The Great Southern Star - Octboer 20, 2009

Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland

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

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The Great Southern

Star

INSIDE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009 Page 4

The bell tolls

--

Real Estate Page 29

PUBLISHED TUESDAY 64 PAGES Back page

Nick’s triumph

WATER everywhere, including near the rail trail bridge at Meeniyan, had South Gippsland Water managing director Steve Evans celebrating full reservoirs across the region.

It bodes well for a summer free of tough water restrictions.

Leongatha received 72.6mm of rain last week and the South Gippsland Highway (far left) was flooded at Ruby.

Turn to page 3 for all the wet news.

“Loose cannon”

Council warned of abusive tactics of C48 “watchdog”

By Bert van Bedaf

CONTROVERSIAL planning agitator Paul Richardson has been labelled a “loose cannon”, with a history of personal attacks and confrontational behaviour.

The self-styled C48 Community Watchdog founder has been fighting against planning amendments imposed on South Gippsland Shire Coun-

cil by State Planning Minister Justin Madden last May. The amendment bans dwellings being built on properties in the farming zone of less than 40ha, causing hardship to many landowners.

A former City of Casey councillor, Mr Richardson employs highly personalised and confrontational tactics, which appear to be part of his pattern of conduct.

He has been described as a “loose cannon” by

at least one former Casey colleague, who expressed major concerns over Mr Richardson’s behaviour.

The Star contacted Mr Richardson to inform him of the article.

“I did expect to make enemies, and I did. Some councillors did the dirty on me,” Mr Richardson said.

“But I’ve got a following behind me and I’m not going to let councillors off the hook.

I’ve stuck my neck out and I’m out there to

fight this to the finish.”

Mr Richardson was a well-known agitator as a councillor until 2008, when he lost re-election in November on preferences.

Although he may have ceased communications with Casey, “it appears he is now targeting South Gippsland Council instead,” Casey councillor Sam Aziz observed.

Continued on page 9.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR�, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

A legacy to be proud of A SINGLE thread has been woven through the 100s of meetings, decisions and problems solved in the 60 years of South Gippsland Legacy.

Bill White, a past group president said this as he reected on the history of South Gippsland Legacy during its diamond anniversary celebrations at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on Sunday.

Mr White said that single thread came in the person of retired Korumburra solicitor, Bill Ross. “The history of South Gippsland is a history of Bill’s Legacy service,� said Mr White. “Bill will always be remembered for his cool head in debate and loyalty to the cause.�

Unfortunately, that “cool head� deserted the good gentleman the day before the celebrations; Bill had a fall where he lives in care at Cowes and was not up to attending on Sunday.

In his stead, his daughter Jane was presented with a beautifully crafted 60 years of service certiďŹ cate, which she promised to hang on his wall.

Melbourne Legacy liaison ofďŹ cer Bill Rogers, gave the certiďŹ cate to Jane, saying such longevity of service was rare.

Past Melbourne Legacy liaison ofďŹ cer Geoff Swan, said Bill Ross “gave everything to Legacyâ€?.

He complimented the South Gippsland Group on its lack of formality and its camaraderie.

Responding on her father’s behalf, Jane reected his history as a reputable after-dinner speaker, by saying something in French, something in Latin and drawing laughter with the telling of a tale.

The latter was taken from a speech Bill gave to the Rotary Club of Korumburra, of which he is also the sole surviving foundation member.

It recalled the early 1950s, when the threat of a communist uprising in Australia was being seriously regarded.

A group within the Rotary Club was formed “to defend hearth and home�.

It consisted of Bill Birch in command, Bill Ross as staff ofďŹ cer and Ralph Hurst as transport ofďŹ cer “which was eminently suitable because he

ran the school bus�.

Bill said at the time that he couldn’t recall how the defenders were going to operate. “But the mind boggles at the thought of a dozen or so respectable Rotarians heading off in the school bus towards Wonthaggi, armed to the teeth with a couple of .22s, a shotgun or two and a Japanese sword!�

Mr White, who described the South Gippsland group as “the bestâ€?, also paid tribute to Tom and Sue Loughridge of Loch. Tom has been group president three times, Sue once. She has been secretary for many years and was in full ight at the 60th anniversary, ensuring proceedings owed and ageing Legatees were sure of foot on their way up the stairs to the ceremonies on the stage.

Sue and current group president Brian Arnold, cut a large anniversary cake iced in the Legacy colours of blue and white.

Up to 250 attended the anniversary lunch ahead of a Legacy widows’ outing to the Wonthaggi Cinema.

Council’s code of mistakes

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Group president Brian Arnold is on the right.

SOUTH Gippsland shire councillors recently approved a code of conduct document that is effectively incorrect.

Its deďŹ ciencies came to light during a brieďŹ ng session last Wednesday, when councillors discovered several ambiguities and mistakes in the document.

Councillors Mimmie Jackson and Jennie Deane in particular were unhappy with several sections of the code.

This was surprising in Cr Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case, because she was one of the councillors who approved the code during the October 7 council meeting in Mirboo North. Cr Deane was an apology for that meeting.

Sections as â&#x20AC;&#x153;access to and use of council informationâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;relationship with staffâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;dispute resolutionâ&#x20AC;?, were questioned.

In the case of a dispute resolution, â&#x20AC;&#x153;where councillors are unable to resolve interpersonal conďŹ&#x201A;icts that adversely affect the operation of the councilâ&#x20AC;?, a mediator must be appointed â&#x20AC;&#x153;within (insert appropriate number) daysâ&#x20AC;?.

In the rush to meet the State Government deadline, council had failed to insert its desired number.

Mayor Jim Fawcett said the code of conduct was a legislative requirement and a â&#x20AC;&#x153;generic documentâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to reinvent the wheel.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We adopted the document and will be making changes in the next six months. I think that was the practical way of getting through the issue,â&#x20AC;? Cr Fawcett said.

Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governance ofďŹ cer David Roche, said the deadline for submitting the document was November 19.

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in rain

THE torrential rains last Wednesday may have claimed the life of a 68-year-old Frankston man, found dead in a water course on his hobby farm near Korumburra.

Korumburra police Sergeant Clive Smith said the 68-year-old man had gone out on Wednesday afternoon to clear a ďŹ&#x201A;ooded drain on his property on the Korumburra-Warragul Road.

Sgt Smith said the man left home at around 1.30pm to check on the drain. When he had not returned after more than three hours his wife went looking for him and found him deceased in the drain at around 4.45pm.

She alerted a neighbour, who helped her remove the body, and then called the police. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He went out to clear the drain and assist the water ďŹ&#x201A;ow,â&#x20AC;? Sgt Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He may have pulled a couple of logs out of the drain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure of the cause of death. A post-mortem will be held. It appears he may have slipped and fell into the fast-running water. With the huge amount of water coming down it may have been difďŹ cult for him to get out and as a result he may have drowned.â&#x20AC;?

Another option could be that the man suffered a heart attack as a consequence of his exertion.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 3

Water rises: Darren Hardacre (left) and Marcus Tyler were watching with interest as a creek became a river near Ruby. Water also lapped up very close to the top of the railway line.

The big wet

By JJane R B Ross RIVERS, creeks and paddocks flooded and motorists negotiated roads under inches of water as heavy rain fell across South Gippsland.

Cricket pitches were so saturated, the game was cancelled throughout the district.

The South Gippsland Highway at Ruby and Bass Highway between Leongatha and Inverloch and Inverloch and Wonthaggi, were under water.

Screw Creek flooded the Bass Highway, an event so out of the ordinary in recent years, no one could quite remember when it last occurred.

The Powlett River flooded the Dalyston flats and water was still in neighbouring paddocks yesterday.

Long time Fish Creek farmer Neville Buckland, said he thinks we’ve had the wettest three months since 1996.

He said his paddocks were so sodden last week he couldn’t do anything on the tractor.

“I stayed inside by the fire and did some paper work.”

Graham Rowe of Leongatha, said he hadn’t been on his tractor for a week either.

Mr Buckland’s tip is that it will rain on and off until Christmas.

He said Fish Creek had had 60mm in the past week.

“It’s a tremendous spring.”

That, according to farm consultant John Mulvany, depends where you live.

Farmers on red F d soil il ffacing i north thh westt would ld be saying “this is absolutely fantastic”, while those on the grey soil flats “will be tearing their hair out”.

“Silage will be difficult to get off, but on the positive side, the ground is wet enough for growth well into November.”

Mr Mulvany said results of the rain would flatten the milk production curve.

Margery Robson of Ruby, told The Star she had tipped 93mm out of her rain gauge between October 12 and 17 inclusive. On the 15th alone, there had been 39.5mm.

She described the flooding of the South Gippsland Highway at Ruby as “amazing”.

Leongatha weather recorder Kay Puru, said 30mm fell last Wednesday and 27.4mm the next day, making a week’s total of 72.6mm. So far in October, there has been 102.1mm and the year-to-date tally is 636mm.

Meeniyan had 22.5mm last Wednesday and 27.4mm the following day, giving an October total so far of 82.5mm.

South Gippsland Water managing director Steve Evans, said all storages were at full capacity and river systems flowing strongly.

“The region is in very good shape for the coming summer.”

The flooding could well be the harbinger of changing weather patterns.

The floods aren’t significant yet, but that could change if we get heavy falls in November, because the ground is sodden.

Andrew Chapman of Inverloch, an engineer and conservationist, said in his experience in South Gippsland, the biggest rains

i November.

N b come in He has spent years predicting floods by researching records of both flooding and meteorological events.

“The floods we’ve been seeing might be a 10 or 20 year recurrence,” he said.

The 1970s were very wet in South Gippsland and flooding was commonplace.

Andrew said the last major South Gippsland flood that he could recall was in November 1979, when the town of Tarwin was isolated for more than a week.

Ayr Creek, which runs past his home, has had “a huge amount of water” going through it in the past week.

“It seems like we might be returning to wetter weather,” he mused.

To the surprise of controller Tony Lindhard, the Leongatha State Emergency Service didn’t have any flood call outs.

“There was one minor call about some tarps loose on a building in Korumburra, but that was all.

“People must have taken care of things themselves.”

It was a different story for South Gippsland Shire crews during the week. They attended to 27 drains, three landslips, six incidents of flooding, five road washes, 13 problematic trees and 12 incidents of VicRoads flooding.

Communications officer Jeannie Hicks said, “Our main concern will be the state of the roads after the water damage and how quickly it will dry out, thus making grading less effective.”

Rain slows projects

By Jane Ross RAIN has delayed building projects across South Gippsland.

Concreters have been hardest hit.

Considine and Johnston’s Tony Smith, said the past week had seen delays with the pouring of concrete slabs.

“The concreters are busy playing catch up this week.”

He said the strong winds about four weeks ago also played havoc with building works, but the Leongatha’s firm’s two big projects, the new Alberton and Toora primary schools, were all but finished.

Excavation works at the desalination plant site

in Wonthaggi, were halted on Wednesday because of the weather. AquaSure community and public relations manager John Ridley, said the delay was “brief”.

Associated road construction on Lower Powlett Road and the nearby White Road Special Charge Scheme have been set back for a number of weeks because of the rain. Bass Coast Council is funding the $12 million desalination plant access road works and will be reimbursed by the State Government. Council, business owners and the State are paying for the $3.855 million special charge scheme which includes resurfacing Bass Highway.

Construction of the new $7.4 million GippsTAFE facility at Leon-

gatha, is now about two weeks behind.

Campus manager David Bruce, said our wet September had already delayed construction and this month’s rain has exacerbated that.

Mr Bruce said builders were all set to pour concrete last Tuesday, but couldn’t.

“I can see concrete trucks now, so they’re on to it!” he declared yesterday.

The new Leongatha Primary School hasn’t started yet, but principal Rob Higgins said that was more to do with the paperwork than the weather.

Kay Puru who manages Leongatha’s Apex Caravan Park and records the town’s rainfall, is ruing the big wet.

“It hasn’t helped

our renovations!” she declared.

The ablutions block at the park has been gutted and is being completely renovated. Rain has delayed the project by two weeks. Considine and Johnston has the contract.

“They’re trying to make it up, it’s a hive of activity now.”

The renovations will be completed in time for the summer.

Wonthaggi North Primary School’s Federal Stimulus Package development hasn’t started yet, but the seeding of the school’s new oval has been put back because of the weather.

Part of the bush adjoining the school has been cleared to create a new oval.

Work has been under-

way for several months, but grass hasn’t been planted because of all the rain.

The new oval is necessary because the school was built to cater for 200 pupils and there are now more than 350.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Leaving school: Don Patterson, Chris Clements and Judy Ife are all retiring after long stints at Korumburra Secondary College.

School’s out

By Chris Brown

CHRIS Clements has spent his entire teaching career at Korumburra Secondary College.

Since 1973 he’s fronted classrooms full of students, teaching accounting, legal studies and information technology most recently.

Now after 36 years and about 3500 students Chris is retiring.

“I can remember when the first computer came into the school and we had a Canadian maths teacher and it was his baby,” he said.

“It was wheeled out on a little trolley into the classroom and we’d sit

back and wonder at it and we ended up getting 13 computers for a room and that was amazing.”

Chris has seen plenty of other changes, including the closure of tech schools, a more questioning attitude from students and increased regulation.

“There was a lot more freedom in the past to do things. For example, we used to have an activities program with trail bike riding, skateboarding and gliding,” he said.

“None of those things can happen now.

“There’s a lot of paperwork and a lot of frustration in having to jump through hoops to get something done.”

Chris had been raised

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in Melbourne, but wanted to try country life after graduating from teacher’s college.

He planned to teach for three years and then find another job.

“Well, I haven’t moved on,” he said.

“I have to say I’m not looking forward to moving on either; not looking forward to retirement.

“Kids keep you young and there are a lot of positive relationships with kids. I’ll miss that.”

Career highlights include carrying the Commonwealth Games torch in 2006 and last year’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The fire that burnt down the school’s administrative wing in 1993 was a notable event.

“To some extent it was like a fire going through the forest with the regeneration that follows, and it was the same here,” Chris said.

“All the teachers lost everything and they had to start again…I think it regenerated the place.”

When Chris first arrived at the college nearly every teacher lived in Korumburra.

“Now four or five teachers live in Korumburra and the rest mainly live at Inverloch or Leongatha,” he said.

Don Patterson is also retiring.

He arrived at Korumburra secondary in 1985, following six and a half years in Botswana.

Don specialised in physics and maths, but in recent years has helped teachers use computers more effectively through the Catalyst program.

“I find team teaching to be a really effective and

rewarding way of teaching; to work with another professional and see how they do stuff,” he said.

Next year Don will teach at a university in north-west China.

“I guess it comes out of my commitment as a follower of Jesus to try to help people less able,” he said.

For Don, seeing students who have no chance of succeeding because of their background is a lowlight.

“It’s really wonderful to see kids who might not have been going many places turn around and it’s really heartbreaking to see kids trying really hard and not succeeding,” he said.

“I can think of two boys who in Year 7 were naughty as, but they were really bright and it was wonderful to see them turn around.

“They never lost their playful spark, but they successfully moderated that and did extraordinarily well.”

When Don came to South Gippsland most of his Year 12 physics class were children of farmers.

In 2009 very few of them are.

“We tend to get a lot of children who come for a short time and move on, whereas in those days the kids would come in Year 7 and largely stay through until Year 12,” Don said.

When Judy Ife started teaching at Korumburra in 1987 students could still use stanley knives and guillotines in the art room.

She will retire at the end of this year as well, after being on long service leave.

Using hot wax for art classes is another thing of

the past.

“We used to do this thing called batik and we put the wax on to heat before a class and it got a little bit hot and it was smoldering and fortunately we got to it before anything burnt down,” Judy said.

“After that it was the end of batik, but it was a shame because it was a great lesson.”

Judy said computers have allowed students who can’t draw to produce really fantastic work with a camera or manipulation.

She can still remember the talented students, like a girl who made amazing wire sculptures, or another student who created interesting collages.

“Sometimes a Year 12 might give me a piece of work and that’s really precious to have,” she said.

“I can’t bear to throw out the really good stuff and if they don’t want it I keep it.”

Judy said she noticed the friendliness of the school when she first arrived.

“I think I’ve been really lucky being able to teach in a small country school,” Judy said.

“When I first started I was the main art teacher, so you got to know every child who went through the school, which is good.”

Korumburra Secondary College will hold a retirement function for the three teachers at the performing arts centre on Friday, December 4 at 5pm.

Community members are welcome to attend and should call the college on 5655 1566.

It will cost $20 for drinks and finger food.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 5

Hub no kinder threat

By Brad Lester A CHILDREN’S services hub mooted for Foster would not threaten the viability of kindergartens at Fish Creek, Toora and Welshpool.

That was the message delivered by South Gippsland Shire Council’s acting director of corporate and community services, Jodie Pitkin, at a community meeting in Foster last week.

More than 50 people heard that promise at a community consultation session, including representatives of the preschools concerned for the future of their facilities when the hub opens.

But Ms Pitkin said the new hub would offer a kindergarten to service Foster families only.

“The hub will work with the existing kinders to ensure the viability of these facilities into the future,” she said.

“We will work with the successful agency that will run the hub to ensure all of the children of Corner Inlet are getting the best services possible.”

The Corner Inlet Children’s Hub will open in Foster by the end of next year. The hub must be completed by December 2010 to meet government funding criteria.

“It’s certainly a challenge but we are confident that we can deliver,” Ms Pitkin said.

The hub will feature long day care, kindergarten, maternal and child health, allied health and outreach services for the Corner Inlet community.

“We are still working with the State and Commonwealth governments to secure funding and we won’t be able to do that until we have identified the land and have submitted a proposal to the Commonwealth Government,” Ms Pitkin said.

“We are confident that we will be able to receive funding based on a pre-election promise by the current government to bring day care services into the Corner Inlet area.”

Council and the Corner Inlet Children’s Hub Reference Group are working to prepare a concept plan and

finalise a site for the hub that would be close to schools, have parking, and be available and affordable.

Possible sites are: part of the council works depot, including the former maternal and child health building and kindergarten; the scout hall site and adjoining vacant land; behind the community house; and vacant land in Hoddle Road.

“We need a site that has the capacity to start the project as quickly as possible because of the timeline we have to meet,” Ms Pitkin said.

The hub will provide for up to 50 long day care and kindergarten places, and would most likely provide for more kindergarten places than currently offered in Foster. At least 3000

square metres would be needed for the building.

Questions from the public were answered at the session, as people offered input into the look and feel of the venue.

“We had a really good community mix, with lots of mums and professional people, including kindergarten teachers and primary school teachers,” Ms Pitkin said.

The meeting was also attended by councillors Mohya Davies and Jeanette Harding, and council’s acting family services manager Shelley Fixter and engineering manager Tony Price.

Get your motor running HUNDREDS of motorcycles roared through South Gippland last week to and from the Phillip Island Grand Prix.

The Barry Sheene Ride came through town on Thursday afternoon, thankfully missing the worst of the weather from the day before.

The leisurely ride was the seventh tribute trip for legendary 500cc world champion Barry Sheene, who died in 2003 from cancer at age 52.

More riders came through South Gippsland towns throughout the week, with many making a far faster departure after a cold and wet weekend on the island.

Some making a shortcut through the back-blocks of Meeniyan and Buffalo were caught at a crossing of the Tarwin River and forced to back-track to a drier route.

Right: Weird and wonderful: this three-wheeler caught much attention during the Barry Sheene ride.

Far right: In formation: the riders rode two abreast through Leongatha on Thursday.

Landowners asked to list hardship AT ITS council meeting of October 7, 2009, South Gippsland Shire Council voted to identify circumstances of individuals who have been unduly affected by Planning Minister Justin Madden’s Amendment C48.

South Gippsland is now exploring the possibility of obtaining concessions from the Minister similar to those recently offered to Mildura (under its C38 Amendment) and is calling for landowners facing extreme hardship to make their circumstances known to council.

Since its decision to continue pursuing the matter with the Minister, council has written to all parties that have had a permit refused as a result of Amendment C48, encouraging affected landowners to advise council of their circumstances.

While the criteria used in Mildura are seen as a starting point, it has been acknowledged that the circumstances in South Gippsland are different and may warrant different considerations “We remain open at this point as to the final criteria that council will put to the Minister,” said South Gippsland Shire Mayor James Fawcett.

“This is why we are asking parties to inform us of any hardship circumstances that they think are relevant.”

The Mildura exemptions were based on a number of criteria including, building contracts entered into prior to May 29, 2009; contracts of sale of land for rural residential purposes entered into prior to May 29, 2009; and applications for a first home buyer grant that required a building contract to be entered into by September 30, 2009, where an applicant can demonstrate significant financial commitment to the construction of a dwelling.

Birch Ross & Barlow

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

NATIVE plants and flowers took centre stage on the weekend, with many visitors enjoying the show in the Exhibition Shed at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve.

Getting close: Brianna Newton, of Koonwarra, got close to the waratah, wattles and grevilleas that were on show.

Presented by the South Gippsland Group of the Australian Plants Society, the show had a great variety of plants and flowers, including waratahs, wattles and roses.

Show co-ordinator Carol Hughes said the event was in its 22nd year and going strong. This was the third year it was held in the shed.

All plants were for sale. The show also included a book sale and art exhibition.

Flower show: Members of the APS South Gippsland group Pat Emms, of Loch, and Carol Hughes, of Koonwarra, were both involved in organising the native flower show and plant sale.

Like roses: Jenny Cope, of Waratah North, checked out the Isopogon Formosus, commonly known as rose cone flowers.

Pressure point IN an attempt to improve infrastructure at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital, a new health action group is to be formed.

The decision was made at a special combined meeting of the Leongatha Progress Association and the Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry last Thursday, October 15.

The motion asks for the groups to call a public meeting “to form a Leongatha Memorial Hospital Redevelopment Action Group.”

A meeting date is yet to be advertised.

In a separate motion the group is also seeking the help of the South Gippsland Shire Council to push the State Government for the release of the sub-regional health plan relating to health delivery in the sub-region.

“We know we have a problem, we just need to know how to manage it. But we’re not here to wave a red flag,” president of the LPA, Michael Flynn said.

Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett was at the meeting and said whatever is done by the new group needs to be done “in concert with the hospital board.

“It should be positive and supportive. With negotiation you will get a better outcome, so the new group has to go about it the right way.”

Cr Fawcett said the community should take comfort that “the hospital board has a contingency to cover any shortcomings in hospital infrastructure in the short term.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 7

Venus crash A MOTOR bike accident at Venus Bay on Sunday morning was one of few incidents marring this year’s grand prix at Phillip Island.

New format: Leongatha Art and Crafts Society president Pat Dale (right) and exhibition coordinator Margaret McPherson said a new retail exhibition format may be introduced at the Leongatha Gallery next year.

New format for gallery

By Bert van Bedaf THE Leongatha Gallery is likely to change its exhibition format next year.

The charter of the Leongatha Art and Crafts Society, which operates the crafts shop and art gallery space, has a clause requiring it to hold regular exhibitions, but solo or joint displays are proving to be less popular these days than in previous years.

Recent feedback has indicated that a significant number of artists would like to see a change, which would see the schedule of monthly exhibitions scrapped and a more commercial retail approach put in its place.

Margaret McPherson and society president Pat Dale are presently sharing the role of the gallery’s exhibition coordinator and are in favour of the change.

“A number of people did not like the exhibition-style atmosphere, when the gallery is given to one of two artists to exhibit,” Mrs McPherson said.

“We’re looking at running the gallery along similar lines as the Art Gallery of Inverloch. We believe this will be a good option. It hasn’t been officially decided, but it has been discussed.

The Inverloch gallery, which opened on April 4 this year, sells works from a variety of artists, including paintings, sculpture, jewellery and photographs.

As items are being sold, other pieces are coming in and the owners can rotate their display regularly to ensure there is always something new for visitors to see (and buy).

Sales are healthy, going by their “bragging pole”, which shows a steadily

growing number of red stickers.

A LACS foundation member, Mrs Dale will remain president until March 2011 to give the new concept the best chance of succeeding.

“I’m going to give it my best shot.

There will be changes made to the display area and we’ll create more hanging space. We need to pull our weight to make the gallery survive,” Mrs Dale said.

The society will put the large display cabinet up for sale and the counter may be moved away from the rear of the gallery towards the entrance.

A distinct advantage of the new format will be that a greater variety of original art and craft works will be on regular display and available for sale.

So far, the new format will be offered to society members only. Also, artists who volunteer may be offered an incentive. Volunteer artists may be charged only 15 per cent commission on sales of their work, while artists who do not volunteer will be charged 25 per cent commission.

When Mrs McPherson steps down from the exhibition role in March, a transition will be sought to put the new format in place.

“Someone will need to take ownership of it (new format). But we believe it will be something that is worth trying. It will enable us to show a greater variety of work and create more interest,” Mrs McPherson said.

“We know it says in the charter that we need to hold exhibitions, but that was 30 years ago. We need to get more people involved and move to a new format.”

For volunteer or membership inquiries, call the gallery on 5662 5174.

Police say that at 9.45am, an orange Suzuki GSX-R was travelling east on Evergreen Road.

A 29-year-old man from Leichhardt was riding, with a 26-year-old woman a pillion passenger. She was from Croydon, New South Wales.

For reasons that are unclear, the bike left the road after failing to negotiate a bend.

The rider slid about 30 metres into a drain and his passenger slid into a steel sign post. She was flown to the Alfred Hospital with life threatening injuries but is now in a stable condition. The rider suffered minor injuries.

District Police Inspector Brian Curley, said traffic flowed well throughout the grand prix weekend, with the exception of Sunday at the track. It was, he said, a little slower than usual because some of the designated car park areas were not accessible because they were too wet.

Two other motor cyclists were injured last Wednesday on their way to the grand prix.

Wet weather is believed to have

contributed to their crash which occurred at 4pm on Mirboo South Road, Mirboo. Two motor cycles travelling south were negotiating a left hand bend when one slipped and skidded under a truck coming from the opposite direction.

The second rider was knocked from his motor cycle and also slid under the truck. One of the riders suffered serious leg, arm and body injuries and was conveyed to The Alfred Hospital. Both were from Queensland.

District Police Inspector, Licensing Inspector and Grand Prix Venue Commander Brian Curley, said two men from New South Wales have been charged with making and using false documents after trying to gain access to a corporate area of the grand prix using counterfeit credentials.

Inspector Curley said staff were suspicious and reported the matter.

The men have been bailed to appear in the magistrate’s court at a later date.

Three motor bikes were also stolen over the weekend, one from the track itself, the others from Cowes.

Senior Sergeant Trevor Vondrasek of Wonthaggi Police was in charge of public safety in Cowes.

He said that had gone “absolute-

ly brilliantly”.

“The crowds were well behaved.”

There were three arrests in the Cowes township and one at the track. Two penalty notices were issued for drinking liquor in the streets, one for underage drinking.

There was one .05 charge.

Meanwhile, the South Gippsland Highway on the Leongatha side of Coal Creek Korumburra, was closed for some time early on Thursday afternoon while diesel was cleared off the road. A truck’s diesel tank was spiked by a sign, leaking a few hundred litres onto the highway. Korumburra Police attended.

A 21-year-old Leongatha man will be summonsed to answer charges including exceeding .05, unlicenced driving and driving an unregistered vehicle. He was intercepted in the early hours of Saturday morning in the Leongatha North area. Leongatha Police said his blood alcohol reading was more than twice the legal limit.

They are investigating a number of other matters including graffiti on a house in Begg Street and a car being “keyed” while in a service station car park.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Preparing for fire

By Chris Brown THE rain last week seemed to keep people away from a CFA/South Gippsland Shire Council bushfire preparedness display in Leongatha.

Despite a slow start, interest in the stand, which included fire preparation equipment and tree clearing modelling, was consistent according to community safety presenter Robin Rankin.

She said many questions related to the new township protection plans and neighbourhood safety places.

“A lot of people are taking things very seriously,” Ms Rankin said.

“A lot of people are saying we have a fire plan, but do they have fire plans B and C? “You may not have a couple of days notice.

You might wake up and have a fire.”

People from at risk towns along the coast were also wondering where they should evacuate to on fire danger days, with Leongatha one suggestion.

People from across the region have already cut down trees and cleared vegetation under the State Government’s 10/30 rules.

A meeting at Koonwarra on Thursday about bushfires attracted 28 people.

Following that meeting there will be a workshop at the CFA station in the town for residents to develop their own bushfire plans with expert support.

South Gippsland Shire Council municipal recovery manager Linda Jamieson said the assessment of locations for neighbourhood safety places would begin on Monday (yesterday).

“We will start to look at the four towns identified in the high risk areas: Venus Bay, Walkerville, Waratah Bay and Sandy Point,” she said.

Ms Jamieson has been working to deal with the aftermath of the Mirboo North fires in the last few months.

“I guess we’ve seen a spike in people needing some emotional support,” she said.

“Initially people were stoic and they felt they could get on with it, but they have hit the wall in the six to eight month period.

“We’re still just helping people with issues in terms of fencing and making sure everyone has accessed all the grants they can.”

A fire-related expo will be held in Mirboo North on October 31 in conjunction with the market.

It will feature CFA, Centrelink and equipment suppliers as well as kid’s entertainment.

There are fire preparation meetings in communities across South Gippsland. See www. cfa.vic.gov.au for details.

Providing information: Gippsland CFA community safety manager Mark Potter, municipal recovery manager Linda Jamieson, community safety presenters Robin Rankin and Danielle O’Loughlin and brigade safety officer Jodi Butler in Leongatha last week.

Liquor review not enough

By Brad Lester REVISED liquor licence fees will do little to help country hotels, Korumburra publican Doug White said.

The State Government last week announced it had refined its risk-based liquor licence fee structure, designed to charge higher fees at venues where violence is an issue.

But Mr White said the changes would be of little benefit to country hotels.

“The government needs to look at individual venues that are a risk, otherwise they’re not addressing the issues. It’s just a money grab,” he said.

“I see where the government is going with this but they have not really spoken to the country pubs.”

Mr White will close his hotel at 1am once the new fees come into effect, to avoid paying a high licence fee.

“All that will do is cause a rush because we will have to kick everyone out at 1am. When we were open to 3am, we could stop the music at 1am and people would trickle out,” he said.

“We will not be too bad because we have the courtesy bus but with pubs that don’t offer this service, having everyone leave at once is when they will get a few issues.”

Under the final fee structure: • venues with a patron capacity below 200 will not pay a risk fee; • venues open until 1am will not pay a risk fee; • venues with function centres closing at 1am will be able to apply to the director of liquor licensing to have their function room capacity excluded from their total patron numbers, to reduce the cost of their fee; and • sexually explicit entertainment venues will pay about $30,000.

Gippsland South MLA Peter Ryan said the revised laws did not go far enough to acknowledge the unfair burden a new fee hike would place on country pubs and clubs.

“The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition agrees with the need to tackle alcohol-related violence in ‘riskier’ licensed venues but it completely disagrees with Labor’s one-size-fits-all approach to liquor licensing,” he said.

“Labor today made some concessions but the revised fee structure has been poorly thought through.

There are still a number of country pubs that will be unfairly penalised under the new fee structure.”

Mr Ryan said country Victoria had voiced its opposition to the outrageous fee hike and encouraged country communities to continue to take the fight to Parliament.

Internet users are invited to sign an online petition to make the State Government change to a fairer fee structure.

“The Opposition will present the e-petitions to John Brumby to show him that his government’s liquor licensing fee system is unfair and inequitable,” Mr Ryan said.

Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said the new fees would carve out businesses posing less risk to community safety.

“The purpose of the risk-based fees is to make venues associated with the most harm to the community pay the most, to recover the real cost of regulating and policing the industry and keeping our venues safe,” he said.

“We have listened to the community and have adjusted the fee structure so large, late night venues will continue to pay the highest fees while smaller, earlier closing venues will pay commensurately less.”

Mr Robinson said consultations with the community and industry showed widespread support for a new fee structure that targeted the venues that cost more to police and regulate.

“From our consultations, it was clear the community expected more policing and regulation of sexually explicit entertainment venues than venues like restaurants and cafes,” he said.

“Late night, large capacity pubs and nightclubs will pay more, no matter where they are in Victoria, because they present the biggest threat to community safety and cost more to keep safe.”

Mr Robinson said all licensees were on notice that poor compliance histories would increase the cost of liquor licences from 2011.

“After next year, breaches of Victoria’s liquor laws will add to the cost of a licence, so licensees of poorly managed venues will find themselves paying significantly higher fees,” he said.

To sign the Coalition’s petition visit: www.saveourpub.com.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 9

Online bullying campaigner

By Jane Ross THE internet is not a playground.

That’s the strong message from a Loch teenager who has turned a nasty experience of cyber bullying into a leadership role.

Courtney Graue is in Year 10 at Korumburra Secondary College.

She plans to be a primary school teacher.

Her parents Kerry and Andrew have their computer in the family room of their house and their eldest child said they trusted her to use it responsibly.

Positive now: Courtney Graue has turned a nasty cyber She felt that she did, but bullying incident into a positive opportunity to gain ma- found out, to her chagrin, that turity and help educate younger children to use the inter- not everyone else does. net responsibly.

“It can lead to bad things,”

said Courtney.

At the start of last year, a group of girls began bullying Courtney through a social networking site.

It began with what Courtney describes as “small stuff”, such as saying that she had no friends.

She knew who the girls were.

“At first I ignored it, then I tried to find out from them what was the problem?”

The bullying escalated.

“They were teasing me about my looks and about the people I was hanging out with at school.

“It got pretty nasty. I could have said bad things about them, but I felt it was the wrong thing to do.

“At first I was pretty shocked, then it upset me and crushed me.

“As it got worse, I became worse. I got depressed, my school work suffered a bit.

“At school the girls blocked me out; they said nothing to me.

That’s bullying too.”

