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BAIRNSDALE • PAYNESVILLE • LAKES ENTRANCE • METUNG • SALE

Where Community Matters 87TH EDITION NOVEMBER 3, 2023

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Take in the picturesque scenery as you sip on some of the tastiest wines the region has to offer — all whilst visiting the oldest established winery between Sydney and Melbourne on the coast

NE of East Gippsland’s best wine-producing gems can be found just 3km off the Princes Highway in Nicholson. Nicholson River Winery is owned by Ken and Juliet Eckersley, who have been growing and making unique and award-winning wines since 1978 in this now fully sustainable winery. Ken’s 50-plus years of experience began as a home brewer, which saw him make beer and fruit wines. “In those days, to make wine, you’d buy grapes from Mildura off the back of a truck at the Victoria Markets. I’d make a few small batches and whenever I

made something drinkable, I’d gain more confidence. And this is what I tell anyone who asks about how to get started — just have a go, make small batches, make mistakes, and learn from them, and just get all the experience. Being the oldest winery around, I’ve made the most mistakes, but that’s how I learned.” “When we started there were two wineries here in Gippsland,” says Ken. “My wife Juliet and I just loved wine, so we formed this group of wine-loving Francophiles [lovers of France and French culture], which was made up of ex-pats like us who had lived overseas, who now lived

in Gippsland, the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula. We all came together with a shared vision to make Victoria a great wine-making state,” explains 80-year-old Ken. “It was a wonderful spirit and we got swept up into it.” “We would meet up for entire weekends and talk about all the basic things like site selection — for example, choosing the right place; it had to be modelled on Burgundy or Bordeaux, for the temperatures; or choosing the right varieties to plant — and it was all about France, of course. We all believed we were making our own France here in

Australia! Some even wore berets as they pruned!” “We’d spend our weekends planting, but there were so many things to learn. This area, for example, suffers from vicious droughts at times; in the beginning we would have to carry buckets of water taken from the tap to the vines, just to keep them alive. “This is the sort of area where average temperatures and rainfalls are misleading — we had to learn that. We also had to learn about the soils. In Australia, the soils are generally very old, and they are what’s called ‘alluvial’, where they lack

trace elements — specifically, those required for grapes to grow (e.g., copper, zinc, boron). “We had a couple of sheep and when they died, I had the vet do an autopsy, which you could do back then; they discovered their brains had shrunk due to a lack of trace elements. “I then discovered that places around here had licks so the animals could consume those important trace elements. So we had to add that to our vines by using seaweed spray and the like.”

CONTINUES PAGE 3

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NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

Lyra’s eyes are on the prize S T Brendan’s Primary School student Lyra Nowell was this week congratulated after being awarded third place this year’s statewide Parliament of Victoria’s, Parliamentary Prize 2023. Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull was pleased to be in attendance of a special assembly held this week, congratulating the Lakes Entrance student of her outstanding achievement. Mr Bull explained, the Parliament Prize invites

Victorian students to speak about an important issue or idea, as if they were a member of Parliament. They needed to record a 90-second Members Statement video on their chosen topic, with cash prizes on offer for winning entrants. “Lyra decided to prepare her Members Statement to advocating for an allabilities playground for Lakes Entrance,” Mr Bull said. “As Shadow Minister for Disabilities, I was humbled

by Lyra’s advocacy for children with special needs, where she threw her support behind improving better access to all-abilities play spaces both locally and across the state. “I think Lyra has a very bright future ahead of her, and I once again congratulate her for taking part in this year’s competition.” Lyra’s contribution was one of 1018 entries for this year’s Prize and was selected as third prize in the grade five to six category.

Tim Bull with Lyra and her mother Amy at the special assembly held at St Bendan’s Primary School, Lakes Entrance.

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Darren Chester heads back to school

By Sienna Djukic & Joanie O'Brien

ON October 4, 2023 year 6 students at St Brendan's CPS were fortunate enough to have the Honourable Darren Chester come for a visit. Darren Chester is a member of the House of Representatives for Gippsland in Victoria, representing the Nationals since 2008. Darren came into our classroom at 9:00am and introduced himself. He then began talking about his role in parliament and what he

does. The day prior, the grade 6 students were asked to write a question on a piece of paper to ask Darren on the day. When the time came, a couple of students were selected to read them out to him. After everyone received an answer to their queries, other students became curious and raised their hands to ask him more. During the hour in which he was here, we all got to learn a lot of things we didn’t know about parliament.

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Later, Darren visited our year five students to talk about leadership and he provided some of his beliefs about what makes a good leader. A key point he made was that all good leaders need to listen to the people around them and to help others to be at their best. Everyone enjoyed the experience as they got to ask questions, listen, and learn from the Honourable Darren Chester.

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Ready to flourish THROUGH GREATER EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING, WINEMAKERS KEN AND JULIET ARE PRODUCING THEIR BEST EVER WINES — AND WITH THE COUPLE LOOKING TO MOVE ON TO THEIR NEXT JOURNEY, NICHOLSON RIVER WINERY MAKES FOR AN IDEAL BUSINESS PROPOSITION FROM FRONT PAGE Over the years, Ken and Juliet would continue to discover ways to improve their grapes. “It took years to sort out the basic things," Ken said. "For example, we found out that we didn’t get warm enough temperatures right at the end, for the Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen properly; and so we had to pull them all out and replant with Pinot Noir — which worked!” “We did realise early on that our wines were very different to the rest of the wines in Australia — which is how it should be! By this I mean, grapes always reflect their soil and environment, the season, and their country. We are a mild climate, coastal location — which is very different to where most Australian grapes are traditionally being grown. Historically, most vineyards were located in warm or hot areas with irrigation, in order to grow grapes for sherry and port — but in the 1970s and 80s, when the market for port collapsed, those wineries adapted by making table wines.” “I realised that what we were really good at is flavour — and this is common in the wineries that are located in the cooler areas. Our wines are full-flavoured rather than being very heavy and alcoholic, which is what tended to dominate the Australian-made wine market. In other words, our wines were more ‘European’. We actually entered international competitions and we did really well; but when

we entered Australian awards, those same wines won nothing.” “Australia is getting hotter and hotter these days, so in those warmer areas the winemakers sought permission to add water to their wine to reduce sugar/ alcohol levels — it’s legal to do this in Australia and America, which is why so many wines [mostly at the cheaper end] actually contain 10 per cent or 20 per cent water. It doesn’t have to appear on the label; it just has to be a note in the winemaker’s diary,” Ken explains. In the late 1980s and 90s, Ken saw a significant shift in the wine industry, with the growth in popularity of pairing wine with food. “This has seen our wines come out trumps because those traditionally heavy Australian wines were never meant to go with food. They’re best enjoyed at parties where you’re sitting out in the open just drinking — you know that old ‘flagon of claret’ type of thing! But because our wines are focused on fullflavour, they are ideal for a lifestyle that brings together food and wine. Sixty per cent of the wine produced in Australia is for export; and the export trade is about cheap wine. Australia is a leading exporter of wine, so our reputation overseas is most often for offering cheap wine. “I’d really like to change that perception, as there are many great wines being made in Australia; but it’s a big undertaking,” Ken says. “There are around 35 to 40 wineries in Gippsland now, and

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approximately 2,200 small wineries across Australia, but this accounts for just 5 to 6 per cent of the country’s total wine market. It’s dominated by the big players because the top 20 brands, for example, account for around 94 per cent of the market. It’s very competitive and there’s a lot of cheap wine sloshing around out there.” “There’s been a shift away from the warmer climates, and so I think the more exciting wines are now being made in the coastal or mountain areas of Victoria and Tasmania. But the market in Australia is still catching up on this. I’m doing my bit — trying to educate people who visit our Cellar Door about how to truly experience wine, because I do believe that most people under-experience wines. We come from a beer drinking culture and that’s hard to change — it takes a few generations and I think we are, realistically, only one generation in. So it will take time.” “When we started out, Juliet and I wanted to put our unique stamp on things. And we did this by doing everything ourselves — we grew the grapes, we made the wine, we bottled it. Today, that’s unusual because operations are now typically contracted out. Many people just want quick results, fast money, and a quick turnover — but I think you can see that in the wines, typically through a loss of flavour,” Ken explains. “When the popularity of food and wine pairing started to grow, and we

realised, we were making the ideal wines to go with food, to support the evolution we built the ‘Barrel Room’ restaurant onsite. We launched the restaurant with a wonderful Italian chef, but two weeks later, the bushfires came through — it was the summer of 2019/2020. We are safe and secure here, so weren’t impacted directly — although we were smoked out — but then after that, we went straight into COVID; so we lost our chef. Today, some four years down the track, we still host functions such as weddings, receptions, and other events; and the Cellar Door is still open five days a week.” “It's been a really good journey — we’ve solved all the problems, we know what works, we know how to make lovely wines, we’ve managed the climate too because we have lots of water storage (having learned from drought times); so it’s all set it up for someone else to take on.” “When you look at France and the soils, the climate, what they grow and where — it’s all directly reflected in the wine they produce. And that’s exactly what you can do with Nicholson River Wines — our bottles are mirrors of the environment in which the grapes have been grown, and they are really unique to anything else that’s on the market. We’re making better wines than we’ve ever made because we understand things so much better now. And I’m proud to say that our wines really are the essence of East Gippsland, in a bottle.”

“Owning and running the Nicholson River Winery is a healthy lifestyle, set in paradise surrounds, and we enjoy good food and wine every day,” says Ken. “Juliet and I were simply wine lovers/wine drinkers, and we turned it into what you see today. I’ve learned a lot, but it’s been hard won; it’s not been luxuriant by any means, but there’s a body of knowledge out there now; and the Australian wine industry is still young. I know there is so much more to achieve here, for the right people.” The Cellar Door at Nicholson River Winery (20 Cabernet Close, Nicholson) is open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays to Sundays, although hours can vary slightly, so it’s recommended that you phone Ken and Juliet in advance. With around 15 wines on offer, you can enjoy wine tastings, guided tours of the winery, or food and wine matching using cheeses. Plus, in just five minutes Ken can teach you how to enjoy wine like a true connoisseur, ensuring that you never ‘underexperience’ a top drop again! For genuine enquiries regarding the sale of Nicholson River Winery, which includes the house, business, winery, vineyard and stock, contact Ken Eckersley on 0409 568 241. Nicholson River Winery wines are at Dan Murphy’s, Lucke's Fresh Food Market and Jackson Cellars in Bairnsdale, and available at the Metung Hotel, Central Hotel in Lakes Entrance, Metung Country Club and Tinamba Hotel.

