The GEM - 10 May 2024 - Edition 100

THIS edition is our 100th, and in recognition of this milestone we want to thank all our loyal advertisers, distributors, individuals, organisations, and other supporters for their invaluable contribution to the long-term success that this newspaper has achieved to-date. Most importantly we want to thank you, our readers, for making the GEM what it is today.

From local warriors to wildlife, from boats to bands, the Great Eastern Mail

has been reporting on the issues that matter most to the residents of East Gippsland since 2017.

The GEM is free to our readers, both digitally and in print, every fortnight. We make our past editions available for free digitally on our website, enabling everyone to have access to our coverage no matter their preferred source.

Issue 1 of the Great Eastern Mail was launched in December 2017 to

THANKINGALLOURREADERSANDCLIENTSFORYOURWONDERFUL

share local news with local people. The intent for the GEM was always to be different to what was already out there — to provide unique stories that matter to locals, and to inform the public about new and existing businesses in the area — and also the stories behind the people that live, own, and run them in the region. Since our inception we have offered all our advertiser’s free editorials to communicate with our readers what is happening in

their business. Being independent, the paper can be a free spirit when it comes to the content published. This enables us to invite and welcome perspectives and experiences from everyone. The people behind the GEM live and are heavily involved with local community matters. This allows us to have a community engagement which is second-to-none.

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.

Fundraiser for fire tragedy

DAVID Mongta-Porter,

a member of staff at Squire’s Café Cann River, has launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Squires Café and owner Jayme Broome, in response to the catastrophic fire that destroyed the muchloved eatery on 30 April 2024.

“The impact of this event has been significant, leaving Jayme, his staff, and the entire community in dismay,” David says on the fundraising page.

“Many have lost their jobs, a vital local business and a community meeting place. The flow-on effects of this loss will be felt

within the small Cann River community for months to come.”

“Jayme has invested his heart, soul and life into the café since taking over in May 2022, creating an amazing environment for staff, locals and customers that have passed through. To see all of his hard work burnt away in a

matter of hours has been heart breaking to everyone.”

“Any contribution will go a long way in helping the business to get back on its feet and support Jayme and the recovery effort during this very difficult time.”

Seeing a brighter future

Atwo-year-old Labrador is changing the life of a Latrobe Valley woman thanks to the outstanding training by Guide Dogs Victoria.

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. Follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/ TheGreatEasternMail

Call or SMS Jason on 0428 366 651 Have your Club be part of 'The GEM'

Got a story you think needs telling?

Wendy Woodward has severe vision loss and has just received her first seeing eye dog called ‘Victoria’.

It almost didn’t happen due to delays in the National Disability Insurance Agency but an intervention from local MP Darren Chester helped to speed up the process.

“With Victoria by her side, Wendy has discovered a new-found sense of independence, enabling her to partake in activities once hindered by her vision loss,” Mr Chester said.

“Victoria provides Wendy with so much more beyond mobility benefits.

The beautiful Labrador supports Wendy's mental health and well-

being, enhances social participation and encourages her mum to try new experiences and challenges.

“There were some delays in the NDIA process and Wendy was worried she was going to miss out on her new companion but thankfully, my office was able to contact Minister Bill Shorten and we were able to get things moving!

The family appreciated the help and is full of praise for the support workers at Guide Dogs Victoria who check in with training and make sure the relationship is working well.”

Picture: Cameron Matthews

Picture below: Sienna Matthews

Pictured: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Wendy Woodward and her four-legged companion 'Victoria' who has changed her life.

THE GEM: SHOWCASING EAST GIPPSLAND AND BEYOND

SINCE DECEMBER

WE always strive our best to give outstanding customer service to our customers, to form a partnership where we can help and advise them on their advertising needs.

Darren Robbie is the Dealer Principal at The Big Garage in Bairnsdale, which is a business that has been advertising in the Great Eastern Mail since the paper first launched.

2017,

THE GEM HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

dealership, and that is exactly what we expect and want from our advertising!”

Ken Eckersley is the Founder and Owner of Nicholson River Winery. Like The Big Garage, the winery has also been advertised in the GEM since Issue 1. Of the publishing milestone Ken says, “Congratulations team, on achieving your 100th edition of the Great Eastern Mail. You have given good service, been professional in your approach, and had interesting content — and you’re not afraid to cover controversial material that is relevant to the area — well done!”

100TH EDITION CONGRATULATIONS

WITH the emergence of the social media news cycle in recent years, it was thought rural regional newspapers may be a thing of yesteryear, however they continue to play an important role in serving their communities.

Local papers can campaign and advocate on key issues and play a key role in social and community cohesion when disaster strikes.

There remains a place for local quality journalism that can present stories in detail and with the required background information, something we rarely see in sensationalist social media coverage.

This more in-depth reporting and ability to background the reader on important information on any issue is why any quality country newspaper will continue to have a strong role in its community.

I extend my congratulations to the Great Eastern Mail on its 100th edition.

to focusing on local issues.”

“When it comes to advertising, keeping costs down — especially in traditional media like a newspaper — is a big deal these days, so the GEM is fantastic value in that regard. And of course, the reach that we get through the GEM is equally important. We’ve had responses from readers in Sale and Maffra, as well as the Bairnsdale region,” he says.

“We've always found the GEM production team extremely professional to deal with too, which makes a huge difference. Everyone is extremely professional, compared to other sources that we've worked with in the past and all of this combined, means we can clearly convey our message about what we're trying to achieve as a

Emma Waghorne is the Centre Manager of The Gippsland Centre in Sale, which started distributing the GEM in May last year. “We’re very happy to support a paper that is focused on the promotion of local things. It also helps support tourism in the region,” Emma says. “We've seen some great results from having our shops featured in the GEM, and this is why we've made our commitment to continue advertising for the entirety of 2024 and, hopefully, beyond!”

Gippsland Lakes Complete Health has been featured in the pages of the GEM for many years now. Jenelle O’Sullivan says, “It’s been a lovely relationship; very easy and highly organised. We appreciate the inclusivity of the GEM and its commitment

East Gippsland local, Emma Woodcock, adds, “As a counsellor, two things we often seek to establish to help healing and growth is safety and connection. GEM offers both of those to their community of loyal readers.”

“From the beginning, my involvement in this community-driven paper has been a journey of empathy, connection, and support. Through my fortnightly columns, I've had the privilege of lending a caring and compassionate ear to many readers from our community who are grappling with various life challenges, allowing me to witness the power of shared experiences (safety) and the strength of collective support (connection) within our town.”

“GEM truly sets a tone of

IN THE INDUSTRY IN THE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEAR THAN YEARS

through our collaborative efforts that we have been able to make a difference in the lives of our neighbours and strengthen the fabric of our community. The GEM is truly a testament to the enduring relevance of local journalism and the uniting impact it can have on community. Here's to many more editions filled with stories, wisdom, and the unwavering spirit of togetherness.”

local and regional newspaper titles closed across Australia, equating to a 15 per cent decrease.

community, togetherness, and support to many. I am honoured to have played a part in this ongoing dialogue, and I look forward to continuing our journey together, one heartfelt letter at a time!”

Print media is a very challenging industry. Last year, the Associated Press (an independent global news organisation) reported that the decline of local news in the US was accelerating, even after already having lost onethird of its newspapers and two-thirds of its newspaper journalists since 2005.

In Australia, a submission by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to the Inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers observed that between 2008 and 2018, 106

For the Great Eastern Mail to be performing so well today — considering the above as well as the impact of the pandemic — says a lot about the passion, skill and commitment of our very small yet productive team, and even more about the readers and their demand for local news.

“As we celebrate this significant milestone, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful local initiative,” Emma Woodcock adds.

“To the entire team behind the paper, thank you for your unwavering dedication, passion, and support for us local, small businesses. It is

Another local business owner, Rose, from Hire a Hubby Bairnsdale, has been advertising in the GEM for some years now and has been pleased with the relationship formed over that time.

“Five years ago Hire a Hubby was launched into East Gippsland. We were an unknown entity but with the help of the Great Eastern Mail, we have become a household 'staple'.

“It is not uncommon for our boys to enter a home and find the GEM with their photo pinned on the fridge. Our business owes a great debt to the GEM and we will be forever thankful.”

The whole team at the Great Eastern Mail wholeheartedly thanks our advertisers and distributors for their ongoing support, and our 20,000-plus readers per fortnight for making this milestone possible. We look forward to continuing to publish more of what matters most to you.

— Tim Bull, Gippsland East Nationals MP

East Gippsland Council Draft Budget

DRAFT BUDGET RELEASED FOR PUBLIC FEEDBACK

EAST Gippsland Council has released its Draft Budget 2024/25 for community consultation.

The Draft Budget proposes a capital works program of $77.312 million while meeting the rate cap of 2.75 per cent.

"Council, like the wider community, is operating in a challenging economic environment,” Mayor Cr Tom Crook said.

“It is crucial for Council to deliver its legislative responsibilities and balance community needs and aspirations in a financially sustainable way. The community is now invited to give feedback on our Draft Budget for the coming year.

“Over the coming financial year, we propose a $77.312 million capital works program, which includes $44.18m for projects carried over from the 2023/24 year that will be completed in 2024/25. We estimate we will receive $28.538m in government grants for a range of these projects. The Draft Budget includes a number of projects that respond to the region’s growing population and community needs,” Cr Crook said.

• Mallacoota Streetscape

• Marine Parade safety upgrades, Lakes Entrance ($1.45m)

• Slip Road Maritime Precinct, Paynesville

• Krautungalung Walk Stage 1 and 4, Lakes Entrance

• Omeo Streetscape Revitalisation

• Airport Terminal (Air Ambulance Facility), Bairnsdale ($1.467m)

• Council will also continue to prioritise asset renewal:

• $2.1m on road reseal projects

• $1.2m on the gravel road program

• $1m on the final stage of Moroney Street Upgrade, Bairnsdale

• 5 timber bridge replacements (dependent on funding)

• $0.406m on footpath renewal with projects in Orbost, Bruthen and Bairnsdale

• $0.556m for drainage renewal works.

Key projects that will be finalised in 2024/25 include:

There are also several non-capital initiatives in the Draft Budget, the largest being upgrades for the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve and Buchan Recreation Reserve. A total of $6.474m has also

been budgeted for landfill rehabilitation works.

