NEWUPDATEON ARIA'SPUPWAIT
Further to our previous article in Issue 95 (1st March 2024) – which detailed the challenging journey of Aria Harris and her family, as they wait to secure a seizure assistance dog — the latest update is that Aria’s family recently received information from Smart Pups to advise that they have a pup within their allocated training team who is showing promising signs for seizure response and alert. “We are awaiting more information on when placement for her pup will be, but we are getting closer to Aria meeting her new best friend,” says Aria’s mum, Alisha. Stay tuned for more updates as they come to hand.
The Amazing Lakes Race
ROGUE is the manager of The Cove Lakes Entrance, a unique café that is located over the footbridge and next to the Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club. She is also the owner of Rogue Mercia Creations, which is a soonto-be-launched business offering event management, photography and make-up services.
Rogue’s first local event is set to be The Amazing Lakes Race. “I have created this event as a way to bring the town and its adventurers together for a fun-filled day of challenges, riddles, puzzles and activities, and to enhance bonding within teams and families in a super awesome fun way!”
The day will see participating teams or individuals receive and follow clues, crack codes and puzzles, and move to various locations throughout Lakes Entrance, accumulating points along the way. The team with the most points at the end of the day will be declared the winners and will take home prizes donated by local businesses — as well as the glory of being crowned the winners!
“The Amazing Lakes
Race is open to all ages and is supported by local businesses. Entry is $25 per team of up to five people; and, this year, the event is being held as a fundraiser with all profits being donated to local charities such as the CFA and/or Vinnies in Lakes Entrance,” Rogue explains. Participants will start and finish at The Cove Lakes Entrance. Teams can consist of up to five people and each team will require a car and driver in order to complete the course.
The Amazing Race is being held on Saturday 7 September. Teams should arrive at 9.30am for a 10am start, with finish times expected around 2pm, and prize presentations at 3pm. To register your team or find out more visit The Cove Lakes Entrance page on Facebook.
Delivery throughout:
Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Metung, Lakes Entrance and surrounds. Includes selected businesses and depot drops. Now in Sale.
Also find us at:
Local newsagents, shops and businesses. You can also view our latest publication FREE online at: www.holstadvertising.com/The-Gem along with previous editions.
Publisher: Holst Advertising
Display Advertising:
Jason: 0428 366 651
Rick: 0413 278 422 Office: (03) 9686 0858
Editorial Material: news@holstadvertising.com
rick@holstadvertising.com
Advertising Material: matt@holstadvertising.com
Publisher’s Note:
The views and opinions expressed by advertisers and opinion-writers in this publication are those of the advertiser/writer and do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher and its policies.
Editorial Note:
The Great Eastern Mail encourages readers to send in their opinions and views on any matter relating to the region. If you have a story you would like to put forward, please contact our staff (above), and you may have your own piece published.
Another successful market for Lionesses
THERE was much browsing and buying at the Mechanics Hall in Lakes Entrance last month, when the Lions Club of Gippsland Lakes Lionesses held their regular Indoor Market. The extensive variety of goods on offer included lots of homemade crafts, fresh homegrown veggies, and books. The Lioness ladies were also busy in the kitchen, serving homemade soups, sandwiches, and the always popular scones with jam and cream. The next indoor market is scheduled for 19 October — keep an eye on the Facebook page for more details.
GAdvertising: Advertising material created by the publisher is not to be reproduced or distributed to third parties unless given written consent by the publisher or author. Follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/ TheGreatEasternMail
Call or SMS Jason on 0428 366 651 Have your Club be part of 'The GEM'
Got a story you think needs telling?
RASSROOTS football and netball clubs across the state can apply for a share of $600,000 to improve their club as part of an annual road safety rewards grants program.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has kicked off this year’s TAC Club Rewards program, which encourages local clubs to promote road safety to members during the season.
Now in its fifth year, the program allows AFL Victoriaaffiliated football and netball clubs to apply for up to $10,000 to spend on club initiatives including club transport, new equipment and uniforms or
AFL road safety grants open
facility upgrades.
So far this year, 128 people have died on Victoria’s roads, with more than half of these deaths occurring in regional areas.
The Nationals’ MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said that repeated funding cuts by the Labor Government has seen regional roads deteriorate to an
appalling standard, with new data showing 91 per cent of roads across the state are now classified as being in “poor” or “very poor” condition.
“As part of this year’s program, clubs will be asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the
tagline — ‘Show up for your team. Slow down on the road’,” Mr Bull said.
"Road safety is paramount for all our local footballers and netballers who travel vast distances on our crumbling roads each week to attend training and games.
“In the interim, I will continue to campaign to have roads funding restored to improve the quality of our road surfaces,” he said.
More information on the Club Rewards Program can be found at tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/ community/grants/tac-clubrewards-program Applications close on August 25, 2024.
your
Gas and electricity rates are continually rising. Here’s how to avoid the price hike –FOR FREE!
GLENN Calvert is your friendly local electrician, now installing brand new heat pumps in East Gippsland for businesses and commercial premises for FREE as part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. (Residential is heavily subsidised).
This FREE scheme helps Victorians cut power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving households and businesses access to discounted energyefficient products and services. Through Glenn Calvert, you can currently tap into the following huge cost-saving opportunity: FREE fully installed brand new hot water service, valued at $5,500 Traditional hot water services typically use between 3600 and 4800 watts (3.6 and 4.8 kilowatts);
however, an upgraded heat pump system from Glenn Calvert can use just 800 watts (0.8 kilowatts)!
“Under this scheme, we’ll provide and install a FREE heat pump that can save you $1000’s (equating to around 80 per cent of the hot water components on your power bill),” Glenn Calvert explains. Your new FREE heat pump is valued at $5,500 and comes with a seven-year warranty. Customers will be amazed by how much they will save on power. Old hot water services usually only last 12-15 years
before rusting out. These old units will be eventually phased out which will leave you no option but to buy a heat pump, just as the old globes have been replaced by LED.
This scheme is FREE for businesses and commercial premises. Residential is heavily subsidised but a small out of pocket cost is required. This however will quickly be paid for with the electricity savings.
They can also change your existing gas hot water system units to heat pumps for a small out-of-pocket cost as
Cyber vigilance: protect yourself online
GIPPSLANDERS have been urged to remain on high alert for scams and phishing attempts following last week's global IT outage, which catapulted major businesses, banks, media outlets, supermarkets, and airlines into chaos.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said technology has brought many benefits but also exposed residents to risks from cybercriminals.
"While the recent global IT outage was not a malicious cyber security incident, hackers were quick to take advantage of the situation with individuals and small businesses in particular, reporting attempted phishing," Mr Chester said.
they are heavily subsidised. Take the initiative to claim your FREE hot water service with Glenn Calvert and his team and you’ll be supporting trusted local businesses. They work with local plumbers from Glenn Gudgeon Plumbing, so for all your FREE installations, plumbing and electrical certificates we recommend you book in quick by giving them a call on 0492 942 844. This scheme has been going for over 10 years but will finish soon — so don’t miss out! Avoid call centres, use local tradies!
"Phishing is an online scam in which cybercriminals attempt to trick you into giving them personal information by sending an email or text message pretending to be from a well-known source, an internet service provider, a bank, or a mortgage company, for example.
"They may try to steal your online banking logins, credit card details or passwords, which can result in the loss of information, money or identity theft."
Mr Chester said the global IT outage was a timely reminder to remain educated about the
warning signs of scams and to put good cyber safety practices into play and urged Gippslanders to be particularly vigilant about scammers who claim to be from myGov or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
"Among the host of other scams that are bombarding people's text messages and emails reporting to be from road toll companies, Australia Post and banks, recently, my office has received increased reports of phishing scammers reporting to be from myGov or the ATO," Mr Chester said.
"These criminals will often use text messages or emails to lure people into clicking a link, using phrases such as 'You have a new message in your myGov inbox — click here to view' or 'You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund'.
"Never open these links — neither myGov nor the ATO will ever send an email or text message with a link to sign into myGov.
"Never click on links in unsolicited text messages, never give anyone remote access to your computer, and check if communication from an organisation is genuine by independently searching the internet for official websites or contact phone numbers to ascertain the veracity of the message."
New FREE heat pump installed at Fennings Timber. From left: Mitch and Kieran from Glenn Gudgeon plumbing, Earl Chapman Sales Rep and Glenn Calvert electrician.
Why sign the wild dog petition?
GIPPSLAND East Nationals
MP, Tim Bull, has urged East Gippslanders to sign the wild dog petition, saying the scrapping of the program will have a far greater impact on more than just our farmers.
“The direct effects on our farmers are obvious; the stock losses that impact their viability and ability to stay on the land, but there are wider ramifications,” said Mr Bull.
