Gippsland Farmer March 2023

Molto bene

STORY-PAGE14

Cancer upends new life

Stefan BRADLEY

AFTER spending years working towards alife you envisioned for yourself and your loved ones, all it takes is an unexpectedevent for it to all come crashing down. This is what 33-year-old Chilean woman and farmworker,Lisbett Lillo, is coming to terms with, after finding out, beforeChristmas, she has acomplicated and aggressive breast cancer,which turned out to be Stage 4. It has spread beyond her lymph nodes, and she required chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The diagnosis meansit’sunlikely she will be able to achieve her goal of gaining permanentresidency inAustralia, as applicants with cancer generally don’t pass the health requirements.

In herhomecountry,MsLillo

studiedtobeanIndustrialCivil Engineer and has aMasters in the Science of Engineering, but agriculturebecame her passion. Working very long hours at Farm Express Salads -avegetable farm in Boisdale -MsLillo has been driving tractors, helpingtoharvest lettuces, cabbages,spinach and other greens. With staffshortages across the country, many crops would be leftonthe groundtorot without farmworkers like Ms Lillo and her partner,Puck Witjes.

Ms Lillosaysshe enjoysthe job and doesn’t mind the 10-to12-hour days.

“I love driving utes,workingwith the machinery, being outside and learningabout food production.

I’m always moving and the day goes by quickly,” she said.

All was well until one day she turned up to work one morning

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just acouple of weeks before Christmas.

“I was lifting something heavy as Iusuallydo, when Ifelt pain near my armpit area. Ifelt a golf ball-sized lump thereand I freaked out.”

After doing some tests, she was informed that she had cancer. Due to the end of year holidays, there was atwo-week delay in her seeing aspecialist.

StaffatStrauss Medical, Sale, describe Ms Lillo as abubbly, warm-hearted young woman, and herpositiveattitude shone through as sheshowedthis reporter around the farmlast month.

Despite speaking about her ordeal for aboutanhour, stilla veryrecent development in her life, Ms Lillo seemed surprisingly upbeat.

“That’s because Ihad acry in the tractor today,” she said.

“I always try to cry on my own, that’susually how Idealwith things.

“I’m trying to be positive. That’s the best way to beat it.

“Everyone at work hasbeen wonderful. They bought me acake because they knew Iwas going to start chemotherapy.

“I am in some pain right now, because I’ve got acouple of lumps in my breastand armpit area. They’requite big and Ifeel them when I’m driving, walking or doing whatever.It feels like an electric shock that goes through your body and it’s very painful.”

The physical, mental and emotional toll acancer diagnosis can haveonsomeone,togetherwith the permanent residency dream nowout of reach, is significant.

“Mentally,I’ve been going through so many things,” Ms Lillo said, after taking adeep, contemplative breath.

“I was going through so many things with my sponsorship visa (to work and stay in Australia). I was already going through stress, so the cancer made it way bigger When Iheardthe words ‘breast cancer’ for the first time, it was as if my whole world was crashing down.

“Emotionally,I’vebeen crying and there’s been anger,because why isthishappeningtome right now, when I’m enjoying my life?And Iworked so hard to get here.”Sadly, it doesn’t end there. Ms Lillo must also endure afinancial toll.

Continued on page 12

Photo: Liam Durkin

Results promising

Philip HOPKINS

BEEF farmers and breederswho took part in Beef Week 2023 were pleased with the results they achieved.

Arecordcrowd attended the Bowman Performance Genetics 2023 Beef Week Open Day at Neerim South. Glenn Bowman, stud principal, was very happy with the outcome, with terrificinterest from new and existing clients.

“Wehad around 80 visitors, with people turning up from as far as the Monaroin New South Wales, Tasmania and all over Victoria,” he said.

“They weremost interestedinhow we preparethe bulls that we have been promoting, as we areone of only ahandful of seed-stockproducersacross Australia that is grass-fed only from birth to sale day.”

Bowman Performance Genetics does its calf breeding in Rosedale, whereGlenn grew up, and the bullsare then weaned and sent to his property in Neerim South, wherethe bulls aregrown out and prepared for sale.

The reason for that is Glenn’s philosophy: he wants to produce avery natural bull, just fed on grass and not fed on pellets or grain.

The emphasis is on producing anatural productthatjustfocuses on particular lines ofgeneticsthatdeliver thick,muscular traits.

BowmanGenetics breeds predominantly Angus cattle,withaselectnumberof Herefordbulls that aresold privately.

The Angus Society has been very robust in its marketing and product placement, creating an awareness of the breed that has made it dominant in the market.

Bowman Geneticsisabout to sell 83 bulls;it’s abig operation, the largest Angus seed-stock producer in Gippsland with a huge amount of genetic diversity.

The stud also producesahigh-performance bull, using extensive data from the Angus Society. “These arenot just bulls, but high-performance bulls. Farmers can breed from them and trust they’ll get higher accuracy and consistency, and minimal breakdowns,” said Glenn.

WATTLEWOOD Angus Stud at Lang Lang also reported strong interest at Beef Week.

FionaGlover,who owns and runs the stud with husband John, said the response at Beef Week was “very positive” after people checked out the quality of the bulls.

“Wehad them arriving beforethe gates opened, beforethe heat -wewereready.

“Wehad alot of new visitors. It was really good for us. The parting words were, ‘Very positive, we’ll see you at the sale!’,” she said.

The visitors also included people who weresetting up their own farmand wanted to see how the husband and wife team organised their property. “They wanted

to see what we havedone with laneway systems, checking out our property for a few ideas. We did it when starting out so we could set up correctly.”

Fiona said the stud had recently started on-farmbull sales. “Beef Week turns into apreview day forthe bulls, an opportunity for the visitors to inspect our female herd, the mothers and grandmothers of the bulls that areavailable -a geneticpictureof what’s going on with the prospective bulls they may purchase,” she said.

“In that respect it’s agood forum depending on how the farmer embraces it, agood forum to display generations offuture clients’ prospective sires.”

Fiona said they had acatalogue of 30 bulls for their sales compared with 31 bulls last year.“Beforewehad on-farmbull sales, Beef Week was aplatformwherewewould sell quite afew bulls; peopleinitially inspect them and come back to us,” she said.

“Wehave the on-farmbull sale, but we can’t sell them on the day -it’s apreview of what we will have on March 16. We did sell some heifers privately -they werenot in the bull sale! -surplus heifers we sold at Beef Week.”

The Glovers have been breeding bulls for 23 years. “It was once ahobby, but is now abig part of our lives; we enjoy handling the cattle,” said Fiona, who is an artificial insemination technician -“no bull!”, she quipped.

“I play withgenetics from all over the world. It’snice to see thefruits of your labour.Wecan select genetics from all over the world,

We can have babiesbornwithouthaving to import the beast and the problems that comealongwith that -cost anddisease that countries have,” she said

VERA Finger from Riga Angus Stud said people came specifically to see the stud’s operations as distinct from doing acircuit.

“That probably sums it up. We had some young future breeders on show. People werevery interested to see the type of female we were breedingand that indicated the future direction of our stud,” she said.

Vera saidthe stud printedmanypamphlets. “I ran out -wewerevery pleased to see that,” she said.

“The interest was in our breeding operation, the females that breed the bulls.”

Riga Angus Stud is based in Mansfield, just outside Gippsland, but the high number of visitors showed the interest from the region,

“We’ve got 1200 acres -very dry acres atthe moment -and we run about 300 breeders, asplit autumn and spring calving system,” Vera said.

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Unexpected opportunity strikes gold

Philip HOPKINS

VILLAGE Dairy was awellestablished niche player in the dairymarket, having long since tapped into Gippsland milk as the main source for its yoghurt and cheese,whenits owner,Omer Huseyin, grabbed an unexpected opportunity.

Omer decided four years ago to checkout afaileddairy factory in Traralgon that had goneinto receivership.

He went looking for equipment that he may have been available to buy.

Instead, he bought the factory.

Thus, Village Cheese &Yoghurt found itself with aprime site on the PrincesHighway in Traralgon -you can’t travel through the city without seeingit-inthe heart of Gippsland dairy country with alarge factoryasavehicle for expansion.

It was atypical act of gambling courage by Omer,who has areputation as avisionary entrepreneur

It was this quality that led Omer, the son of aTurkish Cypriot immigrant, to found the family-owned Village Dairy business about20 years ago.

As Gavin Hunter,Village’s businessmanager explained, the family startedout making Halloumi, atraditionalCypriot cheese.

“Omer,one of six children, saw an opportunity back then to expand and develop into the local Indian market for pot-set yoghurt, whichcan be used for cooking, and acottage-like cheese, Paneer,” he said.

Pot-set yoghurt is yoghurt produced andpoured into its container,whereitsets.

Fundamentally this is the main different in production to stirred yoghurt.

Village believes pot-set yoghurt makes the best tasting yoghurt, being firmer than most yoghurts, which makes it flexible for use in cooking recipes, dips and simply mixing with fruit.

Village’s early days werefrantic, with delivery vans on theroads in metropolitan Melbourne supplying independent supermarkets.

Omer and his three daughters Sezen, Demet and Sevda, along with Mum, all helped with production and deliveriesinthe early days.

Sevda Huseyin, Omer’s youngest daughter,ismanaging director and currently manages the business with the general manager,

Lee Pironelli, her brother-in law, on aday-to-day bases under the watchful eye of her father Omer

“The business grew organically foranumber of years asthe Indian community grew, by word ofmouth. They liked the cheese and the quality of the yoghurt,” Gavin said.

The original factory and warehouse wereinSpringvale,however the company outgrew that and moved to its current location in Dandenong South in 2012.

Omer’s daughter,Demet Yalaz, who dealswith customersand distributors, said Village started to manufacture products for other companies.“Some who arenow our main opposition started with us; we produced under their label and then they gotto asizeand went separate ways,” she said.

In late 2019, Omer went to Traralgon and came back with the ‘surprise’.

“He saw the potential; we were landlockedhereinDandenong South,” said Demet.

Then COVID arrived.

“That was adifficult period,” said Gavin, who was hired by Village Dairy at this time.

A30-year dairyindustry veteran, he had worked at Bonlac Foods, Fonterra and Warrnambool Cheese&Butterbeforethe Saputo takeover

“One of the opportunities -and why Icame on board-was some equipment suitable for contract packaging. We secured acontract with amultinational and still supply them today,” he said.

“Importantly,it hasgiven us the ability of obtaining an export licence for Traralgon as well.

We went into a new dimension with ‘contract pack’. That gave us adifferent direction as acompany to expand.”

Contract pack involves manufacturing aproduct for the customer’s brand,size, specifications,and parameters,producing it under contract for anumberof years.

Demet said simply: “Contract work kept us going during COVID”.

The growth of the business has been through the Indian community, supermarkets and Indian wholesalers.

“Wesupply throughout Australia to wholesalers inthe main who provide adistribution service to the independent Indian community, cafes and restaurants.

These wholesalers have their own customer bases, we supply them. We also deliver to our own customerbase in metropolitan Melbourne,” said Gavin. Another growth area is foodservice wholesalers in Victoria and acrossall capital cities in Australia.

“Weare not strong traditionally in retail. We have had product in Woolworths -our two- litrenatural pot set yoghurt -for six years but have struggledtoexpand on that.”

Gavin said it depends on what buyers wanted and the retailer’s strategic direction.

“A buyercametous wanting something different in the drinking milk category,”hesaid. Village came up with ayoghurt drink, labelled as a‘Cultured milk drink’, that fittedinto the milk categoryvanilla, mango and berry yoghurt drinks.

“Mango lassie is the strongest of our yoghurt drink products. The mango is thicker and suited to the traditionalmealas a “pallet-cleansing drink” made with mango pulp. We also produce a yoghurt drink called‘Ayran’,ideal for traditional Middle East cuisine -spicey food.

It helps digestion when having thistypeof meal.Our other yoghurt drink suits abroader spectrum of customers. We are looking to expand this area in the future,” Gavin said.

Village Dairy isstill engaging with Woolworths and Coles and exploring opportunities with both retailers. Gavin said dealing with major retailers was different from dealing with independents.

“With independents, you deal with the owners, which aligns with our family business. Village Dairy has agreat opportunity for the brandinfront of the retail consumer-wewillencourage and developthat -but the base of the business is still independent stores. Theytendtobeloyal;once they buy and like aproduct, you must do something bad to lose that business,” he said.

Village workswithGippsland Food &Fibretopromote the productsfromits Traralgon factory.

Sevda and Lee shot adocumentary on the Village business and family history. It showcases the products andproduction at Traralgon along with anew packaging logomarked, ’Gippsland Trusted Provenance’, thathighlightsGippslandand milk sourced locally.

Village Dairy emphasis it is an Australian, family-owned company.