“As well as replacing assets when they reach end of life, we invest heavily in the maintenance of assets through the budget's operating component. This supports all residents and visitors using our roads, buildings, open spaces and sporting facilities,” Cr Crook said.

In 2024/25, the maintenance budget includes:

• Roads and bridges: $14.3m (sealed and unsealed roads, road reserves, off street car parks, signs, bridges, culverts and concreting).

• Parks and gardens: $6.8m (maintenance and operating costs such as landscaping supplies, fuel, small plant equipment etc).

• Buildings: $1.57m (maintenance costs including repairs to Council buildings undertaken by in-house teams and contractors, and cleaning contractors).

• Plant and fleet: $2.06m (mechanical repairs, fuel, tyres, insurance and registration).

RATES

SUPPORT SERVICE

DELIVERY TO COMMUNITY

The Draft Budget proposes an average rate increase

of 2.75 per cent, in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government.

The commercial/industrial differential rate is proposed to be 135 per cent of the general rate, a reduction of 5 per cent from the 2023/24 year. It is proposed that the farm rate differential be 75 per cent of the general rate, a discount of 25 per cent.

“Rates are necessary to keep our core services running,” Cr Crook said.

“Our approach to rate setting has been made considering the impact of hardship across our community. Any ratepayer experiencing financial hardship can apply for rate relief as outlined in our Financial Hardship Policy. We encourage you to contact us.”

In the Draft Budget, Council proposes to raise almost $71.5m through general rates, the municipal charge and waste collection charges.

Rate changes by property type will be an average increase of 2.75 per cent for residential; 2.17 per cent for commercial/industrial; and 3.37 per cent increase for farms. Individual increases are determined by land valuations, which are not set by Council. Council is continuing to

provide a rate rebate of $64.19 to eligible properties owned by people who qualify for a Victorian Governmentapproved pension rebate.

A municipal charge of $252 per rateable property is proposed; an increase of 2.73 per cent. For properties that receive kerbside waste services, the 2024/25 fees are proposed to be $464 for a three-bin service and $406 for a two-bin service (waste and recycling). The rural waste collection charge is proposed to be $274. The Draft Budget proposes the waste levy remain unchanged at $51.

“Waste services operate on a full cost recovery model. We will continue to focus on reducing the amount of waste to landfill. The waste levy is in response to the increase in the Victorian Government’s landfill levy imposed on Council as well as other compliance costs,” Cr Crook said.

“The green waste disposal fee of $12 per cubic metre will remain unchanged and will offset, in part, the significant processing costs. A free green waste period will again be offered throughout November to support people preparing their properties ahead of the fire season. A green waste

coupon will be provided for the free disposal of up to 1.5 cubic metres of green waste at transfer stations.

“In 2024/25, we will review our waste service to ensure it meets best practice guidelines and can be operated costefficiently into the future.” YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT The Draft Budget is open for public consultation until 12 noon on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

“Our commitment is to work with the community to continue to progress what is important to East Gippslanders and use our budget prudently. We invite you to review our draft budget make further suggestions,” Cr Crook said.

A copy of the draft Budget 2024/25 and other information is available on Council’s website and hard copies are on display at Council’s service centres and the Bairnsdale Library.

Feedback can be provided via Council’s YourSay page, yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov. au, in writing to feedback@ egipps.vic.gov.au, mailed to PO Box 1618 Bairnsdale 3875, or hand delivered to any of Council’s service centres and the Bairnsdale Library.

State Budget does not address roads disaster

VICTORIA’S 2024/25

State Budget

released this week has not delivered the funding to fix our country roads, with the maintenance budget still over 16 per cent below what it was in 2020.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said he was hoping for the massive investment, but it was simply not forthcoming.

“Our roads have never been in worse shape and when we needed a major injection of funds, it is just not there. This is a government that cannot manage money and Victoria is paying the price.

“In addition, we have the agriculture and tourism budgets slashed by massive amounts and, in a period when crime was spiralling state-wide, community crime prevention has been cut by 46 per cent.

Mr Bull accused the government of being deceitful in its announcement of the $400 school saving bonus for families of students.

“They make this announcement with bells and whistles but fail to explain that while they give with one hand, they take

“Even with all the cuts, state deficit is still forecast to rise to $188 billion by 2027/28 — an increase of $10 billion on last year’s forecast, and this will see interest repayments hit $26 million per day. That’s right, per day.

with the other —

“What our Premier failed to mention is the fire services levy and waste levies are increasing, and land tax, stamp duty and payroll tax are also increasing.

“They waste money on projects like the Suburban Rail Loop, which is more than $170 billion over budget from its original $50 billion costing – and then come after more of yours.

“There is just no excuse for that level of incompetence,” he said.

more

much more.

Tim Bull 2024 Budget

IT NEEDS TO STOP - VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

'STOPKILLINGUS'

WHY IS THE SYSTEM FAILING TO PROTECT WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

East Gippsland Shire Council is ranked number 1 among all 79 Local Government Areas in Victoria, for having the highest rates of reported family violence. So far this year, 36 women have been killed, compared to 16 this time last year, with 15 being killed in April. We are only in the 18th week of the year. These are not statistics to be proud of — in fact, they are figures that one that half the population is likely terrified by.

THE issue of family and domestic violence is widespread, of course. This is why, beyond our own region, pressure continues to mount for the Australian government to put a stop to violence against women.

The latest celebrity to endorse this demand is television and radio personality, Carrie Bickmore, who authored a powerful letter that she suggested her co-host, Tommy Little, read aloud on air, on their radio program, ‘Carrie & Tommy’. Here is the transcript of the segment, published with permission from The

Carrie & Tommy Show.

BICKMORE SAYS: Women have been talking about this for years, and no one seems to be listening, so I wondered whether it's time for you guys to stand up and speak up and speak loudly. And I think sometimes men don't think about what it's like to walk in the shoes of a woman.

So, I'm thinking if you [Tommy Little] read out the thoughts that I wrote down, now, it might mean more people will listen or it might just give a different perspective about what it feels like to be a woman in this country at the moment.

LITTLE SAYS: I will happily stand by your side, rage with you, do whatever you need.

LITTLE READS:

It’s taken me days to work out what to say about the crisis that our country is in at the moment. Not because I don't have things to say about the abhorrent number of women dying every week in our country by the hands of a man, but because I no longer know what to say because it feels like we are yelling into the abyss. We are exhausted.

Not only do we have to spend our life planning what time of the day to run, what road to walk down, what clothes not to wear, what carriage of the train to get it on, which hand to carry our keys in, not only do we have to sleep in fear of a possible man outside, or the man inside, or the taxi driver, the Uber driver, a former partner, the current partner, a man we've never met. We now have to be the ones to fix the issue too. No, not all men are monsters, but we live in fear of the ones that are. We change our behaviour to account

for the bad men, not the good ones because the risk is too high for us not to. To the good men out there, do something more. Just not killing us is not enough.

Do something.

If 32 people were killed by a terrorist, we will take immediate action. If it were 32 men in lycra, riding their bikes on a Sunday morning, laws would be drawn up overnight to stop it happening again. Do something to help us women. You literally wouldn't be here without us. Stop talking about it. Do something. What we are asking for is not too much. We're simply asking to have the same basic right as you — the right to live. To be safe.

partners, by 25 per cent annually. Instead, deaths have increased by nearly 30 per cent in 2024.

Don't reduce the number by 25 per cent or 50 per cent. How about make it so no women are killed by their partners? Stop censoring a nipple on Instagram, instead sensor the views of misogynistic, violent men online. Start believing women when they say they're scared. Listen to the stories of those who experienced violence first-hand, increase funding for those offering the frontline services like crisis centres, safe housing, and support services. Give them sustained funding so they can spend their time helping women, not lobbying for their next round of funds.

To the men who want control, to the men who can't handle rejection; the men who think the law doesn't apply to them; to the men who think they can intimidate, manipulate, coerce; to the men who can't regulate their emotions, can't act with respect, your time is up.

To the PM, do something. We shouldn't have to march to draw attention to this issue. You know what the issue is; please do something more, and now.

Governments, stop building another freeway for a moment. Build a safer future for our daughters. This is not political. This is not a matter of opinion. The facts speak for themselves.

Every four days, a woman in Australia is violently killed. Last year the government set a target to reduce the number of women killed by their

Don't allow violent offenders the chance to offend again. I know, I absolutely do not have the answer. There are so many groups out there who spend their life working in this area. They know some of the answers — listen to them.

If you think women are becoming shrill, think again.

If you think we are being dramatic, think again.

If you think we are sensationalising the issue, think again. We are scared. We are asking.. pleading, for help.

Do something. And stop killing us.

In an emergency, always call 000. If you or someone you know needs support, contact:

Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 –24-hour phone line for people experiencing family violence

The Orange Door on 1800 512 358 – this is a local service and anyone can call or walk-in

Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault on 5134 2922 – local service for people who have experienced sexual assault

Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292 – Phone line for after-hours assistance

Together, Carrie & Tommy have carved out a loyal audience of listeners with their effortless chemistry and cheekiness since they started in 2017. At home with the immediacy of the radio, and thriving on the unpredictable contribution of their listeners, Carrie & Tommy are the number one way to bring the work day home from 3pm with heart and fun. 3-6pm Weekdays Nationally across the Hit Network.

Two state awards for East Gippsland projects

IT was a great night for the region at the LGPro Awards for Excellence on Thursday night, with East Gippsland Shire Council bringing home two award wins and a highly commended.

The LGPro Awards for Excellence promote and celebrate the outstanding work being undertaken and delivered by individuals and teams working in local government in Victoria.

The awards span 11 categories and East Gippsland had success in the following:

• Award win: Innovative Management Initiative — Data Centre and ICT Footprint Consolidation (Shared Service Initiative), a project with Wellington Shire Council.

• Award win: Community

Assets & Infrastructure Initiative (projects $5 million and under) – Genoa Pedestrian Bridge rebuild following the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires, a project supported by the Genoa community.

• Highly commended: Community Partnerships Initiative — the Tambo Crossing Community Facility, a new facility built working with the Tambo Crossing community following the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires.

Mayor Cr Tom Crook said the recognition among 79 peer councils, including some with significantly more resources, was a credit to Council’s staff and contractors and the work everyone does to deliver great projects and services for the community.

“To win two awards and be highly commended in another is significant,” Cr Crook said.

