The Great Southern Star - September 7, 2010 by The Great Southern Star

Celebrating 120 Years

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010

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Remembered at last THE Meeniyan community has recognised the sacriﬁce of an English soldier who died serving Australia and the British Empire during World War One. Private Edwin Tompkins’ name has been engraved on the Cenotaph in Meeniyan, thanks to the efforts of the Meeniyan and District RSL sub-branch and military historian, Mike Irwin. The community gathered for a dedication service in the Meeniyan Hall last Tuesday, before laying wreaths by the memorial, 95 years after Pte. Tompkins died. Among the well wishers were Meeniyan RSL president Peter Hill and secretary, Richard Powell, with Mr Irwin. Read more on page 14.

Road rage Our highways a crumbling mess By Brad Lester and Marli Draper

VICTORIAN Premier John Brumby has snubbed questions about the dilapidated state of the South Gippsland Highway, despite drivers being left with costly damage bills after colliding with potholes bigger than car wheels. The Star asked Mr Brumby about the poor condition of the highway, and the need for major works to improve bends at Korumburra and Koonwarra, when he visited the Wonthaggi desalination plant last Thursday. But the Premier let Water Minister Tim Hold-

ing intervene. The minister also deﬂected the question, instead spruiking the government’s investment in roads around the desalination plant, seemingly

confused about the location of the South Gippsland Highway more than 30km away. “The State Government has invested a lot of money for access roads in and around Wonthaggi. This huge infrastructure project (the desal plant) has many beneﬁts for local residents and local businesses.” Mr Holding said. He did not speak about the South Gippsland Highway, nor would Mr Brumby elaborate on the answers. The condition of the Strzelecki Highway, and the Bass Highway between Leongatha and Wonthaggi is also poor. VicRoads is about to spend $7.13 million to make the South Gippsland Highway safer between Bena

and Meeniyan. VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said the wet winter has damaged the highway. Bu the improvements will have come too late for the many motorists that travel the highway daily. A driver was forced to replace a tyre after colliding with a pothole ﬁlled with water and spanning nearly a metre at Kardella. The motorist, who wished to remain anonymous, said the highway was merely a “pothole patch”. “They’re building a brand new road for tourists to Phillip Island but they have not got a proper road for trucks,” the driver said. “I’m always having to drive around potholes. The state of the highway is just appalling. Continued on page 7.

Foster v Stony Creek Grand Final feature inside.

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Play with a passion A GENEROUS serve of passion, a couple of ﬁne actors and a talented director have spelt success for Lyric Theatre’s latest production, Educating Rita, which opened in Leongatha on Friday night. The passion comes from well known Lyric actor David Tattersall, whose long held dream has been to perform in Willy Russell’s masterpiece play. David’s dream came true when he stepped out on the stage last weekend as Frank alongside his leading lady Jo Street, who took the part of Rita. The two local actors teamed well under the direction of David Baggallay, who we normally see taking

centre stage. Having played the part of Frank in FAMDA’S 1999 production, David provided great insight into the play and obviously enjoyed the challenge of directing. After more than three decades, Russell’s play has stood the test of time, with the simple yet funny and moving story hitting the right chord with the opening night audience. The play follows the relationship between young working class hairdresser, Rita, looking to break away from her dreary routine and Dr Frank Bryant, a middleaged university lecturer. Rita searches for inner growth by signing up for and attending an Open University course in English Literature and the play opens as she meets her tutor, Frank for the ﬁrst time.

Months of reading lines have paid dividends for actress Jo Street, who hardly missed a beat, talking continuously for about twoand-a-half hours! Frank is an alcoholic career academic who has taken on the tutorship to pay for his drink, and the two seem to have an immediate connection. Quite appropriately the only ‘mistake’ made by Frank on opening night was to drop his whisky bottle! The play is demanding both on the actors and the audience, with the two actors being on stage with just one break and the audience having to focus on just two actors. Unfazed by the enormity of the role, David plays Frank to a tee, with much professionalism and stamping his own mark on the role made famous by Michael Caine in the popular ﬁlm adaptation. Through the play, Frank tries to change Rita and have her conform by opening her eyes to the literary delights of Yeats and Blake and Chekhov. Unfortunate-

ly, he cannot match Rita’s verve for life. What starts out as a promising union turns sour when Frank’s bitterness bubbles over when he realises Rita is becoming part of the university culture he despises. The story deals with the concepts of change, class system, and the failures of the education system, personal relationships and freedom. It is a clever play, with some great dialogue delivered expertly by David and Jo that will have you belly aching one minute and silently contemplative the next. The set was simple but effective, showing the inside of Frank’s ofﬁce, while looking out to the university quadrangle. What happens with Rita and Frank at the end? You’ll have to go and see. The show runs for two more weeks at Leongatha’s Dakers Centre. Tickets from Mushroom Crafts or at the door.

All good: from left, David Tattersall, Jo Street and David Baggallay conduct a post mortem of the show.

Show support: arriving for opening night are, from left, Noel Stringer, Rhonda Bland and Jennifer Paragreen.

March re-creates history FIREFIGHTERS and historians re-created the famous Hospital Sunday March in Wonthaggi on Saturday. The march happened 100 years to the day of the original march, when residents called for a hospital in town. The ﬁrst march featured the members of the Wonthaggi Brass Band and

Success story: the Abraham family celebrated the 100th birthday of their Wonthaggi business, Melbourne Furnishing Co., on Saturday. Enjoying a centenary cake were current owner Talia Abraham, mother Kaye, daughter Matilda, and father Alwyn. The family offered major discounts in a 100 minute sale and the musicians of the Wonthaggi Citizens Band entertained shoppers.

Wonthaggi ﬁre brigade, and current members of both organisations took part in the re-creation. The march began from the railway station museum and continued up McBride Avenue to the Wonthaggi Town Hall, for the launch of the book, Accepting the Challenge – A History of the Wonthaggi and District Hospital 1910-1970.

All set: ready to march in historic ﬁreﬁghting uniforms were Wonthaggi Urban Fire Brigade members, front, David Walters and Stuart Zaffarese, and back, Wendy White, Jane Dell, Andrew McCormick and Peter Dell.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 3

Premier ignores bucket offer By Jane Ross and Tony Giles NEIL Rankine was waiting for the State leaders when they arrived at the Wonthaggi desalination site last Thursday morning.

Protest: desalination protestors greeted Premier John Brumby and Water Minister Tim Holding at Wonthaggi desalination plant.

Message: Greens candidate for Bass Neil Rankine, took his bucket to a desalination protest on Thursday. “To bail out the government,” he quipped.

Victoria president Stephen Cannon to say it was not far enough out to sea. “We may refer this back to our oceanographer,” he added. Mr Rankine said the plant’s environment effects statement had recom-

mended the pipes end at the sandy bottom of the sea. AquaSure’s stated distances are not long enough. He was also bothered by the fact the outlet pipe only has two diffusers, the equipment that disperses brine into

two outlet structures. The former will be “around” 800m from the Williamsons Beach shoreline and the latter “around” 1.1km from the shoreline. This news prompted Watershed

No to desal FOI By Jane Ross THE president of desalination protest group Watershed Victoria has been refused a freedom of information request. In June AquaSure, the consortium building the plant was issued with a pollution abatement notice by the Environment Protection Authority. It related to concerns in March for the potential of acid sulphate soils to wash into the Powlett River. Watershed’s Stephen Cannon told The Star he had lodged an FOI request for copies of six reports relating to the matter. He was told he could not have them because of “commercial in

confidence”. He is somewhat bemused. Mr Cannon can not work out why six expert reports would be needed for a mere paperwork issue. Is it a case of overkill? “Or are they telling porkies?” News of the FOI refusal caused Nationals Leader Peter Ryan to chortle: “Here we go again! “Rhetoric from John Brumby about open government …..Reality being refusal to do any of the above.” A spokesperson said the EPA is satisfied that there is sufficient water storage capacity at the desalination site for the acid sulphate situation not to recur. EPA inspections are carried out bi monthly.

State rudeness continues By Jane Ross LAST minute notiﬁcation of a visit by State leaders to the Wonthaggi desalination plant has Bass Coast mayor Cr Peter Paul hot under the collar. Premier John Brumby and Water Minister Tim Holding were at the site on Thursday, spruiking the start of tunnelling. Unlike their previous visit at the end of May, when neither the mayor nor CEO Allan Bawden were aware they were in the shire, this time Mr Bawden was informed. Problem was, he was on holiday. Cr Paul found out when The Star rang to tell him. He was not impressed. “I could be really

caustic,” he said. “It’s just a continuing saga of the (government’s) lack of goodwill.” Asked if he would rearrange his day so that he could meet and greet Mr Brumby and Mr Holding, Cr Paul replied: “Absolutely not”. He said he did not go on bended knee to those who treated the shire with discourtesy. Councillors and ofﬁcers have endured ongoing frustration with the State Government since the desalination plant was announced. The ﬁrst the council knew of the plant was when a metropolitan newspaper rang the then mayor Cr Neville Goodwin for a reaction. At one stage, the council was so incensed by State rudeness, councillors moved a motion to refuse to have anything to

do with the government over the matter. The treatment has barely improved. Government minders cite security as the reason for very late local press notiﬁcation. But as Watershed Victoria president Stephen Cannon - one of the mildest mannered men one would meet in a long

day’s march - has said, “Our protests have always been peaceful.” And they have. A number of protestors have been charged with various offences over the past couple of years, but those charges related to refusing to leave the roof of a caravan and sitting in chairs in the middle of Lower Powlett Road.

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Gippsland Region Draft Sustainable Water Strategy The Victorian Government has released a Draft Strategy to guide water resource management in Gippsland for the next 50 years. The Draft Strategy includes a series of proposals to help secure our water resources in the face of drought, climate change, population growth, and land use changes in the Region. The proposals have been developed to: • Balance the water needs of Gippsland’s towns, industry, agriculture and the environment • Provide an efficient and flexible framework to manage water now and into the future • Improve reliability of water supply The Government is now seeking responses to the Draft Strategy, especially the proposals, to contribute to the final Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, expected to be released in mid 2011. Copies of the Draft Strategy are available at www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/programs/sws/ gippsland/ Hard copies are available by phoning 136 186, or from your local DSE/DPI Office, your water corporation or catchment management authority. The Draft Strategy is being presented to a number of regional forums and stakeholder briefings. If you are interested in attending any sessions, please phone 136 186 to register your interest. Submissions to the Draft Strategy are due by Friday 3 December 2010. Submissions can be posted or emailed to: Department of Sustainability and Environment Attention: Sustainable Water Strategies Branch, Office of Water PO Box 500 East Melbourne VIC 3002 Email: gippsland.sws@dse.vic.gov.au (if emailing please supply address details) www.dse.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186

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He had a green bucket for them. “To bail them out,” he explained. Mr Rankine is the Greens candidate for the State seat of Bass. From conversations he has had with construction workers, Mr Rankine believes the plant is two to three months behind schedule. Premier John Brumby and Water Minister Tim Holding say otherwise. They visited the site to spruik the start of tunnelling, describing it as a “major milestone”. The plant, they insisted, is on time and on budget. They ignored Mr Rankine and his bucket, whizzing past him and a small group of protestors in a car. “The plant works aren’t behind schedule,” Mr Holding declared. In fact the tunnelling is ahead of schedule and some other parts of the project are also ahead of schedule.” Thiess Degremont yesterday (Monday) denied the plant was under water, contrary to claims raised by the State Coalition. AquaSure announced earlier last week the plant will have two inlet and

the sea, and contends the size of the suggested mesh will allow “an inquisitive penguin” to swim through - and into oblivion. Mr Brumby said custom-built tunnel boring machines are 4.8m wide, 91m long and weigh more than 500 tonnes each. One is called Wonthaggi Maggie, the other Rockin’ Ruby. “The tunnel boring machine will excavate through heavy rock and will line the tunnel with concrete segments. “Both tunnels are expected to be completed early next year.” Mr Brumby said the intake tunnel would draw sea water into the plant where it will be desalinated. Sea water concentrate will be discharged back into Bass Strait. The plant’s tunnels, he added, will be “deep underground to protect marine life and the surrounding environment”. Detractors remain sceptical. Among many things, they are worried about migrating whales. While the EES referred to one whale sighting in ﬁve years off the Bass Coast, Mr Rankine said there had been 200 sightings this season, equating to probably 100 animals. Watershed Victoria is undertaking a whale monitoring project, saying it’s the ﬁrst time this has been done locally.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Bill’s blog coup By Marli Draper LOCH man Bill B Statham was always going to write a book. The Chemical Chemica Maze: Your Guide to Food Additives and Cosmetic Ingredients is a compact volume, now in its fourth edition, designed for people to tak take shopping to decipher the ingredient codes on product packaging. Not all ingr ingredients assigned a number are bad for consumers. “About 10 per p cent get a bad rap in the book,” Bill said. frequently artificial colours as well as some These are most m preservatives. as a homeopath led him down the path toBill’s background bac wards creating creati this now world renowned guide. with clients he observed changes in their bodAs he worked wo ies as they changed the products they used or withdrew allergens. ch He undertook further research and the first edition of the book was published in 2001. 20 The book has h become a bestseller in its genre and people become increasingly aware of health issues regarding additives. manufacturers are changing also,” Bill said. “The m “The Southampton six have been voluntarily withdrawn by many companies.” This group of artificial colours and preservatives was Th linked to hyperactivity in children by a UK study. link Bill’s intention to help educate the community is gaining momentum. He has developed an iPhone application that is currrently available on the Apple website and is working on an update as well as an android or alternative carrrier version. Bill’s expertise is recognised internationally and hhis book has been published in nine languages. “The application is in the medical genre on the Apple store site and has been the bestseller in its genre A for some weeks,” he said. Internationally renowned model and mum-to-be Miranda Kerr, has invited Bill to contribute to her onM Blog h Bl honour: iinternational t ti l model d l Miranda Mi d Kerr. K line blog for her Kora organics skincare range. She is knowledgeable and passionate about healthy lifestyle and has developed a range of safe skincare products after becoming familiar with Bill’s work several years ago. Alongside other esteemed experts such as Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer and Cyndi O’Meara, Bill is sharing his knowledge. Weekly postings are contributed by Bill as well as a fortnightly live format. He is impressed by the passionate and intelligent approach Miranda has to her business. With Bill’s hallmark integrity, he approaches the new opportunity he has to work with one of the world’s highest profile and popular personalities. “She is very well regarded, particularly in Korea,” he said. Despite increased awareness of the risks associated with some additives, Bill advises those concerned to stay informed. “Product formulations frequently change,” Bill said. “I advise people to do three things, read the labels, Code breaker: Bill Statham’s book has helped people crack the chemical read the labels, read the labels.”

code.

Dirk bids farewell By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has lost a respected leader. Dirk Holwerda retired from his role as director of corporate and community services last Tuesday. His position was to have been made redundant under a restructure of council, effective from November 1. He started in his role in January 2009. The role will be split into two positions – director of corporate services and director of community services – and applications are now being sought. No acting director will be appointed until November. In the meantime, staff in Mr Holwerda’s former department must report to CEO, Tim Tamlin. Mr Holwerda was well regarded by council staff and was described as a good mentor who would be sadly missed. Staff presented him with a ﬁshing tackle box at a farewell afternoon tea and The Star understands tears were shed. Mr Holwerda, a former acting chief executive, started his career at the former Shire of Woorayl after graduating from Leongatha High School.

He has worked in Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales, and had short stints in state and federal government. Away from work, Mr Holwerda enjoyed ﬁshing and was a veterans table tennis player at state level. Council expects substantial interest in the management vacancies, under its new structure. Interviews begin this week.

The municipality’s proximity to Melbourne is expected to help attract candidates. Strong interest shown in similar positions at nearby Baw Baw and Wellington shire councils bode well for South Gippsland. Many people were interested in the vacancy of chief executive officer when that position was last advertised. Council will appoint new directors of community services, development services and corporate services, plus an assets manager, integrated community planner, network administrator and a volunteer co-ordinator. Council has hired a recruitment agency to find the new staff. They will start work on November 1. Five senior positions were made redundant as part of the restructure, including directors of corporate and community services, and of sustainability; and managers of social and economic development; family services; and community safety. Mr Tamlin said the restructure was about enhancing council’s customer service focus and enabling staff to work to their best abilities to achieve greater efficiencies. He said money spent on the recruitment process would be covered by the savings made by redundancies.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 5

Crime wave inflames fears By Isaac McCallum A LACK of police has people fearing for their safety as burglaries continue in Korumburra and Leongatha. The medical centre, hairdressers, building supplies and other premises in Korumburra have been burgled or subject to attempted burglaries. This joins a long list of places throughout Leongatha where cash or other items were stolen and damaged, such as Smith’s Hardware, Li’l Rascals children’s centre and a chiropractic centre. Residents feel the thefts reﬂect the lack of policing early in the mornings

- when most thefts occur. “There’s been a huge amount of burglaries. The criminals feel safe because there’s no one monitoring the streets. I hear of something every weekend,” one disgruntled resident said. Victorian Nationals Leader and Shadow Police Minister Peter Ryan backed up the claims, saying the shortage of police was clear. “The police we do have do a fantastic job, but there just aren’t enough of them. We need as many on the beat as possible,” he said. Mr Ryan has also promised that, should he be elected in November, a Coalition Government would recruit a further 1600 front line police, and

an additional 100 police in the transport department. Whether 16 hour police stations, such as those at Leongatha and Korumburra, become 24 hour would be up to police command, Mr Ryan said. “That would be the command’s option, but we would fully support that. We aim to give them more troops at their ﬁngertips so that decisions like these can be made,” he said. But Acting Inspector Howard Jones said more police ofﬁcers in the area would not lead to creating 24 hour stations at Leongatha and Korumburra. “They wouldn’t become 24 hours operational. But there would be an

increase in the level of police visibility during periods of high demand,” he said. Acting Inspector Jones said while crime does not sit well with him, police are doing the best they can. “Of course we could always use more police. The areas are supported after hours by police from Wonthaggi wherever possible,” he said. But residents want a greater police presence. “I have heard young kids say they were surprised to see police at the parties in Korumburra,” one resident said. “Business-owners can pay for security; that just costs money. And even when the alarm goes off, it

takes 45 minutes for the police to get here from Wonthaggi. “It’s well known that everything (centres around) Wonthaggi, but the population is growing here, too. The police need to change with the times and realise that.” Mr Ryan agreed, saying that the more policemen the better. “Victoria has less front line operational police per capita than any other state,” he said. “Should we be elected, we would organise an advertising campaign in Victoria and overstate. We believe the best (crime) deterrent is police presence.”

New campus a priority By Jane Ross

A NEW senior campus of Wonthaggi Secondary College would be a priority for the proposed Bass Coast Education Precinct. The 570 students at the campus are squeezed into portables and buildings, some of which date to the 1920s. “We’re bursting at the seams,” principal Garry Dennis told The Star. Four portables have been added in the past two years, leaving only a small grassed area for student recreational use. “We can last for the next three or four years, but if the (population) growth that is being predicted comes, we are going to struggle.” A consultant is preparing a business case and master plan for the precinct. He is Peter Hanley, a former teacher and campus principal at Wonthaggi Secondary College.

Mr Hanley briefed Bass Coast councillors about the progress of his work. He said the precinct, for a wide variety of post compulsory education, was vital if Bass Coast is to compete. As it stands, 9.9 per cent of the shire’s residents have university degrees. That needs to rise to 47 per cent. Why? Because in 10 years time, every one Bass Coast job applicant will be competing with 60 from China and 55 from India. Gippsland Education Department director of major projects Don Paproth later conﬁrmed that prediction. He commended Bass Coast CEO Allan Bawden for his vision in promoting the precinct. There are ﬁve of them underway in Gippsland, including one in South Gippsland Shire, putting the region at the forefront of education provision. Each precinct is different. The Bass Coast one is proposed to

go ahead on 19 hectares of Crown land in McKenzie Street, site of the new Bass Coast Specialist School. When it is funded, it will be developed in stages, eventually providing TAFE and university courses, apprenticeship training and facilities for adult education such as the University of The Third Age. Council’s community strengthening manager Antoinette Mitchell said: “You can sit there and be enrolled in any university in the world.” A badly-needed new Wonthaggi Library is also part of the proposal. Mr Hanley said the business case and master plan needed to be with State bureaucrats by mid-November if they are to be considered for the next State budget in May. Cr John Duscher commented: “Our future is in our global learning opportunities.”

Learning: Bass Coast Mayor Cr Peter Paul (left) and shire ofﬁcer Antoinette Mitchell congratulate Peter Hanley on his work on the proposed Bass Coast Education Precinct.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 7

Lives at risk By Brad Lester DANGEROUS sections of the South Gippsland Highway continue to risk lives. The junction of Gwythers Siding and Beilbys roads south of Leongatha, Caithness Road at Koonwarra, Ruby-Arawata Road at Ruby are scenes of past collisions or could be in the future. The windy bends at Black Spur – between Koonwarra and Meeniyan – as well as near Coal Creek Community Park at Korumburra, are also danger zones. There were 46 run-off-road crashes from 2003 to 2009 on the highway between Bena and Meeniyan, including ﬁve fatalities. VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said works to improve the Gwyther junction could be planned. “Surveyors were at the intersection of the South Gippsland Highway and Gwythers Siding and Beilbys roads this week collecting survey data for the consideration of possible options for shoulder construction and changes through this intersection, as part of the recently announced $7.3 million road safety project from Bena to Meeniyan,” she said. But at the end of the day, motorists must drive according to conditions, said the region’s chief trafﬁc policeman, Sergeant Jim Baum. “The Gwythers Siding and Caithness roads intersections are always a concern but if they are treated with respect and people abide by the law, then there is no issue,” the head of the Bass Coast Highway Patrol said. The Gwythers Siding junction is not ideal, being on top of a crest, with cars often stopped in the middle of the highway waiting to turn, Sgt Baum said. He believes Caithness Road can be a “trap”. It is a junction on a bend in the windy section of the highway at Black Spur. That part of the highway is on VicRoads’

long term schedule for realignment. “If VicRoads said they would straighten out these bends tomorrow, like they did at Koonwarra and Bena, I would support that,” Sgt Baum said. “But if people travel at a safer speed, then it should not be an issue. Until something is done, we have to drive safely.” Ruby residents still believe the new intersection of Ruby-Arawata Road is risky and the turning lane inadequate. But Sgt Baum believes the closure of nearby Ruby Road by South Gippsland Shire Council was warranted, as truck drivers often rounded a bend, heading west, and came across cars stopped in the middle of the highway. “If you came around the corner in a Bdouble with 37 tonnes behind you, it’s pretty hard to pull up,” he said. VicRoads continues to support council’s preferred option for the Leongatha alternate heavy vehicle route, and has included the project in long term planning for the highway. “Proposals for the detailed planning study for this project must be considered against other proposals for planning studies across the state,” Ms Liew said. Early last month, VicRoads announced it would spend more than $7.13 million improving safety on the highway from east of Bena to Meeniyan. The works aim to reduce the risk and severity of run-off-road type crashes. “The project will include installation of wire rope safety barriers and guard fences, the removal of roadside hazards like trees and relocation of some power poles as well as improvements to guideposts and road signs,” Ms Liew said. “There will also be works to widen the shoulders of the highway in some sections, which will provide more space for other road users like cyclists.” The road safety works are expected to get underway before Christmas and take about 12 months to ﬁnish.

Risky section: two brothers were injured after a collision on the South Gippsland Highway at Koonwarra last month.

Not good enough By Tony Giles

KOONWARRA resident Bob Hickman is incensed a pothole on the South Gippsland Highway south of Leongatha is getting bigger. The hazard is just over a crest and often catches motorists by surprise. “The cars swing out wide to avoid the pothole and cross double lines, often coming very close to oncoming trafﬁc,” Mr Hickman said. “This intersection is dangerous at the best of times; add a dangerous pothole and it’s a recipe

for disaster.” The pothole is near the dangerous Gwythers Siding and Beilby roads intersection. Mr Hickman, who regularly travels to Melbourne and Warragul, said the South Gippsland Highway is “by far the worst.” “There are holes coming out of Koonwarra, near the hospital in Leongatha, near the BP station, going out of Korumburra, in and around Loch, and plenty of other places in between,” he said. “We have had an average winter rainfall so I don’t think you can blame that on the state of the roads. It’s been a lot easier with the drier winters and now they are caught

out just because we have had normal rainfall.” Mr Hickman also drives a scooter and is worried about falling off after colliding with a pothole. “I dare not to pull out on a pothole because often a motorist is poised to pass the scooter so I have no choice but to enter the hole,” he said. A stone has also bounced off a loose section of highway, smashing his car’s windscreen. “Friends coming down to visit from Melbourne have commented on how bad the highway is,” he said.

In a hole: Bob Hickman points out a big hole in the South Gippsland Highway near Gwythers Siding Road just as a car passes around the hole.

Potholes damage cars Needing attention: Barry Harms of Loch shows potholes on the South Gippsland Highway, near Korumburra. Such road hazards can be found on most stretches of the highway.

Voice your views MANY people travel the South Gippsland Highway every day. Are you one of them and know of a dangerous pothole, junction or section of the highway? If so, let The Star know on 5662 2294 or news@thestar.com.au, so that we as a community can try to improve the condition of our major regional thoroughfare by lobbying State and Federal governments for more funding.

Continued from page 1. “They have all these signs saying ‘low trees’ but where are the signs saying ‘road hazard’? They should be lowering the speed limit because there are potholes everywhere.” Loch resident Barry Harms said large potholes were a road safety risk, forcing motorists to swerve and risk colliding with oncoming trafﬁc or have their cars sustain suspension damage. “Rather than patching the roads they should be looking at ﬁxing the actual cause of the problem. The problems are continually in the same spots where the road has been patched before,” he said. Koonwarra resident Bob Hickman has spotted potholes at Koonwarra, Leongatha, Korumburra and Loch. He is frustrated by the large hole near the dangerous intersection of the highway with Gwythers Siding and Beilbys

roads, just south of Leongatha. “The pothole has obviously been spotted by someone, but for the last three weeks a ‘rough surface’ sign has appeared. Why don’t they just ﬁx it instead of placing a sign in front? It’s just plain lazy,” he said. “I don’t know who’s meant to be patrolling, whether it’s VicRoads or the shire, but they are not doing their job.” Ms Liew said VicRoads was doing everything possible to improve the state of the thoroughfare. “Recent wet weather has been damaging our roads, causing potholes and other road surface issues,” she said. “VicRoads has been responding as quickly as possible to ﬁx these issues as part of our regular maintenance program.” Ms Liew said VicRoads regularly inspects all Gippsland arterial roads

to identify any faults and undertakes works to ensure roads are safe. “The South Gippsland Highway is inspected weekly as part of VicRoads’ regular inspection regime. Additional inspections of speciﬁc issues are carried out when required,” she said. Police believe VicRoads’ road crews will be attending to potholes as a priority and have urged motorists to slow down. Sergeant Jim Baum of the Bass Coast Highway Patrol said the highway between Korumburra and Whitelaw had deteriorated. “We would support any roadworks that need to be done but we’ve just had our wettest winter for the last 10 years,” he said. VicRoads encourages people to report any road faults or issues to the VicRoads’ Trafﬁc Management Centre on 13 11 70.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

POLICE BRIEFS Burglars pesky A BURGLARLY in Leongatha cost the owner of the premises more than the value of the goods stolen. Thieves broke a window at the Bruce Street property and rummaged through drawers, looking for cash, between August 30 and 31. They eventually got away with $5, but left an estimated value of $65 damage behind.

Bowls break in THE Mirboo North Bowls Club was broken into between 8pm Friday and 11am Sunday, but the offenders did not leave with anything. A side sliding door was forced open, allowing the intruders access. After searching for cash, they left the building.

morning. The fastest driver was clocked at 137 km/h, and is expected to receive a six month driving ban along with their penalty infringement notice. The other two drivers, whose speed was only slightly less signiﬁcant, have also received a penalty infringement notice.

