed a map of the shire, indicating most of the shire was subject to exploration leases.

Mike Cleeland, a geology teacher at

the Bass Coast Adult Education Centre at Wonthaggi, said the incidence of earthquakes in the United States of America had increased by six-fold in the last 10 years due to coal seam gas mining. He said that claim was backed

by US Government findings.

“The only question that they raise is whether the injection of fluid makes the earth move more easily or whether it’s the removal of mass,” Mr Cleeland said.

He said only Wilsons Promontory and the Tynong area were safe from mining as those areas were granite and gas does not exist in granite.

Another public meeting was held at Welshpool last night (Monday).

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

AN UPDATE FROM AQUASURE

Work continues apace at the plant site and the project has achieved some more significant milestones in recent weeks. Although we have had significant inclement weather over recent times, we have been able to generally maintain program.

Seawater has started to flow through the Seawater Lift Pump Station (SWLPS). The water from Bass Strait enters the underground pump station via the 1.2km underground intake tunnel.

The purpose of the SWLPS is to transfer the seawater from sea level into the reverse osmosis plant to begin the desalination process Testing of the pumps is an important part of the commissioning process. There are 12 pumps each capable of moving up to 1000 litres of water per second. At this stage, seawater is only recirculated to the ocean via the permanent intake and outlet tunnels as the next stages of the process are not yet commissioned. Water being returned to the sea is continuously monitored online and in real time under strict Environment Protection Authority requirements.

With commissioning well underway a team of 80 specialists is undertaking more than 200,000 tests to make sure the various plant components are working as intended. This work will be ongoing for the next few months. All components were checked carefully before installation to ensure they met our high standards and were in perfect order. Recent suggestions that there was a rust problem in the plant were totally wrong.

www.aquasure.com.au

With power now flowing to the site, energisation of switch rooms is occurring. Over in the reverse osmosis building, the 55,000 membranes that separate the salt from the seawater are being loaded into racks.

Commissioning is about ensuring the plant produces high quality drinking water.

The Victorian Desalination Plant’s water quality specifications are very high to complement Melbourne’s current supplies. Potable water will start to be produced in July 2012 as part of the commissioning process. The quantity of production will progressively increase over the next five to six months and be fully operational before the end of the year. During that time, once testing and monitoring proves that the water meets quality specifications, water will gradually enter Melbourne’s water supply via Cardinia Reservoir.

To make the desalinated water potable and meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines we have to add back in the elements that are in your normal tap water which includes carbon dioxide and lime.

Chemicals typically used for water treatment processes are required during the commissioning of the plant and so small quantities of chemicals have started arriving on site. The transportation of the chemicals is via appropriately certified road transport contractors in standard, certified contained vehicles. The on-site storage and handling of chemicals is occurring in accordance all relevant occupational health and safety, and environment protection requirements.

I have covered previously the safety and high quality of the water that will be produced by the desalination plant however I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the following unequivocal facts: the water produced by the plant will be safe, of the highest quality, and complement the standard that we have all come to expect from Melbourne’s catchment supplies.

All around the globe, water quality standards are set by water and health authorities. In Victoria this means Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and Victorian health requirements. Producers of water, such as AquaSure, do not set the standards but produce water that complies with them.

A point of clarification also on recent comments that AquaSure will be making payments to the State due to delays in completion is incorrect.

The contract between AquaSure and the State does not require AquaSure to pay the State if AquaSure is delayed in completion. This is because the project is being delivered as a Public Private Partnership where AquaSure provides the finance for the project and is not paid by the State until the plant is producing potable water.

No payments have been made to AquaSure to date.

Until next time.

Chris Herbert CEO, AquaSure

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 7

Truck breakdown to hurry bypass

By Jacob de Kunder

still on Wednesday after a truck broke down.

TRAFFIC on the South Gippsland Highway in Leongatha was brought to a stand-

The truck blocked the Bair and McCartin streets roundabout.

Police diverted traffic up Lyon and Church streets and around the truck.

Heavier vehicles were not so fortunate to have that option, with three semi-trailers, one a B-double, banked up in Bair Street while the truck was moved.

After quick repairs, the truck was

towed by a four-wheel-drive about an hour later.

The incident highlighted the need for a heavy vehicle bypass around the Leongatha CBD, according to Sergeant Andy Boldiston from Leongatha Police.

“Things would certainly be a lot easier if there was a bypass when things like this go wrong,” he said.

“Especially during the day when there’s lots of traffic like on Wednesday.

“The media and (transport) companies are very good in getting the message out that the roads are blocked so not too many people get held up when there are blockages.”

Banked up: semitrailers were stuck in Bair Street, Leongatha for around an hour after a truck broke down and blocked the road on Wednesday.

$1m hit for Burra Foods

By Jane Ross THE carbon tax is likely to cost Burra Foods $1 million a year.

“Ah, the great big fat tax on everything. It’s an insidious tax that will affect everyone who wants to add value to anything.

“We view it as a wealth tax.”

The dairy manufacturer’s CEO and joint owner Grant Crothers said that last week, adding the tax puts the dairy industry “right in the gun”.

“We operate in an industry that lives on very low margins.”

The carbon tax comes into effect this Sunday, July 1.

Mr Crothers said he didn’t think the tax would impact on jobs at the Korumburra factory, but did say the farm gate price would be affected.

“We’re going into a tough pricing environ-

Date set THE former Dumbalk school site is likely to be auctioned on Friday, July 27 at 1pm.

The official announcement will be approved by a high-ranking Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) in the coming days.

While the original auction was scheduled for Friday, April 27, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan halted the sale, saying the local community deserved to be consulted on the deal.

An apparent communication failure left the DEECD in the dark on the cancellation of the auction, along with selling agent Michael Wrigley, who was still showing people through the property.

But after a public meeting in the town – with neither state nor local government willing to offer money for the site’s purchase – the community decided to let the property go.

ment that will make it more challenging to get an economic return at the farm gate.”

The trouble is, he explained, milk is 87 per cent water, the liquid has to be extracted and that requires energy.

Burra Foods is investigating how best to manage energy use and is attacking the task “with vigour”.

But Mr Crothers said political uncertainty at the federal level makes planning problematic.

“Will the tax survive past November 2013? If someone can tell me that, I can plan accordingly.”

The nation is due to go to the polls late next year and Coalition leader Tony Abbott is on the record as saying he would cancel the carbon tax if he wins government.

Burra Foods uses a combination of natural gas and electricity and Mr Crothers said the best way to reduce the cost of power would be

for the factory to have its own turbine.

“It’s something we’re researching but it’s very expensive, very capital intensive.”

And could that expenditure be justified, given the question marks over the tax’s future?

“It’s to our benefit that we don’t use brown coal to generate steam, so we’re in a stronger position than some and we’re grateful for that.”

Presuming the carbon tax continues, the impost will be there and the other question Burra Foods has to contend with is: who is going to pay?

“Being an exporter, we can’t pass it on to our customers. Our competitors have a much lower carbon price – or none.

“Burra Foods will work on efficiencies to decrease power usage and cost.

“We’re looking to get costs out of the business everywhere. The tax is just another cost on production.”

Burra Foods has around 160 suppliers.

VicRoads regional director Sebastian Mott said the heavy vehicle alternate route is still in the planning phase.

“VicRoads is working with South Gippsland Shire Council, Department of Transport, Public Transport Victoria, VicTrack and numerous other stakeholders on design concepts and intersection reconfiguration ideas,” he said.

“This planning work will continue to be carried out over the next year before designs and options will be open for comment to the community, as part of the planning scheme amendment process.”

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Braving the elements

By Simone Short PEOPLE participating

in the South Gippsland Winter Sleep Out last Friday night walked

away from the event having learnt a number of things.

Cardboard boxes make good shelters, you can never wear too many warm clothes when it’s only five degrees Celsius, and sleeping is difficult on concrete without a mattress were just a few.

But first and foremost, they truly understood how lucky they were to have a good breakfast and a hot shower to go home to the next morning, and were thankful they could catch up on their lost shut-eye in a comfortable bed.

Unfortunately, others are not so lucky.

Nineteen people took part in the sleep out at Leongatha to raise awareness for homelessness in South Gippsland and to raise money for the Salvation Army.

South Gippsland Salvation Army Captain Martyn Scrimshaw said the event was a great success.

“We raised well over $2500, taking the Red Shield Appeal total to around $17,000, which is the highest we’ve ever raised before,” he said.

“I think the night was awesome. One of the things I’ve got a new found respect for is cardboard boxes!”

The night kicked off near the Leongatha Memorial Hall with live music and a cup of hot soup, with members of the community joining in before their braver companions took to their

Sleeping out: 18 keen participants braved the bitter cold weather to sleep outside on Friday night with only the comforts of a sleeping bag and a cardboard box. sleeping bags.

Fortunately, despite rain during the night, boxes kindly donated by Kelvin John’s Retravision held up well and kept everyone dry.

Around 6am, groggy faces appeared from their cardboard cocoons, laden in layers of warm clothing and looking forward to a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs.

The idea of a sleep out

was first created by Leongatha Secondary College senior leaders, who partook in the Red Shield Appeal door knock, but wanted to experience being ‘homeless’ themselves to actually get an idea of how tough it can be.

Seven students took part in the event, and all agreed they now have greater appreciation for the comforts they normally take for

granted after experiencing the bitter South Gippsland night with only the shelter of a box and a sleeping bag.

Both the students and Mr Scrimshaw said they hope the sleep out will become an annual even in Leongatha and a way of raising money for Gippscare’s services to help people who find themselves homeless.

POLICE BRIEFS Midnight chase A MIDNIGHT pursuit took place in Cowes on Saturday when a speeding driver tried to escape police.

The offender drove past at 125km/h in an 80km/h zone in a blue Ford utility.

A 28-year-old male will face numerous charges.

Head on crash A WOMAN was airlifted to hospital after a head on collision in Lance Creek on Saturday.

Around 11.10am a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old male carrying two passengers hit a car driven by a 65-year-old woman from Melbourne while travelling along the Korumburra-Wonthaggi Road near the Bird Road intersection.

The female driver was admitted to the Wonthaggi Hospital and later airlifted to Melbourne.

The male driver was

taken to hospital but not admitted, while his two passengers were not injured.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Stolen statues TWO concrete statues were removed from a property in Vicars Avenue in Wonthaggi on the weekend in an act of theft and criminal damage.

Between 7pm on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday, offenders removed the statues which were glued to pillars on the front fence of a house.

The statues were heavy and would have required at least two people to carry them.

They were later located in vacant land near the property by the owner.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Wonthaggi Police on 5672 1222.

Armed thief jailed

THE man responsible for holding up three South Gippsland businesses at gunpoint has been sentenced to jail.

Harry Kreun from Mardan pleaded guilty to two charges of armed robbery at the Latrobe County Court last week.

He received four years imprisonment, and will be eligible for parole in 28 months.

Mr Kreun caused serious concern for business owners after he robbed the Mirboo North Post Office in March last year, and the Meeniyan Bendigo Bank and Meeniyan Post Office in 2010, all at gunpoint.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 9

$80,000 win for Korumburra

By Jacob de Kunder WORK on revitalising the centre of Korumburra will start with the help of $80,000 from the State Government.

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan announced last week the Korumburra’s Town Centre Framework Plan would provide the basis for a sustainable approach to future infrastructure planning, enabling South Gippsland Shire Council to manage growth and meet the changing needs of Korumburra.

“The Korumburra Town Centre Framework Plan project will deliver a number of interrelated studies that will include an investigation of measures to improve heavy vehicle movements through Korumburra, a CBD parking strategy and a town centre framework plan,” Mr Ryan said.

“Korumburra is the second largest town in South Gippsland and a key service provider to the smaller towns and communities in the South Gippsland

Shire’s western region.

“The town is experiencing significant growth and the council is progressing with a number of residential rezonings that have the potential to add approximately 700 to 900 new residences to the area over the next 25 years.”

Council’s director of development services Phil Stone welcomed the funding.

“It’s an acknowledgement by the State Government that we need to do something pretty quickly in Korumburra,” he said.

“What we’re going to do is plan in more detail the town centre of Korumburra to try and stop this escaping expenditure.

“Part of this is looking at the full line supermarket as well as what are the appropriate zonings around town or any streetscape works.

“One of the big things is talking with VicRoads and the Department of Transport to see if we can solve that dogleg problem at the top of Commercial Street.”

Council would contribute a further $75,000.

The project is expected to be completed in May 2013.

Footballers deliver food Meals on Blues: opening your door to your meals-on-wheels volunteer and finding two AFL players standing at your door is not a regular occurrence to say the least.

This was the case in Leongatha on Wednesday, as Carlton footballers Michael Jamison and Shaun Hampson joined the delivery run for the day.

Leongatha Primary School students Brooke Materia and Jesseme Arnason joined Carlton footballers Jamison and Hampson in delivering food to Leongatha’s Ken Bartlett on Wednesday. More photos from the Blues’ visit on page 27.

Local art, worldwide audience Planning wait claim ART from South Gippsland could be available for the world to admire.

Works would be displayed online through the proposed Tarwin Valley Digital Art Collection Group.

The project would be based at the Tarwin Valley Sustainability Centre set for Meeniyan.

The centre could be built on the site of the existing Meeniyan Art Gallery.

Andrew McEwen and Sacha Lamont told South Gippsland Shire

Council about the digital art project last Wednesday.

Ms Lamont said images of artwork from South Gippsland artists could be displayed on the internet and complement the region’s agricultural productivity.

“We could be a Tuscany of this part of the world,” Ms Lamont said.

“We have stunning landscapes, a hospitable climate, food and produce, and excellent wines above all.”

Mr McEwen said the collection

would add to tourists’ demands for experiences with economic spin-offs.

He said the yield for a cultural tourist was 80 per cent greater than for traditional tourists.

“There is an estimated 300,000 cultural tourists in South Gippsland, yielding $44 million and generating 269 jobs,” Mr McEwen said.

He believed the collection would create 12 jobs in a year, rising to 36 positions by three years assuming ongoing tourism growth.

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council still takes too long to approve planning permits, Leongatha man Murray Holderhead said last Wednesday.

He said a development was approved in Swan Hill in six weeks but a similar project took South Gippsland council two years to back.

Mayor Cr Warren Raabe disputed the claim, saying council was now well above the state average for

approving permits.

“The build-up of old permits has been cut down considerably, while we have some that will take longer than we would like,” he said.

“I think the criticism in the past has been fair but we have acted upon that.”

Cr Kieran Kennedy asked Mr Holderhead if he would run for council but Mr Holderhead did not declare his position.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

HAPPY 50th wedding anniversary for June 23 to Faye and Ken Alcorn, who run Leongatha Lunchworks.

Faye is a wonderful lady and to think that she has had Ken by her side all those years. She is a marvel and I wish them all the best as they are wonderful people and are always there to make you feel welcome.

It is their turn to be thought of at this spe-

cial time, from Denise of Korumburra.

DEAFBLINDNESS has become Australia’s forgotten disability warned the CEO of Able Australia, Celestine Hare in the run up to National Deafblind Awareness Week from June 23 to 30.

She is urging people in the Leongatha area to be more aware of the issue and highlights that

regional Australia is not getting enough support when it comes to the issue of deafblindness.

Through Deafblind Awareness Week, Able Australia wants to highlight the incredible achievements of their deafblind clients. You can donate by calling 1300 225 369 or visit ableaustralia.org.au.

TARWIN Lower and District Primary School is once again running their very popular clubs pro-

gram next term. They invite parents and members of the community to share a skill or talent with small groups of students.

This program will run on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm to 3.30pm for three weeks starting July 31 and then another three weeks starting August 28.

If you would like to volunteer your time to work with our kids (must hold a current working with children certificate), please contact the school on 5663 5263.

C O N G R AT U L A TIONS and well done to Inverloch Primary School students who braved the very wintry conditions and competed in the regional cross country event at Lardner Park last Thursday.

All of the children did their best in trying conditions. Four students are now going through to the state cross country: Jake Benson, Ingrid Nunn, Jarvis Pryor and Lanni Pryor.

STORY time sessions across Gippsland are in for a surfing adventure, as local libraries celebrate the National Year of Reading.

A surfboard, custom made and designed for the library, is ‘surfing’ across story time sessions run by the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation, for children to draw or place their own National Year of Reading message onto.

The beach themed initiative is one of many activities the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation has developed as part of the nation-wide celebra-

FOOD SAFETY REGULATION

V I C T O R I A

HAVE YOUR SAY

O F

tion of all things reading.

Once the surfboard has coasted the entire West Gippsland community it will be available as a library resource for the community to borrow, just like a book.

C O N G R AT U L A TIONS to Harry and Marge Prosser who celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 22.

Harry also celebrated his 90th birthday on June 24. Love and best wish-

es from Dianne, Leon Bev and Geoff, your grandchildren and great grandchildren.

THE Dumbalk and District Progress Association is holding a farewell sausage sizzle for the Dumbalk Primary School on Sunday, July 8 at 11.30am. There will be cuppa and photos at the community and historical centre on Tarwin Street. If possible, please RSVP to 5664 4344 or 5664 4288

by Thursday, July 5.

THE Vintage Motorcycle Club will again be making a pit stop in Leongatha this year. They will be pausing for fuel at the BP service station on Bair Street, on Saturday, July 14.

There should be around 50 bikes in the group and they invite anybody who has an interest in vintage motorcycles to come along and have a look.

Terrific trio: Neville Drummond (left) and Bruce Jarrett (right) of South Gippsland Shire Brass Band with Fred Heesh of Wonthaggi Citizens Band.

Top brass sounds magic

RURAL & REGIONAL COMMITTEE

P A R L I A M E N T

Hospital helpers: on Thursday, June 14, the Meeniyan Country Women’s Association presented the Leongatha Memorial Hospital with a copy of breast cancer survivor Kate Gale’s book, The Breast is Yet to Come.

This book will be loaned to chemotherapy patients to read about another cancer patient’s emotional and physical experiences of dealing with breast cancer.

Kate Gale is the daughter of Meeniyan CWA vice president, Julie Shields.

Pictured from left are Jenny Rich, Meeniyan CWA president, Neil Langstaff, director of nursing, Julie Shields, Wendy Gervasi, chemotherapy nurse and Mary Ross Heazlewood, palliative care nurse.

The Rural and Regional Committee of the Parliament of Victoria is conducting an Inquiry into the Impact of Food Safety Regulation on Farm and Other Businesses regulated under the Dairy Act 2000, the Meat Industry Act 1993, and the Seafood Safety Act 2003. We will report to the Parliament after an investigation and assessment of factors including: • the cost competitiveness to regulated businesses of current food safety laws; • alternative methods to assess compliance; • incentives for improved performance to reduce regulatory burden; • public health outcomes; • consistency of implementation; • industry performance; • legislative requirements; and • consumer participation in markets.

We welcome your contribution on this important issue. The Committee would like to hear from people involved in the dairy, meat and seafood sector in Victoria. Anyone can contribute.

Formal submissions* should address the terms of reference and be sent to the address below by 1st September 2012. Please provide electronic submissions where possible.

The Executive Officer Rural and Regional Committee Parliament House MELBOURNE VIC 3002 For a copy of the Terms of Reference and information about requirements for submissions, contact the Committee on: • 03 8682 2884 • www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rrc • rrc@parliament.vic.gov.au Paul Weller MP Chair * All submissions are public documents and will be published on the Committee’s website unless confidentiality is requested and granted by the Committee. mitch49477

MUSICIANS from across Gippsland came together for the annual brass band fun day on Sunday.

Held at Leongatha’s Dakers Centre, the event was hosted by the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band as part of the group’s 120th anniversary celebrations.

Wonthaggi Citizens Band joined in the concert, along with representatives of Warragul Municipal Band, Latrobe City Brass Band and Sale City Brass Band.

Hey Jude, Waltzing Matilda, MacArthur Park and Rock Around the Clock were among the favourites played to a crowd of mixed ages during the afternoon concert.

The South Gippsland Shire Brass Band’s next major gig is the 120th birthday concert on Saturday, August 18 at Leongatha Memorial Hall.

Tickets are now available at Swanlee Crafts, Bair Street, Leongatha.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 11

Talk time: Chris Balfour and Ron Wangman from Leongatha South discussed the finer points of climate change at a meeting at Venus Bay last Thursday.

The forum was funded by the Department of Health and aimed at providing easy to understand information for home and community care clients.

Full report in next week’s Star.

Bass Coast’s big spend

By Jane Ross BASS Coast Shire Council’s budget for 2012-2013 contains its biggest ever capital works spend of $25.5 million.

Just over $16m of that is for road reconstruction, re-sheeting, bridges and paths and there’s a further $1.318m for drains.

Corporate services director Danny Luna told councillors at their meeting last week the $16m is the council’s largest single roads allocation.

“We need to spend on infrastructure renewal to ensure all assets people rely on.”

Mr Luna said borrowings will remain steady at $7.8m and there is a projected surplus of $3.6m. Rates will rise 5.9 per cent or an average $78, bringing in nearly $33m of the budget’s record $80m.

He warned government grants were not keeping pace with costs and cautioned the rise in the number of properties in the shire does not represent a windfall because of the need to increase services.

“Rates and charges in Bass Coast are very competitive; we have the 15th lowest (in Victoria).”

Mayor Cr Veronica Dowman said average rates and charges will rise $1.50 a week – or “the cost of half a cup of coffee”.

Rates will rise by 5.9 per cent.

Cr Peter Paul said South Gippsland Shire Council’s rate rise is five per cent (but their average rates and charges are higher) and Baw Baw’s are going up 11 per cent.

Cr John Duscher said six or seven years ago, “this municipality was at risk” because money was not being invested in roads and buildings.

“We are now reaching a level of putting in about 80 per cent of what we should for that.”

Cr Duscher referred to mixed messages in the community about the budget and rate rise.

“I don’t know how we overcome negativity. I’ll always be a watchdog when it comes to costs.”

Alan Brown, who is leading a “reform team” of candidates for the October council elections, said the budget would “place an unfair and unreasonable burden on ratepayers”.

“This is the biggest taxing budget in the history of Bass Coast and comes at a time when many ratepayers are seeking relief.”

The public can view the document from this Thursday until July 24. Submissions will be considered by councillors on Wednesday, July 25.

The budget is due to be adopted at an open meeting that evening.

New Wonthaggi Library

By Jane Ross WONTHAGGI should have its new interim principal library by next March.

It will be housed in part of the Murray Street building currently occupied by Target.

The building will be fitted out and leased by council at a cost in 2012-13 of $240,000.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Allan Bawden said under its agreement with the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation (WGRLC) council provides the library venue and the corporation the service.

Cr Gareth Barlow, who chairs the WGRLC board, could barely contain his excitement at last Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting.

During discussion about the shire’s 2012-13 budget, Cr Barlow said Wonthaggi “will get a principal library in the coming 12 month cycle”.

“It will be a community hub where our more deprived residents will be able to access broadband. It will be a huge boon

to Wonthaggi.”

Cr Barlow said the new arrangements would be much better than the library remaining “in a converted post office for years”.

“This will be a major improvement.”

Mr Bawden later told The Star council would “have the builders ready” for the fit out as soon as Target vacates the premises and moves to its new hub opposite Big W. He said the current Target building is made up of two shops and council is leasing the larger of the two, fronting an arcade. Bass Coast has a five-year lease with the option of another five years.

Mr Bawden said council’s preference is still for a new library in the proposed cultural precinct on the Wonthaggi Secondary College senior campus site. But that is years away and an interim measure is needed.

The push for a new Wonthaggi Library to act as a principal hub for Bass Coast Shire, has been a long and protracted affair, with efforts made by various Bass Coast councillors over a number of years.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Keeping word?

Stronger voice

IN ANSWER to Peter Ryan’s press release of June 22 regarding coal seam gas.

Mr Ryan has “assured” Gippsland residents that the State Government will not allow the drilling for coal seam gas to damage Gippsland’s water tables. I wonder how he can ensure this when the drills connect the aquifers to the coal seam?

Our concerns are not for the next 18 months only, but forever! This is a process which cannot be reversed and once mining starts, what happens to the waste fluid that comes up from the coal seam?

It is the most poisonous fluid and in West Virginia, USA, where fracking fluid has been released from Pennsylvania “fracks”, the land is like a moonscape after five years – not even a weed can grow!

Why would exploratory licences be granted if the mining companies are not hopeful of finding gas and applying for a mining licence? And then, is Peter Ryan going to say “No, you can’t mine”? We don’t think so!

Whatever the Victorian Government has signed on coal seam gas and coal mining development, we, the people, would like to see it and agree with it, in full, before any licences are granted, exploratory or mining.

We think that Mr Ryan is trying to pull the Gippsland sheep wool over our eyes and ears.

Brigitte and Keith Kat, Mirboo North.

AN open letter to the South Gippsland Shire Council.

At the public meetings on Wednesday, June 20 in Leongatha, many speakers spoke passionately about the dangers of coal seam gas extraction.

Medical issues, land values, the contamination of ground water and streams: these were all addressed at some length and I have no wish to go over the same ground. I will limit myself to some of the issues that weren’t dealt with.

However, before I begin, I would like to point out one weakness of the response by shire council. Mayor Cr Warren Raabe pointed out several times that the council had no power to stop coal seam gas extraction in the shire.

I am certain that everyone at the meeting was aware of that, aware that authority for mining rests with the State Government in general and the DPI in particular.

The concerned citizens are well-informed and they were looking for a different response.

Mayor Raabe, in writing a letter to the State Government, claimed that the shire had done everything it was able to do.

I disagree. The council could very easily present its support for its citizens with more passion.

It could point out that it strongly supported the preservation of the agricultural integrity of the shire.

It could hold meetings with neighbouring shires and form an alliance in the face of the

E D I T O R I A L Too much worry SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council’s chambers were filled not only once but twice at last Wednesday’s public presentation sessions.

That clearly shows people are worried about the prospect of coal seam gas being mined in this region.

However an issues paper published by council raises the question of whether the community is worrying too much too soon.

The paper states that of 1000 prospects investigated, 100 are followed up, 10 become the subject of detailed investigation and just one ever becomes a commercial mine.

The anti-coal seam gas lobby has been successful in promoting its message and securing support, and has far outclassed the procoal seam gas lobby, particularly industry, in arguing its case.

By the same token, given the public has only really heard of the negative impacts, that information has sparked immense stress in the community.

That is where the State Government and our local members of parliament have let the community down.

Why should constituents be left to worry without knowledge, when our MPs should be meeting them face-to-face?

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan has issued numerous statements declaring laws safe but is yet to appear at a public meeting to ease his people’s anxiety. Such a meeting now looks likely, but only at the promised invitation of council.

Others are playing politics. Eastern Victoria Region MLC Johan Scheffer recently called on Bass MLA Ken Smith to do more to help the Bass Coast Shire in its push for a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration and mining.

Has Mr Scheffer been seen in Bass Coast Shire, listening to people’s concerns? No. Then again, the public has not heard from Mr Scheffer’s fellow Eastern Victoria MLCs: Matt Viney, Edward O’Donohue, Peter Hall and Philip Davis.

The government and the industry have many questions to answer, but South Gippslanders should hold hope that coal seam gas reserves in this region may not be commercially viable.

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.

DPI’s secretive attempts to despoil the environments for the sake of revenue.

The shire, if it was in agreement with the concerned citizens could have done much, much more than it has.

A letter to the State Government merely indicates that it wants to placate the growing voices in opposition to coal seam gas extraction. It is a feeble and patronising gesture.

Despite the fact that council went on and on that it had no authority over coal seam gas extraction, the DPI is clearly aware of the political symbolism involved in the shire’s position.

They are willing to meet with the shire officials in a closed session. They are not willing to subject themselves to scrutiny by an informed public.

Why? I’m sure everyone in the public meetings would suggest that the DPI will merely parrot the industry’s views.

This shire should be part of the vanguard – an alliance of shires right across Australia demanding a change in the laws of this country.

David Arnault, Mirboo North.

Wrong information ON JUNE 6, the Mirboo North Times printed an article entitled “Facts from The CSIRO”.

At the bottom of the article there was a reference to the CSIRO web site www.csiro.au/ news/coal-seam-gas. On reading the article I was quite surprised at the content; the CSIRO are a conservative body.

I decided to check the source of the article on the web, only to find absolutely no correlation between the article and the source.

Apparently the article was sourced from web pages from mining companies pro CSG. I wrote a letter to the Mirboo North Times and there was an apology for the mistake in the next edition on June 13.

On June 20, I went to the information session for the shire council at 2pm for the presentations against coal seam gas mining in South Gippsland, or more correctly, encouraging the council to vote on the submission before council next week to send a letter asking for a moratorium on CSG exploration

to the State Government.

At the end of the presentation, mayor Cr Warren Raabe referred all the people in the meeting, a large proportion from Mirboo North, to read the article “Facts from the CSIRO”.

I was outraged having gone to the trouble of correcting misleading information on a very important issue.

I do not feel that the mayor has fully grasped the basic problems of coal seam gas mining in South Gippsland.

I have deep concerns regarding his comments in light of the vote at tomorrow’s council meeting on the submission to the State Government against CSG exploration in South Gippsland.

Denyse Menzies, Mardan.

Real intentions LAST Wednesday I attended a South Gippsland Shire Council briefing session on a motion calling for a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration until CSG is proven safe and also calling for all chemicals used in fracking to be disclosed.

Some months earlier I had attended a forum at Wonthaggi Town Hall which had been organised by a concerned group of locals mainly from Bass Coast Shire.

The Department of Primary Industries was not represented at this forum but did make an announcement that they would be delivering an official response at a later late, the chosen venue being the Workmen’s Club at Wonthaggi.

This meeting went ahead on November 9, 2011.

What intrigued many of us attending the aforementioned community meeting was the fact that the response by the DPI entailed a delegation of no fewer than eight personnel.

What is going on? Six of these folk for the main part were concealed in the small crowd of some 50 or so people.

The two main speakers, Andrew Radojkovic, manager sustainable development earth resources regulation, dealt with mineral exploration in Victoria, and Geoff Collins, manager energy resources development and engagement, Earth Resources Development spoke on coal seam gas.

No negativity was displayed

by either speaker about the many alarming concerns we read in world newspapers as to the toxic chemicals used in the CSG process or aquifer depletion and contamination.

I believe I can say the majority of those who were there to hear it from the experts, whom by the way our taxes keep in a job, were more than a little let down by the seemingly hard sell approach of the DPI personnel.

At the close of the meeting at Leongatha it was announced that there would be an information session for council with the DPI but that this would be behind closed doors. No doubt this brainwashing session will be similar to that which took place at Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club.

Let’s hope the SGSC councillors are awake up to this State Government ploy of sucking us all in and despite all local governments’ awkward disposition of not having the power to act, that SGSC stand beside all other shires in Gippsland, or Victoria for that matter, together with those they represent and at least speak out as concerned citizens.

Ray Astbury, Cowes.

Reclaim control CONGRATULATIONS to Alan Brown of Wattle Bank for taking a stand to do something about the ridiculous culture which has been allowed to develop in our local shire councils since the amalgamations back in 1996.

The new breed of middle and top management in local government seem to believe that they are above ordinary citizens in the municipality, and that they can draw up budgets that spend funds irrespective of whether or not the ratepayers get value for money from the programs being developed or indeed can afford to pay for them by ever increasing rates.

The only way to break this cycle is for like-minded citizens to stand for the next council election in every ward as Alan Brown has proposed for the Bass Coast Shire Council.

We need this movement to spread in rural Victoria so that the ratepayers can once again take control of how their hard earned rates are being spent.

We need basic services, not air-fairy projects which feed the bureaucracy while at the same time neglecting attention to our roads, drainage, libraries, child care, health, and community services.

I spent three years as a councillor of the South Gippsland Shire which I found was the most frustrating period of my life.

The CEO and the bureaucrats in charge at the time had the councillors bluffed. Councillors were quickly sat back in their box if any of the ‘sacred cows’ and money wasting projects of the officers were under threat.

The only councillor who would question unnecessary expenditure apart from myself was Cr David Lewis and I am pleased to see that he is continuing to question the waste of ratepayers’ funds.

I call on citizens of the South Gippsland Shire to take the lead from Alan Brown, and form like-minded groups of experienced candidates to contest the next local government election.

A reform team with the majority of votes on the next council could get results to minimise rate increases by reducing the build-up of highly paid executives and get us back to the basic service needs of the community.

Clyde Paterson, Korumburra.

Dictatorship looming

IS THIS democracy or dictatorship? What does everyonep else think?

I am concerned about the reform group standing for Bass Coast Shire Council.

This is bad news for community voices being heard if you ask me.

I can’t see how the reform group would be able to work for us and represent our values properly.

They won’t be free to perform their roles for us - they’ll just be ‘working for the man’ and stuck in their party’s alliance agreement.

For four years we’ll have one man dictating like a puppeteer, with his councillors in every ward on strings (with their alliance agreement still in place for the full four years!)

So how can they work for us? First they are to all vote him Continued next page.

VOXPOP! VOX Are you concerned about the impacts of the carbon tax?

Not really. It doesn’t really concern me.

Taylor Kyle, Leongatha.

I’m very concerned about the effects of the carbon tax, especially on rising electricity rates. I think the price of electricity is already ridiculous. We rely on electricity in everyday life and the cost is just going up.

Glenda Robb, Leongatha.

Yes, I am. It has little impact in terms of reducing pollution.

It’s not going to change anything.

It is not the best mechanism to effect change and carbon is not the main pollutant from a greenhouse gas perspective.

Barry Tapp, Leongatha.

If it encourages more people to move towards greener technology, and gives people incentives to reduce their energy usage, then I think it will be a good thing. The money raised should be used towards green energy incentives.

Ron Wangman, Leongatha South.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 13

to be mayor but what’s he going to ask of them next?

He’ll get whatever he likes through then, with an agreed alliance of councillors to vote to get through his ideas.

So really if we vote for one of the reform group, we are voting Alan Brown for mayor.

How will each of his councillors be able to represent their own community’s interests and fight for the people in their regions under such dictatorship.

Will they stand up to the man that led the group once they are in?

I can’t see our community’s needs being met with such an alliance in place that they’ll each be long stuck in and some may regret ever being part of.

Go all the independent councillors in every ward I say!

Kim Oates, Corinella.

Democracy doubt INDEPENDENT councillors are what we need in Bass Coast, not a block ticket under Mr Alan Brown, who will dictate to the council his and his views only.

We want independent councillors who are not constrained and have freedom to work for the community who elected them.

Mr Brown, we are not in State Government where we need a party, but just local government where independent councillors have the freedom to put their views to the council.

I for one will be voting for an independent, not a dictatorship, and not for a councillor who will be ruled by one person.

Trish Belben, Coronet Bay.

Please explain AQUASURE have started delivering truck loads of water treatment (biocides) to the desalination plant in preparation for their great ecosystem- modifying experiment.

The community would very much like to know exactly which chemicals are to be used, quantities to be stored, the concentration in storage and exactly which ones will be released back into the marine environment.

The great concern is that most of these chemicals are designed to kill living organisms and that the cumulative impact of their release will have a large and as yet unknown effect on the food chain which supports a wide variety of fish and other marine life.

Could Aquasure also provide details of exactly where the many truckloads of sludge (dead sea life) to be produced each day will be dumped?

They surely must know by now where this waste stream will be disposed of.

We have long been requesting detailed information on these issues and as yet have only been provided with vague answers.

Now that the commissioning process has apparently begun the consortium should be

able to provide very accurate figures in order to ease the community’s concerns.

Perhaps rather than hiding controversial information in their website, Aquasure could use one of their next big selfcongratulatory advertisements in the local press to provide a full list of chemicals, quantities and concentrations for proper public scrutiny.

This is what we should be able to expect of ‘good neighbours’.

Mark Robertson, president, Watershed Victoria.

Not a hole MY CAR travels 160km on South Gippsland Shire roads five days a week under a contract to make deliveries.

I tender for this contract for five years and as many of us who are in this line of employment wear the cost of damage caused to our vehicles.

When the roads get to this state of disrepair, are we eligible for any form of compensation?

I had a tyre on my car replaced as it was unrepairable due to a rock tearing a hole in the side wall of the tyre.

It cost $195 to replace. That hurts my hip pocket but what really hurt was the tyre had only travelled 600km.

I have recently up graded to a 4x4, not because I’m a 4x4 enthusiast but because the normal car can’t handle the pounding the dirt roads give my car (these aren’t 4x4 tracks; these are local roads).

The non 4x4 car’s front end developed clunks and rattles.

I have had broken engine mounts; had an exhaust pipe cracked; the plastic under engine covers fall off in less than two weeks; the condition of the undercarriage was unreal: sand blasted, paint completely gone off the lower sills of the car, bent brackets, dirt and stones trapped in places.

The tyres last less than 30,000 km and that’s if you don’t unfortunately get an unrepairable blow-out. All these unforeseen repairs needed to keep your car in a safe roadworthy condition cost me money to fix.

Now having said all that, the shire has been out getting stuck into the roads after the last big rain we had.

But I wonder if they started sealing some of the dirt roads, would that make more economic sense in the long term rather than every time we get a big rain the roads washing away.

