Gippsland Times Tuesday 14 May 2024

Rural healthcaremadeapriority

Erika Allen

MORE than1800scholarships in the PrimaryCareNursingand Midwifery Scholarship Program,funded by the federal government, will be prioritised for nurses and midwivesinregionaland rural areas.

The recommendation -the 15th out of 21 -highlightedrural andregional areas as significant to review.

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearny, said, “When Ivisited Sale late last year, Iheard the message from the community loud and clear: Gippsland needs more nurse practitioners.

have aclinical review with anurse practitioner if they chooseto,” Ms Crighton said.

“If they’re needing prescriptions and needing ultrasounds(and) they’re needing Xrays, they can have those tests ordered. As anurse,currently in the model, they can’t order those tests for the community.”

placement for which they are not compensated.

On May 6, the federal government announced that $50.2 million would be allocated to the program over four years. It will fund postgraduate training of registered nurses and midwives to becomenurse practitioners and endorsed midwives, giving them the capacitytoprescribe medications, order pathology tests, and perform procedures like contraceptive implant insertions.

It comes nearly a year after a Senate inquiry into addressing barriers to sexual, maternity, and reproductive healthcare delivered areport recommending that the federal government review barriers to pregnant women’s access to timely healthcare.

“This announcement willgoalong way to doing that and building our regional health workforce now and into the future.”

The Senate Inquiry heard that long waittimes to access GPs in rural and regional communities remain problematic, especially for people seeking contraceptionaccessand script renewals

Gippsland nurse practitioner and endorsed midwife, Eleanor Crighton said rural patients are disadvantaged because they can wait up to six weeks to be seen.

“Every patient in their community should havethe abilitytoaccess and

Registered nurses cannot order those tests without upskilling. However, having already financed postgraduate studytobecome anurse practitioner and endorsed amidwife,MsCrighton saidupskilling comes at afinancial cost

“Often anurse or midwife-whichever pathway they’re on -have to step out of paid employment while they’re on unpaid placement,which is part of what you have to do to get where you need to be,” she said.

Ms Crighton said thisisdifficult because nurses and midwives balance the cost of mortgages and raise families with petrol prices to travel to theclasses they pay money for and the

But this is changing as well. The federalgovernmenthas announced a “Commonwealth Prac Payment” to supportselected groups of students doing mandatory work placements. Students studying to be nursesor midwives will be eligible to receive $319.50 per week while on placement. The payment is due to begin in July 2025, with some details yet to be ironed out.

Ms Crighton said her role as an accredited nurse practitioner and endorsed midwife is recruiting skilled clinicians and mentoringand encouraging other nurses.

Excited by the number of scholarships available, of whichthere are 1850 in total, Ms Crighton said she wants local nurses to immerse themselvesinthe communities they grew up in and not moveaway,chasing theroles they want.

Continued -Page5

Photo: Allison Yanez

Awarded for innovation

WELLINGTON and East Gippsland Shire Councils havewon an award for excellence in innovation management in local government.

achieved remarkable advancements in cybersecurity,dataprotection, and disaster-recovery services.

Bothcouncilstook out LGPro Awards for Excellence in the Innovative Management category.

The project also greatly reduces the environmental footprintofboth councils, while improvingservice efficiencies andcost savings.

MayorofWellington Shire, Ian Bye, congratulatedthe innovative project team.

The award recognises the outstanding collaborationand achievements of both councilsin the Datacentre and ICT Consolidation -Shared Services Project.

The project, ajoint initiative between Wellington and East Gippsland, marks agroundbreaking milestone in local government collaboration and technologyinnovation. By consolidating data centres and ICT infrastructure, both councils have

“There’s asignificantteamofpeople behind this win that deserve all the credit, Iamalways surprised and delighted by the level of innovation that we can achieve by collaboratingwithour neighboursand across councils more broadly,” he said.

“We are honouredtoreceive this recognition

for drivinginnovationand efficiency through our Shared Services partnership. This award is atestament to the dedication and hard work of teams across two neighbouring councils to deliver tangible benefitstocommunities acrossa really large geographical area.”

MayorofEastGippsland Shire, Tom Crook, said the program was agreat example of the behindthe-scenes work local governmentdoes to support community and continually look at improvements and efficiencies.

“It has improved business efficienciesand will ensure that we can continue to serviceour communities during times of natural disasters such as fireand flood by using shared technology platforms and private microwave communication networks across the two neighbouring shires”, Cr Crook said Theproject’s success will save about $3.36million over the next 10 years, demonstrating its financial sustainability and long-term value to both councils and the community.

This achievement emphasises both councils’ commitment to responsible financial management and technological advancement for the benefit of residents.

“Thisaward-winning project showcases the power of collaboration and shared services in delivering transformativeoutcomes,” WellingtonShire Chief Executive, David Morcom said.

“We look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence as we work for our communities”.

East Gippsland Shire’s Chief Executive,Fiona Weigall, echoed those sentiments.

“We have jointly championed proactive improvements in service delivery and efficiencies since our ICT Memorandum of Understanding began in 2015,” she said.

“This latest, and very significant, project demonstrates that partnership continues to service both councils well.”

The LGPro Awards for Excellence celebrate and promote the outstanding work of individuals and teams in local government across Victoria. Wellington and East Gippsland Shire Councils’ win highlights their leadership and commitment to drivingpositivechange through innovative management practices.

Wellington Shire Chief Executive David Morcom with DeputyMayor Gayle Maher,Mayor Ian Bye and GeneralManager Corporate Services Arthur Skipitaris, proudly displaying council’s awardfor excellence in innovation management Photo:Contributed

New jury in Clay/Hill case

ANEW jury will be selected this week for the Supreme Court trial of former Jetstar pilot Gregory Lynn,who is accused of murdering campersRussell Hill and Carol Clay in the Victorian High Country.

Last Friday (May 10), the 14 jurors selected for the trialweredischargedfor "technical reasons", according to Justice Michael Croucher.

Justice Croucher said he wouldn't explain why anew jury be empanelled, but said the action was appropriate after consultation with the parties in this case.

At the start of the trial last week before the jury was dismissed, Lynn entered aformal plea of not guilty to two charges of murder. Anew trial will be held after the new jury is selected. The trial is expected to last six weeks and feature about 100 witnesses.

Police allege that on Friday, March20, 2020, Lynn, 55, killed 75-year-old Russell Hill and 73-year-old Carol Clay. Lynn was arrested without incident on November 22, 2021.

Mr Hill and Ms Clay vanishedfromtheir campsite in the Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020. Human remains foundnear Dargo in November 2021were confirmed by Victoria Police to be that of Ms Clay and Mr Hill.

Haveyouseenthis orange ute?

POLICE say that on Sunday, May 5onYork Street, Sale, an orange ute was stolen.

Police allege that unknown offenders arrived and parked aWhite Nissan Patrol Wagon on a side street of York St, Sale.

The alleged offenders then sat for several minutes in the patrol before two males exited from the passengerside.

According to police, thetwo males wentstraight to the orange Commodore VF SS Ute parked on the grass section on the side of York St. It is also allegedthat onemalehas gone to the front of theorange vehicle while the other male has kept watch of the area; then the passenger side window was smashedonthe orange ute and one male climbed through the window into the vehicle.

Afteralmost20minutes,the second male has gotbackinthe White Nissan Patrol and both the orangevehicle and theWhite Nissan Patrol have left north on York St.

beforeitwas allegedly stolen. Photos:Victoria Police

The White NissanPatrolhas been detailed that the passengerbrake light doesn’twork and when the vehicle is braking the same taillight whenlit "goes out" and it also has distinctive side mirrors on the vehicle.

If you have any information in regards to the theft of the vehicle, have dash cam footage of the area at the time of the alleged offence, or you recognise the White Nissan Patrol, contact the Sale Police on 5142 2200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000.

Tell Wellington Police your concerns

VICTORIA Police currently have aCommunity Sentiment Survey that is now on until May 31, 2024.

This is an opportunity for the Wellington community to have their say about how safe they feel in the area.

Make your voice count, complete the survey before the end of the month.

Thesurvey can be found via engage.vic.gov. au/vicpol-2024

Local dentist office to close

Erika Allen

AFTER more than adecade of service to Gippslandresidents, the Ramahyuck Gippsland Dental Practice will close its doors in just over amonth's time.

The Ramahyuck DistrictAboriginal Corporation in Salewas championed by the late Noel Yarram Senior to accommodate the need for permanent Indigenous services. The registration of the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation on May 12, 1992, culminated Mr Yarram Sr’s vision, which was carried on by his family and other people in the community. Dental services became apartofthat vision 15 years ago.

Establishedin2009with a$1million

investment from Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation,the cliniclocated at 111Foster Street in Sale, has played acrucial role in providing dental services to locals, with afocus on priority care for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Overthe years, the dentalclinic expanded its services and underwent significant refurbishments, including new facilities and enhancements such as updated flooring, external signage, and paintwork.

In its final fully operational year (2022/23), the Sale RamahyuckGippsland Dental Practice treated 1737 dental patients, who will now be seeking care elsewhere.

The practice will still be open to existing patients for over amonth from today until Wednesday, June 26.

Budget increaseonfirelevy

and that the measure will encourage increased resource recovery.

THE state government has increased the fire services property levy and waste levy, payable by households.

The FireServicesLevywill increase by $35 (23 per cent) for amedian residential property and $150 for primary production properties. The levy fundsVictoria’s fire and emergency services and the money is collected through council rates.

This increasewas formalised in last week's State Budget for 2024/25.

United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall told the Herald Sun the increased funds raised from that mustbematched by a commitment to upgrade the fleet.

In February, the union called for the government to help firefighters' aging fleet of trucks and equipment, warning that lives are at risk as the statefaces the worst fire conditionsseensince the devastating 2019/20 bushfires.

Regarding the waste levy, the Waste Management and Resource RecoveryAssociation of Australia (WMRR) last week welcomed the $40 increase to the levy from July 1, 2025, which it says puts it in line withNew South Wales,

“This levyharmonisation is apositive step forward forthe waste and resource recovery (WARR)industry by putting aclear price on valuable material that should be recovered where it is generated -not moved around states -and definitely not movedaround to simplybelandfilled in Victoria to avoid the SA and NSW levies,” WMRR Chief Executive, Gayle Sloan said.

“This increase was needed not just to harmonise with the adjacent states, but also as noted by the Premier, the cost of construction alone have increased in Victoria by 22 per cent in thelast twoyears.

"These are real increases that impact our sector too,making it far more challenging to develop economically viable recovery facilities in Victoria with the current economic settings.

“Thiswastelevy movesends aclear signal to our industry that Victoria is open for WARR investment.

"The current levy rate is completely out of step with itsneighbouring states and once it aligns next year, it must continue to do so."

Ninety Mile Beach set for Budget BoostPage 5

This orange CommodoreVFSSUte was parked on the grass section on the side of York Street Sale,

The White Nissan Patrol used during this allegedvehicle theft in Sale.

Police Beat with Stefan Bradley

Stefan Bradley

Caroline Springs man, Greg Lynn Photos: File

Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation’s dentalpracticewill close next month. Photo: File

Campers CarolClayand Russell Hill’s remains werefound near DargoinNovember 2021. The case continuestoattract significant media attention.

O’Brien’s mobile office to visit local towns

MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says he is makinghimself availabletoall his constituents with regular visitsinthe form of mobile offices and listening posts right across his electorate, including in Wellington.