Rolled over A 29-YEAR-OLD woman rolled her car over onto its roof at Leongatha North at 6.25pm, Saturday. Police said the woman failed to negotiate a corner on the Strzelecki Highway, near Crighton’s Hill. Fortunately, she managed to pull herself from the vehicle and was not injured.

Speed blitz success

Disco drinks banned

POLICE from Leongatha ﬁned three drivers for excessive speed on Friday

LEONGATHA Police attended the Leongatha junior disco on Friday night, to conduct

random breath tests as part of the disco’s no alcohol policy. Five males failed the test. One was carrying a bottle of Jim Beam and tried to take it to the disco. The parents of another boy were called, after he was deemed intoxicated. No alcohol is allowed at the disco. Anyone who has been drinking will be banned from entering.

Ejected, arrested TWO men were ejected from McCartin’s Hotel, Leongatha on Saturday night for being drunk. The pair, a 22-year-old and a 20-year-old, refused to leave and police were forced to step in. They were then conveyed to Wonthaggi Police Station for four hours before being allowed to leave.

Wind fells trees TREES fell across roads as strong winds swept across South Gippsland at the weekend. South Gippsland Shire Council received 21 call-outs for fallen trees and branches on roads and the South Gippsland Highway. Most damage occurred north of the highway, from Nyora in the west though to Woorarra in the east. More than 24mm fell at Fish Creek over the weekend, according to resident Neville Buckland. He has received 42mm for the month so far. Last week, rainfall recorded at South Gippsland Water’s storages was: Lance Creek 42mm, Ruby Creek 42mm, Coalition Creek 36mm, Deep Creek 40mm, Little Bass 46mm and Bat-

tery Creek 36mm. Acting managing director of South Gippsland Water, Philippe du Plessis, said: “All South Gippsland Water’s storages are full with excellent river flows. This is a very satisfactory situation for this time of the year.” Fish Creek has had its wettest eight-month total since 1991. This August, 203mm of rain was recorded, taking the year’s tally so far to 805mm. “Wet weather, wardrobe and wellies; mud glorious mud!” was how Ruby rain recorder Margery Robson summed up August. Ruby, seat of the Leongatha water reserves, recorded 144.5mm of rain over 22 days. That’s the third highest August figure since 1998. Leongatha recorder Kay

Puru waxed lyrical too. “It certainly has been a wet winter in South Gippsland, so I think everyone will be looking forward to some sunshine now it is spring.” She noted 123.99mm over 22 days, compared with last year’s 112.5mm and 2008’s 130mm. The year-to-date total is 551mm, compared with 512mm in 2008 and 622mm in 2007. In the dry year of 2006, all that fell was 42mm. In Meeniyan, August saw 135.3mm over 21 days, bringing the year-to-date total of 617.1mm. That’s more than the amount of rain that fell for the whole of 2008.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 9

Bush growth worries CFA By Jane Ross ALL the rain we’ve had this year has the Inverloch CFA worried. Growth along the town’s foreshore has boomed. It was bad enough in some parts before it rained so much, but brigade captain Allan Williamson said it is worse now. He is particularly concerned about the Lohr Avenue end of Surf Parade and the car park around Screw Creek. The latter, he said, does not have sufficient room for a fire truck to turn around. The Lohr Avenue end of Surf Parade is a nightmare for the CFA in summer when holiday makers flock to the beach and park their cars along the

road, under the trees. “They’re looking for shade,” said Mr Williamson. But, what people do not realise is, that by parking a hot car engine or hot exhaust pipe under ti tree, the situation is potentially explosive. Cars banked along the road also create fire truck access issues. Fire was the subject of a briefing session in the Bass Coast Council Chamber last week. During a discussion on the ramifications for the shire of the Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations, Cr Veronica Dowman said she had been told if a fire started in the Grantville reserve in Black Saturday conditions, “it would reach Wonthaggi in 30 minutes”. Mayor Cr Peter Paul said he had noticed how much the community had

taken on board the property clearing up message. “Everyone is doing their little bit.” Council’s emergency management co-ordinator James Bremner said following the Royal Commission, the State Government has allocated $11.3m to local government over four years to help councils respond to the recommendations. He expects Bass Coast to receive some of that money before this pending ﬁre season. A further $5.5m has been allowed over two years for the CFA to develop municipal ﬁre management plans. The State has allocated $11.5m for the establishment of Neighbourhood Safer Places. Mr Bremner was at pains to stress that these are last resort options. He said the challenge for Bass

Coast was the large number of tourists who flock to the shire in the summer. Because of this, a special issue of the council’s quarterly newsletter Coastell will be issued, focusing on community safety, bush fires, where to go and what to do. Planning officer Martin Gill told councillors a review of bush fire overlays was needed and there is the potential for planning permits to carry a condition to reduce fuel loads. “There are also areas where we shouldn’t be encouraging development.” Cr John Duscher said people had expressed concern to him about increased fuel loads at wetlands and buffer zones. On the one hand, community planting is encouraged, on the other, there could be a fire risk.

“Is there a strategy to balance this?” Mr Bremner replied that two more fire access tracks are being put in, one at Wonthaggi, the second at Silverleaves on Phillip Island. Cr Gareth Barlow suggested the people of Bass Coast could relax because the shire did not have the potential for catastrophic fire. “We don’t have forests of mountain ash; the level of threat is lower than other areas.” Meanwhile, Nationals leader Peter Ryan has called on the State Government to produce detailed costings of its Bushfires Royal Commission response package. He accused the government of stifling informed public debate on bushfire issues and policy.

Council acts on vandalism THE thorny matter of people cutting down coastal vegetation to improve both their views and property values has come to a head. Bass Coast Council wants the State Minister for Planning Justin Madden, to act. Real estate agent Lew Stone of Harcourts Inverloch, said the difference in value between a property with a view of the sea and one without, was as much as $100,000. Council will write to Mr Madden, seeking an increase in the maximum penalties for breaches of the Planning and Environment Act. They want the backing of the Municipal Association of Victoria too. As it stands, the maximum ﬁne for such vandalism is $584 for an in-

dividual or $1186 for companies. As Cr Gareth Barlow pointed out, that’s nothing. “Fines for removal without a permit are considered an acceptable cost. The level needs to be increased so that it hurts. We need to toughen this up. It’s an issue throughout Victoria.” Cr Veronica Dowman agreed. She said there is a problem in the shire with the removal of coastal vegetation. “It does happen knowingly and intently, knowing the ﬁne is miniscule and the view very valuable. “Fines need to be enforced and severe enough to deter people.” Cr Jane Daly said people were cutting down trees saying they were a ﬁre hazard, using that excuse indiscriminately.

“We don’t have enough power.” The move to write to the minister and the MAV was an initiative of mayor Cr Peter Paul. It was passed without dissent. A spokesperson for the MAV said municipalities usually submit such issues to State Council; the next will be in October. “I don’t recall this coming up before.” Mr Stone said that while he did not agree with people trimming or killing trees on the foreshore for a better view, he was concerned about the ﬁre hazard that is Surf Parade Inverloch. The ti tree is old and straggly and once ﬁre took hold there, it would be hard to stop. “It needs a controlled burn, a bit at a time in sequence. Fire is needed to get the seed for regrowth.”

Leongatha Westpac to stay By Matt Dunn THE Westpac Leongatha branch will not move to the retail space built on the former Gleesons Holden site, despite persistent rumours to the contrary. The Cooper Murray Pty Ltd development, which is under construction, has been hampered by recent heavy rain and is across the road from the branch on Bair Street. “We’re not moving. I’ve heard the rumour and I’ve tried to put it to rest as many times as I can. We’re committed to where we

are. We’ve got a lease here and we’re looking to do a bit of refurbishing here,” Westpac manager Ben Yates said. “We’re deﬁnitely not going over there. I’ve heard a lot of different people are going there too.” According to Elyte Focus director Pete Furlong, who is part of the development team, no one has yet signed up to occupy the retail space. The four spaces in the new building range in size from about 358m2 to 490m2. “We’ve got a few months left to ﬁnish everything off and clean it up. We’ll do it as quickly

New school mooted By Jane Ross A NEW Catholic secondary school in Wonthaggi is a possibility. The director of Catholic Education for the Sale Diocese Peter Ryan said he is keeping an eye on growth patterns in Bass Coast Shire. “If the growth continues, there will be a new secondary school there one day.” He was unaware of the push for an education precinct in Wonthaggi and said he would pursue more information. Newhaven College representatives have been part of the precinct discussions. The acting principal of Leongatha’s Mary MacKillop College Michael Brennan, said the school has an enrolment of 430, with 470 expected next year. “We do have a good percentage coming from Wonthaggi and Phillip Island, but we draw from a large radius.”

as we can. We don’t have a speciﬁed completion date, but we’ll complete it as quickly as possible,” Mr Furlong said. “We don’t have any tenants lined up yet. The feelers are out but we haven’t ofﬁcially started advertising yet. We are keen, obviously, to start that process pretty soon. “We want to get the buildings completed so people can see what they’d be getting.” Mr Furlong said he did not have a clear idea of the type of businesses that would occupy the buildings. “We’re open to any sort of offer or any ideas. It’s

for ofﬁce and retail space, but we haven’t envisaged a food outlet,” he said. He described the constant rain as a “pain”. “It’s slowed us down a bit. We obviously got a roof on the whole thing, but we still don’t have all the concrete down because it’s been so wet,” Mr Furlong said. “When it was continually raining and I didn’t have the concrete completed, I decided to move forward with the framing and get the roof on. “It’s all been a bit backwards, but it seems to have helped a little.”

Fundraiser: South Gippsland Legatees and Legacy widows were doing a roaring trade selling badges, Biros and wrist bands during Legacy Week last week. Legatees and Vietnam veterans Tony Kamphuis (seated) and Tom Loughridge took their turn in Leongatha. Tom has just marked 25 years with South Gippsland Legacy.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

THE Mary MacKillop Trivia Night is on at the VCE centre of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College on Friday, September 10. Get a team together and join in the trivia challenge. The aim

is to support the pilgrims representing the college at Mary MacKillop’s canonisation in Rome this year. Tables are of six to eight people and the evening costs $10 per head. It is BYO supper

and drinks. MORE rain, more potholes! Residents from surrounding areas in Leongatha have complained of potholes along South Gippsland roads, and are hoping

Keen tipster: the 2010 Foster AFL footy tipping overall winner was Paul Dean. Paul is seen here being congratulated by Paul Ahern from Aherns Fruit Market, and to his left is Karen Pulham of Pulham’s Furniture and Carpet, Janine Best of Inside Out clothing and John Davies of Prom Meats. Nearly 300 people participated, but it was Paul who came away with the 42’’ television. Paul will be able to watch the games much more closely next year, and it might just help with his tips, not that he needs it!

for something to be done shortly. ON Tuesday August 31, the Leongatha Primary School Grade 6 boy’s netball team played in the Victorian Schools Championships at the State Hockey and Netball Centre. The team ended up coming third, which is a great effort. The boys played ﬁve games, winning three. All of the boys improved throughout the day and showed fantastic skill and sportsmanship. THE Meeniyan CWA Branch invites you to attend a Coffee Morning and Fashion Parade of the latest spring and summer fashions from Cliché Clothing Company on Monday, September 20 at 10am. The event will be held at the Meeniyan Hall and tickets will cost $6. Entry includes morning coffee and your ticket in draw for lucky door prizes. Bring your friends, all are welcome. IN the interests of resi-

Keeping evolution pleasant DR Alan Vaughan tackled the difﬁcult subject of the theory of evolution during the August Pleasant Sunday Afternoon at Scots Pioneer Church, Mardan South.

Speaker: Dr Alan Vaughan with his wife Anne.

Full cry: Russell and David MacGregor in top voice.

He did so in an eloquent manner, in keeping with the pleasantry of the day. The theory of evolution was in modern times first mooted in the 18th century by philosophers like Pierre Maupertuis and Erasmus Darwin (Charles’s grandfather) and subsequently in the 19th century fleshed out by natural historians such as Lamarck and Charles Darwin. It was the latter who (together with Wallace) introduced to the British public the notion of natural selection. As the theory could not be fully developed until Mendel’s laws of heredity had been incorporated, it initially encountered criticism from fellow professionals, but the main resistance came from religious quarters. Dr Vaughan also turned his attention to the biblical creation stories. There are two, respectively originating in the priestly and Yahwist traditions. Vaughan did not suggest that either story was in conflict with the theory of evolution, though he did mention that some people who interpreted the stories literally saw a contradiction, if not to evolution itself, then to the mechanism of natural selection. He proposed that the theory of evolution explains how present-day life forms have arisen from common ancestors, whereas religion explains why. The MacGregor Brothers, in their inimitable way, took charge of all the music during the afternoon, that is both hymns and the musical interlude, as the scheduled organist Pat West, had to postpone her appearance on account of a fractured arm. Anne Vaughan gave a fine reading of Psalm 104, while Tony Winkelman read some relevant texts from Genesis. Sam Nicita welcomed the participants at the start and led the devotions during the service in his usual professional manner. At the end of the service he invited all to afternoon tea in the hall, where he made a presentation to the Reverend Arthur Stamp for his 91st birthday. Arthur responded by commending the ecumenism of the PSAs. The next will be held on September 26 at 2pm, when Gavin and Suzanne Sharp will speak about their call to the ministry in an address, entitled Come and See. The Reverend Alan Dyall will preside, while Ian Sullivan and Johanna Vanheilenberg will provide the musical support.

dents’ safety, the traffic flow within The Grange retirement complex, just off MacDonald Street Leongatha, will change to a one way system. Entry will be on the north side and exiting on the south side, with a 10km/h speed restriction. This change was effective from September 1. CONGRATULATIONS to the Year 5 and 6 students from Korumburra Primary School, who won the state netball mixed championships. Nine students represented the school, and they won the final with a 13 goal to seven effort. Melbourne Vixen player Katherine Knott presented them with their gold medallions and plaque. THE magpie residing at the corner of Watt and McCartin streets in Leongatha is swooping again. The bird is protecting its area with determination. The Department of Sustainability and Environment offered some information, and tells us that

Too much to bear: Harcourt’s Real Estate agency in Inverloch is attracting new residents every day. This mother and baby have settled themselves comfortably in a tree near the agency. most birds swoop only during the nesting and rearing period. They are only trying to protect their territory, nests, eggs and young. Most swooping behaviour is a form of bluffing. Birds rarely make contact when swooping. CONGRATULATIONS to Bass Valley Primary School students Michael and Indy, whose spelling has been

rewarded. Indy has become the Grade 6 Gippspell champion, while Michael came in as the runner-up. A LARGE group of Leongatha residents made their way down to Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne to watch the stage version of the classic tale of Mary Poppins, which they all thoroughly enjoyed.

Lana graduates LANA Hance recently graduated from Latrobe University in Bundoora with a Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Human Services. She is the daughter of Ken and Gail Hance of Lang Lang. She attended Lang Lang Primary School and completed her VCE at Leongatha Secondary College. Lana is currently employed by Centrelink, working at their Morwell ofﬁce.

Proud moment: Lana Hance.

Welcome Doctor Thein THERE’S a new doctor at Leongatha Healthcare. He is Phyo (pronounced Phoe) Thein. He doesn’t mind if his patients call him Phyo or Thein because although he is Chinese, he was born in Burma and the Burmese have no tradition of surnames. Dr Thein came to Australia with his wife, also Chinese and born in Burma. Her name is Htay Aung and she is with South Gippsland Family Medicine in Wonthaggi.

Before coming to South Gippsland, he worked in the emergency department of Launceston General Hospital. Dr Thein said Burma is a beautiful country but because of the military government, there is no chance for a better life. Dr Thein arrived in Leongatha three weeks ago and is enjoying himself; he’d rather like to stay. He takes pleasure in surﬁng the internet, playing table tennis and following rugby. But he can’t make head or tail of Aussie rules.

Welcome: Dr Phyo Thein is settling in to Leongatha Healthcare.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 11

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Questions dodged

E D I T O R I A L

Watch out and report SOUTH Gippsland’s roads are succumbing to damage as a result of the wettest year in some parts of the region in 19 years. Potholes are forming in regular and unusual places, forcing motorists to swerve or collide with the gaping hollows and hope for the best. But while VicRoads road crews do their best to restore roads to the standards Australian drivers expect, potholes continue to become bigger and more frequent. The South Gippsland Highway carries an immense amount of trafﬁc and yet is riddled with hollows and cracks, leaving drivers vulnerable to expensive repair bills. But potholes are also appearing on other routes, including minor roads. Yet at the same time, motorists and pedestrians are faced with another menace on the roads: hoons. Rogue drivers have been reported driving at excessive speeds through Leongatha and Korumburra, with wide passages such as Leongatha’s Young Street a popular venue for twits in cars. Others take corners too fast or ﬁsh-tail up streets, leaving unsightly skidmarks, creating a bad impression of our towns and insulting those volunteers who endeavour to improve community life. Leongatha Police apprehended three drivers for driving at high speed last Friday, with the fastest clocked at 137 km/h. A simple mistake or runaway child could result in such behaviour ending in tragedy. Korumburra man Paul Halan suggests an interesting method of controlling hoons in a letter on this page. As citizens of South Gippsland, we can all help to address hazards on our roads, whether potholes or risk-taking drivers, by reporting such dangers to authorities. VicRoads and police are unable to know every road fault or incidence of crime in the region, but with the aid of community-minded people, our roads can be safer. Not even two years after Victoria Police set up its Hoon Hotline in May 2008, the cars of more than 10,000 hoons had been impounded, after police received in excess of 40,000 phone calls. That proves that calls from the public do work in reducing crime. Potholes can be reported to VicRoads on 13 11 70. Report hoons to the Victoria Police Hoon Hotline: 1800 333 000 or simply 000.

AS A member of Watershed Victoria I attended Aquasure’s community information session on Saturday. It was helpful to meet the Chair of Aquasure and others, and get an update on aspects of the project including the intake and outlet pipes. Forgive me though for not being converted to the proposition that this, ‘the world’s most environmental desalination plant’, makes the whole project okay. The government is invincible on this policy decision. Minister Holding can even get away with saying that despite our wet, windy winter the project is on schedule. So where does the truth lie? The bottom line is that Aquasure is guaranteed profit (security payment not disclosed) regardless of whether water is being piped to Melbourne. It and the government can hide behind ‘commercial in confidence’ if they do not want to disclose information – even about a pollution abatement notice! Too hard questions about the traffic management plan, community liaison group, costs of water and the extent of marine monitoring were efficiently handpassed sideways. There is some small consolation in the fact that the persistence of community members has forced the proponent and

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.

Need help with winter energy costs? Claim your Non-Mains Winter Energy Concession from 1 July 2010

government to improve the plant’s design. Climate change and species extinction are real. This plant is part of the problem, not a solution. Aileen Vening, Inverloch

Historic moment ON August 25, an historic occasion occurred and was received with lengthy applause when some rare good news for the aboriginal people of this state happened at a South Gippsland Shire Council meeting held in Foster. The council resolved to: “Acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land at all council meetings, citizenship ceremonies, and civic receptions and at meetings, presentations and or announcements with indigenous peoples, federal and state government representatives.” They also resolved to fly the Aboriginal flag outside the shire building every day, during office hours, and permanently inside the council offices. The resolution was put by Cr Kennedy and seconded by Jennie Deane. This historic and long overdue event came after a rejection by a differently composed council in 2004 (vote of seven to nine against). A shiver passed over me as if metaphorical “jack boots” were trampling again over my ancestors’ graves, when Cr Lewis

revealed the dubious statistic that only 0.5 per cent of the shire’s population were of aboriginal blood. This use of ﬁgures intended to annihilate a race of people diminished the speaker. There was one other councillor whose rescinding vote, without giving a reason, represented to me an empty chair. Cr Bob Newton conﬁrmed to me at a council meeting some years ago, that while a relative of his was in the process of making roads at Venus Bay, a massive number of bones were found. For this reason and the existence of many aboriginal heritage sites at Venus Bay, Victorian aboriginal legislation for Venus Bay exists, which must be met as a requirement of all building and planning applications. Beverley Walker, Venus Bay.

Hoons everywhere IT SEEMS like, at the moment, there is an inﬂux of hoon activity. I’m positive there are many out there, like me, who have had a gutful of their behaviour. Broken glass, bottles, cans, destroyed gardens, damaged fences, as well as damage to businesses. They get away with it again, and again, and again. The police are doing a great job. My encounters with them have always been positive. Unfortunately, they are un-

derstaffed and their resources are stretched to the limit. That’s politics for you. We don’t stand up to hoons for fear of retaliation and retribution that they can cause. We, the people, have got to stand up to these idiots together. United we stand! I noticed that some overseas countries are having great success using the “name and shame” principle. In many places in Europe you can purchase “deterrent spray” that when used stains the person with a red dye that is non-toxic and non-irritating (so it can’t be classified as a dangerous weapon). This would be great for police to pick them up and great for everyone else to identify who the trouble makers are. How about having this product available through the shire councils and/or police stations? At around $8 per can it’s a whole lot cheaper than the hundreds I’ve had to spend fixing hoon damage. I, for one, will have no hesitation to use this deterrent on a hoon. Has anyone got any other or better ideas? Is there someone who can start a Facebook page where we can air our grievances and find solutions to eradicate the hoon plague? Paul Halan, Korumburra.

VOXPOP! VOX What kind of businesses would you like to see in Leongatha?

Maybe rock climbing. It’d be good to have something that’s a bit out there. Jacob Simpson

Ten pin bowling. There’s not much to do for kids around this area. Josh Bracken Ruby

I’d like a Bunnings. It’d be good to have some more variety when choosing my tools and other gear. Todd Lomax Tarwin Lower

I’d like to see night clubs. There’s nothing around here like that. Adrian Girvan Leongatha

If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs, a Centrelink Health Care Card, or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, you may be eligible for a government rebate. Do you: • • • •

Use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic heating or cooking? Pay for individually metered electricity to a caravan park or retirement village? Use alternative fuel (diesel or petrol) as your main energy source? Use firewood or heating oil as your main heating source?

Application forms are available from LPG suppliers, local councils, caravan park proprietors and the Victorian Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 (toll-free). Applications close 31 January 2011.

For more information about Concessions programs or to download application forms visit: www.dhs.vic.gov.au/concessions

Department of Human Services

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 13

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In memory: Reverend Tom Binks, McMillian MP Russell Broadbent, Leongatha RSL president David Edwards and Meeniyan District RSL president, Peter Hill.

Words of proof: Edwin Tompkins’ name on the cenotaph.

Soldier’s sacrifice honoured By Brad Lester AN ENGLISHMAN who gave his life to serve Australia and the British Empire has been officially remembered. Private Edwin Tompkins died as a result of a bullet wound in the Gallipoli landing of World War One, while serving with the 8th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force. He had enlisted while living at Meeniyan but his name was never recorded on any war memorial in the world – until recently. The Meeniyan and District RSL joined with military historian Mike Irwin to raise funds for Pte Tompkins’ name to be inscribed on the Cenotaph at Meeniyan. A dedication ceremony was held for Pte Tompkins last Tuesday, 95 years after his death. The occasion was fitting, said Meeniyan RSL sub-branch secretary, Richard Powell. “It feels excellent to recognise him as a person from this district who has made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “You can’t make a sacrifice more ultimate

than to give your life.” Mr Irwin, of Rawson, was the instigator of the campaign to have Pte Tompkins honoured. He learnt of Pte Tompkins in the Gallipolian magazine, which carried an article stating the soldier’s grave at Northampton, England, had been vandalised. The same article noted Pte Tompkins had enlisted at Meeniyan. Intrigued, Mr Irwin visited Meeniyan expecting to see the soldier’s name on the Cenotaph but it was not. Mr Irwin contacted the Meeniyan RSL and donations from Mr Irwin, the Western Front Association, Foster Summerson of the Gallipolian and Meeniyan RSL enabled Pte Tompkin’s name to be added. He served four months in Egypt before landing at Gallipoli. He came ashore in the second wave of soldiers on Anzac Day, April 25, and was critically wounded by a gunshot to the head. After returning home, Pte Tompkins died of his injuries on August 16 and was buried as an Australian. Reverend Tom Binks ofﬁciated at the dedication ceremony, held at the Meeniyan Hall. Wreaths were later laid by the

Cenotaph. McMillan MP Russell Broadbent said the tale of a man who came to Meeniyan from England, left and then died wanting to return to Meeniyan was a “great story”. “It never happened until today, that he came back to Meeniyan and his name is on the Cenotaph,” he said. South Gippsland Shire Councillors Bob Newton, Jennie Deane and Warren Raabe also attended the service, as did children from Tarwin Valley Primary School and representatives of the RSL sub-branches of Fish Creek, Morwell and Phillip Island. A book about the soldier’s short life – he died aged just 20 – will soon be launched by Mr Irwin. Entitled Room for One More, it will be available at the Meeniyan Post Ofﬁce and proceeds will go to the Meeniyan RSL. Mr Irwin has made contact with descendants of Pte Tompkins, who have expressed appreciation for his efforts. The son of Pte Tompkins’ niece is named Peter Edwin as a tribute.

Man himself: Private Edwin Tompkins.

Improved licensing for Victorian motorcyclists – have your say VicRoads has prepared a public discussion paper about how Victoria’s system of licensing motorcyclists could be improved. If you are a current rider, prospective rider or if you are interested in motorcycle safety, VicRoads is seeking your views on options to improve motorcyclist licensing in Victoria. Where to ﬁnd further information You will be able to download the discussion paper at the arrive alive website, arrivealive.vic.gov.au/motorcycleGLS. If you would like a hard copy of the discussion paper sent to you, this can be ordered from the website or by calling VicRoads on 13 11 71. Information forums To support the release of the discussion paper, VicRoads is holding four information forums to explain the options in the discussion paper and listen to your ideas for improving motorcycle licensing. Location Melbourne

Date and Time Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne 649 Bridge Rd, Richmond Wednesday 29 September 2010, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Ballarat

Mercure Ballarat Convention Centre 613 Main Rd, Ballarat Monday 27 September 2010, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Benalla

Performing Arts Centre 57 Samaria Rd, Benalla Wednesday 22 September 2010, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Traralgon

The Century Inn 5 Airﬁeld Rd (cnr Princes Hwy), Traralgon Monday 20 September 2010, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

If you would like to attend any of the forums, please register at arrivealive.vic.gov.au/motorcycleGLS or call VicRoads on 13 11 71.

keeping victorians connected

Is your passion getting lost in paperwork? Spend less time cutting through the red tape and more time running your business. Simply hop onto our website and take advantage of our business planning tools. And while you’re there, you can also create an account online to manage your forms. Better still, you can discover the different workshops and seminars we host to help your business run smoothly. Look for us at www.business.vic.gov.au or call 13 22 15.

Big ideas. Small business. business.vic.gov.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 15

Autistic children denied school aides By Jane Ross CHILDREN with autism are being denied integration aides at school because the criteria keeps changing. Their cause has been taken up by Bass MLA Ken Smith, who is upset that there are 1700 children on the Victorian waiting list for early intervention. Grahame and Helen Wise say they feel completely let down by the Education Department which is denying their ﬁve-yearold son Mathew the extra help he needs. This despite one of the department’s own speech therapists saying his language disorder is severe and ongoing and “he clearly requires intensive, ongoing assistance in the classroom to allow him to work to his full potential”. Mathew is autistic and has a younger brother with the same condition. “The constant battle to access any services for our boys is soul destroying,” said his mother. She is very grateful for all the help she has had

from her local community and the school he attends, but feels the Education Department has let her down badly. “Mathew doesn’t meet their criteria. The goal posts keep changing. “This battle with the Education Department is taking time away for the boys and their therapy.” Mathew is not eligible for a special school because his IQ is too high. He has speech difficulties and cannot communicate effectively and has twice been refused an integration aide. “It beats me how he doesn’t fit the criteria,” said his mother in deep frustration. She finds it particularly baffling given the department’s speech therapist’s report which states: “It is imperative Mathew be funded under the category of autism spectrum disorder.” Concerned about her son’s safety given his school’s proximity to a main road used by trucks and a wetland and river, Helen collects him at lunchtime, returning him for the afternoon. That means four trips a day to and from school.