Gippsland’s countryside,which gives aperception of green pastures and healthy food, is a powerful marketing tool. “It signifies anything produced hereisoff good quality,” said Gavin.

Village employsabout 25-30 peopleatthe Traralgonplant and asimilar number arealso at the Dandenong South operation in Melbourne. Village received a grant afew years ago from the stategovernment to expand the Traralgon factoryand employ locally.

“The majority of productionstaff that lost their jobs in the previous business werere-employed, most have remained. We find new people and gave back jobs to the community to people who lost jobs. We also regained alevel of past experience,” Gavin said.

Village does not directly buy its milk from farmers; it goes through abrokerage company.

Buying direct from afarmer,as the companydid in the early days, meant having to take all the milk produced, even if it could not be used. “Our requirement for milk is up and down -moreupthan down-but as the business has grown,we havesecured milk supply that has ensured the continuity of productionat all time,” Gavin said.

“Milk supply is our lifeblood, and we ensureitcomes from Gippslandregion. Theonly exception is the organic milk we purchase direct from farm, which is more of a boutique product in the market.”

Village Dairy has eight varieties of yoghurt in 10kg, 5kg, 2kg and 1kg packs.

“The 10kg and 5kg aremainly for catering,but some Indian supermarkets sell 10kgtothe general public.

They havebig families!”said Demet. “Our Paneer cheese is used in cooking; it holds its shape, does not melt or get soft.”

The company’s main export from Traralgon is into South-East Asia under contract pack.

Gavin emphasised howimportant it is to diversify the customer base between retail, wholesalers, independent stores and contract pack. “Wemake surethereisa spread to protect our vulnerability from changes in the market. Our business strategy wherepossible atarget of about 30 per cent into retail, 40 per cent to wholesale and Independent stores and 30 per cent tocontract pack.However, that is always changing,”hesaid.

As with many small businesses, thereare clouds on the horizon. The cost of transport has gone up, as has the cost of milk, which went up 30 per cent last July.

“Farmers have been doing it hardand need the extra income, however it wasthe levelofthe increase in one ‘go’. This affected sales in the short termuntil general prices in the market caught up with theseincreases,” Gavin said.

The company has also installed solar energy atTraralgon to reduce increased energy costs.

Gavin said yoghurt, as ahealthy foodsource, was still underutilised. “Peoplelook at yoghurt as adessert, but we feelithas greater market possibilities.It has got potential as aprobiotic, healthand good foodsource for the gut, having yoghurt as part of abalanced diet.

Kefirhas explodedfor that reason,” he said.

In Traralgon, Village Dairy works withGippsland Food &Fibre to try to support local produce and labour

“They understand the local area. GFF aretargetinglocal manufactures that truly source and produce product outofGippsland region, not just use the regional name,” Gavin said.

“As afamily-ownedbusiness, we arefocussed on quality. Our owner Omer and the family in general willnot compriseon quality. You live and die by your reputation.”

Demet Yalazand Gavin Hunter.

Photo: Supplied

Senator S76

Circular economy push strengthens

ANEW ministerial advisory group that is led by former VictorianDeputy Premier and EnvironmentMinister,John Thwaites, has been appointed topush Australia’s transition to acircular economy by 2030.

The Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group was established to advise government on the opportunities and challenges in making this transition.

The Minister for the Environment and Water,Tanya Plibersek, has announced new appointments to the group, which is led by its inaugural chair, Professor Thwaites AM.

Tackling waste, particularly plastics,

and moving to acircular economy quickly and efficiently, is apriority for the federal government.

At the Environment Ministers’ meeting late last year,all Australian Environment Ministers committed to working with the private sector and industry to design out waste and pollution, keep materials in use, and foster markets to achieve acircular economy by 2030.

There has beenprogress towardsthese goals, but moreaction is needed to prevent waste, improve product design, and build moreefficient production processes, the government says.

Sustainability as acurriculum

NEW redmeatindustryeducational resources areout for the 2023 school year Senior and primary school teachers across Australia have access to new resources for their students, covering key aspects of the redmeat and livestock industry.

The in-depth Australian Good Meat Education resources have been developed by Meat &Livestock Australia (MLA) for the 2023 school year,covering all grades from Foundation/Prep to Year 10.

MLA Group stakeholder collaboration manager,Samantha Jamieson, said the resources werelinked to the current version8.4 of thecurriculum andthe new version 9.0 of the curriculum.

“These resources arefreeand easyto access on the Australian Good Meat website and aredesigned to be used in both print and digital format,” she said.

The cross-curriculum resources are designedtomeetcurriculum outcomes for Design and Technologies, Science, Mathematics, English, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Sustainability is focussed

in the Australian curriculum. In all, 178 new resources areavailable for teachers.

Ms Jamieson said the education resources weredesigned to be interactive and engaging for students, being created in consultation withteachers to ensure the materials werepractical and resulted in the best possible outcomes for students.

“By accessing the teaching resources on the Good Meat website, teachers will find resources suchasinstructional videos for teaching support, lessonplans,student activity worksheets, and supplementary classroom materials such as posters and more,” Ms Jamieson said.

Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) chief executive, Luciano Mesiti, saidtherewas value in agriculture in the classroom.

“Agriculture is innovative and evolving and full of exciting opportunities around maths, sciences, technology, and much more,” Mr Mesiti said.

Visit AustralianGoodMeat website. Images and resources: School resources.

Ms Plibersek saidAustralians want to do their bit to reduce their waste, recycle household productsand lightentheir impactonthe planet. “Reducing wasteparticularly plastic waste -is apriority for the government. However, acircular economy is morethan just better recycling systems. It’sabout designing out waste from the start. Makingsurethat new products aredesigned to last longer,tobe reused and repaired, and able to have all parts recyclable at the end of the product’s life,” she said.

“Morethan 70 per cent of environmental

impacts arelocked in at the design stage, beforea consumer ever purchases aproduct, and well beforeweeven consider its disposal or reuse.”

Professor Thwaites said thereweregood things happening in waste and recycling but much more neededtobedoneto strengthen our circular economy.

“By developing our circular economy, we reducewaste and pollution, we get more value outofmaterials in our economy, and we put our economy on amoresustainable footing for growth over the long-term,” he said.

VFF Egg Council president appointed

FORMER Fish Creek egg farmer Meg Parkinson has been elected unopposed as president of the Victorian Farmers Federation Eggs Council.

Tony Nesci has been elected vicepresident, also unopposed. The VFF announced the outcome of elections for the 2023 VFF Eggs Council last week.

Meg has an extensivebackground in Victorian agriculture as aformer egg farmer from Fish Creek. She is aVFF lifememberand has aconsiderable background involvement with the VFF as aprevious deputy president on the VFF board, chair of Farrer House, trustee of the Disaster Relief Fund, chair of the Animal Welfareand Industrial Committees, VFF Egg Group president and Intensive commodities representative on the VFF board.

Tony has beeninvolved in the egg industry for morethan 60 years. His family were market gardeners when he was achild, and Tony then branched

out into egg farming aftera career in sales. He has considerable management experience within the industry and is passionateabout progressing the future for all growers.

VFF acting returning officer,Brendan Tatham, congratulate bothMeg and Tony. “I look forwardtoworking with them and the widerVFF team to help deliver foregg growersthroughout Victoria over the coming years,” he said.

Mr Tatham said the VFF would like to thank outgoing VFF Egg Council president, Brian Ahmed, for his work on behalf of Victorian egg farmers.

“The VFF would like to thank outgoing, Brian Ahmed, for his dedication and passion to the role and wish we him thevery best for the future,” he said.

The VFF would also like to congratulate the councillors whichhavealsobeen returned uncontested: Andrew Postregna and Lou Napolitano.

Field day for Gippsland farmers

Stefan BRADLEY

ORGANICproducers WilandraFarms hosted afield day for the public last month, to learnmoreaboutrenewable energy projects on farms and the opportunities areduced carbonfootprintwillbring to the region.

The field began with aconference session at TheStables inSaleat8.45am, with experts on dairy farming and renewable energy together under one roof. Morethan 200 delegates, mostly farmers, sat down to listento speakers such as Lachlan Monsbourgh from Rabobank,Gabriel Hakin from AgVet Energy,Farmers for Climate Action chair Charlie Prell, and Steve Soutar of AEI. MoraghMackay was themaster ofceremonies forthe proceedings.

After finishing up, therewas arendezvous at the farmitself in Clydebank at 1.15pm for lunch and to listen to more speakers. Therewas also an opportunity to network, and take alook at solar panels, wind turbines, automation of centre pivots,the energy management system, an electric side-by-side vehicle,and a hydrogen-powered generator

Wilandra Farms owners, Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford, also spoke throughout the day to discuss steps to minimise emissions.

Ms Jeffordtold the Gippsland Times she was very happy at the turnout, andhoped attendees would see that renewable energy is agood option on alot of farms.

“We’ve got atotal of 200 kilowatts of solar panels on the ground, and it doesn’t take up that much space,” she said.

“So do an assessment and see whether it’s going to work on your farm.”

Ms Jeffordsaidthat agricultural

industrieshad alargerole to play in reducing emissions.

“There’salot wecan do in terms of energy efficiency, using renewable energy, storing morecarbon in the soil, planting trees that aregoing to storecarbon longterm,” she said.

“Weall just need to learnfromeach other and see what we can do.”

The solar panels have dramatically reduced Wilandra Farm’s energy bills, according to Ms Jefford.

“In previous seasons we werespending $80,000 (a year) for irrigation, which was too much for afarmofour size. But last year,our irrigation bill was only $1200.”

“The money we werepaying for energy bills we would shift to equipment finance loans, and in seven years when that’s paid off, we’ve got completely free power.”

The farmalsohas newwindturbines that benefit from an easterly wind nearly every afternoon from the Gippsland Lakes to complement the solar panels.

Mr Droppert hoped that farmers would consider the possibilities.

“Look athow you can reduce your demand for energy first,” he said.

“Ideally, locate newable energy in a central location,close toasmuch load as possible.

“Use power when it’s generated, and load shift to avoid the need for batteries.”

Mr Prell spoke about how small-to-mid scalerenewable energy projects like the one at Wilandra Farmsare agood outcome for communities and farmers, while also reducing emissions.

“I’ve had areally positive reaction to the initiative Icalledfor… (which was) for peopletostart agitatingtheir local government, the council, to advocate for small-to-medium sizedrenewables like (at Wilandra Farms),” Mr Prell told the Gippsland Times

“The renewables arereallyexpensive to build,and the transmitters, thegrid, doesn’t really like small-scale, because it makes their job alot harder

“But it’s an essential part of the renewable revolution.

“Groups of farms or communities can get together and build microgrids in their own area to turbocharge the renewable revolution,and also minimisethe need for large transmission lines.”

In the afternoon, delegates gathered at Wilandra Farms for lunch and morespeakers.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Tiah Capobianco, Luke Droppert,Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

GippsDairy EO KarenMcLennan, dairy farmer Ian Nicol and Wilandra Farms co-owner Sandra Jeffordafter winning acontest for farmers to test their knowledge, Ian Nicol was a awaardded $10000

Photo: Contributed

Wilandra Farms ownerSandra Jeffordand Charlie Prell. Photo: Stefan Bradley

Over 200 delegates, mostly farmers, satdown t to listen t to speakers s

Photo: Stefan Bradley

BLACKJACK Angus welcomes Gippsland Farmers to come and see the 28 bulls they have forauctionattheir First AnnualOnline Bull Sale on Friday 24th of March, 2023.

Stud Principal, Stewart Cluning invites any farmer looking for agoodquality Angus Bull this autumn joining period to come and visit in Marchand inspect the 28 ready to work bulls.

All bulls arebetween 18 and 24 months, ready to work having been independently fertility tested.

Being Angus HerdBookregistered, all Blackjack Bulls come with full registration and lifetime vaccination records.

The currentcropofyoung bullsare displayinggreat shape, docility, good feet and have

BLACKJACK ANGUS Quality in Spades

production traits many Gippsland beef producers arelooking for Make suretocheck out the following impressive Blackjack Angus bulls online:

 Lot 5– Blackjack Stallone

 Lot 6– Blackjack Stiffler

 Lot 7- Blackjack Sex Panther

 Lot 11 -Blackjack Stormtrooper

 Lot 19 -Blackjack Shelby

Simply type in their nametoyour Google or other searchengine or usethe QR Code (advertisement on page 10).

All 28 Sale Bulls will be yarded for inspection by the public from 11am on Sale Day LocalGippsland Agents,BrianMcCormack

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(Nutrien –0407931 735) and Ryan Bajada (Elders –0435411 536) can be contacted to recommend the Blackjack Angus Bull that will best suit your herd.

Alternatively,speak to your local agent, who can help you view online videos of the sale bulls via the online platform AuctionsPlus.