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NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

Buffet must be retained

Metung, take your marks

HAT time of the year is again approaching, when the Metung Primary School and Lions Club of Metung co-host the Metung Fun Run, as its major annual fundraiser. This year, the event is being held on Sunday 12 November and there are, again, four different events to choose from. This annual Kids’ Colour Dash, for primary school-aged children or younger, gets the event off to a colourful start at 8.30am. The 5km and 10km Run events then kick off at 9am, from outside the pharmacy (after an 8.50am warm-up by The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale); followed by the 5km Walk, which starts at 9.15am outside the bakery. Profits from the Metung Fun Run are used to assist with the maintenance and running expenses of the 12-seater Metung Community Bus, which is available for hire by any local community member with a full driver’s license. For more information or to make a booking, simply phone the Metung Country Club Mhairi “Vee” McShane is the owner of The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale and a key organiser of the event. She says, “The Metung Fun Run is a brilliant opportunity to get out there and have some fun with your friends and family! The

kids always love the Colour Dash, while the adults and older kids can challenge themselves by taking part in the 5km or 10km run (watch out of those hills on the way to and around Kings Cove!), or if your prefer a more leisurely pace, then the 5km Walk is for you!” Jim Allen was appointed the substantive Principal of Metung Primary School at the beginning of Term 4, so this will be his debut in the organisation of and participation in the event. “I’m really excited to be involved in my first Metung Fun Run,” he says. “It is such a great community event, and an important fundraiser for our small

village school. The students, staff and our school families are really looking forward to making it a huge success, and we thank everyone involved for their support and participation.” “We also need to acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers — without whom, we could not deliver this event,” Jim adds. “We’ve got 40 businesses supporting this event, and we are grateful to each and every one of them. I must make particular mention of the Metung Hot Springs and Metung Country Club, of course, for again coming on board this year as our key sponsors.

And, of course, to Vee McShane from The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale for her extensive involvement in the organisation of this event.” Online registrations for individuals and families close on Friday 10 November, or you can register on the day from 7:30am. For full event details go to www.metungfunrun.com.au. Online registrations for the Metung Fun Run will close on Friday 10 November. Tickets can also be purchased for individuals or families on the day from 7:30am. For full event details including prices, times and online registration visit www.metungfunrun.com.au.

ALLS for buffet facilities on V/Line rail services between Bairnsdale and Melbourne have been renewed. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, told Parliament last month, it was a basic amenity and it would be an embarrassment if a simple provision that was available to passengers 40 years ago, was lost. “I travelled to Melbourne recently on the train and was lucky enough to have one of the increasingly rare services that have the buffet car, and it was well used and appreciated. “The irony is that some train travellers are not wanting the old N class carriages that have the buffet facilities replaced by the new VLocity carriages, as they will lose it,” Mr Bull said. Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Matthew Guy, said Gippslanders are travelling some of the longest distances in Australia without a regular rail buffet service, which shows the government’s disregard for country travellers. “The Liberals and Nationals believe Gippslanders deserve a proper buffet service on VLocity trains as well as reclining seats, sunshades and, at minimum, the same service that diesel hauled trains provided. “We should not be going backwards in the services we offer,” he said.

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The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

playful paws

Trick for Treat? Playful Paws Megs Hopman

Mr Adrian Aitken M.B.B.S., Ph.D., F.R.A.C.S.

SPECIALIST GENERAL SURGEON

ALLOWEEN is a time for fun and games. Typically an American celebration, it's becoming more common in Australia. So why not get our dogs involved? Building our dogs confidence and resilience to change by introducing different environments and experiences is important. Most of us live in a consistent home — same people coming and going, similar noises and clothes and distractions. This means that when something happens (like the postie goes past the window, or the doorbell rings) our dogs can get a bit overwhelmed and may bark, jump at the window or pace and become unsettled. So how can we set our dog up for success with new environments? 1. Introduce change slowly. Change the time they have their dinner. Watch a different sort of a movie (maybe with fireworks, or gunshots). Change where you walk and what they experience.

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Remember to increase your reinforcement when experiencing new things. 2. Teach your dog what to do when they meet someone they consider strange. Is sitting and watching okay? Maybe teach them to sniff the person's hand. It’s really important never to force an interaction if your dog is feeling scared. 3. Generalise their experience. Create a checklist (or we can provide you with one) that helps you introduce your dogs to different things — sounds, people, surfaces, other animals, other dogs, smells, places, objects, transport and things that move. And slowly reinforce your dog by interacting

appropriately (sniffing or watching). 4. Desensitise them to the doorbell by ringing it and having nothing happen! No visitors, no door opening. Ring the doorbell and then treat for staying on their bed. Always good to teach them what behaviour you want them to do instead. 5. Teach them a cool trick to show off to visitors! Spin (lure your dog to turn in a circle), play dead! (great for Halloween!) or simply high five! Slow and gradual socialisation is important, and as we head into the festive season preparing your dogs for visitors so you can all enjoy the upcoming holiday will make it much more fun.

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VICTORIA IS FACING A HOT AND DRY FIRE SEASON. Fire can spread quickly, so it’s important for all Victorians to prepare. Find out how you can plan ahead this fire season to keep you and your family safe. Plan. Act. Survive. Go to www.vic.gov.au/knowfire Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

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BAIRNSDALE • PAYNESVILLE • LAKES ENTRANCE • METUNG • SALE

Where Community Matters

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. Advertising: 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.

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Container Recycling Scheme starts

AST Gippsland Shire Council is looking forward to the launch of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, which began on Wednesday, November 1. In Gippsland, the scheme is being coordinated by Return-It. In the initial roll-out, there will be six sites in East Gippsland: Orbost, Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance, Omeo and Bairnsdale. State-of-the-art machines will allow community members to deposit eligible containers and receive a 10-cent refund. This initiative seeks to encourage

responsible disposal, reduce littering in our environment, and empower individuals to contribute to the circular economy. Mayor Cr Tom Crook said the Container Deposit Scheme will have a number of benefits for East Gippsland. “The scheme will change the way we recycle. It will reduce litter as eligible items can be collected and returned for a 10-cent refund. This will contribute to the circular economy as cans and bottles can be transformed into high-quality

recycled products. I look forward to seeing the East Gippsland community embracing the scheme,” Cr Crook said. Eligible drink containers come in a variety of forms including plastic soft drink bottles, glass bottles, canned soft drinks, and small fruit juice cartons along with their respective lids. East Gippsland collection sites open in this first stage of the Container Deposit Scheme are: • Bairnsdale: Tambo Waste, 1 McMillan Street, Lucknow • Bairnsdale: Bairnsdale Tip

Shop (at Bairnsdale Landfill), 200 Johnstons Road, Forge Creek • Lakes Entrance: Lakes Entrance Shopping Centre, 371 Esplanade • Mallacoota: Lakeside, 49 Maurice Avenue • Omeo: Crazy Cow Café & Bakery, 194 Day Avenue • Orbost: IGA, 168 Nicholson Street. For details about all refund locations in Gippsland, visit www.cdsvic.org.au to explore the interactive map.

METUNG HALLOWEEN MAKENZIE, MIKAYLA & ISLA

N Metung, the Lions Club hired the Metung Community Bus to transport three loads of trick or treaters to visit the 22+ houses that took part in this year’s ghoulish festivities. “We had kids from Metung, Swan Reach, and Matthew and his mother were visiting Metung all the way from Switzerland!” said Cosette Murphy on Facebook, who drove the bus in full witch attire. “Thank you to our community who put effort in to decorating and opening their houses to so many children from Metung and surrounding areas. According to the children, 'trick or treat was a blast, and they had a great time on the Halloween bus!’ Having just moved to Metung, Pamela and Shaun Boyle made an unforgettable community debut by presenting an elaborate display of ghouls, ghosts, monsters and other oddities. The construction involved assistance from their son Keith (a member of a local CFA) and partner Rosy.

EMMET & TALITHA

Darren Chester Darren Chester Darren Che Putting Locals First Putting Locals Chester First Darren Putting Locals First #lovegippsland

Putting Locals First #lovegippsland www.darrenchester.com.au #lovegippsland #lovegippsland www.darrenchester.com.au

Authorised by Darren Chester, The National Party of Australia, Level 13, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne.

www.darrenchester.com.au

Authorised by Darren Chester, The National Party of Australia, Level 13, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne.

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The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Wind farms must respect fishery

TATE and Federal Government Ministers have been asked to avoid any Bass Strait off-shore wind farm proposals that will impact on the Lakes Entrance commercial fishing industry. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, with Federal MP Darren Chester, has jointly written to Federal Climate and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, outlining the sector’s concerns and Mr Bull last week raised the matter in the Victorian Parliament with State Ministers. “What needs to be understood by

the decision makers is, any windfarm development in the eastern end of the proposed zone will significantly impact on critical commercial fishing grounds and should be avoided at all costs. “I think the two industries can coexist and there are some areas of this windfarm zone footprint that would have a far lesser impact on fishing than the eastern end of the zone and that is where wind farm development should be focussed,” Mr Bull said. Chairman of the Lakes Entrance Fishermen Limited (LEFL)

SPOOKY ENTRANCE

Board, Bruce Hammond, said the organisation and its members were keen to engage with any wind farm proponents with the aim of protecting key grounds. “The commercial sector has for decades faced ‘spatial squeeze’ from the expanding oil and gas industry and cannot afford the loss of any more prime areas,” he said. Mr Bull told Parliament the Lakes Entrance fleet was crucial to not only East Gippsland, but also to the local economy, and reminded MP’s that Australia was a net importer for

seafood, so it needed to protect its home-based sector. “My concern is that there has been a real lack of consultation with this sector and it was disappointing to read a government directive that advised proponents not to consult with them at this stage. “I have asked the State Minister who is responsible for commercial fisheries, to come to East Gippsland and meet the licence holders with me. “Mr Dimopoulos is new to his portfolio and I expect will have little knowledge of commercial fishing, so it

Orbost Outdoor Pool class offerings and special deals O RBOST Outdoor Pool’s opening day is right around the corner on Wednesday, November 1, with a splashing line-up of exciting offerings for the season so far. Ten-day Intensive Swim Lessons begin on Monday, November 20 and run until Friday, December 1. Instructors will help enhance swimmers’ strokes and water safety skills during these 30-minute lessons. Registrations are due before November 6 and can be completed on the Lakes Entrance Aquadome website, www.lakesaquadome.com.au. The cost for lessons is $120. The East Gippsland Shire Council facility is offering group fitness classes from Tuesday, November 14 for four weeks. On Tuesdays, a mini triathlon class is offered at 7.30am, followed by a 9am Strength and Cardio class. On Saturdays, they’ll be