Autism support A GROUP has formed in Wonthaggi to support families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. Julie McKenzie said the group has a core of six to eight members and others are welcome, children too. Initially the group was funded by Uniting Care, but decided to keep going on their own once the funding ran out. “We’re keen to get lots of new people. We have an informal get together to share our experiences and have guest speakers.” Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 11am at Over 2 Kate’s in Wonthaggi. To find out more, ring Julie on 5657 4248. The Leongatha Autism Group also welcomes new parents. Call 1800 010 453. Group members know that feeling alone in a stressful situation makes it all the more difficult. Yvonne Waite, parent’s support co-ordinator for Noah’s Ark in Gippsland said: “The whole ethos of the group is about normalising life.” The group meets once a month during school terms at Leongatha Community House and many friendships have flourished. Sometimes guest speakers are invited to share their expertise on topical issues. Helen Zuidema, occupational therapist, recently spoke.

Funding welcomed NEW sterilisers will be installed at Leongatha Memorial Hospital with the help of a $150,000 State Government grant announced last week. Gippsland Southern Health Service CEO Gary Templeton welcomed the funding, saying the performance of the existing sterilisers had been a longstanding issue. “Our application covered a dual unit installation. This should mean that in the future issues with one steriliser will signiﬁcantly reduce the risk of disruption to surgery and other procedural work,” he said. “It is also likely that these units will be transferred to the new hospital when it is completed. GSHS welcomes the funding announcement and the service improvements that will result.” Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the 2010-11 Targeted Equipment Program was about giving Victorian doctors and nurses the equipment they needed to continue their fantastic work across the state. “Targeted equipment funding enables Victorian public hospitals to stay at the forefront of new technology to ensure they continue to provide the best possible care to patients,” he said.

She stresses she has no complaints about the school itself, because staff have been very supportive. Helen and Grahame do whatever they can with Mathew at home and have had him assessed by all sorts of specialists. “We have the reports, we’ve done the lot. But what’s the point of having reports if they are completely disregarded? “I feel completely disillusioned by the process and I feel the department is actively trying to avoid

its responsibilities. Ken Smith has raised the matter in Parliament and called for a review of integration aide and school support services. “It must be carried out immediately.” Meanwhile the Disability Discrimination Legal Service is launching a class action against the State Government to demand it provide proper support to enable all children with a disability to attend school.

Keep fire safe: Leongatha CFA captain Andy Kay has warned people to take care when using a fire blanket to extinguish a fire. He suggested throwing the fire blanket on flames and leaving it until firefighters arrive. A Leongatha resident did this recently with great success.

Ready for Tomorrow is the Victorian Government’s $631 million blueprint to protect and strengthen our regional and rural way of life, now and for future generations. Giving young people more opportunities to study and work closer to their hometown is an important part of the plan. Over $110 million will go towards: Assisting students to study close to where they live Investment in tertiary education facilities in regional Victoria New student accommodation Employment cadetships for regional students Transport linking smaller towns and education facilities Developing regional leaders And that’s just the beginning. To ﬁnd out how you, your business and community can beneﬁt, call or visit our website. The future starts now.

A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria Call 13 22 15 www.rdv.vic.gov.au

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Flag finally flies SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has officially and permanently raised the Aboriginal flag. The flag will fly alongside the Australian flag, which is very exciting for activist Patrice Mahoney. “It’s a step in the right direction; we’re finally entering the 21st century. It’s very exciting for the families in the area,” she said. Ms Mahoney admitted she was “shocked” when the idea was allowed. “I thought I was going to have to come back every week. I didn’t think that there

was an understanding of what it meant to us,” she said. “You can’t walk side by side if you don’t have an understanding of each other.” Another indigenous activist, John Murray, conducted a smoking ceremony last Wednesday to mark the occasion. “It’s just a part of healing and cleansing the land, and an important part of the ritual process,” he said. As the ﬂag went up it was treated to a round of applause from the 30 people in the crowd who had gathered to watch.

Relax. You deserve it FOR the ultimate in massage therapy, set aside the time to visit the Koonwarra Day Spa. Hawaiian hot tone and relaxation massage are specialities. Enjoy a body wrap, facials, hand and foot treatments, and also beauty

services such as waxing, tinting and spray tans. Day spa clients are able to enjoy the relaxation lounge, complimentary refreshments, separate toilet and shower, change rooms with lockers and a hairdryer. It is nestled in a quaint setting

Ritual process: indigenous activist John Murray makes a short speech while Patrice Mahoney and Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett look on.

Kids seize mayor’s seat SOUTH Gippsland Shire’s councillors were looking young and baby faced on Thursday morning. The reason being because they were young, just 10-years-old to be exact! Grade 4 students from Leongatha Primary School took control of the benches and discussed school issues in a council-like format. The students are studying laws and the three levels of law making, so they felt a trip to the council chambers would help their education. Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett oversaw the meeting, but even he had been replaced in his chair of power by student Ben Perry. The students relinquished the roles after asking a few questions of Cr Fawcett and then headed back to the playgrounds of their primary school. Maybe we have seen some future councillors among them.

Order please: Leongatha Primary School’s Ben Perry took charge, taking Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett’s seat from him on Thursday morning. Molly Clark sat in the position of Tim Tamlin, and became the council’s CEO for a day.

Where to call home WARATAH North residents will be included in a review of localities in South Gippsland Shire. Residents petitioned council in May, asking for council to change locality maps to include their properties in Waratah North. Council has started a review to identify

some properties that could be better identified by changing their locality name. More such properties were identified after Australia Post changed delivery postal addresses. A council officer will work on the review, due to be completed by December this year.

You time: take a break at the Koonwarra Day Spa.

amongst bushland in the eco-friendly tourist village. Staff promise friendly, professional service and a full range of reasonably priced day spa treatments, and couple’s treatments are a specialty.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 17

Relief just a therapist away MASSAGE therapy is the practice of inﬂuencing soft tissue by physical, functional, and in some cases psychological means. Massage entails applying pressure to muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connec-

Options aplenty: the beneﬁts of massage therapy are many.

tive tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, either with the hands, ﬁngers, elbows, forearm, and feet. There are more than 80 massage modalities, all designed to provide relief from injury or just relaxation. The word “massage” has many ancient roots, from the French massageis “friction of kneading”, or

from Arabic massa meaning “to touch, feel or handle” or from Latin massa meaning “mass, dough”. In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis, and

the Latin was frictio. An older etymology may even have been the Hebrew mesakj “to anoint with oil”. Source: Australian Association of Massage Therapists.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

In form: Kim and Nicola Beattie of Meeniyan took their six cattle dog pups for a morning walk recently. The 18-week-old Border Collie pups are ready for serious training. The dogs are bred from a Queensland champion two generations ago. Photo: Carolyn Johns.

Council chips in A CHURCH carpark in Korumburra will be sealed with a contribution from South Gippsland Shire Council. Council will pay $4000 to the works, at the Uniting Church, taking advantage of a $4000 discount offered by contractors already in the area for another project. Cr Bob Newton said while the carpark in Wrenchs Lane was not owned by the council, the beneﬁt to the community would make council’s contribution worthwhile. “It’s a church owned carpark but the public use it to drop kids off at school,” he said.

Regional project push backed SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has endorsed a regional effort to address Gippslandwide issues. Council was the last Gippsland council to back the Gippsland Regional Plan, which gives priority to implementing a low carbon economy transition plan, more education facilities, improved health services, and better roads, rail and public transport. The plans will also call for ongoing support for tourism, a Centre for Sustainable Technologies for research and development, and a rapid roll out of the national broadband internet initiative in the region. Among the projects of interest to South Gippsland are: • initiating planning on an alternate truck route through Leongatha;

rs e w o p ce i l o p ne New o y n a h c r a e to s s. n o p a e for w e. m i t y n A . e r e Anywh Tough new laws now give police the power to search anyone for weapons. Anywhere. Anytime. And they’ll have the latest technology to help. If you’re caught with a knife, you’ll get a $1000 ﬁne. On the spot. If you’re in or near a licensed venue, it’s $2000. Carrying any weapon for self defence is no excuse and it’s against the law. You could end up with a criminal record. Even jail. So if you’re carrying a weapon, make no mistake – we’ll get you. For more information go to www.justice.vic.gov.au/weapons

CARRY A WEAPON

WE’LL GET YOU!

• upgrading surrounding roads used for transporting freight; • enhancing ports; • establishing urban residential growth areas; and • promoting tourism, including sealing of the Grand Ridge Road. The plan will enable councils to jointly apply for funding, increasing chances of securing support. The plan is a project of the Gippsland Local Government Network and president Cr Scott Rossetti, also mayor of Wellington Shire Council, was at a recent council meeting. Cr David Lewis was concerned the regional focus on health would concentrate attention on Latrobe Regional Hospital at Traralgon, to the detriment of smaller local hospitals, such as Leongatha, Korumburra and Foster.

Team approach: Gippsland Local Government Network chairman Cr Scott Rossetti discusses the Gippsland Regional Plan with South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Jim Fawcett.

Pioneers’ efforts deserve signs SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council should recognise the efforts of the district’s pioneers by erecting more signs to identify smaller communities, according to Cr Bob Newton. “It’s a shame the shire does not acknowledge some of the other localities. We owe it to our pioneers,” he said. Cr David Lewis agreed, saying rural communities contributed half of the shire’s rate base. “These communities want to have their communities marked and a sense of place acknowledged, so why are we discriminating against them?” he said. Cr Jennie Deane had been approached by people asking for signs. “Signs are particularly important for communities because they give a sense of place, a sense of community,” she said. Councillors ﬁnally agreed to install two signs where communities asked for such signs, but only where a hall and a recreation reserve existed. Signs will be available for other communities, so long as the community was willing to pay for the signs, at a cost of about $1000.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 19

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, y September p 7, 2010

Matt named region’s best dad LEONGATHA dad Matt Colwill was named the South Gippsland YMCA Community Father of the Year in a presentation at South Gippsland SPLASH. Matt was nominated by his eight year-old daughter Louise who attends Leongatha Primary School and wrote a loving description of how they share time at local beaches. That was accompanied with a drawing of the family including her mother Robyn and ﬁve yearold brother Eddie having fun at the beach. Matt, who migrated to Australia from England in 1995 after meeting Robyn, has run a dairy farm in Leongatha for 12 years and said he was both surprised and thrilled when

told the news. “It’s very nice,” he said. “I was quite surprised by it all when I was told. We have a lot of fun together and I couldn’t ask for better kids.” South Gippsland SPLASH manager Emma Dowling said the important annual event celebrated the signiﬁcant role fathers and male role models play in our community, and Matt was a great example of that. “It acknowledges that ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact on children’s lives,” she said. “The award is not about who is ‘the best’ dad, but it is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of fathering in our communities, and to our communities’ wellbeing.” It is 100 years since Father’s Day was ﬁrst celebrated in 1910

by a YMCA in the United States of America and the day continues to be celebrated worldwide. School aged and pre-school children were invited to nominate their dad – or someone who is like their dad – by writing or drawing about why their father or father ﬁgure was special to them. Each nominee received a YMCA family swim pass, to encourage fathers and their children to spend active time together at their local recreational facilities.

Great inﬂuence: South Gippsland YMCA Community Father of the Year Matt Colwill with wife Robyn, children Eddie and Louise, and SPLASH’s Brenda Kelly.

Gypsy fever rocks Woorayl VOLUNTEERS at Woorayl Lodge aged care home in Leongatha were thanked with a Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves themed day. Residents and volunteers played games, did activities and enjoyed morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. There were prizes for best dressed, as well as for the winners of the costumes. Many members of the Mirboo North singers Dress ups: front: Joyce Ryan, Heather Bennett and Maria Redemaker. Back: Joan Dixon, Dianne Trease, John Bennett and Colin Watson got in on the act. added a musical ﬂavour.

Man may shave legs A MOYARRA man could have his legs waxed to raise money for children, but only if more donations are forthcoming. Trevor Browning will join Jo Stewart from the Korumburra Newsagency this Saturday, when the pair will raise funds for Very Special Kids. Trevor will have his head shaved and Jo will dye her hair brightly. The event will be held at Korumburra’s Studio 48 Hair Salon at 11am. June Ramsay from Café 61 in Korumburra challenged Trevor to have his legs shaved as well. The condition is that this must be done the most “painful way” so as he

experiences what women often do. A raffle, lucky dip and colouring competition for kids will be held, together with a sausage sizzle by Apexians. Children can now enter the colouring competition at the newsagency. Donations can be made at the newsagency anytime. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. Receipts will be available. Very Special Kids House, Australia’s first and Victoria’s only children’s hospice provides respite, transitional and end of life care and forms part of the holistic range of services provided by Very Special Kids.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 21

Attitudes win bosses over By Marli Draper

LEONGATHA business owners Andrew and Lucy Gromotka are pleased with the success they have had with their Yooralla ‘FirstBase’ employees. The Gromotkas own and operate the Gatha foodstore and Lucinda Estate, a vineyard and winery. Andrew met some of the Yooralla youngsters when he was working in employment services locally. Emily Drysdale made an immediate impression and has been working with the couple at their ﬂourishing food business, Gatha foodstore ever since. “Emily struck me as a lovely girl with a great attitude. She has been with us for over three years now and is a very valued member of our

team,” he said. Emily says she loves her job, talking to customers and helping out in the kitchen as well. The pair took on Adam Simurina at the vineyard at about the same time. Andrew offered him a day’s work experience initially but today he is one of their most valued employees. “Just as I teach him a new task, he masters it and is ready to learn something new,” Andrew said. He sees the employment of these eager young individuals as a triple win. “They’re great, productive workers with a positive attitude. It feels great to give them the opportunities they deserve. It is also a win for them, helping to build their conﬁdence and self esteem. The ﬁnal win is for the wider community, watching them build self reliance,” Andrew said.

The couple has more recently employed Ronnie Layton. According to Ronnie he is “loving it. I don’t want to leave.” Andrew ﬁnds Ronnie’s enthusiasm infectious. “We believe in hiring for attitude and training for skills,” Andrew said. He is impressed the trio has seized their opportunity and by their excellent work ethic. Yooralla Firstbase Leongatha is an adult day service that supports people with disability across a range of lifestyle areas including daily living and vocation skills, community participation and inclusion and recreation. Andrew and Lucy recommend them highly and would be happy to talk to other employers who are considering employing people with disability.

Gatha girls: Lucy Gromotka of Gatha Foodstore with employee Emily Drysdale.

Book to honour AFL legend Reynolds writer: Daniel Eddy with the beginnings of his biography of Dick Reynolds.

By Isaac McCallum DICK Reynolds is one of the most famous names in Australian Football League history. So when Leongatha resident Daniel Eddy discovered that there was no recount of Reynolds’ life, let alone football career, he decided it was his job to change that. “The book will mostly include his career, but I’m hoping to go from birth right up until his death,” he said. As a former employee at Channel 9’s AFL department, and then at AFL Canada in Toronto, Dan’s fascination with the football world has always been strong. “I’ve always been interested, especially in the Bombers. Now I’ve got my chance to actually write a book,” he said. Daniel’s passion for Reynolds in particular was enhanced after a chance meeting with the AFL legend. “When I was 15 I saw him at the Grand Final parade, so I went up and

said hello, he was surprised I knew who he was,” he said. And the Essendon mad fan still has many more AFL people to meet, including the club’s last premiership coach, and the captain of that side, Kevin Sheedy and James Hird. “I’ve got a little bit of interviewing with those guys, and with his team-mates. I’m talking to John Kennedy soon, which should be very interesting,” he said. Kennedy is a former player and coach at Hawthorn, who is revered for his oratory genius. Daniel admits that despite chatting to former players, coaches and other identities, writing the book will not be without its challenges. “At the moment I’m back home working at the Meeniyan Pub, which is working towards funding the book,” he said. “It’s going to be very time consuming, travelling to Melbourne. I’ll probably only go up once a week which is going to make it hard.” “I’ve already spent 10 hours in the Melbourne library searching through old newspapers and I haven’t even

been through one season.” The 29-year-old will be receiving pointers from Herald Sun writer Glen McFarlane, as well as the author of Norm Smith’s biography Ben Collins, which Dan is using as inspiration in his endeavours. Daniel is part of the ‘Dick Reynolds Club’ which meets about three times a year at Crown, and plans to launch his book then. “I’m hoping that I have it done in two years, if not 18 months, but we’ll see how we go,” he said. Dick Reynolds was part of the AFL team of the century, and was announced as the greatest Essendon player of all time at a Champions of Essendon dinner. He was a seven time best and fairest winner and a four time premiership coach, and was 87-yearsold when he died in 2002. If anyone has any information, photos or anything else that might help Daniel with his research, he asks that they contact him on his home phone, 5662 4064 or his mobile, 0438 584 742.

Captain’s efforts praised THIS month’s winner of the Bass Electorate Community Service Award is proof that it’s never too late to get involved in community organisations. CFA group officer Damian O’Connor said Phil Ruby, the 70-year-old captain of the Kilcunda brigade, is a “shining example” of how men and women of any age can make a valuable contribution to the organisation. “The CFA is often considered a young man’s game, but Phil joined us 20 years ago at the age of 50,” he said. “He was an active fire-fighter until 1999, was third lieutenant for three years and elected captain in 2001. “He is a quiet achiever – unless he wants something for his brigade and then we hear about it!” Mr Ruby was presented with his award by Bass MP Ken Smith in front of his peers at a recent fire prevention meeting in the council chambers. “I was approached about 30 years ago to join, but I had the impression I’d have to attend a lot of meetings and I couldn’t stand that so I said ‘No’,” Mr Ruby said.

Making it happen: new committee members with guest speaker Meg Steenholdt (second from left) are: Lisa Williams, Renae Littlejohn (re-elected president), Karen Haw, Kate Birrell, Sio Ching McFee, Patricia Hill, Maxine Kiel, Kaye Ellery and Andrea Curtis. Contribution appreciated: CFA group ofﬁcer Damian O’Connor, Phil Ruby and Bass MLA Ken Smith.

Women share ideas

“ But 10 years later I decided to give it a go and I haven’t regretted one minute of it. “I have had a lot of enjoyment out of it and it has been something I could do for the community.” Mr Smith said becoming a JP two years ago and holding an annual CFA community Christmas party are other ways Mr Ruby contributes to his township. Always on the lookout for

THE Southern Business Women’s Network elected a new committee at its AGM and regular dinner.

new members, Mr Ruby took the opportunity to appeal for more volunteers. “We have 11 active members and two doing the minimum skills. One of these is a retiree and the other is a desal worker who plans to stay on after the project is ﬁnished,” he said. “He is really keen and we are glad to have him. But we could do with three or four more.”

Everyone at the dinner was pleased to hear that Henrietta’s would reopen within weeks in smaller premises in Bair Street, Leongatha. Guest speaker Meg Steenholdt talked about the ﬁre that destroyed the business in May and inspired everyone with the positive things she and husband Alan are doing to make a fresh start.

The network meets for dinner at a different restaurant every two months and always invites an inspiring guest speaker. Its members come from a wide range of businesses and professions. The network welcomes new members and would love to hear from local businesswomen, professionals or women thinking of starting their own business. Give Renae Littlejohn a call on 0428 686 250.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 23

ONCE AGAIN, TOYOTA IS GIVING YOU MORE Y

ou don’t get to be Australia’s favourite car company for seven years running† without giving more than most. Right now, Toyota is giving even more than usual with great offers on Australia’s favourite range. And with Toyota values like world class safety and legendary reliability, plus innovative technology and low cost capped-price genuine servicing, you can trust Toyota to give you more. CELEBRATE 60 YEARS WITH THE LANDCRUISER 200

Speaking of giving you more, the new Limited Edition 60th Anniversary LandCruiser 200 comes with over $5,000 worth of Limited Edition extras± including satellite navigation, leather accented interior and roof rails. You can choose from petrol or diesel models with stock arriving at participating dealers throughout September. If you like getting away without getting off-road, the versatile RAV4 CV now comes in a 2WD version from $29,990 driveaway. The 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 5 speed manual delivers impressive fuel efficiency of 9.1 litres/100km#. Better still, you can get 40% off one year’s Toyota Comprehensive Car Insurance or get it free when you finance through Toyota Financial Services^.

NO WONDER IT’S THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SMALL CAR

With 34 million of them sold over 40 years, Corolla is the world’s most popular small car. And right now you can drive away in a

STEP UP TO SENSATIONAL VALUE

If you’re looking for big six power and surprising economy look no further than the Aurion AT-X. Its quad-cam, all alloy powerplant produces 200kW of power yet, amazingly, also delivers fuel economy of 9.9L/100Km#. Better still, you can currently drive away in one for $32,990 driveaway which is a saving of over $3,000. Or, if you’d prefer, upgrade to an Aurion Sportivo SX6 with dual-zone climate control and a reversing camera for $37,990 driveaway and save over $5,000. Speaking of great value, Camry is Australia’s number one selling medium car~ and with deals like this it looks like staying that way. See your Toyota Dealer this weekend and you can drive away in a Camry Altise Automatic for $29,990 driveaway including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC). Alternatively, you can step up to the Camry Grande with dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth™≥, satellite navigation and Smart Entry for just $38,990 driveaway.

GET ON OR OFF ROAD FOR LESS WITH HILUX

Along with being unbreakable, HiLux now makes life even easier with free on-road costs including registration, CTP and stamp duty across the entire 4x4 range built before August 2010. Better still, you can also get a HiLux Workmate 4x2 Single Cab Cab Chassis

manual with a Genuine ELA tray and air conditioning from just $21,990 driveaway.

VALUE THAT EVEN EXTENDS TO SERVICING

Australians know they can rely on Toyota to give them more value. Take Toyota Service Advantage for example. It’s a low cost capped-price servicing scheme* that’s standard on new Toyotas. Buy a Yaris, for example, and you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be paying just $130 per scheduled service for the first three years or 60,000kms, whichever occurs first. As you can imagine, that can really help with your budgeting.

SEE YOUR DEALER AND LET TOYOTA GIVE YOU MORE

Pricing applicable for Private and Bronze Fleet buyers for vehicles purchased and delivered before September 30, 2010. Excludes demos. While stocks last. Offers not available in conjunction with other registered fleet discounts or offers. Toyota reserves the right to extend any offer. ≥ Streaming Bluetooth™ Audio compatibility requires devices that are enabled with compatible technology Bluetooth™ v1.2 and must also be enabled with both A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) v1.0 or later & AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) v1.0 or later. The Bluetooth™ word mark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Bluetooth™ will only operate with telephones enabled with compatible Bluetooth™ wireless technology (HFP (Hands Free Profile) v1.0 or later and OPP (Object Push Profile) v1.1 or later international standards). OPP functionality only works on Satellite Navigation equipment. ^40% discount or free 12 month (for vehicles financed by Toyota Financial Services) Toyota Insurance Comprehensive motor vehicle policy will be offered to all eligible Private & Bronze Fleet customers who purchase and take delivery of a new RAV4 2WD CV, or a new Corolla Ascent Hatch or Sedan. 40% saving based on the national average premium price for Toyota Comprehensive Car Insurance during January-June 2010. Individual premiums may vary depending on risk circumstances. Terms, conditions and underwriting criteria apply. Before making a decision about the Toyota Insurance Comprehensive Motor Vehicle policy please read the current Product Disclosure Statement available on the Toyota Insurance website at toyotainsurance.com.au, or call 137 200 to obtain a copy. Toyota Insurance is a division of Aioi Insurance Co., Ltd; ABN 39 096 302 466, AFSL Number 254489 (Aioi). The Insurer is Aioi. ±Extras refers to comparison with 2010 LC200 GXL. † VFACTS 31 December 2009. ~ VFACTS YTD (30 June 2010). *Toyota Service Advantage pricing represents the maximum amount payable for standard scheduled servicing which is as per ‘maintenance for normal operating conditions’ outlined in the warranty and service schedule, for the first three years, or 60,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first. Maximum 6 Services (4 for Aurion/Camry/Hybrid Camry) Service Advantage eligibility excludes Government and Rental vehicles and certain other exclusions apply. Contact your Toyota Dealer for details of eligibility. #Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined (L/100km) for (manual/auto) models. VALID 7890-2 TOY08464/MB

VALID 7890-2 R08464/NAT/ED

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manual Corolla Ascent Hatch or Sedan from just $20,990. Plus you can get 40% off one year’s Toyota Comprehensive Car Insurance or get it free when you finance through Toyota Financial Services^.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Growing their power By Marli Draper MARK and Tammy Ball and their three children are living close to nature and reaping the rewards. The young Meeniyan family has built themselves a minimal impact lifestyle with a pragmatic and intelligent approach to living. Their house is powered by the sun and the wind, a bank of solar panels captures the energy and Mark has designed the inverter system so it maximises the energy it stores. He has also installed a wind turbine which contributes to power generation. Using passive solar principles, they are growing pineapples in their greenhouse from the tops of older fruit. This is quite a spectacular sight in South Gippsland at any time, let alone winter.

Growing together: Tammy, Alice and Mark Ball.

A huge diversity of fruiting and other useful trees have been planted, including a thriving avocado and several macadamias. Stone and pome fruit as well as more exotic fruits such as pineapple guava have been established. Nut varieties such as hazels are also beginning to bear. Many of the trees have been hard pruned this year but are just starting to bud or burst to greet the coming season. They have been mulched with scoria to reduce competition from grass and help conserve moisture during the summer scorch. They have emphasised planting varieties in the right position to enhance their growth and reduce the workload of watering. Their chicken housing features three bays so that crops can be rotated through to utilise the nutrient and cultivation power of the fowl. Broad beans are also planted exten-

sively to boost nutrient collection and cycling. A worm septic system works beautifully to process waste without pollution and allows water to be safely utilised within the growing system. Mark has built so much of the infrastructure that supports them by hand. He has erected living screens on the hot westerly side of the house that can be swung out of the way. He has constructed a solar dryer to dehydrate fruit and vegetable surpluses, and a cob oven. He built the pulleys for their ﬂour mill and is constantly innovating and experimenting. Currently teaching maths at Leongatha Secondary College and with a diverse background, including trade teaching and electronics, his practical expertise is clearly apparent.

Sun power: solar panels yield energy for the household.

Learning fun: Scott Lawrence, Rob McGregor and students, David Lewis, Jayson Meade, Craig Wallis, Rowan Williams, Aron Burch, Brandon Bull and Luke Kemp,

Learning by the creek Fruit surprise: pineapple growing in the greenhouse.

Mayor’s message Cr Peter Paul

Free plants WELCOME to spring! While it has been a somewhat nervous start, late last week we got a hint of the sunshine and weather to come. Council’s parks and gardens team have gardens across the shire looking fantastic. With an interesting mix of colour and texture, the team do a great job. After one of our wettest winters on record our catchments are full and water security in the region looks good for summer. Now is the time to get into the garden and start clearing those empty blocks. This week, council has launched its 2010 Weeds out, Indigenous Plants In program. To encourage residents to get rid of weeds on their residential blocks, they are rewarded with free indigenous plants. This is a fantastic partnership between Landcare, PINP, council and local volunteer groups. Indigenous plants encourage local wildlife and birds, are good for our environment and look great in the garden. We should all look at how we can plant more of them. Spring is also a reminder to us to think

about our fire management plans. Cleaning gutters and clearing blocks may not be particularly rewarding jobs, but they are vital in helping protect your family and neighbours in the event of a fire. Council’s annual green waste amnesty starts on November 1 and I encourage all residents to take full advantage of it. While you’re working on your house, why not check that your household number is easily displayed. Our local CFA, police and ambulance officers tell us that this is the easiest and best way to ensure they can find you in the event of an emergency. Personally, I’m looking forward to some sunny weather for coming events. Our farmers’ markets, the V8 Supercars, the Moto GP, school holidays and more. We can celebrate the end of spring with the start of the Woolamai Picnic Races at the end of November. Finally, don’t forget to tune into council’s weekly radio show on 3MFM. This week I interview Mel Hibbins from the South Coast Primary Care Partnership about Stroke Week. The show runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am and 4.30pm, so there is plenty of opportunity to catch it. To check the frequency in your area, log onto www.3mfm.com.au Cr Peter Paul, Mayor Bass Coast Shire Council

KORUMBURRA Secondary College students are completing a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management at Coal Creek. Working in partnership with a training organisation and the park, the school has offered this option for years 9 and 10 students, allowing practical skills to be developed. The students, David Lewis, Jayson Meade, Craig Wallis, Rowan Williams, Aron Burch, Brandon Bull and Luke Kemp, attend the park each week, as well as during the school holidays, to complete their certificate qualification.