Mr O’Brienwill be visitingthe following towns in June and is encouraging residents of these areas to email him at danny.obrien@parliament.vic.gov.

au or by calling his office on 5144 1987 to make an appointment.

Mr O'Brien is set to visitLoch Sport, Golden Beach, Seaspray, Giffard West, Stradbroke, Rosedale, Gormandale, Kilmany, Yarram, Woodside, Port Albert, Staceys Bridge, Devon North and Alberton

“People in these areas will be receiving flyers in their letterboxes with more information around the date of my visits over the coming weeks,” he said.

“I will continue to make myself available and look forward to hearing more about what matters to the people of Gippsland South and providing astrong voice in parliament on these matters.”

Mr O’Brien wasinKorumburraand Kongwak for his mostrecent mobile office, where he metwith localstodiscussa broad range of state government issues including planning, publictransport and roads.

“I was really grateful to the residents of Korumburra, Kongwakand surroundsfor making the time to meet withmeand let me know about the state government related matters that are important to them and other locals,”MrO’Brien said.

“I nowhave some work to do back in the office to follow-up and advocate on anumberofthese matters and lookforward to doing so.”

Mr O’Brien said alot of peoplegot used to online interactionduring the pandemic,but thatisn’t always suitable, and he is determinedtomake himself availablefor face-to-face appointments wherever possible.

“The bestway to understand people’s issues is to visit the communityand see the concerns first-hand," he said

“I’m out and aboutinGippsland South all the time, but these mobile offices and listeningposts are an important opportunity for people to meet with me and know they have my full attention to discuss what matters to them.”

Mr O'Brien has also called on the state government to explain whypublichousing is sitting empty across Gippsland, while more than 60,000 Victorians remain on the social housing wait list.

Mr O'Brien said he was regularly reached by constituentsacross his electorate whoare frustrated to see social housing properties left vacant.

“People are understandably flabbergasted that these properties are not being used to house our growing homeless population as quickly as possible,”

Mr O’Brien said.

“It is oftenthe neighbours of these propertieswho reach out to me begging for intervention to get the lawns of these properties mowed.

“It beggarsbelief that aperfectly goodhome would be lefttosit vacantinthe midstofahousingcrisis.”

there had been either areason or an excuse from the department.

“We are often told that the houses are waiting on maintenance before they can be let, or that they are earmarked for aparticular type of tenant such as over 55s or afamily of four or more, but how long can you justify leaving afamily of three homeless just in case another larger family comes along?" he said.

“I can also understand the need to prioritise maintenance on atenanted house over avacant one, but the Allan Labor government needs to stop making excuses and get on top of housing maintenance as amatter of priority.

“There have even been occasions when we have been told aproperty ownedbyDepartmentof Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) is sitting empty becauseithas been allocated for aparticular program -clearly if thehouse is sittingemptythen it needs to be reallocated backtowhere the need is!

GI GIPPSPSLAND DENENTTALPRACTICE

Public Notice: Nootticcee:

It is with great sadness that we inform youthat Gippsland Dental Practice will be permanently closing.

The practice will remain open on reduced hours from 13th Mayuntil 26th June 2024 for existing patients.

We sincerely thank the communityfor their support over the years.

Mr O’Brien said that his office had continued to follow up on reports of vacanthomes.Eachtime

“We have limited social housingstock in Gippsland South as it is so leaving these houses vacant when so many are in need of ahome is criminal.”

“Unfair” exclusionfromsavingbonus

THE Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) is describing the exclusion of the vast majority of Catholic school families from the $400 School Savings Bonus announced in last week's StateBudget as blatantly unfair.

Director of DOSCEL, Paul Velten said it is deeply disappointing that 82 per cent of students across the Diocese’s 45 Catholic schools (16,663 students) will miss out on the much-needed support, while 100per cent of government school familieswill benefitfrom the program. The Diocese of Sale covers Catholic Schools across Gippsland and Melbourne’s outer south-east suburbs.

“Our Catholic school families are feelingcostof-living pressures too,yet only those whoare healthcare card holders (around 18 per cent) are eligible for the program,” Mr Velten said.

“Likegovernment schools, the vast majority of our Catholic school families are in the lowand middle-income brackets. They are taxpayers too yet have been excluded from this program.

“We want to work with government to ensure students across allsectors receive the support they

need to get the best education possible, but this policy is blatantly unfair.

“We believe the payment should apply to all students or shouldbemeans-testedfor all students It should not be based on which schoolyou attend.”

Mr Velten said there willbethousandsofparents across regionalVictoria wondering why the government is refusing to help them with their cost-of-living pressures, while handing out money to families in Melbourne’s wealthiest suburbs.

“Our sector willbeseeking to meetwith the government as amatter of urgency, to better understand why they are treating families in Catholic schools like second-class citizens,” he said.

The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholicsecondary colleges and coversa wide geographic area extending from Melbourne’s outer south-eastern suburbs of Narre Warren and Cranbourne,toCowes at Phillip Island, and right throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the East. All primary schools and five of the seven secondary colleges in the Diocese are owned and operated by DOSCEL.

Final farewell for local cartoonist

ARTIST and cartoonist Marj Millar has thanked the myriad of people who attended her final exhibition, ATouch of Humour,held recently at the Bond Street Event Centre, Sale.

The final day wasSunday, May 5, afortnightfrom the opening on April 21. In that time the gallery has been flooded withvisitorseager to viewand buyworks by one of Australia's best cartoonists. Marj, now 96, moved from living independently in the homeshe and husband Leo built50years ago on CunninghameStreet,Sale, into RespectWattleglen Aged Care, after arecent fall hospitalised her for

Protection for coastal land

LISTED in the State Budget is $3.2 million over four years to acquire lots in Ninety Mile Beach.

The money is to add to the surrounding Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and ensure greater protection of coastal land and public enjoyment.

Thisinitiativecontributes to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Management of Public Land and Forests output.

Atotal of $600,000 is listed for 2024/25 to acquirelots at the Ninety MileBeach, with morefunding in the three years to follow.

Stefan Bradley

several days. It was ablowtoher self-esteem and Marj had felt quite depressed, but attending the openingofher exhibition and catching up with many familiar faces has cheered her immensely. They say to purchase art is to buy apiece of the artist, and thiswas true of the paintings in ATouch of Humour; they were from her personalcollection. No longer able to keep her home, Marj is happy she could share hertreasuresand pleased they have found homes where they willbeappreciated Highlights from the opening included avisit

WELLINGTON/EAST Gippsland Learn Locals

(Heyfield Community Resource Centre, Sale Neighbourhood House, Orbost Education Centre, BuchanNeighbourhood House, Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre and Mallacoota Neighbourhood House) support adult learners to succeed at employment and further study pathways in local communitiesinlocal industry.

The centres are again offering the industry led program called: Kick-start your career in the health industry.

This program is industry driveninconjunction with Central GippslandHealth, and in response to the high demand for workers in the health sector.

The program will be offered in Saleatthe TAFE

from acollector, Ian McCall of the Australian Cartoonists Association, who travelled fromMount Eliza to meet Marjorie, as well as Jane Luxford from West Footscray, who toted apaintingshe'd bought in the 70s with her 16th birthday money.

Marj was delighted to see one of her Long Jane series come back to say 'hello'. Adrop-in by fellow artist Annemieke Mein and husband Phillip was the icing on the cake.

Marj wished to thank the Gippsland Times for its story before the exhibition,Dawn Stubbs for her opening address, as well as David Willington and Allison Yanez of Bond Street for putting on a wonderfulshow and providing an interestingPower Point presentation of Marj's professional career. Mark also wished to pay aspecial thanks to Mim Hook and Danielle Pope at ABC Gippsland,who interviewed daughter Janie and wrote apiece for the ABC Regional WeekendNews, which received 81,000views. All culminating in ahugely successful end to achapter, not the end all, Marj assures, however, achapter extremely well told.

attended the

Gippsland FlexibleLearning Centre,and will support learners to develop their employability skills, their knowledge about the health industry, and link them to key opportunities with local health and care and support employers.

Heyfield Community ResourceCentre Coordinator, Caroline Trevorrow says: “A key feature of Learn Local courses is the small class sizes, asupportive learning environment and their relevance to local jobs in local industry."

"All our trainers have relevant industryknowledgeand experience.Our coursesare suitable for all adultslookingtoreturntowork or develop education/employment pathways.”

The success of the course is largely based

around providing students with real employment and interview opportunities, reviewing their pathways to TAFE, and all students finish with acurrent resume, cover letter template, set of key selectioncriteriarelevanttothe care and support industry plus the opportunity to practice their interview skills.

Learn Locals offer courses thatare designed to help students gain the confidence and skills needed to secure ajob, develop future education pathways and to rewrite their career goals.

The courses began today (Tuesday, May 14), and run over fiveweeks, four days per week (Tuesday to Friday).

For more information, phone 5148 2100.

Upskillingmade moreaccessible

From Page1

“WHEN the announcement came through on Monday (May 6), Igot text messages (from) beautiful, skilled nurses who can now access this program," Ms Crighton said.

"They’ve got kids, they’ve got family, they’ve got mortgages and the financial barrier …Iwas getting Facebook messages and Iwas that excited."

Hoping the scholarships can increase retention rates of localnurses andmidwives, Ms Crighton

said the funding will go along way in ensuring job satisfaction.

The federal government says the program will strengthen the health workforce in rural and remote communities by providingpreference to scholarship applicants currently living or working in these areas.

The Australian College of NursePractitioners (ACNP) will manage the scholarship program by setting up an advisory group to ensure the scholarshipsare awarded in the areas of most need,

including rural and remote communitiesand to First Nations students.

Leanne Boase, the chief executive of the Australian College of NursePractitioners, said,

“We know that nurses and midwives working in primary care improve access to health care and health outcomes."

“Supporting and enabling their development and full scope of practice will ensure more want to work in primary care, and it will also attract many more people into the workforce.”

Photo:

Marj Millarand her daughter Jane brought never-before-seen artwork to her final exhibition. Photos:Allison Yanez

Largecrowds

opening at the BondStreet GalleryonApril 21 to see theworks of legendary Sale cartoonist,MarjMillar.

From one pioneering regional artisttoanother Marj wasvisited by Annemieke Mein andher husband, Phillip.

Mothers Day Special Motth

Newera for Sale CityBand

SALE City Band ended 2023 with apositive vibe, and began 2024 with abang.

To finish the year, the Brass Academy performed afew pieces of music to beginthe end of year breakup, which was followed by Christmas dinner and handing out awards.

MostImproved player was Dylan Morriss, while LouiseCheshire was the recipient of the Ray Jago

 AFREE community meal will be held on Monday, May 20, beginning at 6pm at St John’s Anglican Church, corner of Thomson and Church Street, Maffra. All are welcome.

 THE Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has begun in Maffra, the next service will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, May 15) at St John’s Anglican Church, beginning at 10am and will be followed by morning tea.

Thelast service will be held on Friday, May 17, at St Andrew’s Uniting Church at 10am and will also be followed by morning tea.

 THE Maffra Cancer Council Volunteer Unit is hosting The Biggest Morning Tea at the

Music Award. Phil Medhurst took out the Band Person of theYear and the Attendance Award.

The evening wrapped up asuccessfulyear for the band, with many performances which included a win at the Sale Eisteddfod, third place at Traralgon Eisteddfod and the highlight for the year, a thoroughly enjoyable annualconcert featuring vocalists Glenn, Ryan and Andrew Crawford and Izzie Wicks.

