Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 21 December 2022

COLOUR CODE

Opal worker help

By MICHELLE SLATER

THE Victoriangovernment is establishing anew Worker SupportService in the Latrobe Valley to help Opal Australian Paper employees at Maryvale facing stand-downs amid pulp wood supply shortages.

The stategovernment has saidit was working with Opal on pathways to defer any potential stand downs and redundancies foraslong as possible beyond Christmas.

VicForests,which is responsible for the harvesting and sale of timber and regeneration of harvested forest, is also providing support paymentstosawmills and contractors to ensure workers are retained and paid.

It comesafter VicForests has halted logging after the Supreme Court ordered it to carry out better surveys

and protections for endangered gliders, whichhas ledtosupplyconstraints at the Maryvale mill.

The Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney, said the government knew timber supply was acurrent challenge.

“That’swhy we will continue to invest and ensure workers and businessesare supported during this time,” Ms Tierney said.

“We will continue to engage with stakeholders on options to address timber shortages and source alternative supply.”

CFMEU manufacturing division national secretary, Michael O’Connor, welcomed the support and said it was important to mitigate the harm to workers and their families due to lack of wood supply.

“However,itisbecause of the shortages that we are in this situation. The

government has had over two years to resolve the supplyissues,” Mr O’Connor said.

“We have set out anumberofmeasures the government can take to address wood shortages and we would urge the government to move quickly on them.”

Opal has warned it will either stop or reduce manufacturing white paper from December 23.

The company anticipatedtherewill be temporary standdownsfor some workgroups in January if it can’t find alternative wood fibre supplies.

Opal has told the state government therewillbenoimmediate job losses at Maryvale before Christmas.

An Opal spokesperson said it was acomplex situation and to be viable, the alternative supplies must match a range of strict criteriaincluding species, availability, volume, cost, logistics and

long-term supply.

“To date, suitable alternatives have not beenidentified, however we will continue to work through this process as quickly and thoroughly as we can,” the spokesperson said.

“This is acomplex and ever-changing situation and no longer-term decisions on operational changes have been made at this stage.”

The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said the only actions that would secure jobs at the Maryvale Mill was for Labor to end the ongoinggreen lawfare by closingthe loopholes in the Timber Code of Practice and reversing its diabolical decision to end sustainablenative industry in Victoria.

St Joseph’s Primary School, Trafalgar students William Finken and Archie Brown saw out the school year in style, taking part in a colour run.

Call for care on recalled items

IN light of recent foodrecallsfromFood Standards Australia NewZealand relatingtoa small selection of spinach products, vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG is calling on consumers to follow the recall directions and dispose of the recalled products, and for those with concerns for their health to follow the advice of health departments and seek medical attention.

“The health and safety of our consumers is the top priority for our industry, so we urge consumers to follow the advice of the recall notices and to seek medical attention if you have concerns for your health,” AUSVEGchief executive, Michael Coote, said.“However, it is importanttoremember that thereare only asmall number of products with recall notices, and our food safety and retail sector is removing affected products as soon as there is aconcern for people’s health.

“This means that Australian consumers can have confidence in all other spinach and leafy salad products that are currently available for sale on retail shelves, which are unaffected by the recall.

“AUSVEG has had reports of growers who are not included in the recall,but have experienced reduced orders and drops in sales, adding to the pressures that they face during this time of year.

“Given the proximity to Christmas and thefestive season -our industry’s busiest time of the year -this is both worrying and avoidable.

“The past 12-monthshave been the most difficult in recent times for our industry. While all growers have faced significantincreases to costs of production,floods and consistent rainand critical labour shortagesthis year, leafy salad and spinach growers havehad it particularly toughduring this period.

“We call on all Aussie consumers to continue to buy plenty of fresh vegetables and leafy salads to support their hard-working, dedicatedgrowers who are working day and night to ensurefamilies have fresh produce for Christmas and the festive season.” Currently, the recalled products are:

 Rivera Farms branded baby spinach for sale at Costco Wholesale in VIC, NSW, ACT with

use by dates from December 16 2022 up to and including December 28 2022;

 Fresh Salad Co Fresh and Fast Stir Fry, for at ALDI stores in VIC with use by date of December 24 2022;

 Woolworths Chicken Cobb Salad and Woolworths Chickpea Falafel Salad, for sale at Woolworths and Woolworths Metro stores in VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT;

 Woolworths Chicken Cobb salad 270g with use by date December 20;

 Woolworths Chickpea Falafel Salad 290g use by date December 20 and December 22, and;

 Eleven Coles Own Brand products containing spinach solid in Coles Supermarkets, Coles Local, Coles Express and through Coles Online in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, NT, ACT with use by dates between December 17 2022 and December 23 2022.

AUSVEG will continue to liaise with all relevant authorities andkey stakeholders as the issue unfolds.

Finishing touches on newplatform

THE finishing touches are underway on the new platform at Morwell railway station, according to Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester.

Mr Chestersaidthe upgrades to the station and new platform included asphalting, signage, lighting, speakers, benches and security cameras.

“Thereisalsoa new canopy and passenger information displays, as well as lighting installed in the revamped passenger underpass,”MrChester said.

“The work is partofthe Gippsland Line Upgrade which is mainly funded by the previous federal government with more than $400 million and includes further station upgrades and safety improvements.”

Those of an older era may well remember the shops that use to line the underpass.

Underway: FederalMemberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester, checks on progress at the new Morwell trainstation. photograph supplied

Shing, Bath back

THE Victorian Electoral Commission has declared the results for the Legislative Council,with Eastern Victorian incumbents, Labor MP Harriet Shing and the Nationals’ Melina Bath, retaining their seats.

Other members for Eastern Victoria include Tom McIntosh for Labor; Shooters, Fishers &Farmers MP JeffBourman;and newly-elected Liberal, Renee Heath.

Ms Shing will now officially take on her ministerial portfoliosinWater, RegionalDevelopment, Equality and Commonwealth Games Legacy.

Her return to the Upper House comes after concerns were raised within the Labor Partythat she would lose her seat to aminor party

She was eventually elected on the back of preferences fromFiona Patten’sReason Party, theAnimal Justice Party, Greens and Legalise Cannabis party -the latter of whichhad been predictedtousurp the seat.

Labor received 26.5per cent of first-preference votes in the Upper House, giving it aquota of 1.59 -less than the number required to win two seats outright.

Ms Shing took to Twitter to thank her supporters and provide her thoughts to unsuccessful candidates.

“Putting your hand up is hard -itdeserves respect and recognition,” Ms Shing said.

“There’s alot of goodworktodo, and I’mdelighted to be in aposition to contribute to it.”

Ms Bath said she was looking forward to raising issues for regional Victoria and working collaboratively with all members of parliament and local agencies.

She also congratulated her fellow Nationals team including new Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron;Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien; and Gippsland East MP Tim Bull.

“Together we are committed to working hard for our respective communities and functioning as a unitedteam to advocatefor the lives and livelihoods of all Gippslanders,” Ms Bath said.

All elected MPs were being sworn-inatthe official opening of parliament on Tuesday, whichalso included asmoking ceremony and Governor’sspeech

Afterthe official opening,both Houses were holding question timeand then MPsgot down to the business of the new parliament.

MPs back to work

THE 60thParliamentofVictoria officially opened on Tuesday, December 20.

The opening includedaWelcome to Country, swearing-in of Members, election of presiding officers, smoking ceremonyand the Governor’s speech.

The day’s proceedings were broadcast live on theVictorian Parliament’s website from10am. Time-honoured traditions featured during the proceedings.

Afterthe official opening, both houses held question time, and then MPs got down to the business of the new Parliament.

Be aware: Consumers arebeing urged to seek caution, amid anumber of spinachproducts being recalled.

photograph supplied

Going again: Member forEastern Victoria, Harriet Shing,has retained herseatinthe Upper House photograph zoeaskew

Michellebids adieu

FAREWELL BY MICHELLE SLATER

LATROBE Valley Express senior journo Michelle Slater is saying adios after five years with the paper to seek new opportunities further afield.

Ihave been privileged to live in acommunity in transition and record history-makingeventswhile learning about the complex issues that it faces.

Ifell in love with the Latrobe Valley and its honest, no-pretence people. Ilove how in the Valley, Ican go shopping, or out for dinner in my daggy tracky dax and moccies and no one bats an eye.

There is adiversityofideashere that Ihave relisheddelvinginto.I have made some great mates who have really looked after me.

Istarted here not long after Hazelwood closed, and it was areal eye-opener coming from asmall paper in northern Victoria.

One of the most important things Ihave learnt is that you can’t just suddenly switch off apower station without proper planning.

Ireally hope the suits-and-tiesget these decisions right and that the Valley is at the centre of the transition to cleanenergy, frombrowncoalmining to blue sky mining!

Ihave especially enjoyed covering Latrobe City Council, badgering councillors and MPs and working with my media colleagues.

Some of the most importantstoriesIcovered were Aand Wstation closures, the saga around the Hazelwood pondage and mine rehab,developing the HESC plant, and controversy around the ULAB.

It wasalsoamazing hearing evidence into the

See ya: Journalist Michelle Slater ended her tenure with The Express last week afterfive yearswiththe paper. file photograph

Gippy Goat thefts, and highlighting the demolition of the old Taralgon Methodist Church. Ihope that one gets saved.

But the real reason why Ibecame ajourno was to tell local stories, and Ihave loved the grassroots yarns and meeting local characters.

In my time here Ihavebeen evacuated from two natural disasters, including the 2018 Yinnar South bushfires and then last year’s June storms.

Iwill miss the magnificent landscapesinthe Strzelecki Ranges with that smell of fresh, wet rainforest, rolling green paddocks, and exploring the bush with my beautiful horse and trail buddies.

Gippsland really is God’s countryand Iwill ache for it when Igo.

‘Supportour farmers and buylocal this Christmas’

WITH just three days to go until Christmas Day, the state government is encouraging Victorians to buy local and support the state’s world-class farmers, producers and retailers.

Minister for Agriculture,Gayle Tierney, recently visited Melbourne’s QueenVictoriaMarket to meet localsellers and producers amid the Christmas trade frenzy.

Publishing dates over the holiday period

THE Express will be published oncemore in 2022.

Followingtoday’s issue (December 21), the final issue of LVE for 2022 will be Wednesday, December 28.

The first issue of LVE for 2023 will be Tuesday, January 3.

The Express will be published every Wednesday following this.

Our sisterpaper, the Gippsland Times (covering Sale-Maffra) willpublish on the following dates over the break:  Friday, December 23  Thursday, December 29 

Wednesday, December 4

The Gippsland Times willbepublished each Tuesday and Friday following this.

Gippsland Farmer, also put together by the Expressteam, will next be published in early January, with issues to follow each month. They certainly keep you busy at The Express.

“Buying local this Christmas is directlycontributingtoour state’s strong, resilient farming communities -I’d encourage all Victorians to put somethinglocal on their plate this year,” she said

“Buying food and drinksthatare locally produced is win-win. Not only does Victoria have some of the best produce in the country, buying home-grown backs our farmersand their communities when they need it most.”

The summer months provide the perfectopportunity for Victorians to support producers and back local communitiesinevery corner of the state -from inner-city shops to farmers’ marketsinregional and rural towns, allpurchases of localproduce flow on to the people who need it most.

Victoria is renownedfor its quality produce,with stellar local cheese, ham, wine, spirits and fresh fruit ready to hit tables this Christmas.

The state’s food and beverageproduction industry is the lifeblood of many communities, and their ongoing success will contribute to the state’s strong economic recovery into the new year.

The stategovernmenthas backed the agriculture industry -investing more than$3billion in primary production in the past eight years and growing the valueofthe food and fibre industry to $17.5 billion.

Ongoing floods across Victoria has made the past few months difficult for farmers. The government has partnered with the commonwealth to make sure they get the tailored support they deserve to recoverand rebuild, with the Primary Producer Recovery Support package, supportingemergency response and agricultural recovery.

Already, more than $12.5 million in support has beendistributedtoassist flood-affected farmers and growers, with millions moreinadditional support to continue reachingthose who need it most.

Ahelping hand and 80 years of solidarity

By LIAM DURKIN

THERE aren’t many of these left anymore.

Maryvale Friendly Society, which operates out of the OpalAustralia mill at Maryvale, celebratesits 80th anniversary this year.

The society was foundedin1942byemployees of the then Australian Paper Maryvale Mill.

Ameeting on Friday, September18laidthe foundations for the society, which is still going to this day.

It is believed to be one of the few friendly societies left in existence in Victoria, if not Australia.

Friendly societies actasa conduit between employees andgiveaccess to arange of support services.

For instance, members of the Maryvale Friendly Society who fall ill are provided support to help find appropriate medical care.

The society’s mission is: To support out members and their families. To provide them with financial assistance in times of need. To help them balance their work life with the needs of their family,during sickness and injury, and especially during traumatic and unfortunate events.

MembershiptoMaryvaleFriendly Societyis predicated on employment at the mill.

The majority, if not all employees at the Maryvale mill are in the Maryvale Friendly Society. At last count, thereweremorethan700 member families

Membership benefits include coverage for arange of life events, including birth of children, where the society will help by alleviating travel and furniture costs.

State help for Opal workers

From page 1

“THE blatant contempt of our timber workers and their communities by Daniel Andrews is shameful. Unlike Labor,The Nationals are not seeking to white wash standdowns; the only acceptable solution is an immediate protection of local manufacturing jobs through the continuation of our sustainable native timber industry.”

The Memberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron, called out the Andrews government for dismissing the situationatOpal as a“supplychallenge”.

“PuttinghundredsofLatrobe Valley jobsat immediate risk to appease city-based green voters is adisgrace. It’s not asupply challenge, people’s lives and livelihoods are at risk here,” he said.

“Fighting to retain sustainable localmanufacturing jobs should be the highest priority.”

Ms Tierney recentlystrucka$120 milliondeal with Hancock Victorian Plantations to plant 14,000 hectares, which she said would underpin 2000new and existing jobsinregionalVictoria Ms Bath said this announcement was a rehash of its $110 million Gippsland Plantations Investment Plan that resulted in no increased land under plantation.

“Essentially, it’s the same announcement, tweaked ever so slightly, “she said.

MsBathsaidLabor’sclaimthatitwouldestablish new plantations was not supported by the facts. “Under the Andrews Government’s flawed Victorian Forestry Plan, native hardwood timber supply has dwindled, and plantation hardwood hashalved to only two millioncubic metres per annum, while Victorian softwoodsupplyhas reduced by 570,000 cubic metres per annum,” she said.

“Furthermore, becauseofhigh competitionfor land, the area under plantation has shrunk by 50,000 ha over the past five years. Plantation hardwood trees take aminimum of 20 years to

become viable.”

ACCORDING to the CFMEU, Opal Maryvale paper mill hasrun out of log supply to make Australian copy paper, prompting the union to lobby state and federal ministers in Gippsland on Monday.

The CFMEU Pulp &Paper Workers district secretary,DeniseCampbell-Burns, saidthe union protested at state and federal government inaction on wood supply, at an announcement of anew off-shore wind zone in Gippsland.

The restrictions on logging operationsordered by the Supreme Courtthreatens 220 jobs at the Maryvale paper mill. Ms Campbell-Burns said “the mill has now run out of log supply to make Australian paper.”

“Maryvale is the only Australianmanufacturer of copypaper and produces the iconic brand Reflexaswell as 100 per centrecycled copy paper and in-house brands for Officeworks and Staples,”she said. “Australia will be 100 per cent reliant on imports to service the white papers market without urgent action.”

Ms Campbell-Burns said the stategovernment’s announcement of financial support last week waswelcomed but did not address the wood supply issues.

“The union is supportive of the offshore wind project and thejobsitwill bring to theregion, but we want state and federal ministers to address the urgent wood supplycrisisthat is impacting manufacturinginthe Latrobe Valley,” she said

The union has called for:

-Changing the Code of forest Practice and allow harvesting to recommence as quickly as possible;

-Assistance for Opal to identify and access alternate wood fibre supply, including freight subsidies where necessary,and -Industry, union and Government to meet and identify long term wood fibre access.

Opinion: John Cameron -Page 8

Reflecting on the milestone, Maryvale Friendly Society life member, Tony Bailey, said the society had been one of the cornerstones of the mill.

“Eighty yearsisincredible, for an organisation to hold together for that long and still be relevant today,” he said.

“We help out members who are sick and inured, not just physically but mentally. We’re able to do simple things like ababybonus,a$500voucher to go and buy acot or apram, that sort of thing.”

Mr Bailey,who still hasanoriginalminutebook

from the 1940, said the bond created by people not onlyworkingtogether, but being in the society, created agreat spirit among the workforce.

“You couldn’t work with your crew without somebody on that crew having been abeneficiary of the society,” he said.

“There is alot of goodwill out there; if somebody has circumstances, one of their mates will say ‘Why don’t you give the friendly society acall?’

“Thereisalot of camaradery amongthe members, they push it as much as the board members.”

MaryvaleFriendly Society has been there for countless members in the past 80 years, and with generations of families workingatthe mill in that time, one can only imaginehow many have benefited from their membership.

Forthose who haveworked at the millmost of their life, there is agood chance the societyhas been the one constant in their life.

Annual picnic fun at mill

By LIAM DURKIN

OPAL Australia held its annual picnic on Sunday, December 11.

Families of mill workers at Maryvale descended on the recreation reserve housed within the mill’s boundary, to see out the year in the lead-up to Christmas.

Hundreds of kids enjoyed the opportunity to make use of the vast acreage, while an array of amusements kept all entertained.

Alolly drop via aeroplane flying over had all giddy with excitement, so much so the plane made two trips to deploy its precious cargo.

As the plane flew nearer, those looking up were transfixed as to the exact momentitwouldstart to literally rain lollies.

Once the lollies came falling down, it was on -kids sprinting all in one direction to try andget their handsonsomething to satisfy their sweet tooth.

The adrenalin didn’t stop there -not at all.

Not long after, the man himself -Santa,made a special appearance.

Kids at the picnic were clearly on the nice list this year, and Santa was alltoo happy to hear what they wanted for Christmasasheprepared his sleigh for hisbig journey.

Just to top it off, kids were given an early Christmas present, thanks to organisers who arranged age-appropriate toys to be distributed to boys and girls.

Taking abreak fromall the funwas also required,

Great occasion: Maryvale Friendly Societyhas been running for80years. Picturedis company secretaryStuartPassalaqua, lifemember Tony Bailey(holdinganoriginal minutebook)and chairman Paul Grieve photograph liam durkin

Archives: Work at themill in 1946. photograph supplied

and anumberoftents and marquees were set up around the reserve,asfamilies gatheredtoenjoy the sunshine, cook up afeast, and just relax, winding down from the busy year that has been 2022.

Hot pursuit: Kids sprintafter lollies falling from the skyatthe Opal Australia picnic photograph liam durkin

Legendaryteacher retires

By MICHELLE SLATER

ALONG-STANDINGTrafalgar school teacher is capping his whiteboard marker for the last time after half acentury in the game.

John Duck retired last week with afarewell lunchatMoe South Street Primary School after 50 yearsof continual teaching at various Latrobe Valley schools.

The 70-year-oldmoved to the Valley from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to take up his first job, aged 20, at Elizabeth Street primary in Moe.

“It was aculture shock, it was different. TheValley wasmore working class then, it was abit rougher, the kids could be challenging,” Mr Duck said.

“Theresome challenging times but Igrewinto my job and liked it. Ihad no thought of doing anythingelse. But it’s time to retire.”

Mr Duck went on to work as aPE specialist and district relief teacher at many Valley schools, but was mainly based at Willow Grove and SouthStreet primary schools for many years.

The former marathon runner also used his passion to start-up the Gippsland Primary Schools Sports Camp at Rawson, and ran it for 25 years with the now retired Grey Street primary teacher Ranier Verlaan.

Thethree-daycamp was for Grade 5and 6Valley kids to receive specialist coaching from experts and is still operating with about100 youngsters going through each year.

“I taught at about 50 different schools as adistrictreliever. Walking into different schools is challenging and Idid ahugerange of jobs,” Mr Duck said.

“You can be asked to teach Prep Grade one day and art or music the next, you had to be very flexible.

One of the enjoyments is you meet so many people at so many schools.

“At South Street and Willow Grove I’m regarded as one of the staff, but this is not always the case when you drift in-and-out.”

Mr Duck focussed on relief teaching afew days aweek in the latter years, which enabled him to keep involved in the classroom.

He said many schools were cryingoutfor good relief teachers but also acknowledged the added pressures in the profession in the past few years.

“There’sa hugescarcityofcasual relief teachers, and with them not being available, alot of grades are being split up, which is not ideal,” he said.

“Teachingcan be hard but it’s very

rewarding, I’veseensomeamazing teachers in recent

“The system is set up so we don’t get bad teachers, the process ensures only good teachers get jobs but the problem is we are losing good teachers because of the intensity of the job.”

Electric bus to be trialed in the Valley

LATROBE Valley Bus Lines has introduced regional Victoria’s first battery electric bus on local routes as part of athree-year $20 million Victorian Zero Emissions Bus Trial.

Thereisalsoa new charging stationat LVBL’s Traralgon depot where the new electric bus will be based.

LVBL is one of six operators in Victoria to take part in the trial, which is being rolled out in Traralgon, Seymour and Melbourne, and will involve 50 electric and two hydrogen buses.

The state governmentisaiming for all new buses on Victoria’s publictransport routesto be zero emissions from 2025.

“Latrobe Valley Bus Lines led the way for emerging technologies in the bus industry with its implementation of thefirst hybrid route service buses in Australia, and is againatthe forefront of pioneering new vehicle technology with the release of the first fullyelectric zero emission bus in regional Victoria,” Latrobe Valley Bus Lines general manager Cody Roxburgh said.

The state government will look at data on the bus performances, as well as energy and charging requirements for different types of routes.

This data will also giveinsightsinto how the buses can improvefinancialand environmental sustainability.

Almost all of the electric bus bodies in the trial will be builtatVolgren’s Dandenong South manufacturing plant.

Member for Eastern VictoriaRegion Harriet Shing welcomed the news.

“Latrobe Valley Bus Line’s new electric bus will be quieter and cleaner than standard dieselbuses, reducing the impact on the environment and helping set us on apath to zero emission public transport on the bus network in Gippsland,” she said.

times,I’m full of admiration for current teachers.

All class: Retiring Valleyteacher John Duck with Moe South Street primarykids Natalie Hersey andMaliyah McKay photogrpah michelle slater

Vic forestry: facts vfiction

COMMENT

By JOHN CAMERON

THE state government recently said it would minimise job impacts from the timber shortage and accelerate the Opal Maryvale mill’s transition away from native timber harvesting. Is this fact or fantasy?

The Victorian Governments Forestry Plan announced threeyears ago was trumpeted as a way to transitionthe timberindustryfromnative forests to plantations within 10 years. Apart from ignoring the biological fact that it would take 25-30 years for the new plantations to mature, the plan was always afantasy divorced from reality. The plan ignored the challenges associated with plantationexpansion in Gippsland, including insufficient suitable and affordable land within economic distance of mills and the poorer wood quality makinga plantation-based resource unsuitable for many existing mills.

Over the first three years of the Forestry Plan, the governmenthas delivered little more than announcements, coupe closures, decliningplantation area, reduced log supply, timbershortages, mill shuts and the stand-downoftimber workers.

Opal’s Maryvale mill recently announced that it may have to shut its M5 paper machine involving 220 jobs, because it has run out of hardwood logs.

Victorian Government’s ForestryPlan- the fiction

IN 2019, the state government announcedthe Victorian ‘ForestryPlan’, aplan to transition the hardwood timber industry, reliant on logs fromnativeforest, into logs supplied from new plantations.

On July 27 2020,PremierDaniel Andrews announced a“Review to protect Victoria’s forests, jobsand timberindustry”and the following

statements were in that announcement:

“The Victorian Government has commissioned a broad-ranging review to safeguard the Victorian Forestry Plan -and the regionaljobs and environmental protections it will deliver”.

“The 30-year plan sets out along-term and sustainablefuture forVictoria’s forestry industry”.

“Opal Australian Paper will also be supported to transition to afull plantation-based supply, ensuring it operates until at least 2050”.

“Theplan is backedby$120 million for reemployment andre-training impactedworkers, funding for community projects thatsupport local businesses and help create local jobs”.

“Legalchallengeshave highlighted arange of issues that put the future of the plan at risk”.

In December 2022, the state government says it is actively engaging with Opal’s Maryvale Mill to minimise job impacts fromthe timbershortageand accelerate the mill’s transition away from native timber. The government says it is getting on with the job of delivering the Victorian Forestry Plan with more than $200million in transition and investment support to timberbusinesses, workers and communities:

Spending$85 million on local strategies,community development, business transition and innovation.

Investing $120 million in anew plantation estate in Gippsland to support the sustainable future of forestry.

Victorian Government ForestryPlan- the facts

THE Andrewsgovernments Forestry Plan has delivered 50,000 fewer hectares of plantation rather than more plantation area. It has also delivered ahuge30per cent reduction in log supply from Victorian forests and plantations over the last few years, mostly embracing the period since the Forestry Plan was announced in 2019.

Victorian log production is in serious decline. The facts are:

Total Victorian log supply from native forest, hardwood plantation and softwood plantation has declined by about three million cubic metres per annum over the past few years.

This hasalready contributed to the lossofabout 3300 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs.

The governmentsinitial ‘fantasy supply’ and ‘Victorian plantation hardwood (eucalypt) log supply’, has declined by about 2million m3 pa.

Thestate governments‘backup fantasy supply’, Victorian softwood log supply’, has declined by about 570,000 m3 pa.

Victorian plantation area has shrunk by 50,000 ha over the past five years, of which 22,000 ha is in Central Gippsland.

The 14,000 ha promised on the eve of the November 2022 election, if implemented, will only deliver about 250,000 m3 pa and only in about 25-30 years’ time. It will only replace about a quarter of the area of plantation lost over the past five years,nor will the ForestryPlan replacethe 1 million m3 of logs supplied from the native forests.

The loss of plantation area and the alarming declineinlog supply, rather thanexpansion, is an indictment on the state government’sForestry Plan.

The industrysupport package announced by the Premier on July 27 2020 appears to have shrunk from $120 million to $85 million. This is only sufficienttoprovide support of about $23,000 for each of the 3660 workers dependent on native forest log supply.

Victoria’s misguided policies on forestry, bushfire mitigation, flood mitigation and rural roads continue to deliver underdevelopment of rural Victoria, with profound adverse socioeconomic and environmental consequences.

John Cameron, Dip Hort. Burnley and MBA Monash, is aforestryand business consultant with many decades of experience.

Nationals slam new forest edict

By MICHELLE SLATER

THE stategovernment is reiterating its support for timber workers affected by standdowns,with$120million in anew plantation estateinGippsland to support the sustainable future of forestry.

Forest contractors have been forced to down tools after aSupreme Court case ordering VicForests to carry out betterendangered species protections, which has led to supply shortages at Maryvale.

The state government has plans to transitionout of nativeforestryby2030 into plantations, with a$200 million Victorian Forestry Plantosupport businesses, workers and communities.

This includes more than $85 million in funding for local strategies, community development, andbusinesstransition and innovation, as well as the new plantations.

But, The Nationals are calling it a“sham announcement”and a“poor rebadge”offailed previous policy.

Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, said it was arehash of its $110 million Gippsland Plantations Investment Planthat resultedinnoincreased land under plantation.

“Essentially, it’s the same announcement, tweaked ever so slightly, but frankly it’s disrespectful to the hundreds of manufacturing Opal jobs thatare at immediate risk,”Ms Bath said.

“The blatant contempt of our timber workers and their communities by Daniel Andrews is shameful.”

Instead, Ms Bath called on the government to close the loopholes in the Timber Code of Practice, and reverse its decision to end the native timber industry in Victoria.

Ms Bath said Labor’s claim to establish new plantations to save Valley jobs was “farcical and not supported by the facts”.

She said under the transition plan, native hardwood, plantation hardwoods and softwoodsupplies had dwindled, and available landfor plantationshad shrunkoverthe past five years.

“Plantation hardwood trees take aminimum of 20 years to become viable, this is cold comfort to those workers who have been stood down,” Ms Bath said.

Newly-elected Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, accused the state government of putting Valley jobs at risk to “appease city based green voters”.

“Time and time again, DanielAndrews has demonstratedheisonly interested in pursuing greenideology -hecontinually fails to stand up for Latrobe Valley industriesand our workers,” Mr Cameron said.

“In Labor’s own words,it’sworkingto ‘defer’ job losses -how is this even acceptable?Fightingtoretain sustainable local manufacturing jobs should be the highest priority.”

Knowhow: Localconsultant John Cameron.

file photograph

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE federal Ministerfor the Environmentand Water,Tanya Plibersek, has backed the Regional Forest Agreements(RFA), but they will be reformed to reflect the government’s new national environment standards.

Ms Plibersek,inaspeech to the Queensland Conservation Council, said the RFAs were designed to have regard to environmental values, such as old growth forest and wilderness, endangered species and World Heritage matters.

“But they are currently exempt from the EPBC (Environment, Protection, Bioidiversity and Conservation) Act -which makes them unique,” she said.

“As part of these reforms, our government will beginaprocess of applying our new National Environmental Standards to Regional Forest Agreements.”

Ms Plibersek said the government would consult with stakeholders on how this would be done.

“Australia needs timber products, and we want forestry jobs, but forests are becoming increasingly valuable for their carbon sequestration and the habitat they provide.

“We will work with the industry to support sustainable forestry and the jobs that go with it, and to ensure ahealthybalancewith the environment.”

Ms Plibersek said the new environmental standards would write ‘nature positive outcomes’ into the law.

“Thesestandardswill be legallyenforceable, creating positive requirements for decision-making they will describethe outcomes we want -and our new EnvironmentProtection Agency will make surethoseoutcomes are being delivered on the ground,” she said.

The chief executive of the Australian Forest Products Association, Ross Hampton, said the government’s commitment to retain the RFAs was an endorsementofAustralia’s sustainable forest practices, and would be welcomed by forest industry workers.

Mr Hamptonsaidindustry wouldwork with the federal government to ensure that RFAs -and

the robust state government environment laws accredited under the RFAs -continued to meet the objectives of the EPBC Act.

“Forestryoperations in Australiaare regulated to the highest environmental standardsinthe world, regenerating every harvested area to ensure no netloss of forested area whilstproviding robust protectionsfor threatened species,” he said.

“Since their inception, RFAs have ensured that the objectives of the EPBC Act are met by the robust state government environmental laws accredited under them. As the EPBC Act evolves to include national environmental standards, we welcome Minister Plibersek’s commitment to work with industrytoensure RFAs continue to meet the Act’s objectives.”

Mr Hampton said forest industries welcomed the federal government’s rejection of the bulk of the Samuelrecommendations around RFAs, which wouldhave significantlyundermined the continued operation of the hardwood timber industry and the national supply of many essential products.

Call to drop gas for electricity

REWIRINGAustralia says the federal government’s plan to helpelectrify homes and businesses will drive down inflation, while saving the planet and Australian households money.

The government has brokered adealwiththe Greens to support businesses and households by replacing gas with electrification systems, in a package to be developedfor the May 2023 Budget.

Rewiring Australia has found the average householdcouldreduce theirenergybillsby around $5000 by 2030 if they electrify their cars and appliances.

Electrification of households would also reduce domestic emissions by around one-third.

The dual motivations of household savings and emissions reductionswas behind US President Joe Biden’s InflationReductionAct, whichaccelerated investment in domestic clean energy.

Founder of Rewiring Australia, Dr Saul Griffith, who was akey architect of the Biden administration’s electrification agenda, says Australia can follow and learn from the USA’s lead.