Scott Lawrence works with the students each week and also works at the school. Trainer Rob McGregor travels from Melbourne. They have undertaken many projects including rebuilding and painting bench seating, building pathways and preparing a glasshouse for refurbishment. Planting trees has been a task they have enjoyed. “Yeah, it’s great,” Craig Wallis said. He received a store voucher this week in recognition of his efforts over the past few weeks. According to Scott: “It’s been going really well and they have been really enjoying the difference in this approach to learning.”

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, September 8, 2009 SOME long-awaited good news in the dairy industry has ﬁnally arrived, with milk powder prices set for an upward trend. Fonterra’s monthly international auction of bulk milk powder last Tuesday resulted in an average climb of 24.6 per cent. **** POLICE believe a dead woman, whose leg was found on Newhaven Beach last month, may have died close to that location. The woman has been identiﬁed as 27-year-old Epping resident, Rachael Betts, by Homicide Squad detectives. Five years ago, September 6, 2005 EDUCATION facilities in South Gippsland have been given such a big boost in recent months

that habitual critic of the Bracks Government, Peter Ryan MP, has had to change his tune. **** THERE was a very strong smell in the main street of Leongatha last Wednesday, right on lunchtime. It was not a nice hot food smell. It was more of a stink, a stench of runny green manure. 10 years ago, September 5, 2000 SOUTH GIPPSLAND Shire Council is likely to vote for the staged development of a leisure centre to be based in Leongatha. The matter will be raised at the shire’s meeting tomorrow and protagonists are urging as many people as possible to attend the public gallery. **** MILLIONS of dollars will be

spent on a radical new route for the South Gippsland Highway. The route, which will bypass the townships of Loch and Bena, is designed to eliminate some of the worst accident hotspots in the state. 30 years ago, September 9, 1980 LEONGATHA is to have its biggest retail building boom in its history. News broke on Monday morning when workmen commenced operations on the site at the rear of Tuddenham’s hot bread shop facing McNamara lane. **** WHEELS are beginning to turn on “The Ghost Train”, which should arrive in Leongatha at 8.15pm on Friday night. People wanting tickets for a thrilling and suspense packed trip should book their seats now, because space is limited.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 25

Business is beautiful Here’s a unique opportunity to purchase your own piece of South Gippsland beauty. Situated between Leongatha and Mirboo North, Loves Lane Cottages is set on 4.8 acres with panoramic views of spectacular rural splendor and offers a unique lifestyle opportunity with the advantage of an added income from a well established and growing business. For further details see page 26.

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Love’s Lane cottages H

ERE’S a unique opportunity to purchase your own piece of South Gippsland beauty. Situated between Leongatha and Mirboo North, Loves Lane Cottages is set on 4.8 acres with panoramic views of spectacular rural splendor and offers a unique lifestyle opportunity with the advantage of an added income from a well established and growing business. The homestead features four bedrooms and a large recently renovated timber kitchen with an abundance of cupboard space. The main bedroom has a walk-in robe and an en suite. The encircling verandahs adjoin a large covered pergola area, surrounded by some of the property’s extensive and magnificent gardens. The gardens are a credit to the current owners, with a large water feature complete with its own jetty and gazebo positioned to capture the stunning views. The cottages were built in 2006 and commenced operating as a self service accommodation business in January 2007. With an AAA 4 star rating, the Orchard and Sunset Cottages are perfectly situated to take in spectacular views and sunsets. Both cottages have timber floors and are fully furnished and stocked with quality items such as leather lounge suites, queen sized beds, complete entertainment systems including PS3, DVD, HD LCD TVs and surround sound systems. All bedroom and bathroom linen and kitchen wear is of the highest quality. Cosy wood fires, reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans and electric blankets ensure guests are comfortable all year around. The Orchard Cottage, which sleeps two guests, consists of an open plan design with a separate bathroom with a spa bath.The Sunset Cottage, which sleeps four guests, also consists of an open plan design and is the larger of the two cottages, with a full kitchen, separate bedroom and a separate bathroom with a spa bath. Also on the property is a separate building consisting of a two vehicle carport, large guest laundry and a reception office. There are also a number of water features throughout the gardens including an outdoor above ground spa, a small orchard, a new large American-style barn, work shed, vegie gardens and chook pen. This property is a unique opportunity for someone looking for a relaxed lifestyle but with the benefit of a well established business that provides an income and has the potential to grow. For more views of the property go to www.stockdaleleggo.com.au/leongatha or www.loveslanecottages. com.au Inspection is strictly by appointment only via Stockdale and Leggo. At a glance: Location: 1445 Meeniyan-Mirboo North Road, Dumbalk Price: $750,000 Agent: Stockdale and Leggo Leongatha 5662 5800 Contact: Christie Bowler 0407 812 904

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 27

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Seasoned with love and care I

F you are in the market for a unit, then this well maintained home is worth inspecting.

Tucked away in peaceful Conway Street, this brick unit offers two bedrooms and a generous open plan living area. A neat timber kitchen features electric cooking, rangehood, overhead cupboards, breakfast bar, pantry, and timber ﬂooring. The lounge dining area has reverse cycle air conditioning and a ceiling fan, downlights and a glass sliding door opening to the fernery outside. The two bedrooms both have built-in robes and are separated by the central bathroom which is complete with both a bath and shower, and a single bowl vanity. You’ll also love the extra living space which has been created by enclosing the outdoor areas to create a cosy sunroom and a fernery/barbecue area. Located in a quiet block of four units, and only 450 metres to Safeway, this unit is perfect for a ﬁrst home buyer, or someone looking to downsize. For further information please call sole agents, Alex Scott & Staff on 5662 0922 At a glance: Location: 11/2 Conway Street, Leongatha Price: $275,000 Agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha 5662 0922 Contact: Alan Steenholdt 0409 423 822

Prom Country N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

Fabulous Fifties Favourite

One Out of the Box!

Family Fun

Packed with character. Spacious kitchen, lounge, 3 bedrooms. Decorative cornices, terracotta roof, gorgeous garden, single garage. Ideal modest home, or investment portfolio addition. INSPECT Sunday, Sept 12 @ 12.00 - 12.30pm Address 14 Miller Street, DUMBALK $165,000 - $180,000 $550,000 - $600,000

Light and nature are integral to the ever-changing mood in this highly contemporary 3BR home with stunning views. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing and messmate floors in the living zone, extensive decking, fully spec’d kitchen with in-built Miele Espresso maker and SS appliances. 66 acres (mainly pasture) and long creek frontage, orchard, veggies and low maintenance garden. Follow your farming vision or continue with agistment agreement with neighbour. 2 hours Melbourne CBD. INSPECT Sunday, September 12 @ 1.30 - 2.00pm Address 200 Fox and Fanckes Road, BOOLARRA SOUTH

This 3 BR home aims to please. The 12yo home provides rural views from the upstairs living room and wraparound deck, & has 2 bathrooms, a downstairs rumpus and garaging for 3 cars. INSPECT Sunday, Sept 12 @ 12.00 - 12.30pm Address 3 Grogan Court MIRBOO NORTH $285,000 - $295,000

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

Selling Properties

24/7 “Magic at Meeniyan Heights - on a hectare”

A Farmhouse for the Fastidious

Stunning, feature packed, quality almost-new home. A central wing incorporating kitchen, meals, and relaxation area features expansive hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling glass and gorgeous kitchen with stone bench tops. In all, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 huge living zones, and double garage. Plus a massive barn features a fully self-contained 2 bedroom loft apartment: a luxury teenage retreat, or guest accommodation. If you’ve been looking for land, stop. This is what you’d build.

On a gently undulating 8 acres, minutes from town with privacy & rural vistas, is this immaculately presented, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home, with equally immaculate outdoor living, garden & farm infrastructure. The home has been thoughtfully renovated for minimum maintenance & includes a new roof, windows & external cladding outside, & period features & colours within. Plus orchard, veggies, fowl manor, 3 bay shed with concrete floor, hay sheds, 2 paddocks, cattle race & crush.

FORTHCOMING SALE Address 175 McIlwaine Street, MEENIYAN

INSPECT Sunday, September 12 @ 1.30 - 2.00pm Address 200 Old Nicholls Road, MIRBOO NORTH

$550,000 - $600,000

$450,000 - $475,000

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

INSPECT Sunday, September 12 @ 12.00 - 12.30pm Address 225 Darlimurla Road MIRBOO NORTH

Family Farmlet

Top Of The Grange

Rail Trail And River Lifestyle

Sep street frontage, elevated position. 2 beautiful living rooms, 2 spacious brms, large shower, spotless kitchen, roomy garage and sunny courtyard. INSPECT Cancelled - Property Sold Address 21/17 McDonald Street, $275,000 - $295,000 $330,000 - $360,000 LEONGATHA

“Dell Serene” is a delightful more-than-4 acre property that combines an impeccable 3 bedroom home with ample living space, charming gardens, manicured level lawns, great car, van and machinery storage, and farm infrastructure too. Well fenced paddocks fall gently down to the Little Morwell River which flows permanently through the property (eyes open for platypus and crays), with outlooks beyond to state forest. And the Rail Trail is “at the front gate” for walks or riding.

93 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan ~ 5664 0224

promcountryre.com.au

On approx 3.7 acres, gorgeous views and HEAPS OF SHEDDING, neat 3 brm character home. Features wood heater, polished floorboards, sep bungalow with OFP, pool and disused dairy. INSPECT Sunday, Sept 12 @ 2.00 - 2.30pm Address 930 Dollar Road, DOLLAR $285,000 - $310,000

lisa williams 0438 133 385

84 Ridgway, Mirboo North ~ 5668 1660

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 29

80 undulating acres in Inverloch T

HIS unique lifestyle property with a fantastic north east facing aspect is immediately accessible to the popular seaside township of Inverloch. An ideal opportunity for those with alternate farming interests requiring excellent water supply, high rainfall and sheltered well drained country. The property features a very comfortable brick veneer home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are two solid fuel heaters as well as air conditioning. Slate and carpet ﬂooring have been used throughout the home. Outside there are three stables, all with loose boxes, a three bay hay shed, calf shed and

machinery shed. There is some delightful remnant bush on the property. Three dams as well as troughs provide water to all paddocks. Fantastic views over the surrounding area and across to Wilsons Promontory are very appealing. Properties such as this within seven minutes of Inverloch and its beaches are becoming rare to ﬁnd. This property has been in the one family for some time in this tightly held location. An inspection is encouraged for those seeking peace, quiet and a quality of life. Inspections are welcome on the weekend.

At a glance: Location: 920 Inverloch-Outtrim Road, Inverloch. Price: $890, 000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff, Inverloch. Contact: Tim Harris 5674 1111

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Rail trail and river lifestyle O

N a made road, set amongst other small acreage properties, and just out of Mirboo North, “Dell Serene” is a delightful morethan-four acre parcel with the perfect balance in a lifestyle property. The comfortable and impeccably maintained three bedroom home sits on level ground, and is surrounded by manicured lawns and easily cared-for gardens. There’s a tandem carport, four bay shed/workshop, and a caravanport as well as plenty of room for parking. Verandahs front and rear provide shelter in all elements, and the orientation of the home takes advantage of both the views and the northern aspect. Well fenced to its perimeter boundaries and internally, the paddocks fall gently to the north, and the Little Morwell River, a permanent creek, runs through the lower portion of the land. Trout and fresh-water crays have been caught in the creek, and platypus have been spotted as residents, while koalas and wombats are also “at home at Dell Serene”. Importantly, the creek ensures a continuous water-source for the stock of your choice. The Rail Trail is at the boundary’s edge, so walks or rides are readily available, and the backdrop to the property is state forest. Just perfect.

At a glance: Location: 225 Darlimurla Rd, Mirboo North Price: $330,000 - $360,000 Agent: First National Prom Country 5668 1660 Contact: Alan Bartlett 0417 274 624

Opportunities open in Mardan T

WO rare parcels of farming land in Mardan are to be auctioned this month. Adjacent lots 47.3 acres and 109.3 acres will be auctioned by SEJ at 1.30 pm on Friday September 17 at 160 Silvan Hills road. Both properties will be auctioned there on the day. The 47.3 acre property, which will be auctioned ﬁrst, is subdivided into ﬁve paddocks and has a spring fed dam. At a glance: Location: 160 Silvan Hills Rd (47.3 acres) and 85 Smiths Rd (109.3 acres) Mardan Auction: Friday September 17 160 Silvan Hills Road Mardan at 1.30pm Agent: SEJ Leongatha Contact: Lyle Miller 0408 515 665 or Barry Redmond 0418 515 666

The 109.3 acre property with access from 85 Smiths Rd Mardan, has power connected and is divided into 12 paddocks accessed via three laneways. A pump on the spring fed dam on this property reticulates water to each paddock. It has several shelterbelts and approximately 20 acres of the property is steep. Both properties are ideal grazing or lifestyle blocks.

85 Smiths Rd, (109.3 acres) Mardan

160 Silvan Hills Rd, (47.3 acres)

85 Smiths Rd, (109.3 acres) Mardan

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 31

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Abby heading for America ABBY Butler is bound for the United States of America at the age of just 15. The Inverloch teenager will spend 2011 in the USA on a Rotary exchange, staying with American families in the state of Pennsylvania. In her ﬁrst trip overseas, Abby will represent the Rotary Club of Leongatha and attend an American school. She is making no secret of the fact she is looking forward to not wearing a uniform. “I like the sound of the USA and I like watching all their American TV shows and I like their accent. There

is so much history there too,” she said. The Wonthaggi Secondary College student was selected after succeeding in an interview and attending a camp, proving she had the aptitude and maturity to attend. “Ever since Year 7 I have looked into it. One of my friends went to the USA for six months and she said it was fantastic,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning a new culture and going to a new school. “It will be scary going to a whole new place but I will forget about that when I get there because I will have so much fun.”

Abby will arrive to the snow of the American winter and will experience a white Christmas. “Anyone can go on a Rotary exchange. You just have to prove that you can handle it, that you are capable of living in a new country with a new culture with a new people,” she said. The Leongatha club is currently hosting a Swiss student, Thilo Schweizer. Rotary is also searching for people aged 25-40 to take part in a Group Study Exchange to Finland in April and May next year. To ﬁnd out more, contact Michael Malone on 0407 343 843.

European trip: Alex and Michael Spiller.

Travelled Europe ALEX Hanson and Michael Spiller enjoyed a honeymoon throughout Scandinavia following their wedding on June 13.

USA bound: Abby Butler can not wait to travel across the Paciﬁc Ocean to America.

The couple exchanged vows at Nathania Springs, Monbulk. Alex is the daughter of Susan and Geoffrey Hanson of Sydney, while Michael is the daughter of Fiona and John Spiller of Ararat. Alex wore a blue and ivory silk dress with an ivory veil with blue beading, ivory boots and jewellery designed and made by Lacy’s of Meeniyan

Michael was dressed in a Prince Charles outﬁt in the McKinnon modern formal tartan, drawing on his mother’s Scottish heritage. Alex was attended by university friend Julie Patel, sister Jenny Hanson and friend Anna Langley, while Michael was joined by school friends Brendan Petty and Justin Evans, and a university friend, Cameron Fraser. The couple toured Norway, Finland, Estonia, Germany and Croatia before returning to live at their Leongatha home.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 35

Mary Poppins wanted Milpara Community House of 21 Shellcott’s Road, Korumburra is seeking a Mary Poppins-type person to facilitate a playgroup session. We are looking for a volunteer to help set up and engage our playgroup for approximately three hours each week of each school term. This is not a childcare position as carers/parents of the children are in attendance at playgroup, however, this would be great experience for someone seeking employment in childcare or related ﬁelds. If you feel that you have what it takes please contact Belinda or Sandra on 5655 2524 and register your interest. ****** The Creative Writing class currently has vacancies and meets on Thursday at 9.30am. This is a course for aspiring writers who come together to share their work and laughter, gain ideas and conﬁdence. They are preparing to print their third book as a

celebration of their achievements over the past two years and welcome new members. ****** For the Blokes is our men’s group, which is facilitated by Colin Hardy, and meets on Fridays during school terms from 10am to noon to discuss issues relevant to all men. ****** We have vacancies for our next Well Women’s Clinic which will be held on Wednesday, September 15 with Evie Harle from Gippsland Southern Health Service. This service provides Pap Smears, blood pressure checks and women’s health information. Bookings through Milpara Community House on 5655 2524 are essential. ****** Do you know of a new Australian who needs to improve their English? Lyn Drury teaches English as a Second Language for migrants and classes are held on

Tuesdays from 10am to noon and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. ****** There is light at the end of the tunnel! Come and share your experiences with other people in the same situation. Our Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Support Group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 1pm to 2.30pm at Milpara Community House. The next meeting is to be held on Thursday, September 16. ****** Would you like to discover how the Internet can play a great part in helping you to stay in touch with friends and family if you are 50 or over? Come along to our Broadband for Seniors program which is funded by the Australian Government. You can book into a course with a volunteer tutor or just come in to use the computers. Please call 5655 2524 for bookings. ******

Path to be extended FOOTPATHS along Station Road, Foster will be extended from next Monday (September 13). The longer path will link with the path that now ends at the showgrounds to the existing footpath past the hospital. The $66,000 works by South Gippsland Shire Council will be ﬁnished by the end of November. Engineering co-ordinator Paul Challis said the project was a priority under council’s Footpath Missing

Link Program. “Council will also incorporate the upgrade of the problematic second entrance into the showgrounds as part of the project,” he said. “There may be some minor disruption to traffic during construction, but I’m confident that residents will appreciate the improved access to the showgrounds and the hospital. “I imagine the summer influx of visitors who attend the markets at the showground will find it beneficial as well.”

Home grown: Alan Jeffries with two of his huge home grown broccoli in his backyard vegie garden.

Whopper broccoli COFFS Harbour has the Big Banana, Tamworth has the Big Guitar, and now Leongatha has the big broccoli. Leongatha resident Alan Jeffries has grown a few large broccolis in his home vegie patch. The gardening enthusiast has been growing vegetables for three years, but has never seen growth this spectacular. “I was amazed to see how big it was,” Alan said when he noticed the oversized vegetable. Two in particular come into the spotlight, weighing in at over 750 grams. But the hobby grower has no particular secrets. “I only use horse manure, no sprays.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8238

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Your creative juices are perking. Your special touches can make much out of the ordinary. In making a presentation, don’t hesitate to add a bit of ﬂair. TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

Avoid being too casual with friends and colleagues. Express your position with assertiveness. An old friend seeks your advice and encouragement. A new friend is very demanding. GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Moderation is the keyword during a week that favours a generally conservative approach. Important correspondence comes your way after the weekend. Make a point of collecting debts. CANCER - June 22 - July 22

You may ﬁnd yourself mingling with a new group of people and expanding your interests in the process. Recent worries prove unfounded. Your partner is unexpectedly shy. LEO - July 23 - August 22

A romantic comeback may be on the agenda. Mechanical repairs should not be ignored. Youngsters offer uncommonly mature suggestions, so don’t hesitate to seek out their ideas. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

Comparison shopping pays off, but written guarantees are essential. Decorating and renovating are favoured. Property transactions require detailed review. In romance you soar toward cloud nine. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Organisation is the keyword. Resist the tendendy to take on too many projects simultaneously. Your sense of humour is bright and wins new admirers. Surprise bills may arrive after Thursday. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

This is a great week for concluding projects rather than launching new schemes. Your partner may surprise you with a travel-related announcement. a family reunion offers an opportunity for making new friends. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

You should make some ﬁnancial gains this week. Don’t feel guilty if you wish to spoil yourself. Your natural tact and good humour makes you highly popular in the workplace and the community. CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

Proﬁtmaking ideas can now be put into action. Bargain hunting is favourable but overdue payments remain slow in coming. A solution to a dilemma may be found in a favourite book. AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

This is a good week for business, in which ideas sparkle and you are most persuasive. Stay clear of prying neighbours. A former admirer may contact you. Keep your ideas open for a bargain. PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Your memory plays tricks and it’s wise to keep a diary of events and appointments. If any repairs need to be done, stay clear of amateurs. BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are self-sufficient, filled with compassion and always logical. In romance you could afford to be more spontaneous. Relationships are spotlighted. A unique business opportunity may evolve soon.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, September 8: 11am St Peter’s MidWeek HC. Sunday, September 12: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Exploring Worship Service, 10.30am Union Church (St Andrew’s), Tarwin Lower, HC. Tuesday, September 14: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk / St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am. ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am. ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion. CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984. ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248. A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466. Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219. Leongatha South Gippsland Liberty Fellowship - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm. Office: 5662 3100. Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984. CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha. Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly; Kids Club Wednesdays 4pm Guide Hall. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455. THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Meeting every Sunday

at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School 11.30am. CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday. Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday. Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays. St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass. Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass. Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass. KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214. GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at the 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 Claire Emerton or Lieutenant Rachael Collins, ph. 5662 5122. SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship. Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228. PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump

5662 2107. CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. Teaching service at 7.30pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2762. Minister: Rev. Ron Nauta. UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, September 12, 9am and 10.45am. Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday. BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Phone 5658 1366. BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi. Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769. MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall. COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm. SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 9853 6627. FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

It’s all organic,” Alan said. And while there are no secrets to growing the broccoli, he does not do it all alone. “My little granddaughters Maddie and Sharni help out. They love to potter around the garden with me,” Alan said. The girls are four and six respectively, and granddad enjoys the enthusiasm they bring to the garden. He also says he prefers vegetables grown on his own land, and when they are growing this big it is no wonder. “I prefer to eat my own grown broccoli, as that way I know what I’m eating,” he said. And with the size of these vegies, there is no doubt he will be eating for a while.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 15. 17. 19. 20.

ACROSS Pollute (11) Floor-covering (4) Splendid (8) Articulate (6) Holiday (6) Standing (6) Sparing (6) Sportsman (8) Cheese (4) Immoderate (11)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 18.

DOWN Guileless (8) Objective (6) Ferocious (6) Naked (4) Modest (6) Cool (5) Cooking vessel (8) Sluggish (6) Grave (6) Animal (6) Subside (5) Location (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8238 ACROSS 6. Making a pattern which reveals intelligence (11). 7. Coming back, have a natter and a yarn (4). 8. “Free the deer,” the lady said (8). 9. Observed the man had amended the deed (6). 10. Give, in an elastic sort of way (6). 12. For a small figure one’s got some food (6). 15. Colour and leave (6). 17. Displays where one lives? (5,3). 19. UnEnglish? Not a bit of it! (4). 20. If money talks, what it talks in? (6,5). DOWN 1. Of an admirer, assume it means “intermittent” (3,3,2). 2. Searched for somewhere to sleep (6). 3. Opens with some exhibits from a War Museum (6). 4. Let slip it’s a female (4). 5. Being treated, pehaps, by a doctor but not properly? (6). 6. To illustrate it, am I to put up a picture? (5). 11. Mean a no-one will have a big opinion of himself! (8). 13. How ill-tempered the fishmonger is? (6). 14. Capturing, in a ridiculous pose, the American wife (6). 15. Why shift it back inside? (6). 16. Spring never starts for this animal (5). 18. At long last the boy is happy (4).

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Pulling plug on cyber bullying By Tayla Kershaw FOR quite some time, cyber bullying has been considered a worldwide issue that parents, children and educators are constantly advised to be wary about. Schools have been taking into account that students have access to unﬁltered sites that are difﬁcult to control and have taken the initiative to block such unwanted sites. However, this does not erase the entire problem, as students from Leongatha Primary School have found themselves exposed to cyber bullying by means of the social networking website, Facebook. Although this problem did not occur within

the school, the ICT savvy staff members have taken it upon themselves to pick up on this problem and discuss its impacts, exercising a broader duty of care. Parents are being urged to be more aware of their children’s activity on Facebook. As a precaution, parents ought to ensure they are an “open friend” with their child, meaning they have open access to what is sent or received, and keep their home computer and internet access secure. Situating the computer in an open part of the house rather than tucked away in a bedroom can be an effective way of dealing with internet usage. The school has been the host of parent information meetings, with 70 people attending.

Teacher bridges cultures By Tayla Kershaw

AFTER four years as a travel agent, Kenji Misawa wanted more from life.

From Japan: Kenji Misawa, now teaching at Wonthaggi Secondary College.

Now he is a Japanese teacher at Wonthaggi Secondary College. He came to Australia from Japan in 1996, after travelling to 10 countries but ﬁnding each trip lacked depth. Mr Misawa wanted a deeper understanding of a country and to be a bridge between Australia and Japan by teaching the language. He studied teaching at the University of Technology, Sydney, and also at Macquarie University. Teaching in Australia is different to educating in Japan. Relationships between teachers and students in Australia are friendlier, whereas students are expected to be formal in Japan. He enjoys teaching senior students, as they are keen to learn and show respect. Mr Misawa has no intention to teach anything other than the Japanese language. There were a few cultural changes to become accustomed to upon arriving in

Australia. People work harder in Japan, experiencing long hours and little time for a private life. Mr Misawa finds he has more time to spare in Australia. The work ethic is still excellent, but he has peace of mind. Australia is more accepting when it comes to people from foreign countries. The country is a lot more tolerant and finding work is easy. Japanese lifestyle is quite traditional, which is fantastic, but it does make it difficult for foreigners to live and work in. Japan has a very strict structure, where Australia has a more modern nature. Mr Misawa prefers living in the countryside to explore more of Australia. Cities are similar worldwide, and although he enjoyed his time in Melbourne and Sydney, he prefers his lifestyle in a smaller town. Living in a foreign country does have its downside, however. It is hard to live with family at such a distance. Mr Misawa has his wife and children in Australia, but the rest of his family is still in Japan. “Technology is a great way to catch up with friends,” he said.

Landslip closes walk A LANDSLIP has forced the closure of Lime Burners Walk, between Walkerville South and Walkerville North in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. Recent rain caused the displacement of a large section of the hill above the trail, said ranger-incharge, Gerard Delaney. “The debris on the trail and the threat of a further landslip has forced the

immediate closure of the walk,” Mr Delaney said. “We understand that this is a popular coastal walk, but unfortunately the trail will have to be closed for the foreseeable future in the interests of public safety. “There is an immediate risk of further slippage, particularly if we get more rain as predicted.” Access to the historic Walkerville Cemetery is now via a return trip from Walkerville North. The viewing platforms

overlooking the lime kilns and Walkerville South Beach are still accessible. The area is known to be unstable due to historic limestone mining in the area. Mining in the area occurred between 1878 and 1926. Unfortunately, the limestone stabilised the cliff and its removal created steeper slopes that are more prone to erosion. Parks Victoria has sought geotechnical advice on the area.

Fun time: Nadisha enjoys the Mother Goose session.

Mother Goose comes to town WONTHAGGI parents with babies and toddlers can now enjoy the Mother Goose Circle Time program in their own town.