This year started spiritedly under the baton of enthusiastic new musical director Tom Cousin.

Tom has taken over from previous director CarolineMonck and has broughtmanynew pieces to the band’s repertoire.

The band has played in Sale and Stratford this year with great feedback from listeners.

The next few months are set to be busy for the band. In April,the band played at both the Stratfordand Sale Anzac Day parades and at the West Sale Airshow. Next month, Sale City Band joins with the Latrobe Orchestra. This concert will take place at the Cobband Co Stables on Saturday, June 22.

This is the first time the two ensembles have joined together for aconcert, and it is shaping up to be agreat evening of music.

If youplay abrass instrument and would like to join the Sale City Band, come along to rehearsals on Mondayeveningsfrom 7pm at the Ken Garner Band Hall on Foster Street Sale (next to

Maffra Bowls Club, Princess Street, Maffra on Monday, May 27 at 10am. If requiring to book atable, phone Faye on 0417 055 612, or just come along.

 THE Maffra Combined Churches committee will hold their annual Pentecost Lunch on Sunday, May 19 in the Geoff Webster Centre, Thomson Street, Maffra (opposite Maffra Primary School) beginning at 12pm. Cost is $10 per person or $20 for afamily.

Come along and enjoy homemade soup, sandwiches and slices. There will be aguest speaker and araffle. All welcome.

 MAFFRA Neighbourhood House Kids Cooking program has returned for Term 2. The theme for this term is Indian food. The first session is Street Food (not hot or spicy) and will be held on Tuesday, May 21, from 4pm until 5.30pm.

Suitable for ages nine-years-old to 14 for safety

the museum) or phone

purposes. Participants must have basic knifeskills and the ability to listen to and follow instructions. Cost is $15per session. To book,phone 0422 335 155.

Sba’s kitchen classes, with agluten free pizza and pasta theme, are scheduled for Wednesday, May29, and Wednesday, June 5from 10am to 2pmatMaffra Neighbourhood House. Cost to attend is $55 per session, whichincludes lunch and goodies to take home.

Maximumclass size is eight,sobook early to avoiddisappointment on 0422 335 155.

 MAFFRA Municipal Band will host an Autumn Gala featuring their choir, stage band, intermediate concert band, string orchestra and Ukestra on Saturday, May 25 in the Maffra Memorial Hall, Foster Street, Maffra, at 2pm.

Entry is by donation and afternoon tea will be provided. Enquires phone 0411 112 596.

TomCousin accepts the position of Sale City Band Musical Director from outgoing director, Caroline Monck.

Bev Jago withLouise Cheshire, who won the RayJagoMusicAward last year. Photos: Contributed

100candles for Marjorie Abel

BenMcArthur

THE East Gippsland country living lifestyle has been ‘on aroar’ lately with yet another woman turning 100 tomorrow(Wednesday, May 15). She is Marjorie Abeland she is the grandmother of 12 kids and great-grandmother to 28 kids.

Yet unlikeher fellow centenarians, Ms Abel madethe bold decision to rejectKing Charles’ congratulatory letter, claimingshe’daccept it if Elizabeth wasstill alive

But her life has been more than following the royaldrama; she was raised in an area outside of Gimpy,called Imbil, born to dairy farmers,with two brothers and three sisters.

Shegrewuponafarm, and from childhood, she helped her parents take care of it.

“We had to sit on the stool, milk cows into a bucket and then it went to afactory to become butter, but we also grewveggies andIdon’t think anyone who came to the farm didn’t go away with abag of veggies,” she said.

“In (primary) school, Ihad to get up at about six o’clock and start the fire to make some cups of tea early, and then the cows would be brought in, and then we would milk the cows. And hop on our horses and ride to school.

“There were no schoolbusesoranything like that.”

Ms Abel rodenearly five kilometres in aconvoy of about 10 students to her school in Imbil, Queensland.

“They had ahorse paddock at school where we put the horses and abig rail to take their saddles off,” she said.

But that school burnt down when Ms Abel was in Grade6,and so the students had to learn in adance hall

“After that, they sent everyone to the area where they hadtheirdances while they built a new school. But our school had adressmaking

section, and the girls also learned cooking where we paid sixpence to eat our meal,” she said.

While this type of segregation no longer happens, the dressmaking classes were especially useful for Ms Abel as it would eventually become her career.

“I made my first dress when Iwas 15, and Igot 10 shillings to make it. Ithought Iwas rich,” she said.

Ms Abelskipped high schoolbecausethe nearest highschool was 48 kilometres away,and she spent her teenage yearshelping herfamily on the farm.

“I stayed home and helped my family with the farm until Iwas 18, and then Ijoined the Air Force because the war was on and spent three years there,” she said.

Sherelocated to Melbournefor the job and in the Air Force is where she spent her best years doing clericalwork, whichshe called“alot of fun”

However, she served her country in other unconventional ways.

“I met my husbandinNoosaata dancewhenhe was in the army because he was aMelbourne boy andhewas on his way to New Guinea,” she said.

Ms Abel explained that the army sent soldiers to Queensland to get used to the humidity, similar to that of New Guinea.

“I thinkIwas 17, and he was 18, but Ididn’t see him againuntil he was home from the war three years later.”

But during the war, Ms Abel wrote to that man (Chris) who would become her husband.

“Well alot of us girls wrote to lots of boys because they liked to get mail, andeveryone wanted to have someone write to them, and they all wanted to mail you too!” she said.

“(At that time), Ihad an Italian boyfriend and thought he might have been the one Iwould marry, but he wasn’t.

“But we (Chris and Ms Abel) wrote to each other, and he happenedtoget adischarge the same time as me, and we went for atrip to the Malley, and IsaidI was goinghometoQueensland, and he didn’twant that, so we got engaged and married

and stayed together for along time until he died.”

Thewedding wasdifficultnot just because Ms Abel’s family couldn’t make it because they were in Queensland, but because it was hard to find wedding materials.

“I hadtoborrow awedding dress because you couldn’t buy any material because we had coupons, which alsobought importantthings like butterand sugar. Adress was costly, but one girl (Dorothy) saved up, and she bought this lovely wedding dress, and alot of other girls wore it,” she said.

“After the wedding, we went to Queensland for ahoneymoon, but we came back to Victoria as my father-in-lawhad ahotelataplace in Tarnagulla (near Bendigo), and we stayedthere for atime, butthen we came down to Sale when he bought The Albion Hotel, on the corner of Raymond Street and Bond Street (now The Gippy Nook) and when he sold that after afew years, we stayed here.”

Ms Abel has been in Sale since 1947, raising a family of five that would eventually give her 28 great-grandchildren.

Sheoperated adress-making business from home, and Chris did clerical work at RAAF base East Sale. She said she still enjoys the community.

“Everyone is friendly, and even today, because Iwas sewing, if Iwalk in the street,sometimes people will come to me and say “You made my wedding dress” and Ihave to say ‘Who were you?’

Imade lots of wedding dresses,” she said.

“It came from my family because if my mother made adress, Iwouldbeatthe back of themachine watching what she was doing and copying that at school.”

She saidthe secret to herage is to keep her mind active by reading the newspapers daily, doing Sudoku, and keeping in contact with the community.

Ms Abel is not having aparty for her 100th birthdaytomorrow, but hopes to getvisitsfrom all her old and new friends at her house, which shedoesn’t believe should be added to this article as “theones that knowmewill know where Ilive”

Hint: Ms Abel still lives in the same house she bought 76 years ago.

Marjorie and herdaughter, Jan Hogan.

Photo:Ben McArthur

Marjorie Abel, also known as ‘Marj’, in her living room surrounded by family photos.

Photo: Ben McArthur

An 18-year-old Marjorie when she joined the Women’sAuxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF). Photo: Contributed

Marjorie and Chris on their wedding day.

Photo: Contributed

New addition surpasses expectations

IN Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, director Wes Ball (known for The Maze Runner trilogy) breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign,inwhichapes are the dominant species living harmoniously, and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As anew tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes aharrowing journeythatwill cause himto question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define afuture for apes and humans alike. Our resident film buffs Tom and Stefan checked it out.

Tom Parry: It's such adelight to be back talking movies. And on this occasion, we're talking about asequel to areboot of aclassicfranchise. Ican rememberwatching Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes (2001 reboot) with my dad and not enjoying it, but

neither hating it as other people did. Ireturned to the franchise when Rise of the Planet of the Apes came to theatres in 2011 -I've been afan of the franchise ever since.

StefanBradley: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes takes place hundreds of years after the recent reboot trilogy (subtitled Rise, Dawn and War respectively).I think it’s one of the best film series out there right now, with War for the Planet of the Apes in particular afive-star movie for me. Iwas expectingfranchise fatigue going into Kingdom, but I’m pleased to say it’s avery enjoyable sciencefiction blockbuster, even if it doesn't quite hit the highs of its predecessor. The plot, the themes, the performances, the visuals,the world-building, the action, are all thoroughly entertaining!

TP: Iwas very impressed by Kingdom, and like you, did not have high expectations. Instead, I walked away thinking it's on-par with 2014's Dawn of thePlanet of the Apes,which is my favourite instalmentofthe rebootedtrilogy. It's justa phenomenal film. Yes it’s lengthy, but the pace didn’tbother me at all. The screenplay follows some familiar beats and is somewhat predictable, so that’s probably the weakest element of the film. But that's not to say the script is bad -it'sthe weakest part, simplybecause the rest of the movie is so damn good! The religious allegories are particularly strong, as with the Apes films of the 60s and 70s, and as afan of the original Planet of the Apes,it did pleasemetosee them. There's even some great callbacks to that same film.

SB: Ithought early on the pace was abit slow, but as the story unravels you understandwhy,but as the story unravels, you understand why those scenes matter. Thatfirst act in particularwas predictable, but there was asurprising amount of mystery in this movie, and that ending subverted my expectations and was very satisfying. All the new characters,including the protagonistNoa and supports such as the hilarious Raka, the human Meiand villain Proximus were well-written and engaging. The movie doesn’t feel beholden to the last trilogy, but it still pays tribute to those events that feels like its own thing. It feels more like a fantasy adventure compared to its predecessors, as theviewer rediscovers this world.

TP: The visual effects are astep-up on the Matt Reeves-helmed films -and remember, the visual effectsinthatmovie were really, reallygood! I also very much liked the characters, they had a lot of personality; and the action sequences were incredible -Iwas finding myselfawed by primates swinging across vines and pipes as they engage in fisticuffs!

SB: This film’sdirector,Wes Ball, hasbeentapped to directthe upcominglive-action adaptationofthe The Legend of Zelda video game franchise, and he mustbeunder intense pressure from diehardfans like myself. My biggest compliment to Kingdom

is that before seeing it, Iwas extremely sceptical about Ball as the choice to take on Zelda, but after seeing it now, I’m nowhere near as nervous.

TP: It's asimilar trajectory, almost, to Matt Reeves, who went on to direct 2022's The Batman (which we both enjoyed) after directinghis two Apes

movies. Ican see Wes Ball becoming Hollywood's go-toblockbuster guy -his direction is fantastic, andI'd be more than happy if he took control of every futureApesinstalment, or indeed every other blockbuster that comes out after this.