The format of theAuction is a“Helmsman’s style” which is generally considered to be buyer friendlyasitoperateswithout thepressureto make an instant decision.

Youcan take home thebull youwantatthe price you can afford, irrespective of the lot order

DNAParent Verificationisa cornerstone of Blackjack’soperation to ensurebuyers are

receiving the pedigrees and genomics they are paying for

At Blackjack Angus,all of their cows and all of theirprogeny areDNA parent verifiedand genomically tested.

To arrange aprivate inspection of the sale bulls or receive amailed-out catalogue of the upcoming sale, feel free to contact Blackjack Angus on 0428 535 985.

Alternatively,follow the QR code for full details of the March 24th Blackjack Angus online bull sale (advertisement on page 10).

Albert Street, Moe. PHONE: 5127 7777

Queen Street, Warragul PHONE: 5622 3800

SALES: RebeccaRobinson PHONE: 0447049 555

LEASING: Dylan Quine PHONE: 0402 513 561

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RebeccaRobinson

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Another successful Heyfield Timber Fest

Stefan BRADLEY

CAN you imagine Heyfield without timber?

Last year,the Heyfield TimberFestival was brought back 27 years after the last event and judging by this year’s showing it’s heretostay.

The 2023 festival took place on the weekend of February 18 and 19, andtherewas something foreveryone.

On the Saturday, there was woodchopping, the TimColeman stunt show, a carnival, free kids activities, markets,truck show, vintage displays, dog jumping, tugo-war,bands, bars and food trucks -the list goes on and on.

Sunday saw people gather in the streets to watch the parade, followed by the vigil at the Timberworkers Memorial,where

Heyfield Football Clubhosted asausage sizzle, and 51 Coffee sellingmilkshakes, slushies and of course, coffee.

Heyfield Timber Festival Committee secretary, Kayla Stevenson, said theweekend surpassed expectations.

“The whole committee is extremely happy with the turnout we had,” she said.

“It is awesome to see so many facesat the event. Therewheresomany families there, which is great to see as we try make surethere is something for not only the children but the adults also, so everyone has something to enjoy.

“The small but dedicated committee are definitely goingtobe holding our next event in February 2024. We hope we can create another awesome family day out for everyone to come back and enjoy.”

Heyfield Timber Festival Committee president, Felicia Stevenson, said the event was very important for the local community.

“It brings the local community together, it brings people to our town and it’s apart of Heyfield’s history,” Felicia said.

“I grew up in Heyfield and remember going to the event as achild, it was ahuge event. My involvement with the festival was to bring it back and create afamily fun day out, and to showcase the sustainability of the industry.”

Felicia said the committee hoped that the threatened closureofthe native timber industry would not have an effect on the festival.

“Wecome together to reunite the Timber Festival event not only to show the sustainability of the timber industry, but to bring the community and the industry together as one, and to hold an event that families can come and enjoy,” she said.

“It comestothe fact that (the state government) doesn’t realisethe flow-oneffect and what will happen to the small communities.”

Lakes is the destination

IF you lovefresh Victorian seafood and the idea of aroad trip on along weekend, then get along to the free Hooked on Lakes Entrance event on Sunday, March 12.

Discover the wonders of East Gippsland, eat locally caught fish, learnmoreabout whereitcomes from, and let the kids loose in afreefishing clinic run by experts.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive, Travis Dowling, said Lakes Entrancewas afishing mecca and home to one of Australia’s largest commercial fishing fleets, making it the perfect destination to celebrate fresh, locally sourced seafood.

“Lakes Entrance alsooffers fantastic recreational fishing for beginners and experienced die-hards, from the shoreor boats, big and small,” Mr Dowling said.

“Recreational access to the Lakesis improvingthanks toBetterBoating Victoria’sboatrampupgrades atNorth Armand Seacombe, repaired jetties on the Mitchell River,plans for an all-abilities pontoon at Apex Park, and aboating facilities redevelopment at Shaving Point, Metung.

“The Hooked on Lakes event will showcasethe vast array offresh fish caught by commercial fishers offthe coast, other delicious local produce and great fishing across East Gippsland.”

SALE: Monday 3rd April @1.00

The free eventwill runfrom10am till 4pm on the Lakes Entrance ForeshoreReserve andboast new activitiestoget everyone excited, including:

 Seafood cooking and filleting demonstrations by three local chefs and Cara Cummings from the Women in Recreational Fishing (WIRF) network;

 Free Fishcare‘Come and Try’ fishing clinics for kids and families;

 Transport Safety Victoria Maritime Float Safe inflatable lifejacket clinics;

 Meet the leaders of WIRF to learn moreabout the group and to expand your fishing horizons;

 Kids amusements;

 Lakes Entrance Action & Development Association’s food, market stalls and duck race, and;

 Family-friendly areas to enjoy the marvellous waterfront views.

Mr Dowling said Hooked on Lakes was perfect for families keen to make the most of the March long weekend, explorestunning waterways togetherand indulge in Victoria’s world class seafood. For moreinformation visit www.vfa.vic. gov.au/hookedonlakes

The women’s tug of war champions from Hoopers Farm -Ellie, Jodie, Tash, Kayla, Jess and Misty.

The winning Men’s tug of war team, theMad Pullers -Roche, Brady, Ryan,Jimmy,Shawry and Tom.

The wood choppers in-action at Heyfield Photographs: Supplied The vigil and the timber workers memorial.

Blueprint launced for seaweed plan

AGRIFUTURES has releasedthe AustralianSeaweed Blueprint Implementation Plan, which prioritises research, developmentand extension (RD&E) activities for the next four years

The plan was produced as part of AgriFutures’ Australia’s emerging industriesprogram, which focuses on new industrieswith highgrowth potential, including seaweed, and will be key o meeting changingglobal demands for agricultural products.

The implementationplanbuildson the landmark Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint report published by AgriFutures in 2020, and incorporates new insights from stakeholderfeedback on the industry’s most pressing challenges.

AgriFuturesprogram manager,Dr BrendaKranz, saidthe implementation plan prioritised three key areas: leadership and collaboration, including governance, policy and communications; production capability and scale, includingthe nationalhatchery network; and biosecurity, investment innovation, including new products and technologies.

“Since the industry Blueprint was first released in 2020, AgriFutures has invested in aseriesofstrategicRD&E projects to support industry achieving its goal of $100m in production by 2025,” said Dr Kranz.

The plan now empowers the industry to take the next step in its growth with clear targeted prioritiesfor futuredevelopment activities.”

It wasreleasedin time for the International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) in Hobart.

The plan outlinesthe major flagship initiative for the NHN to accelerate industry development.

“Industry has identified that amajor impediment to production is capability and technology for production of large quantities of clean,native seedstock,” said Ms Kelly.

“A national hatchery network will facilitateknowledgedevelopment and skilltransfer to get seaweed growers focussed on expanding cultivation.”

Theplanalsorecommends areview of pests, diseases and biosecurity challenges, as well as the need for alicencing toolkit to assist businesses in obtaining oceanleasesand aquaculture permits and navigate state-specific legislation governing the industry.

“Aquaculturepolicy is highlyvariable between states and can present asignificant roadblock to commercial development,” said Ms Kelly.

“The plan outlines apathway to achieving anational policyframework and facilitating states to createaprogressive and risk appropriate regulatory environment thatrecognises the benefits of seaweed aquacultureto marine environments.”

To findout more on the seaweed industry visit, www.agrifutures.com. au/seaweed

YesOptus, Bairnsdale, Sale, Traralgon and Warragul

Seeking junior landcareheroes

WOOLWORTHS and LandcareAustralia

areonthe lookout for primary schools and early learning centres across Latrobe Valleywithideas to help connect young generations with natureand inspirethem to play an active role in ensuring the safe futureoftheir environment.

The latest round of the Woolworths Junior LandcareGrantsprogram is now open offering primary schools and early learning centres the chance to sharein$1million tosupport the development of hands-on environmental learning projects.

Grants ofupto$1000are on offer for projects focussed on sustainable food production, improving wastemanagement practices, enhancing native habitats and deepening First Nations perspectives. This could include setting up anew garden like Avoca Primary School in Victoria has done, wherechildrennot only learn how to grow plants and food and create animal habitats, but also learnmoreabout themselves.

“Getting children involved with handson activities in and around natureis an incredible wayto help them explore sustainabilityin action,”Woolworths Churchill, Moe, Morwell and Traralgon group manager,Paul Magyar,said.

“Over the years,we’ve seen somegreat ideas from schools and early learning

centres across Victoria that werebrought to life throughour WoolworthsJunior LandcareGrantsprogram,encouraging kidstoexplore, appreciate andcarefor the environment around them. No idea is too small, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this next round of applications.”

Through its Junior Landcare program, LandcareAustralia has also worked closely with First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp to develop environmental learning activities for educators and children to learnmoreabout how they can have aconnection to Country.

The activities range from exploring First Nations weather to creatinganIndigenous plant-usegarden and exploring aFirst Nations peoples’ languages map.

“As aproud Wiradjuri man,Ibelieve it is extremely important that environmental based organisations recognise and work with First Nations groups,” First Nations educator with LandcareAustralia, Adam Shipp, said.

“By teaching younger generations about traditional ways of caring for Country, we can deepen knowledge of and respect for First Nations culture and practices.I look forwardtoseeing how Latrobe Valley students and teachers use the new Junior Landcareresources.

“Junior Landcare has always recognised

Measures in place to protectthe prom

AS part of the state government’s $23 million Wilsons Promontory Revitalisation project, a10-kilometrefence will be erected in the national park to keep out predators like foxes, feral cats and deer

This formpart of amajor investment that aims to improve the protection of native habitat and species, while enhancing visitor experiences at one of Victoria’s most popular destinations.

The fence, to be built by GHD, will prevent invasive species entering the national park and will aid ongoing conservation programs, which include large-scale invasive species control, large-scale habitat restoration and threatened species recovery programs.

Wilsons Promontory is home to anumber of threatened species including the EasternBristlebird, EasternPygmy-possum, Ground Parrot, Growling Grass Frog, Hooded Plover,New Holland Mouse, SouthernBrown Bandicoot and

Swamp Skink.

Once complete, the fence will establish a50,000-hectareprotected biodiversity sanctuary that aims to ensurethe safety of the park’s abundant wildlife.

Also at the Prom, upgrades are underway to the Tidal River visitor precinct, the park’s main hub, and new accommodation options in the park.

Anew Telegraph Saddle trail to connect Tidal River and Mount Oberon is also planned, along with an all-abilities track upgrade of the Wildlife Circuit.

Parks Victoria will be working with Traditional Owners and specialist consultants throughout the project to ensurenatural and cultural values areprotected. The Wilsons Prom Revitalisation project is expected to directly generate 54 jobs and add about $11.22 million to the regional economy.

the vital role children play in taking care of thenaturalenvironment and, thanks to the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, we look forwardtoseeing even morechildren have the opportunity to take on this role,” LandcareAustraliachief executive, Dr Shane Norrish, said.

“Moreover,as we continuetogrowthe number of FirstNationsperspective resources on the Junior LandcareLearning Centre, we arethrilledtobeable to support Latrobe Valley children and educators in buildingtheir knowledge of traditional land management and cultural heritage when it comes to caring for our land and water.”

Since launching the program in 2018, the Woolworths Junior LandcareGrants

program, in partnership with Landcare Australia, has supported more than 3814 school groups, with morethan$4 million in funding to help kids all across the country get hands-on with caringfor the natural environment.

Applicationsfor the 2023 Woolworths Junior LandcareGrants arenow open and close on March 17.

To find out moreabout the program or to apply,goto juniorlandcare.org.au

To view what local Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant projects werefunded in previous years, search the interactive map at www.juniorlandcarewoolworthsmap.org au

Safer crossing for all

WORK is now complete on the new BingoMunjieCreek bridgeonthe Omeo Highway, providing astronger and safer crossing in East Gippsland.

The bridge replaces the aging timber structurewith stronger concrete culverts installed as part of a$2.228 million state government investment.

To protect local aquaculture, acustomised fish passage was incorporated into the design ofthe newbridge,ensuring there is sufficient light tosupport biodiversity of the creek.

Beth Liley, Regional Director (Gippsland), says this is the first time that solar tubes have been used in this type of culvert design within the Gippsland region.

“We’realways looking at ways to introduce newtechnology and initiatives into our road projects,” Ms Liley said.

“In afirst for our region, solar tubes were incorporated as part of the final design, so that native fish like Mountain Galaxia and Blackfish can safely continue their journey along the creek.”

The solar tubesare made of ahighly reflective thin metal sheet, that reflects and projects sunlight throughout the length of the tube, creating abright effect at the end, which encourages the fish to pass.

Throughout the process, our crews worked closely with the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) and fish ecologists on the final design.