Scouts create fun HOT air balloons were crafted when the Tarwin River Venturers joined with Leongatha Scouts for a night recently. The kids played games and used tis-

sue paper, foil and candles to make balloon models. Enjoying the night were, front, from left, Erin Baudinette, Lauren Baudinette and Emily Cashin with Ben Browning and Scouts.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Mary MacKillop College, Leongatha Secondary College, Evelyn Stevens (13th 15th 16th 17th), and National Bank (14th) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning September 13, 2010.

Mother Goose Circle Time has been a popular early years program for parents with young children over the past several months in the Bass Coast, with Cowes and Bass hosting programs in term one and two this year. Mother Goose engages parents and carers with babies aged up to three years, in a group session of songs, rhymes, storytelling and ﬁnger-play. West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation’s Fiona Maud facilitates the sessions each Tuesday at 10am to 11am. The program is run from the Bass Coast Community Health Service on the corner of Watt and Billson Streets, Wonthaggi. “It’s a beautiful opportunity to teach our babies and toddlers some of the old rhymes and songs we knew as children,” Ms Maud said. “The children love it – their smiling faces and giggles are testimony to the joy they are sharing with their mum or dad and the group around them.” At the Mother Goose Circle Time program, parents and carers sit in a circle and remember and recite old songs and rhymes, and share new ones amongst the group. “It’s great when we have people from all cultures sharing the songs, rhymes and stories of their childhood,” Ms Maud said. The session includes a healthy morning tea for the children and a cuppa for mum, dad or grandma/pa. The program is an initiative of the South Coast Early Years Literacy Project, the Best Start Initiative, Bass Coast Maternal Child Health and the Supported Parents and Playgroups Initiative. Mother Goose Circle Time is open to all families. There is no cost and the program runs until the end of term three and possibly into term four. For more information or to book a place, contact Fiona Maud on 5674 1169 or www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 37

Cities, nature interpreted A JOINT exhibition now showing in Leongatha explores the magic of cities and an artist’s connection with nature. “Urban Jungle” is a collection of photography by Anne Pinkstone of Koonwarra and feltwork by Heather McFee. The exhibition will be displayed at Mushroom Crafts in Bair Street until September 30. Anne’s photography explores the quirky lines, shapes and textures of Melbourne and Hobart, from grafﬁti-covered laneways and reﬂections in skyscrapers, to signs and bicycles propped against shops. Transport, such as scooters and trains, feature throughout her work and always have. The subject just fascinates her. “I like to make people wonder about things, such as why those umbrellas are there, hovering in the laneway,” Anne said. A mystical photo of an old building at Hobart was taken late at night, the slow shutter speed of the camera giving a painterly quality to the piece. Patterns of steel at a building site are contrasted against a vivid orange background, digitally enhanced by the artist to create a stunning effect. Aspects of stairs, bricks, bin, furniture and laneways are explored in a manner strange to the eye without artistic training. An image of Southern Cross Station in Melbourne depicts a platform bordered by trains on either side, successfully breaking the artistic rule of composition: never place your subject in the centre. Anne’s piece of the ANZ Banking Museum in Melbourne, framed by skyscrapers, won the photography prize at

Photographer’s eye: Anne Pinkstone and “Fire Hydrant, Hose Reel”.

the Chelsea Art Show in 2009. Heather’s feltwork is inﬂuenced by her childhood on a farm at Phillip Island, surrounded by bush and farmland, and her connection with the beauty of nature. “I have always enjoyed looking at different art and craft objects and thinking how I could put my own twist on these creations,” she said. After retiring in 2007, she devoted more time to creating works from nature materials, mixing textures, colours and media. “I enjoy working with threads and ﬁbres that have a three dimensional aspect,” she said.

Italian influence shows VISITORS from Melbourne’s art world travelled to the Meeniyan Art Gallery for the opening of Andrew Southall’s exhibition, “Umbrian Series 2009”. Excellent sales were recorded amongst the many guests from across Gippsland. Andrew’s latest etchings and monoprints have not been shown before. The works are in-

spired by his visit, with his wife Anne, to Italy in 2009 where he spent three months sketching and printing while staying at a farmhouse and printing studio just outside Perugia. Andrew has captured the warmth and character of the Umbrian countryside. His skilfully created etchings and monoprints - whether they are in black and white, bistre, yellow, emerald, magenta or sanguine - evoke the Umbrian landscape with

its mediaeval stonework, the hues of the ripening crops, the beautiful colours and warmth of the sunﬂowers which abound in the region. Andrew has exhibited widely throughout Australia and overseas. His work is now included in major private and public collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria. Meeniyan Art Gallery invites art fans to come and enjoy this important exhibition until September 23.

Well attended: Andrew Southall and his wife Anne at the opening of the exhibition at Meeniyan Art Gallery.

Canvas mount: “Wafﬂe On”, taken of a café in Degreaves Street, Melbourne.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Teens discover musical flair HAVING a disability may be frustrating but teenagers at the South Gippsland Specialist School are not letting that obstacle hinder their love of music.

Singing from the heart: singer Deanne with Tim on bass guitar and Victoria on tambourine, singing Travelin’ Soldier by the Dixie Chicks.

History relived STUDENTS at Mirboo North Secondary College have turned into ﬁlm makers, creating a documentary on local history since the arrival of Strzelecki all those years ago. The assignment, which is created in conjunction with the Melbourne Arts Centre, is due to be presented there later

Senior students have formed their own rock band, “The Kroft”, and are now rehearsing for a major performance backing internationally renowned Melbourne band, “Rudely Interrupted”, also featuring musicians with a disability. School principal Jane Dadge dreamed of having a garage-type rock band showcasing talented students, and music therapist Greg Wright teamed with the teens to take up the challenge. The band began earlier this year and rehearses in a room at the school, named “The Croft”, after which the ensemble is named. “Every student in the band has a disability of some kind but all have the love of music and the de-

sire to want to play,” Mr Wright said. The band features lead singer Deanne, Tim on bass guitar, Stirling on guitar, Victoria on tambourine, and Cathryn, Annie and Daniel on drums. Cathryn enjoys the challenge of keeping time and the music she makes brings a smile to her face. Victoria had never learnt music before and is relishing the fun. Once word got out that the specialist school had a band, the South Coast Access Alliance invited the group to perform at the Active Abilities Wheelchair basketball event in Korumburra in June. “This was the ﬁrst time the students had ever played in public and all of them let their fear go and had a great time and produced some fantastic music, which surprised all who were there,” Mr Wright said. The band will team up with “Rudely Interrupted” at San Remo in November.

Hitting notes: Daniel and Cathryn on drums. Absent: fellow percussionist, Annie.

this year. The school, which was one of three chosen for this project, has been visited by ﬁlm-makers in a bid to help the students become familiar with the equipment. The Year 7s have researched history books and the internet, and will be interviewing members of the local historical society to further help their search.

Three blind mice: Hannah, Lauren and friend.

Parade tells stories A BOOK character parade was held at Tarwin Valley Primary School recently to celebrate Book Week.

Lights, camera, action: Kayne O’Connell and Sarah Thorpe are starting to familiarise themselves with the technology required to make their short history ﬁlm.

Students and staff dressed up in a variety of costumes depicting great characters from traditional favourite stories to contemporary characters such as Zac Power. The staff were particularly amusing as all the characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Students will continue the theme into Literacy and Numeracy Week with the Partners in Rhyme Poetry Competition and culminating with their annual school performance of Quest on Thursday.

Looking the part: Fraser West and Campbell Ion dressed as characters from the popular story book, The Cat in the Hat.

Kids bring books to life STUDENTS at Wonthaggi North Primary School marked Book Week with a range of activities focusing on the short listed books from the Children’s Book Council of Australia. All students listened to a range of stories during their library lessons and voted on their favourites. To ﬁnish off the week students dressed up as book characters.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 39

• VLE LEONGATHA

Demand lifts farmers’ returns GENERALLY, the larger sale of young and grown cattle sold to strong demand and results were unchanged to 5c/kg dearer. This was seen across the whole sale, although due to poor quality some prices were lower, some were higher, averaging equal to the previous week. There was extra competition from interstate in the bullock sale, although they made no purchases. Otherwise the regular buyers all wanted cattle creating the strong demand. There were 37 vealers penned, which made from 173c to 211c/kg, being 1c to 2c/kg dearer. Heifers made up 95 per cent of the young cattle sold with 100 head yarded, as there were 90 grown heifers of mixed quality sold in this section of the sale also. The yearlings made between 170c and 202c/kg for most sales, while their older sisters sold from 153c to 174c/kg. The penning of 300 grown steers and bullocks did include some very good quality prime bullocks, as well as some younger steers. Prices were 3c dearer, which saw C3 and C4 bullocks make from 180c to 195c/kg. The best of the heavy yearling steers made to 196c/kg. Manufacturing bullocks sold well for the quality offered, with the better grades making from 168c to 182c, which included Friesians to 171c/kg. Plainer bullocks made between 137c and 166c/kg. Cows sold very well, especially considering the very poor condition of a large percentage of the sale of 585 head. There was some good quality cows sold, but very few medium quality cows were yarded. A larger number of the cows were in plain 1 score condition, and a good number had very large udders, which detracts from dressing percentages. Better quality beef cows made from 152c to 162c, while most of the larger frame dairy cows made between 135c to 156c/kg. Providing they were sound, lighter weight poor condition cows made from 105c to 135c/kg. The carcass weight price was estimated to be 300c/kg.

Price rise likely GRAIN prices are predicted to increase drastically this season. Department of Primary Industries industry development officer Frank Mickan said global incidents, such as the severe drought in Russia and the potential devastation due to locusts of Australian grain crops and possibly cereal hay, would influence prices. “So once again, dairy farmers need to be vigilant in combating these and other continuing rises in costs to achieve some sort of profit,” Mr Mickan said. He urged farmers to properly manage pasture to get the most from it and then supplementary feed at the most profitable level to complement the pasture base.

Wednesday, September 1 BULLOCKS 11 V. & F. Murdica, Leongatha 12 W. & J. Leviston, Hazelwood 14 I. McRaw, Moyarra 8 Franlaw P/L, San Remo 14 A. & P. Brown, Wattlebank 12 L. & M. Wicks, Yinnar

629kg 660kg 642kg 635kg 627kg 595kg

194.6 194.0 194.0 191.0 190.6 190.0

$1224 $1280 $1245 $1213 $1194 $1130

STEERS 1 W.G. & F.M. Pratt, Inverloch 2 B. & M. Wright, Nyora 1 K.A. & S.I. Gillilard, Won Wron 1 P.H., N.F. & D.P. Moore, Yarram 28 D.J. Bentley, Leongatha South 4 D.G. & A. McKenzie, Calrossie

245kg 368kg 375kg 475kg 493kg 311kg

205.0 202.0 196.0 190.0 189.0 175.6

$502 $742 $735 $902 $932 $546

COWS 1 Hot Coles P/L, Wonga Wonga 1 S. Blancato, Foster 1 A.S. & C. Cook, Toora 1 C. Delbridge, Doomburrim 1 L. Hunter, Nyora 1 L.G., L.A. & T.C. Calder, Meeniyan

685kg 575kg 565kg 545kg 610kg 725kg

161.6 $1106 160.0 $920 160.0 $904 160.0 $872 160.0 $976 160.0 $1160

HEIFERS 1 A.J. & B.R. Moyle, Lance Creek 1 Almarujo Nominees P/L, Leongatha Nth 1 D.D. Slade, Woolamai 1 K.L. & C.M. Tonkin, Outtrim 2 K.H. Perry, Yinnar 2 B. & M. Wright, Nyora

395kg 385kg 225kg 275kg 310kg 363kg

211.2 205.6 205.0 205.0 203.6 202.0

$834 $791 $461 $563 $631 $732

1025kg 975kg 1150kg 920kg 815kg 855kg

170.0 170.0 168.0 165.0 163.2 162.2

$1742 $1657 $1932 $1518 $1330 $1386

BULLS 1 A.C. & L.A. Mitchell, Leongatha 1 K. & L. Heggen, Binginwarri 1 Vuiller Shorthorns, Waratah 1 E.J. & A. Opray, Dumbalk 1 M. & L. Huitson, Kernot 1 J.P. Prunetti, Fish Creek

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Weed Alert a draw card THE Weed Alert, Grow Me Instead display by the South Gippsland Landcare Network proved to be a successful addition to this year’s Leongatha Daffodil Festival. The relaxed atmosphere of the festival got people talking and exchanging

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw September 8 & 9 1. David Phelan 2. Alex Scott 3. Rodwells 4. Elders 5. SEJ 6. Landmark

SALE DATES Leongatha

Wednesday, Sept 8 Prime Sale - 8.30am Thursday, Sept 9 Store Sale - 10am

Pakenham

Monday, Sept 13 Prime Sale - 8am Tuesday, Sept 14 Export Sale - 8.30am Thursday, Sept 16 Store Sale - 10am

ideas on how to best manage problem plants. With visitors from Rye on the Mornington Peninsula to Wye River and everywhere else in between, there was no shortage of ideas and ﬁrst hand experiences. Many visitors with a horticultural background were able to recognise the plants on display and understand the impacts those plants can have if left uncontrolled. Other visitors were unaware of the threat posed to the environment by common garden plants such as Arum Lily. Aside from the Weed Alert plant specimens, the native plant giveaway was also popular, with more than 100 tube stock plants given to individuals who could name the environmental weeds. Representatives from the community, Department of Primary Industries, South Gippsland Shire Council, VicRoads and the South Gippsland Landcare Network involved were pleased with how well the display was received. Future involvement in the festival will be supported through the South Gippsland Community

Giving examples: Courtney Lever, South Gippsland Landcare Network graduate ofﬁcer, explains the impacts environmental weeds can have to interested visitors at the Leongatha Daffodil Festival. Weeds Taskforce. Thank you to those involved in making the display possible. Anyone who is interested in the control of weeds on their property, please give Kate Williams a call or check out the South Gippsland weeds website www.southgippslandweeds.com.au The website has information about identifying and controlling weeds in

South Gippsland, including a comprehensive photo gallery and news about upcoming events. A highlight will be fox control days at Coal Creek, Korumburra tomorrow (Wednesday, September 8) and Wednesday, October 27 at Foster War Memorial Arts Centre. Landholders can learn about current fox control programs and hear from

guest speakers such as Stuart Murphy of the Phillip Island Nature Park, and Gareth George of the DPI. He will speak about integrated pest management, the use of 1080 baits, legalities of using 1080 and constructing bait stations. RSVP essential to South Gippsland Landcare Network on 5662 5759.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 41

Learning lots: Stony Creek dairy farmer Daryl “Stumpy” Sinclair discusses GPS technology with Windmill Ag’s Meeniyan manager, Jason Henry.

GPS saves farmers money FARMERS learnt l t of the many beneﬁts of using GPS technology during a demonstration day at Meeniyan last Tuesday. Meeniyan-based John Deere dealership, Windmill Ag, offered information about various Global Positioning System units now on the market. By using GPS, farmers and contractors can lower their fuel, fertiliser, spray and seed costs by pinpointing locations in a paddock, reducing wastage and minimising the skipping of areas. Windmill Ag precision agricultural consultant, Greg Belsar, travelled from the company’s Ballarat ofﬁce to explain the advantages of the ever evolving systems. “In South Gippsland, GPS can be used for spreading fertiliser and spraying, as well as tillage. Even on small paddocks, there are input cost savings to be made on fuel, fertiliser and chemicals,” he said. Potato and other vegetable farmers are able to use GPS units for accurate bed forming and subsequent planting. Top end systems allow a rate of accuracy of

within 2cm 2cm, while cheap cheaper systems can guide a tractor to within 25cm of a speciﬁc point. Parts of a paddock already sprayed or sowed can be delineated and marked to avoid overspraying or sowing. “The big part of GPS equipment is that because it is software based, what the systems can do changes rapidly,” Greg said. “But when people buy GPS systems from us, they know there is someone they can come back to.” Some systems can document pesticide application rates, sow-

ing rates rates, all via colour touch screens or keypads mounted in the tractor cabin. Units can generate perspective or overhead views, and the John Deere universal steering kit automatically guides older tractors and other brands for total accuracy. Greg was promoting the John Deere and Leica GeoSystems GPS Equipment, and farmers travelled from across South Gippsland to attend. To ﬁnd out more, visit Windmill Ag at Meeniyan or phone 5664 7365.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Classifieds

Sell it in the "Star"

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

public notices

MELBOURNE SHOW

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Water Act 1989 Notice of applications to grant new Bulk Entitlements

“NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER”

$44 Adults $29 Child 5-14yrs $34 Student and Concession Cards $15 Bus Fare only (no show ticket)

28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH

Book early to reserve a seat All tickets must be paid for by September 15 Departing 7.45am Inverloch BOOKINGS: Phone Judy or Ross Wise 5674 3090 or 0407 343 451

Gippy Waste mitch36674

The Minister for Water, the Hon Tim Holding MP, has received applications to grant new bulk entitlements under section 36 of the Water Act 1989. • City West Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water have each applied for bulk entitlements to water produced from the Victorian Desalination Project. • Barwon Water, South Gippsland Water, Western Water and Westernport Water have each applied for bulk entitlements to water from the augmented Melbourne water supply system. The new bulk entitlements will allocate up to 150 billion litres per year of water produced from the Victorian Desalination Project to Melbourne. They will also allocate up to 40 billion litres of water per year from Melbourne to Geelong, and to towns in greater western Melbourne, South Gippsland and Western Port. These water sharing arrangements have been made possible by investment in major water projects including expanding the Victorian Water Grid and building the Victorian Desalination Project. The new bulk entitlements are part of the next stage of the Government’s Our Water Our Future plan to provide long-term solutions to secure the State’s water supplies. Further information on the applications can be obtained from the Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or at: www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/allocation/bulk-entitlement-applications Dated: Saturday 28 August 2010. www.ourwater.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186

Prices include admission and bus fare

Cleaning • Septic Tanks • Portable Toilets • Water Tanks Phone Stephen

0422 998 025 1800 611 368

HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropratic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

Mardan Family Dance Saturday, September 18 8pm - 12 MARDAN HALL Music by Rhonda Richards $6 single, $15 family A plate of supper please Enquiries Julie Coulter 5664 1201

HEAD 2 HEAD 4 YOUTH Friday, September 10 - 7.30pm St Peter’s Church McCartin Street, Leongatha Youth Presentations & Motivational Speakers ART YOUTH PATHWAYS MUSIC SUPPER FREE All welcome

situations vacant

TRAVEL CONSULTANT Minimum 12 months experience in a travel agency. Email resumé to allworld@bigpond.net.au Contact Travelscene Wonthaggi 5672 1168.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 43

situations vacant

Truck Driver HC

Apprentice Butcher

Office Administrator

Full Time

4-5 days per week The Great Southern Star currently has a vacancy for an office administrator. You will be responsible for the day to day operations in the reception area including directing incoming calls, as well as receiving advertisements and client payments over the counter. The position also includes banking, doing the payroll, as well as performing company tasks like preparing BAS statements and fulfilling the company’s corporate requirements. We are seeking a person with priority on customer service as well as possessing sound computer and cashbook skills with a preferred working knowledge of the MYOB Premier software. An attractive salary package will be offered to the successful applicant. A written application with three references can be emailed, hand delivered or posted to the Star by next Tuesday, September 14. Attention to the manager: Tony Giles, email: tony@thestar.com.au or post to P.O Box 84, Leongatha. Vic 3953 Enquiries can be directed to the manager on 0407 528 192

South Gippsland Cars & Offroad require an

EXPERIENCED MOTOR MECHANIC

Wanted at Inverloch Quality Meats RELIABLE AND KEEN TO WORK Apply in person or drop a resumé off at the shop: 1c A’Beckett Street, Inverloch Phone 5674 1635

Screedhand / finisher required immediately. Enquiries on 0407 623 585 Email to bruce@slabworks.com.au

Full Time DAIRY POSITION CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Moonya has a proud 56 year history as a leading provider in the areas of Adult Training and Supported Employment Services for people with disabilities. The successful applicant will have the ability to work with a community Board of Management, our clients and their families/carers. Moonya is an equal opportunity employer and the successful applicant will be required to undertake a full police check. For a position description and an information pack please contact: Mr Joe Basten President Board of Management 0407 515 859 admin@moonya.org.au Applications close 4pm September 24, 2010

for an immediate start We have a modern well equipped workshop and require a person who is highly motivated and able to work without supervision. We service and repair all makes and models of cars and four wheel drives. We are an ARB stockist and supply and fit four wheel drive accessories to a wide range of customers in the Gippsland region. Wages are negotiable based on experience. If you wish to be part of the successful team at South Gippsland Cars & Offroad please apply in person to Glenn Markley at South Gippsland Cars & Offroad, 2 Tilson Court, Leongatha. All applicants will be treated confidentially.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA MIDWIFERY Bass Coast Regional Health (Wonthaggi Hospital) is a 54-bed acute hospital with an integrated Maternity Service supporting 150 births per year. Applications are invited from Registered Nurses to apply for a position in our Graduate Diploma of Midwifery Program. This program is run in conjunction with Monash University’s Gippsland Campus. Acceptance on the course is a pre-requisite. The course commences in February 2011 and is run on a part-time basis over two years and is supported by qualified Midwives and Clinical Educators throughout the program. For further information call Barb Harrison on 5671 3333. Written applications should be addressed to: Nursing Administration Bass Coast Regional Health PO Box 120 Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Closing Date: Friday, October 1, 2010

Experience preferred House available WELSHPOOL AREA Phone 0429 841 381

DAIRY FARM HAND Milking General farm work Tractor driving duties Must have experience Phone after 7pm 5683 2402

Education Leadership Opportunity – Gippsland Commercial Manager National Centre Dairy Education Australia The National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) is an organisation which has experienced rapid growth and expansion across Australia over the past four years. It provides innovative and ﬂexible education and training for the dairy industry throughout Australia.

POSITION VACANT Staff Educator Registered Nurse - Division 1 Grade 4 48 hours per fortnight

As a result of our continued growth and changed responsibilities we are seeking a Manager for our Gippsland Team. The key responsibilities will include the management of current programs and delivery as well as the development and implementation of strategies to address the future needs of the industry. An attractive total remuneration package will be negotiated, including superannuation and a vehicle. The position will be based at either our Leongatha or Warragul sites To view the Position Description and to apply online please access our website at www.gotafe.vic.edu.au For assistance in applying online or for further information please call the Organisational Development Unit on (03) 5833 2629. Closing date for applications is 4.00pm Wednesday 15th September 2010.

ZO010940

Gippsland Southern Health Service invites applications for the above position. The successful applicant should have the following: • Extensive clinical experience in acute and residential care. • Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment or an undertaking to complete this. • A post graduate education qualification (or working towards same) is desirable. • Ability to be able to communicate at all levels. • The ability to be able to plan, develop and evaluate education programs to achieve best practice. GSHS offers a comprehensive orientation program on commencement of employment. All staff have access to excellent staff mentoring, education and support programs. Salary Packaging is available to all permanent staff. All applicants will be required to supply a current satisfactory police check. 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. Applicants are also encouraged to contact Neil Langstaff on 5667 5507 to discuss the employment opportunities at GSHS. Completed application kits can be forwarded by Friday, September 17, 2010 to:Neil Langstaff Director of Nursing Inpatient/Residential Care Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA VIC 3953

CONCRETER

Tipper driver required for delivery of stockfeed products Based Korumburra / Leongatha area Must be reliable and have HC experience Above award wages apply Tim 0428 350 856

Corporate Information Management Coordinator

$76K package including super Permanent full time including option for 9 day fortnight Council has an exciting opportunity for an experienced information management specialist. Reporting to the Information Services Manager, you will be responsible for the effective delivery of information management practices, systems and processes and compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures. You will have tertiary qualifications in Information Management with relevant experience or extensive experience and certifications and knowledge of relevant legislation including Public Records Act, Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act. Your knowledge and understanding of records management preferably in Local Government, your strong communication skills and your ability to lead and influence others to achieve agreed outcomes, will be highly regarded. We welcome direct discussion with Raelene Bennett, Manager Information Services on (03) 5662 9200.

Coal Creek Community Park & Museum

Customer Service Ofﬁcer

2 x permanent part time positions 37.5 hour fortnightly roster including weekends An exciting opportunity exists to provide customer service and administrative support at Coal Creek Community Park & Museum. You will have experience in providing exceptional customer service, cash handling and ofﬁce administration within the hospitality and tourism sector. You will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of a range of customer service and administration duties including answering enquiries, taking bookings for groups, special functions and use of various facilities within the Park. You will have strong and accurate keyboard, word processing and spreadsheet skills. Your good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team will be highly regarded. We welcome direct contact with Rowena Ashley, Coal Creek Coordinator on (03) 5655 1811 regarding this role. Applications for the above positions addressing the selection criteria are to be submitted by 5pm Wednesday 22 September 2010 addressed to: Human Resources, South Gippsland Shire Council, Private Bag 4, Leongatha 3953 or emailed to careers@southgippsland.vic.gov.au Further information and position descriptions Human Resources on (03) 5662 9200 or www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

are available from visit our website

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

situations vacant

EXPERIENCED FARM WORKER

situations vacant

Royal Standard Hotel TOORA

Needed to assist with mixed farming operations at Tarwin Lower and Walkerville. Person should be experienced with cattle and sheep husbandry, machinery operation and maintenance, and pasture and weed management. Immediate start Phone 0419 397 820

BAR ATTENDANT Must be TAB accredited

FOOD WAITRESSES / KITCHEN HANDS Experience preferred but not essential. Will train Must be prepared to work weeknights / Saturday / Sunday and Public Holidays Call Garry on 0418 278 296 for appointments

LEONGATHA Permanent Part-Time Capeview currently have a position available for Saturdays and Sundays. We require someone who has excellent customer service, computer literate, and willing to learn all aspects of the hardware industry. Retail experience would be preferred, but not essential. Please forward resumés to: Capeview Mitre 10 Attention: Ben Davey Lot 2 Cusack Road, Leongatha 3953

WANTED Chartered Accountant

DAIRY FARM ASSISTANT Duties involved: Milking through a high-tech automative 50 bail rotary, feeding and moving stock, shifting irrigators, and general farm duties, on a farm in Middle Tarwin. This job requires a can-do attitude and good communication skills. Previous farm and machinery skills are deﬁnitely an advantage but not necessary (training can be given). We offer good pay rates and room to develop a career. Hours are negotiable. We are looking for a person/s who can assist with milking either mornings, afternoons or weekends, to ﬁt into a roster. This job is suitable for someone who enjoys working outside, likes animals and is keen to learn. Good references essential Initial enquiries to Alan or Helen 5663 4248 or 0488 377 598 or 0407 062 509.

situations vacant

for sale

SEWING MACHINE

AN ACCOUNTANT WITH VISION TO JOIN OUR TEAM TAX EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL

COUNTRY LIFESTYLE LEONGATHA

300 COWS Rotary Meeniyan area

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

Phone 0488 064 447

5672 3127

NO TRAFFIC JAMS ONLY 1.5 HOURS FROM CITY CHALLENGING CAREER PROSPECTS PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Perrett & Associates No. 2 Pty Ltd CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 5662 4111 Email current resumé to admin@perrettandassociates.com.au

Employment Innovations Victoria Pty Ltd is a provider of employment services under Job Services Australia and has been helping Gippslanders find work via Government employment services since 1998. A position has now become available in our Wonthaggi Office for a full time Employment Consultant. The successful applicant will be required to possess excellent verbal and written skills, previous customer service experience and a good working knowledge of computers. All applications must address the Selection Criteria stated in the Position Description which can be obtained by emailing wonthaggi@eiv.com.au or telephone Wonthaggi Office on (03) 5671 4800. Applications to be addressed to Alisha Twite, Site Manager, Employment Innovations Vic, Shop 7, 1 Billson Street, Wonthaggi 3995 or emailed to atwite@eiv.com.au. Applications will close on Friday, September 10 @ 5pm. (Please note that this has been extended)

situations vacant

CONTRACT MILKER WANTED

The Sporting Capital of South Gippsland

Employment Consultant

situations vacant

SALES PERSON We are seeking a sales professional for the above position. We are a multi-franchise dealership with offices in Leongatha and Wonthaggi. The successful applicant will be working in a modern showroom with a friendly team selling Ford motor vehicles and used cars. Experience is preferred but not essential. The successful applicant will be able to work in a professional manner, be self-motivated and enthusiastic. Genuine career opportunity for a sales driven individual. Generous salary package offered, commensurate with age and experience. Written applications should be addressed as follows and marked confidential. Attention: Michael Westaway, Westaway Ford 1 Hughes Street, Leongatha 3953 Or via email: annew@wide.net.au Phone enquiries welcome on 5662 4144 Applications close September 16, 2010

for lease 140 ACRES - Meeniyan area. Ph: 5664-7219.

for rent 2 BEDROOM, unit close to shops, air cond, lock-up garage, $220 pw. 2 bedroom unit, walk to street, air cond, lock-up garage, $200 pw. Contact SEJ 5662-4033. BOARD AVAILABLE Leongatha, private room and living area. Suit single fully employed person, $150 - $200 per week. Glenda 0418-540533. ROOM for rent Inverloch, $150 pw. Bond required. Phone Tony 5674-6254. VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Permanent rental also available. Contact: 0408-320001.