“What is more significant is that these projects are making a significant difference to our community, and how we do our business in supporting our communities.” Cr Crook said the Data Centre and ICT Footprint Consolidation project, in partnership with Wellington Shire Council, was a significant project that is not necessarily visible to the community.

“It’s a great example of the behind-the-scenes work local government does to support community and continually look at improvements and efficiencies,” Cr Crook said.

“It has improved business efficiencies and helps both councils appropriately

and effectively manage compliance and legislative obligations, and business and audit requirements. It will also ensure we can continue to service our communities during times of natural disasters such as fire and flood by using sharing technology platforms and private microwave communication networks across the two neighbouring shires.”

The $1.5 million Genoa Pedestrian Bridge project was fully funded by Council.

“The bridge is an important part of life in Genoa. After the loss of the bridge in the 2019-20 fires, we all knew a rebuild was needed. It was a community priority and Council made it a priority,” Cr Crook said.

The ‘highly commended’

recognition for the Tambo Crossing Community Facility also shone the State spotlight on how Council worked with local people to bring a community-identified need to fruition.

The facility includes purpose-built, multi-use, accessible facility that will be a place for the community, emergency services, industry groups, and service clubs to come together and deliver services to support community connections.

“The facility is a reflection of the community’s hard work in promoting and developing the idea and it highlights the importance of having a ‘hub’ for people to meet, connect and support each other,” Cr Crook said.

“As a Council we found a way to ensure the community

received a fit-for-purpose facility. We are also proud of our involvement in seeing the project get off the ground, and to deliver the build with our in-house team.”

Cr Crook congratulated all other award winners, and extended his appreciation to the communities, contractors, staff and funding partners involved in the various projects.

In 2021, Council also won awards for Service Delivery (Mobile Bushfire Recovery Service), Sustainability (Bright Futures East Gippsland) and Community Assets Projects valued over $2.5 million (Bosworth Road Recreational Area). It was also a finalist for its Orbost Streetscape and Orbost Landfill (bushfire response) projects.

Darren Chester Federal Member for Gippsland

Dear Gippslanders

It’s time for the ‘real men’ to stand up and help end the violence against women in our community.

We can’t wait for more talkfests in Canberra, our challenge is for men across Gippsland to listen, believe, and stand alongside women, as we find our own local solutions.

Thank you to the men who are already leading by example to support our female leaders who are making Gippsland an even better place to live. Please find the energy to keep working together to fight the wave of violence against women and girls.

We need to work together to build a culture where women are safe and treated equally, where they’re not objectified, and they’re not subjected to predatory behaviour, sexist jokes or remarks.

I know most men don’t commit violent acts, but the facts are alarming.

East Gippsland, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire are in the top 10 for the regions with the worst rates of family violence in Victoria.

From the almost 6000 calls to Victoria Police for family violence assistance in Gippsland over the past 12 months, more than 70 percent were women seeking help.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim, and too many Australian women are being killed or injured at the hands of their intimate partner.

We have to do better across Gippsland. We can do better if we work together to build a culture of respect and personal responsibility.

I want to live in a community where girls and women are safe and they are treated with respect in their homes and in public. I also want to live in a community where boys and men have positive role models, understand their responsibilities and don’t seek to use their power to bully or harass women. I support a shared vision where all Gippslanders are safe, thriving, and living free of family violence.

And that’s why I believe we all need to have conversations with other men and boys about what’s acceptable behaviour, understanding the meaning of consent and pushing back on the violent porn industry, which gives young men a warped and contaminated perspective of respectful relationships.

As men, we need to have the courage to tell our sons, brothers and mates when they are being disrespectful or behaving inappropriately.

We need to build communities where girls don’t worry if they choose to exercise on an unlit path and know they will be listened to and receive support if they file a complaint, not be victim-shamed or made feel guilty about their own behaviour somehow contributing to the offence.

Some of the conversations we need to have as men across Gippsland may be extremely difficult and feel awkward but it’s vastly better than continuing the current trend.

Who knows, it might save a life if we explain how real men should behave?

Real men are respectful and take responsibility for their actions.

Real men can manage their temper and their emotions.

Real men don’t need to control the women in their lives.

Real men don’t stalk, bully, harass or intimidate their partners.

Real men don’t hit women.

Please tell your friends and family what a ‘real man’ looks like and have the difficult conversations. I’m determined to keep working in partnership with our community to eliminate violence in Gippsland.

Yours sincerely

DARREN CHESTER

Are you gambling more than once a week?

Research shows if you are gambling more than once a week, you are more likely to develop an issue.

Generally speaking, with Will Bedggood

YOU have to wonder what’s going on when a considerable majority of shareholders in Australia’s pre-eminent oil and gas producer, Woodside Energy, vote to encourage Woodside to produce less oil and gas. If effectively voting against Woodside’s principal means of making money wasn’t stupefying enough, most of these same shareholders then turned around and voted to re-elect the architect of the climate policies they just voted against, Woodside chairman, Richard Goyder.

The trigger for this nonsense was the AGM vote on Woodside’s approach to the energy transition. It was put to a non-binding vote because Goyder thought that if rationally discussed and argued, shareholders would see that there is an acceptable and central role for a company that can promote the substitution of coal with gas and thereby massively diminish carbon emissions throughout its export markets. Presumably, Goyder also thought that Woodside’s shareholders were invested in the company because they wanted to see it produce financial returns from oil and gas and substitute for coal in the process.

Goyder was apparently wrong on both counts. So, what are we to make of this mad world of the transition to net zero in Australia, where huge superfunds invest in a key oil and gas company but would prefer ultimately to see it both reduce its own emissions and its contributions to its customers’ emissions by significantly more than it currently plans, even if this

risks causing the company to fail? And what would we make of these funds if ultimately they succeed and Woodside (and the rest of the Australian oil and gas industry for that matter) is forced to shut up shop?

The Woodside energy transition policy vote failed with 58% of shares voted against it. It was hailed as a decisive rejection from the both Australian and global investors.

The most vocal Australian fund was Aware Super, an industry fund comprising largely State public sector employees in health and education. There was also Australian Super, now Australia’s largest industry fund, with a Board shared between ACTU and Australian Industry representatives. The board members of both funds are not finance professionals, but largely employee and employer organisation bureaucrats.

The offshore funds which voted with the two Australian industry funds include Californian teachers’ pension funds, and Norwegian municipality workers’ pension funds among others. No-one would suggest any of these funds are silly investors, but they share a highly political public sector heritage and they focus on the real and imagined environmental concerns of their members.

It's worth pointing out the contrasting behaviour of really successful large-scale, global investors. A few days after the Woodside vote, by margins of more than 4-to-1, shareholders at Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in the US voted against two proposals that the company's insurance and energy operations disclose more about their efforts to address climate change including greenhouse gas emissions.

Like Goyder, Buffett and

his Board had opposed the activists’ influence on their companies. In the event, Goyder’s shareholders were not quite so focused on financial returns, although not to the extent of ignoring them altogether. Voting one way on Woodside’s climate approach and then the other way on the preservation of its architect reveals how much Australian investors are kidding themselves that they can have it both ways on the energy transition: virtuous in opposition to any carbon production, but not so much that they take the Chairman’s head and kill the company’s profits from them.

The Woodside vote is a micro forerunner of the broader challenge Australia faces as a whole. There is currently no substitute for gas in most large-scale industrial applications where heat is essential. If we continue to ban nuclear, no amount of batteries or pumped hydro will substitute for gas if we are to get through periods of low renewables generation in winter. Currently, massive volumes of energy are supplied by coal. But at the same time, gas supplies, especially in eastern Australia, are drying up.

Despite the theatre of the silly superannuation funds, over the next 10 years Australia will need more gas, not less. Goyder’s attempts to explain facts like these to investors intent on opposing them anyway were tragically heroic, but he should have saved his breath. Last week’s attack on Woodside reflects the current state of wish fulfilment about the energy transition both here and abroad. Things won’t change until our energy sources actually dry up. Hopefully, Woodside will still be around to help source some more.

IT seems that the Liberal National Party (LNP) are pushing for Australia to go big on nuclear power rather than embrace renewables. So, in an effort to understand their logic, and their reasoning behind this apparent policy, I tried to investigate and find out more.

Thinking that there must be some solid arguments in order for a major political party to embrace this direction, I checked the National Party website. Not much at all to be seen there, and especially no well researched evidential arguments. Surely they don’t just expect me to take a politicians word that this is good for the country? Unfortunately, politicians are sometimes seen by some people as not the most credible of species!

Knowing how popular my local federal MP is I decided the next course of action would be to contact him and ask him to explain the policy in more detail and refer me to the science and economic research on which it was based. After all he must know a lot about this policy area given his electorate includes an existing power hub and one of the flagged nuclear sites. Again, no luck in getting to either how this policy came to be, or as to his own position on it! Just a great deal of fence

sitting interspersed with selfpromotion. Fortunately for me I don’t live in the Latrobe Valley, but if I did, I would definitely want to know if my local MP is pushing for a nuclear power plant in my backyard!

Perhaps that is the whole point of the policy, to have people argue into infinity as to where these menacing power plants can be put. “Not in my backyard” becomes the catch phrase for a plan such as this, and that is before we even start to explore what we do with the nuclear waste and where that might be put? Perhaps the LNP have a plan for that also, if only I could discover what it is? I can’t help but start to think that just maybe they don’t want people like me knowing what is going on. Surely this cannot be the case with such a transparent political regime!

It certainly does seem difficult to see how carefully digging up uranium and then even more carefully processing it, building a power plant that takes a very long time and requires huge expertise and vast amounts of water to run, and then disposing of the waste at great cost, can be even vaguely good economics. On my roof I have solar panels. The sun lands on these and generates power through the inverter in the garage which then directly runs the

appliances in my house. Very efficient. As a precaution, and because we are old and dottery, we choose to remain connected to the grid. For this we pay around $550 a year connection fees and then a further $250 in the power that we use. This is the total of our power bills as we are an all-electric house. On top of that we export to the grid four times the power that we use ourselves, after all there are only so many loads of wash and cakes one can bake during the day. The four fifths of the power we generate can then be used by industry.