LondonCalling to rock The Wedge

THERE is anew show on the road and if you are afan of Queen, Led Zeppelin, or Rod Stewart, event organisers say you simply can’t miss London Calling

This tributeact utilisingthe phenomenal talents of the best performers in the business will be coming to The Wedge. Promising aonce in alifetime chance to see the superstars and legends of British rock perform not only all your favourite hits, but together, London Calling will also feature aband worthy of such legends.

Appealing to young and older audiences alike

there will be something there to delight everyone. Event organisers say London Callingisanincredible line-up of talent that will have you believing that you’ve seen Freddie Mercury,Robert Plant and Rod Stewart together in aconcert of supernova proportions.

The show begins at 8pm on Saturday, May 25 at TheWedge Performing Arts Centre. It runs for 1hourand 50 minutes.

Learn more and get ticketsatthewedge.com.au/ event/london-calling/

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is rated Mfor sciencefictionthemes and violence, and is now showing at Sale Cinema.

Image: Disney

5. What breed of dog is

6. If Iwas in the town of Warwick, what state/territory would Ibe in?

7. Guess the song from these lyrics... Headin’ down south to the land of the pines, I’m thumbin’ my way into North Caroline, Starin’ up the road and pray to God Isee headlights?

8. In the Flintstones, what is the name of Fred and Wima’s daughter?

THREE POINTERS

9. What is the chemical symbol for iron?

10. What is the study of weather called?

11. Which vitamin is obtained from sunlight?

12. Which country was the first to grant women the right to vote?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Name the actor who plays the character Peter Quill (Star Lord) in the Marvel movies?

14. According to Greek myth, the labyrinth built by Daedalus housed which monster?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five questions and you tell me if they aretrue or false? One point for each correct answer

1. Agroup of monkeys is called atroop?

2. In theperiodic table, the letter Jisnot included?

3. The national game of India is cricket?

4. The intestine is the largest organ in the human body?

5. Russia has the longest coastline in the world? HOW DID YOU FARE?

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

Comedic homecoming for Kinne

BenMcArthur

TROY Kinne, alocal comedian is now touring the country for his show called Get Made.Hehas moved pretty far since his sketch comedy days in Sale, and he spoke to the Gippsland Times about his upbringing, New York and everything in between.

Ben McArthur: You've had areasonably successful career withyour TV show and stand-ups. Looking back on it, wheredid it all begin?

Troy Kinne: IgrewupinSaleand went to Sale High School before it changed its name (to Sale College). In Year 10, we wentona longtrip for school camp to Central Australia, where avideo camera was assigned to a"responsible" girl, who Ithink was called Bianca and shewas the only one allowed to use it. Still, one day, she left it unattended under abus seat in the bag. Me and my mate BrettGlover (now in real estate)took that video camera while camping and wandered off to film asketch.

BM: Can you remember that sketch?

TK: The first sketchIthink we did was about doing stuffagainst the signs, likeone wouldsay no running on the path, and we'd say, 'Can you run on the pathwithout gettingcaught?' and do it or ashop with asignsayingyou couldn't stand and read newspapers without buying them so we'd stand and read for 30 seconds. Iremember that at the end of aday, the teachers played back what Bianca had filmed, but then,atthe end, therewas that dumb thingBrett and Ihad done. There was this one teacher who called us over. Ithought he was about to tell us off, but instead, he gave us a piece of paper of sketch ideas.

BM: What happened after camp?

TK: When camp ended, we went to the school library and asked for the video camera; if you justsaidyou were filmingitfor amedia studies project, and you had to say 'project', they believed you and wouldn't ask any more questions.Most of our sketches were just worse versions of stuff we saw on the Late Show by D-Generation, but it sparked apassion. It blows the minds of some of the younger people when Itell them Imadethese sketches purely to show my friends and family. About 12 people would see it, because there was

no YouTube in those days. You also couldn't edit them, so if Iwas going to talk and then you were going to talk, you had to film me, and then you and then me again. But some of my bestsketches were from those days; they're still on video somewhere.

BM: ThenHigh School ended, andIsaw that you went to LaTrobe University for amedia studies degree.

TK: Yeah, that's right, but Ilearned nothing Ican use today; none of it applies. However, it did help me focus on the creative side, and that's how Itook the next step to work in acommunity radio station called Kix FM. Ifelt like we were so out of place because that station wasall dance music and song requests, but on our show, we didn't takerequests; we just wanted to do funny sketches like Martin/ Malloy (cast of the Late Show). So,the audience hatedusfor awhile becausewedidn't do what we were meant to, but Ithink it brought in anew audience, and the director appreciated it. It was up to you what you did and when the movie Chopper came out, we got Vince Colosimo, who just got a message sayingthat KixFMwanted to promote your movie. He must've gone, 'Yeah, alright, Kix FM soundsfamiliar,' then he comes intothe station, and everyone he sees is just work experience kids. So that was a'drivetimeshow'. During the day, we would do deliveriesatRetravision, and then,inthe afternoon, we would do the show on Kix FM. And all that was volunteer; no one got paid.

BM: Did that experience benefit your career?

TK: Yes, because of those sessions, Iwould send a demo of aCDofour best bits to afew stations, and Isent two but never heard anything back, but one day, aguy from Triple Mcalledand asked why we didn't send the CD. Iwas just like, Ididn't think anyone waslistening. He saidtocomeinfor achat, and that's how we worked in Triple Mfor eight weeks. Then there was achangeofmanagement, andaswewere getting somewhere, September 11 happened, and the station was covering only that for awhile.Brett movedbacktoSale, and Ileft, so Iwas looking for something new, and that's how I found stand-up comedy.

BM: Was stand-upcomedyajob just to survive?

TK: No, it was just something to do. Isuppose I caught the bug and turned out to be pretty good at

it,and there were alot of competitions back then for young comedians, which the venues would host because it would be an excellent money maker, although I'd find out how good it was later in New York. Afterall,you often bringmanyfriendswhen you compete, but Iwon afew of those competitions.The big one Iwon was at the Comic Lounge, where the winner got atrip to attendthe American Comedy Institute’s two-week course run by Stephen Rosenfield, who did writing on SNL, among other things.

BM: Did that course help you?

TK: The writing sessions were invaluable for learning how to write ajoke, then edit and break it down, but there was also good experience. The course was mainly for people who had never done comedy, but you would be doing stand-up sets every threedaysinfrontofthe class, and then at the end, we all do agig at Carolines in New York, which was avery famous place, and that set was just in the middle of the day with everyone's friends and family which they filmed. You couldn't go wrong there because everyone is so supportive, but at the end of the set, Icame home with avideo where I'm at Carolines in New York on what looks like a Saturday night. Once, Iwas back in Australia, and you're tryingtoperform interstate. It sounds weird, but you need to convince the venues to have you, and that's amatter of emailing them and calling them to say, "Hey, I'm aMelbourne comedian you have never heard of, but I'm pretty good here's a clip of me killing it at Caroline's", and the other tournaments as well helped me put together a resume.

BM:How long were you in New York after thecourse?

TK: Iended up doing what was called a'bringer' show, which is when you had to bring six people to ashow for five minutes on astage stand-up, so Ihad to wrangle peopleinto going, and there were two couples and this old guy who Imet at abaseballgame but that's not six. Still, Iwent in anywayand said Ihad five, and securitysaid

that's not enough, and Ithoughthewas kidding, he wasn't.SoIjust apologisedtothosepeople I wrangled and that old guy and Iwent back to a bar and watchedanother baseball gameonTV, and we kept talking. The old guy was really good he asked when Iwould return to Australia, and I said soon because Ididn't have the money to stay. and he said, 'My mother's place is available cause she died recently'. He mentioned he had abrother and sister who wouldn't like me staying there, so he goes, 'Ifyou see someone snoopingaround,then just leave and take your bag with you.' IsaidIwould leave every morning and only come back at night to rest and make the bed so if his brother or sister went to the house, it didn't look like anyone was there, and Ileft asuitcase in his home and went to comedy clubs and places all around New York.

BM: Did you see anyone famous?

TK: No, every night, Iwould go into the Comedy Cellar. Igot to know the person at the door and explained my financial situation plus I'm an Australian 'comedian'. he let me in, but usually with atwo-drink minimum. There wasn't anyone big, but you got excited seeing someone with a semi-permanent comedy job, but no one big. Then, on my last day, there wassomeone differentat the door, and Ijust thought Icouldn't be bothered trying to explain this. Iliterally had no money left to pay, so Ijust walked home, and then the next day, someone from my class said that Chris Rock was there and did aset of his Oscars Speech,and I waslike, 'the one night I'm not there he turns up!'

BM: Did you ever see him again?

TK: Idid, actually, yearslater. Iwent backto New York, and Ihad afriend who was going out with Amy Schumer, and we became friends. One day, Itexted her, saying Iwas in New York, and she said she was in Boston. Then, when Iwas at abaseball game, she texted me that Iwas on at theComedy Cellar in twenty minutes. And Igot to sit at the comedian's table, and Chris Rock was there. Itold him that story.

Free TAFE for 7500 Gippslanders

Stefan Bradley

THIS year marks five yearsofFreeTAFE, with morethan 157,500 students having the opportunity to get the skills theyneedfor jobs theywant–while saving $436 million in fees.

Free TAFE saves students an average of morethan $10,000intuition fees on afull qualification.Some students aresaving morethan $30,000.

Over the lastfiveyears,morethan 90,500women and 44,500culturally and linguistically diversestudents have made the most of free TAFE, as have 14,500 Victorians with adisability and 38,000 unemployed people.

In Gippsland (TAFE Gippsland, Chisholm Wonthaggi, andFederation University in Churchill), morethan 7500 students, have commenced Free TAFE, saving over $20.9 million. Over 5000ofthose in Free TAFE in the

region arewomen.Over 1800 students werepreviously unemployed.

TAFE GippslandChief Executive,Laura Macpherson said students completing their courses will go on to rewarding careers.

“TAFE Gippsland is pleasedtobeproviding 1141 free TAFE places in 2024, across 39 courses. Many of these places arebeingoffered at our Port of Sale campus, accommodating students in the Wellington municipality,” she said.

“The most popular of these free TAFE places arein Community Services,Accounting, Individual Support, Early Childhood and Literacy and Numeracy Support.”

Member for Eastern Victoria, TomMcIntosh got his start with TAFE.

“Going to TAFE started my working career and opened aworld of opportunity for me working as an electrician,”

he said.

“It’sdoing the same for the thousands of people who have accessed Free TAFE over the last five years, giving people hands on experience to get the jobs theywant and the jobs that our employersneed.”

Last year Free TAFE wasexpanded so all Victorians can upskill for in-demand jobs regardless of their existing qualification level–and study multiple Free TAFE courses within the same priority pathway

In 2023, the most popular Free TAFE courses across the state werethe Diploma of Nursing, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Certificate IV in Cyber Security, Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, and Diploma of Community Services.

Other popularcourses in priority areas includethe Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), Certificate

and

in Plumbing and Services. Since 2022, therehas been a23per cent increase in people starting aFreeTAFEcourse –with Certificate IV in Cyber Security,Certificate

Contactusat: South Gippsland Highway Longford, Vic, 3851 1

Email: longford.ps@education.vic.gov.au d.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Website: www.longford-ps.vic.edu.au bsite:

TAFE GippslandstudentsAlana Kovco, Emma Perryman,Janna Battyand Emma Meredith studying EarlyChildhoodinSale

STEM at Maffra Primary School

IN STEM (Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics) at MaffraPrimary School, thestudents engage in avariety of different topics andlearning experiences

In Term 1, the focuswas on working collaboratively with curiosity, participating in project-based learning andhands on activities. Students have created kites,house models, boats and explored different states of matter by experimentingwith

oobleck (cornstarch and waterthatcan behave likea solidora liquiddependingonhow much pressureyou apply) and ice.