REPAIRS & SALES

FREE QUOTES

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

PULLETS Wednesday, Sept 22 Commercial crossbreds. Fully vaccinated. Not debeaked. 12wk (Red - Brown) $13 Available from Elders Past., Leongatha 10.30am Phone 5662 3523 to order now (Brian Larkin Poultry) CARDS, Bibles, CDs, giftware available New Beginnings Christian Bookshop, 38 Bair Street, Leongatha. 5662-0999. CARAVAN, 2003 Galaxy Series 2 pop-top, 17’6” x 7’, excellent condition. Single beds, side kitchen, rollout awning, 3-way fridge, $23,750. Ph: 0417-673581. FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175 FIREWOOD Redgum, split & Deliverd 0409-218775.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

meetings

Previous applicants need not apply.

for sale FOR LEASE 1 purebred Belted Galloway bull 2½ years old. Quiet, well behaved. Pick up by truck only. 5668-7261 or 0427562280. HAY: 5x4 from $38.50 inc. SMALL SQUARES: From $5.50 inc. SILAGE: Knifed, inoc, clover and rye, excellent quality, $66 inc. Delivery available. Contact 0417532262. HAY - small square bales, VG quality, $7 per bale. Ph: 5662-2074. HAY - oaten, wheaten and lucerne, 8x4x3. Phone John for delivered price 0427-821755. HAY - small square bales, $6 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. No weeds. Mardan - 5664-1320, 0428999691. HEN HOUSES, fox proof, good quality, 6-8 chooks. Plus dog kennels. Ph: 5664-2443. MEAT CHICKS, day old, real meat breed, 2kg 6 weeks. Order now for Christmas. Ph: 0415305323 or 5657-2233. NSW red gum, split and delivered. 0412-486353 or 5664-9208. OATEN HAY, 8x4x3, shedded, feed tests, single or BD loads, $88 per tonne. 0418-501548. OLD PORT Poultry Farm. Delivering 20 w.o. laying hens to your area Saturday, September 18, $17 each. Ph: 0438-832535 (b/h), 5183-2515(a/h). SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each. Free delivery for pack lots. Phone Joe 0417-530662. STOCKFEED - shedded A Grade vetch hay and oaten hay, dry cow hay and straw, whole and crushed grains. Ph: 5380-8220, 0438544259. TIMBER - kiln dried blackwood, clear pine, silver wattle. Most sizes for furniture and craft. Also builder’s graded structural pine. Phone 5681-2261.

free Latrobe Community Health Service are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals for the following position:

Year 9 Teachers

ABN 74136502022

Project Manager - Gippsland Oral Health Consortium

Newhaven College requires outstanding and dynamic full-time teachers at our innovative Year 9 Environmental Centre. Combining a unique coastal lifestyle with an outstanding commitment to academic excellence, we are currently seeking applications from passionate and committed individuals ready to take on the challenges of adolescent education at our separate 82 acre campus. The ability to teach English or Mathematics would be an advantage, as would a strong interest in environmental issues.

Ref. no: 14287 Fixed Term Part Time 60.8 Hours per fortnight Based in Latrobe Valley

…Better health, Better lifestyles, Stronger communities…

Grade 5 Teacher Newhaven College is also seeking an enthusiastic and vibrant Grade 5 Teacher (0.75 FTE) in an ongoing capacity. Join us in further establishing our growing Junior School as we relocate to our brand-new Campus. Please visit www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au for a position description and application information. ZO061735

A unique opportunity exists for a self motivated person to take a lead role in innovation, change and a regional approach to Oral Health services in the Gippsland Region. Successful applicant will develop capacity and strategies for addressing oral health needs across a variety of clinic and promote change to implement the Gippsland Oral Health Plan. This position is fixed term for 12 months with possibility of extended employment. Please Contact Sue Medson on 03 5136 5314 for more information. Closing date for applications is 4:30pm, Monday 13 September 2010. Applications received for the above positions MUST address the stated Selection Criteria on the Position Description. Please visit website www.lchs.com.au for further information and to lodge your electronic application.

TARWIN LOWER AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE INC. NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice of Annual General Meeting to be conducted on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Centre, commencing at 10.30am. Light refreshments will be served following the meeting. BUSINESS: 1. To confirm minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting. 2. To receive the reports of the committee and financial statement. 3. To elect three members of the committee in place of retiring members. The retiring members for 2010 are: Mr N. Finck Mrs T. Morris Mr K. Luder In addition to the retiring members, there is one vacancy on the committee. 4. To consider any resolutions delivered within at least seven (7) days notice. Nominations for the Committee close on Friday, October 8, 2010, a current satisfactory police record check is required by people accepting positions for the Committee of Management. Committee nomination forms and Police Check forms (on-line) can be obtained from and completed at the Tarwin Lower Community Health Centre.

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

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 HOLDEN Statesman V6 2005, leather, reg. 8/11, cruise control, climate control, towbar, full service history, RWC, ex. condition, $22,000. Ph: 5662-3042.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 45

used vehicles NISSAN Navara 1992, 4x2 petrol ute with alum. tray, VGC, runs well, 194,000km, Reg. EIO561, as is $2,750. Ph: 5668-2023. SUBARU FORRESTER MYO8X, auto wagon, blue, excellent condition, Dec 2010 reg (WBF647), 63,700km, RWC, towbar, $22,000. 0408-121872. TOYOTA Prado, 2000, 4x4, petrol, white, 245,000km, 7 seats, RWC, roof racks, towbar, USM116, $9,999. Ph: 0409-426042, 0418586148, Korumburra. TRUCK, 1977 D Series Ford, 5m tilt tray, EC, low kms, RWC, $8,900. Ph: 0419-313483.

wanted to buy FURNITURE: Parker, Noblett, Tessa, Chiswell, Moran, or any quality brand name used furniture. Phone Wendy on 0409-234482.

garage sales

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

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Marker Pen • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $39 ADVERTISE by calling 5662 5555 or emailing classiﬁeds@thestar.com.au or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement

marriage celebrant

in memoriam FURPHY - June. 3.6.1926 - 6.9.2009 A year today, you went away, Your presence we miss, Your memory we treasure, Loving you always, Forgetting you never. Love Ros, David, Pauline, Lew, Colin, Julie, Geoff, Graeme, Dot, and families. KEE - James Victor (Vic). Passed away 11.9.97 and Rodney John Passed away 30.4.1958 Lovingly remembered. Thelma, Bill, Greg, and families. MARSHMAN - Tony. September 18, 2000 Remembered always with love, Mum, Dad, Suzi, Peter, David, Jai and Granny. McLEOD - Tony. 15.2.61 - 7.9.08 Two years today since you passed away. You are in my thoughts every day. Love Mum. McLEOD - Tony September 7, 2008 Never more than a thought away, Loved and remembered every day. Forever in my heart - Kez. We think about you always, We talk about you too, We have such happy memories, But wish we still had you. Love ya Dad - Brent, Jaim and Kase. MILLAR (Bowler) - Jean. Mum (Nan) we miss you more than words can say. You will always be in our hearts. Love you forever. Ann, Darren, Bonnie, Alana, Joel, Zac and Ethan. WALSH - Arthur. 8.9.08 A special Father, Grandfather and Pa. Missed every day by your loving family XXX.

deaths

bereavement thanks CALDER (Jean).

Olive

Jean

The family of the late Jean Calder would like to thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy, phone calls, cards and flowers. Sincere thanks to the staff of Woorayl Lodge, the doctors and nursing staff at Leongatha hospital and Handley Funeral Services. Anne, Jeff, Bruce, Peter, and their families.

deaths MILES - Joyce Evelyn. 18.4.1921 - 4.9.2010 Passed away at Prom View Lodge, Toora. Loved wife of Maurice (dec.). Much loved mother of Neil (dec.), Kevin (dec.), Ken, Bob and Kaylene. Loved mother-in-law of June, Maria and David. To your resting place we visit, Place flowers there with care, But no one knows our heartache, When we turn and leave you there. Dearly loved mother of Ken, mother-in-law of June. Gran Ma of Carolyn (dec.), Narelle, Nicole, Leanne, Sheryl, and partners. Great Gran Ma of 8. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but leaves us memories that no one can steal. Contact Gippsland Funeral Services, Foster, (03)56822443.

SHAW - Ron. Officers and members of the Inverloch Fire Brigade are saddened at the loss of former member and lieutenant, Ron Shaw. Deepest sympathy to the Shaw family.

deaths

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

PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

message of hope LET us not be weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.

births

WITH CARE & DIGNITY WE RESPECTFULLY SERVE THE DISTRICTS OF: LEONGATHA / KORUMBURRA Paul and Margaret Beck

5662 2717

FOSTER Paul and Margaret Beck

5662 2717

WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH Ray and Maree Anderson

5672 1074

PHILLIP ISLAND Ray and Maree Anderson

5952 5171

MEMBERS OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

crossword solutions

Top shots: winners Bernd Amesreiter, Tessy Amesreiter, Ken Spence, mayor Cr Jim Fawcett, Debbie Ackland and competition organiser, Nick Edwards.

Photo winners unveiled TESSY Amesreiter of Mount Best was all smiles when she was announced the winner of the best scenic image in the recent South Gippsland Photographic competition. Matching her delight was Ken Spence of Kardella who took out ﬁrst prize in the lifestyle category. Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett presented Tessy and Ken with cheques for $600 at the launch of the exhibition of entries on Saturday in front of an audience of 80 guests.

The exhibition, which attracted 223 entries, is now on display at the Coal Creek Community Gallery every day until September 30 from 9.30am to 4.30pm. “I’m extremely impressed with the calibre of the photographs and the interest and support from the community to help promote the region,” Cr Fawcett said. The photographs were judged by the mayor, international photographer Carolyn Johns, and council’s communications co-ordinator Jeannie Hicks, tourism co-ordinator

History rides again By Marli Draper

SYDNEY author Mary Small launched her book, Lennie’s Ride, about local lad Lennie Gwyther who rode his pony to Sydney to see the bridge be opened, last Saturday. The Leongatha Historical Society’s room was packed to capacity with interested locals and many descendants eager to hear the tale retold. Leongatha lad Lennie had been helping run the family farm back in the 1930s while his father was in hospital. Pleased with his efforts, his father asked Lennie what he might like. “To see the Sydney Harbor Bridge opening,” he replied. As it was during the depression this was not

situations vacant

easy to afford. “Never mind dad,” said the boy. “I’ll ride Ginger Mick”. He rode his pony all the way to Sydney and back again. John Murphy introduced the gathering to Mary and also to Beryl Ferrier, Lennie’s sister. He had known Lennie and shared many interesting insights. Mary told of her fascination with the bridge and the serendipitous way she had come to discover the amazing story of Lennie’s adventure. Beryl shared her recollections of her brother’s return: “I got the day off school. It was wonderful.” Lennie became famous at the time of his tenacious trip and was invited to meet Prime Minister Joseph Lyons as well as participate in the ofﬁcial parade. It looks like Lennie

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8238 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, In-formation. 7, Sag-a (rev.). 8, Buck-shee (she). 9, He-eded. 10, Supply. 12, S-C-one’s. 15, Maroon. 17, Hangs out. 19, Non-E. 20, Brassy voice. Down - 1, Of-f an-d on. 2, Pro-bed. 3, Lances. 4, Miss. 5, Un-well. 6, I-ma-ge (rev.). 11, Par-a-no-I-a. 13, Crabby. 14, Spo-US-e. 15, Mo-ti-ve. 16, (p)Ounce. 18, (lon)G-lad.

GRAYDEN - Welcome to Logan James Grayden born on 3.9.2010 at Leongatha at 1.59pm. First son for Stuart and Tenneale Grayden. Grandson for Valerie and Andrew Grayden, also Heather and Martyn Scrimshaw.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8238 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Contaminate. 7, Lino. 8, Gorgeous. 9, Fluent. 10, Easter. 12, Status. 15, Frugal. 17, Wrestler. 19, Edam. 20, Intemperate. Down - 1, Innocent. 2, Target. 3, Fierce. 4, Bare. 5, Demure. 6, Chill. 11, Saucepan. 13, Torpid. 14, Solemn. 15, Ferret. 16, Abate. 18, Site.

is set to become famous again for a new generation of literature and his-

tory lovers with the publication of Mary’s new book, Lennie’s Ride.

Lennie’s ladies: Lennie’s ride author Mary Small (right) and Lennie Gwyther’s sister Beryl Ferrier.

situations vacant

Are you keen to move to the big smoke? Exciting opportunities in growing businesses.

BROWN - Chris and Jodie would like to announce the arrival of Molly Louise, born September 5. A new little sister for Chloe (7) and Will (4). Special thanks to Tim Linton, Hugh Chisholm and Ben Shields.

Christian Stefani and economic development co-ordinator Ken Fraser. The winners are: Scenery category: ﬁrst, Tessy Amesreiter, “Misty Morning with Delight”; second, Bernd Amesreiter, “Last Light at Mt Best”; third, Gloria Haycroft, “Path to Squeaky Bay”. Lifestyle category: ﬁrst, Ken Spence, “KS2, Norman Bay”; second, Debbie Ackland, “Farmer Sophie!”; third, Tanya Allan-Privitera, “Mardan lifestyle”.

If you or someone you know is keen to work in Melbourne, opportunities exist at Bakers Delight South Melbourne and Bakers Delight Port Melbourne for apprentices (with no previous baking experience) through to experienced bakers. Please Contact Biddy on 0402 849 346 (South Melb) or Mick on 0419 142 314 (Port Melb).

Building better businesses by building better beings www.bakersdelight.com.au

Fans welcome: car-lovers will enjoyed the V8 Super Tour through the region this Friday.

Car fans, take note A PARADE of racing cars will pass through South Gippsland this Friday, in the lead-up to the Phillip Island 500 V8 Supercar Enduro weekend. The V8 Super Tour will leave the Korumburra Showgrounds at 9.15am, bound for the Stony Creek Go-Kart Circuit. The vehicles will be on display until 4.30pm, when the tour is waved off in Meeniyan, bound for Phillip Island. A night of events is planned at Phillip Island, ahead of racing at the weekend.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Leongatha golf IT’S hard to remember the last time this happened, but the course was closed to golfers on Saturday as the rain keeps on coming. Tuesday’s stableford required a photo ﬁnish with four golfers returning a score of 37 points. Dave Vorwerg obviously had the best nine score as he took the major prize from Ray Burton. Ken Wardle and Geoff McDonald were also in the frame but had to be content with down the line balls. Barry Stevens (14th) and Bruce Hutton (16th) were nearest the pin winners and balls went to the following: K. Wardle, G. McDonald 37, B. Stevens, K. Finney, J. Cummins, A. Hawkins 36, P. Walsh, G. Maher, K. Scott 35.

Thursday

South Gippsland Ladies Golf Association Country Team Squad: back: Helen Fraser (Leongatha), Lee Clements (Korumburra), Anne Walker (Wonthaggi), Sara Beale (Lang Lang) and Irene Holm (Meeniyan); front: Gale Tyers (Foster), Bec Thomas (Leongatha), Lesley Medowcroft (Phillip Island), Robyn Galloway (Foster) and Barb Warren (Foster).

South Gippsland Ladies Golf LAST week our district’s ladies country team squad of 10 players, Lesley Medowcroft (Phillip Island), Bec Thomas (Leongatha), Barb Warren (Foster), Anne Walker (Wonthaggi), Robyn Galloway (Foster), Sara Beale (Lang Lang), Gale Tyers (Foster), Helen Fraser (Leongatha), Lee Clements (Korumburra), and Irene Holm (Meeniyan) along with the manager Anne Horstra (Foster) attended the WGV country team event in Melbourne. On Tuesday the team of seven players played 36 holes at Northern Golf Club. In the morning session they played East Gippsland in trying conditions with a strong wind blowing non-stop. Our ladies played well, winning two and a half games against a team that would eventually be the runners-up in division two. The afternoon matches, with one team member change, were played again in awful conditions. The team had some great matches against a strong team from

Goulburn Valley (they won division two) whose longest handicap was 10 winning two matches with a number of matches going down to the wire. On Wednesday the team ventured over to Kooringal Golf Club in Altona. The conditions were not good, with rain falling for most of the day. Once again the team performed well, but the end result went against them, with Dalhousie winning 5-2. Thank you to the players for their time and dedication to practice and to the rest of the team. Sheila Constantine who was unable to be part of the squad because of illness played a part as a caddy along with Michael Thomas, Beth Curram, Carolyn Cripps and Maxine Eabry. Congratulations to Anne Horstra for the smooth running of the whole team. Thank you to the district ladies who travelled to Northern to support the team.

A ﬁeld of 37 turned up and while the course was damp, the day’s conditions were good. Jon Smith played his best round for a long time, winning with 42 points and a gross score of 74. Kevin Scott was runner-up with a well made 40 points on a countback from Bob Hughes. Neil MacKenzie won nearest the pin on the 14th and Merv Stubbs won on the 16th. Balls were awarded to: R. Hughes 40, M. Oliver 38, F. Smedley 37, G. Maher 37, K. Gardner 36, M. Street 34, K. Finney, R. Davies, B. Jamieson 33. Saturday’s event is an open Ambrose, teams of four. The annual general meeting is on Sunday at 2pm. The September monthly medal has been rescheduled for Saturday September 18. Members who play with the veterans should note that this Thursday’s event has been moved from Meeniyan to Woorayl.

Ladies We are grateful to Debbie Miller for her sponsorship of the three ball count up on Wednesday, September 1. Twentyfour ladies, including eight visitors from Meeniyan, played in the rain all day . Winners of the day were Debbie Miller, Loris Clark and Wendy Surman with 77 points. Julie Howard, Coral Gray and Marg Danks scored 71 to be runnersup. Ann Blundy and Faye le Page won nearest the pins.

District fourball golf championships THE South Gippsland District Golf Association Fourball Championship will be conducted at Leongatha Golf Club on Sunday, September 12. The Championship (K. Macdonald Shield) for the South Gippsland Championship will this year be played over 18 holes and is expected to attract a good ﬁeld of local talent. The event, which was to be held at Meeniyan Golf Club, had had to be transferred to the Leongatha Golf Club due to the excessive rain over the last six weeks. In addition to the 18-hole championship, there will be various handicap trophies for A and B Grades.

Entries are restricted to members of South Gippsland golf clubs, who comply with the Country Week eligibility rules. To be eligible, entrants must be members of the same club. The entry fee for all district championships is now free and entries should be forwarded to the tournament manager Denis Stanes, 14 Drysdale Street Wonthaggi, 3995. Entries for the event will be accepted up until the event, but late entries will only be accepted depending on the capacity of the course, by telephone to 5672 2787 or 0419 887 396 or facsimile 5672 5259. Entry forms are now available at all South Gippsland clubs.

Mirboo North golf

Woorayl golf

THERE were 16 starters for the stableford event on Thursday, September 2. The CCR was 70. A Grade winner was Martin Sullivan (22) 41. Down the line: Phil Stimson (19) 36, John Blunsden (21) 36. Birdie - Peter Draper (6th).

LAST Saturday lots of brave golfers faced the starter and wet underfoot conditions for our par event sponsored by Paul Beck, Handley Funeral Services. The A Grade winner was Rob Gourlay with plus four, B Grade went to Ed Poole with the best score of the day, a plus eight, while C Grade went to Max Wood with a plus one. Balls went to W. Turner, B. Fiek, M. Grist, N. Lovie and B. Robjant, the last two in a four-way countback. The nearest the pins went to Brian Thomas and Graeme Calder. Our Thursday bar voucher went to John Hassett with 41 points and balls to E. Poole and M. Collins. Some dates for members to take note of: Wednesday’s guys and dolls day is now September 22; the footy tipping presentation night will be held on Friday, September 10; grand ﬁnal day, a stableford for men and ladies, will of course be held; and the club’s trivia night and club fundraiser is on Friday, October 8, so get your table ready. Next Saturday will be a stableford event sponsored by Jason Kennedy, also the South Gippsland Veterans will again be taking over our course on Thursday, September 9.

Club championships Round 1 Monthly medal plus Star medal, plus the Colin Watson aggregate four seasons trophy, with 30 starters and the CCR was 70. Sponsor Colin Watson Holden. A Grade winner was Ray Matthews (9) net 70; B Grade and Star medalist Peter Sanderson (19) net 68; C Grade Ron Funnell (21) net 67. The winner of the Colin Watson aggregate four seasons trophy was Brian Randall net 287 from John McFarlane, Joe Kus and Ray Matthews on 288 net. Down the line balls: Phil Stimson (19) 70, Joe Taylor (19) 71, Tom Whitelaw (6) 72, John McFarlane (16) 72. Nearest the pin: 2nd shot 1st hole Garry Shandley (sponsored by Mirboo North Newsagency), 4th Tom Whitelaw, 6th Joe Kus. Pro pin - (dead heat) Joe Kus and Ray Matthews. Birdies: 16th Tony Tomada, 16th Ray Matthews and Russell Pentland. Club championship standings after the ﬁrst round (scratch): A Grade Tom Whitelaw 78 from G. Watson and R. Matthews 79; B Grade P. Sanderson 87 from J. McFarlane 88, C Grade R. Funnell 88 from A. Williams 95.

Junior Parrots celebrate achievements THE Leongatha Junior Football Club held its presentation day and AGM on Sunday, with an afternoon tea afterward. Brad Wright has become new president of the club, with Nick Kelly standing down after many years at the helm. Under 10s: back, from left, Encouragement Awards Jacob Lamers and Sam McGannon and Most Improved Josh Hastings; front, from left, Best and Fairest Mitch Bentvelzen, runner-up David Williams, Most Disciplined Rhys Lindsay, Encouragement Awards Zaidyn Kemp and Angus Wright.

Under 12s: back, from left, Most Disciplined Tom McFarlane, Best and Fairest Tim Sauvarin, runner-up Julian Patterson and Jarryd Roughead award Riley Smith; front, Encouragement Awards Anthony Argento and Tully Benaldo.

Under 11s: back, from left, runner-up Cam Olden, Most Improved Clay Alexander, Best and Fairest Zac Caughey, Encouragement Award Tom Evans; front, from left, Encouragement Award Damon Ginnane, Most Disciplined Jordi Geary, Encouragement Awards Nathan Trotto and Ben Perry.

Under 13s: back, from left, runner-up Lachie Wright, most disciplined Brayden Pickersgill, Best and Fairest Jack Ginnane and runner-up Blake Moscript; front, Encouragement Awards Nathan Hardacre and Asher Clarke.

Under 14s: from left, Encouragement Award Ben Rosser, Most Disciplined Cade Brown, Barry Peterson, Best and Fairest Mitch Dennison and Encouragement Award Josh Riseley.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 47

Island dominates soccer finals PHILLIP Island won four out five soccer grand finals at Korumburra on Sunday. They were victorious in the Under 13s, Under 19s, women and senior grand finals. Korumburra had a huge victory in the Under 15s grand final, but fell short in the Under 19s, women and senior games. Wonthaggi was runnerup in the Under 13s. Korumburra and Phillip Island played out a nail biter seniors grand final. With both teams determined to take out the win they both went in hard and fast for every ball. Midfield was kept busy with the ball not penetrating through to the offence until Korumburra’s Ian Wallace had a great shot for goal which the Phillip Island goalie deflected straight into the path of Jamey Allen, who made sure the ball hit the back of the net. Ten minutes later Phillip Island scored the equaliser. Half time break scores were level. In the second half both teams had a few shots a goal, but nothing that could penetrate the defence or goalie. Phillip Island scored again 10 minutes into the second half with a great passage of play. Korumburra tried the rest of the game to get the game back to even, but to no avail. Final score: Phillip Island 2 Korumburra 1. Phillip Island also finished league champions (on top of the ladder). The women’s match was very even. Korumburra scored first with a fantastic set play from a Korumburra throw in from Marissa Preston to Tara Wallace. Phillip Island got the goal back a couple of minutes before half time to

see both teams going into the break 1 all. The second half saw both teams again matching each other all over the park. Five minutes from the end saw Phillip Island score another great goal to take out the game 2 – 1. Korumbura were league champions. Korumburra Under 19s started at a furious pace and the midfield attacked again and again to no avail. Against the flow Phillip Island scored the first to be one nil up at half time. The wind picked up in the second half and Phillip Island took full advantage and peppered the goals time after time, finally scoring. Final score 2-0 to Phillip Island. Korumburra are league champions. In the Under 15s league champions Korumburra played Phillip Island. Korumburra were first on the scoreboard when Lochie Taylor kicked a great goal. Phillip Island kept up their defence and despite lots of hard slogging, matched Korumburra before Daniel Longden put the second goal on the board for Korumburra. Korumburra put the pressure on and Daniel Longden scored his second followed shortly after by Lochie Taylor with his second and Jarrah Raabe then managed one off the keeper for an own goal to Phillip Island just before time. Korumburra won 5 – 1. In the Under 13s Phillip Island took control of the game early and within five minutes had the first goal. Phillip Island scored a further four more goals before Wonthaggi got on the board five minutes before the end. Phillip Island took out the double as league champions and grand final winners.

Seniors winners: Phillip Island men were victorious against Korumburra on Sunday at Korumburra.

Under 15s: the Korumburra team had a 5-1 win over Phillip Island in this section.

The Leongatha Table Tennis Association is now in a great position to teach more participants basic skills that will take them through to Olympic representation. A big thank you to the following people for putting in the time: Michael Chang, Neil Chilver, Dom Murdica, Luke Jongebloed, Kathy Campbell, Aileen Clark, Bill Haw, Wayne Turner, Ian Rasmussen, Tammy Holwerda and Michael Holwerda. Thank you to presenter and assessor Alois Rosario, to the Traralgon Table

Club for their facilities and the Gippsland Sports Academy students for allowing us to polish our teaching skills using them as examples. Michaela Campbell has made headlines again after being selected to participate in the Victorian State Table Tennis Team to play in Queensland from September 26 until October 2. Michaela has grown and become competitive since November 2009, when she entered the Gippsland Sports Academy. With the professional coaching of Alois and regular training, Michaela has become a fast improving player. Congratulations on this latest achievement.

Continued from page 56. They managed four unanswered goals for the quarter and did not allow the Bulldogs to score. Foster went into the main break with a commanding lead, especially in the conditions, with possible rain coming. What happened next shocked everyone at the ground, as the Bulldogs fired up and played their best football for the season. The Island’s Shane Murdoch turned the game on its head, kicking four goals in a row and five for the quarter as he lifted his side back in front. The three quarter time siren could not come quickly enough for the Tigers, who looked as if they had run out of puff. Two points was all that separated the teams at the last change, but with the only goal for the game going Foster’s way, they had won the match. A set shot on goal from an Island player failed to make the distance after the siren, and Foster was through to a grand final. Despite the closeness of the score, Foster ended the game victors in the important statistics, with wins in the inside 50s, centre clearances and stoppages.