The other point I’d like to make is that the article in the paper, Council admits roads failure, said the bridge and culverts were not as bad as they first thought.

Please look at the pothole on Berrys Creek Road that I feel should have had Mr Seabrook standing near.

It is a culvert issue after the last rain. This added 6kms a day to my daily job as I had to divert my route to avoid the road closure.

Now I also wonder what’s

going on with the road collapse near the old lavender farm on the Strzelecki Highway near Mirboo North.

It’s been speed reduced there for way too long. I know it probably is a VicRoads issue but it still needs fixing (the road between Morwell and Traralgon was shut when its safety was in doubt).

David Brereton, Leongatha.

Roads disgust LIKE many other ratepayers I saw on Win News with interest the segment regarding Old Leongatha Road.

Having previously lived and farmed a property on the road mentioned for a period of some years, I can’t understand how people are expected to believe the same bull!

As told to me from 1970 to 1979: don’t have the funds; council doesn’t have the time for all the work needed; there are not enough workers with the expertise needed and our machinery doesn’t do certain jobs that are required.

The film was very good and showed what is needed, however someone should go back now and retake photos of a botched attempt to make the road appear like something that it isn’t.

Firstly everyone knows water doesn’t run uphill. In fact unless culverts and drains are cleaned properly it won’t run at all, it is plain to see that one good rain will wash gutters across the road for the water to

get away again.

Surely the shire workers know to remove the grass from between the non existing drain and the surface of the road to enable the water to run off.

Culverts must be cleaned at all times and water from driveways turned into the table drains.

The mayor should wipe the smile off his face just long enough for him to make a proper inspection of the road and see for himself.

Perhaps hop out of his car, and have a look at the same places which will return with our next heavy rain, or all the effort that has been made, plus the money will be wasted.

Don Phillips, Leongatha.

Memorable concert

WE had the pleasure to attend a concert on Sunday of the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band with guest players from the Wonthaggi Citizens Band, Latrobe City Brass Band, Sale City Brass Band and Warragul Municipal Band.

Thanks must go to the musicians who travelled on dreadful roads to entertain us!

The music was varied, from Abide with me, Semper Fidelis, Hey Jude and Australian melodies.

It was just such a shame not more people attended. They missed a very good concert.

Ilse Arndt, Meeniyan.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.

Concentration prevents crashes

By Simone Short THE TAC and police are asking the community to work even harder to reduce road trauma, as the latest TAC statistics reveal a 42 per cent rise in serious injuries in the past two years.

The figures are shown in the latest TAC Road Safety Statistical Summary, outlining the latest serious injury data available in Victoria.

While in the long term fatalities and serious injuries have dropped, the statistical summary shows that serious injuries over past three years are on the rise.

It shows that serious injuries in the 12 months to April this year sits at 85, compared to only 60 at the same time in 2010.

The report also shows a four per cent increase on the same period last year, with a five year average of around 84 serious injuries.

Sergeant Dale McCahon from Wonthaggi Police said police are cracking down on motorist behaviour to try and prevent accidents on our roads.

“Police are working in conjunction with TAC funded operations, as well as our own continuing work with designated traffic cars from both highway patrol and

traffic,” he said.

Sgt McCahon however, said drivers need to be responsible for their own actions and take extra caution on the road.

“Human errors are always going to happen, but humans can reduce the likelihood of error by concentrating. Every individual driver can reduce the chances of an accident,” he said.

“It’s always the same message: slow down, don’t speed, don’t drive when fatigued, concentrate, and drive according to road conditions when wet.”

Police in South Gippsland and Bass Coast are also taking part in Operation Combine, where officers from neighbouring Baw Baw and Latrobe police service areas help to saturate traffic; in other words, put more emphasis on traffic offences in one specific area.

TAC chief executive officer Janet Dore said the statistics were a reminder to all drivers, young and old, to take care on the roads.

“These latest figures are a reminder that the road toll is not only about the tragic deaths, but also the thousands of people who are seriously injured on our roads each year.

“All of us in the community need to take responsibility for helping reduce the road toll,” Ms Dore said.

Crash concern: with the number of serious injuries caused by car accidents on the rise, police are urging motorists to concentrate when driving to reduce the likelihood of human error.

Highway touch up ignores flood hotspots MAJOR repairs will be conducted on the Bass Highway between Leongatha and Leongatha South.

However rut riddled sections of the highway closer to Inverloch will be ignored, despite frightening motorists when filled with water

Dangerous when wet: VicRoads will improve road conditions on the Bass Highway.

during last week’s heavy rain.

Contractors will be undertaking major patching works to strengthen damaged pavement areas on the road between Leongatha and Koonwarra-Inverloch Road intersection over the coming weeks.

The section of the highway will be resurfaced

as part of the 2012-13 sealing program.

A VicRoads spokesperson said: “Heavy rainfall in recent months has impacted many Gippsland roads including the stretch of Bass Highway between Leongatha and Inverloch, causing road surface damage at a number of locations.”

VicRoads regularly inspects the Bass Highway and other arterial roads, identifying road faults or issues.

“Response times for repair works vary depending on the priority of the issue. In most cases, maintenance crews are able to carry out repairs quickly after a hazard is reported,” the spokesperson said.

“In 2011-12, significant resurfacing works were completed on the Bass Highway around the Bass area, with further works near Wonthaggi and Lang Lang.

VicRoads’ annual maintenance prioritisation process is based on minimising risks now and into the future and maximising the service to the community in the most cost effective manner.”

Still slow A REDUCED speed limit on the Strzelecki Highway at Mirboo North will frustrate motorists for some time to come.

The section near the lavender farm has remained under an 80km/h limit for at least a year.

VicRoads regional director Sebastian Motta said the landslip site is reduced to 80km/h because of damage to the road shoulder and guard fence.

“The site is being inspected by VicRoads to determine the extent of the damage in order to start designing the required repair works,” he said.

“Response times vary depending on the priority of the issue compared to others right across Gippsland.”

Choose a car that could save your life.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 15

Historic highlights in Russia HAVE you always dreamed of travelling throughout Europe, but didn’t know where to start?

When you travel with Australian Pacific Touring (APT) your holiday will be hassle free.

In fact, choosing to board an APT River Cruise means you only have to unpack your bags once, and still see the sights of Europe in complete comfort and style.

Whilst many people think of the United Kingdom, France and Italy when they first plan

Beautiful Babushkas: Jill Carmody from Jetset in Leongatha learns about traditional Russian handicrafts onboard the MS AmaKatarina during an APT River Cruise from St Petersburgh to Moscow.

their European getaway, there are plenty of other destinations for those wanting an incredible experience.

Take Russia for example.

The cruise along Russia’s waterways is to catch an intriguing glimpse of the country’s historic past and a beautiful present.

Jill Carmody from Jetset in Leongatha can tell you from personal experience how magnificent exploring Russia is after cruising from St Petersburg to Moscow earlier this year.

“Russia is quite different from Western Europe in so many ways,” she said.

“It is rolling in historical experiences; the grand palace in St Petersburg is only one of the beautiful stops you make along the way.”

Passing through rivers, lakes and reservoirs on the journey to Moscow, the stunning sights of Eastern Europe are not the only highlights of the tour; in fact, history lovers will be in their element.

St Petersburgh offers a spectacular ballet performance at the famous Hermitage Theatre, built under the orders of Catherine the Great in 1783.

Travellers get to experience a home visit for morning tea in Svirstroy, with plenty of opportunities to purchase Russian handicrafts, such as the famous Babushka dolls.

Kihzi Island, situated on Lake Onega, is home to some of Russia’s most amazing wooden architecture.

Explore the open-air museum of wooden architecture and marvel at two of the few remaining original wooden churches in Russia, including the Transfiguration Church built in 1714 without a single nail.

Jill describes her real highlight of the trip as a tour of the Armoury Museum within the walls of the Kremlin, a historic fortified complex that was once the royal residence of the Czars.

A trip to the Red Square is also a chance to absorb the incredible sight of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Lifestyles at risk, residents warn KORUMBURRA residents have demanded South Gippsland Shire Council protect their lifestyles, as a new subdivision looms on their back doors.

Council will tomorrow (Wednesday) consider an application for a 27 lot subdivision at MacQueen Avenue. Council officers recommend the subdivision be approved, subject to 35 conditions.

Residents Ian Wilkinson, Terry Waycott and John Beaton said they represented 35 residents when they addressed council last Wednesday.

They believed MacQueen Avenue was too narrow to cope with extra traffic and the subdivision would place extra pressure on the intersection of MacQueen Avenue and Shellcotts Road.

“There have been eight accidents in the immediate vicinity of the t-intersection in the past 24 years,” Mr Wilkinson said.

He said residents had bought in MacQueen Avenue to enjoy a quiet street that would now become a major

thoroughfare, with headlights shining in residents’ homes near the creation of a new intersection to service the subdivision.

“We feel we are victims of poor planning. The council should never have allowed the land for this proposed development to become locked in, necessitating this ad hoc solution which pours substantial traffic into a quiet side street,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Charelle and Charles Mackin own a property in nearby Georgina Parade, and told council they were concerned about the development causing flooding.

“The paddock (development site) is higher than where we sit. Are we going to have a double storey house behind us and block all privacy and turn our backyard into a dark, damp, cold pit?” Mrs Mackin asked.

Council development services director Phil Stone said permit conditions would ensure the development does not affect drainage on neighbouring properties and said building rules prevented any construction infringement on existing properties.

New rules needed

By Jane Ross

WHEN developers open new estates with playgrounds, wetlands, bridges and other attractive features, these are a boon to residents.

But as the years go by, those attractions deteriorate and someone has to pay for them to be maintained or repaired.

And that falls to council, or rather ratepayers.

This bothersome issue worries Bass Coast Shire councillors.

“It’s a real concern,” Cr John Duscher told his colleagues at last week’s council

meeting. “We need as a council to work towards managing it better because everyone in the community pays.

“I know staff are working hard to get a balanced picture.”

Cr Ross Smith asked if there was some way to try to get developers to take on the after-maintenance.

“We are responsible if bridges start to rust – we need to make it a condition (of permits).”

Cr Peter Paul said the concerns are quite valid.

“Council is looking at a new set of standards of development. The new standards should benefit everyone across Bass Coast.”

Filled with history: Ed and Jill Carmody from Jetset in Leongatha explore the magnificent Hermitage Theatre in St Petersburgh, Russia, built in 1783.

With plenty of walking tours offered in all the destinations as well as a full program on the ship, including entertainment and information sessions on Russian history, Jill said touring with APT is second to none.

“We find clients who travel with APT are so well looked after they prefer to do escorted tours rather than travel independently; the standard of service is so high,” she said.

And if Russia doesn’t quite take your fancy, there are plenty more tours to choose from in

APT’s full 2013 tour program, including tours through Canada and Alaska, featuring America.

Jetset have group tours leaving for Russia on July 5 and eastern Canada on September 13, both escorted by Jill (subject to numbers), so get in quick to book your spot.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about tours available, Jetset will be holding a film and information night and will be taking expressions of interest for both tours; please contact Jetset on 5662 3601 for details.

Information Evening

FREE APT INFORMATION EVENING Come and learn about APT’s range of Worldwide Premium Touring and River Cruising including details of Jetset Travel Leongatha’s Russia and Eastern Canada group departures for 2013 Date: Tuesday 24 July Venue: Memorial Hall, Meeting room 1, Leongatha Time: 7.15 pm for a 7.30 pm start RSVP: To Jetset Leongatha on 5662 3601

Jetset Leongatha Ph: (03) 5662 3601 www.jetset.com.au/leongatha Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619 Lic. No. 30112 MKT10582

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Dollar receives road pledge

By Sarah Vella and Brad Lester

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has pledged to work with Dollar residents to address safety on Dollar D ll R Road. d

Graeme Dyke, president of the Dollar Residents Improvement Association, last week criticised council’s recent grading of the road, saying the road had deteriorated just days later.

Potholes had returned, drains were ignored and the road was still narrow, Mr Dyke said, as proven by a video he showed councillors.

“Dollar residents have paid a total of $499,941 in rates over the past nine years but the condition of Dollar Road is still deplorable,” he wrote in his submission to council’s draft budget.

Mr Dyke is tired of having to pull cars out of drains.

“I believe the gutter should be graded out to let the water drain out,” Mr Dyke said.

“Four years we have put into this to get to this part.”

Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said council would undertake major repairs during the summer construction season and still proposed to allocate $285,000 to the road next financial year.

Council plans to realign sharp bends, widen the road by one metre for 1600m.

The project will be among many considered by council in the 2012-13 draft to be debated at tomorrow’s council meeting.

Dollar association committee member John Wilson told The Star recently: “The main action we would like to see come out of the submission is to make the road safe.

“It has taken too long for the council to do anything about the road. The association put their initial submission in back in 2011. That one was knocked back. The new submission is a lot more detailed.”

Another committee member, Frank Oostermeyer said the latest submission would not be rejected.

“We cannot afford to lose this submission. My rates were just on $900 back in 2007. My 2011-12 rates are at $2400. It is just crazy. We won’t lose this fight,” he said.

The intersection with Dollar Road and Foster-Mirboo Road was of particular concern to the committee.

“When it gets wet here, it is so slippery,” Mr Wilson said.

“There is just no traction. When it is wet, cars come into the intersection sideways. I spoke to council several weeks ago to request something get done, warning signs even, but they haven’t responded.”

Advertisement

Pictured above, We want action: members of the Dollar Residents Improvement Association, from left, John Wilson, Marg Roach, Graeme Dyke, and Claire and Frank Oostermeyer want to see the Dollar Road upgraded before someone gets seriously injured or killed.

Census reveals all

By Sarah Vella

The National Broadband Network is improving access to healthcare around Australia

“The NBN gives people, especially those in regional areas, better access to healthcare from home. With a high-speed, much more reliable connection, doctors, nurses and specialists can stay in touch with their patients, wherever they are. I’m involved in a movement therapy trial, where a stroke patient in a regional location is connected online to a therapist in

Facts and benefits: The NBN will deliver access to high-speed, reliable broadband to all of Australia.

The NBN rollout is underway, prioritising regional Australia.

if the patient and therapist were in the same room together.”

The NBN will include a range of technologies: optic fibre, fixed wireless and next-generation satellite services.

- Dr. Penelope McNulty, Neuroscience Research Australia

Connecting to the NBN is simple.

Sydney. With the NBN, we get the same level of interaction as

To learn more about the National Broadband Network, visit australia.gov.au/nbn or call 1800 023 076

Connecting Australia to a better future

Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra

National Broadband Network

CENSUS figures released recently confirm the Bass Coast Shire is Gippsland’s fastest growing municipality.

The shire’s population has grown by almost 16 per cent since the 2006 census.

Bass Coast had a population of 29,614 people and the median age was 46 years. In South Gippsland, the population was 27,208 and the median age of respondents was 44 years.

South Gippsland results showed that 71 per cent of private dwellings were occupied and 29 per cent were unoccupied.

Bass Coast however, had only 52 per cent of private dwellings occupied leaving 48 per cent empty.

The median weekly rent in South Gippsland was $180. Bass Coast again topped the whole of Gippsland, with the highest median weekly rent at $224.

In both South Gippsland and Bass Coast, the median monthly mortgage repayment was $1300.

The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in South Gippsland was $481, while in Bass Coast it was slightly lower at $472.

South Gippsland recorded 7492 families, with each family having and average of 1.9 children, while Bass Coast had 7837 families with an average of 1.8 children.

In South Gippsland, the average household size was 2.4 people and in Bass Coast, the average size was 2.2 people.

Thirty-one per cent of households in South Gippsland had a weekly household income of less than $600 and four per cent of households had a weekly income of more than $3000.

In Bass Coast, 35 per cent of households received an income of less than $600 per week.

Victorian Census director Sam Thomas said the release of 2011 Census data was a big day for the state.

“This data will help shape the future of Victoria over the next five years,” Mr Thomas said.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 17

Smart school by design INVERLOCH Primary School is officially one of the best designed buildings in regional Victoria.

The school is a finalist in the Victorian Architecture Awards.

The school, together with designer Opat Architects, is a finalist in the regional prize category, alongside the Flowerdale Community House, New Hammond Fellowship Centre and William Buckley Bridge at Barwon Heads.

The winners will be announced at a gala awards presentation night this Friday (June 29) at Crown Casino, Melbourne.

All Victorian winners will advance to the National Architectural Awards held in Perth on November 1.

The Victorian Chapter of the Australian

Institute of Architects received a record number of 236 entries in the awards.

Principal Wendy Caple said the result was “fantastic”.

“The buildings work really well for us a school,” she said.

“The buildings have drawn so much comment from people. People who know their architecture seem very impressed and the maintenance people from the education department were wrapt because they said it looks like it will be low maintenance.

“It is designed well and built with materials that will last and be low maintenance.”

Ms Caple said the school was designed to maximise winter sun to reduce heating costs, while keeping summer heat at bay.

Walls and floors are made from sound deadening materials.

Awards hope: Inverloch Primary School students Jacob, Josh and Alex hope their school succeeds in the Victorian Architecture Awards this Friday. They enjoy the art room with Noah,, Luke and teacher Sarah Reark.

Hunter Road nearly ready STAGE two of drainage and pavement improvement is underway in Hunter Street, Wonthaggi.

The work is costing $451,200 and is part of a program to renew existing roads and drains.

Stage one cost $190,829.

The latest work is expected to be finished by July 13 and has involved replacing underground drainage, kerb and channelling and renewing the existing pavement surface.

The project extends 190 metres from Matthew Street to Dairy Lane and 220 metres from Dickson to Billson Street.

Bass Coast Shire Council infrastructure director Felicity Sist said, “This type of maintenance also requires an extensive amount of work underground to negotiate around other in-ground services.”

She said as part of council’s commitment to sustainability, the old kerb and channel will be recycled.

The work is being undertaken by Phillip Island family firm Terrafirma Excavations Pty Ltd.

Injury costs total millions INJURIES to muscles and joints cost $13.7 million in WorkCover claims in South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires over the last five years.

WorkCover received 323 claims for musculoskeletal injuries in Bass Coast Shire resulting in payments of $7,097,281, and 290 claims in South Gippsland Shire worth $6,631,836.

Marsha Livingstone of South Gippsland Therapy Clinic in Leongatha said she has not noticed a major change in the amount of musculoskeletal injuries presenting as WorkCover cases.

“Obviously there are many factors to consider in regards to how many of these clients actually end up in our clinic for treatment, such as whether the doctor assessing them recommends our type of treatment and then refers them on,” she said. “We have a new physio and she is treating some new WorkCover clients, but as she is new to our clinic we cannot compare to years past.”

The clinic treats many musculoskeletal injuries caused through poor ergonomics and manual handling, and therapists educate patients about avoiding future injuries, strengthening their bodies and using their bodies ergonomically.

“We have also worked with local businesses in the past to educate staff in better manual handling techniques, as well as good workstation ergonomics. This has proven to be an effective way for them to cut down on lost time injuries and boost efficiency and morale,” Ms Livingstone said.

Assistant treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips last week launched a new year-long WorkCover campaign targeting musculoskeletal injuries.

“Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common workplace injury, costing nearly $1 billion a year in medical costs, wages and other expenses,” he said.

“They affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves, are easily prevented, often difficult to treat and can be long-lasting and a source of great pain.

“Every day 43 Victorians are seriously hurt with these injuries, with an average workers’ compensation claim costing $55,000 medical costs, wages and other expenses.”

Mr Rich-Phillips said Victoria had the lowest workplace injury insurance premiums in Australia.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

plication (DA) for the new telecommunications facility at Korumburra, which would provide coverage to the immediate area, and also serve as a hub site that will help to provide enhanced mobile

Potential spot: a second telecommunications tower may be constructed on the Korumburra-Warragul Road site in Korumburra.

Neither is he pleased that a letter about his objection addressed to mayor Cr Veronica Dowman has gone unanswered.

The forums were held in May and were organised by Groundswell Bass Coast, a relatively new group formed to draw public attention to climate change issues.

A shire ratepayer, Mr Chapman has described Groundswell as “a narrow interest green group that makes unsubstantiated catastrophic forecasts based on a belief that the global climate is warming at an alarming rate”.

He blamed such radical alarmism for prompting desalination plants including the one at Wonthaggi which is costing consumers more in higher water rates, wind farms that have boosted the cost of electricity and a carbon tax that will harm industry.

In his letter to Cr Dowman, he asked council to be mindful of “the worldwide reaction against radical green policies”.

Mr Chapman sent his letter to all Bass Coast councillors and received a reply only from Cr Gareth Barlow whom, Mr Chapman suspects, responded because “he supports the opinions and beliefs of the Groundswell people”.

He wants a reply from the mayor, saying he deserves one because the concern he raised is about council spending money “to support political

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TCI, a partner of Vodafone, has applied to South Gippsland Shire Council for a planning permit to construct its own tower northwest of the town.

The Korumburra-Warragul Road site - a hill overlooking the town - is already home to a Telstra tower.

The proposed tower will be matching in size and shape to the current tower, and will sit 170m northwest.

Korumburra and Leongatha area is a current ‘dead-zone’ for Vodafone devices and this new tower would improve this, according to Vodafone spokesman Greg Spears.

“Vodafone is working to improve the quality of mobile telecommunication services that it provides to residents, businesses and visitors to the South Gippsland region of Victoria,” he said.

“As part of our proposal, we are seeking a solution, which balances the needs of the local community of South Gippsland for improved mobile services, while also selecting an appropriate site and facility design that is as unobtrusive as possible.”

If all goes to plan, permits are set to be cleared by mid-July 2012 and construction would start in the second half

coverage to another proposed new site at Mirboo North, and potential sites that may be considered at a later date at Foster and Leongatha,” Mr Spears said.

“Vodafone has submitted a separate DA to build a new facility on the ridgeline at Mirboo North and will undertake separate community consultation on this site in coming weeks.”

activists”.

Mr Chapman has asked Cr Dowman where he can find council’s resolution in meeting minutes “that authorises financial assistance to Groundswell”.

It is Mr Chapman’s view that the objectives of Groundswell may not be in the interest of Bass Coast Shire ratepayers and residents.

Climate change he explained, has been an ongoing process since the formation of the planet “and in fact it has played a major role in its evolution”.

“South Gippsland and Westernport abound with a myriad of (sic) examples of physical and climatic changes over geological time scales.”

He said he suspects Groundswell is not talking about climate change “but is using this as a veil for their personal belief that increasing CO2 is causing catastrophic global warming, or warming of the planet that we should be concerned about”.

Scientists in the fields of geology, atmospheric physics and astronomy have questioned the hypothesis that humanproduced CO2 is causing the planet to warm.

Mr Chapman added in more recent years, there has been an increase in the number of experts adopting the position that current climatic variations are within the limits of natural variations and that human-caused emissions of CO2 have little, if anything to do with climate.

He suggested council seek to base its opinions on those of “credible Australian experts-scientists with considerable experience who have worked in the field”.

ALD I

EN ZI E

MOBILE phone users will have of the year.

This new tower could possibly lead more choices if a new telecommunications tower is erected in to more around the South Gippsland area.

Korumburra.

“We have lodged a development ap-

INVERLOCH resident Andrew Chapman is not happy about Bass Coast Shire Council allowing free use of the Wonthaggi Town Hall for two forums on climate change.

M CK

Second phone tower mooted

Angry over free hall use

Phone: 5671 4 0

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 19

Foster, a town on the go

By Sarah Vella FOSTER continues to live up to its reputation as a great place to visit, thanks to its friendly atmosphere and prime location.

Karen Pulham, the president of the Foster Chamber C id repeat visitations i i i h little li l town off Commerce, said to the were increasing.

“We do have a lot of people who have weekenders in the area and a lot of people stop on their way through to somewhere else,” Ms Pulham said.

“We run market days once a month, the next will be on Friday, July 13. We are going to have a theme for our market days and the next one will be a Friday the 13th theme.

“Tourism is pretty strong here; winter is obviously a bit quieter than summer, but the grey nomads tend to come through year round.”

Foster is often the route taken by visitors to Wilsons Promontory, meaning the proposed resort project at the gateway to the prom can only mean good things for Foster.

“I think that the gateway resort at the promontory is a marvellous venture. We are in desperate need of something like that in this area,” Ms Pulham said.

“We do have numerous bed and breakfasts and small hotels, but it will be something different and quite unique.

“I do hope that it doesn’t take business away from the local hotels and caravan parks, but I think it is something that the region should embrace.

“Foster is a friendly town, with some great businesses and really good specialty shops. We have it all. The retailers all work well together, which helps to make it a great place to live and shop.

“The Great Southern Rail Trail is another great benefit for Foster and when it is completed through to Toora, it will be even better. It is just another way for people to access the town.”

Another benefit for Rail Trail users will be the Foster Station Park.

The park’s advisory committee meets once a month to discuss the planned development of the area surrounding the old train platform.

Larry Giddy, a member of the committee, said they are still waiting on the approval from the DSE on the plans.

“We expect that to come through this year with no problem,” Mr Giddy said.

“We are also waiting on the approval from the DSE for the maintenance shed that will support the future developments.

“When this is obtained we can organise a building permit and get construction under way.”

The Foster Community House is the licensee for the five acres of land that is going to be developed by a couple of different groups and also auspices the Foster Station Park Advisory Committee.

“Projects include the men’s shed and woodworking group building, a bocce court and a Rotary information board,” Ms Pulham said.

“We are also seriously looking at surging ahead with the community gardens and orchard down there.

“We had Matt Bowler from the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority visit the park site to discuss the maintenance and development of vegetation and a wetlands area, with the assistance of the Foster North Landcare Group.

“Each individual group has secured their own funding for each project. Any of the community groups that want to go ahead with development at the station park initially need to secure their own funding.”

The fence and gate at the Station Road entrance to the park is still being discussed as to what design suits best.

Mayor’s message Cr Warren Raabe GROWING community concern regarding coal seam gas was again evident last week, with the council chamber overflowing at the two presentation sessions made to council on Wednesday.

Council, in its advocacy role, is here to support the community in their plea to the Department of Primary Industries to be judicious and protective of our environmental and economic resources. There continues to be a number of people who perceive that council has the decision-making power on coal seam gas: and again we don’t.

The public record clearly shows that our decisions have been unanimously supportive of the community’s position, and we stand strong alongside our neighbouring Bass Coast Shire Council in urging the State Government to carefully consider the wide ranging ramifications of these exploration applications and to respond appropriately.

The recent Gippsland Local Government Network (GLGN) meeting held in Melbourne on June 16 was one of the most dynamic and productive that the CEO and I have attended.

The group, which consists of the CEOs and mayors from each of the six Gippsland councils, took time to reassess the purpose and effectiveness of the group, finetuning it to a more singular focus as an advocacy group to support key Gippsland projects to be included in the Gippsland Plan.

The Gippsland Plan identifies projects that have been vetted for viability, and I’m excited by this renewed

focus that provides a practical mechanism to get local projects that are grant or shovel ready, in position.

The Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell was also at the meeting with three of her advisers, as were local politicians Phillip Davis and Edward O’Donohue. Melbourne meetings will become more predominant to improve the access to politicians and the effectiveness of our advocacy role.

This week we expect to adopt the Annual Plan and Budget for 2012 – 2013, representing an extensive process of listening to the community and hearing what you think are key priorities for council and marrying those suggestions with our capabilities.

The current financial year draws to a close this week and I trust that your income sources have weathered the volatile economic conditions that are impacting globally.

It’s also timely to remind the community of the impending council elections which take place on Saturday, October 27.

If you are interested in community issues, you may like to consider running for council.

A candidate information session will be held in mid August to assist prospective candidates to fully understand the commitment, its rewards and challenges, and all are welcome to attend.

Cr Warren Raabe, mayor.

Top town: Karen Pulham and Dino Prenc have successful businesses in Foster and say there is no better place to stop and spend time.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Sci-fi fun: from left, Colleen Smith, Rebecca Bone, and a music student got dressed up and enjoyed some specially made cupcakes at the school’s midyear concert.

School music rocks

By Sarah Vella MUSIC is dominating at South Gippsland Secondary College this term.

Music students have been involved in the Big Band Blowout, a midyear showcase and will head to Sydney this week on their annual tour.

On Tuesday, June 12 the annual midyear concert was held at the Foster college. The theme for the evening was sci-fi/fantasy.

School music co-ordinator Syd Jackson said all students worked hard.

“Students worked on themed music, including the Dr Who theme and music from Dreamworks film How to Train Your Dragon,” Mr Jackson said.

“Students went to outstanding lengths with costumes including multiple characters from Star Wars, good and bad fairies, Dr Who, superheroes and even aliens.”

The South Gippsland Schools Music Program Big Band Blowout was held at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on June 15.

This annual event featured bands from Leongatha, South Gippsland, Korumburra, Mirboo North and Wonthaggi secondary colleges.

Renowned saxophonist and clarinettist Greg Clarkson who plays on Dancing With the Stars, and has played with Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennett, James Morrison, Renee Geyer and John Farnham, was a special guest at the performance.

The final musical activity for the students from the college this term is their annual music tour, held this week.

They have travelled to Sydney for a number of performances, workshops and other musical activities.

“The excitement is noticeable. Our tour jackets have been received and the final touches have been put

on repertoire,” Mr Jackson said.

“Some of the highlights will include performing at Darling Harbour, participating in a workshop with the community-based Kogarah Concert Band, touring the Sydney Opera House and seeing a live jazz performance at Venue505.”

Music it is: Louis Wheeler with Mikayla Young got into the spirit of the South Gippsland Secondary College’s midyear concert with some fun costumes.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 21

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Second leash on life LIFE has recently turned around for Lumpston Penelope, a middle-aged dog who was no longer wanted.

She now has a new name, a new home and two new people to give her lots of love and attention.

Surrendered to the South Gippsland Animal Shelter at the Korumburra Vet Clinic as an eight-yearold, this little Maltese terrier cross Chihuahua has a lot to be thankful for.

The dog’s new owner was on the lookout for a new pet, to be a family protector for when she and

her young son move to Melbourne.

While Lumpston may not be large and imposing, she was far too special to be left behind.

“She is just so cute.

The really sad part was that at eight-years-old she was surrendered to the shelter and her previous

owners did not even put a name down on the surrender form,” Lumpston’s new owner said.

For a small adoption fee, animals re-homed

through the animal shelter are de-sexed, vaccinated and micro-chipped.

The animals are also registered with the council.

This lucky pooch is

settling well into her new home with her new family and already knows her new name.

Dylan, who is twoand-a-half, named Lump-

ston and her second name, Penelope came from mum. She is already very loved and is set to be a lifelong member of her new family.

Puppy love: cousins Kaycie, Chloe with Dylan and adopted dog Lumpston Penelope, enjoying some cuddles.

Animal Aid appeal THE Give them a Voice Appeal aims to raise $3 million to complete stage two of Animal Aid’s State Centre for Companion Animal Welfare.

Victorian Animal Aid Trust (Animal Aid) is internationally recognised as a leader in best practice within the animal welfare sector.

Operating since 1938, Animal Aid has been an open door shelter that does not believe in euthanising animals.

Bendigo Bank is a major corporate partner of Animal Aid’s Give them a Voice Appeal, assisting with stage two of the project.

Animal Aid is the only organisation in Australia,

and one of only a few in the world, which provides an inclusive shelter, training facility, education centre, boarding, veterinary service and emergency response.

The organisation came to the fore during the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, assisting injured animals and livestock during the disaster and recovery. Animal Aid provided vital care, veterinary services and a safe haven for more than 500 animals impacted by the disaster.

Give them a Voice Appeal will raise funds for stage two of Animal Aid’s redevelopment plans and will incorporate a new shelter for lost, abused, abandoned and surrendered cats, kittens and other small animals such as rabbits.

This will enable the not-for-profit organisation to more than double the number of animals it cares for each year.

For more information about the project and Animal Aid visit www.animallaid.org.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 23

Best care for your pets PETS are simply not just any animal, they are more often than not loved members of our families and even our dearest companions.

So when they become sick or need surgery and you want the best care possible, look no further than the Tarwin Veterinary Group.

With locations in Leongatha, Mirboo North and Foster, the help you

need is never too far away, especially in case of an emergency.

Veterinary doctor Mary Smith said the Leongatha centre has also recently extended so they can improve and expand their services.

“We’ve increased our capacity to see more animals in appointments and consultations,” she said.

“We also have an isolation and chemotherapy room, an area for ultrasounds, and separate dog and cat

wards. Not housing them together helps to reduce stress in the animals.”

The team of experienced small animal vets, who share a diverse area of special interests, including emergency medicine, general medicine, surgery, pathology, radiology, cardio-respiratory medicine and dermatology, ensure your pet will receive the highest quality care.

The vets are assisted by experienced and qualified nursing staff who

Pretty pets: Tarwin Veterinary Group groomer Yvette Stewart and veterinary nurse Charelle Mackin show off the grooming room where pets like Georgia are pampered.

have all completed veterinary nursing courses and are well-equipped to look after your beloved animal.

Of course, it’s important your fourfooted friend is always looking its best, and a brand new grooming room at the centre in Leongatha is the ideal place to have your pet pampered.

“We’ve improved the amount of grooming we’re able to do and every animal will be able to relax in comfort, with climate control and under-

floor heating keeping your pet warm whatever the weather,” Dr Smith said.

Most importantly, the experienced staff at the Tarwin Veterinary Group understand how special your pet is.

“Animals are with people all the time and we know how significant pets can be,” she said.

“When a pet is sick, it can have a great impact on people. Here we guarantee the best of care.”

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Leongatha identity: Jack Howard’s family ran McCartins Hotel and he coached Leongatha Football Club to a premiership before joining the Army.

He died on the Montevideo Maru.

Remembering 2/22nd Battalion and Lark Force

By Lyn Skillern, Leongatha and District Historical Society

JANUARY 23, 1942 was a very black day for Australia and for Leongatha and district.

There were 17 local men in Lark Force, consisting of the 2/22nd Battalion Second AIF and related forces including a company of artillery.

Bill Owen, a former bank officer from Leongatha, was the commanding officer of A Company and in this company were 14 other local men. Two young men from Leongatha South were in the artillery.

The superior force of the Japanese quickly defeated the Australians of Lark Force and the order was given ‘every man for himself’.

The artillery fought until they had run out of ammunition and surrendered. Some men surrendered but most went into the jungle and tried to find a way to get to Port Moresby.

Living in the jungle was very difficult; some men died of disease and even drowned

crossing streams.

Major Owen and some of his men took refuge at a mission and were eventually able to find a boat and go to Port Moresby. Three men, Phil Hillis, Owen Hughes and Dave Lawson made it home. All the others were less fortunate.

The six men who were captured and taken prisoner in Rabaul drowned when the Japanese ship the Montevideo Maru, on which they were being transported to Japan, was sunk on July 1,1942. The other men were captured after some 44 days on the run and executed at Gasmata.

Every year a service is held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on the nearest Sunday to January 23.

This Sunday, July 1, a memorial to Lark Force will be unveiled in Canberra on the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the Montevideo Maru.

The service at the Australian War Memorial will be attended by the Governor-General and hundreds of relatives of the men killed.

Those men of Leongatha and district who served in the ship were: • Fred Broadbent, 2/22nd, Leongatha;

Glen Alvie CFA opens THE new Glen Alvie fire station was opened by Bass MLA Ken Smith recently.

“This is a magnificent facility for the Glen Alvie Fire Brigade and the local community,” he said.

“Built by local builder TS Constructions who provide employment for local tradesmen, the building will take the Glen Alvie Fire Brigade well into the future.”

The building, completed at a cost of $450,000, was funded through the Victorian State Government Rural Fire Station Program and will enable the Glen Alvie Fire Brigade to house their fire truck and equipment, hold meetings and train indoors as well – something which has not been able to be done before.

While the fire brigade has been using community facilities for their meetings and training sessions in the past, now the community will be able to make use of the new fire station’s facilities for meetings, functions and events.

“This truly is a community asset. It is a fantastic facility for the Glen Alvie township and surrounding area which will strengthen

the community by bringing it together,” Mr Smith said.

“For the volunteers to be able to come back from a fire or accident incident and be able to sit down and perhaps have a cuppa after the truck has been filled up and equipment put away, to dry out and debrief in a nice new station which caters for their needs, is how it should be.”

The Glen Alvie Brigade, although small, was formed back in 1956 and has operated from a tin shed until today.

“We are extremely proud of the achievements that the Glen Alvie Fire Brigade has made over the past 68 years,” Mr Smith said.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of local communities and the fire brigade is an integral community asset which

showcases what volunteers can achieve.”

Glen Alvie currently has 21 volunteer members who protect the lives and property of their community.

“I commend their efforts and am proud to acknowledge their strong community spirit,” Mr Smith said.

CFA is one of the world’s largest volunteerbased emergency service organisations, with more than 60,000 members – 98 per cent of them volunteers.

This year the Victorian State Government has allocated almost $57 million to emergency services in the state budget, including $22.9 million to build or upgrade rural fire stations across the state.

