The GEM - 29 March 2024 - Edition 97

Property owner Ray Kleinitz first moved to Nungurner from nearby Bruthen in the late 1940s as a youngster. At that time, his family owned the Bruthen Inn but had decided that pubs were not the ideal environment for raising three kids. Whilst looking for a new place to put down roots, Ray's parents built the iconic little boat shed on Nungurner's foreshore to use as their ‘weekender’.

The experience of living beside

the Gippsland Lakes obviously left an indelible impression on Ray.

Thirty or so years later, having acquired the parcel of land after his family's passing, Ray, and his wife Maureen (now deceased) set about building 'Galilee Holiday Flats' as a means of supplementing their dairy farm income and supporting their family of seven children. Ever the resourceful farmer, Ray used some of the timber from the family farm during the construction period.

In April 2012, Ray’s daughter-inlaw Kim and her husband Steve took over the reins as Manager, allowing Maureen and Ray to settle into a well-earned retirement. “Whilst the flats were somewhat dated, I had ‘great bones’ to work with, and enjoyed the opportunity to breathe new life into the modest cabins, whilst maintaining their relaxed retro appeal,” explains Kim.

Starting with an occupancy level of around 10 per cent, this quickly

grew to a year-round occupancy of 70 per cent, which has been steadily maintained over the past 10 years (except during the pandemic).

“Part of our business success is a result of us diversifying the market to work with international agents in Europe and the UK, welcoming guests from the other side of the world who seek an authentic, naturebased experience, and a chance to meet the locals,” Kim says. “As a hidden gem offering an idyllic and

peaceful setting, Nungurner caters to this market perfectly. Post-pandemic, the international business has been critical to our survival, as many domestic travellers chose to travel overseas. More recently, cost-ofliving pressures has also seen a decline in domestic bookings, so having a diverse market mix has allowed us to navigate the financial uncertainty faced by many of us.”

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RISKYQUIZNESSRETAINTHEIRTRIVIACROWN

LOADS of laughs and brain straining happened recently when the MakeA-Wish® East Gippsland Volunteer Branch held its first trivia night of the year at the Bairnsdale Bowls Club. The night was a great success, raising $3,340, which will go a long way to helping MakeA-Wish see the wishes of critically ill children across Australia come true.

Contested by 84 participants across 12 teams, the night provided a variety of questions for all knowledge bases, with winners of the September trivia night, Risky Quizness, retaining their crown, though they did not do it easily this time.

A tight bunch finished at the top with Risky Quizness joined by Special Ops at number one. Three tie-breaker questions were required to break the deadlock, but it was Risky Quizness who took home the trophy. Team Dinosaurs had loads of fun, taking home a wooden spoon each.

“It was such a fun night,” branch president, Bev Sinclair, said.

“We had some of our regular teams joined by new ones, with a great crosssection of ages vying for the points. Some of the questions were relatively easy. Others we had no clue of the answers!”

The trivia was hosted by Warren Sinclair with support from Brayden Hynes who kept the scoring in order.

“It’s a great team effort, but it’s community support that makes events such as this so successful,” Bev said.

“We couldn’t raise so much, or have so much fun, without the support of our generous supporters.

“Again, Bairnsdale Bowls Club provided the use of their clubrooms. It’s a great venue for it, having two screens to display the trivia questions. We received donations from Bairnsdale Uniting Church and St Mary’s Op Shop, each for $500, as well as donations from some who were unable to join us on the night.

“The raffle raised around $650 dollars, thanks to amazing prizes donated by local businesses, with 15 draws scattered between the trivia categories.”

The night concluded with a spread of delicious supper provided by branch members.

“While it was a lot of fun, the main goal of the night was to raise money to help the wishes of critically ill children, and every cent is greatly appreciated,” Bev said.

“The impact of a fulfilled wish is uplifting and positive and extends far beyond the wish itself. It provides the child and their family wonderful memories that last a lifetime, and to see the smile on a child’s face when their

wish comes true is truly priceless.”

The Make-A-Wish trivia night will return in September. Keep an eye out for their other fundraising events and opportunities in the meantime, including a Mother’s Day raffle, which will be at Bairnsdale Woolworths on Saturday, May 11, and a Christmas in July lunch.

Further information on how you can help grant wishes to ill children can be found on the Make-A-Wish Australia website. Donations can be made online or by scanning the QR code that can be found in local shopfronts.

Jess Cunningham and Dave Williams sold the raffle tickets that raised a good chunk of the night’s fundraising efforts.

Make-A-Wish® East Gippsland Volunteer Branch president, Bev Sinclair (left), with the trivia night winning team, Risky Quizness, members, Nat Griffiths, Wendy Dawson, Jade Lindsay, Mitch Mackenzie, Nat McGregor, Jess Cunningham, and Ash Bowden. Inset: Sue Wright helped keep the kitchen in order.

OPPORTUNITYAWAITS

FROM FRONT PAGE

WITH the management lease agreement at Jetty Road Retreat concluding on 30 June, Kim says, “It's been an honour and a privilege to manage the family-owned business the past 12 years, on, alongside raising our own three children (aged 10, 12 and 14)”.

Kim and Steve own and operate another holiday rental home called ‘Country House Retreat’, which is a contemporary homestead situated adjacent to our working farm on Nungurner

Road. Sleeping up to 10 guests, this beautiful property caters to guests with access needs, as well as visitors travelling with pets. “This property will continue to welcome guests as a stand-alone business, and I'm looking forward to continuing to showcase our amazing regional offering, as a proud tourism ambassador.”

Kim has recently completed a Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, and so in addition to caretaking for the Country House Retreat, she plans to pursue opportunities to

support individuals, business owners and organisations to thrive amidst adversity.

“The past four years taught me that small business is not for the faint hearted!

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity and feel like I've learnt a lot about navigating struggle, and that elusive and over-used term, ‘resilience’.

I'm excited about this new pursuit as it's something I feel very passionate about; and I think I have a lot to offer other businesses, especially considering my previous experiences.”

THE delay in medical imaging timelines has again been raised in State Parliament by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull. Earlier this year, Mr Bull cited several situations where delays in processing images at country hospitals like Bairnsdale, was delaying treatment plans commencing and impacting the health outcomes of not only East Gippsland patients, but around the state.

“I raise this matter again as, since my last contribution,

I-MED, which provides this service, has flagged a further reduction in what it’s going to offer, and this will result in even longer delays.

“I acknowledge the lengthy discussion I’ve had with the Minister around this issue, and the suggestion we have put forth around linking country hospital medical imaging to metro health services to improve outcomes, but it needs to be expedited.

“As the Minister would be aware, the current situation is

having a detrimental impact on health outcomes, including for oncology patients.

“Regional Victorians should not have to endure these wait times and be at such a disadvantage compared to metropolitan residents.”

Mr Bull said he was aware discussions were taking place between some regional hospitals and Monash Health, and called on the Minister to ensure there is government support for a new structure, and for it to be put in place as soon as possible.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN!

12 WAYS TO

BEAT

THE BOREDOM THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

1.

2.

Get a group together and seek out a hiking trail nearby where you can unwind, get some fresh air while working up a sweat, and check out what natural beauty your area has to offer.

3. HOLD AN AT-HOME ‘SILLY PORTRAIT’ DRAWING CLASS

Unleash your inner Picasso and have a ‘silly portrait’ drawing session. All you need is an A3 sheet of paper, some coloured crayons/pencils/ paint and a muse (friend, sibling, pet or parent) to get your creative juices flowing. Hint: the sillier the portrait, the better.

4. VISIT A FREE EXHIBITION

Check out any free exhibitions at your town/city’s museums and art galleries, or wander through your local library. Take a stroll and soak up all the culture around you.

5. GO BACKYARD CAMPING

Everyone knows there’s nothing like sleeping under the stars. The good news is you don’t need to travel far to do it. Pitch a tent in your backyard, toast some marshmallows

on a camp stove, and trade spooky stories for the ultimate at-home adventure. (Added benefits: wifi access and an indoor bathroom!)

6. HOST YOUR OWN BAKE-OFF

Find a recipe for a sweet treat (slice, dessert or cake) and challenge a friend to a bake-off. Have someone be a judge and pick the winner, without knowing who made which. The winning entry could be the weirdest-shaped one. Share the results with family and friends.

7. GO OP-SHOPPING

Op-shopping has you covered for Easter/Christmas/Birthday pressies on a budget. From Vinnies/Salvos to your garage sale, opportunities for

pre-loved thrifting are everywhere. It doesn’t get much better than finding the perfect gift for a friend or family member for just a few bucks, and you’ll have fun looking.

8. START A VLOG

Whip out your phone or video camera, and record some of the awesome things you’re doing during the holidays. It’ll be a cool memory to look back on, and can be a great creative outlet, too. Plus you can share your vlog amongst friends.

9. HOST A POTLUCK FEAST

Get a group together and host your own potluck feast and dance party by the beach, in a local park or your back yard. Pick a dress-up theme, get

your friends to bring food to share, and set up music for dancing.

10. MAKE A SLIP ’N’ SLIDE

Maybe the most makeshift fun on this list is the slip ‘n’ slide. Grab a hose and a large sheet of plastic, slick it up with some soap suds and head to your local grassy hill for an epic home-made adrenaline rush. Hopefully with some luck you will have some hot weather!

11. TAKE A BIKING TOUR

Be a tourist for the day in your own city or town and have your own bike tour plus invite some friends along. Use your own bike or borrow one from a friend and start exploring. You never know what hidden gems you might find.

12. WHEN IN DOUBT, INDULGE IN A NETFLIX MARATHON

Fine, we admit it… there’s actually nothing better than a day cosiedup in bed with Netflix and some homemade sweet ‘n’ salty popcorn. Pick your fave series to binge-watch and go for it.

Building opportunities for East Gippsland timber workers

MORE jobs and support are available for the East Gippsland native timber industry and local communities thanks to continued investment from the Victorian Government.

Newmerella-based businesses Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA have received a $500,000 Forestry Transition Fund grant

native timber workers.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence was pleased to see work remain in the region.

“The expansion of Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame is providing jobs for native timber workers to step in to as the industry transitions, ensuring communities stay together and work stays local,” Ms Spence said.

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh added, “Having a Forestry Information Coordinator on the ground in Orbost provides another key point of contact for advice about support and information available for

businesses, timber workers and their families.”

The business has begun employing former sawmill workers, with the grant supporting new roles in steel truss and frame manufacturing, fabrication, labouring and administration.

Over the next 12 months the grant will help expand the business’ operations on a former sawmill site located at Newmerella. The site has potential to become Newmerella’s industrial hub, further boosting job opportunities.

Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame Director Lachlan Heather is an Orbost local from a multi-generational family of native hardwood timber workers. He recently moved back to Orbost to establish the steel truss and frame business after seeing a market for steel products and access to a local workforce with a suitable skillset.

The Forestry Transition Fund provides grants up to $1 million for businesses and industry groups to expand, diversify or start new businesses. Applicants that

provide direct and ongoing employment to former native timber workers will receive a $20,000 wage subsidy per worker in addition to their grant.

A new Forestry Information Coordinator, Cory Lindfield, is now located in Orbost, to provide support to East Gippsland communities impacted by the native timber harvesting transition.

Native timber workers, businesses and community members can contact Cory for advice and help to navigate the support services and programs available, including information about grant opportunities.

JC Dahlsen Pty Ltd

Chairperson John Dahlsen is confident the latest venture will be great for the families in East Gippsland.

“The Dahlsen family has been servicing Orbost and surrounding area for over 100 years, and we are optimistic that the venture will be very successful and great for Orbost by offering local employment to support the retention of families in the area,” Mr Dahlsen said.

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SHOOTING STAR

LOCAL SUPPORT: YOUNG GUN AIMING FOR PARIS OLYMPICS

TWENTY-four-year-old East Gippslander Aislin Jones (pronounced "Ashlin") is a seven-time Australian national champion in ISSF Women's Skeet, Junior World Cup Gold medallist, and former Junior World Record holder.

"At 16 I became the youngest person in history to represent Australia in Shooting sports at the Rio Olympics, and I was the youngest shooting athlete in the world to compete at Rio," Aislin explains.

or SMS Jason on 0428 366 651

SUPPORTINGAISLIN

DID YOU KNOW? THE VERY FIRST EDITION OF 'THE GEM' IN DECEMBER OF 2017 FEATURED AISLIN AS OUR COVER STORY.

These accomplishments Aislin attributes to a lot of family support, support from local businesses, and community fundraising in East Gippsland. "It takes a village to get to an Olympics!" she says.

Right now, Aislin is fundraising to cover the expenses she'll incur during the selection series to make her second Australian Olympic team, which is headed for Paris in August this year. "To succeed, I need to be able to reduce my work hours to train, travel to interstate selection events, and to take unpaid leave in order to compete at international selection events."

Four events into the six event selection series, Aislin is leading the Australian rankings, six points in front of her Western Australian rival Laura Coles. Having completed the domestic leg of the series she will now head to Doha in Qatar for the final ISSF Olympic Qualifier event and Baku in Azerbaijan for an ISSF World Cup. Australia will use the results of those two events and the domestic series to determine who will take the only Australian place in Paris.

"Aislin will need to take about 15 weeks off work. Much of that has to be unpaid, plus she has to cut her hours back to train and she still needs to fit in her uni studies," adds Aislin's dad, Dave.

"I'm very lucky that Wood Street Windows are giving me the unpaid time off, some members of the team find it extremely difficult to combine sport and work." Aislin remarked, acknowledging the benefits of rural town relationships and an employer who's keen to see her reach her goals.

In addition to significant family contributions Aislin needs to fundraise around $30,000, of which almost $23,000 has been raised so far thanks to the tax-deductible donations made by generous individuals and businesses. "Without these funds, my commitment to training and travel would be extremely difficult," Aislin explains.

"THE GOAL OF THE FUNDRAISING IS TO HELP REMOVE THE FINANCIAL PRESSURES OF SPORT AT THIS LEVEL, TRAVEL AND TRAINING IS EXPENSIVE AND THERE'S STILL EVERYDAY LIVING EXPENSES THAT EVERYONE IS FINDING HARD AT THE MOMENT.

THE MONEY SIDE OF ELITE SPORT CAN BE CHALLENGING BUT IT'S PRETTY COMMON FOR ATHLETES AT THIS LEVEL OF COMPETITION TO RELY ON FUNDRAISING, PARTICULARLY IN SPORTS LIKE MINE WHERE THERE IS MINIMAL FUNDING AVAILABLE."

Also studying a part time degree in Commerce majoring in Financial Planning at Deakin University, Aislin says she is far more aware of the financial management required than she was as a teenager. This time

around she has mapped out her budget as well as training plans and is grateful to live in a supportive community.

"To-date, the response to the fundraiser has been incredible; and so heart-warming. Some of the personal notes that people leave with their donations are just beautiful — one of them was from a girl who was at one of my school talks, who'd obviously got her dad to donate on her behalf. This generosity really makes me feel like I have a big team around me, and it's just so lovely. I think people in the city miss out on that special sense of community you

I've built a house, mortgage, I work a job and study at uni, so I have a lot of balls in the air to juggle these days."

Aislin's accomplishments are a testament to the notion that big things can come from small beginnings. "Lots of kids get told there are things they can't do because they're too far from Melbourne, especially in sport. You don't need to be in a big town or a big city to achieve your dreams. And when you've got community support, the right team around you, and the right

get when you grow up in a country town like I have," says the Lakes Entrance-raised Aislin.

"In the lead up to the Rio Olympic Games, I was never expected to make that team, so I didn't really ever feel any pressure. It's totally different now because making the team is the actual goal so there is a lot more pressure and expectation this time around."

"I'm still quite young, but I've obviously done a lot of growing up since my last Olympic Games. I've matured and learned how to adult;

mindset, then it really is amazing what you can achieve."

Tax deductible donations to support Aislin on her quest for a second Olympic Games can be made via the Australian Sports Foundation at www.tinyurl.com/ AislinParis2024

Right: Picture courtesy Shooting Australia.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN!

beat the boredom

Kthese April school holidays, thanks to the East Gippsland Gymnastics Club Holiday Program. With Ninja, Gymnastics, Trampoline and open Gym Sessions on offer, there’s something for everyone!

The East Gippsland Gymnastics Centre was named winner of the 2023 Large Club of the Year Award at the recent Gymnastics Victoria Ball and Awards Night. Since opening in mid-2023 at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve, this new state-of-the-art facility

now welcomes more than 650 participants weekly, who enjoy programs including Gymnastics, Ninja, Trampolining, Tumbling, KinderGym, and Adult classes. To find out more or book into school holiday program visit www.trybooking.com/ CNRXU

Prime Minister challenged on car tax

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has challenged the Prime Minister to release the economic modelling in relation to a plan that will increase the cost of Australia’s biggest-selling vehicles by more than $10,000.

Speaking in Federal Parliament this week, Mr Chester said he had been approached by Gippsland car dealers who were concerned about the price impacts of Labor’s plans to introduce new fuel efficiency standards in Australia.

“Australians should have the right to know what the impacts will be from Labor’s plan to introduce a new tax on family cars and utes,” Mr

Chester told Parliament.

“In the middle of a cost-ofliving crisis, why do the Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues think it's a good idea to increase the prices of our highest selling vehicles?

“Families who are struggling with the increased cost of living don't like this policy and they don't like the extreme direction the minister is taking our nation in.

“I am concerned that the Prime Minister and the minister are simply hiding the truth from the Australian people, from the Australian motoring community, when it comes to this policy.”

Mr Chester said the failure to release economic

modelling had led to car dealerships and motoring associations preparing their own price estimates.

“Anthony, a multigeneration car dealer in my electorate explained to me that some of the most popular Toyotas that he sells through his dealership will cost customers more than $10,000 extra under this disastrous plan by the Minister,” Mr Chester said.

“The impacts will be seen across the board effecting tradespeople, farmers, small business owners and of course, the everyday Australian families living in regional communities who rely on SUVs and larger vehicles.”

Federal Member for Gippsland

Darren Chester says families, farmers and tradespeople living in regional communities will see a major price hike for vehicles they need under Labor’s extreme proposal to legislate fuel efficiency changes.

IDS aged 2 to 17 years can dodge boredom

THE NOT A BAD VIEW BIT

At the immersive BBC Earth Experience, you’ll see the world from an entirely new perspective. It’s not the only place this happens in Melbourne either. Just wait until you find the thought-provoking art galleries, boundary-pushing theatre and sporting events that ignite something deep inside you. Get ready to see and feel it all, all over the city.

VISITMELBOURNE.COM

Leading the nation to grow our education workforce

This year’s Victorian Teacher Supply and Demand Report forecasts the Allan Labor Government will have delivered a workforce of more than 112,000 teachers ready to teach at government schools and kindergartens by 2028.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll last week announced Victoria’s teaching workforce has achieved higher growth than any other state or territory — accounting for more than half the national growth in Australia’s teaching workforce in 2023.

The report found that Victoria’s teaching workforce increased by 3.9 per cent between June 2022 and June 2023, due to continued growth in student enrolments and the Labor Government’s suite of initiatives to support the state’s dedicated talented workforce.

The Labor Government’s record investment in school workforce initiatives is standing the state in good stead to combat the Australiawide issue of teacher shortages — with investments in attraction, recruitment,

Ssupporting early career teachers, retention, and career development.

These investments include $93.2 million for 8,000 new scholarships for students undertaking secondary school teaching degrees — which has already led to a 9 per cent increase in university offers for teaching courses in 2024.

The Government has invested $32.2 million for paid student teacher placements, paid placements for 1,200 postgraduates in secondary schools, and $95.7 million to expand supports for early career and returning teachers.

Victoria is also leading the way in attracting and retaining our highly skilled early childhood workforce — investing more than $370 million to deliver over 4,000 teaching scholarships and providing support to almost 1,700 diploma qualified educators become early childhood teachers.

To learn more about the Victorian Teacher Supply and Demand Report, visit vic. gov.au/statistics-victorianschools-and-teaching

Buchan, Cann River, Mallacoota, Omeo and Orbost. An online session will also be available for those who cannot make it to a face-to-face session.

The Digital Confidence Program is aimed at small business owners. It will give participants the opportunity to brush up on their digital skills and take their business to the next level. The sessions will be delivered by GippsTech.

Cut the spin and just fix the roads

THE Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien has called out the Allan Labor Government for trying to hoodwink Gippslanders about the state of our roads.

Mr O'Brien said he was bemused by an announcement from the Minister for Roads and Road safety, Melissa Horne yesterday about funding to repair “flood damaged roads” across Gippsland.

This includes the South Gippsland Highway at Grassy Spur, the Hyland Highway landslip, Grand Ridge Road and Bengworden Road.

“The South Gippsland Highway Grassy Spur works are not in any way flood related.

“The resurfacing there

The workshops assist business owners to enhance their digital skills and is open to business owners, farmers, start-ups, freelancers and more.

"Small businesses in our region face rare challenges, from geographical isolation to limited access to digital resources," East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Tom Crook said.

“This program will provide much-needed support and guidance to businesses in some of our shire’s smallest communities to help them adapt and thrive in today's digital world.”

Topics will include cybersecurity; digital marketing; e-commerce; time-saving by

has been done because the bitumen had become so worn it was described by the Department as “polished” and was a danger, particularly to heavy vehicles which were potentially losing traction as they climbed the hill.

“To suggest that this hilly area at Foster North had been damaged by floods is just absurd.

“Likewise the Hyland Highway, while now a major landslip, began as a relatively minor defect. But rather than get fixed properly, a patch up job was done that ultimately only worsened the outcome.

“The only one of these announcements that I believe is directly flood related is the Bengworden Road, which has had

unmade sections of the road near the Avon River for some months now."

Mr O'Brien said the reality is that the Labor Government’s 45 per cent cut to the roads maintenance budget since 2020 is what has caused the deterioration of our roads.

“So much so that we revealed yesterday that a condition assessment of roads undertaken for the

reducing manual processes; disaster recovery plans relating to digital assets; information storage, and connectivity.

Workshops will be held at the following locations:

Orbost Tuesday 16 April, from 4.00 pm

Buchan Wednesday 17 April, from 4.00 pm

Omeo Thursday 18 April, from 4.00 pm

Bonang Tuesday 30 April, from 11.00 am

Cann River Wednesday 1 May, from 4.00 pm

Mallacoota Thursday 2 May, from 4.00 pm

Online session Tuesday 7 May, from 5.30 pm

Following the workshops, up to 50 local businesses will be provided with one-onone mentoring with the digital experts from GippsTech.

Department of Transport (DTP) had found 91 per cent of roads were either in poor or very poor condition.

“This is an indictment on the Labor Government's management of our roads and the funding cuts must be reversed in the upcoming state budget.

“Labor can't manage money, can't manage major projects and can't look after our roads,” Mr O'Brien said.

"We understand the hurdles that small business owners face when it comes to embracing technology,” Dr Elena Kelareva, GippsTech CEO said. “Through this program, we aim to empower local businesses with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly digital marketplace."

Business owners can register for the free workshops on the Your Business page of Council’s website, eastgippsland.vic.gov.au or by contacting GippsTech on 1300 713 368. This initiative is made possible through joint funding from the Victorian Government and Commonwealth governments.

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien pictured at the site of the Grassy Spur works on the South Gippsland Highway.

Park facilities to get much-

needed upgrade

A MAJOR upgrade of the Orbost Forest Park facilities is well underway with the park currently closed to the public. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) said it was good to see a local contractor undertaking the work, Whelans Group Investments.

“In April 2021, I was pleased to secure $1.3 million through the previous Federal Government’s Regional Recovery Partnership for this much-needed upgrade of Forest Park,” Mr Chester said.

“This project will revitalise and modernise Orbost’s recreation area, visitor reststop and gateway to the East Gippsland Rail Trail.

“Works will include a new toilet and amenities block, increased parking, a playground, installation of a picnic area and complement the upgrade of the iconic Snowy River trestle bridge that connects Forest Park to the East Gippsland Rail Trail.”

The work is being managed by East Gippsland Shire Council.

Bairnsdale Arts Precinct gets underway

AN arts and culture precinct in Bairnsdale’s CBD is the focus of a feasibility plan recently completed by East Gippsland Shire Council. The precinct would include a range of creative spaces to support different creative pursuits, providing an invigorating hub for Bairnsdale and surrounding areas.

While an exciting development, Council does recognise that the feasibility study is just the beginning. The feasibility study serves as a preliminary step, evaluating the viability of proposed plans and laying the groundwork for further community involvement, and a design stage when funding is available.

Extensive consultation will be conducted throughout the progression of the project.

Spearheaded by Williams Ross Architects, the feasibility study explored the financial viability, cultural significance, environmental impact, and economic sustainability.

The Bairnsdale Arts Precinct Feasibility Plan is a

collaborative effort, bringing together government bodies, Traditional Owners, and the private sector. A few of the precinct's envisioned features are a relocated Traditional Owner exhibition space, an expanded art gallery, a civic square housing a performing arts theatre and inviting riverfront spaces for recreation and exhibitions.

To ensure diverse stakeholder input, Council established a Project Reference Group (PRG) comprising representatives, including EGMI, Destination Gippsland, East Gippsland Art Gallery, Office of the Victorian Government Architects, GLaWAC, and community members. The involvement of Creative Arts Victoria, local performing dance groups, art studios, and musicians further enriched the consultation process.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said the Bairnsdale Arts Precinct represents a significant stride towards enhancing cultural activities, attracting visitors, and enriching the

East Gippsland community's vibrancy and cultural richness.

“Aligned with the Bairnsdale 2050 plans, this project seeks to create an exciting community space catering to both local and international visitors. It strategically aligns with the Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023 - 2033 and the Bairnsdale Growth Strategy, showcasing the Council's commitment to a thriving arts community,” Ms Weigall said.

Council is now actively seeking funding through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program to propel the project into the design phase. This grant, facilitated by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts, underscores the department’s dedication to serving regional communities and investing in their future.

A cornerstone of this development phase, subject to funding, will be continuing to engage with the community addressing concerns of individuals who have felt disengaged in previous stages.

UNIVERSITY students across Gippsland will have more opportunities to study without leaving their hometowns, in a major win for the community.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the decision to add five new University Study Hubs would benefit school leavers, along with people returning to study at a mature age.

Established by the previous Coalition Government, University Study Hubs were designed to keep students in regional areas by providing a campus-like environment to improve access to tertiary education.

“Sadly, Gippsland has one of the lowest tertiary education levels in Victoria and part of the problem is access to courses for people who don’t have the flexibility or the resources to move away from home, for a range of reasons,” Mr Chester said.

“Today’s announcement for a multi-site study hub to be delivered across Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, Heyfield and Yarram means students will no longer have to travel to

Bairnsdale, Churchill or even Melbourne to complete their studies.

“The new study hub sites will allow students in diverse parts of Gippsland to access higher education without having to move away or travel long distances every day.

“The announcement builds on the existing network of 34 study hubs across the country, including one in Bairnsdale.”

The new hubs are expected to be operational within the year, with more information regarding courses and specific locations still to be announced.

Mr Chester said students who trained in regional communities tended to remain in those areas and deliver long-term benefits.

“We have a skills shortage across a range of areas and it’s well understood that students who retain a close link with their own communities are more likely to stay there,” he said.

“In areas like health and education, it’s important we train our own professionals because they are essential to the future of Gippsland.”

Joint presence at East Gippsland Field Days a healthy sign

FOUR local health agencies are joining forces to focus on health and wellbeing issues at the East Gippsland Field Days.

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Gippsland Women’s Health and a new service, East Gippsland Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, will have a joint marquee at the field days, to be held on 5 and 6 April at the Bairnsdale Aerodrome.

Experts from each organisation across the health and allied health spectrum will all be on hand to offer advice and support to anyone looking to be happier, healthier and more active in 2024.

“We’re pooling our resources and working together to make sure we reach as many people as possible at the field days who might have questions or need some information about their health,” a spokesperson for the group said.

“It’s really important to be at the field days so we can be available to people who live and work outside the main towns and maybe don’t have regular access to health facilities.

“We can help you with any questions you have about your physical health and your wellbeing. It will be a real onestop shop.”

The stand will include:

• information and resources on a range of health issues

• insights to improve your physical activity and tips for active living, and

• a chance to meet the team from our newest health service partners, East Gippsland Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. There will also be a series of prizes to give away including a Banksia Fine Food hamper, a Metung Hot Springs voucher, vouchers for children to visit Benchelo’s Indoor Play Centre and a remedial massage voucher. Visit stand E-10 at the East Gippsland Field Days for a chance to win and to improve your health and wellbeing.

Renate and Andrea from GLCH’s health promotion team will be at the field days this year with a focus on active living.

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS WE WISH YOU ALL A SAFE AND

Ha�y Easter Ha�y Easter

Ad-Free Media?

Viv Forbes The Salt Bush Club

THERE is no ad-free media. Commercial media promotes goods, services, functions and political messages for those prepared to pay for this service.

The government-owned ABC also runs incessant ads. However, ABC ads promote the ABC, its own programs, and its black-red-greenrainbow political agenda. This agenda does not serve most of the net payers of tax who fund their propaganda.

Since the days of the gold rush and the wool boom Australia has relied on mining,

grazing, farming, forestry and fishing. Then processing, refining and manufacturing industries were developed with our cheap reliable coal and hydro-powered electricity. We even built our own cars and lawn mowers.

But their ABC opposes our backbone industries and promotes the globalist agenda for expensive intermittent “green” electricity plus more electric vehicles. More demand for electricity, with intermittent and unreliable supply, means that blackouts are inevitable.

ABC also supports migrants, even those despising traditional Australian values. But it opposes expansion of the industries needed to support more consumers. It promotes net zero

energy but opposes net zero immigration. This is a recipe for more poverty for working people.

When the real danger to life on Earth is the next Ice Age, the ABC magnifies and twists every weather event into “evidence” of global warming, or their new scare story — “weird weather”. It worships models of doom and promotes eco-anxiety among children and childish adults.

And despite our emphatic “No” to the black Voice referendum, their ABC gives that favoured group a loud taxpayer funded Voice.

“Time’s Up” for the ABC. We should sell it for whatever it will bring. Do it now — it will be worth less tomorrow.

Solar powered future transport

LIVING off grid and charging our Electric Vehicle for many years now, enables me to have a good understanding of the real potential of solar renewable energy.

It needs to be recognised that charging an EV, from your own home solar array is a very doable thing.

But what I have found to be even more astounding is the incredible efficiency transfer of sunlight to EV wheel rotation when you consider commercial solar farms.

Some solar farms have array areas of hundreds of Hectares (Ha), such as that proposed near Bairnsdale in East Gippsland where I live, but if we consider the energy output of just one Ha, that being 100m by 100m, the KW /hrs of power delivered in a period of one year can be determined by a simple calculation.

The kW/hr capacity of any solar array is found by its ground coverage area, the light capture conversion efficiency, the solar constant, and the sunlight hours per

year value based on the latitude. So, the equation becomes 10,000 (sq.m) x 0.60 (panel coverage area), x 0.22 (% panel efficiency), x 1.34 (latitude conversion value for one year) = Megawatt hours per year.

The one Ha solar array at the latitude of Bairnsdale value being 1,770 MW/hrs per annum. Or 1,770,000 kW/hrs per annum.

But now to see just how far that much electrical energy will drive an EV from that one years’ worth of energy capture is fairly simple. Our current 2019 fully battery electric Kona uses on average 0.148 kWhrs of energy for every 1km of distance travelled.

So by dividing the 0.148 (kW/hrs) into the kW/hr output of a one Ha array we get a figure that gives the distance travelled by the EV for a year of energy collection.

1,770,000/ 0.148 = 12,000,000km, the total distance travelled by one EV from that tiny section of a solar farm.

The average annual distance driven in Australia is about 12,000km, so the one Hectare solar array would power 1000 EVs for one year, or rather, continuously, as long as the PV array power was being exported to the grid.

If internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, were used to travel this same distance, then the volume used would be 840,000 litres, at an average usage rate of 7L/100km.

So in fact the proposed 175 Ha solar farm, near Bairnsdale, would be capable of offsetting over 147,000,000 Litres of petroleum fossil fuel, each and every year it is sitting there soaking up sun power and feeding it into the local grid.

The future is looking good, and I’m so pleased to be able to take part in this renewable energy revolution.

Pollution free, quiet, powerful, low maintenance and enabling home refuelling at close to zero cost.

It can’t happen fast enough!

— John H. BAIRNSDALE

Council needs to change its culture to fully engage the Community

EGRRA is championing your cause with local government

DECISION making and community understanding will be greatly improved if council engages in improved consultation.

How can we change the culture of local government to include the community in the active decision making process.

Councillors, our elected representatives, are supposed to be the voice of the people who elected them, but of late they have effectively been gagged and little or no real twoway communication has been observed.

The people have a right to be heard, and even when accepted to speak at Council meetings are so constrained by rules regulations and time limitations that their message is stifled.

Such is the current culture and so-called consultation of our local Council. We need

change, we need change to improve our community, we need change to obtain the best possible return on our investment in our Shire (our rates).

Changing the culture of local government to include the community in decision making is a complex and challenging task.

EGRRA Inc. is up for the challenge with the help of the community, it aims to be the motivator for this change for the betterment of our community now and into the future.

There are many factors and strategies that can influence this process, but here are some suggested steps we wish to pursue to give direction to our effort.

• Assess the current situation and identify the gaps and opportunities.

• Develop a clear vision and

plan for the desired change.

• Engage the community in meaningful and diverse ways.

• Build trust and relationships among stakeholders.

• Monitor, evaluate, and learn from the change process. What are your ideas to effect change, don’t stand back in silence, let us know your thoughts and ideas. Come to an EGRRA Inc. meeting, (see our website www.egrra.org.au) send us an email (secretary@egrra. org.au) or put a note on our Facebook page.

We want your opinions, your views and your ideas for the future of our community. Visit the EGRRA Stand at the East Gippsland Field days.

John Butler-Cole — Secretary EGRRA for and on behalf of the EGRRA Management Committee

Group push to ensure libraries are not a thing of the past

LIBRARIES are more than just a place to borrow books. They are the pillars of our community; a safe oasis for meeting; and a shared destination to enjoy hobbies with your friends. Libraries are temples of knowledge that should not be denied to our community members or our children.

Twelve months ago, libraries in East Gippsland were under threat of losing precious face-to-face opening hours. This threat brought the community together, and on 8 November 2022, East Gippsland Shire Councillors approved a 12-month trial period as part of a detailed

Service Centre and Library Service Review — the first of its kind in more than 15 years.

Nine years ago, a community group was formed called ‘Friends of Lakes Entrance Library (FOLLE)’. FOLLE is committed to keep the libraries open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. We introduce new ideas to attract the community such us the preschool book review, knitting group, adult jigsaw puzzles and colouring books, purchasing furniture, providing a coffee/tea trolley for the community to use during their visit, better signage, free use of

computers and Nintendo’s, access to newspapers, CD and DVDs.

One program — the Book Review Competition — involves school-aged children and winners receive a gift voucher from Lakes Books and Games. To enter the competition, primary or secondary school students simply need to borrow a book from the Lakes Entrance library. When the book is finished, simply fill in the review form and give it back to the library. By sharing these reviews, more students can be inspired to read. Simon (aged 10) was the February winner. He said, “I go to the

Lakes Entrance Library a few times a week. It's my way to discover new books and meet new people. I like that lots of different people come together to share this space.” The 12-month trial period has now concluded, so the issue of opening hours will again be raised as a discussion item at the upcoming East Gippsland Shire Council meeting on 9 April. We urge people to keep coming to the libraries and making use of them. Because if we don’t, then we risk losing access to these valuable services.

— Cosette Murphy, President, FOLLE

President,

Yoga for wellbeing

YOGA is an ancient tradition going back many hundred years, which originated in India where mainly men were practicing it, particularly monks and spiritual teachers.

‘Yoga’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘to yoke’, ‘to unite’, or ‘union’; it has also been described as a way ‘to unite your human consciousness with a greater, higher consciousness to find enlightenment’.

Yoga philosophy believes the way to enlightenment is through eight limbs: Yamas (restraint of behaviour or selfregulation), Niyama (internal practices of observance), Asanas (movement of body), Pranayama (breathwork), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (the altered identification of the self).

One hundred years ago, a yoga practice looked different to what we are practicing now in the Western world.

Asana (movement) was a very small part of the actual yoga practice as people were more active during their day and didn't need the extra movement. The focus was more on the other limbs to calm the mind, reach a higher state of consciousness away from external distractions. As our lives have changed from being on fields working during the day to sitting on desks, the yoga practice has adapted to the needs of its students and included more movement to prepare the body for meditation and to reach the altered state of mind.

Despite the movies and magazines frequently depicting yoga as being all about crazy, bendy poses, yoga actually enables you to adjust poses to suit your body and its individual needs and abilities.

Julia Wolfram is a yoga teacher and the CoFounder of ‘Breathing Space’ in Lakes Entrance, which offers different yoga classes to accommodate all

are many solutions - find what works best for you Remember not to lose hope advice - ask Emma

There

ages, abilities, body types, experience levels and life circumstances. Julia is a 280hour graduated Yoga Teacher in Vinyasa, Yin, and Pre-Natal Yoga.

Julia’s passion is to translate the yoga philosophy so everyone can understand and integrate it into their daily life. “Practicing yoga in a class is one thing,” she says, “but actually taking it off the mat and implementing it into real life is next level.”

At Breathing Space in Lakes Entrance you can experience all types of yoga from the flowy Vinyasa yoga, to the relaxing and calming Yin yoga class, to Chair Yoga for seniors and people with less mobility, to pre-natal and mum-and-me yoga classes.

If you are interested in trying yoga for the first time, would like to connect with a like-minded community, or are looking to bring your at-home practice into a class setting, contact Julia to book a session via www. juliawolfram.com

Q: Emma, I am worn out. I don’t want to give up because I see the value in you psychologists and counsellors, but therapy does not work for me. Nothing changes. I’ve been to a few of you lot now but I don’t know, it just doesn’t seem to make a difference in my life. I am thinking of giving up, but I don’t want life to be like this. Can you tell me anything to that will help me try one last time?

A: I'm truly sorry to hear that you're feeling disheartened about therapy not working as expected for you. It's not uncommon to experience doubts and frustrations along the journey of therapy, and it's important to address these feelings openly and honestly.

Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge that therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Each person's experience with therapy is unique, and what works for one individual might not necessarily work for another. If you're feeling like therapy isn't helping you, it could be an indication that the current approach or therapist might not be the best fit for your needs. Here are a few things to consider:

• Open Communication: Start by discussing your concerns with your therapist. It's crucial to be open and transparent about your issues during therapy sessions. Holding back on certain aspects of your experience can hinder progress. Being forthcoming allows your therapist to tailor the treatment more effectively. They may be able to adjust their approach,

offer different strategies, or even refer you to another professional who might be a better fit.

• Finding the Right Fit: It may take some time to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Consider giving it a few sessions to see if the relationship develops positively.

• Exploring Different Treatments: There are various evidence-based treatments available for different mental health difficulties. If one approach isn't working, don't hesitate to explore alternatives like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), or medication, either alone or in combination with therapy.

• Talk to your Doctor: Consider discussing your situation with your doctor. Research suggests that combining therapy with medication can be effective for many mental health conditions. If therapy alone isn't yielding results, your doctor can evaluate whether medication might be beneficial. They can also help adjust existing medication or explore alternative options if necessary. Additionally, they can assess if any underlying physical health issues may be affecting your progress and provide appropriate guidance.

• Patience and Persistence: Both therapy and medication require time to take effect. Managing expectations and staying committed to the process is essential.

• Homework and Engagement: Actively engaging in therapy homework can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Be willing to try new coping mechanisms

and strategies suggested by your therapist. So much of the progress you make happens outside of therapy session.

• Consider a Change: If despite your efforts, you still feel disconnected or unheard by your therapist, it might be time to consider seeking help from someone else who aligns better with your needs and preferences.

• Therapy is just one part of the healing journey: There are various other resources and practices, such as support groups, self-help books, mindfulness techniques, and lifestyle changes, that can complement therapy and contribute to your overall well-being. Consider changing your exercise or improving sleep and eating healthy. Exploring these options alongside therapy may provide additional avenues for growth and healing.

Remember, the road to mental well-being is seldom linear, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Mental health is complex and that it’s not your fault if the help you’ve accessed hasn’t worked so far.

By advocating for yourself, exploring options, and staying resilient, you're taking crucial steps toward finding the support that works best for you. Don't lose hope — this is just the beginning of your healing journey.

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

PREP: UNDER 30 MINS | COOK: 10 TO 30 MINS | SERVES: 4

Easy Vegetarian Tacos

Vegetarian tacos are fun and easy to make. Everyone can help themselves to the crunchy corn tacos, spicy bean filling, creamy avocado, soured cream and grated cheese

• 2 x 400g tins beans (eg: black beans, cannellini beans, borlotti beans), drained and rinsed

• 100g frozen peas or sweetcorn

• 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes

1. Preheat to oven to 200°C/180°C Fan. Tip the beans, peas, tomatoes, oregano, chilli flakes and tomato purée into a roasting tin and toss together. Bake for 15 minutes. For the last few

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp dried red chilli flakes

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 8 crispy tacos shells

• ½ ripe avocado

I love a big Red!

Ian Hollick Wine Maker

FOR most of my life while in the wine industry, I have been confused by consumers telling me about their likes and dislikes about wine style. Wine varies enormously with influences like variety, vintage conditions, regionality or lack of it, but most of all by the winemaker’s whims when he or she goes about making the wine. When we say we like a wine, there are a multitude of reasons for us to say so.

minutes of cooking, put the tacos on a baking tray and warm in the oven.

2. Meanwhile, mash together the avocado, lemon juice and coriander. Carefully tip the

PREP: 30 MINS | COOK: 10 TO 30 MINS | MAKES: 24

These chocolate orange biscuits are quick and simple to make with kids

ingredients

• 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing

• 100g golden caster sugar

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1 unwaxed orange, finely

ingredients method method method

• ¼ lemon, juice only

• handful coriander leaves, roughly chopped

• 60g cheddar, grated, to serve

• sour cream, to serve

beans into a serving bowl. Put the tacos, beans, avocado, cheese and soured cream in separate bowls on the table so everyone can help themselves.

PREP: 2 HRS PLUS | SERVES: 10

ChocolateBiscuitsOrange No-churn

Berry

Ice Cream

Easy homemade ice cream is a real treat. You don’t need an ice cream maker for this recipe, you only need a bowl, a whisk and a tub to freeze it in!

Mostly we will like or dislike a wine because of the weight of the wine. That is, is it a big, bold, astringent, tannic (mouth puckering) version, or in other words a full-bodied wine, or is it soft around the edges, smooth and mouth filling, and just a plain elegant medium or light bodied wine? The wine maker can influence most of these traits and will often do so with the natural characteristics of the variety and the climatic and soil conditions of the grape’s origin in mind. (“Place” or “Terroir”).

For example, there would be no point in wasting the exotic flavours and tannins from a brand new French oak barrel, on a high yielding moderately flavoured red wine grown in a hot climate. Likewise, there is no point in my opinion, of ripening grapes from a cool climate until they shrivel and wasting the delicate varietal characters the growing conditions have allowed to accumulate. Nearly every variety has a niche or a region where it excels in producing the best flavours aromas, astringency and tannin for example. As previously mentioned, Shiraz in Australia and Sangiovese in Italy being notable exceptions. Cabernet Sauvignon is a good example, where unattractive green characters appear when it is grown in regions too cool, or with uncontrolled vigour of the vine.

grated zest only

• 50g milk chocolate, cut into small pieces

• 275g plain flour

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan. Grease two baking trays with a little butter. Put the butter in a bowl and beat with a wooden spoon or electric hand whisk until soft. Add the sugar and beat again until very creamy. Beat in the egg until combined.

2. Stir in the orange zest, chocolate and flour. Use your hands to make the dough into a ball. Divide the dough into quarters and roll each quarter into a sausage shape, about 10cm/4 inches long and 4cm/1½ inches wide. Slice each log into 6 equal pieces; you will have a total of 24 biscuits. Make sure each biscuit is a circle shape, then press it down slightly with your hands and place it on the prepared baking trays.

3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden-brown around the edges. Use a palette knife to lift the biscuits onto a cooling rack and leave to cool.

ingredients

• ½ unwaxed lemon, finely grated zest and juice

• 450g mixture of berries (e.g. strawberries, raspberries,

blackcurrants, blackberries)

• 397g tin condensed milk

• 600ml whipping cream

1. Put the lemon zest and juice in a large bowl, making sure you remove any pips. Add the berries and mash into a purée using a potato masher. Pour in the condensed milk.

2. In a separate large bowl, pour in the cream and whisk using an electric hand whisk or balloon whisk, until soft peaks form and curl over a little when you lift the whisk out of the mixture. Make sure you don’t whisk past this point.

3. Pour the fruit purée into the cream and carefully mix together using a big spoon, until the mixture is all the same colour.

4. Spoon the mixture into a large tub and cover with a lid or cling film. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

In recent years, I believe the Italians and the Spanish have nailed the style of red wine which suits the majority of wine drinkers, and only the smart Australian and New World winemakers have woken up to this as well. Generally speaking new world winemakers have tried too hard to make wines stand out in a crowd (or a wine competition), and the nuances for which the grape is known have been a secondary issue. I am relieved to see that the majority of Barossa producers have eased back their styles to drinkable wines in stead of oak and fruit bombs.

“Vive la difference”, but I am up for elegance rather than mouth shock — probably why I drink more Pinot Noir these days. Santé.

ISmooth sounds of Nick Parnell

NSPIRED by international cellist Y-Yo Ma's Songs of Comfort and Hope, Vibes Virtuoso Nick Parnell combines the smooth, intoxicating sounds of the vibraphone with double bass to bring you the music which brought solace to many throughout the pandemic.

Featuring modern arrangements of traditional folk songs like Danny Boy, to classical works including Joep Beving's Amalgamation Waltz, to the inspiration of pop music such as Coldplay's Clocks. This is an experience of pure bliss, performed by one of the world's leading concert musicians, that will transport you from the worries of today to the joy and hope of tomorrow.

Nick Parnell is celebrated as one of the most exciting vibes players of the world today. Born in the Australian outback, he began teaching himself drums in his parents'

sheep shearing shed at the age of ten.

Such humble beginnings ignited a passion in Parnell that has led to accolades including first place in the International Melbourne Percussion Competition, a Centenary of Federation Medal awarded by the Australian Government and the Dame Roma Mitchell Churchill Fellowship. He holds a PhD from the University of Adelaide (Australia).

What's a Vibraphone?

A musical percussion instrument with a double row of tuned metal bars each above a tubular resonator. Contains a pedal to control sustain. Most impressively (and physically) played with four mallets. Emits a smooth singing tone.

Special guest appearance by The Alleycats Choir The Alleycats are always

seeking out opportunity to learn and sing songs from our First Nations people and languages — to celebrate this rich culture and promote reconciliation. For this performance they draw on songs from Archie Roach, TIDDAS, Shellie Morris and Tom Lewis. Songs of comfort in support of the Makarrata.

NICK PARNELL SONGS OF COMFORT

SATURDAY 13 April 2024, 2:00pm - Forge Theatre Auditorium.

PERFORMANCE

DURATION:

1 Hour (No Interval)

TICKET PRICES:

F ull: $32

Concession: $27

(Seniors/Pensioners)

Group 8+: $27

Student/Child: $20

FORGE FRIEND: Full: $27

Concession: $22

Forge Theatre and Arts Hub presents

“The Australian absolutely entranced the crowd... it’s acts like this that provide a reason to get involved in music in the first place”

PLAYING the greatest songs Ireland has ever produced ranging from 'The Dubliners' to 'The Pogues' with fiddles, Uilleeann Pipes, Bazouki's, Mandolins and Whistles.

Be transported to Ireland with an evening of fiddles, frame drums, pipes, and tales of Irish traditions. 'Sionnach Rua's Great Irish Songbook' is a show like no other. Playing the greatest songs Ireland has ever produced, performed by virtuoso musicians. This is a toe-tapping, hand-clapping and singalong show it will have you belly laughing, crying and raising your voice in a celebration of all things Irish.

Selling out shows across Australia with their authentic, lively celebration of Irish traditional music, songs, and stories, 'Sionnach Rua' transports audiences to the heart of an Irish bar with infectious energy, masterful storytelling and the craic you'd expect.

Sionnach Rua (pronounced Shun Knock Roo Ah), is Gaelic for 'Red Fox, known throughout Irish mythology as a skilful animal. A fitting name, the group is headed by Dublin-born and raised front man, and one of Ireland's best storytellers, Gallie, on vocals, acoustic guitar, and bodhrán, an iconic Irish fame drum. Gallie brings together some of the finest multiinstrumentalists, including winner of the Australian

Folk Music Awards 2022

Instrumentalist of the Year

Paddy Montgomery (bouzouki, guitar), Ruth Wise (fiddle), and Sam Davies (Uilleann Pipes, tin whistle, low whistle).

Interwoven with rich stories from Gallie's Irish upbringing from the streets of Dublin, with tales of Ireland's many traditions, folk lore, and long history, this celebration of Celtic music has songs ranging from Planxty to Van Morrison to the Dubliners, as well as traditional songs from the 16th and 17th Centuries.

To date, Sionnach Rua have played over 70 shows, numerous festivals in four states, including The National Celtic Folk Festival in Victoria to over ten thousand people. They were also a People's Choice finalist in the 2022 Australian Folk Music Awards.

The inspiration behind the performance was sparked from a late-night jam session between Gallie and Paddy, playing old Irish songs 'til the wee hours of the morning. Thinking 'we must take this on the road,' they agreed that the only way to capture the true spirit of Irish music was to include a Uilleann Pipe player, Ireland's unique and beloved indigenous instrument, and one of the most difficult instruments in the world to master.

As Irish luck would have it, Paddy introduced Sam Davies, renowned as one of the finest Uilleann Pipe Players in the

'One of the best nights we've had in a long time, a night of mysticism and romance - charismatic storytelling at its best!

The music was superb and the musicians flawless'

— Tristan MacManus.

Presenter - Studio 10Network Ten Television

Southern Hemisphere, who hails from South Australia and has been playing the pipes since he was 17. Uilleann Pipes (pronounced ill-unn), often referred to as 'Irish bagpipes', are smaller and considered to have a sweeter and mellower sound than their Scottish counterparts.

There's no better way to describe the performance than as great 'craic', the good times had when engaging in lively conversation and great entertainment. As Gallie says, 'The craic is just unbelievable, because I've got the best musicians in Australia, and we're just doing the best songs that Ireland has.'

Expect a toe tapping, hand clapping, singalong show that will have audiences belly laughing, crying, and raising their voices in a celebration of all things Irish.

GREAT IRISH SONG BOOK

FRIDAY 19 April 2024, 7:30pm - Forge Theatre Auditorium.

PERFORMANCE

DURATION:

2 Hours 30 Minutes (20 Minute Interval)

TICKET PRICES:

F ull: $45

Concession: $40

(Seniors/Pensioners)

Group 8+: $40

Student/Child: $22 (14yrs & under)

FORGE FRIEND: Full: $40

Concession: $35

An evening of music from Planxty to Van Morrison to The Dubliners, interlaced with stories, anecdotes and snippets of Irish history.

Songs of Comfort

Saturday 13 April, 2:00 pm

Friday 19 April, 7:30 pm

A FUN AND NOSTALGIC CINEMATIC ADVENTURE KUNG FU LACKS PUNCH

Movie Reviewer

Jason Cherry

GHOSTBUSTERS:

FROZEN EMPIRE

NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS

GHOSTBUSTERS:

Frozen Empire delivers a blast of nostalgia with a side of supernatural chills. Director Gil Kenan treads a careful line, balancing fan service for the originals with establishing the Spengler family as the new guard of ghostbusting. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, it's a perfectly enjoyable romp filled with proton pack thrills and spectral showdowns.

The film reunites us with Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) and her family, who head back to the iconic firehouse headquarters. There, they discover the original Ghostbusters — a slightly older but undeniably sprightly

Venkman (Bill Murray), Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson), and Spengler (Harold Ramis, through archival recordings) — have been secretly running a hightech ghost-containment lab.

The plot centres around an ancient artifact that unleashes a malevolent entity threatening to plunge the world into a never-ending winter. This sets the stage for the film's greatest strength: the camaraderie between the old and new teams. Grace continues to shine as Phoebe, her wide-eyed wonder and scientific curiosity perfectly complementing the seasoned crew. There's a genuine warmth to their interactions, particularly with Winston, who acts as a mentor figure to Phoebe.

Murray's Venkman remains the wisecracking cynic we know and love, though his performance can feel phoned-in at times. Aykroyd and Hudson, however, step up, delivering energetic performances that remind us why these characters hold such a special place in pop culture history.

The film throws in plenty of references to the original films, from revisiting iconic locations to peppering the dialogue with callbacks. While some might find it pandering, these moments land more gracefully here than in Afterlife. They feel like a celebration of the franchise's

legacy, not a desperate attempt to recapture past glory.

The visual effects are impressive, bringing the ghostly threats to life with a blend of practical and CGI techniques. The climax, featuring a battle against a monstrous ice spirit, is undeniably entertaining, even if somewhat predictable. A particular highlight is the return of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, who gets a surprisingly funny (and miniature) makeover.

Frozen Empire isn't without its flaws. The central villain is somewhat forgettable, lacking the memorable presence of Gozer from the original. The plot, while serviceable, feels derivative at times, borrowing elements from previous instalments. Additionally, the film struggles to balance the focus between the two teams. While the interactions are enjoyable, it occasionally feels like the new characters are overshadowed by the originals.

However, Frozen Empire succeeds in capturing the spirit of the franchise. It's a film filled with humour, heart, and proton-pack-wielding action. While it might not be a groundbreaking sequel, it's a welcome return to the world of the Ghostbusters, offering a fun and nostalgic cinematic adventure for fans both old and new.

Movie Reviewer

Jason Cherry

KUNG FU PANDA 4

EIGHT years after the last adventure, Po the Panda (Jack Black) returns in Kung Fu Panda 4. This instalment finds our Favorite clumsy Dragon Warrior facing a new challenge: retirement. While grappling with his identity and purpose beyond fighting, Po is tasked with finding and training a successor. Meanwhile, a cunning new villain, the shape-shifting Chameleon (Viola Davis), threatens the Valley of Peace. The film centres on Po's

journey of self-discovery. Black delivers his usual energetic and lovable performance, perfectly capturing Po's signature blend of enthusiasm and self-doubt. The heart of the film lies in Po's relationship with his two dads, Li Shan (Bryan Cranston) and Mr. Ping (James Hong). While their b-plot feels underdeveloped, their interactions with Po provide some of the film's most heartwarming moments.

The animation remains impressive, showcasing lush landscapes and beautifully rendered fight sequences. The action, while not quite as groundbreaking as prior films, is still engaging, with the highlight being a chaotic, free-for-all brawl featuring all of Po's past adversaries. Newcomer Awkwafina voices a streetwise panda named Mei Mei, who serves as Po's temporary partner and offers a spark of comedic energy. However, Kung Fu Panda 4 doesn't quite capture the magic of its predecessors. The story, while serviceable, feels somewhat safe and predictable. The villain, though voiced with chilling menace by Davis, lacks the depth and complexity of previous antagonists like Tai Lung or Kai.

A major misstep is the sidelining of the Furious Five. These beloved characters appear only fleetingly, leaving a significant void in the narrative. The film attempts to compensate by introducing new contenders for the Dragon Warrior title, but they fail to leave a lasting impression.

The humour, a staple of the franchise, feels less inspired this time around. Jokes rely heavily on slapstick and references to past films, which might land for longtime fans but feel unoriginal for newcomers. Additionally, the film loses its focus on the themes of inner peace and balance that resonated so strongly in earlier instalments.

Overall, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a fun, albeit forgettable, addition to the franchise. It delivers the action sequences, heartwarming moments, and signature Po humour that fans have come to expect. However, the absence of the Furious Five, a predictable plot, and a lack of thematic depth prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors. It's a perfectly enjoyable film for a family outing, but it won't leave you yearning for multiple viewings.

NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS

THE GEM QUICK QUIZ

1. HOW MANY COLOURS ARE THERE IN A RAINBOW?

2. WHAT DOES A THERMOMETER MEASURE?

3. WHAT IS THE HARDEST NATURALLY OCCURRING SUBSTANCE IN THE WORLD?

4. WHAT FRUIT DO RAISINS COME FROM?

5. A PORTRAIT IS A PICTURE OF WHAT?

6. HOW MANY CENTS IN A DOLLAR?

7. HOW MANY WHEELS DOES A TRICYCLE HAVE?

8. WHICH PLANET IN THE MILKY WAY IS THE BIGGEST?

9. WHAT IS THE HARDEST SUBSTANCE IN YOUR BODY?

10. WHICH IS THE EARTH’S LARGEST OCEAN?

March 28th: 1802: The British explorer Matthew Flinders sighted and named Cape Catastrophe on the southern coast of Australia.

March 29th: 1802: Matthew Flinders and his crew landed on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

March 30th: 1842: The penal settlement at Norfolk Island, originally established by the British as a convict colony, was closed.

March 31st: 1918: The Battle of Marne in World War I ended, marking a significant victory for Australian troops fighting alongside Allied forces.

April 1st: 1945: Australian troops participated in the Battle of Slater's Knoll during World War II in the South West Pacific theatre.

April 2nd: 1802: Matthew Flinders and his crew explored and charted parts of the Gulf of St. Vincent in South Australia.

April 3rd: 1770: Captain James Cook, aboard the HMS Endeavour, sighted the coast of what is now Queensland and named it the "Endeavour River" after his ship.

April 4th: 1856: The Legislative Council of New South Wales approved the establishment of the University of Sydney, making it the first university in Australia.

April 5th: 1629: The Batavia shipwreck occurred off the coast of Western Australia. This event led to a dramatic story of survival, mutiny, and massacre among the survivors.

April 6th: 1788: The first convicts arrived at Norfolk Island, which was then a British penal colony established as an extension of the settlement in New South Wales.

April 7th: 1918: Australian troops participated in the Battle of Hangard Wood during World War I as part of the German spring offensive.

April 8th: 1918: The Battle of Hazebrouck commenced during World War I, where Australian troops fought alongside British and Canadian forces.

April 9th: 1942: The Battle of Bataan in the Philippines ended with the surrender of Allied forces, including Australian troops, to the Japanese during World War II.

April 10th: 1970: Cyclone Ada struck the coast of Queensland, causing significant damage and loss of life.

April 11th: 1917: Australian troops participated in the First Battle of Bullecourt during World War I, where they suffered heavy casualties in an unsuccessful attack on German positions.

EMILY AGED 12

KIRBY AND THE FORGOTTEN LAND

PLAYED ON: NINTENDO SWITCH

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME?

PLAYING AS KIRBY.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER AND WHY?

KIRBY, OF COURSE.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS GAME?

YES, IT'S GREAT.

WHAT RATING WOULD YOU GIVE IT OUT OF 10?

I WOULD GIVE IT AN 8 OUT OF 10.

book review

Charlotte Tiffin –Owner Schoolworks Supplies

JASPER AGED 14

SPIDERMAN 2 PLAYED ON: PS5

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME?

I LIKE PLAYING AS MULTIPLE VERSIONS OF SPIDERMAN.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER AND WHY? MILES MORALES – HE AS DIFFERENT SKILLS.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS GAME?

YES, IT’S A GREAT SEQUEL.

WHAT RATING WOULD YOU GIVE IT OUT OF 10? I WOULD GIVE IT A VERY GOOD 8.5 OUT OF 10.

CBCA 2024 shortlisted book of the year awards

THE much-anticipated 2024 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) book of the year shortlist was announced on Tuesday 19 March. The shortlist contains 36 books published in 2023 across six different categories, Older Readers, Younger Readers, Early Childhood, Picture Book of the Year, Eve Pownell Information Book and New Illustrator.

The CBCA promotes literacy by supporting and highlighting Australian authors and illustrators in addition to promoting strong quality literature for young children aged 0-18 years. The CBCA is a not for profit, volunteer run organisation founded in 1945 in a when Australian children’s books were few, and Australian authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. The winners of each category will be announced during school ‘Book Week’ on Friday 16th August 2024. Throughout Book Week, schools across Australia support the CBCA by promoting and reading these shortlisted books. Each fortnight, I will be providing a book review of a shortlisted book from one of the six different categories.

Gymnastica Fantastica!

Written

and illustrated by Briony Stewart

What a wonderful book to begin my series of book reviews with! The bright, exuberant colours and playful rhyming text are the first things you notice. It’s a story about a child discovering and attempting numerous physical movements and putting on a fun, imperfect gymnastic routine for whoever will watch them. The author was inspired by her own children’s cries of ‘Watch This’ and ‘Look at Me’, as the character flips, bounces, bends, balances and cartwheels across the pages of the book, watched by their quiet, bemused looking shaggy dog. It is an energetic, engaging book to read aloud to little ones, with the playful rhyming text and fun inventive words, such as ‘Superest’ and ‘Stretchiest’. The author and illustrator, Briony Stewart won the 2022 Prime Ministers Literacy Award in the category of Children’s Fiction. For her illustrations, Briony used a mixture of crayons for lines, gouache paint for texture and engaged her children with helping paint bright rainbow scribbles on paper with colour markers for background. These were all then combined together on a computer and ‘digitally scratched’ into the paint for reveal the rainbow colours underneath. This is a perfect book to recommend and is a strong contender in the CBCA Early Childhood Category.

EVA AGED 11

PRINCESS PEACH SHOWTIME

PLAYED ON: NINTENDO SWITCH

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GAME?

YOU CAN BE SO MANY DIFFERENT CHARACTERS

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER AND WHY?

I LIKE THEM ALL.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS GAME?

YES, IT HAS SO MANY MINI GAMES.

WHAT RATING WOULD YOU GIVE IT OUT OF 10? ABOUT 8 OUT OF 10.

Bairnsdale 2050 – Our Future

DID you know that 26,800 people will call Bairnsdale home in 2050? It is projected that Bairnsdale will be home to another 10,000 people and provide 3,500 more jobs by 2050.

The East Gippsland community is invited to be part of an exciting project, Bairnsdale 2050, where almost every aspect of Bairnsdale’s future is on the agenda. Sustainable growth, transport, housing, neighbourhoods, the CBD, community facilities, responding to climate change — these are all important challenges for the future.

East Gippsland Shire Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said all community members are welcome to share their ideas.

“By participating in developing solutions to the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our regional centre, you can help shape our future,” Ms Weigall said. After an expression of interest process in late 2023, a panel of community members was assembled and boasts strong personal, professional or community connection with Bairnsdale and surrounds. Joined by Councillors Mendy Urie and John White, the panel members are Jack Peterson, Tim Biles, Luke Strickland,

Trevor Hancock, Mark Howlett, Patrick Carson, Jmara King, Jenny Hardy, Belinda Stewart, Genevieve Wilks, Ryan Varney, Angela Woods and Matthew Virgo.

The panel has been working with Council officers and a team of planning, design and economic experts to develop the project documents for community input.

Community Panel member Ryan Varney said he was attracted to getting involved in the project because it is an opportunity to build on Bairnsdale’s strengths and create new opportunities for the future.

“What paths do we want to take now, to create the Bairnsdale we want in the future?” Mr Varney said. A discussion paper has been prepared to encourage

Minister must back wild dog program

THE State Environment Minister has been asked to rule out the abolition, or reduction, of Victoria’s wild dog program measures on public land in the state’s east.

Gippsland East Nationals

MP, Tim Bull, said concerns had been heightened after:

• A Labor Government decision last week to end wild dog controls on public land in Victoria’s northeast, where it stated the dingo population was under threat of extinction.

• Labor bringing a dingo into Parliament to allow its MP’s to have a photo taken with it.

• A recently retired dogger in the Buchan area was not replaced. Mr Bull said the move in the northwest has drawn the ire of farming and Landcare spokespersons who said dog numbers will be out of control within five years and labelled it an extremist action to accommodate the Greens with no regard for farmers’ economic viability.

“There are alarm bells

going off in the local farming fraternity locally and they know what any reduction in controls would mean on the ground. It won’t have any bearing on the wet behind the ears bureaucracy in Melbourne, but will force some of our food producing farmers off the land in the worst areas.

“In addition, we also have a push for all wild dogs with any level of dingo DNA to be recognised as dingoes, and therefore afforded greater levels of protections.

“Reducing the program in any way would be a massive kick in the guts for our farmers and have a devastating impact.

“These are decisions being made by a Minister that has next to no knowledge of the impact of wild dogs, I doubt has ever spoken to an East Gippsland farmer on the receiving end of these attacks, and is taking advice from a left-wing bureaucracy out of touch with the realities of rural life,” Mr Bull said.

“Every avenue to get rid of dogs that kill stock needs to

early community input and is available now.

“All community members are welcome to share their big picture ideas that will help to make Bairnsdale a thriving centre that meets the lifestyle needs of future generations,” Ms Weigall said.

“It is your future, so be bold with your feedback and ideas. They are essential to the development of Bairnsdale 2050 and will be used to directly shape the project."

This round of community feedback closes 21 April 2024 but there will be more opportunities for involvement as Bairnsdale 2050 progresses.

For more information visit the YourSay project page on Council’s website, keep an eye on our Facebook page or visit any of our customer service centres.

Chester welcomes growers to Canberra

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland

Darren Chester has welcomed a delegation of AUSVEG board members to Canberra to advocate on behalf of the multi-billion dollar industry.

Led by East Gippslandbased chairman Bill Bulmer, the AUSVEG representatives from across Australia visited Federal Parliament to highlight key issues facing growers.

“We have a world-class and critically important vegetable and potato growing industry which is strongly represented by AUSVEG at the highest levels,” Mr Chester said.

be maintained, not increase protections and only allow action when they have entered private land — it is too late by then,” said Mr Bull.

“Often, the only possible place to get these dogs is on the public land tracks adjacent to private property — both doggers and farmers will tell you that. Wild dog fencing helps, but with falling trees, sambar deer, wombats and kangaroos continually causing damage, it cannot be relied upon, hence all control measures need to be kept in place.”

Mr Bull said it was time to put farmers first and calls on the government to not adopt idealistic approaches that will impact on the livelihoods of farming families.

“That is why I have asked the Minister to confirm there will be no major changes, or reductions, to the wild dog program in East Gippsland, as that would have significant detrimental outcomes for us as a food producing region,” he said.

Expanding newborn screening for Victorian babies

VICTORIAN newborns will now be screened for two additional rare but serious health conditions, helping to identify babies at risk of developing illnesses and making sure they get the lifesaving treatment they need sooner.

Premier Jacinta

Allan and Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll redently visited the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) to announce the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program will now test for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).

Commonly referred to as the heel prick test, the

addition of SCID and SMA will see the program test babies for 29 uncommon conditions — making sure parents can get their children early treatment so they live long, healthy lives.

In Victoria, it’s estimated two babies per year will be born with SCID and eight babies a year will be born with SMA.

Weakening the immune system, SCID affects the body’s ability to fight infections due to compromised white blood cells, but early diagnosis and stem cell treatment before three-and-a-half months can be lifesaving.

Identifying newborns with SCID will enable access to a new gene therapy trial delivered by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and announced by the Government in 2023 — the first time a cure has been offered in Australia.

SMA is a serious diseasecausing progressive muscle wastage and weakness

growers and the major supermarkets, reliable water supplies, and having access to a skilled workforce to get crops to market, requires good government policies.

“We need to keep working together to support the industry and encourage Australians to eat more vegetables which is obviously good for their health and also good for the regional producers.

“I welcomed the opportunity to meet with chairman Bill Bulmer and his team and encouraged them to keep up their excellent work to represent the interests of primary producers.”

that is life threatening without treatment. While there is currently no cure, early intervention and new treatments are improving outcomes.

The Labor Government has invested more than $1 million to roll out the additional screening, including adding congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) to the program last year.

CAH is a serious but treatable condition that affects the production of hormones — if caught early, babies who receive proper treatment can lead full lives.

The program is offered to the parents of all newborns within their first 72 hours of life, at no cost. In 2023, more than 73,000 Victorian newborns were screened.

Newborn bloodspot screening began in Victoria in 1966, with more than 3.6 million babies screened to date — one in 1,000 are found to have a rare, but serious condition such as congenital hypothyroidism and cystic fibrosis.

Councillor Mendy Urie with some of the Community Panel members involved in the Bairnsdale 2050 project.

Bairnsdale is the gateway to East Gippsland and over the next 25 years will face a range of challenges including sustaining population growth, supporting diverse employment and lifestyle opportunities, and planning for a changing climate. What is your Bairnsdale 2050? Picture: Bret Ward

“Issues around the power imbalance between Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, AUSVEG chair Bill Bulmer and Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick are encouraging all Australians to eat more vegetables.

Kitten care: How to care for your new

NOW that you have a young kitten to care for there are several things you will need to know. One of the most important things to do first is to take your kitten to the vet for a general health check. They will be able to give you advice regarding basic care for your kitten as well as give them any vaccinations and worming treatments that are needed.

Below are some basic aspects of kitten care you will need to consider:

NUTRITION

Kittens should be fed a high quality

commercial kitten food to ensure a balanced diet is provided. Avoid giving cows milk to kittens but always ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

BEDDING

It is important to provide them with a comfortable dry bed. Use bedding that is safe, can be easily cleaned and dried and place it somewhere cosy and private.

LITTER TRAYS

Place a litter tray in a quiet and private area for your kitten to use when they need to go to the toilet.

PLAY TIME

Play time is important for bonding between you and your kitten. Kittens are very playful and curious and love to expend some of their energy chasing cat toys and interacting with their owners.

GROOMING

Regular grooming (gentle brushing) is important particularly for mediumhaired and long-haired cats. Start grooming your kitten early on so that it becomes an enjoyable bonding activity and part of routine care. Cats don’t need to be bathed and most

cats can find it quite stressful.

SCRATCHING POLES

Cats instinctively need to scratch things to keep their nails in good condition and to express natural behaviours. It’s important to provide a scratching pole around the house. This will also help prevent your cat scratching your furniture!

HEALTH CARE

Talk to your vet about annual health check-ups, vaccinations, microchipping, desexing and flea and worm prevention. Desexing, prior to sexual maturity effectively prevents

unplanned and unwanted litters of kittens, helping to reduce the number of unwanted cats and kittens in the community. Desexing also provides health and behavioural benefits.

Michael Nelson - 0429 291 723 manplumbingandroofing@gmail.com www.manplumbingandroofing.com.au

THE HOT sHOT

THE Bairnsdale Racing Club turned on a sensational day of racing and entertainment for its showcase day, Bairnsdale Cup Day. With music, fashions on the field, visiting equine dignitaries (Melbourne Cup winners Prince Of Penzance and Efficient), children's entertainment and a variety of fine dining, together with a perfect Autumn day it was certainly the place to be.

Oh, and there was plenty of action on the track too with eight competitive races.

The Cup was an absolute thriller with Sale mare, Starspangled Baby clinging on for a well-deserved win. It was a huge thrill for trainer, Andrew Perdon who only took out his training licence last year. Andrew has a big group of mates in the ownership group with him. Many are from the Maffra district, including Briagalong publican,

Mark Landy so it may have been a big night of celebrations.

Starspangled Baby is very much an iron lady having won at Mornington on Grand Final day and raced right through the Summer including the Sale, Traralgon and Stoney Creek Cups. That is truly amazing and an exceptional training effort. Well done to Andrew and his team and jockey Joe Bowditch for a brilliant ride.

The Bairnsdale Cup is not an easy race to win with most big city stables now targeting the $120,000 (with VOBIS bonuses) race. In fact, only one other East Gippsland horse has won in the past 25 years and that was Bairnsdale's Brenda McPhan with El Pretender in 2009.

As exciting as the Cup was it was another couple of East Gippslanders, Rob and the Doc, who stole the show. How good has Rob Gillahan got 8yo

Doctor Coto going?

The Doc has raced right through the entire picnic season with four wins, three at Woolamai and one at Canni Creek. It was at Moe though, three starts back, where he ran a mighty second to give Rob the confidence to tackle the 1000m dash on Bairnsdale Cup Day.

Doctor Coto showed great speed to sit up outside the leader, Wind Dreamer, but it meant he had to face the breeze. Wind Dreamer kicked on the turn, but the Doc showed great courage to grab the leader right on the line. Rider Jade Darose was full of praise for the 68-start veteran. For Rob and Karen Gillahan, it was a career highlight winning the $35,000 race with their $600 purchase. With the Cup staying in the district and Doctor Coto's brilliant win, Bairnsdale Cup Day 2024 will be one we won't forget.

Starspangled Baby ridden by Joe Bowditch wins the Patties Foods Bairnsdale Cup. Pictures: Ross Holburt/ Racing Photos

Jade Darose returns to scale on Doctor Coto. Picture: Ross Holburt/ Racing Photos

Doctor Coto ridden by Jade Darose wins the Tim Bull Member for East Gippsland Handicap.

Picture: Ross Holburt/Racing Photos