South Gippsland Bridge Club Results

Wet weather: Korumburra Under 15s player Aiden McDonough works hard to get the ball out of the mud.

Leongatha Table Tennis ELEVEN club members participated in a Level 1 coaching course on the weekend.

Tigers to tackle Lions

Weekly game scores

A Reserve Round 16, September 1 Inspiration 7/25 d Kestrels 4/17. Slappers 828 d Zoltan 3/13. Underdogs 6/19 d Heifers 5/17. Pot Bellies 7/27 d Hopefuls 4/18.

B Grade Round 17, September 2 Girl Power 6/22 d Pythons 5/16. Flying Kangas 8/28 d JYD 3/7. Almighties 7/21 d Funky Monkeys 4/16. Flintstones 3/14 d LAK Skill 2/12.

Ladders A Reserve Inspiration ......28 110 383 Zoltan ................22 84 308

Slappers .............18 Heifers ...............14 Under Dogs ........14 Kestrels ..............14 Pot Bellies ..........12 Hopefuls .............10

97 89 84 80 77 81

338 319 293 303 286 312

B Grade Girl Power ....... 28 111 354 LAK Skill ..........22 98 325 Flintstones .........22 97 329 Flying Kangas ...20 95 325 Pythons ..............18 92 305 Almighties ........16 95 317 Funky Monkeys ... 8 79 290 JYD ..................... 6 63 243 Aggregate status as at Sept 2. (Top six only) A Reserve: Neil C. 45, Dom M. 39, Allan F. 39, Michael H. 38, Sebastian V. 37, and Michael B. 32. B Grade: Bryce H. 50, Alex C. 44, Stuart C. 43, Tammy H. 41, John P. 36, and Daniel C. 35.

South Gippsland Field and Game THE loyal group of 45 supporters of the South Gippsland Field and Game at Hallston shot very well in soggy conditons last Sunday September 5 Results High gun AA: A. Fiek 47, C. Wise 43. A: W. Leishout, J. Rooke

and J. Powel 46. B: J. White 42, S. White 39, D. Johnson 38. C: B. McGregor 41, D. Morgan 35, P. Cartwright 33. Vets: J. Spinks 31, J. Robbins 30, R. Bradley 28. Ladies: D. Bradley 36, J. White 22, T. Jacobs 22. Juniors: M. Prentice 41, M. Ramsdale 41, D. Rodrigues 30.

Meeniyan – Monday evening: 1st Faye Rowlands, Frank Arndt. 2nd Susan Rufﬁn, Clive Hope. 3rd Sally and Brian Hoskins. 4th Margot Aeschlimann, Kathleen Dowd. Tarwin Lower – Tuesday: 1st Jack Kuiper, Jean Barbour. 2nd Hannah Martin, Leila Bell. 3rd Frank Arndt, Clive Hope. 4th Mary McCaughan. Margaret Munro. 5th Margaret Bray, Marj Freeman. Inverloch – Friday afternoon: north/south: 1st Jack Kuiper, Colin Manley. 2nd Hannah Martin, Beth Hopcraft. 3rd Kathy Geyer, Leila Bell. East/west: 1st John Farr, Anne Williams. 2nd Richard Poole, Ann Dujela. 3rd John Sullivan, Jean Barbour.

Horse wins again SHAEMIST Mountain made it back to back wins for Stony Creek mentor, Jack Wilson on Sunday. The horse had to ﬁght hard to win at Geelong on Sunday, but proved his versatility, winning on the synthetic surface after saluting on a bog track ﬁrst up at Cranbourne. “It was a good effort, but he had to work hard and I will just see how he pulls up after this run,” Jack said. “There’s another showcase race at Seymour (the horse’s two recent wins were showcase races) in 11 days that would be suitable, but it is a case of seeing how he

has come through it. A few trainers have advised me that some horses can take a bit longer to get over a run on that surface. With four wins from 12 starts, the fouryear-old appears to have a very bright future and his best looks ahead of him. Meanwhile the two horses that fought out the Gippsland Horse of the Year 12 months ago are set to return to racing. Rockpecker is a strong chance to return at Moonee Valley this weekend, according to his trainer, Ken Fythe, who is very happy with his galloper’s progress; and King Hoaks will resume as soon as a ﬁrm racing surface is produced.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Korumburra bowls

Leongatha bowls THE 2010/11 bowls season is now underway and Friday, September 3 saw some 60 plus members and visitors at the club for the opening dinner night tuck into the usual Kitty Club main course followed by dessert. This was followed by the official opening speeches, firstly by our board chairman, John O’Connor who welcomed all present and remarked on the club’s contribution by the various volunteers who are always giving their all to maintain the club’s facilities in such peak condition. John wished all bowlers the very best for the season. President, Harry Forrester of our Bowls Victoria affiliated section followed, who indicated that while he was somewhat confused with all the changes currently taking place associated with the game of bowls in Victoria, the Leongatha Club overall had a very good 2009/10 season. The winter bowls committee were also to be congratulated on their effort for the winter season. The club profile within the bowls community and the community in general was very high. Harry also wished all bowlers the very best for the new season. A great night was had by all, and again sincere thanks to Ron the chef and his crew for their catering efforts, along with our bar crew. Saturday, September 4 saw only 16 players involved in a mixed social bowls and opening bowls afternoon. Our VBA section president, Harry, was invited to roll the first kitty and bowl, to great applause from those present. The event was a two game 2x4x2 by 10 ends and the winners on the day were Ray Sanders (s), with Glenice Emmerson on two wins plus 11, and the runners-up were Pam Kennedy (s), with George Witherow on one win, a draw and plus 16. The sponsors for the day were Williams Signs and the Lunch Box of Leongatha, and the club sincerely thanks them both for their valued support. Reminders: The SGBA and SGDLA fixture booklets for the season are now available for registered members along with our club’s 2010/11 fixtures booklet. If you have not got your copy please see the treasurer, Joy Todd. Tuesday, September 7 will see our ladies pennant practice underway at Leongatha against Korumburra at 10am. Saturday, September 11 sees pennant practice, Leongatha at home to Hastings, with an 11.30am lunch start and action at 1pm. Mixed social bowls will also be held for those who are unable to play pennant at 1pm start.

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

SEPTEMBER Time

8 WED

9 THUR

10 FRI

11 SAT

12 SUN

13 MON

14 TUE

height (metres)

0349 1114 1635 2322

0.42 1.38 0.65 1.38

0508 1209 1745

0.42 1.46 0.50

0030 0614 1300 1844 0131 0709 1345 1934 0226 0758 1428 2023

1.50 0.40 1.52 0.34 1.61 0.40 1.57 0.21 1.69 0.42 1.60 0.13

0316 0844 1509 2110

1.71 0.44 1.59 0.10

0405 0927 1548 2155

1.68 0.48 1.57 0.12

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

WITH clubs gearing up for the ofﬁcial openings of the bowling season 2010/11 and the grey nomads returning to our spring weather, many wondering how their bowls uniforms have shrunk over the winter. It’s great to be back on the greens again. Over the last few weeks, some of our winners have been Doug Berryman, Mike Banik, Shane O’Loughlin, Emanual Sgarioto, Keith Button, Ken Cecil, David Goodridge, Rob Snooks and John Elstub. The last Sunday in August the club won another most successful skins day with 26 teams taking part from local and visitors from surrounding areas and Metro. Many thanks to Bruce Peters and David Goodridge who kept the day moving, especially Bruce who put in long hours organising the teams prior to the event, and to the sponsors, Alex Scott and Staff, Witton Panels, Robbie Cosson Dairy Systems, Korumburra Exhaust and South Gippsland Engine Reconditioning. Many thanks for your support of the day. After the set number of games, the winners were the local men with 12 wins; Shane O’Loughlin, John Fisher and Robbie Cosson, with two teams on 10 games, the Wonthaggi men’s team of

Alan McFayden, Guido Marcolongo, and Frank Cimino didn’t have enough shots up. The runners-up with 18 shots were the Mirboo North trio of Phil Stimson, Ray Czempinksi and Mike Arnold. A big thank you to all who helped to make this day a success - the ladies in the kitchen, ground staff who prepared the rinks, the bar staff and organisers of the day. Saturday night was our dinner for the opening of season 2010/11 with Bowls Victoria representative David Marsh and wife Lola as our ofﬁcial guests for the evening. A big thank you to Debra and her helpers, Margaret Hams, Natalie Opray and Margaret Brown for the preparation and serving of the meal, to Bruce and Bob in the bar and to all who helped to clean up afterwards. Prior to bowls, in the afternoon, to open the club’s ﬁrst game for season 2010/11, president Bill and Mary played an end of bowls. With 30 members playing mixed triples, winners after two games with two wins plus eight were Ron Williams, George Hams and Doug Berryman. Good bowling folks for the coming season.

Mardan indoor bowls TWELVE bowlers at Mardan, allowing for four teams of three all played two, 10 end games. Only one team won both their games, that being the powerful combination of Nick Rutjens, Tony Allen-Clay and Vito Seraﬁno (skip). Runners-up with one win and 12 winning ends were Jeannie Baker, Russel Grady and Ian Bristow (skip). The 75 up competition resumes this week, with two more matches scheduled.

Buffalo indoor bowls WEDNESDAY, September 1: Spring is here and 10 bowlers fronted at Buffalo for three games of six bowl triples/ doubles. Winning all their games (WWW) and 15 ends were Toni Heldens (s), Carolyn Benson and Sebastian Terranova, their winnings going into a new charity tin, ($262.45 for Peter Mac last season). The three other teams each had a win and 11 ends won. In second place Ron Gloster (s) and Dudley Harrison (even) followed by Graeme Tobias (s) and Peter Heldens (-4), and holding up the rest Rod McConchie (s), Glenys Pilkington and Ian Benson (-9). Sebastian had a good night, also taking home the chook. Best 1st game Toni 11/3, 2nd Ron 9/5, 3rd Rod 8/6. A very successful Peter Mac night (see separate reoport), with over 50 bowlers and over $6670 raised for the year - a great result. Please note there will be no bowling at Buffalo on September 15. Bowlers are encouraged to attend the Mardan tournament to be held at the Dumbalk Hall on September 14.

SGDLBA District ladies open LAST Monday, August 30, was the opening day for the SGDLBA. It was a beautiful day and 83 ladies attended this function at the Inverloch Bowling Club. Thank you to Carol Hughes and her helpers for a lovely meal and the men for waiting on the tables and cleaning up. Guest speaker David Lawry gave a talk on how to look after our eyes. Barbara White, Bowls Victoria representative, presented six ladies with their Super Veteran badges: Barbara Costello from Tarwin, Elsie Hughes from Lang Lang, Greta Wilson and Glad Mitford from Wonthaggi, Evelyn Thorson from Meeniyan, and Dulcie Mortlock from Foster. Another lady, Gwen Pearson, was presented with a bouquet of ﬂowers for reaching 90 years of age.

Inverloch ladies bowls Ladies opening day was rescheduled to

Wednesday, September 8 due to rain. The new date will happen regardless of rain, hail or shine. Please bring a small plate to share for afternoon tea. Pennant practice: all games are mufti: Monday, September 13 for Division 1 only at Tarwin at 10.30; Friday, September 17, all divisions at Phillip Island at 9.40 and Tuesday, September 21 for Divisions 2 and 3 at home against Leongatha at 9.40. Lastly, subject to conﬁrmation, all divisions at home against Phillip Island on Friday, September 24 at 9.40. The ﬁrst monthly triples is Wednesday, September 15 at 10am.

Tarwin Lower bowls THE ﬁnal indoor bowls took place on Friday, August 27, with a bigger than usual crowd. Winners were Klaus, Frank and Wendy Williams. Runners-up were Bronwen, Doris and Peter E. There were 26 people for tea. Thanks go to Wilma for all the cooking throughout the winter and those who supplied desserts. Sunday, August 29 was the last of the winter social bowls, also with a bigger crowd of 14 bowlers. The winners were Wendy Williams, Robyn and Paul; runners-up were David Liebert, Peter Emmet, Wendy Watts and Graeme Cridge. The winter overall winner with shots up was Peter Emmet. First men’s turkey triples will be on Wednesday, September 8. Final reminder our opening day will be on Sunday, September 12 at 12 noon with a game of bowls and afternoon tea. September 18: garage sale and bowls wear day with sausage sizzle and Devonshire teas.

Mary Mac netball push By Mikaela Witherow ON August 11 the Mary MacKillop College intermediate netball girls travelled to Werribee in the early hours of the morning to compete in the (CAS) Catholic All Schools finals netball competition. Our team consisted of Alice Lindsy, Maddie Kerr, Laura Williams, Brydie Bourke, Nicola Marriott, Jaclyn Smith, Rebecca Argento and Mikaela Witherow. We had our first game against Trinity College. We ended up losing the first game by about half their score, though we had a good second half. Highlights were Alice and Brydie working hard in defence the whole game. Our second game was against Bendigo A team. Coming off a loss we held our heads high coming into this game and played a consistent game throughout. We finished the game with a loss but a great effort all round. Highlights were Maddie and Rebecca shooting very well, helping us stay in touch. After our second game we ended up getting into the quarter finals. We came up against Bendigo B Team and not knowing the ability of this team we went out hard. At half time it was a close game, with only a few goals the difference. In the second half we started really well, with the teams going goal for goal. We ended up losing by two goals though it was a nail bitter. They just got over the line. Highlights were the centre court players playing a really tight game and getting the ball quickly down to the shooters. Because we lost, it denied us a place in the semi-finals though it was a fantastic job to get where we did. Our team ended up coming fourth in the state. We would really like to thank Karina Kerr for coaching us, and David Witherow for driving the bus and being our team scorer.

Wonthaggi table tennis THE ﬁrst three matches in the ﬁrst A Grade round were as close as you could get, all results being three sets to two. Unbeaten players are Bruce Harmer, Michael Ede and Michael Chan. The Island, Mick and Judith Wright, had a bye. Young players in B Grade are improving with exciting results. Brittney Taylor is the only unbeaten player to date, but because of the bye, this will not show up until the end of the round. Daniel Chetland and Tanya Milnes have won nine of 10 sets. Sprink (Tanya Milnes, Freddy Maria Joseph are the leading team. Junior competition Top shot: Harrison Burns, Hector Hilberto, Ella McRae. Numbers: Ella McRae (28). Round the table: Ella McRae, Jesse Condron, Hector Hilberto.

Ladders A Grade Ours ......................... 4 Eleven Love ............. 4 50s Mixed ................ 4 A Team ..................... 0 Maggies ................... 0

Combos .................... 0 2 (10) The Island (bye) ....... 0 0 (0)

A Reserve Kool Bananas ........ 12 Odd Angry Shot ...... 8 Bejays ...................... 4 Go Go Girls ............. 4 Whiskers.................. 4 M & K ........................ 4

1 9 7 7 7 4

(37) (34) (26) (25) (22) (20)

Sprink .................. 20 15 Hippopotamus Crew ..................... 16 14 B Team ................. 12 14 Choc Monkeys ...... 8 14 Smithereens .......... 8 12 Slugs....................... 8 10 Mario Brothers (bye) . 4 8 Rainbow Tim Tams ... 4 7 J & N ......................... 0 6

(34)

B Grade (30) (31) (31) (28) (21) (20) (20) (16)

Leading players A Grade Bruce Harmer ................. 2 (8) Michael Ede ..................(2) (8) Michael Chan.................. 2 (8)

A Reserve Beau Thompson ........... 6 Jarrod Donohue ............ 5 Dean Snelling ............... 4 Nancy Pattinson............ 4 Sam Watson ................. 4

(18) (16) (14) (14) (13)

B Grade 3 3 3 2 2

(15) (14) (13) (12) (11)

Tanya Milnes ................. 9 Daniel Chetland ............ 9 Brittney Taylor ............... 8 Micah Condron ............. 6 Eleln McIntosh .............. 6

(19) (19) (16) (14) (13)

Go team: Mary Mac’s CAS Intermediate Netball A Team: Mikaela Witherow, Rebecca Argento, Jackie Smith, Nicola Marriott, Alice Lindsey, Maddie Kerr, Laura Williams, Bridie Bourke and coach Daniel Sheahan.

Croquet AGAIN our ﬂag has ﬂown at half mast. This time for the loss of Elma Thiele, affectionately known as Lil’ Elma. Elma was a member for more than 30 years. She held positions of treasurer and was still a member of the golf croquet team. Elma will be remembered by our club and surrounding clubs for her determined games against the male opponents. This week both teams recorded wins: Leongatha 1 d Morwell 4.2; Leongatha 2 d Phillip Island 3.3 and won by four hoops.Well done to both teams.

Midweek ladies tennis Ladders Up to August 31

Section 1 Inverloch Silver .......42.0 Westernport .............38.0 Wonthaggi Rosellas .37.0 Inverloch Gold.........29.0 Phillip Island .............28.0 Foster Yellow ............21.0 Foster Blue ................17.0 Wonthaggi Swans......10.0 Section 2 Inverloch Madﬁsh ...49.5 Bena ..........................37.0 Korumburra * .........34.0 Phillip Is. Penguins..23.5

Wonthaggi .................23.0 Inverloch Red ............20.0 Inverloch Blue...........19.0 Phillip Is. Koalas * ....10.0 Section 3 Outtrim ....................37.0 Nyora ........................34.0 Grantville .................33.0 Leongatha ................29.0 Wonthaggi .................24.0 Fish Creek .................19.0 Inverloch ...................18.0 * Denotes no scoresheet

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 49

Dalyston into Alberton netball final

Second semi ﬁnals played Saturday, September 4 at Sale

A Grade: Dalyston 49 d Foster 44

THIS game started smoothly with even contests all over the court. Dalyston was vocal around both circles while Nicole Coates (Foster) was shooting and moving well. Dalyston were contesting every possession and playing a tight physical game. Taryn Comben (Foster) was running and re-offering in attack, providing plenty of options for her team. Dalyston had a one goal lead at the first break. Foster came out in the second with more conviction. They converted early touches in defence and continued to apply pressure down the court. The score did not indicate how tight every pass was. Foster had an eight goal break at halftime. Dalyston swapped their defenders and had to step up to the challenge that was placed in front of them. This quarter saw a huge change in the way Dalyston led onto the ball. They seemed to find extra drive and confidence. Their shooting was more accurate and their passes were into the space. Spectators saw a 10 goal turnaround, which had us all wondering what was going to happen in the last. Dalyston continued their front running to get a five goal advantage, but never count Foster out until that final whistle sounds. The lead was reduced to two with an opportunity to get back to one, but a long shot did not drop. Emily Allott (Foster) made some timely touches around the ring to put her team back into attack, but Dalyston remained strong under the pressure. They won their way into the grand final by five goals. B Grade: InverlochKongwak 56 d MDU 42 MDU started well while I-K took more time to settle. The MDU shooters shared the load while Kate Turner (I-K) was shooting beautifully. Megan Taberner (IK) started to close the space in defence so there was only one goal in it at quarter time. I-K seemed to have the momentum in the second term with MDU forced to work hard for the front position. After a long struggle I-K broke the deadlock to lead by two at the long break. I-K made three changes which gave them fresh legs, especially in the centre. It was a tight start to the third. Sindy Boyd (I-K) was directing play and keeping her team organised down the court. I-K slowly edged away to a four goal break by the end of the quarter and maintained this momentum

C Grade: Foster 31 d Korumburra-Bena 30 Both teams struggled to establish a flowing style of play early. Sophie Lyon (Fos) took some great intercepts in defence while Bec Muir (Kor-B) was picking off any high passes. At half time Foster had a one goal break. Following changes Kor-Bena threw five goals to Foster’s 0. Heidi Maskell (KorBena) was shooting well and suddenly there was a four goal break, but that gap quickly closed. Foster again had a one goal lead at the last break and made more changes. Early in the last the contest went with centres, and then gradually the Foster pressure worked in their favour. The Wogan-Browne sisters combined well in goals to establish a five goal lead. Kor-Bena were on their way back when the final whistle blew and there was only one goal the difference.

Going down: Foster goal attack, Nicole Coates, receives a pass from the Tigers’ wing attack during their loss to Dalyston. 17 & Under: Korumburra-Bena 47 d Foster 34 The first quarter showed all the signs of a close finish with Tarli Hillberg (KorBena) and Britt McKenzie (Fos) matching up well in the centre. Zoe and Kara WoganBrowne (Fos) held strong in goals and were accurate. At the other ring the height of Kimberley Hillberg was hard to con-tend with and she combined well with Loni Jeffs. Kor-Bena led by one at quarter time but their second term was their best. They stepped up the mid court pressure to force turnovers and capitalise on each intercept and led by eight. The second half was still strongly contested, but Foster were unable to reduce this deficit. Kate Kilpatrick (KorBena) took some excellent intercepts and her team extended their lead to run out convincing winners.

15 & Under: Dalyston 34 d Fish Creek 33 Both sides were going at a great pace with the first goal taking some time to find. After that, Gabby Bloch (Dal) was shooting well and provided a focus for her team. Hannah Flanders (FC) made strong front position and was getting deflections in defence. Scores levelled part way through the second term and the defensive pressure caused passing turnovers. Shannon Dankert (FC) provided extra height in the centre and delivered the ball into the space for her goalers. Locked together at the big break, the tension was building. Dalyston broke the deadlock after rebounding in the goal ring and now Fish Creek had to play ‘catch-up’. A little more luck and the difference was three, Fish Creek levelled the scores again. But with less than a minute to go, Dalyston had the narrowest lead and Fish Creek had possession when time ran out. 13 & Under: Dalyston 26 d Korumburra-Bena 23 The youngest netballers faced wet conditions. Kor-Bena started the better of the two teams, with Caroline Crawford taking some great intercepts. Dalyston began the second more settled, with Britt Thomas finding space and the attacking passes finding their target. Hannah McRae (Dal) and Ashlyn Field (Kor-B) were having a great battle in the centre. Dalyston had regained their confidence and they were creating many turnovers and opened up a five goal lead. After some changes, Kor-B came out all guns blazing in the final quarter and quickly scored some much needed goals. Dalyston goalers were proving to be the difference and Elicia Garnham (Dal) made some important turnovers in the later stages.

Leongatha and District netball Preliminary ﬁnal results - Saturday, September 4 13/Under: South Gipps-land 18 d Town Green 3. 15/Under: Town Green 24 d Mt Eccles Navy 22. B Reserve: Town Green wof St Laurence Blue. B Grade: Mt Eccles Pink 37 d Mt Eccles White 34. A Grade: St Laurence 53 d Mt Eccles White 40.

Grand ﬁnals September 11 13/Under: 11am (Crt 5) Town Tangerine v South Gippsland. 15/Under: 12 noon (Crt 5) Town Green v St Laurence.

B Reserve: 1pm (Crt 4) Town Green v Mt Eccles Navy. B Grade: 1pm (Crt 6) Mt Eccles Pink v Mt Eccles Aqua. A Grade: 2.15pm (Crt 5) Town Green v St Laurence.

A Grade: Drouin 54 d Leongatha 43 Award: Sally Rayson (Evans Petroleum). The Leongatha girls quickly began to build momentum from a slow start as their rhythm developed in the first quarter. Ebony, Laura and Kasey picked up minor errors from the Drouin side and mid-court players started to create flow. Mel was shooting accurately and working efficiently with Kate. The girls were up by four at one stage, but due to Drouin’s aggressiveness were only up by two at the end of the quarter. The second quarter began and our defence was great all over the court. Drouin continued to be forceful, but struggled to shoot accurately. At the end of the quarter Drouin was leading by four goals. In the third lobs into Mel seemed to work well and Kate Govers lead well for the centre pass. Despite the Parrots breaking two centre passes in a row boosting confidence and an inury time out at the end of the quarter it was 29 ’Gatha to Drouin 38. The Parrots entered the final quarter hoping to send themselves straight to the grand final. Drouin had the first quarter pass, and Ebony and Laura rebounded many times trying to hit the ball out to Kasey, but Drouin regained control and finished with the goal. Kate Govers was shooting great goals from a distance. This quarter there was great mid court play by Megan in centre and Sally in WA who continued fighting for the ball. Leongatha gave it their all, but Drouin were just too strong. Luckily Leongatha get a second chance next week at Maffra. (By Alice and Prue Tyson) B Grade: Morwell 43 d Leongatha 35 Awards: Tegan Kelly (Skin Therapy) and Amy Lester (McCartins). There were a lot of positive points to come out of this good solid game. Regroup this week and come out firing next week. Under 17: Leongatha 42 d Traralgon 37 Awards: Sophie Bolge (Network video) and Megan Rosser (Clipit). The girls began the quarter very well with strong leads and great defensive work by Sophie, Jackie and Mollie. In our second quarter we lacked confidence and strong leads, but finished the last two quarters in great form all over the court. Congratulations girls for making it into the grand final. Well done to Sophie Bolge for her Best on Court award.

First semi ﬁnal played Sunday, September 5 at Warragul Under 13: Leongatha 28 d Traralgon 15 Awards: Lisa Clark (Excessorize) and Georgia (Seraﬁnos). With wet and windy conditions to start the game the girls combined well as a team. Although they slowed down a little in the third quarter their defence was fantastic throughout the match. The great teamwork and combination of all girls saw us come away with a well deserved win. Well done to Sarah McCahon for her Best on Court award.

West Gippsland netball Results - Week 2

LDNA umps 11am: Jo Allen, Tenille Bentvelzen. 12 noon: Andrea Funnell, Phill Smith. 1pm: Emma Smith, Pat Kunhe, Janice Sing, Marie Evison. 2.15pm: Emma Smith, Pat Kunhe. Thank you to all the umpires who helped during the season, it was much appreciated. Good luck to all teams playing in the grand ﬁnal.

Parrots netball

Going for the win: Kelsy Byrne was playing wing attack for St Laurence’s Gold.

A Grade: 1st semi final: Maffra 48 d Morwell 39. 2nd semi final: Drouin 54 d Leongatha 43. B Grade: 1st semi final: Drouin 49 d Traralgon 42. 2nd semi final: Morwell 43 d Leongatha 35. C Grade: 1st semi final: Drouin 45 d Wonthaggi 28. 2nd semi final: Maffra 43 d Morwell 36. 17 & Under: 1st semi final: Sale 36 d Maffra 33. 2nd semi final: Leongatha 42 d Traralgon 37. 15 & Under: 1st semi final: Drouin 24 d Sale 22.

2nd semi final: Traralgon 24 d Maffra 19. 13 & Under: 1st semi final: Leongatha 28 d Traralgon 15. 2nd semi final: Wonthaggi 36 d Sale 33.

Semi ﬁnals Saturday September 11 at Maffra

13 & Under - 9am Sale v Leongatha. 15 & Under - 10am Maffra v Drouin. 17 & Under - 11am Traralgon v Sale. C Grade - Morwell v Drouin. B Grade - 1pm Leongatha v Drouin. A Grade - 2.15pm Leongatha v Maffra.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

1. Shaun Everington Mid ﬁelder; his league B&F win shows how good he is.

2. Tim Howe - The captain and a dangerous goal sneak.

7. Brad Rooney Midﬁelder who is an in and under type of player.

11. Nathan Grylls - Part of the engine room; this onballer is as important as anyone on the ground.

18. Scott Zachariassen A very good and reliable defender.

5. Shem Hawking - A high marking wingman who’s a dangerous goalkicker as well.

9. Tom Bartholomew Also a gun forward who is simply a great player.

6. Daniel Langstaff - A player who can go either end of the ground and is quite skilful.

10. Casey Ratcliffe - A forward line specialist where he works hard defensively.

16. Tyson King - A very classy midﬁelder. 17. Jake Best - He’s a classy utility player who can go anywhere on the ground.