Lessons werecentredonthe engineering design process, which encompasses amindsetthat emphasizes open-endedproblem solvingand encourages studentstolearn from failure, building on their resilience, askillthatiscrucial for life beyond the classroom.

In Term Two, thefocus has shifted towards coding, developing the children’s computationalthinking whilstalso building on theirmaths andtechnology skills.

The school has introduced arangeof‘unplugged’ and ‘pluggedin’ lessons. These arecentred on active learning so studentscan seehow coding worksand can buildontheir concrete understanding in theclassroom, before applying this to an

Maffra prides itself on fostering STEM education forall students.

•Wehave astrong educational program that offers all streams of Maths, Science and Technology up to Year 12 with qualified teachers in every subject

•EngagingSTEM related elective program at years 9and 10 allowing students to explore their STEM related passions including access to a3Dprinting lab

•$30,000 scholarship for aYear 12 student pursuing aSTEM related university degree.

•Students access STEM-related camps, workshops, and excursions.

•JohnMonash Science School provides Maffra SC students with specialised STEM learning experiences every year

•In2Science eMentoring program connects students with university mentors in diverse STEM fields.

•The college has received numerous accolades at the In2Science Awards Night,demonstrating its commitment to STEM education excellence

•Proposed trip to NASA in 2026

•The Mobile Tech School program provides innovative STEM experiences to students.

2025 Enrolments now open -Tours run regularly; please contact the officeon51471790tomakeanappointment.

abstract concept on the computerand ‘pluggingin’ to acoding program.

Students imaginations have grownwithin the STEM classroom,with Ms Horsefall making students awarethat no idea is toofar-fetched. This has created asafespace foreverylearnertobecome curious beings and bringtheir own interests to the lessons, so learning canbecomemorestudent-led andengaging

Students of today, STEM experts of tomorrow. Photos: Maffra Primary School

Studentspartake in hands-on activities, making engineering kits, model houses andboats.

Students get their hands dirty with the marvel thatisoobleck,a mixtureofcornstarch and water thatbehaves as asolid when applied with pressure, or aliquid when left to flow through kids fingers.

Year 8students investigating renewable energy using hydrogen.

Exploring virtual reality with RMIT University

Breanna Handley,Alexander Raine and Hamish Meddings participating in the John Monash Regional Exchange Program

100yearsofeducation impacts generations

THE impact GippslandGrammarhas hadon generations of Gippsland familiesoverthe past 100 years is impressive to think about In itscentenaryyear, Gippsland’soldest independent school is celebrating thehundredsoflocal familiesthathave amulti-generationalconnection to theschool, from itsyoungest three-year-old Early LearningCentre students,tothose completing VCE. As part of thisyear’scelebrations,the Old ScholarsAssociationlaunched its‘Generations Badge’, which acknowledgesall current students whohavea parent or grandparent whoalso attended theschool “Wewereblown away to seesomany families with so many inter-generationalconnections to our school, butitwas particularly special to celebrate onecurrentELC studentwho is the fourth generation of his family to attend GippslandGrammar,” Principal Michele Wakeham said. Oscar Morrisonisa student in theStAnne’s four-year-old EarlyLearning Centrekindergarten program.His mum LeighMorrison(nee Ting) and hisdad Tomwerepartofthe Classof2005.Oscar’s grandmotherLisaMorrison(neeBlandford) wasin theClass of 1978,his grandfather Timwas in the Class of 1981 and his great-grandmother Margaret Blandford (nee Stothers)was in theClass of 1952 “Just imagine theschoolyardstoriesand memoriestheyare able to sharewith Oscar,” Mrs Wakeham commented.

One such memory wassharedatthe recent ‘Grandparentsand SpecialFriends Day’event when Oscar wasgivinghis mum, grandmother and great-grandmothera tour of “hisschool”, theSt Anne’sCampus. Oscar’s ‘Ma’ (Margaret) pointed to awindowand said that washer room when she boarded. Whenshe askedOscarwhatthat room is usedfor now, he said “I do Japaneseinthere”.How times change!

GippslandGrammarwas established in 1924

by the second Bishop of Gippsland,the Right ReverendGeorge Cranswick andoversubsequent years theschoolgrewtoincorporate five schools: the originalChurchofEngland Girls’ School Sale St Anne’s ChurchofEnglandGirls’ Grammar School, GippslandGrammarSchool,StAnne’s and Gippsland Grammar School (STAGGS) and the Gippsland Grammar we knowtoday Now, 100yearsafteritwas establishedwithjusta handfuloffemale students,the school has grownto

at the St Anne’s Campus last month(April).Oscar is thefourth generationofhis family to attend GippslandGrammar,whichiscelebratingits centenary thisyear

morethan 1100 students from ELCtoVCE and280 staff acrossthree campuses in Sale and Bairnsdale. Long-established programs include adecades-long associationwiththe Duke of Edinburgh Award and the popular Year 9program,which seesstudents embarkona yearofgrowthincluding afour-day hiketoLakeTali Karngand atwo-week ‘city experience’ campinMelbourne

GippslandGrammarisstill acceptingenrolments for 2025 from thethree-year-oldELC kindergarten program to theVCE years. Formoreinformation contactHeadofAdmissions Jemma Horan at jhoran@gippslandgrammar.au

To findout moreaboutGippsland Grammar’s history,the school haspublished two centenary books. ‘Memories, stories from 100years of Gippsland Grammar’ by Ann Andrew is awonderful compilation of 100stories from students from the school’s earliestyears untiltoday; while its companion publication ‘Wheelbarrow’sBirthday’isa children’s bookthat reimagines 12 of those stories in aform more suitable forthe school’s youngeststudents MrsWakeham said, “WhileMemoriesisfor the coffeetable,Wheelbarrow’sBirthday is better suited to achild’sbedside table.And togetherthey capture thespiritofschoolyardstorytelling.” Both books areavailable to buyonline (gippslandgrammar.myshopify.com/)orateachcampus reception

Our Vision:

To engage ourstudents in an informative, safe learning environment that supports the growth of confident, literate, numerate, informed, and responsible global citizens.

Our Mission:

To develop the whole child through programs that foster self-esteem, confidence, independence, and cooperative skills. We aim to develop adesirefor further learning, promoting an atmospherewhereeffortisvalued, and achievement is recognised.

Aim High Show Respect Show Curiosity Be Honourable

At StratfordPrimary School, effort is valued, and achievement recognised. We take pride in the fact that, as asmall school, we offer many and varied opportunities for our students

Our well-rounded academic program is complimented by the specialist areas we offer –Health and Wellbeing, Kitchen Garden, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Indonesian, History,Geography and Science. Digital Technologies areintegrated across all subject areas, as every student is allocated apersonal laptop for the year.

We look forwardtowelcoming you to our school –asmall school with big opportunities!

Forfurther information and to arrange atour contact the Principal; Kate Steele on 5145 6554 or stratford.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Gippsland Grammar ELCstudent Oscar Morrison with his mum Leigh, ‘GrannyLisa’ and ‘Ma’ (Margaret)

Photo: Gippsland Grammar

AgStem program designed to help students with interest in farm data

AGRICULTURE Victoria’s free Getinto AgSTEM educationprogramisunderway with schools across thestate participating.

AgricultureVictoria Community Education Manager, Anna-LeisaVietz, said thesuite of practicaland hands-onfreeworkshopsis popular with schools becauseitlinks directly to theVictorian schoolcurriculum

"Our Getinto AgSTEM workshopsare suitable for students from Grade 5through to VCE and our delivery model is very flexible," Ms Vietz said.

"Wecan deliver them from AgriBio,our main researchcentreinBundoora, or any of our regional SmartFarms with some select workshops available online.

“Students visitingresearch centresgainfirsthandexperience in aprofessional research facility wherescience andtechnologyare applied to agricultural scenarios.

"Our workshops canalsobeincorporated into events suchasthe LocalLearningand Employment Network (LLEN)events,STEM IdolsinMildura, or theupcoming Food and FibreDay in Dookie. The feedback is always

excellentasstudents enjoyusing hi-tech tools anddiscovering how ourscientists conduct research.

"At our Horsham SmartFarmrecently,we ran “Get intoDigital Agriculture”for Murtoa College’s Year 11 AgricultureScience class anda “Getinto Genes–PCR” workshop for HorshamCollege’s Year 12 Biology class."

GetintoDigitalAgriculture explores how remote sensing technology can be used to collect, uploadand analyse farmrelated data.

Students assemblesoilmoisture sensors anduse python programming language to accessand analysedata.

GetintoGenes –PCR is aYear12level workshop where students learnhow on-farm efficiency is improved using DNArelated techniques and applications.

Students practise pipettingfor DNAreplication andinterpretation of DNAprofiles

Formoreinformation on theGet into AgSTEMprograms, visitagriculture.vic.gov au/support-and-resources/education/get-intoagstem or email getintoagstem@agriculture

Ruralstudentsacross Victoria arebenefitting from the AgSTEM program.

Photo: Contributed

UrbanCamp brings rural to metro

URBAN CampMelbourne has beenbridgingthe gap betweenurban and rural life across four decadesbyprovidinga unique camping experience within the heart of the city

Nestled in RoyalPark, Urban Camp offersan unparalleled experience forregional, remote and Indigenous students to connectwiththe city and each other.

Each year,Urban Campuniquely exposes 10,000 studentstodifferent cultures, environments, ideas andopportunities while aiding children in the growth of theirconfidence, knowledge and capabilities.

Hosting schools andcommunity groupssince 1984, Urban Campoffers students andindividuals a city camp base that fostersa formative experience andprovides opportunities for independence andgrowth away from theclassroom and home environments.

The 128-bedpurpose-built facilityoffersa home base from which youngregional people can explore Melbourne’s dynamic cultural,educational and recreationalattractions

Urban Camp ChiefExecutive, ElizabethCompton said, “Overthe past 40 years, UrbanCamphas helped over 250,000youngpeople thrive in an urban environment.Ithas been an honour to continue to upholdthe passion of theteachersfrom Kensington Community Schoolwho began Urban Camp and continuously showcase thevery best that ourvibrant city has to offer

“For many of ourstudents, UrbanCampoffers their first glimpse into Melbourne citylife. Forsome

this notonlymarks theirintroduction to public transport andMelbourne’s rich and varied culture, but also an initial opportunitytto grasp the stark contrasts,uniquechallenges and opportunities that distinguish thecity from their h hometown ”

Urban Camp is the only dedicated school camp facilitythat offersa Melbourne e city-based camp with free programmingand venue bookings

Theprograms team works in n conjunction with schools to createindividualiseed itineraries which arebothfun andeducational. Experiencing the ‘big smoke’ in abundance,onaveerage, eachschool groupvisits eight of Melbourne’s most impressive attractions overthe three camp days. Attractionsare varied and dependentonthe school’s preference,but caninclude MelbourneZoo, MCG, TheBBig Issue Classroom theShrine of Remembrance a and Scienceworks In March, Urban Campwon gold at the Australian Tourism Awards, winningthe 3 3-3 5-star rating category for the second year r running, proving their continued excellence in thetoourism business nationwide.