In a country like Australia where sun and wind are plentiful and free it is hard to understand why the LNP are choosing to support nuclear. If my local National Party MP can’t even give me an explanation then what hope have I got to find out what their argument is? At the risk of being cynical the only real reason I can come up with is that it just might be a delaying tactic so that the fossil fuel barons, who pay no taxes while exploiting our natural resources, can do even more exploiting and tax avoiding. Unfortunately, they just might be destroying our planet home while they do it. Seems sad and senseless to me.

— Nola K, Metung

O’Brien encourages fairer rates for Gippslanders

THE Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien, along with his colleagues in The Nationals, is continuing to fight for a better deal for locals by ensuring Gippslanders are not paying more than their fair share of rates.

A Parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and services, which The Nationals successfully fought for in the Upper House, has kicked off this week and aims to address inequities in the funding of local councils.

Mr O’Brien said it is important that the government examine the impact that cost shifting from the

state and federal governments is having on our local councils, especially on long-suffering ratepayers.

“I don’t believe property rates are the best or most equitable form of

Maffra welcomes new culinary haven

FOODIES are salivating at the news that Maffra has welcomed a culinary gem: Barrel and Bliss. Nestled within Level 1 of the Maffra Community Sports Club, Barrel and Bliss is set to redefine the local dining scene with its innovative concept blending tapas, whiskey, wine, and cocktails.

Barrel and Bliss is the brainchild of a dedicated team led by Eugene Downing (General Manager of the Maffra Community Sports Club), Sam Lewis-Ellott, (Operations Manager), Tim Hawkins (Bar Manager), Quinn Bates, (Marketing Manager), with the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Matt Craig and Head Chef Derek Pohler.

This venture promises to tantalise taste buds and elevate the community's dining landscape, having been crafted with a vision to offer both locals and visitors from across Gippsland a truly unique dining experience.

At Barrel and Bliss, patrons can expect an eclectic menu curated to satisfy every

revenue raising for local councils and it is time to start looking at alternative models,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Our local governments provide many crucial services to our communities from waste collection and libraries to the repair of local roads, but cost-shifting between levels of government severely impacts their ability to deliver those services.

“It’s getting harder and harder for rural councils to keep up with costs and rural ratepayers are paying more than their city counterparts.

“What we end up with is frustrated ratepayers who are

struggling to keep up with rising costs while local governments also struggle to maintain service delivery with cost-of-living increases being felt right across the board.”

“This Inquiry provides an important opportunity to examine what is working well and what can be done better. It must provide constructive advice to government on building a more sustainable future for Victoria’s local councils.

“I encourage both local councils and residents to make submissions to the inquiry.”

The Committee will investigate local government funding and

service delivery in Victoria, including:

• cost shifting from state and federal governments to local council;

• ability of local governments to meet core service delivery objectives;

• local government’s revenue structure, as well as whether these structures are sustainable and appropriate; and

• whether there are alternative models of funding to consider. Submissions are due by 28 June 2024 and can be made online at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/ localgovernmentfunding

palate. From tantalising tapas featuring locally sourced ingredients to an extensive selection of whiskey, wine, and handcrafted cocktails, every aspect of the dining experience has been meticulously crafted to delight discerning guests.

What sets Barrel and Bliss apart is not just its delectable offerings, but also its commitment to fostering a sense of community. As an integral part of the Maffra Community Sports Club, the establishment aims to serve as a hub where locals can gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

Barrel & Bliss invites you to come and experience the culinary delights of Barrel and Bliss first-hand. Whether you're seeking a cosy evening with friends or a special occasion to remember, Barrel and Bliss promises an unforgettable journey for your senses.

The Barrel & Bliss team look forward to welcoming you and sharing their passion for exceptional food, drinks, and community.

Bird of the Month – May 2024 Bassian Thrush

BIRDLIFE East Gippsland members recently attended an Autumn camp at Toora. Over the 4 days, several members were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the very secretive Bassian Thrush.

About the size of a common blackbird, the plumage of the Bassian Thrush is mottled brown to olive-brown with heavily scalloped black crescentshaped bars on the back, rump and head. The paler cinnamon-coloured underparts have brownblack scalloping. They have a distinctive white ring around the eye.

Found predominantly around the south-east of Australia, but also in the Atherton Tablelands, farsouth Queensland, Tasmania

and Kangaroo Island, their preferred habitat is damp, dense forest and shrubland areas and heavily vegetated gullies which have a thick overhead canopy and leaflitter below.

Often a solitary bird, but sometimes in pairs or small groups, the Bassian Thrush feeds on the ground, scratching under the leaf-litter to expose moist soil in search of small invertebrates.

Bassian Thrush stand still, listening carefully for insect movement in the leaf litter, then rush forward to pounce on them and can often be detected by listening for those rustling sounds as dry surface leaves and twigs are thrown aside.

When disturbed, they may run briefly, before becoming

motionless and relying on their mottled brown plumage to blend them into the forest background. While usually a quiet bird, you may hear their song, like a muted version of the song of the common blackbird, especially at dawn or in dull weather.

Breeding in July to December they build a large, deep, cup-shaped nest made of bark strips, leaves and rootlets, camouflaged outside with green mosses and lichens. Nests can made in a major tree fork, in a depression on top of a stump or a ledge in a cave. This nest can be very low or up to 15 or so metres above the ground. Two or three eggs form the clutch and both parents care for the young.

Notice of Precipe

Valerie June Gardner (nee Phillips)© of Lucknow, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names Valerie Gardner©, June Gardner©, Valerie June Gardner© and Valerie J Gardner© and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered or otherwise represented since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia

Public Recording Number RPP44 63800 09400 49963 58608

Proclamation Date (22 February 2024)

Thinking about the bigger picture advice - ask Emma

Q: Hi Emma, I wanted to write in because recently I have been struggling with my relationships — friends, family, and even sometimes, my co-workers. I constantly feel the pressure to let go or little things that feel irritating and to rise above, to be the one who takes the high road. But it's exhausting, and sometimes it feels like I'm sacrificing my own needs and emotions for the sake of keeping the peace. Why do I always have to be the bigger person?

A: Thank you for writing in. Your question deeply resonates with many of us who have found ourselves asking that same question. It can be very tiring and lonely because when we feel compelled to be the bigger person, we are often neglecting our own needs or suppressing our emotions in doing so.

To get beneath the concept of being a bigger person, we need to get a bigger picture. One of the underlying factors behind the urge to ask this question is the "fawn" response, a concept popularised by therapist and trauma expert Pete Walker. The fawn response is a survival mechanism characterised by a tendency to prioritise others' needs and feelings over our own, often at the expense of our well-being. When we feel compelled to be the bigger person, we may be unconsciously slipping into this pattern of

Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Valerie June Gardner© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA. Emma Woodcock is a

self-abandonment, seeking external validation and approval at the cost of our own emotional health.

Additionally, the impulse to avoid conflict and the uncomfortable emotions that may arise, can lead us down the path of being the bigger person. This avoidance can manifest as a tendency to engage in the "blame game," where we deflect responsibility onto others rather than addressing our own needs and emotions directly. By taking on the role of the bigger person, we may inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and resentment, further complicating our relationships and internal landscape.

So, how can we navigate the complex terrain of being the bigger person while honouring our own needs and boundaries? It begins with self-compassion. By acknowledging our emotions and recognising the underlying patterns driving our behaviour, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our motivations.

By practicing empathy and compassion towards ourselves, as well as others, we can actually help our relationships grow deeper rather than suppress and deny, which leads to fractures. Self-compassion also involves setting healthy boundaries and asserting our needs assertively yet respectfully. Aligning to our values, that is what is most important to us helps with communicating our boundaries and expectations clearly allows us to navigate conflicts more effectively and maintain our sense of integrity and self-worth.

In essence, what I am saying is that being the bigger person isn't about suppressing our emotions or denying our needs. It's about embracing our humanity in all its complexity, and choosing to respond with kindness, integrity, and compassion, both towards ourselves and others. By doing so, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reclaiming our agency and reshaping our relationships and experiences for the better By acknowledging our emotions, asserting our needs assertively yet respectfully, and fostering empathy and understanding, we can navigate conflicts more effectively and foster deeper connections. Remember, being the bigger person isn't about letting things be — it’s about having the courage to show up for yourself and for others. So, let’s re-frame the question from “Why do I have to be the bigger person?” to a more compassionate and curious question of “What is the bigger picture here?” This allows to align to our values, have our needs met and still care for others and their perspectives too. 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 Counsellor

INGImage Stock

Absolutely loved seeing all the Facebook

So very disappointed with the public toilets in Main Street Bairnsdale. Surely the council can afford to

I was lucky enough to attend the Anzac Ceremony at Nagle College. I was so very impressed.

Great work by Bairnsdale Apco staff, always happy, and always friendly whenever I pop in.

Hard to see so many people struggling living rough on the streets. Surely as a community there is more we can do.

Contact us via our Facebook page to submit your Hot And Cold in 30 words or

What’s in a wine score?

Ian Hollick Wine Maker

MANY retailers use a wine scoring system to evaluate wine. What does this mean for the average consumer?

Very little I suggest!

Years ago, the industry used a 20-point system to evaluate wines at wine shows. This was developed from the University of California — Davis wine group, and I believe has been modified somewhat by Australian educators.

— 3 points for colour and condition, (purple to deep red to brown, and cloudy to bright), 7 points for aroma (fruit, rotten eggs, rubbery etc.), and 10 points for flavour and structure (fruity, astringent, tart, smooth, soft, tannic,etc).

Then along came selfproclaimed guru of US Wine Robert Parker, and he started using a 100 point scoring system, which claimed to classify wines into Exceptional (97 to 100 points), Outstanding (91 to 96), Just above average to very good (80 to 89), Average (70 to 79), Below average (60 to 69) and wines deemed to be unacceptable (50-59 points).

Our own James Halliday uses a modified 100-point system as well today, which gives wines of 95 to100 points a gold medal, 90 to 94 a silver and 86 to 89 a bronze.

I suggest that a qualified experienced wine judge may be able to tell the difference between a 94 and a 95-point wine, but 99.99 per cent of people wouldn’t get within a bull’s roar of telling the difference. So, my advice is to use any wine scoring system as a guide only and try to find a wine critic whose palate you agree with, because after all, the rating is only one person’s opinion, and you are the one paying for the wine, so make up your own mind. I personally prefer the old 20-point system, because when I went to school, 50 per cent was an average pass mark, so why do you never see a 45-point wine? Some do fail, but I think we are kidding ourselves if we start ratings over a 50-point scale.