20. Brett Eddy - The gun forward. He’s a very, very good full forward. 22. Jamie Stevenson Classy wingman whose superb ﬁtness allows him to run a lot.

24. Cal van Dyke - A great running backman who sets up scoring opportunities.

27. Stewart Gilchrist Tall and dependable centre half back. 30. Justin Cowell Forward, who can play anywhere and is the elder statesman of the team.

32. Brendan Weston Speedy back man, it’s his speed and attack on the football that stand out

36. Matthew Aabryn A ruckman who hasn’t played a lot of football, but has done a great job in recent years.

33. John Williams - He is usually given a role to play, which he does very well.

38. Marty Fleming Called the “junkyard dog” due to his ferocious nature as he goes in and under at the football.

35. Richard Johnston - A running backman who sets up goal opportunities.

53. Josh Bowman - The number one ruckman who’s a very hard worker.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 51

1. Matt Davies - Big marking forward. Classic kick who loves a goal. 4. Nathaniel Rodda Loved for his competitiveness and courage.

5. Dylan Zuidema – tall defender who returned to Stony Creek this season

7. Cameron Stone - Courageous wingman who puts head over the ball.

9. Kyle Van Der Pluym - Little midﬁelder who is quick and can run all day.

13. Chris Verboon - Capt. Versatile player who can dominate at either end.

20. David Veale - Powerful player who will play down back and in the ruck.

6. Justin Shields - forward and midﬁelder who rarely wastes a possession.

11. Julian Stone - Gutsy midﬁeld player who never disappoints.

16. Brenton Byrnes - A terriﬁc ruckman who has a great leap. 19. Lucas McMillan - 11 year Stony player. Powerful marking forward.

24. Leigh Andrews - In and under midﬁelder who is a multiple B&F winner.

21. Matt Linke - provides strength in the ruck and a key defender.

31. Lucas Byrnes - Courageous backman who is a great mark. 28. Ash Zuidema - Back ﬂanker who provides plenty of dash from defence. 27. Jarrad Byrnes - Key defender who gets better each year.

33. Luke Bowman - 17 -year-old, home grown player. A handy ﬂanker.

2. Lee Horsburgh – playing joint coach, he joined Stony Creek three years ago and is a handy utility player and handles training for the club’s Melbourne based players.

38. Adam Myhal - Wantirna South-based, trains with local Commonwealth Games contender Kaila McKnight, could be the ﬁttest in the league. A hard running defender and tagger.

22. Brad Hutchison stepped up from assistant coach last year and is joint coach. A dynamic midﬁelder, has a huge work rate and proliﬁc ball winner.

32. Jacob Byrnes - Exciting back ﬂanker who is spectacular and reliable.

43. Ash Huggins - A small goal kicking forward and handy player.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Korumburra-Bena aims for club success THE KORUMBURRA-Bena Football Netball Club is on its way to success in 2010. The proud club has two football and three netball sides representing the Bulldogs name in the 2010 grand finals. Every one of the squads representing both football and netball reached the finals, which is a great achievement. Two netball sides were knocked out of the finals race on the weekend in tight clashes, the Under 13s went down by three points and C Grade by just one.

All of the teams were training strongly, determined to win their way through, or to concentrate on the grand ﬁnal. The senior football team was one notable absence from the track, but with the way the Under 18s and Reserves are travelling, the future looks bright in the football fraternity. The club is looking at the chance of winning ﬁve premierships by Saturday afternoon, a fantastic accomplishment by anyone’s standards.

Fire up: Korumburra-Bena Thirds coach Neil Edwards gives his players instructions at their Thursday night training. Finals hopefuls: netballers Elle Burgess, Louise Christopher and Keren Gow are hoping they can take Korumburra-Bena to further success. • THIRDS

Yarram to take on Korumburra-Bena KORUMBURRA-BENA will take on Yarram in this year’s 2010 Alberton Football League Under 18 grand final, after the Demons’ stunning two point win over Phillip Island on Saturday. Yarram has come from sixth place on the ladder to claim a spot in the grand final, showing that they can really play when the heat is on. In wet, muddy conditions the Bulldogs struggled in front of goal, kicking four goals and 13 behinds for the match. Yarram led at every change, and despite just managing two points in the last half, did enough to book themselves a spot in the biggest game of the year. Jake Anderson was the only multiple goal kicker for the day, finishing with two goals. At quarter time they had the lead by one point, but at half time Yarram had pushed it to a 17 point deficit, and in the horrible conditions they looked set to continue on their merry way. But the Island had different plans, and they started to reel back the lead in the third term, kicking one goal to none, not even allowing the Demons to trouble the

scorers. At three quarter time Yarram had the lead by nine, but the Bulldogs had all the momentum, and the crowd edged a little further forward on their seats. A scrappy quarter followed, with both sides desperate to finish off the game with a goal. Only the Island could find one in a sloppy quarter, but they missed a couple of opportunities in front of goal. In the end they added nine points to their three quarter time tally, but with Yarram adding two it meant they had made it through to the grand final. Phillip Island lost just three games for the year, and unfortunately for the club they both came in finals, meaning they did not even get to the play off. Yarram 6.3.39 d Phillip Island 4.13.37 Yarram goals: J. Anderson 2, B. Davis 1, T. Holt 1, B. Jamieson 1, D. Hay 1. Best: M. Mason, M. Clavarino, S. Rendell, B. Davis, D. Coulthard, M. Thomson. Phillip Island goals: B. Hamilton 1, J. Dwyer 1, Z. Wagner 1, J. Blackwell 1. Best: B. Hamilton, L. Cleeland, B. Tester, G. Powles, B. Pewtress, D. Garton.

• FOURTHS

Dalyston through to final DALYSTON played their way through to a grand final in the Fourths with an 11 point win over Phillip Island. They will face Kilcunda-Bass, who tragically lost last year’s grand final by one point. The Magpies will have to be fully firing if they are to knock off last year’s runners-up, but they will be encouraged by a good win on Saturday. The first quarter was tight, but the ball stayed mostly down Phillip Island’s goals, who could only manage one goal from their five shots on goal. The Magpies scored a

goal against the flow, and the Island led by just two points at the first change. Dalyston made a break in the second quarter, slamming on three unanswered goals in quick succession. Phillip Island had the job ahead to claw their way back into the game in the wet conditions. The third term was very even with one goal apiece, but the Island didn’t make any inroads into the Dalyston lead. The ground was starting to become muddy, with the boys running up and down it all day, which meant that it would be difficult for the Island to come back from the 16 point deficit. They did come back,

but not enough to win the match, kicking three goals to two in a ﬁghting display. Ironically, the Island won three quarters, but not the match as Dalyston clung to the lead. Dalyston 7.5.47 d Phillip Island 5.6.36 Dalyston goals: T. Landells 3, M. Schreck 2, H. Wright 1, L. Bowler 1. Best: B. Wardle, M. Schreck, T. Landells, J. Ray-Angarane, J. Thomas, H. Wright. Phillip Island goals: C. Wood 2, A. Cook 1, B. Johnston 1, C. Plant 1. Best: W. Hiatt, T. Duncan, E. Richards, A. Cook, J. Cleeland, S. Taylor.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 53

Parrots get second chance LEONGATHA’S Under 18 side has come close to a grand ﬁnal berth, going down to Traralgon by three points on Saturday. But the side will get a second chance, and will take on Maffra at Maffra, which will prove to be another tough game. The Maroons are still undefeated, and the Parrots came as close as anyone has this year to changing that. The senior players that the side brought back in were a huge bonus for Leongatha, with Matt Willcocks earning best on ground honours, Nick Nagel kicking ﬁve and Tom Marriott and Dylan Westaway also among the best. It was a frantic opening 10 minutes, with Traralgon coming out and

hitting the Parrots hard, causing a few turnovers. However, the underdogs got off to a flyer, kicking three goals to one in the opening term, leaving Traralgon trailing at the first break, a place they have rarely been this year. Nick Nagel kicked the first two of the game; running into open goals after team efforts allowed him to find himself free. The second quarter was much the same, with Traralgon again smashing into their Leongatha opponents, and eventually they started to work back into the match. At half time the Parrots had a nine point lead, and were looking to continue on with their good work, but Traralgon had other ideas. The Maroons found space to run and carry in the third, and were punishing the opposition’s attempts to

use the corridor. The nine point lead had been reversed and this time it was Traralgon who led, meaning Leongatha were going to have to raise the bar. They came out breathing fire, kicking the first three goals of the term to hold an eight point lead with 10 minutes to play. Traralgon hit the front in the final minute to steal the match, earning their way through to a grand final and leaving the Parrots players heartbroken. They will be forced to trek east again, this time to Maffra in what may just turn into a positive for the young guns, who will play another week with the senior players who are now their team mates.

Clearing the way: thirds player Ricky O’Loughlin puts on the shepherd for Tom Marriott to ﬁnd a teammate.

Tigers reserves and netball chance By Rover MIRBOO North Football Netball Club will be represented by four teams on Mid Gippsland grand final day at Morwell, this Saturday. The reserves footballers and the A and B Grade and 17 & Under netballers will fly the yellow and black flag for the mighty Tigers. Preliminary final losses by Mirboo North’s thirds and fourths footballers to Newborough and Yarragon respectively, concluded their 2010 seasons last Saturday. Reserves Mirboo North 6.3.39 d Thorpdale 3.8.26 Mirboo North had a courageous 13 point victory over Thorpdale in the preliminary final curtain raiser at Ronald Reserve Morwell East. Mirboo North will be trying to add to its two previous reserves premierships in 1956 and 2004, when it takes on 2008 and 2009 premier, Morwell East. The preliminary final was a tough encounter of keen combat, in wet and slippery conditions, which was highlighted by five magnificent goals from Mirboo North’s full-forward, Andrew Soplakow. Both teams attacked the Burley forcefully and easy kicks were as hard to find as Lasseter’s Reef. Brent Harriage was superb in defence and James Grande was grand in the midfield for the Tigers. Tigers’ coach, Brendan O’Loughlin, was delighted with Mirboo North’s thoroughness in preparation,

application, purpose and effort. Zack O’Connell, Jason Richardson and Brendan Pisa were sturdy performers for Thorpdale. Mirboo North goals: A. Soplakow 5, S. Lawson. Mirboo North best: B. Hariage, J. Grande, A. Soplakow, N. Gardiner, P. Aveling, D. Furphy. Thirds Newborough 7.13.55 d Mirboo North 8.5.53 Mirboo North held sway until midway through the final quarter, when Newborough suddenly banged on five unanswered goals to win a thrilling encounter by two points. Earlier, Newborough’s inaccurate kicking for goal and Mirboo North’s midfield and forward line dominance, had seen the mighty Tigers take a stunning 32 point lead into the long break. Newborough increased its physical presence and Mirboo North began to lose its momentum in the third quarter. Mirboo North’s star ruckman, Ben Joustra, left the field with blood streaming from a 40mm gash above his right eye, following an unsavory behind-the-play incident, which, incredulously, went unnoticed by the three field umpires and the emergency umpire stationed on the boundary. Mirboo North kicked the first goal of the final quarter to extend its lead to 29 points, but then everything began to unravel for the Tigers. The Tigers’ momentum faded and its players stopped running; Newborough took over and Mirboo North’s 29

point lead disappeared into thin air. None tried harder for Mirboo North than skipper, Peter Taylor, who booted three goals and took many terrific marks in the forward line and around the ground. Kallum Nash was also superb for the Tigers, as were Jake Peters, Charlie Kat and Matt Dyke. Mirboo North goals: P. Taylor 3, D. Ross 2, T. Bye, B. Heath, J. Farrington. Mirboo North best: P. Taylor, K. Nash, J. Peters, C. Kat, M. Dyke, B. Heath. Fourths Yarragon 5.4.34 d Mirboo North 3.3.21 Mirboo North went down to Yarragon by 13 points after trailing all day. Yarragon was quickly out of the blocks with two first quarter goals. Loose lips cost Mirboo North dearly, with three 50-metre penalties being awarded to the Panthers. Sam Leach, Nick Gervasi and Mitchell Wightman worked diligently and effectively for Mirboo North, but no matter how hard the Tigers tried, they were unable to bridge the two goal gap created by the Panthers in the first term. Dylan Kelly, Brock Glover, skipper, Joel Kilday and Mitchell Jolly (two goals) were outstanding contributors for Yarragon. Meanwhile in the seniors preliminary final Morwell East 9.13.67 def Yarragon 6.10.46. Netball B Grade MN 42 def Yallourn Yallourn North 38

Debenham takes road title THE Leongatha Cycling Club road titles were held on Saturday around the Pound Creek circuit in typical wintery conditions. Fortunately the really rough weather did not strike, but the riders had to battle a blustery north wind. The senior title went to the in form rider Tom Debenham, whilst the junior title went to Thomas McFarlane. The senior field saw 12 riders start the title event whilst another five riders raced a B Grade scratch race over two laps. In the title race over two laps, the first lap saw several riders lose contact with the bunch over the climb past the golf course. Nine riders enjoyed the downwind run past the finish line at the end of the first lap. However the steady pace over the climbs and into the wind on the second

lap saw Peter Hollins lose contact. Peter has been working at the desal plant and has lost his training opportunities and hence his form has slipped away. Another rider missing on Saturday was Ronald Purtle who was suffering from a winter ailment. In past races around the circuit he has been a dominant ﬁgure at the race end. The eight rider bunch lined up for the sprint and Tom Debenham showed his recent form and last weekend’s win were well deserved by claiming the win and club champion title. Next home were former winners David McFarlane and Tony Smith for second and third respectively. In fourth place was the consistent Tony Clark ahead of Paul Taranto, Kevin Feely, Elliot Gin and Clem Fries. In the B Grade race the ﬁve starters stayed together until the golf course hill at which point Matt Dudley

lost the bunch. Neil White, Rod Cheyne and Malcolm Gin were the driving force and Rod McCall was determinedly sticking with the bunch. After two laps it was still a bunch of four lining up for the sprint. Neil White managed to edge in front of Malcolm Gin for the win whilst Rod McCall managed to come

over Rod for the third place. The junior title saw Thomas McFarlane, Mitch Gin and Matt Minogue race out and back on the Pound Creek road over 12kms. The run out to the turn was tough as it was into the wind and uphill at the last kilometre. This steeper section saw Mitch put the pace

on and dislodge Matt, but Thomas was quickly onto his wheel. With a tailwind run back to the ﬁnish it was down to a sprint and Thomas scored a narrow win to claim the title from Mitch and Matt. Next week racing is from Woolamai race course around the Glen Forbes gorge circuit.

Club championships: second David McFarlane, ﬁrst and Club ChampionTom Debenham, junior event winner Thomas McFarlane, and third Tony Smith.

Gippsland League Second semi-ﬁnals at Sale Maffra 13.23.101 d Traralgon 14.11.95 Reserves Maffra 9.5.59 d Traralgon 6.7.43 Under 18s Traralgon 10.6.66 d Leongatha 9.9.63 Under 16s Traralgon 17.7.109 d Sale 5.8.38 1st semi-ﬁnals at Warragul Drouin 15.10.100 d Morwell 4.10. 34 Reserves Morwell 5.6.36 d Sale 3.5. 23 Under 18s Maffra 4.7.31 d Warragul 4.5.29 Under 16s Maffra 10.11.71 d Warragul 1.3.9

Gippsland League Preliminary ﬁnal Saturday September 11 at Maffra 9am, Under 16 Sale v Maffra 10.45am, Under 18 Leongatha v Maffra 12.30pm, Reserves Traralgon v Morwell 2.20pm, Seniors Traralgon v Drouin

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Everington is AFL best FOSTER mid-fielder Shaun Everington has taken out the Alberton Football League’s highest honour, winning the league Best and Fairest. Everington was the runaway winner on 30 votes from C. Graham of Fish Creek on 20 votes. In third place was B. Vernon of Phillip Island on 18 votes. Everington has had a massive season for the Tigers. He was recruited by Foster in 2008, coming down for a kick with best mate Tom Bartholomew. Everington’s job as a personal trainer in Melbourne certainly has him in good shape for football. He is a prolific ball-getter, not afraid of the tough stuff in and under. He has had a great season, interrupted only in recent games with a bout of the flu, which saw him miss the last game against Fish Creek. According the club

he is now back at full strength, ready to hopefully guide Foster to its first flag since 1993. Foster players fared well in the count. Nathan Grylls picked up 14 votes, Darren Granger 13 votes including three best on grounds and Shem Hawking 12 votes. Granger won’t be playing in the grand final though, he is out with an injued knee. Foster’s grand final opponent Stony Creek had two players prominent in the count. Brenton Byrnes picked up 14 votes, with Brad Hutchinson next best with 11 votes. MDU’s Donny Epa was right up there as well, picking up 16 votes to finish fourth in the count. Despite winning the league goal kicking with 84 goals, Tarwin’s Albert Russell managed just eight votes, being best on ground on two occasions. In the Reserves count Justin Jackson from I-K was the winner with 21 votes from J. Dowie, also of I-K, on 16 votes, tying

League’s best: Shaun Everington of Foster collects the Alberton senior Best and Fairest trophy. with J. Smith of Phillip Island on 16 votes. In the Thirds Samuel Whatley of Toora and district was the winner with 24 votes in a close vote from runner-up I. Osman of Korumburra-Bena on 22 votes. T. Cole of Phillip Island and J. Chalmers of Stony Creek ﬁnished equal third on 17 votes. Top goalkicking went to Albert Russell of Tarwin in the seniors with 84 goals with Justen Jackson snagging 101 majors to

Power thwarts elimination

THE character, courage and self belief of the Gippsland Power were severely tested for much of their elimination final against the Northern Knights last weekend, but when it mattered most they rose to these challenges to record one of the club’s best wins in the TAC Cup competition. After looking to have put themselves under the pump going into the last quarter, they took their game to another level to crush the Knights with a brand of committed team football that had their supporters in raptures after the final siren. The courageous and inspiring win was a reflection of a young side realising their enormous potential under extreme pressure and gave them

another chance to extend their season further into the business end of the season. Throughout the game Dyson Heppell was in the heat of the action and racked up over 30 possessions, had 10 marks and laid seven tackles. His importance was far more than these numbers, as he worked tirelessly to lead the side and pushed himself to be in contests all over the ﬁeld. They now go into a preliminary ﬁnal next Saturday against the Oakleigh Chargers. Final scores: Loy Yang B Gippsland Power 12.10.82 def Northern Knights 10.8.68. Goal kickers: Tim Northe 3, Danny Butcher and Simon Deery 2, Dale Hoghton, Jed Lamb, Aiden Lindsay, Ryan Pendlebury and Shaun Marusic 1.

win the Reserves while Ilan Osman of Korumburra -Bena won the Thirds with 54 goals and Josh Hopkins of Korumburra-Bena the Fourths with 56 goals. Rising star winner for the 2010 season was Sam Docherty of Phillip Island. He was the April nominee. He won from Corbin Sutherland, Yarram (May), Damien McLean, Tarwin (June), and Todd Lomax, Tarwin and David Clavarino, Yarram, equal July winners.

Reserves: Best and Fairest as well as leading goalkicker Justen Jackson of I-K with senior goalkicking winner, Albert Russell of Tarwin, and I. Osman, Korumburra-Bena, Thirds goal kicker.

Right Junior best: Sam Whatley of Toora won the Thirds league Best and Fairest.

I-K Reserves’ extra time win IN A weekend of close finishes, the Reserves game was no exception, with Inverloch-Kongwak outlasting Fish Creek by three points in overtime. It is the only match that has gone into overtime in the finals series so far, and made for huge public interest. Inverloch were not able to score after half time, that is, until the overtime section kicked in, when they scored three behinds. They will now meet KorumburraBena in the grand final, a team they have had many great clashes with in the past, including last year’s grand final. Fish Creek are the second last casualty in the Alberton league’s reserves premiership race, with the last one set to be decided next Saturday. A come from behind win just

evaded them on Saturday, after coming from 22 points down at half time in horrible conditions. The ﬁrst quarter was tight, with both sides struggling to gain ascendancy in the slippery conditions. It took until 10 minutes into the third term for the Sea Eagles to break free, and they kicked three goals to none in the second term. Josh Dowie was proving dangerous across half forward, and made his way inside the 50 to kick two important goals. Shayne Smith kicked three for the home side, and was a key reason in getting his team back into the match after half time. Fish Creek took control in the third quarter, but their plays were breaking down around the half forward line due to some telling Sea Eagles’ defence. They managed to score two goals, and got themselves within eight points at the last change.

The next quarter was tight, Fish Creek levelled the scores and for the rest of the fourth quarter no player could move without being tackled. Eventually the siren went and players and spectators alike were confused. The match then went into overtime - two five minute halves. Inverloch managed to score three points (their first score since half time) to win the match and progress to the grand final. Inverloch-Kongwak 5.8.38 d Fish Creek 5.5.35 I-K goals: J. Dowie 2, J. Jackson 1, R. Tegg 1, T. Phillips 1. Best: B. Dryden, T. Thornby, K. Fidoe, W. Taberner, T. Phillips. Fish Creek goals: S. Smith 3, B. Mitchell 1, J. Jordan 1. Best: M. Van Boven, A. Ireland, A. Hamilton, C. Smith, J. Shaw, P. Mueller.

Ready to ride NOTHING could stop Kris McLaren competing in the next round of the Australian Superbike Championships at Phillip Island this weekend. He is revved up and rearing to go, working out ﬁve days a week at his local Feel Good Fitness Club in Leongatha and following a high powered diet and Kris is hoping for at least a top eight ﬁnish during his races at the V8 Super Cars Championship Series. While Kris is carrying an injury and is on the back foot when it comes to major sponsorship, he remains super positive and totally focused on where he wants to be and that is at the top. Kris is on the hunt for success and would really like to be

snapped up by a major sponsor and he will travel anywhere to make this happen, even if it means moving to the USA or England. As for backing, proud parents Craig and Pam have virtually put everything on the line, backing Kris in his pursuit of making it in the world of Superbike racing and this weekend the local team will be sporting the new McLaren family team uniforms. For now the task at hand is to ﬁnish up with the best, and that means keeping up with the likes of Bryan Starrling, Jamie Stauffer, Wayne Maxwell, Glen Alerton and Shaun Giles. Kris said he gets on well with all these guys, “they are all very different but we obviously have a lot in common”.

Super ﬁt: setting off for another training session at Feel Good Fitness in Leongatha, Kris McLaren has his sights set on a top eight ﬁnish in this weekend’s Australian Superbike Championship event at Phillip Island.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - PAGE 55

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Tigers make it: a determined Phillip Island couldn’t overcome a resurgent Foster in the mud at Fish Creek on Saturday. Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz.

Tigers to tackle Lions INVERLOCH is i set to host h its i first ever Alberton Football League grand final, with reigning premiers Stony Creek facing off against minor premier Foster. From round one it was predicted that Foster would play Stony Creek in the grand final. What was not predicted, however, was the manner in which it would happen. Foster has limped into their first grand final since 1993 after going through the season almost undefeated, while Stony Creek have powered through to their second consecutive flag playoff. Foster managed a five point victory over Phillip Island in the preliminary final at Fish Creek on Saturday. Inverloch will host the 2010 grand final rather than at Foster, as in recent years, as the Tigers were likely to be in it. AFL secretary Lynne Whelan said the decision to shift the grand final was made earlier in the season and has proven to be the correct one.

She said Sh id the h Inverloch I l h groundd was lookl k ing magnificent and would hopefully benefit from some fine weather this week. After recording strong victories at the beginning of the season, Foster appeared to struggle in recent weeks with single digit wins and losses to Fish Creek and Stony Creek. Tigers coach Dean Duursma said the big early victories were due to a fit, young and running side. “It’s really hard to keep the boys up and playing at the level you want them to stay at,” he said. “When the rain came and the grounds started to slosh up that brought us back for sure to the rest of the field,” Duursma said. There is plenty of excitement around the Foster club. “I’m not going to try and stop that. This is what the boys have set themselves up for the whole year,” he said. “So we don’t step away from the pressure or the expectation, we’re going to deal with it on the day.” The Tigers will have lighter trainings

this grandd finall hi weekk andd meet to discuss di strategies. Darren Granger, who was among the club’s top five players this season, won’t play due to an injury. He hurt a medial ligament in his knee against Stony Creek in the second semi final. Duursma said his players saw it as an opportunity to step in and fill a role in the team. Stony Creek president Bill Pratt said his team would be fresher after having a week off. Last year they came from third and played every week of the finals. The Lions have had normal trainings over the fortnight and are not affected by injuries. Mr Pratt said the club was hopeful and confident of victory. “The feeling around the club is obviously huge from where we’ve been in the past to where we are now. It makes the club pretty happy,” he said. Mr Pratt said weather conditions won’t make any difference to his team. Phillip Island were so close to a grand

upset, with finall bberthh andd the h ultimate li i h just j five points separating it and Foster after their match on Saturday. A huge third quarter looked as if it were going to lift the Bulldogs, but Foster just kept coming, eventually getting themselves back in front. The wet finals series continued, with ground conditions muddy and slippery once again. The Island got off to a great start, with Murdoch kicking the first goal of the match in the opening minutes. A physical first term ensued, with the Tigers and Bulldogs put under the pump with every possession, especially in the dirty conditions.The Island showed they were here to play, with McDonnell kicking back to back goals midway through the quarter. They managed to hold onto a slight lead going into the first break. The Tigers showed why they have been so successful this season, by completely outplaying the Bulldogs in the second quarter. Continued on page 47.

Heppell wins Morrish medal DYSON Heppell has been awarded another accolade for season 2010, with the Gippsland Power captain awarded the Morrish Medal for the best player in the TAC cup competition. In just 11 of a possible 17 games Heppell took home enough votes to tie with Sandringham player Jackson Sketcher. “I just couldn’t believe it, I came into the night with no expectations,” said the modest defender. Heppell now joins former Wonthaggi and Gippsland Power, now Collingwood player Jarryd Blair as winner of the TAC cup’s top individual award. Club spokesperson Bryan Mitchell cannot rate the youngster highly

enough. “It is yet another indication of his stellar season where he won All Australian selection from the nationals, played in the winning state team and was named in the TAC Cup team of the year along with team-mate Jed Lamb,” Bryan said. “Dyson started the season well after a slow pre season due to injury, but really took it to another level when he returned from the nationals.” A host of AFL stars were on hand to present the awards, with former Essendon player Matthew Lloyd and Collingwood’s Leigh Brown each speaking about their TAC Cup experiences and the importance of hard work. Heppell attended the night at Etihad Stadium with four team-mates, who all

were happy to see him take home the award. It turned out to be a big night for Heppell, who received more than one honour. “During the night we got our AllAustralian jumpers presented, and the team was announced, so I was pretty happy with that,” he said. The Power skipper’s season is not over, with his team winning through to a preliminary final against the Oakleigh Chargers. Former Morrish medallist Blair has also won his way into a preliminary final, with side Collingwood. They will take on either Geelong or Fremantle, with Blair hoping to take home a premiership medallion in his Dyson Heppell: competes for Vic Country earlier this year. Photo courtesy AFL media. first season.

Matt Stevic made right call AUSTRALIAN Football League umpire Matt Stevic made one of the most important decisions of his career on Friday night. Umpiring in the Geelong v St Kilda game, Leongatha’s Stevic awarded a push in the back against Cameron Mooney in the dying minutes. Cameron Ling went on to kick what would have been the match-winning goal for the Cats, but the ball was brought back. According to former Geelong premiership player Tom Harley, former Tiger great, Matthew Richardson and umpire’s boss, Geoff Gieschen, Stevic made the right call. The Cats were unimpressed by the decision but Stevic handled it perfectly. Mooney was lucky not to have a 50 metre penalty awarded against him when he said to Stevic, “you have just cost us the game.” We’ll have to wait and see whether Stevic is given the nod for the grand ﬁnal in just under three weeks’ time.