MACIE

would be a good fact-finding process for him to better understand the issue. “Of interest is that he is also Minister for Tourism and, while there are areas along the Gippsland coastline that would have little visual impact, off Lakes Entrance is not one of those, and this also needs to be a consideration.” Mr Bull reinforced that he believes the industries can co-exist, but communication needs to be improved and a commitment received that key fishing grounds will be protected.

teaching Aqua Aerobics at 11am, and Pilates will begin at 12pm. Sign up for these classes at the pool. Each class is $15.40, with a concession rate of $13.70. Bring a friend and you will both receive 20 per cent off the class price. Starting Wednesday, November 8, Aqua Playgroup will run on Wednesday mornings from 9.30 to 10.30am. For patrons wanting to enjoy the pool more often, season passes are available for $121 for adults, $102.90 for students/children/ concession and family passes are $261. Mayor Cr Tom Crook said the benefits of season passes has been expanded with passholders able to enjoy three centres. “We have introduced reciprocal arrangements with our pools this season. People who buy a season pass at

Orbost Outdoor Pool will also be able to use the indoor aquatic facilities at Lakes Entrance Aquadome and Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre,” Cr Crook said. Call Lakes Entrance Aquadome on 03 5155 3333 to purchase passes over the phone, or purchase in person at Orbost Outdoor Pool. Free Entry Fridays is available every Friday from 3pm until close at Orbost, Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale pools. The Orbost Outdoor Pool team is also looking forward to a big crowd at the Open Day on Saturday, December 2 where entry will be free all day. More information on pricing and dates is available on the Lakes Entrance Aquadome website, and please always check it for opening status and the most up-to-date information.

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Teaching changes lives in every part of our state. Are you ready?

Visit vic.gov.au/teachthefuture Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Metung Finance — an hot and cold asset to the community ineastgippsland

AVID Beardsworth is a highly accomplished, extensively connected commercial asset finance broker who has been in industry since 2007. “So much has changed since I started,” says David. “It was all phone calls, thermal paper and faxes back then — I've definitely seen the technology boom.” “There seems to be a lot of banks but few finance brokers in this region,” observes 35-year-old David. “Ultimately, Metung Finance Group exists to make things easier for ABN holders. Having talked to many successful business owners around East Gippsland, what I’ve learned is that no one's come to see them to explain how they can increase their capital expenditure, increase the assets they already have, minimise their tax, and structure the business in a way so that their money works for them.” “My long-term goal is to grow this business so we have more people working within the Group, enabling us to offer whole tailored solutions to even more business owners.” “From Pambula to Mallacoota and all the way down to Metung, this type of information or service doesn’t appear to be readily available. I’m a national broker, so through Metung Finance Group, we’ll service clients all the way along the east coast, including to Merimbula and even Wollongong.” David prides himself on delivering personable service. “The development of technology has been a good and a bad

David Beardsworth of Metung Finance Group

thing for our industry. There are a lot in the industry who heavily rely on the use of technology to service their clients, but I don’t believe that is the best approach to building long-term, trust-based relationships.” “We provide a complete service, and that starts with me talking face-to-face with people to really see and understand what their individual situation is; and to share in what their vision for the future looks like — for example, they may want to expand, remain stable, or minimise their tax. David’s previous role saw him with a client list in excess of 6,000. “Even there, I would always jump in the car or hop on a flight to go see them. To me, that’s

an important part in the process of formulating the best tailored solutions.” Another standout feature that differentiates Metung Finance Group from other brokers, is David’s extensive network. “Having been in the industry for so long, I've got a lot of ties with people in the finance industry down in Melbourne. Similarly, I have many connections to source vehicles, equipment, whatever the case may be. I’ll have clients ring me up and tell me it's a 12-month wait for the car they want but more often than not, I can find that car for them faster, and at a decent price.” “In my 16 years in the industry, I've dealt with some of the largest companies in Australia, as well as mum and dad businesses — and to me, everyone is equally important. So, whether you’re after a million-dollar crane or a $20,000 car, I can help deliver the solutions you need.” “I've been associated with Metung and East Gippsland for over 30 years, as well as having family in Bairnsdale, so it was a logical step for me to create Metung Finance Group.” “I’m really looking forward to becoming a pillar within the East Gippsland community, so we’re already sponsoring the Metung Fun Run and the Bairnsdale Racing Club; we’ve got signage going up around the place, and we're in talks with TRFM, as well as a Cricket Club. There’s lots I want to do to support the community, but it’s very early days yet. And we have lots of time!”

What is being said on the socials Increased police patrols in our area make me feel so much safer! The Mat Gala event in Lakes Entrance was truly amazing! To the fisherman in Lakes Entrance that had a large fish hanging from the back of his boat, my kids loved it. Our photos were great! The new can recycling program is amazing. My kids are so excited! I was late putting the bin out last week and our local driver saw me and came back to grab it. Thanks so much Tambo Waste, your employees are amazing! I recently saw a Facebook post, where a man pulled over to help a lady with two kids. While he was changing the tyre, the kids robbed him. Such disgusting behaviour! To the old lady that pulled up next to me and wound down her window and started swearing for no reason with my kids in the car — you need to take a long hard look at yourself!

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

viewpoint Julia Bergin Crikey

RO-Palestinian protesters who blocked the entrance of Australia’s Northern Territorybased joint US defence facility with the permission of Traditional Owners said that Indigenous people in Australia shared a strong anti-colonial affinity with Palestinians. “The colonised people here and the colonised people there share the same grievances, the same hopes, the same dreams and ultimately the same interests,” independent Arrernte artist Declan Furber Gillick, who was one of the protesters blocking the entrance on Friday, told Crikey. “In my view, [those interests are] access to and sovereignty over our native lands.” Over the weekend, thousands of people turned out in rallies across Australia to march against Israel’s occupation and heavy bombardment of Gaza in the fortnight since Hamas’ attacks on October 7. Furber Gillick reiterated that although Palestinians and Indigenous Australians were currently experiencing different forms of colonial violence, both peoples had

Pine Gap protesters say Palestinians and Indigenous peoples share ‘same interests’ Pro-Palestinian protesters last month blocked the entrance to Pine Gap. They were there to support Palestine, support Judaism, and oppose the Israeli state a shared history of forcible removal and systematic destruction of homes, families, and communities. “There’s a very strong sense of solidarity between those old Aboriginal activists and the pro-Palestinian resistance struggle here,” he said, adding that both groups had made appeals to international courts and UN bodies for peaceful terms and treaties with their coloniser. “It’s a real reminder that settler colonialism comes in different extremes.” Last Friday morning’s protest at Pine Gap kicked off at 5am with a blockade of the Hatt Road entrance into the facility, near Mparntwe (Alice Springs). According to protest organisers, it stalled access of an estimated 50 cars and several buses (100-odd staff) for about three hours. Protesters reported that short of one man who jumped out of his car “quite irate”, the disruption was peaceful and “well received”. Police reportedly arrived 54 minutes into the action and requested protesters move on.

Pro-Palestine activists stage a blockade at the Pine Gap facility (Image Facebook-Territorians for Palestine)

The group declined, following which police issued a formal warning that failure to “move on” and “cease to loiter on the road” would result in arrest. All bar Jewish Australian protester Gem Walsh, who was locked onto a concrete barrel in the middle of the road, moved off the road. Walsh had a chain around her wrist that was fitted with a carabiner and hooked onto a pipe, sunk into the centre of a concrete barrel. She told Crikey that the contraption allowed her to detach herself but prohibited anyone else being able to pull her out by force: “The barrel weighed

hundreds of kilos. It was too much to move, so it had to be dismantled on site.” Walsh said that police were unable to dislodge either barrel or person, so called in the fire department, who several hours later successfully severed the pipe with an angle grinder. She said she was subsequently put in the back of a paddy wagon, taken to the Alice Springs Police Station, apprehended in a cell, visited by a nurse, taken to another cell, fingerprinted, handed a charge sheet, and two to three hours later released on bail. NT Police Force acting

commander James GraySpence confirmed that both NT police and NT Fire and Rescue Services responded to the protest. Walsh was charged with two offences of “fail to cease to loiter” and “obstruct the public use of a road” and was bailed to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on November 16, 2023. Walsh reiterated that the whole purpose of the protest was to “disrupt the work happening inside the facility” because of its role in gathering military intelligence and geolocation data — particularly in the Middle East — that was aiding Israeli forces. “It’s actually a really strategic piece of infrastructure for this current war that Israel is perpetrating and that the United States is actively involved in supporting,” she said. “By extension we are complicit in that war because we not only support the US rhetorically and politically, but we offer this site as a bastion for technological surveillance.” The action was designed to draw attention to the plight

TAKE IN BEACHES AND COASTS GET INTO NATURE

Point Addis Marine National Park, Wadawurrung Country

of Palestinians in Gaza, speak to the “clear violations of laws and conventions” on the part of the Israeli government, and platform the voices of Jewish Australians who condemn the State of Israel for “hiding behind Judaism to commit genocide against the Palestinian people”. Walsh said that support of Judaism and simultaneous rejection of Zionism was a sentiment shared by many Jewish Australians and Jewish people around the world. While many fear being ostracised from the former if they condemn the latter, she said the messages she received post-protest were encouraging. “We are told that Israel exists for the continuation of Jewish life and culture and religion and for our safety, but really it is the opposite of that. Look at the rise of anti-Semitism in the wake of the war because people are so appalled that there is no international condemnation of Israel,” Walsh said. “It has created an unsafe world for Jews.” The Australian Department of Defence and Defence Minister Richard Marles did not respond to Crikey‘s request for comments by deadline. Julia Bergin Crikey Northern Territory Correspondant, Alice Springs

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Grilled Pumpkin, Asparagus and Chicken Salad

food & wine PREP: 10 MINS | COOK: 25 MINS | SERVES 4

Ian Hollick Wine Maker

ingredients • olive or canola oil spray • 8 chicken tenderloins (400g) • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 1 lemon, juiced • 2 bunches asparagus, ends trimmed • 450g butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 5mm thick slices • 420g brown lentils, drained and rinsed • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar • 150g baby spinach or mixed leaves • 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

method 1. Spray a barbecue, char-grill or griddle with oil, pre-heat to medium-high. Place chicken in a small dish with 1/2 the crushed garlic and lemon juice; stir to coat, cover and refrigerate a chicken for as long as time permits, from 30 minutes to

overnight. Place asparagus on heated grill and cook for 7 minutes or until lightly charred, turning occasionally. Remove from grill, cut into 5cm pieces then set aside. 2. Respray grill and cook pumpkin in batches for

2-3 minutes each side until charred and just tender. Remove from heat, cut into 3cm triangles and set aside. Respray grill and cook chicken for 2-3 minutes each side until cooked through. 3. In a small bowl combine

lentils, remaining ½ clove crushed garlic and balsamic. Divide spinach or salad leaves, tomatoes, lentils with dressing, asparagus and pumpkin among serving plates. Sprinkle with parsley then top with chicken; serve immediately.