“Support from the government to help electrify business and households puts Australia in a stronger position to transform our energy economy away fromexpensive future commitments to fossilfuels,” he said.

“This is Australia’s chance to lead the world on saving the climate, economy andhousehold budgets.

“Clean electrification is anti-inflationary. The economicsofelectrification makes sense in Australia -petrol and gas prices are climbing while we live in amoderateclimate and lead the worldon rooftop solar and householdbattery installations.

“The price of petrol, diesel, gas, propane and electricity has steadily increased over the past few decades, at roughlythe same rate as inflation. That trajectory is set to continue but the householdsthat will beat it, and pay significantlyless, are the ones that switch to electric cars and appliances that run off rooftop solar energy and batteries.

“This commitment from thefederal government must only be the beginning of Australia’s electrification journey.Australiacan reap the economic savings andreduce emissions if there are large commitments to electrification and we adopt somethingsimilar to America’s Inflation Reduction Act.

“In prioritising amore ambitious Act, Australia should provide accessible and affordable finance and incentivestosupport households electrify, invest in electrifying publicand socialhousing, test intensive electrification through community pilots,buildthe skilledworkforce for installations, and support the growth of domestic manufacturing of modern, electric appliances.”

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Backing: FederalMinister forthe Environment and Water, TanyaPlibersek. photograph supplied

Walnuts the new brain food for stressed university students

STRESSED universitystudentsmight want to add walnuts to their daily diet in the weeks leading up to their next exam.

Anew clinical trialofundergraduate students during theiruniversitystudieshas shown positive effects of walnut consumption on self-reported measures of mental health and biomarkers of general health.

The University of South Australia study, publishedinthe journal Nutrients, also suggeststhat walnuts may counteract the effects of academic stress on the gut microbiota during periods of stress, especially in females.

Lead researchers,PhD student Mauritz Herselmanand associateProfessor Larisa Bobroyskaya, say the results add to the growing body of evidence linking walnuts with improved brain and gut health.

“Students experience academic stress throughouttheir studies, which has anegative effect on their mental health, and they are particularly vulnerable during exam periods,” Herselman says.

80 undergraduate students split into treatment and control groups were assessed in three intervals, at the beginning of a13-week university semester, during the examination period and two weeks after the examination period. Those in the treatment group were given walnuts to consume daily for 16 weeks.

“We found that those who consumed about half acup of walnuts every day showed improvements in self-reported mental health indicators. Walnutconsumers also showed improved metabolic biomarkers and overall sleep quality in the longer term,” Herselman said.

Studentsinthe control group reported increased stress and depression levels in the leadup to exams, but those in the treatment group did not. Thewalnut consumers reported asignificant drop in feelings of depression between the first and final visits, in comparison.

Previous researchhas shown that walnuts arefullofomega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, as well as melatonin (sleep inducing hormone), polyphenols, folate and vitamin E, all of which promoteahealthy brainand gut.

“The World Health Organization has recently statedthat at least 75 per cent of mental health disorders affectpeopleunder theage of 24 years, making undergraduate students particularly vulnerable to mental health problems,” Herselman says.

Bobroyskaya says mentalhealth disorders are common in universitystudents,and can adversely affectstudents’ academic performance and long-term physical health.

“We have shownthatconsuming walnuts duringstressful periodscan improve mental health and general wellbeing in university students, as well as being ahealthy and delicious snack and aversatile ingredient in many recipes, to fight some negative effects of academic stress,” Prof Bobrovskaya said.

“Due to fewer numbers of males in the study, more research is needed to establish sex-dependent effects of walnuts and academic stress in university students. It’s also possible thataplaceboeffectmight have come into play as this was not ablind study.”

Colour run raisesmoney forschool

STUDENTS,teachers and parents cametogether as acommunity to supportKossie’s World withColour Run 2022.

Everyone had asuper fun day and raised much needed money for Kosciuszko Street Primary School, Traralgon, at the same time.

The annual event was held on the school oval.

Headbands and sunnies at the ready, students and teachers ran, joggedorwalked the course for 30 minutestaking on aseries of obstacles.

As they went,they were bombarded by eager parents and senior studentswith both paint and water.

Some dressedtoimpressfromthe beginning of the run, while others set out to be as colourful as they couldbebythe end of their time running.

The day was agreat success, with everyone thoroughlyenjoying the event.

Allambee camp

STUDENTS in Grade 3and 4from Sacred Heart Primary School, Morwell recently attended Allambee Camp.

The students participated in many challenging activities, including the giant swing,flying fox, low ropes course, billy carts, bould wall, campfire cooking and anight walk

At the beginning and end of each activity,the campleader discussed thegoals for the activities and if the students achievedthe goals, they would receive abead.

At the end of the camp, students created bracelets and necklaces representing their success.

The camp environment encouraged the group to focus on the school’s values of Respect, Inclusion and Safety among each other.

Students workedtogether with activities, lending themselves to allow leadership, teamwork, positive mindset and independence.

It was also encouraged among the students to have ago, try new things and stepout of their comfort zone, which many did, as did the teachers.

Sacred Heart would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Allambee Camp for their excellent consideration of our needs, and the care they showed us on our stay.

Fun was had by all that attended.

Up and over: Blazetakes on the haybales with ease

Thumbs up to fun: Will and Aylah having agreat timeatKosciuszko Street PrimarySchool’scolour run.

Doing withease: Hamish making his waythrough the tyre obstacle photographs supplied

Treading: Jakzon on the lowropes course Airborne: Jordan on the giant swing.photographs supplied

Tucking in: Ima eating damper made in the campfirecooking activity.

Speed: Oliver on the flying fox

Hands on: Aria,Anna,Ali and Scarlettparticipating in campfirecooking

Balance: Scarlett, Maddy and Jake on the lowropes course

Celebration day at LSDS

Students participated in manyactivities throughout 2022, such as camps, excursions and moving to anew school site,this was an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful year.

The school ran apetting zoo, barbecue and in-school cinema,whilefeastingon popcorn and ice-cream.

Parents and friends also attended and commented on how marvellous the new school looks.

An official school opening will take place in 2023.

LAT ROBE Speci al Development School had their whole school celebration last Friday, December 16, to acknowledge the progress made during the year, andtocelebratethe students’ successes.

Funtimes: Brodiegetting intothe Christmas spirit.

Sprinkles: Will has afirm grip on his ice cream cone

Ground level: Memphis meeting the critters in the petting zoo.

Inquisitive: Logan checking out the petting zoo.

Anticipation: Kieraisall smiles as she waitsfor her ice cream.

Festive spirit: Maddie tucking intosome food on celebrationday

Up close: Summer feeding the lambs

Baaaa: Charlotte helps feed thelambs

Pat: Charmagne and Jarrod meeta newfriend.

Jurassic Park: Theo bringing outhis sense of adventure.

Delicious: Amber enjoying her ice cream at Latrobe Special Development School’scelebration day. photographs supplied

Extraordinaryscore

THE 2022 Dux of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is Xavier Haberl of Traralgon.

Xavier received an ATAR of 99.5, while achieving two perfect scores of 50 for Health and Human Development and History:Revolutions.

Close behind were Mitchell Bellingham of Traralgon on 98.45, Alexandar Mirkovic of Warragulon98.35,and Mia Edhouse of Warragul on 97.3.

Other very high achievers included Dakota Sabine of Longwarryon95.65, Noah Clarkof Warragul on 95.6, Sanya Palta of Warragul on 95.3, Mia McCrohan of Neerim South on 95.3, and Charlotte Fraser of Warragul on 95.25.

The School is incredibly proud of the way our class of 2022has transitioned back to afull year of onsite learning. They have applied themselves to their studies in adedicated and enthusiastic manner,and balanced this with involvement in awide array of co-curricular pursuits. The class

of 2022 approached thisyear with maturity and good humour and have actively pursued their potential to achieve remarkable results.

In all, 26 per centofstudents achieved an ATAR over 90 and 69 per cent of students achieved an ATAR over 70.

The percentage of students who achieved an ATAR of over 80 was 48 per cent, placing them in the top20per cent of the state.Ninety-six per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 50.

Thefact that St Paul’s does not stream students out of Year 12, or offer aVCALstream, means that these results are truly indicative of the quality environment of learning and teaching St Paul’s offers.

This year’s cohort have avariety of plans for the immediate future, from tertiary study in areas such as health and engineering, apprenticeships, AustralianDefence Force traineeships or work.

Giles is Lowanna’sDux

LOWANNACollege,Newborough, is proud to announce the Dux of 2022 -Allyssa Giles, with an ATAR of 93.40.

Allyssa was very pleased with her results, and is excitedabout pursuing Biomedical Science and CommercestudiesatLatrobe University next year.

“I am so pleased with my result; Ididn’t think I’d get above 90!” Alyssa said.

“I have loved my time at Lowanna College, and am grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve had.

“I actually didn’t check my results until 12 noon. Iwas working at alocal hospital in anew job, so Iwasn’t sure about checking them at work when the staff knew my results were out, they encouraged me to check them straight away. I was so excited to see the result after all the effort in put in this year.”

College principal Adam Hogan congratulated Allyssa on her results, as well as all students at Lowanna.

“We are very proud of allofour studentsthis year, who will go on to access arange of pathways including university, TAFEand apprenticeships,” Mr Hogan said.

“Ourresults continue to reflectour strong improvement agenda across the college,with some of the best wellbeing and academic outcomes our college has ever had, this year.

“We are very proud of Allyssa, who is admired by her teachers and highly respected by her peers. Allyssa’s strengths are her kindness and work ethic -avery deserving Dux for 2022”.

Medalling in mathematics

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School student, Asmi Pathania,has remarkably won another medal from the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) this year.

TheYear9 student, who has already won two spellingmedals, most recently won amedal for her efforts in the 2022 ICASAssessments’ Mathematics Competition, ranking her as one of the top students in Australia.

Asmi is proud of what she has accomplished.

“I feel exceptionally happy and proud of my efforts since Ihave always found Maths ICAS quite challenging,” she said.

“I love how ICAS pushes me to my limits. The questions are always creative and difficult, with the majority of questionsrequiringproblem-solving which makes me think outside of the box.”

Asmi will be studying Year 11 mathematics next year as aYear 10 student, and encourages other students to take part in ICAS competitions.

“My advice for next year’sICASparticipants is to give the competitions your best and not let anything discourage you, no matter how difficult the question is,” she said.

Overamillion students world-widehave participated in school assessments and academic competitions made possible by ICAS for more than 40 years.

Guru: DuxofStPaul’s, Xavier Haberl, with principal Cameron Herbert. photograph supplied

High achiever: Lowanna College DuxAllyssa Giles photograph supplied

Clevercookie: St Paul’s Year 9student,Asmi Pathania, with hermedal from the2022ICAS Assessments’ Mathematics Competition. photograph supplied

Community colour and slime run Communiit t ty y s sllime r ruun

RECENTLY,

Special

It was afundraising event and raised more than $4000 towardsa newplayground.

The students were asked to get sponsorship to compete.

The class that raised the most amount of money for the playground got tohave aspecial lunch.

The student in each class who raised the most amount of money, got to slime their class teacher, and the student who raised the most amount of money in the school, got to slime principal, Trish Mulqueen.

The students shouted “this is the best day ever at school!”

The teachers were especially good sports, and participated in the slime game.

“We’re still finding slime in unexpected places”, one of the teachers exclaimed.

Beststaffever: Five classes and five teachersparticipated in The Slime Game Great sports pictured from areCat Ryan, TarynMaxwell-Garratt, James Simon, Will Troy and Liza Marino being slimed by thestudents photographs supplied

Catchmeifyou can: Student AleyahHorton challenging teacher James Simon on the color run.

So much fun: Students MiaMyteza, Lorelei Withersand ScarlettMurto

St Joseph’s Primary School, Trafalgar Parents &Friends Group organised afantastic colour and slime run for the community.

thanks to Mia and Brad Paul who organised the whole school event.

Best dayever: St Joseph’s Primary School, Trafalgar community

Smilesall round at MorwellFun Day

MORE

The day was organised by the Rotary Clubs of Hazelwood and Morwell.

While the weather started out overcast and showery, it cleared by 10am and the crowds rolled in.

The aim of the day was to bring together residents of Morwelland surrounds and celebrate the community with food vendors, market stalls and local community service providers such as the Latrobe Valley Authority,Latrobe Health Assembly,Reclink, Better Place Australia and LatrobeCity Library.

Also present were numerous community groups suchasthe CWA Morwell Evening Branch, Morwell Historical Society, and the men’s shed. Sports were also included with football, cricket and netball clinics and rock n’ roll dance

demonstration. Music was supplied by the Shibby Right and children were entertained by Wacky Wombat, aroving performeronstilts, blowing giant bubbles and performing magic tricks.

Children’s activities were the hit of the day, including pet rock creations, face painting, Barnyard Babies Mobile Farm, story time and ascavenger hunt.

Of course, the arrival of Santa Claus finished off the day. He was helped by membersofthe Latrobe Proactive Police Unit and CWA ladies, handing out free show bags for all the children.

The day was proudly supported and made possible by major sponsors includingLatrobe City, Advance Morwell, Morwell Bowling Club, Latrobe Valley Authority and Latrobe Health Assembly, along with many other Latrobe small businesses.

Early

Helping hand: Morwell Rotarian Harry Ballis on the barbecue photographs supplied

Energy spent: Noah and SophieDowneyofMoe take abreak during the football activity.

Eager: Luca Dzwonkowsi maybejust 19 months old buthealready looks on track foranAuskickprogram

Twirl: Dancingupastorm were Hooked on Rock’s Anne Truexand Rein Hermens

Happyholidays: Merry ChristmasfromZane Stevens,two,ofJeeralang Junction.

Recordkeepers: Keeping the communityinformed about theMorwell Historical Society were Gaye Jones, FayThompson, Laurie Williams and Shirley Prosser

Smilesall round: Heather Aitken and Donna Wood.

Lunchbreak: Bethany Dzwonkowsi, Oscar Speechleyand Alina Speechley.

Christmas: Harvey Norman Morwell’sRomeo Omar presents acoffee machine to delighted spinning wheel winner Jenny Stephens of Moe

Big job: Morwell Neighbourhood Watch’s Cindy Shanahan wason hand to ensurethe safe arrival of Santa.

Special guest: Morwell Rotary president Colin Matthies and Hazelwood Rotary president Paula Mancarella call on Santato draw thelucky winnersofthe monster raffle

Hi: Catherine Hodgens and AdaLane, five,wereonhand to sayhello at theLatrobe HealthAssembly stand.

Father andson: YoungJack Salmon chose aBlueyhat with dad, Aaron.

Crafty: JorjaHalsall workson amacramé creation on her stall, Made by Jorja.

Kaleidoscopic: Evie Northway of Traralgon chose some colourful scrunchies.

Coffeefix: Chris Wareham waskept busy in the Boolarra Koffee Kart

Bubbles,bubbles everywhere: Chris the WackyWombat kept kids entertained.

than 2000 people celebrated the inaugural Morwell ChristmasFamily Fun Day at Morwell Recreation ReserveonSunday, December11.

Entertaining: TheHooked on Rock crew put on agreat show.

Smiles aplenty: Kidsgetting intothe bubble fun at Morwell Christmas FamilyFun Day.

Pamphlets: Working on the Latrobe Valley Authoritystand Mike Timpano,Laurie Paton and Sue Mithen.

Australian seasonal bushfireoutlook

THE Australian seasonal bushfire outlookfor summer hasbeendeveloped by the AFAC (National Councilfor Fire andEmergency Services)and supported by the BureauofMeteorology with fire and land managers. This is the firstlook at bush and grass fire conditions in 2022/23, andwas released in November2022.

The seasonaloutlook reflects the prioritiesineach state andterritory forthe coming months given the expected climateconditions

Overthe courseofthe summer,vegetation will naturallydry outwith the normalseasonal cycle, and fire potential mayrisequickly with any extended periodofhot, dryand windyweather.

This means that it is possible forregions of below normal bushfire potentialatthe start of summer to reach normal or above normalbushfire potential laterinthe season

In respect of Victoria, the jurisdictional summary fromthe seasonal bushfire outlook states:

Much of Victoria has experienced significant rainfall during 2022, with highest on recordrainfall across northern and central areas in recentmonths,while partsofthe southwest and Gippsland have experienced closer to averagerainfall.

The currentclimate outlook forsummer indicates increased potentialfor aboveaveragerainfall particularlyincentral and eastern Victoria with generally averagetoslightly cooler than average maximum temperatures

With such high levels of moistureinthe landscape,

coupled with acontinuing wet outlook, bushfire activityisexpected to be limited in most foothill and wet foreststhis summer

However,drier forests, woodlands andheathlands (inland and coastal)are likely to supportbushfire activitywith theonset of hot anddry weather conditions

Significantgrowth of grassfuelinpaddocksand roadsides is already evidentacrossmuch of the state, and likely to continue, howevergrasslandcuring is lagging the longer term average. This means below normalgrass fireactivityisexpected in early summer, however the risk of grassfires is likely to increase throughout the summer period as curing advances

Suppression resourcesmay have limited accesstofires starting within pastures and croplands affected by saturated soils during the early summer period

Additionally, high landscapemoisturemay lead to delayed cropland harvest activities,which may enhancefirerisk associated with unharvestedcrops

FromtheCountryFire Authority

THE forecastofbelow normalgrassfireactivityis expected in early summer duetosaturatedsoils, however, the risk of grass fires mayincrease later in summer as grasses dryout, so it is important communities remain vigilanttothe riskoffires no matter where they live.

Significant grass growth in paddocksand roadsides is alreadyevident acrossmuchofthe

state, and delayed harvest activities mayenhance fire risk over summer.

Whileit’s been awet start to summer,Victoriais well prepared forthe potential of fires, with amix of water bombing aircraft,air supervision and air intelligence.

Australia’sFireDanger Rating System has also beenimproved, with anew five-ratingsystem designedtobeeasier to understand and provide clear advice aboutactions to take.

Moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic ratings show howdangerous abushfire couldbe. When no Fire DangerRating is issued,anarrow will point to a‘no rating’ level.

Country Fire Authority chief officer, Jason Heffernan, says that“Victoria is oneofthe most fire-prone regionsinthe world, so even an average fire season canhavedevastating consequences”

“With the fire dangerperiod already commenced in someparts ofthe state, now is the time to prepare your property by pruning branches near buildings,clearing gutters and keeping grass shorter than10centimetres.”

“We areworkingalongside ouremergency service colleagues to undertake significant planning and preparedness activities to ensureweare ready to respond to all emergency incidents thisfire season,however it is important Victoriansdotheir part too,”Fire Rescue Victoria actingfire rescue commissioner, Gavin Freeman said.

“It’s important youunderstand your firerisk and

get prepared now, don’t waituntil afire starts. Make sure you andeveryone in your household knowswhattododuringthe summer period, whenfirescan start and spread quickly.

“Ifyou liveneargrasslands, you need to understandthe risks associatedwithfast-moving grassfires. If afire starts in grasslands near your home, walk two streets backand keepclear of responding emergencyservices.”

In respect of forestfire management Forest Fire ManagementVictoria, actingchief fire officer,AllysonLardner, advises that Forest Fire ManagementVictoria takes ayear-round approachtoreducingbushfirerisk on public land, andwiththe predicted wetterand coolerconditions it means thatcommunities canexpect to see conducting planned burns well into summer “Our bushfire riskreduction program also includesthe construction andmaintenanceof strategicfuelbreaks and theuse of mechanical fuel treatmentslikeslashing,mowing, mulching, chaining, and rolling

“Victorians looking forwardtogetting outdoors to explore ourstate forests andparksaftera wet spring canalsohelp manage bushfire risk by taking care iflighting campfires.

“Never leave acampfireunattendedand always put acampfire out with water. If the ashes arecool to touch- it’s safe to leave” she continues to add.

Forfurther informationand guidancevisit cfa.vic.gov.au

WRITE downyourplan, as you’re notlikely to remember it when you’re surrounded by smoke, heat andflames. Any bushfire plan,is better thannoplanatall

Forassistanceinpreparing yourplan, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/ before-and-during-a-fire/your-bushfire-plan

Share your plan with family,friends and neighbourssothatthey willknowthat you are preparedand will knowwhere to find you.

Australia’sFireDanger RatingSystem

THE AustralianFire DangerRating System has beenimproved with newratings designed to be easiertounderstand and provideclearadvice about actionstotake.

CATASTROPHIC

 If afire startsand takes hold, livesare likely to be lost

 These are the worstconditions forabush or grass fire.

Schools, parks/forestsand some businesseswill close when acatastrophic dayisdeclared.

What should Ido?

For your survival,leave bushfire risk areas.

Your lifemay dependonthe decisionyou make,even before there is afire.

Stay safe by going to asafer location early in the morning or the night before

Homes cannotwithstand firesinthese conditions. If conditions worsen, you maynot be able to leave and help maynot be available

Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass.

Knowyourtriggertoleave

Make adecision about:

 whenyou will leave?

 where youwillgo?

 how youwill get there?

 when you will return?

 what will you do if you cannotleave?

EXTREME

These are dangerous fire conditions and the safest options is to leave fire risk areas early in the morning or the night before.

Fires will spread quickly andbeextremely dangerous.

Expectextremely hot,dry andwindy conditions

What should Ido?

Takeactionnow to protect yourlife and property

Check your bushfireplan andthatyour property is fireready

If afire starts, take immediateaction. If youand your property are notpreparedtothe highest

level,gotoasaferlocation well before the fire impacts.

Reconsidertravel throughbushfire riskareas Leavingbushfire riskareas early in the dayis your safest option. Be aware of local conditionsand seek information.

Youcan:  listen to your emergency broadcasters  visitthe CFAwebsite  call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

HIGH

Fires can be dangerous. What shouldI do? Check your fire plan There’s heightened risk. Be alertfor fires in your area.

Decidewhat you will do if afire starts. If afirestarts, your life and property may be at risk.The safest option is to avoidbushfire risk areas.

Be aware of localconditions and seek information.

You can:  listen to your emergency broadcasters  visitcfa.vic.gov.au  call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

MODERATE

Most firescan be controlled What shouldIdo?

Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire

 check your fire plan

 monitor conditions  actionmay be needed  leave if necessary

NO RATING

Thesystem has an ‘off’ level fordays where no proactive actionisrequired by thecommunity This does notmean thatfirescannot happen, butthat they are not likely to moveoract in a waythat threatensthe safetyofthe community.

This rating is the thinwhite wedgeonthe colour wheel sitting under ‘moderate’.

Furtherinformation can be locatedatwww.vic gov.au/plan-and-prepare

Christmas lights bring festive joy to everyone

IT certainly looks alot like Christmas across the Latrobe Valley.

Residents and business owners have been busily putting up lights and decorations throughout December to capturethe Christmas spirit.

For many families adrive around towns to view the Christmas lights has become atradition.

The delight on the faces of young and old alike is what keeps residents scrambling onto their roofs year after year.

Congratulations go out to all residents and businesses who have made agreat effort to spread the Christmas spirit.

The winners of Light up Latrobe 2022 can be found on the following pages.

PICK OF THE WEE

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGH

Nine, Christmas Eve, 8pm

Christmas is all about rituals and what could be more traditional than zealously singing along to Nine’s musica spectacular on Christmas Eve?

K HT m l ? ols a c

From Melbournes Sidney Myer Music Bowl veteran host David Campbell and Today’s entertainment reporter Brooke Boney (both pictured) welcome back beloved members of the Caro family, including Marina Prior, Denis Walter, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino Anthony Callea Tim Campbell Denis Walter and Rob Mills as well as a star-studded lineup of guests The medley of modern, classic and sentimental Christmas tunes will no doubt light up viewers hearts

Wednesday, December 21

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 The Great Acceleration. (PG,R) 11.00 Australia Remastered. (Final R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Christmas Cabaret. (R) 2.00 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 3.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG,R) 4.45 Back Roads. (R)

5.10 QI (PG, R)

5.45 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Presented by TomGleeson.

6.10 Grand DesignsNew Zealand (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30 Presented by Laura Tingle. 8.00 Mad As HellDoes Hard Quiz (PG) Presented by TomGleeson. 8.35 TheYearly With Charlie Pickering. Charlie Pickering is joined by ahost of stars to takealook back at 2022 9.35 Would ILie To YouAtChristmas? (PG, R) HostedbyRob Brydon. 10.05 Adam Hills: TheLastLeg. (R) 10.45 Death In Paradise. (Madv,R) 11.45 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 1.45 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 2.30 Ask The Doctor.(PG,R) 3.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 ThinkTank. (R) 5.25 7.30.(R)

SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.00 Peer To Peer 9.30 Music Of The Brain. 10.30 Barkley Manor 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBSNewsHour 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (R) 3.00 The Interviewer.(R) 3.10 LukeNguyen’sRailway Vietnam.(PG,R) 3.40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw.(R) 4.10 The Supervet: Noel Fitzpatrick.(PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

SEVEN (7,6)

erage theres something magical thezoos’beautiful settings and the livinginside them. Tonight,in“Who’s Poo wisdom of animal droppings is revealed.

hristmas Day, lishappening on Christmas d it’s doesn’t just involvea aninared suit and hat ts. It’sagiftofa different ns, with the first sporting forChristmas Dayin e late1960s,when ionally a’s day. It’s ates the matches which will Instead plump e we all know,viewers e agile, sportingfinesse gs host Melbourne o catchthe historicmatch cerivals.

6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show 11.20 Cricket. FirstTest. Australia v South Africa. Day 5. Morning session. (Please note: alternativeschedule may be shown due to changes to cricket coverage). 1.20 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 2.00 Cricket. FirstTest. AustraliavSouth Africa. Day 5. Afternoon session. 4.00 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 4.20 Cricket. First Test. Australia v South Africa. Day 5. Late afternoon session.

Settle in foranintoxicating anotherworld. Youngdirec Oppenheim dazzles with th which followsfour elderly p livinginAmerica’s largest re communityinFlorida, The Otherwise knownas“Disne forRetirees”, it’saplace tha been created with gr oftenunnerving) d engineer fun. Op zeroes in on fou residents strug fit in, including and her husb Reggie, who throes of dru and losingto with reality, a lovelorn wid Barbara(pict who doesn’t TheVillages a cracked up to asurreal, philo look at old age.

TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas ALaCarte. (2021, G) Erin Agostino Dillon Casey,Deborah Tennant. 1.45 Explore. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG,R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 Afternoon News.

4.30[VIC]MillionaireHotSeat 5.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 The Talk.(PGa) 7.00 Entertainment Tonight.(R) 7.30 Judge Judy.(PG,R) 8.00 10 News First: Breakfast. 8.30 Studio10. (PG) 12.00 Dr Phil. (PGa, R) 1.00 Jamie: Together At Christmas.(R) 2.00 Entertainment Tonight. 2.30 Good Chef Bad Chef.(R) 3.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 3.30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Jamie’sEasyMealsFor Every Day.(R) 5.00 10 News First

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 TheToysThat Built TheWorld: BoardGameEmpires. (PG)Part4 of 4. 8.30

6.00 Nine News. 7.00 ACurrentAffair 7.30 CountryHomeRescue With Shaynna Blaze. (PG) 8.30 Dream ListingsByron Bay. Rezshows amusician a property nearBelongil Beach. 9.30 Escape To TheChateau. (R) 10.30 Family Law.(Ma) 11.20 TheThing About Pam. (Mav,R) 12.10 Tipping Point.(PG R) 1.05 Great Australian Detour.(PG,R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 6am TRTWorld Newshour 6.50 Indian Country Today News. 7.20 Fiji One News. 8.10 ABCAmerica Nightline 8.40 CBC TheNational. 9.30 Shortland Street. 11.00 The Movie Show Noon Dave Gorman: Modern Life Is Goodish. 2.45 Unknown Amazon. 3.35 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4.10 PBS NewsHour 5.05 Takeshi’sCastle. 5.35 TheJoy Of Painting With Bob Ross. 6.05 Country Music. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: 2001: ASpaceOdyssey. (1968) 11.10 MOVIE: The BigShort. (2015, M) 1.30am Future Man. 2.45 NHK World English News 5.00 Al JazeeraNewshour

MOVIE: ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon InsidePhuketAirport. 1.00 TheBionic Woman. 2.00 Full House. 3.00 The Nanny 3.30 3rd Rock. 4.00 That ’70s Show 4.30 Raymond. 5.30 TheNanny 6.00

TheAirport: Back In TheSkies. Part 3of3.Heathrow’sconfidence in the Christmas rush is shaken by news of aCovid variant,Omicron. 9.25 TokyoVice. Jakelearns an invaluable lesson. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Dignity (MA15+v) 12.00 TheNight Manager (Mav, R) 12.55 Shadow Lines.(Malv,R) 3.25 TheLate Session. (Ml,R) 4.25 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

Mission:Impossible III (2006,Mv, R) Asecret agent comes out of

retirement

7.00

TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 9GEM (92, 81) 7TWO (72, 62) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Do,Re&Mi. 5.50 Peppa Pig 5.55 Reef School. 6.05 Ben And Holly 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.50 PJ Masks. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Anh’s BrushWith Fame. 8.00 Brian Johnson’s A Life On The Road 8.45 Queen: Days Of Our Lives. 9.50 Science Of Drugs With Richard Roxburgh. 10.45 Pilgrimage: The Road To The Scottish Isles. 11.45 Nigella’s Cook,Eat, Repeat:Christmas Special. 12.50am Starstruck. 1.30 Back. 1.55 Catalyst 2.55 ABC News Update 3.00 Close 5.00 Hoot Hoot Go! 5.10 Dot. 5.25 Baby Jake. 5.35 Charlie And Lola. 5.45 Late Programs.

Frasier

TheProject Alook at the day’snews and events 6am TV Shop: Home Shopping. 7.00 CrefloDollar Ministries. 7.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian Noon Days Of OurLives. 12.55 The YoungAnd The Restless. 1.50 The Great British SewingBee. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: Tommy The Toreador.(1959) 5.30 Murder,She Wrote. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 As Time Goes By 8.40 MOVIE: Die Another Day. (2002, M) 11.20 New Amsterdam. 12.20am Antiques Roadshow 12.50 Explore. 1.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 1.30 Take Two. 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.30 JoyceMeyer 5.00 TV Shop 10 BOLD (12, 53)

9.20 TwoAnd AHalf Men. 10.10

8.00 TheBig BangTheory

BangTheory 11.00 Frasier Midnight Home Shopping.

(R) 6am Home Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Our Town. 8.00 Harry’sPractice 8.30 Million Dollar Minute 9.30 NBC Today Noon Emmerdale 12.30 Coronation Street 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 Sydney Weekender 2.30 Million Dollar Minute 3.30 Medical Emergency 4.00 RSPCA AnimalRescue. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat 8.45 Lewis. 10.45 Born To Kill? 11.45 Cities Of The Underworld. 12.45am Medical Emergency 1.30 Better Homes 2.30 Bargain Hunt. 3.30 Animal Rescue. 4.00 Harry’sPractice. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Healthy Homes Australia. 8.30 AustraliaBy Design: Innovations. 9.00 iFish. 9.30 Reel Action 10.00 The Love Boat 11.00 Star Trek: The Next Generation. Noon MacGyver 2.00 Diagnosis Murder 3.00 Bondi Rescue. 3.30 TheLove Boat. 4.30 Star Trek: TheNext Generation. 5.30 MacGyver 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 HawaiiFive-0. 10.20 Tommy 11.15 Evil. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Hawaii Five-0 3.10 Star Trek: The NextGeneration. 4.05 MacGyver

TheGuide MEL/VIC The Latrobe Valley Express, TV Guide Wednesday, 21 December, 2022 —Page 25

Thursday,December 22

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.35 That Pacific Sports Show (Final, R) 11.05 The Wimbledon Kidnapping. (PG,R) 11.55 Heywire. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Would ILie To YouAtChristmas? (PG, R) 1.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 3.00 GardeningAustralia.(R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.45 Back Roads. (R) 5.10 QI. (PG,R) 5.45 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

6.10 Grand DesignsNew Zealand. (R) Hosted by ChrisMoller.

7.00 ABCNews. Takesalook at today’stop stories.

7.30 7.30 (Final) Presented by LauraTingle.