Moment to remember: Bass MLA Ken Smith with Glen Alvie CFA captain Paul Bird.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Volunteers needed for the week. S. Birch and Lions Club (all week) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning July 2, 2012.

• Jack Howard, 2/22nd, Leongatha; • Tommy Sangster, 2/22nd, Leongatha; • Fred Ketels, 2/22nd, Leongatha; • Jimmy Kavanagh, L Heavy Battery, Leongatha South; and • Arthur Oliver, L Heavy Battery, Leongatha South.

Those massacred at Gasmata were: • Bill Bellingham, 2/22nd, Nerrena; • Tom Bellingham, 2/22nd, Nerrena; • Harry Millsom, 2/22nd, Tarwin; • Bert Kuhne, 2/22nd, Meeniyan; • Frank James, 2/22nd, Leongatha; and • Jim Butterworth, 2/22nd, Dumbalk.

Lt Col Bill Owen was killed later in 1942 at Kokoda.

Survivors were: David Lawson, Koorooman East; Phil Hillis, Dumbalk; and Owen Hughes, Dumbalk.

Evacuated due to ill health was Charles Simpson of Tarwin Lower.

Those who are related to local people included: • on the Montevideo Maru: Dan Blennerhassett and Bill Gault; and • killed on January 23, Tom O Farrell.

Probing family ties VARIOUS aspects of researching family history were discussed at the South Gippsland Genealogical Society’s seminar at the Uniting Church Hall, Leongatha recently.

Valuable information and tips on tracking down ancestors were given by three knowledgeable guest speakers, welcomed to the seminar by president Joan Lehmann and program organiser, Margaret Pegler.

Opening speaker Alison Boundy gave a general review of tracking ancestors by first tracing back from yourself, using avenues like births, deaths and marriage certificates, census and wills.

Jenny Carter, who works with the Genealogical Society of Victoria showed by using ships’ passenger lists, family voyages to Australia could be tracked down.

She also discussed “brick walls and dead ends”, giving ways to overcome problems when customary official records failed to come up with the required information.

Experienced researcher of Irish records Beryl O’Gorman, discussed finding Irish families with the emphasis on Google links.

All speakers encouraged use of the vast amount of historical material available through the GSV and other ways to explore ancestry using Google, Trove and other sites.

Mayor’s message Cr Veronica Dowman

WE ARE fortunate to live in an area with a unique combination of breathtaking coastlines and picturesque rural hinterland. Both of these help attract the more than 3.4 million visitors who come to our Shire each year.

Agriculture contributes over $105 million annually to the local economy, through traditional farming and boutique enterprises.

The environmental and economic contribution of our farmers is highly valued. Some local farmers combine farming endeavours with a tourism component. Our landowners also work with Bass Coast Landcare Network, planting out and investigating good farming practices. The work property owners do to improve the land for the generations to come is significant.

With the release of the 2012-13 budget, we have again considered the issue of a differential rate for farmers.

Currently farmers are able to access a significant rebate through our Land Management Rebate Scheme. $486,000 is distributed under this scheme. This money helps farmers with the expenses they incur undertaking sound land management practices.

Council believes that the introduction of a farm differential rate would place a burden on other ratepayers in the Shire who will pay more, if farmers pay less.

There are 28,539 rateable properties in Bass Coast. Of these, about four per cent or 1035 of these are farm properties.

Farms make up approximately 80 per cent of the land in the Shire and contribute eight per cent of our overall rate revenue.

Council will be meeting with the farmers group shortly to discuss a proposal to assist them with the challenges facing farming in the future. We will continue to work with them to ensure that our Bass Coast farms are supported and prosper.

The proposed budget 2012-13 is currently on exhibition and I encourage everyone to take the time to look at this important document and to give us your feedback. Copies can be viewed at customer service centres and libraries (including the mobile library) or downloaded from our website.

Cr Veronica Dowman, mayor, Bass Coast Shire Council.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 25

A together: the delightful group of Inverloch Legacy widows and their All llegatees who shared lunch, a chat and a wonderful afternoon.

Bass Coast Council briefs DEMOCRACY comes at a price price. It will cost council $208,560 to stage this October’s elections and enforce compulsory voting.

That figure was quoted in the June council agenda. It includes GST. THREE members of the “reform team” that is standing for the October Bass Coast Shire Council elections observed last Wednesday’s ordinary meeting from the back of the gallery. Caroline Talbot, Andrew Phillips and Peter Foden have nominated for Phillip Island ward seats. They sat quietly for the duration of the meeting and didn’t ask any questions. Members of the public are entitled to do that during community question time at the start of the meeting.

TIRED of Cr Phil Wright’s insistence on seeing a map that wasn’t available, his colleague Cr Ross Smith circumvented him.

Cr Peter Paul had moved a motion in urgent business expressing disappointment in the Federal Government’s failure to fund a primary health care facility on Phillip Island.

He suggested a deputation to the appropriate minister and wanted his colleagues to make a recently purchased block of land available for such a centre.

Cr Wright wanted to see a map of the land but the council governance officer couldn’t project one onto

the overhead screen in the chamber used for such purposes.

Being an engineer, Cr Wright persisted. The director of community and economic development Steve Piasente came to the rescue, calling up the particular item on his laptop.

But Cr Ross Smith had tired of the delay and called for the motion to be put. That meant the mayor had to act straight away. That motion was passed, the original was then put and that passed too.

Cr Wright was still looking at Mr Piasente’s computer screen. “I’ve never had one of those (put-the-motion) calls before,” the mayor mused.

CR Wright declared he had come to the view that the Wonthaggi desalination plant “isn’t such a bad thing”. He said the plant could be to the benefit of Victoria “in about 20 years”.

There was “no impact on beaches and the construction has opened 200 acres of valuable parkland”. Councillors had visited the site that day and he made the comment during a motion creating an amendment to the public acquisition overlay to allow Westernport Water to raise the wall of the Candowie Reservoir that supplies water to Phillip Island and San Remo.

COMPLETING an economic development plan, adopting the rural strategy and reviewing the gaming

policy are among the items to be concentrated on in the coming year’s council plan.

Having considered the plan, councillors were asked to determine “no adjustment was required” and endorse the revised strategic resource plan.

Council plans set vision and outline objectives and strategies in fulfilling that vision. Council plans are mandated by the Local Government Act. Cr John Duscher said the council plan was one of the most important documents because it sets strategies and policies. “And, it’s developed with the community.”

COUNCIL has abandoned two proposed Inverloch special street schemes.

One was for Surf Parade, the other Ramsey Boulevard.

Moving the abandonment motions, Cr Ross Smith said they had involved long and tortuous processes that had caused a great deal of anguish. Cr Peter Paul said he agreed with the abandonment, but the process had been correct. Cr Duscher said council had thought the schemes were a good idea but the people involved didn’t want them.

THE council put through 25 town planning approvals during May. Figures tabled at the June meeting indicated the highest number was for Wonthaggi, followed

by Cowes, then Inverloch, Lance Creek and Rhyll.

THE financial reports for the month to the end of May show an operating surplus of $12,742,101, which is $5,287,455 above the year-to-date budget.

CR Duscher acknowledged Brian Arnold, Bruce Campbell and Bill Watson, shire residents honoured in the Queen’s Birthday awards. Cr Duscher said the recipients deserved their awards because of their “magnificent history” of work in the community. “We are very fortunate to have people who continually give to the community.”

CR Wright said he hoped top surfer Kelly Slater would officially open Phillip Island’s surfing reserve of national significance next Easter. Cr Wright added the “template we put up” is now used around Australia.

CR Smith applauded organisers of a coal seam gas information session at The Hub in Inverloch, when author Sharyn Munro pointed out the dangers of gas and brown coal mining. “We can’t afford to risk allowing farmlands – our paradise – to be affected. Make sure your voice is heard.”

CR Paul congratulated the organisers of the Cowes Pre School Ball, held to farewell the kinder’s Chapel Street building ahead of moving into the Children’s Hub on the primary school site.

Fans board bus for Archibald THE drawcard of Australia’s most intriguing portraits appealed to art enthusiasts from across South Gippsland recently.

The Prom Coast Arts Council organised a bus trip to Tarra Warra Museum of Art in Healesville to view works

Above, From afar: Phillip Island Widows’ Club secretary Maureen Matthews, South Gippsland Group president Russell Spencer, Eileen Wisdom and Joan Eldred, both from Leongatha Legacy Widows’ Club, enjoyed lunch and catching up with other members.

in the Archibald Prize 2012.

The arts council’s Michael Lester described the exhibition as “brilliant”.

Look out for other Prom Coast Arts Council events and presentations.

Left, Bestowed honour: Inverloch Legacy Widows’ Club president Yvonne Randall, ably assisted by 93-year-old Inverloch Legatee Arthur Schwartz, cut the club’s 25th anniversary cake.

Legacy women mark milestone THE women of the Inverloch Legacy Widows’ Club commemorated the group’s 25th anniversary last Wednesday.

Laugh a minute: Ann Slater, Marty Thomas, Antony Norden, Dianne Frey and Genevieve Moore in the bus en route to the Archibald Prize exhibition.

The group gathered for lunch at the Cottage restaurant at the Inlet Hotel.

Members from other South Gippsland clubs also attended, travelling from Corner Inlet, Korumburra, Phillip Island/Cowes, Wonthaggi and Leongatha.

Indigenous lives in focus at Inverloch THE Bass Coast /South Gippsland Reconciliation Group is hosting an afternoon forum to be chaired by His Honour, Peter Gebhardt.

The event will be held at the Inverloch Community Hub at 2pm, Wednesday, July 4.

Mr Gebhardt has contributed in several areas of public life including

educational leadership and the judiciary. He is also a published writer, with many poems which confront the wrongs perpetrated through past mismanagement of the relationships with our first people.

Mr Gebhardt visited Inverloch last year and posed some of the challenges for the future support of reconciliation in our land.

He stressed that educational oppor-

tunity was one very important key to future success. Generously, he promised to share further the keys to this much desired future, and has invited a panel of presenters to Inverloch to share their experiences and perspectives.

Mr Gebhardt has entitled the event Perspectives on Education, Perspectives on Employment and Perspectives on Fractured Lives.

The panel will comprise Sean Ar-

mistead from Career Trackers, an organisation that matches recruitment and internship placements of talented indigenous university students with private sector employers.

The presentation will include the perspectives of one such student, Renee Enzim. In contrast will be the perspectives on fractured lives, with insights from indigenous prison warden Kyle Lancaster and Wulgunggo

Ngalu man, Shaun Braybrook.

All are welcome, admission is free, and this important and stimulating event is a must for all who seek to work towards reconciliation and transformation in our communities.

The forum will be followed by afternoon tea.

The event is supported by both the Bass Coast Shire and the South Gippsland shire councils.

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Dedication results in scholarship KORUMBURRA Secondary College’s 2011 school captain, William Crawford, was awarded a generous financial scholarship from Monash University’s Faculty of Engineering at a prestigious ceremony at the Clayton campus recently.

William’s excellent ATAR scores, his leadership in the college and his contribution to the music program over six years, all contributed to winning the scholarship.

Korumburra Secondary College and his family are proud.

The first year university student was ecstatic when he found out.

“The scholarship allows me to concentrate more so on study than the financial side of things,” he said.

He will receive a sum of money each year of his five year course (Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Engineering).

This year, Korumburra Secondary College has increased the number of hours per subject per week for all students in years 10 to 12 to provide more classroom time and less subjects.

Teachers are confident that more time with their students will allow them to cover the required material in more depth and allow more time for discussion.

This in turn will hopefully enable higher study scores for students wanting to enter university and TAFE. The school has also encouraged acceleration of more capable students into the VCE program, through timetabling that allows Year 10 and 11 students to take one or two VCE subjects early. The students love the challenge, while at the same time, getting a competitive score toward their final year average.

Next year, students who have completed the mandated number of VCE units early will be able to take a university enhancement course. These courses, offered by distance education, and supported by the Monash or Melbourne University staff, are “weighted”, that is, they add points to the ATAR results.

The enhancement courses are also recognised as credit towards degrees in the following year, saving considerable time and money.

Active bunch: lots of teachers were getting active with the students in the last Active After School session for the term at Korumburra Primary School.

Kids get active MORE and more primary schools are getting their students active.

Schools are taking up the Active After School Communities program, an Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Sports Commission.

The program now involves 3270 schools and outside school hours care services across Australia and is completely free.

In term three this year, five new schools will join: Bass Valley PS, Poowong Consolidated School, South Coast Christian College, St Joseph’s PS Korumburra and Tarwin

Valley PS. They are joining existing participating schools: Cowes PS, Inverloch PS, Kongwak PS, Korumburra PS, Loch PS, Mirboo North PS, Newhaven PS, Nyora PS, Powlett River PS, St Joseph’s PS Wonthaggi, St Laurence O’Toole PS Leongatha, Tarwin Lower PS, Wonthaggi North PS and Wonthaggi PS. Regional program co-ordinator Mark Lindsay said it was a great initiative.

“This program is a fantastic starting point for children and a great way to find a sport for life,” he said.

“It offers local clubs and aspiring coaches a chance to deliver quality

programs for young children and promote sport in their local community.”

Each term, up to 190,000 children participate in up to 70 different sports and 20 structured physical activities after school.

Korumburra Primary School ended their term two program recently by getting all the teachers involved.

Students enjoyed getting the boxing gloves on, getting the better of their teachers and running rings around them by the end of the session.

Students are already looking forward to the next term’s program.

Carrying the torch for women

By Jane Ross

Happy scholar: (from left) Professor Tam Sridhar, Dean of Engineering at Monash University, scholarship winner Will Crawford and principal of Korumburra Secondary College Lynne Hardy.

Desal takes on seawater WATER has started flowing through the Wonthaggi desalination plant’s seawater lift pump station.

Thiess Degremont community relations manager Karen Lee said the commissioning of the pumps “represents a significant achievement for the Thiess Degremont team of engineers and water treatment experts”.

She said seawater from Bass Strait

enters the underground pump station via a 1.2km intake tunnel. From there, the seawater lift pumps transfer the seawater from sea level into the reverse osmosis plant to begin the desalination process.

“Testing of the pumps is an important part of the commissioning process.”

Ms Lee said there are 12 pumps each capable of moving up to 1000 litres of water per second. At this stage, seawater is recirculated to the ocean via the permanent intake and outlet tunnels.

FORMER politician Susan Davies is encouraging women to stand in this year’s local government elections.

She said she would offer any assistance she could.

“I do have some insights and I do want to be able to support women who want to stand.

“We need balanced councils.”

Ms Davies well knows the value and comfort of female support, saying she could not have nominated for State Parliament without it.

Her particular mentor was Joan Kirner, who was awarded the highest gong in the recent Queen’s Birthday honours; a Companion of the Order of Australia, recognising her work in advancing equality for women. She was Victoria’s first woman Premier.

Ms Davies said Mrs Kirner had been an elder for many years, encouraging women to nominate for all levels of government, particularly through EMILY’s List, which she founded.

EMILY stands for Early Money is Like Yeast – it grows.

“It began in the United States, was imported to Australia and its purpose is to encourage more women into public life,” Ms Davies explained.

It is associated, but not affiliated with the Labor Party and focuses on social justice, women’s rights and equality.

In general, said Susan, women don’t have the financial resources men have, nor the networks.

She first stood for Parliament in 1996, opposing Liberal incumbent Alan Brown.

An ALP candidate, she turned to Joan Kirner.

“I had to go to a candidates’ do and I said to her, I can’t do this. I don’t have the right clothes, I don’t look right. I’d come off the farm. I

had three little kids.

“She said to me ‘look Susan, just be yourself’.

“I have given that message to every group of women I speak to.”

And, Susan said smiling, whenever she speaks at kinder or childcare centre meetings – the settings where her foray into public life began - she warns the women they may end up in politics too.

When Mr Brown retired from politics, Ms Davies stood for the seat as an Independent and won.

“I had to do it on my own and Joan was fabulous. If I ever rang her for advice, she’d always know the right people to help.

“My election was controversial.

When I gave my maiden speech, I got the most disgusting cold. I had a very blocked nose and my voice went. I rang Joan and said I can’t do this.”

Mrs Kirner’s advice was to take some anti-cold medications, have hot lemon and honey and “just do it”.

The former Premier sat with Susan’s family in parliament as the speech was delivered.

“She was like a political mum.”

Susan and two other Independents ended up with the balance of power following the 1999 state election.

“That was a very scary time in my life. I rang Joan and said help, what am I going to do?”

Mrs Kirner suggested she ring politicians in other states who had been in a similar position.

“I didn’t speak to them but I knew what we should do.”

The result was an Independents’ charter.

“Joan never imposed or pushed, but was the most remarkable networker. She travels Victoria and talks to women and encourages them.

She’s a wise, caring and warm elder and I have huge respect for her.”

With that support in her life, Ms Davies wants to do the same for

others.

I don’t know what you know of Susan’s background, but here’s some info: Her family roots are in South Gippsland. She now lives on a farm in Outtrim but raised her sons in Wonthaggi.

She joined the ALP in 1993 during a rural backlash against the severe Kennett Government funding and service cuts. The state’s finances were apparently in a mess and thousands of teachers and nurses were made redundant. Taxpayers had to pay a one-off $100 levy to help get the finances back in the black.

Alan Brown was part of that government and I suspect Susan is very worried about all those cuts as far as the council is concerned.

Susan stood against Brown in the 1996 state election as the ALP candidate for Gippsland West. Alan won, resigning a year later, creating a by-election. Apparently the ALP wouldn’t stand a candidate in a blue ribbon Liberal seat, so, in disgust, Susan resigned from the ALP and stood as an Independent. She won.

We had her photo on the front of The Star.

In the 1999 state election, Susan retained her seat. Despite the polls predicting a Kennett landslide, the election was very close. Susan and two other independents ended up with the balance of power, after a delay and the formation of an independents’ charter, giving government to the ALP and Steve Bracks. Kennett was livid.

Election boundaries were redistributed before the 2002 election and Gippsland West became part of the new seat of Bass. Susan stood as an independent against Ken Smith, but lost (obviously!)

In 2004, she was the unsuccessful ALP candidate for the federal seat of La Trobe.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 27

Blue boys hit town FOOTBALLERS from the Carlton Blues visited the area on Wednesday to have a kick with some primary school students.

Leongatha Primary and South Gippsland Specialist School students enjoyed a morning session with the boys while students from Korumburra Primary got their turn

the he afternoon. aafft ft fternoon. in the Students worked through various skills, from getting the ball through the big sticks under pressure to taking the perfect hanger.

The students also got to ask Marc Murphy and his teammates the tough questions, and of course got a few signatures.

All smiles: Daniel Anderson of Leongatha Primary Schoool was pumped to see the Blues come to town and got a lift with Rhys O’Keefe, Luke Mitchell, Brock McLean and Rohan Kerr.

Hanger: Jake Newton gets up for a mark with help from Luke Mitchell.

Food for thought Tough nut: Nathaniel Wilson gets through the bump bags during the footy clinic on Wednesday.

ALOCAL food directory that aims to promote the growing, consumption and sharing of South Gippsland’s food has been given a $25,000 boost by the State Government.

The announcement of the funding for the South Gippsland Local Food Directory was made by Deputy Premier Peter Ryan.

“The South Gippsland Local Food Directory project will engage volunteers, local food producers, food distributors and community members in the process of gathering information on the growing, sharing and consumption of local food throughout South Gippsland,” Mr Ryan said.

“It will identify gaps in local food production and provide information that will

Shire meets cost of desal road repairs

Footy fans: Carlton star Marc Murphy was having a chat with footy fans Hannah Box, Rowan Baudinette and Ashlie Giliam.

By Jane Ross

Murderously good fun: some of the colourful characters from the MADS Murder Mystery Night.

Murderously good fun

By Pat Hendry, Meeniyan Amateur Dramatic Society MADS Murder Mystery Night, held at the Meeniyan Hotel over a three course meal on Saturday, June 16, was a fantastic evening.

More than 50 people from across the region dressed up as characters from the 1850s West Texan town of Dry Gulch and did their best to work out “Who Shot the Sherriff?”

Of course they all had the motive and opportunity, from the Golden Nugget saloon keeper Busty Mainchance; her

rival for the affections of the murdered sherriff, the Tennessee songbird Philandra Nightingale; Zed, the Mexican gunslinger with over 50 notches on his guns; Ace McQueen, the card sharp and fast shooting gambler; Hiram Hustler, a preacher and snake-oil salesman running from the law; an Indian princess looking for her long lost mother with her faithful companion Indian Brave; and Prudence Straightlace, a stern temperance leader and hater of all things evil in the town.

As a young woman, she had been taken and badly used by the Sioux nation, had escaped only to be treated even worse as an Indian-lover and had to kill to escape her new captivity in a

enable the communities of South Gippsland to better provide for their own needs.

“Developing the South Gippsland Local Food Directory will also help identify and plug gaps in food production and strengthen existing networks as well as assist in developing new networks across the region.”

Mr Ryan said development of the food directory would be a collaborative project between the South Gippsland Shire Council, the South Gippsland Local Food Network in partnership with Grow Lightly and local food producers, food distributors and community members.

He said the Victorian Government funding for the directory would be provided to the South Gippsland Shire Council, which would contribute a further $5000.

house of ill repute and had finally lost her mind, becoming bitter and twisted and escaping into the realms of unreality.

She turned out to be not only the Indian princess’ long lost mother but the murderer too, having blamed the sherriff for her capture by the Indians, as he had been the one leading the wagon train west on the fateful day of the attack.

Brilliantly, all the competing tables worked out the clues and came up with the correct answer. Well done all of you, thanks to the staff of Meeniyan Hotel for such good service and great food. Watch out for MADS’ next production, which promises to be another good one.

FED up with trying to get someconnected with the Wontone con plant to pay haggi desalination d works on South for reinstatement rein Dudley Road, Bass Coast Shire Council is shouldering the cost.

It’s been be an issue for some years, with residents complaining about the deterioration of the road as trucks pounded along it to reach the construction site at Williamsons Beach.

Desalination consortium AquaSure says it’s a matter for construction company Thiess Degremont, which says it’s not on an agreed roads’ list. Project overlord the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) takes a similar view.

So now, council is having to put $420,000 worth of federal money into the task.

Weather permitting, the work will take three weeks.

South Dudley Road between Sta-

tion Street and West Area Road, will be closed between 9am and 3pm until this Saturday, but emergency vehicles will have right of access at all times.

At last week’s council meeting, Maurice Schinkel of Cowes, asked if council would be paying for the road works from existing funds or would it “seek to obtain the money to pay for this tender from the desalination plant consortium”?

Shire CEO Allan Bawden told him the work is part of the first stage of repairing “excess degradation” on South Dudley Road.

He said council had been in discussion with DSE and the project about compensation and would have liked the matter to have been sorted out.

“However, it has got to the point that we can no longer delay rehabilitation.

In the interim, council is using federal funds.”

Mr Bawden said if the council succeeds in gaining compensation, it will be used for other projects.

Indications are the shire will be whistling Dixie.

Laws protect gamblers NEW Victorian Government legislation extending the ban on automatic teller machines (ATMs) to include alternative cash devices in gaming venues from July 1 has been welcomed by Eastern Victoria MLC Philip Davis.

Mr Davis told parliament the ban was a positive step towards assisting problem gamblers to make conscious decisions

about how to spend their money.

He said more than $6 million was generated in gaming machine revenue in South Gippsland Shire Council last financial year.

The legislation will provide Victoria with the toughest bans on ATM access in gaming venues in Australia.

The ban covers all forms of cash dispensing machines that do not require faceto-face interaction inside gaming venues.

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Massive creature: An illustration of a dinosaur like Allosaurus that appeared as part of an Australia Post stamp issue in 1993. The ankle bone or astragalus of a dinosaur like Allosaurus was found near Eagle’s Nest in 1978 by Tim Flannery. Image courtesy of Australia Post, Peter Trusler.

Help needed to find dinosaurs

By Thomas H. Rich, Lesley Kool, Gary Wallis and Patricia Vickers-Rich IN SOUTH Gippsland, there could be feathered dinosaur preserved, similar to those found in China in the past two decades that have revolutionised experts’ thinking about dinosaurs.

Fascinating place: inside the Sihetun Visitor’s Centre. Each glass case contains one or more fossil skeletons. The wall on the right is formed of the same lake sediments that yield the fossils.

South Gippsland has a century-long association with dinosaurs.

It was here in 1903 that geologist William Hamilton Ferguson found the first dinosaur specimen ever discovered anywhere in Australia.

On May 7, he was searching the shore platform for coal deposits near Eagles Nest not far from Inverloch when he found a single toe bone of a carnivorous dinosaur.

Three quarters of a century passed before another dinosaur bone was found anywhere in Victoria.

That happened in 1978 when the geologist Rob Glenie took two eager, young fossil collectors to the site Ferguson had noted on his map on a cold, blustery day in November.

These two were John Long and his cousin, Tim Flannery, both who subsequently became professional palaeontologists. During the following year, Tim prospected the coast between Inverloch and San Remo and collected about 30 fossil bones, some of which were dinosaurs.

Following Tim’s pioneering efforts, since 1994, there has been an annual excavation at Flat Rocks not far from Ferguson’s original discovery site, led by Lesley Kool of Wonthaggi.

She and her volunteers, together with Michael Cleeland of Phillip Island, repeatedly combed the area that Tim covered more than three decades ago.

That led to the recognition of the presence in South Gippsland of a variety of dinosaurs and other intriguing fossils.

Seventy-five years passed between the discovery of the first dinosaur bone and the next one in South Gippsland.

In the meantime, fossil feathers were found in a roadcutting on the South Gippsland Highway, a few kilometres east of Koonwarra.

When the feathers were found in the 1960s and 1970s, feathered dinosaurs were unknown. That only occurred in the 1990s when such fossils were first found in China.

Keep digging: how the fossils have been found for the past two decades at Flat Rocks. The first step each day is removing sand washed in by the previous tide.

Right, Initial exploration: fossil digging underway at Koonwarra. Courtesy of Professor James Warren.

At present, whether the South Gippsland feathers belong to birds or non-avian dinosaurs is uncertain. The term non-avian dinosaurs has come into usage to identify those dinosaurs that are not birds.

This is because of the realisation that birds are, in fact, living dinosaurs. Nonavian dinosaurs are what most people think of most commonly when they use the term “dinosaur”.

Why feathers of some kind occur at Koonwarra and not on the shore platforms of South Gippsland is because of fundamental differences between fossil sites in the two areas.

The fossil-bearing rocks on the shore platform are mainly sandstone. The sandstones were laid down in ancient streams.

On the other hand, the fossiliferous rocks at the Koonwarra site are fine-grained shales and siltstones deposited as muds and silts in a quiet lake.

The difference between these two types of fossil accumulation explains the striking difference in the composition of the fossils commonly preserved in each place, although the deposits were laid down at about the same time.

The most common fossils from Koonwarra are insects and other crustaceans, plants, and small fish.

Around 1990, Chinese palaeontologists began to excavate ancient lake deposits a few tens of millions of years older than those from Koonwarra. This was carried out in the province of Liaoning, about 400 km northeast of China’s capital Beijing.

The results were spectacular. Incredible preservation of hundreds of fossil bird skeletons as well as those of non-avian dinosaurs has led to fundamentally new ideas about dinosaurs and settled a century-long argument as to whether or not birds are related to dinosaurs.

One unique aspect of preservation of these fossils is particularly important: feathers are commonly preserved and clearly associated with hundreds of specimens of both birds and non-avian dinosaurs in these Chinese lake deposits.

In 2002, Tom Rich from Museum Victoria visited the site and concluded there was a strong similarity between these rocks in China and those fossils recovered near Koonwarra.

Because of that striking similarity, seven years later Tom spent a longer time in the Liaoning district. There at the Sihetun Landscape Fossil Bird National Geopark of Chaoyang City, he was most impressed by a most informative exhibition.

What had been excavated and was on display were about 400 square metres of an ancient lake deposit just like at Koonwarra.

At Sihetun, the excavators had left in place 30 dinosaur and bird skeletons along with a large fish.

Equally important, associated with these large skeletons were numerous smaller fossils that could just as easily have been from Koonwarra, namely crustaceans, plants, and small fish.

The similarity of the rocks reflecting in both places a lake environment, coupled with the nature of the abundant small fossils in China and Koonwarra, led Tom to pose the provocative question: “Why haven’t dinosaur and bird skeletons like these been

found at Koonwarra? After all, it is so similar in other ways.”

The answer probably is: “not enough digging has been done at Koonwarra.”

A rough calculation suggests that to have a 99 per cent chance of finding at least one complete fossil of a dinosaur or bird at Koonwarra, providing they occur there as commonly as at the Sihetun locality, an area of 50 square metres needs to be excavated.

Something on the order of 10 square metres have been excavated at Koonwarra since fossils were first found there.

Usually, when fossil vertebrate skeletons are found, for every one of them, numerous fragments of bones are found nearby. Fragments are the usual clues used by fossil hunters to recognise a place where the chances are good that skeletons may be nearby.

The Sihetun Exhibition area is a place where that adage does not apply. You either hit the jackpot there with a complete skeleton or you get nothing.

This, coupled with the fact that not enough area has previously been excavated at Koonwarra, is a likely reason why there is not yet a trace of dinosaurs or birds at Koonwarra except for those tantalising feathers.

So why not dig more at Koonwarra?

The main reason not to do this is if an easier place to excavate can be found.

To dig at Koonwarra means excavating a fossil bed that dips into a hill that goes steeply upward. So, the further one digs in, the more rock that has to be removed above the fossil layer.

So why is your help needed? Before an excavation at Koonwarra goes ahead, the community is being asked for information about any place that might be an alternative.

How will such a place be found? One way would be accessing local knowledge of other places where fossils are known like those that commonly occur at both Koonwarra and Liaoning, namely fish, insects and plants. These could come from any place where rock is exposed in the South Gippsland area.

The most likely places to find fossils are in excavations that have been made, be they for dams, foundations of buildings, construction of roads or whatever.

Knowledge of a fossiliferous site that was impractical to excavate would still be useful. To know how frequent such sites are and where they occur would make it possible to get a better grip on how common these lake deposits were in South Gippsland and their size.

If you know of such fossils in the South Gippsland district, we would like to hear from you.

Contact: Dr Tom Rich, curator of vertebrate palaeontology, Museum Victoria, PO Box 666, Melbourne 3001. Email: trich@museum.vic.gov.au or telephone: 9270 5054.

Lesley Kool (Inverloch and Wonthaggi areas), 5672 1545 or email: koollesley@ gmail.com.

Gary Wallis (Foster, Leongatha, Meeniyan, Korumburra and Foster areas), 5683 2252 or email: gjwallis2@bigpond.com

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 29

Paradise at home Forget The Block - this newly renovated Leongatha home is a dream come true, and is available through Alex Scott and Staff, Leongatha. See page 30 for details.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

You may only have three days....

T

HE 1988 David Lee Roth song, This must be just like living in Paradise, springs to mind as you take in all this property has to offer.

It’s hard to think of anything more you could want.

Fully rebuilt from the ground up, this four bedroom home offers a seamless blend of old and new, incorporating modern conveniences like fully ducted reverse cycle air conditioning for year round comfort, full en suite and robe to the master bedroom, and kitchen with CaesarStone bench tops, 900mm freestand-

ing Ilve oven and Meile dishwasher.

Outside you’ll find a huge 5m x 10m undercover outdoor entertaining area which overlooks the 10m inground pool and spa, plus a 6mx12m garage, a separate bungalow/office and a kid’s playground.

The formal lounge has the added charm of a solid fuel heater and north facing French doors, while the generous timber windows throughout the kitchen and living rooms offer light-filled living spaces.

All this in a quiet location, yet only a level 600m walk to the main street.

To use a well worn real estate cliché: ‘Truly a house that must be inspected to be appreciated’.

This is the fourth house in Leongatha that the current owners have renovated, lived in, and then offered for sale over the past 14 years.

Each time their houses have sold in three days or less, so we’d suggest you don’t delay.

We are conducting an open for inspection at this outstanding property this coming Saturday, June 30 between 11.30am and 1pm.

If this time doesn’t suit, please contact us to arrange a private inspection.

LEONGATHA Location: 10 Vista Court Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $439,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff, Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922

Prices slashed, don’t miss out

T

HE Springs Estate subdivision fills a great need for larger allotments in the local market.

Ranging in size from 4001m2 up to 5889m2, (or 1.47 acres) these blocks will suit those requiring space for extensive landscaping and for sheds and equipment, whilst still being located in close proximity to town.

The blocks are fully serviced and the boulevard curbed and channelled.

An elevated block with views over Nerrena to the East is available and although the remaining blocks are gently undulating, the views are quite surprising.

Families will have the convenience of a school bus stop on the highway, at Boag’s Road, thus alleviating the problem of transporting children to and from school.

There are only six blocks left and are becoming increasingly harder to obtain this close to town so secure one for your future now.

LEONGATHA Location: Lot 36, 46, 47, 48, 49 & 50 Tarwin Ridge Boulevard Internet ID: 256658, 256659, 256661, 256662, 256665, 256655 Price: $190,000- $200,000 Agent: Stockdale and Leggo Leongatha Contact: 56625800

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 31

MARDAN

MIRBOO NORTH

DOLLAR

LEONGATHA INSPECT Sun 12-12.30pm

e e Lif h t - by cialists!!

D L SO Spe tyle S &

ACT NTR d!!

O C ER nte UND her Wa t Ano

Five acres on top of the world!

Renovated top-to-toe

14ac of beautiful bush to build on

Double Delight Villa

house with enormous open plan living. New kitchen, laundry & bathroom, 3 bedrooms.

Orchard & dam. Big shed & workshop.

1630 Meeniyan Mirboo North Road $445,000

Sparkling new kitchen & bathroom, freshly

"#$ % % % % furnishings, 2 wcs, nth facing living room, & rear lane access to a big backyard & large steel shed.

10 Inglis Avenue $245,000

%

& outlooks to the east, a cleared home site,

%

< Planning Permit, & realistically priced to sell now.

976 Foster Mirboo Road $135,000

Double garage, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double pantry, double linen, 2 aircons, & double the fun with the recreation centre right next = $ % % = Unit 25, 17 McDonald Street $300,000

MIRBOO

MIRBOO NORTH

MIRBOO NORTH

MIRBOO NORTH

INSPECT Sun 11-11.30am

kaz hughes

0417 516 998

NEW

E

PRIC

NEW LISTING River-Frontage 2 acre Allotment

Cottage charisma on edge of town Brand New home on 950sqm

Mirboo Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Block?

%

% this idyllic 2.2 acre (approx) allotment has beautiful deciduous trees, orchard, shedding, level home site with Planning Permit.

303 Mirboo Road $255,000

*

"#$ cottage imbues a relaxed & cosy feel. Features include 2 living rooms, one opening to a rear deck, wood heater & OFP, views, on 1 acre.

161 Baromi Road $250,000

Near-level 605sqm lot, freshly fenced, & with all local services available, in Mirboo Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular new location. Short walk to the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shopping facilities, eateries, schools & parks.

Lot 4, Giles Street $109,500

> %

"#$ home, close to schools, has been carefully considered. Features include a contemporary neutral colour palette and 2 bathrooms.

Lot 11, Eldon Court $295,000 - $320,000

BERRYS CREEK

MARDAN

INSPECT Sat 12-12.30pm

INSPECT Sun 1.30-2pm

allen bartlett

0417 274 624

NEW

E

PRIC

Exceptional value on 4 fantastic acres

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mardan State School #2156â&#x20AC;?

'

*+ /:

%

fertile & accessible 4 acres will satisfy. The expansive home comprises: spacious lounge, massive 4sq rumpus, generous family room, big hostess kitchen & roomy meals area. Four bedrooms (two king-sized), 2 bathrooms, huge laundry, & sheltered enclosed barbecue area. Double brick garage & workshop. Gorgeous views & gardens. Peace & quiet in a glorious setting.

The Mardan State School, set on 2 near-level acres with minimalist gardens & extensive paved areas, was sold into private ownership, & the enhanced school building is now â&#x20AC;&#x153;homeâ&#x20AC;? to a

mezzanine bedroom is above the kitchen, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a study nook, concealed guest bed setting, Euro

330 Mt Vernon Road

10 Treases Lane

$385,000 - $415,000

$350,000 - $365,000

MEENIYAN

LEONGATHA INSPECT Sun 11-11.30am

lisa williams

Martins Road Lot 1 1.08ha

Lot 2 1.022ha

NEW LISTING

0438 133 385

Lot 3 1.043ha

NEW LISTING

janine pepyat

0409 292 808

Cute young thing at the top of the town!

Registration of Interest! Lifestyle Lots in Meeniyan!

Enjoying farmland views is this cute young home with all the right dĂŠcor choices comprising four bedrooms, two living areas, two bathrooms and double garage. Open plan with stunning kitchen ?/

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These perfect parcels of â&#x20AC;&#x153;lifestyle landâ&#x20AC;?, each of one hectare (2.5ac) approx, are positioned just out of Meeniyan village where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a heart for art and a mind for music, the Great Southern rail trail, accommodation options, quaint and quality shopping options, and cafĂŠs and eateries to be envied. Powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provided, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundary fencing, very gentle fall, and outlooks across other quality properties, and the valleys and rolling hills beyond. Pre-register your interest now!