“It impacts on our local economies as well. When farming families are
losing so many lambs, things get stretched. They will cut down on going out for dinner, buying new boots and general spending as they tighten the belt.
“Wild dogs are estimated to cost our agriculture sector just on $90 million per year and Victoria is a large slice of that. East Gippsland accounts for the biggest share of Victorian stock losses.
“In Gippsland alone, we have had around 500 dogs dispatched by doggers in the past two years and
Successful year for Lakes Surf Club
SURF Lifesaving Lakes
Entrance has welcomed some new faces to the executive team after its 68th annual general meeting.
While club president Wally Van Dam is returning to the role, local MP Darren Chester was elected Deputy President, and Life Member Kris Cordery has returned to take on the important Secretary and Vice President positions.
Another Life Member, Bruce Woodward, was also elected to a Vice President role, while Jackie Thirlwall is continuing as Treasurer.
Mr Van Dam told the meeting of 40 club members on Sunday that it had been another successful year, thanks to the hard work of dozens of volunteers in a variety of roles.
“I am very pleased to see our membership is growing with both patrolling members, new Bronze Medallion holders, Surf Rescue Certificate recipients and our
nippers,” Mr Van Dam said.
“It’s this volunteer commitment showing up every weekend that tells me we are doing something right as a club.
“I would like to thank our committee for all the hard work and countless hours for making sure this year ran smoothly.
“There are many people who have made our club what it is today by their sheer generosity and time. We are a family club with great people and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Club Treasurer Jackie Thirlwall reported a strong financial position to the AGM with reduced expenses throughout the year and strong revenue from donations, tin rattling and the foreshore market fees.
“Special thanks to the committee and the volunteers for all the hard work during this financial year,” Mrs Thirlwall reported.
there is still more than ever.
“It is a large amount to be taking out of rural communities like ours,” Mr Bull said.
“In addition, you also have the cost of lamb at the butcher or supermarket. When any commodity is in reduced supply, the price goes up.
“The reason I have this petition running is the state government has provided no guarantees the program will continue unchanged
past October. One of the options it is considering is removing controls on public land, which would be disastrous for a number of reasons.
“The first is you cannot rely on dog fences as some would suggest. Falling trees, sambar deer and wombats ensure even the best fences come down regularly. They are beneficial but can only be one part of the toolbox.
“It is also too late to control dogs once they are on private land. Our
doggers need to be able to trap the dogs on trails and tracks they use adjacent to freehold. They can trap them in these places because they know they walk them. They cannot trap them in open paddocks.”
Mr Bull said it was imperative the government continues the wild dog program unchanged in this part of the state.
“To sign the petition just google “wild dog petition” and it will appear at the top of your search,” he said.
Pictured (from left): Members of the Surf Lifesaving Lakes Entrance committee at the club’s Annual General Meeting, Wally Van Dam, Kris Cordery, Jackie Thirlwall and Darren Chester.
Preparing our schools for bushfire season
THE Allan Labor Government is making sure schools across Victoria are well-prepared for the upcoming bushfire season by providing grants to slash vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced 332 government schools across 348 campuses will share in more than $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program (BPVP).
“We know how devastating bushfires are and just how long-lasting their impacts can be, and that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible,” Minister Carroll said.
“These grants will help more than 330 schools at risk of fire clear vegetation — to protect their classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire.”
The program was
introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in accordance with municipal fire danger periods.
Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR), with the work aimed at mitigating the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
The BPVP also provides a School Support Program, where an accredited Bushfire
Planning and Design consultant visits a school twice a year to help them prepare for the upcoming bushfire season while also making sure they complete a Vegetation Management Plan every 3 years.
The Allan Labor Government is ensuring local schools are as safe and prepared as they can be. We continue to provide Victorian students with access to world-class environments for learning and thriving in the Education State.
Celebrating the heart and soul of aged care
Every day, our aged care employees make a world of difference with their compassion, dedication, and unwavering care.
What our client’s say:
"I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated staff who consistently deliver top-notch services. Their efforts have significantly enhanced my quality of life "
“Over the past few months, my support worker has been outstanding Their happy, positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond have not gone unnoticed ” On Wednesday 7 August, we invite everyone to join us in spreading the love for our amazing care champions by saying a MASSIVE thanks for caring!
“My worker does an excellent job, is thorough, professional, and very kind
accpa.asn.au/aged-care-employee-day/
Stunning Sea Eagle from stainless cutlery
LOCAL Swifts Creek artist Madelaine Last has been busy creating more mad metal creations. Her most recent commission is this incredible White Bellied Sea Eagle, which has been created using stainless cutlery.
“I had a bit of fun creating
a different position, with the wings outstretched like it’s coming in to land. Lots of cutlery was used in the feathering, including a mix of knife, fork and spoon handles to create the body and head. The tail feathers were created from stainless beer kegs, and the underwing feathers are
a mix of knife blades and spoons.” Madelaine heated and discoloured the cutlery on the back, to create the darker feathers that you can see on this impressive creation.
To see more follow ‘Mad Metal Creations by Madelaine Last’ on Facebook.
Saleyards operations under review, sale not on table
Adraft report from the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange commercial review — designed to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the facility — will be presented to East Gippsland Shire Council within the next few weeks.
Experienced industry consultant AEC Group was awarded the contract to complete a commercial review of the operations, independent of Council. The review examines the current in-house business model, forecast performance of the facility, and best-practice management options.
Initial work has included consultation with key stakeholders, including livestock agents and staff. A draft report is expected to be presented to Councillors in August.
After the draft report is considered by Council, it will be released to the public and community consultation will continue (except during the Council election period).
Brace yourself for even worse roads
IT is hard to believe our roads can get any worse — but they will — there is no other possible outcome, according to Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.
He said the state government’s own assessment found a staggering 91 per cent of our roads are in ‘poor or very poor’ condition. So, did Jacinta Allan respond to this revelation?
“Figures released by Roads Minister, Melissa Horne, show resurfacing spending dropped from $201.4 million in 2022/23 to $37.6 million in 2023/24. This 81 per cent cut in funding to resurface roads on top of their already poor condition, can only ever end one way — even worse conditions.
“In addition, road maintenance funding (the money used to fill pot holes and make temporary repairs) is less than it was in 2020 after a 45 per cent cut in that year.”
Mr Bull said Australian Community Media, which completed some additional research, revealed repairs dropped from more than nine million square metres in 2022/23 to just 343,000 square metres in 2023/24 — a 96 per cent decrease.
“Some of this can be attributed to the northern Victorian flood response, but with a raft of signs on our roads warning us to slow down due to a ‘rough surface ahead’ or ‘road hazard ahead’, the funding needed to be sustained rather than obliterated,” he said.
“Interestingly, in the state’s own survey, not one road was
listed as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, with the remaining nine per cent only listed as ‘fair’.”
The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) conducted the survey for the Department of Transport across the state’s road network.
Mr Bull said the survey was undertaken using the NTRO’s iPAVE technology and was spruiked by the Labor Government in January last year as ‘world-first’, despite having been used by other states for years.
“The state has argued that unprecedented wet weather is a contributor, but this is not accurate and a poor excuse,” said Mr Bull.
“The survey listed only 707
km as flood affected and, apart from the northern Victorian floods, Bureau data shows the weather has been largely average over recent years.
“The real reason is simply this. Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage projects and it’s Victorian motorists who are paying the price. The roads budget has been decimated to service an increasing debt ($25m per day in interest alone) and build a rail line worth $220 billion in Melbourne that we were told would cost $50 billion.
“Only the Liberals and Nationals will provide the investment our country roads need, as committed to last election with a promise of $10 billion over 10 years,” he said.
Yards not for sale
This will include sessions with user groups, such as the agriculture sector advisory committee.
Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said the review is not considering the option of Council selling the facility.
“The saleyards were built and redeveloped with significant community input and public money, to provide a regional facility that stacks up with the best around the country. The yards support our livestock producers and the local economy,”
Ms Weigall said.
“The saleyards have long been important infrastructure for our community and that is not lost on us. Recent investment in the $2 million sheep yards is an example of our commitment to the facility and local producers.”
Ms Weigall said as with any public facility or service, it is important that operations are reviewed to support best practice for the industry and ratepayers.
“There is no predetermined outcome for the review.
The exception is that selling the facility is not being
considered as part of this review.
“A thriving and diverse economy requires community, government and business stakeholders to work together. Our saleyards need to operate in a way that we can promote and maintain a competitive advantage for our producers and agents to sell through the yards.
“The saleyards are an important economic driver for our region, are of high value from a biosecurity perspective, play a vital role in emergencies, and are a place of social connection.”