Having endured about a month of the behaviour, Courtney decided to speak to one of her teachers. He acted straight away by addressing the matter with the girls involved and with their parents.

“There was not a lot the school could do because it wasn’t happening at school, but it was good to tell somebody at least.”

And that is her ardent message too.

Don’t let such behaviour continue, “speak up before it gets too bad”.

The experience left her too scared to use the social network-

ing site, but now she does and describes herself as “a big fan”.

Courtney said nastiness came in the form of words.

“But they’re very powerful.”

Her mother said she was shocked that Courtney could be attacked like that on the internet.

“Unless your children tell you, you have no idea. It was very distressing.”

Her parents supported her as she recovered from the incident, but it took time for Courtney to begin believing their positive messages about her. Now she is strong.

“I feel like I’ve stepped up a little.”

So, when her school asked students to volunteer to be part of a Victorian first cyber bullying summit, she wanted to go.

“Loose cannon” aimed at council Continued from page 1.

“There is sufficient evidence of a pattern here that the police should really be engaged to manage him every time if he is a nuisance and a threat to public safety.”

Cr Aziz once accused Mr Richardson of “harassing councillors and council staff by sending a barrage of emails demanding information or action on a number of municipal issues”.

Mr Richardson is now inundating South Gippsland councillors with an avalanche of emails.

“Your disruptive conduct is becoming ever more ridiculous and I think some things really need to be said,” Cr Aziz told Mr Richardson in an

email exchange.

During his three-year stint, Mr Richardson locked horns with several other Casey councillors, including Lorraine Wreford and former councillors Colin Butler, Steve Beardon and Mick Morland.

Mr Beardon said he “was a loose cannon in many ways. Councillors had a lot of problems with Paul. A lot of people got very upset about his behaviour.”

Cr Richardson levelled numerous allegations against councillors and council staff. He reportedly had to pay a $100 fine, following a council motion, “for calling Casey chief executive Mike Tyler an idiot”.

He was also embroiled in a bizarre controversy after inviting (former) Cr Colin Butler’s estranged wife to the mayoral function.

When the State Government launched a probe into the “dirty dancing” scandal, (Cr) Richardson denied he had danced provocatively with (Cr) Butler’s estranged wife.

The invitation of Ms Butler, who had been separated from her husband for a year, came days after Cr Richardson had accused Cr Butler of assault during an incident at a Casey Council meeting.

“The actions of the continuing disruption and shame brought on to this city, its staff and councillors by

Cr Richardson must be publicly condemned by all,” (then) Cr Butler said.

At another occasion a complaint against (former) Cr Paul Richardson was investigated in-house by a council sub-committee.

It considered an allegation by Cr Lorraine Wreford that (former) Cr Richardson made offensive comments about her in front of her son.

“I can’t remember what I said,” (Cr) Richardson reportedly said.

Last week, Cr Wreford stood by her statement made at the time. “He gave those comments to my son. It was unbelievable stuff. It actually happened. I was with him on council for three years and he was problematic to work with.

If people feel they are being abused by him, they should take action.”

Since arriving on the South Gippsland scene on September 1 to fight the C48 amendment, Mr Richardson has raised the hackles of councillors.

The latest spat came during the October 7 council meeting in Mirboo North, when Mr Richardson again insisted councillors replied individually to his questions, which Mayor Jim Fawcett subsequently ruled out of order, saying questions should be addressed to council collectively.

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Sami has an eye on the exotic NINETEEN year-old Sami Vanston of Archies Creek never tires of experimenting with exotic beverages to come up with innovative new cocktails.

Inspired by her older brother who worked in the industry at Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Sami decided to study a Certificate III Hospitality/Events at Chisholm Bass Coast.

“When I started learning about hospitality I didn’t really know a lot about what I was to do – all I knew was that I wanted to be a cocktail bartender.

“I had seen my brother flaring – juggling the bottles while pouring the cocktails – and it all looked a lot of fun and an opportunity to create new and interesting drinks.”

Sami says she has learnt a lot more than hospitality industry skills while at Chisholm.

“I learnt some important attributes such as patience and tolerance as well as the industry basics,” she says Sami had a 10 - week work placement as part of the course at the Wonthaggi Club which has resulted in work after the end of her course.

“The work placement taught me a wide range of skills such as beer pouring through to working in the bistro and preparing rooms for functions. I also learnt the art of coffee-making.” she says.

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Free Door family a Saus prizes. ctivities ag .

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Saturday 24

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PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

A PLEASANT Sunday Afternoon service takes place at Scott’s Pioneer Church, Mardan South this Sunday, October 25 at 2pm. The guest speaker is Rev. Arthur Stamp. Music will be provided by Christine Ross and her children Stewart and Eleanor. Afternoon tea and a chat will follow.

EMMA Cope has graduated from the William Angliss Institute with a diploma of resort management.

Emma, who attended Buffalo Primary School and Leongatha Secondary College, was also awarded the college’s most outstanding resort

and spa student award.

The daughter of Graeme and Jenny Cope, had previously graduated from Elly Lukas College.

Emma is currently working at the RACV Resort near Inverloch and also at the Koonwarra Day Spa.

CONGRATULATIONs to the five young athletes who represented St Joseph’s Primary School, Korumburra, at the regional athletics carnival last Tuesday. Mairead Donohue, Leo, Shane and Christine Byrne and past student Lachie Hendriks competed as part of the combined team representing St Joseph’s, St Laurence’s in Leongatha and South Coast Christian College.

Christine placed first in the long jump, 100m sprint and relay; Shane first in the 100m and 200m sprint; and Lachie first in the boys relay.

Shane also placed second in the boys relay and Mairead finished second in the girls relay. Leo performed well in the boys hurdles.

THE Coal Creek Literary Festival, which was held on October 10, raised $899 for the Vision Australia talking books cause.

Proceeds from the day included workshops by several writers and two one act play performances by Leongatha Lyric Theatre.

The workshops and closing theatre night were well attended.

THE Salvos Thrift Shop will be having a fashion parade fundraiser for missionary work this Friday from 7pm. It will be held at the Salvation Army Hall in Leongatha, with entry via Shingler St. Entry is $5 for adults, $2 for students, with a Dutch auction and light supper provided.

Clothes are available for purchase on the night.

STUDENTS at Leongatha Primary School are busily learning a new song in rehearsals for ‘Music. Count Us In,’ Australia’s biggest school music gig. For the third year, hundreds of thousands of children in schools across the nation are joining in music to help celebrate the importance of music education in all children’s lives. Last year 1698 school communities and about 450,000 participants were involved. For ‘Music. Count Us In’, a song is written, recorded and arrangements developed for different school music settings. Schools register online, download all the song files and support materials and agree to perform the song at 11.30am AEDT on Thursday, October 22. The 2009 song is The Music is Everything, cowritten by four NSW secondary school students under the guidance of John Foreman. The song can be heard at www. musiccountusin.org.au on the web.

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SHOE boxes filled with gifts for children overseas were collected at Southern Hills Assembly of God church in Korumburra on Friday. Last year 1200 boxes were sent in from across the region as part of Operation Christmas Child. Churches, schools, community groups and individuals put items such as a doll, stickers, pencils, ball and beanie in each shoe box. Regional coordinator Doreen Western said the children receiving the shoe boxes are so excited about being given simple things like a toothbrush. “It appeals to people because it is such a Collecting shoe boxes: Thelma Kenneday (Arawa- hands-on thing and it will ta), John Elstub (Korumburra) and regional co-or- give the children hope that someone is thinking dinator Doreen Western (Kardella) at Korumburra. about them,” she said.

Big moment: Russell Broadbent and students cutting the cake as part of the celebrations.

THE students of South Coast Christian College (SCCC) have transformed part of their school grounds into a thriving sustainable living garden after winning a garden grant through Project Orange Thumb. Their Kitchen Garden was unveiled at a ceremony, with

the Federal Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent MP cutting the ribbon at the official opening in the school grounds on Thursday October 15. Entertainment from students included a song about their garden, followed by a barbeque lunch.

SCCC was chosen from

hundreds of entrants across Australia and New Zealand as one of only five community groups to receive a garden grant through Project Orange Thumb. The initiative provided the school with up to $2000 worth of gardening-related materials.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 11

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Not quiet on Western front IN their frantic efforts to support State Government planning policies, Peter and Wilma Western have neglected to get their facts right.

Keep it nice IT seems that the leader of the self-styled C48 Watchdog Group has a history of council agitation The Star would normally applaud any group or individual who is willing to stand up for their convictions and take on “city hall”.

But the right to speak out in a democracy should not be confused with the right to publicly or privately abuse individuals.

Its seems Paul Richardson has a chequered history when it comes to dealing with local government.

Questions asked by The Star have revealed a litany of complaints raging from the bizarre – a “dirty dancing” incident – to the disturbing – allegation of verbal abuse of a councillor in from of her son.

There is no place in South Gippsland politics for personal abuse.

When big issues and big money are at stake, it is not surprising that emotions run high.

But there is no excuse for arguments over policy becoming personal attacks on councillors or council staff. To use football parlance, we need to play the ball, not the man.

With the long hours and poor pay, it is hard enough to attract quality people to stand as councillors.

If potential candidates think they will be subjected to continual harassment then surely our best and brightest will find other ways to occupy themselves.

On your bike Young South Gippsland rider Nick Aitken is well on his way to a fantastic journey in cycling.

The Wonthaggi 19-year-old was a late call up to the Jayco Australia team in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

To say he made the most of his opportunities would be a major understatement.

He went on to win the Under 23 best rider award and has earned a place in the Australian Institute of Sport cycling squad.

Any young South Gippsland athlete should note that it was persistence and performance that gave Nick his big break.

We all wish you the best.

Letters guidelines ALL letters should be kept to 400 words or less.

The Star reserves the right to edit all letters for length and style.

Writer’s details, including full name, address and phone number (not for publication), must be included.

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

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

They have asserted that the majority of Councillors between 2000 and 2006 refused to develop a detailed Rural Strategy. Sorry, that’s wrong.

A two volume award-winning rural strategy by Agriculture Victoria was submitted in 2002 only to be dismissed by a so-called ‘independent’ State Government planning panel.

So why didn’t the Council immediately start a new Rural Strategy? Well, in 2003/04 the State introduced a new suite of rural zones, but did not issue the guide on how these new zones were to be applied until October 2006. Without this guide, the planning department advised against starting a new Rural Strategy.

Peter and Wilma Western have condemned opposition to the draconian

Council sheep I READ with extreme interest the article, “Speculators and C48,” published in The Star on October 6 2009 relating to the comments

by Peter and Wilma Western of Leongatha towards Cr David Lewis and his strong concerns of the dictated and initiated actions of the C48 Planning Amendment by the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden MP. It states, “ When Jeff Kennett amalgamated Victorian shires in late 1994, new councils not only had to rearrange administration, budgets, work teams, plant and machinery, they also had to update planning….As Premier Kennett dramatically demonstrated, local government is subordinate to the State Government.”

It appears the Brumby Government, under the Planning Minister is repeating the same actions in dictating its terms and conditions to the shire of South Gippsland through the C48 Planning Amendment and the Mildura Council through the C58 Planning Amendment and possibly others across the state.

The previous Kennett Regime is similar to the current ALP

draft rural strategy exhibited by the Shire in 2008.

Are they aware the small print around page 110 would effectively prevent dwellings on lots below 100ha? Do they care how much hardship this would cause?

Do they have any sympathy for the victims of Planning Minister Madden’s C48 decree?

The Westerns have claimed most Councils have completed a rural strategy.

That’s wrong too. Only eleven of the 40odd rural Councils have rural strategies somewhere in process or adopted.

Peter and/or Wilma Western have vigorously defended State policies on wind farms, genetic modification of food crops and now rural planning.

Their obvious commitment to State Government policies should not override accuracy.

Cr David Lewis Tarwin Valley Ward

State Government in its treatment of the GAIC Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Land Tax, the proposed port tax, the proposed scheme to make objectors pay to challenge council decisions in planning as well as the C48 and C58 Amendments.

This is a user pay and heavy taxed state government.

It fascinates me that the Westerns are supposed friends/ acquaintances of the Mayor Jim Fawcett and possibly the other four council associates. Why are they criticizing the actions of Cr David Lewis and not the five rat pack councillors Fawcett, Jackson, Deane, Raabe and Davies, considering he is one of the four committed councillors that actually cares, will stand up and openly speak for the residents and ratepayers in this shire municipality as in the case of the affected property owners under the C48 Amendment.

Why aren’t they criticising Mayor Fawcett and his appalling and unprofessional actions/comments he openly demonstrated at the recent council meeting at Mirboo North and his pro stance of the C48 Planning Amendment?

I question the comments and motives of this couple, “Personal attacks on councillors are reprehensible, and ridiculous about

VOXPOP! VOX Have we had too much rain and how have you been coping?

No, definitely not. We need to fill up our reservoirs and the underground reserves that have been getting low for quite a long time. I’m an inside worker, so it doesn’t bother me too much.

Dominic Murdica Leongatha

Hell, yes. But it’s been needed too. I haven’t worked until today (Friday), because it’s been wet. You can’t get the tractor in the paddock.

Graham Rowe Leongatha

No, I think we need it, but it would be nice if it was summer already. I’ve been staying indoors and working a lot.

Morgan Elliott Leongatha

We’ve just ridden down from Bombala, so any rain is too much rain. We’ve been coping reasonably well. We have to put on wet weather gear and make sure visibility is good enough.

Michael Browne The Entrance, NSW

a huge population (twice the number of shire residents) being seriously disadvantaged by C48 won’t cut any ice.” In my opinion this couple doesn’t care a damn about the affected property owners, nor will they unless they were directly affected personally.

It is time disbelievers like Peter and Wilma Western put themselves in the other person’s shoes, then they would feel what it is like to own a property from 40 hectares and under, without ever being allowed to build on their own properties (house lot excision).

In this situation how would they react to the Mayor Cr Fawcett and his cohorts? I say to the Westerns, grow up, learn to work with and help your fellow constituents.

Paul Richardson JP C48 Community Watch-dog

Ron disagrees TO all those people who would like me to go away, in particular the senior council member who begged me not to harass him, I can please them by saying that I went.

In fact, I travelled to Port Macquarie on the XPT train and was most impressed by the service.

But now I am back, sorry, and have been reading the local papers. Meg Parkinson writes, “Keep it nice, C48”. She also recited at length the gobble-degook, all controlling regulations which she says controls the shire authority performance.

My response to dear Meg is that the government likes people like her, good, obedient, nice persons who will always obey.

With the likes of her they can do as they please. You must realise Meg, governments only react to strongly expressed opinion.

When Kennett was premier, as an example, his government falsely accused me of threatening to kill a minister.

The friends of the Gippsland bush, as it was, which included me, was fighting to stop the logging of valuable forest. I was taken to court and could have served two years in prison. That is an example of government reaction to pressure.

I also say, if those are the regulations, then I do not accept them. They have been couched

in terms to provide total power to the distant state authority. These arrangements increasingly reduce the people’s rights and freedoms.

That is why I believe state governments should be abolished. For all valuable purposes we now live in a state dictatorship. I see little democracy in our society.

I also note in the same paper, that Wilma Western is again raging against two protestors, and David Lewis councillor. Who are these people who ‘seem to protest too much’ as they support this weak shire council.

Although these protestors have not, in my opinion expressed their concerns very clearly, I do understand and support their views.

The complaints against Mr Lewis are simply wrong. He, in my opinion, has always worked industriously and intelligently for those he represents.

When certain members of the present council voted for a development proposal which has damaged my life satisfaction, and which has proved a great misjudgment in practice, it was Mr Lewis and two other councillors who gave me support.

Mrs Western refers to persistent attacks by Mr Lewis and indicates her admiration for the strength of character of those opposing him.

I can only suggest that she has a hidden agenda. Quite the reverse is true, it is Mr Lewis who displays strength of character in opposing those submissive members who will not defend the regional people’s rights and properties.

In my opinion those weak councillors are the ones who do not deserve the people’s support because they are not supporting the local democracy and they are not serving the whole community responsibly, fairly and well. You note I use Mrs Western’s own words.

Let me finish by saying, when we abolish the states, as we must, the extended regional shires will require a comprehensive overhaul in structure and performance.

Only thus will we claw back a modicum of democracy. We will also have to consider what constitutes an efficient employee and what in useful practice represents a ‘professional’.

Ron Brown Turtons Creek

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

Bus stops Shane’s life

By Jane Ross SHANE O’Brien is not happy.

The V/Line bus service that is being trialled to take passengers between his home town and Leongatha, does not cater for those with disabilities or medical conditions.

Neither does it provide the opportunity to go to Wonthaggi.

Mr O’Brien said the South Gippsland Shire community bus, which operated for 13 years, served him very well and he is deeply distressed that it has been replaced.

He has a number of medical conditions for which he attends treatment in Wonthaggi and the community bus used to accommodate that.

It also picked up and dropped off passengers at the door of their homes, he said.

Now, he has to walk 15 minutes each way to the main road to hail the V/Line bus. How, he wondered, can he buy frozen food and heavy goods if he has to walk in the rain or heat?

“I get dumped on the highway. I wouldn’t be able to carry everything at once. If I left half of it on the roadside it wouldn’t be there when I went back to get it and my ice cream and meat would be ruined.”

But Leongatha supermarkets have offered to deliver people’s shopping to the bus before it leaves on its return journey to Venus Bay, if they require that assistance.

Mr O’Brien said the community bus was taken away “without any discussion with those who use it” and its passengers were not those who would use a V/Line alternative.

He’s not the only one who’s cross.

Robert Field said he had relied on the “aged care community bus” to do his fortnightly shopping, for the last 13 years.

“Having the new bus is a progressive step for the future of the town, but this service does not meet the needs of the aged people and the disabled people,” he said.

The new service leaves Venus Bay too early and returns too late for Mr Fields to be able to buy perishable

items.

He has raised the issue with the Department of Human Services.

What really upsets Mr O’Brien the most he said, is that the community bus serviced people who needed flexibility.

Mr O’Brien said he found out about the changes from a telephone call at 4.30 on the Friday afternoon, telling him the new V/Line service would be starting that Monday.

“The community has been dispensed of. Now we have to use a bus service that doesn’t get people with problems to their front door.”

In a press release about the Venus Bay V/Line bus which is being trialled for a year, South Gippsland Transport Connections Co-ordinator Katherine Cousins, said there were extensive consultations with residents and visitors from the Venus Bay area following a petition seeking transport connecting Venus Bay with larger towns in the shire.

Surveys were sent to 1400 ratepayers, showing a public bus service would be well used.

Volunteers are travelling on the bus to help support passengers through the change.

Patrons can hail the V/Line bus along a designated route in Venus Bay. Fares cost $1.80 concession between Leongatha and Venus Bay. The trial will run for a year, with buses operated by Dyson’s and connecting with V/Line coaches travelling from Leongatha to Melbourne. The 3½ hour turnaround time in Leongatha, allows travellers to shop, attend appointments, go to the cinema or see friends.

The community bus made its final trip on October 1.

Ms Cousins said those who had used the community service and needed help attending medical appointments, could book the shire community car by ringing 5662 9359.

She has attended a monthly community lunch in Venus Bay, to help people understand the new timetable, but if you need to find out more, ring 5662 9234.

More buses soon LEONGATHA will have 26 more bus services from Monday November 9.

Meeniyan, Fish Creek, Foster, Toora, Welshpool and Yarram will also have a boost in services from that date.

Announcing the changes, Matt Viney MLC, said this was the second phase of a $14.7 million upgrade to public transport in South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires.

The funding, over four years, was an-

nounced in last year’s State Budget.

Mr Viney said that the stage two improvements would add an extra 179 bus services each week, taking the total upgrade increase to 313 services every week.

Stage two includes two more daily return trips between Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Leongatha and new weekend services on that route and improved connections between V/Line coach and local bus services.

That’s just swell THE Swell Mamas have been carving it up once again on the beaches around Inverloch.

The group of mothers get together to learn how to surf or, for those more experienced, enjoy a rare moment in the waves.

Anne Gleeson and Lucy Cousens (right) were among the large group recently photographed on Inverloch Surf Beach.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Dumbalk’s dance hall days ON Saturday, October 3 music filled the Dumbalk Hall as dancers celebrated 20 years of dancing.

Music man: Ian Shields making music.

The first dance was held in December 1989, at the instigation of Lindsay Richards and Ian and Noni Inglis (December is a busy month, so celebrations were brought forward.)

Dancers came from all parts of Gippsland, some travelling for more than an hour to enjoy the music supplied

by Ian Shields. Allan Clark was also mentioned as a musician who provided great music on a bi-monthly basis.

A presentation was made to Lindsay, Ian and Noni to show appreciation for the work they have done over the years in organising the dances and maintaining the dance floor in perfect condition for dancing.

There were many prizes distributed throughout the evening and the Dumbalk Hall Committee thanks the donors, as it did contribute to the festivity of the evening.

Dances continue to be held on the first Saturday night of the month, and every Wednesday night there is informal dancing from 8 to 10pm, with a break for supper.

All are encouraged to attend, and learners are most welcome.

Thanking you: Ian and Noni Inglis and Lindsay Richards with their certificates of appreciation.

Time to lay down your guns THE State-wide firearms and weapons amnesty, which will run until the end of the month, is largely aimed at receiving firearms from farms in the district or unregistered firearms.

Firearm amnesty: Leongatha police Sergeant Scott Bodycomb said mainly firearms from farms that are no longer used are being handed in.

Anyone with any unwanted or illegal firearms or other weapons should hand them in to their local police station. If owners of weapons don’t want to hand them in personally, they can ring their police station and a police member will pick them up.

Last year’s amnesty in Victoria resulted in 2428 firearms and assorted

weapons being handed in.

In the Bass Coast/South Gippsland region one hand gun, 31 long arms (such as rifles), two imitation firearms and two other weapons were surrendered during the amnesty.

“Approximately 40 per cent was from the South Gippsland area, predominantly surrendered by farmers or rural land owners or their family members,” said Sergeant Scott Bodycomb, officer in charge of the Leongatha police station.

Old double barrel shotguns are common firearms that are handed in.

They have been on farms but are no

longer used.

“We get firearms from farms that have not been used for years but are easy for others to get their hands on.

The more of them we get off the street the better,” Sgt Bodycomb said.

“We’re looking at it more closely now. This is an opportunity for the public to hand in arms that are not required or not licensed,” Sgt Bodycomb said.

All weapons that are handed in, including knives and other weapons, are registered in a logbook and taken to Melbourne, where they are destroyed.

Making Victoria FireReady:

If you live in a bushfire prone area the safest option is to leave the night before, or early in the morning.

The safest option is to leave early in the day if you live in a bushfire prone area and your Bushfire Survival Plan is to leave. Only stay if your home is well prepared, well constructed and you can actively defend it.

The safest option is to leave early in the day if you live in a bushfire prone area and your Bushfire Survival Plan is to leave. Only stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it.

If you live in a bushfire prone area and your Bushfire Survival Plan is to leave, the safest option is to leave at the beginning of the day.

New Fire Danger Ratings.

Look for them, act on them.

Victoria has adopted the new national Fire Danger Rating scale to help individuals and communities understand the level of fire danger on any given day.

The new ratings recognise the significant increase in severe bushfire conditions over the past decade and the greater level of danger to the community, as experienced on Saturday 7 February 2009.

It’s important for all Victorians to be aware of the ratings, which will feature on weather forecasts, in newspapers, websites, radio and TV. The new ratings provide a clear prediction of likely fire behaviour, including how difficult it would be to put a fire out once it has started. They provide information on: • The sort of bushfire behaviour that could be experienced on that day.

Check your Bushfire Survival Plan.

• The type of threat a bushfire may pose to life and property on that day.

Be aware of the Fire Danger Rating every day during the fire season, and be prepared to take the appropriate actions. For more information go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Check your Bushfire Survival Plan.

For more information visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 15

Coaching Europe IF you have not been to Europe before, the best way of getting an overall impression is to tour by coach.

Experienced travel agent Jill Carmody, of Jetset Leongatha, highly recommends the Trafalgar range of tours.

She has organised a film night on Tuesday, November 10, showing the range of Trafalgar tours, with an invitation to take advantage of the company’s Europe Early Bird 2010 Specials, which offer great deals and savings.

The film session will be held at Leongatha Memorial Hall, Meeting Room 1, 7.30pm. Because supper will be provided, people wanting to attend are asked to let Jetset staff know by Thursday, November 5, to ensure adequate catering.

Representatives from Trafalgar Tours, river-cruise company Uniworld and Creative Holidays, which arranges itineraries for people who elect to travel independently, will be present to answers questions.

Jill has worked with Trafalgar for many years and toured with them herself. Most recently, she went to France in July.

She toured from Nice to Paris, taking in the Provence and the great sights of Marseille, which is one of the routes of the Wonderful France tours.

Marseille is the second most populous city as well as the oldest city in France. It forms the third-largest metropolitan area, after those of Paris and Lyon, with a population estimated at 1,605,000 in 2007. Located on the Mediterranean, Marseille is France’s largest commercial port.

A tour highlight was one of the Trafalgar Be My Guest dinners at a wine estate in the Luberon region of Provence.

“Taking a coach tour is the best way to see Europe (the Continent, UK and Ireland), when you’ve never been before,” Jill said.

“The tour directors have incredible knowledge of the areas they cover. They are exceptional. It is very important to be given a background of the culture and history of a country.”

Famous bridge: Jetset manager Jill Carmody visited the famous bridge at Arles, painted by the Dutch master Vincent van Gogh in 1888.

Jill recommended regional tours as a way of learning more about a country’s culture. Her favourite city is Paris, which is not surprising, despite the fact that some visitors sometimes find Parisians a bit rude.

“It definitely is my favourite city. There’s an impression of the people in Paris as being impolite. The thing is that we, as tourists, are perceived as impolite. French people take their time to go through formalities, whereas we are more direct. We need to explain this to customers, so that they can respond in a more pleasant manner.”

Visiting Paris can be overwhelming; there is so much to see and do. But taking a guided tour is a most efficient way of getting around.

The great sites include the emblematic Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysee, Notre Dame and the Louvre.

Montmartre Hill is the highest natural point in Paris, allowing a fantastic view of the city. The Sacré-Coeur sits at the centre of the Place du Tetre, where painters sell their

work. Construction of the Sacré-Coeur began in 1876 and took about 40 years to complete.

At the bottom of the hill, on Boulevard de Clichy at Place Pigalle, is the Moulin Rouge, the famous night club where the cancan dance was born.

Jill believes 2010 will be a boom year for visiting Europe.

“The forecast for 2010 is that it is going to be a lot cheaper to travel to Europe than it has been in the last two years. It will be an exciting year for European travel,” Jill said.

“The economy was down in 2008, which affected prices in 2009. Tour prices for 2010 are also substantially reduced,” Jill said. “Combined with the Early Bird Specials, it is making a trip to Europe a highly attractive proposition and frequent Trafalgar travellers can get further discounts.”

On top of the price reductions comes the strength of the dollar, which is a major bonus. The Aussie dollar rates favourably against the English pound, the Euro as well as the US dollar, which makes overseas purchases and travelling costs much cheaper than in the recent past.

Trafalgar has a myriad of tours to choose from. There’s London, Paris and Rome, of course, but also Milan, Prague, Vienna and Budapest and regional tours, such as through the Provence or Italy’s Tuscany.

For more details and bookings for the film night, call Jetset on 5662 3601 by November 5.

FILM NIGHT

YOU’RE INVITED TO DISCOVER EUROPE & BRITAIN 2010 CHOOSE FROM A RANGE OF EXCITING HOLIDAY STYLES & OVER 150 IMPECCABLY PLANNED ITINERARIES!

t 5BLF BEWBOUBHF PG PVS GBOUBTUJD &VSPQF &BSMZCJSE EFBMT BOE TBWJOHT High point: Consecrated in1864, the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde has become a symbol of Marseille, located at the city’s highest point. About 1.5 million tourists visit the grand dame every year.

t )BWF BMM ZPVS USBWFM RVFTUJPOT BOTXFSFE CZ UIF FYQFSUT WHEN: Tuesday 10 November 2009 TIME: 7.30pm WHERE: Leongatha Memorial Hall, Meeting Room 1 RSVP: Thursday 5th November

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Jetset Leongatha on (03) 5662 3601 Compass Arcade, 16 McCartin Street, Leongatha VIC 3953 Email: jill@travelexcellence.com.au

Museum site: the Palais de Chaillot, seen here from Champs de Mars, is the home of many different museums in several fields, such as cinema, maritime history, and anthropology, as well as the Cinematheque.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

By Peter Russell, Principal, South Coast Christian College.

THE primary years of schooling are considered vital at South Coast Christian College.

During this time children develop foundational skills in literacy and numeracy and begin to learn about the world in which they live.

Early Years Literacy and Numeracy programs underpin the child’s development of these skills, and are enhanced by additional programs such as LEM Phonics.

The General Studies program encourages children to explore their world from scientific and historical perspectives, and is further enhanced by the information technology, art, music and camps programs.

An equally important aspect of this time of life is the development of the moral framework upon which a child’s future beliefs and behaviour is established.

In addition to the “Values for Australian Schooling”, South Coast Christian College has a Bible-based “Values for Healthy Living” program that teaches children sound Christian values which form the basis of the strong moral and ethical standards upon which our

society is based.

An area of concern for many parents and children is the transitions that occur during schooling, firstly from kindergarten into primary school, and then from primary school into secondary school.

At South Coast Christian College the transition from kindergarten into school commences in the third term of their kindergarten year.

During third and fourth terms there are four visits to the classroom.

Children are engaged in activities

that allow them to become familiar with the environment while parents are given opportunity to meet the teachers and support staff.

The transition from primary to secondary school at South Coast Christian College is made seamless with the Middle School program.

Should you wish to learn more about what South Coast Christian College has to offer your child, contact the Leongatha campus on 5662 4355 or Wonthaggi campus on 5672 5267.

Police play: Chelsea, Josh and Maureen are ready for children’s week.

KIDS at Hassett Street Kindergarten in Leongatha are ready for an action packed children’s week.

Assuming characters: dressing up for Book Week, were, back: Charles, Luke, Ashlee and Lachlan. Middle: Natasha, author Gale Cresp and Bree. Front: Emma, Jonathan and Esther.

They’ll have a visit from a policeman to learn about safety and how the police can help them.

Then they’ll visit the primary school as part of the transition program.

The kindergarten students will go into a prep classroom, and listen to a story and enjoy lunchtime in the playground.

Hassett Street Kindergarten teacher Jodie McGannon said the theme for children’s week was a caring world shares.

“We’re focusing on having people from within the community come and share their experience,” she said.

“They will also be involved in a literacy program writing letters to each other

and we will have a post box and post them to each other.”

It’s part of the safety focus by helping students learn their addresses.

“We have curriculum guidelines we follow, but not a set curriculum, so we can teach the children what they need,” Ms McGannon said.

“We plan the program based on the children and their interests.”

Health, safety and wellbeing have been a recent focus at Hassett Street Kindergarten.

Both Hassett Street and Allora kindergartens offer three-year-old and four/fiveyear-old sessions.

Ms McGannon said the buildings and facilities are set up for a program that’s dedicated just to kindergarten.

Reading time: Brianna and Ariella at Hassett Street Kindergarten.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 17

FORMAL homework will be cancelled for students at St Laurence’s Primary School during Children’s Week.

It’s not so much a treat, as a means of providing their families with the chance to do more things together.

It’s the school’s way of supporting the week’s theme of nurturing children as they thrive, learn and grow.

Principal Robyn Halliwell, has sent home an illustrated sheet of suggested activities with the newsletter.

“I’m sure lots of families do those activities already, it’s just our way of showing support for families. We do value homework though!”

Taking formal homework out of the week, will free families to have a bit more time to spend together.

The suggestions include sharing a meal together, walking the dog as a family, cooking cupcakes, reading your child a story, preparing the evening meal together, visiting a relative or friend, writing a letter to a family member, gardening or teaching your child a card game.

“We wanted things that wouldn’t be difficult to do.”

The school is holding a Twilight Mass, which is another of the activities on the list – attending that as a family. Robyn said Mass will be followed by a sausage sizzle.

Family time: (from left) Mitchell, mother Nicole, Alexandra and Riley.

SUMMER is almost here and that means long, hot days by the water.

The safety of their kids while they are enjoying the holiday season is the key priority for all parents and South Gippsland SPLASH YMCA is committed to water safety.

While schools provide swimming classes during one term each year, that is not enough to ensure children are confident and competent around water.

The YMCA is the largest provider of aquatic education in Victoria and runs a structured and proven learnto-swim program called AquaSafe.

YMCA AquaSafe program provides opportunities for children and parents to gain confidence and learn water safety skills in a controlled and supervised environment under the guidance of fully qualified and first aid accredited teachers.

The program provides opportunities for participants to gain swimming and water safety skills through

three components: • Water safety • Stroke development • Personal development It is available for infants from six months through to primary school aged children up to 13 years. Each student is encouraged to progress at his or her own pace and parental participation is an essential element to the AquaSafe infant program.

For full details, times and costs please contact South Gippsland SPLASH on (03) 5662 5911.

Taking the time: swimming lessons are important for children, as is confidence-building time in a safe aquatic environment.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Buddies: from left, Kade and Bailey worked on a building project together at Li’l Rascals on Friday.

LI’L Rascals Early Learning Centre in Leongatha provides the perfect home away from home for babies, toddlers and children.

The professional, friendly staff will see to it that your child enjoys their day from start to finish.

Part of that care is having everything supplied, including nappies, nutritional meals and formula.

The centre is family owned and run by Emma Watson who has a son, Joshua. Being a parent herself, Emma understands from both sides what is needed to provide exceptional child care.

Carissa Beavis is the director of the centre on a day-to-day basis.

“Being able to drop your children off at Li’l Rascals and not have to worry about all the extras certainly makes it easier for families, Emma said.