Ms Liley says fish aren’t the only ones who will benefit from this new crossing.

“Victoria’s high country is ahuge drawcardfor tourists and plays avital part in our economy,” she said.

“This new crossing on theOmeo Highway

provides abetter and safer link to some of Gippsland’smost popular tourist hotspots including AnglersRest, Mount Wills and Mitta Mitta.

“The new six-metrelong bridge not only benefits farmers and freight -native fish

will also be able to cross safely beneath the bridge thanks to its innovative design.” Further road safety works have also been delivered as part of the project, including installing flexiblesafety barriersand widening the road.

Global generosity shines to help cancer patient

From Page 1

EVENthough Ms Lillo has been living and working inAustralia for five years, she is not eligible for Medicaresupport. She requiresmultiple scans, tests,surgeries and chemotherapy, and only asmall part of her costs will be covered by her current medical insurance.

While going back to Santiago for treatment was an option, doing so would mean abandoningeverything she’s worked towards in Australia over thepast five years, and would delay treatment even further.That time is precious.

We all know that time is money, but when it comes to lifesaving care, time is life.

Ms Lillo’s time has been dependent on her private health insurer giving the go-ahead for chemotherapy.

“Just the thought that my life is in their hands,and they say theywillhavean answer by today (Tuesday, February 7), and they didn’t -itfreaks me out,” she said.

“Today Iwas thinking, what if Idie because of this?

“This is one extra day for them to make adecision, but that’s one lessday in my life. My entire life; andI’m definitelynot ready to die yet.”

In the following days, Sale Hospital and their oncology team decided to schedule chemotherapyfor Valentine’sDay, February 14, and will help cover the treatment.

Ms Lillo sees it as just one example of Gippsland generosity.

That Gippsland generosity came through again after Strauss Medical set up a GoFundMe page for Ms Lillo to ease her costs. She was shocked when she was informed that over $15,000 has been donated so far

“So many people from different parts of the world, from back in Chile and people I’ve met around Australia (have donated),” Ms Lillo said.

“I usually go through things on my own. Inever getmyparentsormypartner involved,but it’stimefor metolet go of pride.I’ve realisedthatIneedhelp,and

I’m grateful to everyone.

“And Isay to other young women, please go get checked. IstartedwithStage 4breast cancer.Itusually doesn’t happen to women under 40, but it happened to me.”

An effective method for early detection of breast cancer in youngwomen isbreast awareness. Womenofall ages should become awareofhow their breasts and axilla normally look and feel, and to report any new or unusual changes to their general practitioner without delay.

Ms Lillo and Mr Witjes have been together for four years, and in acountry very far away from wherethey grew up, they’re lucky to have each other

Christmas last year was very difficult, with the couple not knowing if Ms Lillo would survive to see the nextone.

“Thiswhole situation has been hardon him, he hasn’t said much, but has been verysupportive and understanding,” Ms Lillo said.

“For Valentine’s Day we haven’t planned anything. But sinceitismyfirst dayof chemo, Iknow he is going to make it special.”

OnMsLillo’sfirst day of chemotherapy on February 14, to her surprise she found out that her healthinsuranceprovider would coverher treatment. Her medical team informed her of this, but she hadn’t heardfromthe provider

In the five days after herfirst chemotherapy

session, Ms Lillo experienced “muscularor bone pain”. She improved soon after,but still felt weak and tired, which she needed to overcome beforeshe felt comfortable leaving the house.This cycle will repeat itself when she returns to chemotherapy.

“Thereare still scans and tests that Iwill need to be taking during the process of the chemo that Iwill have to pay out of pocket due to coverage,” Ms Lillo said.

“I haven’t checked the GoFundMe, but last thing Iknew was that it was getting closer to the goal, which makes me very happy!

“That money will help with all the medical things(insurance) will not cover and life expenses too, because now my partner is the only one working full time.”

Also to her surprise, on February 14, was gifts from her mother,her sisterand Mr Witjes. TheywerePokémon related gifts and charms chosenbyMrWitjesasthe couple celebrated Valentine’s Day.

The GoFundMe as of March 1has raised over $18,000, gettingclosetothe goal of $20,000. Ms Lillo has returned to work, an important part of her mental health journey, as even acouple of days back makesher feel like herself until the next cycle of chemotherapy.

Those wanting to support Lisbett Lillo’s cancer treatment can visit the GoFundMe page on https://gofund.me/a2c29538

Bingo Munjie Creek Bridge, on the OmeoHighway. Photo: Contributed

LisbettLillo works at Farm Express Salads in Boisdale.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Queuesstretch 10km trying to get into Mirboo North for Italian festa

Liam DURKIN

TRAFFIC jams aren’t always bad news.

People must have heardhow good the food was in Mirboo North last month.

Cars wereliterally backed up as far as the Mirboo North-Trafalgar Road turnoff, waiting to get intothisyear’s Mirboo North ItalianFesta onSunday February 12.

So big wasthe crowd, they had to park cars on thefooty ground -and eventhat overflowed.

Eventually, people parked on the side of the road on the outskirts of town, willing to walk just to see what all the fuss was about.

As they approached Baromi Park, and got alittle further in, thoughts of ‘there area lot of peoplehere’ surely shone through.

If thereisone things Italians can do it’s cater for acrowd -even if thereismore than 20,000 of them.

Yes, therewould have easily been more than 20,000 people in Mirboo North for this year’s Italian festa.

Months and months of preparation culminated in aspectacularfestival, that featured authentic Italian food and wine, as well as cooking demonstrations, singing, dancing, and plentyofactivities for the kids.

Build it and they will come.

It was acelebration of all things Italy; put together by adedicated team of volunteers.

Justhow they managed to organise an event thatseesthe town of Mirboo North go fromapopulationof2500 people to afigureeight times that was truly remarkable.

Historically speaking, the day holds great significance,asitisused to celebrate St Paul.

St Paul is the patron Saint of Solarino in Sicily, the hometownofagroup of Italian immigrants who made their way to Mirboo North half-a-century ago.

St Paul’sstatuewas shipped to Australia at the time, and proudly took pride-of-place in Baromi Park on Sunday.

Mass was held at 10am, beforeaprocession withthe statue,leadingtothe official opening of the festival.

Festival volunteers wereondeck from dawn,frantically coordinating dozens of stallholders in readiness for the rush.

The rush didn’t let up.

Lines for woodfired pizza, pasta varieties, and perfectly handcrafted bread just kept going and going.

Those with asweet tooth wereinfor a

treat, as all the favourites werethereas well.On the dancefloor,attendees kickedup their heels, and heardfromacts like SiestaCartel,and sawinternationally acclaimed group, The Flag Throwers, wow the crowd with an incredible aerobatic display.

For abit of fun, therewas aspaghetti eating contest, and agrapestomping one, while Roman soldiers walked the grounds, making sureeverything was in order

Festa organiserRosieRomanowas understandably emotional when speaking to Gippsland Farmer

When a group of local women decided to reinvigorate the festivalin 2016,it is unlikely any of them ever thought in their wildest dreams they would one day welcome acrowd of morethan 20,000.

“Wewould have been happy to have 1000 peopleatanevent,” Ms Romano said.

“It’s been an incredible amount of work from our team.

“We’ve got asmall team of 10 women, we arenot professionals, we arejust a group of people who love Italy and love Italian culture.

“For this day to be what it is, is really emotional. We’resoproud, the people in the town have been amazing.

“Tome, it’s aboutfamilies being able to gather and celebrate as afamily, at a free event, wherethereissomething for everybody.

“It’s really heart-warming.

“It allcomestogether, theunity that happens, the engagement, the pride in the town, thereare awhole lot of things that blossom.”

If you arewondering just how long it takes to organise an eventofthis magnitude,MsRomano providedthe following insight.

“Probably at least agood six months, the last two months have been really intense,” she said.

“Because it happensjust after Christmas and everything shuts down, we have tobe preparedbythe endof November

“Wehave most thingsinplace, then the last few weeks arequite frantic.”

If any Commonwealth Games organisers arereading this, you might want to ask the Mirboo NorthFesta committee how to go about planning for abig-scale event in Gippsland.

Sebastian Lipari, from Melbourne, Marco Timpero(Traralgon), Charlie Guerrera (Melbourne) and Gary Liali (Melbourne) enjoying the Mirboo North Italian Festa.

The Mirboo North football ground was transformed into acarpark to accommodate the 20,000 strong crowd.

FlagThrowers captain Ivan Samori.

Photographs: Liam Durkin

Maria Carpinteri (with flowers) held aa cooking demonstration for attendees. Showing their appreciation areRuth Rogan from the Mirboo North District Community Foundation,Maria Germano, and Victorian Farmers Federation president and Mirboo North local, EmmaGermano.

Accordion player Carmelo Santamaria and vocalist Adam Cursio from the band Siesta Cartel, provided some greatmusic.

People wereinavery festive mood.

Peter Knob travelled from Hobart for the festa, along with wife Sue (thirdfromleft). Theywerejoined by Inverloch’s Chris and Phil Edwards.

Farming podcast

VIC Hub’s new podcast series is apractical look at farminginnovation. Innovation AG, the new podcastseriesfromthe Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, picks the brightest minds, examines the latestresearch and maps out astep-by-step process to help farmers implementchange to build drought resilience. Food &FibreGippsland is one five regional node leads withinthe Victoria Drought hub.

Sabine Tausz-Posch, associate director –innovation at VicHub, said the new podcast series was created as aguide for farmers who aredeciding whether to invest in new AgTech, change practice or aretrying to fund or future-proof their next project to build aclimate-resilient business.

Dr Tausz-Posch said Innovation AG was also for thosewho want to value-add to their agricultural businesses, or even just keep up with industry changes.

“Hear from farmers, scientists, technologists and ag industry leaders, who areall working towards innovation, improved sustainability and new opportunitiesin agriculture,” she said.

“This podcast draws out the practical lessons, so farmers can apply them on farm, in industry or research.”

Hosted by VicHub knowledge-broker and former ABC radio and television journalist, Kirsten Diprose, the free 10-part series is supported by fundingfromthe Australian Government’s FutureDrought Fund.

Ms Diprose said she was very excited to launch thisnew podcast.“Innovation AG is intended to act as a ‘guide book’ to innovationon-farmand for the broader agricultureindustry. While there’s no perfect playbook for innovation, throughout the series we’redrawing on the latest research from universities, farmers and industry to help thoseonthe landnavigate

what can be amessy journey of changing practices,” she said. “Wealso sharethe ‘fails’ too, because no innovation happens without the odd misstep along the way.”

The experiencedbroadcaster and rural storyteller said the VicHub podcast series brings together the best advice from farmers, academics and science.

“Weask questions such as ‘What motivates people to innovate?’ and ‘How can you make the right decision when thinking of introducing anew innovation?’ And –the big one–‘Howdoyou fund it?’,said Ms Diprose.

“Innovation AG is different to other farming podcasts; we incorporate the latest research as well as farmers and rural communities. Ilive on afarmand Iwork in academic research, so Iget that these two worlds don’t always sit down for achat. But they do on this podcast!

“Thereare so many bright minds we have interviewed for this series and Ifeel so privileged to be hosting, with the series brought to life by the VicHub’s talented producer, Rachael Thompson, whohas worked on many podcasts and films over the years.”

Available podcast episodes include:

 Episode 1: What is innovation and what motivates people to do it?

 Episode 2: Innovation and Decision Making –How do you implement change, without betting the farm?

 Episode 3: Finding Funding & Building Networks

Futureepisodes of the podcast will sharestories of innovation from across the $7.14 billion Gippsland food and fibre value chain.

Innovation AG is available from standard podcast platforms.

Share thestory

Duetopublic demandwehave extended oursaleatRosedale.Thisisyourchance to ownafine imported carpet foran unbeatableprice No othercollectionevencomesclose to therugsandcarpets that have just arrivedinRosedale.All handcrafted andguaranteedauthentic withassured trade-in value.Manyareraremasterworks ofexcellentprovenance, heritageand heirloom quality.Thisisaninvestment that willimprovewithage andyou can take

Ever wonderedhow Persian rugs aremade andthe history behind them?

The Persian Carpet Galleryhas created an exquisite video series to answer all thesequestions and transportyou on awonderful journey to discoverancient Persia. It is as simple as clickingontheir website“AboutRugs” section and choosing to view astyle of carpet that interestsyou.

To getthe best experience watch on your smartTV.

Travel through amazingvillages likeTabrizwhere Qumsilkweavers liveincentral IRAN, about 100 km south of Tehran, near Dashte-Kavir, alarge salt deserttothe east.

Their villageisover1000 years old Enjoythe incrediblescenery and mesmerising architectureof Isfahanwhich wasthe capital of Persia during the reign of Shah Abbas (1571 -1629), and had the most beautifulpalaces, mosques and libraries.

