Gippsland Times Tuesday 19 March 2024

FIRE SAFETY IGNORANCE

MAFFRA MARDI GRAS

MARATHON EFFORT

Battle of the Birds will take on a whole new meaning this Saturday, as Sale Football-Netball Club senior coach, Jack Johnstone (left) and Maffra FNC senior captain Daniel Bedggood step into the ring. The pair are set to be a major drawcard for a huge night of boxing in Sale, which will feature Stratford professional, Max Reeves.

SOLAR BATTLE

Planning, the development would feature 9400 solar panels standingat two to four meters high.

YESTERDAY (March 18), aprominent

Boisdale-Maffra farming family began an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal(VCAT), challenging the Minister for Planning, SonyaKilkenny’s intention to permit the construction of a15-hectare solar farm on Maffra-Briagolong Road.

Sophie Paterson,who oversees a 450-head Hereford stud on the Boisdale Homestead Estate with her husband, Andrew, is the applicant in the case.

Boisdale Homestead’s property shares aboundary with the proposed solar farm on three sides.

For clarification, the proposedsolar farm is in no way connected to the large-scale 30-megawatt Maffra Solar Parkproject on Brewers Hill Rd that the Gippsland Times reported on in 2018 and 2019.

Rather, the Maffra Solar Project is a 15-hectare, 4.95-megawatt solar farm proposal by developer BNRG Leeson.

If approved by the Ministerfor

Additionally, it would require one or two inverters, roughly the size of shipping containers,for powerconversion, and asubstation and batterysystem connected to the existing powerlinethat runs through the property.

If you’re privy to this information, you’re likely among asmall collective of Maffra and district residents, who are beginning to learn of the proposed Maffra Solar Project.

The Patersons, who have been the caretakers and owners of the historic Boisdale Homestead since 2005, are among this group.

The Patersons told the Gippsland Times they found out about the project in May 2023, nine months after BNRG Leesonrecorded they had engaged with direct neighbours by door-knocking and delivering letters on September 1, 2022.

“BNRG Leeson representatives claim that they visited our property in September 2022 and provided aletter to

an unknown and unnamed man on our driveway,” Mrs Paterson said.

Aspokesperson from BNRG Leeson confirmed this.

However, Mrs Paterson said, “No name has been provided and no record of the material has ever been provided. This means that we were not advised of the proposal for eight months of the notification for objection period”.

Aspokesperson from BNRG Leeson said: “Where residents weren’thome, materialwas left at the dwelling explaining the project, introducing the owner, advertising the drop-in session, and giving contact information”.

“During the door knock, residents had questions and expressed interest in the project,but no objections were raised during the meetings, and none were expressed to BNRGLeeson afterward,” they added.

In June 2023, the Patersons submitted aformalobjection to theDepartment of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) regarding the project.

This objection wasonthe following grounds:

 The location’s proximity (about 450 metres) to registered 25,000-yearold Gunaikurnai grinding stones overlooking the site, is culturally inappropriate;

 The proposal contributes to loss of agricultural land that, while it has not been irrigated or cultivated in recent years, could be developed into productive farmland;

 The significance of the Boisdale Homestead Estate’s heritage to the Maffra-Boisdale district willbe affected;

 Loss of biodiversity given that the Homestead’s surrounding property shelters native flora and fauna already being affected by development encroaching on habitat and loss of farmland, and;

 The proposal does not represent overallcommunitybenefit or an inclusive planning process.

Continued

-Page4

ErikaAllen

Reckless to wait on net zero

THE second sentence of John Cameron’s comment in the February 27, 2024 edition of the Gippsland Times is commendable for the shrewd observation that atransition to net zero emissions will involve “immense cost and extreme complexity”. He follows this with an impressive sounding set of figures and observations, and atruththat“Australia is undertaking agigantic socioeconomic, environmental and geopolitical experiment on ascale that is unprecedented, with many unknowns, uncertain outcomes, and considerable risks”.

The most dangerous part of John’s concerns and the implied argument against such atransition is that he is only half-right. That allowance overlooks the numerous occasions where he misrepresents the financial costs from the 2023 Net Zero Australia report and competing government priorities, raises irrelevant facts about geological time, and invokes the so-called “drug dealer defence” in reference to fossil fuel exports from Russia.

John fails to meetF.ScottFitzgerald’s test of a‘first-rateintelligence’,“theability to hold two opposed ideasinthe mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function”.In failing to directly and honestly address the real unprecedented socioeconomic,environmental and geopolitical experiment that is catastrophic climate change, he shies away from the uncomfortable truth that the null hypothesis -continuing business as usual -will be vastly more expensive and complex than arapid transition to net zero.

There are aplethora of individually simple and low cost actions thatpeople,communities,businesses and governments can each take to reduce emissions toward zero. The most reckless part of thistransition is having waited so longtostart planting the literal and metaphorical trees under which future generations will shelter.

Jordan Cowley

Sale

Electricity should return to stategovernment

IT was excellent reading Matthew Ridgeway’s article (Letters, 03/03/24) on our current electricity suppliers -itistotally hopeless and should return to aGovt entity as said in the piece. Currently we don’tknow who owns what, is it Chineseowned or superfunds?There is no one accountable for the ancient infrastructure now falling at any weather

in the community in the coming year.

event and also startingfires. It is the same problem with water, there are too many authorities and we are paying afortune for the desalination plant to keep it functioning ready for the next drought in lieu of managing our water supplies.

Jo Skinner

Sale

Many thanks

THELions Club of Sale wishestoexpress their heartfelt gratitude to the people of Sale and surrounding areas for their continued and unwavering support during the past twelve months.

By supporting theSaturday morning Lions sausagesizzles, Carols by Candlelight, Lions ChristmasCakeprojectand many other events undertaken by ourClub, youhave enabled the Lions Club of Sale, as acommunity service organisation, to supportlocal, national and international needs. Our Club had funded assistance dogs for hearing and medical alerts,giving those people much needed support.

Our Club has supported the Licola Lions Wilderness Village by donating $300,000 to assist in the refurbishment of staff accommodation. A further $10,000 was donated for state-wide flood relief. The Clubhas supportedlocal health service, kindergartens, CFA and sporting clubs.

In co-operation with other Lions Clubs in the district, Lions Club of Sale has been involved in free vision screening at schools. This important projectassists in determining the eye health of primary school children.

The Lions Club of Sale is involved in and supports many other projects, largeand small,too numerous to mention. We couldn’t have achieved so much without you.

The Lions Club of Sale wishes the local community asafeand happy festive season and we look forward to your support and our involvement

If you are interested in joining the largest community service club in the world and would like to serve your community, please contact Sale Lions at secretary.salelions@gmail.com

Frank Birthisel President of Lions Club of Sale Land

tax hits renters

MANYGippslanders willbesuffering bill shock this monthasthe result of the Allan Labor Government’s land tax changes begins to hit mailboxes and hip pockets. While my colleagues in The Nationals and Iopposed the changes, the AllanLaborGovernment last year pushed through legislation that reduced the valuation thresholdfor landtax exemptions from $300k to just $50k. Landowners can expect a newlandtax bill of $500 for taxable landholdings valued between $50,000and $100,000 and $975 for land between $100,000 and $300,000. These new land taxes will simply be passed on to renters. Keep in mind that Victorians alreadypay the highest taxes -$5074 per person -ofany state in Australia, including the highest property taxes per capita in the nationat$2120. In themidst of arental crisis, the Allan Labor Government should be looking at ways to incentivise additional rental stock rather than driving people out of the market.

Danny O’Brien Member for Gippsland South CatcurfewPffftt... good luck

with that

HAD astray visit me yesterday. Nice kitty. Stayed around all morning. Lay down on my bed texting my daughter, and the stray cat fell asleep on ME! Anyway, Ienjoyed its company, but it kept coming back. Iscanned it for amicrochip andgot its number. Seven digits. It had atattoo, so Ithink this kitty is loved.

My only issue with cats is the threat to other critters that are about. Marsupial rodents and native birds mostly are aworry for me. It matters not what time becauseIknow cats will be cats and adapt their “free time” to suit their purrrsuits.

Most of all,myview aboutpetsis, thatiftheyare above your ability to care for them, or you cannot separate them from other wildlife while not in your care (you are at work etc.), then, you should not have such pets. It is astiff view Isuppose,

butreally,I get my animalappreciations from wildlife that visit me. Awesome stuff. You may be surprised how wildlife get to know you if one acknowledges them. Playing “peek-a-boo” with a wildcockatoo perchedonthe guttering through my kitchen window afew times. That was ok. So they come here now and then and you know they are getting familiar with you.

Attitudes around pet ownership need to change, and in some cases, domesticating rare species may be akey to re-establishing numbers in the wild. It is up to humanity and its communities to decide the moralities about the keeping of pets, and we can always improve in what we currently have in place. If you want acat, yes, it is more than keeping it indoors at night. Aproper aviary size cage in the back yard with aplay jungle is essential in my view. Adecent space for climbing and running. Enclose your whole back yard if you can, then no wild life get in, and your cat can not get out.

Enjoy your pets people, and if they visit me, I will scan them for amicrochip.Iwish Icould have apet,but my life situationdisqualifiesmefrom such, as my standards are too high for myself on that matter.

Matthew Ridgeway

Sale

THE Gippsland Times welcomes letters to the editor

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

The editor, Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation. The Gippsland Timesdoes not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters must include aphone number or email address and the author’s hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readersare entitled to one right of reply to a letter directly solely at them.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gippsland Times management or staff. Email letters to news@gippslandtimes.com.au

Fireand weather warnings ignored

PUBLIC land fire authorities are deeply disappointedbythe behaviour of some Victorian campers on the Labour Day long weekend as manyignored weather conditions and the fire danger warnings and restrictions, lighting illegal campfires or leaving fires unattended in dangerous conditions.

The Chief Conservation Regulator, Kate Gavens, saidConservation Regulator and Forest Fire Management Victoria Authorised Officers patrolled campsites statewide and detected more than 40 campfires stillalightduring aTotal Fire Ban, a number that could have been much higher had officers not intervened to prevent several people from also lighting fires.

“Victoria has experienced some of its most dangerous fire days recently, including record-breaking temperatures over the long weekend. Bushfires can have devastating consequences and it is simply not goodenoughfor camperstobeunaware of the fire risks and restrictions, especially aTotal Fire Ban,” she said.

AuthorisedOfficers also handed out fines and official warnings to camperscaught breaching other campfire rules, including leaving their campfires unattended and failing to clear three metres around their fire of flammable materials.

On Friday, 8March, weekend forecasts of hot, dry conditions prompted authorities to declare Saturday, 9March, aday of Total Fire Ban across fiveweather districts; the SouthWest, Central, Wimmera, North Central, and West and South Gippsland regions.

Despitethe extreme fire danger and temperatures peaking around 40 degrees,campsitesin these regions were still the busiest in the state, with many campers visiting from Melbourne.

Bye to advise Minister Horne

Cr Bye will be one of 10 mayors from across Victoria advisingthe Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, on important decisions affecting local government.Together,they’ll tackle issues such as governance, representation, and inclusion, aiming to make communities better. The panel will meet four times this year,with the first advisory panel scheduled for March21.

This year, the focus will be on key areas liketransportation, renewable energy, tourism,and educationtodrivegrowth and development in Gippsland.

The panel changes every year and is set up to offer the Minister advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy issues that affect councils across Victoria.

“This panel plays an important role, providing advice on local government matters and the needsofcommunities across Victoria,” Ms Horne said.

“I look forward to chairing this panel and supporting the performance of the local government sector with the advice of these 10 mayors from urban, regional and rural communities.”

For more information, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au

Chief FireOfficer,ForestFireManagement

Victoria,ChrisHardman, saidthat during patrols, Authorised Officersprovided campers with information and resources on campfire safety andTotalFireBan rules to ensure they minimised the risk of bushfires.

“Even if it’s not adeclared Total Fire Ban day, campers must reassesstheir need for afire in warm, dry and windy conditions. And if you do light acampfire, make sure you do the right thing and extinguishitproperly -itonly takes one campfire to take off and then you’ve got amajor fire,” he said. Campers are responsible for being up-to-date withthe latest firedangerratings andrestrictions, especially if aTotal Fire Ban is in place, before lighting acampfire or barbecue.

Before leaving home, campers should check weather forecasts and fire warnings, which can be found online through the Bureau of Meteorology, or via the VicEmergency website, app, or hotline on 1800 226 226. Peopleshould stay informed about weather conditions and warningsfrom their campsite,people should also pack aportable radio and listen in to their local station for updates.

It is aserious offence underthe Country Fire Authority Act1958tolight or maintain afire on a declaredday of Total Fire Ban, attractingpenalties up to $46,154 and/or two yearsinprison. Other campfire offences in state forests and parks attract fines of between $577 and $19,231.

FFMV encourages the community to help do their part by reporting illegal andunattended campfires to us 136 186. Bushfiresshould be reported to 000.

Planned burning to keep the state safe

FOREST FireManagement Victoria(FFMVic) will take advantage of favourable weather and forest conditions across the state to keep Victoria safer from the threat of bushfires.

FFMVic Gippsland Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sam Quigley said planned burning is oneofthe tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bushfires.

“Delivering our planned burning program takes a lot of planning and preparation,” Mr Quigley said.

“If you live in or are visiting an area where planned burning is taking place, there’s agood chance you’ll see FFMVic firefighterspreparing locations or delivering planned burns. They’ll be the ones in our distinctive green firefighting uniforms.

“The bushfire risk management program is focused on creating astrategic networkoffuel reduced areas on public land because it’s not just what’s being done now, but what we’ve delivered in the past and what we plan to deliver in the future that will keep our communities safer.

“Our climate is changing and that means finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is also changing.While we’ve had awet start to summer, the current weatheroutlook is favourable,which meansFFMVic will be making sure all available resources are delivering the planned burning program.

“The bushfire risk management program is underpinned by scientific evidence, local knowledge and continuous improvement to make sure our work is focusedwhere it willhave the greatest impact in keeping Victoria safer,” he said.

FFMVic is made up of skilled and experienced staff from Victorian fire and land management agencies. Our partners underthe FFMVic banner include the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and VicForests.

FFMVic works with emergency sector partners including the CountryFireAuthority, Fire Rescue Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria to

We

conditions,such as humidity, temperature and wind speed, and

only carry out burns when the conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so.

The Environment Protection Authorityhelps us to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as practically possible, and to inform the community through smoke modelling and air quality monitoring.