Li’l Rascals is currently promoting its care over the Christmas/January holiday period, which has many benefits.

“Having continuity of care creates security for the child, as their routine is not changed and your child’s development program is not disrupted,” Emma told The Star.

The social program ensures your child is going to have fun. When children are busy having fun they are less likely to become bored.

“Our social program includes plenty of outside water play, inhouse movie sessions, special events, shows, Christmas parties and more.”

For more information about continuing your care over the holidays, even on reduced hours, contact Li’l Rascals staff today.

Girlie fun: from left, Poppy, Montana and Abbie were having a lovely time on Friday at Li’l Rascals in Leongatha playing with their favourite dolls and doll’s house.

Beaut for babies: from left, keeping previous babies and toddlers content and happy is a high priority for Li’l Rascals Early learning Centre in Leongatha, and enjoying their morning tea on Friday are Shaelah, Riley, Jack and Luke.

Story time: Librarian Jo Bowler reads to, from back left: Angus, Tayissa, Jonah, Louise, Jack and niece Rose.

THERE is no better way to ensure children grow up with a love of books than by taking them along to a story time session at the Leongatha library.

Every Friday, a librarian reads books and offers activities based around the theme of the week.

Last week, Jo Bowler read The Hungry Caterpillar as part of the “Mini Beasts” theme around insects and other little critters.

The free sessions are held from 10.30am-11am.

Kids get connected EVERY Thursday afternoon of the school term, around 20 kids arrive flushed and puffing at the Girl Guide Hall in A’Beckett Street, Leongatha eager to get involved in the Connect Kids Club.

This is run by an enthusiastic group of people from the Leongatha Crusade Centre.

The program runs after school until 5pm, and includes games, songs, a Bible story and a scrumptious afternoon tea.

Marg Aeschlimann received inspiration to run the club from a mum who wanted her kids to go to Sunday School, but Sundays were filled with family and sporting commitments.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 19

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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*Conditions Apply: Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Prices correct at 13 Oct 2009 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Offers subject to availability. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. Valid for economy travel on selected dates as specified. Offer ends as specified unless sold out prior. These ratings are Viva! Holidays’ view, not official ratings. ~The insurer is QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035, of 82 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000. We receive a commission for policies sold. Policies are only valid upon acceptance of payment by the insurer. Please read the PDS available from QBE Insurance before deciding whether to purchase a product. Standard FlyBuys terms and conditions apply and are available at flybuys.com.au. Valid at participating agencies. See in store for details. To be eligible for this offer, members must present their FlyBuys card and mention this offer at time of booking and payment. FlyBuys points are not awarded on taxes, fees and surcharges. Jetset Travelworld Limited - Travel Agents License 2TA5361. ABN 60091214998.

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Prices down: Anthony Kaldvee of L & A I.T. in Leongatha said prices on laptops are down due to the strong Aussie dollar.

Never been better THE Kaldvees, owners of Leongatha computer store, L & A I.T., said business had really been helped by their move into Leongatha’s McCartin Street.

“Since moving from Compass Arcade 12 months ago, there’s been strong growth in the business,” Anthony Kaldvee said.

“Having frontage in the main street has really helped.”

Laptop sales have really taken off lately and with prices coming off due to the strong Aussie dollar, there’s never been a better time to buy.

“They’re suitable for most people due to their flexibility and mobility and they are quite fast nowadays.”

Brands sold include HP, Compaq and ASUS. The guys do a “predelivery” on all their computers and welcome any feedback or can help if customers have any troubles along the way.

“Most people will just bring their computer back in and we can help with any issues,” Anthony said.

Buy a selected laptop now and receive a bonus bag and Microsoft wireless mouse. Call in and see Anthony or Lachlan at 62 McCartin Street, Leongatha.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 21

Fun machine FOR the love of the ride, why not consider one of the Polaris Outlaw range from Marriotts Motorcycles and Power Equipment?

a free helmet.

The Outlaw 50 is currently on special for $1999 while the Outlaw 90 is priced at $2999.

Also on special is the range of Suzuki two-wheelers.

The four-wheelers have plenty of safety features too, like a visibility flag, variable ratio transmission, throttle governor, and a safety lanyard, which cuts the engine if the rider comes off the vehicle.

Being a four-stroke engine, the Outlaw is also very quiet.

“These are also made in the United States so the ATVs are very good quality,” salesman John Jones said.

Included in the price is

Little Outlaw: just the thing for your child’s first ATV is this Polaris Outlaw 50. Pictured is sales representative with Marriotts, John Jones, with the very popular unit.

Cookware: Robyn Bryan with some of the cookware at Henriettas which will be on sale this Thursday night.

HENRIETTAS has a special Early Birds trading night this Thursday, October 22.

Not only can you think about some early Christmas shopping but you can pick up some great specials for your kitchen with a big range of selected homeware and cookware being reduced.

Take a peek at the new range of items which will make your Christmas table shine this year. Most stock has just arrived and will appear for the first time at the trading night.

For huge specials on selected stock call in to the store between 6pm8.30pm this Thursday.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ruby shines

By Chris Brown AS a premature baby in China, Ruby Mei Zhi Xia McNeil was cared for by the gentle hands of volunteer nurse Lyn Gould.

At home: Ruby McNeil with Ivy the dog.

First days: two-week-old Ruby is cared for by Lyn Gould in Jiaozuo, China in July 2005.

Four years ago Ruby had been abandoned in Henan province and was taken to an orphanage where doctors feared for her life.

But she was placed in an incubator, fed every three hours and cuddled by those special hands.

Earlier this month Ruby was reunited with the woman who cared for her in those fragile first days.

Lyn and her husband Alan were in South Gippsland to promote their children’s hospice organisation.

Today Ruby is a thriving member of Jamie and Fiona McNeil’s family in Korumburra.

Her adoptive mother describes Ruby as a brave, joyful little girl.

“She is willing to love and be loved because she was loved by Lyn as a baby,” Fiona said.

It’s amazing the McNeils even know Lyn and Alan.

When they were allocated Ruby, they read information about a baby on an internet blog that sounded like her.

It was, and through the wonders of modern technology and what Fiona calls a “God thing” they got Lyn’s contact details.

Adoption was always an option for the McNeils, who have three other children: Matilda (11-years-old), Harry (nine) and Joey (six).

When they started to investigate adopting there were few local babies in need, so they turned their attention overseas.

China appealed because Jamie and Fiona wouldn’t be required to spend a long time away from their children in South Gippsland.

After a two and a half year wait, they travelled to the Communist country in the middle of last year to pick up Ruby.

“When you go there and look into the eyes of those children it breaks your heart. It completely changes you,” Fiona said.

“We came back thinking we have to be more involved.

We can’t just take Ruby and say, ‘she’s fabulous; let’s get on with life’. We have to do something.”

So they became involved with Lyn and Alan’s ChinaKidz organisation of which Jamie is now a trustee.

Jamie said visiting a Chinese orphanage was heartbreaking.

“The children literally come running up to you and they just want to touch you. What we are doing is only a small thing in a small area, but it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

“China gave us our daughter.”

Lyn and Alan had been involved in China since 1994.

When they retired in 2006 they moved from the United Kingdom to central China to look after sick and dying orphans.

Lyn and Alan currently offer palliative care for some of China’s most disadvantaged children.

But they have a bigger dream for making a difference in the vast interior of that ancient land.

Local authorities asked them to work with the Children’s Welfare Institute to expand their circle of care to include families with sick babies.

The Goulds will support these families through the Butterfly Home in Changsha, Henan Province.

“What we’ve been doing is caring for children who the doctors say are dying. A lot of them do die, but a lot of them can recover with the extra care,” Lyn said.

“But we’ve only been caring for orphans. What we really want to do is to work with parents and try to support them and give them a choice about whether they have to abandon their child or not.

“It’s really groundbreaking stuff and very exciting.”

There are many internationally adopted children, like Ruby, in South Gippsland according to Fiona.

“Adopting is a wonderful thing, but it’s a response to the tragedy, which is abandonment, and it would be awesome if we didn’t have the tragedy,” she said.

Ruby’s first few months in Australia were difficult ones.

“They don’t have language anymore so they go from being a child that can express their wants and needs to one that has had their voice removed,” Fiona said.

“It must have been such a shock.”

Ruby still struggles with change due to shifting between orphanages and foster homes when she was younger.

“She can express verbally she is staying here forever, but there is that underlying fear everything will change,” Fiona said.

If Lyn and Alan’s new China project succeeds, the lives of many children will change for the better, just like Ruby’s has.

For more information or to help this cause visit www. chinakidz.org or email jamie@chinakidz.org.

Happy meeting: Lyn Gould, Jamie, Fiona and Ruby McNeil, and Alan Gould in Luoyang China in July 2008.

In China: Fiona, Jamie and Ruby McNeil with the lady who found her abandoned and a local welfare officer in a rural village in Henan, China last year.

October 2009: Alan and Lyn Gould with Fiona, Ruby and Jamie McNeil.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 23

Teachers, students train together ECG (Education Centre Gippsland) is taking a novel approach to developing staff skills in multi media, providing a series of interactive workshops where trainers and students learn together.

Organised in partnership with the Adult Migrant Education Service (AMES) and Adult Community & Further Education (ACFE), the workshops being held over the next four weeks, will provide an opportunity for trainers and young people to learn new skills in a range of multi media and online tools.

ECG’s Barbara Look said students studying VCAL and Certificate of General Education (CGEA) with ECG were involved in the program.

“A really positive aspect of the training is that the students involved will become ‘student-mentors’ back in the classroom.

“They will be able to assist ECG trainers in helping other students with the new initiatives so the knowledge and skills spread across the group. It will also help to develop the leadership skills of students.”

Ms Look said the use of multi media technologies had opened a window of opportunity for teachers and students to

broaden their knowledge and extend their creative skills and learning.

“Bringing trainers and students together in interactive workshops provides an exciting element because it gives both an opportunity to work and learn together in new areas and stretch their teaching and learning.”

She said the workshop series, entitled ‘So What’s the Story;’ was a win for ECG and Southern Gippsland. ECG successfully negotiated for the workshops to be delivered in Leongatha - one of only three regional locations chosen to host workshops in Victoria.

“During the workshops, trainers and students will build skills and knowledge in a range of multi media tools that will lead to the production of an online video series.

“The students will gain skills that will be used in the classroom to enhance their learning and at the same time can be applied to a wide range of jobs once they complete their courses. This will be a real plus for students studying VCAL and CGEA at ECG, increasing their confidence, skills and employability,” Barbara Look said.

For more information on ECG phone 5662 6700 or visit www.ecg.vic.edu.au

In this together: trainer Michael Gwyther, with students and trainers working together in the multimedia class at ECG.

Marriott’s helping you get the job done MARRIOTT’S annual Demo Day offers the chance to trial a whole range of gardening machinery.

Green power: Marriott’s power equipment manager Jim Welsh, on a Tandum Power battery operated rideon mower.

You can actually test ride-on and standard mowers, brush cutters, rotary hoes and other items on the grass at the front or behind the showroom on the corner of Allison Street and South Gippsland Highway Leongatha.

Lots of company representatives will be there and Tim Marriott has arranged heaps of special deals.

The day, on Saturday October 24, starts at 9am and runs until 3pm.

“It’s a come and try day,” said Tim, “coupled with very good deals.”

With the wonderful spring rain promoting growth, Tim said there has been strong demand for gardening equipment.

He’s very taken with a ride-on mower that’s just new on the market.

The Tandum Power is both environ-

mentally friendly and ideal for those with mobility issues.

It runs on battery power. All you do is plug it in electrically, charging up the battery which will give 1 ½ hours of mowing power. Tim said the machine is like a motorised scooter, with blades underneath and a grass catcher attached to the back.

“It’s not too big, not too noisy and easy to use,” said Tim. “It’s something a bit different and quite affordable.”

There’ll be a full range of Stihl, Husqvarna, Toro and Honda garden equipment and Victa lawn mowers to see and try.

Spitwater pressure cleaners and heaters will be part of the Demo Day too, as will Greenfield ride-on mowers.

Tim said ride-ons are becoming increasingly popular as people look for quicker ways to keep lifestyle blocks neatly mown.

Demo Day: John Jones, sales representative at Marriott’s with a brushcutter. You can trial these during the Marriott’s Demo Day.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Think about water National Water Week is a time to think about water usage and for community groups to take action and raise awareness about protecting and conserving our most precious resource – water.

The theme for this year is Securing Our Water Future.

Victorians have responded magnificently to the reality that there is just not as much water as there used to be and have made changes to the way we live to secure our water future.

In light of the longest and driest drought on record, the Victorian Government is also making changes and work is well-advanced on our state-wide plan to secure Victoria’s water future.

In Victoria’s north, the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project, or NVIRP, is continuing.

Water savings are now occurring through modernising the irrigation system.

Stage 1 is being jointly funded by the Victorian Government, Melbourne water users and the community, with the benefits being shared from next year.

In the west, the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, is six years ahead of schedule and already communities and the

environment are seeing the benefits.

Water is now flowing to towns and farmers in Antwerp, Dimboola, Dooen, Jeparit, Pimpinio, Rainbow, Tarranyurk, Yaapeet, Brim, Beulah, Berriwillock, Warracknabeal, Hopetoun, Lascelles, Woomelang, Jung, Nullawil and Culgoa.

For the first time in 90 years, reg-

ular base flows have been restored to the Wimmera River.

The amount of water is only small, but in previous years this water would have been diverted to a reservoir or sent down an open channel and possibly lost to evaporation or seepage.

When construction is completed next year, there will be even more water for ailing rivers and needy communities in North West Victoria.

Work is also progressing on construction of Australia’s largest desalination plant.

With the recent announcement of the successful contractor, construction will begin soon on this project to turn sea water into drinking water.

The plant, being constructed in the Wonthaggi region, will create 150 billion litres of water a year for Melbourne, Geelong and towns in Western Port and South Gippsland.

And as demand rises, that can be boosted to 200 billion litres a year, at minimal extra cost, supplying water that is not reliant on rainfall.

There is no crystal ball predicting when the drought will break or how climate change will affect us. But by working together and creating new sources of water we can secure a future for all Victorians.

Victorian Water Minister Tim Holding MP

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 25

Waterway Reach for the stars connections If you are in the market for a new toilet, washing machine or dishwasher, reach for the water stars.

TO celebrate National Water Week, and highlight Gippsland’s amazing waterways and landscapes, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) is launching a community photo competition and inviting reflections on what is valuable about Gippsland’s natural environment.

The health and sustainability of Gippsland’s catchment systems is influenced by the actions of all of us and is reflected in the competition’s theme of Connected: Waterways, Landscapes and People.

Geoff Hocking, CEO of the WGCMA explains that the community photo competition is a creative way for members of the community to explore the connections between human impacts and the positive and negative effects these actions have on Gippsland’s environment.

“It is important for us all to reflect on the connections we have with our surroundings, particularly at a local level,” explained Mr Hocking.

“Activities in one location have an impact on the health of the environment further down the catchment.

“The photo competition is a great opportunity for members of the community to explore and interpret the connections that exist between waterways, landscapes and people, and the importance to the region of healthy catchment systems. “ The WGCMA works closely with landholders, community groups and agencies to deliver programs that protect and enhance the health of Gippsland’s

waterways. A major element of the WGCMA’s role has been its on-ground works program which includes willow reduction, river bank fencing and revegetation, and wetland rehabilitation; collaborative projects that lead to onfarm improvements and benefits for local catchments.

“People contribute to caring for our region’s catchments in a variety of ways,” added Mr Hocking. “National Water Week provides a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of this good work and emphasise the stunning natural environment that exists in Gippsland.”

Competition entrants may submit up to three photos taken within the West Gippsland catchment region that relate to the theme of Connected: Waterways, Landscapes and People. The photo must also be accompanied by a short sentence explaining how the image relates to the theme of the competition and what it means to the photographer.

The competition has three categories and a prize will be awarded to one winner in each. The competition opens on October 18 and closes Thursday November 26, with winners announced at a presentation event in early December.

As inspiration for those entering the competition, the WGCMA will host an online exhibition of photos taken by renowned photographer Alison Pouliot.

The online exhibition and all competition and submission details are available from the WGCMA website www.wgcma.vic.gov.au. All enquiries relating to the photo competition can be directed to Adam Miller on adamm@ wgcma.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 094 262.

The WGCMA works closely with landholders, community groups and agencies to deliver programs that protect and enhance the health of Gippsland’s waterways. (Photography: Alison Pouliot)

Aid on offer Community groups, schools or anyone with an interest in making the South Gippsland region more water smart can share in $2 million in State Government funding.

Round Seven of the Smart Water Fund is now open for applications and will invest up to $2 million to encourage and support innovative ideas for sustainable water use, water recycling and sustainable biosolids management. Anyone with an innovative project is encouraged to apply, including individuals, community groups, businesses and industry.

The Smart Water Fund is an initiative of the Victorian water industry and the Victorian Government to encourage and support innovative solutions that will help create a water smart future for Victoria. To download an Application Pack and to learn more about the fund and many of its previously supported projects, visit www.smartwater.com.au For Further information regarding the Smart Water Fund contact Ros Griggs, South Gippsland Community Relations Co-ordinator on 5682 0418. Applications close November 20 2009.

Remember more stars means more savings!

Replacing an old single flush

toilet with the newest most efficient dual flush unit saves around seven litres per flush.

So, if you flush four times a day, you could save around 28 L/person/day.

Replacing an old washing machine with a new efficient model can save around 70 litres per load.

For a four person household doing four loads of washing a week, that’s a 10 L/person/day saving.

The Victorian Government’s rebate scheme lets Victorians claim rebates on water saving products like three-star water efficient showerheads.

PAGE 26 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Studying the Powlett SOUTH Gippsland Water has funded an extensive study of the Powlett River, focusing on the patterns of river ďŹ&#x201A;ow rates and impacts on the surrounding environment.

River magic: the Powlettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecosystem is being studied.

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The aim is to further understand the lower reaches of the Powlett River that feed the estuarine environment.

The Powlettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headwaters begin amongst the green hills of South Gippsland, with connecting tributaries adding to the ďŹ&#x201A;ow as it makes its way across marshes and ultimately into the vast waters of Bass Straight.

Surrounding vegetation varies along the course of the river, and has been subject to many changes over the past century; farming and agriculture have made their mark.

The ďŹ&#x201A;ow rates vary with the seasonal rainfall, all playing an impor-

tant part in the ecology of the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s habitat.

Seasons can change dramatically from year to year, the extensive hydraulic modelling sponsored by South Gippsland Water and undertaken by Alluvium Consulting has followed, in detail, the river ďŹ&#x201A;ow patterns.

The report documents events such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;overbank ďŹ&#x201A;owâ&#x20AC;?, where the water is higher than the natural bank resulting in a ďŹ&#x201A;ood plain; â&#x20AC;&#x153;freshesâ&#x20AC;? which are a rush of water that lasts for a number of days usually occurring in winter and spring and also â&#x20AC;&#x153;low ďŹ&#x201A;owâ&#x20AC;? events which are an important part of the cycle, necessary for the occurrence of some ecological processes.

The report was commissioned

by South Gippsland Water and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority as part of an application by South Gippsland Water

to extract up to 10ML/day of water from the lower reaches of the Powlett during high ďŹ&#x201A;ow times in the wetter months of the year.

While extractions from the Powlett may not occur every year, they are a necessary part of South Gippsland Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long term plans for security supply for our biggest customer base: the communities of Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson. This report sets conditions for water extraction, while understanding and facilitating the required environmental conditions.

Understanding our river systems and river health is of utmost importance to South Gippsland Water.

The study of the Powlett River is one of many examples of the Corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to provide secure water and wastewater services to the South Gippsland Region in a sustainable manner.

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Water colours inspire

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WATER Week is a time to think about the importance of water, where it comes from and how we use water in our everyday lives.

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The Theme for Water Week ,2009 is Securing our Water Future.

In the lead up to Water Week South Gippsland Water conducts an annual poster competition once again this was a great success, with over 250 entries from schools across the region.

Posters are judged on their ability to convey a water-related message, how well it can be reproduced, effective use of art materials and originality of design or innovative concept.

The South Gippsland Water regional winners from four categories entered the State judging held in Melbourne. These were: Prep Leila Tracy Fish Creek and District Primary School, 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 Zackary Hall Devon North Primary School, 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 Chloe Scott Foster Primary School, 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 Asher Moffatt Devon North Primary School.

All four Regional winners were entered in the state judging. Devon North were very successful with Zackery Hall winning the State prize for the year one - two section and Asher Moffatt runner-up for years ďŹ ve - six.

A 2010 calendar is currently being produced to showcase 12 of the many entries in the South Gippsland Water posters competition. These will be available across

Liquid art: Fosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chloe Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry in the poster competion. the region in the near future.

Water Week has always been a busy week for South Gippsland Water, promoting environmental awareness and efďŹ cient water use across the region.

This year is no exception, with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Water Awareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program underway in the Korumburra and Yarram areas.

South Gippsland Water Managing Director, Steve Evans said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;National Water Week is a fantastic way to highlight the need to think about sustainable water use and water quality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Past years have been a huge success and we are looking forward to a busy week in October.â&#x20AC;?

For more information on the program contact Ros Griggs on 5682 0418.

Water colours: Leila Tracyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning poster.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 27

Phoning in a fire warning A TELEPHONE tree is among the Darlimurla community’s efforts to be fire safe this summer.

The project will allow residents to connect with each other in an ordered way to make sure everyone knows what’s happening.

As well as being a tool to deal with emergency situations, locals will also use it to share social and community information.

The telephone tree is part of the Mirboo North and District Bushfire Recovery Community Plan.

Darlimurla resident Marion Thiele said last year’s fires showed there was a need for a telephone tree.

“When the fires were first in Lyrebird Walk we had only heard they were in Delburn, so people were watching the tennis with no idea how close the fires were,” she said.

Ms Thiele called neighbours herself at the time and for many of them it was the first time they had heard fire was headed their way.

The telephone tree concept was the brainchild of the Darlimurla Community Association.

A number of community meetings have been held over the last three with more than 30 households from the small communities of Darlimurla and Delburn taking part.

For many residents this has been one of the first times they have communicated directly with their neighbours.

Project facilitator Jacinta Hicken said using the telephone tree to communicate important messages will establish it as an important tool.

“If the residents of Darlimurla can use the telephone tree to pass on messages when they are not under the stress of an emergency, then the telephone tree will be of greater operational use during an emergency,” Ms Hicken said.

The telephone tree will have a test run on October 24 when it is used to share information about the forthcoming Mirboo North fire expo.

“One person is designated out of the Darlimurla Community As-

sociation who will call four people and they each take in an area where they live and each call about five people,” Ms Hicken said.

Mirboo North Bushfire Recovery Centre manager Norman Walker said a telephone tree is a concept that is working in other places.

“This project is an example of a community, such as Darlimurla, taking responsibility to pass on warnings and other important information to each other using the phone network that most people have access to,” he said.

“It is meant to be an additional way for a small community of 50-60 people to keep in touch,” he said.

The project is funded by the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority and is supported by the Mirboo North and District Recovery Planning Committee and the South Gippsland Shire Council.

For more information on the Darlimurla telephone tree project contact Jacinta Hicken on 5668 2546.

Sharing the message: Darlimurla resident Marion Thiele and project facilitator Jacinta Hicken are part of the telephone tree project.

• OBITUARY

Leongatha medical pioneer AN era in the development of hospital services in Leongatha has ended with the death on September 4 of Dr Alec Bennett.

He was 81.

Dr Bennett spent a long time on the board of the Woorayl District Memorial Hospital and was actively involved in ensuring the good equipment and the services of visiting specialists.

He had a very loyal following and that innate and vital characteristic so important in rural medicine; he was cool, calm and collected in an emergency.

According to his colleagues and hospital staff, Alec Bennett was a competent surgeon who could easily have specialised in that field.

Dr Bennett followed both his parents into medicine. His father Dr George Bennett set up practice as a full time physician in

Myrtleford, with Alec’s mother Dr Frances Cruickshank assisting and doing anaesthetics when required.

Alexander Lister Bennett was born at Myrtleford in 1928, adding a second son to the family.

The first born was named after his father. A daughter, Christina, was born at Mirboo North and in 1941, the Bennetts moved to Leongatha.

Alec attended Mirboo North Lower Elementary School and started at boarding school when he was 10.

After his graduation from university, he went to Mildura to work before moving to Leongatha where, in February 1955, he bought the medical practice from his father.

Two years before, Alec had married Janette Anderson. Dr Bennett Senior did the occasional locum, but essentially, Alec Bennett ran the practice on his own as he and Janette raised four young children, Bill, Jenny, Robert and

Susan. The pressure eased when Dr Ron Eagger came to Leongatha in 1959.

By 1966, a new medical centre had been built on the Koonwarra Road site where it remains today and four doctors amalgamated into the one practice. Drs Eagger, Croatto, Bourke and Bennett were to remain in partnership for more than 30 years. They came from

very different backgrounds and offered an extensive range of medical knowledge and services.

After serving the Leongatha community for more than 40 years, Alec Bennett retired to undertake locums in other country towns. He did this until 2003.

He and Janette moved to their farm at Tarwin Lower in 1996, living there before retiring to Point Lonsdale. Finally, the Bennetts could enjoy some well-earned time together and they spent some of this travelling and holidaying.

Alec joined Probus and the Point Lonsdale Golf Club.

Although his life was full and busy, he always had time for his children and his nine grandchildren.

He will be remembered as a kind and considerate man who set an exceptional standard for his family and others to follow.

Sunset jetty reception SUNSET on the jetty at the Port Welshpool Ferry Terminal formed a perfect backdrop for the reception that followed the middle-of-theday marriage of Janine Boag from Stony Creek and Toora’s Sean Best on October 10.

Big day: Sean Best and Janine Boag were accompanied by Xavier Bruning and Gabriel Wilkinson.

Photo by Gerard Bruning.

Merlene Stratton officiated at the ceremony at Walkerville Bay. Janine is the daughter of John and Fay Boag and Sean the son of Russell and Sue Best.

The bride was almost upstaged by groomsmen Steven Glowrey, Matthew Best and Simon Knee when they arrived in a bright red helicopter.

A vintage convertible Chevrolet took Janine to the beach where the sea breeze fanned the three

sunray pleated panels of her gown, billowing into a full skirt.

A pleated trim was repeated on the train and the ruched bodice featured pearl detailing and twisted shoestring straps.

She added an elbow length blush veil with matching pearls and carried a trailer of anthuriums and cymbidium orchids in shades of pink.

Matching material fashioned the dress worn by little flowergirl Gabriel Wilkinson who was accompanied by Xavier Bruning looking very smart in his suit.

Bridesmaids Lynne Boag, Penny Munday and Joanne Le Page, carried small bouquets of cream anthuriums against their mushroom satin halter neck gowns.

The reception featured attention to detail that reflected the bride

and groom’s families and times together.

Following a honeymoon in Fiji, the couple will build a new home in Foster.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Mary MacKillop College, Leongatha Secondary College, S.G. Specialist School (26th, 28th, 29th, 30th) and National Bank (27th) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning October 26, 2009.

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

5662 2294.

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

RECENTLY, seven intrepid explorers from the Tarwin River and Bass Coast Canoe Clubs, enjoyed three days paddling on the Glenelg River in the Lower Glenelg National Park.

Left to right are Helen Russell, Ann Van Rhine, Richard Lawrence, Ros Spratt, Rosemary Andrews of TRCC and Kay Walton from Bass Coast. Picture: Dorothy Sturgess.

The Glenelg River flows for 400 kms through farmland, native forest, limestone gorges and past quaint riverside boat houses before widening into a shallow lake system.

It flows into the ocean south of Nelson.

Its 29 landings and numerous campsites make the Glenelg River perfect for canoe camping.

The next main event for the Tarwin River Canoe Club will be the Tarwin River Fest to be held at Tarwin Lower on Sunday November 8.

The event will feature races for all classes of paddle craft over distances of 4-20kms in 4 km increments. It will also include the Gippsland Enduro which will take place over six hours.

This is a perfect event in the lead-up to the 41st Murray River Marathon. Paddler enquiries to mobile 0437 GOTRCC. Spectators welcome

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, October 21, 2008 Georgie Dunn is the first baby to be born at the Korumburra hospital in eight years. The Leongatha girl is the fourth child for Matt and Mel of Leongatha. **** The 2008 Melbourne Cup is coming to Leongatha, as part of a Stony Creek Racing Club event. Former top jockeys Roy Higgins and Greg Hall will be among the speakers.

Five years ago, October 19, 2004 The Loch RSL sub-branch closed with a tribute after falling membership left remaining members with no alternative but to wind up the group. To mark the contribution of the district’s ex-servicemen, more than 50 people attended an afternoon tea at the Loch Public Hall. **** Allana Green broke the first record of the season at the opening meeting of the Leongatha Little Athletics Club. She set a new record in the 70m sprint.

10 years ago, October 19, 1999 Gippsland West MLA Susan Davies has joined with Victoria’s two other Independents to instill a Labor government in Victoria. The Independents were left the power to vote in a new government after the election. **** The pioneers of the Fairbank district will be recognised by the unveiling of a plaque. The men and women were integral in establishing a mechanics institute and free library in the district.

30 years ago, October 23, 1979 Mysterious shooters are forcing Venus Bay residents to stay at home after dark. Locals believe the offenders are simply shooting for the sake of it, usually after 10pm on weekends. **** A second sporting ground could be built at Inverloch, with major earthworks needed at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve making that ground unsuitable for football and cricket for at least one season. The new ground at the Thompson estate will be ready for the 1981 season.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 29

THIS Meeniyan home will be auctioned by Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha on Saturday. Read about it on page 32.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Prominent two storey home I

F you are looking for something with real character then look no further.

This modern three bedroom Leongatha home has been orientated to capture the northern and afternoon sun, with large windows and a sliding glass door to the outdoor entertaining area.

The family room has a trendy feel, with an open plan design, polished concrete floors, modern kitchen and stainless steel appliances.

Completing downstairs is the main bedroom with built-in robes, bathroom with a separate shower and bath, separate toilet and the laundry.

Upstairs is one of the highlights of the inspection walking into the second bed-

room you are captivated by the amazing views over the Nerrena valley and beyond.

The second bathroom is centrally located to both bedrooms, with shower and toilet.

The outdoor entertaining area consisting of both decking and concrete is enormous and would accommodate the largest of family functions.

The large backyard has been tastefully landscaped and is quite private.

The double garage has direct access to the family room and a second roller door, to allow access to the backyard with a trailer.

Located in a quiet street, Stockdale and Leggo Leongatha is delighted to offer this unique property for sale.

At a glance Location: 10 Norview Drive, Leongatha.

Price: $355,000.

Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 5800.

Top location for education L

IVE close to Leongatha’s schools in this weatherboard home on the corner of Yeaman Court and Turner Street.

The primary schools and secondary colleges are all an easy walk from this top location.

While anyone would be at home here, either first home buyers or retirees would be especially pleased with this property.

You’ll find the three bedroom, with built-in robes, weatherboard home has everything you need.

The five-year-old Blackwood kitchen has a dishwasher, electric oven and hot plates and double bowl sink.

The living areas have reverse cycle air conditioning and an electric wall heater, and there’s a separate lounge.

There are also polished floorboards.

The carport offers direct access to the house and the backyard is secure.

Mature trees are a feature of the block.

At a glance Location: 61 Turner Street, Leongatha.

Price: $245,000.

Agent: SEJ, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 4033, Lyle Miller 0408 515 665 or Barry Redmond 0418 515 666.

AUCTION SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER AT 2 PM

STUNNING HISTORIC HOMESTEAD

MIRBOO NORTH “Strathalbyn” ON WATTS (CIRCA 1890) 2.63 ACRES - 1.06 ha MAGNIFICENT PERIOD RESIDENCE EXPERTLY RENOVATED AND EXTENDED IN A WONDERFUL EXPANSIVE OLD ENGLISH GARDEN SETTING WITH PERMANENT WATTS CREEK FRONTAGE

● ● ● ●

Sth Gippsland Hwy, Leongatha.

0418 515 666 0408 515 665 www.sej.com.au

2399

2490 Meeniyan-Mirboo North Road Picturesque park like landscaped garden setting.

Delightful period residence. 4 B.R.’s, study/rumpus, formal dining room, open plan kitchen/meals/lounge, 2 bathrooms and laundry.

S/C cottage, IG pool, carport and shedding.

3km Mirboo North township, 150km Melb via Princes and 50km Inverloch.

9866 5588.

0438 383 221 www. prh.com.au

It’s a whopper S

OMEBODY will make a lot of money by a simple revamp of the floor plan of this Leongatha home.

At the moment the home is being utilised as three bedrooms, en suite and four living rooms.

It can be altered to have five bedrooms or four with an office, and still have a huge living area and enjoy a generous, separate dining room.

The home is in great condition but needs a coat of paint and some new carpet.

The home is 34 squares under roof, excluding the double garage, and some 28 squares of living.

The galley kitchen is made of beautiful Victorian Ash timber.

This home has split system air conditioning.

The shed in the backyard is a massive 97.2 metres square, measuring 18 x 5.4 metres, all with a concrete floor.

The shed is divided into three sections, one with a toilet and spa bath (needs a service) an ideal workshop, office, and home gymnasium.

These outstanding buildings are all located on a large level block.

Here is a fabulous opportunity to set yourself up with an outstanding home at a reasonable price.

At a glance Location: 1 Clinton Court, Leongatha.

Price: $319,000.

Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Leongatha.

Contact: John O’Connor 0416 193 990.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 31

Magnificent period residence S

TRATHALBYN, circa 1890s, will be auctioned in Mirboo North on Saturday, November 14 at 2pm on site.

It is a magnificent period residence expertly renovated and extended in a wonderful expansive old English garden setting with Watts’s permanent stream frontage.