Urban Camp areastepping stone on the path of continuouspositiveimpactannd enrichment for both individualsvisiting andthe city ty of Melbourne If localschoolsare interested in having Urban Camp facilitate an event, visitttheir website

Step inside our world: Discover the uniqueness of BriagPrimary

AN openday at schoolisa fantastic opportunity for prospective students andtheir families to explore the facilities, meet teachers,and get afeel forthe school's atmosphere and culture.

This coming Thursday, May16(schoolhours) and Saturday, May18(9.30am to 11.30am), Briagolong PrimarySchool invitesyourfamilytocome along and tour the facilities and chat to staff, all whilst enjoying afreesausage on thewalk! Theschool strives to createawelcomingenvironment wherestudents and familiesfeel valued and respected. Thisincludesimplementing an inclusivecurriculum, promoting cultural awareness, andproviding support forall students and their diverse learning needs. We aimtofoster asense of belonging andprepare themtothrive in society

Our teachersand staff arecaring, approachable and responsive to theneeds of students and families,providing individualised support when needed and maintain openlines of communication withfamilies throughavariety of toolsincluding weekly classroom updates.

Astrong emphasisonthe social and emotional wellbeing of the children underpins our aim to create asupportiveenvironment where students can flourishacademically.Weekly wellbeing sessions,guided by The Resilience Project, help fostera positive andengaging environment where students cantalkopenlyabout theiremotions, feel safe,supported,and learn howtolook after themselvesand their peers

With subjects that include weeklySTEMlessons, digital technologies (including3Dprinting),physical education and art,the curriculum is designed to be relevant, interactive andhavereal world applicationsthatspark curiosity andcreativity in our students

BriagolongPrimary School is in line for twomajor upgradesover the next two years, with theinstallation of anew inclusiveplaygroundfor all ages, as well as anearhalf million-dollarupgrade of the school’s existing basketball court andbottom oval This upgrade will seethe area redevelopedinto a first-classspace anda much moreaccessible one for theschool community.

We look forward to welcoming youonour School OpenDaysand can’twait to show youall that is on offer

To book your tour on Thursday,May 16,please contact theoffice on 5145 5260, or walk in during our Saturday session between9.30amand 11.30am.

Briagolong Primary School students enjoying theturn of the season into autumn.

Photo:Briagolong Primary School

2024Gippy ToyRun underway

DURINGthe week of April22, membersofthree socialmotorcycleclubs-the Eastern Riders,the Red Knights and Riders Evolution -got together with Santa andDaveand JulzfromBobberDave's Custom Cycles, Traralgon, to launch the25th Gippsland MotorcyclistsToy Run.

The dateofthe ToyRun this yearwillbeSaturday December 7, which is the firstSaturdayofthe month

Quitea few of thedetails for the bigday have alreadybeen put in place and from nowon, toy collection will startinearnest

Thegroup all thought that the last coupleofyears weredifficult enough for localfamiliesand that all wouldbebetter for2024;not so. The Salvation Army(Salvos) and St Vincent's (Vinnies) havebeen telling Alfand Stella Vellathat thereare many more families struggling to make ends meet. Alot of theirneighboursare findingitdifficult to

payfor basic needsand areseekingsupportmore thanever, andthiswillbereflected in theChristmas period.

Thechallenge forthe clubs to provide acheerier Christmasisstillthere,and they saidtheyknow that theircommunitywill, once more,rise to theoccasion andmakethisyear as successful as 2023.Itis theaim of all thesocial motorcycle clubs to ensure no mother in the local region hastosay to herkids thatSanta mightnot be coming this year

Although Christmas is still many monthsaway, it is never tooearly to startputting away agift or two, or if you area local business, start canvassingyour fellow workmatesaboutways to gather toys.

If youwould like to makea donation of toys,call Alfand Stella Vellaon0434 618689,and theywill arrange to collect them.

Formoreinformation, head to theFacebookpage: GippslandMotorcyclists ToyRun

Cubbysurprise from Fulham

TWO newcubbyhouses built by men undertaking aCertificateIIinConstruction whileatFulham Correctional Centrehavebeendonated to local primaryschools.

FulhamCorrectional Centre’s Vocational Services Manager, Rose Ljubicic, said thecubbyhouses wereconstructed to building codestandardsby six prisonerslastyear, as part of thecoursebeing

deliveredbyinstructors from theBendigoKangan Institute.

Thecompleted cubby houses, which have been paintedwith cartooncharacters by two other men at Fulham, have beendonatedtoMaffra Primary School andNambrok DenisonPrimary School

Scan to see howwedevelop Critical andCreativeThinking Capabilities to bring Science, Technology, Engineering,Arts and Maths experiences to life at our school.

“The men involved in buildingthese cubby houses havebeenlearning construction and joinery skillsfor sixto12months inour Industry Learning Centreastheyworktowards attaining a formalqualification while in custody,” Ms Ljubicic said

“These kinds of projectspresent avaluable opportunityfor meninFulham Correctional Centre to attainskills andqualificationsaspart of GEO’s rehabilitation andreintegration efforts

“GEO supports as manymen as possible to gain the skills theyneed to improve theirchances of securingmeaningful employment post-release.

“The menalso have an increased sense of pride in theirworkknowing they will provide along-term benefit formembersofthe local community”

Nambrok DenisonPrimarySchool’sActing Principal,Kylie Edney, said:“Thenew cubby house will be agreat addition to our currentplayground, providing an environmentthat encourages exploration, cooperation, and communication."

"The spacewillbeenjoyed by manyofour students,and we areappreciativeofthis donation.”

Gippslandmotorcycleclubs arealready planning thisyear’s ChristmasToy Run.

Photo: Contributed

Nambrok Denison Primary SchoolActing Principal KylieEdney,withFulham Correctional Centre Manager Natalie Greenfieldand Vocational Services Manager Rose Ljubicic, in front of the donated cubby house.

Photo: Contributed

Early childhood learning to be pushed forward

VICTORIAN early childhoodeducatorswillbe able to completea teaching degree whilethey work as partofanew partnershipbetween FederationUniversity Australia,the state government andTAFEproviders

The government’s EarlyChildhoodTertiary Partnerships Program willhelpdiplomaqualified early childhood educators obtain a Bachelor of EarlyChildhoodEducationwhile working in akindergartenorlongday-care service.

The program will help earlychildhood educatorsadvance their careersbybecoming qualifiedearlychildhoodteachers, supporting the delivery of kindergarten programsfor three and four-year-oldchildreninVictoria Program participantswillworkintheir place of employment for up to three daysaweek, attend universityclasses one day aweek, and get furtherpracticalexperienceataseparate ‘buddy’ early childhoodserviceone day a week.

Theycan then continue to upskillby completingafourth year throughthe Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Studentsparticipating in the programmay be eligible forDepartment of Education scholarships, including$25,000tocomplete the Bachelor’s degree, financial support forstudy materials,and subsidised travel for regional andruralstudents. Aboriginal andTorresStrait Islanderparticipantscan access even greater financialsupport

The Early Childhood TertiaryPartnerships Program will be offered at Federation’s Gippsland,Berwickand Mt Helen campuses

FedUni's Acting DirectorofAcademic Operations in theInstitute of Education, Arts and Community,Associate ProfessorAnna Fletcher,said earlychildhood educatorshad a critical role to play in shaping the lives of young children

"This initiative willallow them to continue to work in thesector while boosting their qualificationstotake thenextstepintheir career,” she said.

More information about the Early Childhood ScholarshipsProgramcan be found at vic. gov.au/financial-support-study-and-work-earlychildhood

State shares saving bonus

FAMILIES just want thebestfor their kids, butwith cost-of-living rising, school uniforms,camps, sportstheother things that makeschool fun-itall adds up

Thestategovernment is deliveringreal,muchneededsupportwith the new SchoolSaving Bonus it says will give families of school kids one less thing to worryabout andmakinglifethat little biteasier

TheVictorian Budget 2024/25 deliversthe School Saving Bonusaspartofa $287millionpackage and provides $400 in supportfor every childat governmentschools, and eligible concession card holdersatnon-governmentschools.

Minister forEducationBen Carroll saidthe bonus wouldhelpfamilies in need.

“We’reproud to deliver theSchool Saving Bonus -whichbuilds on ourrecordsupport to make sure kids have everyopportunitytoparticipate andshine at school,”hesaid.

Delivered through schools, theboostwillhelp up to 700,000 studentswith uniforms, camps, excursions and sporting eventsatschool to make sure no child misses out on schoolactivities due to financial stress, the stategovernment says.

The once-off bonus will be appliedfor each child, but can be spent perfamily.So, afamilywith three schoolchildren will receive $1200insupport to spend on school costs.

Thestategovernment saysitwillworkclosely with

the Department of Education on howtomakethe process easiest forfamilies.Supportwill be provided in two ways: acredit towards the cost of participating in activitiesinschool,and vouchersfor parents to help withpurchasingschool uniforms.

Thebonus will be provided duringTerm Four thisyear,making sure families have time to plan andbudgetfor the2025school year ahead. More guidance willbeprovidedtofamilies in Term Three.

TheSchoolSaving Bonus builds on existing means-testedsupportfor families doingittough with schoolcosts, and will be appliedontop of those measuresfor families eligible for othersupport Premier Jacinta Allanwelcomed the announcement.

“We’redelivering aBudget that’s helping Victorian families –and theSchool SavingBonus sitsatthe heart of ourplan to easecost-of-livingpressures for families rightacross the state,” shesaid.

“Wewon’t letany childmiss out on thethings that make Victorianeducation great,sowe’re giving familiesthe flexibility to usethe School Saving Bonus on thethings theyneed -fromsports to camps, excursionsand uniforms.”

a t Sale Rural Cluster of Schools

Quality home in prime location

SITUATED on John Street in Maffra, this brick veneer home awaits new home owners.

The home consists of three bedrooms, one bathroom, with the main bedroom having its own toilet and provision for full ensuite, asunlit family room, and abright kitchen with ahuge lounge that overlooks Victoria Park, according to agents.

All seasons are covered witha wood heater and reverse cycle airconditioner.There is anorth facing private outdoor entertainment area that overlooks the garden.

The carport adjoins the property along with a6mx5.5m workshop with concrete floor and power

The large block measuring approximately 1300m2 gives ample room for more shedding or for the kids or family pets, agents say

Priced to sell, agents say properties of this calibre do not come up in this location often, so this provides agreat opportunity for aretiree, investor,or ayoung family to purchase ahome of such quality

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Three bedroom home in Maffra.

Address: 19 John Street,Maffra. Inspection: By appointment Price: $499,000.

Agent: BrettLanigan on 0427 517577 , or Gippsland Real Estateon(03)5147 2200.

Family home on 20 acresofland

AGENTS are encouraging prospective buyers to inspect ahomeon

39 Boyle Road, Longford, located on 20 acres of land that offers potential for diverse pursuits.

Whether you envision ahorse property, cattle farm, or simply desire ample space and tranquility,agentssay this this property is worth inspecting.

The property features seven bedrooms with built-in robes, and three recently renovated bathrooms. It also features two living areas, an open-plan kitchen, dining, and family room, perfect for entertaining.

An additional study with built-in robes is ideal for remote work or an additional bedroom, agents say

The home is equipped with anorth-facing veranda and an outdoor entertaining area.

Outside amenities include 20 acres (approx.) of land, zoned for farming with cattle yards for livestock management, featuring ashed with concrete floor,power, and carport.