8.00 YouCan’t AskThat: Cheaters. (Mal,R)Six people share their personal insights.

8.35 First& Forever. (Ml, R) An inaugural festival celebrating Blak Excellence and contemporary First Nations culture and music

10.10 Movin’ToThe Country. (R) Craig Quartermaine visits Nyngan.

10.40 Love On TheSpectrum. (PG, R)

11.40 EXPOSED: TheCaseOfKeli Lane: TruthAnd Lies. (Mal)

12.35 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R)

1.20 Ask TheDoctor (PG,R)

2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 ThinkTank. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 BBCNews At Six. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (PG, R) 9.10 PeerToPeer 10.10 Inside Aldi At Christmas. (R) 11.00 Barkley Manor 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (R) 3.00 Be My Brother.(R) 3.10 Railway Vietnam. (PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 Inside Harrods At Christmas. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) PresentedbyJennifer Byrne

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.35 World’sMostScenic Railway Journeys: Australia, Queensland (PG) Narrated by Bill Nighy

8.30 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar (PGa, R) Part 1of2.Actor

Adrian Dunbar returns to Ireland to reconnectwith his roots.

9.30 WarOfThe Worlds. (MA15+av)

Catherine is presented with the opportunity to takeadangerous risk to further herinvestigation.

10.25 SBS WorldNews Late.

10.55 Ethnic Business Awards (R) Coverage of the Ethnic Business Awards. 12.55 Stella Blomkvist. (MA15+v,R)

4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Swept Up By Christmas. (2020,PGa,R)Lindy Booth, JustinBruening, Vlasta Vrana. 2.00 Kochie’s BusinessBuilders. 2.30 Travel And EatWithDan &Steph. (PG) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia. (R)

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Cricket. BigBashLeague. Game 11.Sydney Sixers vHobart Hurricanes. From the SCG.

11.00 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mal, R) After acar driver is seriously injured, the paramedicsput him into an induced coma at the roadside.

12.00 FantasyIsland. (Ma, R) When ayoung artist wants to see his mentor again, the man realises he may not havebeen thebest influence.

1.00 Beach Cops. (PG,R)

NarratedbyLayne Beachley [VIC]HomeShopping.

1.30 Harry’s Practice (R) Informationabout petcare. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.

5.00 SevenEarly News.

5.30 Sunrise. News, sportand weather.

6.00 Today. 9.00 TodayExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 MorningNews. 12.00 MOVIE:

FallingInLove At Christmas.(2021, PGa) Alicia Josipovic, Travis Nelson. 1.50 Explore. (R) 2.00 Pointless.(PG, R) 3.00 TippingPoint. (PG, R) 4.00 Afternoon News.

4.30[VIC]MillionaireHotSeat 5.00 Millionaire HotSeat. (R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Great Getaways (Return, PG) Go behind the scenesofthe SydneyOpera House.

8.30 Paramedics. (Ma, R) Paramedics rush to the site of acar crash where a young man’s life hangs in the balance.

9.30 Police After Dark. (Mlv) Officers receivea call about afight with aknife and discovera trail of blood leading into ablock of flats.

10.30 Emergency Call (Ma) 11.20 Pure Genius. (Mm)

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.05 Explore TV (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (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 News Early Edition. 5.30 Today

6am Morning Programs. 6.30 Jamie’s Easy Meals ForEvery Day.(R) 7.00 Ent. Tonight.(R)

7.30 Judge Judy.(PG, R) 8.00 10 NewsFirst: Breakfast. 8.30 Studio 10.(PG) 12.00 Dr Phil. (PGal, R) 1.00 Jamie: Together At Christmas (R) 2.00 Ent.Tonight. 2.30 GCBC. (R) 3.00 Judge Judy.(PG, R) 3.30 FreshlyPicked. 4.00 Farm To Fork 4.30 Jamie’sEasyMealsFor Every Day.(R) 5.00 News.

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews andevents

7.30 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas. JamieOliver getsfestive.

8.30 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible –GhostProtocol. (2011, Mv,R)After a covert organisation is implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, aspy and his team go rogue to uncoverthe truth. It appears the agency had stumbledacross aplotbya Russiantostart anuclear war. TomCruise, Jeremy Renner,Simon Pegg

11.10 Law&Order: SVU.

(MA15+av,R)Anoffender is released from juvenile detention.

2.00 TheProject. (R)

3.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) 4.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC COMEDY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Love Monster 7.20 Bluey 7.30 AVery Specky Christmas. 8.30 Would ILie To You At Christmas? 9.00 Starstruck. 9.45 Mad As Hell DoesHardQuiz. 10.20 Penn &Teller: Fool Us. 11.05 Doctor Who 11.50 Back. 12.15am Superwog. 12.40 ThisTime With AlanPartridge. (Final) 1.10 Archer 1.50 Everything’sGonna Be Okay 2.10 ABC News Update 2.15 Close. 5.00 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Bamay 2.00 Shortland St. 2.30 TheCook Up 3.00 Jarjums 3.55 Tales Of The Moana. 4.00 Legendary Myths: RavenAdventures. 4.10 Jarjums 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 The77Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Unknown Amazon. 7.30 Going Places. 8.00 StraitToThe Plate. 8.30 Tribal 9.20 No OrdinaryBlack. 9.30 MOVIE: Jedda. (1955, PG) 11.05 Late Programs.

6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Shortland St. 11.00 The Movie Show. Noon

DaveGorman: ModernLifeIsGoodish 1.50 Valley Of The Boom 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.05 Takeshi’s Castle 5.35 JoyOfPainting. 6.05 Country Music 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Betraying The Badge. (Final) 11.00 The UnXplained. 11.50 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Unaccompanied Minors. Continued. (2006, PG) 6.55 Hotel Salvation. (2016,PG, Hindi) 8.50 Passione.(2010,PG) 10.30 TheFisherKing. (1991, M) 1pm Husbands And Wives. (1992) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 Of Love &Lies. (2019, PG) 5.30 FairyTale: ATrue Story.(1997) 7.45 The Witches. (1990) 9.30 MontyPython’s The MeaningOfLife. (1983,M) 11.30 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Million Dollar Minute. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Emmerdale 12.30 Coronation Street. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Million Dollar Minute. 3.30 Medical Emergency. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Kavanagh QC. 10.15 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.15 Late Programs.

7MATE (74, 64)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Irish Pickers. Noon American Restoration. 12.30 Pawn Stars. 1.00 Pawn Stars Sth Africa. 1.30 Pawn Stars UK. 2.00 Down EastDickering. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator 3.30 IrishPickers 4.30 Aussie Lobster Men. 5.30 American Restoration. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 8.30 MOVIE: ResidentEvil:Afterlife. (2010,MA15+) 10.30 The Cleveland Show 11.00 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am TV Shop 7.00 Creflo 7.30 TV Shop 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon The YoungAnd The Restless. 1.00 As Time GoesBy. 1.40 MOVIE: The PlayboyOfThe Western World. (1963,PG) 3.45 MOVIE: Looks Like Christmas.(2016,PG) 5.30 Murder, She Wrote. 6.30 AntiquesRoadshow 7.30 Grantchester Christmas Special. 9.00 Poirot. 11.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Children’s Programs. Noon InsidePhuketAirport. 1.00 TheBionic Woman. 2.00 Full House. 3.00 The Nanny 3.30 3rd Rock 4.00 That ’70s Show 4.30 Raymond. 5.30 TheNanny 6.00 3rd Rock 6.30 That ’70s Show 7.00 YoungSheldon. 7.30 MOVIE: ThePolar Express. (2004) 9.30 MOVIE: Fred Claus. (2007, PG) 11.45 Young Sheldon. 12.10am Dash Dolls 1.10 Kardashians. 2.00 Full House 3.00 Late Programs.

10 PEACH (11, 52)

6am The LateShow With Stephen Colbert 7.00 Friends. 8.00 Becker 9.00 The KingOfQueens 10.00 Friends. 10.30 TheMiddle. Noon TheBig Bang Theory 1.00 Frasier 2.00 Becker 3.00 The King Of Queens. 4.00 Becker 5.00 Frasier 6.00 Friends. 8.00 TheBig BangTheory. 9.30 Seinfeld. 11.00 Frasier Midnight Shopping. 1.30 Stephen Colbert. 2.30 Late Programs.

6am Home Shopping 8.00 Healthy Homes. 8.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 9.00 iFish. 9.30 Reel Action. 10.00 The Love Boat 11.00 StarTrek: The Next Generation. Noon MacGyver 2.00 Diagnosis Murder. 3.00 Bondi Rescue. 3.30 TheLove Boat. 4.30 Star Trek:The NextGeneration. 5.30 MacGyver 7.30 NCIS 8.30 Bull 10 30 TheCode. 12.30am Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

10 BOLD (12, 53)

Friday, December 23

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 BBCNews At Six. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Peer To Peer.(PG) 10.10 Patrizio Buanne: Celebration. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (PG, R) 2.05 Patrizio Buanne: Celebration. (R) 3.05 TheCookUp With Adam Liaw.(R) 3.35 Dishing It Up.(PG, R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 LettersAnd Numbers. (R) 5.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

SEVEN (7,6)

TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 EscapeFromThe City. (R) 7.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Nigella’s Cook,Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 11.00 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Belgravia. (PG, R) 1.45 Doc Martin. (Ml, R) 2.50 GardeningAustralia. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 4.40 Back Roads. (R) 5.10 QI. (PG, R) 5.40 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: TheChristmas Swap (2018,PG, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia. (R)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Snowed In ForChristmas. (2021, G) Kayla Wallace, JeremyGuilbaut. 1.50 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 Afternoon News. 4.30[VIC]MillionaireHotSeat.(R) 5.00 Millionaire HotSeat. (R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Judge Judy. (PG,R) 8.00 10 NewsFirst: Breakfast. 8.30 Studio 10.(PG) 12.00 Dr Phil. (PGal,R) 1.00 Jamie’s One-PanWonders. (R) 1.30 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly. (R) 2.30 Ent. Tonight 3.00 Judge Judy.(PG, R) 3.30 FreshlyPicked. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Jamie’sEasyMeals ForEvery Day.(R) 5.00 News.

6.10 Grand DesignsNew Zealand. (R) Hosted by Chris Moller 7.00 ABCNews. Takesalook at today’stop stories.

7.30 AllCreaturesGreatAnd Small Christmas Special. (PG) Jamesand Helen question their future together in therun up to Christmas Day 8.25 Vera (Ma, R) After skeletal remains are discovered at the site of aburnt out nightclub,DCI Vera Stanhope investigates. 9.55 Troppo (Madl, R) Amanda’s past erupts into the present 10.55 Adam Hills: TheLastLeg (R) Special guest is Guz Khan. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

6.30 SBS WorldNews. 7.35 Engineering Reborn: Sky Garden, Liberty Hotel, Kraanspoor (PG) Takesa look at agreen parkproject 8.30 Inside Central Station: Rain. (PGa, R) WithSydney drenched by over300mm of rain in just 48 hours there is chaos on the rail network. 9.25 Then And Now: TheRiver Thames. (PGa, R) Exploresthe role theRiver Thames has played in London’s history and the people who rely on it 10.20 SBS WorldNewsLate. 10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+av,R) 1.55 TheKimberleyCruise: TheFull Journey. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

Up 3.00 Jarjums 3.55 Tales Of The Moana. 4.00

Page 26 —The Latrobe Valley Express, TV Guide Wednesday, 21 December, 2022 MerryChristmas from Mobility andMore Thank youtoall our valued clients foryour loyalsupportin2022 We look forwardtotaking care of your needs again next year 32 George Street Moe 5127 2099

Unaccompanied Minors. (2006, PG) 4.25 The Well-Digger’s Daughter.(2011, PG, French) 6.25 AMonster In Paris. (2011, French) 8.05 Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. (2005,PG) 9.30 Scrooged. (1988) 10.45 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am

AVeryRoyal Christmas: Secrets Of Sandringham. (PG, R) 1.00 Cross Court. (R) 10 PEACH (11, 52) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Emmerdale 12.30 Coronation Street. 1.00 HouseOfWellness. 2.00 Our Town. 2.30 Million DollarMinute 3.30 Medical Emergency. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 BetterHomes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 BargainHunt. 7.30 Border Security:International. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 Australia’s BigBackyards. 11.30 Late Programs.

Home Shopping. (R) 6am TV Shop 7.00 Creflo 7.30 TV Shop 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon The YoungAnd The Restless. 1.00 As Time Goes By 1.40 MOVIE: TheMan Who Finally Died. (1963, PG) 3.40 MOVIE: AChristmas Movie Christmas.(2019) 5.30 Murder,She Wrote 6.30 AntiquesRoadshow 7.30 Fawlty Towers. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 Christmas At HighclereCastle 11.40 Late Programs.

Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush

Kangaroo.(R)

sidesofthe Atlantic,impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law 10 BOLD (12, 53)

Council Of Dads. (PGa) 6am The LateShow With Stephen Colbert 7.00 NBL Slam. 7.30 Seinfeld. 9.00 Becker 10.00 TheMiddle. 11.30 The King Of Queens 12.30pm Frasier 1.30 Seinfeld. 3.00 The King Of Queens. 4.00 Becker 5.00 Frasier 6.00 Friends. 8.00 The Big BangTheory 9.30 Mom. 11.00 Frasier Midnight Shopping. 1.30 StephenColbert. 2.30 JamesCorden. 3.30 Becker 4.30 Shopping. 5.30 JosephPrince.

9GO! (93, 82)

Global Shop.(R) 5.00 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Pawn Stars. 1pm Pawn Stars Sth Africa. 1.30 Pawn Stars UK. 2.00 DownEast Dickering.

6.00 Nine News. 7.00 ACurrentAffair 7.30 Taronga:Who’s Who In TheZoo: Who’s PooInThe Zoo. (PG) Takes alookatanswers found in animal poo. 8.30 MOVIE: TheHoliday. (2006,Mls, R) Twowomen, who liveonopposite NITV (34) 6am Home Shopping 8.00 Healthy HomesAustralia 8.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 9.00 iFish. 9.30 Reel Action. 10.00 The Love Boat 11.00 Star Trek: The Next Generation. Noon MacGyver 2.00 DiagnosisMurder. 3.00 Bondi Rescue 3.30 The LoveBoat 4.30 Star Trek:The Next Generation. 5.30 MacGyver. 7.30 NCIS 8.30 NCIS: LosAngeles. 10.20 Evil 11.15 Late Programs.

Take Two. (R) 9GEM (92,81) 7TWO (72, 62) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon InsidePhuketAirport. 1.00 TheBionic Woman. 2.00 Full House. 3.00 The Nanny 3.30 3rd Rock 4.00 That ’70s Show 4.30 Raymond. 5.30 TheNanny 6.00 MOVIE: Antz. (1998,PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Richie Rich. (1994,PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Kindergarten Cop.(1990,M) 11.45 Telenovela 12.15am QueerEye ForThe Straight Guy 2.00 Full House 3.00 Late Programs.

TheProject. (R) 1.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.30[VIC]Infomercials.(PG,R)

Saturday, December 24

ABC TV (2)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast. 9.00 Rage.(PG) 10.30 Rage Christmas Special. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Vera.(Ma, R) 2.00 MidsomerMurders. (PG, R) 3.30 Wallace And Gromit: AMatterOfLoaf And Death. (R) 4.00 ShaunThe Sheep:The Flight BeforeChristmas.(R) 4.30 Bluey.(R)

4.40 MOVIE: Paddington. (2014,G,R)Ben Whishaw,HughBonneville,Nicole Kidman.

6.10 ExtraordinaryEscapes: ChristmasSpecial. Sandi Toksvigtravels to Norway.

7.00 ABCNews. Takesalook at today’stop stories.

7.30 Doc Martin. (Final, Ma) As the village prepares to throw afarewell party forthe Ellinghams, Ruth helps Mrs Tishell deal with the news.

8.20 Shetland. (Final, Madl) As Perez closes in on theidentity of Galbraith’s killer,hestruggles with Duncan’s secret.

9.20 Midsomer Murders (Ma, R) After anglers flock to apicturesque village in pursuit of agiant fish, chaos ensues.

10.50 MOVIE: Jackie. (2016,MA15+v,R) Jackie Kennedy defines her husband’s legacy.Natalie Portman.

12.25 Rage Christmas Special. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 BBCNews. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.05 Blue Water Safari. 10.05

The World From Above. 11.05 ForThe Love Of DogsXmas. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. Final 3.30 Cycling Cape To Cape MTB. 4.30 The Untold Story Of Australian Wrestling. (R) 4.35 Wrestling. 4.40 Wonderful World Of Chocolate Christmas. (R) 5.30 Europe’s Greatest Train Journeys.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Freddie Mercury:The Great Pretender (Mls, R) Exploresthe life of Freddie Mercurythrough previouslyunseen footage.

9.10 Silent Night: ASong ForThe World. (PG, R) Takesalook at thecreation and cultural impactofthe world’smost famous Christmas carol, SilentNight

10.45 Celebrity Letters And Numbers. (M) Hosted by MichaelHing

11.45 Dolly Parton: 50 Years

At TheOpry. (PG,R)From Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry

1.15 TheIndianPacific: The Full Journey. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9, 8)

6.00 NBCToday [VIC]Shopping 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show Summer Series.(PG) 12.00 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG,R) 12.30 Border Security:Int (PG,R) 1.00 Surveillance Oz Dashcam. (PGl, R) 1.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer (R) 2.00 MOVIE: Santa’s Boots. (2018,PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer.(R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Border Security.(PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 MOVIE: Moana (2016,PGa, R) Ayoung woman triestoremovea curse. Auli’iCravalho,DwayneJohnson

9.15 MOVIE: Elf (2003,PGal, R) Aman raised as an elf at the North Pole embarks on ajourney to find his biological father who lives in New York, after nearly bringing Santa’s operation to acatastrophic standstill due to his big stature.Will Ferrell, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen.

11.15 World’sMostShocking Emergency Calls. (MA15+av,R) Documents shocking emergencycalls 12.15 Mates On AMission (PGal,R) The four mates head to theUS.

12.30[VIC]HomeShopping. 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 GetClever. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness (PG, R)

6.00 DriveTV. (R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00

WeekendToday 10.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 12.00 Our State On APlate. (PG) 12.30

Great Australian Detour.(R) 1.00 Cross Court. 1.30 Surfing Australia TV.(PGl, R) 2.00 Driving Test. (PG, R) 2.30 MOVIE: Last Christmas. (2019,PGals, R) 4.30 Destination Australia. (Return) 5.00 News:First At Five 5.30 CountryHouse Hunters Australia.

6.00 Nine News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Christmas With Delta. (R) AChristmas concert with Delta Goodrem, as well as atribute to OliviaNewton-John.

8.00 Carols By Candlelight. (PG) The85thVision Australia Carols by Candlelight from Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

11.00 MOVIE: AChristmas Karen. (2022, Mah) Amiddle-aged woman is given an intervention. Michele Simms, Rolin Alexis.

1.00 Cross Court. (R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic.

1.30 Surfing Australia TV (PGl, R) Showcases Surfing Australia’s programs. 2.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R)

6.00 Reel Action. (R) 6.30 LeadingThe Way.

7.00 Tough Tested.(PG, R) 8.00 Escape

Fishing.(R) 8.30 What’sUpDown Under (R) 9.00 Freshly Picked. (R) 9.30 St10. (PG) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 12.30 Well

Traveller.(PGa, R) 1.00 Offroad Adv. (PGl, R) 2.00 All 4Adventure. (PGl, R) 3.00 4x4 Adventures. (R) 4.00 Jamie’s EasyMeals At Christmas. (R) 5.00 10 News First.

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R) Monster waveslash Bondi.

6.30 Hungry. PresentedbyGeorge Calombaris and SarahTodd.

7.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGl, R) Awoman is rescued from arip

7.30 TheDog House. (PG, R) Christmas might havecome early for apug

8.30 Have YouBeenPaying Attention? (Malns,R)Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

9.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham chats with Will Smith, Richard Osman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chris and Rosie Ramsey,and Yola

11.30 TheSavoy At Christmas. (PGl, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30[VIC]Infomercials.(PG)4.00 [VIC]HomeShopping.(R)4.30 Authentic.(PG) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

Close 5.05 Miffy’sAdventures Big And Small. 5.10 Dot. 5.25 Pablo 5.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Going Places 2.30 My Life As ILiveIt. 3.30 My Survival As An Aboriginal. 4.25 Milpirri: Winds Of Change. 5.25 The Land We’reOnWith Penelope Towney. 5.30 Power To ThePeople. 6.00 PacificIsland Food Revolution. 6.50 News. 7.00 On CountryKitchen. 7.30 Black Mamba: Kiss Of Death. 8.30 MOVIE: Scrooged. (1988) 10.20 Always Was AlwaysWillBe. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2005,PG) 10.30 MontyPython’s The Meaning Of Life. (1983,M) 12.30pm Scrooged. (1988) 1.45 Ernest &Celestine. (2012, PG) 3.15 The Witches. (1990) 5.00 The Crow’sEgg.(2014, PG, Tamil) 6.40 Dan In Real Life.(2007, PG) 8.30 Midnight In Paris. (2011, PG) 10.20 Rare Exports: AChristmas Tale. (2010,M,Finnish) 11.50 Late Programs.

Sunday, December 25

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Blue WaterSafari. 10.05 The World From Above.(PG) 10.40 AWorld Of Calm. (R) 11.05 Paul O’Grady ForThe Love Of Dogs Xmas. 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 France 24 English News 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. Final. Highlights. 4.30 The Luxury Christmas Decorators. (R) 5.30 Europe’s Greatest Train Journeys

Martin: King Of Cool. Explores the life of legendary actor, comedian and singer DeanMartin, nicknamed as “The King of Cool” 8.35 Uri Geller’s Secret Treasures.

(M) Takesa look at psychic Uri Geller whose fame spans over50 years and across the globe.

10.05 MOVIE: Amy. (2015,MA15+adl, R) The story of singer Amy Winehouse. Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse 12.25 All Is Bright. (R)

1.40 TheIndian Pacific: TheFull Journey. (R) 4.45 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al JazeeraNews.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Home Shopping 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Travel And EatWithDan & Steph. 10.30 Weekender 11.00 House Of Wellness. Noon Horse Racing.From Rosehill, The Valley and Doomben. 6.00 Border Security: International. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire VetIn Autumn. 8.30 Escape To The Country 9.30 Escape To The Perfect Town 10.30 Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages. 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (74, 64)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder.KingOfWings 3.00 RidesDownUnder: Workshop Wars 4.00 Storage Wars. 5.00 Leepu And Pitbull. 6.00 LastStopGarage. 6.30 Secrets Of The Supercars. 7.30 AirCrash Investigation. 9.30 Mighty Trains. 10.30 Mighty Ships 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 TV Shop 8.00 Beyond Today 8.30 TV Shop 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 MOVIE: Time, Gentlemen,Please! (1952) 12.10pm MOVIE: Last Holiday.(1950) 2.05 MOVIE: BonniePrince Charlie. (1948) 4.30 MOVIE: AHole In The Head. (1959) 7.00 MOVIE: It’sAWonderful Life.(1946,PG) 9.40 MOVIE: An Officer And AGentleman. (1982, M) 12.10am Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Inside PhuketAirport 4.30 Children’s Programs. 4.45 The Nanny: Oy To The World. 5.15 MOVIE: Captain Underpants. (2017) 7.00 MOVIE: Shrek ForeverAfter.(2010,PG) 8.50 MOVIE: Occupation: Rainfall. (2020, M) 11.20 Paranormal Caught On Camera. 12.20am Manifest. 2.10 Inside Phuket Airport 3.00 PowerRangers Dino Charge 3.30 Beyblade Burst Surge. 4.00 Late Programs.

10 BOLD (12, 53) COMPLETE HEALTH CHECKS AND ASSESSMENTS HEART HEALTH CHECKS MENOPAUSE SUPPORT

6am Shopping. 9.00 Healthy Homes Aust. 9.30 Australia By Design: Innovations. 10.00 4x4 Adventures. 11.00 All 4 Adventure. Noon The Love Boat 1.00 ST:Next Gen. 2.00 A-League All Access. 2.30 Stories Of Bikes. 3.00 Reel Action. 3.30 Scorpion 4.30 Soccer.A-League Men.Matchweek 9. Sydney FC v Macarthur FC 7.30 NCIS 8.30 NCIS: LosAngeles. 10.20 MacGyver 11.15 Late Programs.

10 PEACH (11, 52) CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT ARTHRITIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS MANAGEMENT MENOPAUSE SUPPORT VACCINATIONS Phone 5174 6711 www.flourishmedicalgroup.com.au www.flourishmedicalgroup.coomm..aau u 2/12 Deakin Street, Traralgon 2 2//12 Streeett, Trraarraallggoon n

SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage ChristmasSpecial.(PG) 9.00 ABC News On Christmas Day. 9.30 ThePope’s Christmas Mass. 11.30 Compass. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Southern Ocean Live. (PG, R) 2.30 MOVIE: Robin Hood: Men In Tights.(1993,PGs, R) Cary Elwes. 4.10 MOVIE: Paddington 2. (2017,PG, R) Ben Whishaw,Hugh Grant. 5.50 Bluey. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG, R) 9.30 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant. (PG) 10.30 Mayor’sChristmas Carols. (PG) 11.30 Christmas With TheSalvos (PG, R) 12.00 House Of Wellness.(PG,R) 1.00 SeaLink Carols By Candlelight. (PG) 3.30 Beach Cops. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes. (R) 5.00 Border Security:Int. (PG, R) 5.30 Border Security. (PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews 7.00 Dog Patrol. (PGa) Corrections drug dogssniff outtrouble. 7.30 MOVIE: NationalLampoon’s Vacation. (1983,Mdl, R) AChicago family encountersanendless seriesofdisasters during theirannual cross-countryroad trip.Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo. 9.35 MOVIE: Love Actually (2003, Mlns, R) Explores aseries of interlocking vignettes about love and romance in Britain in theweeks before Christmas. Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, KeiraKnightley 12.20 Mates On AMission. (PGal, R) 12.30[VIC]HomeShopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 SevenEarly News. 5.30 Sunrise

6.00 National PharmaciesChristmas Pageant. 8.00 Lord Mayor’sChristmas Carols. 10.00 Home ForChristmas. (PG) 10.30 CMA CountryChristmas. 11.30 Christmas With Delta. (R) 1.00 CarolsByCandlelight. (PG, R) 4.00 MOVIE: Blizzard. (2003, G, R) Ayoungice skater befriends a reindeer.Jennifer Pisana.

6.00 Nine News Sunday. 7.00 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s ChristmasVacation. (1989,PGlsv, R) Aman triestocreate afun-filled Christmas. Chevy Chase. 9.00 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation. (1997, PGs, R) After striking it richthanks to anew invention, the Griswold family embark on aholiday to Las Vegas. ChevyChase, Beverly D’Angelo,Randy Quaid 11.00 TheKing’sChristmas Message. King Charles III’sChristmas message. 11.10 MOVIE: TheJazz Singer (1980,G,R)Lucie Arnaz. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00

Early Edition.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Jamie’sEasy Meals At Christmas.(R) 9.00 Destination Dessert. 9.30 St10.(PG) 12.00 ABaby Reindeer’s FirstChristmas. (PGa, R) 1.00 Jamie’s EasyMeals At Christmas. (R) 2.00 Jamie: Together At Christmas. (R) 3.00 The King’s Christmas Message. 3.15 Jamie: Together At Christmas. (R) 4.15 Jamie’s OnePanChristmas. (R) 5.00 News

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) Agame of beach gridiron comestoahalt 6.30 Basketball. NBL.Round 12. Sydney Kings vMelbourne United. 8.30 TheCheap Seats. (Mal, R) From major news stories to entertainment and viral videos, presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald takealook at the year that was. Special guests include Mel Tracina, Titus O’Reily and Sam Pang. 9.30 Ghosts. (PGs) Jay’ssister visits the mansion forChristmas,and brings along an adoringmale friend. 10.30 MOVIE: BookClub. (2018,Mls,R) Four women’slives are forever changed.Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Peer To Peer.(PG) 10.10 Legacy List. (R) 11.15 Great Canal Journeys. (PG, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 1.00 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 En`coda. 3.20 AWorld Of Calm. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw.(PG, R) 4.15 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show 10.30 Cricket. SecondTest. Australia vSouthAfrica. Day 1. Morning session. 12.30 Test Cricket:The Lunch Break 1.10 Cricket. Second Test. Australia vSouth Africa. Day 1. Afternoon session. From theMCG 3.10 Test Cricket: TeaBreak. 3.30 Cricket. Second Test Australia vSouth Africa. Day 1. Late afternoon session. From the MCG.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 ABC News. Takesalook at today’stop stories.

7.30 Doc Martin Christmas Special. (Ma)Christmas is comingtoPortwenn.

8.40 Farewell Doc Martin. Take a behind-the-sceneslookatthe process of making thelast instalment of this series

9.25 Our Dementia Choir (PG, R) Part 2of2.Follow actor Vicky McClure as she recruits people with dementiatoform achoir 10.25 TheDetectives.

(Madl, R) Part 2of4

11.25 TheAustralian Soul With Geraldine Doogue. (PG, R)

12.25 OperationBuffalo (Mal, R)

1.20 Total Control. (Mlv,R)

2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 BarrieCassidy’s One Plus One. (R)

5.00 Think Tank.(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Celebrity Letters And Numbers. (M, R) HostedbyMichael Hing.

8.30 24 Hours In Emergency:Falling Down. (M) A76-year-old is rushed to St George’sHospital after having afall at home

9.30 Secrets Of Playboy: TheGirl Next Door (MA15+) Explores how Hugh Hefner reinvented himselfand the Playboy brand through the GirlsNextDoor

10.20 Battle Of Alcatraz. (Mv,R)Part 1of2

11.10 Reunions. (Ma, R)

12.05 TheA Word. (R)

2.20 MOVIE: Hunt ForThe Wilderpeople. (2016,PGav,R)Sam Neill, Julian Dennison Rima Te Wiata. 4.05 Going PlacesWith Ernie Dingo.(R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7.00 Cricket. BigBashLeague Game 15.Sydney Sixers vMelbourne Stars. From the SCG.

9.10 Cricket Big Bash League. Game 16 Perth Scorchers vAdelaide Strikers. From Optus Stadium, Perth. 12.30 Heartbreak Island Australia. (Final, Ml)Milly and Bailey face off againstcash-grabbing Aleisha and Antoni in thefinale of the show [VIC]HomeShopping.

4.00 NBCToday International news including interviews with people from the world of business, politics, media andsports.

5.00 SevenEarly News. 5.30 Sunrise. Takesa look at the latest news, sport and weather,with business and finance updates.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today ExtraSummer.(PG)

11.30 MorningNews. 12.00 Bondi Vet. (PGm) 1.00 Take Me Home. (PG) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point (PG, R) 4.00 Afternoon News. 4.30[VIC]MillionaireHotSeat 5.00 Millionaire HotSeat. (R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RBT. (PGd) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Paramedics (M,R)First responders consider breaking down doors to get to apossible strokepatient

9.30 Police After Dark. (Mlv)

Officers confront the rider of an electric scooter who collided with acar

10.30 TheEqualizer (Mav,R) McCall helps aconcernedwife.

11.20 AlmostFamily (Mas)

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 ACurrentAffair (R)

5.00 News Early Edition. 5.30 Today

6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Ent. Tonight (R) 7.30 Judge Judy.(PG, R) 8.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.30 Studio 10.(PG) 11.00

Wildlife Rescue. (PGm, R) 12.00 Dr Phil. (PGad, R) 1.00 Living Room.(PG, R) 2.00 Ent Tonight. 2.30 GCBC. (R) 3.00 Judge Judy (PG, R) 3.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 4.00 Farm To Fork 4.30 Jamie’s EasyMealsFor Every Day.(R) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 MOVIE: Muriel’sWedding. (1994,Mls,R)A young woman,who dreams of marriage,leavesher small town to find romance in the big city.Toni Collette, Bill Hunter,Rachel Griffiths.

9.35 MOVIE: TheHunger Games. (2012, Mav, R) In afuturedystopia,a teenage girl volunteers to takepart in ablood sports competition known as the Hunger Games to spare her sister whose name wasdrawn as part of the annual lottery.Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth.

12.20 TheLateShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) Late-night talk show 1.30 Home Shopping (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. Morning news andtalkshow.

ABC TV PLUS (22)

SBS

6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 DinosaursOfThe Frozen Continent. 8.25 Long Lost Family. 9.10 George Clarke’sAmazing Spaces. 10.00 Catalyst. 11.00 AdamHills: The LastLeg. 11.40 Brian Johnson’sALifeOnThe Road. 12.25am Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 1.10 Would ILie To You? 1.40 ABC News Update 1.45 Close. 5.00 Hoot Hoot Go! 5.10 Dot. 5.25 Baby Jake 5.35 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch.

6.50 The77Percent. 7.20 WorldWatch. 9.30 Shortland St 11.00 The Movie Show. Noon Dave Gorman: Modern Life Is Goodish. 2.45 LeeLin Chin’s Fashionista 2.55 Bizarre Foods. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.05 Takeshi’sCastle. 5.35 JoyOfPainting. 6.05 CountryMusic 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Taskmaster 9.25 Hypothetical. 10.20 WWE Legends. 11.50 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am MorningPrograms.

8.30 Million Dollar Minute. 9.30 NBC Today 10.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer Noon Emmerdale 12.30 CoronationStreet 1.00 Air Crash Investigation. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Million Dollar Minute. 3.30 Medical Emergency. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 BetterHomes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 BargainHunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Inspector Morse. 10.50 Late Programs.

7.40 Hip

9.10

Westwind: Djalu’sLegacy 10.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.20 The Mole Agent. (2020, Spanish) 10.00 The RoyalBride. (2020,M Vietnamese) 12.10pm Rare Exports: AChristmas Tale.(2010,M,Finnish) 1.40 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 3.35 Dan In Real Life. (2007 PG) 5.25 AKing In New York.(1957) 7.30 Man In The Hat. (2020, PG, French) 9.25 The Song Of Names. (2019, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (74, 64)

6am MorningPrograms. 2pm Motor Racing. ANDRA Drag Racing. Top Doorslammer.Replay 3.00 Seven’sMotorsport Classic 3.30 IrishPickers. 4.30 Barter Kings. 5.30 American Restoration. 6.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Game 15.Sydney Sixers vMelbourneStars. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 MOVIE: Cradle 2The Grave. (2003, MA15+) 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81)

6am TV Shop 7.00 Creflo 7.30 TV Shop 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 Danoz. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon The YoungAnd The Restless. 12.55 GB SewingBee. 2.15 AntiquesRoadshow 2.45 MOVIE: We Of The NeverNever.(1982) 5.30 Murder,She Wrote 6.30 AntiquesRoadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 TheBrokenwood Mysteries. 10.40 Law &Order: Criminal Intent 11.40 Late Programs.

10 PEACH (11, 52)

6am Friends. 9.00

The Middle. 11.00 Broke. 1pm The BigBang Theory 2.00 Friends. 3.00 The King Of Queens. 4.00 Becker 5.00 Frasier 6.00 Friends. 8.00

The Big Bang Theory 9.30 Seinfeld. 11.00 Frasier Midnight Home Shopping 1.30 TheLateLate Show WithJamesCorden. 2.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 3.30 TheKingOfQueens 4.30 Home Shopping. WORLD MOVIES (32)

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Children’s Programs.

Noon InsidePhuketAirport 1.00 TheBionic Woman. 2.00 Full House. 3.00 TheNanny 3.30 Raymond. 5.30 TheNanny 6.00 3rd Rock 6.30 That ’70s Show 7.00 YoungSheldon. 7.30 The Weakest Link USA 8.30 MOVIE: Baywatch. (2017 MA15+) 10.50 Young Sheldon. 11.15 Paranormal Caught On Camera. 12.15am Satisfaction. 1.05 The SexClinic. 2.00 Full House. 3.00 Late Programs.

Tuesday, December 27

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 EscapeFromThe City. (R) 7.00 News Breakfast. 10.00 Kurt Fearnley’sOne Plus One. (R) 10.30 DreamGardens. (R) 11.00 Restoration Australia.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Shetland. (Final, Madl, R) 2.00 Agatha Raisin. (PG, R) 2.55 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.40 Back Roads. (R) 5.10 QI. (PG, R) 5.40 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 BBCNews At Six. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Peer To Peer 10.05 Legacy List. (PGv R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys.(R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.05 SavingLives At Sea. (PGa,R) 3.10 Child Genius Australia. (R) 4.15 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS WorldNews. 7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? Grant Denyer. (Ma, R) Grant Denyerexplores his roots. 8.30 Some Kind Of Heaven. Explores TheVillages, America’s largestretirement community locatedinFlorida. 10.00 TheArtist’sView: WhitneyHouston. (R) Atribute to Whitney Houston. 10.30 SBS World NewsLate. 11.00 Cheyenne &Lola. (Malv) 12.00 UnitOne. (MA15+av,R) 4.15 Going PlacesWith Ernie Dingo.(R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight. VICELAND

6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show 10.30 Cricket. Second Test. Australiav South Africa. Day 2. Morning session. 12.30 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. Second Test.Australia vSouth Africa. Day 2. Afternoon session. From theMCG 3.10 Test Cricket: TeaBreak. 3.30 Cricket. Second Test Australia vSouth Africa. Day 2. Late afternoon session. From the MCG.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League.Game 17 Sydney Thunder vBrisbane Heat. From Sydney Showground Stadium 11.00 TheDisappearance Of Grace Millane. (Mas, R) Thestoryofthe 2018 murder of British backpacker Grace Millane and how her killer wascaught 1.00 TheReal Dirty Dancing. (PG, R) EightAussie celebrities travel to the original film location to undergo an immersive DirtyDancingexperience [VIC]HomeShopping. 4.00 NBCToday International news includinginterviews with people from the world of business, politics, media and sports. 5.00 SevenEarly News. 5.30 Sunrise. News, sportand weather.

News.

ACurrent Affair

Travel Guides. (PGls, R) Ordinary Australians become travel critics

Scarlet And The Black. (1983,PG) 7.30 Midnight. (2021, M, Korean) 9.25 The Boys From Brazil.(1978,MA15+) 11.40 Late Programs. 7MATE (74, 64)

Page 32 —The Latrobe Valley Express, TV Guide Wednesday, 21 December, 2022 The Latrobe ValleyExpressmanagement and staff would liketowish the community, clients and er and asafeand prosperous NewYear. ry contributors ave osperous New Yea a safe and pr r MerryChristmas

1.30

4.30

Trek:The NextGeneration. 5.30 MacGyver 7.30 NCIS 8.30 Bull 10 20 48 Hours. 12.15am Shopping. 2.15 Late Programs.

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore December19-

Aries Your bossy side usually goes into overdrive, as you take charge of festive preparations But perhaps it would be smarter to slow down, delegate and cooperate this Christmas? With your ruler Mars in retrograde mode, it’s time to morph from a rowdy Ram into a gentle Lamb Jupiter also moves back into your sign (until May 16) So capitalise on the positive vibes and good fortune it provides Confidence is the rocket fuel that will really take you places!

Taurus When it comes to last-minute gift shopping, look for presents that are practical and useful But if you spend more than you can comfortably afford this Xmas, then you’ll just end up with a heap of New Year debt Remember you don’t have to go overboard in order to have a good time And avoid getting too serious and stressed It’s time for Bulls to bliss out on Yuletide cheer! A calm and methodical approach is the best way to handle festive celebrations

Gemini With Jupiter visiting your hopesa Gnd-wishes zone (from Wednesday until May 16) it’s important to make plans and set goals Go for gold, as Jupiter helps you envision ambitious dreams for 2023 A streamlined approach is the key to successful Yuletide preparations If you plan carefully and prioritise then you’ll get everything done without too much stress But if you eat and drink too much on Xmas Day, then you’ll be a grumpy Gemini on Boxing Day

Cancer Jupiter – planet of good fortune and prosperity – transits through your career zone from Wednesday until May 16, 2023 That bodes well for a welcome promotion, big new job or lucky professional break coming your way over the next few months But this week don’t get carried away and overdo the Christmas cheer, especially eating and drinking If you pace yourself then you – and your delicate digestive system – will enjoy the celebrations even more

Leo Party-loving Lions love the colourful drama of Yuletide celebrations Just make sure you ’ re pulling your weight on Xmas Day – with preparations and cleaning up – otherwise you’ll be in the bad books by Boxing Day Even though it s the height of the festive season, strive to make your food choices as healthy and nutritious as possible With Jupiter bouncing through your travel zone, 2023 will be a bumper year and Cats need to be in tip-top condition

Virgo You’re in the mood for Yuletide chee gr and holiday hijinks! But, with Mars still retrograde, erratic thoughts could cloud your judgment (especially about your career) So enjoy the festive celebrations, and leave important decision-making for another time (when you ’ re thinking more rationally) The Mercury/Neptune link encourages you to think creatively and communicate compassionately Then you ll have a satisfying and stimulating Christmas weekend

December 25,2022

Libra It’s a good week to make plans and set goals for 2023, especially involving home, family and finances Joyful Jupiter transits into your partnership zone (where it stays until next May) So strive to be more generous towards loved ones as you view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective Your Xmas motto is from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox: “Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world ”

Scorpio With the Moon and Saturn in your domestic zone on Christmas Day, many Scorpios will host festive celebrations at home But communication between guests looks fiery, as argumentative retrograde Mars stirs up sensitivities It will take your very best diplomatic (and acting) skills to keep children under control; parents from getting paranoid; and family members from feuding When in doubt, take ten deep breaths and continue The show must go on!

Sagittarius Have you left most of your Chrisg tmas shopping to the last minute again? If you make a detailed list and pace yourself, then you ll get the gifts you need without too many problems Look for creative presents that stimulate the imagination And avoid jumping to hasty conclusions when you ’ re communicating with loved ones on Christmas Day With Mars reversing through your relationship zone, do your best to display more patience and compassion

Capricorn With jolly Jupiter jumping through your home zone, you ’ re looking forward to some fabulous festive fun and cheer Clannish Capricorns are the keepers of the family flame so aim to be super proactive about gathering loved ones together over the coming week But don’t labour under the delusion that you can handle everything on your own Cooperation is the secret to a successful Christmas So ‘ many hands make light work’ is your Yuletide motto

Aquarius Mars is reversing through your ente qrtainment zone, so it’s up to you to handle Xmas celebrations (and misunderstandings) with stacks of Aquarian style Be smart enough to rise above silly family squabbles! Saturn is still transiting through your sign, so you re keen to keep the traditional parts of Christmas And you can add some exciting new festive flourishes of your own As birthday great Benjamin Disraeli wrote “Change is inevitable Change is constant ”

Pisces Have you been worrying about money? Jupiter is transiting through your $$$ zone for the next five months, so make the most of any lucky financial opportunities that come your way However with Mars reversing through your domestic zone, Xmas communication shenanigans are likely So a truckload of tact is required, otherwise you could find yourself in the middle of a feisty family feud, as you blurt out the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time

CopyrightJoanne Madeline Moore 2022

Showing the dangers of using e-cigarettes

VAPING poses aserious risk to the health of the community,according to anew priorityissues paper released by GippslandPrimary Health Network (Gippsland PHN).

The paper highlights the side-effects of vaping, which include seizures and poisoninginsome users, andanimpact on heart and lungs from chemicals, some of which can even cause cancer.

Vaping exposes users to heavy metals and fine particulate matter(also found in air pollution from traffic and bushfires) while shortterm impactsmay include coughing, breathing problems, vomiting, swelling and throat irritation.

Gippsland PHN chief executive, Amanda Proposch, said the new priority issues paper highlighted the dangers of vaping, revealing concerning statistics that showed an increase in vaping in 2022 with 22 per cent of Victorian adults declaring they had vaped. This is up from 17 per cent in 2018-2019.

Of these, 6.1 per centare current users, up from threeper cent in 2018-2019 and 3.5 per cent are regular users, up from 1.6 per cent.

“It is very concerning that the largest increase in vaping is among young people under 30 years of age,” Ms Proposch said.

The paper reveals that 19.4 per cent of males 18-24 years vaped in 2022 (up from 10.8 per cent in 2018-19) and 15.2 per cent of females 18-24 years (2.8 per cent).

An Australian school staff survey indicated 78 per cent are concerned about vaping in primary andsecondary schools.

“E-cigarettes present a very real danger to our community -especiallyfor children and young adults,” Ms Proposch said.

“Ifwewant people to live longer, healthierlives, we need to address the issue of vaping.”

Other concerning facts in the priority issues papers include:

•Students who vape report poor mentalhealth, social interactions and school/sport performance;

•Vapes generally contain much more nicotine than cigarettes;

•Young peoplewho vapeare more likely to smoke tobacco cigarettes later;

•Vapes containingnicotine can be bought in some Gippsland shops underthe counteroronline;

•Vaping is harder to detect than smoking because there may be no odour or asweet, fruity smell;

•Vapes are actively andillegally marketed to children and young people by the tobacco industry, and;

•Afruity or sweetflavour doesnot makevaping safe.

Thepriorityissuespaper suggests people who want to help address the issue should advocate for aban on import and sales of vapes and products. They can also invite young people to contribute to design and delivery of local resources and services to help raise awareness in the community.

Read the priority issues paper on e-cigarettesand vaping at https://gphn.org.au/resources/

Check howsafeisyourcar

VICTORIANS in the market for aused car are beingurged to prioritisesafety, with the releaseof the 2022 Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR).

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, said the latest ratings show that people driving in the lowest-rated car are eight times more likelytodie or be seriouslyinjured in acrash than people travelling in the highest rated car.

“The risk of deathorserious injury is significantly lower for people driving acar with modern safety features, and these ratings make it easier for people to find asafecar in their budget,” she said.

The UCSR, released annually by Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), make it simple for Victorians to choose the safest used car within their budget, across all vehicle categories.

Of the 389 vehicles rated, 55 received afive-star rating,and 13 were awarded ‘Safer Pick’ status. 59 models wererated ‘poor’(two stars), anda further 59 were ‘very poor’ (one star).

Theage of avehicle continues to be asignificant factor, largely because safety features such as auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, electronic stability control and side curtain airbags are not as common on older cars.

Of the 125 drivers and passengers who have died on Victoria’s roads so far this year, 65 incidents have involved vehicles aged 10 years or older.

Encouragingly, Transport Accident Commission’s latest RoadSafety Monitor survey revealed Victoriansare increasingly prioritising safety, with 70 per cent of respondents considering safety features the most important factor when buying avehicle.

MUARC calculatedthe 2022 UCSR by analysing the records from more than 9million vehicles in police-reported road crashes in New Zealand and Australia between 1987 and 2020.

The ratings consider the protection cars offer to drivers in acrash,harm to other road users, combined crashworthiness and crash risk.

The annual ratings updateisoverseen by the Vehicle Safety Research Group (VRSG), on which thestate government is represented by the TAC and Department of Transport.

TAC chief executive, Joe Calafiore, urged people to purchase acar that could potentially save their life

“No one is immune to amistakeonthe roads and modern vehicle safety features likeAuto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Electronic Stability Control could save your life,” he said.

Visit TAC’s howsafeisyourcar.com.au to browse the ratings and search for asafe used car.

Information: Anew research paper by Gippsland PrimaryHealth Networkhas shone alight on the dangersofvaping file photograph

The featuresofa melanoma are usually summarized as the

and is found widely on the internet.

A is for Asymmetryorfor not being quite circular

B is for Border irregularity where the edge of the spot looks wavy or jagged.

C is for Colour with the spot having an uneven colour with adarker area within it.

D is for Diameter,with the size of the spot being wider than the barrel of the pencil or a pen, larger than 6mm in diameter

The commonest skin cancers are Squamous Cell Cancers SCCs or Basal Cell Cancers or BCCs. BCCs are the commonest form of human cancer as the skin is the largest organ and arise from the deepest layer of the skin. They typically look like red geographic skin blemishes or in their most mature form, a lesion with arolled pearly edge and ulcerated centre. SCCs look like crusty flaky lesions

sometimes asore thatdoes not want to heal.

In either case askin lesion hanging around for more than amonth thatdoes not heal, looks odd or bleeds needs to reviewed by an experienced practitioner and removed. Both squamous cell cancers and basal cell cancers can appear on anypart of the bodybut they tend to occur in anatomical areas with the highest exposure to the sun, which are on the face, the forearms and hand and also the legs. Gippsland Melanoma and Skin Cancer Clinic is aservice run by Mr Adrian Aitken a specialist general surgeon. His practice offers adiagnostic service for skin checks through to definitive skin cancer care including special anatomical sites such as the face and nose, eyelids, ears and lips.

Protect your skin

The summerbringsfantastic hotand sunnydayswith plenty of greatoutdoor experiences, beaches,barbeques,boating and timespentjustlyingaround

Sun andUVexposure however is cumulativeand whilst messages in printand on television warn about the dangers of thesun it is almost impossibletoliveinGippsland without experiencingsome degreeofsolarskin damage.

An annualskin check takesonly ashorttimebut it can save alot of timedealingwith amelanoma or other serious skin cancers.

Fortunately melanomasare found less frequently thanother skincancers andifdetected andremoved early,thatcan be all thatisnecessary.

Melanoma represent only about 4% of all skin cancers but are pottenttialllylletthall.TThegreattest t riisk k factor for melanoma or otther skin cancers apart from sunexposureispreviouslyhavingone diagnosedand removed.

Skincancer surveillance is asimple and involvesa diligent process of examination and scrutinybyanexperienceddoctor and should involve atop-to-toe careful examinationofall surfacesofthe body.

Thisshould be donewith good illumination such as aheadlight and under magnificationusing telescopichead-mounted lenses and anyblemishesthatappear notquite right shouldbe removed.

ABC’s

Crib Service

ACRIBservice will be held at the co-operating churches of ChurchillonChristmas Eve (this Saturday) at 6.30pm.

The Christmas story will be told. There will be singing and gifts for the children.

Families are encouraged to bringtheir children, grandchildren and neighbours children. All are welcome.

Phone Ruth on 0456 786 577 for more information.

Bridgeonbreak

TRARALGONBridge Club will be havingabreakfor aweek from Thursday, December 22 until Tuesday, January 3.

When we resume, we will be planning the schedule for our free lessons and would love to see you there.

More specific information will be sent in early January.

Our meeting place will still be The Masonic function rooms in Traralgon.

Results for Monday, December 5: 1st Marion and Kevin Taylor 65.62, 2nd Don Tylee and Robin Hecker 58.33; Tuesday,December 6: Joint first GeoffDixonand John Marsiglio 60.12; Thursday, December 15: 1st Peter Lonie and David Hawkins 58.75, 2nd Ken Tierneyand Anna Field 51.67.

PhoneGregNicholson on 0419 365 739 for more information on local bridge.

Moe District Cancer Council

WE would like to wish aMerry Christmas, and ahappy New Year to everyone, and thank all the communities of Moe and the surrounding districts, for their support through toughtimes, especially during COVID.

We look forward to your continued support in 2023.

Thank you to all our committee and members. Stay safeand we hope to seeyou all next year.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, January 23 from 1.30pm at Moe RSL.

Our next fundraising

event, will be the Strzelecki Stringbusters at Moe RSL on Saturday, February 18. Show starts 7pm.

Entry is $30 per person.Meals will be available to purchase before the show.

Tickets are available from Diane on 0438 517 470 or Linda on 0427 671 780.

For more information on Moe District CancerCouncil,phone volunteer group contact Beryl (5127 4028) or Linda (0427 671 780).

Cancer Council Supporters Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85.

Cancer Council Help Line: 13 11 20.

Quit Line: 13 78 48 Visit: wwwcancervic.org.au

Newera

MOE Art Society is relocating to the Latrobe City Library, Moe.

The group has been at the NarracanHall in Old Gippstown Heritage Park now for some 50 years.

We are fortunate to have the Latrobe City Library, Moe availabletous, and we willmeet at the library from Monday, December 12.

Members are very excited, the group willhave more scope and better lighting being in the East End of the Library, better knownasthe Glass Room.

We willalsobeintown,which is agreat asset as we will be more accessible to anyone wanting to pop in for achatto the artists.

Our first general committee meeting will be at the library on Thursday, February 9at 2pm, and we are hosting a multimedia workshop with Libby Witchell on Thursday, February 23.

The public are always welcome to come in and chat to the artistsand new members are welcome.

Any queries should be directedtopresidentBeryl Galloway on 0407 271 686, or secretary Peter McLarenon 0400 933 609.

Free copying

TRARALGON and District Historical Society Inc. is

offering to make adigital copy of documents held by those in the community or organisations thatare relevant to the history of ourdistrict.

This TDHS Community History Snapand Share Project received agrant from the federal government’s ‘Stronger CommunityGrant’ andthe Latrobe City Council.

If you are interested, please phoneuson0351748399or email secretary@traralgonhistory.asn.au -weaim to respond within two weeks.

If we reach agreement to proceed, TDHS will make adigital copy of the documents for use by oursociety and the original documents will be returned to you along with adigital copy, on amemory stick.

Calling all umpires

LATROBE Valley Umpires are celebrating 70 years of umpiring local football on the weekendofMay 6and 7next year, and are seeking contact details and interest from retired panel members, and would be pleased to exhibit any memorabilia that may be lent for the weekend.

For more details and umpire contactdetails,please get in touch with the panel by emailing lvumpires@gmail.com or Barry Lawrence on jblaw@ speedweb.com.au

Keith Chenhall Charitable Trust

FOR 20 years, the Keith Chenhall Charitable Trust has distributed money to support the cultural, social, educational, environmental and community welfare of the local community.

TheTrust invites community groups and organisations that have Deductible Gift Recipient status to register interest for 2023 funding.

For further information, please phone Ian on 0419 313 831.

Lumen Christi Christmas mass times

CHRISTMAS Eve: Saturday, December 24. To be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Main St, Yinnar at 6pm (outside depending on weather).

Christmas Day: Sunday, December 25. To be held at Lumen Christi Church, Williams Ave, Churchill at 9am

Social tennis in Morwell

COME and have ahit with us. Mondayand Friday mornings from 9am to 12pm at Morwell Tennis Club (Ronald Reserve off Vary St).

All inclusive,fun, social, no sheep-stations, many laughs. First timers to old timers,

everyone can begin to learn to playorbring theirmemories to start again.

Modified games suiting all levels of fitness and ability, or lack thereof.

Just turn up, or if you’d like to speak to someone first, please call Naomi on 0405 739 819.

Cost is $2

Orana Seniors

THE Orana Seniors is located at 5Ollerton Ave Newborough.

Just go past the two letter boxes on the left and into the LVV grounds. Drive straight ahead and there is Orana.

We are avery friendly group of over 65’s.

We have ageneral meeting on the first Thursday of the month following our lunch at noon.

You don’t have to come for lunch, justdrop in for the meeting if you likeand we usually have aguest speaker.

Our menu changes from month-to-month and is $20 for amainand achoiceofdesserts

On Tuesdays, we play 500 and another group play Rumicub. We start just before 1pm and finish at 4pm as arule.

On Thursday afternoons from 1pm till 3pm(excluding meetingdays),wemeet for craft and ageneral sorting outofthe troubles of the World.

We have afull-size pool table and indoor bowls mats.

For enquiries, ring president Heather 0487 111 792.

Time to tango

NEED to exercise but unmotivated, and going for awalk is uninteresting?

Try Argentine Tango -the walking dance.

Have fun with us on Wednesdaynights from 7pm to 8.30pm at St David’s Uniting Church Hall, 9CampbellSt, Yarragon (Hall behindChurch).

Learn the dance withusto then enjoy our social practice dance on firstSaturday night of each month.

Easy movement for the body even for thosewith two left feet!

Research showing that dancing is beneficial for all types of medicalconditions and for prevention of older lifestyle conditions.

No partner or experience is required.

Fantastic group of people for social interaction which is great for your mental health.

For more information, phone Naomi on 0405 739 819.

Christmas dinner

TRARALGON and District Uniting Church is hosting a Christmasdinner on Christmas Day for people in our community who may otherwise be alone.

It is acold meat and salad meal plus dessert.

The Christmas Day lunch is at theTraralgonUniting Church, Park Lane, 11.45am to 2pm.

Please call the Church office on (03) 5176 1029 and leave your name and number if you would like to attend.

Someone from the office will confirm your place.

Join community corner

IF you are acommunity group and 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 ‘Community Corner’ in the subject line and nothing else.

Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Seasons greetings: Check outChristmas event details in today’s community corner file photograph

Highlights for bushwalkers

By CAROLYNDYKE

UNBELIEVABLY, 2022 is almost ‘done and dusted’, and on behalf of the Strezlecki Bush Walking Club, Iwould like to wish the readers a very merry Christmas and happy New Year! There have been so many exciting activities run by the club over the last year, but Ishall just recap the highlights from the last three months.

October was avery busy month for members of the Strezlecki Bush Walking Club.

We were able to offer many activities, including a night bike ride, an overnight hike on the Mitchell River WalkingTrack in East Gippsland, and atwoday hike to Mount Ligor in Victoria’s spectacular high country.

Mt Ligorhas an elevationof1504mand our walkers completed 24km over two long days on a very challenging track. The views are unbelievable and worth the effort.

Novemberwas also jam-packed with opportunities,includinga 20km circuitwhich began at Wonthaggi and took in Baxter’s Beach, Powlett River, and the desalination plant.

There was also alovely 13kmmeander along and around the Mirboo North RailTrailwhich passed through some beautiful native forests and farmland, ended with acoffee. This was agreat walk for beginners.

We have hosted several Christmas-themed activities this month. The first of which was the famous Burge Christmas Camp which washeld on the firstweekend in December nearLicola This was afun weekend includingawalktothe waterfalls on Shaw’s Creek, avisit to Kelly’s Hut and of course, the gumboot and rolling pin throw.

Saturday evening saw members enjoying some lovely camp cooking and lots of fun and laughter around the campfire.

Sunday was afine morning, so everyone headed off to walk to Burgoyne’s old homestead on the Macalister River. The weatherwas quite warm by the time our walkers got back to camp so everyone enjoyed alovely swiminthe river before it was time to pack up for home.

On Wednesday, December 14, the club hosted our Christmas dinner at the Yarragon Hotel Everyone present reminisced over the highlights of 2022 and began discussing where we would be walking in 2023.

If you are interested in our walking club the first club night back for 2023 will be on February 8in

the Contingent Street Park in Trafalgar. It will be abring your own barbecue dinner beginning at 6pm.

The focus of this evening will be an E-bikedisplay and a‘show and tell’ of camping equipment.

The aim of this is for club leaders to explain the pros and consofthe various pieces of gear for people wishing to purchase their own items. Visitors are most welcome.

Further informationisavailableonthe website at sbwc.org.au, on our Facebook page or by emailing publicity@sbwc.org.au

Ahalf-century

ALAN Pitkethly was recently awarded a certificatefor 50 years service as an honorary Justice of the Peace by the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices (RVAHJ).

Alan was presented with his certificate at arecent dinner of the Central Gippsland Branch of the RVAHJ by president John Guy.

In accepting his award, Alan spoke of the early days of becoming aJustice of the Peace (JP) where JP’s sat on the bench at the local courts to administer minor charges.

Today, JP’s as volunteers are certified ‘HonourablePersons’ heldinhighesteem by the community, and servetocertify and witness various documents including Statutory Declarationsand Affidavits

Alan is aregular contributor to the document signingstation at the Traralgon Police Station,where JP’s are available each Tuesdayand Thursday from 11am to 2pm.

Half-century: AlanPitkethly, pictured with CentralGippsland Branch of Royal Victorian Association of HonoraryJustices president, John Guy,proudly displays his certificate, commemorating 50 yearsasa Justice of the Peace photograph supplied

Catholic education leader to retire after 50 years of service

AFTER 50 years of service to Catholic education, chief executive and director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale, Maria Kirkwood, will retire on Friday, December 23.

Ms Kirkwood has held her current role with Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL)since 2012, leading 38 Catholic primary and five Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese which spans from the outer Melbourne suburbs of Narre Warren and Cranbourne throughout Gippsland to Orbost.

Before this, Ms Kirkwood held various executive positions with the then Catholic Education Office Melbourne, now Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), as well as principalship, leadership and teaching positions at Catholic schools in Victoria.

Athankyou Massand dinner washeld in Traralgon to bring together Parish Clergy, DOSCEL Board directors, and education leaders to honour Ms Kirkwood, who has been achampion of innovation and change in Catholic Education.

Video messages from two former Bishops of Sale, Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Archbishop PatrickO’Regan, were played duringthe evening, along with messages from many Catholic primary and secondaryschools.

Speaking at the dinner, Bishop of Sale,Most Reverend Greg Bennet, said Catholic school communities throughoutthe Diocese had benefitted enormously from Maria’s giftedness as an educator, her competence as an administrator and her dynamism as afaith leader.

“Maria’s collaboration with the previous Bishops of Sale, in preparinganinnovative and creative way of governing Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale,has nowbeen replicated in the other three

Dioceses in Victoria. Her contribution to the process of incorporation andensuring that schools and theircommunitiesare appropriatelyfunded and supported by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) is acknowledged and respected by the education community,” Bishop Greg said.

DOSCEL board chair, Garry McLean, saidMs Kirkwood’s vision to deliver the highest quality educational opportunities and outcomes for every student in every school in the Diocese is testimony to her deep commitment and dedication. Her commitment to Catholic education has inspired

colleagues, Parish priests, clergy, staff of the Catholic Education office, schoolpersonnel, and enriched the lives of all those with whom she has worked over many years.

Reflecting on five decades in Catholic education, Ms Kirkwood said her time in the Diocese of Sale was the happiest personally, and the most fulfilling professionally.

“The role of director has been enormously supported and valued by the bishop and clergy, our dynamic board of directors and committee members, and the many talented teams and individuals in

our schools and Catholic Educationoffice,” she said.

Ms Kirkwood said she has been asked on numerous occasions over the years to talk about her ‘career’ but stated, “I don’t believe Ihave had acareer, what Ihave had is alife in which my work was amajor part and the vast majority of that worklife hasbeenwithCatholic education and the Catholic Church more broadly”.

Reflecting on leadership opportunities over the years, Ms Kirkwood’s said she learned to ignore negative voices about what womencan and cannot do, having beentoldonseveral occasions not to applyfor positions, to which she was ultimately appointed.

Ms Kirkwood said it had been agreat pleasure to work with so many passionate and committed leaders and staff throughout her working life.

“My sincere thanks to everyone Ihavehad the privilege to work with. Our Catholic schools have such astrongand assured futurebecause of the passionate leaders and staff and the wonderful work they do every day,” she said.

Followingher last day on December 23, Mr Paul Velten will commence in the role as chief executive/ director of Catholic Education from December 24.

Mr Velten is known to many in the Diocese through his current work as amember of the DOSCELexecutiveteam in the role of chief finance, information and infrastructure officer.

He has held anumberofroles within theCatholic Church and its agencies in the Diocese of Sale and theArchdiocese of Melbourne.

Mr Velten is alsoamember of severalcommittees of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and aboard member of the Catholic Development Fund Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Happytrails: Strzelecki Bushwalking Club membershavehad an enjoyable2022. photograph supplied

Team: DOSCEL chieffinance,informationand infrastructureofficer,Paul Velten, retiring DOSCEL chiefexecutive and director of Catholic Education, Maria Kirkwood, CatholicBishopofSale,Most Reverend Greg Bennet and DOSCEL boardchair,Garry McLean. photograph supplied

Residents can look forward next year

LATROBE Valley people can look forward to the release of the Latrobe City Council’sSustainability Action Plan in early 2023.

This has been developed over the last two years throughcommunity engagement and the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan.

LCC emissions reductioniscontinuing to evolve, with actions such as large scale rooftop solar, geothermal heating of GippslandRegional Aquatic Centreand Hyland Way LandfillBiogasGenerator. This work will continue with $3.95 million allocated to LED energy efficientlighting upgrades and more solar across LCC facilities.

The value of investment in renewables is demonstrated clearly, as it is expected that $3.95 million will be repaid over next three to five years, and continue to provide financial and environmental benefit for decades.

Latrobe ValleySustainabilityGroup wishesto thank the hundreds of supporters of our Climate Statement Petition, and note that our request has been met.

We now await the release of the Sustainability Action Plan in early 2023, and hopetosee emission reduction targets, firm plans for urban greening and habitat preservation, community education about energy efficiency and waste reduction, and plans for electrification of the council fleet. We will review the plan and make appropriate comment at the time.

Lorraine Bull LVSG treasurer

Forest insights

IT is very pleasing to see the comment by Michael Shawn-Fletcher, Anthony Romono, Michala Mariani,Russell Mullett and Simon Connor ‘Experts believe bush needs human intervention’ (LV Express page 14 -14/12/22).

My pleasure is seeing considered research that validates the conclusions that have come from Dr A.R King(CSIRO 1963), Prof Rhys Jones (ANU 1968) and Prof Bill Gammage (ANU 2011), many foresters, multi generation graziers and wild-fire scientistsand passionate, informed, Indigenous elder Victor Stephenson.

Humanintervention aided by Australia’s climate including lightning storms generated afelicitous environment where “natural” fire is an essential part.

In the absence of sufficientIndigenous custodians, the WesternAustralian Forest Department in the 1960s initiated humanintervention to the Southern Western forestswith mild, patchybut frequent fires to create ahealthy and safe forest environment (two human deaths in WA ;312 in Victoria 1962-2020). Thankyou Michael Shawn-Fletcher et al. Let us hopethat we can achieve ahealthyand safe “Victoria Felix “again before we face thousands of deaths and environmental destruction some time in the next 10 to 30 years.

David Packham OAM Traralgon

Responding to previous letters

ANDREW Wasiukiewicz, your letter ‘Why Labor has struggled locally’(LV Express 14/12/22) showed in its first point raised that (one) you do not know howtomount alogical argument, and (two) you currently have racially intolerant views This put me off instantly -asitwould any other intelligent person -and so Ididn’t read the rest of your letter; this is perhaps apity, as who knows,

you may have raised some intelligent points after your first dismal failure to do so.

Theoffending paragraph wasillogical because it related two unrelatedissues -one, the unkempt publictoiletsinYarram, and two, the introduction of Gunaikurnai cultural involvement into governance by councils, state and federal governments. If council stopped its practice of including Gunaikurnai elders in its events, they wouldn’t then use that money for the upkeep of the Yarram public toilets.This is because local governments have agreat number of priorities including funding local community spaces, buildingentertainment centres,citizenship ceremonies, libraries, art galleries, parking, roads. And nowadays,thank goodness, abit of inclusivity in its governance. You are an educated man. You should know all that. And Ibelieveyou do, but you popped that paragraphintoappeal to the divisive, ignorant section of the community who read these pages. I guess they are your main audience, not us other Gippslanders who detest racism in all its forms.

I’ve used the word ‘ignorant’ twice for areason. Wasiukiewicz, you are obviously ignorant of the current situation in Gippsland in relation to Gunaikurnai cultureand languages, Gunaikurnai agriculture, Gunaikurnaihealth, and Gunaikurnai self-determination.Inrelation to Gunaikurnai involvement in land management (including fire management), tourism, and working closely with councils so that councils represent not only white people, but others as well.

You are obviouslyignorantofwhathas led to this current situation of Gunaikurnai people in Gippsland, having struggled, overthe past 50 years, from aposition of non-citizenship(which disallowed them from being employed or owning landorraisingtheirown children)and forced to liveinreserves, to where they are now: seeking and slowlywinning self-determinationoftheir own lives, and revitalising the 60,000-year-old culture that belongs to Gunaikurnai country.

You are obviously ignorant of the hurt that your comments would give, or surely you wouldn’t

have made them. Your commentshurtnot only Gunaikurnai people, but anyone who is related to First Nationspeople or has common human feeling towards all people includingFirst Nations people.

Iwonder if you are also ignorant of the history of Gippsland. Iamnot going to recount what happened -anewspaper is not the place -but suffice to say, here that almost all of the land stolen from the Gunaikurnaipeoplebywhite settlersisstill ownedbywhite people, to this day.

How privileged are we white people, that we have always been classed as citizens of our own country. If my parents had been First Nations people,whenI was born Iwouldhave been classed as anon-citizen, kidnapped by the government, taught to be aservant and sent out to work as a child slave for white people. The same is true, of any person born in Australia before 1965.

How important and heartening it is that nowadays in Gippsland, local government is starting to catch up withother governments all aroundVictoriaand Australia, and give Gunaikurniapeople alittle bit of respect and apathwaytobecome moreinvolved in the governance of Gippsland.And howwonderful it is thatGunaikurnai people,despite all they have been through, despite the continuing problems of racism in Gippsland, are so generous of spirit that they are willing to sharetheir beautiful culture, language and deepknowledge of country with non-Indigenous people for the benefit of country and all Australian people.

To Brian Mawhinney, who wrote published the letter entitled ‘Not Guilty’ (LV Express 14/12/22), all Iwill sayinresponse to your divisive argument against any inclusivity in the governance of this country, is that Ihope you have also learned something fromthe short history lesson above, and will learn to change with the times, as our nation finally begins to change its ways for the better.

Sally-Anne Watson Kane Moe

Arewethereyet?

POWER and energy bills like we have never seen before,why,well it might have something to do with shutting down Hazelwood power stationwithfour months notice, which was producing avery large portionofAustralia’s energydemand untilthe state Labor party, with pressure from the Greens, and to the benefit of Engie, who grabbed the compensation pay out with both hands, not even considering how this would affect the workers and theirfamilies, all 1200 of them. But like apebble in abucket of water it rippled out to 9600 indirectly, not my figures but the ETU.

Hazelwood power workers said the station was goodfor two or three more years, and this knee-jerk reaction was not necessary Ok, so thanks Adam Bandt.

Greens, we wont be forgetting you in ahurry for all the wrong reasons -1200 families out of work.

Don Duthie Morwel

Election thoughts

NOW that the final election results for the state seat of Morwell are declared, we can reflect on astate election where Morwell was the focus of attention for many parties as amarginalseat.

Let us start by congratulating the ‘informal’ vote, which recorded 3526 votes equal to 7.54 per cent of the total. This means that an empty chair was almost twice as popular as the extreme left-wing Greens. This is apositive signal that the average

Morwell voter has ahigh enough IQ not to fall for the Greens nonsense.

Labor won the primaryvote with 31.44 per cent, but once you add in the other left-wing parties (Greens and Animal Justice, and probably Independent candidate Tracie Lund),the left-wing vote was 40.05 per cent.

You wouldthinkthis would equate to avery easy thumping win for the National Party’s Martin Cameron,but after distribution of preferencesfrom all the other right-wing parties, The Nationalscould onlyturn their 22.89per cent primaryvote into aslim54.42 per cent majority, which is marginal seat status.

In fact, all the right-wing minor parties and independentscombined had avote about the same as The Nationals, even though The Nationals probably spent100 times more than what the likes of Sharon Gibson, Lisa Proctor, Family First, or One Nation did.

Ibelievethis weaknessisdue to The National Party not taking aclear stand on the issues, not really defending the coal industry, not really supporting religious freedom, and the fact their state leader is a68-year-old time-server named Peter Walsh who most people have never heard of. They tell people how bad Labor is and how they ‘feel their pain’, but they never really pull their sleeves up and fight any political battles of note.

If The NationalParty had the guts to standupon issues that matter and made an efforttorepresent the conservative vote, they could make Morwell asafe seat.

Rachel Southwell

Traralgon

Calls for100 percent renewables

WHILE customers canexpect to pay at least 30 per cent more for electricity in the eastern states next year, there is one jurisdiction where electricity prices have recently fallen.

The ACT will have the cheapest electricity in Australiaasofnext year whenall other states’ prices increase, becausethe Labor-Greens government there decided back in 2017 to aim for 100 per cent renewable electricity.

Since 2020, Canberrans’ electricity supplyhas been 100 per cent renewable, with fixed-price contractstocertain windand solar farm operators.

However, the national Electricity Market (NEM) is still about 65 per cent sourced from coal and gas, and the price for both have sky-rocketed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The wholesaleprice of electricity in South Australian, Victoria, Tasmania, New SouthWales and Queensland has soared in response.

Wind and solar will never be subjecttosuch market surges, in fact they have zero fuel costs, and as such will be able to provide cheaper electricity over the long term.

As well,renewables have zero carbon emissions, so effectively fight climate change, are non-polluting and decentralised,meaning that wealthisbrought to country areas rather than being transferred to mostly foreign shareholders as at present.

Energy securityisenhanced, as the nation’s supply will not depend on afew big generators which can fail at random times, but insteadwill be based on awhole lot of interconnected smaller providers and several storage options like big batteries and pumped hydro to stabilise the supply.

If we want cheaper, more reliableelectricity, then we need to get behind our state and federal governments and large-scale investors to speedup

Appreciative: Apiece appearing in last week’s paper,penned in partbyMichael Shawn Fletcher (pictured) struck achordwithone letter writer in today’ssection.

to sustainability measures in Latrobe

Stay

the transition to a100 per cent renewable energy grid as soon as we can.

Our quality of life can only be enhanced if we do.

Dan Caffrey Traralgon

Gas is the best

CAN anyone explain whythe majorityofpeople have chosen for decades gas appliances because it was clean and cheaperenergy and electricity (heaters always were dearer why do they now say the oppositesayingit’sdirtygas and now want us to switch our appliances to adearer system?)

There’s nothing better than gas cooking/heating in my view.

Doesn’t make any rational thinking/sense to me anyway.

Carol Hogan Moe

Christmas greetings from Melina Bath

AS Christmas and the New Year holiday season rapidly approaches, Iwould like to take the opportunity to thank all Gippslanders for the contribution they make to our incredible region.

Theholiday season is awonderfulopportunity to reflect on whatisimportant in our lives,and spend precious time with loved ones.

With the shadow of lockdowns in our review mirror, it is arelief to see our commercial streets becoming busy again, small businesses open,

community events occurring, and education back in the classroom.

Despitethe challenges of pastyears involving drought, fire, flood, and pandemic, our country resilience shines through.

Ihave always admired the strength of Gippslanders for our ability to band together and support one another.

Generosity and locals helping locals is the hallmark of country people.

The spirit of giving, facilitated by our wonderful local charitiesand theirincredible volunteers keeps alive the meaning of Christmas.

Representing Eastern Victoria and my home region of Gippslandinstate parliament is an honour.

I’m humbled to have been re-elected to continue my role for another four years.

As alocal,I am deeply passionate about Gippsland and our future.

Iamcommitted to working with the community to continue ourcombined efforts to makeour region an even better place to live and work.

Advocating for and working with individuals, groups and organisations in 2023 remainsmy motivation.

Whilecompletingpreparationsfor your festive season, Iencourage you to support our local traders where possible. By actively supporting local businesses, you alsocontribute to building avibrant andresilient local economy.

If you are travellingonour roadsduring the Christmas and New Year holiday season, please stay safe, be patientand drive to the conditions.

Finally, Iwish you ajoy-filled Christmas

Demonising fossil fuels

AT one time the most influential verse in the Bible was Exodus 22:18 (“Thou shalt not permit awitch [demon] to live”).

This particularversewas the main detonator of the great witch-hunt explosion that devastated Western Europe from the 13th to the 18th century.

In fact, so hag-ridden with primitive superstition were the times that Pope Calixtus III (1455-58) even went so far as to officially condemn the 1456 reappearance of Halley’s Comet as “an agent of the Devil”.

But that was over 500 years ago you may say -we no longer believe in such superstitious nonsense you may add-wehaveadvanced beyondthose dark and unenlightened times really.

In rebuttal, Isubmit that compelling modern parallels can be seen in the demonisation of fossil fuels by the Labor-Green nexus as part of their radical religious crusade to the net-zero promised land.

Mutatis mutandis, although,tothe best of my knowledge, no one has been burnt at the stake for promoting fossil fuels, there is no question that people freezing to death in winterordying from heat-stroke in summer due to not being able to afford heating or air-conditioning, is the equivalent.

There is no question, also, that there have been many marriage breakdowns, mental torture, and consequential suicides in association with the eternal poverty brought on by exorbitant and extortionist gas and electricity bills.

Thus, the New Dark Age has arrived.

Have your say

THE Latrobe ValleyExpresswelcomesletters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues.

The editor, LiamDurkin,reservesthe right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express doesnot publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Lettersmust includea phone number, email address and the author’s hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include ‘letter to the editor’ in the subject line.

Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm

surrounded by the people you know as family. Mayyour start to 2023 be asafe, healthy, and blessedone.

Melina Bath Member for Eastern Victoria Region

Joseph Lis Morwell

safe: Member for Gippsland East Melina Bath is wishing readers a joyous festive season file photographs

On the lookout for deliverers

delivery: Zone leaderGeorgina Whitchurch oversees deliveries in theMoe area. Ms Whitechurch says delivering newspapers is a great waytostayactiveoutside

Ticket sales open for Spud Festival

TICKETSare now on sale for the 2023 Thorpdale Potato Festival.

Thanks to awebsite refresh, patrons can now,for the very first time, purchase tickets online for the festival, avoiding lengthy wait times on the day and to secure tickets at the early-bird price.

The new website also has information on all the great activities organised for the day.

The Thorpdale Potato Festival is still on the lookout for food vendors and market stalls holders.

If you were interested in applying, head on overtothe ‘marketstalls’ section of the website.

All the favourite spud-related activities will be returning for the 2023 festival.

To stay up to date with the latest info about the Thorpdale Potato Festival, or to purchase tickets, visitwww.thorpdalepotatofestival.com and subscribe to social media channels.

THE Latrobe Valley Express is on the lookout for deliverers.

With the pages filled with great stories, we need to get them out into the community.

For any young kids looking to get astart in the workforce, delivering The Express might just be the perfect stepping stone.

Having the responsibility of seeing that papers are delivered to households on time demonstrates punctuality, commitment, and diligence.

Traralgon youngsters Samuel and Mason Turner, aged 11 and 13 respectively, are part of the delivery team.

The boys deliver more than 100 papers to houses around Glenview Park, setting aside an hour in which to do so.

Their efforts ensure the community stays informed, and has something nice to read with theirmorning cuppa.

The boys enjoy their work, getting out in the

fresh air and seeing the gratitude on people’s faces when their paper arrives.

Similar sentiments are felt even by those slightly older.

Withthe lineofworksuitedtostudents or those semi-retired, being an Express deliverer remains agreat way to stayactive, and workaspart of ateam.

GeorginaWhitchurch is the zone leader for Moe, and has been delivering papers for anumberof years.

“I love it, and Iknow everybody else does when somebody else is out the front waiting for their paper,and you think ‘yes, okay they still want them’,” she said.

The minimum age for being an Express deliverer is 11.

Those interested to find out more are encouraged to email the circulation manager on circulation@ lvexpress.com.au, or phone 0456 000 541.

BendigoBank named most trusted again

BENDIGO Bank has been named the most trusted financial institution in Australia for the third consecutive quarter this year.

Research house Roy Morgan’s most trusted brands to the September quarter were revealed recently,withBendigo Bank ranking as Australia’s most trusted Bank.

Chief executive and managing director of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Marnie Baker, thanked Roy Morganfor the recognition and customers for their loyalty.

“It’s agreat time of year to make reflections, and Iwant to take this opportunity to say thank you to our morethan 2.2millioncustomers for trusting us with their banking needs,” Ms Baker said.

“Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is agenuine and competitive alternative to the major banks. We’re also abankwith heart and heritage, giving back to the communities we live and work in.

“We work hard to make sure every decision we make, every product we create and every service we provide is in the best interests of our customers, shareholders, partners, and people.

“It’s humbling to again be recognised for these efforts by being named the most trusted bank in Australia.

“Our vision into 2023 remains to be Australia’s bank of choice, with our longstanding purpose of feeding into the prosperity of our customers and communities, and not off them.”

The findings were contained in Roy Morgan’s latestquarterly update, which allowsconsumers to describe in their own words why they trustordistrust abrand, using data and insights from more than 60,000 Australians.

It follows the awarding of ‘Most Trusted Bank’ by global data and insights company RFIGlobal at the Australian Banking and Finance Awards in late November.

On thejob: YoungstersSamuel and Mason Turner ensureTraralgon locals get theirExpress each and everyweek. photographs liam durkin

Special

BULLS for Hire/Sale

Angus, Limousin, Jersey, Hereford and Friesian, very quiet. 0447 331 762.

MALTESE

TOY Poodle puppies, p/bred, 2males,red,vet checked, wormed, 1st vacc. m/c 956000015799 384/802721, MB127206 $3500 ea. 0408 376 227.

Tropical Goldfish

WATER

99 megalitres of permanent water transfer off the Latrobe River entitlement.

Ph Andrew 0400 885 005 to submit offers.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

UNA AGNES VICKERS Deceased, late of Baptcare Heritage Manor, 147-163 Maryvale Road, Morwell, Victoria

CREDITORS, Next-of-Kin and others having aclaim in respect of the Estate of the Deceased who died on 15 August 2022 are required to send written particulars of their claim to the Executors C/- PO Box 104, Moe, Victoria, 3825 within 60 days from the date of publication of this Notice, after which date the Executors may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which they may then have notice of.

O'HALLORAN DAVIS, Solicitors, 12-14 Kirk St, Moe 3825

Adult Services

HOT younglady, Lia, new arrival in Australia, petite, busty and cute, pretty face, fantastic service. Phone 0421 306 675.

GUITAR LESSONS

Gippsland Guitar School, all ages, 8-80, beginners to advanced, banjo and ukulele lessons also available. 0439 111 610.

MARY

Wednesday Matinee 5th April 2023 $125 p.p. Jaybee Tours / Hazelwood Coaches 0428 223 361

Moe Self Storage

various sizes from $85 p.c.m. Contact Strzelecki Realty on 5127 1333.

THEGippsland Carers Office which is located at 7-9 Seymour St, Traralgon will be closed from 21st December, 2022 until 10th January 2023. If you require immediate assistance please call 0474 162 786 or 0419 531 881.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Members of the community are invited to attend Latrobe Regional Hospital's Annual

Meeting

Tuesday 24 January 2023 at 12:30pm

The Auditorium at Latrobe Regional Hospital Village Avenue, Traralgon West

The meeting will receive the Annual Report and audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.

Questions on Notice will be accepted in writing by Wednesday 18 January 2023 and are to be marked for the Attention of the Board Chair.

Agendas will be provided on request and will be available from Thursday 19 January 2023.

Refreshments will follow the meeting

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR APLANNING PERMIT

The land affected by the application is located at: 1C Liddiard Road, TRARALGON

The application is for apermitfor: Subdivision of land into two(2) lots and variationtoarestrictive covenant.

The permit applicant is: Trarallidd Pty Ltd C/Millar &Merrigan PtyLtd.

The applicationnumberis: 2021/195/A

Adecision on the application will not be made before: 2January2023.

Youcan view the application: Online: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Property/Planning/Planning assessment/Find a current application or application on notification In person: Service Centre, 34-38 KayStreet,Traralgon Scanthe QR Code

Youcan makeanobjectionin writing to: latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au Latrobe City Council, PO Box264, Morwell3840

Your objection must includethe reasons for the objectionand state how the objector would be affected.

The responsible authority must make acopyof everyobjection available at its office for any person to inspect during officehours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of adecision on the application. If you object,the responsible authority will tell you it’s decision.

RSVP by Wednesday 18 January 2023

Executive Office, Latrobe Regional Hospital Phone: 5173 8835 or email enquiries@lrh.com.au

Don McRae Chief Executive

AUCTION -DEBTRECOVERY

STORAGE UNIT CONTENTS -Thursday 22 December on-site at 1pm at 2-4 Tabuteau Road, Moe THEN AT 140 Moore St, Moe once Tabuteau Road auction completed on Thursday 22 December

The contents of Storage Unit 79 2-4 Tabuteau Road, Moe will be sold for recovery of outstanding rent, followed by Storage Units 38, 42 and 55 at 140 Moore Street, Moe.

TERMS: Payment of CASH on the day, removal of goods within 24 hours. STRICTLY NO INSPECTIONS PRIOR TO AUCTION

STRZELECKI REALTY MOE 3Market Street Phone 5127 1333

ELECTRICIAN

Specialising in all domestic work. REC.4188. Phone Peter 0438 177 153 or Carol 5126 2110.

FENCING

Quality paling fencing.

Over 25 years experience. Phone 0408 365 940.

GARDENING DONE, pruning, planting, weeding, small jobs through to large jobs, shed clean ups, rubbish removal, etc. Reasonable rates, pens. disc. Under NDIS the cost of services may be covered by your Care Provider. Reliable and efficient. Police check. Fully insured. 18 yrs exp. Chauncy The Gardener. ABN 17268203656. Call Richard 0401 345 345.

PLUMBING

General plumbing, repairs/ maintenance, drainage and sewerage, roofing and guttering. Small jobs welcome. Glenn 0437 327 879. Lic. No. 45333.

Property Maintenance

Latrobe Valley Property Maintenance. For all your lawn mowing, gardening, rubbish removal, painting and general maintenance. Call Brad 0413 177 942

CLASSROOMTEACHER

TRUCK DRIVER

Truck and dog operator, must have tipper exp. Must have Vic. Roads print out. Must have clean and tidy appearance. Leongatha based. Phone Frank 0407 343 744.

DELIVERERS WTD

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

RECEPTIONIST /ACCOUNTS

PAYABLE

Flexible Part-time. Start immediately An experienced and competent person is required to relieve at Reception and be responsible for the administration of accounts and payments. Must be familiar with all computer functions and be comfortable with other software required to perform required tasks. Must also have great attention to detail and good communication skills. Resumes to include experience in types of software used in previous positions. Email to: isabelle.mcmahon@raywhite.com

ICU/PICU NURSES

wanted for homecare in Moe, Trafalgar, Warragul and Trida.

Minimum of 2years ICU/PICU experience. Must be Ventilation and Tracheostomy competent Competitive pay rates. Please contact Patrik on 0410 942 230 or email patrik@intensive careathome.com GP1 65 13 43

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns.

Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings.

Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. Forfurther advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

SUPPORT WORKER

Are you ready to join acompany that makes a difference? We have several exciting opportunities for Support Workers to support people with Autism and other complex disabilities at our Active Choice Services in Newborough and Accommodation Services in Traralgon. We have avariety of hours available across our sites. If you have experience, or adesire to start your career and get qualified while working, we want to hear from you!

You will possess the ability to work as part of a team and maintain positive relationships with clients and their families, colleagues and management.

If you are ready to start your new career with SASI -visit our website: https:/www.sasi.org.au/current-opportunities/ to begin your journey or contact us on Human.Resources@sasi.org.au

About us

LoyYang Bisanelectricity generator located in the picturesque Latrobe Valley currently supplying around 20% of Victoria’s power.Weare owned by Chow TaiFook Enterprises (CTFE) and belong to theAlinta Energy family,agrowing andinnovative energy market disrupter

We arefocused on maintaining world class levels of plant performance, efficiency and flexibilityand areinsearch of aperson with expertise and experience to contribute to innovativenew projects as we look to re-invent our business.

We arecommitted to increasing workforce diversity and creating an environment wherepeople with new ideas feel empowered to speak up and explorewhat is possible.

We constantly strive to understand andmeet broad community expectations regarding environmental management, health, safety and good corporate citizenship.

About the opportunity

We arelookingtoappoint adynamic andhighly motivated senior manager on apermanent basis. The ideal candidate will have experience at amanagement level in the day-to-day operations, and engineering and maintenance of a thermal power plant or heavy industry. Thesuccessful candidate will initially take on the role of ManagerProduction, with potential opportunityinthe futureto move into other managementroles.

As amember of the LoyYang BManagement Team, you will play apivotal role in influencingand shaping our future as well as providing effective leadership and contributing to the development and implementation of our overall business strategy.This role is akey part of our senior management succession strategy and ensures our abilitytomeet longer-term business objectives.

What you’ll do

Reporting directly to the General Manager,Loy Yang B, theManager Production plans, organises, staffs, directs and controls all operational activities, ensuring that the business meets availability,reliability,efficiency,generation and cost targets, both safelyand within environmental limits. Additionally,this role is responsible for chemistry, environmental and compliance programs and activities associated with the operation of the LoyYang Power Station.

What you’ll need

Skillstoempower,motivate,lead, mentor,coach and develop employees.

Demonstrated excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, including technical writing.

The ability to achieve successful business outcomes through functional and informal networks.

Abachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, or Mechanical).

Significant experience working in athermal generation plant in both operations and engineering andmaintenance.

If this soundslikeyou, don’t ignorethis opportunity, makesureyou:

Apply via our careers page www.loyyangb.com.au/careers

Close date18January2023.

LoyYang B–powering your career!

LoyYang Bwelcomeapplications from peoplewith diversecultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability.Wewill provide reasonableadjustments for individuals with disability throughout the recruitment process. If you identifyasa person with disability and requireadjustments to the application, recruitment,selection and/or assessment process,pleaseadvisevia theabove email

SOLICITOREAST GIPPSLAND

Alarge progressive East Gippsland Law Firm is seeking the services of aLawyer. At least two years experience in the legal industry as a qualified practitioner is preferred but not essential. The successful applicant would have the opportunity to work in their preferred area of practice and gain exposure to awide range of work. The position provides the benefits of a relaxed country lifestyle and excellent conditions.

Salary negotiable with prospects for advancement excellent for the right candidate.

Written applications, or enquiries, to: Office Manager Warren, Graham &Murphy

PO Box 473 Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875 Phone (03) 5152 2661

Or via email to manager@wgm.com.au

WINDOW FABRICATOR

We are hiring an experienced Aluminium Window Fabricator. If you're experienced in theglass-aluminium window industry then we need you.

Warragul Fast Glass and Southern Cross Win dows serv e Gippsland and the valley and have been doing so for 25 years. Please call 5623 4050 or 0419 550 183 to discuss at length all enquiries treated with discrection.

Motor Mart

JAGUAR XF Sports, 4dr, V6 twin turbo engine, 6 speed auto, very clean low km, reg. August '23, YNA-580, priced to sell $22,000 o.n.o. Phone 0418 383 522.

Caravans

TOYOTA L/cruiser s/wag. '98, 1HZdiesel eng., b/bar, 367,000km, 12,000lb winch, side steps, dr lights, t/wind, d/batts, REG-420, r.w.c. $18,000. 0428 554 649.

Old

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC / FITTER WANTED

The Fleet consists of predominantly modern Kenworth and Caterpillar machinery with around 90 Caterpillar machines, 60 Kenworth and Isuzu Truck and trailer combinations as well as afleet of Light Vehicles and small engines.

The successful applicant will meet the following criteria:

● Aqualification or equivalent essential for at least one of the listed requirements with aminimum of 3 years experience post qualifications.

● Previous Road Transport and/or Heavy Plant maintenance experience

● Strong Mechanical and Electrical Fault-finding skills

● Knowledge of spare parts and ordering systems

● Organised with Basic computer skills

● Hold acurrent driver's license, HR preferred

● Ability to Work in ateam environment

Experience in maintenance repair works, a background in heavy road transport or earthmoving/construction maintenanceand repairs will be an advantage.

Successful applicants will be based out of the companies Bairnsdale Depot with onsite works required as needed.

Resumes detailing qualifications, experience, current licences, accreditations and including names and phone no's of three current employment referees may be forwarded to:

Attention: Kellie Geehman

Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd 103 Rupert Street BAIRNSDALE Vic. 3875 Or via e-mail: kellie@whelansgroup.com.au For more information on Whelans visit: www.whelansgroup.com.au or contact us (03) 5152 2844

Situations Vacant •

COROMAL VAN '06

EXPRESS Personals

Deaths •

BARNES, Eric John. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Valley Village, Moe on Wednesday, 14 December 2022.

CUNNINGHAM, Ronald William 'Blue'. Passed away at home, in Traralgon, on Monday, 19 December 2022.

Aged 86 years Loving husband of Anne (dec.) and Dianne. Father of John (dec.). Father-inlaw to Tracey. Grandfather to Joshua and Mathew. Great grandfather of Sophie and Amelia.

Crossed theBar

For Service details please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au

HENSHAW, Neville John. Aged 75 years "The time has come the walrus said".

It is with great sadness that the Henshaw family announce the passing of their much loved husband and father on 27 November 2022 after battling illness for nine years.

Dearly loved husband of Carole of 55 years. Much loved father of Christine, Dean, Julie and Scott.

Father-in-law of Greg, Tracey and Saji. Pop will be missed by his 13 grandchildren and 7great grandchildren. Reunited with his beloved sister Norma.

Forever missed and always in our hearts

Loved and respected wherever he went. A happy smile with aheart of gold. Your suffering is now over.

DARLING, Terrence Stanley 'Terry'. Passed away peacefully at Mitchell House, Morwell on Monday 12 December 2022.

FIFTH WHEELER

Crossroads 30ft 2009, 3 slide outs with 2009 lveco Daily twin cab diesel with 170,000 klms. Will only seperate if 5th wheeler sells first. $85,000 or $60,000/$25,000. Phone 0432 219 885.

JAYCO SPRITE

14ft., rear entry with two single beds, very good condition, $12,000 ONO. Phone 0408 574 961.

Aged 85 years Married to Robina (dec.). Loved and loving dad of Karen, Grant, Heather, and Nicky and their partners Rodney, Tim, and Michael.

Cherished Pop of Steven, Matthew, Jaimie, Toby and PoppyofNoah.

CherishedPop of Maddison, Alyssa, Celine, Joshua and Poppy of Rylan, and Ella.

Cherished Poppy of Toby (dec.) and Jimmy.

Loved brother of Charles, Joan, and Edna (all dec.).

Rest In Peace

JOHNSTON (née Ousley), Marjorie. 28/4/1928 -7/12/2022.

Aged 67 years Loved son of Jack and Helen (dec.). Father of Michael, Rebecca and Eillish. Grandfather to Brody and Charlie. Loved brother and brother-in-law to John and Helen and Tony and Julie.

Gone fishin'

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Full Time Trainee

We are offering afull time dental assistant trainee position. This would be an opportunity to gain skills and experience to develop acareer in the dental profession.

We are dental specialists and have rooms in more than one location, avehicle and current driver's licence will be required.

This job requires: agood rapport with patients, pleasant manner and to be reliable and trustworthy. To apply please email your resume with acovering letter addressing why you would like this position to bhookey1@hookey.com.au

KUDU Trek camper trailer, reg. 2/23, dble bed matt, 75L fridge/freezer, solar panel, camper wired 240v &12v, 100amph batt., water pump &sink, 2burn stove &hotplate, slide out drawers -all brand new $8500 o.n.o. 0448 496 172.

To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die Now in God's loving care Rest in peace Poppy Until we meet again AService to celebrate Eric's life was held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Warragul on MONDAY (19 December 2022).

Privately Cremated

DARLING, Terrence (Terry). Passed away after ashort illness. Aged 67 years Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of John and Helen. Much loved uncle of Geoff and Barb. Fond great uncle of Sarah, Emma and Brad. You will be in our hearts and thoughts forever Tezz.

Rest In Peace

DUNSTAN (nee Quathammer), Heidi.

Passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, 14 December 2022.

Aged 62 years Loving wife of Ted. Loving mother of Trish and Edward.

Cherished Nanny of Alex, Ollie and Spencer. Sister to Hans, Roland, Helga and Marita.

Beloved wife of Mervyn Johnston (dec.). Much loved mother to Karen and Steve. Caring sister to Pat, Phyllis, June (dec.) and Geoff (dec.). Loving Nanny to Kate, Cade, Mikaela and Jayne. Doting great grandmother to Jorja, Ryan, Rory, Hazel and Darcy. Aunty to Ray, Kim and Lynne, Jeff, Rod and Peter (dec.), Mandy, Andreas and Jodie. Remembered with love, always in our hearts

The love of gardening is aseedonce sown that never dies

JOHNSTON (née Ousley), Marjorie. 28/4/1928 -7/12/2022.

Loving sister to Pat and John Duxbury. Caring Auntie to Ray and Trudy, Kim and Margrette, Lynne and John.

Forever Remembered

MATHER, Barry John (Bazza, Fred). Passed away 12/12/2022.

BROWN (Palmer), Helen Carol.

Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traralgon on 13 December 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Aged 80 years

Dearly loved wife of Laurie (dec.).

Loved mother of Timothy, and Jotie. Adored Nan of Sarah and Lauren, Josh and Courtney, Jake and Tiff, Jadie and Shaun, Kaelob and Beth. GreatNan of Jett, Byron, Hunter, Aubrey, Myla, and Molly.

You shared our joys and troubles, The laughter and the tears, And you gave us love and kindness, Throughout the passing years. We will miss you

DYER, James (Jimmi) Richard. Passed away suddenly on 9December 2022.

Aged 82 years Formerly of Moe, late of Tweed Heads and Grafton. Dearly loved husband of Irene. Much loved father of Jane, Allison, Stuart, and much loved stepfather of Michael, Marcel, Wayne, and Natasha. Beloved Grandfather and Great-grandfatherto many.

Dear Brother of Shane (dec.), Robert (dec.), and Deidre.

As per Barry's wishes a Private Cremation has been held.

Riverview Funerals Grafton (02) 6642 4406

STORAGE

CARDILLO, Frank. Loved cousin of Maria and Frank Cardillo and family. We will miss you very much and we will hold on to special memories. Our deepest sympathy to his family. Rest In Peace

CARDILLO, Frank. Many fond memories of a loving Zio. Thoughts and love to Zia, Lucy and family. Love always, Jo, Tony, Audrey and Rocco.

Aged 39 years Dearly loved partner of Carly.

Much loved father of Bella, Kurtis, Reece and stepfather of Lillie and Jack.

Loved son of Greg and Janine. Adored brother of Mathew.

Forever in our hearts Rest In Peace

GALEA, Emanuel Joseph (Manny).

Passed away peacefully at the Latrobe Regional Hospital on 12 December 2022.

Aged 65 years

Dearly loved husband of Sharon. Much loved father and father-in-law of Shane and Ebony, Tracey and Brad, Michelle and Grant.

Adored Pop of Zoe, Cooper, Ava, Dusten, Brayden, Ella, Levi and Riley.

Forever loved and missed Now resting peacefully

MURRAY (nee Marks), Greta Pauline. Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Margery Cole in Traralgon on Sunday, 18 December 2022.

Aged 88 years

Loved and loving wife of Peter (dec.).

Dearly loved mum of Geoff, Bev, Trevor, Jenny and Rohan.

Loved and respected mother-in-law of Sue, Ross, Bruce and Katrina.

Dearly loved Nan to her 14 grandchildren.

Dearly loved Little/Old Nan to her 15 great grandchildren.

You worked so hard for those you loved, You always did your best, You fought until you could no more, And now you are at rest.

Sadly Missed

MUSSARED-HORNE, Tanya.

The Committee members of the Moe Memorial Park Cemetery send their condolences to Tanya's family. Tanya was our Trust Secretary and a much valued member of our team. 'Vale Tanya'.

ROYAL Flair

MUSSARED-HORNE, Tanya.

To Tanya's family and friends, our sincerest condolences from the Trafalgar Public Cemetery Trust Members and staff. Tanya was arespected member and friend of our Trust.

PELACCHI, James (Jim).

Passed away peacefully at Amberlea Aged Care, Drouin on 18 December 2022.

Aged 87 years Much loved husband of Yvonne for 30 years.

Dearly loved father of Darren, Anita, and Marina, stepfather to Kevin, and David and father-in-law of Sam. Loving grandfather of Grace and brother of Mary.

Forever in our hearts

For Funeral details please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

THEXTON (Lane), Lorna Annie.

Passed away peacefully in Traralgon on Tuesday, 13 December 2022.

Aged 88 years

Loved and loving wife of Jim (dec.)

Much loved and respected mother and mother-in-law of Barb (dec.) and Frank, Garry and Patrice, and Wayne and Leonie.

Loving sister of Thelma (dec.) and Margaret.

Loving and cherished Gran of Michelle, Benn, Dean, Vicki and Brian.

Loving Great Gran of Alira, Sienna, Oliver, Xander, Harry and Leroy.

Loving BofCooper, Ebony and Owen.

Always so loving, thoughtful, and kind.

What beautiful memories you leave behind.

You have left this world behind, But you will never leave our hearts and minds.

VIDOVIC, Anton (Tony).

Passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at Mitchell House, Morwell on 14 December 2022.

DARLING.

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mr Terrence (Terry) Stanley Darling will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell WEDNESDAY (21 December 2022) commencing at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

DUNSTAN.

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mrs Heidi Dunstan will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon WEDNESDAY (28 December 2022) commencing at 11am. Heidi's Service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au

PHEFLEY.

The Funeral of Mrs Anne Marie Phefley will leave our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale after aservice commencing at 11am on WEDNESDAY (21 December 2022) for the adjoining Sale Lawn Cemetery. For those unable to attend, a"Youtube" broadcast of the service will take place, please check our website or Facebook page for details.

BIANCONI, Angela. There are no words to tell you, Mum what losing you has meant, but now each day brings memories of happy years we spent. You'd want us all to smile again and that's just what we do, every time we reminiscewith loving thoughts of you.

with us when each new day dawns and when we say goodnight, Our guardian angel here on earth and Heaven's shining light.

love and miss you so much Mum and Dad From your loving family, Orlanda and Warren, Lou and Natalie, Carly, Jacob, Jordan and Saige.

SALVATORE.

Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mrs Ida Salvatore will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Rd, Morwell on WEDNESDAY (28 December 2022) commencing at 1pm.

PHEFLEY (Harrington), Anne Marie. 17/11/1945 -13/12/2022.

Wife of Terry. So very loved by all

Aged 83 years Much loved husband of Pat (dec.).

Dearly loved father of Annie, loved father-in-law and friend to many.

Forever in our hearts

The Funeral Service for Tony was held TUESDAY (20 December 2022) at the Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Chapel, Traralgon.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

DYER. The Funeral Service for Mr James Richard Dyer will be held at the Traralgon Football Club Function Rooms, Whittakers Road, Traralgon WEDNESDAY (21 December 2022) at 2pm.

The Rosary will be recited at 12.30pm. Following the Mass, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery.

The Mass will be livestreamed. To view the livestream, visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au go to Funeral Notices and follow the prompts.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

DYKES, Gavin W. 1930 -2021. 12 months have passed, you always had asmile, and you left behind memories over the 40 years we had together. They fill my every hour day and night, until Ijoin you again. Love Judy, Pamalee and Bill, and Jef and Sharron (USA).

GLAUBITZ, Peter. 25/2/1946 -24/12/2021.

SALVATORE, Ida.

The Salvatore family wish to advise of the peaceful passing of their mother Ida Salvatore at the Latrobe Regional Hospital on 17 December 2022, surrounded by her family.

Aged 91 years Dearly loved wife, of Nicola Salvatore (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law, of Silvio and Christine, Rosanna and Peter, and Tony and Filipina.

Adored Nonna of Olimpia and Mo, Candice and Leon, Sabrina and Michael, Adrian and Sophie, Elissa and Jim and Gianni.

Biz Nonna to Penelope and Abdul.

Cherished memories of abeautiful mother that gave us unforgettable happiness and joy that will last forever in our hearts.

"Forever with the Lord in Paradise"

SAMMUT (nee Aldridge), Sandra Joy (Sandy). Aged 70 years Loving mother to Tammy and Robert. Nan to Cory and Melina and Tristan.

Forever in our hearts and memories Now reunited with Allen, may they rest easy together

Our baby sister, You still felt the pain of the scars that won't heal.

Sandra you were loved and will be missed by many. Your loving sister Linda and uncle (Serge) and your brother Artie and Diana Aldridge.

Rest In Peace

WILLIAMS (Kleevan), Pietertge (Pia).

Passed away at Narracan Gardens, Newborough on Monday, 12 December 2022.

Mother of 6, stepmother of 4. Grandmother and great grandmother.

Rest In Peace

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5184 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GALEA. AService to celebrate the life of Manny Galea will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd, Warragul WEDNESDAY (21 December 2022) at 11am.

The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Manny's Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

SMITH. The Funeral and Committal for Cremation of Mrs Marie Ruth Smith will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue, Moe THURSDAY (29 December 2022) commencing at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WILSON, Dale (Bull).

The President, Committee and Members of the Traralgon RSL deeply regret the passing of their esteemed Affiliate Member Bull (Dale) and extend sincere condolences to his and family.

LEST WE FORGET

APrivate Cremation will follow

In lieu of flowers adonation in memory may be made to Ambulance Australia. Envelopes will be available at the Chapel.

Dearly loved husband, father and Opa. You are in our thoughts everyday and Forever in our hearts. Your loving family.

SMITH (nee Turner), Marie Ruth. Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Latrobe Valley Village, Moe, on Friday, 16 December 2022.

Age 92 years Loved and loving wife of Bruce (dec.). Loved and respected mother and mother-in-law of Peter and Evelyn, and Larry and Joan. Loved Nan of Jordan. In our hearts you will stay, Loved and remembered everyday.

WILSON, Dale "Bull".

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Vealer, his wife Louise and daughters Chelsea, Chloe and Charlotte during this very sad time with the passing of his dear brother Bull. With love from the Gormandale FN Club family.

Funerals

BROWN.

•

The Funeral Service for Mrs Helen Brown will be held in the Gippsland Memorial Park, Rose Chapel cemetery Drive Traralgon on THURSDAY (22 December 2022) commencing at 2pm. Helen's Service will be livestreamed, to view the livestream visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5184 22458 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

JOHNSTON.

AMemorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Marjorie Johnston will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on TUESDAY (3 January 2023) commencing at 2pm.

Marjorie's Service will be livestreamed, to view the livestream go to: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on live streaming

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MURRAY.

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mrs Greta Pauline Murray will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy, Traralgon on FRIDAY (23 December 2022) commencing at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

THEXTON.

The Funeral of Mrs Lorna Annie Thexton will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy, Traralgon on WEDNESDAY (21 December 2022) commencing at 2pm.

At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Gormandale Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WILLIAMS.

The Funeral Service of Mrs Pia Williams will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue, Moe THURSDAY (22 December 2022) commencing at 10.30am.

Following the Service, the funeral will leave for the Moe Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam •

AMSINK, Heinz Gert. 22/12/2015. Another sad year Mein Liebling. Deeply Missed Ich Lieber Dich, Gloria.

LICCIARDI, Felicetta. 1/1/2022.

"Our Nonna Licia", One year today we lost our guiding light, a wonderful woman, wife, mother, nonna, biz-nonna and friend, full of strength, goodness, faith and love. Know always that she was immensely proud of this family.

It was aprivilege to have Licia in our lives.

Devoted wife of Vincenzo (dec.). Adored mum of Angelo and Kerry.

Beloved Nonna Licia of Vincent, Alysia, Aliciabeth, Dylan, Angelica, James and Frank.

Biz-Nonna to Evangelo, Carissa, Cecelica and Maxine.

XXXXXX

MASSARO, Donato Antonio (Tony). 20 December 2011.

Dad alittle corner of our hearts, Is set aside for you, As long as life and memories last, We will always remember you.

Missed beyond words especially at Christmas time Much love, Vin, Maria, Jan and families.

SHIRREFF, Adam Troy. 29/2/1972 -24/12/2005. Istill miss you, Imiss that smile, Imiss that laugh, I miss your silly sense of humour, Imiss you. Love you, your Dad.

Birthday Memoriam •

SAMPSON, Noel Francis. 19/12/1926 -30/9/2016. My darling Sam, Gone much too soon So dearly loved So sadly missed

SiddleleadsStrikersincrazy game

CRICKET BBL BY TOM HAYES

THEYsay never judgeawicket until bothteams have played on it, but after the BBL game between the Strikers and Thunder on Friday night, people were still left scratching their heads.

Morwell’s Peter Siddle captained the Adelaide Strikers to one of the most monumental victories in worldcricket -but didn’t even get abowl.

After setting atotal of 139 thanks to well-worked innings’ from all-time BBL top runs-scorer Chris Lynn(36) and Zimbabwean-born New Zealand international Colin de Grandhomme (33), the Strikers had to defend.

Miraculously, the Sydney Thunder dropped like flies.

In oneofthe mostincredibleinnings,the Thunder were bowled out for 15 after just 35 deliveries.

Matt Short got the first wicket in the first over, before Henry Thornton picked up two in the following over.

Thunder opener Alex Hales lasted until the third over despite only facing two deliveries, but he was gone for a duck to Wes Agar, who also got Daniel Sams for one run in the same over.

Thornton had his third in his second over,picking

up the last natural batsmeninthe Thunder lineup -AlexRoss for 2(4)

Agar collected two more in his second over of the match, before Thornton added to his tally to complete the game in unbelievable circumstances.

Number 10 batsmen for the Thunder, Brendan Doggett, was the top run-scorer for the new record setters, scoring its only boundary of the innings.

Five batsmen were dismissed for aduck; funnily enough, only two of those were tail-enders.

As the captain, Siddle didn’teven give himself the chance to bowl, as all threebowlers finished with incredible figures.

From one over, Short provided 1/5, Agar finished with 4/6 from two overs. Those type of figureswould usuallybeenoughtogrant aman-of-the-match, but he was outdone by Thornton, who from his 17 deliveries finished with 5/3, including amaiden.

Sydney Thunder’s total of 15 is the lowestrecorded total in the history of men’s professional T20 cricket.

The Thunder smashed the previous BBL record, whichwas originally held by the Melbourne Renegades,who scored 57 runs against the Melbourne Stars in 2015.

Siddle’s Strikers net run rate was boosted to +4.375, more than double of the next best, Perth Scorchers.

Gippy League fixture is out Netball participation on the rise

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

THE official season 2023 fixture for the Gippsland League has been released.

Featuring 18 home and away matches, the seasonkicks off on Saturday, April 12023, which will be followed immediately by the Easter weekend bye.

The finals series will kick-off in the first weekend of September, with the Grand Final scheduled for September 23.

Once again,great emphasis has been placed on factoring in club requests forfixturesto maximize their marquee games.

Anumberofkey match-ups and local rivalries headline Round 1, as the Western derby between Drouin and Warragul will complete the opening weekend.

Other matches include Wonthaggi Power hosting Sale, with both sides fancied to feature deep in Seniors September action again.

Moe opens its accountagainst fellow Latrobe Valley side Morwell.

Bairnsdale takes on its neighbouring rival Maffra in atwilight schedule, while the annual Round1Traralgon vLeongatha battle is again set to start the season.

Next year’s draw has produced anumberof featurerounds, which willinclude awarenessraisingfor mental health and domestic violenceagainstwomen. These rounds are yet to be scheduled.

ANZAC in Round 3isthe earliestscheduled feature round, where Traralgon and Morwell will play under the Saturday night lights at Traralgon Showgrounds.

Also in Round3,Sale will hostMaffra in the Battle of theBirds, while Bairnsdale vDrouin will be afeature clash in East Gippsland due to asplit round in thelocal league on that weekend.

One of the great traditions is Rivalry Round and next year,this willfeature duringthe July school holidays in Round 12.

In asalivatingschedule of gamesfor football and netball fans, Wonthaggi Power hosts SouthGippsland counterparts Leongatha, Bairnsdale features against Sale in Sunday afternoonaction, with the Western derby also afeature on the Sunday.

Valley rivals Morwell and Moe play at Morwell, while Traralgontakes on Maffra at home.

The Grand Final rematches in the premier grades are scheduled for Round 4, with Senior premiers Leongatha hosting Sale, while Morwell AGrade will play its Grand Final rematchinthe traditional scheduled game against Leongatha in Round 6onthe lead-in to Mother’s Day, which the clubs use to promote Pink Ribbon Day.

NETBALL

COMMUNITYnetballisthriving, with participation levels exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to AusPlay data.

Recent data released by the Australian Sports Commission and collected between July2021and June2022 reveals 964,100 peopleplayingnetball

The figure is an increase from the past two-yearly data collection points, when Australian sport and participation was significantlyaffected by the global coronavirus pandemic.

The data collected in FY19-20 and FY20-21 shows 934,900and 875,400 people playingnetball respectively.

Internal registration datafrom Netball Australia shows anine per cent increase in registrations for junior and senior competitions in 2022 compared to 2019.

It marks the highest registration data reported by Netball Australia since AusPlay records began in 2015

These latestparticipation figures show the strength and passion of the grassroots and community netball network.

AusPlay dataalsorevealsnetball has kept its

place as the most popular team sport for women and girls, with atotal of 838,478 women and girls participating, 397,385 more participants than the next sport.

Netball ranks fourth overall for team sports.

NetballAustraliachief executive, KellyRyan, said netball was defying participation trends.

“These numbers are acredit to our member organisations, netballclubs, associations and volunteers,” Ryan said.

“Netball has long been known for its far reaching and passionate grassroots community, that is the heartbeat of our great game.

“Despite increasing economic considerations, the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic and other headwinds, these recent results show that netball continues to be one of Australia’s most loved sports.

“This year was history makingfor netball in Australia, when the Australian Men’s Team played against New Zealand and England for the first time. Seeing men play on the international stage will no doubt have apositive impact on men and boys’ participation moving forward.”

Ridge running

ATHLETICS PARKRUN

NINETEEN peopleparticipated in theGrand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun event held recently.

Darcy Linforth made aspeedyreturnto the event.

The run welcomed MarissaShields, who experienced her first parkrun.

It is also greattosee many faces returnand aim for personal best times.

It doesn’t matter if you run, walk or jog the course as the distance remains the same.

The Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun will be held on the December24and 31 this year, as well as aspecial event on New Years Day.

Register for abarcode online at www. parkrun.com.au, register and come and find out justhow enjoyablemovingfor 5kms at 8amcan be

Mirboo North Parkrun wishes to send abig thankyou to Chris Bickhoff, Lynne Bickhoff, Tim Buckley,JuliaGroves, Leon McDonald, Glenn Wearne, and Linda Zhang for their organising.

History: BBL team SydneyThunder recordthe lowest-evertotal in aprofessionalmen’s T20 match.The Thunder were bowled out for15byAdelaide Strikers, captainedbyformer Latrobe playerPeter Siddle. photograph contributed

Going great guns: Communitynetballnumbersare strong,accordingtonew data. Pictured is Mirboo North AGrade captain Emily Taylor during this year’s Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League Grand Final. photograph liam durkin

Around the grounds Latrobe Valley vs Sale-Maffra

Lastround before Christmasbreak

BOWLS MIDWEEK PENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

MIDWEEK Bowls continued with on Tuesday with Round 8- the last round prior to the Christmas break.

DIVISION 1

NEWBOROUGH travelled to Trafalgarand the home club had asolid victory with Heather Taylor and her rink of Pat Tatterson, Peter Watson and Tim Anderson defeating Joan Goldie and her rink of Bob Goldie, Jeff Wetzeland JulieJackson 28-15.

HelenRobertson and her rink of Col Carmichael, Carolyn Fox and Ken Capper had a26-13 win over Jo-Anne Michaels and her rink of Phil Marston, Mary Whelan and Ryan Marston.

Heather Mooneyand herrink of Peter Policha, Fran Clarkand Rod Lewis salvaged two points for the visitors with a24-16 win overSue Robinson andher rink of Frank Farrugia, Shirley Melsen and Paul Dawson.



TRAFALGAR 14-70 DEFEATED NEWBOROUGH 2-52 MORWELL and Morwell Club played alocal derby at Morwell Club with the home club winning all rinks.

Beryl Noblett and her rink of Iyoko Yoshimura, Sue Karleusa and Roger Rejmer had a26-21 win over Kerry Wright andher rinkofBillTumney, Irene Biggs and Kevin Pigdon.

Jan Karleusa and her rink of Dashaa Martin, Gail Rejmer and Neil Whitelaw had a24-18 win over Rita Reddiex and her rink of Ross Harford, Shirley Skinnerand Russell Williams.

Tess Borg and her rink of Leanne Broadbent, Bernie Kirkup and Tara Harlehad a19-14win over Judy Tumney andher rink of Helen Cook, Bob Skinner and Keith Gadsby.



SCOREBOARD

GOLF

MIRBOONORTH GOLF CLUB

Thursday, December 15,Stableford

AGrade: JHughes (17) 40pts

BGrade: WRoberts (23) 37pts

DTL: GRenwick37, IBlencowe 36, JKus 35, N Rutledge 34

NTP: 4th NWhichello,16th OMaloney

Birdies: 4th NWhichello,6th PWoodall, 16th W Roberts

Eagles: TBradshaw11th

SaturdayDecember 17,Stableford

AGrade: MPayne (11) 37pts c/b

BGrade: JHemming (13) 38pts

CGrade: JAppleyard (24) 41pts

DTL: SMills 37,S McKenzie,NRutledge,N Bracecamp 36, RMatthews 35, ALiebe 34 c/b

NTP: 4th TBradshaw, 6th SBeitz, 13th SHill-Smith, 16th JHughes

Birdies: 4th DEvans,6th SBeitz, JMcFarlane,16th NBaker

YALLOURN NORTH GOLF CLUB

Tuesday, December 13,9 Hole Comp

Winner: B. Brown17pts Thursday, December 15,Stableford

Div 1: LCarter25pts

Div 2: SCaldow20pts

NTP: 3rdLCarter, 12th HWare

BGrade: MTaylor 43pts c/b

DTL: RBorg45, GGrant 43, GDonohue 43, H Fiddalaers41, JTabuteau 40, LSnowball 40, BAplin 40, MHiriart 40

NTP: 2nd HFiddalaers, 5th GHarris,11th J Tabuteau, 13th DSheehan, 15th MHiriart CHESS

MOSTtactics paid offfor MattBolding,withjust one loss onlyand finishing on levelterms with Ian Hamilton in the most recent Latrobe ValleyChess Association action.

Always in thecontest, PeterBakker wasforced to accept defeat in twobouts and concede the draw in another Next placed wasCliffThornton, who found the correct waytoforce twoimpressivewins Bob Cooper wason-song sometimes,but lost the fight when it matteredmost.

SteveAhernmissedtoo manychances

Forclubdetails of Christmas/NewYear break, phone CliffThornton on 0413330 458 or Ian Hamilton (5134 1971).

TENNIS

TRAFALGARGOLF

MORWELL CLUB 16-68 DEFEATED MORWELL 0-53

TRARALGONRSL hadaconvincing win against visitors Warragul winning all three rinks.

Marianne Hodson and her rink of Dianne White, Gordon Bayley and Dave Hodson had a17-12 win overGabrielle Draisma and herrinkofKerriCurrie, Jim Power and Margaret Ratcliffe.

Julie Sutcliffe and her rink of Margaret Morley, TitchHoreand Jeff Blythman had a25-21 win over Pat Hammond and her rink of JohnVickerman, Gaye Renn and Graeme Davis.

Margaret Gibbins and her rink of Max Gibbins, Shirley McKenzie and Ron Osler defeated Janette Gallasch and her rink of MattDraisma, Elsie Hefford and Peter Gallasch. 

TRARALGON RSL 16-66 DEFEATED WARRAGUL 0-46

DROUIN had abig winathome against Traralgon. Denise Hamilton and her rink of RonWestrup, Jan Aubrey and Dennis Throup had a25-23 win against Pat Trewin and her rink of Carolyn Roscholler, Garry Trewin and Vin McIlwain.

Maureen Leighton and herrinkofElaine Thorpe, John Leighton and Geoff Bailey had a19-16 win over Kathy Smiles and her rink of Chris Thomas, Ian Bloomfield and Rosie Lorenz.

Sheryl Atkinson and herrink of Maryand Les FirthtogetherwithMarkAtkinsonhad a18-15 win overPaddyFrancis and her rinkofDiRichards, Barry Fernance and Bill Francis. 

DROUIN 16-62 DEFEATED TRARALGON 0-54

DIVISION 2

WARRAGUL(2) welcomed Newborough (3) and the home team had agood winwithMargaret Keefe and her rink of AlisonMatthews, Brian Barby and Robert Renn having a39-10 win over Dianne Bertoli.

Gladys Atkinson defeated Joan Lee 21-16 and forthe visitors,Heather Disisto and her rink of Adrienne Birchall,Alan Luck andNatalieLambos defeated Glynis Mitchell 21-17. 

WARRAGUL (2) 14-77 DEFEATED

NEWBOROUGH (3) 2-47

NEWBOROUGH (2) had agood win at home to replace opponents Moe at the top of the ladder going in to the Christmas break. Bev Luck and her team of John Arnold, Denise

Ryan and Iain Preston had a24-11 win over Hilda Woods.

Ann-Mary Ryan had a20-17 win over Val Rodgers and for the visitors, Lorraine Horton and her rink of Stan Myers, Robyn Dodd and Steve Pallot had a22-14 win over Carmel Goss.



NEWBOROUGH (2) 14-58 DEFEATED MOE 2-50

TRARALGON(2) had agood win at home against Drouin (2) withLyn Moffat and her rink of Jim Overdyk, Janis and Bill Kirby having a33-9win over Mary Andrews andBarbara Scott defeated Irene Dawson 21-14.

For the visitors, LynJeffrey andher rink of Glenda James, Rudy Kerkvliet and David Tayles had a 18-16 win over May Cross.



TRARALGON (2) 14-70 DEFEATED DROUIN (2) 2-41

MORWELLClub (2) made the long trip to Neerim Districtand came home with the points as Betty Burridge and her rink of Steve Kilpatrick,Barry Flanigan and Joyce Hughes had a29-18 win over Cookie Halligan and Shirley Kolcze hada21-16 win over Karren Sheers.

Pat Fraser-Aurisch and herrinkofGraeme Wingrove, Bronwyn Throup and Dianne Tame had a21-17win over Sandy Sinnott to salvage two points for the home team.



MORWELL CLUB (2) 14-67 DEFEATED NEERIM DISTRICT 2-55

DIVISION 3

GARFIELD defeated visitors Morwell (3) with GwenFabris and her rink of StephenHyam, Gillian Harper and Gerald Wakefield defeating Palma McNeil 26-8, Maureen Lamport defeated Jenny Duncan 23-14 and for the visitors, Glenda Thompson had a20-12 win over Helene Newton.

 GARFIELD 14-61 DEFEATED MORWELL (3) 2-42

DROUIN (3) had all rinks up at home against Yarragon.

Dini Hoar and her rink of Lorraine Fox, Ian Haughton and NeilBullen had a33-11win over Margaret Arnold, Maria Wans won 28-14 against Kaye McLaren and Ethel Van Maanen won 29-9 over Marion Chetland.



DROUIN (3) 16-90 DEFEATED YARRAGON 0-34

YINNAR had all rinksupathome when they played Trafalgar (2).

MeredithKennon and her rink of Aga Kozlowska, Max Aumannand Tim Roche defeated Lyn Sephton 28-8, Hilarie Anstey defeatedMargaret Moss 29-11 and Jenni Harris defeated Joanna Reekie 29-11.



YINNAR 16-86 DEFEATED TRAFALGAR (2) 0-30

MORWELL (2) had agood win at home against Traralgon (3)with Rebecca Matheson and her rink of Marleen Monroe, John Kuhne and Colin Grant defeating Cheryl Reynolds 25-17 and Jan Moody defeating Lyn Bloomfield23-21 whilst for Traralgon (3), Joyce Hales defeated Letti Mizzi 20-18.

 MORWELL (2) 14-66 DEFEATED TRARALGON (3) 2-58

DIVISION 4

CHURCHILL 10-56 defeated Morwell Club (3) 0-21; Moe (2)8-53 defeated Warragul (3) 2-31; Trafalgar (3)10-55defeated Drouin (4) 0-15; Newborough(4) 8-40 defeated Traralgon (4) 2-30;Yallourn North 10-49 defeated TraralgonRSL (2) 0-22; Yinnar (2) 8-40 defeated Moe (3) 2-39.

Backbending: Latrobe Valley’sJackson Noonanbowling to SteveSpoljaric. Adrian Burgiel backing up

Repping: English importKianFarnworth in action forLatrobe Valley.

Mona: Josh Monacella eyesthe ballfor Latrobe Valley’s representativeside in the recent match againstSale-Maffra. photographs tomparry

Moe secures muchneededvictory

BOWLS SATURDAYPENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

AFTER plenty of rain during the week, it was great to have afine day for the last roundofbowls prior to the Christmas break.

DIVISION 1

TRARALGON RSL travelled to Drouin and found the conditionsnot to their liking as the home team won all four rinks with Toby Wallace and his rink of Peter Wallace, Steve Barr and Mick Fleming defeating DaveHodson and his rink of Eric Warfe, Ross McKenzie and Kevin Durwood 34-19.

Sheryl Atkinson and her rink of Maureen Leighton, Jan Aubrey and Les Firth had a30-11 win over Alan Kanavan and his rink of Titch Hore, Brian Wilkinson and Dave Morley.

Mark Leighton and his rink of Bruce Andrews, John Leighton and Geoff Bailey had a16-14 victory over Beau Williamson and his rink of Gordon Bayley,Dick Glossopand Terry Hunter.

To complete the clean sweep, SamanthaAtkinson and her rink of David McIlfatrick, Rudy Kerkvliet and Mark Atkinson had aresounding 33-9 win over Ross Sizeland and his rink of Daniel Earl, Garry Trewin and John Taylor.

 DROUIN 18-113 DEFEATED

TRARALGON RSL 0-53

TRARALGONtravelled to Warragul and for the visitors, Vin McIlwain and his rink of Kirsty Van den Hoff, Chris Ward and Matt Eccles had a21-15 win over David Smith and his rink of John Vickerman, Graeme Davis and Robert Renn.

Mick Coram and his rink of Angela Hackett, Ian Kirkupand Shane O’Loughlin had a16-14 win overJim Power and his rink of Russell Carrick, Bruce Thompson and David Ferguson.

Jim Scullin and his rink of Nick Turnbull, Pat Trewin and Brenton Hackett had a26-12 win over Andrew Glover and his rink of Matt Draisma together withPeter and Janette Gallasch.

The home team salvagedapoint when Bill Clappers and his rink of Terry Sullivan,David Alderman and PaulSimmons drew17-17 with Matt Ferrariand his rink of Ian Hilsley, Kevin Enguell and Michael Yacoub.



TRARALGON 17-80DEFEATED WARRAGUL 1-58

NEWBOROUGH welcomedthe improving Morwell side and after an early battle, drew away to have agood win.

For the home teamAlanGrubband his rink of Barry Daley, Rod Lewis and Neale Houstonhad a25-6 win overRon Lyfield and his rink of Ross Harford, Brian Kingsley and Chris Goldsbrough.

Ryan Marston and his rink of Tony Knipping, Josh Kennedy and Paul Shermanhad a21-12 win over Ernie King and his team of Danny McKeown, Mike Arnold andDarren Cullen.

Kevin Lovett and his rink of Brian Carpenter,Jo-Anne Michaelsand George Lambos had a20-18 win over David Cook and his rinkofJodie Ashby, Kevin Pigdon and Keith Gadsby.

Nathan Cook and his rink of Russell Williams, Sarah Ashby and Laurie Melhuish had a20-18 win against Scott Jones and his rink of Dave Wurlod, MichaelWeatherall and John Backman.



NEWBOROUGH 16-84 DEFEATED MORWELL 2-56

MOEhad amuch needed win at home against Trafalgar.

Sandy Caines led the wayfor Moe with his rink of Bob Rennie, Les Stolarik and Ted Kuklinskywinning27-11 against Tim Fraser and his rink of Daryl Horner, Helen Robertson and Ken Capper.

StevePallot and his rink of Stan Myers, Ian Caines and Banger Harvey won 20-18 over Darren Kane and his rink of Heather Taylor, Danny Bryant and Paul Dawson.

JaydeLeech and his rink of Barry Hawkett Stuart Caines and Jan Rudy had a18-17 win over Matt Schreyer and his rink of ColCarmichael,Wayne Hurst and Wayne Arnold.

The visitors came away with two points when Ian Miles and his rink of

DIVISION 2

IT was aday of big wins, Newborough (2) travelled to Traralgon (2) and came home empty-handed, as the home team rink of Cary Locke and his team of Jedd Ladgrove, Al Hegarty and Trevor James won 28-7 over Spencer Goss.

Dave Currie and hisrinkofTom Irvine, Ken Mooney and Kathy Smiles defeated Joan Goldie 25-14.

Abe Roederand his rinkofChris Thomas, Rosie Lorenz and Bill Francis defeated Robbert Cook 21-14 and to complete the sweep, Ron Sherlock and hisrink of Matt Ogilvie, Ian Bloomfield andMaurie Sutcliffe defeated Graham Cocks 34-17.



TRARALGON (2) 18-108 DEFEATED NEWBOROUGH (2) 0-52

LONGWARRY returnedtoformat home against Drouin (2) with Russell White and his rink of ElioMegetto, John Majkut and Barry White defeating Arthur Moore 25-14, also Ken White and hisrink of GlennPask, Ian Peterson and John McCarthy defeated Brian Thorpe 38-10.

Ken Towt and his rink of Jason Lieshout, Robert Proctor and Trevor Kitchin defeated DavidTayles 25-13 and to complete the clean sweep, Adam Proctor and his rink of Mark Serong, Col Fingerand Hank Metselaar defeated Dale Hendrick 22-16.



LONGWARRY18-110 DEFEATED DROUIN (2) 0-53

MORWELL Club(2) travelledto Traralgon RSL (2)and came home with awin, with Brett Harle and his rink of Dashaa Martin, Mil Karleusa and Lee McKenzie defeating Chris Mackintosh 22-17, Tara Harle and her rink of Michael Skinner, David Patience and Roger Rejmer had a34-16win over Jeff Blytheman.

NeilWhitelaw and his rink of Les Brown, David Broadbent and David Stevens won 29-14 over Max Gibbins.

The home team salvagedtwo points withGordon Bakker and his rinkof

Margaret

 MORWELL CLUB 16-99 DEFEATED TRARALGON RSL (2) 2-69

NEERIMDistrict welcomed Thorpdale andthe home team won all rinks, with Neil Adams and his rink of Colin McKay, GraemeWingrove and Angus McGillivray defeating DannyVanzuylen 21-20.

Shane Hogan and his rink of Russell Meehan, Ross Pollard and Ray Watts won 19-16 over Dwayne Gunn.

Peter Throup and his rink of Karren Sheers, RayThroup andPat FraserAurisch had a26-7win over Brendan Jennings.

Peter Brooks and his rink of Chris Hogan, Robert Cook and Trevor Kuhnell won 24-23 against Ben Powell. 

NEERIM DISTRICT 18-90 DEFEATED THORPDALE 0-66

DIVISION 3

BOOLARRA won all rinks against Yinnar withDavid Caldwelland hisrink of Peter Mazou, Pam Allen and Gaeme Colbert defeated Luka Djudurovic 21-13 and Steven Davey defeated Gavin Osborne 15-12.

Terry Parker defeated Murray De La Haye 18-14 and Travis Baker defeated Tim Roche 17-15.



BOOLARRA18-71 DEFEATED YINNAR 0-54

NEWBOROUGH (3) had agood win againstMoe (2) with Alan Luck and his team of PeterBertoli,Bev Luck and Heather Mooneydefeating Lorraine Horton 30-10.

Peter Polichadefeated John Woods 23-12 andRod Dixon defeated Paul Read 23-15.

Moe (2) had awinner in Bob Essler who defeated Jim Cuthbertson 20-12.  NEWBOROUGH (3) 16-88

DEFEATED MOE (2)2-57

GARFIELD won aclose game against Traralgon (3) to remain unbeaten with SteveWhyteand his rink of Alan Wilson, Alan White and Gary Helmore defeating Brendon Smiles 28-15 and Nick Henwood defeated Gordon Slimmon 19-18.

Traralgon (2) was well served by Graham Cross who defeated Shane

Oliver

GARFIELD 14-83 DEFEATED TRARALGON (3) 4-77

MORWELL (2) defeatedWarragul (2) with KenTurner and his rink of Bill Tumney, DarrellWhite and John Bradbury defeating Linda McCoy 24-11 and Bob Skinner defeated David Gatewood 24-17.

For Warragul (2) Noel Rubenstein defeatedPeter Borrodale 22-8 whist Bob Currie drew withGerry Van Duin17-17  MORWELL (2) 15-73 DEFEATED WARRAGUL (2) 3-62

DIVISION 4

TRARALGON(4) had astrong win overNewborough (4) with Bill Bishop and his rink of Jenni Pierce, Ross Smith and Bill Justin defeating Ken Bechaz 26-13,Stuart Hulse defeated Michael Holroyd 18-17, Norvert Schroeder 24-18 defeated Maurie Ludlow 19-17 and to complete the cleansweep,Col Mayman defeated Joan Lee 25-17. 

TRARALGON (4) 18-93 DEFEATED NEWBOROUGH (4) 0-65

TRAFALGAR (2) welcomed Churchill and had agood win with Mal Clymoand his rink of Shirley Melsen, Alex Brodie and Peter Watson defeating Craig Flanigan 28-11, Bruce Giles defeated Cathleen Dodds 18-17.

For Churchill, Bill Brown defeated Frank Farrugia 18-17 and Chris Thomas defeated Anthony Mitchinson 20-18.



TRAFALGAR (2) 14-81 DEFEATED CHURCHILL 4-66

MORWELL (3) travelled to Yallourn North and the home team had Darren Fry and his rink of Shane Dobson, Jake Fry and CraigSpeake defeat Trevor Curtis 24-10, Ricky Hearn defeated Rita Reddiex 18-12 and Rob Matthews defeated Graham Hutchinson 23-14.

For the visitors, Bob D’Brass defeated Gary Ingley 28-11.



YALLOURN NORTH 16-82

DEFEATED MORWELL (3) 2-64

YARRAGONwelcomed Warragul (3) and won all rinks.

Jason Roberts and his team of Gordon Wright, DavidSwingler and Murray Grigg defeated Roy Hammond 39-7.

Richard Polmear defeated Michael Cousens25-13, Jarrod Grigg defeated

Lester



YARRAGON 18-132 DEFEATED WARRAGUL (3) 0-43

DIVISION

5

LONGWARRY (2) 12-57 defeated visitors Traralgon RSL (3) 4-55 by two shots, with only one rink up.

Gerard Mitchell and his rink of Colleen Butterworth, Sharon Twite and Debbie Parker won 25-14 and for Traralgon RSL (3), Frank Metcalf won 21-13 and John Farquhar won 20-19.

 GARFIELD (2) 16-75 DEFEATED MOE (3) 0-38 WITH ALL RINKS UP

Damien Brick and his rink of Lois King, Shirley Corcoran and Brian Fox won 29-11, GordonMoxey won 28-11 and Gwen Fabris won 18-16.

DROUIN (3) 14-62defeated Morwell (4) 2-58 withNecip Akarsu and hisrink of David Mowat, Neil Bullen and Lyn Jeffreywinning24-17 and Ethel Van Maanen winning 19-15.

For Morwell (4), Bob Lorenzwon 26-19.

TRAFALGAR (3) 16-80 defeated Neerim District(2) 0-39, Paul Gridley and his rinkofSeanTatterson,Robert Connell and Sue Robinson won 34-9, Bill Lithgow won 19-14 and Billy Nisbet won 27-16.

MORWELL Club (2)14-82 defeated Traralgon(5) 2-39with Beryl Noblett and her rink of Leanne Broadbent, Jody Capp and Geoff Unwin winning 34-9. Gail Rejmerand her rink of Mick Reynolds,Duncan Hanlon and Jo Leslie won 34-8 whilst for Traralgon (5), Jim Goodwin won 22-19.

DIVISION 6

DROUIN (4) 10-67 defeated Boolarra (2) 0-21; Yallourn North (2)10-69 defeated Traralgon (6) 0-21; Morwell Club (3) 10-45 defeated Thorpdale 0-34; Neerim District(3) 10-53 defeated YinnarChurchill 0-31;Trafalgar (4)10-16 defeated Newborough (4) 0-0; Yallourn North (3) 10-16defeated TraralgonRSL (4) 0-0.

Bernie Detering, Chris Bortignonand Tim Anderson had a22-21 win over Michael Smogavec and his team of Jan Parniak, Val and Brian Rodgers.

MOE16-86 DEFEATED TRAFALGAR 2-68

Gibbins, Joe Ward and Alan Jones defeating Glenn Trembath.

21-17 and May Cross defeated Tom Cleary 23-19.

Mason 33-9 and Sam Mazza defeated Brian Kennedy 35-14.

To the victor go the spoils: Traralgon’s Matt Ogilvie enjoyedsuccess in Saturday Pennantatthe weekend.

file photograph

Local players ranked among greats

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

‘BEST OF’ lists are always guaranteed to get some discussion going.

Anumberoflocal cricketers were recently featured in atop 200 list in the Herald Sun.

The list sought to name the top 200 country playersinVictoria since the turn of the millennium.

Gippsland has aproud history of producing elite cricketers, and among those at the top of the list were Morwell’s Peter Siddle, Bairnsdale’s Cameron White, Wonthaggi’s Ian Harvey and Sale’s Travis Birt.

All four played for Australia in either Test, One Day or Twenty20 format.

Siddle cameinatnumbertwo on the list, behind currentAustraliaTwenty20 captain Aaron Finch (from Colac).

Siddle, who grew up playing for Latrobe Cricket Club, took more than 200 wickets at Test level in acareer spanning 67 matches from 2008 to 2019.

He famously took ahat-trick on his birthday during the 2010/11 Ashes -still the last taken by an Australian at Test level.

Where were you when that happened?

Siddle is stillplaying domesticcricket, currently with Tasmania and the Adelaide Strikers.

White made ahandfulofappearances at Test level in the late 2010s, but made his mark in the one-day format, playing 91 games.

Aleg-spinner, he was perhaps (unfairly) seen as asuccessor to Shane Warne when he first came on the scene, before developing into an enterprising one-day batsman.

Harvey was born in Wonthaggi and played 73 one dayers for Australia in the late 90s to early 2000s.

Although he never quite fulfilled his potential with bat or ball, (no half-centuries or ‘five-fas’ in his one day career), he was dubbed ‘The Freak’ for his brilliance in the field.

Birt appeared in afew Twenty20 Internationals from 2010 to 2012 for Australia.

The hard-hittinglefthander earnedareputation for brutal strokeplayduring his career with

Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes, maintaining an incredible strike rate of 129 in first-class Twenty20s.

He suitedupfor Bundalaguahinseason 2017/18, playing aone-off game in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association.

Closer to home, Yinnar all-rounderBrad Knowles played first class cricket for Victoria and Western Australia, before tearing up the clubscene at Raiders for the best part of the last decade.

There is agreat photo of Knowles with alook of bemusement on his face after bowling to ayoung Steve Smith in adomestic one dayer.

Whowas to think someone with such aquirky technique would go on to average 60 with the bat at Test level?

Thosethat have remainedonthe local scene also found their way onto the list.

Among those who have played in the Traralgon District Cricket Association and Central Gippsland Cricket Association/Latrobe ValleyDistrict Cricket League judged in the top 200 were:

Local players in top200

•Davin Charleston (Morwell, CATS,Rovers)

• Andrew Philip (Moe)

• RobPhoenix (Moe,Mirboo North)

• Kaushik Aphale (Latrobe)

• Adrian Burgiel (Gormandale)

Lee Stockdale (Ex Students)

Nat Campbell (Imperials, Gormandale)

Kent Hammond (Gormandale)

Alastair Jenkin (Glengarry)

TomShipper (Toongabbie)

Andrew Matthews (Ex Students)

Top10

Aaron Finch(Colac)

PeterSiddle(Morwell)

Cameron White(Bairnsdale)

Ian Harvey(Wonthaggi)

Andrew McDonald (Wondonga)

Shane Harwood (Ballarat)

BryceMcGain (Mornington)

Murphy(Echuca)

Birt (Sale)

(Ballarat)

Goannas go down against verystrongvetsside

SCOREBOARD

VETERANS CRICKET -OVER 50

South East Vets Innings

AJones bBloomfield 6

MCurtain c&b Rogers. 32

JHammond cRankin bJones 19

AWyver retired 40 RPike. LBWbRogers. 12 ASharpe. retired 41 DWright. not out 30 RSaniga. not out 15 Extras .................(nb 1, w1,b5,lb4). ...........11

Overs. 36.0

Total. 4/206

Gippsland Goannas bowling: ABloomfield 6-2-1-18, RJones 6-1-1-17, MMoore6-0-0-34, SRogers6-0-2-24, GWells 1-0-0-18, GRankin 6-0-0-40, BMcDonald 4-0-0-37,B Armstrong 1-0-0-9

Gippsland Goannas Innings

BMcDonald cHammond bWyver 27

ABloomfield bWyver 0 GRankin lbw bWyver 11 RJones bSaniga. 0 SRogers. bWyver 22

GWells cSanigabRando 15 CAnders. cSharpe bWright. 4 AParker. lbw bJones 7 MMoore. bWright. 0

BArmstrong not out 0

JArmstrong not out 0 Extras .................(nb 1, w5,b1,lb2)................ 9 Overs. 36.0 Total. 9/95

South East Vets Bowling: DFernandez 5-0-0-17, AWyver 5-0-4-22, RSaniga5-1-1-7,A Wilkes 4-0-0-17, RBell 5-3-0-4, S Rando 5-1-1-6, ASharpe 2-2-0-0, DWright 2-1-2-3, JHammond 1-0-0-8, RPike1-0-0-8, AJones 1-1-1-0

CRICKET VETERANS

BY ANTHONY BLOOMFIELD

THE GippslandGoannas Over 50s managed to put together asidethat saw regular players join forces withanumberofthe Goannas over 60s players, making sure that aplaying group of 11 made the trip to the fantastic Caulfield Cricket Club to take on last season’sSaxon Shield Premiers -South East Vets on Sunday.

The group were able to stretch afew muscles upon departing the bus and complete awarm up while the crowd watched the completion of ajunior game, scheduled as the support act to the main event.

There were somerumblingsamong the group that the need to complete awarm up may have actuallybeen counterproductive and ultimately wore out anumberofthe Goannas key playmakers, subsequently effecting their performance or potentially leading to anumberofinjuries sustained throughout the day.

Goannas skipper Graeme Rankinset the tone for the day,losing the toss and being asked to have abowl. The Goannas took the field with 10 as they waited on the late arrival of key player Steve Rogers.

The early overs proved to be quite productive as the author and Rodney Jones had some early success, dismissing Alan Jones and John Hammond.

The Goannas were close to losing Bill Armstrong earlywhenhefielded one at square leg and momentum took him forward in an uncontrollable manner; crisis averted however when the keeper in Chris Anders caught him to slow the momentum and save the day.

Unfortunately for Bill, who was playing his first game for around 30 seasons, he did subsequently

sustain ahamstring injury acouple of overs later, limiting his impact on the game.

Rogers, upon his arrival, was introduced into the attack and had immediate success, finishing with 2/24 from his six overs to be the pick of the bowlers, including aripping one-handed caught and bowled, and the key wicket of Victorian gun batsman Rohan Pike.

From there on it was atough day at the office for the Goannas,asthe star-studded South East Vets side caressed theball to all parts of the ground.

The South East Vets were well servedbyMatthew Curtain at the top of the order who made awell compiled 32, Andrew Wyver retiredfor apatient 40, AndrewSharp feasted on the bowlingbefore retiring on 41 in quickfashion, takingaparticular liking to the bowling of Geoff Wells, who was restricted by his fitness levels andinability to stretch out after straining ahamstring early into the match.

While David Wright’s 30 not out and Richard Saniga’s 15 not out finishedoff the innings to complete their 36 overs with the score at 4/206.

Fortunately for the Goannas, Wells’ hamstring strain restricted him to just one over, which went for 18; had he bowled afew more the Goanna’s could well have been chasing close to 300.

As always,Jones covered plenty of ground in the field, Anders did agood job behind the stumps only missing the one stumping, Murray Moore was exceptional and without ablemish as the ball followed him all dayputting on ashow for our scorer -Deidre.

Bradley McDonald hasobviously donesome work to improve his fielding since his recent trip to Adelaide; his fielding on that tour left afair bit to be desired.

The Goannas turn to bat and things got off to a pretty ordinarystart when Bloomfieldcouldn’t lay

bat on astraightone and then had the long walk back to the sheds for agolden duck, much to the delightofsome of his recent Victorian team mates whoweretoday in opposition.

Anotherofthe golden boys who failed to fire ashot with the bat was Jones.Maybethesetwo should stick to bowling.

McDonald did everything that he could to keep the Goannas in the game with asolid 27, Steve Rogers washitting them well, scoring 22 before getting adelivery that rolled and was unplayable.

Wells made amiraculous recovery to take the field with the batand hobblehis wayfrom end to end, finishing with 15, while newcomer Andy Parker hit up seven before succumbing to LBW.

Wyver was the pick of the bowlers for South East Vets, finishing with 4/22, while Wright picked up 2/3 and the remaining wickets were shared around in an even team display, which was highlightedby some pretty smooth fielding efforts.

The highlight of the day for the Goannas was brothers Bill and Jim Armstrong playing their first game of cricket together, Jim coming in from the over 60s side and Bill dusting off his bat, which had not seen the light of day since he last played back in 1991.

The contribution by these two gentlemen, Moore and Parker, ensured thatwewere able to get ateam onto the park -acredit to each of them.

The Goannas now take abreak over Christmas and will no doubt be putting in some intense training sessionsahead of their next hit out on January 15, wherethey travel to Jubilee Park to take on the newly formed Mornington Peninsula side.

Assassinwith the seam: Brad Knowlescame in at 13 on thelist of top200 countrycricketers to come out of Victoriaina recent list compiled by theHeraldSun. file photograph

Wins with an added bonus

CRICKET LVDCL

BY LIAM DURKIN

ONLY on the calendar does it say it is summer. Mild weather again greeted played across the Latrobe ValleyDistrict CricketLeague at the weekend, as the last round before the Christmas break was staged.

At least half the competition’s AGrade sides received an early Christmas present in the form of wins, many with abonus point.

Playerswillnow take atwo-weeksabbatical before moving into two dayers on the return. See you at the Boxing Day Test, or the Royal, whichever comes first.

MORWELL defeated Willow Grove.

The Tigers decided to bowl first at Keegan Street, and dismissed the Wolves for 108.

Peter Grima showed some fight, scoring 28, but was bereft of support, as batsman three to five all made ducks.

Travis Pickering snared3/28, working in tandem with Brendan Brincat (2/5) and Ross Whelpdale (2/10).

The Tigers took just over an hour batting to complete the chase, getting there in the 21st over.

Blair Clymo made it back-to-back 40s with46, while Lachie Day got some valuable time out in the middle, scoring an unbeaten 32.

CHURCHILL’S up-and-down form continued.

The Cobras, fresh off astrong win against Morwell, lost by six wickets to Mirboo North.

Churchill could only muster up 118 batting first at George Cain Oval,ofwhich John Keighran made arun-a-ball 35.

Jed Alexander was miserly, taking 3/15 off nine overs. Max Woodall also chimed in with 2/25.

The Tigers got home thanks to runs from openers Brett Pedlow (34) and Alexander (30).

CENTRALS just keep winning.

The Lions latest victim would have made agood documentaryifitwas set in the jungle -asthey defeated the Lions of Moe.

Back at Apex Park, the home side shot Moe out for just 69.

Corey Pollard had the ball on astring, and ended with 6/26 from 10 overs.

English spinner Joe Stewarttook 2/10, before Centrals broughtupvictoryinthe 32nd over for theloss of only three wickets, netting themselves abonus point in the process.

LATROBE destroyed Traralgon West.

The Sharks defended 6/159 at Jack Canavan Oval with ease, dismissing their opponents for 70.

An old-school Latrobe scorecard featured,with everyplayer getting astart,and two making 30s in the form of Lachlan Dobson (36) and Steven Freshwater (30).

Ben Edebohls made some inroads for the Eagles, taking 2/31.

TheTraralgon West innings never materialised, andthe gamewas as good as gonewhenthey sank to 5/29

As we said last week -Tyron Gamage can bowl acricket ball.

He took 5/18 in this game -and all five were in the top order.

Sharks skipper Benn Zomer joined the onslaught, taking 3/14.

RAIDERS won with abonus point.

Playing at home, Raiders decidedtobowlfirst after winning the toss.

They managed to skittle Jeeralang-Boolarra for 137, but not before Nila Thillekarathna made 43.

Harry McColl just keeps getting wickets.

On the weekend he took 4/36.

His captain Liam Maynard took 2/22.

Maynard then top-scored with 42 not out to see his side over the line. Shankajaya De Silva nabbed 2/35 for the Panthers.

TRAFALGAR also collected abonus point.

The Ships defeated CATS by eight wickets, in a match that became a‘let’s get this over with’ affair. Playing at Moe Racecourse, CATS actually travelled further to play ahome game than their opponents.

The home side batted first, but could only manage 71, as Trafalgar’s bowlers all came to the party.

Shipscaptain Aydan Connolly producedthe ball of the season, possiblyseasons, when he bowled opposite number Josh Keyhoe with one that pitched well outsideoff stump and clipped the top of the bail.

Stunned silence and an apology from the bowler followed such was the extraordinary happening. Keyhoe meanwhile could have been forgiven for thinking his dismissal was due to nothingmore than sheermisfortune. He may never get aball that good ever again.

Trafalgar continued to take wickets, or at least bowled balls good enough to. Daniel Heathcote had every right to have ameltdown after literally 20 balls went past the outside edge.

Heathcote returned figures of 1/11 off 10 overs, while Jackson Noonan took 2/21 with the new ball. Zack Brown’s hamstring made amiraculous recovery after he grabbedanearlywicket,finishing with 3/23.

Connolly mopped up, playing the role of vulture to perfection in his 3/16.

With not many to get, and with Trafalgar scorer Lindsay George threatening not to return in 2023 if the Ships lost, the visitors were in abit of trouble at 2/11, but from there, were able to get to the target comfortably.

Connolly played well for an unbeaten 40, partnering with Liam White in a64-run stand.

Trafalgar goes intothe break with two consecutive wins, while CATS will returninthe New Year hoping to get back on theirhome groundfor the first time this season.

Must be hard playing away every week.

Pride does well in Albury

CRICKET GIPPSLAND PRIDE BY LIAM DURKIN

GIPPSLAND Pride performedvery strongly in this season’s Under 16 male Youth Premier League.

Gippsland finished second in the StarsPool, before making their way to Albury where they ended the carnival in second position.

Raiderswicket-keeperBen Burrows represented the Valley, as did Keegan Friedlander, who plays junior cricket for Trafalgar.

ELSEWHERE, anumber of locals played for Gippsland Under 21s against Barwon on December 11.

Making the trip to Merv Hughes Oval, (Footscray) was Rovers’ Ewan Williams, who also captained the side.

Joining him was Aydan Connolly (Trafalgar) and Kelly Griffiths (Yaram).

Griffiths opened the bowlingand took a wicket, while Connolly scored 27 opening the batting in Pride’s loss.

Matt Garland (Yarram) played for the Under 18 Pride team, who also lost to Barwon.

THERE was one match playedinthe Gippsland Cricket League on Sunday.

Latrobe Valleytook on Bairnsdale in Junior Country Week Under 15s at Jack Canavan (Traralgon West).

Bairnsdale proved too strong, winning by 33 runs.

Brody Stevenson and Jacob Dunn experienced some joy with the ball for Latrobe Valley, taking 2/19 and 2/21 respectively.

Stevenson was the leading scorer as well, making 54,receiving good support from James Pace with 25.

LATROBE VALLEY DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE SCOREBOARD

PREMIERB GRADE- ROUND 11

AGRADE -ROUND 11

Willow Grove Innings

JHammond bPickering ....................................10

KMulley. bBrincat .........................................1

NWheildon cDouglas bPickering ....................0

JCoombs cDouglas bBrincat ........................0

SDawson lbw bPickering ...............................0

PGrima cHarveyb Cukier ........................28

AJames st Douglas bWhelpdale ...............11

DThompson cBrincat bHarvey.......................13

LCumiskey bWhelpdale ...................................1

BSword not out ..........................................17

DWalsh runout (Douglas)........................... 0

Extras (nb 0, w21, b1,lb5)...................27

Overs. 45.0

Total. 108

Morwell Bowling: TPickering 10-2-28-3, BBrincat 4.4-3-5-2, BClymo 0.2-0-4-0, GHarvey7-2-17-1, CSeymour 6-0-25-0, RWhelpdale 10-4-10-2, MCukier 7-2-13-1

Morwell Innings

MCukier cWalsh bCumiskey 2

LDay not out 32

BClymo cCumiskey bGrima 46

KFortuin bJames 11 BMills not out 4

Extras (nb 3, w10, b0,lb1). 14 Overs. 20.5

Total. 3/109

WillowGrove Bowling: LCumiskey 5-0-25-1, NWheildon 5-0-20-0, D Thompson 2-0-19-0, PGrima 4-3-3-1, DWalsh 3-0-20-0, SDawson 1-0-11-0, AJames 0.5-0-10-1

CATS Innings

JCochrane bBrown 15

DKeyhoe lbw bNoonan 2

SGissara. cHoldsworthbNoonan 2

JKeyhoe bConnolly. 14

TBrown cHoldsworthbBrown 3

CStewart. lbw bBrown 0

NHarrup not out 15

JMoore cParnall bHeathcote. 7

JMotta cR WhitebConnolly. 4

VPenrose cR WhitebConnolly. 0

CMcDonald bMcLeod-Agland 0

Extras (nb 1, w8,b0,lb0). 9 Overs. 40.4

Total. 71

TrafalgarBowling: JNoonan 10-3-21-2, ZBrown 10-4-23-3, DHeathcote 10-4-11-1, AConnolly10-2-16-3, OMcLeod-Agland 0.4-0-0-1

TrafalgarInnings

AGeorge lbw bStewart. 9

LWhite. not out 19

RHoldsworth. cStewartbMotta 0

AConnolly. not out 40 Extras (nb 0, w5,b0,lb2). 7

Overs. 29.3

Total. 2/75

CATS Bowling: CStewart8-4-8-1, JMotta 4-0-15-1, TBrown 1-0-4-0, JMoore 5-1-10-0, VPenrose 2-0-7-0, JKeyhoe1-0-4-0, SGissara 4-1-6-0, CMcDonald 3-011-0, DKeyhoe1.3-0-8-0

Moe Innings

RBaldi. cGrayb Webber 9 NKane cStuartbHourigan 0 APhilip cHenrybPollard. 13 SSpiteri. bStuart. 7 RPhoenix cGraybPollard. 0 ASavige. lbw bStuart. 9 CGrant cHouriganbPollard. 18 RColgrave cGraybPollard. 0 JShields bPollard. 4 RBlunt bPollard. 0 BWilson not out 0 Extras (nb 0, w6,b 3, lb 0) 9 Overs. 30.0

Total. 69

Centrals Bowling: RWebber 8-0-19-1, THourigan 5-2-11-1, CPollard 10-4-26-6, JStuart7-1-10-2

Centrals Innings

WHenry. cKaneb Wilson 19 RWebber. lbw bBlunt 8 SGray. not out 17 THourigan cGrant bShields 9 EFoley not out 3 Extras (nb 0, w13, b0,lb1). 14 Overs ...................................................................31.5 Total. 3/70

Moe Bowling: RBlunt 6-1-9-1, RPhoenix 3-1-13-0, RColgrave 3-2-3-0, JShields3-0-9-1, CGrant 6-3-6-0, ASavige5-1-9-0, SSpiter 3.5-1-13-0, BWilson 2-0-7-1

Jeeralang-BoolarraInnings

BMcCormack. cMaynardbMcColl 0

ARanthilakage cBurcombe bChesire. 23

KRanthilakage cHutchinson bMaynard. 19

NThillekarathna cBurrowsb McColl 43

BHeath runout (Maynard) 0 GSmith cBurrowsb McColl 0 LSmith bMaynard. 16

LSamaraweera.cChesirebMcColl 7

HHewawasam cHiggins bStanlake. 9 SDeSilva not out 3

AOvitigala cBurcombe bHiggins 1 Extras (nb 0,w 15,b 2, lb 0) 17

Overs 49.2

Total. 137

RaidersBowling:M Perera 0.5-0-1-0, ABurcombe 3-0-19-0, HMcColl 10-2-36-4, CStanlake1.1-0-2-1, LMaynard10-2-22-2, GChesire 10-6-7-1, MHiggins 8.2-0-29-1, BMacFarlane 6-1-19-0

Raiders Innings

GChesire. cKRanthilakage bHeath 21 CMills cKRanthilakage bDeSilva 12 MHiggins lbw bSamaraweera. 21

LMaynard. not out 42

ABurcombe lbw bSamaraweera. 8 BMacFarlane not out 5 Extras (nb 3,w 22, b1,lb4). 30

Overs. 33.3

Total. 4/139

Jeeralang-BoolarraBowling:B Heath 7-2-25-1, LSmith 4-0-17-0, A Ovitigala 6-1-24-0, LSamaraweera6-1-15-1, SDeSilva 4-0-35-2, H Hewawasam 4-0-6-0, BMcCormack2.3-0-13-0

Latrobe Innings

RChokununga..b Falla 12

ABloomfield lbw bKimpton 16 BZomer st Monacella bThow. 17 SFreshwater cCookebEdebohls 30 LDobson cunknown bEdebohls 36 JColtman not out 15 TGamage cFalla bFitch 4 MZomer not out 9 Extras (nb 1, w14, b2lb3). 20 Total. 6/159 (cc)

TraralgonWest Bowling: BEdebohls 9-0-31-2, SRasool 5-0-16-0, RFalla 10-0-26-1, HKimpton 6-1-21-1, AThow10-1-22-1, TFitch 10-1-38-1

Traralgon West Innings

BEdebohls lbw bGamage 6 HKimpton cDobson bGamage 11 RWilkie cA Bloomfield bGamage 1 JMonacella cDobson bGamage 0 IZafar lbw bGamage 0 TFitch. cDobson bBZomer 18 MGriffiths cDobson bMetcalfe. 7 SRasool lbw bBZomer 3 DCooke cChokunungabJBloomfield 1 RFalla c&b BZomer 5 AThow. not out. 0 Extras (nb 3, w10, b0,lb5). 18 Total. .(30.1) 70

Latrobe Bowling: TGamage 7-0-18-5, LDobson 10-2-17-0, MMetcalfe 6-2-9-1, BZomer 4.1-1-14-3, JBloomfield 3-1-7-1

Churchill Innings

MHarvey. cSchellekens bThomas 2 SWarr. bBanks 14 BKelly. cAndersb Woodall 0 JKeighran cCorryb Woodall 35 NDuncan bAlexander 19 KHolt bAlexander 18 KFarnworth lbw bAlexander 6 DMetlikovec bCorry. 3 ANorman. runout (Hollis) 4 CWilliams runout (Woodall, Anders) 3 JRae not out 0 Extras (nb 1, w11, b0,lb2). 14 Total. (43.3) 118

Mirboo North Bowling: MWoodall 10-3-25-2, AThomas 5-0-29-1, D Banks 10-0-28-1, ZHollis 3-0-10-0, JAlexander 9-2-15-3, LCorry 6.3-2-9-1

Mirboo North Innings

BPedlow. cWilliams bHarvey. 34 JAlexander bKeighran 30

ZHollis cKellybHolt 23

MSnell not out 23

HBarnes lbw bWarr 0 LCorry not out 2 Extras (nb 0, w3,b 4, lb 1) 8

Overs.......................................................................41.5

Total. 4/120

Churchill Bowling: KFarnworth 3.5-0-23-0, KHolt 9.0-3-21-1, MHarvey 10.0-1-20-1, SWarr 9.0-1-32-1, JKeighran10.0-4-19-1

Mirboo North 8/79 (L Anders26, MPowell3/16,G Bradshaw2/8, KDron2/16) def by Thorpdale 2/81 (K O’Connell 41); Jeeralang-Boolarra4/138 (C Dekaste 62*, OBrennan 37) def Morwell 137(JSeymour 41, RSemmler 40, OBrennan 3/21, DSmith 2/19); Moe 5/149 (P Spiteri47*,J Atkinson 30, JPheeney29) def Centrals 8/129 (D White36, MPhoenix 25, DFarmer 4/17, JAtkinson 2/26); Newborough -BYE BGRADE -ROUND 11

Willow Grove63(AWilkes 42, BillyClaridge 5/1, J Pace 4/32) def by Trafalgar 7/246 (Christian Burgess 61 (wethink), BillyClaridge 46, Cooper Burgess 45 (wethink), RGiles 3/62, AWilkes 2/25); CATS 99 (B Hagley38, MAnthufor 35, SFreeman 2/12, TSpark2/15, JDunn 2/18) def by Churchill 7/103 (B McQuillen 58, THagley3/12);Traralgon West 154(RCahill 39, SVarsaci 33, KHebbard4/41, D Ganegodage 2/10) def Latrobe 9/151 (H Rajapakse 38, TCranwell34*,BLever-Makin 3/31, JCooke 3/32); Raiders- BYE.