The period homestead, dating back to the 1890s, has been expertly renovated and extended, offering quality character-filled rural living lifestyle.

It comprises four bedrooms, study/rumpus area, two bathrooms and a stately formal dining room with open fireplace.

The north facing spacious open plan kitchen/meals/living area looks out over Watts’s stream.

Features of the residence include pressed metal ceilings, dado panelling, privately made elm vanities, old-style country kitchen, 11 foot ceilings, sash windows, open fireplaces, ducted vacuum and return verandah.

It has a slow combustion heater, ducted gas bottle heating and an 8000 gallon domestic tank water supply.

The garden is introduced by a series of historic ornamental trees and turning circle.

This mature landscaped garden offers large lawns filled with English and native trees, rose bushes and garden beds.

For the summer months there’s a north facing in-ground pool and entertaining area with shadecloths.

Near the main home is a separate cottage offering an open plan kitchen/meals/living and bedroom area.

It has a separate bathroom/ European laundry area and wheelchair access.

At a glance Location: 2490 MeeniyanMirboo North Road, Mirboo North.

Auction: Saturday, November 14 at 2pm on site.

Agents: Pat Rice & Hawkins, Melbourne and SEJ, Leongatha.

Contact: Rhys Nuttall 9866 5588 or 5662 4033 Barry Redmond 0418 515 666 or Lyle Miller 0408 515 665.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Meeniyan auction on Saturday R

OTHERWOOD is an exceptional neat Federation-style brick family home at 151 Whitelaw Street in Meeniyan.

It will be up for auction on Saturday, October 24 at 11am on site.

Full of charm and character, “Rotherwood” has three bedrooms including master with en suite complete with shower, single vanity, and slate flooring.

The main bathroom features a corner spa bath with steps for easy access, shower and single vanity.

A timber kitchen with wall oven and griller, electric hotplates and rangehood, dishwasher and slate flooring.

This home is well set up for a family, with two living areas: a lounge room with double bi-fold leadlight doors, timber

mantle piece, and reverse cycle air con, and the second living area featuring timber dado walling and archway with ornate plastering.

The second living area leads to the front door and which is a beautiful timber entrance complete with leadlight windows in the door and window surrounds and a fly screen door.

The laundry has a single bowl sink with cupboard underneath and a bench with cupboards.

Timber architraves, slate flooring and neat carpets feature throughout the home.

Outside caters for all the family with a large yard, rear lane access, three-bay garage, garden shed and fernery, and concreted and paved drive areas.

This home is perfect for a family or the retiring farmer looking to downsize.

At a glance Location: 151 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan.

Auction: Saturday, October 24 at 11am on site.

Sole agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 0922.

Close to centre

T

HIS three bedroom home in Leongatha offers real value for money.

Located at the bottom end of Ritchie Street, this home is close to the edge of town, but only three streets away from the supermarket and main street.

It offers three good sized bedrooms at the front of the home.

The lounge room features a mantlepiece and reverse cycle air conditioner.

A makeover of the kitchen includes a gas stove, loads of cupboards, and updated laminate benchtop.

The bathroom, located off the kitchen, has a shower over the bath, single vanity and the toilet, and an enclosed porch houses the hot water service and a laundry.

Walk outside to a good sized backyard, which includes a garden shed, with a carport finishing off this home nicely.

Together with a rural outlook from the front fence this home is ideal for a first homebuyer or the astute investor, definitely worth an inspection.

At a glance Location: 20 Ritchie Street, Leongatha.

Price: $175,000.

Sole agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 0922.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 33

an invitation - help us to celebrate!

S

to: all of our past, present and future clients what: drinks and nibblies where: our office in Meeniyan when: Friday 25th October 4pm - 7pm RSVP: Thursday 24th October 5664 0224

LD

grant us our 1st home heaven MEENIYAN This redecorated and updated home might be just the one to plant-your-grant in, if you’re lucky enough to be a First Home Buyer. 3 bedrooms, modern kitchen, new carpets, renovated bathroom with dual vanities, fitted laundry, s/s ac plus big 6x11m garage/shed, gorgeous rear gardens, town & tank water!

Address 12 Meikle Street, Meeniyan To Suit Buyers $180,000 - $195,000

S

or email to glenys@promcountryre.com.au We would like to warmly thank our growing and loyal client base who through their generous referrals have helped to make our first year so successful.

And if you think the first year was good: now that we’ve hit our stride, just wait and see what the “Terrible Two’s” will bring!

N AY P E ND O SU IS TH

LD

solid 1950s aussie classic LEONGATHA Built to last, this 4 bedroom home is within walking distance to the shops. Features include high ceilings and stunning art deco finishes. Separate lounge, updated kitchen with dishwasher and pantry, meals room, sunroom, carport plus shed, plus separate workshop with 3-Phase power, water tank, & established gardens.

Address 34 Koonwarra Road, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $250,000 - $275,000

N AY P E ND O SU IS TH

executive country residence on fertile acreage FOSTER NORTH Amidst green rolling hills, on the Melbourne side of Foster, this executive residence is designed for casual country living, with elegance and grace. Expansive, with a floor plan to suit a variety of lifestyles, there’s a gourmet kitchen at its heart. 3 living areas, 4 bedrooms, study, & 2 stylish bathrooms inside, and extensive garaging, shedding and workshop facilities externally. Gorgeous gardens, and 16 fertile acres with an option of 16 more. Inspirational!

Open Sun 2.30-3.00pm Address 2 Falls Road, Foster North To Suit Buyers $525,000-$575,000

a country-lane cottage – fishing or golf?

KORUMBURRA A story book cottage, with astounding views, in a quiet country lane close to the golf club and trout fishing? Yes! Set on a very gently sloping small acreage, the 3 bedroom + study, 2 storey home is elegant, country-style. Quality timber floors and carpets, dado paneling, decorative cornices and rosettes, split system air conditioner and wood heater, covered deck with incomparable outlooks across gorgeous gardens & endless green rolling hills. Just magic...

Open Sun 12-12.30pm Address 30 Henrys Lane, Korumburra To Suit Buyers $340,000-$375,000

D

LD. OLD SO AVAILABLE FREEH L NS STIL IO T P O OTHER

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N EN PE K O EE W IS H T

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rare architectural icon: c1936 LEONGATHA Of historcial significance, this beautiful property features spacious and gracious living rooms, 2 bathrooms, large “indoor/outdoor” rumpus room, 3 big bedrooms, country timber kitchen with stainless steel appliances and double carport through private side gates. Architectural features include coffered 11’ ceilings, three part double hung windows, original timbers, hardwood floors, rendered double brick construction, extensive leadlight. Other comforts: ducted heating, open fire, alarm, tesselated tiling, luxurious carpets to bedrooms & formal living rooms.

Open to inspect Saturday 12-12.30pm, Sunday 1-1.30pm Address 26 Ogilvy Street, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $475,000 - $525,000

stake your claim!

High exposure site in M Meeniyan’s i ’ main i street. t t FREEHOLD FOR SALE: Four retail premises on single title.

To suit buyers $165,000 - $180,000.

SHOPS FOR LEASE: Shop “A”: Rent $100 pw; Shop “B”: Rent $145 pw.

BUSINESS FOR SALE: Thriving takeaway food & café occupying the centre two shops. Secure long term lease. WIWO $99,000.

Y N DA E R P O ATU S S HI

T

live in or rent out, with security no doubt LEONGATHA Like the idea of living in a development where good design and quality of construction will secure your investment?

This young townhouse has a practical floor plan including a kitchen with quality cabinetry and dishwasher, adjoining tiled meals area, comfortable living room opening onto a private north facing courtyard, 2 bedrooms with built-ins, bathroom with corner shower, laundry, and an over-size single garage with direct access and remote control door.

Open Sat 11-11.30am Address 17/4 Miles Court, Leongatha To Suit Buyers $210,000-$225,000

N AY P E ND O SU IS TH

modern country charm with direct access to Rail Trail FISH CREEK Rarer than hen’s teeth, this contemporary country residence on more than 4 acres is just 100m into the village.

Spreading over some 24sqs, the 4 bedroom + study home has an extensive open plan living area and features timber floors, 3m ceilings, new double hung windows, gas log fire, stainless steel appliances and town & tank water. Sweeping decked verandas, pasture, wetland environment for platypus, and part creek frontage. Amazing!

Open Sunday 2.30-3.00pm Address 40 Falls Road, Fish Creek To Suit Buyers $430,000-$460,000

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Complete package, in town, on four acres R

ARER than hen’s teeth, this extended and renovated country residence on more than four acres is just 100m into the village of Fish Creek.

Spreading over some 24 squares, the four bedroom, plus study, home has an extensive open plan area providing relaxed living for family and friends.

The kitchen has been purposedesigned to be an efficient work area, with stainless steel topped benches, easy-clean floor space, stainless steel dishwasher and Savoir Faire 900mm gas range.

Interior features include extensive use of polished timber floors, three metre ceilings, gorgeous gas log fire, claw foot bath, large laundry or “mud room” with second shower, ceiling fans and cedar venetians throughout.

Particular points of interest are fully insulated interior walls, draftproof architraves, low-maintenance double-hung windows, two sets of sliding doors out to a substantial east-facing decked verandah, and both town and tank water.

And speaking of water, the property has a partial creek frontage, and has its own wetland environment positioned centrally on the land.

The eco-system is a habitat for bird life, frogs, and is designed to encourage and protect platypus.

The fertile, level land would be

At a glance Location: 40 Falls Road, Fish Creek.

Suit buyers: $430,000 to $460,000.

Agent: Prom Country First National, Meeniyan.

Contact: 5664 0224. ideal for horticulture with its abundant water supply, for grazing of stock, and is particularly suitable for horses with the bonus of direct access through a rear gate to the Great Southern Rail Trail.

A four-bay steel shed provides garaging for two cars, plus workshop

and storage space, and the house gardens are colourful and thoughtfully planted.

This comprehensive property, with its rural environment, is just across the road from the recreational reserve. An amazing package.

A U CT I O N

THE past 12 months has flown for Allen and Kaz at Prom Country First National Real Estate in Meeniyan.

PRESTIGIOUS SALE IRRIGATION FARM “SOMERTON PARK"

Thursday, November 12, at 1pm ON SITE – SOMERTON PARK ROAD, SALE

80.9ha (200 acres) right on edge of Sale, 5km from post office. Magnificent 56 square under roof home with 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 dining rooms, formal lounge sitting room, study/ office, verandah on 3 sides. Original home built in 1880's with extensions in early 1900's. Water is a feature of the property with 218.5ml high reliability, 103ml low reliability, and 120ml bore water. Presently farmed as a dairy farm with 14-a-side double-up dairy, feed system with 2 silos, 3 vats, 8400 litre storage. Good fertiliser history, 18 paddocks, excellent soil, laser graded, shedding includes 30m x 12m machinery shed with 2 lock-up bays with power, large hay shed and sharefarmer’s cottage. Property has potential for subdivision subject to council approval, in one title with three crown allotments.

hooker2x10

236 Raymond Street, Sale – Phone 51 444 575 Tony Baillie 0412 244 442 120 Johnson Street, Maffra – Phone 5147 1088 Tim Missen 0488 483 000

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

AUCTION

SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER AT 11 AM - ON SITE

QUALITY HOME IN SECLUDED GARDEN

LOCH

190 HENRYS ROAD ACRES - 1.45 ha

Stunning quality home in wonderful expansive landscaped gardens. parklike setting. ● Delightful 3/4 bedroom home, ensuite, large sweeping verandah, open plan kitchen/meals, separate dining/lounge and central bathroom. ● Large dble remote garage and workshop. ● A property renowned for its picturesque setting. ● Just over an hour to Melb.CBD via car.

It was only last October that they opened their doors in the old roadhouse complex in Whitelaw Street.

Since then, not only have they managed to establish themselves as a successful real estate office, they have moved to modern premises, sold their Kardella South farmlet, moved to Meeniyan, established all new systems and procedures, commenced with best practice accreditation, re-branded with First National, and employed and trained two new staff members.

“The confidence our vendors have shown us, in listing their properties from Loch to Welshpool, Woorarra to Waratah, has been great,” Kaz said.

“We are selling all over Prom Country, and whilist our office is at Meeniyan, our working “centre” really is Leongatha.

“Leongatha in particular has been very successful”.

The time has also seen Kaz, a partner in the small, but busy, agency, become an integral part of the Community Bank project in Meeniyan, including the efforts to procure an ATM for the town.

Not only that, it is evident that Meeniyan is “moving”, and the presence of a prominent and active estate agent appears to have had a positive effect on the town’s fortunes.

“We really feel part of the community now. With our sponsorships, and participation in local events and projects, how could we not? It’s a lovely place to live and work and we are doing our bit to let others know that,” Kaz said.

And what’s on for their second year?

“Plans for expansion are afoot. We’d also like to even further refine our customer service standards: it is one of the things that we feel sets us apart, but there is always room for improvement,” Kaz said.

“As if that isn’t enough, the First National group has decided to update their branding, so we’ll be changing all our boards, the shop signage, website – again – before this year is out,” she said.

Expansion?

“Perhaps a second office. And we’ll be recruiting another sales person. But we certainly have no interest in shifting from our “quality versus quantity” philosophy. Our high success rate exists because of our attention to detail with each property we list for sale.

High volumes of listings would be likely to affect that quality,” Kaz said.

So you’ll be recruiting?

“Very carefully, yes. Our two supporting staff members, Lisa and Glenys, are vital team members and we couldn’t be happier with their involvement, and we’ve just employed an additional person to assist with board installations and general maintenance. We’ll be advertising in the new year for a quality sales person, and offering a unique remuneration package, but more about that later,” Kaz said.

For now, the team at Prom Country goes from strength to strength, and will celebrate their first birthday with drinks at their Meeniyan premises this Friday afternoon.

All past, present and future clients (and suppliers) are welcome, and just need to let the office know in advance, for catering reasons.

“After all, it wouldn’t be Australian to run out of grog,” Kaz said with a smile.

Recent auction action

“Bundara” 3.6

Prom Country turns one

● Picturesque

Rhys Nuttall 0438 383 221

2409

A HERITAGE listed property in Foster was sold at auction on October 11.

The three bedroom home set among 2000 square metres of garden went for $401,000.

It was purchased by a Foster couple who had been looking at property for some time.

SEJ Foster was the agent. Russell Jones said all parties were very pleased with the result.

About 50 people attended the auction.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 35

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 37

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

African rhythms delight THE L Leongatha th M Memorial i l Hall H ll was full to capacity last Thursday night, with more than 600 people listening to the Watoto African Children’s Choir.

caretaker caretaker, Graeme Heath Heath, for all his help throughout the day.”

Back in 2004 Leongatha’s people opened their hearts to this cause, donating over $20,000, the cost of one house in Uganda, to house eight kids and a ‘mother’.

The additional $6000 raised last Thursday night will go towards another house.

The Watoto Children’s Choir has toured internationally since 1994, travelling to countries such as Brazil, UK, USA, Germany, France, Israel, South Africa and Canada.

A team of 29 people performed at the concert, 18 of whom are orphans between the ages of 8 and 13. Watoto provides these people with a loving home and family, education, food, clothing and medical care.

The Watoto kids spent the day in Leongatha, even having time to do their studies in the hall and were billeted overnight with a number of host families.

The live ‘concert of hope’ was a once in a lifetime chance to experience a soulful blend of African rhythm, contemporary gospel and ethnic dance, and plenty took up the opportunity to attend this free event.

A collection on the night raised $6000.

One of the organisers, Lesley Chisholm, was hoping to get 200, but was blown away when 600 plus people packed downstairs and upstairs of the hall. There was hardly a car parking space within a kilometre of the hall!

Another helper, Pat Jackson, praised all the churches for getting together and supporting this event. People were clapping to the music, some dancing in their seats as the professionalism and enthusiasm of all the choir members came to the fore.

“Thanks also to the Leongatha RSL for helping us with the hall costs and hall

Amazing show: one of the numbers performed by the Watoto children’s choir in Leongatha last Thursday night. Afterwards members of the Boucher family caught up with the troupe, pictured from left, Ruth Mamugga, Jed Boucher, Claire Boucher (mum), Caleb Boucher, Abigail Boucher and Cynthia Asiimwe.

District Governor visits THE new District 201 V3 Governor, Tom Shillito, was a guest at the Lions Club dinner meeting in August.

He came with lots of words of support and encouragement for the Lions Club, especially thanking us for our help during the recent bushfires.

He also made a surprise District Governor’s award to Mr Lyn Robertson.

Always willing to lend a hand, Lyn is one of our ‘quiet achievers’, going about things quietly but willing to do anything, from meals on wheels Lyn Robertson: (left) receiving a special to building sheds for the bushfire victims, and pin and a handshake from Tom Shillito, helping out on the rail trail. Lyn is a great asset Lions District Governor. to the Leongatha Lions Club.

Tarwin Lower Red Cross news GLENDA ARBUTHNOT, the president, welcomed 18 members to the October meeting.

It was good to see most of our members have returned from their holidays in the sun.

Reports were given on the coming training days on emergency catering and registration, with the fire season not far away. Trudy McColl reported on the regional meeting held at Leongatha.

The main general business was the discussion on the unit’s 70th birthday to be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 1.30pm at the Tarwin Lower Hall for afternoon tea. Helene Hayes, our guest speaker, will be speaking on Archival Information of Aus-

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8193

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

The past is highlighted. This is a good week for collecting antiques and studying family history. Reconciliations are indicated, thanks largely to your forgiving nature.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

A new source of information proves more reliable than you had hoped. A loved one’s independent streak may surface, while you find yourself in a typically sentimental mood.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Family connected engagements are spotlighted, along with educational travel, new career challenges and a leadership role in the community. In short, it’s one of the year’s liveliest weeks.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

The focus is on short financial planning. Watch out for the tendency to be a big spender. Friendship may bring you rich rewards.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

Your horizons are broadened in a week that sees you visiting new, perhaps exotic destinations. A recent community or educational activity may bring an advantage at the work place.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

This week sees you putting in overtime as you help relatives with their emotions or neighbours with their chores. A favourable time for updating your files. Your love life is on a steadier course.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Investigation is the week’s keyword and job opportunities may offer more variety than you realise. Several upbeat meetings, some unplanned, are on tap for the week.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

Paying visits to the lonely or sick is high on the week’s agenda.

Travel may include some unusual shopping sprees. Pay care and attention to job related hints.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Treating an old problem with a new approach can lead to a speedy solution. check out the larger picture if considering making a large investment of your energy.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

Your family situation is more congenial thanks to your recent attempts to establish harmony. New hobbies are accented. Difficulty at your place of work requires a novel touch.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

Your artistic endeavours are highlighted this week. You may be interested in pottery or ceramics. Property negotiations may be indicated. Pay careful attention to the fine print.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

You are making progress on a project, but there are some important touches that still require your care. Your artistic ability is stressed in a week that sees you painting a canvas or a room.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are magnanimous and creative and your enthusiasm is contagious. You are intelligent too, but some people find you too objective.

Your optimism helps you overcome a recent difficulty and leads to the realisation of an important goal by the end of the year. You are naturally affectionate, but romance requires some guidance.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, October 21: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Sunday, October 25: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Family Service; 10.30am St Andrew’s, Tarwin Lower MP. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am.

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion.

CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248.

A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466.

Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph.

0407 343 219.

Leongatha South Gippsland Liberty Fellowship - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha.

Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm. All enquiries contact Pastor David Stegmann 5662 2785. Office: 5662 3100.

Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984.

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly; Kids Club Thursdays 4pm Guide Hall. For all enquiries

contact 5664 5455.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School - 11.30am.

CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday.

Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm 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 WOMEN’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214.

GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at the Senior Citizens Centre, Mirboo North, Sundays: 4-5.10pm Communion, 5.15-6pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children.

Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5668 2226 Bob Stevens.

SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Kid’s Club - Tuesday, 4 - 5pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome. Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122.

SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship.

Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228.

PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday,

corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump 5662-2107.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am.

(10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. Teaching service at 7.30pm.

Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2762. Minister: Rev. Ron Nauta.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, October 25, 9am and 10.45am “Life to the Max” 7pm.

Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Geoff Smith and Rev. Jim Foley, 5655 1997.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www.wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

tralian Red Cross. We would love to have past and present members come and celebrate this momentous occasion with us.

Our guest speaker was Mrs Doreen Western, who spoke about Operation Christmas Child – the power of a simple gift, which is a shoebox filled with gifts – something to love, something special, something for school, something to play with, something to wear and something for hygiene. We were amazed to see what Doreen had fit into her box. These boxes are distributed to overseas children less fortunate than we are.

The meeting ended with a surprise birthday cake for Glenda, who celebrated a special birthday, followed by friendship and a cup of tea.

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15.

17.

19.

22.

23.

24.

25.

ACROSS Middling (8) Journey (4) Chunk (4) Diminutive (8) Animal (5) Empty (6) Woodlouse (6) Lumber (6) Accent (6) Sprite (5) Month (8) Impolite (4) One (4) Keep back (8)

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

14.

16.

18.

20.

21.

DOWN Precise (5) Immediate (7) Walking stick (4) Dig out (8) Garment (5) Huge (7) Weapon (8) Disappointment (3-4) Sovereign (7) Expel (5) Decoration (5) Worry (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8193 ACROSS 1. The sweet peas clambering round, you dig up (8). 6.

Very little notice (4). 8. Charge one for the transport (4).

9. The girl was caught again off guard (8). 10. A dashing young fellow and sharp, too (5). 11. The foreiger and I got flustered in the beginning (6). 13. Write “No Quarter Given” on the flag (6). 15. Once the lost are rounded up, is full of praise (6). 17. The spectators take a turn and have something to eat (6). 19. Mr. Ward? (5). 22. Said perhaps the broken rest contributed to the tragedy (8). 23.

In no time is moored (4). 24. One nutcracker I put in (4).

25. With complete indifference, unfastened (8).

DOWN 2. Not missing any in any way whatsoever (2,3). 3. Assumed, provisionally (5,2). 4. “Hooligan” spelled “hooigan”? (4). 5. Scrutinised the material cut up (8). 6.

Don’t lie on the platform (5). 7. A blanket and an item of apparel (7). 12. Both not right and right for a nudist camp (8). 14. Giving the slip to the woman and child, I hide inside (7). 16. Buying and selling cars, etc. (7). 18. An old deed, right? (5). 20. I got up to protect her (5). 21. Run up to, right after (4).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 39

Return to sender

DENNIS Maxwell has loved boomerangs ever since he fisrt saw one thrown as an eight-year-old boy in Korumburra. A Presbyterian missionary from Wagga Wagga came to visit and showed the local lads the native hunting stick. Dennis was hooked and has since travelled the world competing in boomerang championships and spreading the good word on the amazing Aboriginal invention.

We were shown how to throw solid wood boomerangs and from those solid wood boomerangs we made ply wood replicas and they worked. So as well as playing football and cricket and soccer, we played boomerangs. A group of boomerang throwers grew over the years and we actually went to our first competition in Melbourne in 1962. My neighbour who invited me along, actually won the competition and the next year I won.

How do you win a competitive boomerang throwing competition?

The boomergang is thrown from the centre of a set of concentric circles like an archery target. Instead of shooting towards a target you are actually standing in the target. The target has a series of concentric circles out to ten metres. You have to throw it at least 20 metres away from the thrower. If you get a bullseye in the four metre centre circle you get ten points, and so on.

What makes a boomerang boomerang?

Well the aerodynamics make a boomerang boomerang. Each wing is shaped like the wing of an aircraft and, as such, each wing has an aerofoil section.

The “returning” boomerang has an acute

Carter went into an annexe of Tutankhamen’s tomb and in this annex is what he described as a bow and arrow in a box and in that were about 30 missiles that were shaped like boomerangs and hunting sticks. Carter maintained that frescos on the walls showed Egyptians throwing, what I consider, hunting sticks at ducks over a reedy swamp. A book “boomerangs of the Pharoahs” concluded that they were actual boomerangs, but I am actually dubious because no one has ever heard of returning missiles in Egypt.

It’s hard to imagine it dying out.

Exactly so; why wasn’t it glorified by the Egyptians or previous races. If they were so precious to Tutankhamen and his entourage to have them in his tomb, why were they not glorified elsewhere.

angle between the arms, they can go up to nearly 90 degrees. The aerofoil action creates lift and as each arm goes through the air, it creates more lift and the boomerang comes back to the thrower.

How the aborigines developed this, no one knows. When the boomerang flies along, one arm develops more lift than the other to actually turn it around in flight. It’s a natural design feature.

I imagine trial and error.

Someone threw a stick, somebody reshaped it into an oval shape, and someone refined that even further.

Aborigines have been in Australia for 40-60,000 years and over those years these hunting sticks and boomerangs have been developed. It’s absolutely the magic of the ancient aboriginal culture that these guys were able to develop this sophisticated flying missile.

Dennis calls the famous curved stick a “returning” boomerang to distinguish

it from the hunting stick boomerang which flies long distances just above the ground but does not return towards the thrower. The scimitar-shaped hunting stick was the main hunting weapon and was more widespread than its more famous returning counterpart.

If you try and throw a returning boomerang into a flock of birds that are in the sky, the birds are not stupid. They have avoided hawks and things all their lives, so as soon as they see this coming, they go up or down to avoid it and the boomerang just keeps going.

So if not for hunting, what was the returning boomerang used for?

Sport and recreation. It can be used for a hunting weapon, but I don’t think there is much percentage in the kill results.

It has certainly taken over from the hunting stick in popularity over

the past 200 years.

That’s because it fascinates the white Europeans.

Are boomerangs indigenous to all parts of Australia?

Professor Blainey wrote a book called Triumph of the Nomads in which he referred to boomerangs being only responsible for one per cent of the weekly ration of an aboriginal tribe.

Boomerangs as such were only found down the eastern and western coasts of Australia. The hunting stick was generally found across all of Australia.

But were the Australian Aborigines the only boomerang users? There is evidence to suggest that famed anthropologist Howard Carter found evidence of boomerangs when he opened the boy king Tutankhamen’s tomb. Dennis isn’t so sure that the Pharaohs were into boomerangs.

It seems like you enjoy spreading the boomerang gospel.

Boomerang throwing is a very minor sport around the world. But believe it or not there are about 15 countries involved.

There is a world championships every second year and its coming back to Australia in a couple of years. I’ve represented Australia at several world boomerang throwing competitions. I suppose in 1984 was the highlight of my boomerang throwing career when we were in America in a test series and our team won the event and I won the individual event.

People must love it oversaeas when you throw a boomerang for them.

They just love it. Even at cubs or scouts when I throw a little balsawood one, people are gobsmacked by the ability of something so simple to return to the thrower. You go and throw one on the oval and they are really inspired by it.

Donations fund causes EVERY dollar that passes through the till of the Welshpool Op-Shop goes out to community groups.

The store is what Kerry Pinzone prefers to call a “social enterprise”: all goods are donated by the community and that’s where all profits are directed to.

Among the benefactors have been the Toora Football Club ($500) and the Welshpool and District Basketball Association ($500).

The Welshpool playgroup bought a cassette player and cassettes with an op shop donation and shop funds paid for a medieval performance at the Prom Coast Summer Festival earlier this year.

Shop proceeds also cover the maintenance of the Welshpool community website.

Mrs Pinzone, of the advisory group, said the shop is one of a kind.

“We just want to provide a place for people to interact and make a bit of money for the commu-

Grinning winners: Roger Fenwick, Parks Victoria District chief ranger for West Gippsland; Brett Mitchell, Parks Victoria District chief ranger for Wilsons Promontory; and Geoff Pike, DSE district manager for South Gippsland, with their award.

All helps: Kerry Pinzone of the Welshpool and District Advisory Group is thankful for the community’s support of the town’s op shop. nity at the same time,” she said.

“An op shop is where people donate stuff and where people should be able to buy it cheap. Our shop is still a place where you can find bargains.”

Operated by the Welshpool and District Advisory Group for the past three years, the store is now located in the former Murray Goulburn hardware shop and supported

with a good rental deal.

Mrs Pinzone said without a Rotary or Lions club in town, the op shop is an ideal way of supporting community projects.

“With lots of applications for government grants, people have to be really specific about what they will spend their money on when often there are just a lot of little things they want to buy. We can

help with that,” she said.

The bigger shop has enabled more goods to be stocked and so increase the likelihood of higher returns to the community.

Volunteers staff the shop on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. The shop also opens at the same times as the nearby Rural Transaction Centre.

Prom team win award THE Wilsons Promontory Community Engagement Program, led by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria, has won at the Fire Awareness Awards.

The team won the Fire Service category at the awards ceremony in Melbourne last week.

DSE’s district manager for South Gippsland, Geoff Pike, said the winning initiative had been a huge success and a credit to the co-operation between DSE, Parks Victoria and the local community.

“The Wilsons Promontory Community Engagement Program was developed to educate the local community and park visitors about the importance of the regular planned burning program at the national park,” he said.

“The planned burning program is a key part of fire management planning at Wilsons

Promontory and this program gave community members the opportunity to actively participate in the process.”

The Fire Awareness Awards are an initiative of Victoria’s fire authorities: Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MBF), Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), and are supported by RACV Insurance and the ABC. The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Innovation, Gavin Jennings and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bob Cameron were among the presenters at the awards held at the RACV City Club.

The Fire Services Award category is awarded to a fire service, brigade, station or district depot, including an agency department that has developed and implemented an initiative via fire safety measures and community education to reduce the number or impact of fires.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Smoke alarms vital: CFA Spreading the message: smoke alarms are essential for saving lives in the event of a house fire, said CFA fire investigator, Ray Argento.

ALL residents are being urged to install smoke alarms in their homes, in the wake of two house fires in the Toora district.

People were lucky to escape from a house at Toora North without smoke alarms, after being awoken by the sound of glass breaking when the laundry was well alight.

The second home, in Victoria Street, Toora, was fitted with alarms, alerting the occupants who fled unharmed.

Ray Argento, a CFA fire investigator, urged the community to have sufficient working smoke alarms in their homes.

“It is disappointing that there are still people out there who do not have smoke detectors,” he said.

“It is now compulsory for smoke alarms to be hard-wired in new homes and the alarms are also compulsory in rental properties.”

Mr Argento, now deputy group officer of the South

Gippsland group, said smoke alarms are a vital early warning device.

“In a lot of cases, fires can be in the roof cavity before residents know, and the ceiling collapses before people can get out,” he said.

“For an item that costs less than $10, it is a cheap life saving device. All you have to do is replace the battery.”

Mr Argento recommends placing alarms near each bedroom, the laundry, open spacing, living areas and near where most electrical appliances are located.

Avoid placing a smoke alarm near a heater or air-conditioner as the air flow from the unit may blow smoke away and fail to alert.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years and cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

Mr Argento also suggested people use phones not dependant on electricity as during a house fire, electricity is often

cut, leaving no avenue to contact the CFA. “That was the case of the fire at Toora North. People can grab the main phone and race outside and then the phone cuts out,” he said.

Residents should also avoid connecting appliances to powerpoints on opposing sides of a wall to reduce the risk of overdrawing current from a single line.

Major appliances should also be plugged directly into powerpoints rather than powerboards, as safety switches can only detect faults in powerpoints, not powerboards.

For more information about smoke alarms and where to place them in your home, contact your local CFA brigade or phone CFA Community Safety on 03 9262 8444 or see the website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au Smoke alarms must meet Australian standards.

AARON Travis Bruce was born on October 11 at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital. He is another gorgeous boy for Travis and Louise of Leongatha and a playmate for Cameron who is 2 years old.

ALAYNA Elizabeth Walsh was born on October 7 at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the second daughter for Jacqui and Darren of Koonwarra and a little sister for Tayissa (5yo).

JESSICA Louise Lawson was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on October 1. She is the first child for Sarah and Brian Lawson of Mirboo North.

Below: DEBRA and Scott Considine welcome Leah Sarah into their family. Leah was born on September 30 at Leongatha Hosiptal.

ISABELLA Frances Piasente was born on October 9 at the Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is Jason and Robyn’s first daughter and a beautiful little sister for Tom (4yo) and Will (2yo).

INDY May Glen-Weston was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on October 1 to Cassandra Weston and Paul Glen of Cowes. Indy May is a new sister for Ashlea and Bree.

MIA Florence Caile was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on September 30 to Sarah and Michael Caile of Cowes. Mia is a new sister to Aaron, Benjamin, Kiara and Sophie.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 41

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 43

God’s shown him stuff

By Chris Brown

PAUL Carter says that God is the creator and he makes people creative.

It’s this creativeness that’s helped the Leongatha resident write his first book, which is called God’s Been Showing Me Stuff.

The book’s 288 pages include 52 short reflections on things God has shown him.

“It’s about how the things we worry about in life like money and things don’t really have any importance in the real scheme of things and that it’s with our relationships and laughter and joy that comes the freedom of living,” he said.

“In my belief the entry point to that is a knowledge or love for Jesus and I’ve entered into the freedom of that and I want to share it with other people.”

Paul is a Christian and attends St Peters Anglican Church in Leongatha.

He said it was an amazing moment when he received the first copy of his book in his hands.

Most of the chapters in the book began in Paul’s journal as records of what God has shown him.

“People see God as really religious, but he’s actually cool and speaks to you in your culture, language, lifestyle and the way that you are,” he said.

“I do a lot of carpentry and in the workshop he

would speak to me about what I was making.”

Paul began sharing his writing with other people, whose positive responses encouraged him to put them in a book.

“About 12 months ago I sat down at the computer and started to write seriously,” Paul said.

“I probably had about 20 pieces that were written and within three months I produced about 60 pieces, which I edited down to 52, which is one for each week of the year,” he said.

Writing was the easy part, though.

Then Paul had to read his writings at least 10 times to make sure correct punctuation and grammar had been used.

Paul has taught at Leongatha Secondary College and South Coast Christian College and currently works at Mary MacKillop.