The Council-run saleyards feature more than 150 undercover soft-floor and 210 sheep pens, with a yarding capacity of 4,000 cattle and 20,000 sheep/lambs. Council has owned and managed the facility since it was redeveloped.
The Bairnsdale Stock Agents Association, in partnership with Council, recently changed the sale days and times to align with other markets and to best support local producers and buyers.
Wrap on wonderful Winter Festival 2024
THE East Gippsland Winter Festival has once again brought the region to life in mid-winter with its vibrant monthlong celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit. As the fourth consecutive year of the festival, it has solidified its place as a beloved winter tradition, transforming the quieter season into a bustling hub of activity and economic vitality across East Gippsland.
This year's festival boasted its most diverse and engaging program yet, featuring over 160 events offering something for all ages, interests and budgets. From sold-out culinary experiences like the HighCountry Lunch at Moscow Villa Hut and the Inverno Italian Feast by Guy Grossi, to perennial favourites such as the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch, and Bruthen Medieval Fire Festival, the festival catered to a wide array of tastes and preferences.
Despite facing the wettest winter over the last four years, attendees enthusiastically embraced the elements, participating in activities ranging from Winter Solstice Sunrise Swims to lantern parades, large-scale light installations, cave concerts, and more. New additions such as Omeo’s Kite Day, the Tour de Tambo bike from Swifts Creek to Ensay and Cann River’s Winter Skate brought the community together across the region and encouraged visitors and locals alike to get active outdoors.
Whilst 2024 attendance figures are still being collated from the dozens of event organisers across the region, total numbers are expected to set a new record with thousands of visitors flocking to East Gippsland for the festival, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. Post-event survey data is expected to highlight an increase in overnight visitors, largely thanks
to the festival's appeal as a costeffective alternative to interstate or overseas vacations.
Adam Bloem, Founder of the East Gippsland Winter Festival stated, "We've received numerous reports from event organisers, stallholders
Metung
pleasing to hear these reports”
The Paynesville Hotel hosted a ‘sold-out’ American BBQ Feast as part of this year’s festival program and owner Nate Thompson was delighted with the response: “It was our first time being involved with the Winter Festival and it’s been wonderful. We’ve received lots of great feedback on our event and have had quite a few attendees since returning for dinner.”
and local businesses noting a significant presence of out-of-town visitors for the festival, which is wonderful news."
“One of the main objectives of the festival is to attract visitors in the quiet off-peak season, so it’s really
“We were really impressed with the variety of offerings on the festival program and attended a few of the events ourselves,” said Mr Thompson. The Paynesville Water & Lights Festival attracted thousands of visitors on what would have otherwise been another quiet winter weekend. “Our kitchen had its busiest night of winter. It was fantastic.” Mr Thompson explained. “A lot of the customers were visitors to the area, here for the (winter) festival,” he added.
Educa on Support Posi ons
Do you want to work with a team of dedicated professionals, who are keen and eager to journey with young people to help them achieve their dreams? Would you like to help drive the next stage of development for Nagle College in its journey to becoming a beacon of Catholic educa�on?
If so, come and be a part of our passionate, experienced, and dedicated staff in developing contemporary and innovated learning environments. Join our amazing, welcoming students and have your contribu�on appreciated.
Fire and Ice. Picture courtesy EGMI
BirdLife East Gippsland
Bird of the Month – August 2024
Masked Lapwing
WHICH bird is known for its (often)-poor nesting choices? It would be the Masked Lapwing. In urban areas they like to raise their family in the middle of a roundabout or a supermarket carpark, then fiercely defend their family from anyone who dares come near them!
Erroneously referred to as a Plover, our southern species was known as the Spur-winged Plover because each wing is armed with a yellow spur at the ‘elbow’. Masked Lapwings use these spurs when diving at potential predators, but rarely do they actually strike, preferring to just ‘give them a scare’.
A large, conspicuous ground-dwelling bird, it is mainly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. They have a dramatic yellow ‘mask’ of large bright-yellow wattles
(fleshy skin) covering the face.
The Masked Lapwing is common throughout northern, central and eastern Australia. Their habitat is varied, but they typically prefer open, shortgrassed sites often beside water like swamps, marshes, mudflats and beaches.
When feeding, Lapwings stalk slowly and deliberately, dipping and stabbing at prey just below the surface, seeking out earthworms, insects and their larvae.
Breeding when conditions are suitable, both sexes share the building of the nest and incubation and care of young. The nest is a simple scrape on bare ground, unlined or sparsely lined with dry grass, rootlets or other plant debris. A clutch of 3-4 is common.
Being protective parents, they will huddle the young chicks underneath them for warmth and protection.
advice - ask Emma
Coping with being diagnosed with ADHD later in life
Young birds are born with a full covering of down and can leave the nest and feed themselves a few hours after hatching.
The Masked Lapwing is notorious for defending of its nesting site, particularly after chicks have hatched. Adults will dive on intruders, and you may get a shock if one suddenly swoops towards you, making a loud ‘kekekekek’ call when you get too close, but it will rarely make contact. They may act as though they have a broken wing in an attempt to lure the intruder away from the nest. After chicks have grown up, they will calm down and stop attacks.
BirdLife East Gippsland meet weekly for Monday morning outings. New members are always welcome. Check our Facebook page and Birdlife Australia events page for more information.
Changes to livestock sale dates
EAST Gippsland Livestock Exchange has new sale dates to align with other Gippsland markets and best support local producers and buyers.
• Prime cattle — weekly Wednesday, 8.30am
• Sheep — fortnightly Monday (as per current schedule), 10am
• Store cattle — fortnightly Friday (second and fourth week of month), 9am The changes came into effect earlier this month.
The decision by the Bairnsdale Stock Agents Association to change the sale days has the full support of East Gippsland Shire Council.
“Our agents, in consultation with major stakeholders, made the decision after changes were made to other facility sale schedules,” General Manager Assets and Environment Stuart McConnell said.
“A thriving and diverse economy requires
community, government and business stakeholders to work together. This decision is an example of how we work with our partners to promote our competitive advantages.
“The saleyards are an important economic driver for our region, and a valuable place of social connection for our agriculture sector. The changes will better support vendors, buyers and agents.”
For sale dates and times, and market reports, visit our website.
Q: Dear Emma, I hope this letter finds you well. I’m in my 40s and have just been diagnosed with ADHD. It’s a bit overwhelming, to say the least. I always knew I was a bit different, but I never imagined it was something like this. Now, I’m looking back at my life through a different lens and feeling a mix of emotions—relief, confusion, even some regret. How do I move forward with this new understanding of myself?
A: First, let me say how brave you are for acknowledging and going through the process. An ADHD diagnosis in your 40s can indeed be overwhelming, but it's also a powerful step toward selfawareness and understanding who you fully are.
I imagine you’re likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—relief, confusion, maybe even some regret. It’s natural to look back and wonder how things might have been different if you’d known earlier. But let’s focus on the here and now, and the incredible opportunities this new understanding brings. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is often misunderstood. While it’s labelled as a "disorder," I personally feel that is an unhelpful term so please don’t get stuck on that. It's essential to recognise that ADHD is not simply a collection of deficits but
rather a different way of processing the world, that’s not right or wrong, just different. People with ADHD have brains that are wired differently, leading to a unique set of challenges and strengths, abit like adding extra sparkle to world.
For instance, ADHD affects executive functioning, which includes planning, organising, and managing time and tasks. It’s also linked to emotional regulation, so you might find that your feelings can be intense and sometimes difficult to manage. However, ADHD also comes with unique strengths, such as creativity, hyperfocus on interests, and innovative thinking.
Now that you have this diagnosis, you have the opportunity to understand yourself in a deeper way. Start by educating yourself about ADHD. There are excellent books, podcasts, and online communities where you can learn more about how ADHD manifests and ways to manage it effectively. Knowledge is power, and the more you understand, the more equipped you'll be to navigate your life with this new lens.
It can also be incredibly helpful to seek out a support network. Connecting with others who share your experiences can be incredibly validating. Consider joining a support group for adults with ADHD. Sharing your journey with others who truly understand can provide you with practical advice and emotional support.
Professional help, like therapy or coaching, can also be a
game-changer. A therapist or coach specialising in ADHD can help you develop strategies tailored to your specific needs. It's also important to embrace your strengths. ADHD brings a unique perspective and skill set. Your creativity, ability to hyperfocus on things you’re passionate about, and innovative thinking are valuable assets. Find ways to leverage these strengths in both your personal and professional life.
Lastly, if you haven’t already done so, consider sharing your diagnosis with those close to you. Opening up to friends, family, or colleagues can foster understanding and support, making it easier for you to navigate challenges and leverage your strengths. It might feel daunting, but honesty and openness can lead to a more supportive and empathetic environment. Remember, this diagnosis doesn’t change who you are; it simply gives you a deeper understanding of yourself. Embrace this journey with compassion and curiosity. Take it one day at a time, and be kind to yourself as you adjust and grow.