PREP: 10 MINS | SERVES 4

PREP: 10 MINS | COOK: 10 MINS | SERVES 8

Citrus Coleslaw

Chickpea and Couscous Salad

ingredients • 1 medium orange • 3 cups red and green cabbage, shredded • 2 spring onions, sliced • 1 small green capsicum, seeded and sliced

DRESSING • 1 tbsp vinegar • 1 tbsp orange juice • 2 tbsp olive oil

method 1. Grate the orange rind and set aside. Peel and slice orange into segments. Combine orange with cabbage, spring onions and capsicum in a serving bowl. Mix dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and add orange rind. Pour over salad and mix well.

Put a sparkle in your Christmas

ingredients • 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock • 2 tsp ground cumin or curry powder • 1 1/2 cups couscous, uncooked • 425g can chickpeas, drained • 3 medium tomatoes, finely diced

• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped • 2 spring onions, sliced (include green tops) • rind of 1 lemon or orange, grated • juice of 2 oranges (150 ml) • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

method 1. Bring stock to the boil and add cumin. Remove from heat and mix in couscous. Cover and allow to stand for 5 minutes until stock is absorbed. Mix in remaining ingredients. Serve warm or cold.

ITH the festive season on our doorstep, celebrations and warmer weather tend to see more bubbly-type wines popped open — let’s take a look at some forms of sparkling wine. Sparkling wine does not have to be white. My own organisation (Hollick in Coonawarra, of which I am no longer associated) was the first to make Sparkling Merlot, and Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon versions soon followed from several producers. These wines resulted from a renewed interest in Sparkling “Burgundy” (as we were then allowed to call it) when Seppelts released some backvintage wines in the late 1980s. Those of our generation can probably remember “Cold Duck” a terrible sparkling red which tried its level best to ruin the market for sparkling red forever, in the seventies. These were carbonated wines from any old red variety, and our own tasting club at the time, used to call the contents of the spit bucket, Cold Duck — that is how much respect the industry had for the wine. Thankfully the fad did not last too long, and the Seppelt release woke us up to what could be achieved with the style. By then however, we were not allowed to call the wines burgundy, as they were not made in that famous region of France. Most of the Australian versions are Fermented with the transfer method, for the sake of uniformity from bottle to bottle, but some have chosen to use the traditional method (Fermented in THE bottle). Today we also have Spumante (Normally a sweeter and cheaper version of sparkling red), Prosecco originally from the Veneto region of Italy, but now widely produced around the globe, and the beautiful Cava’s from Spain, are worth a look. Several forms of Australian Sparkling white are available at all price points, and generally you get what you pay for. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the predominant varieties, which gives rise quite to different styles. One of my favourite Cava’s is Freixenet’s Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, a crisp fresh wine with a fine bead, made from Macabeo, Parrallada, and Xarel-lo varieties. The packaging makes this a great gift as well, and it is a wonderful alternative to Champagne. If you are looking for a wine to complement your Christmas turkey however, you cannot go past Hollick Sparkling Merlot. This wine should be served “tooth cracking” cold, and will provoke some conversation, but will go down an absolute treat for most people. Santé.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

Regional Australians need safety data to curb death

EOPLE in south-eastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria are twice as likely to die in car crashes than other Australians, underlining the need for a new, data-driven approach to road safety, says the nation’s peak motoring body. The Australian Automobile Association says 290 Australians died in car crashes in the federal electorates of Gilmore, EdenMonaro, Indi, and Gippsland between 2017 and 2021 — the equivalent of 9.06 deaths per 100,000 people. The national road death rate per 100,000 people was 4.4 over the same period. Together, the four electorates accounted for 5.1 per cent of

national road deaths, despite being home to only 2.5 per cent of the national population. AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said the figures demonstrated the need for governments to dramatically re-think how they manage road safety, as Australia’s worsening trauma numbers show our current approach is not working. Mr Bradley said: “Our cars have never been safer and we’ve never spent more on road funding — yet our road toll is climbing and we cannot explain why. “Australia needs a data-driven response to its road safety crisis and this must start with state governments being required

Sound

HEALING

OUND Healing is an ancient practice that has been used in various cultures for centuries, and it has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative or complementary therapy. This therapeutic practice uses the vibrations and frequencies of sound to promote physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It's based on the idea that different frequencies and harmonious sounds can interact with the body, mind, and spirit to

facilitate healing and relaxation. Sound is a powerful tool of transformation. It takes us into the subtle vibrational world that is mysterious and based in feelings, to remind us that the whole universe vibrates with its’ own song. In connecting to the universe’s music, we are reminded of our own personal connection to it, and of our own infinite nature. Sound Healing not only acquaints us with this transcendental state,

to publish the data they collect regarding road quality, crash causation, and law enforcement. “This data is collected, but it is kept secret, and the Federal Government needs to make its publication a condition of the $10 billion in road funding it gives states and territories every year. “This would not only save lives, but also show whether public money is being invested on roads to save lives or to win votes. “Our polling shows about a third of Australians believe road funding is allocated to projects that can win votes, rather than to projects with the greatest potential to improve road safety. “Data transparency would

enhance public confidence in decision making and help Transport Minister Catherine King to deliver her 2022 election promise to ‘end the rorts’ in road funding. “The Federal Government has a great opportunity to stop the political pork-barrelling and use data to fund road projects that will save lives and end wasteful spending.’’ The AAA is pursuing data transparency through its Data Saves Lives campaign, which calls upon the Commonwealth to step up and provide much-needed national leadership on road safety. “Efforts to extract this data on a voluntary basis have proved ineffective,’’ Mr Bradley said.

“The only way to lock in transparency and accountability is for the Commonwealth to tell the states they must provide road safety data to qualify to receive their share of the $10 billion a year it spends on roads each year. “This should be written into the next five-year National Partnership Agreement on road funding, which is under negotiation now and is due to be finalised in December.” The Data Saves Lives campaign has already won the support of 63 federal MPs, or 42 per cent of the House of Representatives, including the Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and the Member for Indi, Helen Haines. For more detail see datasaveslives.org.au

and pumping fresh blood that is packed with nutrients and oxygen through the brain and body resulting in enhanced clarity, sharpness, and heightened intuition. In addition to all of this, sound healing also delivers many more benefits on multiple levels. This includes stress reduction, pain relief, improved sleep, emotional release, enhanced energy flow, increase creativity and focus, deep relaxation, strong mind-body connection.

There are many ways to facilitate Sound Healings and every facilitator will bring their own unique gift, energy and voice to it. Breathing Space in Lakes Entrance is welcoming different facilitators on a regular basis into the local community, so they can share their magical Sound Healing opportunities with you. Keep an eye on the Breathing Space Facebook page, so you can give Sound Healing a try.

Delivering inner peace and whole brain harmony but it also helps us transform on a physiological level. It alters our brain waves — moving us from stress states to flow states. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the ‘on’ switch for relaxation — creating a place where the body can repair and become creative. It also creates whole brain harmony because engaging with music activates the whole brain, sending synapses firing across hemispheres, awakening the corpus callosum,

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

crossword ACROSS

1. Series of rabbit tunnels 5. Look before you ... 7. Consumption 8. Large 9. Australian gem 10. Erected 11. Recesses 13. Eve's mate 14. Masted vessels 18. Nakedness 21. Pencil end 22. Canoe oar 24. Wear by rubbing 25. Global hostel chain (1,1,1,1) 26. Charitable 27. Dessert, ... pie 28. Cash machines (1,1,2) 29. Occurred afterwards

The Bairnsdale Show — A day of fun and entertainment

T'S that time of the year again when we have the chance to come together and celebrate the show that has been running for 142 years. A day you truly won't want to miss with this years line up of fun and entertainment. The Bairnsdale show will be showcasing the best of Bairnsdale and District's agriculture, farming, carnival rides, arts and crafts, cookery, trade stands, live music, and entertainment. Each year, a variety of annual attractions are sponsored by local businesses and this year is no different. Do you think you can win the Patties pieeating competition, or will you be the fastest wood chopper? Animal lovers you're in for a treat with the Animal Education Centre, Pets on Parade, mini ponies, Black Snake Productions, and a sheep shearing display. Enjoy free all-day live entertainment on Dyers Community stage, including Wacky Wombat, Urban Funk Dancers, musician Mark Lindsay and much more. Thrill-seekers, get ready to jump aboard the carnival rides.

DOWN

1. Feminine 2. Attain 3. Anaesthetises 4. Actress, ... Monroe 5. Dancer's costume 6. Unrelenting 12. Devour 15. Try 16. Wheel covers 17. Wound with claw 19. Illinois is there (1,1,1) 20. Surrendered 22. Short pasta tubes 23. Highest ranking peers

After all of this, we’re sure you will have developed an appetite but do not fear - there will be a food court with many local vendors providing food and drinks to satisfy those taste buds. Don't forget to hop on the free courtesy bus, which runs to and from the show all day with the pickup location at McDonalds Bairnsdale store. Doesn't this sound like the perfect outing for everyone? Event Details: • Date: Saturday, November 11th • Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM • Location: Bairnsdale Race Course Want to find out more and book your tickets? Go to: www.bairnsdaleshow.com.au

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FOR SALE Swan Reach

Elizabeth Moss 0416 814 691 New Homes

» Own your own home » No stamp duty

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• 1 Bedroom + Study Home Options • 2 Bedroom Home Options • Quality Floor Coverings • Blinds • Heating & Cooling • Dishwasher • Fully Fenced & Landscaped • Carport with Remote Control Door • Ready for you to move straight in

Do you find yourself in a big home with empty rooms, the kids having flown the nest, and most of your days filled with chores and yard work? Are you thinking of downsizing for a simpler life, unlocking equity from your home, and pursuing your long-awaited dreams, like travel, quality time with loved ones, leisurely activities, and the freedom to live life on your terms? Discover the ideal setting at Riverside Swan Reach with beautifully designed 1- and 2-bedroom homes, boasting luxurious features and minimal maintenance. Embrace community living, with easy access to exceptional facilities just a short walk from your door. Spend your days soaking up the serene surroundings of the beautiful East Gippsland.