“A lot of my students have read sections of this book when it was in the manuscript stage,” he said.

Paul has always loved words and has only just started writing books.

There’s enough material for a sequel to his book, likely to be called God’s been showing me more stuff.

Another book is almost finished, and there’s one on tape and outlines for another two.

“My objective is for writing to become my main focus and activity along with ministering,” he said.

New book: Leongatha resident Paul Carter with God’s been showing me stuff.

Save the Long Jetty plea to state government

By Brad Lester THE South Gippsland community is being urged to support the re-opening of the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool, in order to allow an underwater observatory to go ahead.

The Welshpool and District Advisory Group plans to have an observatory built at the end of the jetty to create a popular tourism attraction and save the jetty from decay and demolition.

But for that to happen, the jetty must be repaired and reopened by the State Government.

Advisory group spokesperson Kerry Pinzone called on jetty fans to write letters of support.

“We need to have the jetty open before we can do anything. We are encouraging people to contact the Department of Transport because they are in charge of the jetty now. We also urge people to contact politicians to get it open,” she said.

Bairnsdale firm Nexus Consulting has now joined with Sandy Point consultant Bob McDonald to prepare a business plan for the observatory.

That plan will demonstrate that an observatory would be viable and be used by Western Australian engineering firm Marine and Civil to source

finance for the project.

That company built and operated the Busselton Jetty observatory before returning it to community ownership. A similar plan is proposed for Welshpool.

“We have a company that is interested in doing something and this will be great for tourism in Gippsland,” Mrs Pinzone said.

“It will operate at night and in all weather, but it’s a case of the chicken and the egg. Consider what the government has spent on the jetty at St Kilda. Is the government genuine about bringing tourists to our area?

“This observatory would be only the second

in Australia and there are not that many in the world.”

Mr McDonald spoke about the business plan at the advisory group’s annual meeting last Thursday. That plan is due to be finished in February.

Meanwhile, the timber industry is also preparing a proposal for use of the jetty.

At the annual meeting, Paul Macphail was reelected president, Eddie Fowler vice-president, Marlene Johnson treasurer, and Ena Pettigrove and Marion Minty share the secretary position.

Kerry Kawala is a new face on the committee.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Piecing together number eight THE number eight has enormous religious connotations, with special reference to the Jewish tradition of circumcision and the Christian faith, where it relates to resurrection and new beginnings.

Inspirational trees: The trees of Tasmania have presented Jeannie with a great variety of texture and form that have inspired her recent work.

The latest exhibition at Gecko Studio Gallery is called Pieces of Eight, by husband and wife artists Bill and Jeannie McDonagh who stick to the numerical original rather than the numerological status of eight.

The title refers to eight pieces of painted and stitched silk (five trees and three beachscapes), eight works of mixed media and eight pots by Jeannie. Bill had added eight wooden forms to the collection.

The exhibition opened on the weekend and will run until November 14.

Jeannie trained as an art teacher in the late sixties and taught for five years full time and an-

other five years part time.

In 1980 she began working as a full time potter, making mainly functional stoneware.

In 2000, she changed direction after making “an inspiring trip to the desert”.

“I began combining clay pieces with embroidery as a way of expressing the detail of the landscape and the texture and permanence of the land surface in the same work,” Jeannie said.

“I have since developed a technique to create machine stitched silk paintings. More and more I am enjoying the painting of the silk. I enjoy watching form and textures grow from the free running and random stitching of my old sewing machine.”

The dyes provide the colours she wants and by over-painting the works she achieves depth and luminosity.

The work in the exhibition was developed after a camping trip to Tasmania in May.

“I have a great love of trees and Tasmania presented me with an infinite variety, their colour, form, and texture were always fresh and inspirational,” Jeannie said.

“The beaches were beautiful and the mixed media pieces are a tribute to that beauty. I returned to some earlier reminiscences of Waratah Bay for the full beachscapes: the cloudless blue skies and vast expanses of white sand that we enjoyed in Tassie did not have the dramatic appeal of Gippsland in winter.

The pots I have made are another attempt to encapsulate the timeless beauty

of a pristine beach.”

Bill also trained as an art teacher in the late 1960s. His wooden forms are made from discarded material.

“When looking for inspiration I usually think of a material or technique that intrigues me and I take it from there,” Bill said.

“This time it was a trailer load of timber veneers that a friend was about to take to the tip. They were beautiful timbers and too good to chuck away.

“The shapes I have made were initially inspired by the various shells and driftwood thrown up on the typical beach.

These things are invariably broken, sun bleached and twisted so I am attempting, a possibly vain attempt, to use the timber to create the distorted shapes I have seen.

Jeannie sees them as beachcomber baskets, to hold all that stuff she accumulates after a walk on the beach. The joke is that they really won’t hold anything very well at all.”

In contract, the exhibition holds together well and is worth a visit in the new-look gallery, which has recently been renovated.

Double pass: Get a free double pass to The Delltones, who will be performing at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on October 29.

FIFTY years in showbiz is a huge record, but it has not slowed down The Delltones, who have rock’n’rolled their way through the decades like it’s been an effortless journey.

They will bring their special brand of musical entertainment to the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on Thursday, October

29, at 8pm.

The Star has available a double pass to the show and two Delltones BopaDooWop CDs. The first email to reach the paper at bert@thestar.com.au will receive the double pass. The next two emails will receive a CD each. Leave a mobile number in your email, so that you can be contacted.

Three workshops FOLLOWING the Labyrinth festivals and the Pit Pony Festival and workshops, the SCM-Rescue Station in Wonthaggi will host three craft workshops facilitated by three professional artists well known to the local art and craft scene.

The workshops will be conducted on Saturday, October 24, with the concurrent sessions starting at 10am to 4pm. Registration is at 9.45am.

The three workshops will be hosted

by Leesa Macdonald, garden sculpture, plaster casting; Patrice Mahoney, weaving with grasses and contemporary material and Meg Viney, handmade felt. All three mediums will have the theme of the Labyrinth worked into the final art piece and a walkable Labyrinth will also be created on the day.

The cost is $20 for the day with materials provided for a take home art piece with

lunch, tea and coffee included in the cost.

Bookings are essential as limited class numbers apply. For bookings or more details contact Wendy Crellin on 5672 1949 or Sandra Mounsey on 0419 132 860. The project has been funded by Regional Arts Victoria.

Three workshops: the three artists conducting the workshops are, from left, Patrice Mahoney, Meg Viney and Leesa MacDonald.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 45

Judge announced for show PHILLIP Island artist Josephine Allen will judge the Meeniyan art and craft exhibition, which will be held for the 37th year on Melbourne Cup Day weekend.

Ms Allen will announce the winner on opening night, Friday, October 30. The exhibition will run until Tuesday, November 3. She is involved in the visual as well as performing arts, including theatre, writing and directing.

Offshore Theatre presented Two Days on the Road, a play she wrote and directed, in September. She also works with South Gippsland Arts Council as a judge.

Ms Allen is a figurative artist who has a passion for drawing the patterns in nature and allegory. She has been exhibiting for 22 years.

“It is always an honour to be

asked to judge. Although the word judge probably needs to be changed to selector, l hope l can bring some of my expertise and passion for art to the position,” Ms Allen said.

Over the exhibition weekend we’ll have various artists at the hall demonstrating the work in the making,” Tarnya Wilson, of the Meeniyan Progress Association said.

The association has organised a big cup weekend with many events taking place.

Robyn Hunt is a doll creator and an accredited Paverpol instructor.

She will demonstrate on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

On the Sunday afternoon Jackie Roger will be demonstrating rag rug making. The rug will be a Hooky rug, made from recycled clothing, such as old t-shirts windcheater velvet and polar fleece.

“Jackie has been making rag rugs

for 12 years and will exhibit two at our show,” Mrs Wilson said.

Recently retired to live in Inverloch, photographer David Morgan and knitter Donné Morgan will show their skills and work at the exhibition.

“David currently exhibits and sells at the Art Gallery of Inverloch and said the South Gippsland region is a photographer’s paradise,” Mrs Wilson said.

“Donné uses diverse designer yarns to create unique winter warmers, often embellishing them in various ways. Both are looking forward to their involvement in the Meeniyan Art and Craft Exhibition. They will be at the hall Saturday and Monday afternoons.”

For event inquiries, call 5664 7473 or 5664 7376.

Abstract take on rural life AN ABSTRACT insight into South Gippsland landscapes is now on show at the Leongatha Gallery.

“Rural Dwellings – Gippsland and Beyond” is the title of the exhibition by Melbourne artist Otto Boron, hosted by the Leongatha Arts and Crafts Society.

The perceptive collection presents Australian scenes in shapes, mixed colours and abnormal perspective to make the

audience think.

Opened on Saturday, the exhibition featured the launch of a book about Baron’s life and work by Trafalgar author Rodney Williams.

“Otto’s work is vigorous, heavily textured and there are not always realistic distances between the elements in his pieces,” Williams said.

The pieces depict landscapes void of people, creating a sense of abandonment and lost hope, accentuated by dead gum trees establishing a ghostly feel.

That theme hails from Baron’s experience as a refugee from communist Italy more than 60 years ago.

Since moving to Australia, Baron has worked as scenic artist for television stations.

Born in Meeniyan, Williams interprets Baron’s work through various writing styles: essays, poetry, biography, short stories and interviews.

The exhibition continues until November 2.

Insightful pieces: artist Otto Baron, Leongatha Arts and Crafts Society president Pat Dale and author Rodney Williams before Baron’s work, including Farm House Out of Leongatha (right).

Exhibition judge: Phillip Island artist Josephine Allen will judge the Meeniyan art and craft exhibition, which opens on Friday, October 30.

Cowpat hits the windmill ON average, one in five Australians will experience depression at some point in their lifetime, and men are at greater risk of it being unrecognised and untreated compared to women.

“When the Cowpat hits the Windmill” is presented by the South Coast Primary Care Partnership Drought Project and is aimed at rural men and their families to create a better awareness around current men’s health issues, which include depression, prostate cancer and relationships.

It is an opportunity for men and their partners to come and be involved in a fun, entertaining and informative night with a great message, entertainment, free services expo and great door prizes.

Guest speakers include John Sudholz (farmer and ex-VFL footballer) from beyondblue, Jo Fairbairn from Prostate Cancer Foundation, Rob Koch a men’s

health consultant from Bettermen, and a General Practitioner from the RACGP’s M5 project.

The M5 Project is a bold new movement that will use the number five to break down the barriers that prevent Australian men from going to a GP and ultimately saving men’s lives.

One of the highlights on the night will be involving the audience in “Raising the World’s largest pair of Underpants” in an effort to bring a greater awareness to prostate cancer.

Russell Broadbent MP, federal member for McMillan, will be at the event.

The evening will be held on Thursday, October 29 6pm – 9.30pm, at the Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, on Rossiter Road and everyone is welcome.

Come and hear these truly inspirational stories followed by a light supper.

For any enquiries contact: Rick 5997 9679 or Liz 5674 0900

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

• OBITUARY

Farewell to Gena Roughead A LONG chapter in the story of women’s golf in South Gippsland has closed, with the death of Gena Roughead.

But her name and achievements will live on in the Gena Roughead Bowl, a main event on the Woorayl Golf Club’s annual calendar that draws entrants from around the region.

Gena, the last remaining member of her generation of the Roughead family, died at Koorooman House Leongatha, on September 21. She was in her 93rd year.

Born Julia Georgina, Gena was the eldest child of George and Josie

Roughead. She and her father played competition draughts in the district and were very successful.

Gena attended school at Ruby and St Laurence’s Convent, leaving to help on the family farm. She lived all her life in Leongatha, except for the war years, when she served as a corporal driver in the WAAAF. Those skills – which she would have loved to have used at the wheel of a racing car - stood her in good stead as she drove ambulances in emergency situations for the Leongatha district ambulance service and was employed

by Alan Perry and later Bill Gleeson Motors, bringing new cars from the

Holden plant to the garage in Leongatha as needed.

In later years, Gena taught many older women to drive and obtain their licences and had a special flair for teaching older women and those who were disabled or particularly nervous.

She loved sport, both as a participant and a spectator.

Gena supported the Collingwood Football Club, but it was golf for which she was best known.

She was, in fact, one of the finest players of that game that the South Gippsland district has produced.

In her heyday, her handicap was down to single figures but she was far

from one to boast.

Gena belonged to the Leongatha Golf Club, before switching to Woorayl, where she held most positions. She won many club and district championships and the Victorian Country Golf title in 1964. She also played competitively in Melbourne as a member of Southern Golf Club.

She managed the South Gippsland women’s team, competing in Country Week, and also served as the district handicap manager. Gena taught golf too.

The sport also helped fulfill the pleasure she found in social occasions.

In 1983 she told a local journalist,

“Golf is easily the world’s most fascinating sport and a perfect way to forge lasting friendships.”

Golfing friends supported another of her abiding interests, the Eye and Ear Hospital Auxiliary.

Her nephew Father Peter Slater, celebrated funeral Mass at St Laurence’s Church, with which Gena was closely involved during her long life.

All her brothers and sisters predeceased her, but she is survived by many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

She has been buried in the Leongatha Cemetery next to her parents.

Wonderful exhibition in Welshpool THE Welshpool Memorial Hall offered a wonderful display of the very best arts, crafts and cookery during the South Gippsland Country Womens Association bi-annual exhibition recently.

Members from three local CWA branches including Yarram, Foster, and Fish Creek worked hard on their entries and made it very hard for judges to choose the winners.

Exhibition convenor, Yarram CWA president Beth Shay and South Gippsland CWA Group president Miriam Stackhouse of Yarram welcomed all to the exhibition and commented on the high quality entries by the dedicated and hard working members.

“Without the members there would be no entries and no exhibition,” Mrs Stackhouse said.

They also thanked the hall committee for helping set up the hall and the terrific job done by the judges and stewards.

Federal member for Gippsland Darren Chester was invited to officially open the exhibition on Friday, October 9.

While Mr Chester conceded Welshpool was outside his electorate he was more than happy to oblige when invited by the Yarram members.

He said he has strong ties with the CWA movement through his mother and grandmother, both having been members of the group, and very into their craft work.

“We often take the CWA for granted, but with 25,500 members around Australia we have to realise just what a huge contribution this group makes, always prepared to help the less fortunate,” Mr Chester said.

Results

Snap happy: Bev Tyers of Welshpool and Elizabeth Robertson of Port Welshpool checked out the wonderful photography display at the South Gippsland CWA Bi-annual exhibition at the Welshpool Memorial Hall.

Outstanding Exhibit Home Industries-Lemon Meringue Pie Marie Ham, Best in Flour bag Challenge - two dolls in a bag Irma van der Steen, Outstanding Exhibit - Classes A to H counted cross-stitch, Lesley Marshall, Outstanding Exhibit Classes I to O - painting Fern Scene Bianca Stefani, Neighbouring Groups Craft - Evelyn Paterson,

Cookery - Margaret Hyde, Welshpool perpetual Trophy - Highest points in T and U Sue Price, Best Article in Exhibition - Fern painting Bianca Stefani, Mollie Christensen Perpetual Trophy - for one woman’s work Heather Gibson, Aggregate Trophy Fish Creek CWA.

Fish Creek: from left, Fish Creek CWA members Heather Gibson, Bianca Stefani, Lesley Marshall, Mary Mastwyk, Margaret Eddy, Sue Price and Val Bath were thrilled their group won the Aggregate Trophy at the South Gippsland CWA Bi-annual exhibition in Welshpool.

Winners: from left, Heather Gibson, Irma van der Steen, Marie Ham, Bianca Stefani, Lesley Marshall, Darren Chester and Sue Price.

Best of the Coal Creek Literary Festival A RECORD number of entries were received from all parts of Australia for the Coal Creek Literary Festival writing competition. In the open section for short stories, the judges could not separate winning works by Melbourne writers David Lawrence and Frank Ince, printed below.

Next week, The Star will publish the open section poetry winner and the winning entries in the school categories.

White Line Fever

By David Lawrence Equal winner short story open section.

I shake the dust of Darwin and head down the Stuart towards Adelaide. Sweet as a nut and smooth as silk, my Titan, 15 litres driving 600 horses down the hard black to a warm bed and the arms of Ginnie, my Ginnie. Her voice, soft and gentle, comes purring down the phone: “Hey, Big Boy, you okay out there? You stay awake, you hear, don’t want you chasin’ no white lines into Never-Never Land!”

A terrified ’roo, charging out of the dark into the path of a multi-trailer road train’s four halogen lamps, dies instantly in a white-hot blaze of blood and guts. Smorgasbord for the birds of the air and the creatures of the field.

Carrion take-away. Desert pizza.

And now I’m through Katherine and heading for a dip in the pool at Mataranka. Always do that… we’ve all got our funny little ways to beat the fever.

But it’s not just the fever that bothers Ginnie. “It gets lonely when you’re away, hon. All the other blokes around here come home every night, but I ain’t got nobody when you’re away.”

Down through the Alice towards South Australia and there’s nothing I can say. She’s waiting in Perth while I’m out in the middle of nowhere. Six days on the road, with nothing for company but the radio turned up loud enough to frighten the hounds of hell.

Stop for a meal and a rest in Coober Pedy.

Far side of the moon, this place. Mullock heaps and people living like moles in holes.

Have to go right into Adelaide, worse luck.

Turn-around pretty good though, then Port Augusta slips by in a blur and it’s out on the Eyre towards Ceduna.

This is wild country, where the track is flat and straight and mirages dance in the heat.

This is where madness strikes, the rapture of the road.

I’ve seen the swaggies’ ghost out there. He came leering up to the windscreen and smeared his face all over it so I couldn’t see anything but white jelly, and that’s when I collected the roo high up on the bar and the blood spattered, so I got the red on the white and hit the brakes and started rocking all over the road before my brain kicked in and I dragged myself away from the last trip into Never-Never Land.

“Hey babe, sorry to wake you but I’ve got an attack of the heebie-jeebies and I need a bit of company. Talk to me a while.”

And she does. Lying there in our bed she tells me about her day and slowly, steadily eases me through the rough patches.

You need someone like that. If the truck breaks down there’s always somebody to call, but if you’re falling apart and a long way from home it’s not so easy. The voice in the night and someone who cares, that’s the main thing.

It keeps me sane. It keeps me alive.

Love At First Sight

By Frank Ince Equal winner short story open section.

I loved you from the first moment I saw you. Old Joe the dispatch clerk came right out and said I was mad, reckoned love at first sight was nonsense, but what would he know about love anyway, being a bachelor all his life has numbed his brains.

The gate keeper’s another nut case, and his comments about you being 20 years older than me and showing your age was not appreciated. As if age counts for anything. I came very close to wiping the smirk off his ugly dial, and would have done if he hadn’t been so bloody ancient himself. The only love he knows is the number of frothies he can put away during happy hour each day.

It was my own brother who infuriated me most though. He didn’t actually come right out and say you were ugly, but he inferred as much. I could have whacked him one too, but then I figured he was the last one to talk about beauty, he’s no oil painting himself, and as far as love is concerned, well you have to experience it before you can talk about it.

When you think about it, who actually sits down and analyses these things? I’ve heard it said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you were beautiful to me, the most beautiful thing I’d ever laid eyes on, and looks aren’t everything anyhow. I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you tomorrow, and

anyone who doesn’t like that, well that’s their business not mine.

Apart from good looks you were strong where I was weak which to me amounted to a good balancer of things. Partnerships are built on strengths and weaknesses, and I was certain that as a couple we could take on any challenge. In fact I still remember that first day when we drove into the depot to collect the day’s deliveries. Everyone craned their necks to get a look at you, but no one was game to say anything bad about you, they knew they would have me to deal with if they did.

Gee, how they changed their minds when we were first back with all the parcels delivered. I felt so proud that together we had taken on the best of them and beaten them all.

Even that miserable old sod at the gate had to smile when he checked our delivery dockets and saw we had completed our rounds successfully.

When I walked up to the pay counter I was beside myself with happiness, I thought I would burst with pride, I was just so proud of you, so proud in fact that I have decided to spend some of our earnings on getting the rust taken out of your front mudguard for you, and with a coat of paint on your bonnet I reckon you’ll be the best looking truck in the company.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 47

Connecting farmers with jobs ROSS Robinson is the region’s Rural Skills Connect Project Manager.

The project aims to help farmers gain qualifications so they can find extra employment during difficult times.

It is a short-term initiative that began in January and finishes in March next year.

Ross spoke to Star reporter Chris Brown last week.

Can you give me some background on the Rural Skills Connect Project?

The program is fully State Government funded and is a drought initiative program. It started before the global financial crisis when there were skill shortages and farmers needing cash flow income. So they thought they could connect the two and fill the skills gap. A pilot program in northern Victoria was initiated and from that eight programs around the state were developed. Gippsland has two of those programs. I’m employed by the South Gippsland Shire though I have a steering committee from the South Gippsland, Bass Coast and Baw Baw shires. This is a short term program, so there’s no point running a big advertising campaign, so I use my existing farmer networks to get people to access the program.

It funds training processes to almost 100 per cent in most cases and has minimal paperwork for the farmer to do. Between the two of us we will develop some training programs that will assist them to gain outside income. It’s trying to keep farmers in farming.

How many people have done it so far?

I’m up to 155 clients, with almost half of those in South Gippsland, followed by Baw Baw and Bass Coast Shires. The program has already made in excess of 45 full time placements of off farm employment.

What demographics are involved?

There are slightly more males than females. There seems to be two main demographic groups. There seems to be people in their early 20s who have been farming for a period of time, but perhaps haven’t received the rewards and are looking at a change. Then there is an older demographic in their 40s or early 50s and are looking for a change again.

What kind of skills are developed?

I’ve had about a dozen people do Certificate 3 in aged care and that immediately goes into a job. I’ve also funded a dozen farmers to do Certificate 4 in workplace trainer and assessor and they’ve gone on to various jobs; not necessarily in the training industry, but often it’s a case of gaining a qualification, which promotes an awareness of their skills so they can gain other jobs outside their qualifications. The major thing is truck licences. With many employers there is a realisation truck licences are necessary to operate some of the tractors on the road. Many farmers are able to pick up part time work bus driving and things like that, which can assist them with an income. Most of the clients have a great attitude and are able to gain employment

through their own networks, which has been important in the current economic climate where employers employ through their networks rather than advertising. The clients aren’t depressed so they are enthusiastic about the job market.

Are there some particularly good outcomes?

As a project officer one of the most satisfying outcomes has been helping often single mothers. Usually government programs subsidise a percentage and they never subsidise 100 per cent. The qualification for this project is they have to be an owner or employee of a rural enterprise, so instead of having to tick a whole heap of boxes that’s the only requirement. There’s no income test or anything else.

So this has been a successful program?

It’s been a very successful program.

It’s intended that it will be extended until March.

Is there still time for people to get involved?

Yes certainly, we’re currently subsidising up to $500 per client on training that enhances their ability to gain off farm income. But it’s first in first served.

How did you get this role?

It was advertised by the South Gippsland Shire, who’s the employer.

I’ve had 20 years experience in the dairy industry and I used to work for Melbourne University at McMillan Leongatha and Warragul for five years.

I co-ordinated the Advanced Diploma of Agriculture Dairy, so that’s where I’ve got my network of farmers.

Rain doesn’t stop price drop ON a day when heavy rain fell, and a lot of water was lying in the paddocks, buyers were limited in what they could pay for a similar size, and better quality yarding at VLE Leongatha on Wednesday.

This weaker demand saw most young cattle and heavy steers and bullocks sell at rates averaging 9c/kg cheaper.

Cows however sold to bet-

ter competition and demand, which saw price falls only average 4c/kg lower.

Vealers made from153c to 200c, but yearling heifers sold poorly to make between 120c and 152c/kg. A very small selection of lighter yearling steers sold to the trade and restockers between 142c and 156c/kg.

Despite some good to very good quality bullocks being penned, demand was weaker and prices averaged 9c/kg lower. Prices for C muscle cattle were between 152c and

Wednesday, October 14 BULLOCKS 8 J. Lyons, Inverloch 11 R. & E. Gloster, Tarwin 11 P. Fox, Yinnar 11 E.K. & G. Mullen, Thorpdale 10 G.R. & G.J. Hutchinson, Leongatha 1 E. Ruby, Anderson STEERS 1 R.A. McAlpine, Leongatha 4 E.K. & G. Mullens, Thorpdale 1 R. Golic, Waratah 1 S. Shepherdson, Korumburra South 2 G.R. & G.J. Hutchinson, Stony Creek 1 L. McKenzie, Won Wron COWS 1 R.A. McAlpine, Leongatha 1 S.W. & B.M. McLaren, Woodleigh Vale 1 G.F. & R.J. Scanlon, Leongatha 1 G. Egan, Alberton West 3 J.M. McFee, Cowes 1 C.W. & E.M. Ford, Glengarry HEIFERS 1 R.A. McAlpine, Leongatha 1 R. Golic, Waratah 1 G. & J. Cope, Buffalo 1 M. Harms, Korumburra 1 A.B. & B.J. Crouch, Welshpool 1 J.W. Hobson & L.H. Jones, Yarram BULLS 1 R.A. McAlpine, Leongatha 1 P.A. & L.J. Taylor, Toora 1 S.N. & E.M. Dunlop, Meeniyan 1 G.C. & G.S. Thompson, Doomburrim 1 G. Egan, Alberton West 1 M.J. & C.M. Cock, Mardan

592 647 616 607 693 630

164.6 163.6 163.6 163.6 162.0 162.0

974.00 1058.00 1007.00 993.00 1123.00 1020.60

265 570 375 385 493 445

180.0 165.6 162.0 160.0 158.0 156.0

477.00 943.00 607.50 616.00 778.15 694.20

440 555 480 540 572 495

149.2 136.0 136.0 135.0 135.0 135.0

656.48 754.80 652.80 729.00 771.75 668.25

395 355 390 280 440 435

199.6 183.6 173.6 165.0 160.0 160.0

788.42 651.78 677.04 462.00 704.00 696.00

167.6 149.6 148.0 148.0 146.2 146.0

519.56 1196.80 1398.60 991.60 1359.66 1284.80

310 800 945 670 930 880

Ross Robinson: Rural Skills Connect Project Manager.

166c/kg. Manufacturing bullocks made from 128c to 159c/ kg, with some very heavy crossbred bullocks only making from 140c to 152c/kg.

Better quality beef cows made from 127c to 135c/kg, with processors potentially getting some very good meat yields. Plainer condition 1 and 2 score cows of better quality made from 110c to 130c with plainer condition, and lighter weight cows making from 56c to 115c/kg.

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw October 21 & 22 1. Alex Scott 2. SEJ 3. Rodwells 4. David Phelan & Co 5. Elders 6. Landmark

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Forage brassica you can trust FORAGE brassicas are sown to produce high quality feed at a time when pastures are producing little and feed quality is declining running into the heat of summer.

Winfred forage brassica is a cross between a turnip and a kale, generally termed a rape. Traditionally rape has been used as a summer crop for finishing lambs or calves or grazing dairy cows for milk production benefits.

However, Winfred, which has good frost tolerance and strong regrowth potential, may extend grazing times from early summer to late winter.

Winfred has been grown for many years, is tolerant of dry conditions, and has established a reputation among farmers who keep coming back to grow this versatile, multiple grazing brassica, year after year.

Winfred is the most versatile of brassicas, being suitable for a wide range of soil fertility and environmental conditions, stock classes and sowing times.

Winfred is sown in areas receiving low annual rainfall (400mm), such as in Victoria’s Wimmera, to areas with higher annual rainfall such as South Gippsland or the southern part of the Western District which may receive in excess of 1000mm annual rainfall.

It is all a matter of timing of sowing: the lower the rainfall area, the earlier the Winfred is sown.

Generally it is sown in the spring, between August and November.

But it can be autumn sown for very valuable late autumn, winter feed.

The name Winfred is derived from

the reference to winter (Win) and a close approximation to the German word froid (Fred), meaning cold.

The ability to withstand -15 degree celsius frosts and retain green leaf makes Winfred a reliable forage brassica for winter feed as well.

Winfred is of high feed quality and has a high leaf to stem ratio, typical feed test nutritive values of Winfred compared to a range of home grown feeds.

Excellent livestock weight gain and or milk production can be achieved grazing Winfred.

Lamb production can be as high as 300g/day.

Stock need to be introduced slowly on to Winfred; this allows time for the microbes in the rumen to adjust to the change in diet.

Brassica crops are typically highly digestible, have high ME and protein content, but are often low in fibre.

Fibre (NDF and ADF) is required for efficient rumen function.

Sheep and lambs can be fed almost 100 per cent of their diet of Winfred, whereas for beef cattle it is 70 per cent of diet and dairy cows 30 per cent of daily diet is the maximum intake of brassicas suggested.

Pasture, hay/straw for fibre, and other supplementary feeds can make up the remainder of the diet.

Winfred is planted into a fine seedbed at 10-20mm depth and at a sowing rate of 3kg/ha.

Rolling is a good idea after sowing to improve seed-soil contact.

Sow seed with appropriate phosphorus planting fertiliser such as Super or MAP/ DAP to aid plant root development and general plant growth.

Broadbent’s plea MCMILLAN member, Russell Broadbent urged farmers to register their farm vehicles so that they can be helped by the TAC (Transport Accident Commission).

Winfred has a ripening requirement prior to grazing, generally 10-12 weeks from sowing.

Visual signs that the Winfred is ready for grazing are that the leaves are a dull green colour “Battleship Green”, and have purpling around the margins of the leaves.

Winfred is a multiple re-growth plant, and hence can be grazed off and it regrows again.

It has fast and strong survival and

recovery from grazing, with excellent subsequent yields. Winfred has regrowth potential for three to four grazings and has been known to have up to six grazings.

Winfred forage brassica is available from your local Stephen Pasture Seeds reseller, throughout Victoria and South Australia.

For more information contact Stephen Pasture Seeds on 03 5335 8055 or Gippsland Representative, Simon Hunt 0428 457 044.

Broadbent said that recently an unfortunate farmer was involved in an accident with an unregistered vehicle, which he was using on the farm.

The unregistered ute had rolled back on top of the farmer and crushed him against a trough he was checking.

Because this accident occurred while the farmer was using an unregistered vehicle, he was not covered by the TAC. That is why Mr Broadbent now pleas, “for heaven’s sake cover your loved ones, your family and those who work for you by making sure that the equipment on your farm is registered and can do the job that it is meant to do.”

Broadbent didn’t mention any other details about the name, date or whereabouts of the farmer; although he did let it be known that the farmer was reasonably well and recuperating in a rehabilitation hospital.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 49

October dairy reminders Pastures and forages • Ryegrass leaf appearance rate – eight to10 days per leaf.

• Estimated grazing rotation length - 24 to 27 days (can be shorter for better quality).

• Area of farm to graze today - about one twenty-fourth of grazing area in 24 hours.

• Recommended pre grazing decisions graze ryegrass at two and a half leaf stage.

• Recommended post grazing decision graze down to 5cm pasture height.

• Seasonal management tasks - topping and apply NPKS fertilisers.

• Estimated soil temperature - 13 degrees Celsius.

• Estimated daily evaporation - 5 to 8mm per day without rainfall.

• Average daily pasture growth rate - 55 to 90 kg DM/Ha/day.

• Conserving surplus pasture - aim for leafy pastures with short shut up time. Pasture ready to be grazed by milkers makes the best silage and regrows the fastest. Maximise spring by skipping paddocks that are beyond ideal milker feed and conserving shortly after.

Summer crops • Book your contractor as early as possible and negotiate a sowing date with them.

• Timeliness is critical to crop performance, so write out a plan for your summer fodder crops and include spraying dates, sowing dates, rates and management tasks. Stick to the plan unless seasonal conditions warrant a change.

• Summer fodder crops need to be sown early before the soil becomes too dry for establishment. Try to have your turnip or brassica crop sown as soon as possible. Some of the other forage crops, particularly millet, sorghum and many maize varieties should be sown later when soil temperatures are higher (16 to18 degrees Celsius), but must have good soil moisture levels.

Cows • Have a good heat detection system in place as some herds are in less than ideal condition due to the seasonal conditions. This can affect milk production and fertility.

• Start heat detection a month before the start of mating and, if necessary, brush up on your heat detection skills.

The best heat detection method is a combination of paddock observation and use of aids such as tail paint and heat mount detectors.

• Consider the use of extended lactation on suitable cows. Extended lactation can be used to tighten calving patterns by shortening the joining period, reducing workload next calving and reducing the need for bulls and replacement heifers whilst retaining valuable cows.

Calves Reduce environmental stress on calves.

Avoid sudden environmental changes (cold, damp, draughty or humid conditions) in the calf rearing area.

Observe ideal stocking densities, as overcrowded or cramped conditions lead to rapid disease spread.

At the end of the calf season, clean and disinfect all calf pens, sheds, shelters, cleaning tools, veterinary equipment and feed troughs.

Heifers Early weaning of calves at four to six weeks of age is critical to the economics of most dairy heifer enterprises as it reduces milk, labour and facility costs. Although access to some ‘waste’ milk is possible, it’s worth remembering that normal milk and milk replacers are expensive food sources.

Milking management The main reasons for rapid deterioration of milking machine rubberware are light, stress, fats, cuts and abrasions, and strong chemicals.

Therefore to ensure maximum life, consider washing the milking machine twice daily; avoid greasy teat salves; keep hanging clusters

Future of coast farming SHIRE land use planning and grazing viability will be explored at an AgFutures forum to be held at Bass on Thursday, October 29.

The forum, delivered by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) through its AgFutures project, supports better understanding of the changes affecting agriculture in the Bass Coast area.

DPI AgFutures Project officer, Karen Thomas said the forum will assist farm businesses by enabling them to make informed decisions.

“Bass Coast farmers will have the opportunity to listen to experts on how they can adapt their businesses to meet the challenges grazing changes and Shire land use planning may bring to the region,” Ms Thomas said.