Hope that helps, Emma
‘Ask Emma’ is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. By submitting a question, you are agreeing to let The Great Eastern Mail use it and we may edit it for length and/or clarity. You can find Emma on Instagram @emmawoodcockcounsellor and Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/emmawoodcockcounselling
Masked Lapwing –
Photo by Chris Healey Emma Woodcock is a Registered Counsellor working with adolescents and adults with a broad range
Emma Woodcock Counsellor
Heat Pump Hot Water News (Commercial)
High efficiency CO2 hot water solution
BY now, most people would know about Heat Pump Hot Water and the benefits that a quality heat pump can provide, saving up to 80 per cent off your hot water power cost and maybe even zero water cost if you integrate your solar electricity. But did you know that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries now has a Commercial Heat Pump designed specifically for motels, dairies or any largescale hot water requirements. Each Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Q-Ton Hot Water System can provide up to 30kW water heating capacity from an input of 6.9kW input
and will run in ambient temperature range from -25 C through to +43 C. These can be stacked for up to 15,000L of hot water per day. The water temperature can be controlled from +60 C (motels) right up to +90˚C (industrial process-wash down, carwash, dairies). With the right amount of solar electricity, the hot water could be free.
If you’re interested or require further information on this great product or any Heat Pump Hot Water
food & wine
FRENCH TOAST
PREP: 5 MINS COOK: 15 MINS + SOAKING SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS
• 2 large eggs
• 80ml whole milk
• 40ml double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 4 thick slices brioche
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• icing sugar and fresh berries, to serve (optional)
METHOD
Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Lay the brioche slices in a single layer in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture over them.
Allow to soak for 2-3 mins, then
carefully turn over and soak for 2 minutes more.
Heat 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat until foaming. Carefully lift 2 slices of the soaked brioche out of the dish and add to the frying pan. Fry
EASY CRÊPES
PREP: 5 MINS COOK: 20 MINS + RESTING SERVES: 8 LARGE PANCAKES
Use this easy crêpe mix to make sweet or savoury pancakes. There’s enough batter to make a main course and dessert for a family of four
INGREDIENTS
• 175g plain flour
• 3 large eggs
• 450ml milk
• sunflower oil, for frying
METHOD
Weigh the flour in a large jug or bowl. Crack in the eggs, add half the milk and a pinch of salt. Whisk to a smooth, thick batter. Add the remaining milk and whisk again. Set aside for at least 30 mins.
Heat a large non-stick crêpe pan or frying pan. Add a drizzle of oil, then wipe out the excess with
Eggy bread, pain perdu or French toast – this classic breakfast dish has plenty of names and just as many options for toppings. We like it with fresh berries!
THE BELLES (and Beaus) OF ST MARY'S — The Myths And Mysteries Of Catholic Education In The Sixties
Written by Bobby Howlett
one book...."
Actually, Aaron was away, but asked to be included.
for 3 mins on each side, until golden and crisp, then place on a wire rack over a baking tray in a warm oven while you repeat with the remaining slices.
Serve dusted in icing sugar and scattered with fresh berries, if you like.
kitchen paper. When the pan is hot, add enough batter to just cover the surface, swirling it and pouring any excess back into the bowl. The pancake should be as thin as possible. When the edges are peeling away
BOULANGÈRE POTATOES
PREP: 20 MINS COOK: 1 HOUR SERVES: 8
Lighter and healthier than Dauphinoise and just as impressive, perfect for a cold winter’s night
INGREDIENTS
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• few thyme sprigs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½kg floury potato, such as Desirée, peeled and sliced thinly, by hand or using a food processor
• 425ml vegetable stock
METHOD
Heat oven to 200˚C/fan or 180˚C. Fry the onions and thyme sprigs in the oil until softened and lightly coloured (about 5 mins).
Afunny, little book?
A little, funny book?
A little book that's a little bit funny? Maybe a bit of all the above if you like your history served with a dash of humour.
Bobby Howlett has plucked a few anecdotes from the flotsam and jetsam of a long, lost Catholic education of the 1960s.
They were simpler times when we didn't need a silicon chip to entertain us ... we made each other laugh.
There may be a few little tales or characters in the book that make you giggle. You might even be in it!
Anyway, if it doesn't give you a laugh, and with Christmas just around the corner, it may just be the perfect gift for someone you don't like!
Bobby was inspired to write by literary giants such as Max Walker (How To Hypnotise Chooks) and Crackers Keenan (Dead Certs And Dogfood) and aspires to sit next to those classics on the shelves at Vinnies one day.
from the sides of the pan, shake it to see if the pancake easily releases and is browning on the underside. If not, cook a little longer. Flip and cook the other side for a minute or two. Serve, or keep warm in a low oven.
Spread a layer of potatoes over the base of a 1.5 litre oiled gratin dish. Sprinkle over a few onions and continue layering, finishing with a layer of potatoes.
Harvey and Stevie (the dogs): "Woof! Woof! (Now can we go for a walk?)"
The book is available at The Book Orchard in Bairnsdale or, if you're patient, any good Op Shop in a few months.
It is about a two-hour read (the same as a good movie, but cheaper). So, book yourself a little quality time, pour yourself a glass or two of château cardboard (always loosens the chortle chords) and allow yourself to be mildly amused.
Our great mate, Trev from the Metung RSL was a learned man and good judge. Sadly, we lost Trev recently after a long and brave battle with cancer. He said in the Pub one day:
"I don't want to pee in your pocket (or words to that effect), but I like that stuff you write. You should do a book."
This is his second published work. His first was a letter to the editor, alarmed at the rising price of pies at the footy. That was a failure; the cost of pies skyrocketed.
Undeterred, Bobby has continued to write, encouraged by the comments of family members.
Gill: "Avant-garde has a hyphen."
Mark: "Very funny, Robert. What's for dinner?"
Aaron: "A timeless classic. Masterpiece. If you only read
This one's for you, Trev. FOOTNOTE: In the unlikely event that the book makes a little profit it will be split between September's Walk 71 for pancreatic cancer and Susan Alberti's Medical Research Fund. We are currently working on the Pope to have the book banned. That always guarantees people rushing to get a copy and a great way to get kids to read.
Pour over the stock and bake for 50-60 mins until the potatoes are cooked and the top is golden and crisp.
viewpoint
Holidaying is hard work for this grumpy old woman
HAVING just spent holiday time in Queensland, I’m so happy to be going home to the things I know. After ‘a certain age’ everything about having a fly-drive holiday is just too hard.
The hire car is fitted with so much electronic gadgetry. What happened to putting the key in the ignition and turning it clockwise? The screen facing the driver preaches obedience to the road rules which you are invited to acknowledge by pressing the OK button, then tells you the device (whatever that might be) is not connected, making you wonder whether it is safe to drive. I do like the screen that helps to reverse and park but the bipping that increases in volume and intensity to indicate proximity to crashable objects is unnerving. On a final auto note, where is the lever that allows you
to open the fuel tank? I was forced to ask for help from someone young enough to be my grandson.
I am proud to say that I have mastered Google-maps so navigation was a cinch. Then there is the accommodation. All very satisfactory if you are in the physical condition to lug heavy cases up and down stairs. And keep the door key on you the whole time because doors are self locking. The operation of stove tops and ovens all vary and without a manual (written by someone who doesn’t understand what it is not to understand the operation) are quite unusable.
Well, at least it was Olympic Games time and as my beloved Western Bulldogs are in the ascendant, also lots of footy to enjoy.
But, how do I connect to Foxtel? And at Airlie Beach, Channel Nine appears to have done a runner. I find the Foxtel app and have brought along my slender book of passwords, but I cannot key in my information because I can’t work out how to remove the name of the previous
Carbon ‘facts’ according to Green dream believers
occupant.
By this time my language has slipped a notch, respectability wise, I have phoned my daughter for help and manage to download her Kayo app onto my iPad. A game of the magnificence of the Bulldogs-Swans clash deserved the big screen, but we couldn’t have been louder and prouder than we were watching that demolition.
The remaining annoyance was parking. No free parking anywhere and I had to download a parking app in order to comply. I never did manage to do that properly either so expect fines to arrive in the post any day now.
Trying to manage the routine things has become irritating and, yes, unsettling. I am becoming a grumpy old woman disenfranchised by the pace of change, a curmudgeon. And don’t get me started on trying to pay bills now that cheques and bank branches are receding into the sunset.
A holiday is supposed to be for relaxation so I will be staying home for my next holiday.