Contact Elizabeth Moss today 0416 814 691 livingatriverside.com.au

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Healthy fast food – made daily W

HAT do you get when you combine a longstanding passion for sushi and Japanese cuisine, with years of experience and expertise in hospitality? Paper Cranes Sushi — located in Bairnsdale, Sale, and Ballarat — that’s what! Antony Hilf and partner, Jacqui Allen, opened Paper Cranes Sushi in Bairnsdale seven years ago. “We’d always liked Japanese food but every time we wanted to get Japanese food, we had to go outside East Gippsland to get it. We knew that someone would one day open a sushi place in East Gippsland, and we realised if it wasn’t us then that would be upsetting! I’ve always worked in kitchens and in the hospitality industry, but this was completely foreign to us. So, we went to Japan to learn all about it. We were then trained by Japanese chef who came down to Bairnsdale for a couple of months, and after that we brought machines in, and we went from there.” “Paper Cranes is a family-owned business, and we've been running Bairnsdale for seven years,” explains Antony. “The one in Sale — located in the Gippsland Centre — is about five years old, and we opened the one in Ballarat during COVID.” “What makes Paper Cranes different is probably our understanding of what regional people like,” says Antony, who in July sold the Wy Yung Pub, which he and Jacqui had owned,

managed, and run since 2014. “In launching Paper Cranes, it was important to us that we offered different levels of sushi, if that makes sense. Through the pub, we were able to get a lot of feedback on what people were thinking about sushi and the sort of flavours they were looking for and would respond best to. So, we had a lot of time to actually understand what we should be doing in order to get it right.” “A lot of people were saying ‘Oh, sushi is never going to work here; it’s too exotic for people in the country’, so we made sure that when we first opened in Bairnsdale we started with the simplest varieties — so that it was very easy for people who had never tried it, to understand. Then, slowly, we worked towards adding in raw fish and other ingredients. We took our time to make sure people understood where we were heading with it all and that seemed to work well.” “In regional areas like ours, if you want takeaway food that's quick, then most options aren’t that healthy. So, the thinking behind Paper Cranes was also ‘how do we offer something that's healthy, quick and that people are going to

understand?’ Around 13 years ago, in a true ‘sliding doors’ style moment, Antony realised that if he accepted a corporate job offer in communications, that pathway would lead him towards a conventional and unexciting life. So, he hopped a plane in his motherland of France, bound for Sydney. There, he backpacked and fruit-picked his way up the coast all the way to Port Douglas, where he took a job at the Sheraton

Resort. “My family — including my grandparents — were in hospitality so I had always been around kitchens, whilst growing up and during high school.” “It was the time of the mining boom, and one day I got a phone call from a friend who was in Port Hedland at the time. They said ‘you should come over. The work here is great, and the money is good!’ And so I did. The company sponsored me and on that first day of my sponsorship, Jacqui started as the receptionist.” “From there, we went to New Zealand for a while, where we ran a pub, but then Jackie wanted to be

WHAT’S ON IN SALE - CHECK IT OUT! MONDAYS & FRIDAYS Join like-minded locals on Mondays and Fridays, to enjoy a social and gentlepaced indoor walk around the Gippsland Centre. This inclusive walking group meets at Woolworths at 8:30am for a 30-minute stroll.

FRI - 10 NOVEMBER Check out the 6.5-metre-tall Christmas tree, which will be revealed as the epicentre of all festive decorations within the Gippsland Centre.

SAT - 25 NOVEMBER After a very long hiatus, Sale is welcoming back its community Christmas parade. “The parade will go up and down Raymond Street into the Clocktower Mall,” explains Emma Waghorne, Centre Manager at Gippsland Centre, and a key organiser of the parade. “From 4pm to 7pm, there will be food trucks, face painting, Christmas crafts and other kids’ activities, as well as lots of different community groups putting things on too. Plus, it’s also late-night trade

in the Shopping Centre, with many retailers offering Black Friday sales from the day before.” Santa Photos at Gippsland Centre kick off on this day. Regular Santa Photo sessions are available, as well as Sensitive Santa Sessions (ideal for children who have sensory issues), and Santa Photos with your pet. In early December, Santa will also be delivering chocolates to all residents at aged care facilities in Sale.

closer to home (she’s from Lakes Entrance). It was at that same time when the Wy Yung Pub was for sale, and so that’s how we ended up here in East Gippsland, which was around 8.5 years ago now.” Sushi is a deliciously unique snack or meal option, especially if you’re after a healthy, quick food option that will keep you feeling full for a good while. “Sushi has been around for a long time and it’s not going away any time soon, so if you haven’t already tried it, then give it a go!” Antony says. “At Paper Cranes, we have an always-expanding range of things you can try, including hot options — coming soon!”

GIPPSLAND CENTRE HALLOWEEN FUN!

WED - 29 NOVEMBER To celebrate the Great Victorian Bike Ride spending a night in Sale, a special Gippsland market will be held inside the Gippsland Centre. This will be one of many activities to entertain and excite the thousands of riders and volunteers who will set up camp or enjoy local accommodation in Sale overnight.

Nikkita from Paper Cranes Sushi (left) was the 'Retailer Dress-up Comp Winner', winning $200 voucher for dressing up as Dr Death.

SAT - 2 DECEMBER From 9am to 2pm, Gippsland Centre will be hosting a country market with around 30 different stalls set up inside the Centre.

The Best and Less team (above) also got a box of choices for best dressed team coming as Care Bears.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

SAVOUR METUNG A

FTER a three-year hiatus, the popular Metung Food and Wine Festival is returning to Metung’s Village Green, under the new brand moniker: Savour Metung. This year’s festival will showcase the exceptional food, wine and beverage producers of East Gippsland, in addition to wellness opportunities that are designed to encourage visitors and locals to linger longer, so they can truly savour all that the region has to offer. “The Metung Business and Tourism Association is proud to deliver this year’s event and support the recovery and resilience of our local businesses, in what continues to be challenging economic climate for small businesses,” says Peter Baldwin, President of the Association. “Supported by Business Victoria’s Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Victorian Small Businesses’

program, this year’s event brings our local business community together to celebrate and savour the incredible produce and experiences our region offers, providing opportunities for us all to thrive” said Adam Bloem, Event Manager for Savour Metung. The festival kicks off with a screening of the awardwinning documentary film “How To Thrive”, at

Sun Cinema Bairnsdale on Thursday 23 November. Released last year, this inspiring film follows the journey of seven volunteers with mental health issues, as they learn interventions grounded in positive psychology and neuroscience to improve their wellbeing. “We are delighted to have the Director and Producer of the film, Duy Huynh, joining us for an

in-person Q&A following the screening” said Kim Kleinitz, committee member for Savour Metung. “This film is a great source of hope for anyone experiencing struggle, demonstrating the transformation and positive change we can create ourselves if we have the tools and knowledge to care for our wellbeing.” At the main event on Saturday 25 November,

between 11am and 4pm on the Village Green, you can meet the makers from highly acclaimed eateries and award-winning local producers, as well as sample a wide range of delicious foods, fine wines, craft beers, micro-distilled gins and zero-alcohol beverages. Live acoustic music will provide entertainment throughout the day. A series of wellness activities will also be on offer

across the weekend including yoga and breathwork sessions, a sauna induction wellness workshop, rope weaving workshop, and roving entertainment from Wacky Wombat. Tickets for Savour Metung, the ‘How to Thrive’ screening, and planned activities are available via Try Booking. For booking details follow ‘Savour Metung’ on social media.

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The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

boating and fishing

advice - ask Emma

Forge your own path forward

Ways to help you cope through divorce

East Gippsland Fishing Report Lakes Entrance Fishing has been a bit quiet in the lakes this week. The surf beaches are still landing salmon and tailor with pilchards and poppers. The shallow sand bank near the Fishing Club for flathead using plastics and lures. Offshore at Six Mile Reef for a mixed bag. Lake Tyers Flathead are active around the shallow sand banks taking soft plastics, give the snags a try for perch. Bream can be found around the islands with prawn, worm, soft shell and plastics. Mitchell River From the Highway Bridge to the Grassy Banks and down to the river mouth for bream, best baits being plastics, cut crab and soft shell. Also try around the Wy Yung Bridge. Tambo River The Snags, Marshalls Flat, up to Burns Flat, the Blue Hole

and The Cliffs for bream biting on soft plastics, drifting prawn, shrimp and worm. Nicholson For bream give the Two Bridges, the Tyres, The Cliffs and The Strait Six a go with worm, drifting prawn and soft plastics. Metung Whiting can be found around the town jetties. Luderick and bream are biting on pipis, prawn and worm. Paynesville Flathead are in Newlands Arm biting on prawn and plastics. The return of the Raymond Island Ferry has stirred up the water creating a good variety of fish being caught, using soft shell, prawn and worm. Holland's Landing The southern shore of Lake Victoria and the rock groynes are producing nice bream, tailor and mullet. As the water temp rises the grass will grow and whiting will appear.

Marlo Offshore for gummies, salmon and tailor on the incoming tide, chasing metal lures. Surf beaches for tailor and salmon. Bream are also active biting on plastics and worm. Bemm River Bream can be found in the river, give local prawn and worm a try. Surf beaches have tailor and salmon. Tamboon Inlet Best spot for bream is in the river preferred baits being prawn and worm. Tailor are taking metal lures. Mallacoota The bottom lake has bream and flathead on plastics. Harrisons Channel for salmon taking lures. Omeo High Country River levels are dropping, there has been good results using the dry dropper method, also give fly fishing nymphs, spinners and soft plastics a try.

Minister queried on road funding cuts W

ITH the Labor Government’s own Budget papers showing a 40 percent cut in roads maintenance funding over the past two years, and our roads in shocking condition, it has been asked to release its re-sealing program for the East Gippsland area this financial year. Local Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said he was hearing the parlous state of the Budget meant the only major resealing that was to be done this year was in the flood impacted regions in the north of the state. “At a time when our roads needed massive investment, they received another cut from a government that is broke and a Premier who has walked away and left a wreck behind him. “I know Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) has a forward

works program, so I have asked Minister Melissa Horne, apart from routine maintenance, what is the re-sealing budget for this year and what roads are scheduled for re-sealing. “This will reveal what the road funding cuts mean on the ground,” he said. Mr Bull said it was only last year that now Labor Minister, Vicky Ward, said concerns over the condition of country roads was an ‘imagined fantasy’ a comment that showed how out of touch Labor MP’s were. “Hardly a week goes by when I am not reminded of the difference in road conditions from those who have come down the Monaro Highway. They tell me the road is perfect in NSW and on crossing the border it has craters and broken surface at regular intervals.