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5662 3100

Leongatha

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Local experience at SEJ WITH a passion for real estate and fantastic local knowledge, SEJ Real Estate has welcomed their new sales representative Glenys Foster to the team in Leongatha.

Having worked in real estate for the past three and a half years, Glenys has always shown a strong interest in the industry, having also worked in property law for 12 years prior.

Keen to take on a new challenge, she is excited about making a change in sales and joining the team of committed, professional real estate agents and stock agents at SEJ. “I’m looking forward to people selling their homes and helping them

find a new one,” she said.

“It’s great being able to match people with the right home and make their experience as stress-free as possible.”

Glenys will focus on the residential and lifestyle market, so whether you’re selling your farm and buying a new one, or perhaps moving into town for a lifestyle change, she is ready to assist you no matter the move.

Much like SEJ have been, and continue to be, Glenys is a strong supporter of the local community.

She is an active member of the Meeniyan community, and currently sits on the committee for the Meeniyan Tourism Traders Group.

First established with Barry Redmond as branch manager in 1993,

SEJ Real Estate is well established in the area, and pride themselves in providing the best possible service to their clientele and customers.

Mr Redmond said Glenys’ caring and understanding approach and positive attitude will be a great asset to the business.

“I am thrilled Glenys has joined the team,” he said.

SEJ’s company services include property management and real estate advice as well as the arranging of auctions and free market appraisals of your property.

For a no obligation, free appraisal, contact Glenys at SEJ Real Estate in Leongatha on 0408 515 665 or 5662 4033.

Professional real estate agents: Glenys Foster (centre) has joined the team at SEJ Real Estate in Leongatha alongside Barry Redmond and Jen Elliott.

Room to move Ideal first home L

OOKING for a quality 85 acres to complement your existing land, or perhaps a weekend getaway?

This quality, heavy carrying 85 acres could be just the answer.

Divided into five main paddocks with quality sheep proof and electric fencing, water is in abundance, with each paddock having at least one dam.

The block is gently undulating and north facing with stunning views overlooking Tarwin farming land and ocean views of Venus Bay.

WALKERVILLE Location: 1875 Walkerville Road Land size: 85 acres Price: $495,000 Agent: Elders Real Estate Leongatha Contact: Zel Svenson on 0438 636 292

There are delightful well established stands of natural bush scattered throughout the property providing excellent shelter for livestock.

There is a large 22mx12m lock up shed, with kitchen, toilet, bathroom, one large and two small carpeted rooms.

Also featured is a brand new heavy duty stockyard with crush and race.

This property is located a short 10 minute drive to popular Walkerville beaches and within 15 minutes of Tarwin Lower.

V

ERY neat and tidy brick veneer home featuring three bedrooms, all with built-in robes.

This very solid home would be an ideal purchase for the investor wishing to rent out, or the purchaser ready to enter the Inverloch market.

The property is situated on a corner so double access is available.

A feature of the property is the huge shed or workshop, ideal for a contractor, caravan or boat, and still room for working in. There is a wood heater in the shed, great for the ‘man’ of the family.

The open plan kitchen has timber features, with dining and lounge rooms, security system plus blinds.

There is a carport plus lock-up garage and garden shed.

The property has a water tank, fernery and a very low maintenance garden, and all within easy walking distance to shops.

INVERLOCH Location: 6 Stewart Street Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $365,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff, Inverloch Contact: 5674 1111

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 33

Inspection will delight M

AKE the lifestyle change while living in a peaceful retreat in the heart of town.

In a private and tranquil setting, this immaculate four bedroom home has everything to offer, with two separate living areas, spacious open kitchen appointed with Tasmanian Oak cupboards, quality fixtures and fittings.

The comfortable family room with a solid fuel heater and built-in bar opens out to a paved outdoor entertaining area overlooking the expansive sanctuary of

tailored lawns and gardens.

Raised vegie beds, herb gardens and established deciduous trees provide a colourful backdrop in autumn.

Two split systems, open fireplace and timber ceilings add to the cosy warm atmosphere of the truly lovely home.

The property would be ideal for the growing family or someone ready for retiring into the town.

Inspection is a must of this very rare opportunity, centrally located with a short walk to the CBD and schools precinct.

LEONGATHA Location: 46 Ogilvy Street Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 Car spaces: 2 Internet ID: lg 3029 Land size: 2479sqm Price: $495,000 Agent: SEJ Real Estate Contact: Glenys Foster on 0408 515 665

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Cute young thing at the top of the town!

S

ITUATED at one of the high points of Leongatha township, enjoying peaceful farmland views, is this cute young home with all the right décor choices – inside and out.

The first striking aspect as you approach the home is a broad timber fence providing security for pets and kids, and privacy for outdoor entertaining. Complementing the double lock-up garage, the side area on this generous allotment provides options for additional vehicle parking – and there is room to build another shed at the rear.

A portico entrance leads into a generously wide, tiled hallway –

LEONGATHA Location: 16 Gibson Street Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Car spaces: 2 Price: $390,000 - $415,000 Agent: First National Prom Country Contact: Kaz Hughes on 0417 516 998 g

to the left, the main bedroom suite complete with gorgeous en suite and to the right, the remote, double lock-up garage with direct internal access. Along the hallway, the home opens up to a broad open plan living area, with plenty of windows and glass door access to the outdoor alfresco space. The kitchen is gorgeous. Stainless steel appliances including room for a decent-sized fridge – and a CaesarStone bench top complemented with really tasty coffee-coloured glass splash back.

The adjoining lounge is cosy – plenty of room for the modular lounge, and well positioned for access to the other living zones.

Zoned separately, the other three bedrooms, all with double robes, share a second quality-fitted bath-

room, and laundry. Outdoors is splendid: an expansive merbau timber deck with stainless steel fan and barbecue area are provided as the backdrop. The spacious garden is a grassed blank canvas, ready for the new owner to stamp their own personality into this great property.

A smart selection of double and single custom-fitted blinds, textured charcoal carpets, tasteful muted tones, quality door fittings, down lights, and the all-important ducted gas heating combined with refrigerated ducted cooling, have set this home well above most – the owners have decided to move back to Melbourne, so their change of mind is your opportunity to secure a quality new home without the hassles of building it.

Love the location A

S THE address suggests, this property is on the same road as the Mirboo North Baths, and a 250m stroll will take you there.

If you’re a local already, you’ll know its country-style charm and picturesque setting. If you’re a soon-to-be-local, it’s worth discovering.

The property is also close to Baromi Park, Baths Rd Reserve, shops, and schools.

The three bedroom home, which has an attractive treed outlook enjoyed from a full-length verandah, features as-new carpets and a contemporary bathroom.

The living area is semi-open-plan, with a large sliding door between the living room and combined dining / kitchen.

A reverse-cycle air conditioner provides year-round comfort, whilst a space heater provides another heating option.

Hardiplank cladding means little maintenance, and along with a garden which is mainly lawn punctuated with beds of lovely roses and natives, the property is perfect for busy people or those who’d rather be doing something other than continually working on their property.

For these same reasons, it will also suit the astute investor searching for a sound investment.

Baths Road also sees low traffic activity, making this home a peaceful place for singles, couples or a small family.

MIRBOO NORTH Location: 40 Baths Road Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Car spaces: 1 Price: $230,000 - $240,000 Agent: First National Prom Country Contact: Lisa Williams on 0438 133 385

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 35

Twenty acre rural retreat THIS appealing parcel of land is located approximately 15.5kms from Leongatha.

The terrain varies from gently rolling to partly steep, running down into sheltered and picturesque gullies, complete with well-established Blackwoods and tree ferns. The

property is fully fenced and has a large seasonal creek running right through the middle of it. One of the three dams is a good size and is spring fed, with two smaller ones dotted across the countryside. Power is to an underground pit right outside the block. A levelled shed site has a current building permit for a 12m

farm shed. With absolutely magnificent views and a northerly aspect, this property is well sheltered and presents a great chance to create an ideal rural retreat not far out of town and right on the Grand Ridge food trail. Under the present Council regulations, a house permit will not be issued. Inspection recommended.

TRIDA Location: 1734 Grand Ridge Road Land size: 20 acres (approx.)

Price: $155,000 Agent: Insight Real Estate Contact: Lindsay Powney on 5662 2220 or 0428515103 SOLE AGENT NEW LISTING

Business is growing: Lindsay and Robyn Powney from Insight Real Estate welcome Insight Real Estate’s new receptionist Wendy Jordan to the team.

Insight welcomes Wendy BUSINESS is growing for Insight Real Estate, and although it’s in a little shop, it’s making a big impact.

Wendy Jordan is the new face at Insight.

She has joined the team, bringing with her a very successful and extensive career history in book-keeping, administration, and receptionist and sales assistant roles.

Wendy lived and worked in Melbourne before making a sea change to South Gippsland four years ago.

She especially enjoys the friendliness of locals, the beautiful countryside and

proximity to beaches – alongside a good game of golf.

“Wendy has slotted into her new role in our friendly office very easily,” owner Lindsay Powney said.

“Wendy is usually the first person who gets to greet clients, and it’s always with a warm and friendly smile. With her office skills, she has certainly taken some of the load off our shoulders.

“Wendy has quickly adapted to the demands of a busy agency, and she is a joy to work with,” Robyn Powney said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Wendy into the business.”

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 37

Learning experience: Eden Ward from Mary MacKillop College with Leongatha Secondary College students Belinda Dyke and Kodi Eygenraam.

Semi-trailer no match for police bicycles POLICE on pushbikes have already pulled over a semi-trailer se driver for questioning in Leongatha Leongatha.

The new bike patrol unit of Leongatha Police has been recently establi established to promote Bike Safe, a bicycle safety and through local schools and the community. awareness program, pro Officers plan to hop on their bikes and visit popular beach locations including includin Tidal River, Sandy Point and Venus Bay during holidays and conduct regular patrols in towns, along rail trails and at major community events.

The project is an initiative of the Victoria Police, supported locally by South Gippsland Transport Connections, the South Gippsland Road Safety Committee and Leongatha bicycle shop, Re:cycling.

“This program will greatly increase safety awareness for

both cyclists, motorists and pedestrians,” said Transport Connections co-ordinator Fred Boreham.

“This is particularly relevant given the increased cycling activity on the shire’s various trails, and cyclists taking advantage of the new bike racks recently installed at the principal bus stops located along the region’s public transport corridors.

“The recently funded $2.9 million Great Southern Rail Trail extension from Foster to Welshpool will also attract more cyclists to the region when completed.”

To celebrate these new alternative ‘transport’ services, the first four young customers who inquire at each of the Foster, Korumburra, Leongatha and Mirboo North news agencies will receive a free bicycle safety lock, courtesy of the Transport Connections Program.

For further information on the program, contact Mr Boreham on 5662 9324

Two wheels: Senior Constables Rohan Michael and Mick Thomas with students at Leongatha Primary School.

Tasty recipes: Mary MacKillop Catholic College teacher Colleen Herbert and student Eden Ward.

Funds benefit volunteers A SANDPIT, solar panels and sanding the hall floor were among the community activities to received funding from the Gardiner Foundation last week.

Dairy tastes good, say teens DAIRY Australia hosted the Cows Create Careers – Manufacturing finale at the Leongatha RSL recently. The day was attended by more than 50 secondary school students.

Mary MacKillop Catholic College of Leongatha won most innovative recipe book and the best photo prize went to Wonthaggi Secondary College.

Marist Sion College was awarded the winning school prize of $500 from Dairy Australia.

The winning team prize was awarded to the Milky Moos from Marist Sion College, Warragul.

The Cows Create Careers – manufacturing project was first piloted in 2010, to encourage food and technology secondary school students to examine the possible career and education pathways that are available within the dairy manufacturing industry.

The project involves student teams working together to create an innovative “dairy creation”, presenting a “dairy spread” – an informative magazine article profiling what they have learnt about their research topic and submitting a school recipe book.

The project aims to: • introduce students to dairy manufacturing career and education pathways;

•

provide a platform to introduce students to the Australian dairy industry and its products; • involve dairy manufacturing industry advocates who have vision and dairy industry knowledge to encourage and support students with the project; and • reward successful students and schools at the presentation and awards ceremony.

Seven Gippsland schools participated in the project this year: Leongatha, Korumburra, Yarram and Wonthaggi secondary colleges, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Newhaven College and Marist Sion Regional College.

Industry advocates from Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co Ltd and Fonterra Australia donated their time to visit students and talk about dairy manufacturing career pathways.

Students visited a manufacturing site to see some of these pathways first hand.

In 2011, the Cows Create Careers - Manufacturing Module included 25 schools across the regions of Gippsland Victoria, Northern Victoria, North West Tasmania, West Sydney NSW, and South West Victoria. In 2012, it will be running in six regions across Australia, including Gippsland.

South Gippsland communities were among those to be supported.

The Poowong Pre-School received funding for solar panels and the Mirboo Recreation Reserve received funding to buy and install playground equipment.

Another successful project will see a fence gate installed at the Moyarra hall … to keep the cows out.

“That made us laugh,” said Paul Ford, CEO of the Gardiner Foundation.

“We in the dairy industry respect our animals, provided they’re in the right place!”

Inverloch Recreation Reserve Committee received a contribution towards upgrading a public toilet block.

The Meeniyan Chamber of Commerce received funding for children’s art and craft classes and a youth sculpture project at the Meeniyan on Fire festival.

Around $52,000 of small-scale works across Gippsland

will be funded in the latest round of projects announced today at a special ceremony at Glenormiston College near Terang.

It was the program’s 10th birthday, and an event celebrated by dairy industry VIPs. The program, funded by the Gardiner Foundation and administered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), has seen a total $1.1 million donated to Victorian dairy communities.

In its first decade, the Working in Dairy Communities program has delivered more than 240 individual funding parcels of up to $5000 each.

Mr Ford said: “The Working in Dairy Communities project proves that this ‘human-scale’ type of aid has an important role in underpinning communities.

“The focus of the small grants program was specified as supporting projects that assist in strengthening small communities, building their capacity to deal with local issues and enhancing existing community infrastructure.”

Alexandra Gartmann, CEO of FRRR said: “This is an investment in the ongoing development of these communities. These small amounts can be catalytic in their impacts.”

Ready to go: Moyarra Hall representatives David Gow and Trevor Downing with Mike Taylor (left), chair of the Gardiner Foundation, and Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal chair Ian Sinclair.

PAGE 38 - “THE HE STAR STAR”,, Tuesda Tuesday, sday, y, June 26, 2012

Rich history and strange fish

Most unusual: acting president of the committee of management, Fran Grylls, with the rare and unusual Opah fish, caught in 1913 and put on display.

By Sarah Vella THE Port Welshpool and District Maritime Museum houses a veritable treasure trove of local history.

Rich in maritime, farming, family, and local football history, the museum is a must see for locals and visitors alike.

The amazing collection of artefacts, relics, documents, photographs and other pieces of historical value were collected by Mr William Bruce McGuire Smith and his sons, Arnie and Richie, over an 80 year period of

professional fishing in Bass Strait.

The house that is now the museum was originally built in 1881 and was used as the unofficial community centre for the people of Port Welshpool.

It was the first permanent house in Port Welshpool and was the beginnings of the small community.

In 1975, the house and its contents were donated to South Gippsland Shire Council to be preserved as a permanent tourist attraction for visitors.

Acting president of the committee of management, Fran Grylls, said visitors to town are encouraged to

visit the museum.

“The Janet Iles boat, now housed om-built shed, is one of the in a custom-built zed pieces in the collection,” most prized ls said. said Ms Grylls “It is probably the lynch pin of the family’s connection to fishing and Corner Inlet.”

Among the fish on display are flying fish, sawtooth, deep water flathead, striped tuna and the rare and unusual Opah fish.

“It is a very unusual piece. The Opah fish originates from the Mediterranean Sea and was caught by William Smith in 1913,” Ms Grylls said.

Nationals gather for Nixon launch NATIONAL Party stalwarts gathered in large numbers recently to honour one of their most influential members – Peter Nixon.

Mr Nixon won the seat of Gippsland in 1961 when Bob Menzies was Prime Minister.

Serving under four prime ministers, he helped shape national policy on Aboriginal welfare, the export trade, the first nationwide rules of the road and the building of a new Parliament House in Canberra.

For many years he resisted writing his memoirs, but finally his old school chum, the now eminent historian Geoffrey Blainey persuaded Mr Nixon to change his mind.

His book The Peter Nixon Story was launched in Sale, with the Nationals’ Senator Bridget McKenzie acting as MC. Professor Blainey has written the foreword.

“It was National Party far and wide!”

Bridget declared.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan was there, as was his Gippsland South predecessor Tom Wallace. Dumbalk supporters Ed and Bev Hanley were among the guests.

The Peter Nixon Story ranges across broad life experience. For the lad from East Gippsland, life began opening up when he started boarding at Wesley College.

In his second year there, he was accidently kneed during a game of football, falling and, despite complaining of a broken leg, was not believed until his mother contacted a well-known surgeon

for whom she was once a theatre nurse. Peter had a broken hip, spent nearly six months with lead weights stretching his leg, then two months in plaster. He completed his Leaving Certificate (Year 11) lying in bed with the exam papers on his chest.

Peter and Stan Ward, who was in the next bed, passed the time by playing chess, calling out the moves to each other. Stan, from Wonthaggi, had been in and out of hospital for seven years following a fuel explosion at the town’s coal mine. Peter finally left hospital having grown nearly seven inches taller, but with a

Multipurpose craft: the Janet Iles, the ship that was used as a commercial fishing boat by the Smith Family. She was also engaged for tourist parties around Wilsons Promontory, wood carting, cattle transporting, lighthouse servicing, local social events and patriotic fund raising events during World War One. She was retired from sea service in the 1960s.

“The collection is also home to some World War One memorabilia, as one of the Smith sons was lost in The Great War. War There is a plaque in the garden, commemorating his life, life along with a replica of a plaque for another local man.”

The piano and music were important to the Smith family. Their piano is on display, with replicas of the sheet music that would have been originally played on the instrument.

Museum caretaker Dave Voce said the collection has received national recognition.

“We had a professor come all the way from Western Australia to have a look at one of the shells in our collection. It is ap-

parently the second largest one of its kind ever found,” he said.

“The models of the Janet Isles were made by well renowned model builder, Ossie Whitely. They are very important pieces of the collection.

“Everyone has different views on what their favourite part of the collection is.”

Ms Grylls added: “We would welcome more committee members, and if anyone has any documents or items that they think may be of historical significance from the Port Welshpool area, the museum would be happy to provide a home for them.”

The museum is open on weekends and public holidays, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm and at other times by appointment.

Bright minds: Inverloch Primary School students Blake (front, left) and his animation model with fellow students, middle, from left, Max and Angus, and back, Ned and Kate.

pitifully skeletal frame. Later, after saying “no” several times, Peter was finally persuaded to stand for pre-selection for Gippsland.

He was a latecomer and in a final burst of enthusiasm, drove 6000 miles around Gippsland meeting branch delegates.

The book, published by Connorcourt, is a fascinating account of an era that helped shape Australia. It’s not all politics. Peter Nixon had a diverse career in the private sector and was a commissioner of the VFL and AFL, helping transform the game into a highly successful national code.

Creative kids turn animators THE animation Wallace and Gromit captivated the minds of young and old fans around the world.

National figures: Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, his Gippsland South predecessor Tom Wallace, Senator Bridget McKenzie and Peter Nixon celebrating the launch of The Peter Nixon Story.

Students at Inverloch Primary School have been pursuing the intriguing technique behind the series, known as claymation.

The animation method entails creating clay models of characters and

photographing them, altering their stance, then re-photographing, and so on, so that when the images are viewed at speed, an animation is made.

A two minute film requires as many as 400 photos and is edited via computer, with sound effects and music added.

Grades 5 and 6 students are making films based on animal characters competing in sports such as snail racing.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 39

Busy bees at Toora primary

By Sarah Vella Good lesson: from left, Mackenzie, Ebony (seated), Callam and Louisa with TAFE aged care student, Barb.

Suds galore: from left, Grade 2 students from Leongatha Primary School, Ruby and Madisyn, Milla and Jaime with hairdressing apprentice Sophie wash hair.

TOORA Primary School is a hive of activity leading up to the end of term two.

They held a big working bee to increase the amount of seating around the learning stone, a project that acknowledges the connection between the land and indigenous people.

This will be one of the first steps to creating the desired environment around the learning stone.

“We are developing different areas of the project. There will be some more seating and we will be putting in some bush tucker plants,” school principal Barb Purvis said.

“There is going to be a fire pit area too, which can be used for cooking and creating the smoking and welcoming ceremonies.

“The students will also be painting some indigenous inspired artworks on the side of the sports building to be used as targets.”

The students got into the spirit of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebra-

tions recently, by holding a special hat day to thank the Queen for giving them a holiday, as well as marking the special occasion.

Students have been running clubs for fellow students to participate in during lunch-times. Some activities have included a football club, a quiz club, a colouring and drawing club, and a mini games club.

Students are responsible for organising and running their activity of choice.

The school’s chickens and kitchen garden are coming along well; Arie Bos visits the school on a regular basis to help with the kitchen garden.

Classes study cooking.

Next term, grades 4/5/6 students will focus on gaining independent cooking skills.

Toora Primary School would like to thank South Gippsland Shire Council for their prompt response to repair the footpath along Harriet Street outside the school. Council officers also removed a large slab of concrete.

Hair and all: William, Fletcher and Zac wrestle with tangled hair while learning about hairdressing during an excursion to the Leongatha GippsTAFE campus.

Kids explore world of TAFE wonder

By Sarah Vella GRADE 2 students from Leongatha Primary School enjoyed their annual trip to the GippsTAFE campus last Tuesday.

While visiting the school, students learnt how to fold napkins with hospitality students and how to use a wheel chair with aged care students.

They had their hair styled with hair and beauty students, and learnt how to wash and brush hair.

They also learnt how to sign their name and sing songs in sign language with the disability students.

Kaye Bourke from GippsTAFE said the excursion gave students an idea of what happens at TAFE. “It is also a good opportunity for them to use the TAFE

Season closing: South Gippslanders have more time to collect firewood.

campus, as part of the education precinct,” she said.

“If it triggers something in just one of these kids’ minds about what they might want to do when they get older, that’s great.”

Teacher at the primary school, Ebony Collins, said the experience not only helped bring out the childrens’ interests, but also involved them with the community.

“It is about showing the students what is out there for them and showing them what else goes on in the world,” Ms Collins said.

“It is also important for the kids to know they are a part of the education precinct.

“Last year, the kids loved it. We weren’t sure if we could come back again this year, so it has been good.”

Lunch-time: Grade 6 students Elli and Rochelle ran a fun activities program as part of the lunch-time clubs initiative at Toora Primary School.

Hats off: Chelsea wore a special hat to school on June 15, as part of the Toora Primary School’s celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Firewood season extended THE autumn firewood collection season in Gippsland extended until Sunwill be extend day, July 8 ddue to floods and storms in June makforest roads and ing some fore tracks impassable. impassa DSE’s land an and fire regional manager Gippsland, Grange Gipps Jephcott said the extension recognised the impacts of the i recent floods floods and storms.

“We understand that it has been difficult in some places to get to designated areas to collect domestic firewood supplies, so this is a one-off extension to give people the opportunity to do that

before the season closes for the winter months,” he said.

Mr Jephcott said this ability to vary the firewood collection season would not be possible in future, so he encouraged people to ensure they have their firewood supply arrangements in place during the spring and autumn collection periods.

“DSE staff have been working hard to clean up forest areas after storm damage, but please ensure that you take care and check the state of the local roads and tracks before heading out to collect firewood,” he said.

“Contact your local DSE or Parks Victoria office for local advice and a map of designated

firewood collection areas, or go to the DSE website: www.dse.vic. gov.au “People collecting firewood after this extended period will be doing the wrong thing and DSE will be conducting targeted patrols in forests and parks to check for illegal activities.”

The next opportunity to collect firewood from public land, for personal use only, will be the commencement of the spring firewood collection season on September 1.

“In the meantime, people purchasing firewood should check that they are buying it from a legal source, such as someone who has a commercial forest produce

licence from the Department of Primary Industries,” Mr Jephcott said.

“If you purchase wood sourced from public land by an unlicensed operator, then you are supporting an illegal activity and denying firewood to individuals who want to collect their own wood.”

Rules and regulations apply to firewood collection and penalties apply under the Forests Act 1958, Wildlife Regulations 2002 and Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Regulations 2003.

For more information or if you suspect illegal firewood collection or sale, phone the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 41

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Milpara Community House news MILPARA is getting ready to close for the school holidays from Saturday, June 30 to Sunday, July 15. Over the holidays we will only be open for Centrelink on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm. ****** The Australian Breastfeeding Association will be having their meeting on July 5 at 10.30am as it is within the Centrelink operating hours.

All other Milpara activities are on hold for the school holidays.

The Milpara Men’s Shed will be

CURTIS Steele Olden was born on June 14 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. He is the first child for Allison and Simon of Inverloch.

operating as usual from the old joinery building at Coal Creek every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 1pm. ****** When Milpara opens on Monday, July16, there will be a new maroon term three program delivered by householder mail. The new program will have all the old favourites plus some new activities.

We have a partnership with council to deliver some exciting sustainability sessions: Stitch it, don’t ditch it and Recycle your cycle. Milpara will also be hosting a Small Business Victoria Workshop, Green Your Business, Grow

Your Business. ****** The Living Hope Suicide Bereavement Training Program will also be delivered at Milpara over two days, August 14 and 15. This is a free program to give everyday people, health and social welfare professionals, clergy, chaplains, emergency personnel and school staff the skills and confidence to provide support to people bereaved by suicide. For further information contact Milpara on 5655 2524 or email milpara@dcsi.net.au ******

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star

ALICE Estelle Haw was born on June 12 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is another girl for Donald and Melissa of Mirboo North and baby sister for Isla, 2.

30 years ago June 29, 1982 THE Leongatha CWA branch was named the best in Victoria in 1981. The award is judged on the CWA branch’s annual report. Leongatha’s winning report was prepared by secretary, Mrs Sage. The branch had to be chosen as the best at group level before going on to state level. ****

MILLA Rose McCarthy was born on May 15 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the first child for Mark McCarthy and Prue Beck of Leongatha.

THE fourth annual meeting of the Inverloch Progress Association, held at the Cottage Restaurant last week, was attended by 25 people. As part of the business of the meeting, new office bearers were elected. Gordon Catt has been re-elected for a threeyear term as president.

10 years ars ago June 25, 2002 THIS week, State k the h S Government has come to the rescue of Victoria’s 8000 pony club members, by announcing details of a new insurance package for them. As a result, they will be able to ride off into the new financial year with full coverage. The MAV and State Government scheme to help not-for-profit organisations has given new hope to many. **** FIFTY people from across the state attended the Victorian Young Farmers state conference at Leongatha and Korumburra at the weekend. Club members travelled from Shepparton, Colac, Melbourne, Yinnar, Yarram and Maffra, staying locally and visiting attractions.

5 years ago June 26, 2007 THE long-awaited opening of the Bena bypass will happen tomorrow (Wednesday, June 27). The celebrations however started on Saturday when Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallis came to cut the ribbon. The bypass was primarily designed to reduce road accidents in the region.

1 year ago June 28, 2011 SOUTH Gippsland SO Gi l d andd Bass Coast roads are a catastrophe waiting to happen, with potholes appearing at an alarming rate after recent bad weather. Leongatha’s busiest streets are in poor condition, with ruts in both Bair and Roughead streets.

Potholes have also plagued the Bass Highway between Leongatha and Inverloch. ****

**** THE Bald Hills wind farm near Tarwin Lower could be expanded in the future, to help offset the power needs of Wonthaggi’s planned desalination plant. The wind farm is likely to play a major role in the government’s aims of making the water producing plant carbon neutral.

ONLY 13 months since fire tragically ripped through their business, Henriettas owner, Alan and Meg Steenholdt will open a brand new store at 37 Bair Street this Friday, July 1. After trading out of a much smaller store further down Bair Street and receiving great support there, the couple decided the town wanted them to continue.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 43

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES - March 21 - April 20

You can strengthen your commitment to your work now that some domestic obstacles are behind you. A public speaking engagement is spotlighted on the weekend. A Virgo steps into the friendship picture.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

You become involved in a volunteer activity. You join forces with someone you have long admired, and you are ready to make a decision regarding your romantic situation.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Avoid taking on challenges for their own sake. Examine your goals before assuming new responsibilities. A loved one is unexpectedly dramatic, so prepare for fast changing moods.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Stay clear of friends offering unsolicited advice. Your judgement is unusually strong, and through a combination of logic and instinct you answer your own questions on love and career directions.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

You are given the go-ahead on a plan that has been in the works since the end of last year. A platonic friendship is highlighted. The weekend is an opportune time for embarking on a commonsense diet.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

The week may see you rubbing shoulders with a wealthy admirer.

Travel planning is favoured, but explore further possibilities before making a firm decision. A delayed project is given the go-ahead.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Up in the air plans are settling and you may be taking a trip or making a key business decision this week. An important caution: don’t make announcements prematurely.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

Real estate dealings are generally favourable. You may be finalising a move this week. Your cheerful nature helps a friend out of a rut, but it’s up to you to take the initiative.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Your partner is reliable and generous. This is a good time to make an important request. An older relative provides you with useful information. Don’t hesitate to sing your own praises.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

Creative writing is a current strength. Spend time starting or completing a story or poem. a loved one may have important news - be there to share it in an intimate way.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

This week includes visits from long lost acquaintances and perhaps a trip to a new destination. Learning from recent experiences can lead to brighter horizons in the romance department.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Relatives offer you opportunities, but some small strings may be attached. Surprise expenses may mean the postponement of a luxury purchase. This week highlights cultural activities.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are liked by all but you are utterly stubborn and blessed with a combination of gentleness, warmth and creativity. Creatively you shine throughout the next five months, winning applause for the special touches you add to the interesting projects you take on.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8331

Church Times ANGLICAN: Wednesday, June 27: 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Friday, June 29: 7.30pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk HC. Sunday, July 1: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Contemporary Worship with HC. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am.

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi. Sunday, 9.30am Eucharist, 11am Family Service, Wednesday 10am Eucharist.

Anglican Church of the Ascension: The Crescent, Inverloch.

Sunday 9am Eucharist, Tuesday 10am Eucharist.

For details of Community Meal, Youth Group, Bible Studies & Kids Club, contact Rev. Graeme Peters 5672 4590 or visit www. basscoastanglican.org.au AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (AOG): 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: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Rob Davey 5625 3226. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219.

Equip Church - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday service 10am.

Contact: John 0408 305 880.

Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984.

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Every first Sunday of the month. Sunday morning 11am 12.30pm. Fun and games, all ages, all are welcome. Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5678 7692, 0447 724 989.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School - 11.30am.

CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha:

5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday.

Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday.

Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass.

Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass.

Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass.

KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214.

GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: meets at the Baromi Centre Mirboo North, Sunday 4-5pm Family Communion, 5-530pm refreshments, 5.306.15pm Bible Studies for adults, teens and children. Friday-Home Fellowships. More info: Bob Stevens 0400 403 765 or www. gippslandcf.org.au SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Sagala - Tuesday, 4 - 5.30pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome.

Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122.

SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship.

Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228.

PRESBYTERIAN: Sunday Service 10am, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Moderator Rev. Mark Smith 5625 4112.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church

meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. All Sunday evening services at 5pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2527.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, July 1, 10am. Tarwin Lower: 10.30am (HC). Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am.

Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi.

Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 5664 9306.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

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ACROSS Marsupial (8) Money (4) Sharp (4) Frame (8) Seat (5) Awning (6) Gladden (6) Ancient female warrior (6) Joined (6) Brush land (5) Dagger (8) Language (4) Measure (4) Gap (8)

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DOWN Spy (5) Boat (7) Flower (4) Garment (8) Wash (5) Zodiac sign (7) Feud (8) Maniac (7) Report (7) Material (5) Below (5) Wander (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8331 ACROSS 1. Having reached your destination, need a pick-me-up?

(4,4). 6. Bit the gentleman (4). 8. And in French, by the way, it means “leave it alone”! (4). 9. Decide to put a stop to it (8). 10. Notice the man returning and let him in (5).

11. Understanding what the foreigner said for “lift”? (6).

13. What the angling rugger player knows all about? (6).

15. The customer has a right to appear in court (6). 17. He gives notice regularly without resigning! (6). 19. Pretty girl telling you audibly you’re wanted on the phone (5).

22. Before cracking the code in the story (8). 23. A singer able to be done without (4). 24. She’s had a second setback (4). 25. Anything but smart, she’s at last freed the bird (8).

DOWN 2. Scolded, is blushing at having intruded (5). 3. He’ll tell you what Santa Claus really is (7). 4. A bad fault in a deputy (4). 5. About a quarter put weight on and give up (8). 6.

One guide of a good many (5). 7. The Indian is related to the Russian (7). 12. Become peeved when you’re not given tick (3,5). 14. Make plans to get a cooker, say (7). 16. I next catch a cold? Wrong! (7). 18. Changes the heading to “DIY etceteras” (5). 20. Afterwards put back the T in “true” (5). 21. The girl with the French name: not me (4).

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

• Denis Pagan at MDU • South Gippsland Shire Brass Band at Leongatha RSL

Special guest: Louise Bruce and Amanda Calder listened to a motivational talk by Denis Pagan after netball training at MDU last Tuesday night.

Expert advice: senior footballers Stephen Trotman, Matthew Hosking and Brett Pedlow enjoyed input from premiership coach Denis Pagan at training last Tuesday night.

Sounding fine: South Gippsland Shire Brass Band musical director Greg Wright led the musicians through an entertaining show at the Leongatha RSL last Thursday night.

Meeniyan Dumbalk United: junior netballers Sophie Thomas, Gemma Coulter and Eden Cook at A Night With Denis Pagan.

Hello, hello: friends at the Leongatha RSL were, front, from left: Dawn and Ian Rasmussen, and Faye Laing. Back: Jeff Berryman, Marion Pollock and Noel Laing.

Social event: Dianne Shaw and Lorraine Trease had fun on members’ night at the Leongatha RSL.

Girls’ evening: Audrey Brydon and Glad Wilson at the Leongatha RSL.

Denis Pagan at MDU: Michelle Right and Tamika Pedlow enjoyed the two course meal at Meeniyan last Tuesday night.

Night out: enjoying the atmosphere of the Leongatha RSL were Werner Schaarschmidt and Tony Lindhard.

Night out at MDU: Karen Davison and Annie Holland manned the bar at MDU for A Night With Denis Pagan.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 45

Family show features families IT IS now only three weeks until Narnia hits the stage at Leongatha Mesley Hall on July 13 and is shaping up to be another great Lyric show.

Narnia is a show for families and also features several families in the cast.

The Westaway family has three members in the cast, the Epifano family has all four family members involved, the Cantwell family includes

three siblings and there are also three members of the Grainger family.

Kathy Westaway has a history of 20 years in local theatre, while for her daughter Courteney it is the first time she will appear on stage for a Leongatha Lyric production.

Son Ayden has been a band member in many shows while both were involved in Wonthaggi Theatre’s production of Grease.

Maddy, Naomi and James Cantwell are all excited to be cast for Narnia

Good on you mum: Courteney, Kathy and Ayden Westaway will make Narnia another Lyric success.

and are looking forward to being part of the show in Leongatha. Maddy and Naomi were in the Meeniyan production of the Yellow Mick Toad and it is James’ first foray into theatre where he has a role as the Dwarf.

The Grainger family has three family members in the show, with Bruce bringing a wealth of experience in local theatre productions.

Bernadette has also past theatre experience and for Vanessa, their daughter and a local artist, Narnia is her first foray into theatre.

All four members of the Epifano family, from Phillip Island, are involved in the production. Peter and wife Elaine have a long history of involvement in local theatre which has rubbed off onto Phoebe and Connor who have had roles in local productions for a number of years, including such shows as the Wizard of Oz and Oliver!.

Elaine will play clarinet and sax, and in the past has been musical director for shows with Lyric and Wonthaggi Theatre Companies.

Tickets are now on sale for Narnia. There are 12 shows over three weekends at Mesley Hall, Leongatha, opening on July 13. Book your tickets at Mushroom Crafts in Leongatha or call the ticket office on 5662 3940.

Leversha retains loyal following WORKS capturing the beauty of the South Gippsland coast sold on the first day of a new exhibition at Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek.

Wonthaggi artist Dennis Leversha’s Coast exhibition attracted many art enthusiasts, keen to admire his

acrylic works.

The almost photographic representations of rocky coastlines reduce scenery to two dimensional patterns and shapes, and celebrate the region’s ever changing environment.

The exhibition continues until July 14.

Man of moment: Dennis Leversha and some of his moving coastal works on show at Gecko Studio Gallery. Photo: Kerry Spokes.