PREMIERC GRADE-ROUND 9

YallournNorth 29 def by Morwell 174; Trafalgar9/100 (H Anders2/7)def Mirboo North 60 (D Brown2/13, Z Larkin 2/16); Jeeralang-Boolarra7/89(NSpark 28*, LWilson2/9) def CATS 85 (S Mustoe 46*, ABaker 4/17, CStanton 3/16, ASpowart 2/7); Moe 3/128 (M Micallef 67*) def Centrals 124(AFoley45, BHansch 3/11, RWhitney 2/9, ASavige 2/19).

CGRADE -ROUND 9

Newborough 3/77 def Thorpdale-Raiders72; Rawson 9/119 (S Hanning 2/3, RDuncan 2/3, MBurridge 2/18) def by Latrobe 4/125; Traralgon West 3/136(J Rogers 58*, GStephens 48, JKeily 2/17) def Willow Grove8/120 (A Archipow30, MFailla 27,JRogers 3/16, MEdebohls 2/10).

WOMENS DIVISION -ROUND9

Morwell Yellow 3/47 (Z Long 2/1) def by Morwell Black 5/60(dec) (D Cole 2/16, MFreeman 2/18; Willow Grove4/101 (S Clymo 33*) def Mirboo North 50 (A Davey3/5, MDonoghue 2/5); Centrals 4/76 def Latrobe 0/54; Raiders 1/103 (S Blines 31*, THunt 30*) def Newborough 60 (S Blines 4/6).

TDCA SCOREBOARD

AGRADE -ROUND 13

Yarram District Innings

MLush. bWaack-Hawkins 1

MGarland cAllen bWaack-Hawkins 0 DO’Keefe. lbw bAllen 39

BLayton. lbw bFreitag 9

AScott. bAllen 31

DBrinker-Ritchie lbw bAllen 0

BAskew cClarkb Graham 28

KGriffiths bAllen 2

JSwift. bGraham 16

JCollins not out 8

SBecker. not out 1

Extras ..................(nb 0, w10, b0,lb9). ..........19

Overs. 48.3

Total. 9/160

GlengarryBowling: CGraham8-2-17-2, GWaack-Hawkins 5-0-11-2, NFreitag 10-0-32-1, AJenkin 10-0-31-0, NAllen 10-1-31-4, B Mayberry5-0-24-0, JPorter2-0-9-0

GlengarryInnings

AJenkin bGriffiths 0

NFreitag cBeckerb Scott. 60

SMarks cSwiftb Becker. 18

NAllen cLush bScott. 16

CGraham cAskew bSwift. 3

BMarks not out 19

BMayberry. runout (unknown) 6 LClark cGarland bO’Keefe. 14

GWaack-Hawkins not out 6

Extras .................(nb 1, w17, b0,lb1)................19

Overs. 45.0

Total. 7/161

Yarram-District Bowling: KGriffiths 9-2-23-1, AScott10-1-21-2, D O’Keefe9-1-49-1, SBecker10-0-25-1, JCollins 4-0-9-0, JSwift 3-0-14-1

Gormandale Innings

NCampbell bHughes 11

JJacobsen lbw bBarry. 10

CLehner lbw bHughes 2

MHibbs cVeneman bKStoddart. 6

YSoyza cMStoddartb Barry. 4

CPeavey. cMStoddartb Moran 9

TReynolds not out 9

ABrady bKStoddart. 0

TGafa. bKStoddart. 0

LHenderson lbw bHughes 3

EJarvis bHughes 0

Extras .................(nb 0, w11, b0,lb2). .............13

Overs. 26.3

Total. 68

Toongabbie Bowling: KHughes 7.3-2-11-4, MBarry6-3-23-2, K Stoddart6-1-7-3, SMoran 7-1-22-1

Toongabbie Innings

TDunn not out 14

RWheildon not out 43

Extras .................(nb 0, w9,b4,lb1). .............14

Overs. 10.2

Total. 0/70

Gormandale Bowling: ABrady 4-0-11-0, CPeavey2-0-18-0, Y Soyza 2-0-18-0, LHenderson 1.2-0-13-0, NCampbell 1-0-8-0

Rovers Innings

OMason c&b Pryde. 20

TPearce lbw bMatthews 0

LLittle bStockdale 3

DWilliams cTrease bThompson 39

EWilliams cHarris bStockdale 37

DDuncan cStockdale bThompson 0

LPatterson lbw bStockdale 25

SDufflbw bStockdale 0

WCoad runout (Membrey). 1

CSchmidt lbw bStockdale 0

MLeslie not out 0

Extras (nb 1, w21, b0,lb2)24

Overs. 44.0

Total. ................................................................149

Ex Students Bowling: AMatthews 6-1-17-1, LStockdale 10-2-15-5, JPryde 9-2-36-1, MHarris6-0-26-0, NThompson 9-2-32-2, M Membrey 4-0-21-0

Ex Students Innings

MDyke. not out 36

JPryde cE Williams bD Williams 9

LStockdale not out 79

Extras .................(nb 1, w25, b0,lb0)...............26 Overs. 35.0

Total. 1/150

Rovers Bowling: EWilliams 4-0-17-0, LPatterson 4-0-19-0, D Williams 7-1-24-1, OMason 10-1-33-0, SDuff6-1-42-0, MLeslie 3-0-14-0, WCoad 1-0-1-0

Imperials -BYE

BGRADE -ROUND 13

Gormandale 182(GSwan36, JScurlock32, SSapalya 31) def by Toongabbie 5/202 (M Whitechurch 68*, BGrieve38, SCogan 31, NHeard 2/40); Glengarry62(MSharp32, T Chisholm 3/11, MSmallwood 2/5, PGriffiths 2/12) def Yarram-District 2/63 (P Griffiths 24); Rovers 106(ARathbone 36, JThompson 3/27,MBentley 2/24) def by Ex Students 6/334 (A Jaensch 212, N Millington 34, RChawla 2/67); Imperials -BYE

CGRADE -ROUND 9

Toongabbie 135(HDunstan 3/40, KMorley2/4,J Anderson 2/12) def by Imperials5/138 (J Jennings 42*, DWarwick28, RReid 25); Glengarry4/174 (S Saju 85*, AHodson 26*) def Rovers 166(A Hodson 3/13, TDwyer 2/25, DCochrane 2/29, S Saju 2/35);Yarram-District vExStudents -Match Abandoned

Magpies are in full flight

CRICKET

TDCA

2022 has drawn to aclose in the Traralgon District Cricket Association.

For some clubs, the Christmas break will offer some relief, while those clubs at the top of the ladder will be making sure their good form continues into the New Year.

MATCH of the Round lived up to its billing, as the Glengarry vs Yarram District‘Battle of the Birds’ rivalry continues to grow.

The Pelicans batted firstand were in trouble early at 2/5. The Pelicans were withoutregular opening batsmanJackMoore, so Michael Lush was thrust into the number one position alongside Matt Garland, but the two could only muster one run between them.

Daniel O’Keefe and Anthony Scott were then charged with getting the inningsback on track and did adecent job of it, taking the score to 80 before O’Keefe was dismissed by leg spinning sensation Nathan Allen for atop score of 39.

Scottdidn’tplayhis usual innings as he only hit one boundary on his way to 31 from56ballsbefore Allen removed him as well with the score on 6/91.

Some rear-guard action from Brayden Askew (28) and Joshua Swift (16) kept the score ticking over,but the Pelicans weren’t scoring at their usual rate and ended up 9/160 at compulsory closure.

Glengarry continue to showwhy they arethe current premiership favourite, as all their bowlers continue to contribute, but it was Allen who was the best of the lot claiming 4/31 from his 10 overs.

Things started poorly for Glengarry, withAl Jenkin out for aduck, but Nat Freitag was joined by Sam Marks and the two experienced batsmen put on 78 before Marks was out for 18.

Freitag would make 60 before being dismissed by

aYarram bowling attack that continues to build in confidence and form as the season continues.

The Pelicans then took this opportunityand were able to knock over Cam Graham, Allen and Brandon Mayberry in relatively quick time to have aworried Glengarry at 6/118.

However, Ben Marks and the ever-improving Gareth Waack-Hawkins in the end got the Magpies home with only afew overs to spare.

Scottwas at his menacing best, walking away with Yarram’s best figures of 2/21, while ahandful of others claimed one wicket each.

Glengarryisstill undefeated this season, and will now look to go one better in the new year.

Yarram knowthey can match it withthe best in the TDCA, and will build nicely into March where finalslook to be all but acertainty for a team on the rise.

GORMANDALE headed to Toongabbie full of confidence after pushing Ex Students all the way last round.

After winning the toss and electingtobat,the Tigers would have been confident taking it right up to the Rams, but disaster quicklystruck in the form of Keenan Hughes, who bowledquick and aggressive, which the Gormandale batsmen didn’t like.

The Tigers were very loose in their approach, and if Hughes set the tone for the day, it was carried on by the rest of the team, who all contributed to the destruction of the Tigers.

Kev Stoddart claimed 3/7, Matt Barry took 2/23 and Sam Moran 1/22.

Nat Campbell was the top-scorer for the away team with 11, with the biggest partnershipfor their innings apaltry 12.

Only aChristmas miracle would save Gormandale,but ajolly old elf named Robert Wheildon ensured the Tigers wouldn’t get alook

in, and with awink of his eye and atwist of his head soon gave his team reason to know they had nothing to dread and he smashed the bowling for 43 not out.

The Rams finished the match in just 11 overs for the loss of no wickets.

Toongabbie are now sitting comfortably in fourth spot.

For Gormandale, the break couldn’t come quick enough and they will need to regroup to salvage something out of the latter half of the season.

ROVERS putonabrave face against Ex Students.

The young team batted first, making 149 in 44 overs.

There were some promising signs for Rovers as import Olly Mason made his highest score for the year and Dougal and Ewan Williams continue to get some good starts, but the loss of wicketsin clumps continues to plague the boys in blue.

Still, runs on the board can put pressure on and stranger things have happened, but Rovers would need early wickets to have any chance defending their total.

It wasn’t to be though, as Rovers claimed just one wicket as the home team chased down the score in 35 overs.

Matt Dyke is in great touch, making 36 not out, but the match belonged to Lee Stockdale, who is getting in someserious form before heading to the Australian Country Cricket Championships early next year, he walked away with 79 not out from 89 balls while with the ball he claimed 5/15 from his 10 overs in asuperb all-round performance.

Ex Students currently sit second on the ladder, while Rovers are second-last and will need to work hard to turn their season around when it starts back up on January 14.

IMPERIALS had the bye.

Return of Melbourne CountryWeek

CRICKET

VCCL

BY LIAM DURKIN

COUNTRY Week cricket is back.

The annual Melbourne tournament willbeplayed from Monday, February 14 to Friday, February 18.

This season is being used to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the very first Melbourne Country Week (1921/22), with the last two editions cancelled due to the pandemic.

The Victorian Country Cricket League is planning an event in Ballarat on the eve of the carnival (Sunday, February 13), with arematch between Ballarat and Hamilton-the two teams thatplayed in the first ever final.

Melbourne Country Week is designed to give regional players an opportunitytoshowcase their

skills in ametropolitan environment, all the while enjoying aweek playing andsocialising with players from other clubs.

Country Week can alsopotentially leadtogreater things, as state and premier league scouts could be hiding at variousgames, and then use the week to talk one-on-one with country players to entice them to the bright lights of the city.

Traralgon District Cricket Association and Latrobe Valley District Cricket League are both poised to send teams down to Melbourne.

The TDCA traditionally competes in thetop Provincial grade at Country Week, and has done so every season since 2014/15.

TDCA earnt promotion to Provincial after winning Division 2in2013/14.

The team on thatoccasion was: GregMunro, Ben Kearns, Rob Webber, Alex Butler, Lee Stockdale, Brad Knowles, Ben Julin,Matt Golding, Rob Voss,

Brett Chapman, Adam Brady, Michael Warne, and Ray Stanlake (scorer).

Gippsland has been well-represented in Provincial during recent years, with Sale-Maffra, Bairnsdale and West Gippsland joining Traralgon at various times as teams flying the local flag up against regions such as Ballarat, Mornington and Geelong.

How is Geelong country?

Latrobe Valley has only been around for two instalments of Country Week (2018/19, 2019/20), competing in Division 2onboth occasions.

Somewhatbizarrely, it is understood Latrobe Valley has been placed in Provincial this season. Whileitwill no doubt be pleasing to see another Gippsland association competing in the top grade, it is hard to quantify the reasoning behind it given it looks as though theyhaveessentiallybeen promoted without doing anything.

Setting the pace: Glengarryand Ex Studentssit one and twoonthe TDCA ladder at the halfway markofthe season. file photograph

Valley’sadopted NBL team wins thriller

BASKETBALL

NBL

BY TOM HAYES

BASKETBALL action was delivered to the Latrobe Valleywhenthe Round 11 fixture of South East MelbournePhoenix and Sydney Kingsplayed out at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium.

People raked into Traralgon’s stadiumonthe afternoon of Sunday December 18, predominantly in the green and grey colours of the Phoenix.

Thelasttimethese sides faced, the Kings prevailed in atight contest by two points, but this time those attending were in for areal treat.

Round 11 of the NBL was Indigenous Round, with that, ceremonies were performed pre-match in light of it.

As the tip-off was thrown, fans werestill flocking into the stadium,eagerly trying to find their seats while those that were seated were creating the loud atmosphere.

The Phoenix got off to aquick start, which had the fans off their seats, spurring the players on just as more.

Early on into the piece, the fans were incentivised to make as much noisewhen the Sydney Kings were taking free throws -because if aplayer was to miss both, the crowd would be rewarded with free Hungry Jack’s cheeseburgers.

Midway throughthe first quarter, Sydney’s Justin Simon stepped up to the line and missed both free throws, sendingthe fans into raptures -which was quite possibly one of the loudest points of the match, which is saying something.

Missingfreethrows became common between both sides, when multiple players struggled from the line.

Fans might be thankful for this in the end, as they were later treated to adouble-overtime spectacular.

SouthEastMelbournetook aseven-point lead into the first break.

But the Sydney Kings weren’t going to let them run away with it, in doing so endured aquick start of their own.

Afterjust two minutes of the second quarter, the Phoenix lead was cut to one, before they eventually stole the lead around the halfway point of the second period.

In the latterstagesofthe secondquarter, the Phoenix’s Mitch Creek nailed his 4000th career NBL points, burying the shot and one.

Creek leads the Phoenix franchise in points, as it enters its fourth season in the league.

Tempers ran high in the second quarter, when Kings’ coachChase Bufordbegan to disagree with referees.

Not onlydid this set off another flare in the match, it drew the players in to begin to be more physical.

The Kings blew the lead out to eight points at thehalf in a15-point turnaround, led mostly by Derrick Walton Jr.

After the break, not much had changed -the fans were still up and about despite the deficitand the players were as physical as ever, what more could you want?

Sydney continuedtohold agriponthe match,not lettingSouth EastMelbourne get any cheappoints.

By doing so, points were hard to come by in the early stages of the third quarter, yet it began to open up.

Creek and Walton Jr continued to trade buckets throughout the quarter, both being athreat in and outside of the arc.

Walton Jr brought up 30 points and closed in on the most points in agame this season, which was 34, held by Cairns Taipans’Keanu Pinder, set less than 24 hours prior.

But Creek continued to lead the way for the Phoenix, not so far behind Walton Jr, from a personal perspective.

By the end of the third, the Phoenix dragged apoint back to trail by seven at the regulatory final break.

Creekwas themainman, evidently, exploding early to bring the Phoenix back into contention.

He soon surpassed the 30-point mark, draining from outside the arc to bring the margin back to one point.

Owen Foxwell was exceptional in the final quarter, setting up plays for the Phoenix in the vital moments and was huge on defence, particularly on Walton Jr.

Foxwell gave the Phoenix the lead at last with another three, thePhoenix leadwas extended when Junior Madut sunk one of his two field goals.

An enthralling final quarter ensued, as the Kings, led by Walton Jr, drew their lead back out to six points, blitzing the Phoenix in amatter of minutes.

Tempers began to flare again, when Kings head coach Buford gave away atechnical foul in the dying stages, which led to the scores being tied once again -withthree minutes to go.

The physicality of the match certainly didn’t die down, as players were beginning to foul out,

starting with Sydney’s DejanVasiljevic before regulation time expired.

Vasiljevic wassoon joined by Phoenix’sAlan Williams, as both sides dug into its benches.

The Kings led by three with 15 seconds to go, until Trey Kell III was fouled outside the arc, granting three free throws.

The stadium held his breath as he nailed all three, eventually sending the game to overtime, tension looming in the stadium.

During the firstperiod of overtime, Creek surpassed hisbest-ever points in amatch -40, and he wasn’t done yet.

As Kell III and Jordan Hunter were fouled out, the game intensified ever-so-slightly.

Creek nailed alatethree to put the Phoenix up by three, however was matched second later by none other than Walton Jr, who tied the game, sending it to asecond period of overtime.

Just like the entirety of the match, Creek and Walton Jr went backand forth, tradingoff shots and single-handedly carrying their sides to ahopeful victory.

Atense final few minutes of the game played out, Zhou Qi scored his first points of the match to put the Phoenix in front, before Reuben Te Rangi hit the Kings with adagger from outside the arc.

Afrantic finalfew seconds evaporated, with the Phoenix coming up trumps by apoint in a Gippsland thriller, 113-112.

The Phoenix knocked off the top-of-the-ladder Sydney-side, moving to fourth on the ladder,while the Kings fell to second.

Creek posted anew career-high 46 points (15/27 FG, 4/11 3P, 12/13 FT) along with10rebounds, while the efforts of Walton Jr can’t be missed, as he posted 45 points (14/27 FG, 5/10 3P, 12/13 FT) and 10 assists.

Post-match, Creek was elated.

“I just dug deep,Inearly cried at the end,” he said.

“The crowd (was) incredible …the fans here were absolutely crazy.”

The home crowd certainly can’t be disappointed after that incredible showing, and it’s no surprise they will be eager to host the NBL once again.

Fantastic festival of football (soccer) makes its way to Morwell

SOCCER

By LIAM DURKIN

SOCCER

Schools from Traralgon, Morwell, Moe/ Newborough and surrounding areas took part Students played a range of scratch matches on the grass and synthetic surfaces next to the main pitch at Falcons Park - the very same venue a young Archie Thompson started his decorated career

Who knows, perhaps the next Archie was among the 400 in Morwell when the Gala Day was held on Friday, December 2

Or maybe even the next Teagan Micah, the Moe-born Matilda’s goal-keeper

Kids were shown the ropes by a number of Football Victoria staff, while the emphasis on fun and enjoyment was evident as games went on unabated

Perhaps pleasingly, students appeared at their happiest when they were simply playing ‘organised chaos’ style games of soccer, with everyone getting in on the act

Such a sight only served to further emphasis the notion that soccer truly is the world game, and that all it takes is a ball and a playing surface to allow hours upon hours of interaction

With the gala day coinciding with the Socceroos’ terrific form at the World Cup, Football Victoria schools program manager Brad Atholwood said it was a great time for the sport

“It is a really good time with the Matildas playing in the World Cup next year and the Socceroos doing so well - what a really good time to get as many kids into the game as possible,” he said

“It’s one of those things where unlike the AFL,

the kids don’t have that connection to their elite stars within the country, with the Socceroos playing in the World Cup and playing so well it is really, really huge because they have the opportunity to flick it on (TV) and have all this promotion happening about the game

“Hopefully it unlocks something inside their head to want and play more and more ”

As Atholwood explained, the schools involved in the gala day had completed soccer-related clinics throughout the year

“A lot of kids in this region have probably never had the opportunity to play football (soccer) before, it is very AFL, netball, cricket dominated, a lot of it is to provide with the teachers and schools to let them know what football is exactly,” he said

“From there we are trying to capture the kids’ imagination by putting in really great programs that they love and will get their teachers back to school playing more football “School’s is the biggest part, I understand it

is a later time of year and schools have plenty options of what they can get their kids into, we really appreciate that they have chosen to come and play football/soccer ”

Soccer in Gippsland is also expected to benefit from the upcoming Commonwealth Games, with events to be hosted at Latrobe City Stadium

As for the soccer versus footy debate, a question for the readership: Does soccer help footy or vice versa?

From what this writer can gather, it is generally accepted that soccer players can become footy players, but footy players cannot become soccer players

As a country footballer, this writer doubts he would ever be much use to a soccer team - you can’t cherry-pick goals in soccer

Although playing a sport where you aren’t allowed to handball does sound enticing

Creek the freak: Phoenix’sMitchCreek lays up in theheated contest during overtime photograph tomhayes

Full house: The grass and synthetic pitches at Falcons Park were used for the gala day

mania came to Morwell recently Football Victoria hosted a Gala Day at Latrobe City Stadium, welcoming 40 teams and more than 400 local schoolchildren to play and learn about all things related to the world game

Go football: Newborough Primary School had fun playing modified games of soccer

Live ball: Mason keeps the ball in play during a scratch match between St Vincent’s students Team Green: Grade 6 students from St Vincent’s Primary School, Morwell enjoyed the Football Victoria Gala Day photographs liam durkin

Do you know anythingabout oldlocal rugby?

RUGBY

GIPPSLAND sports historianLaurie Williams is on the trail of Gippsland Rugby clubs, especially teams from the RAAF and the Sale Razorbacks, MaffraBulldogs and Wurruk Warriors for anew book on the history of rugby played in Gippsland.

The RAAF entered teams in the metro competitions in league and union around the 1960s, and any information regarding them would be helpful.

In 1957,Saleentered ateam in the Metro Union, playing through to 1971 when they werebeaten by Laverton in theGrand Final 17-2.

From there, we jump to 1982 when Sale was admitted to State League 2(Union) along with the Morwell Tigers.

Mentioned players included Wridgeway, Campbell, Sheppard, Mark Wilson,Vogan and Hughson.

Morwell took Sale apart in the opening match of 1983, winning 69-3.

It seems that Sale folded after this but Williams has picked up threads in 1991 when the Sale Razorbacks fielded ateam in the newly formedGippsland Rugby League Association, along with the Traralgon Panthers, Hazelwood Eelsand the East Gippsland Brumbies.

In 1992, the MaffraBulldogs entered the fray and information regarding them would help in the compilation of the history.

Sale had atremendous season, making it to the Grand Final, but were taken down by the Traralgon Panthers 26-22.

Best for the Razorbacks was Don Wales (who ended up winning the association’s best and fairest award), PGray, SSauer, AMcMullens and AMcLure.

Maffra pulled out in 1994, but many of their players joined with RAAF players to form the Wurruk Warriors in 1994.

Sale improved on their previous season, winning the premiership with a28-22 victory over the Morwell Tigers.

Wurruk only lasted one season, pulling out in 1995.

Sale continued their good form, winning in 1995 with a44-18 victory over the Churchill Gladiators.

By 1997 the competition had reduced to five clubs, with Sale being the dominant one, winning the flag over Traralgon 29-24 and in 1998 the Morwell Magpies folded but joined with the Hazelwood Eels to form the Morwell Miners.

Sale continued in 1999 and 2000 but due to shortage of players had to merged with EastGippsland midwaythroughthe season to be known as SEG.

Anyfurther information regardingplayers, photos, newspaper articles and scores of the Sale teams, Maffra and Wurruk teams would be appreciated.

Williams can be reached at lauriefooty@ hotmail.com.

GIPPSLAND RUGBY

New era for Gippy football

FOOTBALL

By TOM HAYES

AFL Victoriaiscurrentlygoing through atransition period, with the imminent closure of the Gippsland Football Commission.

After months of continuous back-and-forth, the decision to close the entity is being finalised because it is not operating.

Since 2019, the Gippsland Football Commission has been seen as the ‘middle-man’ that sat between AFLVictoria and the Gippsland leagues and clubs.

“The entity is just being de-registered because we are not actually using it for anything now that there is no commission,” AFL Gippsland regional manager, Cameron McPhan, said.

The Gippsland Football Commissionistobe

absorbed by AFL Victoria soon, with the confirmation pending.

Throughoutthe process, AFL Victoria discovered that five of the 10 regional commissions are no longerinuse -the Gippsland Football Commission being one of them.

Based at Morwell Recreation Reserve, the home of the Gippsland League’s Morwell Tigers,the office haseight people.Cameron McPhan, Simon Whelan (operations) and aparticipation team of six staff occupythe office space While they willstill work from thatoffice at the Morwell Recreation Reserve, they will work under the banner of AFL Victoria, ratherthan AFL Gippsland.

Despite the closure, it is believed there will be no changes to the competitions that play under AFL Gippsland.

AFL Victoria is now looking to form anew advisory committee, searching for local people to be involved to make local-based decisions.

“Essentially it’ll act alittle bit like acommission in terms of the decision-making, so we’ll get local people …but Ialsowant to get the right people,” McPhan said.

“They will be like an advisory committee, they’ll help me withstrategic decision-making in the region, hence why Iwant it to be local.

“Unlike the commissions in years gone by, they won’t have financial or legal obligations; it’ll just purely be assisting with decision-making.”

AFL Victoria will be looking for Gippslanders to join the new advisory committee in due course, so keep an eye out if you’re interested.

World-famous tournament set for 30th running

TENNIS TRARALGON INTERNATIONAL

BY TOM HAYES

TRARALGON TennisAssociation will openits doors once again in 2023, for the 30th AGL Loy Yang Traralgon International Junior Tournament.

From January 13-18, Traralgon will host about 150boysand girls from around the world, competingfor thejunior championship.

Around amonth out from the tournament, on Friday December 15, the Traralgon Tennis Association invited AGL to celebrate the 30thyear of their partnership.

AGL has been involved with the Traralgon International Tournament sincethe beginning –30 years ago.

“We are proud to onceagainbenamingrights sponsor of the Loy Yang Traralgon International for the 2023 competition,” AGL Loy Yang general manager, Christo van Niekerk, said.

“The tournament not only supports the local community and economy by putting Traralgon on the map for some of the world’s junior tennis stars but provides an opportunity for AGL workers to volunteer and give back to the local community.

“We have been working with the Loy Yang Traralgon International sinceits firstyear, watching it grow to one of the most anticipated events in the community.

“Over three decades,wehaveworked together to put on fantastic eventsthroughout the year, help upgrade the facilities and put on the annual tournament. AGL Loy Yang looks forward to supporting the tournament and junior tennis stars for years to come.”

During its time as sponsor, AGL has seen many boys and girls come to Traralgon to compete, then flourish as international tennis stars.

Australian names such as Ash Barty and NickKyrgioshave competedatthe Traralgon International Tournament as juniors, as has 20-time Gland Slam winner Roger Federer.

According to Traralgon Tennis Association manager, Susie Grumley, “the Traralgon International is the leading event to the Australian OpenJunior Championships at Melbourne Park”.

“The Traralgon Tennis Association is honoured to have partnered with AGL Loy Yangover the past 30 years. This is awonderful, long-standing partnership and we couldn’t have continued without it,” she said.

“The support and friendshipthat all the managers and staff have given to the club over this time has been amazing and extends not only over our major events, but continually throughout the year.

“AGL Loy Yang are awonderful company that supports so many Gippsland sporting and nonsporting events, we are so fortunate to have them and all the team working within our community.”

Joining the Traralgon Tennis Association and AGL at the celebration was new entrant, Traralgon’s Sam McGregor.

McGregor, 17, has been playingtennissince theage of nineand is nowstepping up to the international plate.

“It’s definitely nerve-racking, but I’m looking forward to theexperienceand playing against some strong players,” he said.

McGregor plans to move to an American college next year to continue his tennis dream.

“The standard is definitely heaps stronger …this is going to be the best step for me to take,” he said.

Following the Traralgon International Tournament,juniorshave the chance of making the Australian Open Juniors.

Traralgon Tennis Association will also be host of this qualification round, which takes place on January 18 and 19.

From thearchives: Ayoung RogerFederer (left) afterwinningthe AGLLoy Yang Traralgon International in 1998 file photograph

To be absorbed: AFL Gippsland will be absorbed by AFL Victoria, yet still work from the office at Morwell Recreation Reserve photograph tomhayes Can youheld: Localhistorian Laurie Williams is seeking information on the old Sale Razorbacks rugbyteam.