“I have some sympathy for the staff at RRV as they are getting smashed with complaints and have a government that has cut their funding enormously. “When you go into the level of debt we have in Victoria, greater than QLD, NSW and Tasmania combined, you want something to show for it. You want to be able to say, ‘we have incurred debt, but we are well placed as a state’. “However, we have record debt and are left with a roads, housing, health and mental health crisis to name just a few of the problems,” Mr Bull said.

Emma Woodcock Counsellor Q: Dear Emma, I am writing because I am struggling. I am getting a divorce. Our kids are in their late teens and understanding but my friends are a different story. Many of them are divorced too and they tell me divorce isn’t taboo anymore and that I’ll be fine. I know that but I don’t feel that. Does that make sense? I’m really struggling with it all. I feel ashamed, lonely, and so disappointed with life, and if I am being honest — myself. How long until all this ends? A: Thank you for writing in about a topic that's deeply personal and often quite challenging. I admire your bravery. Many women find themselves facing this lifealtering event, and I hope I can offer you some words of encouragement, and advice to guide you through this journey. While it’s true that divorce may not be the taboo subject it once was, divorce can still be a roller-coaster of emotions, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to not know how to feel about it. And it’s normal, to feel one way on one day and another way the next. The emotional aspect of divorce is one of the biggest hurdles, and it's essential to take care of your emotional well-being. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor who can support you through this life-changing time. They can provide a safe and supportive space for you to process your emotions and learn effective coping strategies. Friendship is hard, even at none trying times. It’s okay to surround yourself with friends, family, and support groups who understand and support your journey. Try communicating with one or two of your closest friends about how you are feeling.

Opening the door here might change the conversation as they understand you more deeply. Building a strong support network can be incredibly therapeutic. You deserve compassion and understanding, both from others and, most importantly, from yourself. It’s important to acknowledge and address the grief that often accompanies divorce. The loss of a partnership shared dreams, and the life you once knew can trigger a profound sense of grief. Allow yourself to mourn this loss. Grief is a process, not an event, and it can manifest in different ways. Some days, you might feel anger, while others, you may experience sadness or even moments of acceptance. Remember to be gentle with yourself, and know that it's entirely normal to grieve the end of a relationship. This is all part of the healing journey. Now, let's talk about the psychological impacts that often accompany divorce. Anxiety and depression can be part of this journey, and if you find yourself experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial. Divorce might shake your self-esteem and self-worth, so engage in self-affirming practices and work on rebuilding self-confidence. Sometimes, women experience guilt or blame themselves for the divorce, which can be psychologically distressing. It's not uncommon to feel a profound sense of guilt and shame, believing that somehow, the end of the marriage is entirely your fault. The truth is, that divorce is rarely the result of a single person's actions or choices. It's a complex interplay of circumstances and dynamics. The shame that can come with divorce often stems from societal expectations and judgments. Remember that you are not defined by your marital status, and you should not measure your worth by the longevity of your marriage. Divorce is not a failure, but rather a

courageous step toward a better life for yourself and your children. While it's important to address the emotional and psychological aspects of divorce, it's also a time for personal growth and empowerment. Reconnect with your passions. Rediscover your interests and hobbies to find joy and regain a sense of self and purpose. Create a vision for your future and set realistic, achievable goals that empower you to move forward with confidence. Consider this phase as the beginning of a new chapter, a chance to create a life that aligns with your desires and aspirations. Self-improvement can play a significant role in this transformation. Think about furthering your education, learning new skills, or even pursuing a career change. Empower yourself with the tools you need to build a brighter future. Divorce can be an emotionally and psychologically demanding journey, but it’s your journey. You don’t have to travel it like your friends did or how society tells you to. But also remember, it's also an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and a fresh start. You are resilient, capable, and strong. By prioritizing self-care and emotional healing, and ensuring the well-being of your teens, you can find hope and build a fulfilling life after divorce. I promise that you will move into a new chapter soon. With the right support and mindset, you can emerge from this chapter stronger than ever. 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

Emma Woodcock is a Registered Counsellor working with adolescents and adults with a broad range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, self-esteem difficulties, amongst many others. With experience in several evidence-based therapy modalities, Emma utilises skills from CBT, ACT, DBT, motivational interviewing, polyvagal therapy and more. Emma offers a practical approach to therapy, helping clients develop a personal 'toolkit’ of strategies and skills, so that they feel empowered to deal with life’s challenges everyday.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

GEM movie review

GEM Kids

SPACE

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

IN CINEMAS NOW

ILLERS of the Flower Moon is a masterpiece of American cinema. Martin Scorsese, one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, has crafted a powerful and moving film that tells the story of a dark and shameful chapter in American history. The film begins with a stunning sequence that introduces the audience to the Osage Nation, a wealthy and prosperous tribe living in Oklahoma in the early 1920s. But their good fortune is short-lived, as oil is discovered beneath their land. Soon, white settlers and criminals descend on the Osage Nation, eager to get their hands on the oil and the wealth it represents. The Osage people are targeted and killed with impunity. The local police and the FBI are either unwilling or unable to investigate the murders. But then,

Movie Reviewer Jason Cherry

DUMB MONEY

IN CINEMAS NOW

UMB Money is a wellmade and entertaining film that tells the story of a complex and fascinating event. Director Craig Gillespie does a good job of balancing the film's comedic and dramatic elements, and the performances are all excellent. Sebastian Stan is particularly good as Keith Gill, a young trader who becomes obsessed with the GameStop short squeeze. Paul Dano is also excellent as Gabriel Plotkin, a hedge fund manager who is caught on the wrong side of the squeeze. Seth Rogen is funny and charming as Jared, a Reddit user who helps to fuel the squeeze.

SCORSESE’S MASTERLY NATIVE AMERICAN TRUE CRIME SAGA Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a rancher who is married to an Osage woman, takes up the case. Burkhart is a determined and resourceful investigator, and he soon uncovers a web of corruption and greed that reaches to the highest levels of government. Killers of the Flower Moon is a complex and morally ambiguous film. It is a story about greed, corruption, and racism. But it is also a story about courage, resilience, and the power of love. Scorsese's direction is masterful. He creates a truly immersive and atmospheric world, and he brings the characters to life with great humanity. The performances are all excellent, with DiCaprio, De Niro, and the rest of the cast

delivering top-notch work. The film is also beautifully shot, with Rodrigo Prieto's cinematography capturing the beauty and harshness of the Oklahoma landscape in equal measure. The production design is also top-notch, with the costumes and sets recreating the 1920s era with meticulous detail. But Killers of the Flower Moon is more than just a technically well-made film. It is also a powerful and important story that needs to be told. Scorsese does not shy away from the brutality of the murders or the corruption and racism that fuelled them. He also does a masterful job of conveying the sense of loss and betrayal that the Osage people felt.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a must-see film for anyone interested in American history, true crime, or simply great film-making. It is a powerful and disturbing film, but it is also an essential one. Here is a more detailed look at some of the film's strengths and weaknesses: Strengths: • Masterful direction from Martin Scorsese. • Excellent performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and the rest of the cast. • Beautiful cinematography and production design. • Powerful and important story that needs to be told. • Unflinching portrayal of a dark chapter in American history.

Weaknesses: • The film can be quite long and slow-paced at times. • Some of the subplots feel underdeveloped. • The film is not afraid to be disturbing, and it may not be suitable for all viewers. Overall, Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterpiece of American cinema. It is a powerful and moving film that tells the story of a dark and shameful chapter in American history. It is a must-see film for anyone interested in American history, true crime, or simply great filmmaking.

RATING

THE FUN RETELLING OF THE GAMESTOP STOCK CRAZE The film does a good job of explaining the complex financial concepts involved in the GameStop short squeeze. It also does a good job of portraying the human drama of the event. The film shows how the squeeze affected both the traders who were involved in it and the individual investors who participated in it. One of the things that makes Dumb Money so effective is its sense of realism. The film is set in the real world of finance, and the characters are all believable and relatable. This makes the film's events all the more exciting and suspenseful.

Another thing that makes Dumb Money so enjoyable is its sense of humour. The film is funny and charming, even when it is dealing with serious subject matter. This makes the film more accessible to a wider audience. Overall, Dumb Money is a well-made and entertaining film that tells the story of a complex and fascinating event. It is a film that will appeal to fans of financial thrillers, comedies, and dramas alike. Analysis: Dumb Money can be interpreted on multiple levels. On one level, it is a

story about the greed and corruption that exists in the world of finance. The film shows how hedge fund managers like Gabriel Plotkin are willing to risk everything in order to make money, even if it means harming others. On another level, Dumb Money can be interpreted as a story about the power of social media. The film shows how Reddit users were able to band together and take on the hedge funds. This event was a watershed moment in the history of finance, and it showed that the little guy can still win. The film also explores

the theme of class warfare. The Reddit users who participated in the GameStop short squeeze were mostly young people who were struggling to make ends meet. They saw the squeeze as a way to get revenge on the wealthy hedge fund managers who had been exploiting them for years. Conclusion: Dumb Money is a well-made and thought-provoking film that tells the story of a complex and fascinating event. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it. RATING

THE GEM GENERAL QUIZ 1.

WHAT IS THE LARGEST OCEAN IN THE WORLD? A) ATLANTIC OCEAN B) PACIFIC OCEAN C) INDIAN OCEAN D) ARCTIC OCEAN 2. WHAT IS THE CAPITAL OF FRANCE? A) LONDON B) ROME C) PARIS D) BERLIN 3. WHAT IS THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD? A) MOUNT EVEREST B) K2 C) MOUNT KILIMANJARO D) MOUNT FUJI 4. WHAT IS THE CHEMICAL SYMBOL FOR WATER? A) H2O B) CO2 C) O2 D) N2 5. WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC NAME FOR HUMANS? A) HOMO SAPIENS B) PAN TROGLODYTES C) CANIS FAMILIARIS D) FELIS CATUS 6. WHAT IS THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR SPORT? A) FOOTBALL (SOCCER) B) CRICKET C) AMERICAN FOOTBALL D) BASKETBALL 7. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE LARGEST PLANET IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM? A) JUPITER B) SATURN C) URANUS D) NEPTUNE 8. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE OLDEST KNOWN CIVILIZATION? A) MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZATION B) INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION C) EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION D) SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION 9. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE MOST POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM IN THE WORLD? A) FACEBOOK B) TWITTER C) INSTAGRAM D) TIKTOK 10. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD? A) PYTHON B) JAVA C) JAVASCRIPT D) C++

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. D) ARCTIC OCEAN. 2. C) PARIS. 3. A) MOUNT EVEREST. 4. A) H2O. 5. A) HOMO SAPIENS. 6. A) FOOTBALL (SOCCER). 7. A) JUPITER. 8. D) SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION. 9. A) FACEBOOK. 10. B) JAVA.