“The forum is also a great opportunity to find out what others in your region are doing and plan to do in the future.

“All of these resources assist decision making and provide farmers with new sources of information and support.”

Ms Thomas said the event will also feature information displays and an introduction to the Bass Coast Landcare Network’s new Sustainable Farming

program.

Guest speakers include: • Bass Coast Shire senior strategic planner Martin Gill who will discuss local land use decision processes and what changes the introduction of a rural strategy may bring.

• DPI project manager – meat and wool Ross Batten will provide information on grazing strategies that can help farm businesses adapt to less rainfall.

• DPI senior farm business analyst Jonathon Tocker will discuss profit-

able and sustainable farming.

The forum is being delivered in collaboration with the Bass Coast Landcare Network and the Bass Coast Shire.

It will be at Bass Community Hall, Corner Old School Road and Bass Highway from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

away from direct sunlight; do not use hardbristled brushes on rubber ware; hang clusters so that tubing is not kinked or under stress; and refrain from soaking rubber ware in acidic detergents or sodium hypochlorite.

Irrigation With rain events occurring during the spring, it is easy to think that the soil moisture is being maintained. Constant checks are required to compare evaporation and rainfall to ensure that you make an informed decision on irrigation frequency.

Recommended evaporation minus rainfall (E - R) pasture irrigation frequencies need to be 50 mm for flood irrigation and around 35 mm for spray irrigated pastures.

Soil testing and fertiliser requirements With the higher prices of fertiliser, you need to make sure you are using the correct fertiliser blend, spring is ideal for soil sampling your paddocks.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

public notices

Scots Pioneer Church Mardan South Sunday, October 25 2pm Rev. Arthur Stamp Retired Presb. Minister God loves the world Music by celebrated flautist Christine Ross and her children EVERYONE WELCOME Afternoon tea served

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

FORM B SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT TO PLANNING PERMIT An Application for an amendment to a Planning Permit has been made which may affect you.

The land affected by the application is: 955 McDonalds Track, Nyora VIC 3987, being L1 LP120781 Parish of Lang Lang East, L1 LP120782 Parish of Lang Lang East.

The application is for a permit to: Amend the existing permit by changing the use from an Education Centre (Secondary School) to an Education Centre.

The applicant for the permit is: Vic Air Management.

The application reference number is: 2006/233/A. You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority. This can be done during office hours free of charge. The Responsible Authority is: South Gippsland Shire Council Private Bag 4 9 Smith Street, Leongatha 3953 Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority. An objection must be sent to the Responsible Authority in writing, including the reasons for the objection and stating how the objector would be affected. The Responsible Authority will inform you of its decision.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on this application until 14 days after the date of this Notice.

Dated: 20/10/2009. * Please be aware that copies of submissions received

by Council may be made available for inspection to any person for the purpose of consideration as part of the planning process.

public notices

Gippy Waste Cleaning • Septic Tanks • Portable Toilets • Water Tanks Phone Stephen

0422 998 025 1800 611 368

CHIROPRACTOR

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

public notices

RAINBOW RETREAT

Saturday, October 24 8pm - late Your chance to Xscape

NEW XSCAPE BAR 36 Hotham Street TRARALGON $15 entry 0427 991 954

BOAT LICENCE 3 HOUR COURSE MSV approved $85 INVERLOCH

Wednesday, October 28 6.30pm Contact Joan 0427 275 632 Marine Training Services

WHAT DO YOU THINK? SOUTH GIPPSLAND WATER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY - 2009 South Gippsland Water has received a lot of valuable comments, ideas and feedback from our customers over the years, through our customer satisfaction survey.

The survey is in the form of phone interviews carried out by an independent market research company, I-view.

The survey will be completely confidential and anonymous, only aggregated information will be returned to South Gippsland Water.

The information collected is exclusively for South Gippsland Water and will only be used to help us improve our services to you. If you can take the time to answer the survey it will benefit all our customers, including you.

So please have your say - we are listening!

The survey will begin on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 and conclude on Friday, October 30, 2009.

14 - 18 Pioneer Street FOSTER, VIC. 3960 PH: 1300 851 636

public notices RUSSELL SPENCER is turning 60 and having an afternoon party on Sunday, October 25, 2009. If you would like to join in on the celebrations ring Dan 0428-322146 or Paul 0439881434.

ESCAPE for the Cup Day long weekend!

Book your Camper Trailer hire NOW Or BUY your own in time for Xmas Ph 0437 281 013 www.campertrailer.com.au

public notices THE ORGANIC HAIR & BEAUTY SALON: 150 Bald Hills Road, Tarwin Lower, Deanne Dakers. Ph. 5663-5439, website: www. theorganicbeautysalon. com

THE LEONGATHA & DISTRICT NETBALL ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE is now taking names for the

2010 Debutante Balls in March and June Please call Narelle Polato on 5668 6246 to register Single register only - full name, age, address and contact number of debutante and partner please

situations vacant BEAUTY WORKER -Proficient waxer of 2 years with hot and cold depilation required part time.

Complexions on Billson 5672-5546.

public notices KONGWAK MARKET Sunday from 10am Inside & out!

It's great, no matter what the weather!

Vintage, collectables, Retro, stamps, trash, treasure, organic dried things, gorgeous local veg, coffee, curry, snags, massage, music, and so much more...

Warm-up under the heaters

Call Jane for more info 0417 142 478 Kongwak market is a smoke free event

Department of Sustainability and Environment

NEED FUNDING FOR A COASTAL PROJECT? Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Public Information Session Coast Action/Coastcare is making funding available to coastal communities to carry out conservation projects on the coast.

Community Groups including Coastcare, Coast Action, Landcare, ‘Friends of’ and indigenous community organisations may now apply for funding. Funding is also available for community groups wishing to develop new partnerships involving indigenous Victorians in the coastal management.

Public Information Sessions are being held to provide groups with information on these new community grants.

Information Session Date: Inverloch October 26, 7.30pm Bunurong Environment Centre To arrange for a presentation to your community group or for further information call Coastcare facilitator: Bruce Atkin DSE Yarram bruce.atkin@dse.vic.gov.au (03) 5183 9116 Coast Action/Coastcare Coast Action/Coastcare is an initiative of the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Funding for these grants has been supported by the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program.

CARING

FOR OUR COUNTRY

More information on the grants is available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 51

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Motor Ag of Leongatha requires a

FULL TIME MECHANIC Experience with ag or heavy machinery to work at our Leongatha Workshop on all aspects of farm machinery.

Top $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for the right person.

Immediate start Applications in writing should be addressed to: The Manager 120 Horn Street PO Box 315 LEONGATHA VIC 3953 Email: dealerprincipal@dcsi.net.au

ASSISTANT MANAGER Our client runs a highly productive 550 cow dairy farm near Yanakie, South Gippsland, Victoria, only 2 hours from Melbourne Airport, close to the coast and Wilsons Promontory.

As Assistant Manager you will be involved with most aspects of the farm operations and at times, take full responsibility for the management of the farm.

Ideally you : - Have experience working within a dairy operation with a good understanding of all aspects of dairy farming including a sound knowledge of animal health and husbandry requirements - Are able to operate all farm equipment and machinery - Are a quick learner with a high level of efficiency, working independently as well as part of the team.

For more information, including a job description, contact Tom Peters on 0432 526 010 or (03) 5687 1154.

Please send your resume to 90 Foley Road, Yanakie, VIC, 3960 or email (in Word or PDF format) to : tomp11@bigpond.com

DIESEL MECHANIC Gendore Tractors & Machinery Pty Ltd A progressive Agricultural Machinery Dealership in South Gippsland requires a full-time Diesel Mechanic experienced with Agricultural Machinery to work at our Leongatha workshop.

We require a person with: ● Full qualifications - Agricultural Industry ● Good communication skills ● Able to work well with customers and fellow staff members Wages negotiable.

Applications in writing should be addressed to: Mr Tim Burgess Gendore Tractors & Machinery Pty Ltd 82-84 Yarragon Road, Leongatha, Vic. 3953

Phone: 5662 4044

Casual Pool Lifeguards On behalf of the South Gippsland Shire Council, The Global Group Of Companies is seeking suitably experienced and qualified casual lifeguards for the Korumburra, Foster and Poowong swimming pools for the upcoming 09/10 season.

You will be required to undertake a wide range of duties including the supervision of pool users, pool and grounds maintenance, monitoring plant operations and providing excellent customer service.

Applicants must hold a current Pool Lifeguard Certificate, a Level 2 First Aid Certificate and a Working with Children Check.

(Courses are available if you would like to obtain these qualifications)

Independent Audit Sub-committee Member Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest are invited from people with senior business or financial management/ reporting knowledge and experience, and are experienced with financial and other reporting requirements to become an independent member of the Authority’s Audit Sub-committee in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and Best Practice Guidelines.

One Sub-committee position is available and remuneration will be in accordance with rates agreed by the Board.

A detailed Audit Sub-committee Charter outlining the requirements and scope of this role is available by contacting Ms Robyn Dossett on 5175 7802 or email: robynd@wgcma.vic.gov.au Expressions of interest will be received until 4pm on Friday 6th November, 2009 and should be marked “confidential” and addressed to:

public notices GIRLS DAY OUT Fundraising Day for kids with cancer

situations vacant CASUAL SALESPERSON

Bring your friends and get in early for Christmas shopping Enq: Jacqui 0429 331 074, Marg 0419 598 827, Trina 0407 863 861

Salesperson required for weekend work at Meeniyan Hardware and Plant Nursery.

Ideally, the applicant will have a good knowledge of hardware and garden supplies, computer skills and the ability to provide an excellent level of customer service.

Phone Paul Jones on 0437 841 725, drop a CV into the store or email pjones@speedweb.com.au

public notices

public notices

Incorporating Postie fashions, Lorraine Lea linen and high quality candles and accessories

Tuesday, October 20 Leongatha RSL 1-6pm

To apply please either email your application letter, resumé and copies of your qualifications to sarahm@the globalgroup.com.au or Send to 27 Wyndham St Shepparton Vic 3630, Attention Sarah.

AUCTION/CLEARING SALE Sunday, October 25, 2009 10.30am Memorial Park (Football Ground), Boolarra Vehicles, Machinery etc.

2002 Roadstar caravan, tandem axle, electric brakes, as new 1962 J3 Bedford truck, no rust, good order 1991 Toyota Dyna twin cab, aluminium tray 1980 Bedford tip truck, suitable for farm use or wrecking 6’ x 8’ car trailer, 12 x 8 tandem tipper trailer with hyd. winch Crates 4 tonne cap.

Materials & Equipment Wood lathe, buzzer, saw, cattle grid, railway iron smudger, concrete pipes, Dalgety meat saw, electric fans, working TVs, boxes of bolts, nuts, washers etc.

Household Goods Antiques, Memorabilia & Collectables: Lots of old spanners, wrenches, tools and other antiques Sundries too numerous to mention!!

Buyer registration and number system to apply ID required Viewing from 9.30am on sale day Terms: Cash or cheque by prior arrangement Goods must be removed on day Refreshments available FURTHER ENTRIES STILL BEING TAKEN Call Jack 5169 6283 or Jeff 5169 6218

Independent Audit Sub-committee Member Mr. G. Hocking West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority PO Box 1374, TRARALGON 3844 Geoff Hocking Chief Executive Officer

POSITION VACANT REGISTERED NURSE DIVISION 1, GRADE 5 After Hours Supervisor - Korumburra Campus 0.6 EFT (6 shifts per fortnight) An opportunity exists for a highly skilled and motivated nurse wishing to advance their nursing career, whilst developing their management skills. We are seeking a nurse who is looking to further their career in a supportive, learning environment by providing quality, clinical leadership in a 35 bed unit covering acute, residential and emergency presentations. Whilst the position is predominantly night duty, the applicant will be required to work all tours of duty.

You will ideally possess the following: • Current nursing experience in a range of disciplines - including emergency presentation • Well grounded interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels • A commitment to high quality patient care • Clinical and administrative leadership.

GSHS offers a comprehensive orientation program on commencement of employment. All nursing staff have access to excellent staff mentoring, education and support programs.

A current satisfactory police check is required.

If you are interested in joining a supportive and progressive team, please contact the Executive Assistant, Dianna Mollica on 5667 5504 to obtain an application kit or visit our website at www.gshs.com.au.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5504 to discuss other employment opportunities at GSHS. Completed application kits can be forwarded by Friday, October 30 to: Neil Langstaff Director of Nursing Inpatient/Residential Care Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA 3953

situations vacant

ZO921419

Mail PO Box 1374, Traralgon VIC 3844 Phone 1300 094 262 Fax (03) 5175 7899 Email westgippy@wgcma.vic.gov.au Web www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

The South Gippsland Citizens Advice Bureau is currently looking to increase its team of committed volunteers. New volunteers will be asked to attend a Community Information Workers Course specifically designed to provide the skills to be an effective Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer.

The course will run for six weeks, one day per week (10am to 4pm), on Wednesdays, November 4 and 11, Tuesday, November 17, Wednesday, November 25 and Tuesdays, December 1 and 8.

The course location will be the RSL meeting room, which is located in the RSL building in Michael Place, Leongatha.

Closing date for applications will be October 30.

Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on (03) 5662 2111 from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

HERD MANAGER/ 2 IC wanted Yanakie, South Gippsland 500 COWS Role is: Support to farm manager, milking, feeding out, farm maintenance, tractor work, animal health, general farm work.

The herd manager must have the ability to manage the farm when Manager is off farm.

Contact Tom 0432 526 010

EASY CASH CATALOGUE DISTRIBUTORS AND COLLECTORS REQUIRED Earn $100 to $200 a week for 2 hours max daily NO OUTLAY

Call 1300 663 161

APPRENTICE INSTRUCTOR – BUILDING (CASUAL) Are you ready to pass on work skills and good work habits to apprentices?

Apprenticeships Group Australia (AGA) continues to grow its training activities in Korumburra and we have a vacancy in our team to deliver theory and practical training to carpentry apprentices.

We are seeking applications from suitably qualified and experienced tradespeople who share AGA’s desire to train and motivate young people to join our training delivery team.

This casual position averages 2 days per week.

Candidates should have or be willing to attain the Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment. Due to the nature of the position, appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Working With Children Check.

Applicants should share our company’s commitment to developing the skills of young people. A position description is posted on our website under ‘Other positions’ - staff vacancies.

Further information about the role may be obtained from our Training Manager Phil Backman on 0419 206 341.

Interested applicants should forward their application including resume and trade qualifications to: Human Resources Department at hr@agaustralia.com.au or PO Box 627 Morwell 3840 by close of business Friday 30th October. www.agaustralia.com.au

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

situations vacant PART TIME MAIL DELIVERY MUST have full motorcycle licence and pass Aust Post police check Apply in writing to “Mail” 17 Bellingham St. Leongatha Applications close Friday, October 23.Interviews 5pm Monday, October 26.

free

for sale

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

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

for sale

BOAT, 12ft Savage Snipe, 15hp Evinrude motor with trailer, VGC, $2,200. Ph: 5662-4271 a/h.

BUSINESS & FREEHOLD FOR SALE

CARDS, Bibles, CDs, giftware available New Beginnings Christian Books 5662-0999 - opposite IGA carpark Leongatha.

Loch Newsagency & General Store Excellent profit

CHIHUAHUA pup, male purebred, vacc, 10 wo. $550 Ph: 5668-7255 or 0400-648278.

Ideal for husband and wife Phone owner 5659 4306

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175

CHEF

Urgently required for permanent work in busy, modern Australian bistro Contact Aaron 0412 364 761

CLERICAL OFFICER We require an experienced Clerical Officer to undertake tasks including processing legal documents, general administrative duties, accounts/banking, filing, mail, reception and answering phones.

Must have excellent touch typing and computer skills, be well presented, friendly and flexible.

Part time position, ideally with a view to becoming full time.

Resumés to: Mr C. White OAKLEYS WHITE 65 Main Street, Foster 3960 Enquiries phone 5682 2211

HAY, small square bales $8 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. Mardan 56641320.

LOUNGE SUITE, 2 recliners and sofa, as new, hardly used. Cost $1,890, sell for $550 ONO. 0427623343.

MOBILITY SCOOTER, 4 wheel suspension, luxury model, lights etc., new June 09, unused. Cost $3,900, sell $2,350. Can deliver.

Ph: 0405-170994.

SILAGE - 20 acres available Mirboo North area. Phone Robert 0419-696655.

SINGLE BED, timber, with matching bedside table, as new, $300. Ph: 5662-5346 a/h.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

SPRAY UNIT, Silvan 50lt Spotpak plus weed stick and bucket of Tordon granules. Ph: 5664-6588.

TAARUP 744 5m tedder, in good condition, $4,000 inc.

GST. Ajax 3 water pump, in good working order, $1,200.

5664-9293.

40 TEAT Skellerup calf feeder, current model, comes with tub, has been adapted to carry 200lts, spray tank also included, $3,200 ONO. 0408538464.

ST. LAURENCE O’TOOLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

PRIMARY TEACHER

FTE Replacement Position 2010 (part-time considered) We require: • A commitment to Catholic Ethos & Education.

• VIT Registration.

• Current Working with Children Certificate.

• Commitment to quality teaching and learning practice.

Apply in writing with three professional referees to: The Principal St Laurence’s Primary School Locked Bag No. 9 Ogilvy Street LEONGATHA, 3953 principal@stlleongatha.catholic.edu.au Applications close: Friday, October 23, 2009

garage sales MASSIVE GARAGE SALE 2 Arcadia Cres Leongatha

HEAT CHARM wood heater (in built) with s/steel flue, $300. Ph: 5662-4271 a/h.

HEN HOUSES, fox proof, good quality, 6-8 chooks; plus dog kennels. Ph: 56642443.

TIMBER - kiln dried blackwood, clear pine, silver wattle. Most sizes for furniture and craft. Also builder’s graded structural pine. Phone 5681-2261.

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 PULSAR Q h/back, 1988, air, power steering, mags, 5 speed, 1800 FI engine, 169,000km, WEU094, $2,550 ONO, RWC. 0400840834.

UTE, Mitsubishi Triton, 4x4, 2002, RMH293, canopy, RWC, $11,500. Ph: 56635439.

business opportunities

(off Carr Ave)

Saturday, October 24 8am to 1pm

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

5672 3127

HAY

Northern, top quality oaten hay, lucerne, oats, clover and vetch ALSO LOCAL HAY AVAILABLE

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

livestock PULLETS Wednesday, November 11 Commercial crossbreds.

Fully vaccinated.

Not debeaked.

12wk (Isa Brown) $13 Available from Elders Past., Leongatha 10.30am Phone 5662 3523 to order now (Brian Larkin Poultry)

2 x Angus Lowline Cows (purebred) $500 each Mini mare 6 yrs black (imp bloodlines) - $600 Mini Pinto dunn colt, 12 mths - $400 Both good nature Phone 5659 8177 0458 111 738

message of hope GOD, keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 17:8.

wanted to buy FURNITURE: Parker, Noblett, Tessa, Chiswell, Moran, or any quality brand name used furniture. Phone Wendy on 0409-234482.

OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.

work wanted FULLY Qualified Painter.

No job too small. Good rates. Call Drew on 56624238 or 0418-517443.

Kids clothes & shoes Adults clothes & shoes Most brand new Cotton baby goods Household items & furniture Everything must go

FORTHCOMING BUFFALO COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, October 31 10 Garage Sales plus stalls in Buffalo area on the one day For more information phone John (Buffalo Store) 5663 6202 or Pete a/h 5663 6306

OUTSIDE VENDORS SOUGHT

GARAGE SALE Saturday, October 24

65 Caithness Road KOONWARRA 9am onwards 3 HOUSEHOLDS OF GOODS • Household goods • Furniture • Kids stuff & lots more

MAJOR GARAGE SALE October 23 Corner of Horn Street and Strzelecki Hwy • 100s of desks and chairs available • Limited computers • Industrial tools • Tractor • 2 x buses • General supplies DUMBALK, 4 Farmers Road, Saturday, October 24, from 9am. Lots of plants and books, CHEAP.

personal MEN:

WANT LONGER LASTING

SEX?

GOOD ERECTIONS? PREMATURE EJACULATION? WOMEN:

PROBLEMS GETTING AROUSED OR REACHING ORGASM? Talk to the doctors at AMI

CALL OR SMS ‘TRY’ TO

1800 20 40 90

for lease FOR LEASE Poowong - 200 acre productive farm Good yards, water supply and pasture, 20 paddocks.

3 year lease available with option of extension.

For further details contact:

Dean Bailey 0438 531 672

for rent 2 BEDROOM unit. Gas heating, carport, easy to manage garden. Close to schools, walking distance to L’gatha shops. $185 pw.

2 bedroom home. R/c air cond., garage, easily maintained garden. Close to Med. Centre, schools and shops. $220 pw.

4 year old 3 bedroom home on 2 acres. Ensuite, shedding. Edge of Leongatha. $250 pw.

Ring SEJ for further details 5662-4033.

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

meetings

MDU NETBALL CLUB

AGM Monday, October 26, 2009 7.30pm AT THE SOCIAL ROOMS All welcome!!!

anniversaries CARTER - GLENDINNING Phillip and Heather, married October 24, 1959.

Congratulations Mum and Dad on your Golden Wedding Anniversary. All our love, Allyson and Brian, Susanne and Calum, Wesley and Joanne.

Nannie and Pa, best wishes on your special day, love Lauren and Scott (to be married October 24, 2009), Matt, William and Angus.

births BERRYMAN (Weidermann) - Geoff and Kym welcome with love to their family Darcy, Grace and Kade’s baby brother, Eamon Dunbar, born October 13, 2009 (9lb) at SGH, Foster.

“The Circle of Life” LAWRY (Gibb) - Andrew and Laura are delighted to welcome their second daughter, Georgia Isabel, born on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Sister to Alexandra.

LAWSON (Duell) Congratulations Kristy and Russell, a beautiful daughter Chelsea Grace.

A new granddaughter for Joan and Jeff to love.

PIASENTE (Funnell) Robyn, Jason, Tom and Will welcome with love a beautiful little girl, Isabella Frances, born 9/10/2009 (8lb 11oz). Special thanks to Tim, Mary and everyone at Leongatha Hospital.

PIASENTE (Funnell) Thank you to Robyn, Jason, Tom and Will for our beautiful grandaughter, Isabella Frances. Love Grandma Jeanie and Grandad Ron.

engagements HOLTSCHKE - MURRELL Lorraine and Bernie are thrilled to announce the engagement of Angie and Chris from Nathalia. Love and best wishes from the family.

MANNE - BOAG Tamika and Steven, with their families, are thrilled to announce their engagement.

marriage celebrant PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

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

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

thanks WE would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who wished us well with their thoughts, messages, cards and gifts following Allan’s transplant and the birth of our grandson. In what was already a wonderful time for us, your kindness lifted us even higher. Both Allan and Lochlan are doing really well.

Allan and Irene Beasley.

bereavement thanks ROUGHEAD - Gena.

The Roughead family would like to thank Woorayl Lodge Staff, Koorooman House staff and local doctors for their care and support of Gena over the years. Special thanks to Paul and Margaret Beck.

Your cards and messages were greatly appreciated.

deaths

CADD - Elaine Florence.

Women’s Land Army.

Members of the Tarwin Lower RSL regret the passing of their esteemed member.

Lest We Forget HOPKINS - John E. Dad, thank you for all of your love and the memories we share. You were a fair, selfless and hard working man who touched the lives of many.

With Mum, forever in our hearts.

Jonathan, Anna and family.

TURNER (nee Forrester) Kerryn Lee. Passed away peacefully at Leongatha Hospital on October 12, 2009 surrounded by her family, after a brave battle.

Aged 48 years.

Dearly loved wife and best friend of Brad, much loved Mum of Rachael, Jodie, Dylan, Lani and Adam.

Kez, There is a place in my heart, That is yours alone, A piece of my life, No other can own.

The tears in my eyes I can wipe away, But the memories of you, Will always stay ...

Thank you for everything you gave to us all.

My best friend and true love.

- Brad xx

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 53

deaths Our beautiful Mum, For those moments when we have been so close, For the times we’ve needed you the most, For all those loving things you’ve done, For being a truly perfect Mum. For all those things, and millions more, Which seem to us a daily chore, We give our thanks and all our love, In the thought that when we look above, The brightest star in all the sky, Is that same sparkle once in your eye.

We’ll never stop loving and never forget, The greatest Mum we’ve ever met.

To the world you were one, To us you were our world.

So dearly loved, so sadly missed.

- Rachael and Isaac, Jodie, Dylan, Lani and Adam.

Dearly loved youngest child of Peter and Dot Forrester, loving sister of Judy, Pauline, Geof and Sue. Loved sister-in-law of Winston, Linda and Twig.

Dearly loved by their families.

Dearly loved daughter of Peter and Dot. Others are taken this we know, But you were ours, and we loved you so.

In our hearts you will always stay, Loved and remembered every day. ***** Dearest Kerryn, My baby sister.

We lived in distance so far apart, but in our hearts and minds we were as close as anyone could ever be.

You were an understanding and loving sister-in-law to Winston. A great friend, loving auntie, great auntie to Tina, Duane, Brayden and Ryan; Lee, Darren and Jake; Mitchell and Curtis.

In our hearts forever more.

Love forever - your big sister Judy xxxxxxxxxx ***** Aunty Kerryn, We remember all the really great summer holidays we spent together. We were so lucky to have time with you and your wonderful family.

Love always.

- Tina, Duane, Brayden and Ryan xxxx - Lee, Darren and Jake xxx - Mitchell and Curtis xx ***** For my little sister, you may have learned some things from me as I bossed you through your early life, but you took to motherhood with such natural love and flair, that our roles have at times reversed as you bossed me along with your kids. Your love and understanding will stay with me forever, although I may not get to tease you or hear you laugh at my jokes again.

Always, Pauline sometimes ‘Poy’. *****

deaths Our beautiful sister, friend and aunt. Your strength in adversity was an inspiration to us all. We will miss you but never forget.

- Geof, Linda, Louise and Scott, Gillian and James. ***** To hear your voice, To see your smile, To sit and talk with you a while, To be together in the same old way, Would be our only wish today.

Your house or ours.

Sleeping peacefully.

For those who have an aunty, Love her while you can, Because we would give the world, and more, To have ours back again.

Forever in our hearts - Sue, Twig, Eliza, Renee and Mick, Mel and Luke, Pru and Willis xx. ***** Kerryn, our beautiful caring and loving daughter-in-law.

As part of our family you will be sadly missed.

- Fay and John xx. ***** A golden heart stopped beating, Two hands were laid to rest, God broke our hearts to prove, He only takes the best.

If tears could build a stairway, And memories build a lane, We would walk right up to Heaven, And bring you home again.

You will be forever in our hearts, Kez. Love - Shaz, Pete, Mitch and Koby, Abbie and Molly xxxxxx. ***** A tender thought that brings a tear, A silent wish that you were here.

We will miss you.

- Peta, Chris, Jake, Jye and Taylen.

Kez, Kezza (Angel), A special friend is one who cares, Someone who is loving and willing to share.

All of life’s little burdens the joys and the tears, Everything that happens down through the years.

To always be there when needed the most, And we thank the Lord that we can boast, ‘You were that friend’.

A laugh, a grin, a joke or two, That’s the way we will remember you ...

Forever in our hearts.

- Helga, Jim, Jamie and Melissa.

Kaz (Angel), Words are few, thoughts are deep, Memories of you we will always keep.

You left a place no one can fill, We miss you and always will.

Forever in our hearts.

- Elise and Craig.

deaths Kez, Thank you for the friendship we shared, The love you gave, the way you cared.

A special smile, a special face, In our hearts you will always stay, You will be an inspiration to each of us for the rest of our lives.

Love - Paul, Shaz, Renae, Nick, Kate, Anna and Lachie xo.

TURNER - Kerryn.

To our special friend and my work mate, the fun times we shared will be remembered and treasured always. Your laughter was so unique, that no matter what, you just made us all feel happy, and happy are the thoughts you will be remembered for. Your kindness, shared with your love was what made you who you are, thank you for letting us all be a part of your beautiful world. You have left us all a memory that could never be forgotten, thank you, we love you.

Our sympathy to Brad, Rachael, Jodie, Dylan, Lani and Adam.

Nella, Jack, Lauren and Morgan Mitchelson.

TURNER - Kerryn.

Good memories of all the fun times Kez. Our love and thoughts are with Brad and family at this very sad time.

Glenis, Graeme, Matt and Bron.

A true Angel in heaven.

TURNER - Kerryn.

Our deepest sympathy to Brad, Rachael, Jodie, Dylan, Adam and Lani.

It all went too quick, we didn’t get to say goodbye, and to let you know we will be there for Brad and the kids. A true friend who will be sadly missed, but always remembered.

Michelle, Darren, Tyson and Harvey.

TURNER - Kerryn.

A special person, A special face, Someone we love, And can’t replace.

Never selfish, Always kind, These are the memories you left behind.

Our love to Brad, Rachael and Isaac, Jodie, Dylan, Adam and Lani, and the Forrester family.

- Pam, Barry, Burgan and Nick.

TURNER - Kerryn.

All at Nagel’s Pharmacy express our sincere and deepest condolences to Brad, Rachael, Jodie, Dylan, Adam and Lani, and families.

Kerryn was a valued, respected and much loved member of our staff for many years. We have all lost a colleague and dear friend. She will be sadly missed, but always remembered.

deaths TURNER - Kerryn.

We will sadly miss you and remember you always for your kindness and friendship.

Deepest sympathy to Brad, Rachael, Jodie, Dylan, Adam and Lani, and families.

Brett, Marg, Natasha, Amelia, Nicholas and Jordan.

TURNER - Kerryn.

Face of an angel we will never forget.

Deepest sympathy to Brad, Rach, Zac, Jodie, Dylan, Adam and Lani.

- Greg, Jo, Stacey, Krisha, Cass, and families.

A life long friendship A neighbour for years, We look to the sky, And wipe away our tears.

Until we meet again my dear friend.

Jo XX TURNER - Kerryn.

On 12/10/09.

Your long battle is now over.

Sleep Kerryn and take our love with you.

Brian and Joan, Ashley and Tammy, Warren and Michelle, Amber and Zoe. XXX. TURNER - Kerryn.

The CEO, chairman and staff of the Australian Meat Industry Council wish to extend their deepest sympathy and condolences to Brad and family at this difficult time.

TURNER - Kerryn.

Our deepest condolences to Brad and the rest of the family.

The committee of the Leongatha Junior Football Club.

TURNER - Kerryn.

A wonderful, generous and understanding person who will be so sadly missed. Our thoughts go out to Brad, Rachael, Jodie, Dylan, Adam and Lani.

Always know the greater family of Lisa Pellin Dancers is there for you. Teachers, parents and students of Lisa Pellin dancers, TURNER - Kerryn.

Farewell our special friend. So many years, so many stories. Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful memories.

‘Til we meet again.

Lyn, Alistair and family.

TWITE (nee MacQueen) Heather.

15/8/1921 - 14/10/2009.

Late of Korumburra and Dumbalk.

Passed away peacefully at Grand Ridge Lodge, Mirboo North.

Dearly loved wife of Geoffrey for 62 years.

Cherished mother of Jennifer and Neil, Gregory and Andrea, Suzanne and Ronnie, Janine and Pete, Andrew and Helen, Christopher and Annette, Nereda and Richard.

Loved Nanny of 18 grandchildren and Great Nanny of 7.

Forever in our hearts.

Rest in peace.

deaths TWITE - Daphne Christina (Heather).

Dearly loved mother of Nereda, mother-in-law of Richard. Cherished Nanny of Hannah, Alexander, Genevieve, Eloise and Zachary.

At peace.

The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is closer to God’s heart in the garden, Than anywhere else on earth.

TWITE - Daphne Christina (Heather).

Left us peacefully at Grand Ridge Lodge, Mirboo North, on October 14, 2009 aged 88 years.

Darling mother of Jenny and Neil. Beloved Nanny of Louise, Suzanne, Elise and Claire, and Grand Nanny of Noah and Jude.

Loving memories.

WILSON - Herbert Alan (Herb).

Passed away at Koorooman House, Leongatha on October 17, 2009. Aged 86 years. Late of Leongatha, formerly of Yarram.

Dearly loved father of Julie, Bruce, Diana, Stuart and Charles. Much loved Pa of Ellie, Rebecca, Luke, Anika and Cassius.

Always in our hearts.

funerals HOPKINS - Friends and relatives are invited to celebrate the life of Mr John E. Hopkins at a memorial service at the Toora Football Club on Friday, October 23 at 2pm.

GIPPSLAND FUNERAL SERVICES AFDA FOSTER 5682-2443 TWITE - A Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of Mrs Daphne Christina (Heather) Twite will be held at the Uniting Church, Korumburra on Tuesday, October 20 commencing at 12 midday.

A private family service for interment will precede the above service.

Paul and Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 Member AFDA WILSON - The Funeral Service for the late Mr Herbert Alan (Herb) Wilson will be held at the Salvation Army Chapel, South Gippsland Highway, Leongatha (please use the Shingler St. entrance) on Thursday, October 22, commencing at 1.30pm.

After refreshments the funeral will depart for the Yarram Lawn Cemetery.

No flowers by request please. Donations in lieu to the Salvation Army.

Envelopes will be available at the service.

Paul & Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 AFDA

Shaping industry: enjoying the Inverloch Tourism Association annual general meeting recently were, from left, David Parker, Noel Bond, Maxine Bond, Teresa Mahood of Bass Coast Shire, Michael Malone, Cate Anderson, Dom Brusamarello, Kate Edwards, Greg Buckley and Lewis Stone.

Tourism drivers shape town THE Inverloch Tourism Association continues to shape the town, influencing growth, addressing bushfire risk and police numbers, and lobbying authorities.