Rareand preciouscarpets from thisperiod arenow kept in museums alloverthe world.

Take in the picturesque clay buildings of Nain asmall townin the provinceofIsfahan, situated on theedge of thedesert uplands of centralIranand hearhow the villagers transformed theirtextile industry into finePersiancarpet making.

Viewavintage carpet commissioned in the1930’smadeinthe townofKerman.

Kerman carpetsare highly prized

because of thequalityoftheir design and colours.

They usually fetch extraordinarily high prices

Be amazed at the story of the over 50 million Australian dollars sale of the Clark Sickle-Leafcarpet thatset newauction records in 2013

Hear howthe wool for Kashan carpets is taken from theunderbellyoflambs

Thesecarpets have takenthe name of the region,and aresimply referred to as the“Kashan”.

Duetothe veryhigh qualityof the wool,the very fine weaving andthe beautiful colours and designs, Kashans havecome to be classifiedamongthe finest Persian carpets.

These videos will tell youthe legends of the craftsmen, show you thetinyvillages they live in and detail theincredibleworkbehind the designs.

Therewillbeamazing accounts of carpetsthathavebeen sold for millions of dollars and enlightening explanations of each type of carpetsmethod of production.

Thisismorethana marketing tool, it is ajourney to apartofthe world mostuscan only dream about seeing

It is an insight into the creationof stunning artworks,the lives of their designers andthe stories behind theintricate designsthatwillinspire andmesmerise generationsto come.

Formoreinformation pleasevisit www.persiancarpetgallery.com

Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet that sold for over 50 million Australian dollars

What is PastureManagement

PASTURE management is the practice of providing livestock with forage grasses and legumes while keeping the soil healthy.

It defines strategies to improve grass health and forage production, maintain ahealthy ecosystem, and reduce production costs.

Success depends on knowing how all the elements areinterconnected.

For example, cattle grazing in pastureaffects the growth of grass, which in turnaffects the number of weeds.

Water flow for farmproduction affects the environment and animal health.

Thus, pastureimprovement depends on the effective control of each aspect.

Why Is PastureManagement Important?

THE importance of pasturemanagement is that it improves the health and sustainability of the ecosystem.

At the same time, apoorly organised system causes weed invasions, slows the recovery of forage grass, and reduces quality.

Pasturerenewal may solve these problems temporarily, but for the long-termdevelopment of the farm, it is much moreeffective to optimise grassland management practices.

Well-managed grasslands arethe key to maintaining long-termlivestock productivity.

SMS SeabirdGuano

“The most mineral rich fertiliser knowntoman”

SOIL Management Systems has been operating Australia wide for 28 years.

Specialising in soil and plant nutrition, the company’s focus is promoting healthy living soils.

The business supplies all your soil and plant nutrition needs, from Comprehensive Soil Analysis to custom blends to match the soil tests results.

This is important as balanced soil mineral content leads to good soil physical structurewhich in turnleads to active and diverse soil biology. And, it is this soil biology that mineralises nutrients into an available formfor the plant.

The moresoil biology can be encouraged the moreeffective is the fertiliser investment and the moreresilient arethe crops and pastures growing in this soil.

Hence the type of fertiliser applied is important.

Synthetic fertilisers arehighly water soluble giving the plant a‘sugar hit’ and very much prone to leaching and/or into unavailable forms.

They also repel the biologicals.

Plants areless resilient and more susceptible to insect and fungal attack necessitating chemicals which decimate the soil biologicals.

It is this complex and diverse activity

of these soil organisms that creates a healthy living soil.

Asoil that builds Organic Carbon, increasing water holding capacity and supplying abalance of nutrients to the plant.

SMS SeabirdGuano is agranulated fertiliser which is very attractive to the soil biology.

Comprising over 60 different mineral nutrients it has ahigh phosphorus content.

Rather than water soluble the nutrients arebiologically available which is the preferred way plants like to take up nutrients.

Not only arecrops moreresilient but livestock exhibit morevitality.

Graziers have reported their livestock preference is to seek out the Guano fertilised pastures.

Custom blends with SMS Guano are popular

Extra nitrogen and Sulphur with granulated Ammonium Sulphate can be blended plus Potassium Sulphate, or Elemental Sulphur and even extra Trace Elements as required.

SMS has afully stocked warehouse in Melbourne. Call 1300 076 456 or visit www.soilms.com.au

The Story of Charlie Carp is interesting and unique

THE company was set up in June 1998, via agroup of people from the Hay and Deniliquin districts in New South Wales, who were interested in pursuing a viable commercial use for European Carp, whilst at the same time reducing their numbers.

They process between 300 and 400 tonne of European Carp per year,which are removed from Australian waterways, and turnitinto a rich garden fertiliser

They use the whole fish, not just fish scraps which gives the product an edge on its competitors as well as being a freshwater fish rather than a saltwater fish.

The carp areeither fresh or snap frozen -they do not use rotten fish.

Initially they mince the fish and place it into arendering plant wherewater is added and the fish is slowly cooked and rendered down.

Once it is rendered down it is then screened through acentrifuge (separates the liquid from the solids) and further screened down to 100 micron.

This creates an extremely concentrated and highly balanced plant food, containing macroand micronutrients for plants and soil.

The liquid contains natural oil from the fish which helps to deter garden pests.

The liquid is processed into bottles and the solids are dried and combined with compost to make afertiliser pellet, which produces zero waste.

Pasture management keytosuccess

PASTURE management is key to producing quality pastures for aGippsland cattle trading operation, which turns over roughly 1000 head ayear

David and Ruth Read, together with Jen and Pete Ribolli manage Woodcote Pty Ltd.

Along with afinely-tuned grazing management program, the managers have unlocked several other tools to improve pasturequality and quantity on their properties totalling 2000 acres east of Stratford.

The team understands minerals, acarbon source and microbes are essential ingredients for effective foliar applications on their pastures.

Mr Read said multispecies cropping has been added to the pastureprogram.

“At sowing, seeds areinoculated with microbes and minerals.

Aliquid inject system is also used to deliver microbes, minerals and acarbon source, giving the plants akick start.

“Weuse NutriSoil as our microbial source, it has proven to be consistent and reliable, providing the diversity of microbes we areafter

“NutriSoil’s wormcastings areused to make our own vermicast extract, providing carbon and additional microbes,” he said.

The team have just started making their own bio ferments for plant available foliar nutrition.

This will be mixed with the vermicast extract to apply to the pasture.

Ruth and David Readutilise good grazing management,microbes, minerals and carbon to produce quality pastures

Establishing and Managing New Pastures

SEASONS comeand gobut the needto get the best results from your land never changes.

So, choosing the right pastureseed variety at the right time is essential to getting good production.

Each farming system needs to assess their conditions, timelines and their production and nutrition needs and discuss the best options with their agronomist.

Now is the perfect time for farmers to think about their pastureprogram for the whole year,starting with the best options for autumn planting.

AGF Seeds has developed apre-sowing checklist that will help growers to make the best choices for their production needs.

Choosing the right pastureseed is one of the keys to asuccessful outcome.

Asoil test is also agood investment and will eliminate guesswork and lead to better results.

Another key piece of advice is to go for quality seed that complies with the Australian Seed Federation National Code of Practice.

AGF has awide selection of seeds that fit this criterion and aresuitable for different environments and different growing conditions and filling different feed gaps.

Several aretargeted for autumn planting, including flagship varieties such as Pinnacle Ryegrass, Tillage Radish, BigRed Wheat, Phoenix CL Canola and VampireRyecorn.

Among its many applications, Tillage Radish can be sown in autumn to provide quick feed options.

BigRed Wheat is an awned, red-grained winter wheat that is amid-slow maturing variety for medium to high rainfall zones and irrigation, providing grain and graze options.

Pinnacle ryegrass has excellent winter production and forage quality ranking in the best group in the Forage Value Index.

Forester Oats is an excellent choice for early sowing due to its early vigour,

excellent recovery from grazing and high hay yield potential.

Phoenix CL Winter canola is quicker to flower than other winter types and has avery high forage dry matter and grain yield ability. Vampireryecorn combines well with a number of species, or to provide winter feed.

Bio-Boost is agame changer

IT has long been recognised that plants and soil need morethan NKP to produce. Sustainable Agricultural Solutions saw aneed to come up with products that werenot only beneficial to plans and soils but werevery cost effective.

The Bio-Boost range of fertilisers supply every element that agrowing crop needs while also building up soil reserves for futurecroprequirements.

Bio-Boost your way to the bank

BIO-BOOST Cal/Mag 5:1 is amultipurpose supplement specially formulated for low calcium/Magnesium soils.

It is aunique blend of Ca/Mg, Nand trace elements that provides unique benefits that many other fertilizers cannot offer

Calcium/Mg for stable NCrop Nutrition

DUE to the presence of calcium in the Cal/Mag 5:1 composition, the usual loss of nitrogen that takes place due to ammonia volatilisation when urea is applied is minimised.

This is important in sandy soil because Nitrate nitrogen leaches from the soil very quickly whereas the ammonia form of nitrogen in this product is much more stable.

Calcium/Mg for amending sodium affected soils

CALCIUM has long been recognised as an important soil amendment. By using ahighly soluble source of

calcium like Cal/Mag 5:1 liquid calcium, the grower is able to quickly remove harmful sodium salts from the root zone, leaving behind valuable calcium, magnesium and nitrogen nutrients to provide proper nutrition for rapid recovery and vegetative regrowth.

Magnesium the essential Catalyst

MAGNESIUM is the element that is absolutely essential for the formation of chlorophyll and all chemical processes in leaves.

Without chlorophyll, plants areunable to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide. Thereisnolife without magnesium.

Low magnesium soils produce weak plants with small leaves, often the leaf margin is withered or burnt to concentrate the magnesium into the centreof the leaf so it can be photosynthesised moreefficiently.

By applying Cal/Mag 5:1 into soil and also foliar spraying the leaf size will increase.

This will increase productivity.

For instance doubling the width of pastureleaves will double the volume without increasing height.

Dual purpose

SUITABLE for soil and foliage application.

Features:

 Ratio 5:1 is the efficient ratio for calcium and magnesium whereboth of these vitally essential elements work in harmony.

Cal/Mag 5:1 +N Liquid Advantages:

 Easy to freight, storeand apply with indefinite shelf life.

 Calcium and Magnesium are concentrated sea minerals

 Highly Concentrated apply from only 5litres per Ha

Bio-Boost NPK Foliar Spray

BIO-BOOST NPK Foliage Spray is high energy for crops/pasturewith premium levels of Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Potassium and trace elements that are essential for good pasture/crop energy and nutrition.

Within seconds of application BioBoost NPK Foliage Spray starts to work systemically helping to correct deficiencies and improving pasturehealth.

It reduces the need for supplements and helps with weight gain and productivity.

Because it travels systemically down into the roots it compensates soil ‘lockup’ and deficiencies in crops and also helps with faster pasturerecovery.

Application:

Apply anytime to agrowing plant 5ltrs of fertiliser to 100ltrs of water

Spray for maximum foliage surface coverage.

Works best in conjunction with BioBoost Cal/Mag

For moreinformation visit www.sustainableagriculturalsolutions. com.au

$28

Silvan’s addds a40L Spot Sprayer to its new Essenttials Range

A40litreSpot Sprayer is one of three new products recently introduced to Silvan’s Essentials Range.

The range has been specifically designed for general weed management, insect and pest control around the garden, home or small property.

Besides the new 40 litresprayer listed below, the Essentials range also includes an 8L Portable Hand Sprayer, a1.5L Silvan PressureSprayer,and 12L Rechargeable Backpack Sprayer and a 15L Backpack Sprayer

40L Spot Sprayer

THIS new compact 40L Spot Sprayer has been designed to be an affordable solution for applyingpesticides, agricultural and horticultural herbicides for weeds and insecticides to plants and lawns.

Also included is achemical resistant diaphragm pump which produces an

open flow of 2.6 litres aminute with a maximum pressureof50psi.

Other features include 3m of wiring loom with alligator clips, inline on/off switch and fuse.

The sprayer consists of atranslucent poly tank for viewing the tank level and comes with atrigger jet spray with 450mm lance and adjustable spray nozzle, which delivers acoarse pencil straight stream through to afine mist.

Attached to the nozzle is a6mx8mm long agricultural hose.

These products areavailable nationally from Silvan dealers and Selecta resellers.

To find your nearest dealer,visit the website www.silvan.com.au/ find-a-dealer/

Or for moreinformation call 1300 SILVAN (1300 745 826) or email info@silvanaust.com

For60years the heartofthe RENN Roller Mill has been its precision-machined 16”diameter rolls, which provide more grainrolling area per revolution compared to other brands of roller mills with smaller diameter rolls.