Movie Reviewer Jason Cherry

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

GEM Kids

E C A P S

www.facebook.com/TheGreatEasternMail

JOKES 1. WHAT DID ONE HAT SAY TO THE OTHER? YOU WAIT HERE — I'LL GO ON AHEAD! 2. WHY DON'T THE CIRCUS LIONS EAT THE CLOWNS? BECAUSE THEY TASTE FUNNY! 3. WHY DID AN OLD MAN FALL IN A WELL? BECAUSE HE COULDN’T SEE THAT WELL! 4. WHAT’S RED AND SMELLS LIKE BLUE PAINT? RED PAINT! 5. WHY COULDN'T THE SKELETON GO TO SCHOOL? HIS HEART JUST WASN’T IN IT. 6. HOW DOES A VAMPIRE START A LETTER? TOMB IT MAY CONCERN! 7. WHAT DID ONE PLATE SAY TO THE OTHER? DINNER IS ON ME!

8. WHAT DO SPRINTERS EAT BEFORE A RACE? NOTHING. THEY FAST! 9. WHY DID THE PONY GET SENT TO HIS ROOM? HE WOULDN’T STOP HORSING AROUND! 10. WHY CAN’T A LEOPARD HIDE? BECAUSE HE’S ALWAYS SPOTTED! 11. WHAT DO YOU CALL AN ALLIGATOR WHO SOLVES MYSTERIES? AN INVESTIGATOR! 12. WHAT FISH ONLY SWIMS AT NIGHT? STARFISH! 13. WHAT DOES A COW CALL AN EARTHQUAKE? A MILKSHAKE! 14. WHY CAN'T YOU TRUST TACOS? BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS SPILL THE BEANS!

THIS FORTNIGHT IN AUSSIE HISTORY November 3rd, 1851: The first Australian gold rush begins at Ophir, New South Wales. November 4th, 1901: The first federal election in Australia is held. November 5th, 1803: Captain John Bowen takes possession of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) for the British Crown. November 6th, 1967: A referendum is held to allow the Australian government to make laws for Aboriginal people and to include them in the census. The referendum passes with a large majority. November 7th, 1804: Tasmania is separated from New South Wales and becomes its own colony. November 8th, 1993: The Mabo decision is handed down by the High Court of Australia, which overturns the doctrine of terra nullius and recognizes Aboriginal people's native title to land. November 9th, 1975: The Queen's Flight arrives in Australia, bringing Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to open the Sydney Opera House. November 10th, 1842: Tasmania becomes the first Australian colony to introduce responsible government. November 11th, 1919: The first Remembrance Day service is held in Australia. November 12th, 1999: The East Timor referendum is held, in which the majority of East Timorese vote for independence from Indonesia. November 13th, 1942: The Battle of Kokoda Trail begins during World War II. November 14th, 1918: The Australian government announces that it will send troops to the Middle East to fight in World War I. November 15th, 1901: The first Australian parliament is opened.

GEM KIDS GA M E R EVIEWS

SUPERSTARS

WARIOWARE: MOVE IT

[PLAYED ON NINTENDO SWITCH] WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME? I ENJOY ALL THE MINIGAMES THERE ARE SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER AND WHY? I LIKE PLAYING AS WARIO

BLAKE AGED 10

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS GAME? YES WHAT RATING WOULD YOU GIVE IT OUT OF 10? I WOULD GIVE IT A 8 OUT OF 10.

SONIC SUPERSTARS

[PLAYED ON NINTENDO SWITCH] WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME? IT TAKES SONIC TO THE NEXT LEVEL WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER AND WHY? SONIC IS THE BEST WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS GAME?

JOR DAN AGED 15

YES WHAT RATING WOULD YOU GIVE IT OUT OF 10? I WOULD GIVE IT A 9 OUT OF 10.

FASHION DREAMER

[PLAYED ON NINTENDO SWITCH] WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME? IT’S GREAT THAT YOU GET TO PLAY AS AN INFLUENCER HAS A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS TO DO. WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER AND WHY? I LIKE THE DESIGN CHALLENGES.

C HAR LI AGED 12

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS GAME? YES, IT’S SO DIFFERENT AND ENJOYABLE. WHAT RATING WOULD YOU GIVE IT OUT OF 10? I WOULD GIVE IT 8 OUT OF 10.

puzzle answers SOLUTIONS: FROM PAGE 13

SUDOKU: 3086

3087

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NOVEMBER 3, 2023 The Great Eastern Mail

viewpoint

opinion

Immigration and Infrastructure Time to People Power John Dahlsen

HERE is a tension between the level of immigration and the consequent infrastructure needed for the long-term. We need to reconcile these two activities otherwise the public will be distressed. Many issues are now emerging. We have the highest rate of immigration per capita in the world. The table shows the net immigration over the last 30 years plus plateauing at around 220,000 for the years 2010–2020 it has now reached a massive 500,000. There are serious structural impediments in managing this tension. First, we have the three layers of Government and a Federation where the mix of providing capital, planning, and executing are all different. Second, with this complexity, political imperatives will override rationality and good planning. Third, also have a number of silos at various levels of Government that impinge on the decision making. Some of those silos are: • Schools, Hospitals, Police • Funding Mechanisms • Zoning and Planning Schemes • Building Regulations, • Government Entitlements • Demography and Aging Population • Sporting Facilities • Regionalisation • Transport (road, rail, airports, ports), and Energy • Migrant intake, training and induction policies. The list goes on and it is important to complete the list. Is it different with the structural complexity and the number of critical silos, for decisions to be made and planning undertaken. At the Federal and State level, no one has responsibility for resolving this tension notwithstanding that it has massive implications for our future. Some of the silos involved, have huge, powerful, and independent fiefdoms. In addition, there are powerful interest groups at play like business and migrant councils and lefties. Why not appoint at both Federal and State levels a Minister for say Future Planning which included both migration and infrastructure. This would need to be extraordinarily well mandated and powerful to deal for the issues. There may well be

Annual net overseas migration ('000) Abul Rizvi forecast

500

Actual

400

punish the Big End

300 200 100 0 1990

2000

2010

2020 SOURCE: AFR

better solutions but doing nothing is not one of them. WE MORTALS It is very difficult for we mortals to form a view as to whether our immigration should be at 220,000 or be reduced to 150,000 and if so, for how long but it is clear that the current level of 500,000 is simply not sustainable not only for the infrastructure requirements but for the significant effect on inflation. What should be our criteria? I have been trying to understand what infrastructure would be required for 220,000 intake each year. We have three cities with the forecast population for 2018 as follows: Hobart 220,000 Geelong 247,068 Townsville 190,000 So, for immigration of 220,000 we need one of the above cities but for 500,000 we would need to build two of them. When you look at the infrastructure these cities have and do an estimate of housing, construction, roads, schools, hospitals, sporting grounds, police, social workers, public amenities, and Government entitlements etc., it would be astronomical. There would also be huge costs for State Government and Local Councils. It would be many billions a year and how long is the payback for this? If you look at the cost of one of the above cities it gives a better picture of the split of cost between federal, State and Local Government. Whilst the immigration leads to incremental infrastructure costs and there may be some efficiency with the greater use of our fixed infrastructure, this would be offset by the prior years of not building infrastructure. It would also be helpful to separate the capital or fixed costs from the ongoing running or variable costs. On the other hand, we do not know if there is a differing cost between the nationalities we migrate. Australia has huge options

in relation to immigration selection. Many people want to come to Australia so how do we decide? Presumably we have information on the nationalities or countries in terms of their propensity and to benchmark against Australian standards to: • work • education required • provide special skills • integrated into the community • use of our health system • contribute capital in cash or kind • claim entitlements. One of the reasons these issues have been treated in a bi-partisan way is to avoid debates that would flow out of the above historically what has caused issues about racism. We are in fact trusting the Minister and our Immigration Department in making the good decisions. Despite this there would be a lot of curiosity about this information. To my way of thinking much of the argument could be avoided by these questions being answered. Clearly if we have skilled based migrants coming to Australia where we have an acute need and there is no alternative and/or they are prepared to work in country areas or areas where there is appropriate infrastructure, then we put less stress on our economy and the capacity to absorb. But how successful have we been in matching immigrant aspirations and our needs? Presumably also the same applies to humanitarian immigration where there are huge numbers wanting to migrate and we have choices. It would be great to understand if there was an integration index which enables us to avoid recruiting people who finish up in our jails, hospitals, unemployment queues and are benefit claimants. It would also be interesting to know the practices of some other countries where I believe some countries such as

Switzerland would be tribal and selfish and would not want to dilute tribe values. I am sure that would not be the wish for Australia but there does need to be some balance and common sense. If people are to finish up in our jails, hospitals, and unemployment queues, I would want the intake reduced. Conversely if you can amount an argument of net benefit to Australia after taking into account the infrastructure cost and contribution to the community in economic and social terms this would justify a higher intake. This is a big issue. Unfortunately, there are benefits for some and not others e.g., the business community likes the growth because it grows their business, but mortgage holders and others have to reduce their standard of living. This tension as to the economic effect of high immigration when on the one hand high immigration increases the size of the economy which is good for business and jobs and expands the pie for all of us to enjoy but the infrastructure required to support massive immigration causes huge inflation. We become over employed and excess capital is required causing massive debt to meet the infrastructure needs. Thus, supply/demand gets out of balance causing serious inflation and the need to dampen demand through higher interest rates. This stresses the mortgage holders in a serious way when they are in no way responsible for this inflation. In effect they have to fund the inflation by reducing their own expenditure to indirectly pay for the infrastructure. So, it is the Federal and State Governments through the massive infrastructure that is significantly affecting inflation so mortgage holders and the rest of us are reducing our standard of living to pay for the immigration.