Sibling actors: Naomi, James and Maddy Cantwell appear in Narnia.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Headed north: Zoe Ball and Brett Allan travelled to Cairns for their honeymoon.

Keys handed over at CFA THE San S Remo Fire Brigade has thanks to the State new vehicles, v Government.

Gover

Cairns adventure ZOE Ball and Brett Allan embarked on a four week road trip to Cairns in Queensland after their wedding.

Zoe, of Leongatha, is the daughter of Barbara and Chris Ball of Bena.

Brett, of Leongatha, is the son of Sue and Barrie Allan of Mardan.

Zoe was attended by maid of honour, her sister Rachel Connell, and bridesmaids Nicole Bullen and Simone Schmidt.

Brett was joined by best man Phillip Mcllwaine and groomsmen Andrew Bacon and Rob Serafino.

Khianna and Rylan Bullen were flowergirl and page boy.

Zoe wore an ivory wedding gown designed by Queensland designer Roz La Kelin and carried a deep red posie of fresh roses.

Bridesmaids wore deep red chiffon gowns and carried posies of cream roses. Flowers were arranged by Kaylene Morter of Mardan who also decorated the reception venue.

The couple wed at 3pm on March 31 at Koonwarra Cottages before celebrant Vivienne Grimes of Churchill.

A reception was held at the Mardan Hall, catered by Kerri Reid with entertainment by solo artist and DJ Rob Dean from Melbourne.

Hayley Justice of Heartfelt Images captured the day in photos.

The couple will reside in Leongatha.

Amazing fact: believe it or not, but more than 5600 people are helped at South Gippsland Shire Council’s 10 school crossing sites every week.

They are mostly school children, but adults are also scooped up in the process.

Not a bad effort for a very committed band of council employees who stand out in all types of weather conditions (rain, hail or shine) to ensure our children cross the road safely.

The brigade’s 25-year-old type two pumper with a new light pumper and the 2001 brigade-owned vehicle was replaced with a new Forward Command Vehicle partially funded by the State Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.

The balance was made up from brigade funds and the generous assistance from the businesses and community of San Remo and district.

The brigade was presented with the keys to these two new vehicles by Bass MLA Ken Smith.

“I am honoured to be here to hand over the keys to these new state of the art vehicles to the San Remo Brigade captain, Brett Lacco,” Mr Smith said.

“These vehicles replace ones which have come to the end of their life.

Together with the State Government, local businesses and the community working together, we are now assured of the very best possible response to emergencies by the San Remo Brigade”.

Not only does San Remo brigade respond to emergencies in their area which includes San Remo and Phillip Island, they also support their neighbouring brigades, Phillip Island, Bass and Kilcunda.

The San Remo brigade responds to incidents outside their area as required and was active in the Black Saturday fires including fires at Narre Warren, Tidal River, Labertouche, Boolarra and Churchill.

Mr Smith said: “Whilst the light pumper is primarily used for structure fires and will seldom be called out of the San Remo response area, it is ready to assist other brigades in the Bass Coast Group when required.

“The Forward Command Vehicle on the other hand is equipped with stateof-the-art communication equipment, navigating and warning devices and is perfectly suited to respond to strike teams across the state of Victoria.

“The FCV is ideal for a rapid response to incidents and being able to carry five members, can be used for transporting crew to incidents, training and meetings.”

With Phillip Island being included in the 2011-12 Villages of Victoria tourism program and major events on the Island increasing, the number of visitors to the area is also growing.

The Forward Command Vehicle will be able to negotiate the extra traffic and respond to any incidents in a more timely manner, protecting the safety of the brigade members and the community.

On arrival at an incident this vehicle can activate the control point and start to make the scene safe, ready for when the larger vehicles arrive.

“Safety of our volunteer members and the community is paramount and these two new vehicles with the most upto-date safety features and equipment is a fantastic asset for the people in Bass Coast, and specifically San Remo and Phillip Island,” Mr Smith said.

Fifty people including Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Veronica Dowman; Peter Schmidt, regional director CFA Southern Metro Region; Damien O’Connor, group officer, Bass Coast Group of Fire Brigades; Scott Hamilton and Bill Barbour BASOs, CFA Southern Metro Region; San Remo Fire Brigade members, community and captains from neighbouring brigades and representatives of groups who kindly and generously support the brigade along with other dignitaries and special guests attended the handover of keys presentation.

Major occasion: Peter Schmidt, regional director from CFA Southern Metro Region with Bass MLA Ken Smith and Brett Lacco, captain San Remo Fire Brigade.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 47

Genes map dairy future DEPARTMENT of Primary Industries (DPI) researchers have unlocked the secrets of increasing the rate of genetic improvement in the dairy industry from the tails of 10,000 Holstein dairy cows.

During a visit to Maffra recently, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said mapping cows’ genetics presented an opportunity to build a quality herd rapidly, particularly for young farmers.

“Dairy producers can make dramatic improvements in performance by choosing elite young bulls based on their genomic test alone,” Mr Walsh said.

“The 10,000 cow project has resulted in significant improvements in the value of genomic tests. In all, 10,000 Holstein cows had their genome profiled in the project, making it one of

the largest undertakings of its kind in world.”

The genetic sampling involved pulling tail hairs from cows on 91 dairy farms that had kept excellent cow performance records over many years.

Research leader Ben Hayes said that later this year the results of a similar study for the Jersey breed were expected to provide similar levels of genomic reliability.

The project was funded by the Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and the Gardiner Foundation, and is a large-scale partnership between dairy farmers, pasture and cattle breeding companies, government and researchers.

The research will be delivered to all dairy farmers by the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme, through their Good Bulls Guide.

• VLE LEONGATHA

Steers lead the way AROUND 1150 grown steers, 800 cows and 400 trade cattle were penned, with the regular group of buyers present.

Quality was good in the grown steers, however many secondary lines are continuing to be affected by the cold weather.

There were very few vealers offered although yearlings and grown heifers were in good supply. Prices were down across almost all categories.

Heavy C3 yearling steers averaged 189c after selling to a top of 220c/kg, C4 yearling steers over 500 kg averaged 198c after a top of 203c/kg, C3 yearling heifers averaged 194c with a top price of 219c/kg.

Grown steers were down by 2c on most sales, heavy C3s averaging 179c and C4s 184c/kg. Heavy bullocks averaged 170c/kg.

Fresian steers were 3c to 6c/kg cheaper on most sales. Grown heifers were 8c to 10c cheaper, with heavy 3 and 4 scores averaging 157c and 156c/kg respectively.

One score dairy cows sold from 100c to 123c to average 5c/kg cheaper in all weight classes. Heavy 2 score dairy cows averaged 127c and dry 3 scores 136c/ kg. Heavy beef cows sold between 125c and 150c, with most sales around 140c/kg.

Heavy C3 bulls were down 6c on average at 164c/kg.

Wednesday, June 20 BULLOCKS 17 N.D. & J. Buckland, Fish Creek 7 K. & B. Scholling, Foster 15 D.F. & T.M. Foat, Hunterston 15 Nicholl Primary Prod, Nilma North 10 N. & L. Sherlock, Leongatha South 10 Belgrano P/L, Glen Alvie

644kg 569kg 563kg 624kg 551kg 580kg

202.6 200.0 198.6 198.0 197.6 196.0

STEERS 1 P.R. & J.R. Carnegie, Jindivick 4 P.J. Allen, Budgeree 2 D.G. Clark, Jumbunna East 1 P.J. & J. McAninly, Won Wron 1 A.K., M.L. & A.D. Smith, Tarra Valley 3 D. & H. Bassed, Waratah North

370kg 332kg 430kg 400kg 320kg 501kg

225.0 $832.50 220.0 $738.15 205.0 $881.50 205.0 $820.00 204.0 $652.80 200.0 $1003.33

COWS 13 T. & L. Butcher, Allambee East 5 K.W. & E.A. Heggen, Binginwarri 3 P.J. & J. McAninly, Won Wron 1 C. & L. Daley, Leongatha 4 R.F. & B.J. Fox, Boolarra 1 G. & J. Wallis, Kongwak

630kg 577kg 531kg 815kg 650kg 635kg

150.0 $945.00 146.6 $845.88 146.6 $779.42 145.6 $1186.64 145.0 $942.50 145.0 $920.75

HEIFERS 1 P.J. Allen, Budgeree 1 P.J. & J. McAninly, Won Wron 3 P.R. & J.R. Carnegie, Jindivick 1 D. & H. Bassed, Waratah North 1 G.C. & N.Y. Roy, Boolarra 1 M.R. & C.E. Stone P/L, Stony Creek

315kg 365kg 330kg 330kg 380kg 340kg

222.0 218.6 211.6 205.6 200.6 200.0

$699.30 $797.89 $700.04 $678.48 $762.28 $680.00

BULLS 1 H. Need, Toora 1005kg 1 A.W. & B.J. Buckland, Fish Creek 885kg 1 G. & K. Leeton, Corinella 900kg 1 A.J. & L.M. Dunkley, Yarram 910kg 1 K.H. Perry, Yinnar 675kg 1 J.S. & A.M. Blackshaw, Leongatha Sth 945kg

173.2 172.0 168.0 168.0 163.6 162.6

$1740.66 $1522.20 $1512.00 $1528.80 $1104.30 $1536.57

$1305.00 $1139.00 $1119.44 $1235.52 $1089.76 $1137.78

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw June 27 & 28 1. Rodwells 2. Landmark 3. David Phelan & Co 4. Elders 5. SEJ 6. Alex Scott

Upcoming Sales LEONGATHA Prime: June 27 8.30am Store: June 28 - 10am PAKENHAM Prime: July 2 - 8am Export: July 3 8.30am Store: July 5 - 10am

Wet feet: local farmers are bracing for another wet season, with the first half of June already bringing flooding rain and cold temperatures.

Farmers say no to more rain

By Sarah Vella SOUTH Gippsland farmers are readying for another winter of flooding rains and cold temperatures.

Since April, the Leongatha region has recorded around 325mm of rainfall, while surrounding towns such as Fish Creek have had much more.

Neville Buckland of Fish Creek recorded 241mm of rain during May alone, which is far wetter than he would like for this time of year, with his usual average only 107mm.

“It is the heaviest monthly rainfall I have recorded since 1968, when we had 256mm,” Mr Buckland said “It looks like it is going to be another wet winter. June is already shaping up to be a wet month, and we are only a few weeks in.”

A Ruralco Partner

SPECIAL COMPLETE HEIFER DISPERSAL SALE WARRAGUL SELLING CENTRE Monday 2nd July at 11.30 am a/c A.J & G.R Miller of Nyora "Backed by 30 years of 100% AI Breeding" "20 years of Orchard Superior Corrective Mating Service" Herd av 7,446 - 275 - 3.7 - 254 - 3.4 kgs 290 days

120 Outstanding 120 Holstein & X Heifers Selling: 60 Holstein Heifers due 1st week July on 20 Holstein - Jersey X Heifers due 1st week July on 20 Holstein - Jersey X Heifers unjoined The above heifers are sired by Ice, Lucente, Spirte, Jammer, Justifier, Jeeves, McCormick, Final Cut. All X bred are by Wallacedale Jersey Bulls.

30 of the heifers are joined AI to Steady, Iota, Potter & Glen due 1st week July, then P/W Wallacedale Jersey.

As the farm has been leased & herd sold, this outstanding complete line of heifers represent a wonderful opportunity! a/c outside vendor 20 Holstein - Jersey X heifers due early July.

Catalogues available - Please contact DLS Office 03 9338 9259 Terms are cash or cheque on day of sale or settlement by your Agent - Letter of Introductions MUST be provided Andrew Mackie 0419 595 932 Luke Russell 0408 313 815 Brian Leslie 0418 365 934

Ph: (03) 9338 9259 PO Box 462, Tullamarine Business Centre, Tullamarine VIC 3043 www.dairylivestockservices.com.au

George Occhipinti of Leongatha South said this year is going to be hard for a lot of farmers.

“I have a very flat farm where we have a lot of issues with water and in turn, mastitis,” Mr Occhipinti said.

“I am struggling this season. On the Mother’s Day weekend I had four inches of rain and was ready to walk away.

“I am not looking forward to the prospect of another wet year. Even though technically this is the second wet year in a row, for me it is the third. The nature of my farm means even in a ‘dry’ winter, we are still wet.

“There is not a lot I can do to combat the wet conditions. I have done some draining, but not nearly enough.

I guess we were not really expecting another wet winter.

“What also hasn’t helped, is it was not really a dry summer so when the autumn and winter rain started, we were already wet.”

Neil Cope, a dairy farmer at Middle Tarwin, is faring slightly better than his Leongatha South counterpart.

“It’s not too bad at the moment. We are getting some backed up water from full dams,” he said.

“We have had 17 inches since Anzac Day and don’t really want it to continue.

“Obviously having wet paddocks reduces the availability of feed, which can result in loss of production.

“The cattle are getting fed more grain when they are in the shed and are living on the drier parts of the farm where the grass is still good. We do have some higher ground, so we are still able to keep the cattle off the wet flats.

“Wet conditions increase the amount of mud around, so we can also have problems with lame cattle and increased incidences of mastitis.”

Lindsay Fromhold, who has property in the Toora area, said farmers are finding the wet conditions tough.

By June, 2011 more rain had been recorded, “but we seem to be rapidly catching up,” Mr Fromhold said.

“I was hoping for the opposite. I have experienced about two mild, semi-dry winters in South Gippsland.

“Growing conditions for farmers have been on the decline since about the middle of April, when the rain events started.

“It has become cold and wet early, which makes it very hard for the pasture to grow.”

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, South Gippsland is equally as likely to have a wet winter, as it is to have a drier winter, which is of little comfort to farmers.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 49

Council engages community

By Sarah Vella SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council held its annual community engagement conference on Saturday, which involved practical workshops and information sessions for volunteers and community groups.

Replenishing time: Julie Campbell farms 565 acres at Mardan and with her agent Alex Dixon, Elders Korumburra, bought 47 mainly Angus weaners for a $575 average at Pakenham on Thursday.

Big sale on shortest day DESPITE Thursday being the shortest day of the year, cattle prices improved at last week’ s Pakenham store cattle sale.

Agents were pleasantly surprised by the improvement and numbers were strong. A total of 1201 came forward, made up of 600 steers, 430 heifers, and 170 cows and calves.

Given the wet weather has boosted the numbers at both Leongatha and Pakenham fat sales in recent weeks, it seems plausible that at least a goodly percentage of these cattle need to be replaced.

Recent local fat sales have seen as many as 2000 at each venue and whilst some producers would elect to leave the paddock empty and natural increase would restock some farms,

other landholders would be keen to maintain numbers.

Some farmers would have wanted to re-invest before the end of the financial year, while others are taking the opportunity to buy cattle at sensible rates before the inevitable spring onslaught.

The net result was a modest but noticeable improvement in prices.

Better-bred cattle were $10 to $40 dearer while plainer cattle were firm on recent subdued rates.

Grown steers sold to $910 nudging the $2 per kg mark, while smaller steers consistently made $2.25.

A large consignment of vendor bred Angus steer weaners from John Clements of Cranbourne sold very well, with auctioneer Mick Hornsby well satisfied. The 126 Angus steers estimated

weight of 270 kg returned an average of $633. This equates to $2.34 per kg live.

An attractive run of young vealer mothers with well-grown calves at foot also met with good enquiry.

The cattle were owned

by Mark and Leanne Garnham of Glen Forbes and were being sold to make way for a dairy operation.

The cows were all Angus Friesian cross, bucket reared and “quiet as lambs” and doing a good job of their Angus calves. The outfits topped at $1400 and averaged $1260.

Results: A/c K. McQueen Dromana 14 Angus steers, 2-year-old 518 kg sold to Phillip Island at $910.

A/c G & P Alexander Labertouche 17 Angus steers 12 to 14 mths sold to Warragul at $720.

A/c Quion Hill Phillip Island 5 Charolais Hfrs 460 kg sold to the abattoirs at $805.

A/c Eryldene Angus Yarragon 4 Angus Hfrs with calves to 3 mths $1105.

A/c J. Newnham Glen Forbes 13 Hereford steers 16 mths 420 kg sold to Leongatha at $845.

A/c Pindanon Farms Warburton 12 Angus steeres 10 mths sold to Warragul at $665.

A/c M Harding Hill End 6 Simmental steers est 360 kg 10 mths sold to Korumburra at $680.

A/c H. Fisher Jindivick 13 Angus steers est 310 kg 10 mths sold to Fish Creek at $685.

A/c A & A Killeen Tinamba 9 Charolais cross hfrs 10 mths sold to Korumburra at $520.

A/c A & P Savage Coldstream 12 Angus steers 12 mths sold to Loch at $695.

Council’s community strengthening manager Ned Dennis said the conference went exceptionally well.

“We had about 50 individuals attend on the day, but they were representing close to 90 different organisations,” he said.

“We got through some good information to a large range of groups. We had sports committees, arts groups, hall committees, kindergarten committees, welfare groups and service clubs. It was a really broad range of community members.”

The day consisted of several specialised workshops and some specific interest forums.

“Most of it was quite specific. The focus this year was on how groups run their organisations,” Mr Dennis said.

“We talked about how to manage a committee and the changes that are coming up around incorporation rules. There was a session on how to use and benefit from social media from a community group perspective.

“We also had a session on how to get accurate data on how to obtain and use Census data.”

The conference included a hypothetical session on community gardens.

“It was all very practical information, which is why we think so many people give up a whole day to come along and learn more about things they are interested in,” Mr Dennis said.

“This will be the sixth

year we have held a workshop day like this one.

“There were quite a few people who hadn’t been to this kind of meeting before and there were those who attend days like this one quite regularly.”

Council is hoping to run follow-up workshops later in the year, particularly when the changes to incorporation law are released.

“We were pleased so many people could make it despite all of the road closures and the weather. We had people from each corner of the shire, including Welshpool, Darlimurla, Venus Bay, and Nyora and all places in between,” Mr Dennis said.

“The conference is funded by council; we don’t rely on an external grant to run it. We can adapt the program to what is needed and we can be sure of continuing to run the conference in the future.

On topic: John Markham from Michael’s IGA addressed the crowd.

“I am proud of the community strengthening team and the other council staff who are involved, who helped to make the day a success.

People have got value out of it which is the main objective.”

2000 trees planted in two hours

By Naomi Cantwell KORUMBURRA Landcare Group assembled 30 volunteers at Bena on Saturday to revegetate a section of Moloaki Creek.

The day was a huge success, with

2000 trees planted in two hours.

Wet weather made the ground ideal for planting.

The aim of the day was to plant indigenous plants along the creek to reduce erosion, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, benefit the environment and wildlife, and provide shelter for cattle.

The Korumburra Landcare Group also wanted to engage the community and get people involved.

The Korumburra Landcare Group’s next goal is to plant 10,000 plants over eight more planting days planned during winter and spring.

Achieving together: Korumburra Landcare Group members take a break from planting.

Jobs defended SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council CEO Tim Tamlin said council has less effective full-time employees now than this time last year.

He said the number of such positions was 2.2 less and said any new staff were funded by external grants.

Mr Tamlin was responding to a query by council candidate Don Hill.

The CEO said: “Each time someone leaves, we look at that role and whether we can go about doing it differently. It’s about keeping up with pace and delivering services at the best value.”

The newly advertised corporate services executive officer role was a changed position, said council’s corporate services director June Ernst.

complex. Council did so to house more staff and secure the building as office space.

Staff squeezed

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council should buy its own fuel station or sell fuel from its depot, according to a council candidate.

COUNCIL staff work in less than ideal conditions, mayor Cr Warren Raabe said last Wednesday.

“Our main building is chockablock. It’s overflowing,” he said.

“We are probably putting our staff in conditions that they probably should not be in.”

He was responding to a question from council candidate Don Hill about why South Gippsland Shire Council bought the Carino’s

Gas costly

Don Hill of Wild Dog Valley suggested this to council last Wednesday, saying South Gippslanders pay 10 cents per litre more for gas than motorists in other areas.

Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said council was “not in the business of private enterprise”.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

public notices

public notices

ALLOW CLEAR ACCESS TO WATER METERS South Gippsland Water reads water meters 3 times a year, in March, July and November. This ensures you receive accurate accounts based on the amount of water you have used over the 4 monthly period between accounts. You can help the meter readers to continue this service by maintaining the area around the water meter, so that it is easy to locate, and easy to read.

Clear away shrubs and vegetation around the water meter and make sure it is above the ground.

Allow a clear track to the meter so that the meter readers can get close enough without having to side step plants and shrubs or step over garden beds. These simple actions will make the reading of meters quick and easy and help keep your accounts as accurate as possible.

For more information contact our Customer Service Staff on 1300 851 636 or 5682 0444

South Gippsland Water proudly supports the

public notices

QUIT SMOKING WEIGHT LOSS Achieve Success in 60 Mins

John Simmons

Clinical Hypnotherapist Group & Private Sessions Wonthaggi - Thur June 28 Leongatha - Fri June 29 Bookings: 5333 1565 or 1800 110 660 simmonshypnotherapy.com.au

public notices DUMBALK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Farewell “Sausage Sizzle” SUNDAY 8TH JULY at 11.30am The school will be opened up Cuppa & photos at Community & Historical Centre (Old Kinder Building) Tarwin Street If possible RSVP by Thursday 5th July to 5664 4344 or 5664 4288 All welcome

NAIDOC Week 2012 2pm Wednesday 4 July

PANEL DISCUSSION “PERSPECTIVES on EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT and FRACTURED LIVES” Chair: Hon. Peter Gebhardt Speakers: Education: Renee Enzim Employment: Sean Armistead Fractured Lives: Shaun Braybrook, Wulgunggo Ngalu & Kyle Lancaster All welcome ~ Admission Free ~ Afternoon Tea

THE INVERLOCH HUB Cnr A’Beckett & Reilly Streets, Inverloch

Bass Coast / South Gippsland Reconciliation Group Enquiries: 0438 661 207 Entries are now open for these national awards.

Be rewarded and recognised for your water saving achievements and enter now!

Awards are presented in a number of categories including: • Australian Achiever • Business • Community Groups • Educational Institutions • Government • Photographic • Product Innovations School students are encouraged to enter the Photographic Competition; Junior (up to 12 yrs) & Senior (13-17 yr olds) classes.

Students who enter online automatically go into South Gippsland Water’s Regional Photographic Awards.

HURRY ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 20th JULY Visit savewater.com.au to enter.

Assistance given with the application process – contact Amy Love at South Gippsland Water on 5682 0418

FREE COMMUNITY BUS TOUR Poowong, Loch and Nyora Sewerage Scheme South Gippsland Water invites interested residents on a free bus tour to visit a working lagoon system wastewater treatment plant at Waratah Bay. When: Saturday 7th July 2012 Time: 9am - 3.30pm Cost: Free Come along and see what is planned for the scheme; including the proposed lagoon treatment plant location (Hill Road, Nyora), an information session and a tour of the Waratah lagoon system.

Refreshments will be provided.

Bus will pick up and drop off at Loch, Poowong and Nyora.

RSVP is essential: Amy Love Ph: 5682 0418

By Wednesday 27th June 2012

Lease of Newhaven (Phillip Island) Caravan Park

Council currently leases the land at 24 Old Bridge Drive, Newhaven, to Mexicali Pty Ltd, operating as Phillip Island Caravan Park. The lease of that property will end on 22 November 2013. Council intends to negotiate a further lease with Mexicali Pty Ltd before that date.

If you have any comment on Council’s intention to negotiate a further lease with Mexicali Pty Ltd, please write to Alison Creighton, Environment Manager by 14 July 2012 at the address below or email: a.creighton@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Bass Coast Shire Council, 76 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi, VIC 3995 | DX 34903 Wonthaggi | PO Box 118, Wonthaggi, VIC 3995 | 1300 BCOAST (226 278) for standard call cost | basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au www.basscoast.vic.gov.au | National Relay Service 13 36 77 (for people with communication dif culties)

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 51

public notices

public notices

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropractic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

Coal Seam Gas Mining

Mirboo North COUNTRY MARKET BAROMI PARK Saturday, June 30 (Morning) Stalls may be set up from 7.30am Plants, toys, bric-a-brac, books, crafts, flowers

Contact Maxine 5668 2465

CHIROPRACTOR Garry Harrison

Community Meeting

19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson

Thursday 28th June 7PM Korumburra Meeting Rooms (Behind the library)

Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

WEBSITE DESIGNS www.webthreads.com.au

situations vacant

GEM Industrial Services:Is seeking the employment of suitably qualified personnel for our rapidly expanding industrial plumbing and polyethylene fusion business.

GEM Industrial Services is a privately owned company originated with the business focus on the provision of complex and specialised industrial plumbing works, industrial waste water treatment plants and specialist polyethylene pipe fusion services.

Polyethylene Welding certificates, Confined Space certificates, Civil Plant operator certificates, HR licence, and / or Plumbing or Mechanical experience considered an advantage.

Please submit all inquiries and resumés to the following email address: careers@gemindustrial.com.au or PO Box 91, Leongatha

SITUATIONS VACANT

POSITIONS VACANT

Care Facilitator – Hillside Lodge 1.00 EFT (Full Time) An opportunity exists for a highly skilled and motivated health care worker to provide clinical leadership in our 30 bed low level care, residential unit.

The successful applicant must be prepared to work with the Director of Nursing undertaking delegated managerial / administrative duties and monitoring / evaluating resident care needs inclusive of care planning and the completion of resident assessments and ACFI. You will possess the following: Essential: • Current aged care experience including clinical skills encompassing comprehensive health assessment, identification of care needs, and ability to plan, implement and evaluate care.

• Current practicing certificate in relevant discipline.

• Current Police Check.

• Experience in/potential to develop management skills including (but not restricted to): o Well-grounded interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with others at all levels. o Organisational and problem-solving skills. o Time management skills. o Ability to work closely with carers, and to assist in their education and development.

• Evidence of ongoing self-development and commitment to high quality residential care.

• Understanding of ACFI. • Excellent computer skills.

Desirable: • Qualifications in Nursing at Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse level.

• Previous experience in middle management role.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5504 to discuss employment opportunities at GSHS.

Payroll Officer – Job Share Part Time Applications are invited from interested persons for the above position.

We are seeking a person with the ability to analyse complex payroll scenarios, with a high level of interpersonal skills, a strong customer service focus and the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Candidates must have proven experience in payroll, be able to interpret and maintain award provisions and understand taxation and superannuation legislation.

Previous experience with SAP and Kronos systems, while not essential, will be considered favourably.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Janet Arrott-Watt on 5667 5503 to discuss employment opportunities at GSHS.

Personal Care Attendants Building a Healthy Community

Corporate Services Coordinator 0.6 EFT BCCHS seeks expressions of interest for the part time employment of an enthusiastic and experienced person to coordinate and support the Corporate Services Team.

Applications for this position close 5pm Friday 13 July 2012.

Child, Youth & Family Services Coordinator 0.4 EFT BCCHS also seeks expressions of interest for the part time employment of a suitably experienced person to coordinate and support the Child, Youth & Family Services Team.

Applications for this position close 5pm Monday 9 July 2012.

Remuneration for both positions as per relevant professional qualifications.

Enquiries to Louk Thiele, Acting Manager Client Services.

To obtain a position description and an employment application form, please telephone reception on 5671 9200 or refer to our website: www.bcchs.com.au.

Applications must address the key selection criteria, and include the Application for Employment form.

Applications should be addressed to: HR Administrator Bass Coast Community Health Service 1 Back Beach Road San Remo 3925 Or by email to: hr@bcchs.com.au

Casual Bank Applications are invited for the above position. The successful applicants should possess the following: • Appropriate qualifications • Clinical experience in a health services environment • Evidence of recent professional development • Demonstrated ability to work with others • Proficient written and verbal communication skills • Ability to implement required tasks in allocated time frames • Current First Aid Certificate • The ability to work all tours of duty as rostered Applicants are encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5504 to discuss employment opportunities at GSHS. ------------------------------------------GSHS offers a comprehensive staff support program including, education & mentoring support, orientation program and employee assistant programs. Salary packaging is also available to all permanent staff including our rural and remote housing benefit.

The successful applicants will be required to provide a current satisfactory police record check.

Contact Jodie Duckworth on 5667 5664 to obtain the application kit and position description or visit our website at www.gshs.com.au. Applications should address the selection criteria listed in the position description.

Applications close 6th July, 2012 and should be addressed to: Janet Arrott-Watt Personnel Manager Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA 3953

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

SPARE PARTS TRAINEE/JUNIOR Gendore Tractors & Machinery Pty Ltd has a vacancy for a bright and efficient person to fill the above position at our Leongatha Branch.

The successful candidate should have an attention for detail, good time management, great communication skills, as well as being a team player.

Applications in writing should be addressed to: Mr Tim Burgess Manager 82-84 Yarragon Road Leongatha 3953

garage sales

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

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $39

UnitingCare Gippsland is a quality accredited community service agency. Staff and volunteers provide a range of community services in Gippsland for children, young people, families and individuals. The Agency has a vision of a healthy Gippsland, where disadvantage and inequity are challenged.

UnitingCare Gippsland has a Maternity Leave vacancy as a

Diploma Qualified Child Care Worker Fulltime The vacancy is located at Prom Coast Centre for children, Foster Further information including application forms and position descriptions are available at: www.ucgipps.org.au For further information on the above position please telephone Kerry Atyeo on 5683 9800 Applications close 5pm Friday 29th June 2012 and are to be sent to: Sally Derham, HR UnitingCare Gippsland PO Box 454 Bairnsdale Vic 3875 UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and well-being of children and young people.

ADVERTISE by calling 5662 5555 or emailing classifieds@thestar.com.au or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement

work wanted

FULLY Qualified Painter.

No job too small. Good rates. Call Drew on 56624238 or 0418-517443.

situations vacant CENTRAL CAFÉ LEONGATHA is looking for an

EXPERIENCED SANDWICH HAND/ BARISTA To work front of house Monday-Friday shifts Must be hardworking and reliable Please call 0417 331 332

South Gippsland Shire Council

Tourism Officer Permanent full time $81,661 total salary package Newly created role Join our Strategic Planning & Development team.

You will be instrumental in developing initiatives to build a sustainable tourism industry encouraging tourism investment and attracting new tourism business in South Gippsland.

Your demonstrated understanding of the opportunities and issues facing regional tourism along with outstanding interpersonal, facilitation and submission writing skills will ensure your success in this role.

Statutory Planning Officer Permanent full time (part time considered) 9 day fortnight option $60,036 total salary package Join our professional and energetic team in this diverse planning role, you will be an enthusiastic and motivated Planning Officer willing to take up the challenge of assessing planning applications and amendments to planning permits.

You will have or be obtaining relevant tertiary qualifications or have experience in the assessment of planning applications in a similar role. You will also bring an appreciation of matters involved in assessing rural, urban, coastal, commercial and industrial development applications.

Sustainability Officer Permanent part time (2 days per week) $29,197 total salary package An exciting opportunity exists to be part of the team implementing the Council’s Sustainability Strategy. Your primary focus will be to work closely with council staff and the community to implement sustainability projects and programs that raise awareness and reduce our carbon footprint.

To be successful in this role it is essential that you are a “team player” and have an understanding of current sustainability issues. You will have proven experience in the areas of environment and sustainability and have well developed project management and research skills.

For more information go to our website or contact us on (03) 5662 9200.

All applicants must submit an Application Form and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description, by Wednesday 11 July 2012.

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

Travel Consultant If you have a minimum 2 years experience as a Travel Consultant, along with an enthusiastic attitude, and a desire to be part of an Award Winning Team

situations vacant

SITUATIONS VACANT

FOR RENT Building a Healthy Community

0.8 EFT - 4 Days 9am - 5.06pm

Attention Truck Drivers • • • • •

Got a semi or B-double licence?

Sick of working long hours for peanuts?

Got family at home you never see?

Sick of always being on the road?

Want varied work, to be home every day, and earn $70k+ pa on rotating shifts in a friendly team environment?

Farm Milk Collection offers all this and more. We want to hear from you if who have: • Very good driving skills and driving record • A neat appearance • A pleasant, no fuss personality • A ‘can do’ attitude to customers and work colleagues Experience is preferred but not essential as training is provided.

Send your resumé and current Vic Roads Printouts to: leongatha@stoitse.com.au or fax: 5662 4730 Call for more information 0428 552 510

for sale

for rent

Quality Officer

Contact Jill at Jetset Travel Leongatha Phone 5662 3601 Email: jill@travelexcellence.com.au

agistment AGISTMENT urgently wanted for quiet cows and calves. Please contact 5668-7234.

BCCHS seeks expressions of interest for the part time employment of an enthusiastic person to take a leading role in the identification, planning and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities across the Service.

The successful applicant will also need to demonstrate the ability to undertake quality and risk management programs to ensure the achievement of required standards.

Remuneration for this position as per relevant professional qualifications.

Inquiries to Rae Davies, Acting Chief Executive Officer.

To obtain a position description and an employment application form, please telephone reception on 5671 9200 or refer to our website: www.bcchs.com.au.

Applications must address the key selection criteria, and include the Application for Employment form.

Applications close 5pm Friday June 29, 2012 and should be addressed to: HR Administrator Bass Coast Community Health Service 1 Back Beach Road San Remo 3925 Or by email to: hr@bcchs.com.au

tenders

tenders

MARDAN NEW 4 BEDROOM HOUSE On 7 acres - $375pw Or house only - $350pw Reverse cycle air con Conditions apply Phone 0428 264 231 KORUMBURRA 2 Bdrm house $220 pw Available now LEONGATHA 2 Bdrm unit $245 pw Available now

for sale

2 MALE JACK RUSSELL X FOXY PUPS 7 weeks old, vaccinated, microchipped, vet checked and ready to go to a new home.

Parents can be viewed.

$250 each Microchip Nos. 956000008314671, 956000001451141

Phone 5668 2424

VACUUM CLEANER Repairs

DUST BAGS

Sales

FREE

QUOTES

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

5672 3127

MIRBOO NORTH 2 Bdrm house $200 pw Available now 2 Bdrm house $230 pw Available 14th July 2 Bdrm unit $250 pw Available now 3 Bdrm house $260 pw Available now 4 Bdrm house, 2 bathrooms $280 pw Available 31st July

Expressions of Interest are sought from suitably qualified Cleaning Contractors to provide cleaning service across LCHS sites.

YAMAHA PIANO as new condition, $1,500. Call Margaret 5668-1561.

The project aim is to provide an outcome focused cleaning program for all LCHS facilities based on Victorian Government standards.

Further information and required documents may be obtained by contacting Mr Andrew Douglas (Facilities Manager) at Latrobe Community Health Service by email andrew.douglas@lchs.com.au Expressions of Interest must be addressed ‘Cleaning of Latrobe Community Health Service Facilities’ and lodged in the Tender Box by 2pm on Monday 16 July 2012 at: Latrobe Community Health Service, 81-87 Buckley Street, Morwell 3840.

Late, facsimile or email submissions will not be accepted.

tenders

tenders

ROOM TO RENT in home on acreage in Koonwarra forest Professional person preferred, must have references. $160 per week - includes professional house cleaner will need to pay share of food and amenities.

Someone who loves dogs.

Phone 0409 813 957

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

tenders

Dental Assistants – 17622 Permanent Full Time, Permanent Part Time and Casual positions available, based in Latrobe Valley

Applications close 4.30pm, Monday 2 July 2012

FREE BLUE HEELER puppies, males and female, vet checked and microchipped 9560000012201, 9560000012202, 9560000012203, 9560000012204, 9560000012205.

Great colouring, $500 each. Ph: 0417-379267.

thanks

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

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

thanks

Thank you South Gippsland Water would like to thank all of our customers, businesses and schools in the Meeniyan area for their co-operation and patience during the recent Boil Water Alert.

During the incident, assistance and support was given quickly, professionally and generously by the local community.

As of Monday 18th June 2012, the Boil Water Alert was lifted. South Gippsland Water places a high priority on public health and safety and as such, the Boil Water Alert was a precautionary measure.

Tenders Invited Westernport Regional Water Corporation Tender number: 2012/04 Tender name: 'Grantville-Glen Alvie Rd Upgrade & Candowie

Reservoir Perimeter Works' ZO220779

The Dental team at Latrobe Community Health Services are seeking experienced and highly motivated Dental Assistants to join them in the provision of quality services to public patients.

As part of LCHS Dental Services, you will enjoy working within a framework where collegiality is fostered, best practice promoted, professional development supported and personal commitment valued.

If you would like to be part of this and are someone that has excellent communication, customer focus and clinical skills, together with recent experience within a dental facility, we believe you would be an asset to our service.

For further information on this position please contact Janice Ford, Manager Dental on (03) 5127 9190.

free

LEONGATHA to share lovely furnished unit near shops. Park views. 0428642304.

room to let

HAY $7 per bale, excellent quality, free delivery for 100 or more. Ph: 0419-313483.

4-WHEELER Honda TRX 250, 2008 model. New rear tyres, clean bike, $3,200 ONO. Ph: 0448-254714.

house to share LATROBE COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE

HAY CLEARANCE 1,000 small square bales, shedded, ex quality, suitable for horses. Must go $7 each. Can deliver 50 or more, conditions apply.