The best rating is your own. Do you like it or not? Don’t worry about how many points it has scored.

Santé

Fried Calamari

• 500g small squid, cleaned and cut into 1.5cm strips

• plain flour, for dusting

• corn oil or vegetable oil for deep frying

• chopped parsley, for garnish

• freshly squeezed lemon juice to serve

• salt

1. To make the batter, sift flours with a pinch of salt and pepper into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the beer (or soda water). Gradually stir liquid into the flour until a smooth, thin batter forms. Try not to overmix. Let batter stand at room temperature for about 1 hour.

2. Score the underside of the squid pieces and dust with flour.

BEER BATTER

• 1/2 cup self raising flour

• 1/2 cup cornflour

• salt and freshly ground pepper

• 1 cup

Calamari with Cannellini Beans

squid, cleaned

• salt & freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 x 400g can cannellini beans, drained

• 3 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 100g rocket

• 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1 cup chopped fresh basil

•

3. Heat oil to 180°C in a pan suitable for deep frying.

4. Dip each squid piece into the batter then deep fry a few at a time until they are golden brown and rise to surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel to drain. Serve garnished with parsley, lemon juice and salt.

1. Slit each squid and score the underside lightly. Transfer to a bowl. Season squid with salt and pepper, add oil and paprika, stirring to coat the squid well.

2. Heat a griddle pan, wok or barbecue until very hot. Cook the squid for about 1 minute until nicely coloured, then turn and cook for a further minute.

3. Mix together remaining ingredients and place on a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper. Cut the squid into slices and arrange on top of the salad. Serve immediately.

SERVES 6

1. Wash octopus and place in a saucepan. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes — do not add any water, the octopus will cook in its own juices and turn pink. Drain and allow to cool. When octopus is cool enough to handle, strip the suckers from the tentacles with your hands.

2. Cut the octopus into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours before serving.

3. Remove octopus from the liquid and serve.

Grief and Mother’s Day

While many of us look forward to Mother’s Day, for around a third of the population, Mother’s Day can be brutal

Karen Ellingsen Counsellor

YOU may have a mother or mother figure who has died or is very unwell. You and your mother may have a complicated relationship, or don’t have a relationship at all anymore.

Perhaps you have tried in vain to be a mother, or you are a mother who has lost a child or children. Whatever the circumstance, there are many reasons why the lead-up to Mother’s Day can feel terribly painful, leading people to dread the day.

In these situations, it's not unusual to feel like celebrations are happening all around us, but we are no longer connected to it because that person or child who meant the world to us, is no longer here. These painful reminders of their absence can result in a range of emotions being triggered.

Similarly, if you have a complicated or difficult relationship with your mother, Mother’s Day can be stressful as it may bring up conflicting thoughts and feelings. There may be a desire to celebrate, which can be intertwined with

feelings of anger, sadness, regret or sometimes even relief. It is okay to grieve the relationship you have lost, along with other losses, such as the hopes and dreams you might have had for your future together. Remember that whatever you are feeling, is exactly what you need to be feeling. Don’t allow others to judge you, nor should you judge yourself.

The commercialism of Mother’s Day, and the way we’re told how the day should be, can create pressure and make you feel obliged to do the ‘dutiful’ thing. But understand that it may not be the right thing for you in your journey of grief.

Grief is deeply personal and completely unique to each of us. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, so take whatever time you need to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings. Don’t try to fight them. Put yourself first, and ask for support if you need it. Talk about how you are feeling, or write something down, as this helps to process your emotions. If possible, connect with others who have a shared experience, and try and understand what you are going through, as this may help you feel less isolated and alone.

Karen Ellingsen is a Bairnsdale-based counsellor who specialises in working with people with grief, loss and trauma. To find out more visit www.loveandloss.com.au

Love and Loss

Grief Counselling

Music IN METUNG

GIPPSLAND-BASED, Ally Row are an indie pop-folk rock duo that are breaking the barriers of genres with toe-tapping, emotive music. Recently, these multiinstrumentalists bought their velvety harmonies to entertain a packed house of diners at Café Chez Joe in Metung. Café Chez Joe opened in March 2021 by chefs Joe and Kay, establishing a presence of new and fresh flavours thanks to their varied backgrounds. Joe was born in Egypt and has a mix of Mediterranean blood in his family. He was educated in French schools, and specialises in combining flavours from Egypt, France, Italy, Greece and Lebanon. In contrast, Kay was born in Sumatra (Indonesia) and is passionate about producing a beautiful array of dishes authentic to Indonesia, Sumatra,

and other Asian cuisines.

Talking helps. I'm here to listen to and witness your grief.

Metung resident Casey Brownlie was one of the diners who had attended the performance. “Ally Row has become one of my new favourite bands, because I saw them recently when they supported Seo Linn at the Lake Tyers Hotel, and also Kim Churchill in Nowa Nowa. They’re just so great! And it was fantastic to have such a talented duo come to our tiny town and put on such a professional show at a local establishment — it really was the epitome of supporting local!”

Ally Row will be returning to perform at Café Chez Joe on 5 July, as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival program.

Notice of Precipe

Sarah May Gardner© of Lucknow, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names Sarah Gardner©, Sarah May Gardner© and Sarah M Gardner© and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered or otherwise represented since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia

Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 30414 81607

Proclamation Date (22 February 2024)

Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Sarah May Gardner© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

Lowes expands its reach with the grand opening of a new store in Sale

LOWES, a proud 100% Aussie-owned company with a rich 125-year history, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its newest store in Sale. This expansion marks another milestone in Lowes' journey as an iconic brand with nearly 200 stores nationwide.

With 17 successful store openings in the past 12 months, including three in Victoria, Lowes continues to strengthen its presence across Australia. The addition of the Sale store underscores Lowes' commitment to providing quality menswear, schoolwear, workwear, and unisex clothing for families nationwide.

From its humble beginnings in 1898 as an affordable menswear store, Lowes has evolved to offer a wide range of products, including the Big Mens range with sizing up to 12XL, versatile workwear for men and women, and its renowned Hawaiian and

Flannelette shirt collections.

Lowes is very proudly family owned and the Lowes CEO Linda Penn is very passionate about giving back to the community and organisations in need. The act of giving back is embedded in the Lowes mantra. Under her leadership Lowes has teamed you with many worthwhile causes and has donated over $10million dollars to organisations such as Mark Hughes Beanies for Brain cancer, Jeans for Genes, St Vincent De Paul Society, Hospitals united for sick kids and many more.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new Lowes store in Sale, come

Capacity attendance for The Middle of Everywhere ANZAC Weekend Airshow

THE skies above West Sale Airport buzzed with excitement as the 2024 ANZAC Weekend Airshow unfolded across 27 and 28 April. Attracting more than 14,000 attendees, the Airshow not only honoured the ANZACs but also marked this year's most significant event for The Middle of Everywhere.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2022 event, this year's airshow showcased a blend of aerial acrobatics and community spirit, aligned with ANZAC Day commemorations. The event featured performances by commercial pilots and the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes, alongside flybys and demonstrations by the highly skilled team from Paul Bennet Airshows.

Additional attractions included car and motorcycle displays, a vintage fashion show, a variety of local food vendors, live music and local business stallholders to ensure a memorable experience for all ages.

This year, there were plenty

of activities for the whole family, with new inclusions such as flight simulators, the Hot Wheels Stunt Team, craft activities and virtual reality headsets. There was free entry to the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum and the new Defence and Aviation Employment Hub, featuring exhibits from Jet Aviation, Pilatus, Lockheed Martin, ESSO and the RAAF, attracted substantial attention, with strong community engagement across all exhibitors’ stands.

The weekend’s festivities commenced with an official launch on Friday 26 April at the Port of Sale, attended by Wellington Shire Councillors and major event partners

Destination Gippsland, the Wellington Defence Alliance, RAAF Base East Sale, ESSO and event delivery partner — Pace Advertising.

On the evening, Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said that Wellington was extremely proud to host the ANZAC Weekend Airshow in The Middle of Everywhere.

“Not only does this event

and meet our wonderful team and discover our range of high-quality clothing and accessories at affordable prices.

25th

off storewide* some exclusions may apply, see instore for details.

celebrate our aviation heritage and the ANZAC spirit, but also contributes significantly to the local economy in Wellington,” Cr Bye said.

"The Airshow represents the best opportunity for us to showcase who we are and all that we have to offer in our community.

The West Sale Airport is an incredible asset, and we’re

committed to strengthening our relationships with our aviation and Defence allies, as well as with the tenants and established businesses onsite, to guarantee the event’s return in two years’ time.”

The event is expected to surpass the $1.36 million generated in 2022, solidifying the Airshow as a pivotal driver for regional tourism

and economic development.

Local accommodations, pubs and clubs saw substantial benefits from the influx of visitors, highlighting how the event's impact extends across various industries and sectors.

The successful weekend was capped off with the inaugural Pitmaster competition in nearby Maffra

which attracted around 2,500 attendees, many of whom were also Airshow visitors. The Middle of Everywhere will be excited to share more about the 2026 event as details are confirmed. The next major event will be The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally held from the 9-11 August 2024 and is one not to be missed!

Lowes Sale will be opening on Saturday

May — we will be having a store

opening offer of 20%

Government Energy Scheme telemarketers banned

EAST Gippsland residents will no longer face forceful sales tactics from energy companies after the Nationals were successful in advocating for a ban on telemarketing and doorknocking.

From May 1, providers and participants in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program – an initiative that provides State Government incentives for households that install certain energy efficient products and services — are not allowed to cold call a person to promote these

products and services.

A ban on doorknocking will come into effect on August 1.

The changes also mean that providers and participants cannot purchase a person’s contact details from a third party or arrange a contractor or other agent to call or doorknock on their behalf.

Nationals MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said many residents had contacted his office to protest the aggressive tactics used by some companies involved in the VEU

program.

“Even residents who had signed up to the Do Not Call register were being repeatedly harassed and coerced by people promoting products from heaters and hot water systems to showerheads, clothes dryers and fridges,” he said.

“These new bans are a protection for residents, particularly the elderly, who might not be able to advocate effectively for themselves and are pressured into signing up for products and services they do not

want, under the guise of it being cost-saving.