“While planned burning is our most effective tool to reduce bushfire risk, in locations where planned burning isn’t suitable, we mulch, mow, slashand spray,buildfuel breaksand upgrade and maintainthe public landroad networktokeep Victoria safer,” Mr Quigley added. Register for the

updates about where and when FFMVic deliver planned burning at plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

WELLINGTON Shire Council Mayor, Ian

Bye, representing One Gippsland, hasbeen selected to serve on the state government’s 2024 Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel.

OneGippsland will be represented on the Mayoral Advisory Panel thisyear

Front row, from left: Chair of Food & FibreGippsland BarryRogersand Wellington Shire Council Mayorand ChairofOne GippslandIan Bye

Second row: Wellington ShireCouncil Chief Executive David Morcom, Chair of DestinationGippsland Jan Fitzgerald, Food &FibreGippsland Chief Executive Ben Gebert,and BawBaw Shire Council Mayor and Deputy Chair of One Gippsland AnnemarieMcCabe.

Photo: Contributed

Battling solar farm plantations

From Page 1

SINCE then, the Patersons have engaged legal consultants, advisors, and independent surveyors to take their objection to VCAT at ahigh financial and emotional cost.

“(Going to) VCAT is an expensive, stressful, and time-consuming process, but it is the only avenue open to us to object to the Notice of Decisionto issue a permit to allow the industrial buildings and solar panel development,” Mr Paterson said.

The hearing began yesterday and will continue until this Thursday (March 21).

It comes as the state government announced last Thursday that it will expedite renewable energy projects through the Development Facilitation Program, placing them on par with major initiatives like the Big Housing Build.

This change meansall new renewableprojects in Victoria willclassify as ‘significanteconomic developments’, thereby qualifying them for accelerated approval -eliminating the planningpanel process and third-party appeals at VCAT -which could see future projects permitted in just four months from the time acomplete application is submitted.

It prevents resolved objections from being stuck in VCATduring the final Notice of Decision stage, wherethe Maffra SolarProject proposalcurrently stands In the statement, the Premier Jacinta Allansaid: “The current system means that important projects can be tied up for years seeking approval.”

The government said morethanone in five applications have ended up in VCAT since 2015.

“We will cut the red tape holding back projects that provide stronger, cheaper power for Victorians.”

But thereare community voices like the Patersons, particularly in the food and fibre sector, trying to shout, ‘but at what cost to us?’.

“Youcan build asolar industrialsite in many places but there is auniqueand broad community benefittoprotecting this site,” Mr Paterson said.

The Boisdale Homestead was built in 1892 for Askin Morrison Foster, son of pastoral pioneer John Foster.

The Fosterfamily played apivotal role in establishing dairying in the region, overseeing 35 farmsand milk processing facilities suchas the now-demolished Boisdale Cheese and Butter Factory.

When the Patersons took ownership of the estate, years of restoration was carried out to preserve its agricultural heritage.

Mr Paterson was asked if afeeling of NIMBYism (not in my backyard) influenced their objection.

“We view our family as custodians of aunique part of the (Maffra) district’s history, so it is not just

Photos:Contributed

did not attendfor the reason that they did not receive any notification,” Mr Paterson saidafter doorknocking close neighbours last week.

Whenasked to whatlevel BNRG Leeson had engaged with the community, aspokesperson saidadditional letters weresent as per DELWP protocols, whereupon neighbours confirmed as the Patersons, “came forward with some concerns”.

BNRG Leeson madecontact over the phone to “understand theirconcerns and to talk through some of the project details, process and timeline.”

They told the Gippsland Times amendments that have been submitted to VCAT were made to the planning application.

“We offered to do vegetative screening on either side of the (boundary) fenceinorder to mitigate that(visual)impact,” they said.However, the Patersons propose the project should be scrapped and acompromise made.

“A better approach closertoanurban town fringe would be to promote amicro-gridbased on roof top solar where battery storage offers renewable energyduring the peak evening periods and rooftop solar powers housesduring the day and during the evening,” Mr Paterson said.

Mr Paterson said they hopethe tribunalwill uphold their request not to have the planning permit issued, ideally, allowing the farmland to return to aproductive irrigated state.

“Legacy is very important to me, and Isee the work that many local people have done for us for the past 20 years in restoring and improving the productivity of the Boisdale Estate farm as their legacy too.

any backyard and it is not just our backyard; it is thecommunities’ asset and history to be protected fromaninappropriate industrial blight that fails to recognisethe local significance of the site (because) it is being proposed by people who are not local to our area and (understand)its historyorcommunity amenity loss,” Mr Paterson responded.

Memberfor Gippsland South,DannyO’Brien criticised the changes for stifling local’s input.

“I am very concerned that this process is deliberately designed to silence regional voiceswhen it comes to controversial wind or solar projects in rural areas,” he said.

“It is astounding to me that the Premierisactively promoting these changes and touting the reduction of third-party input as apositive.

“What happened to consulting regional communities? What happened to ensuring social licence for the energy transition?”

Mr O’Brien said he is not against renewable energy projects; however,heemphasised the importance of thorough planning and community consultation.

The Patersons said the “reality of (their) engagement” with BNRG Leeson lacks consideration for the community.

Adding, the company’s correspondence with key stakeholders including themselves, has been“very poor”.

“We were totallyunawareand notnotified of the information community engagement meeting that BNRG Leeson (held on September 14, 2022),” Mr Paterson said.

The spokespersonfromBNRG Leeson said the meeting was advertised with aflyer outside Ritchies IGA in Johnson St andwith ads in two local newspapers, including the Gippsland Times

It was confirmed the advertisementappeared in the September6,2022 issue of the Gippsland Times.

AccordingtoBNRGLeeson’s Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report, two people attended thesession, where no community concerns or objections were raised.

ThePatersonssaid if they knew about the meetingtheywould havegone.

“One hundred per cent of the 10 closest residents to the site were also not aware of the meeting and

“The Boisdale Estate is viewed and shared as a community asset, and Idon’t want my legacy to be the ownerthat let the district downbyallowing an out of place industrial solar factory to be built on land that we surround on three sides.”

Three generations of the Patersons: Pictured from left areAndrew, Jack and Ian on theBoisdale Homestead Estate.

The BNRG Leeson flyer at Ritchies IGA,Maffra advertising the drop-in meeting.The proposal siteisshaded in green.

VicForeststoclose by mid-year

VICFORESTS will cease operations on June 30, the end date was revealed last Wednesday during acourt hearing involving VicForestsand environmental group Wombat Forestcare, Timberbiz reported The winding-up of the bodyispartofthe Victorian government’sdecision to endnative forest harvesting, which took effectonJanuary 1. Stand-down paymentstoVicForestscontractors are due to end on June 30.

Last September, the government paved theway for the organisation’s closure, altering its status as astate business corporation and making it a “reorganisingbody”, which allows its functions and stafftobemovedaround.

VicForests employs140 staff. Of these, 60 will be maderedundant while the remaining 80 willget new roles in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Functions including forest planning, spatial mapping, seed collection, bushfire management andforest regeneration will transfer to DEECA.

VicForests harvest contractors have previously been offeredsecure five-yearForest and Fire Management Services Agreements, starting from

1July, 2024. Negotiations continue with these businesses.

Nationals’ leader Peter Walsh told Timberbiz that VicForests wasbeingtreateddeplorably. The state governmenthad notoffered asinglepositive word, effectively ignoring its existence.

“This June 30 enddateispainfulenough, but VicForests are being kicked on the way out the door without an ounce of respect,” Mr Walshsaid.

The Allan Labor government had refused to publicly defendits own loggingcompany

“This is acruel,unfairending for an organisation that has done so much for regional communities and made ahuge contribution to Victoria. It has always done its best despite severe harassment from illegal protesters,” he said.

Mr Walsh said the workofVicForests should be applauded given so muchofits work supporting the industry was amid continual litigation by extremists. “VicForests had to use taxpayers’money to defend itself from carrying out government policy,” Mr Walsh said.

He said the end of VicForestswould also leave a gaping holeinfiremanagement.

“The riskofmega-fires willincrease. There won’t be tracks maintainedbythe timber industry and there won’t be control lines to burn back from,” Mr Walshsaid.

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

“The Greens, so critical of the industry, willbe hiding in inner Melbourne and nowheretobeseen as regional communities face the inevitable bushfires without the support of thetimber industrytohelp fight them.”

The Community and Public Sector Union industrial organiser, Kassey Dickie, saidVicForests’ 100 employees were aware the company would close on June30.

Shesaidworkers wereable to apply for about 80 other government jobs, including five-year contracts withForest Fire Management Victoria Ms Dickie told AAPmanyworkerswere stressed and findingnew roles had been a“very fast process” for them. “

They’resad Ithink, to sum it up,many of them have worked together for avery long time,” she said.

“They have been rushedthrough aprocess made

by government in ahurry that has been pretty stressful.”

Agovernment spokesperson told the Gippsland Times that the government valuedthe work that VicForests staff had contributed to the management of native forests.

“We’ve been working closely with employees since the end of last year regarding the closure of the organisation and to support them to transition into newroles or take aredundancy. Arange of support services are availabletostaff including counselling and career advice,”theysaid

As part of the transition from native timber harvesting,the government willdeliver aprogram of land management works to manage the 1.8millionhectares of public landpreviously available for timber harvesting.

TheVictorian Government will establish an advisory panel to considerand make recommendations on forest areasthat qualifyfor protectionasNational Parks,would be suitable for recreational activities andpresent opportunities for Traditional Owners to manage public land.

Dawson says ‘false claims’ led to forestry closure

Monique Dawson Comment

RECENT public commentary about the closure of VicForests hasincluded numerous falseand misleading claims.

VicForestsknowsthere are individualsand organisations who are opposed to nativetimber harvesting whowill be celebrating VicForests’ closure. But thisdoesn’t mean it’s openseason -and it will never be acceptabletotreat the men and women of VicForests with blatant disrespect.

False claims do harm.

This includes the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people who have dedicated themselves to the management of forests for future generations The mostoffensive category of false claims being made is the suggestion VicForests is “rogue” or a “cowboy agency”. These claims are demonstrably false -but repeated often by those opposed to the legal activity undertaken by VicForests in furtherance of longstanding government policy.

VicForests is agovernment agency, overseen by an independent Board and otherwise subject to the ordinarygovernanceobligations and control of any government agency.The executives and staff of VicForests are Victorian public servants. It is self-evidentthat if VicForests was acting otherwise than in accordance with government policy -orbehaving illegally -then it was clearly within the power of the Government to intervene.

The system of regulation in Victoria is based on compliance with explicit rules to manage known threats to the environment that have been developed by forestry and environmental experts over many years. These legal rules balance environmentalobjectiveswith economic and social objectives. This balance is required by the Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development -which is acornerstone of Australian and International environmental law.

VicForests has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to meeting, and often exceeding, the explicit rules set by Government. It has never been prosecuted by the independent environment regulator.

This is backed up by the latest published independent auditresult from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action,

which saw VicForests achieve an averageof96 per centcompliance acrossfourenvironment areas: environmentalvaluesinstate forests, conservation of biodiversity, operational planning and record keeping, and coupe infrastructure for timber harvesting operations.The 96 per cent average compliance findings are atestament to the work our staff undertake in Victoria’s state forests.

LitigationbroughtagainstVicForests over the last few years was based on arguments that VicForests hadaduty to protect the environment that goes far beyond the balanced rules set by the Victorian Government. Recentoutcomes in these cases were basedonnovel interpretationsof laws that had been decided in VicForests’favour previously.

The effect of these recent cases is that VicForests could never know what it needed to do to comply withthe law,because the rules willnow be decided by the Courts -not the Government -ona caseby-case basis without reference to the balance explicitly required by the Nationaland State policy arrangements.

VicForests even had multiple cases brought against it by different environmental groups arguingthatdifferentmeasureswere neededtoprotect the same species in overlapping locations -sothat different judges were being asked to set new and different rules at the same time. And inevitably as VicForests adjustedits processes to respond to legal threats, plaintiffs simply changed their claim or brought new cases arguing for something different.

Another category of offensive claims are that VicForests is an “environmental vandal” or that we are “putting countless threatened species at greater risk of extinction”. Any organisation or person who is truly committed to the protection of Australia’s threatened species would understand that the greatest risk -byfar -isthe risk of invasive species -affecting 82 per cent of threatened species in Australia.

Professional and impartial forest scientists know that the threat of timber harvesting is comparatively low, well understood and managed through the extensive systemofrulesand practices reflected in the code of practice.

VicForests worked in very small areas of native forests and operated in areas managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). The areas in which we planned our harvesting operations were set by

the government through aMinisterial Order. No harvesting could ever be undertaken in the areas explicitly set aside to protect threatened species-to ensure the State of Victoria could meet its obligation to preserveviablepopulationsofnative species throughout their natural ranges. Areas available for harvest had previously been harvested or were bushfire regrowth forests. In a normal year VicForests would harvest about 0.04 per cent of the forests, or four trees in every 10,000. All harvested areas are re-grown by law with our compliance audited on aregular basis.

Before any timber harvesting, our staff undertook comprehensive planning to ensure all operations metthe harvesting and biodiversity requirements under Victoria’s strict environmental regulatory system.

Pre-harvest studies and surveys undertaken by VicForests included:Aquatic(Fish &Crustacean) Surveys, Arboreal Spotlightand Owl Call Playback, Biodiversity Coupe Inspection, Bird, Coupe Habitat and Sign Survey,Frog, Habitat Tree and Resource Inventory Survey, Intensive Tree Geebung Surveys, Leadbeater’s Possum Arboreal Camera Trapping, Leadbeater’s Possum Thermal Imaging, Old-growth, Targeted Fauna and Flora Species Survey, Targeted Plant Surveys and Terrestrial Camera Trapping. Whererequired, specialprotections were applied for the management of threatened species and their habitat. Such protection measures complied with, and oftenexceed,regulatoryprescriptions. For example, between 2014 and 2021 we established well over 1000 exclusionzones around sightings of Leadbeater’s possums in state forests.Thisresulted in over 14,000 hectares of aforest being reserved and protected as new Leadbeater’s possum colony reserves. We also protected all hollow-bearing trees as well as aselection of trees likely to develop hollows in the future to provide habitat for native species such as the Leadbeater’s possum and the Greater Glider. Over 4500 largeold hollow-bearing Ash trees were retained in areas planned for harvest.So contrary to false claims, our people are passionate about the healthofforestecosystemsand remain committed to the care of Victoria’s forests. Our staff have specialist degrees and are professionalsinarange of fields from environmentaland forest scientists to ecologists, policy and complianceofficers,research and modelling analysts.

Our expert foresters specialise in tactical and operational planning,roading, harvesting and contract management,silvicultureand native forest regeneration. This includes foresters who have put their lives at risk over the last month, as they have many times before, directly fighting fires threatening people, homes and forests throughout Victoria.