Mardan 5664-1320, 0428999691.

TIMBER Kiln dried blackwood, silver wattle, cypress, celery top pine, most sizes for furniture and craft, also slabs and structural pine. Ph: 56812261.

Prom Country

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST CLEANING CONTRACTORS

GRANNY FLAT One bedroom.

Excellent condition, $49,000. 0400824696.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

PHONE: Janine - 5662 3100 www.promcountryre.com.au

This is an outstanding opportunity for an energetic and self motivated Sales Person.

The applicant must be well presented, have outstanding verbal communication skills, excellent customer service skills, be able to work in a team but also to be able to work unsupervised. He/she must have a can do anything attitude and show initiative and creativity with an eye to detail.

Applications are invited from those with experience and are enthusiastic to learn new skills or juniors willing to undertake a traineeship.

Please forward written application and resumé to: Karen Pulham 13 Main Street, Foster 3960 Applications close 5pm July 4th 2012

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175.

MEAT MINCER, butcher benchtop type, s/s 240W, sausage attachment.

Brand new, still in box. Cost $2,200, sell $750. 0402385692.

MEENIYAN 3 Bdrm house $250 pw Available now

Pulhams Furniture & Carpet

BREADCRUMB FEED $100 per ton, Dandening, in semi-trailer loads, 13.5 MJ ME/kg DM, 15% CP, 65% dry matter. Call Ed 0402-212222.

• For further information and copies of each position description visit our careers page www.lchs.com.au/careers.

• Applicants must address the Selection Criteria and lodge their application online.

• No late or hard copy applications will be accepted.

Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

Tenders are invited by the Coporation from suitably experienced civil works contractors for the construction of the upgrade to 0.8km of Grantville-Glen Alvie Road and Perimeter Works including an access track around Candowie Reservior.

Candowie Reservoir is located at Almurta Victoria. The section of Grantville-Glen Alvie Road to be upgraded is immediately north of the Reservoir.

A mandatory site inspection and briefing will be conducted on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 10am. Preregistration is required - interested contractors must notify Stephen Cannon scannon@westernportwater.com.au by 2pm on Wednesday, July 4 to attend.

Sealed tenders must be addressed to Managing Director, Westernport Water, 2 Boys Home Road, Newhaven, 3925 and clearly marked with the Tender Number and Tender Name. Tenders must be lodged before 2pm Wednesday, July 25, 2012.

Tenderers documents available from www.tenders.net/buyer/westernportwater/ or follow the link at www.westernportwater.com.au/opportunities/tenders The Corporation reserve the right not to accept the lowest or any tender.

Murray Jackson, MANAGING DIRECTOR www.westernportwater.com.au

MP460

wanted

wanted

WANTED FARMERS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT LAND TO LEASE FOR BEEF CATTLE 300 - 3000 ACRES REQUIRED Various options of lease considered Phone: Daniel Morrison, Jefferis & Associates 5662 5662 BUS. HOURS

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 53

free to good home JACK RUSSELL terrier, 1 year old male, good with kids, very lovable, microchipped 956000001434053.

Ph: 5662-0887.

livestock

BULLS FOR HIRE OR SALE Friesian, Jersey, Angus, Hereford and Limo All tested Phone 0447 331 762

PULLETS Wednesday, July 18 Commercial crossbreds.

Fully vaccinated.

Not debeaked.

12wk (Black, Red, White) $14 Available from Elders Past., Leongatha

10.30am Phone 5662 3523 to order now (Brian Larkin Poultry)

ALPACA 870 Suri wether.

Company for sheep, $50 ONO. 5659-7245.

BULL Poll Hereford, excellent condition, 6 year old, top quality, $1,600. Ph: 0419-313483.

marriage celebrant

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

message of hope FOR the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5.

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

in memoriam COOK - Charlie 02.01.1940 - 26.06.2009 Although time passes, memories stay.

You are always in our thoughts, And will be in our hearts forever.

Love Kay and family.

FRASSENEI Libero (Leo).

June 21, 2003 A tender thought that brings you near, A silent wish that you were here.

To our dear dad and nonno, We love you and miss you and think of you always.

Tiz, John and Josh; Carla, Jarrod and Mikaela.

deaths

deaths GASKELL Chloe Natasha.

Result of car accident.

Loving grand-daughter of Daisy and Norman Paterson. Loving niece of Michael, Steven, Shane, Colin, Leanne (dec).

Gone but never be forgotten, forever in our hearts.

R.I.P. Chloe xo xo WEIDERMAN - Peter.

On behalf of the Fish Creek Football Netball Club we would like to offer our sincere condolences to Maxine, Guy, Wayne, Kym, Kylie, Shane and families on the passing of Peter.

Leading player award winners: (from left) Dean Snelling, Steve Austey, Zach Austey and Rod Kimmins.

Record win for Wonthaggi WONTHAGGI Table Tennis players had a record number of wins at the country week table tennis championships held recently at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

The teams came home with four shields and a tally of 16 medals. A single loss meant a fifth shield slipping through the hands of the Wonthaggi team.

Congratulations to all Wonthaggi players for an extremely outstanding result.

Bill Freeman Shield winners: (from left) Justin Lucas, Dirk Holwerda and Bruce Harmer.

Lyn Gilbert Shield winners: (from left) Tanya Milnes, Rod Kimmins and Nancy Pattinson.

Peter Humphries Shield winners: (from left) Luke Austey, Brittney Taylor and Zach Austey.

Peter Ward Shield winners: (from left) Jo Taylor, Steve Austey and Caitlyn Taylor.

He was an esteemed player, coach and club legend, and our thoughts are with you all at this time.

deaths

used motorcycles YAMAHA TTR110E, 2010, electric start, auto clutch, 4 stroke, EC, $2,250. 56635511.

used vehicles

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

Bass Coast Metal Recyclers 5672 2946 0417 556 593

DAEWOO NUBIRA 2000 wagon, 5spd manual, one owner, RWC, 248,000km, driving lights, towbar, 9/12 rego, $2,600. 5659-8297, 0402-246765.

TOYOTA CELICA coupe, 1990, great looking car, ESE365, $2,000. 56552463.

wanted to buy OLD FARM four wheelers, ag bikes, machinery, to do up. Call and let me know what you have. Will pay cash. Phone Matt 0401194601.

OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.

OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.

bereavement thanks Mike Curley We would dearly like to thank everyne who sent flowers, cards, phone calls and gave us hugs after Mike’s passing.

A special thank you to Dr Roz Giles, Mary Ross-Hazelwood, hospital nurses and Paul Beck.

We really miss him.

Margaret, Joy, Joel and Alex.

Paul & Margaret Beck proprietors Caring for our Community, personal dignified service to all areas 5662 2717 Pre-need Funeral Plans available Office and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha hfs1@vic.australis.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

public notices

public notices

Leongatha Gymnastics Club

Winter Holiday Clinic Featuring Parkour, Cheerleading, Circus and Sports Aerobics

Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th of July For more details please contact 0400 273 658 or check out our website leongathagymclub.weebly.com

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8331 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1,Trip over. 6, P-Art. 8, St-et. 9, Conclude. 10, Ad-miT. 11, Up-take. 13, Tackle. 15, C-lien-t. 17, Critic.

19, Belle (bell). 22, An-ecdo-te. 23, A(b)l(e)-to. 24, Tes-s (rev). 25, Slat-tern.

Down - 2, R-at-ed. 3, Pa-trick. 4, Vice. 5, Re-N-ounce. 6, Pi-lot. 7, Red’s-kin. 12, Get cross. 14, Arrange (a range).

16, I-nex-a-c-t. 18, Tacks. 20, La-T-er (rev). 21, Le-na (me).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8331 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Kangaroo. 6, Cash. 8, Keen. 9, Skeleton. 10, Stool. 11, Canopy. 13, Please. 15, Amazon. 17, United.

19, Scrub. 22, Stiletto. 23, Urdu. 24, Acre. 25, Aperture.

Down - 2, Agent. 3, Gondola. 4, Rose. 5, Overcoat. 6, Clean. 7, Scorpio. 12, Vendetta. 14, Lunatic. 16, Account.

18, Tulle. 20, Under. 21, Rove.

Jack follows star path INVERLOCH’S Jack Clements’ impressive tennis performances caught the eye of the Victorian team selectors and he was invited to attend further selection trials that culminated in his selection.

Jack will represent Victoria at this year’s Australian Championships Bruce Cup held in Perth from October 13-20.

The Bruce Cup has been played since 1938 and many players who won Wimbledon and become the finest players in the world played their first representative matches for their state in the Bruce Cup. Rod Laver, arguably one of the greatest tennis players ever, represented Queensland in the Bruce Cup while Lew Hoad, Jan Lehane, Fred Stolle, John Alexander and Wally Masur all represented their state in the championship.

More recently past Bruce Cup participants Jason Stoltenberg, Pat Rafter, Todd Woodbridge, Mark Philippoussis, Rachel McQuillan and Evie Dominokovic have all performed with distinction on the international scene.

Victoria has finished runner-up to Queensland for the past four years in a row and will be looking to go one better this year.

Moving up: Inverloch youngster Jack Clements has been invited to play in the Australian Championships Bruce Cup.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Ladies tennis finals INVERLOCH Silver were crowned champions in the Section 1 grand final of the South Gippsland Mid-week Ladies Tennis Association last week.

Inverloch Silver overcame the ladies

Past the border: (from left) Australian and Vic Spirit contracted player and CWOB team manager Sarah Edwards with Gippsland participants in the Singapore cricket trip, Cassie Pollock (Warragul), Rachel Brown (Poowong-Loch) and Chelsea Moscript (Koonwarra-RSL).

from Inverloch Gold for the win while in Section 2 Foster Yellow won over Foster Black.

Korumburra Red took out top prize in Section 3 and Fish Creek were winners in Section 4.

Section 1 winners: Inverloch Silver (from left) Liza Burrows, Debbie Wells, Virginia McEntee and Tracey Brusamarello.

Sixes in Singapore TWO local girls are heading to Singapore to compete in the International Cricket Challenge.

Chelsea Moscript of Koonwarra/ RSL cricket club and Rachel Brown of Poowong/Loch Cricket Club are going on the trip with Cricket Without Borders (CWOB).

CWOB is designed to help teenage girls to play cricket overseas and foster friendships and improve their game at the same time.

Chelsea spoke to The Star about preparing for the trip.

“I’m pretty excited about the whole thing,” she said.

“The trip is all about meeting new people and getting connections with people overseas.

“I’ve met so many people from around Victoria just through the training already.”

The program is designed for female cricketers around Victoria with training held in rural areas as well as the MCG. “It’s been really good because it’s not so competitive and everyone just gets along,” Chelsea said.

The International Cricket Chal-

lenge runs from July 2-5 and will see the Victorian invitational team playing Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Colombo.

Each team will play two 20/ Twenty matches each day and then a final on the last day.

This trip has been made possible for the local girls thanks to Rob Wood of Cricket Australia.

Rob holds many training sessions for girls of any age throughout the year, especially during the school holidays and any interested girls should be directed to him.

Section 2 winners: Foster Yellow (from left) Wendy Appleyard, Merle Barham, Thelma Woods and Kim Ross.

TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area.

To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below.

Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90

At Port Phillip Heads

JUNE / JULY Time

27 WED

28 THUR

29 FRI

30 SAT

1 SUN

2 MON

3 TUE

height (metres)

0446 1020 1709 2300

1.45 0.53 1.61 0.50

0536 1105 1747 2343

1.45 0.61 1.57 0.45

0632 1153 1829

1.45 0.69 1.53

0029 0738 1245 1917

0.41 1.45 0.78 1.49

0121 0849 1344 2014

0.38 1.47 0.86 1.46

0223 1000 1452 2119

0.35 1.51 0.91 1.43

0333 1107 1609 2233

0.33 1.56 0.90 1.43

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

Section 3 winners: Korumburra Red (from left) Judy Blogg, Donna O’Loughlin, Andrea Walker, Cheryl Nicholas and Tania Newton (absent).

Max Hastings: the Tigers-mad youngster had a great time at his last Auskick session for 2012.

The Leongatha group enjoyed an intense training session, followed by a barbecue, soft drink and certificate presentation.

South Gippsland Bridge Meeniyan – Monday evening: 1st Faye Rowlands, Frank Arndt; 2nd Susan Ruffin, Clive Hope; 3rd Kathryn Smith, David Baggallay; 4th Neville Chapman, Peter Braker.

Tarwin Lower – Tuesday afternoon: North/South: 1st John Sullivan, Alan Johnston; 2nd Hannah Martin, Leila Bell; 3rd Frank Arndt, Clive Hope.

East/West: 1st Faye Rowlands, Pat West; 2nd Maureen Stiles, Vivien Westaway; 3rd Ian and Julie McPhee.

Inverloch – Friday afternoon - GNOT final results: 1st Jack Kuiper, John Sutton, Jean Barbour, Clive Hope; 2nd John Farr, Shirley Stewart, Dina Drury, Kaye Douglas, Anne Williams; 3rd John Sullivan, Alan Johnston, Phillip and Neville Chapman; 4th Faye Rowlands, Pat West, Frank Arndt, Colin Cameron.

Section 4 winners: Fish Creek (from left) Deb Collins, Sue Straw, Julie Park and Di Farmer.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 55

• LEONGATHA TABLE TENNIS

A successful Country Week THE Victorian Country Table Tennis Associations come together annually on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

With a total 104 teams registered, there were plenty of opportunities to meet new players and catch up with old friends and enjoy a conversation.

This event has been running for 61 years and each year has experienced a growth in team entries. Congratulations to the committee for their efforts in making this event always a pleasure to be involved in.

Leongatha had five teams entered this year.

In section C2 Leongatha frustrated their opponents and came home as the section winners and the recipients of the Ian Foster Shield.

This team also enjoyed an individual victory when team member Michael Chang received a medallion.

Michael was the aggregate leader

in C2.

In section D1 Leongatha secured second place with the team of Michael Grist, Mark Sheppard and Theo pulling their socks up to beat Albury Wodonga, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Shepparton and Bairnsdale.

Michael and Mark also enjoyed a winner’s celebration late on Saturday night in the doubles event.

The string of good fortune did not stop there, with Michael Grist receiving his medallion for aggregate leader in his section.

In section E1 Dom Murdica, Kathy Campbell and Michaela Campbell had a task ahead of them.

Playing against a team from Ballarat, Bendigo, Melton, Bairnsdale and Geelong, they found themselves a little out-classed. Although each player did win many important games it was not enough to secure a team win.

However Kathy Campbell did not come home empty-handed, receiving a medallion for being a finalist in the women’s singles event.

Kathy was runner-up to the same player she came runner-up to last year.

In section E2, Cam Dowling, Michael Holwerda and Bryce Holwerda celebrated a second place. They competed against a team from Shepparton, Melton, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula and Warrnambool. Team member Bryce Holwerda received a medallion for equal aggregate leader.

And in section E6 the team found themselves in third place at the conclusion of the three day event.

Team members Tammy Holwerda, Bill Haw and Aiden Holwerda found the games played on Sunday very difficult, however they did embrace this opportunity to learn from them.

Top of the table: Phil Munro, Michael Chang and Mark Dorling took home the C2 section shield at the Vic Country Table Tennis competition.

• LEONGATHA CYCLING

Riders push through weather RIDERS faced tough conditions for the Saturday handicap at Tarwin Lower.

Winners: coming out top after the weekend’s race were (from left) second Neil White, first Morgan Barnes and third David Barker.

• SOCCER

• SOCCER

Stars out of luck AFTER a two week break the Stars were ready to host Mirboo North at the Outtrim Oval only for the game to be moved to Mirboo’s home ground due to the wet weather.

The Stars claimed a 7-2 victory over Mirboo in their first ever fixture and were hoping for a repeat performance after some poor recent results.

Unfortunately the first 20 minutes saw a rusty South Coast concede two goals to a determined United.

The Stars found their composure after this and the game became a very even tussle but it was Mirboo who again found the net before half time.

A reshuffle at half time saw captain-coach Pat Gilbert move to the centre midfield role and for much of the second half the Stars dominated possession with some neat passing football which saw Michael Clark playing some lovely through balls to the forwards.

Gilbert smacked one shot against the post and later hit a screamer which bounced off the crossbar. Several more chances went begging and it seemed that the ball just did not want to cross the line for the Stars.

A strong and gusty northwest wind was blowing and with the temperature at around 10 degrees it was not very encouraging for racing.

The outward journey to the hill top above Walkerville had the benefit of a tail wind but obviously that meant the return run had a head wind.

It was perhaps this wind that enabled the chasing bunch to overall the limit riders just 2 km from the finish.

The lone scratch rider, Tony Clark was chasing three riders at two minutes, three at five minutes, three at nine minutes and the limit rider, Lindsay Love at 14 minutes.

At the turn it was the limit rider still with around 2.5 minutes on the first of the chasers – Will Lumby and David Bennett.

Morgan and Ken Barnes along with Liam McCall had closed down some of their leeway and it was a similar situation with Neil White, David Barker and Phil Hanley.

The return run was a grind, with some gusts either blowing riders off course or almost bringing them to a standstill.

With around 8km to race, David Ben-

nett and Will Lumby caught Lindsay Love and this trio still had a handy break on the chasers where the two minute and five minute bunches also joined up.

Up front the wind was taking its toll and with just 2km remaining the leaders were caught, setting up a sprint finish for the bunch.

The dash to the line saw Neil White lead out early only to be caught on the line

by Morgan Barnes for his second win in three weeks.

David Barker was right there for third place with Phil Hanley in fourth.

Liam McCall claimed fifth followed by, David Bennett, Will Lumby and Lindsay Love.

A short time later Tony Clark crossed the line to claim fastest time in 64.43min.

In the junior race over 12km it was Alex Bennett making use of his handicap to lead all the way to claim the win.

Matt Minogue, who had played football in the morning and was a bit tired, battled home to claim fastest time and second place.

Next week riders have the club title road race which will be run around the circuit at Korrine and is a new venue for the titles.

At the other end the Stars defence was holding firm and Mirboo were reduced to a few half chances but with no goals at the other end the final score remained 3-0 to Mirboo North, sweet revenge for their earlier heavy defeat.

Thanks must go to Mirboo North for agreeing to move the fixture to their ground at late notice.

The Stars will be hoping that Outtrim will be ready for next week’s game against Leongatha.

Women The South Coast Stars were very thankful to have the game moved from Outtrim to Mirboo North, as we might have needed our snorkels to find the ball.

The conditions were pretty good at Walter Tuck and there was a just a little slipping in the mud.

The Stars were happy to have a full side, with a few on the bench and it gave us a chance to rotate the tired legs. At half time it was nil-all with both teams playing well.

New recruit for the Stars Dessie was a champion in defence but could not get the ball up forward close to the goal.

The second half resulted in two penalty goals against us and Mirboo North eventually ran out 3-0 winners.

Korumburra City takes shield IT WAS a skilful yet muddy match between Korumburra and Leongatha for the Brian Newey Memorial Shield on the weekend.

Korumburra started with a strong wind behind them and quickly took control of the game and the lead after Rory Cull coolly rounded the keeper and scored from a tight angle. Seven minutes later Andy Dawson scored another goal from outside the area.

Leongatha broke away several times but young Adam Richards in goals for Korumburra controlled his area confidently.

Leongatha managed to score after 27 minutes but Korumburra maintained a two goal margin through Jarrah Raabe.

Tempers started to flare and Korumburra’s Jake Allman was sent off which gave the Knights an advantage.

Korumburra’s 10 men fought hard for the last 20 minutes but Leongatha did manage to score with 10 minutes remaining.

Korumburra’s defence held together by Jamey Allen battled till the end for a well deserved 3-2 victory.

Women Korumburra started the game kicking into the breeze and controlled the whole of

the first half, having plenty of shots at goal.

It took 20 minutes before Bree Allen scored for Korumburra off a throw in from Jo Allen.

The visitors defense of Kate Rodda, Georgia McDonough, Amber Cull and Jayde Miller stood strong, making any attempts for Leongatha to break through impossible.

Half time break saw Korumburra go to into their huddle confident and playing well as a team. In the second half Korumburra tired quickly and fought to hold onto the lead.

Even with the strong breeze it was hard to get pass the strong Leongatha defence.

With just two minutes to go in the match Leongatha finally broke through the tiring defence and scored the equaliser and ended the game.

Under 19 The match started on a heavy ground with Korumburra attacking early.

Goals to Sebastian Peattie, Daniel Longden and Jarrah Raabe saw Korumburra leading 3-2 at half time but the second half saw Leongatha gain control.

Korumburra had some good chances to score in the last 15 minutes but it was Leongatha who dominated the game, winning 7-3.

Under 16 Korumburra came out hard and an early goal to Andrew Methven who scored from the mud (or lake) to take the lead.

The second goal came a short time later from a Chloe Rodda corner and tapped in off the Leongatha goal keeper.

Leongatha responded quickly and saw a fantastic goal from a long shot.

Not to be out done Hayden Smith kicked a goal from just outside the centre circle on the half time whistle.

After the break both teams hit hard but it was Leongatha who scored first.

They continued to play great football and ran a tired Korumburra into the ground kicking the next five goals to win 7-3.

Under 13 Leongatha started the game strong and put pressure on Korumburra from the kick off. The Korumburra defence played well but could not stop Leongatha from taking a two goal lead.

KAfter the break Korumburra enjoyed more possession and Leongatha conceded an own goal. Noah scored Korumburra’s second goal and was easily the team’s best player.

Aidan Richards capped off his birthday to score the winning goal with one minute to go. Final score 3 -2 to Korumburra.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Bowls reports SGIBBA pennant

NOT even an earth tremor could stop the intense game of bowls on Tuesday night when the semi finals were played at Dumbalk.

In the elimination final Buffalo Yellow got the jump on Mardan Gold who clawed their way back to win by one shot, 24 shots to 23 shots.

In the qualifying final new team Korumburra White were beaten by the more experienced Mardan Purple, 29 shots to 18 shots.

Next week Mardan Gold plays Korumburra White in the preliminary final.

Good luck to both teams for this week, and the winner meets Mardan Purple in the grand final.

Inverloch WEDNESDAY, June 13 was a Mixed Mufti with two games of 12 ends.

Winners were Maureen Paynting, Shirley Philipson and Alan Johnstone and runners-up were Carol Hughes, Pat Stoneham and Gail Burge.

Wednesday lawn bowls now starts at 10.30am by request and names of players are required by 10am.

Indoor bowls that day had two teams of fours play two games, each of 10 ends.

All four teams won one game and lost one game.

Winners with 21 points were Pat Stoneham, Harry Dunn, Nic Van Grunsven and Joyce Hutchinson and runners-up on 19 points were Carol Hughes, Bob Huntley, Joyce Ross and Joan Clark.

Thursday, June 14 was

Leongatha squash THE first round of finals was run and won on Monday night.

Team Tomic finished equal with Nadal and went straight into Friday night’s grand final leaving Nadal the second chance, and they take on team Djokovic.

Team Hewitt were in the hunt and Brad Allen took it up to Travis Strybosch and grabbed a game. Next up Kevin Smith v Paul Jones in an absolute nailbiter.

Kev’s know how around the court nearly pinched the match, Paul 10-9 in the fifth.

Steve Fowkes took to the court against Michael Bracecamp, Steve was in the groove early, these two have matches that go either way and as such it was Steve taking the match giving his team a three game lead.

Adam Dean was in no mood to give Merv Mee a hit and blasted to a 9-0,9-6 lead threatening to take his team to victory. With no backward step being taken by either player, (Merv taking a bump to the head to prove it) the match finished Merv three games 33, Adam 2 games 33 the result of a hard close match.

It will now be team Djokovic v Nadal Monday 25, the grand final this Friday 29.

All welcome to attend with new players required right now for our next competition, ring 0418 998 222.

winter triples lawn bowls with three games, each of 14 ends. Winners with two wins and a draw were Les Beaumont, Bob Delahoy and Malcolm Marshall while runners-up with two wins and 43 points were Peter McBain, Keith Poole and Murray Oehm.

June 20 saw a Mixed Mufti where 24 players competed in two games of three bowl triples, each of 12 ends. There were two two-game winners.

Winners with 36 points were Carol Hughes, Brian Growse and Graeme Dunlop and runners-up with 33 points were Lois Luby, Ray Gostling and Lionel Wilson.

Indoor bowls that day saw two teams of pairs play one game of 10 ends. Winners were Joyce Hutchinson and Bob Huntley.

Buffalo indoor WEDNESDAY June 20 saw 12 bowlers willing to test their skills again at Buffalo.

Rod welcomed everyone - good to see Illene and Peter bowling, and bowling well Peter H. selected four teams of three, and after two games of 10 ends each team had recorded a win and a loss.

The winners on the night on ends scored were Toni Heldens (s), Carolyn Benson, Bill Wolswinkel WL (12 ends); second Peter Tiziani (s), Graeme Tobias, Illene Tiziani WL (11 ends); next Ian Benson (s), Peter Heldens, Kevin Robinson WL (nine ends) and fourth Rod McConchie (s), Glenys Pilkington, Dudley Harrison WL (eight ends).

A very good night of bowling, with many good bowls from all players taking shots from each other

Fish Creek WE are really displaying the Fish Creek colours now in our club house with the make-over that the rooms have had.

Many thanks to all those members who helped with the decorating – you must be gratified at all the compliments the rooms are receiving.

Please note that the casserole tea usually scheduled for the first Friday of the month is cancelled for July 6 and instead will be held on the Saturday July 7. This night is especially to celebrate Margaret Smith’s 80th birthday and she wishes to celebrate with her family and all her friends on this night.

Festivities will commence at approximately 5.30pm and if our ladies wish to contribute a casserole it will be most welcome.

Black Caviar’s local connection

By Jane Ross

IN the early hours of Sunday, Carmel Lynch was on her feet in her San Remo home shouting at the television.

When Black Caviar’s rivals drew closer and closer, Carmel couldn’t bear to watch.

“Look at the race, look at the race,” urged her husband Brendan, dragged from his slumber by his excited wife.

As the mare’s nose just crossed the finishing line at Ascot, Carmel burst into tears.

But they were tears of joy because two of Carmel’s nieces are part owners of the horse dubbed by the British press, “the wonder from down under”.

She didn’t go to the extent of wearing

Black Caviar’s racing colours of salmon and black, but did stay up and watch the lead up to the event-of-a-lifetime and the entire heart-stopping race.

She sent her nieces a text at around 11pm our time and they replied with news they were about to meet the Queen.

Janine Madden and Pam Hawkes are the daughters of the late Aileen Cochrane, Carmel’s sister. Aileen and Carmel’s maiden name was Sainsbury, descended from one of the earliest families to the Wonthaggi coalfields.

Carmel runs Carmie’s Kitchen, a café in San Remo and has a photo of Black Caviar on the wall.

On behalf of her nieces, Carmel said, “I’m thrilled, I’m so worked up for them!”

regularly.

After a very close pennant semi final on Tuesday, Mardan Gold were victors over Buffalo by one shot on the last end. Congratulations Mardan, but well done Buffalo. Good luck to all teams for the remaining pennant finals.

Social bowls at the Buffalo hall on Wednesday at 7.30pm. All welcome for a friendly enjoyable night of bowling.

Dumbalk indoor WE had a good night of bowls on Monday night, June 18.

The Korumburra bowls team visited us, and we had 23 players, which was great fun.

Four teams of four, and two teams of three played, and the winners were Joanne skipper, Robbie, Mary, Joe O. We hope to see you all again Monday night.

Local excitement: Black Caviar has San Remo connections. Photo courtesy Slickpix.

• LEONGATHA BADMINTON

Earth moves at badminton BADMINTON players felt an unreal sensation while playing last Tuesday night, as a strong earthquake shook the stadium causing much discussion for all involved.

The earthquake did not deter the standard of badminton played, particularly in B Grade where one of the finest matches ever witnessed in B Grade took place.

Three tie-breakers, two 21-19 sets and one 21-17 set was required to determine the winner of the DeWalt versus Makita match. DeWalt emerged the eventual victor by a slender three points, in what was clearly the match of the year in B Grade.

Brayden Krohn was the difference for DeWalt, winning his three sets narrowly, with great support from Brett Hampshire.

Guilia Joyce and Chris Holt also played some excellent sets for Makita.

The other B Grade match was also extremely close, going the way of GMC by a slender nine point margin over the unlucky Bosch side.

Davis Loo and Paul Plunkett were strong all night for

GMC, while mother and son combination of Tracey and Ben Ryan were excellent for Bosch.

The A Grade action was reeling from the after shocks of the earthquake. The Bowerbirds caused one of the upsets of the season, defeating top side Honeyeaters by a mere four point margin.

Honeyeaters did win five sets to secure their top position on the ladder. Gary McGrath was inspirational for Honeyeaters as was Rhonda Newton with a magnificent singles victory over Leonie Degnan, but the doubles skills of Tim Bright and Paul Sokhom ultimately secured the narrow victory.

Cockatoos have moved off the bottom of the ladder defeating Kookaburras by eight points.

Ryan Jeremiah was the star of this match, however both Roger Callister and Paris Buckley are in awesome form at present so look out all other teams, the Cockatoos are on the move.

Neil Jeremiah did win his three sets for Kookaburras.

Finally, the Rosellas have emerged as a premiership threat defeating Parrots convincingly. Made up of four top tennis players, the Rosellas are adapting to badmin-

ton well.

Matthew Oomann had his best match for the season, well supported by Neil Langstaff and Jim Newton, but Greg Marshman was the man on fire, destroying his direct opponent and close friend Frank Dekker, whose performance can be described in two words ‘very bad’.

Only Keinen Hemming played well for the Parrots who have some soul searching to do in coming weeks.

Our club championships are on in two weeks time, everyone is encouraged to play.

Results A Grade: Rosellas 5/119 d Parrots 3/89, Cockatoos 5/127 d Kookaburras 3/119, Bowerbirds 3/129 d Honeyeaters 5/124.

B Grade: DeWalt 4/125 d Makita 2/122, GMC 3/100 d Bosch 3/91.

Ladders A Grade Honeyeaters ............................58 Parrots .....................................51 Rosellas....................................48 Kookaburras...........................44 Bowerbirds ...............................43 Cockatoos.................................36 Lorikeets ..................................35 B Grade DeWalt.....................................46 Bosch .......................................42 Makita .....................................40 GMC ........................................34 Ryobi ........................................21

Blue and white visitor at MDU: premiership coach Denis Pagan was a special guest at the Meeniyan Dumbalk Football Netball Club last Tuesday night. The former player and coach took training sessions with both junior and senior footballers before giving a motivational talk over dinner in the club rooms.

Pagan told the audience about his experience being offered his first AFL senior coaching position at the age of 44 before leading the North Melbourne Kangaroos to glory on two separate occasions. MDU president Adrian Coulter thanked Pagan for taking the time to come to the club.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 57

Leongatha

THE big wet has restricted golfers with none playing on Thursday and those relying on carts unable to play on Saturday.

Just 29 went onto the course in Saturday’s stableford and it was difficult to put a decent score on the card. Barry Hughes was best with 34 points to win with a two point margin.

Bruce Hutton has a liking for the 14th hold where he scored a holein-one on Tuesday, only to follow up with the pro-pin on Saturday. Congratulations Bruce, David Forbes was nearest the pin on the 16th hole.

Ball winners: J. King (Phillip Island), G. Vanderzalm, D. Poynton 32, S. Fisher, L. Page 31, D. Trease, J. Smith, S. Wurt 30.

Tuesday Again good scores were hard to come by, but Bruce Hutton enjoyed the day, winning with 34 points and, as mentioned, claiming an eagle on the 14th hole. Jack Cummins on 32 was runner-up on a countback.

Bruce Hutton and

Kevin Scott were nearest the pin winners while balls went to: B. Stevens 32, P. Walsh 31, F. Smedley 30, N. Hughes, N. Mackenzie, P. Waters, R. Burton 29.

On Thursday, choose your weapons for a three clubs and putter stableford.

Saturday’s event is bisque par where you choose after each hole whether you will use your handicap there or save it for later.

The following Saturday is monthly medal.

Ladies ON Wednesday, June 20 17 pairs competed in the Doris Chambers stableford foursomes and six ladies played the nine hole competition.

Sponsors for the day were Julie Howard and Shirley Welsford, thanks ladies.

The winning pair were Wendy Parker and Helen Mackenzie(18)30 pts.

Runners-up: Shirley Welsford and Pam Christensen (22) 28 pts.

Down the line balls: Dot Stubbs and Di Williams 27 pts, Trish Owen and Maxine Eabry 26 pts, Marea Maher and Georgina Mitchell 26 pts and

Foster

IF you think it was wet last week it was wetter this week, but golfers are a hardy lot although fields were down because of conditions. Preferred lies are in force once you’ve found your ball.

Tuesday saw Phil Schofield (14) have a very good day with 38 pts. Good to see his leg has recovered from his pet pussy attack.

Down the line balls went to Greg Dean 35 (13) and Geoff Nott 34 (31) countback.

Friday’s chicken run event turned out to be a match in two with Geoff Nott and Bernd Amesreiter battling it out. Geoff managed to get through the nine by tacking through the trees using some of his sailing experience.

Nearest the pin on the 15th B. Amesreiter and 17th was G. Nott.

The chook will be carried over to next week.

Toni West and Julie Howard 25 pts.

Busiest golfers: Sharyn Rayson and Pam Mullarvey.

Wendy and Helen now go on to play in the final at Settlers’ Run Golf Course on October 3 and we wish them well.

Finals of the Matchplay Championship will be played this Wednesday June 27.

A Grade will be played over 36 holes commencing at 8.30am, B Grade and C Grade will be played over 18 holes commencing at 9am and 9.20am respectively. Everyone is welcome to come out to the golf course and see some great golf being played.

All lady golfers are invited to Leongatha 4BBB stableford Gala Day sponsored by Handley Funeral Services: Paul and Margaret Beck which is on Friday July 6.

Please enter through your club or phone Leongatha Golf Club 5664 3314 if you require a partner.

Leongatha ladies, please invite partners from other clubs if possible.

Saturday’s four ball was switched to a par club event with eight brave souls venturing out, with Larry Giddy pulling out after nine holes looking for drier ground.

Winner on the day was R. Ireland (17) square.

Down the line ball went to Gary Clavarino (15) -2.

Nearest the pins went to G. Clavarino 4th, P. McKay 6th, Kiwi 15th and D. Walker 17th.

Fiona Harvey was not present to collect the $400 in the members cash draw.

The prize will rise to $450 this Friday.

You need to be there to win it between 7pm and 8pm.

Coming events include Tuesday’s stableford, Thursday’s stableford, Friday’s chicken run and the OK Pasta and Pizza sponsored stableford on Saturday.

Korumburra

Mirboo North

TWENTY - THREE players attended the 4BBB stableford competition. Trophies went to Paul and Holly Hopkins. The CCR was 70.

Scores: T. O’Neill (1), J. Wilson (18) 42 points; L. Sharp, T. Marotti (41);D. Pricone, S. Webster (41).

Runner-up: S. Rose (7), G. Bull (17) (41).

Missed out: D. Austin, R. Young (41).

Putting: 1st B. Clasby, 7th S. Rose, 10th T. Marotti, 13th J. Stein.

Tuesday’s winner was S. Osboldstone 35 points.

SATURDAY’S stableford drew 25 players to the course.A Grade winner for the day was Dave Woodall (5) 35pts countback.

Down the line balls went to Paul Woodall (7) 35pts, Neil Whitelaw (11) 33pts and Peter Wittaker (24) 33pts Nearest the pin on the 4th was Phil Stimson, 6th (pro pin) Ray Matthews, 13th Russell Pentland and 16th Peter Draper.

1st hole nearest the pin 2nd shot Nigel Bracecamp. Birdies on the 4th went to Peter Draper and 16th Neil Whitlaw, Stan Evison and Joe Kus.

Pushing for a win: Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club’s Denis McDonald was chuffed with his efforts in the recent Inverloch IRB carnival. He and his team will be heading west to Portland this weekend to compete against teams from all over the state and they are looking to take home some placings.

On the green: Danny Dwyer, Ross Winkler Michael Grist and Gary Young had a nice game of golf at the Woorayl golf course in Leongatha on Saturday, despite the rain.

Woorayl RETIRE and Wealth sponsored our stableford event last Saturday. The field was slightly reduced with no motorised transport on the course.

The A Grade winner with 39 points was Michael Grist.

B Grade and best score of the day was Mark James with 41 points .

C Grade was won by Max Wood with 35 points.

The ball distribution was C. James, J. Lovie, R. Gourlay, N. Lovie, G. Calder, D. Dwyer, W. Turner, G. Young, G. Johnson, G. Salmon, J. Johnston and S. Sullivan.

The nearest the pins went to Brian Wilson and Max Wood.

The ball raffle went to “the shed”. Our Thursday competition was beaten by mother nature.

Next week we will play for our monthly medal. The day will be sponsored by Thornton’s Bakery.

Clubs out: Otto Vandervorm and Rob Gourlay enjoyed a friendly game of golf on Saturday, despite the chilly conditions.