Lakes Entrance Foreshore update
FEDERAL Member for Gippsland
Darren Chester says the transformation of public facilities on the Lakes Entrance foreshore is progressing, with the construction of the new playground near the rotunda. The previous Federal Government funded the project under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which is being delivered by East Gippsland Shire Council.
I’VE seen the light, the truth about “carbon pollution” in simple terms as explained by some Green Dream Believers and disciples of the new Climate Change religion.
So why am I still in the dark? I’ve always wondered how Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, Greens leader Adam Bandt, the nowhere-near-independent Teals and a host of other climate change advocates keep banging on about “carbon pollution” and how we must eliminate it to save the planet while creating thousands of new Green Renewables jobs.
I thought they were talking about carbon dioxide or CO2, an essential trace gas which now measures slightly over 400 parts per million or a miniscule 0.04 percent of the atmosphere. Science confirms it has been present at much higher levels due to natural influences in the past, when trees thrived, and coral reefs proliferated.
How can they call it “carbon pollution” when we know it is essential to all life on Earth?
How can they call it “carbon pollution” when all living organisms breathe it out as part of the respiration process and then plants absorb it and return oxygen to the atmosphere as part of nature’s perfect master plan?
Well, just as decades ago in TV ads we were told “oils ain’t necessarily oils,” carbon pollution ain’t necessarily carbon pollution.
My re-education on how all this is really supposed to work began years ago, courtesy of a newspaper column I wrote where I suggested people who lie awake at night worrying about breathing and adding to the “carbon pollution” need worry no more as there were a couple of ingenious devices developed which could sequester their own personal greenhouse contributions (at least from their lungs).
With a global population now approaching 8 billion and each human exhaling an average of about 1kg of CO2 daily, that’s nothing to sneeze at. In fact, it inspired the developers of the amazing “Living Green Screen Mask,” hailed as “a living, carboncapturing face mask which also filters bacteria, and the “Binchotan” (Japanese for “White Coal”) bracelet.
If you combined these
colourful accessories back then, you would not only be noticed in a crowd (any crowd), more importantly you would capture and store CO2, filter out microbes, generate feel-good negative ions and ward off electromagnetic waves from the cell phone powered by the electricity you have just generated with your bracelet, all at the same time you are helping to save the planet. Or so I thought when I passed the information on to readers, with just a hint of sarcasm.
According to the angry nest of Green hornets and climate worriers I stirred with my helpful information, the CO2 which humans breathe out is not pollution. Some also said the CO2 spewed out by volcanoes was not pollution since it was natural and possibly responsible for higher CO2 levels in the past which was all good because humans weren’t responsible.
They were adamant that we were not contributing to “carbon pollution” through breathing. Some mistakenly thought the carbon dioxide we breathed out was the same volume we breathed in, when in reality through respiration, we breathe out about four times as much.
Others said the CO2 we breathe out today is the carbon we ate yesterday, and this was “good carbon” seeing it was perfectly in balance with nature. Apparently, it does not matter whether you are a vegetarian or a meat eater, the principle remains the same. Garbage in, garbage out, I guess (just like today’s climate computer models which churn out the desired predictions).
Now to their explanation of why we really need a carbon tax in the form of carbon offsets or whatever other form our leaders dictate. The same CO2 suddenly becomes “carbon pollution” when it is produced by power stations, cars, trains, planes or anything else burning fossil fuels and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. Here it upsets the balance of nature and drives “climate change” — even though it’s only about 3 per cent of total CO2 emissions.
Water vapour is acknowledged by NASA as a much more efficient greenhouse gas and on average makes up about 10 times as much of the atmosphere but there is no need to tax that because it wouldn’t be possible and also because it eventually condenses into rain which helps cool things down until
the CO2 warms them up again, more water evaporates in a type of atmospheric global warming perpetual motion. (Or maybe it’s not really warming, some say it’s just cooling more slowly than it should).
Trees are good as they help to restore the balance except when they were part of former climate-sceptic PM Tony Abbott’s direct-action plan which apparently could not work as well as a carbon tax or a “carbon price”.
Simple really …We have been told for many years there is a scientific consensus that anthropogenic CO2 we emit is responsible for “climate change” and this is accepted by “every reputable climate scientist in the world.” Julia Gillard said all that before she ended her stint as PM by pledging “There will be no carbon tax under a government I lead …” then changing her mind. Oops … Albo and his side-kick Bowen still sing from the same old climate change song sheet and are determined to speed Australia down a destructive road to “net zero” emissions regardless of the cost to the economy and the cheap, reliable source of energy we once enjoyed. And don’t mention the naughty “N” word which still remains on the banned list here, while other nations are increasingly turning to modern nuclear reactors as a better alternative which won’t have to be scrapped and added to landfill within a couple of decades.
Meanwhile there never was any climate consensus, with many eminent international scientists such as Profs Richard Lindzen, Henrik Svensmark, John Christy, Judith Curry Dr Ferenc Miskolczi, Dr Miklos Zagoni, our own Prof. Ian Plimer, Dr David Evans and the late Pro Bob Carter at odds with the unproven CO2 hypothesis. More than 1800 scientists, academics and professionals have also recently signed a petition refuting manmade global warming and stating, “There is no climate emergency”.
It highlights the fact we really do need a proper scientific debate to sort out the claims made by the Green Dream Believers.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the Green Screen Mask and the White Coal bracelet never set the world on fire, in fact they quietly disappeared without a trace and failed to re-appear even during the height of the Covid Pandemic … funny that!
John Mikkelsen
Sue Fordham
GEM movie review
Movie Reviewer
Jason Cherry
DEADPOOL & Wolverine is a cinematic collision of two iconic anti-heroes that, on paper, should be explosive. And while it certainly delivers on the action and humour, it’s the unexpected emotional depth that elevates this film beyond a simple popcorn flick.
Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool is as sharp-tongued and irreverent as ever. His metacommentary and fourthwall breaking antics are a hallmark of the character, and they remain consistently entertaining. However, the
Movie Reviewer Jason Cherry
DUMB Money is a fastpaced, entertaining flick that captures the exhilarating and chaotic atmosphere of the GameStop short squeeze.
It's a David versus Goliath tale that transforms complex financial jargon into a compelling underdog story. Director Craig Gillespie masterfully balances the intricate details of the stock market with accessible storytelling, making the film engaging for both financial enthusiasts and casual viewers. The ensemble cast delivers standout performances, with Paul Dano as Keith Gill/Roaring Kitty providing a grounded and relatable portrayal of an ordinary man who becomes an unlikely hero.
The film excels at capturing the collective euphoria and disbelief of the Redditors who banded together to challenge Wall Street titans. The
A MATCH MADE IN MAYHEM
film manages to find new layers to the character, exploring the vulnerabilities beneath the bravado. Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, on the other hand, is a welcome return to form. His portrayal is a perfect blend of brooding intensity and unexpected humour, creating a dynamic contrast to Deadpool’s manic energy.
The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable. Their banter is witty and fast-paced, with each character pushing the other’s buttons in hilarious ways.
Yet, the film also delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption. This unexpected emotional core adds depth to the characters and gives the film a surprising amount of heart.
The action sequences are, as expected, over-thetop and exhilarating. The film’s R-rating allows for a level of violence and gore that is both shocking and satisfying. However, it’s the choreography and creativity of the fights that truly stand out. The blend of practical
effects and CGI is seamless, resulting in some truly jawdropping action set pieces. While the film excels in many areas, it does suffer from some pacing issues. The plot, while entertaining, is somewhat predictable, and the film could have benefited from a tighter runtime. Additionally, some of the comedic moments, while funny, can feel overdone at times.
Overall, Deadpool & Wolverine is a highly entertaining film that successfully blends action, humour, and heart. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic characters and a reminder of the potential of the superhero genre when it's willing to take risks.
LET’S gallop along with Sophie Blackall’s latest book, which is a wonderful, gentle story about imagination. Throughout the story, Sophie asks, ‘If you were a horse, what would you do?’. Many children dream of being different animals and if you were a horse, would you give your little sister a ride? Would you roll in the mud and laugh
and laugh? A humorous book, which will leave you with a smile on your face, as we remember how wonderful a child’s imagination can be.
The inspiration for writing the book came from a comment made by Sophie’s ten-year-old son who said ‘If I was a horse, I would gallop all day’.
The illustrations are rich, colourful and detailed, with lots to see on each page.
Sophie used a combination of traditional and digital media including watercolour, gouache, pencil, fabric and wallpaper to create a stunning visual effect.
Sophie Blackall is an award-winning Australian children’s author and illustrator of over 50 children’s books. ‘If I Was a Horse’ is shortlisted in the 2024 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book category. It is also
camaraderie and shared excitement among these ordinary people are infectious, making it easy for audiences to root for their success. However, Dumb Money doesn't shy away from the darker side of the story, highlighting the immense pressure and risks involved in such a highstakes gamble.