And we are proud of the legacy we leave behind. Timber harvested by VicForestsisnow in countless homes, public buildings and products throughout Australia. Through the 20 years of its existence VicForests met its mission by selling 25.9 million m3 of timber to customers, generating around $1.8 billion in direct revenuefor the state and many billions in economic activity -mostly in rural and regional towns.

Monique Dawson is the chiefexecutive of VicForests.

Youth mental health

StefanBradley

ALIVE4LIFE youthmental health and suicide prevention program will start in Wellington this year, Wellington Shire Council has announced. Live4Life brings together rural and regional communities to deliver evidence-based mental health education in schools and the wider community, createlocal partnerships to lead conversations about mental health which reduce stigma,and also promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors. Live4Life is an award-winningprevention

model centred on young people themselves. It aims to protect young lives before acrisis occurs. Councilsays it is proudtotake on the role of Lead Agencyand work with the Schools and Community Partnership Group in implementing the peer-led, evidence-based, community impact model, which spans both suicide prevention and mental health/ wellbeing education -the only program of its kind designed specifically for rural and regional areas.

Wellington Shire CouncilMayor, Ian Bye, stressed the importance of the Live4Life program to address youth mental health. He thanked the

THE 2024 Variety Adventure Ride return at the weekend with asix-day, 1500km journey supporting kids in needand delivering an economic boost to ruralcommunities, with riders expected through Licola and Sale today as part of the route.

The annualeventfor adventurebikeenthusiasts willdepart the Lake Jindabyne Hotel on Sunday, March 17 and travel through the Victorian High Country-taking in the sweeping mountain viewsfromthe iconic Craig’s Hutbefore returning through Merimbula and back to Lake Jindabyne on Friday, March 22.

The big ride comes justweeks afterVariety, a children’s charity,brought their 4WD Adventure through Gippsland and the High Country.

Variety NSW/ACT Chief Executive, Tony Warner, said the 20 participants haveeach raised aminimumof$2,500,with the event hoping to generate over $90,000 by the time the bikes complete the dirt tracks and scenic trails.

“Variety NSW/ACT supports children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with adisability,” he said.

“Our motoring events play avital role in raising funds to help kids in need, particularly those in remoteand regionalcommunitieswhere families and schools often face challengesinaccessing the support and resources required for each child to reach their full potential,” he said.

Variety willdeliver $12,724 in grantstoa primary school and acommunity organisation

on the Adventure Ride route.

In addition to the grants, more than $55,000 will be injected into regional communities with overnight accommodation, meals, fuel and more for the 20 motorcyclists, as well as the 20 strong support team.

“We provide afull support crew, including abaggage vehicle, medical and mechanicals teams, to take the stress out of everything and enable our riders to enjoy the incredible alpine ridgesand thrillingdescents we have planned,” said Mr Warner.

“It really is the ultimate feel-good experience -getting your adventure bike out on the roads it was made for and having great fun with old mates or new friends, all while knowing you’re giving back to the community.”

For more information, visit variety.org.au/ns w/event/varietyadventureride/

The Variety AdventureRide Route

DAY1- Sunday17March:Jindabyne -Omeo

-Bright DAY2- Monday 18 March:Bright -Craig’s

Hut -Mansfield DAY3- Tuesday19March:Mansfield -Licola

-Sale

DAY4- Wednesday20March:Sale -Lakes

Entrance

DAY5- Thursday21March:Lakes EntranceDelegate -Merimbula

DAY6- Friday22March:Merimbula -Jindabyne

John LeslieFoundation for its generous support to bringLive4Life to the shire.

“We understand the significant issueofyouth mental health in our community, and Iamthankful for the program’s efforts to support young people in schools and other places they feel safe. With council’s support, I’m excited to see the program’s progress over the next 12 months,” Cr Bye said. Seventyfive percent of people with mental ill health have their first episode during adolescence. Suicide is theleading causeofdeathin15-24-yearolds in Australia -and the suicide rate is 40 per cent higher in rural and regional communities.”

Nathan Wallace, deputy principal at Yarram Secondary College, said Live4Life brings together community organisations to improve the mental health of our students by equipping them with skills needed for ahealthy life.

BernardGalbally, Youth Live4Life Chief Executive, said it was exciting to be expanding the Live4Life model into Wellington.

“Live4Lifeisled by young people and involves the wholecommunity. TheLive4Life modelhas been proven to create more highly networked communities, which enhanceresilience during hard times and helptosupportyoung people living in regional and rural areas. We know that when we work together, we can change lives,” he said.

The Live4Life model has four key components: support, coordination and mentoring from Youth Live4Life’s staff; school and community partnerships; mental health training; and “The Crew” -Live4Life’s youth leadership and participation program.

“We will help Wellington Shire Council over four yearstoreach asustainable model.They’ve shown alot of interest,” Mr Galbally told the Gippsland Times

“Year 9and 10 students can be part of the youth mental health ambassadors, The Crew. We know that young people want to know about mental health.”

Mr Galballysaidmentalhealtheducation would be provided for teenagers, as well as the adults in the kids’ lives, including parents, sports coaches, teachers, carers and community leaders.

“It’s about building the capacity of the community to know about mental health, and to spot the signs of agood and abad day. And to know where to seek help and how to offer help,” he said.

“And so adults in your life who have taken up the training can have an impact.”

Mr Galballysaidindependentevaluation of their model showed that 82 per cent per of adults were confidentinbeing able to support young peoples’ mental healthand empower them to seek professional help after taking up Live4Life’s evidence-based suicide preventionand mental healtheducation.MrGalbally saidthat before the training, only about 32 per cent of the adults expressed such confidence.

Wellington joins11other Victoriancommunities, includingfour in Gippsland, implementing the Live4Life model -BassCoast, Baw Baw, the Latrobe Valley and South Gippsland. There is currently awaitlist of more than 20 rural and regional communities throughout Australia.

Youth Live4Life will partner with Yarram Secondary College, Maffra Secondary College, Sale Secondary College, Gippsland Grammar, Sale Specialist School, Catholic College Sale, Wellington ShireCouncil,Latrobe Regional Health and other healthand community partnerswaiting to be onboarded to deliver the program in Wellington.

For more information, including further details on the Live4Life model, go to live4life.org.au

If you or anyone you know needs help:

 Lifeline 13 11 14

 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

 Headspace 1800 650 890

Live4Life Wellington Partnership Group.

Photo: Contributed

The Variety AdventureRidewillsee bike enthusiasts go through Licola andSale today.

Photo: Contributed

BernardGalbally. Photo:Kim Selby

The tomato thatkept growing

Ben McArthur

AN UPBEAT Kilmany resident, Charlie Bye, visited the Gippsland Times offices last Tuesday to presentanabnormally largetomato -itwas bigger than his head.

And he offers one piece of advice if you want to take apicture of it.

“Make sure you take apicture of the good side because Idon’tknow if abirdorarat or something has been in the other side,” he said.

Mr Bye’s journeytogrow the tomato, which weighsnearly akilo, beganwhenhereceived seeds from his Rosedale friend, Mick Bolger, two years ago.

“He (Mick) gave me the seeds and Igrewthem, but so far, they’ve only been small ones,” he said.

“But they (friends) can’t believe the size of the tomato.It(the stalk) is sort of on my veranda, and Ireckon it will hit the roof and block my view!”

This vegetable is of a‘Beefstake’ tomato species and is advertisedasweighing up to 450 grams; Mr Bye’s weighs 880 grams.

Abundance of fun for Sale Combined Probus

THE Sale CombinedProbus Clubhas had an activity-laden month ranging from lunch at the Lakeside BowlsClubearlyinFebruary, to watching the films The Banshees of Inisherin at the Sale Library and One Life at the Sale Cinema.

The popular coffee catch-up was held at Badger and Hare in Stratford in the converted bakery, which was manyyears ago the Bendigo Bank and is nowatearoom.

The club’s guestspeaker at the Februarymeeting was Leading Senior Constable, Kim Kell, from the Wellington Proactive Unit,who was very informative and entertaining. Constable Kell spoke about safeguarding personal details and homes with some simple and effective measures.

The club has avaried program of dining out, coffee catch-ups, avisittoTimeless Memories museum and movies organised for March, with

anew craft group beginning later in the month. Also this month, the club will hold its firstannual general meeting on Wednesday, March 27 at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club. The club has both female and male members and the general public is welcome to come along to find out what Probus is all about, with afocus on fun, friendship and meeting new people.

To find out more about Sale Combined Probus Club, phone membership officer Helen Silva on 0421 063 692 or email salecombinedprobusclub@ gmail.com

Sale Combined Probus Club members enjoy acoffeecatch at Badger andHare.

Photo: Contributed

 Maffra Neighbourhood House is looking for aqualified personal trainer to take aweekly strength and balance class.

Those interested should contact Leahn on 0422 335 155 to discuss ideas.

 Donations of new, unopened and ‘in date’ items to the food pantry would be gratefully received by Maffra Neighbourhood House.

The food pantry is open to the public on Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am until 3pm during school terms. If you are in need of food relief please call into the House.

 The Maffra Combined Churches Palm Sunday Walk will take place on Sunday, March 24, beginning at St Mary’s Church gate at 10.15am. All are welcome.

 There is anew playgroup starting in Maffra. It will start on Friday, April 19 at 9.30am until 11am in the activities room at Stretton Park Aged Hostel, Kent Street, Maffra. Cost is $2 and includes morning tea.

Moredetails are on the Maffra Community Church Facebook page or contact Bec on 0498 320 696.

Asize comparison of the tomato and Mr Bye’s hand.

Photo: Ben McArthur

2024Maffra MardiGras

Ben McArthur

STOP the bus services, hold the traffic and clear the parking lots! That was the order for the region's longest-running event, the Maffra Mardi Gras, which paraded along Johnson St last Saturday.

Floats beganarriving on Saturday afternoon, but the event opened to the public at 4pm with kids'activitiestaking place at the rotunda, including giant-sized games, arcades, face painting, ajumping castle,ananimal farm, Whacky Wombat performances, circusworkshopand stalls including one called Glow Skin Clinic that did microneedling onsite. There was also aBluey mascot who helped hand out show bags of popcorn, biscuits, a muesli bar and adrink as well as music by

locals May McCubbin and Strzelecki Spring Busters.

The grand parade began at 6pm with an 'OUTER SPACE' theme, led by the Maffra Municipal Band and Maffra residents nineyear-old Leo and seven-year-old Evie.

Many of the floatsreferenced moviessuch as the one by the Maffra Show, which had appearances by Doctor Who, Princess Leia and aNASAastronaut.

This year's Maffra Show organiser Kath Coggan said the Maffra Show had been part of the floats fleet every year since 2012.

"Our theme is to present space on the screenand look at all the movies and TV shows that have been made," she said.

MemberofParents and FriendsatSt Mary's School, Suzanne Gately,saidthat much likemanylocal schools, the Maffra Mardi Graswas added into the school’s

curriculum, with the students painting stars and planets.

Shecalledita"learning opportunity" to teachstudents about space.

The eventwas organised by the Maffra Rotary Club.

Maffra Mardi Gras Committee Member Claire Cochranesaidshe was proud of helping to put on the events and that it always creates memories.

"It's achancefor adults to bring their kids and have an evening of fun and relaxation, and the floats are abig part of that tradition," she said.

"There are adults nowadays who remember their floats when they were in school.

"But it's not just the floats;there are children's activities too, and we've tried to make them free or low-cost so that families can come along for the day and not spend

anything if they don twant to.

The MaffraMardiGrashas run almost every year since it began in 1957 to raise funds for ahospital.Since then, it has grown to tens of thousands of spectators and numerous floats.

The Maffra Rotary Group takesasmall percentage of stallholders' fees, which will go back into the community.

One of thepurchases made fromlast year's Mardi Gras was abig fridge/freezer for the Maffra community house, although this year,they aren't surewhere the money will go.

"We have nothing specific (in mind);we're justgoingtowait and see when acommunity is in need."

There was $8250 worth of prizes.

The students at St Mary’s School.

Photos: Ben McArthur

Event organisers from Left to Right: Karla McKinlay, Claire Cochrane, Colin McQuillen and Veronica Dwyer.

Maffra residents Leo, 9and Evie, 7leading the parade.

MayMcCubbin the opening performer stunned audiences.

Ever-popular Blueystanding out the front of IGA Maffra.

Gran Pamand Phil Popdoing the Hokey Pokeywith the crowds.

The Strzelecki Spring Busters stunned the audience.

Boisdale Consolidated School Principal, Belinda Marshall held the BCS flagduring the parade.

Boisdale Consolidated School Principal, Belinda Marshall held the BCS flagduring the parade.

Renewable planning accelerated

PhilipHopkins

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

The Premier, Jacinta Allan, last week announced renewable projects will be eligible for an acceleratedplanning pathwayunder theDevelopment Facilitation Program (DFP). "We will cut the red tape holding back projects that provide stronger, cheaper power for Victorians," she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, the CSIRO's GenCost 2023-24 report

estimated that the current costofoffshorewind generation at $146-$190/MWh,falling to $90-$178/ MWh by 2030, and $75-$170/MWh by 2050, The Australian reported. The energy programdirector at the Centre for Independent Studies, Aidan Morrison, cited offshore windprojects in the US thatare costing $US150/MWh -almost $230/MWh.

"Offshore wind will certainly be more expensive than almost everyother alternative energy source," he told The Australian."It'll be more expensive than the coal-fired baseload system that we're used to."

The director of the Victorian Energy Policy

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

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

The energyprogram director of theGrattan Institute, Tony Wood, said global competition for finite resources required to establish the offshore wind industry was likely to make the task "challenging and expensive". On the numbers being predicted by the CSIRO and seen overseas, "it would be difficult to bring electricity prices down" via Victoria's offshore wind plan.

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

The director of climate change and energy at the AiGroup, Tennant Reed, said akey issue was the policy mechanisms to underpin offshore wind, given it was initially likely to require significant government expenditure. Offshore wind had higher generation capacity than onshore wind and solar, "but the capital cost premium, as far as we can see, is high enough that really they would not expect to make the money thatthey need back in the wholesale electricity market alone".

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

However, the former chief scientist,DrAlan Finkel, said the biggest impediment to weaning the economy off fossil fuels was not technical, nor mining. "It's earning agreement from landholders and custodians to build the solar farms,wind farms and transmission lines that will deliver renewable electricity to make fossil fuels obsolete," he said in an opinion piece in The Australian

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

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

New milestone reached on highway upgrade

MAJOR RoadProjectsVictoria Program Director, Brendan Pauwels said the Princes Highway East Upgrade has reached another significant milestone, with Melbourne-bound traffic set to switch onto sections of the new lanes betweenVelore and Maffra-Rosedale roads, including under the new Kilmany bridge.

"We’re making great progress on the Princes Highway East Upgrade with amajor traffic switch underneath the Kilmany Rail Bridge taking place in March," he said.

"This next switch will bring all Melbourne-bound traffic onto the newly built Princes Highway lanes and create safer access to Velore Road and the Kilmany Township."

These are part of aseries of stagedtraffic switches thatwillcontinue in 2024 as construction gets closer to completing the PrincesHighway Upgrade Projects Victoria will remove detours and open all legs at theintersections of Sale-Toongabbie and Settlement roads, along withthe intersection of Velore Rd which will with providededicated

turning lanes for motorists to access the Kilmany service road, Kilmany Township and Kilmany Transfer Station.

The third and final stage of the Princes Highway East upgrade, which is due to be completed in 2024, will add an extra five kilometres of consistenttwolane highway, delivering atotal of 43 kilometres of duplicated highway across the three stages of the project.

The new lanes will bring immediate safety improvements for up to 15,000 motorists who use this stretchofroad every day, and improve journey times between Traralgon and Sale.

Arangeofsafetyimprovements will be delivered including, wider shoulders and centre median with flexible safetybarrierstoimprovesafetybyreducing the risk of run-off road and head-on crashes. This stretch of road is also agateway to arange of Gippsland tourist destinations including the snowfieldsand Gippsland Lakes, with the duplication set to make travel safer for day-trippers and holidaymakers.

Melbourne-boundtraffic is soon set to travel under the new Kilmany rail bridge.

Photo: Contributed

This month, theLegislative Council debated and passedanew bill to set arenewable energy target of 80 per cent for Victoria.

Photo: iStock

2024 Easter Services

SEND us your Easter events-service times. Email with the subject line 'Easter services' to news@gippslandtimes.com.au

St Andrew's Uniting Church, Maffra

SUNDAYMarch 24th: 9.30 am Palm Sunday

Worship Service; then Ecumenical Witness Walk and singing starting from St Mary's Catholic Church, Maffra at 10.10 am, followed by Hot Drinks at the Maffra Uniting Church Hall.

Friday,March 29th: 9.30 am Good Friday

Worship ServiceatMaffraUniting Church, 7 Pearson St, Maffra

Sunday, March 31st: 9.30 am Easter Sunday Worship Service

Combined Churches of Maffra

SUNDAY, March 31st: 6.15 for 6.30 am, Easter Dawn Service at Victoria Park.

Anglican Parish of Avon, Stratford

March 24,Palm Sunday and Ecumenical Walk of Witness and Prayer

March 28, Holy Thursday the Lord's Supper Service7.30pmatHoly Trinity, Stratford

March 29, Good FridayService9am at Holy Trinity, Stratford

Easter Sundayofthe Lord's Resurrection at 8.30am Holy Communion at St Mary's Munro 10am Holy CommunionatHoly Trinity, Stratford 2pm Holy Communion at All Saints Briagolong

St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Sale

MARCH 24, Palm Sunday, 9am

March 26, Chrism Eucharist, 11am

March 27, Holy Eucharist, 10am and Tenebrae Service, 7.30pm

March 28, Eucharist with foot washing, stripping the altar and Watch, 7pm

March 29, Good Friday Liturgy, 9am; 10.30am Ecumenical Way of the Cross, commencing at St Mary's Cathedral, ending at VictoriaPark opposite

St Paul's

March 30, Easter Eve, 7pm

March 31, Easter Sunday Eucharists at: St Paul's Cathedral, Sale, 8am and 10am; St Anne's, Golden Beach, 10.30am; St Mark's, Loch Sport, 10.30; St Alban's, Kilmany, 2pm.

St Luke's (AnglicanEpiscopal ChurchInternational)

ST LUKE’S willmeetatStJohn'sLutheran Church, Sale

March 24, Palm Sunday, 10am

March 29, Good Friday, 10am

March 31, Easter Sunday, 10am

St Columba's Uniting Chuch, Sale

GOOD Friday: 9.30am

Good Friday: 10.30am Walk of the Cross from St. Mary's Cathedral to St. Paul's Cathedral

Easter Sunday: 10am -Holy Communion

St Mark's Anglican and Community Church, Loch Sport

EASTER Sunday:10.30am

Maffra Community Church

Friday, March 29: 10am at Maffra MemorialHall

Sunday, March31: 10am at the Rotunda on Johnson Street Maffra

St John's Lutheran Church, Sale

GOOD Friday service with Holy Communion at 2pm

Sale Baptist Church

FRIDAY, March 29: 9am Worship Service. Good

Friday

Sunday, March 31: 10am Worship Service. Easter

Sunday

St Mary's Cathedral Parish

FRIDAY,March 22: 5pm Lenten Reflection and Parish LentenReconciliation -Cathedral

St Mary'sHoly Week Mass and Services

Timetable:

Saturday, March 23: 9.30am Mass -Cathedral

11am Mass -Loch Sport

5.30pm Mass -Cathedral

5.30pm Mass -Rosedale

Sunday, March 24: 9.30am Mass -Cathedral

9.30am Mass -Briagolong

5.30pm Mass -Cathedral

Tuesday, March26: 11am Mass of the Oils

-Cathedral

Wednesday, March 27: 9.30am Mass -Cathedral

7.30pm Service of Shadows -StPaul's Cathedral

Thursday, March 28: Holy Thursday 7.30pm

Mass of the Lord's Supper -Cathedral

Friday, March 29: 9.30am Stations of the Cross

-Cathedral

9.30am Stations of the Cross -Stratford

9.30am Stations of the Cross -Rosedale

10.30am Walk of the Cross to St Paul's Cathedral

3pm Service of the Lord's Passion -Cathedral

Saturday, March 30: 7.30pm Easter Vigil

-Cathedral

Sunday, March 31: 9am Mass -Loch Sport

9.30am Mass -Cathedral

9.30am Mass -Stratford

11.15am Mass -Seaspray

Slow down in school zones

Federal funds for local schools

ROSEDALE Primary School and Loch Sport Primary School are set to receive new or upgraded facilities and equipment as partofthe federal government's Schools Upgrade Fund.

LochSport Primary School willsee improved existing outdoor learningspacesand upgrading ICT equipment, including laptops and tablets.

Rosedale PrimarySchool's existing outdoor learning spaces will be upgraded. Two otherGippslandschools,EaglePoint PrimarySchool and St Joseph'sSchool, Orbost will alsosee projects undertakenfrom thefund. The Schools Upgrade Fund has allocated $100,000 across these four projects in Gippsland. Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone

said the government was investing in schools in Gippsland. “From new laptops and air purifiers to upgraded outdoor equipment, this funding has delivered upgradestofourschools in Gippsland, with a further nine projects at schoolsinthe region currently in progress," he said.

Minister for Education Jason Clare said: “I want all students to get access to aquality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on.

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to invest in our schools and provide safer classrooms, playgrounds and facilities.”

Lions Youth of the Year awards

fostering leadership skills in Australian students approaching the end of their high school years.

AveryCannonofMaffraHigh Schoolwas awarded the prize for Public Speaking, while Gretel Harms from Gippsland Grammar was the overall winner.

Harms willgoontorepresent the Wellington region at Trafalgar on March 24.

The LionsYouth of the Year program has aproud history in encouraging and

By emphasising qualities like contributionto the community and school, public speaking, academic skills, sporting and culturalinvolvement, Youth of the Year aims to bring forth the next generation of outstanding young Australians. The Sale Lions Club extend their congratulations to the winners and thanked the judges on the day; Darren McGubbin, JohannahBoyce andTrevor Carstein.

THE local final of Lions Youth of the Year was held at the VRI Hall, Traralgon on Sunday March 3.

Gretel Harms (right) with the YOTY coordinator Roger Lurz (middle) andAvery Cannon (left).

Photo: Contributed

Crossword Puzzle No.8578

ONE POINTERS

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

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

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

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

TWO POINTERS

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

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

7. Which rays arethe main cause of sunburn?

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

THREE POINTERS

9. What is another name for akiller whale?

10. Which wordcan refertoboth aherb and awise person?

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

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

FOUR POINTERS

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

14. What is the term for wheredataisstored on the internet for backup and access from anywhere?

FIVE POINTER

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

1. Is this the real life?Isitjustfantasy?

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

3. As Iwalkthrough

Airshowreturns to wowcrowds at West Sale Airport

SPECTACULAR stunts, phenomenalfly-bys and daredevil displays are guaranteed to thrill spectators when the ANZAC Weekend Air Show tears into West Sale Airport on April 27 and 28. Building on the success of the inauguralevent in 2022,this year's event will be atwo-day actionpacked extravaganza that promisestoget your heart racing. From aerobatic demonstrations by commercial pilotsand the RAAF, to an amazing arrayofhistoric and modern aircraft to view up close For those who don't discriminate between engines, the car and motorcycle display will include classic and modern vehicles, emergency response and Defencevehicle displays. In afirstfor the event and forthe area, the airshow will also welcome Hot Wheels to the stage.

The Gippsland Armed ForcesMuseum willbe

opentoall ticket holders, and arangeofinteresting exhibits fromthe aviation industry and other local businesses will allow people to chat to experts in their field, and browse the products and services they have to offer.This year’s airshow willalso featureanEmployment Hub, which willallow industryspecific businesses to showcasewhat’s needed to work with them.

To match the vintage vibe, entrants can enter the Vintage Fashion Show which celebrates classic outfits of yesteryear to win some fantastic prizes.

The Middle of Everywhere will be on show, with local talent headlining the live music lineup, and an array of food vans and stalls serving up delicious Gippsland produce.

Wellington ShireCouncil Mayor Ian Bye said the biennial event welcomed thousands of people to the

area,creating flow-on benefits for localtourism, accommodation, hospitality and retail operators.

“More than 12,000 people attended over the two days in 2022, bringing an estimated $1.36 million into the local economy, accordingtoVisit Victoria,” Cr Bye said.

"As well as providing awelcome boost for our localbusinesses, it'sanopportunity to showcase ourscenic mountain ranges, pristine beaches and outstandingopen spaces with visitors and the community.

“Not to mention, it’s aripperweekendfor the whole family.”

The second ANZAC Weekend Airshow will run from10amuntil 4pm each day on Saturday,April 27 and Sunday, April 28, 2024. For more informationortopurchase tickets,visit saleairshow.com.au

Bloom to bring her talents to The Wedge

Ben McArthur

AUSTRALIAN singer-songwriterand six-time GoldenGuitarwinner 'Bloom', or Amanda Canzurlo, believes the benefit of being amusician today is that there isn't arigid genre category system, saying listeners care more about"thesongs than the genre".

"Growing up, Ifeltlikemusicians hadtopick asound and stick to it, but Idon't feel that way anymore. Ithink everyone now is doing what they want," she said.

"I think the music industry back then was less independent because it was very sales driven, and they (record labels)wanted asound that was easyto box up and market, and it took years to change this.

"Linda Ronstadt was someone who Ithink had an impact on that change. She just sang every genre that she wanted to. It must have been very liberating."

BorninPerth, Ms Canzurlo grew up and listened to artists like Tania Doko and Vanessa Amorosi. She said this impacted her love of performing pop artists' songs, yet when she makes originals, she

enjoys the freedom of today's artists.

"I think the music Iliked in the 90s was from that 'Angry Girl' era, likethe Alanis Morissette vibe. And Istill likeit; I've always loved pop; that's been aconstant for me becauseit'seasy listening," she said.

"But when Irelease my originals to my 'Bloomies' (fans), they don't care if it's asad or happy song or which genre as long as they like it."

Shortly after releasing her debut EP in 2015, Ms Canzurlo tried to promote the the record by doing aconcept showbased on two Grammy-winning performers, Adele and Amy Winehouse. She will be doing this in Sale.

"Conceptshows weren't athing;thereweretribute showswhere peopledressed up and pretended to be the artist, but not concept shows," she said.

"I first did them (concept shows) because it's really hard to sell tickets to an original show in aplace you've never been to before because people will only buy tickets if it is something they know they're going to like.But Ididn't want to pretend to be someone else,and when Isaw posters for Adele and Amy Winehouse tribute shows,I thought I

should do that but not pretend to be Adele or Amy (Winehouse)."

Ms Canzurlo said the first six shows almost instantly sold out.

"It was like aconcertformofachick flickbecause it attracted alot of women who lovedwineorwere broken up with and just needed to have agirl'snight out. It was nuts; people really wanted to come and experiencethe music they love," she said.

Ms Canzurlobelieves the two artists were successful because they offeredsomething different.

"I remember the first time Iheard Amy Winehouse was when Iwas in my 20s and worked in abank. Iwas driving to work and heard 'back to black' on the radio, and Iwas like 'whoa!' that's different,'" she said.

"And Adele was the same. They got those similar earthytones with adepth similar to my voice, and growing up, all the girls (singers) voices were alot higher and too highfor me, and whenI heardthese two, Ithought, ''oh that's my jam" because that's where my voice fits".

Ms Canzurlo will perform at The Wedge on Friday, April 5- seewebsite for tickets.

Life FM to celebrate 20 yearsonthe airwaves

THREE musicians are set to make the Life FM 20th Birthday Celebration amemorable night.

LifeFMGippsland, aChristiancommunity radio station, will be marking 20 years of life-changing radioonSaturday,March23, from 6pm at the Traralgon Golf Club.

The evening will include adelicious dinner, two decades of memories of LifeFMand alook towards the future of the station.

Anyone who has listened to, donatedto, sponsored, contributed to and supported Life FM over the past 20 years is invited to attend the celebration, which will also feature an incredible line-up of music.

Gippsland-based Chico Johnsonrecently release anew album, Milk &Honey,which transcends genres and drops at apivotal moment in history addressing social injustice, soaked with messages of hope and freedom.

Infusing hisCaribbean roots with hip hop and avoiceofconsciousness, Chico’suniquesound delivers purposed lyrics for the next generation.

Chico also leads workshops which empower disengaged and disadvantaged youth to discover apurpose-drivenlifeand enhance community capacity building.

Through the art of music, film, motivational speaking and song writing workshops, the aim

to tackle the rapid decline in the mental health of youth by helping them find their authentic and unique identity,reduce isolation and anxiety, improve self-worthand sense of belonging and explore solutionstobetterthe worldaround them.

Joining Chico at Life FM’s 20th Birthday Celebration will be Natalie Ambrose, whose 2021 song'Breathe Again’ was in the Top 30 in the Australian Christian music charts for 14 weeks. While her songs are catchy, they have adeeper meaning, forming aprofound connection with listeners, who resonate with the embedded narratives.

Another performer willbeDavid Eime, whose singing and acoustic sounds can be heard at public events and in shopping strips across the region.

David sings acombination of classic tracks and his own songs with araw passion that inspire all who listen.

Life FM Gippsland station manager David Braithwaite said the 20th Birthday Celebration will include something for every musical taste.

“Each artist who will perform has wonderful talent and incredible testimonies, which people will have the chance to hear about on the night,” Mr Braithwaite said.

“The musichighlightsthe diversity of positive, uplifting music we play on Life FM.

“We’d love to see as many people who have enjoyed Life FM’s unique brand of radio over the past 20 years, as well as those who have helped get us to where we are now, to come and celebrate this milestone.”

Tickets to Life FM’s 20th Birthday Celebration are still available at $25 each,but for catering purposes, they should be purchased this week (by March21).Head to www.eventbrite.com.au (search for Life FM’s 20th Birthday Celebration). For more information phone5143 0355 duringbusinesshours or email gippsland@lifefm.com.au

Amanda Canzurlo will perform at the Wedge on Friday, April5

Photo: Contributed

Chico Johnson will be one of theperformers at the Life FM 20thBirthdayCelebration.

Photo: Contributed

ASabreprepares for takeoff.

Photo: Duncan Fenn Photography

Gambling addiction turned book series

ErikaAllen

ARIVERSLEA-basedauthor hasturned agambling ordeal into a“cathartic” book series she hopes can bring awareness to gambling addiction when she hosts an author talk at the Sale Library.

On Thursday (March 21) evening from 7pm, Hayley Baxter who writes under the pen name, Kelly Delaney, is delving into the story behindher two novels, AGame of Chance and ARoll of the Dice

While fictitious, thesenovels, which are the first instalments in athree-part series, are based off her family’s real experiences living with acompulsive gambler -MsBaxter’sfirsthusbandand the father of her children.

The novels tell astory of addiction,revealing how the pursuit of ‘financial success’ can unravel relationships, including eroding the trust between Kelly (female protagonist) and her husband Luke (male protagonist), whose actions led him down a nefarious path.

At theircore, the novels depict the impact gambling has on families.

A2023reportbythe VictorianResponsible GamblingFoundation (VRGF) highlightsthe multifaceted concerns surrounding gambling-related harm (GRH) to families, including emotional distress,erosion of trust in intimaterelationships, and agrowingdisconnectbetween children and their parents.

Financial stress further compounds these issues, painting aconcerning pictureofthe impactof gambling addiction on households.

Ms Baxter told the Gippsland Times shewas “young” and “naïve” when she married her first husband.

“I was probablynot as waryasI should have been,” she mused.

“My husband (at the time) was areally bad gambler, and he hid that from me for quite some time.”

Ms Baxter said they werestill livinginMelbourne when she discovered his secret addictionand as their young family moved to Gippsland in the 1990s it exacerbated, despite his assurances “things would get better (and) he was going to stop gambling”.

Abroken promise, financial hardships, apolice investigation for embezzlement and money laundering, and her husband tragically takinghis life, from this devastating ordeal Ms Baxter described

as “awful” and “an absolutely terrible time” in her family’s lives.

Ms Baxterpublished the first book, Game of Chance, under her pen name out of respect for her children’s privacy.

“After I’dwrittenthe book and had it published… my sonsaid, ‘you know, we didn’t do anything wrong’.”

After publishing the second book, Roll of the Dice in November last year, she added her full name to the blurb.

Nowfully embracingthe experience,MsBaxter, whodiscovered her “inner strength” through the “cathartic” writing process, is taking it astep further by hosting an author talk.

“I learned that Ihave grown incredibly, and that I’msomuchstronger than Iever imagined Iwould be,” she said.

She also realised how strong her children are.

Ms Baxter aims to shed light on the pitfalls of gambling addiction at the talk, with aspecial focus on reaching out to young men, who are often targeted by pervasive advertising promoting gambling.

The VRGF has recentlylabelledthoseaged 18 to 24 as one of the most at-risk groups for gambling harm, with up to 80 per cent having taken part in the last twelve months.

Ms Baxter expressed her concerns for young people, adamantly stating: “Gambling is an absolute addiction.”

“It’s acompulsion that is really hard for people to break.

“We need to target young people because (gambling) looks glorified,” she said.

Since her family’s ordeal, Ms Baxter has remarried and resides in Riverslea with her husband and their dog Riley. However, she lamented: “(Her first husband)could havestill been in their (the children’s) lives and that’s incredibly sad because he’s lost that, and the kids have lost that too.”

“He’s missed out on children gettingmarried, grandchildren, children going through university and achieving so much,” she said.

Besides raising awareness around gambling addiction and the impact it has on families, Ms Baxter urged people to seek help, whether they’re aconcerned family member or afriend.

“Another reason Iwanted to write these books was because people who are livingthrough gambling-a partner or another family member -toopen up and talk to someone to stop it before it gets to the point

that it did with us,” she said.

The author talk will take placeat7pm until 8.30pm.

Bookings are essential, which

Whatatransformation

FROM

The home has afamily-orientatedfloorplan with fourlargebedrooms, servicedbytwo bathrooms andtwo living zones andan additional

zone. The layoutsurrounds the kitchen with living

include thesunken lounge with timber feature wall, separatedining andopenplan family zone that leadstoanentertainingarea. With servery fromthe kitchen andundercoverit

accompaniesthe adjacent pool,creating what agentscall a“summer vibe”.

buying or selling real estate?

The contemporary style kitchenisafeature of the recent renovation and highlights the slimline cabinetry andCaesar stone benchtopswith modern appliances. Agentssay that prospective buyerswill be impressedbythe bathrooms and laundrythataid in the finish of thisrenovation. There is also newflooring, blinds and shuttersthroughoutthe home. Built in thelate 90’s thissolid homebrick veneer home is in asought-after location in Saleand will not disappoint upon inspection according to agents

Other features include:

 Courtlocation;

 Plantation shutters androllerblinds;

 Gascentralheating;

 Split system cooling/heating;

 Pendant lighting, and;

 Access to rearyard through double garage.

Briefdetails ails

Property: four-bedrooms,twobathrooms, two-car spaces.

Address: 6StaffordDrive, Sale.

Price: $799,950.

Contact: Kevin Read, 0488 411026, Wellington Real Estate Maffra.

Blending both style andfunctionality

Azoned to every room, three living areas, walk-in-linen and CCTV Outside features include: Solar electric gates with video intercom and remote access, double garage, 150,000 Litre water tank three bay shed, for hay and machinery,five bay shed, with two bays enclosed with abungalow, cattle yards fitted with crush and loading race, fencing subdivided into around 14 paddocks, four dams, stables and an animal shelter

Briefdetails

Property: four-bedroom, two-bathroom, four-car spaces.

Address: 455 Heyfield Seaton Road, Heyfield.

Price: $1,675,000.

Contact: Aaron Ralph, 0456 215087 , AlexScott.

Calculating your farm’s carbon emissions

CARBON specialist, Dr Richard Eckard, will this month help local farmerstocrunch their figures to come up with their farm’s carbon emissions number.

The workshop,organisedbyGippsland AgriculturalGroup (GAgG), aims to get farmers their baseline number, in-line with Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) target for the red meat industry being carbon neutral by 2030.

GAgGgeneralmanager,Jen Smith, said Gippsland Ag had been working with Melbourne University and MLA to try to better understand how farms couldbecarbon neutral by the 2030 target.

ShesaidDrEckardand his team wouldguide farmers through completing the MLA Carbon Emissions Calculator for their farm.

“Producers can’t just puttheir heads in the sand about this issue,” Ms Smith said.

“We need to gain the skills and the confidence to be able to track our carbon annually.

“While there is still ambiguity around what the accountingframework will look like and how it will work, what we do know is we’ll need to know our baseline carbon emissions number.

“The sooner you can know that number the sooner you can get back to farming.”

Dr Eckardhas been aguestspeaker at the GAgG-runGippsland Red Meat Conference for the past two years.

“Richard Eckard is one of the most pragmatic,

Photo:Contributed

scientific voicesinthis space in the world,”Ms Smith said.

“We are absolutely chuffed to have him back in the region to shift the dial and action things around carbon emissions for farmers.

“He has avery practical way of sharing complex concepts around carbon and emissions.

“He breaks it down and makesiteasy to understand.”

Free state forest firewood

VICTORIANS can collect free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areasuntil June 30, but collectors are being remindedtocheck local weather conditionsand plan theirroute before heading into the forest, especially after recent flooding, storms, and bushfires. Domestic firewood supply in state forests is providedfrom fallen trees and forest management works.

Department of Energy,Environmentand Climate Action Director Forest and Fire Operations Gippsland, Sam Quigley said people can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day during afirewood collection season with amaximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year. He said firewood collection is only allowed in designated firewood collection areasduringa firewood season and urged the community to stay out of dangerous storm-ravagedareas to allow authorities to clean-up debris.

“These areas are not designated collection areas and anyone entering them to take firewood is not only committinganoffence,but theyare risking their own safety,” Mr Quigley said.

“When collecting, pleasedrive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.”

Mr Quigleyalsoencouragedpeople whorely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.

“Firewoodcollected duringthe collectionseasons

needs at least 8-12 months to cure andbedry before use,” he said.

The state government provides targeted energy support and concessions for people on low incomes who buy firewoodorneed assistance with their energy costs. This includes tailored support via the Energy Assistance Program, a$250rebate for eligible households from the Energy Bill Relief Fund, payments of between $55 and $619 per year for eligible households thatrely on non-mains energy including firewood for heating and cooking, and up to $650 via the Non-Mains Utility Relief Grant for Victorians on low incomes who rely on firewood as their only source of fixed heating.

It is illegal to cut down trees, collectwood outside designated areas or to leave formed roadstocollect.

“Most people do the right thing and stick to the collectionlimits, but people should knowAuthorised Officers will be patrolling to catch those who aren’t,” Mr Quigley said.

Officers can issue fines of $769 to those caught breaking the rules,and seriousoffences have a maximum penalty of $9,615 and/or one year in prison. Community members can help by reporting any suspected illegal firewoodcollection on 136 186. To find your local collection area, or to find information on financial assistance, visit: ffm. vic.gov.au/firewood andmoreinformation about firewood collection rulescan be found at vic.gov. au/collecting-firewood

Attendees need to register and once they do, they willbesenta list of information required forthe day. Thatinformationincludes cattle andsheeplivestock numbers, an understanding of their growth rates,plus fuel, fertiliserand electricity inputs

“Regardless of anything else, the very first and most important step to be readyfor 2030 is knowing yourbaselinecarbonemissions number,” Ms Smith said.

Registrationisrequired and interestedparticipants shouldcontact Jen Smith of Gippsland Ag Group.

The workshop willtakeplace Tuesday, March26, from9am to 4pmatthe Wellington ShireCouncil Offices, Foster Street, Sale

To register go to bit.ly/49EpFpH or call GAgG’s Jen Smith,on0409 436 133.

AusNet’spower outagepackage

Emergency Relief Fund (GERF), which has been supporting the regionafter natural disasters for more than four decades.

No proof of loss is required. Grants are available to households who were without power for more than 72 hours but are not eligible for aProlonged Power Outage Payment (PPOP) because their power was restored within aweek. Proof of financial hardship can be verified simply with ahealthcare or pension card.

Businesses grants of up to $5000are available to those small business who can provide proof of specific loss.Ifbusinesses havereceiveda PPOP, then they are eligible for the difference between the PPOP and the amount of loss incurred,uptothe maximumgrantamount (typically around $2,000).

AusNetChief Executive, DavidSmales, said he has been struck by the strength of the community during the biggest stormsever experienced across the network last month.

“I knowthat recovery is stillvery challenging for some and with the cost of living being as it is, we wanted to do more to help peopleget back on their feet,” said Mr Smales.

AusNet’s $10 million Energy Resilience Fund has already commenced the distribution of funds, with some of the first beneficiaries including the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund and food security charity Sale Food Support Inc. AusNet has donated $100,000 to the Gippsland

AusNet will also provide funding for the purchase of arefrigerated food transport van to help SaleFood Support Inc supplyfresh food to more Wellington Shire families and individuals in need. This will allow the safe transport of perishable food such as meat and dairy products to families in Sale and surrounding areas.

AusNet is also continuing to develop other elements of its Energy Resilience Community Fund, with further work underway to identify community infrastructure and resilience projects, and small business resilience projects. Further information on the application process for resilience projects will be available in April and local government and community groups can register their interest by emailing ERCF@ ausnetservices.com.au

“Weare committed to helping communities get back on their feet in the short term,but we also recognise the importance of working with local governments and their communities to strengthencommunity infrastructure and businesses and help ensure they are better prepared to withstand future weather events,” Mr Smales said.

Financial hardship grants will be open until April 30 2024. Further information, including detailed eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available on AusNet’s website at ausnetservices. com.au/ERCF.

AccordingtoAusNet,eligible customers were also directlysent an SMS in the days after March 13 to alert them to availability of the grants.

Dr Richard Eckard(centre)atthe 2022 Gippsland Red MeatConference. His workshop in Sale this month aims to help farmers workout their farm’s carbon emissions number.

Dr Richard Eckardatlastyear’sGippsland Red MeatConferenceinSale Photo: Zoe Askew

Wellington Shire opts for electric

WELLINGTONShire Councilischarging ahead with its transition of petrol-powered equipment, following the purchase of anew electric utility vehicle.

At the end of its usable life, Sale Botanic Gardens’ageingride-on wheelbarrow has been replaced by an environmentally-friendly electric grounds and turf vehicle.

Similartoamodified golf cart, the vehicle plugs into anormal power point and can hold charge for up to three days, eliminating fumes, the need to buy fuel or completeextensiveservicing. Its quiet motor means lessengine noiseinthe gardens, improving amenity for visitors and wildlife.

The vehicle has an in-built tipper for mulch and soil, extra capacity to carry two staff at once, and its trailer has already proven handy for lugging off-cuts and tools.

After amonth behind thewheel,Council’s NaturalEnvironment and Parks team is happy to report the new vehicle is meeting all expectations,

having improved day-to-day operations. Staff are now able to stay out in the field for longer, instead of frequentingthe Gardens’maintenanceshedfor petrol, and can navigate the Gardens’ narrower paths while transporting multiple tools -an advantage over aute or truck.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Byesaid the decision to replace outdated equipment with an electric vehicle follows last year’s swap to asuite of battery-powered tools at Sale Botanic Gardens.

“Council has been looking for ways to improve efficiencies across the board, and lead when it comes to implementingsustainable practices that will take us into the future -and this is agreat example,” Cr Bye said.

“The transition supports our commitment to reduce our carbonfootprintand reach netzero by 2040. We’ll continue to electrifyour operations overthe next fiveyears, in linewith prioritiesset outinour Council Plan.”

GIPPSLAND agronomists and growersshould be vigilant in crop surveillance for fall armyworm (FAW),following the impacts the pest is having on crops in Queensland.

Fall armyworm has rapidly spread across Australia after being found in Queensland in January 2020 and is now established in New South Wales, Northern Territory,Western Australiaand parts of Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria Plant Pests and Diseases Manager Chris Pittock said acollaborative effort betweengovernment, industry and the community is crucial to effectively manage pests such as Fall armyworm.

"If agronomists and farmers find Fall armyworm on their property, they should seek professional advice fortreatmentand management," Mr Pittock said.

"Given this pest is established in someparts of the state -wehaveadapted our practices to manage it. We have been able to watch what has

warm, tropical, and sub-tropical areasinnorthern Australia and can migrate rapidly,and spreadbystorm events. Photo: Contributed

Positivegrowth formilk production

THE March 2024 Situation and Outlook Report from Dairy Australia is forecasting national milk production to grow slightly, ending the 2023/24 seasonclose to one per cent abovelast season. The report has confirmed that Australian milk production has grown in each month of this season, fuelledbybetter-than-expected weather conditions, particularly against lower comparable figures of last season. Dairy Australia’s Analysis and Insights Manager, Eliza Redfern, said there was an air of optimism among Australia’s dairy farmers.

“Better-than-expected weather conditions, recovering milk production, increased retail volumes and arebound in global commodity values have bred optimism in the broader context of apersistently challenging macroeconomic environment,” Ms Redfern explained.

“TheAustralian domestic market continues to perform strongly for the dairysupplychain,

with the volumes sold of cheese, dairy spreads and yoghurt growing1.0 per cent, 0.4 per cent and 5.7 per cent, respectively, in the 12 months to 28 January. “Increased volumes sold across these key dairy categories will help support value retention, while inflation slows and cost of living challenges continue to drive consumer shopping behaviour.”

In terms of exports, the reportstatedthat adrop in globalmilksupply overrecent months has led to an export commodity price rebound. Looking ahead, weak global supply growth is expected to remain the largest supporting factor,while global demand remains pressured by the challenging economic environment. Furthermore, drought conditions affecting water availability for the Panama Canal locksand tensions in the Red Sea have caused vessel delays, tightened container availability and bloated freight costs.

happened in the northern states and learn from their experiences.

"Detections of concern to us would be if the pest is found outside of central Victoria near the Murray River, and some parts of Gippsland."

Agriculture Victoria has been leading the state response for the National Fall armyworm project, whichiscoordinated by Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF).

The project aims to support Australian growers with the latest information and tools to manage FAW. Head to the Agriculture Victoria website for more information on FAW.

Early detection of FAW is important to ensure producers are making decisions in observance with best practice methods of control, andtoreduce the likelihood of resistance occurring in the pest.

You can report aFAW sighting by contacting the Customer Contact Centre on 136 186 or by completing the Online Reporting Form.

“The weak global economy continues to limit importing activity from buyers in key dairy export markets, while shipping challenges along major trade routes have created an uptick in demand for Oceania, and therefore Australian, product. As global dynamics inevitably impact the Australian dairy industry, the 2024/25 season is likely to see increased pressure on farm profitability," Ms Redfern said.

After back-to-back profitable past seasons however,MsRedfern said that Australian dairy farmers are well placed for the challenges ahead.

“Many are feeling positiveabout the industry, and reduceddebt has helped lower exposure to high interest rates, which aren’t likely to fall until late 2024,” she said.

For more information andtoview the latest Situation and Outlook Report visitdairyaustralia. com.au/sando

Fall armyworm hasadapted to

Wellington ShireCouncil Horitculturalist LucyBrilman and Sale Botanic Gardens Curator Tony King with the newelectric ultilityvehicle.

Photo: Contributed

Tuesday’s newspaper is nowavailable in newspaper format online at http://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/digital-editions/

JMS PAINTING

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Maffra EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER

Part Time Ongoing Position 0.62 FTE (4 days)

Commencement Date: Term 2- 2024

St Mary's Maffra requires adedicated Education Support Officer who will support children in a variety of ways across the school. To be successful the candidate needs to have patience and empathy when working with our students.

The school is happy to answer questions from interested applicants and encourage both experienced and inexperienced people to apply.

Role description and application form can be accessed from the Teachers on Net website www.teacherson.net

Contact Details:

Mr Julian Blackford, Principal

Email: principal@stmmaffra.catholic.edu.au Enquiries welcome, please call (03) 5147 1334

Applications close: 5.00pm Sunday 24th March 2024

St Mary's Catholic Primary school community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Ex peri enced Butch er Requi red IGA Plus Liquor Heyfield VIC is seeking an experienced butcher. Part time can lead to full time in future. For cutting, trimming, sausage making, mincing and cleaning. Please email resume to IGA Supermarketigaheyfield@hotmail.com

Heyfield Hospital Board of Management Seeking Expressions of Interest

Heyfield Hospital was built in 1934 to service the needs of Heyfield and its local catchment area, functioning as an 11-bed private hospital, linked with an aged care facility comprising 49 permanent and 2respite beds.

Heyfield Hospital is owned by the local community and run by acommunity Board of Management under aManagement Agreement with Central Gippsland Health.

The Board is pleased to invite expressions of interest for Board Member positions. These positions provide an exciting opportunity to contribute to acommunity asset, and the provision of high quality services.

Applicants will be considered for their capabilities, including personal and professional attributes, experience, knowledge and skills.

To submit an expression of interest, please forward your CV with covering letter to Rebecca.gunning@cghs.com.au by COB Friday 29 March, 2024.

Enhance, as

Ph

NISSAN NAVARA

3L turbo, twin cab, white, XRA-475 $6800. Phone 0459 461 211.

TOYOTA Coaster Motorhome, 12ht turbo diesel, auto, 198,500kms, toilet, 2 s/beds, original, v.g. body, excellentmechanically $40,000. 0400 274 866.

4WD

• PEUGEOT 4008 2013, 2L, 2WD, 113,600km, reg. serviced, tinted windows, excellent condition, r.w.c., ZPE-622 $12,800 o.n.o. Ph Joe 0422 414 515.

1992, GQ Patrol,4.2 EFI, dual fuel, v.g.c., new motor and tyres, many extras, dual batteries, rear airbags, and roof rack. $14,000 neg. Ph after 7pm 0428 133 576.

EUSTACE, Peter

Somewhere over the rainbow, sky's are blue, And the dreams that you dare to dream, Really do come true.

Privilege and proud to have been by your side.

As together for 17 years, we traveled the yellow brick road.

In search of the rainbow, Along winding sometimes bumpy road, Where along the way we found two pots of gold, Our amazing two children.

In 1970 we reached Sale, It was here in Gippsland you found your rainbow and fulfilled your hopes and dreams.

Now rest peacefully peter on the other side of the rainbow. Loving memory for mine to keep.

Val.

FULFORD, Julie. Central Gippsland Health acknowledges with sadness the passing of Julie Fulford, along standing and well-respected member of our Community Care Worker team. Julie was avalued colleague and friend, and will be greatly missed by those of us who knew her. Our deepest sympathies are with Julie's family during this very difficult time.

GODDARD (nee Wright). Diane Lesley of Sale. 29.10.1961- 8.3.2024.

Daughter of Les and Janet Wright (both dec.). Sister to Lynda and Carol (dec.).

Loved mother of Dale, Hayley and Bowen. Aloved mother-in-law and Nana.

Tiya and Jade.

Thanks for being you.

We love you and will miss you every day.

When God created brothers, he gave us apal and

friend building abond we will never outgrow.

Miss you so.

Your lovingsister

Barbara.

We feel so sad when those we love are touched by death's dark hand, But it would ease our sorrow if we could understand, That death is just agateway, that we all must pass through. And on the other side of death,

In aworld that's bright and new, Our loved ones wait to welcome us, to the land free from all tears, Where joy becomes eternal, and time is not counted by years. Our loving thoughts attend you on your new adventure.

Love Dale, Hayley and families.

This day dawns with sad regret. Gone are the days we used to share, but in our heart's you are always there.

Love you mum. Bowen and Sarah.

Di, at peace after along health battle. Glad we were able to remain friends.

Wayne.

GODDARD (nee Wright). Diane Lesley. Diane, my darling little sister, your path through life was not easy. Your indep ende nce and strength guided you on your journey. Memories of ahappy childhood, your artistic talents, love of gardening and love of your pets was unwavering. It was hard to see you so ill. Now reunited with Mum and Carol. Time to rest now. Always in my heart, your big sister Lynda and Ed (dec.).

GODDARD,

JONES Yvonne. "Bonnie"

8/7/1942 -12/3/2024

Beloved wife of Darral (dec.).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law to Kerrie and Stephen, Steve and Kerry, Andrew, and Carolyn and Phil.

Passed away "suddenly" last Tuesday.

Mum, your treasured heart stopped beating a week ago, leaving avoid in our world that could never be replaced. Akind, caring and gentle soul who gave nothing but love and guidance to all her family. You now have your angel wings to go and be forever with dad, and to watchoveryour 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 4great grandchildren.

Rest In Peace "Beautiful Lady" Kerrie, Steven, Andrew, Carolyn and families.

MCLAUGHIN, Mardi.

The Stratford Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary are saddened by the passing of life member Mardi. Mardi was adedicated member of the auxiliary for 46 years. We will all miss you. Our deepest sympathy to Rod and family.

MILLER, Iain

Central Gippsland Health acknowledges with great sadness the passing of Mr. Iain Miller, general surgeon at Sale Hospital between 1977 and 2009, returning in an honorary position in 2010 to provide further support to our team of surgeons. Iain was well respected within the community and our organization, and will be very much missed. We acknowledge not only his long-standing service to our region, but the colleague and friend that was held in such high regard and esteem by all who knew him. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are extended to Iain's wife, Ann and their family during this difficult time.

MILLER,

SMITH, Earl Gordon. 26/05/1947 -25/02/2024

Special part of the Miller family.

Loved and missed. Marie and George Miller( both dec.)

Dot and Steve, Rob and Ly, Andrew and Glenda, Lill and Steve, Peter and Jenny, Terry and Julie, Marian and Garry, Sharon and Kristian and all their families.

Funerals

EUSTACE.

The funeral service for Mr Peter Robert Eustace will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Highway, Sale at 11am on FRIDAY (March 22, 2024), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

FRASER.

Afuneral service for Mrs Gwendoline Ada Fraser of Port Albert WAS HELD on Friday (March 8, 2024).

GODDARD (nee Wright).

The funeral service and committal for cremation for Ms Diane Lesley Goddard will be held at Our Chapel, 5Queen St Maffra on THURSDAY (March 21, 2024) commencing at 1pm. Please visit our website for the livestream of Diane's service

JONES. For funeral arrangements for Mrs Yvonne "Bonnie" Jones please check our website or phone:

Funeral Directors

MONDS. The funeral service and committal for cremation of Mr Murray Monds will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell on TUESDAY (March 26, 2024).

VAN IWAARDEN Afuneral service for Mrs Maria Gerarda Van Iwaarden of Yarram WAS HELDonThursday (March 7, 2024).

In Memoriam •

SMITH, Thomas Raymond. 17/8/27 -18/3/2011

Sending love to heaven, dad and pa. Miss you, give mum akiss for us. xxx Jenn and Harry, Chris and Evie, Kasey and Chris, Khealy and Bentley.

Bereavement Thanks •

DROPPERT, Cornelia (Corrie).

We wish to thank our friends and neighbor's for their kind words, flowers, cards and expressions of condolence after the passing of our Mum and Oma.

Special thanks to Dr Nandha, the Sale Hospital Doctors and Nurses, the staff at Wilson's Lodge and Bradley Lett's team for their care and kindness. Gerald, Wilco, Yvonne, Alison and their families.

Campdrafters hit the grounds

IN the penultimate round of the Gippsland Campdrafting Association (GCA) season, thundering hooves, whinny’inghorses, and determineddrafters converged at the Sale polocrosse and equestrian grounds.

The competitionran over threedays, beginninglastFriday (March 15) until Sunday (March 17).

It attracted local and interstate campdrafters of allskill levels,looking to hone their abilities, all while coveting avictory in the hopes of advancing beyond their division.

Campdrafters competedinopen, maiden, maiden for maiden, two novice divisions, juvenile, junior and encouragement grades.

Competitors who have yet to secure avictory typically start in the maiden events, often with horses aged between two to three years old.

Advancingtohigher grades, likenovice, requireswinningamaiden event followed by three novice events, eventually earning an open grading.

This progression underscoresthe unique bondbetween horseand rider, whichstrengthens as they reachopen competitions by which time horsesare around eight to nine years old.

The sports runs through the veins of Peter Boulton whoisthe GCA President. His father,Ken Boulton,a seasoned campdrafter of 50 years, has passed down his passion for the sport to his children, including Peter, who spent weekends growing up in the world of campdrafting.

Beyond being afamily tradition, Peter saidthe allure of campdraftingliesin

itsinherentchallenges and mastering its complexities. It takesa combination of excellent horsemanship and cattlemanship to be agreat campdrafter.

“You’vegot three minds,” Boulton said.

“You’ve got your own mind dealing with the competition side of things, you’ve got the horse’s mind, so you’ve got to hope that you’re prepared and you’re training is in place, and then there’sthe cow’s mind,you’vegot to hopethatyou pick that good cow.

“That’s where it’s won or lost.”

Picking aquiet cow is where Boulton said good cattlemen have the edge –the important first step where competitors havetoprove they’re in control before being released from the holding pen, or ‘camp’.

Once acampdrafter selects their cow, there's no room for hesitation.

Performances are judged on the ability to control the animal, as drafter and horse guide the cow through afigure-eight pattern, maneuvering around pegs and ultimately through apairofpegs, known as a'gate'.

It's ahigh-speed, unforgiving event;one wrong move, signaled by the crack of a whip, can swiftly terminateadrafter's run if they fail to adeptly guide the cattle around the pegs.

Boultonwon the open competition riding Nandye Destinys Reflex.

Other winners from the weekend include Simon Beratta riding Ducky and Sonya Ford on HB (maiden), Dean Rogers ridingArcher (one-run maiden) Phillip Collins riding Bob Jane (open for open), Peyton Schroter riding Max

(junior), Patrick Shanahan riding Connie (juvenile).

Shanahan also took out the novice B Division riding Bobby’s Roany alongside Darren Towns on Kitty. Charlie Hengstberger on Smithy (Novice A) and Chloe Stock riding Waterman (encouragement) also won their events.

Competitors are gearing up for the upcoming Salt Creek event, scheduled from Friday, March 22, to Sunday, March 24.

Then, following abrief hiatus, action will return to Sale for the GCA Championships on April 6.

Starssecuremaiden win over regional rival

Zaida Glibanovic

THE Gippsland Stars won the regional rumble last Wednesday, March 13, after defeatingBendigo Strikers, afellow VictorianNetball League newcomer, to record the firstwin in their history,58-54 In their Round 2game, the magic happenedinthe Stars midcourt, with Morwell’s Chloe Radford and Drouin’s Ava Gaul working in perfect unison to get the ball on the circle edge.

Bairnsdale’s Paris Dunkleywas also on fire, giving the Strikers grief as she dominated her time in centre and wing defence.

The game wasvery tight, with the

Bendigo team never far off the mark but the Gippslanders did whatthey do best and powered on through to go home with the win.

Defender, LucyMcKellar wasGippsland Stars’ Player of the Matchfor exceptional workinclosingdown the Strikers'attack.

The win sees the Stars go to the ninth spotonthe ladder overPeninsula in 10th, Casey in 11th, and the Strikers in 12th.

The Gippsland Starsteam is excited by the win, stating that the young Gippsland teamshowedmany promising signs of success in their win against Bendigo.

The Strikers will now take on the Box Hill Hawks tonight (Wednesday, March, 20).

For locals in other teams, Championship Melbourne University Lightning’s and Moe Football Netball Club player-coach Ramayer Gourley has impressed in the opening rounds, the former Victorian Fury and Collingwood Magpies ANC representative demonstratedher versatility at both ends of the court.

Lightning coach Tegan Hopkins has the luxury of swingingGourley from defence to attack, where her goalers willface a tenacious Cougars defensive end, including the in-form Brooke Allan this week.

Gourley wasdominant in last week’s win overCasey Demons,scoring 36 goals at 92 per cent accuracy.

Photos: ErikaAllen

Lucy McKellarwas the Star’s player

Erika Allen

Chloe Stockand Waterman were first place getters in the encouragement event

ErikaAllen

IF the nameChrisDixonisn't on your radar (or if it is and youalready know he's atop bloke), pause whatever you're doingand read thisarticle -itwill unequivocally affirm his'top bloke' status

At the forefront of his identity, Chris is aproud father his daughterGracie, who was born with a limbdeficiency.

"I started runningaroundCOVID time.Oncewe found out that my daughter was going to have a physical disability, that prompted me to get alittle bit more activethan normal," Dixonexplained.

"Trying to be healthy and trying to push myselfto letmylittle daughterGracie knowthat if youwork hard enough, youcan achieve anything"has been Dixon'sdriving power.

"Since then, I've done aheap of different races from backyard Ultras where I've run 217km to a 100-mile race at Mount Hotham."

Secondly, the Stratford localisnot justanendurance runnercovering superhuman distances; he's leveraging his talentand determination to champion noble causes.

Last June, Dixon ran 240 kilometres as part of the StratfordFootballNetballClub'smentalhealth and wellness round to raisemoney for Lifeline Gippsland. All these factors culminate in the third reason Chris is atop bloke.

On Friday (March22),hewill embark on his longest continuous run to date -coveringthe distance fromSydneytoMelbourne -asheraises funds for TLC for Kids.

This charity organisation provides tailored practical and emotionalsupporttochildren battling illness and their families

TLC's services have been utilised 13 million times nationwide, offeringessential emotional relief for children undergoing surgeries.

The charitydelivers 'distractionboxes' filledwith toys,aidingnurses in guiding children through procedures by divertingtheir focusfrom pain.

Additionally, the TLC Ambulance facilitates a day away from palliative care for children and their

ErikaAllen

AVEXING theme for two finals favourites in theWellington Gippsland Tennis Association semi-finals emerged on Saturday, as matches were decided by less than five games in the Section 1senior and junior deciders. Ideal tennis conditions prevailed as the top teams of the season graced the court, marking either their final appearance or the last hurdle before the finals this Saturday (March 23).

IN Section 1seniors, Maffra Gippsland Real Estate (GRE) were almost deliveredanupsetby Maffra Wellington Real Estate (WRE).

GRE started well in the men’s doubles as Mitch Allman and Josh Kennedytriumphed over Mick Luke and Shane Robbins.

Not even friendly fire off Allman’s racquet into Kennedy’s backrocked the steadfast pairing GRE’s men have proventobeduring the season.

Struggling with consistency in the first set, Allman yelled his frustration after sending several easy shots long during the first set.

Kennedy stepped up, findingthe lines on serve as well as in rallies, finessing aforehand past Luke on the net for adown the line winner. Luke and Robbins were dynamic to watch in the second set, as Robbins rushed the net to serve and volley, while Luke showed some agile footwork, twirling out of atight forehand to the body to keep arally alive.

In the end,Kennedyand Allman did what they came to do -winning through 6-2, 6-2.

The women'smatch-up between GRE's Nat Allman and Alicia Dignan and WRE's Zara Flynn and fill-in Mia Goold, kept spectators on theedge of their seats. In the first set, Flynn and Goold were dominant, taking it out 6-2.

families, who are escorted by Ambulance Victoria volunteers to adestination of theirchoice.

It costs $1000toprovidethis service, which pales in comparison to the value families and children findinthe experience

When asked why he champions TLC for Kids, Chris said, "I feel very fortunate to have ahealthy daughternow,and Iguess to thinkabout parents that havetogothroughsignificantchallenges like seeing their kids unwell and having to try and explainthat to other siblings and not having the future known for them, that's something thatI sort of just wannahelpasmuch as Ican -tosupportthe families thatdon't have it as lucky as me."

Chris, who has worked as asupport care worker in the youth justice systemand now workswith people livingwith disabilitiesatOvercoming Obstacles in Stratford, addedthat the work TLC do is "absolutely phenomenal".

Over two weeks,Dixon willrun 1000 kilometres -the equivalent of 2109 laps of the MCG, 50,000 cricket pitches,524,933 75-inch flat-screen TVs, and 3,281,000 subway footlong (teriyaki chicken) sandwiches,Dixon's favourite.

Chrisusedthesemeasurementstovisualise the journey ahead, which he posted to Facebook.

Sounding undeterred by the herculean task ahead, Chris exudes acalm and keen demeanour as he prepares to tackle the distance.

When asked about the choice of Sydney to Melbourne, Dixon revealed it was simply apersonal challenge, afeat he wishes to conquer as asignificant self-achievement, stating,"Ijust wanttogive it a biggo."

Every week since December lastyear, Chris has been running upwards of 150 kilometres aweek, which he recapsinvlogs on his Facebookpage.

Every week,Chrisissponsored by local businesses and peoplewho donatea set dollar amount, like $2, for every kilometre he runs in aweek's training block.

All proceeds go to TLCfor Kids.

Chrissaid, "The community support has been absolutely unbelievable, andI've been blown away by the kindness and generosity from alot

of businesses… across Sale, Maffra, and Stratty (Stratford)."

His ambitious journey begins at the Sydney Opera House and includes an 80-kilometre run to Picton, NewSouth Wales

He'll be escorted by his mum Kylie, who will follow by car and aphotographer and mate who will video the journey as Chris puts onefoot in frontofthe other for TLC forKids.

 DIXON’S SCHEDULE:

Day1,March 22:SydneyOpera House to Picton (80km)

Day2,March 23:Picton to Moss Vale (54km)

Day3,March 24: Moss Vale to Goulburn(78km)

Day4,March 25:Goulburn to Gunning (52km)

Day5,March 26:Gunning to Yass (43km)

Day6,March 27:Yass to Jugiong (91km)

Day7,March 28:Jugiong to Gundagai (65km)

Day8,March 29:Gundagai to WaggaWagga (81km)

Day9,March 30:Wagga WaggatoHenty (61km)

Day10, March 31:Henty to Howlong (73km)

Day11, April1:Howlong to Wangaratta (57km)

Day12, April 2:Wangaratta to Euroa (92km)

Day13, April 3:Euroa to Seymour (59km)

Day14, April 4:Seymour to Wandong (48km)

Day15, April 5:Wandong to Edinburgh Gardens or Princes Park, Melbourne (51km)

The breeze picked up, but it didn’t inhibit the accuracy of Allman’s trusty lobs.

They were ahard ball to play given the sun’s position, proven by the fact some overhead smashes eluded Flynn’s racquet.

Dignan and Allman started to play into the matchbythe secondset, upping theirconsistency while unforced errors flew off the racquets of Flynn and Goold.

Atie-break was played to separate the teams, which Flynn and Goold clinched,tying WREand GRE at one match apiece.

With acoveted spotinthe finals on the line, the mixed doubles were played to separate the teams

Mitch and Nat Allman got GRE off to agreat start, holdingRobbins and Flynntozero in both sets

Meanwhile, Luke and Goold -the late fill-in looking like WRE’s saviour -were unstoppable against Kennedy and Dignan.

Luke’s reliable net play, coupled with Goold’s dynamic baseline game were aforce to be reckoned with and made for awinning combination as they took out the match 6-0, 6-3.

Despite the two-for-two match results, GRE did enough to book themselves aspot in the finals.

Earlier in the day in an all-Sale showdown, Sale KFC faced off against Sale Dahlsens, opting for an early start at 12.30pm to avoid the hottest part of the day.

KFC’s men beganthe day well,with Cal Board and Anthony Glynn tucking away a6-3, 6-2 win overDahlsens’ TimDunnett andLouis Lazzaro

The tennis balls were fluffed up by the end of the first set –atestament to the players’ powerful ball striking and long rallies.

Alot of talk and strategy came from Dunnett and Lazzaro, even some professional use of hand signals was on display.

But it was Glynn and Board’s more relaxed approach and consistency that secured aconvincing win on paper. At times, Dahlsens could have been mistaken for the match leaders.

Dunnett looked in good form as he optedfor an aggressive approach, using the old school serve volleytokeep service games short, while pummelling returns of servefromthe ad-court Board and Glynn’s return pressure got the best of Dahlsens'service games

Meanwhile,Board’s precisionsliceserves out wide proved unplayable, sliding away from Lazzaro’s forehand, ending in short servicegames that quickly returned the pressure onto Dahlsens.

In asimilarfashion, the women's matchunfolded with KFC's powerhouse pair Jess Boardand Regina Virgo commanding a6-2, 6-0victoryover Dahlsens' Jo Rule and KayleneRunicman Boardwas an imposing figure standing up on thenet, skilfully taking volleystodecisively end points

Coupled with aformidable serve and abag of aces, Board proved herself aforce to be reckoned with, complementing Virgo's strong baseline game.

As the match played out, Rule andRunciman upped their consistency, forcing longer rallies which becameanexcitingspectacle.

Runciman started hitting forehands flat and deep,pushing Virgo off the baseline, and drawing errors.

Meanwhile,Rule's classic one-handed backhand found its mark down the line, sneaking in much needed winners.

Still, they were no match for the Board-Virgo fire power

KFC finished the day with dominant mixed doublesperformances, taking bothout 6-1.

ELSEWHERE in Section 1juniors, Maffra triumphed over finals favourite Sale Intersport by 4games.

Just like seniors’ action, the teamswere tied at four sets apiece, going tit for tat in the singles and doubles matches.

While no games looked close on paper, scorelines were consistentacross the board,makingthe teams hardtoseparate.

The defining moment for Maffra may have been whenCooper ClutterbuckheldSam Crouch to

zerointheir singles matchup. Going into the final doubles for the day, Sale was leadingbyone game

Clutterbuck teamed up with ColbyDennis againstSale’sJudah Levchenko andCrouch, a match thatwentMaffra’s way6-1.

Clutterbuck and Sale’s JosiahLevchenko were stand out players on the day giventhey were the onlyones to winall three of their matchups on the day

Meanwhile,BairnsdaledominatedSaleSambuilt on their home court, winningthrough6 sets to 2. Finalstakeplacethis Saturday at the Sale Tennis Club.

SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:

Seniors:

Section 1: Sale KFC2 defSale Dahlsens 0, Maffra Gippsland Real Estate2 defMaffra Wellington Real

Estate 0

Section 2: Sale CentralStorage 6def Longford3, Stratford9def Sale Findex 0

Section 3: Briagolong 8def Maffra

Gloves areoff for fight night

LiamDurkin

“There’s 15 fights going on!”

BRIAN Taylor would have fun calling this one.

Country footy and boxing are set to collide in moreways than one this Saturday night at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Sale.

Sale Football-Netball Club seniorcoach,Jack Johnstone and Maffra FNC senior captain, Daniel Bedggood will take Battle of the Birds to anew level, as they step into the ring for atitle fight.

The Maffra premiership teammates are trading the footy boots for boxing gloves, and will be fighting it out for the Gippsland League LightHeavyweight title.

The trophyhas been instigated by Wildfighter Boxing promoter Will Tomlinson, working under the banner of ‘The Champ is Here’.

The Champ is Here event will see ahugenight of boxing in Sale.

WhileJohnstone versus Bedggood is expected to

Sale Football-Netball Club senior coach, Jack Johnstoneand MaffraFNC senior captain, Daniel Bedggood will enter theboxingring this Saturdaynight,fighting for thenewly instigated GippslandLeague Light Heavyweight Championship.

be the biggest drawcard, anumberofprofessional boxers will also be on show.

Stratford professional Max Reeves will be out to defend his Aussie Super MiddleweightTitle, while Salepro Jhon Cortejos and Bairnsdale’s Blake Wells are also in action.

Johnstoneand Bedggood have been busypreparing for the fight, adding boxing training to their usual football preseason.

Given the strong football rivalry between the clubs was onlyintensified afterJohnstone left Maffra to join Sale as head coach in 2021, to now have that same person in the ring against one of Maffra’s favourite sons is sure to only add another chaptertothe story.

Johnstone has juggledgetting ready for the fight, as well as gettingSale footballers readyfor the season ahead.

“Conditioning is starting to get there, shoulders were abit sore after the first few weeks, put in a lot of roundsofsparring and pad work, so starting to see afew results,” he said.

Johnstonehas been sparringatSale Health and Fitness, workingalongside Cortejos.

“I haven’t done anything like this,sameas Beddgy.Meand Beddgy have been goodmates, it’ssomething we’ve always wanted to do and then the opportunity arose, we’re really happy to be involved.”

Comparatively,Johnstone, who plays as an inside midfielder, will be taking on akey forward in Bedggood.

Such amatch-upwould be an unusual sight on a football field, and while Johnstone has anumber of tactics up his sleeve during winter,his game plan for the boxing match may well be to ‘go down swinging’.