“People have rightly had enough of companies and third parties overstepping the mark to spruik their products under this program, and I am pleased that advocacy from the Nationals and community members has pushed the State Government to act.”

The Essential Services Commission will monitor compliance with the new laws, with companies found to be in breach

Spinal Flow technique now available in Lakes Entrance

READY to transform your health? Unlock the power of your spine and heal with the Spinal Flow technique.

Kelly Downing is the Founder and certified practitioner of Spinal Flow Lakes Entrance. “I’m proud and delighted to bring Dr Carli Axford’s Spinal Flow Technique to the talented wellness community team at Breathing Space,” she says.

“Spinal flow is an innovative modality, and the practice complements the diverse wellbeing services being offered at Breathing space to support the community in accessing their healing potential. The techniques in Spinal Flow are unique and tailored to you, the one in need, and I am here to help.”

“From neurological disorders, to anxiety, depression, memory loss, dizziness, tinnitus, learning difficulties, sleep issues, chronic pain, pre and postnatal care to sinus issues, injury recovery, there is no limit to the potential that Spinal Flow Technique can offer for making profound change in your body and life,” adds Kelly.

“From my home practice, I’ve worked with and continue to help many suffering people in our community to transform

their lives. I’m a loving wife and proud mum to 3 young children and now I’m taking the leap to join the team at Breathing Space. The practice of Spinal Flow is unknown to many, and I am ready to share it with you.”

“I’m making it my mission to bring my knowledge of the nervous system and spine to our wider community to make profound changes in the current health expression of as many people as I can.”

“There is very a lot of stress in people’s lives that is taking a massive toll on wellness in our society. Your body was never meant to cope with this amount of stress. Most people are living in a dominant state of fight or flight, but there is hope! There is an intelligence inside our body that already knows how to heal. I just remind the body of this through gentle targeted touch on the 33 access points taught in Dr Carli’s technique.”

“Physical, chemical, and emotional stress stores and builds up in the spine. If it isn’t given the chance to process, to be felt, to release so that healing can innately happen, then how or when will we heal?”

“What I love about the Spinal Flow technique is that I can help your body to

connect to this signal, this life force energy inside you. Allowing the spine to flow at full capacity, to feed out to every cell, tissue and organ, connecting your mind to your body to realise it is safe!”

If you’d like to find out more about how to heal, to relax, and to flow with full movement of the spine, contact Kelly at Spinal Flow Lakes Entrance, via Breathing Space on the Esplanade.

KELLY DOWNING

Gippsland offshore wind projects welcomed

WELLINGTON Shire Council has welcomed Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen’s announcement that the first feasibility licenses have been awarded to six offshore wind projects, set to initiate Australia’s first declared offshore wind zone off Gippsland’s coast.

Wellington Shire Council has been at the forefront of advocating for renewable energy investment in Gippsland, in order to secure the best long-term outcomes for the Wellington Shire community, businesses, and the broader Gippsland region. Wellington Shire Council

Mayor Cr Ian Bye is excited for Council to work together with license holders — High Sea Wind, Gippsland Skies, Blue Mackerel North, KutWut Brataualung, Ørsted Offshore Australia 1, and Star of the South Wind Farm — to secure investment that will benefit communities in Wellington and right across Gippsland.

Aligned with the findings of the Wellington Renewable Energy Impact and Readiness Study, Wellington Shire Council, alongside South Gippsland Shire Council and key partner, the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), have submitted a joint grant

funding application via the Federal Regional Precinct and Partnership Program.

This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive land and infrastructure plan to ensure the region is primed for future investments. The funding application aligns with the Federal Government’s priorities and showcases a robust partnershipbased approach, enjoying widespread support from regional stakeholders.

“We look forward to the Federal Government’s support to implement the plan to enable investment and allow every resident of Gippsland to thrive both now and in the future,” Cr Bye said.

liable for fines of up to $46,000. They can also be suspended or removed from the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

Mr Bull said people could report anyone in breach of the new laws by calling the commission on 03 9032 1310 or by emailing veu@esc.vic. gov.au

Residents can also lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria online at https://forms. consumer.vic.gov.au/gef or by calling 131 450.

Parkrun volunteers

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) is encouraging more locals to join in regular exercise at the Lakes Entrance parkrun, or consider volunteering for the popular event.

“There’s a role for everyone at parkrun,” Mr Chester said.

“Of course, you can run or walk the 5km course or you can volunteer to help make the magic happen at one of the 492 sites around Australia every Saturday.

“On Saturday, I was given the job of handing out tokens at the finish line in Lakes Entrance and it was great fun cheering on the participants in perfect conditions.

“While each parkrun is timed, you are just competing against your own personal

best and it’s a safe, friendly, exercise opportunity for men and women to enjoy each week.”

Mr Chester has participated in more than 70 parkrun events across Gippsland and said he would like to see more people taking the opportunity.

“The volunteers do a great job every Saturday to put on a free event on the foreshore and the numbers always drop back a little in the cooler weather, when there’s less visitors in town,” he said.

“It’s a fun event for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. While there’s obvious physical benefits in regular exercise it’s also a terrific social occasion with many runners enjoying a cup of coffee afterwards.”

GEM movie review

Movie Reviewer

Jason Cherry

THE FALL GUY IN CINEMAS NOW

THE Fall Guy roars back onto the scene, not in a recycled van with questionable modifications, but in a high-octane reboot that blends classic action with modern sensibilities. Directed by the ever-reliable David Leitch, the film captures the spirit of the original 80s television series while offering a fresh take for a new generation.

Strap yourselves in for a wild ride, because Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), the charming yet jaded stuntman, is back. Years past his prime and drowning in debt, Colt gets a lifeline from a flamboyant Hollywood producer (Jeff Goldblum, chewing the scenery with relish). The mission: infiltrate the set of a high-budget sci-fi flick suspected of being an elaborate insurance scam.

Movie Reviewer

Jason Cherry

TAROT (2024) IN CINEMAS NOW

TAROT (2024), the latest horror film from directors

Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, entices audiences with its premise: a group of college friends unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within a cursed deck of tarot cards. However, much like a poorly shuffled deck, the film struggles to deliver a satisfying hand.

A Familiar Spell is Cast

The narrative treads familiar territory. A group of friends — the studious one, the sceptic, the joker — gather for a seemingly harmless tarot reading. Naturally, they break the cardinal rule: never use someone else's deck. This unleashes a malevolent force

GLORIOUSLY ENTERTAINING ACTION-PACKED COMEDY

Colt, ever the reluctant hero, reluctantly agrees, lured by the promise of a hefty pay check. He's not alone in this venture. Joining him is Avery (Emily Blunt), a skilled and no-nonsense stuntwoman who serves as both Colt's begrudging partner and voice of reason. Their dynamic is the heart of the film. Gosling and Blunt crackle with on-screen chemistry, their witty banter and playful jabs masking a burgeoning respect for each other's skills.

The film revels in its own absurdity. Leitch embraces the over-the-top stunts and cheesy dialogue of the original series but injects a modern dose of self-awareness. Expect outrageous practical effects juxtaposed with seamless CGI, a delightful nod to the evolution of stunt work itself. Explosions rock the soundstage, elaborate sets crumble with satisfying realism, and our heroes find themselves dangling from helicopters and leaping across buildings with death-defying grace.

The Fall Guy isn't just about nostalgic winks and action-packed sequences. It's a celebration of the oftenunseen heroes of cinema — the stunt people. Leitch dedicates screentime to showcasing their dedication and physical prowess,

reminding us that behind every impossible feat lies a skilled professional risking life and limb.

However, the film isn't without its flaws. The plot, while entertaining, unfolds predictably. The villain's motivations feel generic, and the resolution, though satisfying, lacks the explosive punch of the action sequences. At times, the humour, while often hilarious, leans heavily on meta-commentary, bordering on selfindulgence.

Despite these minor stumbles, The Fall Guy delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's a popcorn flick at its finest, a love letter to action movies and the stunt performers who make them possible. Gosling's effortless charisma and Blunt's steely resolve carry the film, while Leitch's masterful direction keeps the action sequences thrilling and the comedic timing spot-on. So, whether you're a nostalgic fan of the original series or a newcomer seeking a good dose of action-packed entertainment, The Fall Guy is a film that deserves a spot on your cinematic watchlist. Just grab your popcorn, suspend your disbelief, and prepare to be entertained.

book review

By Kelly Canby (Author & Illustrator)

author. She was born in London and moved to Australia when she was three, which is probably around the first time she picked up crayons and began to draw, realising she wanted to be an illustrator.

that begins picking them off one by one, each death mirroring their tarot card's fortune.

The film's greatest strength lies in its visuals. The cinematography effectively captures the unsettling atmosphere, with flickering shadows and distorted reflections hinting at the lurking evil. The use of practical effects in the death scenes adds a layer of visceral horror, a welcome departure from the overreliance on CGI that plagues many modern horror films.

A Misfortune of Missed Opportunities

Unfortunately, the initial promise of Tarot quickly fizzles. The characters are onedimensional archetypes, their personalities as predictable as a preordained reading. Their dialogue is riddled with clichés, offering little in the way of genuine scares or emotional investment.

The exploration of tarot itself feels superficial. The film uses the imagery and symbolism of the cards merely as a plot device, failing to delve deeper into their rich history or the potential psychological

horror of a predetermined fate. This missed opportunity leaves the narrative feeling hollow and derivative.

Pacing Problems and a Predictable Payoff

The pacing also falters. The film drags during the initial setup, relying on exposition to establish the characters and the lore behind the cursed deck. By the time the deaths begin, the audience is already weary, waiting for the inevitable jump scares and predictable plot twists.

The climax offers little in the way of surprise. The resolution relies on tired horror tropes, leaving the audience feeling cheated of a truly satisfying payoff.

A Flawed Hand Tarot (2024) isn't a complete washout. The visuals are impressive, and the practical effects deliver a dose of genuine horror. However, the weak characters, predictable plot, and shallow exploration of its central theme leave the film feeling like a missed opportunity. For horror fans seeking a fresh scare, it's best to consult a different deck.

RATING RATING

THIS fortnight I am reviewing the amazing ‘Timeless’ by Kelly Canby. This book has been shortlisted in the Picture Book category by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). With so many wonderful things to mention about this book, it is hard to know where to start!