Viv Forbes The Salt Bush Club

USTRALIA’S Big End of Town gambled heavily in the Voice Cup last month. They lost. Only the Nanny “State” (Canberra) voted “Yes”. But their horse ran last in every other state and territory and now has to be put down. This costly ($400M) and divisive exercise showed that Australians do not want politicians meddling with their federal constitution. We have learned to distrust proposals supported by big government, big business, trade unions, woke celebrities and the ABC. And the more we heard of this racist proposal, the less we liked it. Heads should roll, salaries of responsible ministers should be capped and bonuses and pay rises for chief executives and board members should be scrapped for all companies that tried to interfere in the political process. Class actions may be launched. Heading the “guilty and incompetent” list is QANTAS who even painted “YES” slogans on their aeroplanes promoting a political cause opposed by 60 per cent of Australians. The whole QANTAS board should go (with no free stress counselling). They were not alone — The Business Council, BHP, Rio, Wesfarmers, Telstra, the big banks, celebrities, sporting bodies and of course “Their ABC” joined the cacophony of unwelcome voices trying to divide Australia by race. It is obvious that a majority of big business customers, employees and shareholders voted “NO”. Customers should boycott these businesses, and shareholders should vote “NO” to their remuneration reports.

We do not want Two Countries or Two Flags — get that second flag off the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Our flag denotes Unity under the Southern Cross — the Blackand-Red flag incites political and racial division. We do not want to suffer any more “Welcomes” to our own country, or any more invented place names. We do not want race-based treaties from either Albo or State Governments and Peter Dutton should forget forever his proposed Voice referendum No 2. This should be the end of self-flagellation — this generation is not responsible for injuries done to or by some of our ancestors. To divide Australians on the basis of skin colour or length of ancestry is more about politics than about justice. We are all Australians and constitutional changes that promote apartheid policies should be permanently rejected. It is also obvious that most taxpayer-funded black bureaucracies have failed and should go the way of ATSIC and be abolished. Welfare should be determined by need, not by skin colour. To create jobs in Northern Australia, the federal government should declare a tax holiday for all businesses based north of the Tropic of Capricorn. No more enquiries — just remove the shackles. And despite having “native title” to far more land per head of population than most other Australians, many Aboriginals live in degraded communal enclaves with poor community protection, especially for women and children. All Australians need individual freehold titles they can explore, develop or sell, not communal titles controlled by bureaucrats, academics and politicians.

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

CFA sessions to help students understand how to stay safe By Jessica Jarrett & Isobel Mills

AST week, Mr Bob Richardson and Mr Tim Elrington, CFA volunteers, came to St. Brendan’s Primary School and informed everyone on how to stay safe during a fire. Mr Richardson has been volunteering as a CFA member for 57 years. His safety message was to always have a family plan, and to always remain calm in the

event of a house fire. He reminded us that if you catch on fire don't panic, don’t run, just stop, drop and roll. Mr Richardson said if you leave belongings inside, do not go back to get them, items are replaceable but lives are not. For smaller fires you can always use a fire blanket. Make sure if there is a fire near you to call triple zero (000). It was a valuable experience and everyone feels better about how to stay safe in a fire emergency.

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racing & sport

VICTORIANCLUBSREWARDED beatbet365bairnsdale FORROADSAFETYCOMMITMENT thismelbournecupday

ICTORIAN football and netball clubs will share in more than $600,000 for their efforts in campaigning to eliminate road trauma in their communities. The Allan Labor Government and Transport Accident Commission have announced this year’s recipients of the TAC Club Rewards program, incentivising grassroots clubs across the state for showing a commitment to promoting road safety during the 2023 season. Delivered in partnership with AFL Victoria, 251 clubs will receive rewards of up to $10,000 through the program, the highest number of recipients in the program’s five years. Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Hornes is pleased that clubs can positively impact the community, and should be rewarded in doing so. “Victoria’s grassroots football and netball clubs are influential in their communities, so it is wonderful to be able incentivise them to roll out

critical initiatives that promote safer driving,” Minister Hornes said. The program encourages clubs to engage with players, members and their communities on key road safety issues and promote safe behaviours, with the dangers of distracted driving a key focus of this year’s campaign. Successful clubs are able to use the money for a range of initiatives including education programs, club transport initiatives, new equipment and uniforms and facility upgrades and improvements. So far this year, 236 people have died on Victoria’s roads and more than half of those deaths have happened on in regional areas, where tens of thousands of local footballers and netballers travel for games and training. Transport Accident Commission CEO, Tracey Slatter said, “Road trauma has a significant ripple effect and there’s no denying the power of peer-to-peer support and education at sporting club level — these clubs should be proud of their efforts to create a culture that prioritises road

safety.” Distracted driving is one of the major causes of fatal and serious injury crashes on Victoria’s roads and is particularly concerning on regional roads where people are travelling at higher speeds. AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs from across the state were able to apply for the program by showing how they supported road safety throughout the year, including taking part in the TAC’s Road Safety Round ‘Band Together’ campaign. The TAC Club Rewards Program is part of the TAC’s 31-year partnership with AFL Victoria, which aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members are expected to be safe on the roads. AFL VIC Community Football Manager, John O'Donohue added, "The TAC Club Rewards Program is one of the biggest and most important programs impacting community football, promoting the importance of road safety and supporting local clubs and their communities.”

packyourpicnicrugandheadoutforagreatdays'racing

VERYONE’S invited to celebrate Melbourne Cup (Tuesday 7 November) at the annual Dahlsens Melbourne Cup Day Races, at the Bairnsdale Racing Club. The weather is expected to be fine and in the midtwenties, so make the most of Country Racing in Bairnsdale, where racing is that bit more relaxed, more fun, and more connected. “The gates open at 11am,” says Adrian Chila, Branch Manager at Dahlsens Trade Store in Bairnsdale which has been a long-time sponsor of the event. “We urge anyone and everyone to come and support this community event and enjoy the live racing action. “Dahlsens is a proud sponsor of the community and events such as the Bairnsdale Racing club, we've had a long standing relationship with the club over a number of years and do so

because it's an important part of our community, bringing people together.” The great news is, whether you have champagne or beer budget tastes, there are both country casual and catered experience packages on offer! These include: GRANDVIEW DINING: A contemporary experience in the famous Grandview Dining Room. You won’t miss a minute of the racing action with views of the track and big screen in between courses and tunes throughout the day. The Grandview is the perfect place to celebrate and enjoy racing, food, drinks and entertainment. MARQUEES: A great day of country racing in the exclusive marquee area. There are two packages to choose from: Private marquees in two sizes (3mx3m mini marquee, ideal for up to 10 guests; or 6m x 3m party marquee, great for up to 20 guests). Larger marquees are also available upon request, and all marquee

Tuesday 7th November

packages include your very own courtyard and optional catering. GENERAL ADMISSION: Ensuring everyone has access, this is your best value day at the races, with access to the Lawn Bar. Children aged 17 and under are free. OTHER OFFERINGS INCLUDE: Umbrella packages (providing you with a market umbrella, picnic table with seating for 8, and optional catering; and return bus services to/from Bairnsdale and surrounding towns, Lakes Entrance/ Metung, Orbost/Nowa Nowa/ Bruthen, Paynesville, and Sale/Lindenow. For full packages and information visit country.racing.com

Picture: Ross Holburt/Racing Photos

Gates Open at: 11:00am

Country Racing at Bairnsdale – It’s OUR racing and it’s YOUR racing the moment you arrive. + Fashions on the Field + Live music + Kids activities + Big screen race action + Free buses

General Admission

Bairnsdale Racing Club

Dahlsens Melbourne Cup Race Day

Early Bird Pricing

Umbrella Package

Grandview Dining

100 150

BOOKINGS AT COUNTRY.RACING.COM/BAIRNSDALE

The Great Eastern Mail NOVEMBER 3, 2023

racing & sport Bairnsdale local rider Hudson Tarling competing in the VDHS 2022/23 season at Mt Baw Baw

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toshred»» Hudson Tarling competing in the VDHS 2022/23 season at Mt Buller

Hudson Tarling competing in the VDHS 2022/23 season at Mt Beauty

Victoria’sfastestmountainbikerssettodescendonMtTaylorthisDecember

ECEMBER 2nd and 3rd 2023 will see the best of Victoria’s downhill mountain bikers racing down the Mt Taylor Downhill track in Round 2 of the 2023/24 Victorian Downhill Mountain Bike Series (VDHS). 300 competitors from across Victoria and interstate will gather to compete in the technically demanding and fast-paced event that was last held at Mt Taylor in 2016. The event will attract highly skilled riders from age 12 right through to the Super Masters 50+ categories. The highlight of the weekend will be the racing on Sunday afternoon which concludes with the under 19 and elite categories. Local speedsters Hudson Tarling and Bailey Telfer, are among the state’s fastest juniors, and will be keen to take it to the best on their home track in the highly

competitive under 19’s. Local club, Mountain Biking East Gippsland (MTBEG) is set to host the event, the largest event since their establishment in 2020. MTBEG volunteers are working hard on making improvements to modernise the race track in advance of the event. The club is excited to bring such high-level racing back to Mt Taylor. It is hoped that many of the club’s rapidly growing list of junior riders will get the opportunity to race at a state level competition by hosting an event locally. Downhill MTB has grown in popularity dramatically over the past few years. VDHS events are now selling out within minutes of entries going on sale. The sport is extremely popular among young people with the vast majority of the riders

competing in the junior categories. Riders will spend their time practicing and memorizing the race track on Saturday and early Sunday morning, with racing kicking off from 11.30am on Sunday 3rd December. The race is a time trial format where riders start at 30 second intervals and aim to ride down the course in the quickest time possible. There will be many track locations accessible to spectators, with the famous “Cabbage Patch” rock garden being one of the best vantage points on course. MTBEG and VDHS will have a huge contingent of volunteers in action, with around 30 volunteers each day contributing their time and expertise to the smooth running of the race. VDHS President Shane Currie says, “the VDHS is very excited to

be going back to Mt Taylor for the second round of the VDHS 23/24 series. We have had races there in the past, I was also involved with the national event which was the last time there was a DH event at Mt Taylor. “The VDHS are looking forward to working with the MTBEG crew to again bring riders and their families back into the wonderful East Gippsland area and also look forward to riding the wonderful local trails.” East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said competitors will have a great time on the Mount Taylor course. “Council is proud to help support this event; adventure sports are a key part of East Gippsland’s calendar of events. The Victorian Downhill Mountain Bike Series presents an

exciting social opportunity for locals and visitors to compete alongside each other in a challenge of physical and mental strength, whilst forging new connections and enjoying the natural beauty of Mt Taylor and its surrounds,” Cr Reeves said. “We have a number of mountain bike trails in East Gippsland, so we hope competitors will visit us again to ride our other trails, including Omeo where we are building 56 kilometres of trails – and that’s just stage one.” The count down to the VDHS event at Mt Taylor has already commenced, with many local riders in full flight preparing for the race on their home track. A number of local riders are expected to race in the event, the majority of whom will be competing in their first state level competition.

THE GREAT EASTERN

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