There is fencing throughout the property and stock and domestic bore water,plusa dam for water supply

Located just ashort distance from the local primary school and aquick 10-minute

drive to Sale, agents say this property offers convenient access to amenities.

The home has proximity to the Longford Pony Club, wetlands, 90-mile beach, and state forests.

Whether you're agrowing family,tradesperson seeking ahome-based setup, or a savvy buyer eyeing potential development opportunities (STCA), this property is an ideal investment, agents say

Briefdetails

Property: ty: Address: 39 Boyle Road, Longford. Features: Sevenbedrooms,three bathrooms, three car spaces.

Price: $1,250,000. For moreinformation or to arrange a viewing, book your privateinspection by phoning Aaron Ralph on 0456215087 .

Lowmaintenance Stratford living in neat andtidy home

AGENTS are welcoming prospectivebuyers to 23 Mitchell Rd, Stratford.

Situatedinclose proximity to Stratford PrimarySchool, playgrounds, StratfordRecreation Reserve, andonly ashortwalk or drivetothe main

street

Step inside to discover anorth-facing open plan kitchen, diningand living area. The kitchen features an island bench, storage including awalk-in pantry, making meal preparation, andentertaining a easy,agentssay.Relax and unwind in the spacious living area, complete witha split system foryear-round comfort Thishomefeatures three designated bedrooms, all with built-in robes,while the master bedroom features an ensuitewith

Briefdetails

floor-to-ceiling tiles, avanity,ashower,as well as awalk-in robe. Additionally,agents saythere is spaceatthe front of the home that can serve as afourth bedroom, a second living room,orahome office

The central family bathroomfeatures floor-to-ceiling tiles, avanity,abath,and a shower.

Prospective buyers will find theyard featuresa 6m x6mshed, equipped with an extra height rollerdoor, power, and concreteflooring. Double gatesideaccess to the rear yardand shed provides room for additional parking,agentssay The propertyoffers adouble garage with internalaccess into the home andthe rear yard,providing secure parking andadditionalstorage space.

Cottage charm with rural views

Briefdetails fdetails

Address:

Narural setting, 22 Wirra Mirra Dr, Wurruk awaits inspection by prospective buyers. Agents say this renovated cottagestyle home offers prospective buyers three bedrooms and one bathroom, boasting alarge 947m2(approx.) block and serene rural views. The home features arenovated kitchen with bench space, asplit system for comfortable heating and cooling and an alfresco area with aretractable sunshade awning, agents say Apowered 6/7 shed featuring two roller doors, and ayard round out the properties outside amenities. Agents are encouraging prospective buyers to seize this chance to inspect this property

Buzzing for the Bee Morning Tea

BEESwill take centre stageatcoffee and teabreaks across Australia, thanks to anew nationwide morning tea to celebrate the vital roles bees and beekeepers play in food production, biodiversity and ecosystem health.

TheGreat Bee Morning Tea is being launched by the Wheen Bee Foundation in the leadupto World Bee Day on May 20, with this year’s theme recognising the important role bees play in global foodsystems.

Bee Foundation Chief Executive FionaChambers saidThe Great Bee Morning Teaisencouraging peopletotakepositive steps to support these crucial contributors to Australian agriculture.

“More than just producing honey, bees and beekeepers provide avital yet often unrecognised service to Australian agriculture,” Ms Chambers said.

“At least 53 crops grown in Australiarely on pollination by insects to some extent -crops such almonds,macadamias, avocados, apples, pears, berries,stone fruit,plus vegetablesand canola. This pollinationisprovidedbymanaged honey bees, along with native bees and other pollinators, which all contribute to improving yieldand quality of these crops.”

The threats to bees and other pollinatorsare well documented, with pests and diseases, habitat loss

and reduced floral resources all having anegative impact.

Meanwhile, beekeepers face increasingpressures from rising costs in managing pests and disease, severe weather events including bushfires, floods

Strengthening Wellington’snetwork

GIPPSLAND Water says they are strengthening waterand wastewaternetworks in the Wellington Shire, with $16 millionofinvestment scheduled over the next four years.

Increased water security for Cowwarrand Rosedale and mains upgrades are on the cards in the 2018-2023 Price Submission period.

Gippsland Water Managing Director Sarah Cumming said the works wouldhelp bolster water and wastewater network strength and reliability in the shire.

“These upgrades across Wellington over the next fouryears willcomplement large infrastructure projects we’ve recently completed,” Ms Cumming said.

“Lastyear we finished work on Dawson Street pump station in Sale, and in 2021 we completed a new pump station at the Port of Sale.”

“In 2022 we also secured water for Glenmaggie and Coongulla.”

Ms Cumming said work would take place over the next three years to secure water for Cowwarr and Rosedale, with the construction of anew pipelineto connect the towns to the Traralgon water system.

“We’ll also be upgrading our treated water storages in Sale,Heyfield, Seaspray and Coongulla by replacing the liners and covers on existing basins.

Water and sewer mains across the shire will also be improved to make sure our networkcan continue to operate effectively into the future,” she said.

“Much of this work is taking place right now, with crews working in Sale, Maffra and Stratford. Customers can keep up to date with upgradesand maintenance works in their area by visiting thecurrent works page on our website.”

To see alist of Gippsland Water’s currentworks and major projects, visit gippswater.com.au/ currentworks

and droughts, and decreasing prices received for their honey, driven in partbycompetition from cheaper imported honeys.

These factors threaten bees and beekeepers and the pollination services they provide agriculture,

right at atime whenagricultureisdemanding more pollination, with increased plantings across major pollinator-dependent crops.

“These imported products are actually underminingAustralianbeekeepersand,indoing so, threatening Australia’s agriculture industry,” Ms Chambers said.

“By joining in The Great Bee Morning Tea, and buying Australianhoney, you providearevenue stream that supports Australianbeekeepers to continue providing pollination services to Australian farmers.”

Businesses, schools and community organisations are all encouraged to hold aGreat Bee Morning Tea this month, filled with treats made with pure Australian honey.

“Getting involved is easy, simply gather agroup of friends or colleagues and encourage everyone to bring something made with Australian honey,” Ms Chambers said.

“We want to see people making honey-filled biscuits, cakes and honey joys, or buying snacks and baked goods made with pureAustralian honey. Thisisa sweet, fun way to support the unsung honey heroes of Australian agriculture.”

Find outmoreabout the GreatBee MorningTea at wheenbeefoundation.org.au/gbmt

Garden initiativefor Community House

IN amilestone for Wurruk Community House and its community garden initiative, anewly constructed greenhouse was unveiled recently with the help of Sale Rotarians.

The funds for the greenhouse were provided by the Sale Rotary Club and matched with a grant from the Rotary Foundation.

Wurruk Community House Manager, Sarah Bardsley said,“We areextremely grateful to the Sale Rotary Club for their assistance,as the growing of fruits and vegetablesreally supplements our other services.”

“The seedlings grown in the greenhouse will be planted out in our community garden, (and) willprovide fresh produce that will be available alongside non-perishable foods and some frozen meals that are available from our food pantry for families and individuals of the Wurruk Community who are struggling to make ends meet,” Ms Bardsley said. The next step in the process will be to build andinstallshelving within the greenhouse and to connect apermanent water supply and bench for the potting and transplanting of seedlings.

your livestock marketing and up to date hook prices contact us today!

This month, support Australian bees and beekeepers with asweet morning tea.

Photo: Contributed

Gippsland Water is prioritising network strength and reliability in Wellington Shire. Photo: Contributed

Rotarianswithmembers of theWurruk Community House

Photo:Sale Rotary Club

TPG Telecom and Optus network-sharing agreement

StefanBradley

TPG Telecom and Optus recently signed anetworksharing agreement that they say will strengthen the mobile network for regional and rural users. Under the regional Multi-Operator CoreNetwork (MOCN) agreement, Optus will provide TPG Telecom with access to its regional radio access network and they will share spectrum in regional Australia.

TPG Telecom will gain access to 2444 Optus mobilenetwork sites in regional Australia, increasing its current national 4G coverage from around 400,000 square kilometres to around one million square kilometres and 98.4 per cent of the population.

Optus saiditwill licence some of TPG’s spectrum for use in the MOCN, which it says will “(deliver) enhanced capacity, speed and service quality to TPG and Optus customers in regional Australia”. Acommitment by Optus will accelerate its 5G rollout in the regions, fast-tracking the number of 5G sites in the regionalMOCNto1500by2028 and 2444 by the end of 2030.

Once implemented,TPG Telcom’s retail and wholesale customers (including Vodafone, TPG, iiNet, Lebara and felix customers) will use Optus’ 4G and 5G regional networkonanequivalent basis to Optus customers.

Optus and TPG will operate their own core networks, whichwillallow themtoeach maintain network control, enabling differentiation of service for customers, and independent control of security and resiliency. They will also continue to operate their own 4G and 5G radio access networks in metropolitan areas.

The Optus Interim Chief Executive, Michael Venter, welcomed the agreement.

“Forover30yearsOptushas brought choice and competition to Australia through investment in network services and infrastructure. This is a win for all Australians,especially our regional communities, businesses, and visitors,” he said.

“Optus and TPGTelecom willbepositionedto provideconsumers with more choice and better services as we accelerateour investment in the regions.

“The agreement will reduce combined 5G network rollout costs in regional Australia, which will enable the rollout of 5G infrastructure to be completed two years earlier than previously planned.”

TPG Telecom’s Chief Executive, Iñaki Berroeta, said by sharing regional network assets, TPG and Optus can bring coverage benefitstocustomers at asignificantly lower cost than duplicating infrastructure.

“Thiswill allow us to reducerollout andoperating costs, make better use of network assets and deliver huge customer benefits,” Mr Berroeta said.

“In acountry as large as Australia,this is the sustainable approach we need to maximise established infrastructure, and expand the reach of telecommunications services, competition and choice for consumers.”

This active network sharing arrangement brings together two largely duplicated regional networks delivering atotal bigger network with more capacity for customersofboth TPGTelecomand Optus.This builds upon the existing passive equipment sharing joint venture between TPG Telecom and Optus, which includes around 3500 sites in metropolitan areas. It paves the way for potential expansion of

sharingarrangements,allowingthem to unlock further capital and operating cost efficiencies and improvenetwork servicesfor customers.

The non-exclusive MOCN agreement hasan initial term of 11 years and includes an option for TPG Telecom to extend the agreement for a further five years.

Subject to relevantregulatory approvals, the MOCN is expected to be available to TPG and Optus customers in early 2025.

The Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland,and the Opposition communications spokesman, David Coleman,bothwelcomedthe announcement.

“I welcome any commercial agreements that may leadtogreater coverageand morechoice for customers in ruraland regional Australia,” Ms Rowland toldNine’snewspapers.

“I look forwardtothe independent Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s assessment of whether this new Optus-TPG Telecom agreement achieves just that,” shesaid.

Mr Coleman said: “Moves to increase coverage and competition in regionalareas can only be a good thing forcustomers.”

TPG had previouslyarranged asimilar dealwith Telstra,before it was blockedbythe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

This actionwas affirmed by theAustralian Competition Tribunal, who argued that the proposed arrangements would giveTelstra substantial benefits and increaseits market strength on the retail and wholesale mobilemarkets, and would undermine Optus’incentives to invest in 5G technology. Over time, this would weaken the competitiveconstraint on Telstra, and lead to increased prices and margins, the Tribunal noted.The Tribunal found that “the Spectrum Authorisation Agreement provides Telstra with substantialcommercialand competitivebenefits and would further increase Telstra’s positionof market strength in mobiletelecommunications markets.”