Kelly Canby is an award winning, internationally published illustrator and

The title on the front cover is broken in to two words ‘Time’ and ‘Less’ so there’s a double meaning and the colour palette through the book is so bright and eye catching. The story is about a young boy called Emit, (time spelt backwards). His parents are too busy with their work, his siblings are too busy doing nothing, so he tries his hardest to think of how he can get more time and tries to catch it. One day he reads advert from a clock shop called ‘Quality Time’, stating ‘This Year, Give the Gift of Time’. He rushes out and tries to buy time and realises if you want time, you have to make

it. The story uses phrases such as ‘began in no time at all’, ‘running out of time’, ‘loosing track of time’ and even ‘time flies’, which sees Emit trying to catch time with the biggest net he had! The endpapers (inside and back covers) depict shops with ‘pun’ names, such as ‘Bobby Pins- Hairdresser’ and ‘Earl E Riser — Mattress Maker’. The clever word play text appears in different colours and font throughout the book and the sketchy quick brush strokes for the characters show the how busy they are, along with the busy backgrounds. A perfect, humorous read out loud book which would appeal to children aged 5 and upwards. Don’t forget to make TIME to purchase a copy of this highly recommenced book! Teacher notes and activities are available from www. schoolworkssupplies.com.au

Book review by Charlotte Tiffin, Owner Schoolworks Supplies

Timeless

1. WHY DID THE SNOWMAN BRING A BROOM TO THE WINTER PARTY? BECAUSE HE WANTED TO SWEEP EVERYONE OFF THEIR FEET!

2. WHAT DO SNOWMEN EAT FOR BREAKFAST? FROSTED FLAKES!

3. WHY DID THE SNOWMAN CALL HIS DOG FROST? BECAUSE FROST BITES!

4. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT'S TOO COLD TO GO OUTSIDE? IF YOU STICK YOUR TONGUE TO A METAL POLE AND IT STICKS, IT'S DEFINITELY TOO COLD!

5. WHAT DID ONE SNOWMAN SAY TO THE OTHER? "DO YOU SMELL CARROTS?"

GEMSKids PACE

6. WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU CROSS A SNOWMAN AND A VAMPIRE? FROSTBITE!

7. WHAT DO YOU CALL A SNOWMAN WITH A SIX-PACK? AN ABDOMINAL

THE CARROTS? HE WAS PICKING HIS NOSE

May 10th: In 1997, the Howard government announced its proposal for a Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the Liberal Party's federal council meeting in Melbourne.

May 11th: In 1857, the Melbourne Cricket Club was founded, which would later become one of the most prestigious cricket clubs in the world.

May 12th: In 1975, the Federal Government under Prime Minister Gough Whitlam introduced the Racial Discrimination Bill to outlaw racial discrimination in Australia.

May 13th: In 1880, the bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang held up and robbed the Bank of New South Wales in Jerilderie.

May 14th: In 1940, the first regular airmail service between Australia and New Zealand began.

May 15th: In 1986, the Australian Government launched the Australia Card, a proposed national identification card system which faced significant opposition and was eventually abandoned.

May 16th: In 1951, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) was established to protect Australia from espionage and sabotage.

May 17th: In 1974, Australia won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Waterloo" performed by ABBA.

May 18th: In 1804, British forces suppressed the Castle Hill convict rebellion, one of the earliest uprisings in Australian history.

May 19th: In 1856, the Eureka Rebellion occurred in Ballarat, Victoria, when miners rebelled against the colonial authorities over mining licenses and taxation.

May 20th: In 1927, Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm completed the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia.

May 21st: In 1927, Parliament House in Canberra was officially opened by the Duke of York (later King George VI).

May 22nd: In 1813, explorers Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth became the first Europeans to cross the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, opening up new grazing lands.

May 23rd: In 1984, the High Court of Australia ruled in the famous "Tasmanian Dams Case" that the proposed Franklin Dam in Tasmania was unlawful under the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983.

THE 2024 WILD HARVEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL DRAWS RECORD CROWDS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

THE highly anticipated Mallacoota Wild Harvest Seafood Festival, held this past weekend, was a resounding success, attracting seafood lovers from across the region to celebrate the rich maritime heritage and indulge in the bounty of the sea. The festival, which has become a staple in the community's calendar, saw its largest turnout yet, with thousands of attendees who graced the event over the three-day extravaganza.

“The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival celebrates the fruits of the land and sea, and the Indigenous custodians that have been connected with this land for thousands of years. Mallacoota is firmly rooted (or should we say, seaweeded) in seafood, and the festival shines a light on the unique abundance and variety found in this corner of the world.” - Jodie York (Event Co-Founder).

Day One saw a magical voyage with Loch-Ard Cruise, a delightful Rockpool Ramble guided by Parks Victoria and an official opening of the ‘End of an Era: The Last Gippsland Lakes Fishermen’ Exhibition that documents and acknowledges the contribution and social cultural history of Australia’s oldest small scale commercial fisheries that have operated since the 1800s.

This Exhibition Opening also formed the official opening of the 'Wild Harvest Seafood Festival', with speeches made by Jodie York (Event Co-Founder) Mayor Tom Cook, and luminaries who shared poignant words. Among them stood a family,

Nagle College shines at the Interschool Gymkhana

NAGLE College riders showcased their talent and dedication at the recent Bairnsdale Interschool Gymkhana, held on Wednesday the 24th of April at the Bairnsdale Pony Club grounds. The college's three teams, comprised of four riders each, left an indelible mark on the event, securing impressive placements of 5th, 3rd and 2nd.

The Gymkhana, a celebration of equestrian skill and sportsmanship, featured a variety of disciplines, each demanding precision, agility, and harmony between rider and horse. From the fast-paced excitement of games to the elegance of flat competitions and the thrill of showjumping, Nagle College riders demonstrated their versatility and expertise across the board.

about

harmony between horse and rider. Showjumping, one of the more well know disciplines, is where combinations of horse and rider jump over obstacles to be the fastest time. Poles that are knocked down incur a time penalty.

touched by the tumult of 2018, when the ancient tapestry of Gippsland Lakes fisheries was altered forever. Their heartfelt address resonated deeply, kindling a flame of unity in support of the resilient spirit of East Gippsland.

To finish off Day 1, we saw a mesmerising Lantern Parade illuminating Mallacoota’s foreshore with wondrous creations crafted by beings young and old!

On the morning on second day, visitors flocked to Mallacoota Lions Park for the Wild Harvest Market. Here, they had the opportunity to discover a variety of seafood, savour hand-crafted beer from Sailors Grave Brewing including UNI the special sea urchin infused festival beer, and delve into the rich history of Abalone, both in culinary experience and in exquisite abalone jewellery from MAPA Pearls. The Wild Harvest Market featured activities such as a traditional spear making workshop led by Indigenous Elder Noel Butler, a showcase of products by the talented Nephelle Watts from Saltwater Creative, and local Tea Towel Tie Dying Workshop and a Resin Board Workshop.

During the afternoon, visitors had a variety of fishing clinics to choose from, organised by Fishcare Victoria which saw many kids, who had never fished before, learning how to cast and reel in their loot. Elder Noel Butler led a bush foods walk, while another group enjoyed the Seafood & Sunset Cruise, indulging in grazing boxes overflowing with seafood including Abalone

Team rider, Taylor Dennet (Year 8) shared this about the events: Horse riding is an amazing sport where riders and their horses compete in different disciplines, each focussing on a different aspect of riding. Games, for example, is where riders and their horses do a simple exercise such as bending between poles as fast as possible, or a relay race which mimics the style of a traditional relay, but on horseback, and the fastest combination wins.

Flat completions are where the riders are judged based on their style, neatness of riding as well as the discipline of the horse — this means how obediently they follow directions from the rider. Flat competitions are

At a gymkhana, riders and mounts compete in each of these disciplines, earning places and scores over the day, contributing their scores into the teams one. Once the day is finished, these scores are tallied up, and the teams are placed from the smallest score to the largest score.

Nagle College had an amazing day, and the teams did very well to achieve what they did.

Nagle College extends its congratulations to all riders, coaches, and supporters for their remarkable performance at the Gymkhana. Their achievements are a source of inspiration for the entire community and a testament to the enduring appeal of equestrian sport.

and Sea Urchin with their host, the award-winning food journalist Richard Cornish.

And, to finish off the evening a showing of the classic ‘Skippy & The Intruders’ and for those who wanted to continue the festivities, the entertainment for the night at the Mallacoota Hotel was the

ever-entertaining one man band Ricky Bloomfiend.

On the last day of the festival, under the sunny sky, a Beach Combing Clinic and Sandcastle Competition took place, engaging participants of all ages (though each group had a clear 'artistic director'). Whilst those curious about

times gone by enjoyed talks by local fishing families and guided tours of the Bunker Museum. The festival wrapped up with a delightful 'Paella Picnic' featuring the talented 'Untethered Chef' serving a mouth-watering locally sourced seafood paella.

As the festival wraps up, the organising committee extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved — from the tireless volunteers to the local

businesses that contributed to the event's success. Plans are already underway for this biennial festival which promises to return in 2026, with even more delectable seafood, engaging activities, and community spirit on the horizon.

Keep an eye on our website www. wildharvestseafoodfestival .com and social media channels for updates and announcements.

Half-funded project needs Federal Budget support

MEMBER for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on the Federal Government to commit funding for an important road safety project that was half-funded in the State Budget. The proposal to build a new roundabout on the Maffra-Sale Rd intersection with Fulham-Myrtlebank Rd would improve safety and productivity for locals and visitors, according to

Mr Chester.

“The State Government has finally agreed to provide $10.9 million for this project on the Sale alternative route after years of lobbying by local council, transport operators and my office,” Mr Chester said.

“We had the chance to secure 80 per cent of the funding from the previous Coalition Government, but we could never convince the Melbourne Labor

Ministers to provide the 20 per cent required to get the job done.

“Now the funding rules have been changed by the Albanese Government, and the State Government is required to provide a 50-50 split. By waiting so long, Gippslanders have been short-changed and will now pay more for a road that could’ve been fixed years ago.

“After two years with

no funding commitments to new road projects in Gippsland, hopefully, the Federal Budget next week will provide a matching grant.”

Mr Chester has repeatedly asked Transport Minister Catherine King for information on priority road projects for which the previous government had allocated funding.