While the film is undeniably entertaining, it does simplify some complex financial concepts for the sake of accessibility. For those with a deep understanding of the stock market, certain plot points
might feel oversimplified. Nevertheless, the film's focus on the human element and the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the characters compensates for these shortcomings. Overall, Dumb Money is a thrilling and inspiring film that offers a glimpse into the world of high-stakes finance while celebrating the power of collective action. It's a reminder that even the smallest investors can make a significant impact when they unite for a common cause.
shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) Picture Book of the Year 2024 and winner of the BookPeople Children’s Book of the Year 2024 Award. Her previous book, ‘Farmhouse’ was shortlisted in the 2023 CBCA Picture Book Category, and she is a two-time Caldecott Medallist. In 2022 Sophie was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to children’s literature. If I Was a Horse is a delightful, gentle book which would suit younger readers from 3 years upwards and is great for creating discussion points. Teacher notes have been made available by the publisher (Hachette Australia) and can be downloaded from the Schoolworks Supplies webpage (www. schoolworkssupplies.com.au)
book review Book review by Charlotte Tiffin, Owner Schoolworks Supplies
If I Was a Horse Written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall
1. TWO PICKLES FELL OUT OF A JAR ONTO THE FLOOR. WHAT DID ONE SAY TO THE OTHER? DILL WITH IT.
2. WHAT TIME IS IT WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 13? TIME TO GET A NEW CLOCK.
3. HOW DOES A CUCUMBER BECOME A PICKLE? IT GOES THROUGH A JARRING EXPERIENCE.
4. WHAT DID ONE TOILET SAY TO THE OTHER? YOU LOOK A BIT FLUSHED.
5. WHY DID THE DINOSAUR CROSS THE ROAD? BECAUSE THE CHICKEN WASN’T BORN YET.
GEMSKids PACE
6. WHY CAN’T ELSA FROM FROZEN HAVE A BALLOON? BECAUSE SHE WILL "LET IT GO, LET IT GO."
7. WHAT MUSICAL INSTRUMENT IS FOUND IN THE BATHROOM? A TUBA TOOTHPASTE.
9. WHAT DO YOU CALL A BOOMERANG THAT WON’T COME BACK? A STICK.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT NEW DINER ON THE MOON? FOOD WAS GOOD, BUT THERE REALLY WASN’T MUCH ATMOSPHERE.
August 2, 1943: During World War II, the Australian hospital ship Centaur was attacked by a Japanese submarine. Despite the attack, the ship's hospital staff and many of its patients were saved, though some lives were lost.
August 3, 1971: The Australian Prime Minister, William McMahon, officially opened the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This was a significant step in the conservation of one of the world's largest coral reef systems.
August 4, 1899: The Commonwealth Electoral Act was passed, which introduced uniform federal electoral laws and paved the way for the creation of Australia's federal electoral system.
August 5, 1967: The Australian Government held the first meeting of the "Council of Australian Governments" (COAG), which was established to improve the coordination and efficiency of government policies and services across the federal and state levels.
August 6, 1955: The "Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions" (ANARE) began their Antarctic research operations, which marked a significant step in Australia's scientific contributions to Antarctic exploration.
August 7, 1960: The Australian government announced a plan to build a new capital city for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in the area of Canberra, solidifying Canberra's role as the nation's capital.
August 8, 1986: The Australian government officially recognized the "Gove Land Rights Act" which granted significant land rights to the Yolngu people of the Northern Territory, marking an important step in Indigenous land rights and reconciliation.
August 9, 1959: The first Australian Antarctic expedition set out on the Nella Dan, a ship used by the Australian Antarctic Division for logistical and scientific operations in Antarctica.
August 10, 1941: The Australian government officially announced the introduction of war-time conscription, which was a controversial measure during World War II, impacting many Australians.
August 11, 1947: Australia participated in the first meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), reflecting Australia's growing role in global aviation and international diplomacy.
August 12, 2002: The "Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement" (AUSFTA) was signed, marking a major development in trade relations between the two countries and having a significant impact on Australia's economy.
August 13, 1988: The "Australia 150" celebrations marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth of Australia, with a series of events and commemorations across the nation.
August 14, 2000: The Australian government officially apologized for the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians in the "Stolen Generations," marking a significant moment in Australia's journey towards reconciliation.
August 15, 1914: The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) began its first major military action in World War I with the landing at Anzac Cove during the Gallipoli campaign. www.facebook.com/TheGreatEasternMail
AGRANTEDWISH’S LASTINGEFFECT
THE festive season hit the Mitchell River Tavern recently as Make-A-Wish Australia East Gippsland Branch hosted Christmas in July, raising money to help grant the wishes of seriously ill children across the country.
More than 60 guests gathered for a two course Christmas feast, raising around $1250, largely thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals that donated a fantastic array of raffle and door prizes.
Make-A-Wish Australia designs and grants wishes for children with critical illnesses, providing something bright and positive to focus on with a wish effect that lasts a lifetime.
A short movie telling the story of the very first wish, granted to a young boy with end-stage leukaemia in the United States and resulting in the founding of MakeA-Wish 44 years ago, was projected onto the Tavern’s back wall. It was a wonderful demonstration of how a wish come true can have such a positive impact on an ill child’s outlook.
Born with cystic fibrosis, local lad, Jacob Tomkins, well known for his time behind the bar at the Tavern, has been a wish recipient, an experience he says has had an amazing impact on his life.
Taking a brief break from behind the bar during this year’s Christmas in July celebrations, Jacob took the time to share his story with guests.
“Born with cystic fibrosis means lung deficiency, which means I was a bit of a pain in the butt,” he said.
“I was lucky enough to be granted a wish by Make-A-
Wish, but with complications through covid, misalignment of schedules, and not really knowing what I wanted, I didn’t actually receive it and cash it in until last November in Melbourne where I went to a Post Malone concert.
“It was very, very special for me.
“I had a few of my friends join me, which was awesome. We got there and managed to get backstage and meet him. Lucky for me I picked one of the good celebrities, because he was one of the most genuine, caring, and down to earth people I’ve ever met.
“He was ready and willing to give me the time of day and I managed to spend a good hour-and-a-half with him, connecting and chatting. He gave me his phone number if I ever needed anything. That’s from a AAA music celebrity.
“That was one of the most significant days of my life, being able to experience that and feel like I was part of his inner circle, which I never imagined. I thought it was going to be a simple hello, goodbye, enjoy the concert, but Make-A-Wish really pulled things together for me.
“Growing up, sicknesses in and out of hospital in my teenage years, really made that significant for me and made it all worth it to come out on the other side, having experienced that and to be a part of something that I think I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
“Thank you to Make-A-Wish and thank you to everyone who has donated in the past, and going to donate in the future, because for blokes like me, these things really stick with us for the long run.”
Jacob’s mum, Angie Tomkins, is one of MakeA-Wish East Gippsland’s founding members and is its
boating and fishing
current vice president. She and Jacob’s dad, Rohan, are incredibly grateful for the work that went into making Jacob’s wish become reality.
“Make-A-Wish did a fantastic job organising his wish to meet Post Malone, his favourite musician,” Angie said.
“Especially in his teens, life was pretty tough for him, and our family, so to see Jacob get so much out of meeting such a big-hearted celebrity is wonderful. It is certainly an experience he’ll hold with him for a lifetime”
East Gippsland branch president, Bev Sinclair, said the design of wishes is tailored to the child’s greatest wishes and dreams, the result being an extremely positive one for all involved.
“To see the look on a child’s face, when they realise their wish will come true, then the excitement and build up as the wish comes closer and closer, followed by the wish actually happening and then the joy when they remember their wish, it’s a wonderful thing to be a part of,” she said.
This November, Make-AWish East Gippsland will celebrate 20 years being a part of granting life-changing wishes. If you have been an East Gippsland volunteer, the branch would love to hear from you. Anyone interested in being a part of the magic into the future is also encouraged to make contact with Make-A-Wish Australia.
East Gippsland August Fishing Report
LAKES ENTRANCE
Fishing is quite slow at the moment due to the drop in water temperature. Try the Post Office Jetty for bream. King George whiting are around Fraser Island biting on shrimp and sandworm. Surf beach for salmon chasing pilchards.
LAKE TYERS
There is nice amount of salmon being landed off the surf beach, using pilchards and metal spinners. Fishing is quiet in the lake, some bream are about biting on pilchards. Entrance is still closed as at the date of publication.
MITCHELL RIVER Bream are active, best results with local shrimp, sandworm and cut crab.
TAMBO RIVER
Try the mouth of the river for bream, casting downstream near the shore with a light sinker. Johnsonville Boat Ramp for bream on prawn.