RENN Roller Mills save time and money year afteryearbyrollingmoregrain per hourwithless horsepower

Equine seed tips for long term persistence

WHEN choosing along-term, hardy equine seed blend for pastures, there areafew factors to consider such as the climate, soil type, and the type of horses that will be grazing the pasture.

When selecting along-term, hardy equine seed blend, it’s important to choose amix that is appropriate for your region and the specific needs of your horses.

Gavin Notman, of Notman Pasture Seeds at Poowong, says in Gippsland, therehas been ashift to reliable and robust species including Cocksfoot, Brome grasses, Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass.

“Slower out of the ground than traditional ryegrasses sown in the region, these species arehorse safe but arevery

persistent once established in rainfall areas of 500mm per year,” said Gavin.

“A quite popular blend is the Long Term Hardy Equine PastureBlend which contains species that can tolerate drier conditions and hardgrazing including Prairie Grass, new generation Soft Leaf Cocksfoot, Brome Grass and Kentucky Bluegrass.”

“It is very persistent once established due to its strong root development for summer dry tolerance.

“The addition of Prairie Grass has improved productivity through winter, quality and persistence, and outstanding palatability.

“This blend is ideally sown in autumn once the autumn break has arrived, or in early spring beforemoistureinthe soils runs out,” said Gavin.

Newer generation Cocksfoot aremuch finer and leafier than older types, making them morepalatable for horses.

They arestill very hardy once established and can tolerate awide range of soil types and moisturelevels.

For successful establishment preparation is vital.

“If the seedbed is prepared poorly, it’s a recipe for failure,” explained Gavin.

“The first step is to assess the condition of the existing pasture.

“Check for signs of soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies, or overgrazing, which can affect the growth of new plants.

“Farmers need to address any underlying soil or pastureissues before proceeding with renovation.

“This may include soil testing, fertilization, liming, or aerating the soil.”

Once the pastureisprepared and weeds arecontrolled, it’s time to sow, establish long termseed mixes by properly managing them through the first year

“The first year is super important in optimising the establishment of the long termblends.

“Toensurethe long-termpersistency, the first year must include weed control mechanisms, fertilisation (organic or synthetic fertiliser), and not overgrazing young pasture,” said Gavin.

“Beforegrazing use the ‘pull test’ whereby you attempt to pull the plant up, if it pulls from the soil easily it is best to wait until it is well anchored before allowing your horses to graze.”

MULTI SPECIE BLENDS

GIPPSLAND CONDITIONS

FARMWORLD Find ME at Friday 24 -Sunday 26 March Lardner Park Gippsland LardnerPark

FOR morethan half acentury, this premier regional agricultural field day has been providing patrons the opportunity to get up close and talk with experts in the field, learnall thereistoknow about farmanimals, and purchase some great products direct from the makers and suppliers.

Ahaven for the farming community but also agreat event for locals and urbanites with apassion for the great outdoors.

With up to 100 acres of exhibitor displays, both indoors and out, you’ll find equipment, farmmachinery, clothing, sheds, outdoor living including boats, caravans, horse floats, and vehicles, technology, plants, plus masses of must-have tools.

And it wouldn’t be FarmWorld without ahuge variety of animals.

Youcan chat with the cattle breeders in “Cattle Corner” and check out the different breeds, watch the kelpie dogs round up sheep, or learntowalk an alpaca.

The Equestrian Expo program features everything equestrian over the 3-days.

The 2023 Telstra Women in Ag lunch, a signatureevent and highlight for many, will again featureaspectacular line up of presenters and is fast becoming ago-to event for FarmWorld patrons.

The FarmWorld Rodeo returns bigger

and better on the arena on Saturday night, whilst the Freestyle Kings Motocross team will thrill audiences with their riding skills from Friday to Sunday.

FarmWorld boasts ahuge variety of unique and memorable experiences and value for all visitors.

• Quality assurance purposes

• Accurate data to plan for irrigation including contour mapping

• Reference for fertilizer and spray contractors

• Whole farm planning

• Whiteboards up to 1 2 × 2 4 metres available

AUSSIE FARMERSTRIUMPH

Australiansshouldbeproud of their farmingcommunities with arecord production of $85Billion forecast for the year 22-23 (ABARE report).

It’s easy to see howimportant our rural Industriesare

In spite of water loggedpaddocks and persistentfloods, it can onlybe described as almost miraculous. We congratulate theresilience and courage of our farmers, those risk takers, whoput everything on thelinefor their crops andorlivestock.

BUMPER CROPS FLOODED FIELDS

It is great to seeour stored irrigation level is thehighest in adecade

Thatprovides real satisfaction in spite of thestock lossesand inconvenience of disruption to supply

The heavy rainfalldid cause significant damage for some cropswith downgradesinquality

However, the forecast results arestill outstanding

Grain production, $51Billion,livestock production remained steady at $34 Billionwith the value of dairyproduction forecasttoincrease 22 percentto$6 Billion!

RISING COSTS

There aresomenegative aspects apart from those generated by theweather Theyare largely related to inflation generating highprices for fertiliser, farm chemicals,energy,and fuel and to some extent machinery.

FLOOD, DROUGHT AND FIRE

These arethe keyrisks farmersmust deal withand to alarge extent are outside their control

The supplyofwater is thelife blood of all agricultural industries.

In spite of the agricultural community and regionalAustralia generallyproviding stimulation to theeconomy,governments

seemslowtobuild infrastructuretogive farmerswater security

Thereappears to be alack of action from government on anysubject to do with thebuildingoflevees, weirs,or other floodmitigation initiatives to protect countrytowns.

Farmersknowthe next drought is coming

Theydon’t knowwhen, buttheydoknow that theclimateischanging andthey needtobeprepared!

AUSSIE’S FLOOD BUSTERS

When it comestocontaining floods theAussie Pumpteamwereableto fieldbothbig 4” and 6” self-priming centrifugal pumps, some withthe capacity to handle up to 6,000 litresper minute.

One of those big pumps savedthe town of Horsham from flooding. The pump,ownedbyMillersContracting, wasdeployedtothe great relief of the Counciland residents.

Aussie is now working on an 8” pump that will deliver up to 8,000lpm,almost half amillion litres per hour and 11 million litres overa24hourperiod. Imagineabatteryofthose pumps capableofmovinghugeamounts of floodwater from whereyou don’t wantit, to whereyou do!

BUSHFIRES? WHAT’S THE SOLUTION

AustralianPumpisalsonow regarded as Australia’sleading producer of topquality high-pressurefirefighting pumps

Witha range thatgoesall theway from super ‘Ultralites’ Honda powered 1” pumps to bigtwinimpeller pumps that produce astonishing performance.

The 3” Mr Ttwinimpellerdelivers 200 lpm at 80 metres head (that’sover100 psi pressure).

Other pumps in the range, includinga big4”diesel or petroldrive twin impeller pump,providingflows up to 700 lpm and heads as high as 110 metres

All the AussiePump range areexcellent when it comestoself-priming

Priming is easy andthe QP range(Quik Prime) firepumps areall capable of handlingvertical suction lifts of 7.6 metres.

AUSSIE FIRE CHIEF …NO1FOR PERFORMANCE

TheAussie Fire Chief is theflagship of the company with 25 percent more pressurecapability than its key competitors.

Powered by aHonda engine it is regardedasAustralia’s most capable lightweightportable firepump. Weighing in at only 26 kilos, in its standard configuration,itboastsa combination of features notfoundon competitors Forexample, the suctionportisa big2” opening, flangedtothe pump body This can be changedtoa2½”, 3” or even reducedtoa1½“opening depending on theuser’srequirements.

The 2” inletprovides substantiallymore

water to the pump boosting performance over pumpswith a1.5”inlet. The single piece heavy-dutyimpeller weighsupto2.5 times more than competitors’ impellers. Thatextra weightdelivers longer life and reliability

The FireChiefand its Mr Ttwinimpeller big brothers areperfectlymatchedto the Hondapetrol engine range, and approvedbyHonda for theapplication. Theycome with auniquefive-year warrantyonthe pumps wet end. The engine comes with Honda’sthreeyearwarranty.

DROUGHT SOLUTIONS

When the companystarted,Aussieknew they hadtoprovide something better than whatwas already available. The productsimply had to perform better.

Their engineering focus is onself-priming pumps that offer hugeconvenience for users

They havedevelopeda full rangeof tankerpumps for watercarts with 13hp Honda engines and Yanmar dieselsand morerecently,acomprehensive rangeof hydraulic driveunits.

Thecompany has experienced asurge of interest inits self-priming, cast iron close coupled monoblocpumprange. Thestarofthe show is abig 3” high pressuremotor pump that has a maximum flowofover 1,000 litresa minute anda maximumheadof75 metres!

Driven bya 22kwmotortodrive it’sideal for installationsindam or riverbanks.

AUSSIE FARMERS SUPPORT

TheteamatAustralianPumpis interested in hearing from farmers, learning about their issues and is keen to provide solutions.

Your local GoldDistributor canprovide expertadvice andsupport, they know the valueofAussie’sunique high quality products

Find them listed in the fullpage ad or online@aussiepump.com.au.

Aussie’s1”Ultralite and FireChief firepump carrya five year warranty as abadge of quality

Aussie’sMrTtwin impeller firepump with long range fuel tank ready for action.

Street art mural completed in Lake Tyers

Stefan BRADLEY

OVER acouple of weeks, aseries of mostly orange outlines have become anew street art mural to be enjoyed by Gippslanders dining with awonderful seaside view.

Local café The General, at Lake Tyers Beach, commissioned notable Melbourne street artist Kaff-eine totransform their large wall with an image that reflects the character of the area.

Kaff-eine is oneofthe officialSilo Art Trail artists; she has also painted publicmurals around Australia, and throughoutEurope, the USA, Philippines, and Mexico.

The mural, titled Lakeside Serenade, was started by Kaff on Thursday January 5, and completed on SundayJanuary22. Kaffrelished the oceanbreeze,the sun and good coffee over those weeks, aperfect start to 2023.

“Lakeside Serenade is apeacefulmural that combines my own memory of relaxing on the warmsand at Lake Tyers Beach, with an homage to Borun (pelican)&Tuk (musk duck), the parents of the five Gunnaikurnai clans,” Kafftold the Gippsland Times “The image was one of about six drafts Idrewfor mydearfriends Stevenand Rommel, who (own) The General cafe. They chose the image because of the warm trusting relationship between sunbathing adults and the pelicans and duck, who rest nearby listening to alazy ukulele.

“They chose the right image! It’s aquiet way to publicly honour the Gunnaikurnai people, given the history of the area; and beachgoers here really do chill out for hours quietly on the sand bar,sometimes in exactly thesame brightyellowstraw hats as the one Ipainted!”

HusbandsSteveFranklinand Rommel Canoy, owners of The General Lake Tyers beach café, gave Kafffreerein to design

amural that would speaktolocals and visitors.

“From when we first saw that wall when walking by the beach twoyears ago, we knew it neededaspecial mural and because Kaff-eine is afriend we knew it had to be her,” Mr Canoy said.

“It seemedlikea long shot backthen but allwecould dowas putitout there and wecouldsay the universealigned magnificently for us.”

Mr Canoy said Kaff’s mural was a“completion of avision” they had for the café.

“Steve and Iare elated about what she’s created. We feelshe hastruly embodied Lake Tyers Beach’s past and present charm through her street art,” he said.

“Every local and extended locals from far down Traralgonhave expressed howgreat the mural is and expect Lake Tyers Beach to truly become alandmark destination.”

Kaffisnostranger to paintingin Gippsland, with a couple of murals completedon Toora’s sports centrelast year For one of these, she received help from

Leongatha-based artist, Melanie Caple, as Kaffwas on crutches and “hadn’t re-learned to walk” yet after an accident 15 months prior

“I also painted apoignant mural inside

Berry Street’s Morwell facility in early 2014, for our collaborative coffee table ‘Heartcore’ book,” Kaffsaid.

Lake Tyers Beach has become apopular spot for visitors and hikers over the years.

The completed mural in Lake Tyers.

Photo: Contributed.

Kaff-eine is astreet artist from Melbourne.

Photo: Nicole Reed

Husbands Steve Franklin and Rommel Canoy, owners of The General Lake Tyers beach café.

Photo: Contributed

Harrier Sprayer Launched

THE latest arrival from UK based Househam Sprayers,a Harrier modelof their self-propelled sprayer was welcomed by Australian importer TTMI in aproduct launch at Lardner Park near Warragul, hosting key stakeholders in the vegetable growing industry as well as representatives from Househam UK making the trip for the launch.

Developed specifically to meet the needs of professional operators, the Harrier boasts the option of 4000, 5000 or 6000 Litre tanks, up to 1100mm underbody clearance, Triplefold boomoption from 28 to36m or 13/24 twinfold boomand manually adjustable axles from 72” up to 84” (with ahydraulic adjustment option)

The Househamdesigned TMC(Total Machine Control) integrates many functions

into one simple to use touch screen console, providing the operatorwith complete application rate control, engine management, hydrostatic drive control, built-in fault detection and automatic service reminders.

The TMC delivers Househam’s Spray Pilotauto-steering andNavGuideGPS mapping system, offering precise control of application rate for improved accuracy as well as reducing overspray,particularly in irregularly shaped paddocks.

Spraying features include Individual Nozzle Control(INC) andAutoNozzle Select (ANS offer improved accuracyand reduced overspray, with individual nozzles activated electronically eitherautomatically or manually from the cab.

The Harrier will featureatfieldday events and demonstrations across TTMI’s

Gippsland, Tasmania and WesternDistricts vegetable growing regions.

Consistingoffour modelsthe Househam rangeofself-propelled sprayers can all be custom built to the individual requirements of growers:

 The Spirit is aversatile and popular sprayer due to its ease of use, and low weight, 3000ltr capacity and precision nozzle control to maximise productivity.

 The Air-Ride is designed to optimise crop careand deliver outstanding returnoninvestment.

Light weightand equipped with an arrayof advanced features as standard, the adaptability of the design allows you to customise the machine to meet the demands of your crops and terrain.

 The Harrier is built to meet the

needs of professional operators. The Harrier is ahigh output sprayer that places performance, efficiency, and comfort at the heart of its design.

 The Predator sets the new standard for advanced spraying technology, delivering outstanding stability and manoeuvrability with amassive capacity.

TTMI’sbranches are locatedacross GippslandVictoria in Trafalgar,Leongatha and Maffra, inthe Victorian Western Districts in Warrnambool and Colac, and cover Tasmania from branches in Longford and Latrobe.

For moreinformation and for updateson demonstrations visit househamsprayers.com.au

The Househam Harrier will be on displayand demonstrated at field days across Victoria and Tasmania.

Househam Sprayers can be custom builttothe individual requirements of growers.

L-R: Househam UK Engineering Manager, Andy Tingey, TTMI’s Simon Maloney, Jason Henry, Andrew Snape, and Househam UK Sales Manager, Nick Snowden Launch the Househam Harrier to Australia

All Things Dairy

Victoria produces a massive 62% of Australia’s milk production. Dairying is the largest agricultural industry in the state with over 3000 dairy farms and it provides work for 14,800 on farms and another 11,000 in milk producing factories.

We at the Gippsland Farmer want you to let our readers know what products and services you can offer them so that they can continue the growth of this sector. Therefore, in our April edition we are publishing a feature simply entitled “All Things Dairy” and with the added bonus of free editorial to those that advertise you can do exactly that.

In this feature we will be focusing on everything from Dairying Equipment to Education so call or email today for your chance to reach 15,200 rural Gippsland households

Bookingand Editorial Deadline:

Wednesday 22 March,2023

Completed Material:

Wednesday 29 March, 2023

For more information or to book your advertising, contact:

Janeen on 5135 4403 email bookings@lvexpress.com.au

Paula on 5135 4437 email phansen@lvexpress.com.au

Cricket heritage lives on in Walhalla

Liam DURKIN

THOSEminers must have reallyloved their cricket.

Either that or they wanted to get as far away from being underground as possible.

What better way to do it than to build acricket ground on top of amountain 200 metresabovethe Walhallatownship?

The pioneers of the late 1800s, who sliced the rugged mountain with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows, weresurely looking down with pride last month, beaming that their little old ground was still being used all those years later

Not onlyhas the groundlived on, so too has Walhalla Cricket Club.

Walhalla Cricket Club commemorated its 150thanniversary on Sunday, February 5, welcoming Melbourne Cricket Club, just as it had for acentenary match in 2007.

As legend has it, former Australian captain Warwick Armstrong wagered he could hit aball from the oval onto the roof of the Star Hotel down below in 1907.

Current day traversers of the Walhalla Cricket Ground can read all about Armstrong’s exploits, as wellasother sporting asides that took place, thanks to anumber of information boards posted on the track up the hill.

The track itself zigzags its way to the cricket ground, and takes about 20 minutes one way.

Anumberofplayers, wantingtotake in the true Walhalla cricket experience, made the trek up the hill on Sunday -it’s just something you ‘have to do’ if you’re playing agame at Walhalla.

Players weregiven some assistance, as theirkit bags weretransported up by car -the mode of transport replacing the horse and cart mainly used to get to the Walhalla ground in the early part of the 20th century.

Without stating the obvious, one can’t imagine Walhalla cricketersbackthen would have arrived with much morethan the clothes on their back to get agame of cricket going.

Uponarrivaltothe ground, all was in readiness for the firstballoftwo Twenty20 games to be bowled.

An old chalk scoreboard, thought to be from the 1960s, had been resurrectedfor the occasion, while tree trunks marked the oval’s perimeter Standing in the centre, with theclouds feeling as though they werewithin touchingdistance, notions of how hustlingthis place must have been during the town’s peak years when the population swelled around 4000 rang true.

To the present day, those who had the distinction of playing cricket at possibly the highest altitude ever,began to take the field.

Up first was Blackbridge Cricket Club (a team of Gippslanders that compete in winter cricket) up against the Melbourne Cricket Club XXIX Club (‘The 29ers’).

Blackbridge decidedtobowl,and restrictedtheir opponents to under 100.

The Gippsland side chased the total withlittlefuss, paving the wayfor the main event: Walhalla vs Melbourne.

The Walhalla team wascaptainedby Morwell Cricket Club’s Mark Smith, and came together through various connections to the club and township.

The home side, (who had never played together), batted first and put up a good fight against astrong MCC which contained state and Victorian Premier Cricket players.

Regardless of the result, cricket was the real winner,and showcased the potential for the Walhallagroundas amarquee venue for futurematches.

The club,which is affiliated with Traralgon District Cricket Association has plans to host even morematches

into the future, and hopefully one day, build clubrooms overlooking the arena. If the day was anything to go by, the Walhalla Cricket Club has avery active and enthusiastic committee, determined to preserve the proud history of cricket in the area.

Walhalla has produced aTest cricketer after all.

Membership is available to the Walhalla Cricket Club.

Those interested can get in touch with committeemember Dale Potter OAM via dalepotter@hotmail.com

Mountaintop cricket

GIPPSLAND Farmer journalist, Liam Durkin, played in one of the games at Walhalla.

Here, he provides afew insights

Stateofthe ground

CONSIDERING it is hardly used, and what it has been through in recent years, (flood, bushfire) the ground is in decent condition.

Youcan certainly play ‘a’ game of cricket therewithout any issue.

Respectfully however,Iwould not deem it fit to play aproper match for competition points in its current state just yet.

Likea golfcourse, there areexposed tree roots in sections along the boundary, and rocks coming through the surface.

These werepainted white on the day

to warnplayers, who certainlyweren’t putting their bodies on the line.

At one stage Ichased aball from backwardsquaretothe fine leg boundary.

Ordinarily, Iwould have dived to stop the ballcrossingthe fence,but seeing only rocks beneath me, thought it would have been quite along and painful trip to Latrobe Regional Hospital if Ihad one side of my body ripped to pieces.

Beforethe game, we agreedthatany six would simply go down as adot ball.

The squareboundaries would not be much bigger than 40 metres, sothere would have been countlesslost ballsif guys started teeing off.

One player instinctively flickedaball off his pads over square leg foramaximum, and promptly puthis hand up in apology as if to say ‘I didn’t mean that’.

Looking at how small the ground was, Icouldn’t help but think how big scores wouldhave beenwhen football was played there.

Youcould literally kick agoal from the centre.

The poor centrehalf forward backthen wouldn’t have been needed at all.

Journey up and back

STRANGELYenough,itisquicker to walk up the hill than it is to drive.

The walk takes about 20 minutes, while the drive takes you on awindy dirt track for 10 or so kilometres.

The drivegoes some distance out of town, beforeturning right offthe main road and then heading back towardthe ground.

In aword, the road to the cricket ground is ‘rough’.

It is only one lane for most of the journey, and with anumber of hairpin turns and clifffaces, certainly makes for abumpy ride.

Needing to drive up to get my bag after the game, Ispent part of the journey thinking ‘I really hope someone isn’t coming the other way’.

Most of the journey howeverwas spent wondering if the little old work car would actually make it up the hill.

Happy to report we got out in one piece.

So, ifa Hyandai i45 can makeit up the Walhalla cricket hill, mostcars should be able to.

The sight of an orange Mustang in the cricketground carpark gave me some confidence Iwas going to be safe.

Experience

GRANTED it was asocial game and we weren’t playing for sheep stations, (or should Isay, for gold) it was still agreat time playing in aunique location.

All in all, it was abit of fun mixingwith fellow cricket lovers.

The astropitch took some getting use to as the synthetic actually ended at the returncrease (wherethe stumps are).

This meant, when you bowled, your backfootlandedonthe turfand your front on the concrete. Ordinarily, the concrete extends afew metres further

That being said, the day was filled with positives, and hopefully Walhalla can get moregames up and running.

Thegroundhas hosteda matchfor premiership points in the TDCA before, and speaking to president Kieran Watson, they arehopingtoget awomen’s competition going in the near future.

Appropriately taking on the nickname ‘TheMiners’, the club hassome great merchandise,including averystylish baggy green cap.

Thinking abit outside of the box here, but with Brian Taylor having aholiday house in Walhalla, could therebescope to get him involved?

ImagineBTcommentatingcricket games up at Walhalla. Boy oh boy.

Surely we could hear abit of “that was out of bounds” whenever aball gets lost.

Any comparison?

IN terms of unique cricketgrounds Walhalla would surely take some beating. WesPump Oval in Callignee, which has one side lined by forest, offers some sort of comparison locally from alayout sense. With obvious apologies,some other picturesquegrounds in Gippsland areToongabbie,Yallourn Northand Jindivick.

Toongabbie’s ground will be aphotographers dream once the white picket fence goes all the way around, while it is quite anicesight playingatYallournNorth, facing north and seeing the mountains in the background.

Jindivick’s groundiswell worth avisit, as less than ametreseparates part of the boundary’s edge from the valley below, with views into Warragul.

Further afield, the Hume and Hovel Cricket Ground in central Victoria is a popular destination.

The ground is located in Strath Creek, and is actually areplicaof Lords -ithas the same slope gradient and number of pickets around the fence.

With moreexposureset to come, who knows, Walhalla might evenget aturf wicket one day.

They wouldn’t be the only club in Baw Baw hoping to see that happen.

One of the quirks of playing at Walhalla. Whatbetter waytospend aSunday afternoon.

The Walhalla Cricket Club team.

Photos: Supplied

Cricket made areturn to Walhalla last month. The ground is carved out the top of a mountain.

Ex-internationalplaysinlocal fourthXI

Liam DURKIN

NEXTtimesomeonecomplains about playingfourths, just tell them even an Australian cricketer played at that level.

An interesting name appeared on the team-sheet for Bundalaguah Yaks’ fourth grade team in theSale-Maffra Cricket Association last month -none other than Travis Birt.

Birt, who played ahandful of Twenty20 internationals for Australia in the early 2010s, suited up in a special appearance for his home club.

After being unable to attend the funeral of late legendary Bundalaguah Cricket Club stalwart, Neil Wrigglesworth, Birt returned home to play amatch in honour of the great man’s legacy.

The 41-year-old took to the field alongside Neil’s son Greg, and granddaughter Megen Wrigglesworth, who also captained the side. Callit fortuitoustiming,but Birtwas only able to play fourthsasall other senior grades wereinto the second day of matches.

Taking to theCollegeastro wicket,the Yaks batted first after winning the toss against Collegians.

The visitors compiled 7/205 from their allotted 40 overs.

Atight finish ensued, with College getting within 17 runs of the target beforebeing bowled out.

While the astrowicket at College was surely adrastic change fromthe MCG, Birt played his part in the victory, scoring 32 off26balls, and taking three catches in the field.

For the sake of fair play, Birt didn’t shamelessly whack fourth graders out of the park, although two balls did clear the fence.

He spent the best part of 10 overs out in the middle, just rotating the strike with the occasional boundary (four in total).

The person who had the distinction of taking his wicket was Will Foster,ayoung kid still in the under-14s.

Surely he will be tellingall the kids at school about that. Maybe even the grandkids in 60 years from now.

Although the sight of an Australian player in the fourths might have evoked some criticism, what athrill it must have been for those in the Bundalaguah camp to play alongside aplayer of Birt’s calibre.

Regardlessofthe result, junior players on either side werealso given possibly the best battinglesson in terms of demonstration they could ever have asked for

As well as four international Twenty20s, Birt played88first-class matchesand 109 domestic Twenty20s duringhis professional career,mainly for Tasmania andHobart Hurricanes.