“I predict we’re going to come out and pretend to be boxersfor the first30seconds and then just start throwing haymakers-not alot of defence,” he said.

Bedggood has been training twice aweek under the tutelage of Paul ‘Turk’ Carroll in Bairnsdale.

Despite having never boxed properly before, the Eagles senior captain said he was willing to step out of his comfort zone.

“Looking forwardtoit, younever knowhow you’re going to go until you give it ago,” he said.

“There is nowhere to hide on the night, it’s just me and Jack.”

From atechnical viewpoint, Bedggood said

football fitness and boxing fitnesswere totally different things.

“Turkworks youfor about an hour, hour-anda-half, and that is non-stop, that is just throwing punch after punch after punch, it’s not like football where you can go out the back (of the cone) and have arest, you’re in the limelight,” he said.

Fittingly, the Maffra senior captain is thinking of choosing the Daddy Cool song Eagle Rock as his walk-out tune.

Performing in frontofanexpected crowd of 1500 people won’t be atotally foreign atmosphere for Bedggood or Johnstone, who have both played in their share of Gippsland League finals, which regularly attract crowds in their thousands.

With only afew months preparation, Carroll admitted getting two footballers ready for aboxing match was achallenge,however, he believed their competitive nature would allow them to get through.

“We’re good trainers, but we’re not that good, I’m

surewhateverBedggy doesonthe night he will get in and have abig crack,” Carroll said.

“He prepares well for footy and he’ll do the same for boxing. No one can really transition the skills in that period of time, but both boys will give their all and represent their clubs well.”

In an added incentive, Tomlinsonhas placed a$1000 knockout bonus on the fight -not that Bedggood or Johnstone need the extramotivation

“He is arival, but he was aMaffra boy, there is afriendship there -I’ll try and knock him out and then go to his wedding,” Bedggood said.

“Bedggymay notmakethe invite listifheknocks me out,” Johnstone said in reply.

Thefight willlead-in to the Gippsland League opening round clash between Sale and Maffra in afortnight’s time.

Both clubs stand to gain something from the fight, with the winning club banking acool $5000.

Tickets are still available from wildfighter.com.au

STRATFORD professional boxer Max Reeves will return home this weekend to defendhis Aussie Super Middleweight Title.

Reeves is set to take on Adrian Rodriguez for thetitle,and boxinfront of what is expected to be asell-out crowd at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Sale.

The 23-year-oldisstill unbeaten in professional bouts, currently holding an 8-0 record.

Reeves was back in Sale earlier this month, speaking in the lead-uptothe event ‘The Champ Is Here’ hosted by Wildfighter. ‘MadMax’ has spent time in Thailand preparing for the fight, where the climate is reportedly of greater benefit than training in high altitude, allowing athletes to grow endurance levels even further.

“Everything is going to plan,” he said.

Reeves will step into the ring against Adrian Rodriguez, who is making the trip down to Sale for the first time.

Based in Brisbane, Rodriguez is 10 years older than Reeves, and carries a13-7record.

One expects Rodriguez to be desperateagainst Reeves, as he aims to snap afour-fight losing streak, and win his first bout in over three years.

Reeves is predicting abruising encounter, but hoped the home town support would help him maintain his unbeaten record.

“I know he is going to be atough competitor, comesforward and has agood chin so we’lltest

it outthat night,” Reevessaid, with adegree of cheek attached to those last few words.

“BoxinginSale,Igrewuparound heresoit’s alwaysawesome.”

This will be Reeves’ third fight at the GRSC, which is becoming an annual event for the local. He fought Leo Grant there in July 2022, and showed his true brutality by finishing him off in less than two minutes, and then won by unanimous decisionagainst MarkSmith around this time last year.

As well as Reeves, there will be anumberof locals on the card at Wildfighter.

Joining Reeves willbefellow pro Blake Wells, fighting Arnel Tinampay for the middleweight title.

Wells, from Bairnsdale, is moving from super middle to middleweight for the first time in five years.

Sale pro Jhon Cortejos will also be in action, taking on Lachie Lewis.

Wildfigher The Champ Is Here will be held this Saturday (March 23) from 6pm.

Tickets are still available, butselling fast. Visit wildfighter.com.au/events to secure your spot.

Photo: Liam Durkin

Wildfigher promoter Will Tomlinson hasa staked cardready to entertain Sale this weekend.

Stratfordprofessional boxerMax Reeves will be out to maintain his unbeaten record when he takes to theGippsland Regional Sports Complex.

Tight finish sees Yarram through

From Page 32

HADSale’s tail done enough?

Things began to go pear-shaped for the Redbacks when back-to-backbatters were dismissed for ducks, meanwhileTatterson up the other end kept the little number of runs ticking over.

Walker was bowled by Nel for aduck,and the following overTravis Milar wasrun outfor aduck, and all of asudden, Sale looked in the best shape of the two, Stratford were stumped on 5/65.

To the rescue cameTatterson and Chris Aurisch The two piled on nearly 60 runs for the sixth wicket, Tatterson surpassing his half centurybefore he was upended by the Jones and Nel.

Sale had to apply the most pressure to get aresult fromhere, Stratford on 6/124,their tailhad to guide them home.

Aurisch was that man.

Stratford would only lose one more wicket, that being Jake Rietschel for two, as Aurisch surpassed 50 runs and guided the Redbackstothe Grand Final.

Stratfordfoundthe winningrunswithin 57 overs, with three wickets left to play with.

Aurisch scored his highest total of 52*, while for the Sale bowlers, Nel picked up 3/46 from 21 was notably the best of the bunch.

YARRAM displayed their class.

At home, the Pelicans set the tone fromDay 1

and flexed theirmuscles on their way to the Grand Final. After losing the toss and being sent to the crease, the home side made the most of it.

With over 40 runs on the board within the first six overs, mainly thanks to 30 off 26 from Anthony

Scott, Yarram vice-captain Jack Moore was the first to go after scoring eight off 13. Nonetheless, the score was still ahealthy 1/41.

It wouldn’t last forever though, with Yarram losing their next three wickets for just 25 runs.

Bland went for aduck, and suddenly Bundy’s

Steven Spoljaric had two wickets. Griffin Underwoodcould only manage four and fourovers later; Scott was dismissed for 46. Next thing you knew, the score was 4/66.

Runs kept comingfor Yarram,but so did the wickets for Bundy.

The Pelicans’ vice-captain Daniel O’Keefe made 11, and DylanRashwas caught leg before for nine, only making things look worse for the home side.

Surely, we wouldn’t see aGrand Final of third versus fourth.

But somehow,Yarram weresaved. From thelast four wickets, the tail extracted 107 runs to give them an almighty boost.

Jarryd Swift scored 33, captain Jeremy Babb scored 32 and Peter Griffith scored 31, all three of them combing for seven boundaries to get Yarram to 195after spending 10 wickets.

Not to be outdone, Spoljaric took asix-fa, 6/40 to be exact.Would it be enoughtotopple the Pelicans.

Evidently not, but Bundywouldthrow everything they had at Yarram, withitultimately slapping them in the face.

Bundy were in trouble fast, losing two early wickets for just 18 runs, but it got worse when Daniel O’Keefe got the ball in his hands.

O’Keefe finished off the ninth over with the wicket of Hayden Wrigglesworth for aduck. When he returned for his next over, new batter Nick French was ready to receive his first deliveries, as Bundy captain Jason Langshaw tried to steady their ship French lasted two balls from the bowling of O’Keefe, sent packing via LBW,and Lachlan Wrigglesworth walked to the crease, got bowled, and walked back for agolden duck.

O’Keefe has three wickets in amatter of minutes, all of asudden, it was 5/24.

Thank God for Sam Bedggood and Langshawwhohad surpassed his half century, as they put on 85 runsfor the sixth wicket, but it still wouldn’t be enough.

Bedggood was dismissed for 35 thanks to Babb, and he would soon have asecond and third with the dismissal of Spoljaric for four and Langshaw for 59, all within the space of three of his overs.

Thequick reactions of O’Keefe at mid-wicket got the all-important wicket of Langshaw, and now Yarram could see the Grand Final gates.

Bundy were down to their last wicket when Scott got Jake Wynd for two, with it all coming down to Johandre Barnard and Nathan French, number 10 and 11.

To be fair to them, they almost for Bundy the result. The two lasted nearly 20 overs together at the crease.

Barnard put on 32* scoring four fours,while French, who was the last to be dismissed, made a valiant 19 including afour.

O’Keefe took 3/36, Scott 3/41 and Babb 3/48, the trio the primary catalysts in the winning defence. With the Pelicans going through, it sets up an interesting, yet highly anticipating SMCA Grand Final against Stratford.

SMCA GRAND FINALS

FIRST GRADE

StratfordvsYarramDistrict

March 23 -24

Stephenson Park,Sale

SECOND GRADE

MaffravsBundalaguah

Date TBC

VenueTBC

THIRD GRADE

LongfordvsNambrok

Date TBC

VenueTBC

FOURTH GRADE

Maffrav Bundalaguah

Date TBC

VenueTBC

FOURTH GRADE DIV 2

StratfordvSale

Date TBC VenueTBC

start

competition forthe 2024 season,the comeback positioning the Latrobe Valley side as asignificant wildcard, adding afurtherchallenge for Sale United ahead of the Round 1clash.

Sale’s young debutant, Sally Hoffman, netted a hat trick before the break, earning the Swanettes a comfortable 3-nil lead heading into the second half.

Captain Zoe Askew opened the scoring for Sale when teams returned to the pitch, with the skipper’s goal extending the Swanettes’ lead.

season 2024

And replicate one of their previous season’s victories they did.

The Swans netted four goals in the Round 1match to seal a4-1 victory over Traralgon Olympians.

Sale United’s senior men took to the field in the final opening-round clash.

Latrobe Valley Soccer League.

First to take the field were Sale United and Traralgon Olympians’s senior women.

After claiming the first senior women’s league championship in SUFC history and clinching backto-back Browne-Huizer Cup victories in 2023, the Swanettes faced the weight of expectations.

Followinga prolonged absence, Traralgon Olympians have returned to the senior women’s

Hoffman slotted two more goals past the keeper, sealing Sale United’s 6-nil win over Traralgon Olympians in Round 1.

Sale United’s reserve squad wasnext to take the field, with the Swansundoubtedly eager to replicate one of theirprevious season’s victories, having defeated TraralgonOlympians11-nilin Round 7and 6-1 in Round 18.

Sale United’s seniorsquad replicated the success of their reserve counterpartsagainst Traralgon Olympians in the 2023season, defeating the Latrobe Valley side6-2 in Round7whilemuscling a5-4 wininRound 18.

Afterascoreless firsthalf, Traralgon Olympians edgeda1-0 leadoverSaleUnited when teams returned after the break.

Kieran Horgan netted an equaliser in the dying embers to clinch the Swans a1-1 draw.

Thursday,

Carlton

Friday,

Saturday,

Essendon vs.Hawthorn (MCG)

GWSGIANTS vs.North Melbourne (GS) (T)

GeelongCats vs.StKilda (GMHBA)(N)

GoldCoast

Sunday,

Melbourne

Port

Fremantle

Hooves and high stakes

Campdrafters flocked from local areas and interstate for the penultimate round of the Gippsland Campdrafting Association’s season. Pictured is Aleisha Abbott and Sizzle expertly guiding the cow around the course. STORY

Stratfordstun Sale for Grand Final rights

TomHayes

THE stage is set for the Sale-Maffra Cricket AssociationFirstGrade Grand Final,after two cracking semi-finalsthat has set up an ultimate decider.

Top-of-the-ladder Salehosted fourth-placed Stratford at theweekend overtwo days, while second and third-placed Yarram District and Bundalaguah faced off for aGrand Final berth.

SALE were stunned at home.

The tone was set from Stratford from the get-go, as the Redbacks had Sale stumbling early, losing a couple of wickets in the early part of their innings.

It took justeightovers for Redbacks vice-captain Jack Tatterson to strike, catching John Mayman in front of his wicket for just three runs.

Just five overs later, Sale found themselves at 2/7 whenShaun Wolmarans wascaught behind for three, the bowling of Noah Bennett ending his innings.

It was panic stations for Sale, who were very quickly looking for answers on Day 1.

Sale captain Ben Jones came to the crease and steadied the ship alongside opener Lucas Mowat, putting some much-needed runs on the board.

The pair added43runsfor the third wicket, before Sale’s captain was sent to the sheds with the score reading3/50.

Jones was sent walking when he too was caught behind, this time off the bowling of Bodhi Walker.

Once again, the nerves began to kick in for Sale, after going nearly 20 overs without losing awicket, they began to fall more regularly.

Coenie Nel lasted 19 balls at the crease, adding six runs to the total from his own bat, succumbing to the spin of Redbacks’ captainJackRietschel, caught at first slip.

Just 10 overs later, Tatterson had his second scalp, knocking overthe other Sale opener, Mowat for acarefully made 26 off 125 deliveries.

Thescore crept to aworrying 5/77, but the Sale’s

tail did well to resurrect arespectable score from here.

Rietschel made things worse for Sale, taking the wicket of Nathan Massey for just three runs, and not longafter, Lachlan Channing ran out Matthew Raidal to have the league leaders completely bamboozled at 7/93.

Rietschel made it three, when Cormac Hassett stumped Garret Wolmarans for 18, but at least Sale’s score had surpassed triple figures, now reading 8/112.

Salewas leftontheir lastlegs whenJosh Gawthrope was caught by Tatterson off the bowling of Rietschel, Sale gasping for air at 9/120.

The last wicket stand came to the rescue.

Number 11 Lachlan Carman joinedHayden Glover at the crease, who already had 11 runs, in an attempt to get Sale for ascore worth defending.

Thetwo battedout the 80 overs, completing Day 1withascore of 9/151todefend on Day 2.

Glover managed to register the top score for Sale,

knocking 33 not out, smashing three boundaries -two of those, sixes.

Rietscheltook 4/43off 22 overs, going at just under two runs perover,while vice-captain Tatterson took 2/42 off 23.

Sale’s defence didn’tstart offasgreat as they would’ve hoped, as Tatterson andChanning put runs on the board thick and fast.

By the start of the sixthover,Stratford had already wiped 32 runs from the required total, before Channing was bowled through the gate by Shaun Wolmarans.

Adomino effect had started, with the next four wickets falling for 33 runs in the space of 10 overs.

Hassett came to the crease but not for long, adding eight to the total, Rietschel joined him in the sheds not long after, also bowing out for eight runs. All of asudden, the score was4/64 and justunder100 runs were still needed. Continued -Page29

Photo: Erika Allen