NICHOLSON Bream are from Nicholson to the mouth of the Tambo River, preferred baits being local prawn, sandworm and shrimp.
METUNG For bream give the local town jetties, near the pub and also off the boardwalk a go.
PAYNESVILLE/
HOLLAND'S LANDING
Local jetties for bream using prawn, also try into McLennan Straight and around Hollands Landing, best results with hard lures.
MARLO
Nice sized bream are being landed at Lake Corringle and Frenchs Narrows on sandworm and prawn. Gummy are offshore from Cape Conran. The Snowy and Brodribb Rivers are both quite slow due to recent rainfall.
BEMM RIVER
The entrance remains open as at
the date of publication. Salmon can be found in the channel chasing lures, decent size bream are in the lake, preferred bait being local prawn.
TAMBOON INLET
No report this edition.
MALLACOOTA No report this edition.
OMEO HIGH COUNTRY
The closure of the 2024 trout season in all Victorian rivers and streams is from 11 June to 6 September. Reopening Saturday, 7 September 2024.
Jacob Tomkins shared his story of his wish coming true when he attended a Post Malone concert last year and spent quality time with the artist.
Members of the Make-A-Wish volunteer team that brought another successful Christmas in July event together recently; (back) Tony Callaghan, Dave Williams, Cass Williams, and Joy Chesterfield, (front) Angie Tomkins, Jess Cunningham, and Bev Sinclair.
Jacob (right) was joined by two of his good mates, Conner Crane and Jack Edgar, when he met Post Malone.
Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships
EDERAL MP Darren Chester
Fis urging Gippslanders to take advantage of a $50.2 million scholarship program that aims to upskill the nation's nurses and midwives.
The Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program will provide 1,850 postgraduate scholarships over four years for registered nurses and midwives to become nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives in primary and aged care settings.
Mr Chester said upskilling
professionals across the primary health care system would strengthen the health workforce to provide improved access in regions like Gippsland.
"We have a growing problem with access to health and aged care services in our region, and upskilling locals is part of the solution," Mr Chester said.
"Nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives are key to meeting the workforce demands in the primary care and aged care health sector.
"By helping to grow the number and skills of nurses and midwives, the
Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program will help ensure Australians have access to the health care they need, wherever they live.
"The program will strengthen the health workforce in rural and remote communities by providing preference to scholarship applicants currently living or working in these areas."
The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), the peak national organisation for nurse practitioners, will manage the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program.
In 2024–25, the program will provide 175 graduate certificate or graduate diploma scholarships and 175 masters' scholarships, after which 250 of each scholarship type will be available each year until 2026–27.
Mr Chester is encouraging local eligible nurses and midwives interested in upskilling to apply for the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program.
"Attracting and retaining nurses and midwives in primary and aged care in our regions has proven to be a challenge, but this program will
greatly contribute to strengthening our regional health workforce, improving the capacity, quality, distribution and mix of the primary care and midwifery health workforce as well as significantly increasing the number of qualified nurse practitioners to support nurseled clinics," Mr Chester said.
"Regional, rural and remote health is built on the commitment, the skill, the resilience and the expertise of its workforce, and we want this sector to grow."
Scholarships are now open until August 25, 2024.
An analysis the Liberal National Party Coalition’s plans for nuclear energy. What do we know?
Tom Moore Metung Science Forum
PETER Dutton and the Coalition has promised that if they win the next federal election, they will build 7 nuclear reactors on the sites of currently operating coal-fired power stations. The sites selected are;
• Tarong and Callide in Queensland
• Liddell in the The Hunter Valley NSW
• Mount Piper in NSW
• Loy Yang in Victoria
• Port Augusta in SA
• Collie in WA
The plan makes the following assumptions:
1. The facilities will be owned by The Commonwealth and will be funded by tax payers.
2. The selected sites are suitable ones on which to build nuclear reactors.
3. The reactors will be built using debt financing which will ultimately need to be paid for by taxpayers. The Coalition has not decided whether their plans will include Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) or more conventional nuclear reactors.
4. The current owners/occupiers of the selected sites will be willing to allow the Federal Government to go ahead on their land and that if they do not agree to sell or lease to the Commonwealth, the Government will use public money (taxpayers money) to compulsorily acquire the land in question.
5. The nuclear facilities will use the existing transmission lines to conduct electricity to the Grid thus saving costs of building new transmission lines for renewables.
6. The Commonwealth Government will need to introduce legislation to reverse the current federal legislative ban on nuclear energy for Australia.
7. State governments will agree to amend their own legislation banning nuclear in their States.
8. Importantly, it assumes that the Australian people will vote for these plans without any idea of costs now or in the future (i.e.. The Coalition has released no costings on their plans and have said they will not be released until after the election – that is after you have voted for them to proceed).
9. If all the hurdles can be overcome then the first reactors (perhaps two) will be actively producing energy in 10 years or less.
10. Once up and running, nuclear energy will significantly lower your energy bills. Let’s take a look at each of the Coalition’s assumptions;
1. No costings — therefore no idea of how much it will cost taxpayers to build the facilities.
2. Geoscience Australia has already flagged possible fault lines in the areas occupied by Loy Yang, Callide and Port Augusta. Bearing in mind the safety factors required for nuclear energy facilities, this proposal should include an extensive assessment of the geological and seismological risks associated with each of the sites. Such studies would further increase the lead time to build nuclear energy facilities.
3. No costings — therefore no idea of how much it will cost taxpayers to build the facilities. In addition, Small
Modular Reactors are not operating commercially anywhere in the world at this time and research suggests we would need to build 25 conventional reactors to supply one third of Australia’s energy needs.
4. In several cases the current owners including AGL at Loy Yang, have already embarked upon plans for the alternative use of the land in question, with a particular emphasis on producing green energy and solar panel manufacturing, hydrogen, batteries and recycling of renewables materials.
5. There is general agreement in the industry that the current distribution lines will need to be substantially upgraded to be able to transfer nuclear energy to the grid. It is not possible to simply plug nuclear into the old power lines.
6. In the current parliament the cross bench (Greens and Independents) are firmly behind green energy — so little chance of passing such legislation.
7. The current State Governments, and in most cases the State Oppositions, have said no to amending the legislation to allow nuclear energy. Peter Dutton and the coalition have no power to override the State Governments on this issue.
8. The Coalition is refusing to provide any costings. However other organisations that we would normally trust to provide guidance on such matters have costed the various promises associated with the Coalition’s plans. For example, the CSIRO estimates the cost of one such facility to be in the region of $8.5 billion. Peter Dutton says this is the work of “fanatics”!
9. The CSIRO, The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Australian Radiation Protection Nuclear Safety Association (ARPANSA) all agree on a time line minimum of 15-20 years to get a nuclear reactor up and running. Again, Peter Dutton will not listen to these expert bodies labelling them “fanatics”.
10. There is general agreement from all the expert bodies mentioned above that the ongoing cost of producing nuclear energy is roughly twice the cost of renewables. Add to this that the price of solar continues to reduce and that the costs of cell prices in big batteries are likely to reduce substantially and that there is likely to be a move away from lithium to much cheaper sodium batteries as this technology is scaled up. It’s hard to see nuclear ever competing on price with renewables.
A few more things to consider?
Besides all of the above, you might appreciate the irony that the Coalition refuses to say how much nuclear power its plan will generate until after the election. However, the Federal Government has suggested that it would only produce about 4 per cent of Australia’s needs by 2050. A more optimistic assessment suggests that the 7 proposed nuclear power plants could provide only 12 per cent of Australia’s energy by 2050. The follow on from that statistic is that gas powered electricity generation would need to increase by 22 times to support nuclear. Now that is surely
interesting.
Australia currently holds 7 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of radioactive waste sitting in hospitals and universities emanating mostly from life-saving nuclear medicine. The government has been searching for a storage facility for this waste for a decade or so but there has been no agreement on where it could be set up. Each time a site is suggested a well-spring of objections have prevented it proceeding. No mention of this in the Coalition’s plan.
The amount of water required for cooling a nuclear reactor has not been discussed openly but it will be substantial. How much this will affect water flow into the Gippsland Lakes is unknown and there are no studies on the environmental effect of discharging the hot water into lake systems.
The Coalition’s policy will see Australia back track on its commitments under the Paris agreement and our reputation overseas will be downgraded, not to mention in our own region where we are already struggling to satisfy our Pacific neighbours that we are serious about climate change.
No mention has been made in my analysis nor in the Coalition’s policy, of the major opportunities that Australia has to become a renewable energy powerhouse providing numerous overseas opportunities and consequent jobs for Australians. That is a whole other subject but I am not covering it today, other than to say that economists are generally supportive of the green energy revolution that Australia can lead.