That was the message delivered by outgoing president Lewis Stone at the association’s AGM recently.

During the year, the association has finalised the implementation of the CCTV security system around town, which has encouraged more attractive social behaviour.

“The new tourist information centre is a great asset to the town as well as the hub giving the town a new vibrant focus. Well done Bass Coast Shire,” Mr Stone said.

“Council’s assistance in creating the Bass Coast Tourism Partnership has been a welcome addition. The partnership will give greater opportunities for businesses within this region to get promoted at a more competitive rate than otherwise possible.”

The association’s membership continues to grow but Mr Stone expressed disappointment at the lack of support from some major tourism beneficiaries in town.

“The growth in visits to town over the last summer and nights stayed was excellent, although l believe the numbers of nights stayed has dropped in recent months, most likely due to less disposable dollars being available or lack of confidence, but I believe this is now improving,” Mr Broadbent said.

Mr Stone resigned as president after five years in the role.

“I feel proud of the ITA’s achievements under my term but feel it is time for a fresh leader to put his or her ideas forward and I wish the ITA all the best for its future,” he said.

“The town needs a vibrant and strong body to encourage tourism in all of its forms.”

Mr Lewis was replaced as president by Dom Brusamarello, proprietor of the Inverloch Foodworks supermarket.

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8193 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1,Pas-till-e. 6, Spot. 8, Tax-I. 9, Una-wa-re-s.

10, Blade. 11, In-dian. 13, Pen-no-N. 15, Ex-tols. 17, Gatea-U. 19, Parry. 22, Disa-ster. 23, Fast. 24, Un-I-t. 25, Detached.

Down - 2, At all. 3, Tried on. 4, L-out. 5, Exa-mined (rev.).

6, Stand. 7, Overall. 12, Un-suited. 14, Eva-s-I-on. 16, Traffic. 18, Ex-act. 20, Ros-I-e. 21,Tr-ot (rev.).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8193 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Mediocre. 6, Trip. 8, Mass. 9, Nickname. 10, Stoat. 11, Vacant. 13, Slater. 15, Timber. 17, Stress. 19, Gnome. 22, November. 23, Rude. 24, Unit. 25, Withhold.

Down - 2, Exact. 3, Instant. 4, Cane. 5, Excavate. 6, Tunic. 7, Immense. 12, Crossbow. 14, Let-down. 16, Monarch. 18, Eject. 20, Medal. 21, Fret.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Top rides for ponies ABOUT 70 competitors took part in the show jumping championship of the West Gippsland Zone at the Korumburra Pony Club on the weekend in trying conditions.

White charger: Jessica Ryan, of Hallam Valley, competed in the C Grade section on Tarqua Cahlua.

Warm-up: Emily Hill, of Loch Nyora, put Mystery Gaze through its warm-up run before tackling the testing A Grade course.

The weather had been extremely wet during the week, which forced the top gate off the highway and the bottom gate off Sanders Street to be closed.

Competitors could only enter through the gate at Charles Street.

Emily Hill, of Loch Nyora, won the A Grade competition on Marena Comet. She also rode on Mystery Gaze.

Organiser Michelle Perks, said despite the conditions, especially on Saturday, the competition was well attended.

“Saturday was a bit damp, but Sunday was quite good. We had more than 50 riders getting through that day,” Ms Perks said.

Left: Late entrant: Genevieve Green, who rode Tanny, was a late entrant in the C Grade section.

Below: Short wait: Stephanie Carfrae waits for the signal to take Optimus Prime through its paces.

Tough competition: Stephanie Carfrae had a good ride on Optimus Prime but failed to win a place in C-Grade against tough opposition.

A-Grade winner: Emily Hill, here on Mystery Gaze, won A Grade on Marena Comet.

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

OCTOBER Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

21 WED

22 THUR

23 FRI

24 SAT

25 SUN

26 MON

27 TUE

0156 0726 1336 1935

1.68 0.55 1.44 0.14

0238 0805 1415 2015

1.69 0.54 1.44 0.14

0316 0843 1452 2055

1.65 0.53 1.42 0.17

0352 0919 1529 2133

1.59 0.54 1.39 0.22

0427 0957 1605 2211

1.52 0.55 1.34 0.28

0501 1033 1644 2247

1.45 0.58 1.28 0.35

0539 1112 1725 2324

1.38 0.61 1.22 0.43

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

Full flight: Emily Hill also had a great ride on Mystery Gaze through a testing course and proved the outstanding rider.

Runner-up: Brooke Verwey-Mitchell, of Bass Valley, rode Beau in B Grade to finish runner-up.

Great ride: Although finishing outside the top places, Stephanie Carfrae put Optimus Prime through a great ride. From Korumburra, Stephanie rides for Wonthaggi pony club.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 55

Glamour: young Phillip Island MotoGP fan Alexander Bowering, was all smiles when he met Monster Energy grid girls Ashleigh and Sarah on Sunday.

White Knight: Ducati champion Casey Stoner is totally focused as he makes his way to the pits to prepare for the big race.

The Doctor: world champion Valentino Rossi looks relaxed before the start of the big race.

Aussie champ: Casey Stoner wins the Phillip Island 2009 MotoGP on Sunday.

Stoner’s Island hat trick CASEY Stoner, aptly dubbed the White Knight, silenced his critics on Sunday at Phillip Island when he won his third straight Australian MotoGP. In front of more than 55,000 MotoGP fans, Ducati racer Stoner, starting from pole position, thrilled the hometown crowd by holding off two nail biting challenges from world champion Valentino Rossi.

Stoner, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday, held the lead for the whole race decked out in new-look white leathers and matching bike, proudly displaying the Australia flag.

It was a new-look Stoner and he was definitely out to prove he is back in town and feeling a lot fitter after a spell from racing due to health concerns.

After the race Stoner said, “it’s been fantastic to come back and get a second in Portugal, and almost have enough pace to win it, and to have enough pace to win here.

“To do three from three here is a very Local racer: from left, Leongatha’s Kris McLaren raced in the Australian Supersport Championship races nice way to end the season for me,” he said.

Fans cheering for Stoner were on the at Phillip Island Grand Prix on the weekend. His friend Riagan Trease, Leongatha and sponsor Michael edge of their seats the whole race, with Rossi Swann of Multiclad Australasia, Mirboo North cheered him on.

Legend: Aussie world motorcycle champion Wayne Gardner was cheered on by fans at the Phillip Island MotoGP during the legend’s lap of honour on Sunday.

Hero: Kris McLaren, Leongatha’s Australian Supersport racer was thrilled when his all-time Aussie hero, champion racer Troy Bayliss, dropped into the pits to say hello and happy birthday to Kris on Saturday.

always looking the danger. The crowd gave a collective gasp of horror in the last lap when Stoner slid across the track at Siberia looking like he might lose it.

After the race a more confident and relaxed-looking Stoner said, “it wasn’t a big deal”.

Yamaha champion Rossi finished 1.935 seconds behind, to take second place, earning another 20 championship points for his team.

“These 20 points are like gold for us, and now we have an important advantage on the championship,” Rossi said. Honda’s Dani Pedrosa claimed third, a good result considering he crashed out in qualifying on the Saturday.

Pedrosa looked like he had sustained a bad leg injury, after many diners at Eddy’s popular Isola d’Capri restaurant in Cowes saw Pedrosa limping in for an early dinner on Saturday night.

The Phillip Island Moto GP attracted a massive total of 105,037 for the three day event and it now moves on to Malaysia.

Stoner said he will use the next two races to set up the bike and himself for the 2010 season.

Roaring: Stoner led from pole position to win his third straight Australian Grand Prix.

Huge crowd: The Iveco Australian Grand Prix on Phillip Island attracted some 105,037 for the three-day event.

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Leongatha wins teams championship

By Chris Brown

LEONGATHA Golf Club has won the Victorian Country Teams Championship.

Those in the know believe it is the first time the club has been victorious in the annual event.

It is also thought to be the first time a club from the South Gippsland golf district has taken out the prize.

Michael Thomas, Peter Rayson and Bruce Hutton represented Leongatha, and the district, in the event at Myrtleford Golf Club on October 10 and 11.

They scored 301 in three, 18-hole rounds of stableford to defeat last year’s winning club Bacchus Marsh by seven points.

Peter Rayson also had the highest individual score over the weekend of 110 points.

Rayson said the team win was a wonderful result.

“I was starting to hit the ball better and I hit it as well as I could over the weekend,” he said.

It was Rayson’s first time competing at the teams championships.

“In the first round we were the middle of the pack and in the second round we had the best score of the day and we climbed into the second spot eight points behind Bacchus Marsh,” he said.

“Bacchus Marsh would have been sitting in the clubhouse feeling pretty comfortable after their third round until we came in and our score went right over the top of them.”

The weather was also kind to competitors at the well organised event.

“The course presented very well and they had had a lot of rain,” Rayson said.

“Then they had another 100mm after the window of nice weather.”

The team celebrated with a barbecue at home and a few drinks.

Leongatha Golf Club men’s captain Ian Nunn said the winning flag would be displayed on the wall in the club’s main room.

“The boys did a great job and represented us and the district really well and we’re delighted,” he said.

“They’re the best team in country Victoria.”

Nunn said it was excellent the win occurred in the same year as the club’s centenary.

The club’s golf committee choose the team members.

Phillip Island and Mirboo North golf clubs also competed in the Victorian Country Teams Championships.

The Phillip Island team of Garry Blair, Ray Bird and Ray Jansen came ninth with 269 while Mirboo North’s Ray Matthews, Tom Traill and Ron Anderson finished 16th on 257.

Two teams from the South Gippsland golf district represent the region at the event each year on a rotating roster.

Mirboo North is in a different golf district.

Next year’s teams championships will be held at the Castlemaine Golf Club on October 9 and 10.

Champion team: Leongatha Golf Club team members Bruce Hutton, Michael Thomas and Peter Rayson with Victorian Golf Association president John Hobday.

Magpies swoop on Leongatha Golf Club Bowls reports Leongatha golf MAGPIE Day was again successful and ten Collingwood identities turned up to play.

Max Richardson and Ross Dunne both played well to be among the ball winners and they were the original Collingwood ex-players to attend the day.

A Grade was won by P. Natham, a visitor from Cranbourne with 38 points and runner-up was Geoff McDonald on 37.

Neil Gillin had a great 41 points to win B Grade from Ian Nunn on 37. Ian Watson (36 points) was C Grade winner

from Bob Jamieson on a countback while Marilyn Williams took out the ladies event with her 38 points.

Nearest the pin winners were Toni West and Jim McCarthy.

Pro pin went to Ken Wardle and balls down the line to T. West 36, R. Davies, A. Clemann, M. Richardson 35, I. Barlow 34, J. Smith, P. Hartigan, K. Gardner, K. Wardle, R. McRobert, T. McCarthy, R. Dunne 33.

Tuesday A small field of 21 played in conditions much better than most expected.

Grant McRitchie won the day on 39 points and collected nearest the pin on the 14th as well. Graham Fixter was nearest to the pin on the 16th.

Ball winners: G. Spruzen 37, J. Hassett, J. Smith 36, D. Clemann 35, G. Fixter 34.

Kit Boag Day In big events, champions come to the top and the two winning pairs comprised three of our club champions.

In a mixed scratch event, no one will beat Michael and Rebecca Thomas and they duly won with an outstanding 71 off

the stick. Russell Hughes and Rhonda Knee were the handicap winners with a scoreline 78-12¾-65¼. These pairs both won a week’s holiday at Merimbula thanks to the generosity of Kit’s son.

The next two pairs won Kit’s famous crocheted rugs: G. McLure - A. Norton 67 and D. Clemann - B. Lee 69¾.

Ladies nearest the pin winners were L. Pinner and V. Brydon while for the men, R. Hughes and R. Magill were closest.

Ball winners: S. and B. Clark 677/8, T. West - P. Rayson 70¼,

J. Paice - C. Leaver 707/8, N. and A. Monahan 71, D. Erwin - S. Miller 71¼, J. Marriott - R. Magill 71½, B. and L. Pinner 71½.

Saturday’s event is an open Ambrose, teams of four. On Sunday we go to Meeniyan to try to defend the trophy in our annual mixed event. On Sunday November 1, Round 2 of the Gordon West nine hole comp is coming and on Melbourne Cup Day there will be a shotgun start event for men and ladies. Those wishing to play nine holes will be slotted into the field.

Right Great team: the Magpie team to beat were, from left, Peter Horman, Jeff Pitts, Neale Gillin, Eroll Hutchesson and Doug Gott.

Fish Creek OUR ladies travelled to Wonthaggi last Tuesday but the day was washed out.

This week it is Phillip Island.

Both men’s teams were beaten on Saturday with Divison 3 losing by just five to Phillip Island White at Fish Creek, while Division 5 lost by 70 shots to Tarwin Lower.

This week, Division 3 travel to Leongatha. Be ready to leave the clubhouse at 11.50am. The team is W. Ferbrache, J. Stefani, C. McGannon, D. Christie, R. McKenzie, R. Staley, D. Livingstone, F. Carter, S. McLean, A. Kerr, D. Stefani and B. Everitt.

Division 5 play Wonthaggi at Fish Creek and the team is R. Flanders, G. Napier, S. Taylor, L. Synan, A. Atwell, R. Grylls, J. Lindeman, N. Buckland, J. Charlton, P. Tori, R. Cooper and J. Lavarda. Emergency: P. Harper.

Any bowler unable to play contact Jack Charlton as soon as possible.

All bowlers are asked to look at the notice board as the singles championship draw has been done and we would like those first games to be played as soon as possible.

Our club is now playing social bowls of a Sunday. Names in by 12.30pm with bowls to start at 1pm. All new bowlers welcome.

Buffalo indoor

Scratch event winners: Michael and Bec Thomas with sponsor Kit Boag.

Awesome A foursome: from f left, Ross McRobert, M Collingwood tragic Bill w Howson, H 88-games man m Trevor Steer a and superstar rover R Ron O’Dwyer get s for Magpies Day set o Saturday. on

Woorayl golf ON Saturday we played a par event sponsored by Aygee Soft Drinks and it was nice to see the sponsor playing.

The winner of A Grade with +6 was Jason Redmond. He won from Geoff McKinnon with +4. B Grade went to Jack Howard with +5 from Graham Fixter with +1 on a countback.

The C Grade winner with +6 was Rob Warren from John Hassett with +1 in a three-way countback.

Balls went to M. Hanily, B. Fiek, R. Hughes, J. Baum, P. Burgess, T. Ryan, J. Hickey, K. Riseley and E. Poole.

The nearest the pins went to Kevin Riseley and Don Perrett. The day’s CCR was 69 (+3) and 44 players faced the starter.

Next Saturday is a stableford event sponsored

by Simford Welding Service.

Mirboo North golf FOURTEEN starters attended the stableford event held on Thursday October 15. CCR 70.

A Grade was won by John McFarlane (15) 38.

Down the line balls: Andrew Soplakow (9) 37, Tom Traill (8) 36.

The open men’s and ladies stableford held on Saturday October 17 was sponsored by Colin Watson Motors and attracted 37 starters. CCR was 72.

A Grade was won by Neil Rutledge (18) 35. A Grade runner-up was Noel Fox (14) 34.

B Grade was won by Nigel Bracecamp (23) 38. B Grade runner-up was Stan Evison (22) 35.

Ladies winner: Barb Stimson (25) 34. Runner-up Chris Gunn (22) 33.

Down the line balls: Terry Bradshaw (9) 34, Doug Taylor (23) 34 and Ray Matthews (11) 34.

Nearest the pin: 4th John McFarlane, 6th Chris Bracecamp, 13th Richie Robbins, 16th Peter Gilpin.

WEDNESDAY October 14 was another wet night.

I guess we just have to get used to all this welcome rain.

We managed three teams for the night. In the bottom spot (LLL) eight ends, Glenys Pilkington, Peter Heldens and Illene Tiziani.

Next in line with a fruit salad (WDL) 14 ends, Toni Heldens and Graeme Tobias. Then came (LWW) 13 ends, Rod McConchie, Ian Benson and Carolyn Benson. But in the top spot (WDW) 14 ends, Bill Wolswinkle, Peter Tiziani and Ron Gloster.

Best first game Toni 15-2, best second game Rod 10-2, best third game Bill 8-7.

I hope to see you all again next week. Everyone and anyone is welcome at 7.30pm, Wednesday nights.

Don’t forget about our garden walk on October 13 from 1pm to 3.30pm. Two gardens, those of Merle and Graham Unthank and Peter and Toni Heldens. can be inspected by anyone wishing to look. The entry fee will be a donation of $10. Plants will be for sale. All proceeds will be in aid of the Peter MacCallum Hopspital. Enquiries to Peter and Toni on 5663 6224.

Dumbalk indoor FIFTEEN bowlers gathered at Dumbalk Indoor Bias Bowling Club on Monday, October 12 to play three games of eight ends.

The winning team, with three wins, was Robert Matthies (skipper), Robert Burden and Stephen Holmes.

The runners-up with one win and two losses and plus nine shots were Paul Holmes (skipper), Carol Muller, Kay Cook and Morrie Parry.

The club’s annual general meeting will be held at Dumbalk and District Hall at 7.30pm on Monday, October 26. There will be no bowling at the club that night.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 57

No surprises in pennant bowls results ON a weekend where there were no surprise results and the ‘kiss of death’ actually tipping four out of four, the second round of the pennant was played in mild, but overcast conditions.

All games were completed without interruption by the weather.

Mirboo North had little trouble against Inverloch Blue at home, winning by 19 shots.

Phillip Island at home had no trouble downing Foster by 41 shots and winning all three rinks.

Inverloch White dropped one rink, but still got up by the skin of its teeth by only three shots, Last year’s premiers Leongatha (home) easily accounted for Wonthaggi by 25 shots, but dropped one rink along the way.

In Division 2, the rain during the week obviously had an effect on some greens to the extent the opposition simply could not handle the slower track.

This was certainly the case at Tarwin Lower where its Division 2 team won by a massive 124 shots over a hapless Leongatha.

A similar result was seen in the Division 4 game, also at Tarwin Lower where there was a 71 shot margin over Fish Creek.

I think there must have been a few sore shoulders come Sunday morning.

There were no other surprise results in Division 2.

Results Division 1: Mirboo North 14-80 d Inverloch Blue 2-61; Phillip Island 16-102 d Foster 0-61: Inverloch White 14-65 d Korumburra 2-62: Leongatha 14-77 d Wonthaggi 2-52.

Division 2: Wonthaggi 2-69 lt San Remo 14-86: Tarwin Lower 16-149 d Leongatha 0-25: Inverloch 16-86 d Lang Lang 0-56: Toora 14-67 d Meeniyan 2-59.

Division 3: Corinella 0-59 lt Loch 16-82: Phillip Island Blue 16-98 d Leongatha 0-43: Fish Creek 2-73 lt Phillip Island White 14-76: Foster 14-79 d Wonthaggi 2-67.

Division 4: Mirboo North 14-84 d Port Welshpool 2-49: Korumburra Maroon 14-67 d Phillip Island 2-65: Inverloch 3-55 lt Korumburra Gold 1380.

Division 5: Wonthaggi 2-69 lt Meeniyan 14-76: Tarwin Lower 16-102 d Fish Creek 0-31: San Remo 14-89 d Loch 2-74.

Division 6: Meeniyan 0-37 lt 14-70: San Remo 2-38 lt Phillip Island 12-49: Toora 1266 d Foster 2-35: Lang Lang 12-50 d Wonthaggi 2-42.

My ‘Kiss of Death’ tips for this coming weekend in Division 1 are: Phillip Island (away) easily over Inverloch Blue; Foster (home) will account for Inverloch White; Korumburra (home) should get back into the winner’s circle over Wonthaggi; whilst Mirboo North (home) may just surprise Leongatha with a marginal win.

Ladders Division 1 Phillip Island.....................89 32 Leongatha .........................59 30 Inverloch White ..................6 21 Mirboo North ...................12 16 Foster.................................-34 14 Wonthaggi ........................-25 11 Inverloch Blue.....................-53 2 Korumburra .........................-54 2

Division 2 San Remo ..........................35 28 Meeniyan...........................24 18 Tawin Lower ................... 113 16 Inverloch ............................-4 16 Toora .................................-10 16 Lang Lang .........................-17 16 Leongatha........................-120 14 Wonthaggi .........................-21 4

Division 3 Phillip Island Blue ............56 28 Foster.................................29 28

Loch .....................................6 18 Phillip Island White ...........2 18 Fish Creek .........................31 17 Corinella .............................0 16 Wonthaggi .........................-46 3 Leongatha ..........................-78 0

Division 4 Korumburra Gold............72 40 Inverloch ...........................23 33 Port Welshpool .................20 10 Mirboo North ..................-12 18 Korumburra Maroon ........17 -46 Phillip Island .....................16 -27

Division 5 Tarwin Lower ...................76 36 San Remo ..........................20 32 Meeniyan...........................13 26

Smooth bowl: Ian Todd, of Leongatha, shows his smooth action during the pennant match against Wonthaggi on Saturday.

Fish Creek ........................-64 18 Loch ....................................-7 16 Wonthaggi .........................-38 16

Division 6 Inverloch ..........................51 28 Phillip Island.....................36 26 Wonthaggi .........................12 16 Foster..................................-9 16 Toora ..................................13 12 Lang Lang .........................-17 12 San Remo ............................-33 2 Meeniyan.............................-53 0

This way: Wonthaggi’s Graham Jackson points his club bowler to the right spot, while Cole Watt, of Leongatha, looks on.

Leongatha Bowling Club MOTHER Nature certainly took her toll on last week’s bowls activities.

Tuesday October 13 saw the Division 1 ladies washed out, but Division 3 did manage to get some bowling in at Toora.

At the time of compiling this report, I have been unable to get any scores, only the statement, “we were well beaten.”

This week in our ladies Division 1 is at San Remo, while Division 3 are at home to Inverloch.

Weatherwise the usual Wednesday bowls was a non event as was the twilight bowls on Thursday evening.

Don’t forget, that the twilight bowls for new bowlers, weather per-

mitting, will take place again this Thursday evening October 22 at 6pm.

Saturday October 17 in the SGBA pennant Round 2, saw Division 1 at home to Wonthaggi with Leongatha winning 77 shots to Wonthaggi 52.

Division 2 journeyed to Tarwin Lower.

Tarwin Lower 149 shots to Leongatha 20, so went down by 129 shots.

Division 3 journeyed to Phillip Island and also were unsuccessful against a very strong Phillip Island Blue.

Phillip Island Blue 98 shots to Leongatha 50 shots so went down to the

Blue by 48 shots.

However, on the brighter side for Division 3 two teams were skippered by two of our ladies, Joy Todd and Glenda Trotman. The third side was ably led by Graeme Washfold.

Saturday October 24 sees Division 1 away at Korumburra while Division 2 are at home to Inverloch.

Division 3 will be at home to Fish Creek.

Let’s hope for better results in Round 3.

Special thanks to those members who took part in the working bee on Monday October 12 and also to our ‘gardener’ Davo from president Allan.

Mirboo North WITH no midweek competition this week our report concentrates on the pennant competition.

The club hosted two home games this week with Division 1 playing Inverloch Blue and Division 4 playing Port Welshpool. Both divisions recorded sound winning performances.

In Division 1, Peter Randall skipped a team comprising of Neil McCarthy, Ray Czempinski and Laurie Melhuish.

A good team effort for a 40 - 18 win, winning margin plus 22 shots.

Ross Gabb played skip to a team of Paul Ramsbottom, Kev Queale and Mick Dillon.

Their score of 25 - 17 gave a winning margin of plus eight shots.

Phil Stimson skipped a team of Jack Irving, Graham Watson and Barry Fraser. Their losing margin of 15 - 26 gave a minus score of 11 shots.

The overall winning margin of 19 shots

was a good solid effort and our first Division 1 success.

The Division 4 players rebounded from a loss last week to a significant win over Port Welshpool.

Graeme Roberts played skip for Rob Sears, Paul Pugh and Pat Reynolds.

Their winning score of 30 - 16 gave a winning margin of 14 shots.

Kev Mallet’s team of Jim Atkins, Brian Harris and Morrie Briscoe recorded a 34 - 11 win with a 23 point winning margin.

Doug Berriman played skip for Ann Plowman, Trevor Henn and Bill McCartin. They fought hard for a 20 - 22 shot loss.

The overall score of 82 - 49 resulted in a 33 shot winning break.

Well done to all our players. Time now to regroup for next week’s challenge.

A big thanks to our ladies for their magnificent catering; on a coolish day the hot pizzas and sausage rolls worked a treat.

Inverloch ladies Our second week of pennant felt like a winter’s day.

Third and second divisions were unlucky on the day and suffered losses. First division were the lucky ones with a win. Good luck to all pennant teams this week. Wednesday was extremely wet so no social bowls for the ladies. It was a really quiet week, and boy, am I looking forward to some finer and warmer weather. Last Friday night there were about 75 who came to the dinner of roast pork, which is always a popular meal. Kieran Gardiner our greenkeeper, his wife and new little daughter Jemma also came to the meal. I hope everyone had their glasses on so that they could see Jemma, as she is so tiny.

On Saturday only five ladies and one man played social bowls. They played one game of 22 ends and I think they used this as a practice day. This Wednesday is our monthly triples, so I hope that you have put your name down. The following Wednesday, October 28 is the first round of our club championship. Also, don’t forget Monday, October 26 when Yarram Sports Store will be coming at 10am to show us their stock of bowls goods. Cup day is on Tuesday, November 3, Brunch will be served at 9.30am $6. Bowls one game of triples at 11am $6.

Cup sweeps, hat parade, prizes, afternoon tea provided.

Tarwin Lower Reminders

Melbourne Cup Day: the club will host a lunch and bowls day. The cost is $13 for lunch and bowls or $8 for lunch only. Please place your names on the list in the club house if you wish to participate.

The Bowls Club will be hosting Lyric Theatre’s Deja-Vu Revue on Friday night, November 27 at the club rooms.

The cost is $22 per head for supper and show. 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Bookings are essential and with payment, must be in by November 20. Again, a list is in the clubhouse, or contact Don or Ellie McIntyre.

SGDLBA Pennant Bowls Round 2 Division 1 Wonthaggi v San Remo (inclement weather) 1 point each.

Lang Lang v Foster (inclement weather) 1 point each.

Leongatha v Meeniyan (inclement weather) 1 point each.

Inverloch 81 (24 shots) d Phillip Island 57 (A. Tschiderer 26 d R. James 19, S. Cook 27 d P. Francis 16, C. Hughes 28 d P. Davis 22).

Division 2 Port Welshpool 95 (49 shots) d Korumburra 40 (M. McDonald 32 d M. Goad 13, A. Collins 31 d J. McLaren 18, L. McLaine 32 d D. Williams 15).

Tarwin 84 (24 shots) d Inverloch 60 (H. Twite 26 d M. Flett 18, D. Barnes 31 d M. Goss 12, G. Bright 27 lt D. McIntosh 30).

Wonthaggi v Fish Creek (inclement weather) 1 pt each.

Loch v Phillip Island (inclement weather) 1 pt each.

Division 2 Corinella 60 (20 shots) d Inverloch 40 (M. Dillon 24 lt J. Arnold 25, H. Anderson 36 d M. Treadwell 15).

Full concentration: Peter McBain, of Wonthaggi, is a picture of concentration before rolling his bowl on Saturday.

Toora 63 (25 shots) d Leongatha 38 (J. Bland 18 lt M. Rayson 26, Curram 45 d P. Fleming 12).

Wonthaggi v Korumburra (inclement weather) 1 pt each.

Phillip Island v Meeniyan (inclement weather) 1 point each.

Foster - bye, 1 point.

Ladders Division 1 Wonthaggi .........................+45 3 Foster.................................+35 3 Lang Lang .........................+23 3 Inverloch ............................-11 2 Phillip Island ......................+13 2 Leongatha............................-11 1 San Remo ............................-23 1 Meeniyan.............................-45 1 Division 2 Port Welshpool .................+67 4 Phillip Island.....................+31 3 Fish Creek .........................+19 3 Tarwin Lower .....................+5 2 Korumburra .........................-12 2 Wonthaggi ...........................-31 1 Loch ....................................-37 1 Inverloch .............................-42 0 Division 3 Corinella............................+31 4 Wonthaggi .........................+27 3 Toora .................................+14 2 Phillip Island.....................+11 2 Meeniyan....................................2 Inverloch ...............................-9 2 Korumburra .........................-11 1 Foster...................................-27 1 Leongatha............................-36 0

ONCE again the ladies pennant was played in cold wet conditions, but the brave ladies of Tarwin and Inverloch played out the game, with Tarwin victorious by 26 shots.

In barefoot bowls, first round winners were Wood Ducks and Scratched. There was a good turnout and the weather held.

Men’s triples on Wednesday October 14 were called off due to inclement weather. Men’s pennant was again played in cool conditions with Division 2 and 5 scoring big wins; the biggest in the club’s history. Division 2 by 125 points and Division 5 by 71.

Final reminder for our monthly dinner this Saturday. Men’s pennant please note; Division 2 away to San Remo. Division 5 home to San Remo.

Mardan Indoor LAST Wednesday night 28 bowlers attended social bowls, which was held at the Baromi Centre in Mirboo North.

We are using this venue for three weeks while the Mardan Hall is being painted. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished job. As only three mats can fit in the centre, and with so many people, some teams had five players and rotated. It worked very well, with no one missing out on bowling.

It was good to see Ron Golightly, who came to our ‘bring a friend night,’ come back for another try. The winning team with two wins and a draw were Ian Bristow (skip), Joe Occhipinti, Bruce Douglas and Heather Douglas.

Runners-up with two wins were Charlie Tumino (skip), Russell Grady, Joyce Occhipinti, Jim Atkins and Ron Golightly.

Korumburra WITH South Gippsland awash this last week, bowls have been curtailed somewhat.

The ladies pennant on Tuesday had greens closed at some clubs whilst others were able to play. Our Division 2 ladies travelled to Port Welshpool where they had a disastrous day, with the home team taking the honours. The ‘Burra ladies are to be congratulated for their sportsmanship in the trying conditions.

Division 4 travelled to Wonthaggi where conditions were wet and windy, with all three divisions cancelled.

Ladies Day and men’s pairs were cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday, with the SGDLBA State Singles matches scheduled to play at the ‘Burra, going ahead for rounds one and two on Thursday in trying conditions.

Men’s pennant on Saturday saw a great improvement in the weather. Division 1 went to Inverloch to do battle with the Inverloch White men. The Korumburra men missed out on catching any ‘fish’. Our best was Rob Snooks’ men, Ross Besley, Alan Jordan, Bill Dilg, with a 13 shot win over Ted Botts’ team. Division 4 ‘Burra Gold went to Inverloch also, where they definitely had a ‘good catch’ with a 15 shot win over Inverloch. Our best card was Andy Robertson’s lads, Hugh Opray, Ross P. Lomagno, John Elstub, 20 shots win against B. Dennerly’s team.

Division 4, ‘Burra Maroons didn’t have a very close match, with results not decided until the last bowl of the day. ‘Burra Maroons snuck home by two shots, with the best card going to Bruce McLarens’ team of Ray Saunders, Brian Pepperell and Alan Morphett with a 20 shot win over Ken Linton’s team.

Bankers had fewer numbers on the greens. After three games, winners with two wins plus six shots were John Myors and Joan Burrows.

The club extends its sympathy to Glenyce and Alan Cherrett on their recent sad loss of a loved one.

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Allambee Mirboo and District tennis A VERY even match between Leongatha North and Hallston.

The Northerners ladies set up the win.

Spencer played his first game with Hallston and won his three sets.

The Leongatha men won their three sets. The ladies sets were even but Koonwarra always have good mixed sets and won the day.

Baromi v Korrine: the result certainly doesn’t show what a close game it was.

Four sets 7.5 to Korrine was the difference in the match results. Well done to all players.

Leongatha did well to take the points from Koonwarra. Fill-ins for both teams did well. Nine games win to Leongatha.

Foster will be pleased to win four sets but alas, had to forfeit the last set when games were level. Let’s hope nothing too serious. Leongatha North won by six games.

The Mardan derby was easily won by Red. Red ladies did well to win the three sets. James in the two winning sets. Gold won well against Koony, Gold clearly on top of the ladder after three rounds.

Leongatha had their first win at Korumburra’s expense.

Maroon and Hallston did well and everyone had a good game. Well done. Captains, please be sure players’ names are written on the back of the score sheet. Points have been deducted this week.

Also try to have players at the court ready to play at 12 noon.

Results A Grade: Leongatha North 5.61 d Hallston 4.57; Koonwarra 5.56 d Leongatha 4.53; Baromi bye.

A Reserve: Leongatha 5.43 d Koonwarra 4.34; Leongatha North 5.44 d Foster 4.38; Korrine 7.48 d Baromi 2.43; Berrys

Creek - bye.

B Grade: Outtrim Maroon 5.41 d Hallston 4.36; Mardan Red 7.49 d Mardan Blue 2.19; Outtrim Gold 8.52 d Koonwarra 1.22; Leongatha 6.45 d Korumburra 3.28; Baromi - bye.

Ladders A Grade Baromi ..................................22.5 Koonwarra ...........................19.5 Hallston ................................19.0 Leongatha North .................15.5 Leongatha................................5.0 A Reserve Berrys Creek........................23.5 Leongatha ............................21.0 Korrine .................................20.0 Leongatha North .................18.0 Baromi...................................14.5 Koonwarra............................. 11.5 Foster ......................................5.0 B Grade Outtrim Gold .......................27.0 Baromi ..................................23.5 Outtrim Maroon..................19.0 Mardan Red.........................17.0 Koonwarra ............................17.0 Leongatha..............................16.0 Hallston .................................12.5 Korumburra ........................... 11.5 Mardan Blue............................4.0

Local juniors: Leongatha A Grade juniors Harry Sullings, Scott van Lieshout and Laura McHarg played their matches in the morning.