“Instead of actually investing money in better,

safer roads, the Minister has wasted her first two years in office with a protracted review and failed to start a single new project in Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.

“We need to see a commitment in the Federal Budget to deliver funding for safety and productivity improvements on key road corridors, which will save lives, create jobs and deliver long-term benefits to the region.”

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester wants to see funding for the Sale alternative route in next week’s budget.

RALLY SUCCESS FOR LYNNE

By Tom Holmes

YOU have to be a bit different from the rest of us to take on the challenge of the Sh*tbox Rally… to drive a car worth just $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads — and all the name of charity! Well, that is exactly what Lynne Holmes from Metung has just done!

Lynne who is also the current President of the Metung Bloodhounds Charity fundraising group has now completed three rallies zigzagging the country from Perth to Sydney, Brisbane to Darwin and this one from Adelaide to Perth via Uluru — and in that time has raised over $40,000 for the Cancer Council for cancer research. Funds which were mostly raised at the Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Metung community markets.

Sh*tbox Rally is the largest community lead fundraiser for Cancer Council in Australia and is now in its 14th year. No 4WD or all-wheel drive cars are allowed, and teams need to raise a minimum of $5,000 to participate. Dress-up themes and novelty features are strongly encouraged, and participants make camp along the route each night and

John Mikkelsen

OH, the irony. Here I was reading our local Noosa newspaper recently and laughing when the power started to blink off and on half a dozen times before finally cutting out completely and staying off for about five hours in our beachside suburb. No lightning strike, no strong winds, just rain. Back to the newspaper and what I found unintentionally amusing — a long rambling letter from a local perpetual climate worrier attacking another correspondent for having the temerity and good sense to defend nuclear energy in the quest for “net zero”, then a regular column from Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN) plugging its guide “ Rewiring Noosa — Electrify Everything”. This group, with the backing of our Noosa Shire Council, has far outdone even the most ambitious Green Dream Believers including the

sleep under the stars, usually in swags, in rural and remote locations.

This year, the rally proved to be longer than expected, as the original route out of Uluru had to be changed because the Great Central Road was closed due to flooding forcing the rally to make a diversion

of 2,859km adding a further 1,176km to the journey.

Throughout the course, the cars break down, and some quite frequently. The challenge is to keep them going — bush mechanics-style — and cross the finish line, raising as much money as possible for the Cancer Council.

O’Donnell and Margaret Summerton, who used to refer to it as ‘the bean’, which was the inspiration for its colourful jellybean design. The car did so well, it’s being driven back from Western Australia by friends of Lynne’s, so it can be used again in a future rally. Also taking part in this rally was the US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy (daughter of former US President John F Kennedy), who was thought to be the first person to ever complete the event with a blacked-out, armoured SUV trailing behind them!

Caroline Kennedy drove a beat-up Ford Falcon called Moonshot, which was named as a tribute to her father’s ambition to reach the moon in the 1960s, and in honour of US President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot (which aims to eradicate the disease).

While breakdowns are guaranteed, the challenge for the teams is to work together to make the finish line after their adventure through the outback.

For this event, Lynne’s co-pilot was her brother, Gary Robinson, who flew out from the UK to participate

and the car they drove was a 1999 Toyota Echo, complete with wind-down windows and a radio cassette player! Impressively, it performed like a thoroughbred and took everything the rally threw at it, in its stride!

Lynne’s car was generously donated for the event by Tim

Laughs, lies and lights out

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris “Blackout’ Bowen, and his boss, PM Anthony (My Word is My Bond) Albanese. Forget 2050 or even the target of 82 per cent renewables by 2030, ZEN’s aim is to achieve “net zero” here in our beautiful slice of paradise by 2026! https:// www.zeroemissionsnoosa. com.au/

Presumably the hordes of domestic and international tourists visiting throughout the year will all arrive on electric buses which we don’t have yet. They will then tour the hinterland, the Noosa River and lakes, the local Everglades (one of only two in the world) and our northern beaches up to Double Island Point in electric cars, boats, bikes and buggies. Great! Just don’t run out of charge in the wilderness. According to ZEN, switching everything to electric — all

appliances, cars etc, will reduce household costs by up to 50 per cent and help save the planet. Its guide for residents covers “eight different technologies and strategies, including rooftop solar PV, heat pump hot water systems, pool pumps and heaters, home batteries, electric vehicles and energy monitoring and control systems.” Gas stoves are obviously a no-no under this plan, so prepare for cold salads for dinner when the lights (and electric stoves) go out.

And with soaring electricity prices even with our 20 rooftop solar panels which produce zilch on cloudy days — of which there are many — I find that forecast cost saving, or any cost saving, hard to believe.

Just like Albo’s promised “$275 reduction in electricity prices by 2025” which turned out to be ‘aspirational’ rather than a firm undertaking, even though he repeated it more than 90

times in the lead-up to the last federal election.

But don’t take my word for it — I’ll hand over to the ABC’s financial guru and collective climate change believer Alan Kohler from a recent article: https://www. thenewdaily.com.au/ finance/2024/04/15/alankohler-climate-change-lie?

Kohler says that a previous free trade consensus has fractured, “as nations desperately try to hang onto jobs in the great transition to renewable energy.

“Unfortunately, Australia is bringing a pocketknife to a gunfight. Nevertheless, the investment in renewable energy has been ramping up lately, and it has to: Investment has been falling well short of what’s needed to meet the government’s target of 82 per cent and without a dramatic increase in effort and spending, Australia and the world are

going to fall well short of net zero by 2050 and will exceed the Paris target of 1.5 degrees of warming, probably quite soon...

“...In the Pathway to New Zero published in 2021, the International Energy Agency put the annual energy investment needed at $US5 trillion by 2030. That’s per year...

“...As for Australia’s capital requirement, the outgoing head of the Net Zero Economy Agency, Greg Combet, told the National Press Club last week that “hundreds of billions of dollars will be needed to achieve net zero in Australia by 2050”.

“And the rest.

“In July last year, a research organisation called Net Zero Australia (a collaboration between the Uni of Melbourne, Uni of Queensland, Princeton and Nous Group) put the cost for Australia at $9 trillion by

Founded in 2010 by James Freeman, who lost both his parents to cancer within a year, Sh*tbox Rally is the largest community-led fundraiser for the Cancer Council, and since its inception, it has raised over $45 million. This year’s rally broke records, having raised an incredible $2.9 million.

2060, or hundreds of billions every year for 36 years...

“All the cheerleading about the benefits of the energy transition shouldn’t disguise the fact that what we’re all trying to do here is prevent a global catastrophe and the way things are going, we might not succeed, or only half succeed...

“In short, getting to net zero will be a cost not a benefit, and the less it costs us now, the more likely it will be to fail, so the higher the cost later.

“I understand the political and business impulse to talk it up and tell us that everything’s going to be terrific, with a future made in Australia etc, because if they told us the truth, we’d all line up at a bridge or tall building and jump off.”

Well, if Kohler is right and Bowen and Albo are wrong, better take a torch — there’s a fair chance the lights will be out on the bridge or the tall building. It might be safer just to wait for reality to bite and follow other nations transitioning to clean green modern nuclear energy.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Fine Weather

DON Walkley was a great man. When we were kids he took us ferreting, fishing, prawning and even away camping to the CRB camps where he worked as a cook. Don loved the horses and was no shrinking violet in the betting ring when he fancied one. Before the TAB came along Don provided an essential service in the Heyfield pub as the SP bookmaker.

Oldest son Peter remembers being given two ten-pound notes at the end of each race day. He had to hop on his bike and deliver them; ten for the local priest and ten for the local policeman. Maybe they cut Don a little slack as they knew he was feeding a big Catholic family, close to a cricket team of kids.

ASPECIALWINONASPECIALDAY

But most likely it was because he was a returned serviceman who had given some of his best years serving his country. Sale trainer, Jack Walkley has won plenty of races around Gippsland, but his most recent winner in a lowly benchmark 58 at Moe on Anzac Day might top his list of favourites. Jack sent Fine Weather around as a $9 chance in the 1600m Ladbroke It handicap. With top-weight and carrying the number one saddle cloth, Fine Weather had the honour of wearing the khaki Anzac Day colours. In form apprentice, Emily

Pozman gave him a gun run one back on the rail, but at the 600m Mark, Fine Weather came off the bit and looked to be struggling. The two favourites shot to the front and headed out wide looking for firmer ground, as did the rest of the field chasing them. Em and Fine Weather were dropping back, and she realised it would be futile following them out there. In an inspired move she cut the corner and hard up against the rail, steadily made-up ground. In a tough slog to the finish, Fine Weather stuck his nose out right on the line. Being the last race of the

day, in pubs and RSL clubs around the country, Fine Weather and Emily, in the Anzac colours, would have been carrying the hopes and prayers of plenty of old diggers getting out on the last. They didn't let them down.

As the son of a returned serviceman, it was a great thrill and honour for Jack Walkley to win a race on Anzac Day with a horse in the Anzac colours.

On our nation's special day, when we remember all our brave service men and women, it's a day Jack and Debbie Walkley and Emily Pozman won't forget.

Sale trainer, Adam Hanley has certainly turned around the form of his 3yo filly, Saufiana. Having her first run in August last year she finished a well back third last in a maiden at Sale.

Adam produced her first up mid-April at Bairnsdale and with track specialist, Sally Wynne aboard she bolted in at huge odds of $26. It's never an easy task stepping up from maiden class, but Saufiana and Sally certainly measured up when they made it two on the trot, winning a BM58 in the last race at the Sale Maffra Cup meeting. Saufiana was even more impressive in her second

win from only three starts and looks to have a promising future.

One of the nicest blokes you would meet in racing would have to be Brad Rawiller, so it was a great thrill to see him achieve an amazing milestone at Horsham last Saturday. Brad notched up his 3000th winner! For local owners and connections of Flying Basil it might only be a minor contribution, but Baz was Brad's 2997th winner when they combined to win at Traralgon last December. Brad also has riding the Sale track down to a fine art where he has booted home 105 winners.

So hearty congratulations to you Brad from all the participants and racing fans in the East Gippsland region.

Fine Weather ridden by Emily Pozman wins the Ladbroke It! Handicap at Moe Racecourse on April 25. Below right: Saufiana ridden by Sally Wynne wins the Ladbroke It! BM58 Handicap at Sale Racecourse on May 5. Pictures: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos