Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 20 March 2024

Medical makeover

The Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan (pictured), and the Minister forHealth, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited Latrobe Regional Hospital last Friday, March 15,to officiallyopen the ‘world-class’$223.5million expansion. STORY-PAGE 3

Games ‘losers’ vent their anger

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

THE cancellation of the Commonwealth Games was a“verybig low” for the Latrobe Valley Badminton Association and the broader community, the association's president, Garry Silvester, told the parliamentary inquiry into the 2026 Commonwealth Games bid, held in Traralgon last week.

Mr Silvester said the cancellation was ablow to himpersonally and a “missed opportunity”for the region, and he remained uncertain how Latrobe Valley Badminton would benefit from the Commonwealth Legacy planning. He was speaking in testimonyto the par liam en tar yc om mitte ei nto the Com mon we al th Ga mes Bid in Traralgon's Century Inn last Thursday, March 14.

The Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS) was to host the Games’ Badminton.

His com ment sc am eb ef ore the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major

Events, visited the GRISS on Monday to announce the scope of the state government's reinvestment into Gippsland following the Games' cancellation.

Though still in the planning stage, the state government has made acommitment to upgrade fourmajor sporting facilitiesinthe Latrobe Valley including the GRISS, Morwell's Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park (GSEP), Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe and the Morwell Gun Club.

Mr Silvester said the Latrobe Valley Badminton Association had hoped that hosting the Games would influence “much-needed upgrades” for their local sport, including lightning, line-marking, storage and court availability.

Now,the association's participation is restricted as court-suitableaccess remains acontinualbarrier to the club’s numbers.

Lat robe Cit yC ounc il Mayor , Councillor Darren Howe, who attended theTourism Minister's announcement,

said the Latrobe Valley Badminton Association would be among the local sporting clubs that would benefit from the state government's investment.

The president of the Flacons 2000 Soccer Club, Tony Salvatore, echoed Mr Silvester’s concerns and “disappointment” after the announcement of the Games’ cancellation, but the club will also receive upgrades with their home located at GSEP.

The state government said it would deliver anew pavilion and upgraded pitches complete withlighting and increased visitor capacity, boosting local jobs and businesses and the region’s economy as thousands of visitors flock to Gippsland.

Falcons’ ground was meant to receive majo ru pgrade sw hile host ing the Rugby 7s. The state government has confirmed these projects will continue, but Mr Salvatore said he would prefer aconcrete timeline.

It wasn’t only sporting clubsthat

were severely impacted by the Commonwealth Games fiasco. The ownerofthe Farnham Court Motel, Katie Reardon, gave evidenceofher wasted time and efforts signing acontract to host Team England only aday before the cancellation announcement.

“It was embarrassing …I tw as justawfultohave to tellthem (Team England),” she told the committee.

Ms Reardon said the state’s decision to cancel the Gameswas “cruel” and spokeonthe lost credibility that the state faces.

Not only did Ms Reardon have contracts signed, but the hotel owner also spent time preparing specialised plans to cater to Team England.

The sporting clubs echoed Ms Reardon’s struggle, with many local organisati ons consisting of mainly volunteers wasting their time to plan for an event that was inevitably never going to happen.

Continued -Page2

CountryPub Challenge returns

By KATRINA BRANDON

READY for achallenge?

Latrobe’slocal pubs are participating in the Country Pub Challenge and running for the Top Pub Challenge for the state for the GoodFriday Appeal fundraiser.

The Royal Exchange Hotel in Traralgon and Morwell Top Pub are participating in the event.

“The Australian HotelsAssociationand the Good Friday Appeal have decided to put together achallenge for pubs. Pubs used to be abig part of the Good Friday appeal for many years,” said Roy Arnold, apub owner and the Good Friday Appeal regional area manager for the Traralgon and Gippsland region

“Pubs alwaysseemtobegood supporters of the community and sponsorship. They’ve traditionally played apartinthe Good Friday appeal, so I think the Good Friday Appeal will get abit of that happening again.”

Teamwork: Local pubsMorwellTop Pub, and RoyalExchange Hotel arepar ticipating in the Good FridayAppeal fundraising

Photograph supplied

The challenge was very competitive in previous years, with Traralgon raising anywhere from $70,000to$80,000 in the early2000s and $54,000 last year. The countryclubs and metro pubshave

Cameron in attack over Tyers bridge

THE state government’s claim that it was unable to raise the causeway on Tyers Road during construction of the new Latrobe River Bridgedue to catchment management “requirements” hasbeen questioned by Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.

The new bridge shut in January just three weeks after it opened, and repeated calls have been made to raise the southern causeway to prevent furtherflooding, includingapetition tabled by Mr Cameron last week.

The Minister for Roads, Melissa Horne, has maintained that raising the causeway wasn’t an option because “requirements from the Catchment Management Authority must be met to ensure that areas upstream (of Latrobe River) are not adversely impacted”.

But, documentationofapublic consultation held in 2017 shows the state government didn’t raise the causeway because “additional costs would have been incurred… to comply with… WestGippsland Catchment Management Authority requirements”.

“It’s there in black and white -raising the causeway to prevent flooding could have been done but the government didn’t want to pay for it,” Mr Cameron said.

“Claiming the additional costs would have‘reduced the viability of the project’ can be translated to ‘it’s too expensive’.

“Laborhas essentially wasted $10.5million of taxpayer money to build this bridge, all because it cut corners and didn’t want to pay for the job to be done properly.

“The Latrobe Valley has had agutful of being short-changed and misled, and we deserve better.

“A regional Victoriancommunityshouldn’t havetoscream and shout for decades for this government to take noticeand deliver apiece of critical infrastructure.

“The state government claims it would have cost between$10 million and $35 million to raise the causeway on Tyers Road -soit should allocate that funding in the upcoming Budget.”

been rivals in thechallenge for years; each year, they try to outdo themselves.

“I rememberhearing stories where they would have people from other hotels would go to other hotels to check out to see how muchthey were going with their fundraising and things like that to try and knock them off. Ieven heard astory where some group had gone, dressed up, pretended to be reporters, and tried to find out what they were doing. So it was verycompetitive. BeforeI was involved, it was even more so,” Mr Arnold said.

“We always used to have abit of arivalry with the Brown’s Corner Hotel in Coburg. It used to be called Summer World Hotel. They were the top city fundraising hotel for Metro, and we were the top countryfundraising hotel.We’ve been atop country for about 40 years, Ithink. When Istarted, Ireckoned that in about thefirst 15 years, we may havebeen oneofthe top overall twice, and they won it the rest of the time.”

“We had alittle bit of rivalry between us, and it was always that they would be out to try and beat

us, and we would be able to try and beat them.”

People can help by visiting the Good Friday Appeal website (fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com. au/fundraisers/Traralgon) or contacting the Royal Exchange directly.

In years to come,MrArnold hopes thatmore businessesand community groupsget involved with the challenge, even if it is pizza place against pizza place.

“Maybe apizza place donates $1 from every pizza that they sell or something like that, abit like what the pubs do with the ‘parma’. Hopefully, we can get afew businesses on board and try to outdo each other. That always helps raise afew more bucks,” he said.

Donations for the Good Friday Appeal Top Pub Competition are open until the end of the month.

For more information,gotothe Good Friday Appeal website,orgotoFlanagan’sIrishBar -Royal ExchangeHotel’s Facebook page to followtheir journey.

What will be the Games’ legacy?

From Page 1

MAKING headlines across the world, the state government madethe shock announcement cancelling the 2026 Commonwealth Games in July of 2023.

The state government said acost blowout of $6-7 billion was the reason the Games could not go on. With past experience as an event planner, Ms Reardon said: “If Ihad of stood up and said to my board that my budget had blown out by $5 billion dollars …Iwould have been out the door on the spot …It’sappalling.”

Ken Balcombe from the Morwell Gun Club also gave evidence to the committee. Four days before the cancellationannouncement, he met with Commonwealth Games representatives with the club set to host the Games Shooting and Parashooting events.

He expressed his disappointment in the handling of affairs, wishing the process couldhavebeen more open and transparent from the state government.

Though Mr Balcombespoke of the Gun Club’s recentsuccess, having relocatedwith new upgrades, he gave evidence that the Gun Club spent around $30,000 out of pocket to get the facility up to Commonwealth Game standard, and they hoped to be reimbursed by the government for their wasted efforts.

With Minister Dimopoulos’ latestannouncement,

the Morwell GunClubisconfirmedtoreceiveanew shotgun trap shooting range and safety upgrades.

Monday’sstate government announcement providednospecific funding allocation or timeline other than the Gippslandinvestment will be under the $2 billion state-wide package.

Serving on the committee inquiry, the Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said recent local testimony highlighted the state government’s appalling planning and consultation.

“What’s change in four days? –nothing; Labor’s latest announcement is all headline with no deadline or funding”, said Ms Bath.

“Instead of providingcertaintythe Labor government is scrambling to manage perceptions.

“This announcement is adamage controlexercise, made without consultation with our local sporting organisations.

“Legacy housing and sporting projects musthave lasting benefit to our regional communities with direct input from grassroots stakeholders.

Member for Morwell,Martin Cameron echoed these sentimentsand said the communityisjustifiably sceptical given this ‘announcement’ is nothing but arepeat of previous promises with no actions, no details, and no timelines.

“There is no substance or new information, and our Latrobe Valley community don’t know any

more now than we did eight months ago when Labor shockingly cancelled the Games,” he said.

Mr Dimopoulos said the community specific investment from the state government would benefitthe region better than the Commonwealth Games,stating the “investmentisasbig”asthe exposureofinternational competition

“We’re delivering for Victorians who live in regional Victoria,for theirneeds not for foreign athletes,” he said. “It’s adifferent board game and Ithink afar better board game.”

The Member for Eastern Victoria,HarrietShing said the new developments would“provide an opportunity for clubs and communities to attract the big events, creating aboost for the local economy, even more jobs and areal buzz in these regional centres”.

The upgrades include the Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe, which will benefit fromarefurbished oval, lighting, amenities, and terraces.

Further updates on the projects will be provided in the coming months, with first works to kick off later this year.

Formore information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au

Ongoing: TheTyers Bridge has been plaguedwithproblemssince reopening

Photograph: RayMassaro

Teaning-up: Latrobe CityMayor,Darren Howe join Ministerfor Tourism, SteveDimopoulos at the announcement

LRH’sPremier premiere

Celebrate:

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

THE Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, and the Minister of Health,Mary-AnneThomas, visited the Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) lastFriday (March 15), to officially open the ‘world-class’ $223.5 millionexpansion.

The Premier’s Office and ministers toured the hospital'snew wing, chatting withfamilies in the maternityward

The state government said the hospital would cater to Gippsland’s growing population.The new maternity ward features two birthing suites, six beds, six specialcare nursery cots,aparent’s retreat, and akid's playarea both indoorsand outdoors.

“With this expansion, we are able to continue that work that we’ve beendoing for years and years and looking at howwecan continue to expand the care for regional communities closer to where people live,”said the Premier.

Access to leading specialised care has been an issue for people living in regional and rural communities, but withLRH’s upgrades, the state governmentisconfidentlocals willhaveaccess to better care, closer to home.

“We knowthatifyou’recoming to ahospitalinour regional areas, extra travel thatyou may haveto undertake to get to the hospital that provides these services canadd to that stress,” the Premier said.

“We’re making sure people across the Latrobe Valley get the world-class healthcare they need without travelling to the city -meaning new mums can give birth closer to home and, importantly, closer to theirsupport network.”

The LRH board chair, Linda McCoy,saidthe expansion'sofficial openingmarkedthe end of the project but the start of abetterhealthcare system.

“It is vastly different to any hospital that you would’ve seen and that’s because we do understand a person's careand their recovery is greatly enhanced by theirsurroundings and the experience of the service and staff,”she said.

Ms McCoy said thehospital would now have a new intensive care unit, specialisedfacilities, and new operatingtheatrestocomplete an additional 6200elective surgeries annually

The upgrades have alsogiven the hospital alarge sterilising department, amentalhealth stay-in unitand anew basefor its Aboriginalhealth unit, prominentlyfeaturing artwork by alocal artist, Alfred Carter.

“Aside fromthe bricks and mortar and services, this project also provided work for the people in Latrobe Valley,” Ms McCoy said.

The hospital concludedthat,onaverage,athird of the people contracted to build the upgrades were locals, with seven per cent of the workforce apprentices.

Although the workers who built the hospital were

Photographs:

locals,LRH's chief executive officer,Don McRae, saidmost of the130 to 150staff neededtooperate the new facilitieswouldbeforeignworkers.

“We have hadtremendous success out internationally; we’ve been able to recruit 60 nurses from the UK, andwe’rejust sifting through at themoment 172 applicationsfrom New Zealand; we’re really confident that over the next 12 months, we’ll be able to fill thoseplaces,”hesaid.

Victoria’s health system is under pressure; Victoria University research indicatesanincreased demand for nurses yet little supply,and healthcare professionalsare exitingthe industryamid reasons suchasaging populations andburnout.

LRH has tried to combat thisbytaking recruitment to the global stage andhas garneredmuch interest internationally.

The hospital aims to be fullyoperational within thenext12months

The Minister for Housing and Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, was questioned about how the state government planned to help house the foreign workforcegiventhat regional Victoria’s vacancyrates have fallen below 1per cent

Ms Shing acknowledgedthe housingcrisisregarding affordability and availability issues, but cited the state’sBig Build as aprogramthat wouldhelp easepressures.

“The housing statement that was announced last year is about bringing 800,000 additionalhomes to Victoriaoverthe next 10 years,” shesaid.

The stategovernment also has aregional worker accommodationfund of $150 million.

The Victorian government’s housing statement has yet to move outofthe planningstage, as Ms Shing said planning was integral to the construction of thesehouses.

“Wewant to make sure that we provideopportunities forpeople to live in communities thatare well serviced….And that’s whythe planning the minister has begun aprocess of consultation,” she said.

Mr McRae said the hospital would work with local agenciesand FederationUniversity Gippsland to helphousethe foreign workforce.

TheMinister for Health took the opportunity to encourageyoung people in the Valley to pursuea career in healthcarewiththisnew facility in their backyard eager to facilitatetheirtraining alongside Federation University.

The Premier staunchlyopposed comments from Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, who recently claimedthat Gippsland’semergency departments were “on life support”, citing local hospitals' failure to meettheiremergency department access targets.

Premier Allan vehementlycriticised former oppositiongovernmentsand theirmishandlingof the healthcare system

“Whatdoesn’t help that is when hospitals are privatised,closedand had their funding cut -like what occurred when the LiberalParty had the opportunity to be responsible for hospital and health service deliveryincommunities like this one -the Minister (Ms Thomas)madethe observation that this is ahospital that aformer Liberal government privatised and aformer Laborgovernment hadto buy back,”she said

Emergencydepartment accessstill remains agrowing concern at LRH. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2022/23, the proportion of patients ‘seen on time’ at LRH’semergencydepartment was 65 per cent, downfrom67per cent in 2021/22and from71per cent in 2018/19.

Ms Thomastold the Express that the Victorian government was working to relieve the pressures on the state’shealthcare system

“Around the state, we’ve seenunprecedented demand on ouremergencydepartments,and this falls squarely at the feet of the former Liberal National government, who failed to investin primary care,” she said.

“We know it has neverbeen harder to see a bulk-billing GP, and that’s why our government stepped in and established 29 Priority Primary CareCentres.”

The state government established Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) to relieve the pressureonbusyemergency departments by providing GP-ledcare to people who need urgent care but not an emergency response.

More health care -Pages 8-9

Rural bank closure angst

By STEFAN BRADLEY

REGIONAL bank closures are creating amajor barrier for remote and regional communities, especially remote First Nations communities,due to the lack of affordable and reliable internet, an RMIT reporthas found.

Led by RMIT and Swinb urne Univ ersi ty researchers in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S), the submission was made to the Senate inquiry into regional bank branch closures.

It found remote Indigenouscommunities still rely on face-to-face interactions with their banks, despite the growing prevalence of online banking.

The project leader and Distinguished Professor, Julian Thomas, said in-person interactions were especially important for complex banking tasks and tackling elder abuse, scams and fraud.

"The quality, reliabilityand cost of internet in remote areas also pose challenges for these communities, making going to abranch to speak to a person even more crucial,"Professor Thomas said.

"By remo ving ban ks in regi onal areas, it potentially disadvantages an already vulnerable community from accessing basic necessities suchas financialservices,impacting their independence."

Professor Thomas said betteronline safety was paramount to improving digital access and participation, butthe infrastructure of reliable internet needed to be in place first.

"We can't expectthese communitiestolearnabout online safety if they don't have working internet to begin with," he said.

Previous RMIT research for the ADM+S Centre found remote Indigenous communities were among the most digitally excluded people in Australia.

The "Mapping the Digital Gap" 2023 Outcomes

Report found abig gap in digital inclusion for First Nations people compared with other Australians, which widens substantially with remoteness.

The research showed about 43 per cent of the 1,545 First Nations communities and homelands across Australia have no mobile service -including some with only ashared public phone or no telecommunications access -highlighting aneed foractiontoclose thedigital gap.

The study highlighted thataccessing digital technologieswas mostchallenginginremote communities due to limited communications infrastructure, low household access and patchy, congested mobile services.

With residents in remote communities typically on low incomes, 84 per cent of these respondents in the study used or shared amobile device, and 94 per cent of these used pre-paid services.

The high cost of pre-paid data and low household uptake of fixed broadband also led to big affordability issues.

The leadinvestigator and senior Research Fellow, Dr Daniel Featherstone, said as banking, government and other services increasingly move online, it's crucial that all Australians can effectively access and use digital technologies.

"We usethesetechnologiestoaccess essential servicesfor health, welfare, financeand education, participate in social and cultural activities, follow news and media, as well as connect with family, friends, and the wider world," he said.

Age is also asignificant factorindigital exclusion.

Those over 75 years of age and those who did not complete secondary school continue to experience higher levels of digital exclusion, according to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index.

Opportunity to buy local Coles

COLES Morwell is set to test investor demand in the hotly contested neighbourhood shopping centre market.

JLL ’s Stu art Taylor ,T om No onan ,a nd MingXuan Li in conjunction with Stonebridge’s PhilipGartland, Justin Dowers and KevinTong have been appointed to run the Expressions of Interest process on behalf of aprivate investor.

Coles Morwellissecured by arare15-year NET lease to Coles +Liquorlandand is complemented by seven non-discretionary specialty stores.

The 5259 square metre shoppingcentre is supported by at-grade and undercroft car park that provides 259 car parking spaces on alarge 1.1-hectare site,locatedonly 250 metresfrom Morwell train station.

Justin Dowers,national partner of Stonebridge, said “We are anticipating significant interest in this asset, especially with the added benefit of

50 per cent stamp duty concessions available for commercial property in regional Victoria. This is driving heightened demand for shopping centre assets in Victoria’s major regional towns.”

Senior director of retail investments at JLL, Stuart Taylor, said “Coles Morwell provides investors with the opportunity to secure alongterm lease to astrongtrading Coles supermarket paying percentage rent and provides exceptional ongoing rental growth and income security”.

Stonebridgenationalpartner,PhilipGartland, added, “92 per cent of the gross rent is secured by Coles, who in 2018 undertook amajor $5 million store refurbishment which highlights the highly secure nature of this income stream and investment opportunity.”

Coles Morwellisbeing offered for salevia a public expressions of interest campaign closing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 3pm (AEST).

Questions asked: Senators Malcolm Roberts, PeterWhish-WIlson and Raff Cicconequestion NAB’switnesses at last year’s Senateinquir yintoregional bank closures in Sale File photograph

with Muzza

Crossword Puzzle No.

ONE POINTERS

1. Who played the part of Han Solo in the Star Wars movies?

2. If Iwas visiting the town of Nagambie, what state/territory would I be in?

3. In the phonetic alphabet, the letter Cisrepresented by which word?

4. What is the name of the Maori ceremonial dance performed by a group with vigorous movements and shouting?

TWO POINTERS

5. In what addiction do males outnumber females by 5to1?

6. Which former Australian cricketer is going to America to coach the Washington Freedom in the MLC competition?

7. Which rays arethe main cause of sunbur n?

8. What does the Rstand for in R&B music?

THREE POINTERS

9. What is another name for akiller whale?

10. Which wordcan refertoboth aherb and awise person?

11. Which novel features awealthy,jovial toad with alovefor adventure?

12. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to which body of water?

FOUR POINTERS

13. What is atype of humorous poem consisting of five lines?

14. What is the term for wheredata is stored on the inter net for backup and access from anywhere?

FIVE POINTER

15. Name the song from these lyrics? One point for each correct answer

1. Is this the real life?Isitjust fantasy?

2. Oh, well imagine, As I’m pacing the pews in achurchcorridor And Ican’thelp but to hear

3. As Iwalkthrough thevalley of the shadow of death...

4. Comin’ out of my cage, And Ibeendoin’ just fine.

5. When Ifind myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me.

HOW DID YOU FARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-22: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

More Opaljobs to go

By PHILIP HOPKINS

ABOUT 40 salaried jobs at the Maryvale Mill will be gone by June as Opal moves to slashfurther positions across the company in abid to stabilise its financial performance.

The 40 are believed to be among about 220 salaried company-wide employees who will be made redundant,adding to the more than 300 workers who lost their jobs when Maryvale's white paper production plantwas closed late last year. Maryvale previously employed more than 800 people. Opal as awhole employs about 4000 people in Australia, New Zealandand around theworld.

Opal's chief executive,Chris Nagaura, said Opal was formedin2020torealise Nippon Paper’s longtermvision to createafully integratedpackaging business in Australia and New Zealand. The expectation was that Opal would be profitable fromday one.

"Unfortunately, aseriesofunplanned challenges including COVID, rising energycosts, market disruptions and the end of white paper at the Maryvale Mill are continuing to severely impact Opal’s financial performance," he said.

"Compounding this, unnecessary complexityand inefficiency exists acrossOpal. Consequently,our operating costs remain higher thanthey needtobe.

The current situationisnot commercially sustainable and must be immediatelyaddressed."

Mr Nagaurasaidthe Opalexecutive leadership teamhad been developing an organisational wide program to improve the company's performance."A raft of initiatives are currently underway to reduce costs across the business. As part of this review, the decisionhas been made that in the shortterm, approximately 220 of oursalariedpositions will be made redundant,"hesaid

People leaders would consult with impactedteam members immediately on the required changes. "These changes are expectedtobeimplemented by June2024."

Mr Nagaura said the redundancy and restructuring decisionshad been very difficultand hadnot been taken lightly. "It is essential that we achieve a quick and definitive re-setofour operating costs to help return Opal to financial sustainability," he said.

"Theseare unsettlingtimes for everyone across the Opal business and the health, safetyand welfare of allteam membersremainsour keypriority."

An Opal spokeswoman emphasised the financial impactofrising energy costsand global supply chain disruptions. "As aresult of thesechallenges, Opalisreviewing its organisation structure across salaried roles.The review will identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency across the business," shesaid.

"There will be no impact on Opal’s customers from

thesechanges.Opal is committed to fullysupporting our valued team members as we work through this transition."

Mr Nagaura said affected employees should reach out to theirPeople Leader or HR representativeif they needed extra supporttowork through these changes."Opal’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available to provide freeand confidential assistancetoteammembersand their immediatefamilies. The EmployeeAssistance Programcan be accessed throughQuickLinks on our Opal SharePointhomepage," he said.

The announcements came as Opal continues itsmajor shutdown at Maryvale to transition fromwhite paperproductiontopackaging. Major shutdowns occur at Maryvale and Opal's Botany mill each year for acombined total of more than $26 millionthat involvesupto1500 workers on site

However, Maryvale is now being reconfigured from three pulp plants to two pulp plants after EPA Victoria approved the process in January

The Continuous Kraft Pulp Mill (CKM)isbeing converted from eucalypt to pine as akey element for themill transition to 100 per cent brown packaging.

The CKM will takeoverthe production of pine pulp fromthe Batch Mill, which in turn will be de-commissioned. Opal says the CKM'spulping technology will improveproduct quality, process stability and efficiency.

"The conversion will also reduce environmental impactsincludingwater andenergy usageaswell as odour sources,"the spokeswoman said.

Opalwill mainly use pine pulp, combined with some hardwood pulp, to produce the brown packaging. The hardwood, previously sourced from native hardwood residues,comes from HVPPlantations. HVPisthe only supplier of eucalypt wood to the Maryvale site and is the key strategic long-term woodsupply partner for the ill intothe future.

Now, the HVP pulp wood is processed through the Neutral Sulphate Semi Chemical (NSSC) pulpmill

"Themilldoesn't require additionaleucalypt volumes to operate the NSSC Mill," the spokeswoman said.

Previously, the state government hadanagreement to supply Australian Paper with 350,000 cubic metres of hardwood pulp annually from 2010-11 to 2029-30.Due to bushfires, third-party court challenges from environmentalists and political decisions, this was reduced to about 50,000 m3 beforethe industry closure in January1

Maryvale wasteproject -Page10

Victorians save lives one shock at atime

MORE bystanders than ever are using publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AED) to helpVictorians in cardiacarrest, according to data released by Ambulance Victoria (AV).

Thelatest VictorianAmbulance CardiacArrest Registry (VACAR)Annual Report revealed paramedics responded to arecord 7830out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in 2022/23, up 6.4 per cent from the previous year.

Of those cases, 139 had ashock delivered from apublic AED, the highest number on record and up from 107 cases last year.

AV director of Research and Evaluation, Ziad Nehme saidfor over two decades, VACAR had been providing valuable insights into out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

“Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and asignificant public health issue in Australia,” he said.

“Data from the most recent VACAR report reinforces why Victoria has the best cardiac survival rates in Australia, and among the best in the world.

“When cardiac arrests were witnessed by members of the public, 80 per cent of people were willing to step up and commence lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-avital step in the chain of survival.

“There was also arecord number of people using AEDs,with 53 per cent of patients surviving their cardiac arrest after receiving ashock before paramedics arrived.”

In Septemberlastyear, Melbournedrama teacher, Lyndy Clarke experienced first-hand the lifesaving impact of bystander CPR and AEDs, after

she collapsedwhile directing aplay at Caulfield Grammar School.

Luckily for Lyndy,her colleague, Pete Tserbis witnessed the incident and instantly retrieved a nearby AED and started CPR.

“I knew immediately from her limp body and no response from talking to her or squeezing her hands that it was serious,” Pete said.

“HadInot been trainedinCPR,Iwould have

found myselfinasituation withoutthe skills to help Lyndy. Icouldn’t imagine having stood there and done nothing.”

The 68-year-old received three shocks from the AED before paramedics arrived and transported her to hospital.

"It came completely out of the blue. Iwas fit and healthy and had no signs or symptoms of heart issues,” Lyndy said.

“The lastthing Iremember is gettinguptogive a direction and then Iwas waking up in the hospital 24 hours later.”

As fate would have it, Lyndy was the one who lobbied for the AED that saved her life, after she witnessed someone go intocardiac arrest at aschool performance more than 10 years ago.

Lyndy said that incident opened her eyes to the importanceoflearning CPR and how to use an AED -the two very skills that saved her life.

“If the defib had not been in the foyer outside the auditorium, Iwould have died,” she said.

“People always assume they’llnever need to help someone in cardiac arrest but my advice is; learn these lifesaving skills and be aware of your nearest AED.”

Pete said he felt extreme relief knowing he was able to save his colleague and friend of 15 years.

“Knowing what to do, and how to take action in that moment has been the greatest gift that has kept my friend and mentor from taking her final bow,” he said.

“This incident proved that you never know a scenario where you will need CPR.”

Everyday,around 20 Victorians suffer acardiac arrest,but only one in 10 survive.

Minutes matterand when apatientreceives CPR and ashock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

AV MICA Paramedic,Brett Meyer said his team’s clinical care on scene was aided by bystander intervention, whichgave Lyndythe best chance of survival.

“Thosemoments between collapse andparamedics arriving are vital, and we’re pleased that bystanders did everything they could to make sure Lyndy was in the best possiblepositiontoberevived by our team,” he said.

“For every minute CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent. Our message is simpleyou don’tneed to be aparamedic to save alife, just remember to Call (Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).”

After aweek in hospital and months of rehabilitation, Lyndy hasreturned to workand saysshe continues to feel healthier every day. She is now amember of the Shock Squad, agroup of cardiac arrest survivors brought together by Community First Responders Australia.

Lyndy aims to increase awareness about bystander intervention, and has signed up to be a GoodSAM responder.

GoodSAM is amobile app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with anearby volunteer who is willingtostart hands-only CPR while paramedics areontheir way.

Last year saw AV release its 2023-2028 Cardiac Arrest Improvement Strategy which aims to improve community-based participation in CPR and public access defibrillation.

Cardiac services to expandatLatrobe Regional Hospital

CARDIOLOGY services at Latrobe Regional Health are about to get abig boost with the expansion of the cardiology team.

“The expansion of the team will allow us to provide seven days aweek care to inpatients,rather than the previous focus on day procedures for outpatients,” said the LRH Cardiology Director, Dr Derk Pol. Gippsland has the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease in Australia and current analysis shows that only 10 percentoflocal patients received care locally.

“At the moment the overwhelmingmajorityof cardiac patients are treated in Melbourne. When you look at oncology or dialysis that number is closer to 100 per cent of local patients seen and treated locally.

“This expansionwill allowustosee more local peoplehere at LRH. The plans for futureexpansion of services willmeanthatinyears to come, it willbe unusual for aGippsland patient requiring cardiac intervention, not to be seen locally,” Dr Pol said. The benefit for local patients to be seen closer to their home is well known, with less stress for the patients, family and quicker recovery.

“We want patients to be able to have the best

possible care locally. Iremember seeing apatient acouple of weeks ago. He had areferral from aGP and apositive stress test. We took himintothe Cardiac Catheter Laband gave hima stent. He was home the next dayand we saw him in our clinic two weeks later, and he’s saying: ’You’ve changed my life!Iwas in pain everyday. It was so good to be able to drive 10 minutes to the hospital, get great care from everyone and then be driven 10 minutes to get home. No trip to Melbourne where Iwouldn’tknow anyone and in abig hospitalaway from family and friends’”

As partofthe expansion,cardiac specialists have eitherbeenrecruitedorhaveagreed to increase their time providing services at LRH.

“There is obviously alot of demandfor cardiac specialists, and while we have two local cardiologists, complementing these doctors with others cardiologists who will extend their hours, allows us to offer the local community more services, which of course improves health outcomes for people,” Dr Pol said.

By being on site at LRH more frequently, specialists will have greater involvement with patients, attend ward rounds and teammeetings, provide

support to colleagues and overall, build amore positive culture for the cardiology team and LRH.

One other aspect of buildingthe bigger service is ensuring local GPs are aware that the services they have historicallyreferred to Melbourne are increasingly available in the Latrobe Valley.

“People are starting to realise we do have a department herenow. Traditionally, local GPs would have sent patients to Melbourne but more are becoming aware that patients can have apretty full suite of interventions locallywithout going down to Melbourne, and that we are constantly expanding those services to offerlocal people more,” Dr Pol said.

The expansion of the cardiology team coincides with the opening of LRH’sStage 3A expansion featuring new operating theatres, surgical wards and services for women, children and babies.

“It’s apretty exciting time for us at LRH but also the community,” said the LRH chief executive, Don McRae.

“The expansion of the Cardiology team is one part of abroader expansion of serviceswhich will see us offer more for locals and improve the quality of life for Gippsland.”

Medical: Only10per cent of cardiacpatients in Gippsland currentlyreceivetreatment in the region, the rest have to go to Melbourne

Photograph supplied

Shockvalue: Defibrillatorsare akey part of helping people in cardiacarrest.

Better accessto wellbeing support

LATROBE Mental Health and Wellbeing Local will now take in walk-inappointments as the state government pushes its effortstomakemental health more accessible.

Locals aged 26 years and older can now walk into the Morwell service and access carewithnoGP referral or formal appointment required.

The service is also free of charge.

Offering telehealth since late 2022,the service expandedthroughout 2023, with service provider Neami -alongside partners Drummond Street Services and UnitingVic.Tas -now delivering the full service at its permanent location.

The Latrobe service is one of 15 Mental Health and Wellbeing Localsnow operating across the state,which thestate governmentsaysis supporting people experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including those with co-occurring substance use or addiction,providing treatment and care in theircommunity and closer to their support networks.

Theservice was introduced in awave of reforms followingthe Royal Commissioninto Victoria’s Mental Health System.

The state government says the Local Services Act as a‘front door’tothe mental health and wellbeing system, offering awelcoming and inclusive space to access support from qualified mental health professionals, including peer support workers to cater for the diverse needs of all communities.

TheLocal Services was delivered in the 2021/22 VictorianBudget.

Sincethe Royal Commission handed down its

final report, the state government says significant progress has been made, with work underway to implement more than 90 per cent of recommendations and more than $6 billioninvested in the system over the past three years.

The Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt, said every Victorian deserved better access to compassionate support.

“Services like the Latrobe Local provide awelcoming and accessible environment for people needing mental health support, and with no GP referral or fees it means anyone can walk in and ask for help,” she added.

The Memberfor Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said the Local would help ease demandonmental health services in the region.

“This new Local is helping to addressincreasingdemand for mental health support across the Latrobe Valley -with walk ins now open at the permanent address,itisacting as acritically important ‘front door’ to the system,” she said.

People across the Gippsland region can now access the Latrobe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local at 3Hazelwood Road, Morwell seven days aweek, or can call to arrange aface-to-face or telehealth appointment.

For more information or to locateaMental Health and Wellbeing Local, visit betterhealth. vic.gov.au/mhwlocal

Local hospital to take the lead in new clinical trials

LATROBE Regional Hospital is to take the lead on increasing clinical trials in Gippsland Staff from LRH’s research and cancer team joined five other Gippsland health services last week to discuss how they can work togethertodeliver clinical trialsclosertohome to further reduce travel for the many patients who still miss out. Hosted by TrialHub, based at Alfred Health, the purpose of the event was to share opportunities for future research and clinical trial activity across Gippslandbased on existing and emerging expertise.

The federal government’s TrialHub pilotprogram started almost most four years ago as ametro-toregional hospital partnership model to support the establishment of sustainable clinical trial units in regional,rural andouter metrohospitals. LRH was selected as one of six Victorian health services to participate in the Australian-first program.

Clinical trials can give patients access to the latest treatments or interventions, but regional and rural patients often miss outbecause, historically, they’ve only been available at acity hospital.

LRH’s general manager of research and partnerships,Jhodie Duncan, presented the challenges and successes of setting up their inaugural clinical trial unit almost five years ago.

Since2019, almost 30 clinical trials have opened

at LRH and more than 100 patients have been recruited onto trials, providingadvance care options closer to home and saving Gippsland patients hours of travel to Melbourne.

However, it was recognised that distancetoLRH is still too much for many Gippsland patients.

Anne Woollett, the director of TrialHub, said that while small health services recognise that alone they cannot provide afull suite of trials and trial services, but by working together, the opportunities are so much greater.

West Gippsland Health, Gippsland Southern Health, CentralGippsland Health, Bass Coast Health and Bairnsdale Regional Health shared their currentcapabilities and whatthey would like to be able to offer their patients.

Therewas unanimousagreement that clinical trials arevital to patient care, and the group left committed to increasing accessfor the entire region.

Gippsland clinical trial ambassador,and one of LRH’s first oncology clinical trial participants, Nick Johnson, gave the groupagreat personal insight into being on aclinicaltrial.

LRH will help lead asoon-to-be-formed Gippsland clinical trials working group to move Friday’s conversations forward.

Regional airports face federal policy

By STEFAN BRADLEY

LATROBE Regional Airport, along with other regional airports, shouldbefrontand centre of federalpolicy, RegionalCapitals Australia said in its 2024 federal budget submission, following meetings in Canberra last month.

The chair of Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) and Albury City Council Mayor, Kylie King, said while regional airports were critical to the nation's economy and security, about 60 per cent of regional airports operated at aloss duetoageing infrastructure, rising security and regulatory burdens and staffing costs.

RCA was formed in 2012 to bring Australia's 51 regionalcapital cities together as one unified voice.

"Unfortunately, regional councils are feeling the pinchdue to increasing costs of delivery across the board, andthey can no longerafford to pick up the shortfall," Cr Kylie King said.

"The Victorian regional airports of Geelong, Ballarat andLatrobe provide acritical role in border protection,medivac, defenceand disaster response, and it's only reasonable that the federal government contribute to their ongoing operations."

Latrobe Airport is one of thecasestudies featured in RCA's Regional Airports Policy, and outlines challenges and opportunities it faces.

The report says that regulationand security accounts for 20 per cent of Latrobe Airport's expenses, leadingtohigh operating costs of the airport as well as capital upgrades required to

Crew: RegionalCapitals Australia’sdelegation metwith federalgovernment ministerCatherine King in Canberra last month. Photographs supplied

meet safety and regulatory standards. Resources to upgrade essential facilities and infrastructure are not sufficient, with the RCA report saying Latrobe City Council is "hamstrung" and unable to invest more.

With wild weather events affecting theregion, including Wellington Shire, many locals believe it is vital that Latrobe Airportisequippedfor disaster response.

As the Latrobe Valley transitions away from relying on coal, the report sees increasing commercial flightsfor FIFO workers as asignificant growth opportunity. Theairport also provides services for

RAAF cadets and arange of commercial charter, touristand light aircraft operations.

An RCA delegation in Canberra last month met the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

Cr Kylie King told the Express the meetings in Canberra were productive.

"Regional Capitals Australia has been advocating strongly to the federal government for greater investment for regional airports, in the lead up to the releaseofthe AviationWhitePaper-expected mid year," she said.

Discussion: Thedelegation met withAnthony Chisolm, the Assistant Ministerfor Regional Development, to talk about the impor tance of regional air por ts such as Latrobe

"The Aviation White Paper aims to set the longterm policies out toward 2050, so it is critical for the long-term direction of regional airports and regional economies more generally."

RCA says that regional airports arekey gateways for the movementofVictoria's FIFO workforce,air freight, business traveland the growth of new jobs and aviation industries.

"We are concerned that unlessthe federal government steps in, Victoria's regional airports will be deemed unviable, putting the handbrake on regional growth and our nation's health and security at risk," Cr King said.

MaryvaleEnergyfromWaste project milestone

THE Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) project has been awarded the first Energy from Waste licence from Recycling Victoria under the Waste to Energy Scheme.

The EfW plant will process non-recyclable municipal solid waste (MSW) that would otherwise go to landfill, to generate energy for the Maryvale pulp and papermill. By doing so, it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Victoriaby an estimated 270,000 tonnes per year, which the developer says is equivalent to taking 50,000 cars off the road annually.

The Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) project is being developed by aconsortium of partners including Opal,Veolia and Masdar Tribe Australia, which is basedinthe United Arab Emirates(UAE).

The licence award coincides with the start of the detailed geotechnical study at the location of the EfW facility, in preparation for constructiondesign and costings. This involves drill holes, surface soil sampling and speciality electro-seismic surveys.

AS pa nis hi nf ra str uct ure gr oup ,C ob ra Instalaciones yServicios SA (Cobra), will use the findings of the geotechnical study to enable engineering designs and costings for the foundations of the plant at the Maryvale EfW site.

Victoria's Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, said the Waste to Energy Scheme was akey initiative that would help the state reach its target of diverting 80 percent of waste from landfill by 2030 and creatingnew jobs in regional Victoria.

“We have arobust framework to regulate waste to energy in Victoria. This is the first step in the process which will ensure all facilities meet bestpracticeenvironmentprotection requirements, reduce waste to landfill and demonstrate social licence with surrounding communities,” he said. Mr Richard Kirkman, Chief Executive and Managing Director for Veolia Australia and New Zealand, said it brought Victoriacloser to its sustainability goals.

“We know we need to look beyond landfill to reach

net zero, andEfW is oneway in which to divert from landfill," he said.

“These facilitieshave been converting waste into heat and electricity by means of combustion, as well as enabling recycling of metals and reuse of aggregates.Incomparison to landfilling,they also manage wasteimmediately rather than leaving it to future generations to manage.”

The National Waste Report 2022 found Victoria has the second highest wastetolandfill amount in Australia-a15per cent rise since 2016-17.

The facility will provide asustainable waste management solution to councils for their non-recyclable

residual waste, by recovering energy and valuable materials and diverting it from landfill. Councils will not be locked in to supplying fixed waste volumes to the facility, which will offer a ‘waste arising’ contract model, giving them the freedomtopursue alternate waste reduction initiatives without incurring any penalty.

Opal’s CEO,MrChris Nagaura, said being awardedVictoria’s firstenergy from waste licence was asignificantstep forward for the Maryvale project, which is the most advanced of its kind in the state.

“The Maryvale Energy from Waste project will

createaninnovativenew energy industry in the Latrobe Valley.The geotechnical studyatthe projectsitedemonstratesreal progress towards the development of this world class facility, which is expected to support about 500 jobs during the construction phase,” he said.

The project has received a$48.2 million grant from the Australian government as part of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative and the $550,000 geotechnical study is funded through the grant.

Veolia, which alreadyoperates 65 EfW plants around the world, will operate and maintain the facility.

The EfW plant will use non-recyclable residual waste to produce steam and electricity to supply the Mill.The consortium maintains that the plant's world-class, leading technology will provide superiorreliability,complywith stringentemissions standards, and feature superior energy efficiency. It is targeting more than 99 per cent diversion of waste away from landfill, consistent with circular economy principles.

The Maryvale EfW project has EPA Victoria and Latrobe City Councilregulatoryapprovals for construction.

The Friends of Latrobe Water (FLOW), backed by Environment Victoriaand Environmental Justice Australia (EJA), claimed that the plant posed environmental and health threats. This would be throughtoxic air emissions, Scope 1greenhouse gas emissions, and the potential for land or water contamination from leaching residual waste.

Tracey Anton, spokesperson from Friendsof Latrobe Water, said these plants had no social licence to operate.

“The government is trading off the health of the local community here with another toxic industrial project in the Valley,” she said.

Mor ei nforma tio n: op ala nz. com/ futu re/ energy-from-waste

Solutions

Target Time No.0201

deed, deep, deist ,depose, deposed, deposit ,DEPOSITED, depot ,depside, despite, despot ,died, diet ,dieted, diode, dope, doped, dose, dosed, dote, doted, eddo, edit ,edited, epidote, episode, epode, epos, espied, estop, oddest , oped, peso, pest ,pesto, pide, pied, piste, poet ,poetise, poetised, poise, poised, pose, posed, posited, posted, seed, seep, sept ,side, sided, site, sited, sped, speed, spied,

Milestone: 2024 Mar yvale EfW geotechnical works.

Photograph supplied

PROUDLY BROU GHT TO YOUBYTHES EPAR TICI PATI NG LOCALBUS INES SES

Vic and Tasfarmers unite on land

By PHILIP HOPKINS

VICTORIANand Tasmanian farmer peak bodies have produced apolicyfor developerswho want to build infrastructure, such as transmission linesfor renewable energy, across their farmland.

They were warned that sincethe year 2000, Australia’savailablearable land had beenreduced by 15 per cent, much of it lost to infrastructure development and urban sprawl.

Thepolicy has been released as Gippsland farmersface plans for pipelines and transmission lines across their land as part of the state government’s energy policy,which aims to link offshore wind farms to the Latrobe Valley energy network.

The ‘Farm Access Code of Conduct’,drawn up by the Victorian Farmers Federationand TasFarmers, aims to promoterespectful and sensible infrastructure on agricultural land.

The VFF pres ident, Emma Germa no, and TasFarmers president, Ian Sauer, said as population grows, there was an increased need for more roads, pipelines, electricity networks and mining exploration to deliver services and drive economic growth.

“In addition,ambitious emissionsreduction targets are resulting in the rapid and unplanned expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, including transmission lines, across the country,” the two leaders said in ajoint statement.

“Much of thisexpansion is criss-crossing agricultural land, which has adirect impact on farmers economically, socially and environmentally. In manycases, thislandishighly productive,supporting and sustaining regional communities as well as being critical to our nation’s food security. The land is rare and cannot be replaced.”

The code states that in planning infrastructure, greater consideration must be given to its impact on food and fibre production, and the impact on communities and landholders.

“Landholders deserve trust and understanding when interacting with development proponents,” the code says.

“A strong relationshipwith the proponent ensures alandholder’s rights are maintained and allows them to make informed decisions.”

The code covers many clauses. These include:

 The landholder will have enough time to get legal advice;

 The proponent will conduct acomprehensive risk assessment before work starts and inform the landholder in writing how they will manage the risks in alandaccess and compensation plan;

 The proponent will discuss general logistics and agree on awritten project timeline and compensation agreement before work starts;

 All stakeholders to be given independent briefings of relevant regulations and legislation at the proponent’s expense;

 Where impacts can’t be avoided, the proponent must compensate the landholder through anegotiated land access and compensation agreement;

 At aminimum, the proponent must have a

basic understanding of farms as workplaces;

 The proponent should accept the landholder’s knowledge of the property and incorporate this into the project design;

 The proponent will inform the wider community about the project;

 The landholder can refuse access based on weather conditions, lambing, calving, spraying, cultivating and cropping,among other factors;

 Rehabilitation: the proponent will deactivate the site and ensure the land will be returned to how it was or the prior agreed condition;

 Any dispute between the landholder and the proponent arising from the code will be resolved by an independent mediator;

 Acknowledgement of the intergenerational

succession value of the land, and;

 If rehabilitation can be done, the proponent will shelve their proposal due to the risk of losing prime agricultural land.

The twofarming groupssaidhigh-levelcooperation must include face-to-face engagement and on-groundcommunication.

“If the proponent is unabletolocatethe landholder, they must not enter the property or begin work in any form,” they said.

“The proponentwill nominate aproject liaison officerfor the landholder to contact for the duration of the project.”

Experts querywind -Page28

ReneeHeathbucks Liberalsonwindy policy

By STEFAN BRADLEY

MEMBER for Eastern Victoria, Renee Heath, has broken ranks with the Liberal Party by abstaining from voting for state government legislation, backed by her party, that sets ambitious wind energy targets for the state.

In stateparliament, Dr Heath refused to back the new targets.

“This bill is like signing an economic death warrant for Victoria,” Dr Heath said, adding that her constituents had raised concerns withher, including farmers.

Aarea in Bass Strait off the coast of Gippsland was declaredAustralia’s firstdeclared offshore wind zone in late 2022, and is akey part of future wind energy plans for both the state and federal governments.

Dr Heath brokeranks by notsupporting thebill, known as ‘Climate Change and EnergyLegislation Amendment (Renewable Energy and Storage Targets) Bill 2023’, which nonetheless passed the upper house on Thursday, March 7.

The legislation sets new offshore wind energy targets of at least two gigawatts by 2032 and increases thestate’s renewable energy target from 50 per cent renewable electrification to 95 per cent by 2035.

Dr Heath told the Express shewas representing the Eastern Victoria electorate when she abstained.

“Thereare different views on this in the (Liberal) Party, and there are differing views between electorates. But Ihave to representmyelectorate, and it is aregion that has been gutted by Labor’s green policies,” Dr Heath said.

“We have seen the down-scaling of the power industry, the closure of the native timber industry andIamconcerned this policy is going to impact Gippsland’s agriculture industry.

“Nationally, to meet our emissions reductions targets we would have to build 40 new wind turbines per month and install 22,000new solar panels per day. Ididn’tsupport the new Victorian targets becauseIdon’t want to see our prime agricultural land taken over by wind turbines and solar panels.

“Thetargets are completelyunrealistic, will

continuallypush up energy costs and put our farmers at risk.”

Dr Heath has clarified she doesn’t oppose wind farms in principle and wants renewables to succeedifitresultsincheapbaseloadpower, but believed the legislation could cause unintended consequences.

Addressing the Legislative Council on March 7,

Dr Heath said: “I represent aregion that has not recoveredfrom the job losses from the closure of Hazelwood. Up to 1000 jobs werelost and we were promised atransition, and we havetransitioned to absolutely nothing.”

“I believe thatweshouldbeambitious. Ibelieve that there is nothingwrong with that, but this is not ambition. This is misleading.”

While debating the bill in Parliament,Member for the Western MetropolitanRegion and government minister, Ingrid Stitt,saidrenewables werethe cheapest form of energy.

Addressing potential impacts on farmland, Ms Stittsaid the biggest threat to agricultural land was climate change, and that “our farmers are at

the forefront of the impacts of climate change.”

“Many of them understand exactly what the threat is,” Ms Stitt said.

The Liberals prior to the vote had been split in the shadow cabinet on their stance on this bill, but eventually decided to vote for it.

The opposition requested an updatefrom the stategovernment on how they would reachthe 2032 target after the federal government blocked planstodevelop the Port of Hastingsasanoffshore wind terminal earlier this year over its potential environmental impactonthe internationally protected Western Port Ramsar Wetland.

Ms Stitt said in parliament they were working “diligently on away forward for the Port of Hastings and the Victorian renewable energy terminal” through consultation with the federal government.

“We are undeterred, and we are going to keep going because we know that we have to have this in our energy mix,” she said.

Moreenergy stories- Page 28

Farmers: Code to regulatetransmission linesonfarmland. Photograph: iStock

Building gritand mental resilience

By TOMHAYES

“THERE’S no event likeitinGippsland.”

That’s what the founder of The Restoration Project, MarkMacManus said about their upcomingevent ‘Build Grit’.

‘Build Grit’ is anight thatwill focusonpromoting resilience and creating an unbreakable mindset during recoveryfrom poor mental health

Those in attendance will hear real experiences from notable and localfigures, discussing their trauma, and how they took back control of their lives andfound theirfeet

Award-winning author Kerry Vaughn will MC the evening,known forher leadership programs.

Headlining the speakers is ex-AFL player, Steven Baker, who will speak on his post-football struggles, and the griefheexperiencedlater in lifeand how he used his 'Grit' mindset to overcome adversity.

Nick Riewoldt, St Kilda Hall of Famer and a teammate of Baker, refers to him as someonewho "has the strongest mindset of anyoneIhave ever

supplied

known andcontinues to inspire me to this day".

Baker played 203 games for the Saints and is alsoabest and fairest winner, retiringatthe end of the 2011season

Among thespeakers includes aformerStKilda teammate of Baker, Mathew Ferguson.

Ferguson is aGippslandlocal who played 12 games for the Saints between 2003and 2008,and someone who alsohad to overcome obstacles post-football.

Fergusoniswho Baker turned to when he was struggling,solidifyingtheirbond.

LeighMcDonaldwill sharehis story on the night

McDonald has played and coached locally, while also playing VFL footballinthe early 2000s

He has developed probable CTE, which is essentially abrain injury from an excessive number of concussions.

McDonaldsuffered around 40 concussions in his 20-year career,spanning from the age of 15 to 35 McDonald has more recently experienced and overcome thosebarriers,and will share how CTE hasaffected his life

Another Gippslandlocal,Casey Murphy will shareher storyonhow she created thebestversion of herself when battling adversity, and how she overcame hertrauma.

And finally, MacManushimself will go through his story and reveal how his mental health plummeted.

AGippslandlocal himself,MacManus will share how he discovered he'd losthis way and was no longer being able to use football as an outlet due to injuries.

His turning point and further outcomes have shiftedthe lives of manypeople andisapart of his story today.

“Basically, I’ve got ablueprint of the things you need to do, and if you do these things, your life will get better. It’s not easy,but if you’re able to implement these things there’ssuch agood life to be had,”MacManus said.

“I think we live in an agewherealcohol abuse, drug use is nearlythe socialnorm,and we reallyneed to start changinghow people look at that. You’ve gotto be reallycareful about the decisions that youmake

Award-winning youth wellbeing

LATROBE Health Assembly is bringing awardwinning youth mental health and suicide program, Live4Life, to Latrobe Valley secondary schools. Dedicated to investing in young people’s mental health and reducing youth suicide, the inclusion of the Latrobe Valley means that the Live4Life model will be implemented across most of Gippsland.

Live4Lifeisdesigned specifically for rural and regional communities -delivering teen and accredited Youth Mental HealthFirst Aid trainingto equip young people with the tools to lead as mental healthambassadors.Bycreatingconversations both within the school community and more broadly with partners and community groups, the program reduces stigma associated with mental health while promoting peer support.

“The Live4Life model has been proven to create more highly-networked communities, which enhance resilience during hard times and help to support young people living in regional and rural areas," Live4Life Chief Executive, Bernard Galbally said.

"We know that when we work together, we can change lives."

The first Live4Life partnership group meeting was held at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar in Traralgon in late February,wheregovernment and independent schools alike showedenthusiasm for implementing the project in their campuses.

“Projects such as Live4life are so important to our

region and provide vitalassistance forschools and youngpeople navigating an increasingly complex society," Lavalla Catholic College Principal, Ryan Greer said.

"Thegroupingofkey supportservices, which promote positive adolescent mental and emotional health outcomes, makes areal difference in supporting our young people to become resilient, robust and active participantsintheir developmental journey.

"AtLavalla, we look forward to proactively partnering with other local and regional organisations to better prepare and empowerour students for the challenges that they face."

Seventyfive per cent of people with mental ill health have their first episode during adolescence. Suicideisthe leading causeofdeathin15-24-yearolds in Australia, and the suicide rate is 40 per cent higher in rural and regional communities.

“The Live4life model improves youth mental health and reduces youth suicide using acollaborative approach, led by young people and supported by the whole community," Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong said.

"Supporting our young people helps them to grow theskillsand knowledge to support each other and reduce the stigma of mental health.

"We thank the schools and partners who are committed to working with us to bring this life-saving program to Latrobe Valley."

because they can have areally detrimental effect on yourlifeand those around you."

MacManus founded The Restoration Project several years ago, when he did awalk for mental health alongside amentor of his -the chief executive officer of Latrobe Valley Enterprises, Suzanne Lewis.

MacManusand Lewiswalked from Toongabbie to Latrobe ValleyEnterprisesand back, whichwere the first buildingblocksfor The Restoration Project.

“I wanted to be able to make adifference in people’s lives and show them thatthere is away out,” MacManus said.

“When you’re in yourdarkest of times,you can’t see away out. So,Ijustwanted to be that voiceof hopefor others, because thereare so many people thatare struggling.”

MacManus encouragesparents andtheirteenagerstoattend the event, as he believes it willopen dialogue betweenthem about mental health. Anyone struggling with motivation is also encouragedto attend.

MacManus aims to help others find hope through adversity.

“Lived experience is one of the most underutilised toolsthat there is. There are people that have actually been through dark times and come out the other side,” he said.

“There is nothinglike listening to someone who has lived it and saying, ‘I can relate, Iunderstand how they’re feeling’.

“Inmydarkest times, when Iwas at the lowest of my lows, Iwould’ve done absolutely anything to hear someone sharemystory -whatitistoday-to have given me alittle bit of hope. Hope is such a big part of it.

“Life is meant to be good.”

‘Build Grit’ will be held at the Italian Australian Club,Morwell this Saturday(March 23) from 7pm.

Tickets areavailable at tinyurl.com/2s5ewecb

Headline: St Kilda champion Steven Baker with MarkMacManus and ex-teammate Mathew Ferguson. Photographs

Shedding light: Former Churchill footballer Leigh McDonald will sharethe strugglesand adversityheovercame afterbeing diagnosed withprobableCTE.

Inspiration: CaseyMurphywill displayhow she became thebest version of herself

Youneed to see adentist even if your teeth don’thurt

check-ups and maintenance arecrucial for ensuring their longevit yand avoiding costly and painful issues down the road

Imagine your teethasthe engine of acar.Without regular servicing, even the smallest issues can escalate into

Many people who require denturesregret not taking better care of their teeth earlier. Dentures can be uncomfor table and requireongoing maintenance. Implants, an alternativetodentures, areexpensiveand avoidable with regular dental care.

Unlikeother par ts of ourbodiesthatcan heal themselves, teethcannot regenerate.Onceatooth hasahole, it cannotgrow back naturally (Those miracle cures on social media aren’t real, unfor tunately). This makes preventativecare even morecrucial.

At Latrobe Family Dental, we understand the impor tance of gentle yetthorough dental hygiene. Our team can help youmaintain your natural teethfor life, saving youbothmoney anddiscomfor tinthe long run. Remember,investing in dental careislikeinvesting in car maintenance –it’scheaper and smar terinthe long term Don’tforgettoschedule your next dental check-up! Taking careofyour teethnow will pay offinthe future.

major problems. Similarly,dental check-ups can catch problems early,preventing them from becoming more severeand expensivetotreat

Waiting until your teethstart hur ting to visitthe dentist is likewaiting until your car breaks down to getitserviced. By then, the damage is oftenextensive, requiring more painful and expensiverepairs. Just as notgettingyour car serviced will leadtoabreakdown, ignoring dental checks results in the need forpainful and expensivedental

Enjoyingmorningbikerides

By KATRINA BRANDON

SURRENDERING to the weekend heat over the long weekend, many places were open for peopleto cool off and relax. One of those placeswas Churchill Town Hall.

Artist Damien Laingorganisedtwo-morning bike rides on March 9and opened the town hall to art, food, and live music.

Mr Laing said, “It’s just away to organise things so people can get out of the house, have fun, and check some things out. So, we put out exhibitions, film screenings, poetrynights, and all sortsof things. Ijust moved to the Valley, so we will be doingmany things.”

“I ran it for the first time in 2021 at Churchill. Imade afilm, and we premieredthe filmthere and did something similar. Icurrently have an ongoing project that combines bikingwith cultural activities.”

The project ‘Telos’ has been runningfor anumber of years. The name ‘Telos’ comes from the Ancient Greek term for purpose or meaning. It was just a name to give it aname.

Both rides started at the hall early in the day. Thelongerride,120 kilometres long,wentfrom Churchill, Yinnar, HauntedHillsbike path in Moe, Traralgon, Traralgon South, Jeeralang Ranges,

and back. The shorter ride, 60km long, went along the same path until Moe, where they then turned back for lunch in Churchill, which was all provided.

“People rode around, had some food, they were able to do whatever they wanted to do. It was just afun ride, an excuse to hang out. At the hall, lots of art was put up, some food was served, and some music was played,” Mr Laing said.

Alittle sprinkle of fairy dust to raise township’s morale

By KATRINA BRANDON

ONCE upon atown, Moe and fairies were welcomed among the Better Lives Support Services (BLSS) windows.

BLSS Operations Manager,Dee Dee Harvey cameupwiththe idea of placing fairies in the window during Christmas because she thought Moe needed some magic at this time.

“I put the display up during Christmas because Ilikealittle bit of magic and felt like there was a need for it in Moe,” she said.

While the display is up, afairy story plays for people to take abreak, sit, and listen. It goes on 24/7, so visitors at nightcan visit and not miss out. At night, the showcontinueswith more lights and colours to enchant the display.

The display is set to be permanentand will change depending on the seasons and holidays nearby. The story will also change so people can enjoy different story times as the year passes.

“People have enjoyed the display and have come to talk to us about it, and others have heard other people talking about it and come to take alook,” Dee Dee said.

“Some people of older age have had it remind them of their childhood, which was ablast from the past.”

Dee Dee told the Express that the display ornaments came fromStarEasy Shop in Moe. She also hopes to keep making the displaymore prominent and better every time.

Astepinto wonderlandout back of the BLSS building is afairy garden, where those who receive the service can enjoy peace outside while stillbeing in Moe. Later,they can enjoy sunflowers and herbs from the garden with the BLSS homemade pizza day.

Better Lives Support Service is asmall NDIS service located on George Street, Moe and supports people in maintaining their best lives.

Participants are encouraged to maintain their ownindependence and engage Support Workers who act legally and ethically and maintain the rights of individuals while engaging in activities that promote independence and social inclusion.

For more information, go to betterlivessupportservices.com.au

Speedyand arty: Beau Alkinson, Tensa Gaunt, FelixJoensson, Sian Dunn,Noah Van Raaphorst-King and TimDenshire-Key enjoying the coolChurchill Hall and Telos exhibitafter their morning ride

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

(Ryrie) DuffMaceyRose, bornFebruary24, 2024at Royal Women’s Hospital to proud parents Chloeand Corey DuffofMoe

Magical: Once uponatime in goodold Moe, a fair ywonderlandhas appeared.

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

March 18 -March 24,2024

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

This week it’s the Equinox on Wednesday, and the Sun shifts into Aries and then links up with Pluto Plus, Mars (your ruling planet) moves into Pisces So the current astrology is all about maintaining your equilibrium, celebrating your individuality, and pursuing your dreams within a climate of transformation and reflection Draw inspiration from birthday great Reese Witherspoon: “I believe ambition is not a dirty word It’s just believing in yourself and your abilities

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

The buzz word this week is confidence! Confidence to learn to dream to grow With no less than six planets activating your career and aspirations zones your motto is from birthday great actress/ producer Reese Witherspoon: “With the right kind of coaching and determination you can accomplish anything ” Venus (your boss planet) links up with Saturn on Thursday/Friday which means your hard work, patience and persistence will pay off in the end

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

A Gre you being too subjective and short-sighted about a current issue? It’s the Equinox on Wednesday when day and night are of equal length So take a step back adjust your focus and view things from a much broader and wiser perspective Balance is the key Saturn hooks up with Venus in your career zone, so it’s also time to get serious about your professional ambitions Roll up your sleeves and get to work, as you power through projects and tie up loose ends

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Is a close relationship stuck in a stultifying rut? This week the Sun and Mercury encourage you to blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a fresh angle But how well do you really know your nearest and dearest? Powerful Pluto is in your romance children and friendship zones plus Venus (your patron planet) links up with Saturn So it’s time to dig deeper and gain valuable insights into the inner motivations of a lover, friend or family member

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Sensitivp e Scorpio – you ’ re a capricious creature constantly buffeted by intense emotions and deep desires This week we celebrate the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length) which will help to stabilise your temperamental moods and balance your brooding nature Attached Scorpio – remember there’s a fine line between ardent affection and clingy obsession Unhappily single? You could find yourself drawn to someone with a powerful personality

Have you been avoiding a tricky person or a difficult situation? Crabs tend to side-step problems (or just put their heads in the sand) With Mercury and the Sun moving through dynamic Aries (in your work zone), try a more direct approach as you face challenges head on Aim to communicate your ideas in positive and proactive ways As birthday belle Reese Witherspoon observes: “Confidence is everything ” Travel and adventure are also on the menu

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

On Wednesday, the Sun (your ruling planet) transits into fellow fire sign Aries, and then links up with powerful Pluto From mid-week onwards you’ll be at your feisty, fabulous best – and your belligerent, bossy worst! It s Equinox week, so try to find an outlet for your fiery energy, and a way to bring more balance and harmony into your busy world Thursday and Friday boost personal magnetism and favour taking an ambitious project a step further

STUDENTS at Sacred Heart Primary School, Morwell were captivated by the show Mr. Huff recently

The show was brought to the school by Meerkat Productions.

Children engaged in an interactive show that was an adaptation of the book Mr. Huff by Anna Walker

Show: ‘Mr Huff’atSacred HeartPrimary School, Morwell. Photographs supplied

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

You’rge impatient about making things happen according to your strict timetable but the planets caution you about taking shortcuts and relying on others Don’t expect family, friends or colleagues to drop everything and hand you your dream There is just no substitute for hard work and thorough preparation It’s also Equinox week, so stop overcommitting! Smart Virgos will calm down and recalibrate to a slower, steadier and more sustainable pace

Sagitg tarians can be selfish, self-indulgent souls

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

This week, with the Sun and Mercury spotlighting your leisure-and-pleasure zone, you’ll be preoccupied with your immediate entertainment wants and personal pampering needs However, over the next few years you’ll gradually shift your focus further afield as Pluto teaches you that family matters local community connections and social responsibilities are just as important as individual priorities

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Venup s and Saturn highlight long-term relationships and local community connections And the Sun visits your domestic zone so it’s a good week to support a family member, get stuck into a DIY project or clean and declutter your living space But how will you decide what to keep and what to discard? Draw inspiration from designer and birthday great William Morris: “Have nothing in your house which you know not to be useful or believe to be beautiful ”

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Mon qey matters should start to improve, as Venus moves through your finance zone (until April 5)

The Sun and Pluto send a confidence boost your way (especially involving a personal project or social media) and a local community connection could prove fortuitous So be on the lookout for a lucky opportunity when it appears It’s time to turn an abstract dream into a rock-solid reality! If you hesitate or procrastinate, then you’ll miss the boat Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

On Wednesday it’s the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length), which favours meditation and contemplation, as you aim for more equilibrium and perspective Pluto is powering through your solitude and spirituality zones which further highlights peace-of-mind and strong self-esteem Then mighty Mars moves into Pisces (until April 30) so strive to be more proactive about pursuing your creative and spiritual goals No procrastination allowed Pisces!

COPYRIGHTJoanneMadelineMoore2024

Thisadvertisingspace couldbe urs

The central themeswere resilience andunderstanding apositivemindset which embracedthe school's 'BigIdea' of 'Learning' for Term 1.

Both the storyline and the puppetryexcited the children’s imagination, with many wanting to shake hands with the lifesizeMr. Huff character.

Audience participation: Students across the grades engaged in the show.

Mr Huff comes to Sacred Heart More kinders to come

HUNDREDS of Victorian children will start their kindergarten journeyatlocalgovernment schools in 2026, thanks to the state government’s nation-leadinginvestment in quality early childhood education.

Ministerfor Children, Lizzie Blandthorn joined Member for Cranbourne, Pauline Richards at Cranbourne PrimarySchool recently to announce the locations of 13 new kinders opening at schools in 2026.

The 13 new kinders on school sites will createatleast 1600 places for children, helping to meet demandfor three and four-year-old kindergarten,plus pre-prep, in Victorian communities.

All 13 new kinders will be located on government school sites including Cranbourne PrimarySchool and two new schools which are also opening in 2026.

New

Kosciuszko Street Primary School, Traralgon is among the 13 new kinders.

Locating kindergartens on or close to schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-offmore convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school.

Ms Blandthorn hoped the partnership with schools would assistinthe transition from kinder to primary education.

“Connecting kinders with schoolsoffersso many opportunities for our littlest learners –I’m so excited hundreds of children will soon be able to start kinder at their local school," she said.

"We’re building hundreds of kinders at schools across the state, helping to meetlocal demand forkindergarten and making lifesimpler for hard-working parents and carers.”

skills at Morwell Central

GRADES 3to6 at Morwell CentralPrimary School have been given the opportunity to learn new skills and hone those they already possess during Electives each Monday afternoon.

Some of the groups they have been able to join are: cricket, netball, painting,science, diamond

art,singing, animation,tote bag/t-shirtdesigning, boardgames, melted beadart, knitting, papercraft, woodwork, chess, and school garden maintenance. The Electives program is away for students to make new friendships and connect with the staff in amore relaxed setting.

Creative: Morwell Central

PrimarySchool studentLara enjoying her diamond art elective. Photographs supplied

This week my stars are telling me that I’m going

You’re thevoice: Levi practising his singing with a microphone On the tools: Oscar making a wooden echidna

Fed Uni’s focus on Treaty and Truth

ONE year on from its establishment, Federation Unive rsity Au stral ia’s Natio nal Cent re for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice remains focussed advocating for Voice, Treaty and Truth.

The Centre wascreated by AssociateDeputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation, Professor Andrew GunstoneinMarch 2023 to drive national and regional transformational change in reconciliation.

Professor Gunstone has been joined at the Centre by five Indigenousacademics, Professors Bindi Bennett, Dennis Foley, Emma Lee and Emma Gavin, and Research Associate Jesse Fleay.

The Centre also has an Advisory Boardwith eminentnational leaders, Dr JackieHugginsAM, EmmaGarlett, Commissioner Sue-AnneHunter, Professor Barry Judd, and Peter Morris.

Staff and Advisory Board members are based in five states and two territories across Australia.

The Centre advocated strongly in 2023 for aFirst Nations Voice -organising many events, writing academic and general publications, and developing acomprehensive resources website.

Ah ighlight was the inau gural Federation University Annual Reconciliation Lecture, organisedbythe Centreand presented by Indigenous leader Noel Pearson, with more than 1000 people in attendance.

In the past year, the Centre has been highly successful in obtaining significant government and industry funding for transformational projects in areas such as reconciliation, truth-telling, cultural responsiveness, multicultural engagements,education, conservation, Voice modelling, and the Blue Economy.

“We’re absolutely delighted with all our significant achievementsoverthe past year, through our

engagements with industry, governments, community, and academia,” Professor Gunstone said.

“In 2024, we will continuetowork on these transformational projects, and with reconciliation and Indigenousorganisations acrossthe country on Voice, Treaty and Truth, including with the First PeoplesAssemblyofVictoriaand the Yoorrook Justice Commission in Victoria.”

More information about the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice can be found at: federation.edu.au/reconciliation

Celebrating women in the new energy industry

GIPPSLAND Women in New Energy (GWNE), an initi ative founded by Star of the South Communications Officer, StellaBodman and Australian Solar Group Head of Community Relations,Ivy Huang, was launched on International Women'sDay

The pairsaid regionally based women and nonbinary peopleface additional hurdles when working in male-dominated industries, andthatGWNE aims to empowerwomen living regionally to be empoweredinthese roles.

They addedthat Gippslandhas auniqueopportunity in this era of energy sectortransformationto ensure diversity and inclusion areapriority from the start.

More than70men and women got together at Carrajung EstateWineryonInternational Women's Day (last Friday)tolaunchGWNE and recognise the women driving the new energy sector in Gippsland.

Gippsland Women's HealthChief Executive,Kate Graham; AGL Head of Peopleand Culture, Dianne Van Der Merwe; Director of Legal Copenhagen InfrastructurePartners, Amelia Hanscombe and chief executive and founderAJMcCarthy Consulting, Andy McCarthy were in attendance.

"Gippsland Women's Health (GWH)were thrilled to take part in the launch of GippslandWomen in New Energy and to be able to provide an overview of the challenges with gender inequality in Gippsland particularly in the workplace," Ms Grahamsaid.

Ms Bodman said GWNE will help Gippsland women thrive.

"We're hoping our events, mentorships, collaborations and advocacy will provide aplatform to get more women in the new energyindustry in Gippsland,"she said

Ms Huangcalled theeventa success.

"This crucial initiative shinesa light on the vital roleofwomen in renewable energy.Itfeels like the perfect moment to drivepositivechange andinspire moreinclusivityinthe sector,"she said

Award-winning author brings literacy to life

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Year 8students recently embarked on an enriching literary journey, as they welcomed acclaimedauthor Steven Herrick, creator of the award-winning verse novel By the River,totheir classrooms.

Steven engaged the students with tales of his life experiences that served as the inspiration behind his compelling novel. With animatedrecitations of his poems, he brought his literary world to life, captivating the young minds of students.

As an Australian author renowned for his character-driven narratives, Steven offered valuable insights into the craft of writing, emphasising the power of storytelling to connect with readers.

Steven’s books havewon numerous awards over the years with By the River winning the 2019 German Catholic Book of the Year Award, the 'Jugendliteraturpreis' at the Frankfurt Book Fair and receiving recognition closertohome as an Honour Book for the Children's Book Council of AustraliaBook of the Year in 2005 for Older Readers.

Thevisit not onlydeepened the students' appreciation for literature but also sparked new avenues of exploration in their study of By the River.

Inspired by Steven's expertise, students are now equippedwith fresh perspectives and ideas to delveinto the novel's themes and characters, fostering their growth to personalise their learning experience as young writers.

Presenting: Author Steven Herrickprovided an enter taining presentation and question time to St Paul’sYear 8students on hisnovel.

Photographs supplied

FOURTEEN students from Lavalla Catholic Collegerecently spent the day getting their handsdirty at the Energy Australia Yallourn mine site, undertaking field work as part of their VCE Environmental Studies.

The opportunityfor the Lavalla Catholic College students to explore aworkingminesite was provided through apartnership with the Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority (MLRA) and Energy Australia.

The field work, which contributes to the students’ Common Assessment Task, involved soil sampling, water quality investigation, vegetation monitoring and plant identification.

MineLandRehabilitation Authority’s Chief Executive, Dr Jen Brereton said theengagement was positive.

“It’s great to see the students considering the challengesand opportunities of rehabilitating Latrobe Valley’s coal mineswith future generations in mind," she said.

The Yallourn mine is owned and operated by Energy Australia.

The Mine Land RehabilitationAuthority is an independent authority workingwith com-

Wordsmiths: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar Schoolstudents Noah, Nicole,Macey,Michael and Isaiah with author Steven Herrick.

Exciting science quest

By KATRINA BRANDON

HEREcame the circus, andnow it’s passed. Questacon ScienceCircuswas at Latrobe Leisure Centre on Saturday, February 24

Thecircus featuredmorethan 30 fun and educationalactivities for children and parents to stay busy and four different science shows on rotation throughout the day. More than 1600 people from all over the area attended the science event.

“It’s really good for this age group (2 to 12 years old) to show them science activities,” said aparent, Amie Cook.

Ms Cook said that she enjoyed the event and that it was quite convenient for her.

“It’s so good that you don’t have to travel to the city for educational experiences like Questacon,” she said.

Two other parents, Catherine Ashford and Jason Cini, saidthat their experience hadbeen wonderful, and agreed with Ms Cook.

“It’s great to have activities like this in Gippsland and that there should be more activities andevents like this,” said Ms Ashford.

Mr Cini said: “It’s greattohave activities like this in Gippsland and that there should be more activities and events like this.”

Walking into the event, the Express found that youngsters were excited and ready before getting into the event spaces. One room had mainly small activities, concentratingondifferent STEM activities, and the other featured the show space. The four showsincluded magic versus science,sci-fire, do-it-yourself (DIY) and pressure.

The magic versus science show featured performer Emily using citrus to pop balloons, liquid

Success: Almost2000peopleattended the Questacon event on February24.

nitrogen to shrink and deflate balloons and abed of nails, which she later laid down on, showing no matter the weight, acollectiveofnailsisn’t painful, one singular is (which, of course, she demonstrated with aballoon).

The sci-fireshow was the hit of the day, with performer Jaci carefully playing with fire. While kids could participate in the other shows, this one was trained professionals only. Jaci demonstrated how to change the colour of the flame, what you need for fire and how you can change what you need to make afire with. At one point, even she lit her ownhands with amatch lit by someone else, and droppedthe flames into thewater below.

Have you ever dreamed of shooting marshmallows across the room? Well, at Questacon’s DIY show,youngsters had afew opportunities to launch some across the stage. The DIY show shared a vacuum cleaner that had amodified end to it and aclassic bicarb soda and vinegar explosion.

Lastly, the pressureshow talked about the different materials and electricity, where if pressure is applied, things change or (like the DIY marshmallow gun) shoot more marshmallows across the room, but with electricity. Overall, the day was abig success, with lots of children of all ages running around. Questacon will be following up with schools during the weeks to come, visiting Leongatha and Warragul.

Since1985, the Science Circus has inspired more than three million people through interactive scienceshows, with morethan700 visits to towns and communities, including110 remoteIndigenous communities.

Formore information on Questacon, go to www. questacon.edu.au/

Magic: Luci holding flames in an experiment show, firing up thecrowd

Flying like doctors in the sky

Community: Between SES,Lion’s Club of Rosedale, and Victoria Ambulance, theRoyal Flying Doctorscan continue to help peoplearoundAustralia

By KATRINABRANDON

UP, up, up and awaywith the Royal Flying Doctors Service at the Lions Club of Rosedale Op-shoponWednesday, February28-people passing by couldcome and see what it is like to fly in aRoyal Flying Doctors Service plane. The grounded flight, minus any air-time, is now purposed for educationalreasons around Victoria andTasmania, spending every day on the road to schools and community events.

“Wedothis pretty much every day. The Royal Flying Doctors simulator goes somewhere in the community to help educate people on services around Victoriaand Tasmania,” said the plane transporter and education program manager, Tom Ryan.

“For the last seven weeks, we have been touring Gippsland and doing other educational opportunities since August 2023.”

Going up intothe plane, thereality of space thatthe servicehas within the planecomes into reality. Even someone as short as five feet had to benddowntowalk around theplane, and medicalprofessionals wouldbeworking on their hands and knees to help patients. Withinthe plane,there is room for three seats, and two stretcheswithequipment eitheron hooksabove stretchers or in asmall storage area at the back.Getting even smaller, the piolet quarters were barely arm's length for two people.

Strap in: Tightspaces in the RoyalFlying Doctors simulator where peoplecan experience the worldofmedical aviation.

Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

While this simulator was an older model, Mr Ryansaiditstill shares the experience of what it is like in Victoria and Tasmania's single service. Mr Ryan told the Express that by March 20, they willhave anewer modeltoeducatecommunities around Victoria about the service.

The event was held from 10am until 4pm, and many people stopped by for alook. Joining the RoyalFlying Doctors Service were the SES, the Lions Club of Rosedale and Victoria Ambulance.

Vic Ambulance was handing out information aboutCPR, First Aid courses, the new clinic, andvirtual EDs (emergency departments) so that people didn’t have to enter the Emergency Department. People could also compare the difference between ground and air ambulances within the state.

The SES was there to help educate people on SES and share what is involved for volunteers, what they coverand upcomingevents they willbeparticipating in. TheSES community resilience coordinator, Rachel Rogers, told the Express thatthere is amisconception that, as amember, you have to be apart of saving lives directly or on the end of achainsaw. Shesaid there are afew office opportunities within SES, andlotsofthe courses you can do with the SES can be used and bring in other opportunities.

Now on the road again, the RoyalFlying Doctors Servicesimulator will be heading around Victoria once again.

Flight: Whilethisplane doesn’t roam thesky, it doeseducating children and communities aroundVictoria and Tasmania.

Fun and festive fundraising at Flanagan’sIrish Bar

By KATRINABRANDON

IT was that summertimefeeling over the long weekend, with some taking to the bar cooler at Flanagan’sIrish Bar for the Royal Children’s Hospital fundraiser on March 10.

More than50people attended the event, retreating inside for the coolair-conditioning and cooler beers, including Cr Sharon Gibson, and the Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron,

who helped out with the events later on.

The event started at 12 and continued until people were ready to head home and snooze away the warm weather. During the event, people could eat and drinkwhile listeningtomusic or even participating in araffle andanauction.

All of the items at the auction were donated by individualsand organisationsinthe hope of raising more money for the Royal Children’s Foundation. Auctioneer Evan Platschinda, who

has been doing the auction for 13 years, said that the selling is always great and that people always have agreat time.

Items ranged from 'anything and everything', such as afan, wine glasses, picture frames, pet food, gardening utensils,body products, vouchers and much more.The auction started at 3pm, and Mr Cameronhelped showcase what was being auctioned off. The highest bid was $250, which triggered applause.

The eventwas for allages and family members. Sadly, due to the 38 degree heat, the turnout wasn’t as great as in previous years, but participants raised $3060.40 during the event, topped up by Our Kinda Country to $5000.

Despite the heat,some attendees danced to the music and moved aroundthe room.Each band had 15 minutes to play aset, and CDs were available at the back of the room for $10 each, with the proceeds going towards the cause.

The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday,

Excitement: Auctioneer and musician Evan Platschindaenjoyed the RoyalChildren’s Hospital fundraiser on March 10 Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Energetic: Fighting theheat and dancing to the beat, people enjoyed the festivities at Flanagan’sonMarch 10

Sweet: Therewas chocolates and bunniesfor theEasterraffle and Royal Children’s Hospital fundraiser.

Smashing: Bedofnails provide morecomfort with bricks andentertainment

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Kapow: Popgoes the balloon aftercitrus is applied by kids’entertainerEmily.

THE new Youth Enhanced Service in Gippsland will provide holistic support for young people experiencing severe or complexmental health challenges to address agap in existing services.

Gippsland PrimaryHealth Network will commission RelationshipsAustraliaVictoria(RAV) to deliver the Youth Enhanced Service, in partnership with otheragencies and health professionals, based on anational model developed by Orygen.

The Gippsland model is being developed with inputfrom young people, theirfamilies and the wider community.

Gippsland PHN chief executive,Amanda Proposch, said the model wouldtargetyoung people aged between 12 and 25 years who had complex mental health needs.

“This service will fill the gap between low intensity care and acute care in the hospital system,” Ms Proposch said.

“It is sometimes referred to as the ‘missing middle’, considered too complex to be met by the primary mentalhealthcare system and not acute enough forthe tertiary mental health system.”

support and appointments. That’s why prioritising service availability and accessibility is central to our Youth Enhanced Service.

“At its core,the YouthEnhanced Serviceisabout enabling young people to be safe, feel supported and empowered to make decisions about their healthcare journey.”

The Youth Enhanced Service will be delivered across Gippsland from July 1, 2024 and include holistic and high-quality mental health and psychosocial supports that will be continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of young people.

The Youth Enhanced Service will be delivered in partnership with:

 Youth Advocacy and Support Service;

 Eating Disorders Victoria;

 Deputy Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Leeanne Fisher;

RAV will tailor the Youth Enhanced model to meet the needsofyoung peoplefrom diverse backgrounds,ensuringall clients haveaccess to support what is sensitive and appropriate for their cultural, language, religious, sexuality and socio-economic backgrounds.

RAV senior manager operations regional Victoria, Jo Huggins, said it was crucial for young people experiencing mental health challenges to have early access to support services.

“It’s equally important for those services to adapt as the needs of ayoung person change,” Ms Huggins said.

 Senior Occupational Therapist with the Social Confidence Collective, Jo Rouse;

 Clinical Psychologist with Erin Dolan and Associates, Dr Erin Dolan, and;

 Dr Anna Howsen from the Wonthaggi Medical Group.

“For young people in rural areas, travel and other factors can make it difficult to find and access

The Youth Enhanced Service will also work with anetworkofmorethan70local organisations, schools, health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

VICTORIAN students are encouraged to explore how Victorians came together to build the Shrine of Remembrance and other war memorials as part of the 2024 Premier’s Spirit of AnzacPrize competition.

Minister for Veterans,NatalieSuleyman recently announced the openingofthe annual award competition, which invites students in Years 9to 12 in Victoria to apply for auniqueinternational study tour opportunity.

Studentsare asked to delvedeeper into the essence of the Anzac spirit as they develop their submissions, which can take the form of written pieces, creative works, and digital presentations.

The Prizedelivers on thestate government’s 2022 election commitment to give12youngstudents the opportunity to join afully funded study tour.

This year,the selected students willembark on an unforgettablejourney to battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye,retracing the experience of Australian men and women at war on the Gallipoli Peninsula and surrounds.

The Spirit of Anzac Prize also offers students the opportunity to participate in auniqueeducation program that fosters understanding and apprecia-

TheGuide

LOCKERBIE

Seven, Sunday, 8.30pm

JIMMY DOHERTY’S NEW ZEALAND ESCAPE

SBS Food, Saturday, 7.30pm

Perhaps it’sunfair to declarethat New Zealand’ssublime natural sceneryeclipsesthe genial manner of presenter Jimmy Doherty (pictured), but in this gorgeously shotseries that’sthe only wayitshould be. Dottedwith snow-frosted mountains, heavenly blue expanses and even some top-notch whiskey and buffalo milk, it’sanexpedition filled with the scenic spoils of Kiwi produce and spirit.It’sahappy-go-lucky four-part travelogue, kicking off with the British presenter and farmer visiting the havenofStewart Island, wherehelearns to gravity fish.Awomen-only deer farm and the country’soldest distilleryare also on the fun-filled itinerary.

Colin Firth is set to star in an upcoming miniseries about the 1988 disaster,but in the meantime there’sthis meticulous true crime documentaryabout terroristattackonPan Am Flight 103. Using archivalfootageand extensiveinterviews with those involved, it’s acompelling and very moving examination of grief, which wraps up tonight with amovie-length instalment.Almost 40 years havepassed since the terribletragedy,but it stillfeels likeyesterday forMargaret and HughConnell,who wereamong the first to findthe plane’s wreckage in their small Scottish town. Tonight,the verdict is revealed, leaving Dr Jim Swire, the father of one of the victims, gobsmacked.

MASTERMIND AUSTRALIA

SBS, Monday, 6pm

Notoriousfor its tough questions, there’s no holding back on the torrent of knowledge and intellect in the new season of this quiz caper.Premieringtonight withits sixth season, alongwithhost MarcFennell (pictured), here’syour cheat card to get ahead of the curve…ifyou wish to accept alittle sneaky heads up.With afresh episode everyweekday, everything from pop cultureto art and politics is covered. Tonight’sreturn features NRL State of Origin from 1985 to 2005 Survivor:All-Stars,the human brain, and the Battle forHill 60,but youcan also brush up on Fawlty Towers, ParksandRecreation,New Order,the Solomon Islands and Dutch painter JohannesVermeer this week.

6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News

7.30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. (PGa) Part 3of3

8.30

9.05

9.50

10.20

2.15

(R) 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

NITV (34)

8.30 JimmyCarr’s ILiterally Just Told You. (Premiere, M) Jimmy Carrhostsacomedic game show wherepaying attentionpaysoff. 9.30 Kin. (Final, MA15+alv) Conflictisput intooverdrive.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Blinded. (Malns)

11.45 The Wall: TheChateau Murder. (Mal) 3.05 Grayson Perry’sRites Of Passage. (Ms R) 4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

PI AL

SB

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LONE AUSTRALIA

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6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 HomeAnd Away Theo fears he has lost Valerie 7.30 The1%Club. (PGls) Hosted by Jim Jefferies

8.35 TheFrontBar (Ml)

BS, Wednesday 7.30pm med with only 10 permitted ms, such as asleeping bag, waterbottle and perhaps a othbrush,there’s no bluffing this extraordinarysurvival ries s Returning with its keenly ticipatedsecond season ter hooking auudiences with its s smannian-set debut last year, e stakes are e high for the 10 mpeting survivalists after no oubt taking feverish notes om reigningchampion na Chick’s audacious feat nningthe 250,000 cash ze. This time they’re New Zealand’s uth Island, where ing cold takes apainful new eaning. Featuring SW tradesman and ld game hunter ckand Victorian lderness venture guuidde zan (pictured), ere’s no ortage of skill dchutzpah

6.00

Or No

HostedbyGrant Denyer

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews.

7.30 TheDog HouseAustralia. (PGa) Follows the staff as it tries to findthe right fit for awoman who wantsapal forher staffy.

8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma) NSW Ambulance delivers ababyand saves a four-year-old with acritical heart condition.

9.40FBI:International (Mav)The FBI Fly Team heads to Austria to find an American teen who waskidnapped as achild.

12.30 TheProject. (R)

1.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Thursday, March 21

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30

Compass. (PGa, R) 11.00 AntiquesRoadshow (PG,R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Whale

With Steve Backshall. (R) 2.00 Parliament

QuestionTime. 3.00 TheCookAnd TheChef (R) 3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.15 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Back Roads. (PG, R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Foreign Correspondent. International affairs program.

8.30 Grand DesignsNew Zealand. (PG) TomWebster meets acouple who are building their family home on New Brighton’s beachfront.

9.20 Antiques Roadshow (R)HostedbyFionaBruce.

10.20 BetterDate Than Never. (R)

10.50 ABCLate News.

11.05 TheBusiness. (R)

11.20 This Is Going To Hurt. (Final, Mal,R)

12.05 Grand Designs. (R) 12.55 Parliament

Question Time. 1.55 Tenable. (R) 2.40 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Catalyst. (PG, R) 5.30

7.30.(R)

ABC

6am

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 PeerToPeer.(PG, R) 9.45 MakeMeADealer.(R) 10.35 Kew

Gardens: SeasonBySeason. 11.25 Vanitas. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Surviving An American Concentration Camp.(Ma) 3.00

Where Are YouReallyFrom? (PG, R) 3.45 The Cook Up.(R) 4.15 World’sMost Scenic Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.35 BettanyHughes:The Silk Road Treasures Bettany Hughesexplores Azerbaijan.

8.30 StanleyTucci: Searching ForItaly:Umbria. (PGl) Stanley Tucci visits Umbria, asmall rural region that boasts the highest consumption of pork per capita in Italy

9.20 TheVanishing Triangle (Malv)

David tries to get astatement from Teresa and aconfession from Bulger

10.10 SBSWorld NewsLate.

10.40 Illegals. (Premiere, Malv)

11.40 Unseen. (Maln, R)

3.25 GraysonPerry’sRites Of Passage. (Mas, R) 4.20 Bamay.(R) 4.50 DestinationFlavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines

The WorldTonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

10.00

6.00

Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30

SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: A

Glass Of Revenge.(2022, Mav) Lynn Kim Do Monique Parent,Michael Swan. 2.00 Your Money &Your Life. (PG) 2.30 BorderSecurity: International. (PG, R)

3.00 TheChase. (R)

4.00

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 2. St Kilda vCollingwood. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from the game.

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews. (R)

11.30 TheAmazing Race. (PG,R) Theteams continue the megaleg in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,where they must choose between detours.

1.00 Fortitude. (MA15+av,R) Amurder rocks thecommunity and in the icywilderness, nature is growingmore dangerous.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.

5.00 SevenEarlyNews

5.30 Sunrise. News, sportand weather

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RBT. (PGdl, R) Followsthe activities of police units

8.30 Australia Behind Bars. (Madl, R) It is time for the annual touch footy match between Wellington and Macquarie prison inmates.

9.30 World’sMostDangerous Prisoners (Mav) Takesalook at people behind bars.

10.30 Law&Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+v)

11.20 9News Late.

11.50 A+EAfter Dark. (Mm, R)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 Pointless.(PG,R) 2.30 Global Shop (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa)

4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 9News Early

5.30 Today

4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGav) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews.

7.30 TheDog House Australia. (PG) Follows thestaff as it tries to find the right fit fora womanwho wantsa palfor her staffy.

8.40 GoggleboxAustralia. TV fanatics open up theirliving rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.40 Law& Order: SVU. (Mav,R) Theteam joins forces with Elliot Stabler to hunt down an evil mastermind.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv,R)Jamie searches for an arsonist

11.30 TheProject. (R) Alook at theday’s news.

12.30 TheLateShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Better Homes AndGardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.20 Football. AFL.Round 2. Adelaide vGeelong.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion andinterviews.

11.15 Armchair Experts. (M) Apanel discussesall things AFL

12.00 Get On Extra. Alook at the weekend’sbestracing.

10.15

English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

12.30 TheArrangement. (Mav, R) Kyle confronts adark time in his past.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s

DynastiesII: Cheetah. (PGa)

Narrated by SirDavid Attenborough

8.40 MOVIE: TheHitman’s

Bodyguard. (2017,MA15+alv,R) Abodyguard must protect the life of ahit man who is settotestify at the International Criminal Court. Ryan Reynolds, Samuel LJackson, Gary Oldman.

11.00 MOVIE: Judas And TheBlack

Messiah (2021, MA15+lv) Daniel Kaluuya

1.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

2.10 Pointless. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00

Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop.(R) 5.00

TV Shop: HomeShopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy

The BushKangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by GrantDenyer

6.30 TheProject. Alook at theday’snews.

7.30 Ready Steady Cook.

Hosted by Miguel Maestre

8.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Final) Irish comedian Graham Norton presents the second of two compilations of highlights from the recent series, including Emma Stone, Kevin Hart, Paul Mescal, Sofia Vergara, Colman Domingo,JodieFoster andmore.

10.50 Albert Park All Access (R)

Commentary and analysis ahead of the race.

11.50 TheProject. (R)

12.50 Fire Country. (Mmv,R)

1.40 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Saturday, March23

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast.

9.00 Rage.(PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

12.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 1.30

Miniseries:LifeAfter Life.(Mav,R) 2.35 JuliaZemiro’s Home Delivery.(PG, R) 3.05

Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.55 Universe With Brian Cox. (R) 4.55 Better Date Than

Never. (R) 5.25 Landline. (R) 5.55 Australian Story. (R)

6.30 Back Roads:Gunbower And Torrumbarr y, Victoria (R) PresentedbyHeather Ewart.

7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of theday

7.30 Miniseries: Life Af ter Life (Masv) Part 3of4.Following a whirlwind romance, Ursula struggles to adapt to married life with Derek.

8.30 Endeavour (Mav,R)Part2 of 3. Acrime wave of the kind more usually associated with London has taken hold of Oxford. Ahomeless man is assaulted while ayoung PC has been found dead and anotable artist is reported missing.

10.00 House Of Gods. (Ml, R) Sheikh Mohammad’splans struggle.

11.00 HappyValley. (Mal, R) Faisal comes under increasing pressure.

12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Love Your Home And Garden. (PG, R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. 11.00

Urban Conversion. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Trampoline World Cup Highlights. 3.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 3.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 5.00 Grand

Tours Of Scotland’sRivers. (PG, R) 5.35 The American Fuhrer

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGa) Part 3of4

8.30 RoyalCrisis: Countdown To Abdication: Collision Course Part 2 of 3. As scandal engulfs the British royal family,the government tries to intervene.

9.30 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes: Paris, Annecy And TheCote D’azur. (PG, R) Part 1 of 4. English historian Bettany Hughes sets out on agrand tour of France and Italy

10.25 Those Who Stayed. (PGa) Follows the story of Egor

11.05 Between TwoWorlds. (Mal) Mariebeginsa jobatthe army base

12.00 Suspect. (MA15+av,R)

3.30 Face To Face. (Mals, R)

4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

SBS

6am

SBS

6am Fried Green Tomatoes.Continued.(1991, PG) 7.25

SEVEN (7,6)

6.00

10.00

TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Golden Slipper Dayand William Reid Stakes Day 5.00 SevenNews At 5.

5.30 BorderSecurity: Australia’s FrontLine. (PG, R) NarratedbyGrant Bowler

6.00 SevenNews

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 2. Sydney vEssendon. From the SCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussionand interviews taking alook back at allthe action from the game

11.00 To Be Advised

1.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 2. Melbourne SuperSprint.Day 1. Highlights. From Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne

2.30 HomeShopping. (R)

4.00 Get Clever. (R) Educational kids’ program in which the wonders of maths and science are explored.

5.00 House OfWellness. (PG,R)Luke Darcy,JoStanley and LukeHines look at locationsthat highlight living well.

NINE (9, 8)

6.00 HelloSA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra:

Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Surfing Australia TV

12.30 My Way. 1.00 Ageless. (Premiere)

1.30 Living On The Coast. (Return) 2.00

Great Australian Detour.(R) 2.30 David

Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGa) 3.30

Renovate Or Rebuild. 4.30 TheGarden Gurus.

5.00 9NewsFirst At Five. 5.30 Getaway.(PG)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGl) The team revisits some past favourites.

8.30 MOVIE: Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. (2021, MA15+lv,R) Abodyguardand ahitmanmustembark on alife-threatening mission as they try to savethe lifeofthe hitman’s wife. Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek, Samuel L. Jackson.

10.45 MOVIE: Sleepless. (2017,MA15+dlv,R)A cop searches for hiskidnapped son. Jamie Foxx

12.35 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

1.35 TheGarden Gurus. (R)

2.00 TheIncredible Journey Presents (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG,R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R)

4.30 Global Shop.(R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 HelpingHands. (PG, R)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 What’sUpDown Under.(R)

6.30

Leading The WayWithDrMichael Youssef.

7.00 Camper Deals. (R) 7.30 Escape Fishing With ET.(R) 8.00 Ready Steady Cook. (R)

9.00 Albert Park All Access. (R) 10.00 Motor Racing. Formula1.Round 3. Australian Grand Prix. Day 2. From AlbertPark Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne. 5.30 10 NewsFirst

6.30 Ready Steady Cook. (R)

Hosted by MiguelMaestre.

7.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa,R) Follows thestaffasittries to find the right fit for awoman who wantsapal for her staffy

8.40 TheDog House (PGa)Afamily considers an energetic cockapoo pup who their seven-year-old immediately fallsin love with. Aman who ismourning his dog is encouraged by his wife to findanew friend

9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) NSWAmbulancedelivers ababyand saves a four-year-old with acritical heart condition. 10.40 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R) Apatient isstuck on abus.

11.55 So Help Me Todd (PGa, R)Todd decides to takeanexperimental drug. 12.50 FBI:International. (Mav,R) TheFBI FlyTeamheadstoAustria.

1.30 Home Shopping (R)

5.00 HourOfPower.

10

7MATE (73,64)

9GO! (93, 82)

10

Sunday, March24

ABC TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Insiders

10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R)

11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.00

Nigella Bites. (R) 3.30 Cook And The Chef (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ.(PG, R) 4.45

Extraordinary Escapes. (PG,R) 5.30 The ABC Of (Final, PG, R)

6.00

6.30

7.00

7.30

8.30

payments to be transported to Iraq.

9.30 Happy Valley. (Mal, R) Faisal comesunder increasing pressure.

10.30 MOVIE: Suffragette. (2015,Malv,R)Carey Mulligan.

12.15 Significant Others (MA15+s, R)

1.05 Rage Vault (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Catalyst. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

SBS (3)

6.00 MorningPrograms. 11.00 Urban

Conversion.(R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS

Washington Week WithThe Atlantic 12.55 Swan Football. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. AustralianSuperbikeChampionship. Round2

Highlights 4.00 MotorRacing.World Rally-Raid Championship.Abu Dhabi DesertChallenge

Highlights 5.00 Wonders Of Scotland. (PG, R) 5.30 Harbour From TheHolocaust. (PGavw, R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Unlocking TheSecrets Of TheNazca Lines (PGa) Alook at theNazca Lines.

8.20 BettanyHughes: Treasures Of Cyprus. (PGas, R) Bettany Hughes explores Cyprus.

9.15 AYear From Space (PGavw, R) Satellite images tell the storyof2022.

10.35 LatestSecretsOfThe Hieroglyphs. (R)

11.35 Beyond TheCut.

11.40 Cycling. UCI World Tour Gent-Wevelgem. Men’srace.

2.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Gent-Wevelgem Women’s race. From Flanders, Belgium. 4.00

Going Places With Ernie Dingo.(PG, R) 5.00

NHK World English News Morning 5.15 France

24 Feature 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6am

SEVEN (7,6)

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 House Of Wellness.(PG,R) 1.00 Jabba’s Movies. (PG) 1.30 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG, R) 2.00 Football. VFL.Round1.Casey vBox Hill.FromCasey Fields, Melbourne 5.00 SevenNewsAt

5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and ScottTweedie.

8.30 Lockerbie. (PGav) Part 3of4 TheFBI case against the two suspects is strongbut circumstantial.

10.50 QuantumLeap. (Mav) Ben takes on the role of abankteller.

11.50 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 2. Melbourne SuperSprint.Day

NINE (9,8)

6.00 Fishing Australia.(R) 6.30 ACurrent

Affair.(R) 7.00 Weekend Today 10.00 AFL

Sunday FootyShow.(PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 Drive

TV 2.00 The BizarrePet Vets. (PGm, R) 3.00

Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm, R)

Space Invaders. (PGl, R)

9News FirstAtFive.

Postcards. (PG)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Mass ForYou At Home. 6.30 Key Of David. (PGa) 7.00 Joseph Prince: New Creation Church. [VIC] Tomorrow’s World. (PG, R) 7.30 Good Chef Bad Chef (R) 8.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. (R) 8.30 Motor Racing.Formula1 Round3.Australian Grand Prix.Day 3. 5.00 10 News First.

6.30 TheSundayProjec t. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

7.30 I’mACelebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Return, PGals) Agroup of Aussie celebritiescompetes in atest of survival in the wildsofAfrica.

9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i (Mv, R) When aUS Navy seaman is involved in amurder, the NCIS team is called to work the case on their day off.Lucy is surprised to find out Whistler turned down apromotion in Washington,DC, to stay in Hawaii.

11.30 TheSundayProject (R) Alookatthe day’snews.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBSMorning s. Morning news and talk show.

5.00 9News Early 5.30 Today

(12,

Monday,March 25

ABCTV

6.00

Mornings.

ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Australia Remastered (R)

2.00 Parliament Question Time.

3.00 TheCook AndThe Chef (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Back Roads. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz (PG, R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story.

PresentedbyLeigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalismprogram exposing scandals, firingdebate andconfronting taboos.

9.05 Media Watch. (PG)

Hosted by Paul Barry

9.20 Q+A. (Final) Presented by Patricia Karvelas.

10.35 ABCLateNews.

10.50 TheBusiness. (R)

11.05 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering (R)

11.35 Planet America. (R) 12.10 Grand Designs (R) 1.00 Parliament Question Time. 2.00

Tenable.(R) 2.45 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30

Catalyst. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 MorningPrograms. 9.50 Paul O’Grady: ForThe Love Of Dogs.(PGa, R) 10.20 Kew

Gardens: SeasonBySeason. (Final) 11.10 Food

Markets: In The Belly Of TheCity.(PGa, R)

12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Druids: TheMystery Of Celtic Priests. (PGa, R) 3.00 Mastermind

Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up.(R) 4.15 World’s

Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.05

Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (Return)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Family –LostAnd Found. (PGa)

Hosted by Henry LouisGates, Jr

8.30 The2010s: Taking It To

TheStreets. Takesalook at how the 2010s wasa turbulent decade of social and political upheaval.

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency:

ALoveLikeNoOther (Ma)

A26-year-old is rushed to St George’s

10.15 SBSWorld NewsLate.

10.45 Christian. (Premiere,MA15+d)

11.35 Darkness:Those

Who Kill. (Mav, R)

3.10 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise.

9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG)

11.30 SevenMorning News.

12.00 To Be Advised.

1.30 SurveillanceOz. (PG,R)

2.00 TheChase.

SevenNews.

6.00

7.00

Home AndAway. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (Final, PGl) Afterall the weeks of auditions, judging and singing, the winner of the competition is crowned.

9.00 TheIrrational. (Mav) Alec takes acaseinvolving ayoung burn victim and arson involving ahousefire that forces him to confront some trauma from his past. Phoebe and Rizwancompete for an important researchgrant.

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.30 S.W.A.T. (Mav) Aterminally ill inmate escapes custody

12.30 MOVIE: UntilWeAre Safe (2016,MA15+av,R)A woman goes on the run withher son. Beth Grant.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday

5.00 SevenEarlyNews.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MarriedAtFirstSight. (Mls)

It’stime forthe final dinner party

9.00 My Wife, My Abuser. (MA15+alv)

Part 1of2.Documents the story of Richard Spencer and the abuse he endured at the hands of his wife.

10.00 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle theAFL’s big issues.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 CourtCam (Mlv,R)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.55 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.45 Hello SA (PG)

2.15 Talking Honey. (PG,R)

2.30 Global Shop (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00

Believer’sVoiceOfVictory. (PGa) 4.30

ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 9News Early

5.30 Today

7MATE (73,64)

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Children’s Programs.

3.30 10 NewsFirst:Afternoon 4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGav) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProject. Thehosts and guestpanellists takealook at the day’snews, events and hot topics.

7.30 I’mACelebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) As the celebritiesadjust to camp life, they come face-to-face with some of the jungle’s most terrifying snakes.

9.00 FBI: MostWanted. (Mv,R) TheFBI fugitivetaskforce team is called to Vermontafter acouple growing illegal marijuana massacre theiremployees. Barnesbegins to regretnot taking any time off to bond with her new baby

11.00 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews.

12.00 TheLate ShowWithStephen Colbert. (PG) HostedbyStephen Colbert. 1.00 HomeShopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings.

6am A Monster In Paris. Continued. (2011, French) 6.40 To Sir,WithLove. (1967,PG) 8.40 Belle And Sebastian 2. (2015, PG, French) 10.30 Room. (2015, M) 12.40pm Angels Wear White.(2017,M,Mandarin) 2.40 Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.55 Modern Times. (1936,PG, No dialogue) 6.30 Breaker Morant (1980,PG) 8.30 Das Boot. (1981, M, German) 11.10

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Drag Racing. NDRC TopFuel C’ship.H’lights. 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship.Melbourne SuperSprint.H’lights. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship.Melbourne SuperSprint. H’lights. 4.30 Storage Wars 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad 10.30 Late Programs.

Noon Scorpion. 3.00 Bewitched. 3.30 Full House.

NITV (34) 6am Home Shopping 8.00 Healthy Homes. 8.30 All 4Adventure. 9.30 iFish. 10.30 JAG 12.30pm In TheDark.

4.00 Sunnyside. 4.30 The Addams Family

5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond. 7.00 TheNanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

Tuesday, March 26

ABC TV (2)

6.00

6.00

SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? David Walliams. (PG,R) 8.30

Insight. Presented by Kumi Taguchi.

9.30 Dateline: Finding Yusuf Pt 1. Alook at the fate of Yusuf Zahab

10.00 SBSWorld NewsLate.

10.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 11.05

Blackout: Tomorrow Is TooLate. (Final,Mlnsv) 12.00

Miniseries:Bonnie And Clyde. (MA15+lsv, R) 12.30 Vise Le Coeur.(MA15+a R) 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay (R) 4.50 DestinationFlavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6am

6.00

7.30

8.30 Ramsay’sKitchen Nightmares

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews.

7.30 I’mACelebrity… Get Me OutOf Here! (PGals) The celebritiescontinue to adjust to jungle life andmustnow allocate chores around the campsite.

9.00 NCIS (Mv,R)The teaminvestigates the case of aUSNavy reservist whose body wasfound in acar at agun range.

10.00 NCIS: LosAngeles. (Mv, R) An ATFagent goes missing.

11.00 TheProject. (R) Alook at theday’snews.

12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Liberals seek nuclear social licence

By PHILIP HOPKINS

WITH the Latrobe Valley apossible site for a nuclear power station, the federal Opposition has upped the argument for nuclear as apossible way for the nation to lower greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining areliable and cheaper energy supply.

Whilethe Coalitionhas not specifically named the Latrobe Valley, the federalOpposition Leader, Peter Dutton, last week said Australia could meet its three national goalsofcheaper, consistentand cleaner power by becoming anuclear-powered nation.

"We can achieve that goal by putting nuclear technologies on or near the sites of decommissioned or retiring coal-fired power plants using the existing grid," he said in an opinion piece in the Australian Financial Review.Australia had akey market advantageinnuclear:"Australia holds the largest depositsoruraniuminthe planet -one third of the world's reserves."

Mr Dutton said the Coalitionwould shortly unveil host sites where new nuclear technologies could be placed."TheCoalition will seek asocial licence for our energy policy by listening to and incentivising communities to adopt nuclear power," he said.

The federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, has said he understood the emotion surrounding nuclear, but urged residents to look at nuclear-powergeneration on aglobal scale and how it was often fuelled by uranium mined in Australia.

"It's aconversation we need to have as calmly and as rationally as we can to make sure we're making the bestdecisionabout futuregenerations of Australians havingaccess to reliable and affordable energy," he said.

The National Party has argued anuclear plant on an old coal station site would negate the need for large transmission lines through farmland Farmers in South Gippsland are now negotiating with various companies about access to their land

for transmission lines from proposed wind farms off Bass Strait.

Mr Dutton said in the AFR that more than 400 nuclear reactors in 30 countries were operating in the world today. The Ontario province in Canada, for example, produced 60 per cent of its power from nuclear, 35 per cent from renewables and 5 per cent from gas.

"We're not starting anuclear industry from scratch.The Lucas Heights nuclearreactor (in NSW) hasbeen running for 66 years," he said. "Some50countries are exploringorinvestingin

next-generation nuclear technology forthe first time. Australia is the only countryinthe top 20 economieswhichhasn't embraced domestic nuclear power, or is taking steps to do so. During COP28 in December, more than 20 countriesfrom four continentspledged theirintenttotripletheir nuclear energy capacity by 2050."

Mr Dutton said if the federal governmentwas so confident about its 'renewables only'energy policy, it shouldnot fearlifting the moratorium on nuclear and letting the market decide. "Labor sees nuclear power as acompetitor to renewables.

The Coalition sees nuclear power as a companion to renewables," he said.

Mr Dutton's comments came as Australia's former nuclear science regulator under both Coalition and Labor governments said adomestic nuclear energy industry in Australia was the only option if the country wanted areliable and low-cost energy source with zero emissions, The Australian newspaper reported.

Dr Adi Paterson,who was the head of the federal government's Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for more than adecade until 2020, said nuclear wasthe only "rational choice" for post-coal dispatchable power. The other possibilities were geothermal or hydro; there was some geothermal in northern NSW and Snowy 2Hydro was struggling to be built.

"Nuclear is the most reliable, safest, most predictable form of low-cost electricity that is also no carbon," he said.

Dr Paterson saidnuclear was not too costly. While initial capital costs were high, they ultimately led to muchlower electricity pricesfor consumers.The argument of long time frames in other countries was based on regulatory hurdles rather than construction,hesaid, which ANSTO confirmed was only three to five yearsfor asmall modularreactor.

"Thereisnoknowncredibleimpact on biodiversity from nuclear power, rather the opposite. It has a tiny environmental impact compared to solar and wind," he said.

Dr Paterson said he was naturally acreature of the 'political left', having come out of the struggle against apartheid in SouthAfrica. Hwas an energy "generalist"who had worked on battery technology and hydrogen schemes in the 1990 and early 2000s. Batteries were not viable.

"The cost of electrons from anuclear power plant from the moment you turn it on, is atinyfraction of the cost of electrons from abattery at any time of their life cycle," he told The Australian.

Experts querywind plans costs and timing

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THEstategovernment is accelerating planning approvals for renewable projects as several energy experts have predicted that Victoria's wind energy willbemore expensive and willtakelonger to meet targets than the government has estimated.

The Premier, Jacinta Allan, last week announced renewable projects will be eligible for an acceleratedplanning pathwayunder theDevelopment Facilitation Program (DFP).

"We will cut the red tape holdingbackprojectsthat provide stronger, cheaper power for Victorians," she said.

Since2015, more than one in five applications have ended up in VCAT, the state government says, with about $90 billion worth of investment value stalled in the pipeline.

Under the change, all new renewable projects in Victoria will be treated as significant economic development, making them eligible for an acceleratedpathway -removingthe planning panel process and third-party appeals at VCAT. Stalled projects will also be able to access the accelerated pathway.

From the time acomplete application is lodged, decisions can be made within four months. The government saysthe voices of communities who want to raise concerns will continue to be protected. Thirdparty objections will still have aplace in the approvals process, but "this change prevents time-consuming andrepeated delays thathold theseprojects backfor years,"the governmentsays.

Adedicated facilitation team will overseeall renewableenergyapplications. Projectswillbe monitored on an ongoing basistoidentify blockers earlierand resolvethemfaster.

However, TheAustralian reported last week that several experts maintain that the government's wind plans faced greater obstacles than the recent set backs -the federal veto over the use of the Port of Hastings to assemble wind turbines, and the federaland state'sdecisiontocut theSouthern Ocean wind zone by 80 per cent -20per cent of what wasoriginally proposed -soasnot to impinge on whaling habitat.

The Victorian government, in its 2022 offshore wind policy directions paper, estimated offshore windwouldcost$94/megawatthour (MWh) to produce in 2026. Victoria's forward prices for baseload power in 2026 is $58.64/MWh.

However, the CSIRO's GenCost 2023-24 report estimated that the current costofoffshorewind generation at $146-$190/MWh,falling to $90-$178/ MWh by 2030, and $75-$170/MWh by 2050, The Australian reported.

The energy program director at theCentre for Independent Studies, Aidan Morrison, cited offshore wind projects in the US that are costing $US150/MWh -almost $230/MWh.

"Offshore wind will certainly be more expensive than almost everyother alternative energy source," he told The Australian.

"It'll be more expensive than the coal-fired baseload system that we're used to."

The director of the Victorian Energy Policy

Centre,Bruce Mountain, said the offshorewind targets would take longer to reach than had been hoped by policy makers.

"Australia in global energy terms is not big, and there'sa great clamourfor offshore wind, and developing 1000MW here and there is difficult to attractinvestors to the scale of operation," Professor Mountain told The Australian Government support "three to four times more than the current wholesale market average prices" would be needed to get offshore windfarms off the ground, he said.

The energy program director of the Grattan Institute, Tony Wood, said global competition for finite resources required to establish the offshore wind industry was likely to make the task "challenging and expensive".

On the numbers being predicted by the CSIRO andseen overseas,"it wouldbedifficult to bring electricity prices down" via Victoria's offshore wind plan.

However,hetold The Australian that costs of offshore wind and solar production had ended up being significantly lower than initially predicted. Mr Wood said he had never argued that offshore wind would be dramatically cheaper than alternatives, but with the objective to reduce emissions, "it may be that offshore windhas arole to play in that".

The director of climatechangeand energy at the AiGroup, Tennant Reed, said akey issue was the policy mechanisms to underpin offshore wind, given it was initially likely to require significant government expenditure. Offshore wind had higher

generation capacity than onshore wind and solar, "but the capital cost premium, as far as we can see, is high enough that really they would not expect to make the money thatthey need back in the wholesale electricity market alone".

"Unless the Victoriangovernment windsup offeringits ownfinancial supportcontracts, or the federal government develops agreater appetite to spend, these projects aren't going to happen," he said.

However, the former chief scientist,DrAlan Finkel, said the biggest impediment to weaning the economy off fossil fuels was not technical, nor mining.

"It's earning agreement from landholders and custodianstobuildthe solar farms, wind farms and transmission lines that will deliver renewable electricity to make fossil fuels obsolete," he said in an opinion piece in The Australian.

"We must build an abundance of solar and wind power generation before we tear down our coalfired power stations. To do that,wemustfinda solution to the tension between local environmental protectionand the imperative to reduce global greenhouse emissions."

Victoria aims to produce 2Gigawatts (2000MW) of electricity via offshore wind by 2032, 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040, as part of its renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035. The government last week passed legislation to this end that was supported by the state opposition.

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Spatover emergency care in Gippsland

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE stategovernment has refuted aNationals MP’s claims that Gippsland’s emergency department (EDs) are “on life support”.

In amedia releaseearlier this month, Memberfor Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said that immediate intervention is needed fromthe government in response to figures showing that emergency departments across Gippsland are failing to meet key performance targets.

He was referring to the 2022-2023 Annual Reports from Central Gippsland Health (CGH), Latrobe Regional Hospital(LRH), and Bass Coast Health (BCH)

“Only 59 per cent of patients who presented to LRH ED were seen within the clinically recommended timeframe while CGH performed slightly betterat74per cent and BCH managed 78 per cent,” Mr O’Brien said. The targets the EDs should be hitting is 80 per cent.

The Victorian Auditor-General wrote in a2016 report that longer stays in an ED are associated with poorer patient outcomes, and that long waits can discourage people who needcare from waiting andmay lead to reduced morale among ED staff. When asked to comment on the ED figures, LRH pointed to aproject trial that began in January 2023 to ease ED pressures andstressonstaff by making patient flow-through more efficient.

In July, LRH said the project,knownasthe Timely Emergency Care Collaborative (TECC), was showing signs of success. ED and in-patient wait times had improved and patients were able to be received into the hospital and discharged with greater efficacy.

Approached for comment, the state government rejectedMrO’Brien’s criticism,sayingthat access to primarycare and bed availability are at the heart of the issue.

“Wewon’tbelectured by thesame people who slashed $1 billionfrom Victoria’s health system when last in Government -the records show that under the Liberal Nationals hospitals closed and health services were scaled back," astate government spokesperson told the Express

"Health services right across Australia and the world have experienced unprecedented pressure on the workforce as aresult of COVID-19 pandemic -while we know there is more work to do, our

Heat is on: EmergencyDepar tmentsacrossGippsland areconstantly underpressure. Photo: supplied

record investments are supporting our hardworking frontline staff to deliver the care Victorians need.

"To take pressure off our hospitals and ensure Victorians get the care they need sooner, we’ve recruited and trained more than 7,000 healthcare workers, established 29 Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs), expanded the Victorian Virtual ED, and tripled the sizeofour secondary triage service."

Two of these PPCCs are in Gippsland, in Warragul and Moe.

The government said the whole health system had to work together- not juststate-runambulance services and hospitals, butfederally-funded and run primary care, aged care and the NDIS. They called on the federal government to implement reforms to the NDIS to ensure Victorians with adisability don’t have to stay in the hospital for longer than they need while they wait for their care plans to be approved.

Discussing another key performance, Mr O’Brien said patients presenting to EDs via ambulance wereleft waiting, with 42 per centfinding their way into the LRH ED within 40 minutes. This is compared to 59 per cent at BCH and 70 per cent for CGH. The target is 90 per cent.

“Itisnowonder ambulance response times have not improved across Gippsland South with these figures clearly demonstrating that ambulancesare getting stuck at our local EDs,” he said.

“Indeed, the latest reports fromAmbulance

Jobs expo back in Latrobe City

LATROBE City Council has welcomed the Gippsland Jobs Expo back to Latrobe City in 2024.

The Expo will be held at Traralgon Town Hall on the corner of Breed and Grey Streets in Traralgon, on Wednesday, March 27 from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

This event is an opportunity for job seekers to explore currentjob vacancies in Latrobe City and surrounding regions. It caters to avariety of job seekers from school students and graduates to seasoned professionals, as well as individuals considering ajob change.

Top Latrobe Cityand Gippsland employers fromabroad rangeofindustrieswillattend to showcase job openings, provide industry insights, and host valuable workshops.

The Mayor of Latrobe CityCouncil,CrDarren Howe, said that the Gippsland Jobs Expo was an opportunity for job seekers to network with potential employers and make their first step toward getting ajob.

“Latrobe City supports almost 30 percent of total jobs in the Gippsland region and is an area that has adiverse workforce. The combination of major employers, the City’s

regional significance, and affordable housing make Latrobe City acentre of opportunity for bothindividuals,and families,”said the Mayor.

“Hosting events likethis to the region is importanttoCouncil becauseitsupports potential employees, promotesjob growth,and helps shape the region’s economicfuture.Iencourage anyone who is interested in anew job to come along and explore what options are available.”

The workshops will cover different job seeking topics such as how to improve your resume and interview skills and future jobs for the region. There will also be afree sausage sizzle for attendees to enjoy. For mo re in fo rm ation and to regist er for aw orks hop ,v isit th ee ve nt page her e: www.eve ntbri te.co m.au/e/ gippsland-jobs-expo-tickets-849099398157

Individual’s unable to attend on the day can findGippsland job opportunities through the GippslandJobs Hub here:gippslandjobshub. com.au

And businesses unable to attend on the day can place their employment opportunities on Council’sjobsboard here: form.jotform.com/ zanecorbett/jobs-expo-2024

Victoria show little-to-no improvement in response times across (Wellington and South Gippsland Shires) over the last ten years, with code 1still averaging over 18-minuteresponsetime in both the Wellington and South Gippsland Shires.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said: “We value all our paramedics for the commitment and dedication they show every day -wecontinue to focus on delivering high quality care to the Gippsland community.

“Ambulance Victoria paramedics workhard transferring patientstohospital caresafelyand as soon as possible to allow our crews to get back on the road and respond to emergency incidents in our community.”

The governmentsaidinthe latestOctoberDecember quarter, the number of Code 1call outs rose by 3.4 per cent from the previous quarter to atotal of 99,833 -making it the secondbusiest quarter in the history of Ambulance Victoria.

But ambulancetransfer times have improved on thesametimelastyear at Latrobe Regional Hospital -from 42 to 33 minutes.

Mr O’Brien said the “clear and crucial” need for the $10 million emergency department mental health hub at LRH was also evident in the performance figures which showed 72 percent of mental health patients presenting to LRH ED waiting more than four hours for treatment. This figure was well below the target of 19 percent.

Mr O’Brien called on the state government to take immediate action “to properly resource and staff our emergency departments”, and to scrap its planned GP payroll tax.

“It is clearthat our local emergency departments are in desperateneed of help to keep up with growing demand as Victorians put off crucial medical appointments due to the rising cost of living,” he said.

VicForests June deadline

VICFORESTS will cease operations on 30 June, theend date was revealed last Wednesday during acourt hearing involving VicForests and environmental group Wombat Forestcare, Timberbiz reported.

The winding-up of the body is part of the Victorian government’s decision to end native forest harvesting, which took effect on January 1. Stand-down payments to VicForests contractors are due to end on 30 June.

Last September, the government paved the way for the organisation’s closure, alteringits status as astate business corporation and making it a “reorganising body”,which allowsits functions and staff to be moved around.

VicForests employs 140 staff. Of these, 60 will be made redundant while the remaining 80 will get new roles in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Functions includi ng fore st plan ning, sp atial mappin g, seed collection, bushfire management and forest regeneration will transfer to DEECA.

VicForests harvest contractors have previously beenofferedsecure five-year Forest and Fire Management Services Agreements, starting from 1July 2024.Negotiations continue withthese businesses.

Nationals’ leader Peter Walsh told Timberbizthat VicForests was being treated deplorably.

The state government had not offereda single positive word, effectively ignoring its existence.

“This June 30 end dateispainful enough,but VicForests are being kicked on the way out the door without an ounce of respect,” Mr Walsh said.

The Allan Labor governmenthad refused to publicly defend its own logging company.

"This is acruel,unfairending for an organisation that has done so much for regional communities and made ahugecontribution to Victoria. It has always doneits bestdespitesevere harassment from illegal protesters,” he said.

Mr Walsh said the work of VicForests supporting the industry amid continual litigation by extremists should be applauded.

“VicForests had to use taxpayers’ money to defend itselffromcarryingout government policy,” Mr Walsh said.

He said the end of VicForests would also leave a

gaping hole in fire management.

“The risk of mega-fires will increase. There won’t be tracks maintained by the timber industry and there won’t be control lines to burnbackfrom,” Mr Walsh said.

“There won’t be the heavy equipment and timber industry workers to go in and help fight fires.

“The Greens, so critical of the industry, will be hiding in inner Melbourne and nowhere to be seen as regional communities face the inevitable bushfires without the support of the timber industry to help fight them.”

TheCommunity and Public SectorUnion industrial organiser, Kassey Dickie, said VicForests’ 100 employees were awarethe company wouldclose on 30 June. She said workers were able to apply for about80other government jobs, including five-year contracts with Forest Fire Management Victoria.

Ms Dickie toldAAP many workers were stressed and finding new roles had beena“very fast process” for them.

“They’re sad Ithink, to sum it up, many of them have worked together for averylong time,” she said.

“They have been rushed through aprocess made by government in ahurry that has been pretty stressful.”

Agovernment spokesperson told the Express that the government valued the work that VicForests staff had contributed to the management of native forests.

"We’ve beenworking closely with employees since the end of last year regarding the closure of the organisation and to support them to transition into new roles or take aredundancy. Arange of support services are available to staff includingcounselling and career advice," they said.

As part of thetransition from native timber harvesting, the government will deliver aprogram of landmanagement workstomanagethe 1.8 million hectares of public land previously availablefor timber harvesting.

The Victorian Government will establish an advisory panel to consider and make recommendations on forest areas that qualify for protection as National Parks, would be suitable for recreational activities and present opportunities for Traditional Owners to manage public land.

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The Latrobe Valley

More projects get fundinginbudget Council Beat with

THE March LatrobeCity Council meeting on Monday, March 5, was abit unusual, with both Mayor Darren Howe and Deputy Tracie Lund not in attendance. Former Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan regained her seat for abrief moment to chair the meeting. The chamber shared alaugh as councillors continued to refertoCrO’CallaghanasMadam Mayor months after she had left the helm.

All other Councillorswerepresent, including Cr Melissa Ferguson,who madeher first public appearance in council chambers following amonth's leave. Cr Dan Clancey and council chief executive officer Steven Piasente attended the meeting via Zoom.

Agallery of five people sat through the meeting, which lasted alittle over three hours, featuring some healthy debate. Here are some of the meeting’s key moments:

Hydrogen report -Japan trip

BY invitation, LatrobeCityCouncilrepresentatives visited J-Power, the lead Japanese business for the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HECS) Consortium.

The total trip cost was $11,261.41, alittle under the budgetallocation of $12,000 for the delegation, which was approved at acouncil meeting in September 2023.

The delegation was for one week in October, from the 23rd to the 28th.

The council endorsed the tabled report from the Japandelegation. The report details discussions held at the various meetingswith J-Power and other associates.

Mayor at the time, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, and the council’s chief executive officer, Steven Piasente, met withkey HESC consortium members and visited hydrogen demonstration plants.

Latrobe City Council has welcomed the Japanese Government’s announcement of a$2.35 billion AUD investment to establish an international large-scale liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Japan. Council proudly supports the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Project, aground-breaking initiative shaping the future of sustainable energy.

The Council is committed to the success of the HESCProject, promoting economicgrowth, environmental sustainability and abrighter future for our community.

The HESC consortium planstohave the commercial plant operational by 2028, subject to government approvals being obtained.

Equal sporting access

THE council unanimously endorsedthe Fair Access andUse Policy -Community Sports and Recreation Facilities.

Though councillors agreed with the draft, many councillors spoketothe agenda itemregarding persisting gender inequalities in sport and recreation.

The policy comesasarequestfromthe state government.

Cr Sharon Gibson was happy to endorse the policy, stating that there is no longer a“boys club” and that sporting clubs should be more inclusive.

Public acquisition overlay

THE proposed amendment C143 intends to apply Public AcquisitionOverlay (PAO) to 24 properties across Newborough, Morwell and Traralgon was delayed for community engagement.

The council officers recognise in the report that theregion has experienced abig rise in demand forresidential development.

Zaida Glibanovic

Cr Gibson filed an alternative motion to notify the 24 landowners of the outline of the process and plan and consider their concerns.

Though the proposed public acquisition overlay will be delayed,manycouncillors said they wished to give residents the common courtesy of enough notice before the notion is voted on.

The major growthzones in Lake Narracan, MorwellNorth West and TraralgonNorthrequire key infrastructure to be delivered before future development occurs.

This includes wetlands for storm watertreatment, road and intersection upgrades, and community facilities.

Thecouncil’s report states that the majority of the identified projects are located on properties where there is no intention to develop or subdivide.

Opening statement for council meetings

FOLLOWING areview of the use of the Lord’s Prayer at council meetings, the practice has since been removed, and councillorswere recommended to adopt anew opening to the meeting withastatement of commitment.

Cr Gibson proposed another alternative motion, which was carried.

Cr Gibson's motion was on the grounds that the officers didn’t follow the original notice of motion endorsed in July 2023,requesting areportonopening statementoptionsand community consultation.

The recommended councillor statement of commitment was:

“As Councillors, we are committedtoworking towards ashared vision that supports the aspirations of the Latrobe Citycommunity. We pledge to uphold the principlesofgood governance in making informed decisions that serve the best interests of our community.”

Thoughcouncillors haven’t exactlydisposed of that idea, Cr Dan Clancey suggested that the Mayor or Chair of the day could perhaps recite astatement of commitment with authenticity rather than read from ascript.

The decision to remove the Lord’s Prayer has been

No more:

Councillor Graeme Middlemiss is calling on the state government to review outdated browncoal overlays in the Latrobe Valley Photographs supplied

met with some resistance, with apublic speaker using theirtimetoexpress their concern about the council turning away from the custom and tradition of the Lord’s Prayer.

For now, council will continue with no opening statement until aresolution is found later.

Mid-Year Budget Review

WITHareview of the council’s finances, officers suggested how to use the $3.1 million forecasted surplus.

Cr Bradley Law told the chamber that it was through good officer and councillor management that the council could secure such alarge surplus forecast.

The councillors endorsed funding$500,000for the Traralgon West Development Plan. The footpath rehabilitation program willreceive $320,000. Two newwing mowers will be purchased at aprice of $180,000 to maintain public spaces.The council also endorsed the following:

 Council Plan 2025-2029 Development$150,000;

 Morwell Depot Environmental Assessment -$100,000;

 Over Sowing Couch Sports Fields -$65,000;

 Community Grant Program -$60,000;

 Kernot Hall Lighting &Equipment -$50,000;

 Small Township Community Planning Support -$30,000, and;

 Transition Reserve -$800,000.

Cr Graeme Middlemiss made one complaint regarding the $45,000 allocated for the Gippsland New Energy Conference.

“Out of this conference, Ihaven’t seen anything that has offered anything for the Valley so far,” he said.

“Not one job have Iseen come out of this conference for us now.

“When it comes to what it does for the Valley, it does nothing. I’d be not far off the mark to characterise this as ahug fest for the green element.”

Cr Dale Harriman opposed the motion and said that perhaps some of the money could be better spent during afinancially tough time. He asked whether arate reduction could be more beneficial for the regionexperiencing apenny pinch,but nevertheless, the original notion was carried.

Regional Community Sports InfrastructureFund

THE council will make applications to the state government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fundafterthe motion wascarried

The council has narrowed down the key projects they will submit to the state government for funding consideration.

The identified project for the Community Facilitiesstreamisthe construction of anew multi-use pavilion at Gaskin Park, Churchill. The project is estimated at $3,039,025, with aCouncil contribution required of $2,039,025.

In the Womenand GirlsFacilitiesfunding stream, the council will submit applications to renew the cricket and umpire change rooms at Maryvale Reserve in Morwell. Two additional cricket change rooms and afirst aid room and public toilets will also be sought for. The project is estimated to cost $804,100 with a$160,820contribution from local government.

Under the same funding stream, council will apply to renew existing AFL and netball change rooms and public amenities at Baillie Reserve, Tyers with an estimated project cost of $443,438

and aCouncil contribution required of $88,688. Ronald Reserve in Morwell comes under the All Abilities stream, with the application featuring a lifttothe social rooms. The projectisset to cost $295,625 with acouncil contribution of $59,125. This fund is only available to regional and rural councils and has ahigh funding ratiowith four state government dollars to every council dollar.

Election Period Policy

Review

THE counciladoptedthe Election Period Policy 2024.

Thepolicy aims to continue ordinary business in an election period in aresponsible and transparent manner, in accordance with statutory requirements and established conventions.

After officers reviewed the existing policy, they determined that no changes are necessary and was endorsed by the council.

With the upcoming council elections in October, the policy aims to ensure that councillors remain impartial, transparent, and fair during election time.

Road, Facility and Place Naming

AFTER alengthy debate and confusing amendment process, the council will defer the consideration of the road, facility,and naming matter to the next council meeting to enable consultation with the Latrobe CombinedHistory Group regarding developing anaming register for LatrobeCity Council.

National Basketball League games

THE council approved a$25,000 annual contribution for the 2024–2025 SEM Phoenix National Basketball League (NBL) in-season match at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium and community engagement activities.

Cr Law saidthe basketballwas amajor draw card for the Latrobe Valley.

“It’s proven to be one of our biggest assets for Latrobe City,” Cr Law said.

“The people that actually come out to watch the basketballisphenomenal. It’s suchagrowing sport.”

The council officers predict that the council's investmentwill yield areturn of $650,000 per year, or $26 for every $1.

The two-year partnership willalsooffer extensive community engagement opportunities, including school visits and player appearances,coaching clinics, and match day experiences, which council officers say will build community connections and pride.

Local Development StrategyFund

THE council endorsed the officer's proposed application to the Local Development Strategy Fund. This comesasastate government program designed to support communities affected by the closure of the native timber industry on January 1this year.

An allocation of $1.8 million has been made available to develop and implement projects that assist the community.

Latrobe Council has identified aneed to invest in the following projects:

 Latrobe City Business Capability Grant Program;

 Start-up Gippsland;

 First Nations Entrepreneur Program /Early Ideas Kick Starter;

 Workers of the Future: Innovative Training;

 Hospitality Training –Serving the Valley;

 First Nations Upskilling Program;

 AAM Strategy Implementation: Launchpad, and;

 Industry and Manufacturing Alliance: Incorporation and Development. It is expected projects will be delivered by February 2026.

Freedom of Information Act

COUNCIL endorsed the attached Latrobe City Council submission to Victorian Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee inquiry into the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Cr Middlemiss saidthe report outlined clearly the issues with the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

“It’s alittle bit of acry to thestate government -Freedom of Information is not working well in this state, particularly as it regards to council, and the report points that out and suggests some alternatives,” Cr Middlemiss

Leaders: Former Latrobe CityCouncil Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghanmet with the JapaneseMinistryof Economy,Trade andIndustry, NishimuraYasutoshi. At the most recent Council meeting, thecouncil tabled the report of theplanned Japanesehydrogen delegationtripfromOctober 2023.

Community Corner with

Good FridayAppeal

EASTER Raffle tickets for the Moe

Good Friday Appeal will be soldmost days from the front of both Moe Coles and Moe Kmart from now up until this Sunday, March 24

The Moe group are also looking for volunteers to doornock the Moe and Newborough area either Good Friday or theweek leading up until Good Friday, if anyone has some spare time and can help out.

For moreinformation, phone Moe RCH Good Friday Appeal area coordinator,Sue Bechazon0407677 230.

Tramps ride

TRAMPS (Traralgon and Morwell Pedallers Inc.) were to have aride from Stratford to Marlay Point over theLabour Day long weekend.

However, the forecast of 39°C meant acancellation.

The group intends to runthis ride later in the year.

Our next ride is this Sunday (March 24) and starts in Boolarra at the recreation reserve at 9am with lunch in Matheson Park, Churchill.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders.

For more information ,visit our website or Facebook page.

Club contacts are Paul on 0459 823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

Prostatesupport

MEETING of LatrobeValley Prostate

Su ppo rt Grou pw ill be held on Wednesday, March 27 from 7pm at Morwell Club.

Counter tea beforehand at 6pm.

All members, new members and interested persons most welcome.

King Charles will still be aapology.

For more information, phone Allan on 0458 111 688.

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Tuesday, March 12 -Nationwide, results not available.

Thu rs day ,M ar ch 7, 14 Marc h -Teams:1st Kaye Douglas, Greg Nicholson, Marion Taylor and Kevin Taylor (83.19). 2nd, Don Tylee, Helen McAdam,Roshni Chand and Moira Hecker (66.08).

Talking trades

LOCAL ‘Tradies’ and their valuable service to the community were the focus of the recent Rotary Pride of Workmanship Awards –aprogram that has been promotedbyRotary throughoutAustralia since 1975to recognise people in the community with special qualities of doing ameaningful job and doing it well –with pride in their own workmanship.

In introducing the evening’sprogram, Morwell Rotary Chairman, Gloria Auchterlonie explained the history of the awards, and how they brought about asense of responsibility which is one of the greatest tangible assets in society.

Local plumbe r, Allison Myers started her plumbing career at Ringwood Technical School, went on to an apprenticeship with the Gas &Fuel Corporation, then to different jobs in fleet control, as aradio operator, the hospitality industry and then back to plumbing. Afteroverseas travel, Allison worked throughout the Yarra Valley and afterthe COVIDyears, cametothe Latrobe Valleywhich she loves.

Sheetmetal worker, Charlie Mifsud is ason of Maltese immigrants and was educated at Sacred Heart PrimarySchool,Morwell and Morwell Technical School.

He now runs the business with his nephew, which was established 50 years ago by his father and two of his

brothers. It specialises in sheetmetal, light steel, aluminium and stainless steel fabrication and installation. Motor Mech ani cRos sHands on moved to Morwell at eight-years-old and was educatedatCollins Street Primary School and then Morwell Technical School. He commenced an apprenticeship at the SEC as an electrical mechanic and continued his career later as amotor mechanic. He has now logged 50 years experienceon arange of vehicle makes and models, enabling him to provide aquick and accurate diagnosisofmechanical problems.

Toongabbie Old Time Dance

THE next Toongabbie Old Time Dance will be Friday, April 5starting at 8pm at the Toongabbie Mechanics Institute Hall at the Village Green.

Music will be supplied by Norm Lade with MonteCarlo,lucky doorprize and raffle.

Admission is $8. Please bring aplate to share.

For further information, phone 0419 874 958.

Everyone is welcome to come along for anight of fun and dancing.

Walhalla arts, crafts

ON the Melbourne Cup longweekend (November4-7),Walhalla will be hosting artsand crafts demonstrations in the Mechanics Institute Hall from 11am to 4pm.

There will be free activities for children and on Saturday, November 4, the Warragul City Band will be playing in the band rotunda.

Talking baseball

TRARALGON Redsox Baseball Club will celebrate its 60th year next month.

Cele brations will take place Saturday, April 20 with agameat Kevin Lythgo Park, and then an evening eventfrom 6.30pm at Traralgon Bowls Club.

The game, to be stage the McLean Cup sees the first pitch at 1pm Phone John on 0401 334 890 or Josh (0407 835 572) for more information.

They'reback

MOE-LATROBEValley Jazz Club Inc.

are thrilled to present the fabulous Maryborough Traditional Jazz Band at the Moe RSL this Sunday, March 24.

Line-up features Bill Beasley, Ken Collins, Barry Currie,Bob Franklin andBryan Hodge (leader).

Doors open at 12.30pm, music from 1pm-4pm.

For more information, phoneBruce Lawn on 0427 743 516.

Chess results

USING recent study to advantage, SteveAhern finished with most wins for the round in Latrobe Valley Chess Both Cliff Thornton and IanHamilton werepunished for errorsinkey games.

Timothy James had one strong win and learned from the analysis of other games

MONDAY18MARCH

Ruby

THURSDAY21MARCH

Ilah

Ella

David

Mark Biezen-Bennett joined the contests and is waiting for the battles with Samantha Juers, whocontinues to show signs of improvement.

Important assistance from Athony Benentt was appreciated by all.

Phone Ian Hamilton on 0400 221 649 or Cliff Thornton (0413 330 458) for any local chess inquiries.

Moe Dance Eisteddfod

EISTEDDFOD starts Wednesday, April 3from 9am.

The eventwill run for eightdays Morning sessions from 9am, afternoon 1pm and evening 6pm in the Lowanna College Auditorium.

Adjudicators are Sophie McKie and VirginiaFerris.

Traralgon Volunteer Cancer Group

OUR annua lm eet in gw as he ld recently, and elections for committee took place.

President/Secretary is Raelene Grazotis and the Treasurer is Marge Morris.

Members thanked YvonneJones, who had been presidentfor many years,while being amemberfor 43 years, and also Mariana Pearse, who filled in as secretary for the last two years.

The grouphad afantastic 2023, raising atotal of $40,000 for research into acure for manytypes of cancer. Traralgon Volunteer Cancer Group mainly supportedBreast Cancer, Bladder Cancer and the Leukaemia Foundation.

Many varied events were held to raise this money –Bunnings barbecues, raffles, BiggestMorning Tea, soup and sandwich day, Daffodil Day, Pink RibbonDay, Christmas wrapping and the many produce sales throughout the year.

Planninghas already beencompleted for this year, and we are looking forward to seeing more community support. We are starting off with an Easter Raffle, with tickets being sold

at the Traralgon Plaza on March 20, 21 and 22,

Future events are aMother’s Day Raffle, trivia day in April and a produce stall at Bunnings.

We are asmall group of hard working ladies (only 12 of us) and we would love for some more people to join us, Meetings areheld onceamonth (first Monday), and we welcome any new members to assist.

If you are interested in joining our group, please giveYvonne acallon 5174 2310, Mariana (0417 051 158), Raelene (0407 368 848) or Marge (5174 4269).

Cancer Council Supporters Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85; Cancer Council Hot Line: 131 120, or visit –cancervic.org.au

Migrant stories

ARE you amigrant or child of migrants who lived in Moe/Newborough and district? If so, you are most likely to have an interesting story to tell.

The Moe &D istric tH is torical Society wouldliketorecord as many of thesestories as possible, and hopefully put on an exhibition of the stories and associated photos.

Migrants made ahugecontribution to the development of the area and the society would like to recognise and record that contribution.

If you are willingtoshareyourstory, pleaseget in touch with the society by emailing moehist@aussiebb.com.au or call in on aWednesday afternoon at No 2High Street Moe. Alternatively, write to PO Box 3, Moe, 3825.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity groupand have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@ lvexpress.com.au.

You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

SATURDAY23MARCH

Samantha

Tanner

Eila

Hudson

Liam Durkin

Great outdoors: Tramps welcomenew memberstojoin on their weekly rides Photographs supplied

Vitalcogs: Rotary Club of Morwell heard from localtradies at their most recent function.Pictured is Rotary President Harry Ballis and Vocational Ser vice Director Ann Vokeswith tradies Charlie Mifsud and Allison Meyers

To join the Express Birthday Club please post full details

reception@lvexpress com

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Situations Vacant •

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Plea se che ck your ad on th e first day andbring any errors to the attent ion of the Classi fieds Depar tment immediately Th eL at robe Va ll ey Ex pre ss makes ever yeffor ttoavoid errors We regret that we ca nnot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bring it to our attention No al lowa nc es can be made fo r errors notmaterially affecting the effectiveness of the ad. Po sitio nc an not wi ll not be guaranteed. All claims foradjustment of credit must be made within seven days afterbilling date We reserv et he rig ht to revi se or res tri ct any ad we dee m objectionableand to change the class ificat ion when necessar y to con fo rm to the polic yo ft his newspaper In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liability forsuch omission.

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BURY (Oliver), Delsa Lorraine. Passed away peacefully at Andrews House Aged Care Trafalgar on 12 March 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Aged 86 years Dearly loved wife of Jim (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Bill (dec.) and Sharon, Laurie and Robyn. Great friend of Sting. Adored Gran to Ashley, Ty so na nd Jor da n, Rochelle and Scoot, Mark and Sam, Renae and Dale. Great-Gran to Amber, Jax, and Tate.

In life we loved you dearly, In death, we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, No one else will ever fill. Sharon and Sting.

Gran, Thank you for always believing in me, always encouraging me and always loving me. Ashley and Tyson. Gran and Grandad together again

Hildegard Irmgard. Passed away peacefully at Yallambee Village Aged Care Traralgon on 16 March 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Aged 92 years Dearly loved wife of Guenther (dec). Amuch loved mother, mother-inlaw, grandmother and great grandmother.

HOGAN, Alexander 'Hec'. Passed away peacefully, but unexpe ctedl yo n Saturday 16 March 2024.

Much loved husband of June (dec.). Loved and respected father of Danny, Debbie, Jamie and Cindy. Adored Pop to his 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2great great grandchildren. Reunited with Mum. Alegend in our family forever.

Forever in our hearts

For Service details visit latrobevalley funerals.com.au

INGLIS, Graeme Hawker. Passed away at peacefully at LRH surrounded by his loving family on the 11 March 2024. Aged 80 years Ador ed husb and of Rosemary (Rosie). Much loved father of Tim, Sam, and Matt. Loved Grandpa of 18 grandchildren, and 2great grandchildren. Father-in-law of Rebecca, Meri, and Mark.

JUDD, Raymond (Ray)

Frederick.

CAMPER Trailer, off-road, water tank and pump, elec. brakes, 12v batt. and 12v plugs, boat rack, erect trailer for tinny $6000 o.n.o. Ph 0488 301 283. TRAILER, strong 7'x4'6'', front/back drop down trail gates, new mag wheels, tyres as new, LEDlights, new jockey wheel, e/cond. $800. Ph 0434 913 630. OWNER DRIVERS We are asuccessful, family-owned transport company based in Traralgon, looking for Owner Drivers to join our team. We are looking for people with 12 or 14 pallet tautliners with full size tailgates. We are also looking for people with long wheelbase transit vans. Successful applicants will be offered consistent work acros st he Gi pp sl and regio n. Vehicles must be of suitable age and appearance. The successful contractors would already be set up as a registered company with appropriate insurances for yourself and your vehicle. Successful applicants would be able to provide: ● Atrolley jack and all other related safety and pers onal protective equipment ● Flexibility in your work hours when required ● Good communication and presentation skills If you are interested, please contact Ben on 0419 569 433 or 5176 2244 KIA SEDAN 2019, white, 29,000km, auto, vin. KNAF241CMK 5024664, exc. condition, $23,500. 0419 593 526. Call us today on 5135 4455 or email classifieds@lvexpress.com.au Classifieds Situations Vacant • Caravans • Trailers • Situations Vacant • Deaths • M o t o r M a r t EXPRESS Cars • Page 38 —The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 20 March, 2024

Passed away at peacefully at Dalkeith Nursing Home on 14 March 2024. Aged 91 years Dearly loved husband of Peggie, and loved brother of Margaret and Mervyn (dec.). Much loved father and father-in law of Susan and Mark, Graham and Roslyn. Loved pop of Adrian, Jason, Michael and Sean, and loved great pop to 12 great grandchildren.

Thanks

LANE, Neil Maxwell.

9/4/1967 -8/3/2024.

Passed away as aresult of atragic accident. Dearly loved son of Keith (dec.) and Margaret.

Partner of Gina. Beloved father to Foster and Lachie and stepfather to Adrian and Lola. Best mate and brother to Sandy (Sinclair) and Helen (Barnes). Friend to Rob and Andrew. Much loved uncle to Guy, Sarah, Sonny and Sloane, Jarrod and Gen, Jordan and Emma, Megan, Dale and Hudson, Quinn, Kirby and Savannah. There is now abroken link in our family.. one that will never be the same again. We all loved his witty jokes, his caring attitude, his work ethic, his competitive streak, his banter, his positive outlook to life and Neil just being Neil. Will be sadly missed Now reunited with his Dad (Keith).

An outdoor Funeral will be held at Drouin Fooball Club, Sincl air Street Dr ou in .F RIDAY (22 March 2024) commencing 12 noon.

For further details contact Bass Coast Funeral Services 0448 602 005

MONDS, Murray.

Passed away on Tuesday, 12 March 2024. Loved son of Harry and Margaret (both dec.). Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Graeme and Jeanette, Terry and Karen, Suzanne and Trevor. Greatly missed by his 16 nieces and nephews.

Weep not that he has gone, Smile thathe has been.

TWADDLE, Timothy. Passed away on Thursday, 7March 2024. Loved and loving partner of Alana. Devoted father of Arlo (dec.) and Kylo. Loved and treasured son of Malcolm and Teena. Loved brother of Daniel, Luke and families. UNFORGETTABLE

WELCH, Graeme Leslie.

30/8/1946 -14/3/2024.

Loving husband of Noelene for 52 years. Much loved father of Narelle, Lloyd and Renelle. Adored Pa of Louis, Remy, and Sierra. Alife so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

WILKINS, Leonard. 8/4/1932 -11/3/2024.

Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens, Traralgon.

APrivate Funeral will take place.

WILKINS, Leonard George (Len). Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens aged nearly 92 years. Loved father of Ron, Marg Warne and Gary and their partners. 9grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Aprivate burial will be held. Rest In Peace

Aspecial thank you to Dr Aimee Kellow, Sarah Harle, Jazmine and all the wonderful staff at Dalkeith. We will be eternally grateful for your care. ♥♥♥

WYLIE, Robert (Bob). 9/9/1936 -15/3/2024.

Passed away peacefully.

Much loved husband of Nancy (dec.), and father of Stephen and Teena. Cherished grandfather of Robert, Paula, Michelle, Kate, Rory and great grandfather of Louis. Avery special man to all that met him. Alife well lived

Agentle

all who knew him

FERRIS, Kim. In mem ory of our granddaughter and niece Kim who sadly passed away January 62024. Our thoughts are with her sons Cory and Aaron. You're at peace now Kim, with your mum Pam and stepmom Annette. From Nar and family.

SMEE, David Keith. Passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by family, in Morwell on Tuesday 12 March 2024.

Aged 56 years

Cherished father of Baree and Reece, FIL of Beau Rowley and soon to be FIL of Jessie-Lee. Adored by his gra ndch ildr en Heath, Arlo, Luna and Amari Bum who thought he was the "cheekiest" grandfather.

Dad, you were our world, the answer to all our questions. We love you and will miss you beyondmeasure. Always proud to be your

SORBY, Allan David.

Passed away suddenly on 9/3/2024.

Son of Dennis and Kathy.

Brother of Amy (dec.), Brendan, Kristal, Rosalind and Brooke. Father of Timothy, Saran and Tamika.

May you find your way on the other side.

Forever in our hearts

De LAZZER. The Funeral Service for Mr Peter De Lazzer will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on FRIDAY (22 March 2024), at 1.30pm. Private family burial to follow.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HASSE. AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of Mrs Hildegard (Hilde) Hasse will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on FRIDAY (22 March 2024) commencing at 11am. Hilde's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on live streaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

INGLIS. The Funeral of Mr Graeme Inglis will be held at the Christian New Life Centre Church, Fowler St, Moe on FRIDAY (22 March 2024) commencing at 1.30pm.

At the conclusion of this Service the Funeral will proceed to the Moe Cemetery.

ISLES. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mr Paul Joseph Isles will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgo no n THURSDAY (21 March 2024) commencing at 2pm. Paul's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Funerals • LANE, Neil. 9/4/1967 -8/3/2024

BURY. The Graveside Funeral Service for Mrs Delsa Bury will be held at the Trafalgar Public Cemetery, 8Cemetery Road Trafalgar East on TUESDAY (19 March 2024) commencing at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

de BRUYN. The Funeral of Mr Ronald (Ron) de Bruyn will arrive at the Boolarra Cemetery on THURSDAY (21 March 2024) for aGraveside Service to commence at 3pm.

SMEE. The Funeral of Mr David Keith Smee will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon on WEDNESDAY (27 March 2024) commencing at 10.30 am.

Following the Service, a Private Burial will take place.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

TWADDLE. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Timothy Twaddle will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6O ller ton Avenue, Newborough, on THURSDAY (21 March 2024) commencing at 11am. The Service will be livestreamed, to view the livestream, visit our website and follow the prompts.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WELCH. The Funeral Service for Mr Graeme (Ned) Welch will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon, TUESDAY, (26 March 2024) at 1.30pm. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery, Traralgon. Graeme's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on live streaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WYLIE. The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Robert (Bob) will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (27 March 2024) commencing at 11am.

In Memoriam •

The Funeral Service for Neil Lane will be held on FRIDAY (22 March 2024), at the Drouin Football Club, Sincl air Street Drouin. Commencing at 12pm. Family welcomes all. A livestream link will be available for those that cannot attend.

Private Cremation to follow.

Bass Coast Funeral Services 0448 602 005

MONDS. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mr Murray Monds will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell on TUESDAY, (26 March 2024), commencing at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson's Australia would be appreciated.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

ZAHON, Kyle James. 17/10/1986 -20/3/2014.

Memories are our hugs until the promised resurrection demonstrated by Jehovah and Jesus (John 11:11-44)...... and guaranteed by their love for us (John 3:16).

It is one year

Bereavement Thanks •

FULLWOOD, Nanette. John, Gary, Sharon and families wish to thank everyone who attended Nanette's funeral, sent flowers, cards and tributes which are greatly appreciated. We especially wish to thank the staff at Narracan Gardens, Erica Ward for the care given to Nanette. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

CLARK, Peter. 16/3/2005. In our hearts and our minds and the stories we tell the little ones with love. Norma.

CONNELLY,

QUIRK, Barry John. Passed away 22 March 2023. One year has passed so quickly but our love and memories will last forever. Rest peacefully love Elain e, Laure n, Mark, Steve, Carmel and families.

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HONOUR YOUR LOVED ONES and SHARE THEIR STORY

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardtoput your thoughts and feelingsinto words

Placeyour personal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress and share your memories

To place your message today, contact Classifieds 5135 4455

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Success in thepool forteam Traralgon

SWIMMING

THE Traralgon Swimming Club has won its 26th (and 25thinarow) Gippsland Championships with an outstanding performance over the Labour Day weekend at the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre. Its swimmers accumulated 1986 points over the three days of competition with South Gippsland Bass (1458) and Warragul (646.5)finishing second and third respectively.

Over 470 Gippsland swimmers competed at the major Gippsland meet for the season with the 146 strong Traralgon team winning over 170 medals in the 128 event program.

Individually four of its team won the major trophies on offer with Ash Nicholes (17) and Olivia Baillie (16) being awarded the top Open male and female swimmers of the meet, and Kody Said (14) and Chloe Szkwarek (12) the top14years or under performers.

In relays, the club won 19 of the 28 relay events and afurther eight silver and 14 bronze medals to finish off an enormous team achievement.

ParSaturday9th

C. Carder,12th L. Brent, 14th S. Martinac

Birdies: 3rdC.Carder

MOE

Sunday, 10 March 2024 OPEN Sunday

Medley Stableford

Grade AWinners: Attard,Kyle (6) 39

Place Getters: Devent, Anton 36

Sunday, 10 March2024 OPEN Sunday9

hole Stableford

Grade AWinners: Ryan, Mark(13)17

Monday, 11 March2024 OPEN Medley

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Donaldson, Murray (12)

42 Grade BWinners: Middlemiss,Kaye(16)

41 Grade CWinners: Tate,Sandy (23) 37

Place Getters: Buckman, Peter39, Howard Bernard38, Dow, William 36 C/B,McGrath, Jordan 36 C/B,Hibbs,Steven36C/B

Nearest to Pin: 4th Craig Dunstan, 8th BaileyYoung, 14th Alain Babet

Wednesday, 13 March2024 WOMEN'S

4BBB STABLEFORD

Senior Head Coach, Brian Ford, spoke in glowing terms of the team’s success.

“It takes great planning, preparation and performances by swimmers, coaches and parents to win even one Gippsland Championship. We have won 25 years in arow which is generational success and amightyachievement of which we are extremely proud," he said.

"We dedicate thiswin to all members of the Club who have been with us on thisjourney over the past quarter of acentury. Simply put -afantastic team effort by all involved!”

The club and swimmers is now coming to the pointy end of the seasonwith National Championships on the Gold Coast in April with swimmersalsotargeting Olympic Trials in July -a very exciting period of competition awaits.

Finals

Individual: 290

Relays: 85

Overall Winners: O'Reilly, Christine & Young,Gwen44

Place Getters: Borg, Kathy& Savige,Karyn 42 Lang,Marj &Elliot, Christine 41

Great Score: Linda Bates (Birdie) @14, KarenShaw(Birdie) @18

Nearest to Pin: 4th KathyBorg, 8th Linda

Bates,14th Linda Bates

Target Hole: Linda Bates

Wednesday, 13 March2024 WOMEN'S

WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Grade AWinners: Cronin, Maureen (33) 15

Wednesday, 13 March2024 Twilight

Stableford

Winner: B. Campbell 22

Thursday, 14 March2024 OPEN Medley

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Johnson, Tony (1) 40

Grade BWinners: Papettas, Maurice (13)

39 C/B

Grade CWinners: Hammer,Mark(32) 44

Place Getters: Powell,Vincent 43, Cunningham, Steve39C/B,Pace,William

39 C/B,Duff, Simon 39, Ford,Tim 38 C/B Backman, Shane 38, Taylor,Brayden 37 C/B,Langstaff, 37 C/B,Brien, Kevin 37

Duncan, Ian 36 C/B,Stanlake, Chris 36 C/B, Eastaway,Karl36C/B,Shearing,Andrew 36 C/B,Duncan, Nick36, Jamieson, George 35 C/B

Great Score: Kevin Ayton(Eagle) @2, Steven Hibbs (Birdie) @8,TerryDonnison (Birdie) @4,Ian Duncan (Birdie) @14, Tim Ford (Birdie) @4,EricBeveridge (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th TimFord, 8th Andrew Shearing,14th NickDuncan

Saturday, 16 March2024 Brian Rankin

OPEN Medley Four-ball

Overall Winners: Moore, Nicha &Eade, Kerryn 46

Grade AWinners: Thomson, Bruce & Boyce, John 43 C/B

Grade BWinners: Young,Peter &Young Gwen 45

Placegetters: Cunningham, Steve& Nyko, Steve44C/B,Shaw, Geoff&Shaw, Karen 44, Shields,Jason &Howard, Bernard43 C/B,Devent, Anton &Jennings,Kenneth 43 C/B,VanRhee,Martin &Campbell, Brian 43

Medals

Individual: Gold (58), Silver(40), Bronze(38). Relay: Gold (19), Silver(8), Bronze(14).

Records

AshNicholes: Boys 17 &Over50LCMetre

Breaststroke: 30.21 (Previous record: Jeremy Meyer, 2009 -30.25), Boys 17 &Over50LC

MetreFreestyle: 23.99 (Previous record: Caiden Gill, 2022 -24.10), Boys 17 &Over200 LC Metre

Freestyle: 2.05.72 (Newevent), Boys 200 LC Metre

IM: 2:13.20 (Previous record: Jeremy Saunders, 2008 -2.15.70).

Olivia Baillie: Open Girls 100LCMetre

Backstroke: 1:06.17(Previous record: Georgia Tsebelis,2013- 1:06.25),Open Girls 100LCMetre

Backstroke: 1:06.17(Previous record: Mikaela Cornelissen, 2015 -1:06.93), 15/16Girls 100

LC MetreBackstroke: 1:06.17(Previous record: Georgia Tsebelis,2013- 1:06.25)

Joel Baillie: Boys 17 &Over50LCMetreButterfly:

C/B,Bassman, Aaron &Bassman, Jeffrey 43, Savige,Karyn &Wallis,Elizabeth 42 C/B,Spiteri, Paul &Dyt, Ricky 42 C/B, Stanlake, Helen &Stanlake, Peter42C/B, Jamieson, George &Heathcote, Peter42 C/B,Higginbotham, Darryl &Rowley, Justin 42, Helmuth, Glenn &Carolan, Anthony 41 C/B

Great Score: JamieLodge (Birdie) @ 14,Jason Shields (Birdie) @14, Darryl Higginbotham (Birdie) @8 Nearest to Pin: BarryMead 4th -Men, Darryl Higginbotham 8th -Men, Jason Shields 14th -Men, Kerryn Eade 4thLadies,GwenYoung 8th -Ladies,Kathy

Borg14th -Ladies

MORWELL

13th March 2024 StrokeFoursomes

Championships

27 Holes Scratch: DVuillermin &CBoers

90 +49+ 139

27 Holes Handicap: DVuillermin &Boers

139–26=113

18 Holes Handicap: GClarke &K

Delpiccolo 126- 45 =81

9Holes Handicap: LFrench &SKarleusa

54 –18=36

TRAFALGAR

Tuesday12/03/2024 -Split 6

Players: 36, Women 8, Men 28

Winner: Les Pearce (29)

Runner Up: Frank Edmonds (26)

DTL: Heather Savige (25), NormMether (24), Jim Kidd (24), RobDeVries (23), Tony Price (22), June Tickell (22), SteveGould (22), Hank Fiddelaers(22)

NTP: Hank Fiddelaers(13)

Bradmans: SteveLawrence

Thursday14/03/2024 -Stableford

Players: 41, Women 14,Men 27

Women’s Winner: Sue Klemke(22)

Runner Up: Aija Owen (21)

DTL: June Tickell (19), Helen Keith (18), Anna McKenzie (18)

NTP: June Tickell (13)

Bradmans: Christine Payne

Men’s Winner: Tony Shearer (23 c/b)

Runner Up: Brian McKenzie (23)

25.76(Previous record: Callum Halloran Lavelle 2023 -26.06), Boys 100LCMetreButterfly:57.99 (Previous record: Dylan Wyatt2009 -58.23).

MollyCargill: Women’s 17 years/over50Back: 30.99 (Previous record-MollyCargill, 202331.61), Women’s 17 years/over 200Free: 2.19.57 (Newevent).

Kody Said: Boys 13-14200 Freestyle: 2:04.29 (Previous record: Brendon Malcolm, 2017 -2:06.48).

Individual Trophies

Olivia Baillie: Female Champion. AshNicholes: Male Champion and Most Outstanding Performance from aSenior Swimmer Outside Gippsland

Kody Said: 14 years/under Male Champion. Chloe Szwarek: 14 years/underFemale Champion.

DTL: RodBrisbane (22), Dennis Scambler (22), Ian Outhred (20), Wayne Dunn (20), Chris Moody (20)

NTP: Brian McKenzie (13)

Bradmans: SteveLawrence

Friday,March 15th 2024, Open Men’s&

Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Dane Ellwood 44 pts

BGrade Winner: Chris Griffin40pts

DTL's: Troy Makepeace 41, Chad McKie

37,Russ Grant 36, Brian McKenzie 36, Eric

Beveridge 36, PeterCooke35

Birdies: 13th: Chad McKie 15th:Glenn

Vassett

Saturday, March16th 2024, Leon Christie

Memorial 4BBB Stableford

Winner’s: Nathan Dart &Graeme Ayre 48

pts

Runner’s Up: AnthonyCunningham & Brian McKenzie 47 pts C/B

DTL’s: Wayne Robbins &Glen Roberts

47,Steve Clark& Bruce Aplin 46, Peter

Burghardt &Peter Moss 45, LukeBrain & Phil James 45

NTP’s: 2nd: Hank Fiddelaers5th:John

Tabuteau 11th:Darryl Blackshaw13th: John

Tabuteau 15th:Peter Burghardt

Eagles: 3rd: Greg Evison 14th:Bill Williams

TRARALGON

SaturdayMens –StablefordSat, 16th

March 2024

Div 1: Barker, David 940pts

Div 2: Priotta,Joel 12 43pts

Div 3: Pigdon, Andrew 17 38pts

Div 4: Canning,Jarred 36 42pts

RunDowns: 1McBride,Cliff3242pts, 2Coffey, Tim2840pts,3Garlick, Karl 11 40pts,4Kurowski, Stanley939pts,5 Spence,Dylan 038pts,6Coffey, James 5 38pts,7Stafford,Norm14 38pts,8Cahill, Joshua 17 38pts,9Smith, Justin 29 37pts, 10 Jones,Chris 14 37pts

NTP: 5th ProPin Gray,Zac,8th Chard, Lindsay, 10th Jones,Chris,15th Pigdon, Andrew

YALLOURN

Tuesday 12 March Ladies 9hole

Stableford winners

Div 1: Lorraine Backman 18 pts

Div 2: Judy Budge 16pts

Thursday14March Bronzeteam 18 hole

Stableford winners

Maureen Bishop 27

Loretta Booth 37

LynMcAlister 30 ::94 pts

Runnersup: Sue Caldow34

Evelyn Graske27

Heather Ware 27 ::88 pts

NTP: 14th SueCaldow.

PISTOLS

Mon 4/3/24 Air pistol

CGrade: JStringer 500-85-585. JSmith 465-105-570, Fbourgnine 462-66-528, H Shields 450-118-568

DGrade: NCaruso 441-162-603, K Beaufort355-211-566, DBest 250. L DePetro198. DSykes 172.

Visitor: RPage 428.

Wed6/3/23noscores

Sat 9/3/24 25 mtpistol

CGrade: CBenelli 525-73-598,

DGrade: AUrban 462. DChandler 453-97-550

TENNIS

RIVERSIDE

Riverside–Semi FinalResults

Section 1Singles:Moe Red3-6 -40def Moe Blue 1-3 -37

Section 2Doubles: Neerim District 7- 53

def Warragul 2-38

Section 2Singles: Drouin Maroon 4– 37

def PaxHill 2-34

Grand Finals will be playedonSaturday 23 March 2024 at Moe Tennis Club

Section 1Singles: Moe WhitevsMoe Red

Section 2Doubles: HalloravsNeerim

District

Section 2Singles: Trafalgar vs Drouin Maroon

Champions: Representatives from therecent Gippsland Championships heldoverthe Labour Dayweekend Photograph supplied

Suns trio create GoldCoast history

FOOTBALL AFLEXPORTS

BY TOM HAYES

EVERYONE was back in action for Round 1ofthe AFL season at the weekend.

Playersmadecareer debuts,debuts for new clubs and reached new heights for theirclubsin an exciting week of football.

Football is welland truly back.

FOSTER’S XavierDuursmamadehis debut for Essendon at the weekend, getting off to the best of starts against Hawthorn at the MCG.

In agame that looked like it could go either way for mostofthe match, Essendon got on top and stayed there when it mattered.

The Dons led at every change, but it wasn’t without the Hawks breathing down their neck.

Essendon were up by seven pointsatthe first change, before Hawthorn launched acomeback of sorts in the second term,hittingthe lead, before the Bombers snagged it back before half time.

The lead changed hands four times in the third quarter, which ended with the Bombers ahead by seven points once again.

But all of the momentum was with the Bombers in the end,asthey kickedfive goalstotwo to extend their lead out to four goals by the final siren.

It wasn’t all convincing though, Hawthorn had more scoring shots and more inside 50s, and Essendon mighthave foundthemselves lucky that the Hawks didn’t convert their chances.

Nonetheless, Essendonwalked away with the four points and start their season on apositive.

Duursma played his first game for the Dons, collecting 12 disposals and taking five marks.

And while it was just his ninth win in the AFL, Gippsland Power product Ben McKay recorded back-to-back wins for the first time in his career. McKaywon his finalgame at North Melbourne last season.

XAVIER’S younger brother Zane Duursma made his AFL debut for North Melbourne, and it’ll be a day he won’t forget.

The rookie kicked two goalsondebut, but the Roos ultimately were smashed by the now premiership favourites, GWS at GIANTS Stadium.

Photographs: AFL Photos

The Kangaroos put up alittle bit of fight in the first half, but that was well overpowered in the second half with the Giants running away with it.

Duursma kicked 2.1 from 10 disposals,including the openingmajor of the year for North Melbourne.

TRARALGON’S Tim Membrey led the line for St Kilda alongside Max King as they played Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

Before the game, Geelong unveiled the Joel Selwood stand, with aceremony and all, with the stadium now finished construction.

Membrey got things underway for the Saints, kicking the first goal of the match.

But it would be their only goal of the first term as Geelong managed two, to lead by four points at

the first change.

Membrey doubled his tally midway through the second term, after Geelong blew out, kicking four goals in arow, St Kilda replied with two of their own.

Geelong led by 13 points at the half.

Anothertightly contestedquarter saw just the onegoal scored between the two sides, the Saints getting within 10 points of the Cats.

St Kilda got as close as one point from tying the scores, after Membrey’s third major was followed by three behinds early in the final quarter.

Geelong added four goals before the Saintsreplied with three of their own to bring the margin back to two points with minimal time remaining.

Geelongescaped with the win afteraPatrick Dangerfieldbombfrom outside 50 to put the Saints beyond reach.

Membrey finished with 3.1 for St Kilda, including nine disposals and four marks.

GOLD COAST may just be athreat.

The Suns recorded a2-0 start for the first time in theirhistoryatthe weekend, knockingover the Adelaide Crows by agoal at Heritage Bank Stadium.

Once again, the Suns midfield was on another level, with four players collecting 29 or more disposals. Thosebeing ToukMiller (29),Matt Rowell (29), Noah Anderson (35) and Moe’s Sam Flanders, who racked up 35 disposals too.

The Suns held the Crowstojust one goals for the first half, while they scored five of their own to hold a26-point lead at the main break.

The scoring pickedupinthe second half, but Adelaide didn’t get any closer, not significantly or for long anyways.

Gold Coast held a29-point lead at three quarter time, but they nearly let it get away from them.

The Suns kicked an early one to send their lead past five goals, but Adelaide replied with fiveof their own which brought the gametowithinascore

Afew late minorscoresmight have blown the chance for the Crows, but the Suns were able to hold on asecure their first 2-0 start to the season since their inception.

On topofhis 35 disposals, Flanders also had four marks, four tackles and three clearances.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth also had aday to remember. The half forward kicked 2.1 from 22 disposals,taking five marks, laying two tackles, with two clearances to his name.

Moe’s BaileyHumphrey squandered some chances, but had his hand in the win, scoring 1.3 from 16 disposals.

FOR Jiath brothers Tew and Changkuoth, it is unknown when we will see either of them on the field.

Tew missed selection with Collingwood, in what is expected to be one of the harder teams to get into, while Changkuoth remains out with ahamstring injury.

Heights and hills in Harriers latest 6km run

HARRIERS

By GARYFOX

LAST week's Harriers Thursday night run on March 14 was ahilly six-kilometre course in the plantations around Cochrane's Road, Traralgon South.

We had agreat turnoutwith atotal of 67 runners in perfect conditions.

Great running by Peter Cutler saw him first home in an impressive timeof23:05, not long after followed Sav Mavrofridis 23:27 and then Ian Cornthwaite running at atime of 25:54.

Excellent running by Molly Irvine saw her first lady home in 29:08, followed by Karen Graham 31:19 and Rose Croft 34:09.

Full Results forThursdayNight:

PeterCutler 23:05, SavMavrofridis 23:27,Ian Cornthwaite25:54, RobPreston 28:05, Ashleigh Dugan29:04, MollyIrvine 29:08, Trent Kooyman 29:20, Jack Marino 30:11, Adrian Sutcliffe 30:23,

PeterFairbairn30:32, BrettVan Der Velden 30:35, KarenGraham31:19,Geoffrey Francis 31:27,Peter Sanders31:35,Andrew Broberg31:53, DavidBarr 31:57,Jason Odlum 31:58, Shane Gavin 31:58, Jay McGown 32:26, Stephen Renehan33:00, Chris VanUnen33:02, RonVerschuur 33:21, Giuseppe Marino 33:28, Toby Grzmil 33:53, Andrew Croft 34:08, Rose Croft34:09, Liz Kenney35:01,Jake Cotter 35:27, TimCotter35:27,Stephen Mcleod 35:34, Samantha Riddle 35:53, ReeGraham 38:02, MarkLansdown 38:10, Megan Scott38:30, Shane Wilson 39:29, Collette Hofmann 41:38, KatKent42:09, Alysha Duncan 42:15, Angelo Gaudiano 42:17, Kate Mayer43:00,Phillip Mayer 43:00, CatherineLeonard 43:49, MarkFairbairn 44:24, Cass Francis 45:20,Michelle Sawyer 45:27, Kate Cumming 46:15, KayeLivingstone 47:04, Helen Whitby 49:50, Ian Heafield 49:59, Amelie Dalton 50:03, NickHodson 52:00, RayneWills 56:21, Maggie Wills56:21, DesleyGray56:30, Belinda Heafield 57:30, Des Dalton 57:32, Gay Cornthwaite59:00, BarryHiggins 1:00:10, Bob

Duljas 1:03:33, TimothyGraham1:05:05,Kylee Earl1:07:00,KathyQuinn 1:08:55, Michelle Colwell 1:08:55, Kristina Creighton 1:13:00, Luke Witham 1:13:19, BjornLuxmann NTR, Paul Smith NTR. THE excitement is building for the upcoming DFP Recruitment -Latrobe City Community Fun Run and Walk.

This annual eventistobeheldonSunday, March 24 at the Kernot Hall precinct. Registrations are now available at traralgonharriers.org.au

The event is agreat social occasion, with food and drink stalls and over $3000 worth of spot prizes for registered participants.

Next week’s run is the hilly5.8-kilometre Chook Hill plantationcourse.

Smile on the dial: Guisseppe Marino clocking through thekilometres.

Vibes: JayMcGown at Cochrane’s Road last week. Photographs supplied Group effort: HarriersatCochrane’s Rd last week

Steadystart: Traralgon’s TimMebrey started his season with abag of threeagainstthe Cats

Up and about: Morwell’sBen Ainsworthkicked twofor the Suns as theystart their seasonwith twowinsfor thefirst time in their history.

Defence is always the best offence

CRICKET

CLVPREMIER AGRADE

BY TOM HAYES

THE stages areset of the first Cricket Latrobe Valley Premier AGrade GrandFinals, as the inaugural season comes to aclose this weekend.

Going into the weekend,four teams steppedupto the plate, with only two progressing in each grade to the Grand Final.

Two excellentdisplaysofdefenceintheir own respectsgot their sides overthe line, which sets up amouth-watering decider.

Ex Studentstook on MoeatTerryHunter Reserve overthe weekend,while Glengarry and Raiders did battle in Glengarry.

Ex Students drew with Moe

HOW did Ex Students manage that?

Ex Students pulled off amonster defensive display to see themselves through to the CLV Premier AGrade Grand Final.

Moe won the toss and elected to bat first on Day 1, which saw things begin in ashaky, but steady start.

It tookuntil the11th over forExStudents to strike, as Moe slowly started their innings.

CaptainNoah Kane was the first to depart for Moe, caught behind off the bowlingofMitch Harris for five runs.

With the score already 1/16, Moe were in no rush to get things underway.

About double the number of overs elapsed, while almostdoublethe numberofrunshad beenscored before Ex Students struck again, this time through Adam Brady.

Andrew Philip was the next man sent packing, after being caught for eight. Withthe score reading 2/26, it wasn’t time to panic yet, as Josh Keyhoe was carefully building his innings.

Riley Baldi was the next man in, and the next manout thanks to amoment that Moe might like to forget.

Amix-upbetween the wickets caused Baldi to head back to the sheds for just 11, moments after striking aballtothe fence.

But at 3/55, things were beginning to tick over for Moe.

Benn Zomer was the next victim to the Ex Students’machine, departing for just15runswith the score reading 4/89.

Little did they know what that number would mean in about aday’s time.

But in came the ever-reliable Rob Phoenix, who did his job as amiddle order batter to set things straight and stop any chances of acollapse.

And that he did.

Phoenix and Keyhoe together put on 63 runs for the fifth wicket. But just as Keyhoe was getting into his groove, he was upended off the bowling of James Pryde.

Keyhoeblasted six fours and asix on his way to 81 off 209 deliveries. At 5/152, thingsquickly deescalated for Moe.

Moe then lost4/5 in the spaceoffive overs, which saw Evan Sheeky departvia LBW for one, Callum Grant wasbowled for aduck, Phoenixthen fell into the Ex Students’ trap after making apotentially match-saving 33, and Aaron Johnstone also went for aduck.

Patrick Spiteri (8*)and Clinton Taylor(7) steered Moe to 173 after 85 overs.

Harris was outstanding with the ball for Ex Students,collecting 3/9 for 13 overs. Captain Pryde also picked up athree-fa (3/42) from 16 of his overs.

Lee Stockdale,Brady and Warne all collected one each, while Brady/Pryde claimed the run out of Baldi earlier in the innings.

Despite astrong-ish23-run standfor the opening wicket,thingstwisted to the worst for Ex Students,

who completely lost their grip on the match, something that Moe only just avoided.

Matt Robertson eased his way 20 before he was bowledbyJohnstone. Then the breezeofthe match shifted.

Ex Students suffered acollapse of theirown, losing 4/6 within two overs.

The game had flipped on its head.

Pryde was caughtbehind for four, Stockdale and Hayden Richards both departed for ducks and Harris also couldn’t get past four.

Ex Students were hanging on by athread, and thatmight justbethe thingthatkept their chances of the premiership alive.

Rick Battista made atrying 16 from 29, all of his runs coming fromfours. Daniel Trease was trapped in front of his wicket to bring the score to 7/62.

Andrew Matthews was the final wicket for Ex Students, scoring aduck, but the game wasn’t over.

In came Michael Warne, joining Matt Dyke at the crease.

It was now agame of survival. And boy, they did survive.

After finishing on top of the ladder, Ex Students needed adraw at the minimum to proceed to the GrandFinal,soall that was needed was to bat out theday and they would progress.

The final wicket of Matthews happened with the last ball of the 39th over. Dyke and Warne batted for the remainedofthe day, 46 overs to be exact, to gettheir side over the line and into aGrand Final. Theirscore reading 8/89 from 84.5 overs.

The two were essentiallybrickwalls, as Dyke scored 29 from 226 balls, and Warne -atnumber 10 -facing 115 balls for six runs. Both not out.

Justlike that,ExStudents werethrough in dramatic, but extraordinary circumstances. They finished on top of the ladder for areason.

Amazingly, Dyke was Ex Students’ topscorer with his 29*.

For the bowling side, a4/40 spell from Johnstone wasn’t enough to propel his team any further.

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY

GRAND FINALS

PREMIER AGRADE

Ex Students vs Glengarry March 23 -24

TedSummertonReserve,Moe

AGRADE

Centrals vImperials March 23 -24

Fred King Oval,Glengarry

PREMIER BGRADE

Morwell vToongabbie

Saturday, March 23

Morwell Recreation Reserve

BGRADE

CATS vTraralgon West

Saturday, March 23

Toongabbie Recreation Reserve

PREMIER CGRADE

Ex Students have one hand on the premiership now.

Glengarry def Raiders

THEIRGrand Final opponents did thingsthe old-fashioned way.

Glengarry hosted Raiders at Fred King Oval, won the toss and elected to send the visitors in to bat.

Boy, did that turn out to be amasterstroke.

Glengarry skittled Raidersfairly easily, striking earlyasthe score read 1/1, Rob Webber sentpacking foragolden duck.

Yes, Raiders did pick up the pace, but maybe because they realised how quickly things could go sour if they didn’t.

GeorgeChesire and Michael Higgins worked hand-in-hand, gettingthe Raiders’ score to 2/33 by the timeChesire was dismissed by Nathan Freitag.

The score didn’t get achancetomove before the next wicket fell, as the two wicket-takers at the time, Graham and Freitag combined for the wicket of Higgins.

Higgins made 19, hitting three boundaries. He would collect the highest score for Raiders.

At 3/33,some saving wasneeded, andall batters tried to be that man, but it was no use.

CaptainLiamMaynard mustered his energy for 12 beforehedeparted, and Ben Burrows exposed the tail with his exit for two runs, the score 5/49.

Thomas Robertsonadded an important 13 before he was dismissed by Freitag. An important 13 becauseitstopped the game from endingany sooner.

But that was just aboutall she wrote for Raiders, who lost their last four wickets five wickets for eight runs.

Burkeley Macfarlane, Boyd Bailey and Jeevan Varghese all made ducks, while Harrison McColl was not out on two.

Freitag was unstoppable with 6/15 off 11 overs. In asemi-final. Wow. Graham stillcollected 3/27from his 11,while NathanAllen picked up the finalwicket of the innings.

Still on Day 1, Glengarry then went into bat after

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

Morwell vCATS

Saturday, March 23

Keegan Street Reserve, Moe

CGRADE

Toongabbie vChurchill

Saturday, March 23

Toongabbie Village Green

bowling for only alittle over 30 overs.

With about 50 overs up their sleeves, they had more than enough time to chase down the Raiders’ total and gain aprobable unassailable lead. That they did.

Glengarry only lost two wickets before they had already caught the required runs.

Alistair Jenkin (12 runs) and Frank Marks (56) were unable to be there to hit the winning runs, but definitely played their hand in helping.

Marks smacked nine fours during his innings to propel Glengarry to aleading position.

Glengarry batted out for the rest of the day, getting to ascore of 7/180, then Raiders made the decision which would send Glengarry through to the Grand Final.

After the day’s play achatwas had between the two teams, whereitwas decided thatitwas too fair for Raiders to make acomeback of their own, calling it quits.

Glengarry earn an extra day’s rest over Ex Students whobattled allthroughout Day 2of their semi-final.

Both sides will be out to secure the very first CLV Premier AGrade premiership this weekend, with everything on the line.

When push comes to shove, who will budge and who will flex their muscles?

All will be unfolded this weekend.

Super students: Lee Stockdale pickedupawicketfor Ex Students as they drew with Moe.Due to finishing higher on the ladder,ExStudents progress to the Grand Final. File photograph

The stages are set for the CLVGrandFinals

CRICKET

CLVAGRADE

BY TOM HAYES

TRARALGON Imperials and Centrals will battle it outfor premiership glory in the CLV AGrade this week.

Both sides passed the preliminary tests, by defeating their semi-final counterparts and have earnt the right to have agoatthe flag.

THE Impsdid it with relativeease over Rovers in the first semi-final at Duncan Cameron Oval, Traralgon.

Rovers won the toss and electedtobat, it what turned out to be the first of four inningsacross two days of cricket.

Things were off to atough start for Rovers, losing 2/2 early in the piece, the wickets being both openers, Liam Little (duck) and Tyler Pearce (2). Thus, bringingtwo brand-new batters to the crease. Oliver Hannam and DougalWilliamsdid as much as they could to get Rovers out of their rut, adding 27 runs for the third wicket before Williams was caught for just four runs.

Hannamwelcomed captain Ewan Williams to the crease, who could only makethreerunsbefore beingbowled by Imperials’ Todd Mann

Hannam hadhis third batting partner when StefanSbaglia arrived,but he soon became Mann’s fourth victim when he departed for two. The score

read adismal 5/39.

It would soon get harder for Rovers, who lost Hannam for 33 runs to, guess who, Mann, who completed his five-fa.

The remaining four wickets would add justthree runsbetween them as Rovers wouldbetrickled over for just 51 runs.

Mann was the star for Imperials, bowling with figures of 7/20 from 15.2 overs. Dilshan Thilakarathne managed 2/3 withthe ball and Dominic Thompson snagged the other wicket.

In reply, the Imperials scored 132, thanks to the fifth-wicket partnership of Nilantha Thilekarathna and Shane Galea.

Imperials were in trouble early at 4/16, before the two steadied the ship, adding 59 for the fifth wicket.

Thillekarathna scored28before his departure which left the score reading 5/75.But Ewan Williams was soon on ahat-trick when he got the wicket of Joel Randall for agolden duck.

Some handy batting in the tail got Imperials to a respectable tally of 132 after all wickets were spent.

Ewan Williams took the second seven-fa in the match with figures of 7/36, almost adding ahattrick to that feat. Vice-captain Lachlan Patterson managed two wickets and Simon Duff the other.

Roversreturned to the crease to add 131 in their second innings, which was highlighted by Hannam and Patterson who both scored 32, while Dougal Williams played admirably for his 24 runs.

The third five-fa in the match kept it alive, with

Joel Randall taking 5/37 in the second innings Mann, Thilakarathne and Thompson taking the other five between them.

Imperials just needed 20 overs to hit the winning runs.

Opener Anubhav Anubhav scored 25 from 51 to guide Imperials to the Grand Final.

Pattersoncollected another three wickets for his efforts,but it would be no use in the grandscheme of things. Duff picked up the other.

Winning by six wickets, Imperials were through, doing so easily in the end.

CENTRALS put up a big enough total to defend Gormandale in the second semi-final.

The Tigers won the toss and bowled, which could hold the answers as to why their season ended at the weekend.

It took awhile for Centrals to get off the mark after losing their firstthreebatters forsevenruns or less; Andrew Slimmon (7), Lachlan Speairs (duck), SamGray(6).

Gormandale would have no answers in the next period of the game, with captain Tye Hourigan, Mark Rawson and Corey Pollard each visiting the crease. Some for longer than others.

Houriganmanaged 28 before he was caught and bowled by Nick Scammell, and Pollardwas caught for 21.

But Rawson had the answer to everything, knocking amarvellous 98 from 150 in striking fashion.

Rawson hit eight fours and two sixes, but just

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

Ryan

missedout on acentury, to the hands of Nathanael Campbell and Yohan Soyza.

Gormandale threw eight different bowlers into the mix to try and dismiss Rawson, but only one came to fruition.

Soyza, whogot the all-important wicket, took 4/33, while vice-captain Dylan Freitag took 2/22. CampbellPeavey, Campbelland Scammell each took one wicket.

At the conclusionofthe Centrals innings, they had totalled 200, on the dot. Atough total to chase down if this week wasanything to go by.

Gormandale set off on asteady run chase, but they soon realisedthey were being out-muscled and out-classed.

When they only had two batters score over 20, it was then they realised that they were awhile off the mark this time around.

Peavey scored 32 from 66, while Scammell scored 21 after opening the batting.

But following57and ahalf over of cricket, Gormandale were 94 runs short of theirtarget, with no wickets left in their dispensary.

Centrals’ MarcFenech took 4/49, not to be outdone by teammate Tyron Gamage who took 4/24.

Captain Tye Hourigan and Corey Pollard took the remaining two wickets between them.

b: Ewan Williams 0

Dilshan Thilakarathne lbw: EwanWilliams 2

James Skingle lbw: Lachlan Patterson 5

Nilantha Thillekarathna c: Tyler Pearce b: EwanWilliams 28

Shane Galea c: Dougal Williams b: Lachlan Patterson 57

Joel Randall c: Dougal Williams b: EwanWilliams 0

Kaveesha Jayasuriya lbw: EwanWilliams. 1

Scott Aitken c: Oliver Hannam b: EwanWilliams 15

Todd Mann c: Dougal Williams b: Simon Duff 8

Dominic Thompson not out 1*

Todd

Ryan

Sundries (0wd0nb 7lb 4b 0p) 11

TOTAL10wickets for132 (53.4 overs) ROVERS

Ewan Williams (c) 14.4-3-36-7, Lachlan Patterson (vc) 13-5-29-2, Simon Duff 13-3-22-1, Jack Lynch 2-0-6-0, Stefan Sbaglia 5-0-18-

0, Liam Little 4-0-8-0, Oliver Hannam 2-1-2-0 ROVERS

Ewan Williams c: James Skingle b: Dominic Thompson 3 Tyler Pearce b: Todd Mann 9

TOTAL4

IMPERIALS2ND INNINGS

ROVERS BOWLING

Ewan Williams (c) 5-0-18-0, Lachlan Patterson(vc)10-5-12-3, Simon Duff 5-0-17-1, Jack Lynch0.1-0-4-0

JetstakealeafoutoftheAFLpremiers’book

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ON ascorching Saturday morning in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD in early February, the senior group of YallournYallourn North footballers, could be seen running amuck, stampeding acrossthe fine turf belonging to the AFL’s premiership side of 2023.

The North Gippsland sidewas gifted the opportunity to train at Collingwood’s training facilities at the AIA Centre due to the strong relationship forged with former Latrobe Valley footballer, Mannon Johnston.

Johnstonhas served many rolesatthe elite football club datingbackto2019, including player wellbeing in the VFL operations department and lately full-time playerengagement manager and athlete development at the Pies.

In addition to off-field roles, Johnston provides the gameday running for the senior side delivering messages distributed from premiership coach Craig McRae along thebench to thefootballersamid battle.

Combined with all this experience in sucha successful and professional group, Johnston was still impressed by the push-through attitude the Jets’ playing group showeddespite the day’s conditions as they mirrored the typical off-season team training of aprofessional sports team.

“(It) shows the buy-in and commitment, getting up for aSaturdaymorning where it’s going to be adifficult training,” Johnston said.

“It’s achange in stimulus.”

“To get 40 plus to atraining like that is amazing.”

Beingwithin the wallsofa historicAFL structure cemented over 130 yearsago, Johnstonhoped there wouldbethat added level of competence and consideration when going about their day. His assumptions proved correct.

The group began by competing individually in a push-up challenge titled ‘Bring Sally Up’, named after the song of the same name.

Following the tune and appropriatelylifting and dropping to the lyrics, “Bring Sally up bring Sally down,” Johnston saw such encouragementfrom the group with players dropping and still getting around to support the ones gutting through the task at hand.

“That was the shining light. Everyoneencouraging each other and readyfor whatever’snext,” Johnston said.

Those gruelling standards set the tone for the day and what followed provided even more grit and toughness in the form of intense competitive and skill-based drills.

Then arrived the true test, the tan.

Atrek along the Yarra with Collingwood’s Strength and Conditioning coach, Victor Nguyen, included tough incline sprints and painful hillside efforts that added up to over five kilometres of hard running.

That again showcased the resilience and tightness of the group that Johnston praised.

“It’s not about yourself. You push throughbut everyone tries to bring (along the next),” Johnston said.

Despite assisting in the delivery of in-the-moment strategic decision-making to seasoned AFL players, he admitted the group were even teaching him when in an open conversation surrounding football philosophies and tactics.

“The responses Igot were spot-on, (they) almost educated me,” Johnston said.

The Collingwood officialwas amember of Morwell FNC back-to-back seniorpremierships in 2013 and2014 alongside current YYN players Dean MacDonald, Campbell MacInnes,and first-year senior coach, Tom Hutton.

“Mannonisanunbelievable resourcefor us to have,” Hutton said.

“The various roles he has played at Collingwood duringa periodofoverhaul,improvement, and revitalisation gives him an incredible insight on what works in making positive change, and that is something we should always be striving to do as aclub and as people.”

Johnston also donned the club’s colours (then simplyBombers’ red and black) for ashort stint during the COVID-stricken2021North Gippsland FNL season, YYN’s debut season in the league.

In addition to the opportunities that have blossomed due to football,Johnston has ahistory of teaching and wellbeing support.

Withexperience in relief teachingand workwith the youth mental health foundation, Headspace, Johnston has apassion for education in all types of organisations and groups.

That also applies to his ideologies on football, accompanied by the collectiveness of integrity he said YYN displayed.

“Players need to take leadership on themselves. They understood the game plan, it was impressive,” Johnston said.

Johnston has already madeanappearanceat YYN for avisiting preseason outing, but there is no doubt there will be more to come.

“We are looking forward to running many more sessions like this in the future,” Hutton said.

These opportunities for aregional club connecting with AFL create consistent improvement that spans years, but Hutton sees this and other implementations up his sleeve to affect not only individuals and the team but also the club itself.

Elite: YallournYallournNorth Football Club hadthe opportunitytotrain like an AFL premiershipwinning team last month Photograph supplied

Latrobe Valley stuns at State Titles

NETBALL STATETITLES

BY ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

THE LatrobeValley Netball Region were very competitive at the recent Netball Victoria State Titles competition held in Bendigo over the Labour Day long weekend.

Teams from all across Victoria come to compete in the 15 and Under Female, 17 and Under Female and Male, Open Female and Mixed All Abilities competitions.

The Latrobe Valley team hasbuiltitselfback up and showcased the regionstalent withthree female teamsinthe Under 15's, Under 17'sand Open division.

The Open Team finished the standard draw on top of the Ladder losing only one game.

The Latrobe Valley team started guns blazing beatingGlenelg 18-4 in the games two shorthalves.

Continuing the momentum Latrobe Valley beat the usually strong Elmer, 14-10, then Dandenong 16-11, also beatingBarwonbyfourgoals, North East by two and Jika by six all on the same day.

ComeSunday,The Latrobe Valley team faced theirfirst loss against Tow Bays going down 15 goals to 13. Despite the narrow loss, the Latrobe Valleyteam grounded themselves to beatNorth Central and then the second-best team and finalist contenders, Henderson.

With talented and experienced netballers like Yinnar's Skye McDonald and Churchill's Rachel Loechelalongside theshooting ferocity of NilmaDarnum'sHayley Purcell, the LatrobeValley team really showed the metro clubs some fight.

Depite dominating the open fixture for the tournament, when it came to thefirstfinalagainst Elmer's Open side the Latrobe Valley Women couldn't get the job done, losing 16 to 11.

It may come as consolation to the team thatElmer went on to win the tournament, beating Henderson in the Grand Final.

Coach KatrinaHutchinsonwas incredibly happy with the results, finishing among the top four in the state.

Latrobe Valley's State Titles Officer, Tamara Kennedy said she was incredibly proud of the regions talent.

"It has been abusy and exciting 2023-24 State Title sC am pai gn. We are just over halfw ay into afive-year plan and are alreadyexceeding expectations. Our players and coaching staff have demonstrated that they can match it with some of the best netballers in Victoria," she said.

"Resultsare always improving as our players coachesand administration staff learn more every year. The job won’t be done until we can consistently demonstrate we are aregion to be reckoned with.

That means not just winning but making finals and winning over anumber of years."

"Latrobe has always had talent and we have

Students broaden their horizons

BY TOM HAYES

APAIR of Lowanna Collegestudentshave reached new heights in theirrespectivesports, with many thanks to the school’s sports academy.

Year 12 student Ricky Menthaand Year 10 student Cooper Belsham have both takentheir games to the next level.

Mentha, afootballer, is currently in his draft year and will hope to be drafted at the end of the year.

Belsham is abasketballer, who continues to be picked by representative sides, only giving himself more exposure in the basketballing world.

Collectively, the duohas been taught that “taking things easy isn’t the way to always go, but pushing yourself to the next level is”.

Belsham has been selected for the state combine, and the state U16s squad, with hopes to play at Nationals toward the end of the year.

He says the sports academy has helped him get to that stage.

“It’s been really good. All of the training and stuff is making me push to my next level,” Belsham said. With plenty of opportunities, and time, ahead of him, Belsham hopes to continue to get better and gain more exposure for himself through representative opportunities.

Lately, Belsham earnt the opportunity to represent one of two Australian teams in Abu Dhabi for the NBA School Tournament.

“It was an amazing experience playing with all

of those people, versing other countries,” he said.

While away, Belshamtrained and played against other countries from all over the world.

LowannaCollege Sports Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach,Malcolm Swinley is proud of Belsham, and the steps he has taken so far in his career.

“He travels from afair way(Longwarry) to come here which is great,” Swinley said.

“I think he’s got great leadership qualities, he’s always been astrong kid, and when he first came here, he was alittle bit lost.”

He says thatBelshamhas fitinto the region well and is working on his profile and local identity.

Keep an eye out for stories on this young lad in the future.

Methaiscurrently in his final year of school and has agreat potential to be drafted to the AFL at the end of the year.

Looking forward to the end of the year, he has along path ahead of him, but in 2024 he said, “hopefully Iget drafted to the AFL …and (finish)

Year 12”.

Mentha has spoken to 12 AFL clubs and is also apartofthe AFL Academy.

On Grand Final day last year, Mentha stepped foot on the MCG before the big game to play in abig game of his own -the AFLFutures match.

At the time as abottom-ager, he got to play amongst and againstthe best bottom-aged players in the country, on the biggest stage of them all while the Grand Final crowd was piling in.

“It was elite, pretty hot though! The game was real fast,” he said.

Head Coach of the Lowanna College Sports Academy, Allan Chandler has nothing but praise for Mentha.

“With Ricky,I’vebeen super impressed with the growth that he’s had over the year. Not just on the footy field, but stuff away from that,” he said.

Not only has Mentha come out of his shell, after originally comingfrom the Northen Territory, but he has worked on his nutrition which has helped him tenfold.

Thanks to the Lowanna College Sports Academy partnerships withNikePTS for example, students like Mentha and Belsham have equipment supplied throughthe college, as they sponsorthem on their journeys from the beginning.

“The biggestone for us is givingthemthe opportunitiesand to get them to where they wanna go,” Chandler said.

“It’s very hard downhere (Gippsland)compared to Melbourne.”

alot of raw talent, it’s just amatter of beingto harness that talent and give players and coaches an opportunity for consistent high quality netball pushing them to their limits.”

The Under 17s coach AleshaHallinan started incredibly strong, surprising the competition.

Finishing the fixture at third spot on the ladder, the Latrobe Valley young athletes wereonfire winning 12 games and drawing one,out of their 17 matchesacross three days.

Day 1was no doubt astrong start for the Under 17s.

Startingwith adrawdidn't deterthe team going onto win the next five games in arow.

The Under 17s remained fiercely competitive all tournament long making it to the finals. Unfortunately it was just not meant to be, as the team went down to Central Highlands 20 to 12.

Nevertheless, coach Hallinan was proud of her young team, saying she felt each and every player

brought their best to the State Titles.

Netball Victoria's Eastern Region Manager said it was clear that this region can produce the very best of netball.

"Seeing the quality of netball across the weekend made me extremely proud of our Eastern Zone which had two regions competing," she said.

"The Gippsland regionshowed greatpromise and with Latrobe Valley Region having two of three teams in finals, it showed thelevel of talent not only on the court but off the court as well with the coaching expertisethatwas on displayand the work that the State Titles Officers do behind the scenes to get these teams on court."

The Latrobe Valley Under 15s came up against some very tough competition -though they did not make finalsthey showed some very promising signs.

Coach Sammy Waltersisconfident the Under 15s will be the future of this region's netball.

Stars get maiden win over Bendigo

Winner: Drouin’s AvaGualimpressed in the GippslandStars win over their regional counter par ts

NETBALL

VNL

BY ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

THE GippslandStarswon the regionalrumble last Wednesday,March13, afterdefeating Bendigo Strikers, afellow Victorian Netball League newcomer, to record the first win in their history, 58-54.

In their Round 2game, the magic happened in the Stars midcourt, with Morwell’s Chloe Radford and Drouin’s Ava Gaul working in perfect unison to get the ball on the circle edge.

Bairsndale’s Paris Dunkley was also on fire, giving the Strikers grief as she dominated her time in centre and wing defence.

The game was very tight, with the Bendigo team never far off the mark but the Gippslanders did what they do best and powered on through to go home with the win.

Defender, Lucy McKellar was the Gippsland Stars Player of the Match for exceptional work in closing down the Strikers' attack.

The win sees the Stars go to the ninth spot on the ladder over Peninsula in 10th, Casey in 11th, and the Strikers in 12th.

The Gippsland Stars team is excited by the win, stating that the young Gippsland team showed many promising signs of success in their win against Bendigo.

The Strikerswillnow take on the Box Hill Hawks tonight (Wednesday, March, 20).

For locals in other teams, Championship MelbourneUniversity Lightning’s and Moe Football Netball Club player-coach Ramayer Gourley has impressed in the opening rounds,

the formerVictorian Fury and Collingwood Magpies ANC representative demonstrated her versatility at both ends of the court.

Lightning coach Tegan Hopkins has the luxury of swinging Gourley from defence to attack, where her goalers will face atenaciousCougars defensive end, including the in-form Brooke Allan this week.

Gourley was dominant in last week’s win over Casey Demons, scoring 36 goals at 92 per cent accuracy.

Photographs supplied

Go girl: Lucy McKellar wasthe Star’s player of thematch in their Round2win.

Team: Pictured from left to rightisMalcolm Swinley, Cooper Belsham, Mark Delahunt from NikePTS,Ricky Mentha and Allan Chandler Photograph supplied

1, 2, 3, LV: The Latrobe ValleyNetball Region Juniorsplayedoverthe Labour Daylong weekend, with theUnder 17sstunning thecompetition. Photographs supplied

Familiar faces: TheLatrobe ValleyOpen Female team

Force: Trafalgar’s Tillie Manfieldwas dominant forthe Under 17sdefence

Mixed bag for Gippy United BASKETBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

GIPPSLAND United kicked off their 2024 Big V season over the weekend with two rousing home gamesatthe Gippsland Regional IndoorSports Stadium in Traralgon.

The home double-header saw United face off against Whittlesea on Saturday night then Altona on Sunday,the two newest additions to Division 1. United’s season openersaw themgodown, 98-76, to Whittleseabut they presented immensepromise and areas of focus to build upon with key players missing from their lineup.

Both sides appeared fired up to start each of their campaigns and the play on the court correlated to ahigh-tempo and fierce affair throughout the majority of the first half.

The Gippsland sideonly trailed by apoint at halftime, but Whittlesea asserted themselves in the second half tightening up their defensive strategies as United began to miss shots and were outscored by 16 points in the final term.

Head coach Scott McKenzie tossed the tough

finish up to foul trouble that plagued many United players in the second halfincluding newimport Jalin Wimberly and starter Joel Winderlichfouling out of the contest.

Missing needed heightwith the likesofteam co-captain Stephen O’Brien and Tom Portbury, Whittlesea big man Meekness Payne took advantage dominating inside and out with 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Ben Barlow top-scored for United with 17 points and Koby Tibballscame off the bench and provided exceptional hustle and energy with12points, three steals and ablock.

Fortunately, United would have achanceto redeem their defeat just 12 hours later against Altona right on the same floor.

Positives appeared before their Sunday matchup even began as United starters, Rohan Demczuk and Stephen O’Brien, returned to the fold and in turn bested Altona, 108-92.

“Coming off atough loss, we knew we neededto win to get that confidence back for agreat season ahead,” starting guard and young gun, Demczuk said.

However, it wouldn’t be as simple as inserting the two starterstoeasily get them by, the final

score misled justhow tight the contestwas as United clung to only afive-point lead at the end of the third quarter.

United responded to their minimalistic display on the interior in the Whittlesea game by piling on 54 points in the paint, afar cry from Altona’s 12 points underneath.

Altonakept in it with some hefty three-point shooting, but United handled business in the final term with seven players finishing in double figures and led until the final buzzer.

Ben Barlow filled the stat sheet with agamehigh 29 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and five steals leading United in every meaningful way and getting his season off to agrand start.

United have steadily beenbuilding, now entering their second season in Division 1, and strive to earn their place in the Championship division by season’s end.

“Itfeels great being back playingwith agreat group of guys, we are all lookingforward to what’s next for us,” Demczuk said.

United’s next game comes quickly this weekend against Chelsea right back at the GRISS.

Topteamsstart seasonwith abang

SOCCER

LVSL

BY TOM HAYES AND JOHN CARDONA

THE LVSLreturnedatthe weekend, with five games starting the season.

MOE United Soccer Club seniors opened the 2024 LVSL season with the long trek to Bairnsdale and returned home with acomfortable 8-1 win over the returning East Gippsland side.

It was coach Lee Dastey’s first officialmatch in his return to the club after afew years being involved with the Gippsland United Soccer Club. The highlight of the match was the eight individual goal scorers for Moe United.

It was ascrappy opening 15 minutes by both sides, but Moe Unitedwerefirst to findtheir feet when aBayden Heusmannpasspicked out Matty Shearing who’scross fromthe leftsideflank foundits waythroughtothe back post area where the only player to read the flight of the ball was midfielder Luke Bathgate who coolly side volleyed the ball home from close range.

From then in the first half it was abarrage of attacks on the East Gippy goal, with the second goal coming from abrilliantassist from the signing of ex-Falcons player in Zoran Winkleman, who setupTannerPyle’s goal who unleashed abrilliant swerving drive from 25 metres out fromgoal giving the keeper no chance whatsoever.

More chances were created but both Matt Shearing and Bayden Heusmann put their attempt just wide of the mark.

At the 30-minute mark abrilliant individual effort up the right by Winklemann saw him cut inside the East Gippy defender then hit his powerful drive low and hard into the near side post.

United had the majority of possession and it came as no surprise when aRiley Winkleman up the right saw him cut the ball back to afree Bayden Heusmann who gave the keeper no chance from 10 metres out.

East Gippy were finding their return to the top league atough proposition against atop side and weresoon 5-0down when impressive debutant youngster Heusmann’s crosswas easily slotted home by Matthew Shearing.

EastGippy’s continued to struggleagainst United but arun by Lachie Dare came very close to open his side’s score only to his shot go inches wide of the near post.

Agreat firsthalf by United ended with asixth goal just on the break when Huesmann again had

Control: Fortuna’sLiam Antonelligetsthe ball backinhis possession at right back.

an assist when his cross from the left picked the surging Lachie McKenzie to smash his first time shot into the back of the net.

The half time break did no favours to the Moe United side who struggled to get momentum in the hot conditionsand they never reached the impressive heights of the first half, but did manage to create aseventh goal when acreative long searching cross field pass by Brendan Ruddell

Photographs:Tom Hayes

found an unmarkedOscar Sceney who ran through to goal then cheekily converted the chance through the legs of the advancing keeper.

Late in the match, East Gippy were putting togethersome impressive patches of play and were nearly rewarded when ashot again by Dare went just wide of goal.

After afrustrating match Riley Winkleman’s persistence finally paid off when he slotted home athrough ball from McKenzie.

Nobody could deny East Gippy’s endeavour and they were rewarded just on full time when Dare hit acracking20-metre drive which gave Moe keeper PeterAlbanesenochanceatall.

AROUND the grounds, Fortuna picked up where they left off with amonster 7-1 win over Monash in Newborough.

The Wolves converted their onlygoal through aset piece on the edge of the area, but their goal was quickly cancelled out via Damon Scott from the penalty spot.

FALCONS 2000 began on theright rack, dispatching Churchill United 4-0 to open the season.

Taking place on Saturday night under the lights, Falcons made it look easy, but a4-0 result was a big improvement for the Rams.

SALE United and Traralgon Olympians were left all square in a1-1 draw.

THE scor ef or Tye rs Li ghtnin gv ersu s Newborough-Yallourn United was not provided.

IF youwould likeyour club’s scores to feature in the newspaper, please email us at sports@ lvexpress.com.au to update us, as we can’t rely on GameDay to have the scores out on time.

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