Ladies LAST week’s foursomes round was generously sponsored by LC Accessorize, with the winners being Iris McLeod and Fay Maynard with 81 1/2.

Runners-up were Inge Giliam and Ros Blew with 83 1/2 and balls down the line went to Anne Grist and

Barb James, Dot Jarvis and Sue Wakefield along with Sue Symmons and Chris Perrett.

We congratulate the winners of the 36 hole Perrett Family Foursomes, Anne Grist and Barb James with 165, by two shots from Iris McLeod and Fay Maynard on 167.

Next week will be a 4BBB sponsored by Pomegranate, with the final of the Dianne and John O’Connor event to be contested.

Melinda Martin and Janet Thompson will be playing off against Marg Higgins and Fay Maynard and we wish them all good golfing.

• LEONGATHA UNDER 13s

Parrots trounce Killy Bass THE Leongatha Under 13s recorded an impressive win at home on Sunday, defeating an undersized Kilcunda-Bass outfit.

The first quarter saw the boys kicking into a stiff breeze. Josh “Shorty” Boler battled hard under the packs, while Nathan Trotto was spearing the attack forward off the half backline.

Damon Ginnane was showing off his silky skills.

Zayn Clark was setting up play, backed up well

by Rohan Baudinette, who is growing in stature with each game. Clay Alexander was making his mark on the game, while Jack Dunn was winning the contested ball in the ruck.

Ginnane finished off the quarter well, sharking the ball from a tap out and kicking a great goal.

Joel Norton began to lift his intensity in the second quarter, and Nick Battersby was offering a credible for-

ward target. Tom Brew was putting his body on the line.

Trent Westaway was playing a typically admirable role in the ruck.

Battersby set the tone for the quarter with a cleverly snaffled goal. Parrots barometer Cam Olden was beginning to gain the ascendency through the middle.

Westaway had soon kicked another for the Parrots, while Ben Ryan and Zac Van Delft both held up well in defence.

Tully Benaldo kicked an opportunistic goal.

Jack Balagh was superb, winning the ball through sheer grit and gut running.

Cameron Tuckett finished off the quarter nicely with another major for the Parrots.

The third quarter saw Dunn starting at centre half back, but still managing to sneak forward for a goal.

Jonah Ball was rucking well.

The Parrots kicked another goal, when Bat-

Tough stuff: Parrots hard man Mitch Harry lays a bone crunching tackle. tersby slotted a slick pass to Nathan Trotto, who duly converted.

Michael McKinnon made sure nothing got through the Killy-Bass forward line.

The last quarter saw Mitch Harry lay a bone

crunching tackle. Dunn snaffled another goal.

Ginnane did likewise, before Dunn did it again.

The Parrots were well and truly home.

Final score: Leongatha 11.15.81 to Kilcunda-Bass 0.0.0 .

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Alberton netball results Results - Round 12 June 23

Jump to it: Korumburra-Bena goal shooter, Emma Kyle lines up for a shot during the A Grade match against Phillip Island at the weekend, strongly defended by the Island’s Cara Humbert.

A Grade: Foster 47 d Dalyston 31, Stony Creek 59 d Yarram 44, Fish Creek 54 d MDU 43, Korumburra Bena 63 d Phillip Island 23, Inverloch Kongwak 79 d Kilcunda Bass 20.

B Grade: DWWWW 62 d Toora 31, Foster 38 d Dalyston 29, Inverloch Kongwak 84 d Kilcunda Bass 9, Korumburra Bena 42 d Phillip Island 13, MDU 55 d Fish Creek 52, Stony Creek 47 d Yarram 40.

C Grade: DWWWW 36 d Toora 22, Dalyston 28 d Foster 26, Inverloch Kongwak 49 d Kilcunda Bass 22, Korumburra Bena 31 d Phillip Island 21, Fish Creek 22 d MDU 21, Stony Creek 25 d Yarram 24.

17 & Under: Toora 51 d DWWWW 32, Dalyston 54 d Foster 6, Inverloch Kongwak 54 d Kilcunda Bass 4, Korumburra Bena 40 d Phillip Island 6, Fish Creek 51 d MDU 30, Cr Stony Creek Cre 57 d Yarram 13.

15 & Under: Toora 22 d DWWWW 7, Dalyston 40 d Foster 16, Kilcunda Bass 23 d Inverloch Kongwak 19, Korumburra Bena 31 d Phillip Island 14, Fish Creek 28 d MDU 10, Yarram 23 d Stony Creek 18.

13 & Under: Toora 17 d DWWWW 2, Dalyston 19 d Foster 13, Inverloch Kongwak 22 d Kilcunda Bass 14, Korumburra Bena 17 d Phillip Island 12, Fish Creek 18 d MDU 0, Stony Creek 13 d Yarram 6.

Ladders A Grade Foster..........................246.21 48 Kor-Bena.....................269.92 44 Fish Creek ..................159.16 42 Dalyston .....................145.76 32 MDU ...........................120.64 32 Stony Creek ............... 113.17 30 Phillip Island .................92.44 28 Yarram .........................105.73 24 Inv-Kongwak ................99.55 24 Toora ..............................66.04 16 Tarwin ...................... ..44.09 12 Kilcunda-Bass ...............27.83 8 B Grade Foster..........................181.68 48

Kor-Bena ....................181.72 40 Dalyston .....................158.94 40 DWWWW..................120.45 34 Fish Creek .................. 117.87 34 MDU ...........................139.57 32 Inv-Kongwak ..............131.63 28 Stony Creek...................76.85 24 Tarwin ...........................92.75 20 Phillip Island .................72.83 18 Toora ..............................70.20 12 Yarram ...........................69.04 10 Kil-Bass..........................23.03 4 C Grade Inv-Kongwak .............169.66 44 Kor-Bena ....................169.04 44 Dalyston ......................192.92 40 Foster..........................174.09 36 MDU ...........................154.89 32 Stony Creek ................100.39 32 Fish Creek .....................93.24 28 Yarram .........................101.14 24 Tarwin ...........................64.67 20 DWWWW.....................79.38 16 Phillip Island .................66.04 14 Toora .............................54.68 8 Kil-Bass.........................34.36 6 17 & Under Kor-Bena ....................350.36 48 Fish Creek ..................199.12 48 Inv-Kongwak .............169.96 36 Dalyston .....................169.08 36 Stony Creek ..............137.70 32 DWWWW...................103.53 32 MDU ............................106.84 24 Tarwin ...........................97.30 22

Toora ..............................80.30 22 Phillip Island .................83.44 20 Yarram ...........................42.20 12 Kil-Bass.........................35.08 8 Foster..............................34.72 4 15 & Under Dalyston ......................376.98 48 Kor-Bena .....................279.58 44 Fish Creek ..................195.18 40 Foster...........................183.44 40 Yarram .......................122.55 32 PhillipIsland................116.53 28 Inv-Kongwak ..............104.69 28 Kil-Bass.........................58.14 22 Stony Creek...................76.60 20 MDU .............................71.43 18 Toora .............................67.04 12 Tarwin ...........................21.23 8 DWWWW.....................18.30 4 13 & Under Dalyston .....................533.85 Foster..........................432.89 Kor-Bena .................... 342.11 Fish Creek ..................276.83 PhillipIsland.............301.85 Inv-Kongwak .............165.08 Kilcunda-Bass ............. 113.76 Toora .............................54.44 Tarwin ...........................22.51 MDU .............................36.69 DWWWW.....................19.82 Stony Creek.................17.71 Yarram ...........................19.54

48 44 40 40 36 28 24 24 16 12 12 12 8

Gippsland netball Results - Round 10 A Grade: Morwell 50 d Maffra 26, Sale 42 d Bairnsdale 25, Traralgon 40 d Warragul 32, Wonthaggi 42 lt Leongatha 54.

B Grade: Drouin 58 d Moe 26, Morwell 48 d Maffra 13, Sale 51 d Bairnsdale 39, Traralgon 62 d Warragul 17, Wonthaggi 32 lt Leongatha 63.

C Grade: Drouin 39 d Moe 26, Morwell 22 d Maffra 20, Sale 22 lt Bairnsdale 59, Traralgon 53 d Warragul 16, Wonthaggi 26 lt Leongatha 37.

17 & Under: Drouin 27 d Moe 20, Morwell 18 lt Maffra 37, Sale 35 lt Bairnsdale 36, Traralgon 79 d Warragul 2, Wonthaggi 30 lt Leongatha 31.

15 & Under: Drouin 32 d Moe 21, Morwell 9 lt Maffra 38, Sale 23 d Bairnsdale 16, Traralgon 64 d Warragul 13, Wonthaggi 50 d Leongatha 27.

13 & Under: Drouin 24 d Moe 22, Morwell 2 lt Maffra

52, Sale 11 lt Bairnsdale 27, Traralgon 55 d Warragul 13, Wonthaggi 49 d Leongatha 17.

Ladders A Grade Leongatha ..................135.41 Sale .............................124.10 Traralgon ................... 111.15 Wonthaggi ....................97.72 Drouin .........................108.79 Maffra............................78.27 Bairnsdale ...................101.60 Morwell .........................97.87 Warragul ........................60.65 B Grade Leongatha ..................192.77 Traralgon ...................172.57 Drouin ........................135.16 Morwell ...................... 112.22 Maffra............................90.51 Wonthaggi .....................90.13 Bairnsdale .....................87.96 Sale................................77.68 Moe ...............................56.31 Warragul ........................51.08 C Grade Traralgon ...................193.25 Leongatha ..................190.83 Morwell ......................148.18 Bairnsdale ..................145.82 Drouin .........................127.85 Maffra............................91.61 Wonthaggi .....................94.85 Warragul ........................43.06

32 28 22 22 16 16 14 10 0 40 36 28 20 20 20 20 12 4 0 40 36 32 28 24 16 12 8

Go for goal: Brooke Thomas playing goal shooter for Town aims at goal, defended by Gemma Martin in goal defence for Meeniyan and District during the LDNA netball Under 15 match on Saturday.

Moe ...............................48.15 Sale................................49.08 17 & Under Traralgon ...................269.35 Sale .............................203.48 Maffra ........................209.57 Bairnsdale ..................104.75 Leongatha....................102.24 Wonthaggi ................... 116.54 Morwell .........................79.33 Drouin ...........................69.03 Moe ...............................39.72 Warragul ........................26.45 15 & Under Traralgon ...................256.89 Sale .............................235.54 Wonthaggi ..................193.33 Maffra ........................165.42 Drouin ...........................93.17 Leongatha......................69.85 Bairnsdale .....................55.89 Warragul ........................54.24 Moe ...............................55.39 Morwell .........................41.23 13 & Under Traralgon ...................413.27 Wonthaggi ..................148.46 Sale .............................249.06 Bairnsdale ..................133.33 Maffra..........................164.65 Drouin .........................103.04 Warragul ........................84.64 Moe ...............................93.87 Leongatha......................31.55 Morwell ...........................7.12

4 0 36 36 32 24 24 20 12 12 4 0 40 36 32 28 22 14 12 10 6 0 40 32 28 28 20 20 20 8 4 0

LDNA umpires June 30 11am: Maria Evison, Erin Baudinette, Julie Grant, Anita Gourlay, Helena Brew, Ashley McDonald, Sophie Clarke, Gemma Martin, Stephanie Wylie, Rebecca Wylie, Jess Foreman, Lauren Baudinette, Mariah Grant, Michelle Derrick.

12 noon: Janice Hill, Jo Duffy, Jess Bickham, Belinda Dyke, Julie Grant, Kelly Walker, Sue Ritchie, Holly Hurst, Melody Martin, Lori McKenzie, Maria Evison, Jenny Goss, Robyn Kenny.

1pm: Janice Sing, Kim Lawrence, Kate Gourlay, Kerri Bentvelzen, Brittany Tennyenhuis, Amy Egan, Anita Gourlay, Narelle Hanily, Emma Smith, Kelly Walker, Jamie Gourlay, Erin Baudinette.

2.15pm: Janice Hill, Danielle Jones, Mitch Price, Janice Sing, Phil Smith, Tanya Derrick, Anna Patterson, Barb Challis, Emalie Gordon, Kim Lawrence.

Any enquiries phone Julie Grant 5662 2695 or 0407 076 425.

Coach off: Leongatha’s Ebony Best looks for options to get past Wonthaggi’s Courtney Blair.

Leongatha & District netball Results Saturday, June 23 11/Under: Town Black 10 d St Laurence Blue 0, Mt Eccles Pink 7 d Meeniyan & District 6, Mirboo North Gold 14 d Mirboo North Purple 12, Mt Eccles White 11 d Town Tangerine 7, Mt Eccles Aqua 10 d Mt Eccles Navy 3, St Laurence Gold - bye.

13/Under: Mt Eccles Aqua 12 d Mt Eccles Pink 9, Mirboo North Purple 26 d Meeniyan & District 24, Town Green 32 d St Laurence Blue 7, Mirboo North Gold 22 d Town Tangerine 7, Town Black 3 d St Laurence Gold 1.

15/Under: Town Green 29 d Mirboo North 19, Meeniyan & District 20 d Town Tangerine 12, St Laurence Gold 22 d Mt Eccles Aqua 14, Town Black 37 d St Laurence Blue 7, Mt Eccles Pink 25 d Mt Eccles Purple 14.

17/Under / C Grade: Mirboo North 53 d St Laurence 29, Meeniyan & District Yellow forfeited Town Black, Meeniyan & District Blue 41 d Town Tangerine 28, Town Green 38 d Mt Eccles 33.

B Grade: Mt Eccles White 63 d St Laurence 26, Mt Eccles Aqua 38 d Mt Eccles Pink 26, Town Black 40 d Mt Eccles Navy 34.

A Grade: St Laurence 47 d Mt Eccles White 33, Town 56 d Mt Eccles Navy 44.

Ladders 13/Under Town Green................238.82 Mirboo North Gold ...200.00 St Laurence Blue ....... 118.89 Mirboo Nth Purple......93.13 Town Black ...................98.61 Meeniyan & Dist ......... 119.66 St Laurence Gold ..........66.25 Town Tangerine.............49.55 Mt Eccles Aqua .............39.86 Mt Eccles Pink ..............46.34 15/Under Meeniyan & Dist .......163.24 Town Black ................191.30 St Laurence Gold ......125.44 Town Green................129.41 St Laurence Blue .........124.05 Mirboo North ..............123.12 Mt Eccles Pink ..............69.00 Mt Eccles Aqua .............61.01 Town Tangerine.............62.84 Mt Eccles Purple ...........42.29 C Grade Town Black ................218.52 Mirboo North ............151.46 Town Tangerine .........125.63 Meen & Dist Blue ......122.92 Meen & Dist Yellow .....86.83 St Laurence ...................76.60 Mt Eccles ......................58.69 Town Green ...................47.31 B Grade Town ..........................197.97 Mt Eccles Navy ..........140.41 Mt Eccles White ........ 111.36 Mt Eccles Pink .............91.30 Mt Eccles Aqua .............78.18 St Laurence ...................45.00 A Grade St Laurence ................130.07 Mt Eccles Navy ............92.96 Town ...........................104.16 Mt Eccles White ..........78.95

14 13 12 10 9 8 4 4 4 2 15 13 12 10 10 10 4 4 2 0 16 12 12 8 8 4 2 2 14 14 7 6 5 1 15 9 8 0

Parrots take down Power A Grade: Leongatha 54 d Wonthaggi 42.

Awards: Nicki Eddy (Skin Therapy) and Alice Pratt (Paradise Pizza).

Auction player: Meg Rosser.

A great win girls. Nicki and Alice drove well to the ball and re-offered well and a brilliant third quarter saw us break away.

Some great rebounds from Eb and Laura who were working very well together in the ring. A convincing win, winning all four quarters.

B Grade: Leongatha 63 d Wonthaggi 32.

Award: Nicola Marriott (Sportsfirst).

Auction player: Kate Govers.

An excellent game from all players but the windy conditions prevented our ability to finish off intercepts, although the game remained consistent regardless of the weather. Good work girls, time to prepare for a big game next week.

C Grade: Leongatha 37 d Wonthaggi 26.

Award: Sandi Leask-Grylls (Evans Petroleum).

Auction player: Crista Davies.

A great win girls. All the drills at training are really paying off on game day and it’s good to see lots of talk at both ends of the court.

Great give and goes and wonderful intercepts and shooting were on display, everyone did their job and it paid

off. Let’s refocus and train hard this week and come out firing against Traralgon.

Under 17s: Leongatha 31 d Wonthaggi 30.

Award: Sammy Peterson (Nagals Pharmacy).

What a game! By the end of the first quarter we were three down and the girls were a bit disheartened but an awesome rally in the second quarter with us winning a few turnovers in a row got the girls going.

With two players out with injuries this game the remaining seven battled on, nosing in front just before the final bell.

Awesome job by all seven girls and lots of anxious moments for those on the bench.

Under 15s: Leongatha 27 lost to Wonthaggi 50.

Award: Paige Matthews (RSL).

What a great improvement on the last time we played Wonthaggi.

Possibly the worst conditions we’ve played in for the year, with three injury times due to the slippery conditions.

But we kept up with them for three quarters but Wonthaggi took it away in the last.

Under 13s: Leongatha 17 lost to Wonthaggi 49.

Award: Sara Riseley (Serafino’s).

Under freezing conditions the girls played well.

Good leads down the courts and some great intercepts are becoming part of our game now. Keep your heads up.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 59

Mid Gippsland League SENIORS LADDER Newborough ......... 230.18 36 Mirboo North ........ 197.58 32 Trafalgar ............... 176.72 32 Yinnar ................... 147.85 24 Morwell East......... 124.11 20 Hill End ..................... 96.08 20 Yall-Yall North ........ 104.71 16 Boolarra ................... 95.83 16 Thorpdale ................ 26.26 4 Yarragon ................... 36.13 0

RESERVES LADDER

Hill End ................. 220.41 Yinnar ................... 161.68 Morwell East......... 196.59 Newborough ......... 180.00 Boolarra .................. 96.66 Trafalgar ................. 145.51 Mirboo North.......... 103.65 Yall-Yall North .......... 65.79 Thorpdale ................ 34.49 Yarragon .................. 21.72

32 32 28 24 24 20 20 16 4 0

THIRDS LADDER

Newborough ......... 611.73 36 Yarragon ................ 247.04 36 Trafalgar ............... 164.58 28 Mirboo North ........ 147.19 28 Hill End ................... 79.00 20 Yinnar ...................... 98.94 16 Thorpdale ................ 51.52 16 Yall-Yall North .......... 59.57 12 Boolarra .................... 62.52 8 Morwell East ............. 23.59 0

FOURTHS LADDER

Newborough ......... 675.44 40 Yinnar ................... 400.00 36 Yarragon ............... 170.48 28 Mirboo North ........ 132.26 28 Thorpdale ............... 96.45 24 Yall-Yall North ......... 101.54 16 Trafalgar ................... 88.16 16 Hill End .................... 23.24 8 Morwell East .............. 9.01 4

Tigers win over Hillmen

By Rover

MIRBOO North defeated Hill End by 30 points in cold and wet weather at Tigerland on Saturday.

Single goals by both teams came in the first and final quarters, but the match was decided in the second and third terms, when Mirboo North kicked seven majors to Hill End’s one.

Persistent drizzle followed by steady rain on a soft surface from midway through the second quar-

ter, made precise ball handling, and holding their feet, extremely challenging for all players.

Conditions were extremely miserable for footballers, umpires and spectators alike and anyone who thought the sun may soon appear was drowning in a sea of make believe.

As a result of its hardfought win, Mirboo North climbs into second position on the Mid Gippsland ladder at the expense of Trafalgar, which narrowly lost to reigning premier, Boolarra.

Hill End remains in

SENIORS Mirboo North 9.11.65 d Hill End 3.17.35

THIRDS Mirboo North 112.5.77 d Hill End 5.8.38

Mirboo North goals: T. Traill 2, J. Nash 2, S. Busuttil 1, D. Banks 1, C. Irwin 1, A. Bence 1, P. Taylor 1.

Mirboo North best: J. Nash, J. Brooks, B. Waters, D. Turner, A. Bence, A. Keel.

Hill End goals: J. Warren 1, C. Smith 1, J. Somers 1.

Hill End best: J. Ryan, J. Warren, C. Smith, J. Somers, R. Horton, P. Town.

Mirboo North goals: M. Wightman 3, L. Smit 2, M. Hinkley 2, D. O’Keefe 1, C. Williams 1, T. Taylor 1, L. Steenbach 1, L. Joustra 1.

Mirboo North best: L. Joustra, M. Wightman, L. Smit, B. Taylor, J. Gostling, N. Gervasi.

Hill End goals: J. Fenby 1, S. Noy 1, A. Pearman 1, J. Giles 1, B. Noy 1.

Hill End best: M. Rogers, S. Byrne, J. Giles, P. Muccillo, M. Mather.

RESERVES Hill End 21.14.140 d Mirboo North 5.4.34 Hill End goals: D. Benbow 4, J. Fairfull 3, T. Oakley 3, R. Kelly 3, C. Sharpe 2, J. Dickason 2, J. Ivanic 1, T. Coad 1, D. King 1, B. Coates 1.

Hill End best: J. Fairfull, J. Dickason, T. Oakley, T. Carey, N. Boonstra, D. Benbow.

Mirboo North goals: B. Van Heurck 2, W. Haysom 1, S. Rogers 1, T. Hopcraft 1.

Mirboo North best: J. Grande, S. Rogers, W. Haysom, J. Garde, D. Lockie.

FOURTHS Mirboo North 12.11.83 d Hill End 3.2.20 Mirboo North goals: P. Hinkley 3, J. Best 2, S. Pratt 2, J. Salinger 1, J. Richards 1, C. Noy 1, C. Williams 1, T. Taylor 1.

Mirboo North best: J. Salinger, P. Hinkley, T. Taylor, M. Sanders, S. Pratt, J. Best.

Hill End goals: N. Lee 1, B. Noy 1, J. Sikacek 1.

Hill End best: B. Noy, L. Williams, N. Lee, M. O’Donnell, J. Sikacek, R. Cutler.

sixth spot behind Morwell East on percentage, with five wins from its 10 matches this season.

This was not a day for fancy footwork or overpossession of the Sherrin - heavy traffic and superb tackling quickly brought most attempts at evasive adventure undone.

Both sides had the same number of scoring shots, but the Tigers were much tidier around the goalmouth than the inaccurate Hillmen, who haven’t won at Mirboo North since 1999.

Hill End’s plight was told on the scoreboard – in anyone’s language, 3.17 is an unproductive return for lots of endeavour inside the forward 50.

However, much of the credit for Hill End’s inaccuracy must go to Mirboo North defenders, Allister and Stuart Keel, Kris Berchtold, Drew Gardener and Alex Windsor, whose desperation forced many of the Hillmen’s kicks under pressure, to go off-line.

Each team’s depth was severely tested without the services of key personnel who were missing due to injury, illness and unavailability.

An evenly-fought arm wrestle produced little footage for the highlights reel in the opening term.

Mirboo North firmed up its structures and lifted its intensity after quarter time and took a handy 12 point lead into the long break.

Bence’s Anthony swooping pick-up and left-foot check-side snap at full pace that brought up Mirboo North’s third major, was sheer class and raised a huge cheer from the faithful Tiger army.

Hill End’s two firsthalf goals came from Chris Smith and Jamie Somers, the latter after a brilliant tackle.

In the absence of Don Webb and Ben Joustra, Mirboo North youngster Joe Brooks filled the breach by jumping high and rucking magnificently in the trying conditions.

Brooks’ big-man influence and synchronisation with his onballers at the stoppages and around the ground was significant, as Jacob Nash, Brian Waters, Damien Turner and Simon Busuttil would happily attest.

The mighty Tigers stamped their authority on the contest with four unanswered third-term goals from Tim Traill, Busuttil and Jacob Nash (twice).

Nash resourcefully tackled and dispossessed Simon Fairbairn, then

cleanly gathered the footy and booted it home.

Soon after, he followed up with another off the turf to give the Tigers a 41-point advantage close to three quarter time.

With Jack Ryan, John Warren and Richard Horton attacking the contests hard, Hill End maintained a respectable work rate, but its efficiency inside its forward 50 was trending downwards, as it struggled to find specific delivery streams that worked.

The Hillmen attacked repeatedly for much of the final quarter, but there was little reward for effort on the scoreboard.

John Warren was the only successful converter as the Hillmen recorded 1.6, with most shots missing from close range.

SENIORS Boolarra 5.8.38 d Trafalgar 4.10.34 Boolarra goals: S. Boddy 1, S. Cooper 1, M. Dyer 1, S. Mazou 1, J. Dyer 1.

Boolarra best: M. Dyer, K. Towt, D. Metcalf, S. Fox, T. Salerno, T. Leys.

Trafalgar goals: D. Farrell 1, H. Farrell 1, R. Howorth-Ross 1, B. Santurini 1.

Trafalgar best: J. Hines, J. Butler, J. Bragagnolo, D. Long, W. Cheatley, B. Santurini.

RESERVES Trafalgar 12.7.79 d Boolarra 1.7.13 Trafalgar goals: H. Brock 3, R. McPherson 3, K. Hennessy 2, L. Weymouth 1, D. Vanboven 1, D. Dalgleish 1, J. Atkin 1.

Bass wins in the wet

Muddy affair: Friday’s rain meant almost every football ground in the region was more mud than grass and the Bass ground was no different.

KILCUNDA-BASS welcomed old Bass Valley rivals Inverloch-Kongwak to Bass last Saturday.

With heavy rain all week causing flooding, the Bass ground was soggy but held up well for a great game of football.

The Sea Eagles had come to play and jumped the homeside in the first quarter with run and enthusiasm, leaving the Panthers chasing them on the scoreboard by 11 points.

The second saw Bass wake up and get the ball out of the middle led by Ryan Fitzgerald and Damien Holmes from the great ruck work of Matt Hendry.

Again the Bass boys squandered a lot of opportunities in front of goal, missing easy shots but went into the half time break in front.

The second half saw tired legs from both sides from the heavy conditions and Bass starting to open up the game with Steve O’Bryan dominating out of the middle.

Steve delivered several times to forward Luke James who again missed several opportunities in front of goal, but Bass still had a handy lead going into the last.

The last was a tough contest and with the Bass lads holding off Inverloch led by the backline, Tim Smith and Bronson Interlandi to come home 30 point winners in a great team effort.

After two weeks of missed targets around goals, Bass will be looking to kick straight as they head to Toora to face the Magpies this week, while Inverloch plays Stony Creek at home.

Kilcunda-Bass 10.16.76 d Inverloch-Kongwak 7.4.46 Kilcunda-Bass goals: P. Lange 3, L. James 3, T. Smith 2, B. Eddy 1, D. Holmes 1.

Inverloch-Kongwak goals: D. Clark 2, W. Rankin 2, J. Brosnan 1, L. Oswald 1, N. Cant 1.

Kilcunda-Bass best: T. Smith, S. O’Bryan, R. Fitzgerald, D. Holmes, B. Interlandi, L. James.

Inverloch-Kongwak best: L. Rankin, T. Cannon, T. Thornby, L. Reddie, W. Rankin, D. Kilpatrick.

RESERVES

Kilcunda Bass 8.6.54 d Inverloch-Kongwak 5.2.32 Leading goalkickers: T. Hurley (K) 3, C. Allum (I) 3.

Kilcunda-Bass best: T. Hurley, L. Smith, J. Goewie, D. Interlandi, S. Crawford, B. Petrie.

Inverloch-Kongwak best: A. Churchill, M. Miller, A. Powell, T. Whelan, C. Allum, C. Spencer.

OTHER MATCHES SENIORS Yinnar 11.8.74 d Morwell East 4.10.34 Newborough 20.12.132 d Thorpdale 7.4.46 Yallourn-Yall Nth 15.13.103 d Yarragon 7.4.46 RESERVES Morwell East 6.12.48 d Yinnar 4.12.36 Newborough 24.11.155 d Thorpdale 5.3.33 Yallourn-Yall Nth 7.10.52 d Yarragon 6.10.46 THIRDS Yinnar 17.14.116 d Morwell East 2.4.16 Newborough 20.19.139 d Thorpdale 2.2.14 Yarragon 14.12.96 d Yallourn-Yall Nth 5.6.36 FOURTHS Yinnar 20.5.125 d Morwell East 0.1.1 Newborough 15.5.95 d Thorpdale 1.3.9 Yarragon 8.8.56 d YallournYall Nth 1.3.9

Trafalgar best: T. Tatterson, H. Brock, L. Weymouth, L. Williams, K. Hennessy, P. Taylor.

Boolarra goals: T. Beamish 1.

Boolarra best: J. Vuillermin, J. Elson, G. Dyer, J. Chalmers, J. Wilson, T. Beamish.

THIRDS Trafalgar 5.13.43 d Boolarra 5.8.38 Trafalgar goals: L. Faltum 2, R. Evison 1, D. Brock 1, C. Beasley 1.

Trafalgar best: B. Whelan, L. Faltum, J. McMillan, J. Smart, C. Noonan, D. Brock.

Boolarra goals: M. Wigg 2, N. Nikodemski 2, J. Dudek 1.

Boolarra best: J. Battersby, P. Thomas, N. Nikodemski, J. Dudek, J. Francis, A. Mobourne.

FOOTY DRAWS THIS WEEKEND ALBERTON Round 13 - June 30 Yarram v Foster Toora v Kil-Bass Fish Creek v Kor-Bena Tarwin v DWWWW I-K v Stony Creek Phillip Island v Dalyston MDU - bye

MID GIPPSLAND Round 11 - June 30 Boolarra v Yinnar Hill End v Newborough Morwell East v Mirboo North Thorpdale v Yallourn-Yall Nth Yarragon v Trafalgar

GIPPSLAND Round 11 - June 30 Moe v Sale Bairnsdale v Wonthaggi Leongatha v Traralgon Warragul v Morwell Maffra v Drouin

ELLINBANK Round 12 - June 30 Buln Buln v Longwarry Catani v Koo Wee Rup Cora Lynn v Lang Lang Ellinbank v Bunyip Garfield v Nyora Nar Nar Goon v Nilma-Darnum Neerim South v Warragul Ind Poowong - bye

THIRDS

Kilcunda-Bass 22.15.147 d Inverloch-Kongwak 1.2.8 Leading goalkicker: J. Dakin (K) 7.

Kilcunda-Bass best: D. Crawford, J. Dakin, T. Bone, J. Turner, J. Homer, N. Arney.

Inverloch-Kongwak best: B. Wardle, B. Fisher, N. Cairns, E. Taranto, M. Woods, T. Taylor.

FOURTHS

Inverloch-Kongwak 5.8.38 d Kilcunda Bass 0.2.2 Leading goalkicker: A. Toussaint (I) 3.

Inverloch-Kongwak best: S. Hayes, B. Best, E. Taranto, H. Wilson, A. Toussaint, C. Mckenzie.

Kilcunda-Bass best: J. Honeysett, L. May, K. Condick, A. Brown, M. Homer, R. Cousins.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Allies win over Toora AFTER 51 straight losses it was a fantastic reason to celebrate as the Allies walked off the ground victors on Saturday.

A large crowd of loyal supporters from the DWWWW camp looked on as the Allies battled it out with Toora in greasy conditions.

The Magpies kicked with the aid of a slight north westerly breeze and the first term was a real arm wrestle with the home side kicking the first and only first quarter goal via Brett Hidgcock.

The Allies used the ball better in the second and in the middle Shane Buckley and Matt Poland gave the home side several promising chances.

Dan Vardy and Brett Hidgcock shared two goals early in the second then Matt Poland snapped two goals to give the home side a commanding lead.

Toora’s first goal came mid term when they managed to break through a fairly solid defence and Nick Hussen managed a vital goal.

Some more Allies magic set up a very impressive

43 point lead, but it was just half time.

Playing with the breeze Toora changed their strategy and now short passing sideways or back held possession of the ball.

For the term the visitors scored three goals to nil and the Allies camp started to get nervous.

With a three goal lead at three quarter time the home side had to kick a couple of early goals and put the issue beyond doubt.

Great play in the middle by Scott Kilgower, Shane Buckley and Matt Poland enabled the Allies to run the ball over half forward and when Gerald Riley marked in the pocket right on the boundary his kick would make or break the game.

His goal gave the home side a run on, however great defensive work by Scammell and Dyson kept the scoring rate down.

On the siren Dan Vardy fired it through to see the team record a timely win by 15 points.

Allies president Phil Vicino described his feelings as a bit surreal as the siren sounded.

“It took a few minutes for it to sink in,” he said.

The crowd poured on to the ground and into the rooms to be with the players as they belted out their club song.

“The atmosphere in the players’ rooms and social rooms afterwards was fantastic, with the Toora players and officials joining in the celebration which was great,” Mr Vicino said.

“We knew it was a winnable game but our form in recent weeks, to be honest had not been that good and on paper Toora seemed to be improving. We were

DWWWW 10.10.70 Toora & District 8.7.55 DWWWW Goals: D. Vardy 3, B. Hidgcock 2, M. Poland 2, M. O’Sullivan 1, B. Vardy 1, G. Riley 1 Toora & District Goals: M. Glowrey 2, J. Maurilli-Pullin 2, K. Sparkes 1, N. Stone-Hussen 1, M. Roberts 1, A. Green 1 DWWWW Best: S. Buckley, P. Griffiths, B. Hidgcock, M. Poland, D. Vardy, G. Riley Toora & District Best: A. Green, T. Allott, P. Grant, M. Glowrey, L. Dyson, D. Parkinson RESERVES

DWWWW 7.12.54 Toora & District 3.7.25 Leading Goalkickers: K. Rendell 2, M. Blake 2 (D), G. Jones 2 (T) DWWWW Best: C. Faulkner, T. Hunter, J. Pike, C. Turner, D. Quigley, M. Blake Toora & District Best: R. East, D.

quietly confident but hesitant at the same time.

“We were well up at half time, but I knew Toora would come back at us and they did and in the finish it was a real nailbiter,” he said.

Winning ways: Allies’ Ben Vardy takes a strong mark during the emotion-charged clash with Toora on Saturday. Vardy’s teammate Brett Hidgcock backs up. Photo courtesy Mal Heywood.

Garlick, B. Stone, H. Hanratty, L. Grylls, C. Johnston THIRDS

Toora & District 10.6.66 DWWWW 5.5.35 Leading Goalkicker: B. Doran (T) 5 Toora & District Best: B. Doran, M. Edwards, C. Hanratty, A. Vening, S. Bishop, K. Holmes DWWWW Best: D. McKeane, M. McKeane, J. Pintus, S. Gamlin, R. Benis, K. Skarratt FOURTHS

Toora & District 14.10.94 DWWWW 3.0.18 Leading Goalkicker: M. Edwards (T) 4 Toora & District Best: B. East, P. Doran, S. Argento, M. Edwards, B. Willder, C. James DWWWW Best: J. Vening, K. Hanning, S. Hunter, J. Saliakos, C. Weston, B. Askew

Foster stays in the mix FOSTER signalled that they’re in the mix to claim another premiership after they disposed of another finals aspirant Dalyston on Saturday by 46 points.

Big tackle: Brad Hutchinson recovers the loose ball after Jack Moore brings down Rory Hillis in a strong trackle. Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning@www.fourcornersframing.biz

Demons stifle the Lions’ roar YARRAM was the better team in their game against Stony Creek on the weekend, beating the home side 9.4.58 to 5.5.35.

The ground was in good condition despite the

heavy rain that fell late in the week.

“The ground was in super good condition, which was a pleasant surprise,” Bill Pratt said.

“How well it played on Saturday was great considering how it looked on

Yarram 9.4.58 Stony Creek 5.5.35

Verboon, K. Hoekstra THIRDS

Yarram Goals: C. Sutherland 3, R. Coulthard 2, B. Lynch 2, A. Pavey 1, C. Bruns 1 Stony Creek Goals: J. Hughes 1, B. Langley 1, C. Langley 1, R. Harmes 1, J. Schelling 1 Yarram Best: C. Pettitt, S. Rendell, J. Moore, T. Davis, D. Rash, B. Lynch Stony Creek Best: J. Hughes, M. Linke, R. Harmes, C. Langley, B. Bowman, J. Schelling RESERVES

Stony Creek 8.13.61 Yarram 2.2.14

Yarram 7.10.52 Stony Creek 3.3.21 Leading Goalkicker: D. Coulthard (Y) 3 Yarram Best: J. Northey, N. Lees, A. Sheedy, M. Emery, D. Borgia, D. Coulthard Stony Creek Best: M. Dyer, P. birrell, R. McKnight, D. Grigg, W.

Leading Goalkickers: S. Wilson 2, T. Stone 2, B. Savage 2 (S) Stony Creek Best: T. Stone, j. zuidema, H. Stuart, S. Wilson, J. Monaghan, B. Savage Yarram Best: A. Holt, B. Davis, D. Hay, C. Barlow, L. Rodaughan, D. Chaiphon FOURTHS

Yarram 8.9.57 Stony Creek 0.0.0 Leading Goalkickers: J. McDonald 2, B. Tatnell 2 (Y) Yarram Best: D. Hooper, T. Chisholm, W. Bodman, B. Tatnell, J. McDonald, L. Farley Stony Creek Best: k. newton, L. Harrington, M. Darmanin, T. Francis, Z. Fiddelaers, T. Sinclair

Friday. It probably had no real effect on the game.