It is perhaps also worth mentioning that, whereas the Coalition sees wind energy as something that will destroy our farmland and beaches, a recent holiday in Denmark convinced me that this is not true. Denmark has 80 per cent of its landmass dedicated to farming. Even though it is a smaller country it has a denser population than Australia. However, wind energy makes up something like 45 per cent of Denmark’s energy requirements and guess what, the wind turbines do not spoil the landscape, farmland or beaches. They are not a contentious subject to the Danish people. So why should they be in Australia?
And the Coalition argues that renewables are unreliable and will mean that we won’t be able to keep the lights on. Well, many countries are proving that we can. Again, my holiday showed Denmark on 88 per cent renewables and Scotland on 62 per cent and many others. And what about our own South Australia (74 per cent).
So, should we accept that the Coalition’s nuclear policy is realistic and good for Australia or is it designed as a desperate attempt to get back into power. Is it perhaps designed to disrupt the current transition to renewables to the benefit of the fossilfuel industry.
“If a smartly dressed business man approached you with a business proposal that sounded a little too good to be true but refused to tell you how much it would cost you until you signed up for the deal, would you sign up on the dotted line?”
Hopefully the analogy makes sense?
Welcome the warmth
AT dawn today (30th July)
mid-winter in sunny Queensland, it was zero degrees on the lawn outside our kitchen and the small water tub for our chooks was iced over.
Every morning, as soon as it gets light, Judy puts a winter coat over her pyjamas, adds gloves, glasses, rubber boots, a beanie and a walking stick (icy grass is very slippery). She then trudges down the hill to check any new-born lambs and then lets the sheep out of their dingo-proof night-camp into their paddock for the day. As soon as they are let out, they dribble into a long line and, led by the wisest old ewe, they wend their way across the frosty flat and then make their way up the hill to the highest point facing the morning sun.
Unlike Green politicians, sheep are not stupid. They know that warm air rises so in winter they camp at the highest point they can find. And in cold mornings, they try to catch the early rising sun.
Here are some Canadian Damara sheep wishing they were in Mexico:
This picture was taken by our friend Helmut Lang in Canada. Can you imagine Canadians being scared by the prospect of a bit more global warming? Has the whole world lost its wits?
Our house was not built by stupid people - we call it “Hilltop” and it faces North — it usually stays above the frost line in winter. And not all residents of Victoria are stupid either — in winter hundreds of them clog up our highways, heading north to follow the sun. Maybe they are like cattle caught in a snowstormjust drifting north before that cold southerly wind blowing icy air up from the Antarctic?
Al Gore and his Green disciples bleat about the imaginary “dangers of global warming”. They should check where life flourishes — is it in the equatorial zones or at the icy poles? Are there more people in Nome, Alaska or in Mexico City? And if atmospheric CO2 controls temperature, both places should be about equally warm? Maybe it is the amount of heat received from the sun and not CO2 that is the main driver of global temperatures?
And even if they fear global warming, they do not need to cripple our electricity generators here with their green energy nonsense — they should just move South to the Snowy
Mountains; or buy a house facing the Roaring Forties at Cape Grim in Tasmania; or even slip down to Invercargill in New Zealand for a permanent cure for those with a chronic dose of global warming syndrome.
Green Pied Pipers and the lemmings who follow them started the “Global Warming Scare”. These foolish politicians and their alarmist media mates know more about political science than they know about climate science.
As each of their forecasts fail, they change their chant — “global warming” becomes “climate change” then it becomes “wild weather” — all promoted, not by meteorologists, but by propagandists in government media units.
Anyone with an ounce of knowledge about Earth history knows that the Mammoths did not die of heat stroke — they were entombed rapidly in ice. And even Saint Greta should know that the real danger to life on Earth is not global warming but global cooling and the inevitable return of the suffocating ice sheets. Here is what an ancient Scandinavian legend says: A long time ago the universe was made of ice. Then one day the ice began to melt, and a mist rose into the sky. Out of the mist came a giant made of frost, And the Earth and the heavens were made from his body. This is how the world began and that is how the world will end, not by fire but by ice.
The seas will freeze, and winters will never end.
Geologic evidence shows there have been many ice ages. However, as the above legend shows, only rare tribal memories go back further than the last ice age. Despite the shrill forecasts of dangerous global warming from Al Gore’s Gang, there are many signs that we are past the peak of the Holocene Warming. It is the next cycle of global cooling we have to fear.
For example, in Greenland, “The Lost Squadron” travelling from USA to Britain in 1942 was forced to land on the Greenland Ice sheet. Two B-17 bombers and six P-38 Lightnings ran out of fuel and crashlanded on the Greenland ice sheet. The crews abandoned the planes. The planes were rediscovered 50 years later using steam boring machines. They were buried under 268 feet of ice. (In 2002 a recovered and restored P-38 flew again.)
Our family ancestors learned about weather. Mine came from Britain and Denmark. Some went to Dunedin in far south New Zealand. There they started to die out and decided to move again — to sunny Queensland. Judy’s ancestors started living around Armidale in NSW but also found it too cold and migrated north to Sarina in North Queensland (every winter her sheep wish she had stayed in the warmth of north Queensland.)
Viv Forbes The Salt Bush Club
HOW TO PAINT A PONY NOT
40th Anniversary of Australia's Greatest Racing Scandal
SEPTUAGENARIAN,
Mrs Mona Lewis was having her Saturday morning tea and toast when the phone rang. Her son Terence wondered, if it wasn't too much bother, would she mind ducking out to Eagle Farm and having a thousand on a tip he had in race four. He thought it best, as Chief Police Commissioner, not to be seen on course in the crush with punters getting on the certainty. Besides, the entire fraud squad would be on course, loading up on the good thing.
So, what was the most famous race ever run in Australian racing history?
Makybe Diva's third Melbourne Cup, Winx's fourth Cox Plate or maybe Black Caviar's 21st consecutive win at Ascot in front of the Queen?
For many it was race four at Eagle Farm, August 19, 1984, a race that has its 40th anniversary this month; the Second Division Commerce Novice Handicap.
It was a race talked and written about for weeks, months and even years.
Back in the '80s, when you crossed the border into Queensland you could smell the corruption. The State emblem was a brown paper bag, stuffed with cash.
The place was rotten, head to toe, from politicians and the police at the top to primary school bullies, relieving little kids of their tuck shop money. What better place to paint a pony, (a fast one), so it could replace, (a slow one), in a horse race and cash in with the massive odds-on offer.
Such was the plan when class galloper, Bold Personality, resplendent in his freshly Duluxed white stockings and dyed coat, replaced nine-year-old picnicker, Fine Cotton and was backed from 40s in to 6 to 4 favourite.
But the story had more twists and turns than the Great Alpine Way. Suffice to say, after a comedy of errors with Fine Cotton (read Bold Personality) winning by a nose, the chant of "Ring In" reverberated around the country. The winner was disqualified, Kiwi trainer Hayden Haitana bolted interstate and all punters, even poor Mona and the fraud squad, were left holding fists full of useless tickets.
Bookmakers who stood to lose millions, now kept all moneys invested.
One major beneficiary was notorious Sydney criminal, George Freeman who instructed his network of SP
bookmakers to lay the horse heavily and then had his men stationed at Eagle Farm yelling "Ring In" as the horses returned to scale. George knew the hair brained scheme was sure to fail and even backed Harbour Gold who was awarded the race.
George said he only ever bet on races when he already knew the result.
There were serious repercussions though with gangland murders, jail sentences for the perpetrators (conman John Gillespie and trainer Hayden Haitana both 12 months), long suspensions for bookmakers (the Waterhouses 14 years) and punters (even Catholic Priest, Father Ted O'Dwyer) warned off for life.
The Blues Brother to win at Bairnsdale for local trainer, Jackson Pallot. Jess has since become an accomplished senior rider, moved to the top end and has ridden a Darwin Cup winner.
There were innocent parties involved of course. Apprentice jockey, Gus Philpot was only engaged an hour before the race. The perpetrators wanted a young rider who would have no prior knowledge that he was on a substitute horse. It had an adverse effect on Gus's career with many trainers refusing to give him rides.
In a twist of fate, Gus moved to Victoria and daughter, Jess became a jockey and rode
Fine Cotton and Bold Personality, of course, were also found innocent.
So, take a moment to remember Fine Cotton and Bold Personality on the 40th anniversary of their moment of notoriety.
Finally, if you ever encounter one of those chip on the shoulder Kiwis who like to trot out the old "Aussies are cheats" chestnut, for bowling underarm, just run the Fine Cotton debacle with Kiwi trainer, Hayden Haitana past them.
Hayden Haitana and Fine Cotton - Photo courtesy of Queensland Racing
Fine Cotton (Bold Personality) on the inside.
Photo courtesy of Queensland Racing