Mirboo North & District Junior Tennis FROM all reports the first round went off smoothly.

As I looked over the score sheets there were some close matches with a few two all on sets results.

To our first time players, we encourage you to enjoy your tennis and don’t worry about the scoresheet.

It’s all about improving your game.

Some housekeeping; please make sure the full team name or even team number is on the scoresheet and fill-ins’

birthdates are on the back of the sheet. Team names can get confusing if only a town is written down. Points can be forfeited for incorrect score sheets. Some scoresheets did not get posted, please ensure they are sent early in the week. You can also ring through results on 5664 7473 prior to posting.

For C Grade, can you please amend the two Leongatha Dunlops team managers, phone number to 5662 3082.

In A Grade this season the whole team will play singles

every week. This means six sets so you must get started early. There were some long close singles matches and again reports are that the children enjoyed the games.

There are no percentages this week, just match results.

Cheers, Tarnya Wilson, score secretary

Round 1, October 10 A Grade Fish Creek .................................2 Meeniyan...................................6 Baromi Legends .........................5 Baromi Superstars ......................3 Mardan Bombers .....................8 Leongatha Adidas.....................0

B Grade Leongatha Asics........................5 Mardan Lions ...........................1 Baromi........................................0 Fish Creek White .......................6 Dumbalk North Aces................5 Leongatha Converse ................1 Fish Creek ............................. bye

C Grade Leongatha Dunlops ..................5 Mardan Rebels .........................1 Baromi Reebok ..........................4 Baromi Nike ...............................2 Hallston .....................................0 Leongatha Pumas .....................6 Leongatha Reeboks ....................2 Leongatha North ........................4 Fish Creek .................................1 Meeniyan Demons ....................5

Gender mix: Sam Pratt, 13, and Emily Dwyer, 15, played out a hard-fought match on Saturday.

Tough match: It took Sam Pratt, of Mirboo North, considerable effort to overcome talented Emily Dwyer in the gender battle.

Great time: Sam Cross, 7, Sophie Clarke, 11, Jye Gourlay, 8, and Nathan Hardacre, 11, enjoyed their hit-outs on Saturday.

Leongatha badminton Korumburra Badminton WITH very team now having played the same number of games the ladder is as follows:

TOUCH footy will begin on October 26 at Leongatha Secondary College’s West Campus oval.

Ladder Transformers .........................83 Gladiator .................................40 Matrix......................................39 Rambo .....................................31

Rambo upset Matrix in a close tussle, winning 176 to 168.

Importantly for Rambo, they won nine out of 14 games, bringing them back into contention for the finals.

Transformers and Shenanigans appear to have first and second spots sewn up, but third spot and a chance to play off in the finals is up for grabs for all three remaining teams, with only nine games separating them.

High act: Leongatha’s Simone Dekker did all she could to hit this high shot in C Grade.

Touch footy comp

Leongatha badminton: on a chilly and wet spring night Giulia Joyce and Jo Callister were chatting about the heat of their singles battle against each another.

Round 2 Ladder Melaleuca ................................14 Leptospermum .......................13 Grevillea .................................. 11 Boronia .................................... 11 Casuarina..................................10 Telopea .......................................9 Hakea .........................................7 Callistemon ................................5

Games start at 6pm with two 20 minute halves.

There are eight players per team with five males and three females minimum.

Extra players can sub on any time or swap positions.

There’s no contact and no tackling.

You only need shorts, t shirt and runners with young or old competitors welcome.

The cost is $30 insurance and registration per pseron and $5 per game per person.

Contact Shane Moore on 5662 3520 or 0428 623 520 for more information.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 59

Retro day: club members with some of the classic boards.

Retro day at Sandy Point THE South Coast Boardriders Club 2009/2010 season of events got off to a great start at Sandy Point Beach on Sunday, October 18.

A great array of boards from the 1960s and 70s were on display, both to be admired and ridden.

Some of the younger club members surfed on boards as old as their parentage, while lessons for beginners also took place.

Everyone who registered on the day received a club membership package as well as a free Ripcurl giveaway.

South Coast Boardrider membership also brings

the opportunity to take part in the club’s calendar of events, which in 2009/2010 consists of competitions, a junior development program, learner/fun days as well as social events.

Big thanks to Ripcurl for the major sponsorship of Retro/Rego day.

The club gratefully acknowledges their sponsors

for the 2009/10 season: Atoll Travel, Ripcurl, Serious Surf Stuff, Maccas Mega Sports, Cactus Black, IGA Foster, Flatstick Surfboards, Sheerwater Surfboards, Sandy Point Cafe, Sandy Point General Store and Press Gallery Printers.

For membership details contact Trevor on 5684 1417 or Paul on 5683 2352.

Ninety-eight turn out for Little Aths opener

Fun fit: On Track co-ordinator Ross Bramley appears to have the Under 6s on their toes during starting drills.

Thumbs up: Declan Kirkpatrick makes an easy clearance in the high jump.

ORGANISERS were stunned on Saturday to see 98 Little Athletes turn up for the first week of competition in the 2009/2010 season.

On Thursday night the oval had significant surface water and Saturday competition looked likely to be cancelled.

However, an inspection at 7 am on Saturday morning revealed an amazing improvement and it was decided that competition would go ahead despite the oval being on the slippery side.

With conditions far from perfect there were some outstanding performances with a number of long standing club records threatened and a JDS qualifier being obtained.

If this is what the kids can produce in poor conditions then the question has to be asked: what can they do in perfect conditions?

Results Under 6 - girls: 70 metres: D. Loughridge 15.88, M. Luz 17.13. Boys: 70 metres: T. Dickie 15.61, B. Mabilia 15.84, B. Taylor 16.12.

Under 7 - girls: 70 metres: N. Slade 15.07, Mikaela Notley 15.64, A. Inglis 16.46. Boys: 70 metres: E. Spaull 13.61, J. Garnham 14.63, D. Titulaur 14.68.

Under 8 - girls: 70 metres: K. Allworth 13.41, G. Thomas 14.06, A. Dainty 14.28. 200 metres: K. Allworth 43.51, C. Bramley 45.48, A. Dainty 47.05. 400 metres: C. Bramley 1.53.16. Long Jump: K. Allworth 2.47, C. Fouche 1.86, L. Moje-O’Brien 1.83. Shot put: A. Dainty 3.86, K. Allworth and C. Bramley 3.59eq. Boys: 70 metres: P. Ryan and D. Kirkpatrick 12.51eq, B. Wingfield 13.23. 200 metres: P. Ryan 40.69, D. Kirkpatrick 40.91, B. Wingfield 44.63. 400 metres:

P. Ryan 1.44.22, B. Wingfield 1.45.47, C. Bugbird 1.48.36.

Long jump: L. Inglis 2.43, P. Ryan 2.41, R. Slade 2.24. Shot put: M. Kennedy-Mifsud 5.00, P. Ryan 4.30, L. Inglis 4.03.

Under 9 - girls: 70 metres: J. Dainty 12.65, Melody Notley 12.81, T. Dell 13.20. 100 metres: J. Dainty, L. Scott 19.74, E. Turton 20.16. 800 metres: S. Wallace 3.46.91, J. Dainty 4.22.09, L. Scott 4.25.42. High jump: J. Dainty 1.00, Melody Notley 0.80, T. Dell and L. Scott and E. Turton and S. Wallace 0.75eq. Discus: Melody Notley 9.49, J. Dainty 6.94, E. Turton 6.72. Boys: 70 metres: D. Gardiner 11.89, B. Yann 12.02, M. Condron 12.89. 100 metres: D. Gardiner and B. Yann 17.45eq, M. Condron 17.80. 800 metres: B. Yann 1.39.21, M. Condron 3.43.75, D. Gardiner 4.43.33.

High jump: D. Gardiner 0.94, B. Yann 0.85, J. Timmermans and M. Condron 0.75eq. Discus: D. Gardiner 8.84, B. Yann 8.82, M. Condron 7.21.

Under 10 - girls: 70 metres: C. Ryan 11.47, E. Wingfield 12.70, B. Lowe 13.21.

200 metres: C. Ryan 36.56, B. Lowe 41.70, E. Wingfield 41.85. 800 metres: C. Ryan 3.28.27, B. Dickie 3.50.95, B. Lowe 3.51.67. Long jump: C. Ryan 2.64, E. Wingfield 2.42, B. Lowe 2.39. Shot put: B. Lowe 4.13, E. Wingfield 3.51, C. Ryan 3.49. Boys: 70 metres: B. Anderson 11.81, T. Taylor-Eagles 12.19, E. Lappin 12.43. 200 metres: B. Anderson 37.69, T. Taylor-Eagles 38.74, N. Foote 39.10. 800 metres: B. Anderson 3.15.34, B. Taylor 3.22.19, T. Taylor-Eagles 3.26.71. Long jump: N. Foote 2.63, M. Geyle 2.46, B. Anderson 2.43, Shot put: N. Foote 5.82, B. Anderson 4.71, E. Lap-

pin 4.65.

Under 11 - girls: 70 metres: G. Filippi 12.56, A. Utano 13.03, K. Maxwell 13.57. 200 metres: K. Maxwell 43.76, G. Filippi 43.90, A. Utano 47.43. 400 metres: K. Maxwell 1.46.23, G. Filippi 1.52.90, A. Utano 1.53.52. Triple jump: G. Filippi 5.79, D. Filippi 5.23, K. Maxwell 5.15. Discus: E. Ferris 10.08, A. Utano 9.70, G Filippi 8.70.

Under 12 - girls: 100 metres: J. Dalton 15.98, T. Lowe 16.12, I. Langford 16.57.

200 metres: J. Dalton 36.67, I. Langford 37.89, T. Lowe 39.10. 800 metres: I. Langford 3.14.07, T. Lowe 3.32.11, H Robbins 3.37.13. High jump: T. Lowe 1.15, J. Dalton 1.10, B. Neal 1.00. Shot Put: N. Davis 6.57, J. Dalton 6.51, T. Lowe 6.23. Boys: 100 metres: L. Bird 14.06, D. Ryan 16.34, C. Holland 18.48. 200 metres: D. Ryan 35.77, C. Holland 48.33.

800 metres: D. Ryan 3.01.85, C. Holland 4.23.76. High jump: L. Bird 1.37, D. Ryan 1.32, C. Holland 1.00. Shot put: D. Ryan 5.84, C. Holland 4.49.

Under 13 - girls: 100 metres: D .Parker 15.24, E. Blackney-Burns 15.78, A. Blackney 16.67. 400 metres: A. Blackney 1.35.36, D. Parker 1.37.26, E. Blackney-Burns 1.38.57. 800 metres: D. Parker 4.07.27, A. Blackney and E. BlackneyBurns 4.08.03eq. Long jump: D. Parker 3.94, E. BlackneyBurns 3.35, A. Blackney 3.19.

Javelin: A. Blackney 13.90, D Parker 13.80, E. BlackneyBurns 11.00.

Under 14 - Girls: 100 metres: Sadie Plumb 14.53, K. Franssen 14.99, Sandra Plumb 15.19. 400 metres: Sadie Plumb 1.12.24, Sandra Plumb 1.21.53, S. Davis 1.31.83. Long

jump: Sandra Plumb 3.83, Sadie Plumb 3.74, M. Prentice 3.72. Javelin: S. Davis 20.27, Sadie Plumb 17.88, M. Prentice 16.60. Boys: N. Huigsloot 100 metres: 15.03, 400 metres: 1.20.76, Long jump: 3.68, javelin: 20.70.

Under 15 - boys: 100 metres: P. Ryan 14.02, L. Asa Leausa 14.36, T. Allworth 14.73. 400 metres: P. Ryan 1.16.57, T. Allworth 1.17.90, L. Asa Leausa 1.21.83. Long jump: P. Ryan 4.44, L. Asa Leausa 4.07. Javelin: L. Asa Leausa 31.22, P. Ryan 23.14.

The committee is aware that some age groups are quite large this year and from next week the Under 8 Boys and Under 8 Girls will compete as separate groups. Other groups will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

A big pat on the back to our parents and supporters this week. Everyone pitched in to help and this makes the events run more effectively.

Please do not cross the track while a race is in progress.

We are competing on a much smaller track this year and we ask that everyone who attends has an awareness of where they are in relation to the track and throwing areas. We don’t want any accidents or any athletes accidently impeded.

Weekly training/coaching commences this Thursday from 6 pm at the Billson Street oval.

Anyone interested in improving skills and fitness is welcome.

Next week the warm up will start at 9.15 am sharp and events will begin at 9.30 am sharp. Set up will begin at 8 am for anyone wishing to help with the set up.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Dyson is best first year player LEONGATHA teenager Dyson Heppell won the best first year player at the Gippsland Power football club presentations recently.

Dyson’s poise, decision-making, self-discipline and willingness to sacrifice his own game for the team made him one of the best defenders in the competition.

In the best and fairest count Tim Northe and Nicholas Sing drew for the award after a stellar season by both players.

This is the first time in the history of Gippsland Power they have had a drawn count.

Nicholas excelled from defence where his defensive rebound, run and carry and ability to shut down key opposition players was a

feature of his season.

Tim as a bottom age player demonstrated class, poise and exquisite ball skills, placing his body on the line as a small forward/midfielder.

The most improved player award was won by Mitchell Dowse who made significant progress throughout the pre-season and quickly became a pivotal player in the midfield.

The prestigious coach’s award was won by Edward Carr who also combined discipline, strength and hardness to become a key element of the Power midfield.

Jed Lamb won the leading goal kicker award for the club with 47 goals. The Most Professional Player Award was won by Koby Stevens.

The trainer’s award was won

by Jordan Dessent who took full advantage of the opportunity to come

back as an Under 19 player.

Property steward Robbie Ross’s contribution off the field was recognised by receiving the Best Clubman award for 2009.

The boys moving on are John Butcher, Edward Carr, Jack Carson, Mitchell Davis, Jordan Dessent, David Donchi, Mitchell Dowse.

Mitchell Golby, Dale Hoghton, Mannon Johnston, Russell Lehman, Nicholas Pincott, Michael Ross, Tim Ryan, Nicholas Sing, Koby Stevens, Ryan Tatterson, Luke Tynan, Nathan Vardy, Jack Weston, Dean Woodhead and Chris Wylie.

The focus now for the club is 2010 and beyond and lots of work has already been done to prepare the newcomers to step up and join the 19 or so boys who will play on again next year.

Venus Bay Angling Club THE Angling Club’s October fishing compettion was held on October 17 and 18.

Seventeen people entered the competition, but only four people managed to weigh in fish. There’s no junior results for this month.

While lots of people did venture out in their boats, the best results came from fishing on the number 5 beach.

And the winners are: 1st Paul de Hamer with a flathead weighed in at 1.560kg.

2nd Michael de Hamer with a 1.520kg salmon.

3rd Arthur Duckworth with a 360g mullet.

Many members had a fabulous time at our barbecue on Friday evening.

It is these social nights that really make our club a wonderful thing to be a part of.

Our next competition will be held over the cup long weekend: Saturday, October 31, Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2.

Three-day comps start at 6am, with final weighins at 3pm on the last day of all the competitions.

You can enter at “The Shed” in Fisherman’s Jetty Road, Venus Bay.

Wonthaggi table tennis October competition: winner Paul de Hamer with a flathead weighed in at 1.560kg.

South Gippsland Bridge Meeniyan – Monday evening: 1st Kathryn Smith, David Baggallay.

2nd Susan Ruffin, Clive Hope. 3rd Betty and Frank Murphy. 4th Kathleen Dowd, Rewa Pedersen.

5th Sally and Brian Hoskins. 6th Faye Rowlands, Frank Arndt.

Tarwin Lower – Tuesday afternoon: north/ south: 1st Jack Kuiper, Alan Johnston. 2nd Vivienne Westaway, Maureen Stiles. 3rd Frank Arndt, Clive Hope. 4th Bluey Aeschlimann. Dawn Jolly.

East/West: 1st John Sullivan, John Sutton. 2nd David and Wendy Saleeba. 3rd Marg Bray, Marj Freeman. 4th Colin Cameron. Kathryn Smith.

Meeniyan – Thursday evening: 1st Kathryn

Smith, Colin Cameron.

2nd Peter and Winsome Richards. 3rd Susan Ruffin, Clive Hope.

Inverloch – Friday afternoon: north/south: 1st Alan Johnston, Gunnar Knudsen. 2nd Hannah Martin, Pat West.

3rd Yvonne Mears, Moya Crowley. 4th Jack Kuiper, John Sullivan. 5th Margaret and Noel Smith.

East/west: 1st Colin Manley, Dina Drury. 2nd David and Wendy Saleeba. 3rd Kaye Douglas, John Sutton. 4th Norma Hannay, Marj Freeman. 5th Ian and Julie MacPhee.

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

IN B Grade, Niki Neducic and Jackson Pitts (Daly Boyz) won a close one against Brittney Taylor and Brittany Webb (Da Britts) last week, with the match result undecided until the last set.

At two sets all, Niki had to play leading player Brittney Taylor. Brittney was leading 9-3 in the first game but a determined Niki came back to win 1412. Brittney won the next 11-5, but once again Niki rose to the occasion and won the third and deciding game 11-6. The standard of this set was high and both players are to be congratulated on their play.

Brittney remains leading player on percentage from Tanya Milnes. Ellen McIntosh is third on percentage from Niki. Daly Boyz now have a clear four point lead on the B Grade ladder.

The match between JG (Jack Davidson, Georgia Filippi) and Smallies (Micah Condron, Caitlyn Taylor) was also close.

JG won 3-2 with the doubles the probable decider.

Diamonds (Tanya Milnes, Rochelle Savrimoothoo) have jumped from fourth to second place.

In A Reserve, Thin Culture (Beau Thompson, Michael Veal, Jayden Hallett) continue their dominance of the top spot after their 6-2 win last week. It will be difficult to move them before the end of the season but the race is still on for the remaining positions.

A Grade semi finals are scheduled for November 10.

Junior competition Singles: Mea Pitts.

Round the table: Nathan Joyce, Ella McRae. Top shot: Jessie Condron, Ella McRae. Numbers: Holly McRae 13.

Hit the bat: Ella McRae.

Ladders A Reserve Thin Culture .......... 20 30 (107) White Port.............. 12 28 (96) Short Stuff .............. 8 21 (72) Cape Paterson ......... 8 20 (74) B Grade The Daly Boyz ......... 16 14 (29) Diamonds ................. 12 17 (38) Da Britts ................... 12 12 (27) JG ............................. 12 12 (25) Smallies ...................... 4 11 (24) Best of the Best .......... 4 10 (22)

Leading players A Reserve Beau Thompson .............. 10 Gary Morley ..................... 8 Nancy Pattinson ............... 8 Kaye Craddock................. 7 B Grade Brittney Taylor .................. 8 Tanya Milnes ..................... 8 Ellen McIntosh .................. 7 Niki Neducic ..................... 7

(33) (26) (24) (25) (18) (17) (15) (14)

Power’s best: back, from left: Robbie Ross, Luke Tynan, Mitchell Dowse, Dyson Heppell and Len Ralph; front: Jed Lamb, Koby Stevens, Jordan Dessent, Nicholas Sing, Tim Northe and Edward Carr.

Race times: Kris McLaren and mum Pam check the race program for his Australian Supersport Championship race times.

Team McLaren race at Island Continued from back page.

Talking to The Star in the pits on Saturday an obviously unhappy Kris said he was hoping for an eighth place but the T-bone incident on the Friday meant the bike wasn’t at its best.

Kris puts the ups and downs of racing down to experience and looking ahead he has big plans.

As Kris only started road racing in March 2008 he has come a long way and already has an offer to ride a Honda 1000 Superbike next year for Wangaratta-based GAS Racing.

Kris is thrilled to have the backing of Geoffrey Winzer, owner of GAS Racing, as he said “out of the last six riders Geoffrey has helped out at, four have headed off overseas to race and one is the current Australian Superbike Champion, being Glenn Allerton.

“He is a good bloke and really knows his stuff when it comes to racing at the top level,” said Kris.

Kris has high expectations and a lot of drive and while he has 100 per cent backing from his parents, owners of Leongatha Body Works, he is still looking for more financial backers.

“This year it cost us $100,000 to complete the Australian Supersport season, but stepping up to the next level and racing Superbikes, we will be looking at spending about $150,000,” said Kris.

Racing is not cheap but it is where Kris wants to be and his ultimate dream is to be racing in the World Superbikes series and he would love to head off overseas.

“You have to be exceptional to make it at this level, you need a lot of luck and

good people skills,” said Kris.

Yamaha’s Bryan Staring took out the third and final Supersport race at this year’s 2009 Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island. With just one round remaining in the championship at Phillip Island in November, Kris will be working hard to see his bike is back in top shape.

In the pits: from left, Michael Swann of Multiclad Australasia, Mirboo North is the proud sponsor of local Australian Supersport rider Kris McLaren. They talk and walk in the pits with friend Riagan Trease on Saturday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 61

• CENTRAL GIPPSLAND CRICKET

Five Mirboo North players in squad FIVE Mirboo North players have been named in the senior GCL squad to play for Central Gippsland against Leongatha this Sunday.

Central Gippsland has named Moe’s Andrew Philip to captain the association side this season. The appointment is in line with the CGCA policy of giving younger players the opportunity to further their cricketing careers.

Two years ago, Philip won the prestigious Byrne-James Medal for the best cricketer in Central Gippsland and recently represented the region in the Under 21 team. His only stint as a captain was when he led the CGCA Under 16 team at Junior Country Week.

Association president John White, said the CGCA is looking to the future, with a young squad with a few older players to add that touch of experience.

Training for the new Gippsland Cricket League season will be held at Maryvale Reserve on Wednesday at 5pm. The training session will be directed by Peter Petrou.

On Sunday, Central

Gippsland plays Leongatha at Wonthaggi in the first round and the Under 18 team play Sale/Maffra at Wurruk.

The association will again be organising buses to transport the players, all details will be provided after Wednesday’s training session.

All players chosen to represent their association will be expected to play and failure to do so may result in club fines and/or loss of game penalties for the players concerned. This will not apply to those players required to work on a Sunday.

Players chosen in the Senior squad are Barney Webber, Aidan Vesty, Wayne Fleming, Brendan Brincat, Tom Crosby, Rhys Lee, Kris Ayton (Newborough Bulldogs), Tom Long, Sam Price, Andrew Philip, Dale Walshe, Rob Phoenix (Moe), Mark Lawrence, Ashley Halkett, Ian Kennedy (Latrobe), Mick Higgins, Dave Embleton, Mark Cukier (Morwell), Glenn Sheekey, Evan Sheekey, Luke Nelson (Yallourn North), Duane Oldham, Jacob Blair (St Vincents), Dale Banks, James Grande, Shane Peters, Joe O’Loughlin and Charlie Kat (Mirboo North).

The Under 18 squad

has included Aiden George, Aidan Vesty, Chris Robinson, Jake Munro, Steven Hibbs (Newborough Bulldogs), Ben Heath, Charlie Kat, James Kirchner (Mirboo North), Sam Price (Moe), Damien Mc Gann (Latrobe), Troy Oakley (Thorpdale), Justin Blair, Brandon Francis (St Vincents) and Ryan Nelson (Yallourn North). Brendan O’Loughlin and Ian Southall will be assisting with the team management.

The Under 16 squad is Elliot De Carli, Jayden Polo (Yallourn North), Lachlan Banks (Mirboo North), Todd Dixon, Blake Mills, Tim Dowe, Brent Reside (Morwell), Dylan Lee, Nathan Simpson, Brenton Faltum, Boyd Bailey (Newborough Bulldogs), Harley O’Connell (Thorpdale), Nick Clarke, Sean Spiteri, Joel Jacovou (Moe), Nick Celima and Alex Henderson (Latrobe). Matt Clarke coach with Wayne Mills and Graham O’Connell as team management.

Yesterday the Under 16 game against Leongatha at Meerlieu was abandoned because of the weather and this week the side plays Sale/Maffra at Bundalaguah.

LDCA U18 team THE first round of the Under 18 Gippsland Cricket League will be played on Sunday October 25 against Warragul at Yarragon.

The team selected to represent the Leongatha and District Cricket Association is as follows: Clay Tait (captain), Sam Sperling (vice captain), Taylor Beard, Mitchell Clark, Justin Cook, Ben Davison, Tom Gordon, Jason Ken-

nedy, Kallon Rigby, James Sherrin, Lachlan Sperling and Mitchell Thomas.

All players are to bring their own gear, lunch will be provided.

Please note this game will be played on a hard wicket.

A mini bus will be leaving the Leongatha Football Ground at 8am.

The team manager is Terry Clark and any queries can be directed to him on 0428 644 237 or 5664 4237.

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments

Evans Petroleum Round 4 - October 24 Home team Grade A1 Nerrena Korumburra Won Workmen’s Glen Alvie Grade A2 Poowong/Loch

v v v v

Away Team

Ground Umpire

Imperials Inverloch Won Miners OMK

L Turf* Kor MR W Turf

Graham Laird Luke Sullivan Clive Salmon Alan Jordan

Loch

B. McDonald / Richard Poole Daryl Sinclair Ken Lester Alan Roberts

v Town

Inverloch v Koonwarra RSL Inv Won Miners v MDU WFG Phillip Island v Fish Crk/Tarwin Cowes Grade B Imperials v Nerrena EC Ian Thomas Foster v Korumburra FGC John Lea Phillip Island v Won Workmen’s NEW Bob Allan OMK v Glen Alvie OMK Stephen Lanyon Grade C MDU v Poowong/Loch Meen Rod Grylls Koonwarra RSL v Town Koon Hank Boltong Fish Crk, Tarwin v OMK FC Turf Herb Roberts Won Workmens v Won Miners MR Kevin Smith Grade D Inverloch v Phillip Island Inv Geoff Wyatt Town v Imperials WC1 John Williams Korumburra v Nerrena KSC TBA Glen Alvie v Koonwarra RSL GA Marion Wishart Grade E Won Miners v OMK Tar TBA Phillip Island v Poowong/Loch Rhyll TBA Won Workmen’s v MDU Dal TBA Town v Foster WC2 TBA Please check grounds. All turfs will be change grounds*

• GIPPSLAND GCL UNDER 16

Team for this Sunday CONGRATULATIONS to the following players on being selected to represent the LDCA in the GCL Under 16 competition for Sunday, October 25 at 10.15am.

Go long: Eleanor Patterson shows great style in the Under 14 girls’ triple jump.

Leongatha Little Athletics ONE hundred and sixty-five competitors, including many welcome new members from across South Gippsland, turned out onto a heavy track for the Leongatha Little Athletics Club’s third meeting for the season on Saturday.

As the rain held off, the competition was again at an exceptionally high standard among the Under 12 boys. No less than three centre records were broken in the age group.

Julian Patterson broke the longstanding 80m hurdles benchmark, held for the past 10 years by Jack Sargant, with

a lightning-quick time of 14.09 seconds.

Shane Byrne took the 70m sprint record below 10 seconds for the first time with a blistering run completed in 9.88 seconds.

And Wes Graeme set a new mark in the long jump with a sterling 4.36m leap, 6cm past the previous record set by Nicholas Browne in 2005/06.

The Under 8 girls’ 80m hurdles centre record was also broken, with Maddi Cruickshank and Tori Duckworth both running under the 16.79 second mark set

by Ruby Martin last year.

Maddi crossed the line first in a sensational 16.13 seconds.

Congratulations also to the following athletes who recorded personal best times:

Under 6 girls: Jemma Standfield – 70m.

Under 7 boys: Ryan Knight – 70m; Ryan Giliam – 70m; Lachlan Murrell – 70m; Caspian Jackman-Riches – 70m; Callam Buckland – 70m; Jonathan Bishop – 70m.

Under 7 girls: Niamh Martin – 70m.

Please note that teams for the forthcoming Gippsland Region Relay Championships must be finalised this weekend ahead of the meeting at Newborough on Sunday, November 15.

Anyone wanting to participate in the relay day must let Helen Patterson or Michelle Evans know at the next competition meet, this Saturday, October 24, starting at 9.30am.

LDCA v Warragul Sale: Alex Manteit (captain), Mark McCall (vice captain), Tim Harris, Sam Huitema, Daniel Gordon, Alex Pellin, Mitchell Elliott, Matt Olden, Cam Harris, Eli Richards, Thomas Wyatt, Jordon Poynton.

Emergencies: Sam Docherty, Nathan Allen, Brendan Tomada.

Players to meet at Leongatha football ground at 7am. Bus departs at 7.15am.

Contact Geoff Wyatt (home) 5659 8225 or mobile 0413 081 136, by Thursday confirming availability.

Wash out The round one clash between Leongatha and Central Gippsland was to be played on Sunday but was washed out. It may be replayed at a later date.

Ready to jump: Hayley Proudlock sizes up the bar in the Under 7 girls’ high jump.

She’s a winner: Alicia Marshman reaches the line first in the Under 8 girls’ 400m.

PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Race ready: after being called up and introduced to the crowd, Nick Aitken (centre) is ready to start the Criterium in Lygon Street, Carlton on Saturday, the final day of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

Full flight: The Magpies were in full flight at the Leongatha golf club’s Magpies Day .

Go Nick: Nick’s cousin, Emma Day, cheers him on at Saturday’s last day.

Ride on: Wonthaggi cyclist Nick Aitken won the Under 23 section in the Jayco Herald Sun tour. He is pictured at Warrnambool last week.

Photo courtesy: Rob Gunstone, Warrnambool Standard.

Magpies Day: Collingwood members Ross McRobert and Bill Howson strike a relaxed pose before teeing off on Saturday.

Local trio: Local members Ray Davies, Ian Watson and Ian Barlow were also part of Magpies Day.

Top view: Tiny Makenzi Gourlay, 5, had a bird’s eye view of the junior tennis from the umpire’s chair in Leongatha on Saturday.

Back hand: Sam Pratt of Mirboo North shows his back hand skills during his match on Saturday.

Serving battle: Eight-year-old Eldon Westaway served to hold deuce during the junior tennis at Leongatha.

Airborne jump: Loch/Nyora rider Emily Hill steers Mystery Gaze over the jumps during the show jumping championships in Korumburra on Saturday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - PAGE 63

DUE to the state of the grounds in the LDCA because of the massive rainfall of the past week, all cricket was washed out on Saturday. A Grades, Division One and Two, will play their matches as a one day game on Sunday, November 8 which was allowed as a spare day. For the juniors, a one day fixture will be held this weekend while for all lower grades the Round 3 fixture won’t be played. The decision to cancel all games but A Grade was made on Wednesday night, while A Grade matches were called off on Thursday night. It was believed all but a few grounds in the Association were saturated.

Washed out: With the local district competition washed out, there was time to put a bit of humour in the (non) action, so Korumburra players Judda Greenwood (wicket keeper), Scott Checkley (bat) and Fabio Oxley (silly point), played their own game of potty cricket.

PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

LEONGATHA Supersport racer Kris McLaren experienced the highs and lows of racing in the sixth round of the Australian Supersport Championship during the Phillip Island Grand Prix on the weekend.

Heading to Phillip Island last Thursday Kris had high hopes for a top ten placing. Unfortunately his dreams were dashed after he was Tboned by another rider on MG corner in his first race on Friday.

The crash put ut paid to his immaculately prepared, ed, Multiclad sponsored Honda CBR 600 motorcycle and Kris said the incident would have cost them m about $5000.

His father Craig and support crew only had one hour to put the bike back together ether ready for the next race.

To say Kris,, mother Pam and father were disappointed ppointed is an understatement, especially ecially when Kris has done so well, stepping up a class this year into the he Australian Supersport Championship nship series and racing all around the country against

some of the best in Australia.

Thankfully for Kris Saturday, being his 24th birthday, delivered a better result. At least he was able to finish the race and placed 16th out of 37.

Kris was also thrilled his Aussie Superbike racing hero Troy Bayliss, dropped into the pits to say hello and wish him a happy birthday.

Continued to page 60.

Nick pedals into AIS

By Chris Brown NICK Aitken was pretty impressive for a last minute replacement.

Jayco Herald Sun Tour: Nick Aitken receives his white jersey for being the leading Under 23 rider at Warrnambool. Photo taken by Rob Gunstone (Warrnambool Standard).

The 19-year-old was the best Under 23-year-old rider in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

He finished 11th overall in the seven-day event that was held in Victoria’s west and ended in Lygon Street, Carlton on Saturday.

Aitken had come into the Jayco Australia National team as a replacement for Baden Cooke.

The top result has already paid off, with the teenager earning a contract with the Australian Institute of Sport for next year.

“They give you all the support you need and their cycling program is based in Italy and they do a lot of European races,” Aitken said.

“They do the national road series races in Australia towards the end of the year.”

While a full program is three months, the Wonthaggi resident will likely do a shorter stint to fit in with his first year of university.

His ultimate goal is to compete in the Tour de France.

“To get there would be great, but at this stage I’d say it’s a slim chance, but you never know what can happen,” Aitken said.

“I just have a bit of self doubt and don’t think I’m that great. It’s just the highest level and you have to be the best of the best.”

Bicycle racing is bicycle racing, but the Jayco Herald Sun Tour is the next level of difficulty.

“It’s a lot harder and all the guys are a lot more experienced,” Aitken said.

So being the best Under 23 rider was a big eye opener.

“It shows I can step up to the next level and ride against a lot of the pros,” Aitken said.

“I didn’t expect to go there and win anything. I was hoping to ride for my teammates and I ended up outdoing everything I thought I would.”

For most of the tour Aitken wore the Under 23 white leader’s jersey.

The “tough” cross winds between Colac and Warrnambool was where his eventual success was made.

“On the first day there was about 40 of us (in the leading bunch) and on the second day it split again and there was about 12,” Aitken said.

“I was the only under 23 in that group and victory in that classification was pretty secure after that.”