“The ground was heavy, which did make it difficult to run around, but the windy conditions probably had more of an impact.

“We had plenty of the football, but we couldn’t convert the possession to the score board.

“We probably had just as many inside 50s as the Yarram side.”

While the Stony Creek side was less reliant on their top players than they have been, Jack Hughes still put on an impressive performance, kicking one goal one for the match.

At quarter time, the scores were fairly even; however Yarram had their nose just in front, leading 19 to 14.

Stony Creek was struggling to maintain pos-

session and could not get the points on the board, managing just one goal to Yarram’s four in the second quarter. Yarram went into the half time break 25 points up.

The third quarter was a bit of a non-event, with Yarram only adding one point, while Stony did manage to break through defence for a goal.

“There were no real highlights during the match.

We are the third and fourth bottom teams on the ladder and the game showed that,” Mr Pratt said.

Stony Creek is failing to have the season that they were hoping to have and look unlikely to make the finals this year.

Yarram will be at home to Foster in round 13, while Stony Creek will come up against Inverloch-Kongwak.

Foster has done most things right since an underdone Tigers outfit lost the opening round to Kilcunda-Bass. They’ve been the only team not to have lost to Fish Creek and have displayed great ability with a new look team in 2012.

With one of their key players Shem Hawking still to come back into the team, Foster certainly has what it takes.

The opening quarter saw Dalyston come out firing, booting the opening four goals to stun Foster. Pimm was providing good options for Dalyston as the Magpies relished the heavy going at Foster with their bigger bodies.

The Tigers were forced into action and booted several goals late in the term; it was Dalyston up 4.4 to Foster’s 4.1.

With a six goal to one second term, Foster really started to hit their straps.

Callan Van Dyke was superb in the backline for the Tiges after coming back from a concussion injury. Fos-

ter’s assistant Brad Rooney chalked up lots of possessions while on-ballers Jack Weston and Darren Granger were equally as damaging.

In the third term Foster and Dalyston slugged it out in a fairly even contest with Foster inaccurate in front of the sticks. At the last change Foster led 13.11 to Dalyston’s 8.7.

It was hard to see Foster coughing up the win here, the Tigers booting three to one last quarter goals.

Deklan Kelly, Paul Brosnan and Dale Brown were racking up possessions for Dalyston while the dangerous Steve Pimm booted four goals despite being well held

by Foster’s Michael Eales.

Foster coach Dean Duursma travels to Yarram this Saturday, to a club he formerly coached.

With Yarram celebrating a huge 125th player and supporter reunion this Saturday, Foster will step into a real danger game, with the Demons desperate to win with a strong side expected.

For Dalyston the next two games will define their season; with must wins against Phillip Island at the Island followed by another test, hosting MDU.

Foster 16.15.111 Dalyston 9.11.65

Dalyston 14.10.94 Foster 3.6.24

Foster Goals: D. Waser 4, S. Andrews 3, D. Granger 2, B. Rooney 2, M. Green 1, D. Roose 1, B. Angwin 1, N. Grylls 1, C. VanDyke 1 Dalyston Goals: S. Pimm 4, B. Carew 2, J. Brooker 2, K. Schrape 1 Foster Best: C. VanDyke, B. Rooney, J. Weston, S. Andrews, D. Granger, M. Eales Dalyston Best: D. Kelly, P. Brosnan, D. Brown, P. Dunlop, D. Wylie, P. McKenna RESERVES

Leading Goalkicker: L. Wilkinson (D) 5 Dalyston Best: M. Grech, A. Donohue, J. Everitt, W. Luke, D. Pruysers, R. Abrahamson Foster Best: W. Davy, R. Johnston, E. Davies, J. Bright, S. Davies, A. Heal THIRDS

Dalyston 5.11.41 Foster 5.3.33 Leading Goalkickers: N. Bainbridge 2, H. Wright 2 (D)

Dalyston Best: H. Wright, N. Bainbridge, J. Ray-Angarane, M. Ware, J. Legione, C. Green Foster Best: J. Moore, M. Green, A. O’Sullivan, R. Campisi, S. Chaseling, S. Dobson FOURTHS

Dalyston 13.5.83 Foster 4.3.27 Leading Goalkicker: O. Bates (D) 3 Dalyston Best: C. Magro, J. Wilson, A. Busana, J. McPhee, L. Marotta, C. Collins Foster Best: J. Coffey, T. Hamilton, H. Griggs, E. Smith, K. Bohn, A. Turner

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 61

MDU goes down in mud FISH Creek ventured down to Meeniyan on Saturday to take on the Demons.

SENIORS LADDER W L D

Fish Creek..... 10 0 1 Kil-Bass ....... 9 2 0 Foster .......... 7 3 1 Phillip Island . 7 4 0 Tarwin ......... 6 4 0 Inv-K’wak...... 6 5 0 Dalyston .......... 6 4 0 Kor-Bena ......... 6 5 0 MDU................ 5 6 0 Yarram ............ 4 7 0 Stony Creek..... 2 8 0 DWWWW ........ 0 10 0 Toora ............... 0 11 0

%

Pts

187.04 42 167.65 36 119.63 30 129.96 28 144.74 2 4 131.09 2 4 123.39 2 4 118.14 24 109.67 20 87.58 16 85.26 8 35.66 4 24.08 0

GOALKICKERS L. James (Kil-Bass) ............ (3) 56 S. Pimm (Dalyston)............ (4) 43 C. Maskell (Kor-Bena) ........ (3) 38 C. Sutherland(Yarram) ....... (3) 36 S. Sperling (Fish Creek) .... (1) 32 A. Russell (Tarwin) ............. (0) 29 L. Oswald (Inv-K’Wak) ....... (1) 29 J. Wells (Kil-Bass).............. (0) 26 L. McMillan (Stony Creek) . (0) 25 J. Cann (Tarwin) .................. (3) 24

LADDER W L D

%

692.12 555.05 315.46 135.29 168.43 209.72 59.61 62.07 40.37 33.09 95.38 31.70 18.77

Pts

44 40 36 32 28 24 20 12 12 12 8 8 4

GOALKICKERS L. Wilkinson (Dalyston)...... (5) 40 K. Taylor (Phillip Island) ...... (0) 23 S. McRae (Tarwin) .............. (0) 22 B. Vague (Kil-Bass) ............. (1) 21 A. Guymer(Tarwin) ............. (0) 21 R. Provan(Kor-Bena) ........... (1) 20 D. McKean (DWWWW) ...... (1) 18 T. Sorrell (Kor-Bena) ........... (0) 18 T. Cole (Phillip Island) ........ (0) 15 J. Jackson (Inv-K’Wak) ...... (0) 15

UNDER 18 LADDER W LD

%

Pts

Kil-Bass ........ 10 1 0 428.88 40 Kor-Bena ....... 10 1 0 409.02 40 MDU............. 9 2 0 176.58 36 Phillip Island .. 8 3 0 351.34 32 Dalyston ........ 8 2 0 241.32 3 2 Toora ............ 8 3 0 103.55 32 Fish Creek .........6 5 0 151.69 24 Yarram ..............3 8 0 38.03 12 DWWWW ..........3 8 0 29.79 12 Foster ................2 9 0 46.83 8 Stony Creek.......2 8 0 41.74 8 Inv-K’wak ..........1 10 0 33.33 4 Tarwin ...............0 10 0 17.95 0 GOALKICKERS J. Dakin (Kil-Bass) ............. (7) 36 M. Edwards (Kor-Bena) ...... (2) 33 B. Doran (Toora) ................ (5) 28 J. Buckland (Fish Creek) .... (1) 24 J. Krohn (MDU).................. (0) 24 T. Davey (Dalyston) ............. (0) 24 A. Officer (Phillip Island) .... (0) 23 B. Dorling (Kor-Bena)......... (0) 22 J. McMillan (MDU) ............. (1) 21 K. Salama (Kil-Bass) .......... (3) 21

UNDER 15 LADDER WL D

Fish Creek 18.19.127 M.D.U. 10.9.69 Fish Creek Goals: J. Shaw 4, J. Law 4, J. Staley 2, C. Park 2, B. Cooper 1, D. Jago 1, T. Manne 1, S. Sperling 1, J. Rouda 1, A. Ireland 1 M.D.U. Goals: C. Hutcheson 2, D. Adkins 2, T. TOHIARIKI 2, T. Findlay 1, M. Trotman 1, N. Johnson 1, T. Wightman 1 Fish Creek Best: C. Park, J. Law, A. Seccull, J. Shaw, G. Hoskin, J. Rouda M.D.U. Best: J. Sinclair, T. Wightman, B. Thomas (Jnr), S. Peters, N. Johnson, C. Hutcheson RESERVES

M.D.U. 7.7.49 Fish Creek 7.4.46

RESERVES

Kor-Bena ..... 11 0 0 Phillip Island 10 1 0 Dalyston ...... 9 1 0 MDU........... 8 3 0 Kil-Bass ...... 7 4 0 Tarwin ........ 6 4 0 DWWWW ....... 5 6 0 Fish Creek ...... 3 8 0 Yarram ........... 3 8 0 Stony Creek.... 3 7 0 Inv-K’wak ....... 2 9 0 Foster ............. 2 9 0 Toora... ........... 1 10 0

MDU was without their coach for the match, as he was on the other side of the world getting married.

Fish Creek was also missing a couple of key players in Blencowe, Bilney and Angwin.

The game got under

%

Pts

Fish Creek.... 11 0 0 860.71 44 Phillip Is...... 10 1 0 331.75 40 Yarram ........ 9 2 0 154.15 36 Kor-Bena ..... 7 3 1 389.50 30 Dalyston ...... 7 2 1 306.67 30 Inv-K’wak..... 6 5 0 182.95 24 Foster ............. 6 5 0 172.62 24 Kil-Bass.......... 5 6 0 84.35 20 MDU............... 3 8 0 20.85 12 Tarwin ............ 2 8 0 30.83 8 Toora .............. 2 9 0 28.19 8 Stony-Creek ... 1 9 0 12.73 4 DWWWW ....... 1 10 0 11.14 4 GOALKICKERS G. Staley (Fish Creek)......... (3) 30 A. Edwards (Phillip Island) . (2) 25 M. Homer (Kil-Bass) .......... (0) 24 B. Harfield/Park (F CK) ....... (1) 24 O. Toussaint (Inv-K’Wak) ... (0) 23 J. McDonald (Yarram) ......... (2) 21 G. Park (F CK) .................... (2) 20 M. Jones (Foster) ............... (0) 19 B. Rogers (F CK) ................ (4) 19 Ty Hamilton (Foster) .......... (1) 18

Leading Goalkickers: M. White 2, M. Winderlich 2 (M), A. Bright 2 (F) M.D.U. Best: M. Jones, T. Trotman, B. Heppell, R. Livingstone, P. Harris, B. Arnup

way and it was Fishy, as it has been so often this year, who was out of the blocks early.

The Roos scored the first goal to the little genius Cal Park, whose pace and explosiveness is difficult for opponents to contend with.

Ireland on Tohiariki in the middle was a good battle but it was Fish Creek’s Rouda who had the ball

Fish Creek Best: P. Mueller, A. Bright, M. Francis, P. Rees, C. Bawden, D. Devonshire THIRDS

M.D.U. 5.11.41 Fish Creek 3.4.22 Leading Goalkickers: All singles M.D.U. Best: R. Olden, L. Findlay, J. Broadway, N. Moore, J. Winderlich, A. Hill Fish Creek Best: D. Mulholland, Z. Redpath, L. O’Neill, D. Britton, T. McGannon, T. Smith FOURTHS

Fish Creek 16.11.107 M.D.U. 3.0.18 Leading Goalkickers: B. Rogers (F) 4 Fish Creek Best: B. Stefani, D. Walker, O. Straw, J. Clifton, C. Hengstberger M.D.U. Best: Z. Barnard, M. Newton, B. Pickersgill, A. Campbell, B. Thorson, G. Cole

on a string early, winning a bag of possessions and clearances.

Fish Creek lost centre half forward Hooker to a hamstring injury 10 minutes in and shortly thereafter MDU had their first goal on the board from a 50 metre penalty.

Fishy then put together a nice little burst that resulted in three goals to Shaw, Manne and the lively Sam Sperling. Meeniyan players however weren’t about to lie down and two of the last three goals of the quarter had the margin back to 14 points at the first break.

The first goal of the second quarter went to Adkins from MDU and the margin was back to single digits.

Fish Creek got right on top of their opponents late in the quarter with four unanswered goals going into half time giving the Kangas a healthy 37 point lead at the long break.

Immediately after half time Meeniyan were dealt

Lost it: Sam Sperling does enough to make MDU’s Nick Pye lose the ball during Saturday’s match. a big blow with the loss of Adkins, who had been lively up forward, with a groin injury.

Demon youngster Sinclair, Wightman and captain Johnson were solid for

the MDU but again it was the Kangaroos that controlled the quarter, extending the margin out to 53 points at the final break.

The final quarter was fairly uneventful; Fish

Creek prevailed and took home the win.

The Kangaroos are at home to Korumburra-Bena next week while MDU has the bye and will look forward to a rest.

‘Burra are top Bulldogs KORUMBURRABENA pushed through in muddy conditions to come up by a point against Phillip Island.

With earthquakes and floods during the week the teams knew they were going to be facing some tough conditions, and the Korumburra showground didn’t disappoint on that front.

The home side started well with the wind and three goals early in the quarter.

Island had the wind in UNDER 13 LADDER W L D

%

Pts

312.88 260.93 122.17 133.71 91.46 60.36 41.29 16.64

34 32 28 22 18 12 4 2

GOALKICKERS Z. Caughey(Inv-K’wak ) ...... (4) B. Best (Inv-K’wak) ............ (0) J. Dunn (Leon Jnr ) ............ (3) B. Rogers (Cnr Inlet ) ......... (1) Z. Van Delft (Leon Jnr) ....... (0) K. Reid(Inv-K’wak) ............. (1) M.McGannon (Cnr Inlet) .... (2) B. Patterson (Kor-Bena) ..... (1) C. McKenzie (In K’wak) ...... (1) Ty Scarce (Won Power) ..... (2)

28 16 15 15 14 13 13 13 12 12

Corner Inlet .. 8 0 Inv-K’wak..... 8 2 L’gatha Jnr ... 7 3 Won ........... 5 2 Dalyston ...... 4 5 Kor-Bena ..... 3 7 Phillip Is ......... 1 9 Kil-Bass.......... 0 8

1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1

the second and knew they needed to capitalise, but Korumburra-Bena kicked a goal early in the second to stretch their lead.

With the ground conditions getting worse the Island hit back with two goals mid way through the quarter to keep in touch.

The rest of the quarter played out with neither side managing to grab the advantage.

The home side were up by 16 at half time.

The Island knew they were still in the match and just had to get it done on the scoreboard. Damian Hinkley was the one to bring home the bacon with a goal in the first minute of the third.

An even third quarter had Korumburra-Bena holding their lead and they sat in front by 17 at three quarter time.

The last quarter was like a game of rugby; it was a constant scrum with a kick every couple of minutes.

Hinkley was again a standout for the Island, kicking two in the last but that wasn’t enough.

The Korumburra-Bena Korumburra-Bena 9.6.60 Phillip Island 8.11.59 Korumburra-Bena Goals: C. Maskell 3, A. Hillberg 2, W. Jeffs 1, S. Paterson 1, S. Edwards 1, B. Fitzpatrick 1 Phillip Island Goals: D. Hinkley 3, M. Wright 2, S. Riordan 1, L. Cleeland 1, C. Stevic 1 Korumburra-Bena Best: J. Gilroy, A. Snooks, B. Fitzpatrick, A. Hillberg, J. Smith, C. Maskell Phillip Island Best: M. Wright, J. Youle, A. Durand, L. Cleeland, D. Hinkley, S. Riordan RESERVES

Korumburra-Bena 3.10.28 Phillip Island 0.5.5 Leading Goalkickers: D. Muir 1, R. Provan 1, D. Myors 1 (K) Korumburra-Bena Best: D. Robbins, J. Caporale, D. Myors, N. Auddino, C. Kyle, D. Muir Phillip Island Best: M. Lewry, B.

%

Pts

442.74 333.87 230.94 117.62 290.65 14.05 22.84 9.81

36 34 32 24 20 8 6 0

GOALKICKERS N. Anderson (Won) ............ (1) L. Gheller (Dalyston) .......... (3) J. Hume (Leon Jnr) .......... (2) C. McInnes(Inv-K’ak) ....... (2) L. O’Neill (Leon Jnr) ........... (1) J. Hutchinson (Inv-K’wak).. (3) R. Angwin (Cnr Inlet) ......... (3) J. Henry (Won) .................. (0) B. Mitchell (Cnr Inlet) ......... (3) Z. Reid (Inv-K’Wak)............ (1) J. Thornell (Cnr Inlet) ......... (0)

21 15 11 11 11 9 9 8 8 8 8

02 11 20 40 42 72 81 10 0

Korumburra-Bena 5.14.44 Phillip Island 2.8.20 Leading Goalkicker: M. Edwards (K) 2 Korumburra-Bena Best: J. Harris, A. O’Neill, T. Wyatt, D. Hateley, A. Harrison, L. Auddino Phillip Island Best: A. Redmond, A. Cook, E. Richards, T. Sandbach, J. Wilson-Browne, M. Francis FOURTHS

Phillip Island 4.3.27 Korumburra-Bena 3.8.26 Leading Goalkicker: A. Edwards (P) 2 Phillip Island Best: R. Marshall, J. Taylor, L. Arnold, B. Redmond, D. Wilson-Browne, J. Sanna Korumburra-Bena Best: J. Ellams, K. Cosson, T. Jenkin, S. Anderson, C. Trewin, J. Rigby

UNDER 10 W L D

Trafalgar....... 9 Youth Club .... 7 Leongatha ..... 6 New Reds ..... 5 Moe Maroons.. 5 Mor Tigers ...... 5 Yinnar ............. 5 Moe Blues ....... 4 Mirboo North .. 3 Hill & Rovers ... 2 New Blues ....... 1 Yallourn Nth .... 0

0 1 2 3 4 4 4 4 6 7 8 9

0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

%

835.71 316.33 308.62 202.94 124.39 118.11 100.00 137.27 59.09 76.87 29.92 2.81

Pts

36 30 26 22 20 20 20 18 12 8 4 0

UNDER 12 W L D

Trafalgar....... 8 New Blues..... 8 Leongatha ..... 7 New Reds ..... 7 Youth Club .... 6 Mirboo North... 6 Yinnar ............. 4 Moe Maroons.. 3 Moe Blues ....... 2 Hill & Rovers ... 2 Yallourn Nth .... 1 Mor Tigers ...... 0

1 1 2 2 3 3 5 6 7 7 8 9

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

W L D

Leongatha ..... 9 Mirboo North.. 9 Youth Club .... 7 Moe Maroons.. 6 Moe Blues..... 5 New Blues ....... 5 Yinnar ............. 4 New Reds........ 3 Trafalgar .......... 3 Mor Tigers ...... 2 Hill & Rovers ... 1 Yallourn Nth .... 0

LADDER W LD

Hamilton, P. Seidel, S. Gheller, H. Harrison, A. Kalis THIRDS

CGJFL ladders

%

501.27 372.07 515.12 494.87 164.65 157.07 70.00 53.68 35.82 22.64 20.92 7.36

Pts

32 32 28 28 24 24 16 12 8 8 4 0

UNDER 14

UNDER 11 Inv-K’wak...... 8 L’gatha Jnr .... 8 Won ............ 8 Dalyston ....... 6 Corner Inlet ... 4 Kil-Bass ....... 1 Phillip Is .......... 1 Kor-Bena ......... 0

defence was too strong for the Island as all 36 packed the Island forward 50 in the dying minutes.

As the final siren sounded the scoreboard showed that KorumburraBena were the top dogs and left Phillip Island licking their wounds.

Tight one: Korumburra-Bena’s Aaron Hillberg puts one on the boot during their one point win.

0 0 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

%

338.15 256.17 180.94 140.48 153.23 107.75 116.72 70.23 61.68 41.19 36.00 22.22

Pts

36 36 28 24 20 20 16 12 12 8 4 0

CGJFL UNDER 10 Leongatha 0.4.4 d Moe Blues 0.1.1 Best: R. Patterson, A. Van Hamond, A. Law, R. Kemp, J. Wright, D. Hume.

UNDER 12 Leongatha 8.7.65 d Moe Blues 1.2.8 Goals: B. Kewming 2, M. Hoober, R. Lindsay, J. Stockdale, J. Hastings, J. Lamers, M. McGannon.

Best: M. Hoober, D. Clark, B. Bacon, M. Scrimshaw, O. Schnoor, S. McGannon.

UNDER 14 Leongatha 9.5.59 d Moe Blues 6.5.41 Goals: R. Riseley 2, N. Matsoukas 2, Z. Cox 2, O. Maclean 1, J. Van Der Kolk 1, M. Minogue 1.

Best: L. Nunn, A. Argento, K. Cooper, L. Riseley, T. McFarlane, Z. Cox.

AJFL UNDER 11 Leongatha 8.10.58 d Kilcunda-Bass 0.0.0 Goals: J. Hume 2, L. Stothart 2, M. Bentvelzen, T. Boler, L. O’Neill, J. Wilson.

Best: W. Littlejohn, B. Martin, P. McKeown, S. Murphy, K. Skinner, K. Casbolt.

UNDER 13 Leongatha 11.15.81 d Kilcunda-Bass 0.0.0 Goals: J. Dunn 3, D. Ginnane 2, T. Westaway 2, T. Bernaldo, N. Battersby, C. Tuckett, N. Trotto.

Best: N. Battersby, D. Ginnane, J. Boler, J. Ball, C. Alexander, J. Dunn.

PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Parrots redeem against Power PARROTS displayed class and depth in a game marred by serious injury against Wonthaggi at the weekend.

There is always plenty of passion and respect when these two neighbours meet on the sporting field and this match proved to be no different.

Leongatha were missing

Col Sanbrook, Will Thursfield, David Gourdis, Mick Otto, Luke Castagna and Jason Kennedy to injury.

Filling their positions in the Senior side were Paddy Kindellan, Nick Phelan, Ricky O’Loughlin, Jess Hickey and Paul LePage.

Power came out strong in the first five minutes of the game when Dom O’Connor kicked the first goal for the match.

Leongatha’s Tas Clin-

gan really brought his game and displayed hard physical tackles, along with Paddy Kindellan.

Power were controlling the game early, making the Parrots work really hard and earn the ball.

Beau Vernon made some great centre clearances and stepped up as captain for the Parrots with Col Sanbrook on the side line.

Jake Best marked a pearler on Bryon Dryden,

Finding the gap: Paddy Kindellan dodges his Power opponents and heads for a run during Saturday’s match. Photo by Mark Drury.

Lifted off: Leongatha’s Beau Vernon was taken from the ground by ambulance and later flown to Melbourne by air ambulance after a heavy knock.

who was making him work hard for the ball, but Best showed his class, kicking his first for the game.

Rhett McLennan and Ricky O’Loughlin put up some great defence in Power’s forward line and displayed hard tackles on the Wonthaggi players.

In the last five minutes of the quarter Dwayne Holt banged through his first goal of the match and then got another quick one set up by Tas Clingan, with the Parrots going into the quarter time break 10 points in front of Wonthaggi.

It was a low scoring affair, but the Parrots were really showing their class with better ball disposal and confidence in their running game, whilst Wonthaggi had trouble scoring, Leongatha seemed to do it easily.

Leongatha’s accuracy up forward continued into the second quarter and they were playing the big Wonthaggi ground well, using their pace to run the ball forward down the wing.

Lucas White scored an early goal for Power and Dom O’Connor took another strong mark and converted it to a goal.

Paddy Kindellan was standing up strong with great talk in the centre. Chris Verboon set up for goal but missed, but Leongatha was able to keep it in their forward line when Jake Best weaved his magic, kicking a goal.

With great direction by Tas Clingan, Dylan Westaway took a great mark to set up Jake Best for his third.

Power was struggling to get it down their end in the last five minutes of the quarter against Leongatha’s great defensive pressure and team work.

At half time, the score was in Leongatha’s favour, at 49 to 24.

Less than five minutes into the third quarter, Leongatha key player Beau Vernon was knocked out by a heavy hit.

The game was stopped

while the young player was taken from the field.

After a long delay and discussions between the umpires and the two clubs, it was decided to play on and the action began again.

The Parrots came out strong for Beau, having a lot of the play in their forward line, but the Power refused to back down and kicked two quick goals.

This effort from Power caused the Parrots to switch on a man up while very passionate supporters were really getting into the game, which added character to the play.

With only 13 points between the sides at three quarter time, the game was building to an exciting finish.

Wonthaggi got back into the game early, but Leongatha piled on some more goals and took the game out of Power’s reach.

The final score was Leongatha, 10.5.65 to Wonthaggi, 6.8.44.

It was a victory full of character for the Parrots who were able to steady and manage in a challenging situation. For Wonthaggi it was a game that could have been won, but they just fell short.

Leongatha plays Traralgon next week at home,

while Wonthaggi takes the long journey to Bairnsdale.

The Leongatha Football Club and their supporters’ thoughts are with Beau Vernon and his family.

Vernon out EARLY in the third quarter of the Parrots clash against Wonthaggi at the weekend, key Leongatha centre Beau Vernon was knocked out after a hard tackle.

“He copped a bump from the left and then another from the right,” Parrots clubman Matt Grylls said.

“It was a hard physical contest, but I wouldn’t call it a dirty hit.

“The trainers did an exceptional job and worked extremely hard in trying conditions. They all did a really good job of managing the situation.”

Beau was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital following the incident; however his current condition is unknown.

“He is still in hospital, but we are not going to know anything substantial for at least 24 to 48 hours.

We haven’t had a direct answer from the doctor.

“His parents are overseas and are currently making their way back.

“The whole club has

SENIORS Leongatha 10.5.65 d Wonthaggi 6.8.44

UNDER 18 Wonthaggi 7.10.52 d Leongatha 4.5.29

Leongatha goals: J. Best 3, C. Verboon 2, D. Holt 2, B. Vernon 2, T. Clingan 1.

Leongatha best: C. Verboon, T. Clingan, C. Stone, R. Kelly, P. Kindellan, J. Stone.

Wonthaggi goals: D. O’Connor 2, A. Guilmartin 1, J. Blair 1, L. White 1, N. Bell 1.

Wonthaggi best: L. White, P. Young, D. Domaille, B. Dryden, A. Guilmartin, D. O’Connor.

Wonthaggi goals: T. Huther 2, P. Ryan 2, A. Ferreria-Neto 2, J. Waters 1.

Wonthaggi best: J. Fletcher, A. Murray, B. Graham, X. Phyland, L. Gennacarro.

Leongatha goals: M. Dennison 3, J. Burge 1.

Leongatha best: W. McCaughan, J. Burge, M. Dennison, T. Goss, B. Vanrooy, A. Taranto.

RESERVES Wonthaggi 4.10.34 d Leongatha 5.1.31 Wonthaggi goals: R. Tack 2, A. Winter 1, K. McCarthy 1.

Wonthaggi best: K. McCarthy, G. Coyne, L. Jones, M. Coyne, A. Blundell.

Leongatha goals: W. Curtis 2, M. Lafferty 2, M. Comben 1.

Leongatha best: S. Vagg, J. Renden, N. Eddy, D. Langstaff, M. Comben, W. Curtis.

UNDER 16 Leongatha 10.10.70 d Wonthaggi 4.4.28 Leongatha goals: B. Smith 2, D. Tuckett 1, J. Ginnane 1, M. Olden 1, J. Riseley 1, N. Argento 1, L. Wright 1, K. Materia 1, J. Nagel 1 Leongatha best: D. Tuckett, B. Moscript, M. Olden, B. Petersen, J. Riseley, C. Casey.

Wonthaggi goals: T. Huther 2, T. Tack 1, J. Van Zanen 1.

Wonthaggi best: T. Huther, J. Graham, T. Tack, C. Waters, J. Guerin, C. Gilmour.

Parrot girls’ season flying high OTHER MATCHES SENIORS Drouin 11.12.78 d Moe 8.11.59 Traralgon 18.18.126 d Warragul 9.14.68 Morwell 14.12.96 d Maffra 12.8.80 Sale 29.18.192 d Bairnsdale 2.4.16 RESERVES Drouin 11.15.81 d Moe 2.2.14 Traralgon 9.9.63 d Warragul 3.4.22 Maffra 10.13.73 d Morwell 6.5.41 UNDER 18 Drouin 16.18.114 d Moe 0.0.0 Warragul 8.3.51 d Traralgon 5.10.40 Morwell 11.10.76 d Maffra 6.8.44 Bairnsdale 8.6.54 d Sale 7.7.49 UNDER 16 Drouin 9.13.67 d Moe 5.5.35 Traralgon 17.14.116 d Warragul 1.1.7 Maffra 8.15.63 d Morwell 7.4.46 Sale 12.12.84 d Bairnsdale 8.3.51

L E O N G AT H A’ S footballers have had a remarkable start to the season but it is important to note the success of the netballers.

A, B and C Grade teams all sit atop of their respective ladders and the girls are in high spirits as the second half of the season begins.

A Grade are travelling very well despite a Round 6 loss to Drouin while C Grade have shown they’re the team to beat after only losing to Traralgon in Round 2.

B Grade are the most successful out of the three, undefeated at this point of the season.

A Grade coach Ebony Best is really happy with the effort put in by all the girls

“We’re all pretty happy with where we are at the moment,” she said.

“We are certainly still taking it just one step at a time at this stage.

“It is hard not to think about the future though.”

Best said that the games are always tight no matter who they face up against.

“In A Grade it’s a really

tight competition but the skill and commitment that the girls show is what gets us over the line,” she said.

“It’s a testament to the girls that we can get going

thrown their support behind him and we are very keen to see him get better. We have also got messages of hope from all of the other sides in the league.”

in the last quarter and push right through to the end.”

Picking sides was hard this year for the coaches, with many of the girls being at an A Grade standard, according to Best.

“It is a great group of girls and there is lots of skill,” she said.

“The club is in a great position at the moment with success on the footy field and the court, which is fantastic.”

Strong side: (front) Leongatha Parrots Netball coaches Mel Hughes (B Grade), Ebony Best (A Grade) and Brook Brown (C Grade) are more than pleased with the efforts of the girls so far this season.

ROUND 10 SENIORS LADDER W L D

%

Sale ............9 1 0 289.97 Leongatha .....9 1 0 186.01 Maffra..........6 4 0 118.16 Traralgon ......5 5 0 106.12 Morwell .......5 5 0 90.26 Won Power .....4 6 0 92.17 Drouin .............4 6 0 78.96 Moe.................3 7 0 71.90 Bairnsdale .......3 7 0 59.04 Warragul .........2 8 0 67.72 GOALKICKERS M. Ferguson (Sale) ............ (7) J. Best (Leongatha) ............ (3) D. Holt (Leongatha)............ (2) D. McKenna (Traralgon) ..... (4) B. Hughes (Warragul) ........ (0) D. Bedggood (Maffra) ........ (2) A. Burgiel (Maffra) ............. (1) K. Fraser (Sale) .................. (6) D. Hutchison (Morwell) ...... (7) J. Gibbs (Bairnsdale).......... (0) D. Stubbe (Maffra) ............. (1)

Pts

36 36 24 20 20 16 16 12 12 8 53 44 37 36 35 28 26 24 22 21 21

RESERVES LADDER W L D

Leongatha ....8 Maffra.........6 Won Power ...5 Drouin ........5 Sale ...........5 Morwell ..........5 Traralgon ........3 Warragul ........1 Moe................1

1 3 3 3 3 4 6 8 8

0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

%

Pts

258.45 168.84 131.04 85.57 176.73 103.34 85.93 43.01 31.14

32 24 22 22 20 20 12 4 4

GOALKICKERS N. Fowler (Sale) ................. (0) M. Davies (Leongatha) ....... (0) J. Pellicano (Leongatha) .... (0) A. Winter (Won Power) ...... (1) R. Tack (Won Power) ......... (2) A. Caile (Morwell) .............. (0) K. O’Dwyer (Sale) ............... (0) R. Todd (Won Power) ........ (0) A. Slottje (Traralgon) .......... (0) Steven Jnr Tobin (Mor) ...... (2)

22 21 19 17 16 13 12 12 12 11

UNDER 18 LADDER W L D

%

Bairnsdale . 10 0 0 341.79 Traralgon .....8 2 0 255.39 Warragul .....8 2 0 196.77 Won Power ...6 4 0 166.59 Sale ...........5 5 0 191.20 Maffra ............4 6 0 95.32 Morwell ..........4 6 0 64.24 Leongatha ......3 7 0 56.97 Drouin ............2 8 0 54.13 Moe................0 10 0 4.07 GOALKICKERS R. Buttner (Warragul)......... (0) P. Ryan (Won Power) ......... (2) N. Campbell (Sale) ............. (1) J. Brown (Warragul)........... (3) J. Weatherley (Maffra) ....... (0) A. Saunders (Bairnsdale) ... (4) B. Mitchell (Bairnsdale) ...... (1) D. Hayes (Bairnsdale) ........ (1) E. Johnson (Sale) ............... (0) T. Huther (Won Power) ...... (2) B. Davidson (Leongatha).... (0)

Pts

40 32 32 24 20 16 16 12 8 0 32 22 20 20 19 17 16 15 15 15 15

UNDER 16 LADDER W L D

%

Pts

Sale ......... 10 0 0 513.11 Traralgon .....9 1 0 589.44 Maffra.........8 2 0 260.42 Bairnsdale ...5 5 0 157.40 Drouin ........4 5 1 75.89 Leongatha ......4 5 1 58.94 Morwell ..........4 6 0 66.61 Moe................4 6 0 52.19 Warragul ........1 9 0 47.19 Won Power ...0 10 0 9.63 GOALKICKERS

40 36 32 20 18 18 16 16 4 0

B. Connelly (Maffra) ........... (1) N. Dennison (Bairnsdale) ... (0) L. Ronchi (Sale) ................. (1) B. McCarrey (Bairnsdale) ... (2) J. Jans (Sale) ..................... (2) N. Holmes (Sale) ................ (1) H. Britten (Traralgon) ......... (1) B. Duve (Traralgon) ............ (2) B. Regan (Maffra) .............. (1) C. Driffield (Maffra) ............ (0) B. Walker (Sale) ................. (0)

30 27 25 22 17 16 15 14 14 14 14

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - PAGE 63

PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

McDonald sidelined

By Jacob de Kunder WONATHAGGI Power playing coach Leigh McDonald is unlikely to join his team on the field again this season according to doctors.

After two concussions already this season doctors have advised the coach to stick to the bench.

Thanks to the club’s connection with the Collingwood Football Club McDonald has been consulting with the AFL club’s doctor regarding the issue.

Keen eye: McDonald looks on at the weekend’s game with the Parrots from the coaches box.

“The doctors and neurosurgeon have informed me that I should never be playing football again,” he said.

McDonald said that is hard news to take.

“At the moment it’s sort of hard to take ruling out playing football ever again,” he said.

“But for the position we’re (the club) in at the moment I’m not thinking about that.

“All I’m thinking about is how I can control our game and how we can improve as a football club, and what comes at the end of the year comes at the end of the year.

“If we are to play some good football and possibly finals I’d like to think that I wouldn’t be ruling playing out.”

The midfielder has undergone extensive testing so far including sight, balance, reaction and memory tests as well as MRIs and a CT scan.

“My tests are ongoing at the moment and will be for another two or three weeks,” McDonald said.

“I’m not ruling out ever playing again but for the moment it’s not really an option until all my tests are done.”

This situation is not unfamiliar to McDonald after being told he couldn’t play after a serious head in-

jury in 2004.

“I was told in 2004 not to play for a while after I had a big hit while with Coburg in the VFL and I missed the rest of that season because I had a bleed on the brain,” he said.

“Back then I was a bit younger and didn’t have kids and stuff so I sort of played, but there are more risks involved this time and I’ve got to be a little bit smarter about it now because of my wife and two kids.”

The Power coach said it was a shock but being sidelined has helped him concentrate on his coaching.

“Being the coach I’ve got to be doing all I can to worry about them now rather than me scone,” McDonald said.

“I can now put all of my energy in to coaching, making sure that our structures are right and that I can do that from the bench.

“When I’m playing, realistically in the game I don’t have any involvement in the coaching, I palm it off, but now I’ve got a hands-on approach and I’m enjoying it.”

The Power went down to Leongatha over the weekend but are looking to redeem themselves against Bairnsdale this Saturday.

Addressing the troops: Wonthaggi Power playing coach Leigh McDonald is concentrating on his coaching role now that he is sidelined indefinitely due to an injury.