He maintained an incredible strike rate of 129 in first class Twenty20s, and secured areputation for brutal strokeplay when he posted 145 against South Australia in 2004/05, which was the highest scorein Tasmania’s one-day history.

During his career he played with the likesof Brett Lee, Michael Clarkeand David Warner,and against players suchas Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag and Andrew Flintoff.

Ayoung Birt was part of the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association Country Week team in 1999-2000.

His last match for Bundalaguah was in 2017, where he duly madea first grade century.

Hutton’s college punting journey of alifetime

TomHAYES

GIPPSLANDER abroad, TomHutton, has recentlyshared hisexperiencesfromhis time in the United States, while playing college football for Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Originally from YallournNorth then Newborough, Hutton, along with his mate, Jordy Sandy, first tried punting at ProKick Australia.

The two worked together at the Maryvale millfrom2016 to 2018, alot of the time they wereonthe same shift, working in a little control room.

Aftersometime, it became evident that adream they didn’t know they had, would soon become areality.

Hutton was offered ascholarshipto Oklahoma State University -moving into atown called Stillwater,while his mate, Sandy, went alittle further south to Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, just outside of Dallas.

In the 2022 season, Hutton played his final year of college football, as the punter for the Cowboys.

Throughout the four years in Oklahoma, Hutton has described it as amixtureof “the most amazing time” and “the toughest time”.

“The first year was unreal playing football in front of huge crowds and living acrazy dream, while mywife Kelsey,and Iwere immersing ourselves in the US culture,” he said.

“Then COVID hit after we wereherefor about ayear,and we wereeffectivelylocked out of Australia for two years.

“Althoughit was atough time,I think we grew enormouslyaspeople over that period, and we really began to put things in perspectiveand thinkabout what is important in our lives.”

Hutton’s college football career has plenty of good memories, but he nails his favourite down in amoment, wherehedoes what a punter doesn’t normally do.

“It’s pretty hardfor puntersto have highlight worthy moments, just due to the natureofthe gig, but against Baylor in my first year (2019), we ran afake punt, so I actually got to throw apass, which surprisingly went perfectly to plan,” Hutton said.

“It was our big homecoming game so the stadiumwas packed, and fake punts don’t happenvery oftensothe crowd went nuts, that was areally surreal experience.”

Outside of football,Hutton was able to experience the American cultureinmany different ways.

“Justthe wholeexperience of living in the states and the opportunities it opens up,” he said.

“Kelseyand Iwillrandomlydecide to gowatch an NBA gameevery nowand then, so we can just drive 45 minutes to the stadium andwatch a(Oklahoma City) Thunder game,ordrive down to Dallas for an NFL game, or just during the week at any time of the year we can go watch the other Oklahoma State teams playing basketball or soccer,softball, wrestling.

“It’s just avery lively lifestyle that I’m going to miss.”

As acollege student,Hutton had to study acourse while in the US.

While there, he studied aBachelors degree in Construction Engineering Technology and in around three months, Hutton will graduate with his degree.

As previously mentioned, Hutton entered this experience with his good mate, Sandy, and the two wereable to play against each other on some occasions.

“Weonly live about four hours away (from each other), with him (Sandy) being in Dallas, so we still catch up quite abit.

“(Lining up against Sandy) was unreal. To be working together in Australia and then all of asudden we areplaying against each other in asport we don’t really know much about,onthe other side of the world, in front of 60,000 people and millions on TV

“I still pinch myself in momentslike that, and it’s awesome to experience itwith a good mate.”

Hutton highlighted the biggest difference between college football and local Aussie Rules is simply the size of the two.

“Wehave our own plane that flies us to awaygames, thenwe get police escorted along the highways in busses to 100,000seat stadiums that arepackedevery single week.

“Our games arebroadcast on national TV and all around the world.

“Most people outsideofthe US don’t realise, but college football is actually bigger than the NFL in many ways. If you ask someoneoverherewhich NFL team they barrack for,most of them don’t have ateam. But ask them which college they support and you can almost guarantee they name one.”

As much as he’d like to move back home, Hutton says he will miss the US.

“The experiences that arepossible by living over here, and the buzzing, vibrant atmosphereofStillwater is very unique and we will definitely miss it,” he said. Hutton has taken away so many experiences from his journey.

“I feel like every few months,weare ticking offa new bucketlistitem.But Ithink Iwill probably look back on the tough times the

most fondly, in aweirdway, due to the growth that came from in and theperspective that it has given us,” he said. Upon his return, Hutton looks forwardto re-joining forces with the current reigning premiers of the North Gippsland FootballNetball League -YallournYallournNorth Jets.

“Watching from afar,I’ve been so proud of theprogress YYN has madeover the last six to seven years, as aclub -not just with on field success,” Hutton said.

“They have built such ayoung,fun, family atmosphereand Ican’t wait to get back involved in it!”

Hutton is only now recovering from atorn ACL, which he suffered in October last year, so we might have to wait until 2024 to see him don the Jets guernsey.

While Hutton is returning from his college football experience, it leaves the potential for most Australians to get involved in the sport.

“Just get out and try it,” he said.

“You’re never going tofeelcompletely ready, but you’ll figureitout as you go. That goes for anything in life.

“Too many people wait to do something they really want to do because they don’t feel like they belong or they don’t feel completely ready, and often they never do it at all because of this mindset.

“Just get started and you’ll learnonthe way. Everyone else is just trying to figure it out too!”

TomHutton (right) pictured with good mate Jordy Sandy,asthe two faced offagainst each other in the US. Photos: Supplied

TomHutton in action for the Oklahoma StateCowboys, during aBig 12 Championship game in 2021.

Former Australian player Travis Birt wasback home last month, playing aone-offgame for Bundalaguah.

Photo: TomParry

Simpson Desert record runattempt

TomHAYES

RUNNING for acause is Traralgon local, Blake Bourne, as he attempts to not only break a world record, but raise thousands of dollars for charity in the meantime.

Last month, Bourne announced his world recordattempt which will take place at the start of August,torun across theSimpson Desert.

“On August 3rdI’m attempting to break the world recordfor the fastest person to cross the Simpson Desert on foot,” Bourne said.

“I’ll be running 380 kilometres, from one sideto the other,in less than three days andeight hours.”

The current recordisheld by Pat Farmer, who ran 379 kilometres in three days, eight hours and 36 minutes, back in 1998.

Bourne is adetermined individual, seen in his previous projects.

He begun aboxing career,which is now on hold for this endeavour,aswell as owning and operating Blake Bourne Photography.

Many factors have contributed to Bourne’s hunger to do this world recordattempt.

“Just to challenge myself, agoal to work towards gives me areason to wake up each morning,” Bourne said.

“What I’m doing this run for is to raise money for Black Dog Institute.”

The Black Dog Instituteisanot-for-profit facility for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder

“I’vebeen through afew mentalhealth battles myself,” Bourne said.

“I’ve seen mates go through the same thing and watched mates lose people to suicide.

“Theimpactand seeing howitaffect their lives, I don’t want anyone else to go through thatpain,soI’m doing thisto hopefullyspark some changeand bring those numbers back down because they’re not looking good.”

On the journey with him will be asmall group of three, including himself.

“My dad will be driving -he’ll be the support vehicle and have food and water,and then I’ll have avideographer…to come along and recordit,” he said.

The conditionsofthe Simpson Desert can be unforgiving; temperatures canrange from extremely high to extremely low and the terrain is mostly sandy which is hard to train for

“I’m expecting to burnaround 15,000 calories aday, so I’ll be just trying to get in as much food as Ipossibly can,” Bourne said.

“Obviously it’s going to be achallenge to get in that much food.”

With the calorie deficitthatBourne is facing, he is expecting to lose anywhere

Comm Games village progressing

THE Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games is another step closer,with Development Victoria releasinganAdvanceTender Notice to the construction sector for civil works.

The Gamesvillages will be home to about 7000 athletes and officials in Morwell, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelongwhen the CommonwealthGames getunderway in March 2026.

The Advance Tender Notice outlines the general scope of worksthat may be required across the four village sites. Prospective bidders will need to be able to deliver arange of civil works, as well as specialist items for specific sites such as remediation.

Once the Expression of Interest (EOI) process is open in March 2023, interested parties can register via the Buying for Victoriawebsite at buyingfor.vic.gov.au,

from which ashortlist of civil contractors will be invited to participate in aRequest for Proposal process.

Civilworksacross the Games villages may include bulk earthworks, installation of new drains and sewers, the relocation of existing services such as power,gas and water,construction of new roads, upgrades to existing roads, and general demolition and clearing works.

Civil contractors will have the opportunity to lodge their interest in asingle location or across multiple project locations.

Development Victoria’s GroupHead Commonwealth Games, JoanneWandel, said it was agreat opportunity for regional contractors to be involved in construction of the villages.

“We’ll work closely with the construction sector over the next three years, with significant investment being made by

the Victorian government in community infrastructure, including housingand world-class sports facilities,” Ms Wandel said.

“This first stage of works on the villages will lay the foundations to leave alonglastinglegacy, includingadditional housing in regional communities.”

An EOI is already underway, inviting builders to register their interest in the deliveryof the CommonwealthGames villages, and closes at the end of the month.

The state government is delivering the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which is expected to contribute morethan $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, and create more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3900 jobs during the Games, and afurther 3000 jobs beyond the closing ceremony.

Modern take on interleague

TomHAYES

THE GippslandLeague has confirmeda returnofthe representative format to the league, givingita facelift in themeantime.

Starting in 2023, the Gippsland League will featureanunder-23 East versus West match.

Making up the ‘East’ team areplayers from Bairnsdale, Maffra, Sale, Traralgon and Morwell.

While on the ‘West’ team arethe other five Gippsland League clubs; Moe, Warragul, Leongatha, Wonthaggi and Drouin.

The weekend willfeaturesix games; three football and three netball.

The football will have the seniors, under18s and under-16s on display, while the netball will exhibitAGrade, under-17s and under-15s.

The East versus West weekend is scheduled to go ahead during the bye weekend of May 20; in between Rounds 6and 7. This format comes aboutafter talks with other leagues about reviving the interleague format failed.

Interleaguehas not returnedtolocal footy since the COVID pandemic swept through the community, bringing country football to agrinding halt.

Gippsland League president, Andrew Livingstone, toldthe Weekly Times,“We wanted to play another major league, but we’realittle bit isolated whereweare here.”

23.

Photo:File

between 10-20 kilograms during the run.

Bourne hasbeen trainingwith marathon runner andonlinerunningcoach, Sean Bowes, who has providedBourne with aweek-by-weekschedule to continue to progress.

“Training is good at the moment, at the moment I’m doing one long run aweek, and my kilometres areincreasing by two (kilometres) every week,” Bourne said.

“So at the moment I’m up to 40 (kilometres) and thenatthe end of this month (February) I’ll be doing two long runs, so two 50-kilometreruns.

“I’ll peak in July, do three 100-kilometre runs, back-to-back-to-back, andthen leave at the end of July.

“For my run I’ll be doing 120 kilometres aday for three and abit days.”

For now, Bournewill be continuingto ramp up his training, slowly doing longer runs as he edges closer to August.

To learnmoreinformation about Bourne and his run, go to blakesbigredrun.com which goes into moredetail.

Donation information is also on the website, whereyou can contribute to Bourne’s $38,000 goal -$100 for every kilometre ran. “100 per cent of the donations go to the Black Dog Institute,” Bourne said.

“Wethen came up with this concept and think it can be areally good way clubs can get together and engage.

“Wethinkanunder-23 state-wide carnival would work for that very reason… it would create alot of interest.

“If it becomes agrounding from where afew players get picked up, then the AFL might help fund it.”

Basedoff last year’s GippslandLeague 22-under-22 side, the proposedconcept might prove to be afairly even contest.

Twelve of the 22 selected would represent the ‘West’team, while the remaining 10 players would filter to the ‘East’ side.

Thus, leaving an opportunity for another 22 young Gippsland League players to try and make aname for themselves under a narrower spotlight.

Traralgon’s TyeHouriganisone to watch, and is stillbeing closely watched by Melbourne Demons VFL equivalent -Casey Demons, despite being 21-years-old.

The ‘East’sidecould beheadlined by Morwell’s TristenWaack,who was runner-up in the Gippsland League best and fairest as a19-year-old, tied on votes with the eventualwinner going into the last roud.

Waack has recently trained with Hawthorn Hawks VFL equivalent, Box Hill Hawks.

Aplayer such as Traralgon’s TyeHourigan could headline aslightly revamped version of interleague, with the Gippsland League setto playan‘East versus West’contest for players under the ageof under

Blake Bourne is running 380 kilometres across the Simpson Desert,while raising moneyand awareness for mental health. Photo: TomHayes