Telstra has amuchlargerpresenceinregional and ruralareas than itscompetitors. Optus had campaigned against the TPG-Telstra deal in 2022.

“Telstra will be paid to face less competition and will gain unprecedented control over our

Ag worshops open on farm financials

WELLINGTON Shire farmers have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, free of charge, at aseries of Rabo Client Council workshops this week in Warragul and Leongatha. The sessions aim to help provide the financial skills critical to managing an agricultural enterprise.

The practical Financial Skills Workshops provide farmers with an opportunity to both upskill and network.

The workshopinWarragulisonThursday, May 16 from 8.30amto3.30pm, while the Leongatha session is on Friday, May 17 from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Council, agroup of the bank’s farming clients who volunteer their timeimplementing programs that contribute to the sustainability of ruraland regional communities.

Thesecomplimentary,interactiveworkshops provide practical,hands-onadvice for understanding financial statements and banking requirements and explore topics such as taxation versus management accounting, essential business management ratiosand understanding

key components of abusiness’s financial profile.

Southern Victoria and Tasmania Rabo Client Council member andWestbury-baseddairy farmer Chris Griffin said, “Financial skills are vital for our farmers and the next generation of farmers”.

Mr Griffin said the workshops were designed to bridge the gap between farming knowledge and financial expertise.

“While many of our next-generation farmers may be highly educated, or have extensive onfarm experience, traversingthe complexities of financial reporting and banking requirements is often unfamiliar to them, which is why these workshops addressing these topicsare so useful,” he said.

Mr Griffin said the workshop content would consider cash flow implications of avariety of farming operationsand therewouldalso be a focus on preparing annual cash flow budgets.

“These workshops are designed to allow couples and family members to attend together. It’s an incredibly beneficial opportunity for farmers to stepaway from their business for aday, soak up the same information, and develop shared knowledge of financial reporting. By learning

together,they can enhancetheirfinancialskills together,” he said.

Rabobank regional manager for Southern Victoria and Tasmania, Deborah Maskell Davies, said primary producers who had attended previous Rabobank Financial Skills Workshops had told the bank the information provided wasreal andvaluable -“useful knowledge they can walk away with and apply in their farmingbusiness”.

“Since theirinceptionin2018, the Rabo Client Councilshave extended thisvaluable learning opportunity to over 4340 farmersacross Australia and New Zealand,” she said.

“If you’re interested in attending these workshops, keen to meet other leading farmers in the agri sector and increase your financial literacy and skills, confirmyour place before the courses are fully allocated.”

The workshops -which will be limited to 30 participants each and are not restricted to the bank’s clients -will be presented by director of Hudson Facilitation, Tony Hudson. Morning tea and lunch catering will be provided.

To register to participate, visit: rabobankaunz. eventsair.com/financial-skills-workshops/ registration/Site/Register

scarce national spectrum assets,”saidthen Chief Executive KellyBayer Rosmarin.

“Arguments from Telstra and TPG that slapping anew logoontop of theTelstranetworkcreates competitionwon’t fool anyone.”

Optus welcomed ACCC blocking the deal at the time andsecuredits ownagreement with TPG.

In response to Optus and TPG’s new deal, Telstra gave astatement to Gizmodo Australia thisweek.

“Improving connectivity acrossregional Australia is important and we welcome Optus and TPG’sproposaltostep up to this challenge,” aTelstra spokespersonsaid.

“Telstra has invested significantly over many years to build the best mobile networkinAustralia. Customers in regional, rural and remote locations know that only Telstra can provide the secure, reliable, resilient mobile network theyneed. We’re committed to continuing to offer ourcustomers, including across regionalAustralia, the country’s leading mobile network.”

TPG’s new deal with Optus is very similar to Telstra’s dealwithTPG, which wasblocked by ACCC,sayingthatTelstra hadtoo much marketpower in regional and rural areas.

Photo: Contributed

WANTED

BULLS

GARDEN RENOS

PRODUCERS MKT

Sale

SUNDAY MARKET

hot dogs, hot and cold drinks, stalls from $15, raffles must be accompanied by astall. Proceeds to charity. Buskers welcome. Phone 0409 574 253 or 0438 079 966

SQUAD COACHES

Expressions of Interest for Sale Sonics Squad Coaches for Season 2024/25.

Please register your interest in coaching one of our representative teams for next season. All coaching positions available at Junior level from under 10's through to under 18's. CBL head coaching positions for both the Women's and Men's are available too. All applicants welcome.

Pre-resquisite for successful

ALUM outboard, 3.6m, new elec. motor, 2batt's, Dumbier trailer, safety gear, ideal for fishing and duck shooting$1200 o.n.o. Ph 5133 6355.

BIRD, Colin. Passed at Maffra and District Hospital on May 8, 2024 aged 62 Years. Loved father of Andrew, Mark, Richard, Michael, Declan and Geoffrey. Brother of Les, Ray and David. Lovingly remembered.

Any condition. Ph 0475 690 520.

BOULTON (Williams), Edith "Doreen" 6/10/1932 -8/5/2024

Loving wife of Kevin. Mother of Warren, Margaret, Robyn, Michelle and Glenn.

Grandmother of Leah, Nicholas, Adam, Mathew, Justin, Michael, Elyse, William, Viktoriya and Valeria. Great Grandmother of Hope, Elliot, Oliver, Alice, Ivan, Sophia and Maya.

Missed by all, resting peacefully.

BOULTON, Doreen. Loving mother. Now at Peace Robyn, Stuart, Mathew, Adam (dec.).

BYRNE, Nancy. Valued nursing colleague and friend who saw the best in everyone. We love you and will miss you Nancy. From your friends at the OWLS group. (Retired Nurses)

PERKINS, Colin.

25/08/1946-09/05/2024

Cherished husband of Val (dec.). Loved father and fatherin-law of Adam and Leanne, Trent and Kylie. Adored Grandad of Ava, Mea, Zane, Charlotte, and Annie.

Forever in our hearts. At peace with our beloved Val.

HYUNDAI Accent, 2016, auto, white, immaculate cond., 68,000 country kms, as new inside and out, 1OX-1CW. New price $13,990. Ph 0428 678 878.

WANTED

HJ

Dearest Grandad, You were everything a grandfather could strive to be and more. It was a privilege to know and love aman wholived so fiercely for his family. To say thank you for the bright impact you've had on our lives seems inadequate. You have enriched our lives in ways Icannot begin to explain. We are so honoured to have had such akind, passionate and loving grandfather who made his family his entire world.

Thank you for the endless, precious memories we will hold onto forever. Thank you for being our best friend and supporting us in every aspect of our lives. And thank you for always cherishing our beautiful grandma Val.

Love you one billion.

Char xx.

Grandad, You were such aspecial man with the most beautiful smile and laugh. Your love for everyone and constant support will forever be adored. Thank you for the greatest hugs and for the best memories you created. I love you endlessly.

Ann xx.

PERKINS, Col.

Funerals • Bereavement Thanks

BYRNE (nee Barton). The funeral service for Mrs Nancy Pamela Byrne will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Highway Sale at 11am on FRIDAY (May 17, 2024), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Please see our website for Livestream details.

PERKINS. The funeral service for Mr Colin Perkins will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Highway, Sale at 1pm NEXT WEDNESDAY (May 22, 2024), followed by a private cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Please see our website for livestream details.

McPHERSON, Yvonne. The family of the late Yvonne McPherson would like to thank everyone who attended her funeral, sent messages and calls of support, cards and flowers.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Walsh for guiding her through the last few months. The staff of all areas of the Medical Ward at Sale Hospital couldn't have been more considerate, caring and thoughtful to both Yvonne and her family. St. Paul's Ladies, who catered for her wake, were afitting remembrance of her service to them over many years. Rev Heather McDougallToms and Dean Keren Terpstra and Christine Morris for making her funeral service afitting end to her life. Uncomplicated, just like her.

Please accept this as our sincere thank you to everyone for their kindness.

Arthur, Donna,Peter and Clau dia, her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

In Memoriam • Birthdays •

BOULTON, Doreen. Mum always so loving, thoughtful and kind, what beautiful memories you leave behind. You will never leave our hearts and minds. Lovin gM oth er , Grandmother and great Grandma to Michelle and Graeme, Justin, Simone, Elliott and Oliver, Michael, Sara and Hope.

BYRNE (nee Barton) Nancy Pamela 16/11/1937 -03/05/2024

Col, You were the best father, father-in-law, grandad and most of all a great mate. We will miss your big smile, your laugh and your detailed jokes. Most of all we will never forget how much you loved your family and cherished your grandchildren. We are all so much more at ease knowing you are back in the arms of Val. Love you always, Ad and Lea xx.

Motoring Deal

Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

Cash or credit card, through

Cherished wife of George (dec.). Adored Stepmother to Jane, Martin, and Rosemary. Loved Aunty to Terry and Barbara. Sister to Mary Rowley (dec.) and daughter of Chris (dec.) and Percy Barton (dec.). Grandmother to Matthew and Oliver Thearle, and Kathleen and Meaghan Wilson. Missed by all her friends and family. Now in God's Care.

BYRNE. We will sadly miss our loyal &caring friend and colleague Nancy Byrne. She was ahighly respected nurse who played asignificant role in many nursing innovations at the Sale hospital. She was much admired for her gentle compassionate nature and reliability Noel and Marian Atherstone

BYRNE, Nancy. Nancy was awonderful Registered Nurse at the (then) Gippsland base Hospital between 1979 and 2000. She was well known to a number of staff across the organisation Her friendly nature, her expert knowledge and her passion for supporting those patients in her care, were ever present. She was well respected and held in high regard by all who knew her. We take this opportunity to acknowledge not only Nancy's service, but her friendship and kindness. During this difficult time, our deepest sympathies are with Nancy's family. Central Gippsland Health Services"

Just can't find the words Col. You're my Dad and the greatest mate I've ever had. Love you always, Trent.

Collie, Your beautiful smile, infectious laugh and unfailing love for family will stay with us forever.

How lucky we were to have had you in our lives. The jokes, the joy, the kindness and love are etched in our hearts forever and will continue to enrich us. Thank you for all you were and all you gave. We'll love and treasure you always. Now at peace with our beloved Val. Megs xx.

Grandad, What abeautiful man you were.

So loved by everyone you came across in your life. We all loved your sense of humour, your kindness, your cooking and most of all, the love for your family and friends. Thank you for all the beautiful memories and making our lives so full and bright. Rest easy grandad, you will be dearly missed. Love you always. Ava xx.

Grandad, Loved and cherished by all who were so fortunate to be touched by your kindness and selflessness. So manybeautiful memories that Iwill hold in my heart forever. Rest easy beautiful Collie. Ilove you 10million. Mea xx.

Fly high Colliflower. Cheers for being the best grandad and mate. Zane.

Dearly loved brother-inlaw, uncle and friend of Ros, Vin (dec.), Christian, Nick, Ben, Matt (dec.) and families. Our deepest sympathies to Adam, Trenten, Leanne, Kylie, Ava ,Mea, Zane, Charlotte and Annie. Never short of astory or a laugh. Will be sadly missed.

PERKINS, Col. Our loving thoughts are with Trent, Ky, Adam, Leanne and Families, in there sad loss of their beloved Col. His smiling face and happy personality was ajoy to us all. Precious memories always of awonderful man and friend. Di, Keg and family's.

PERKINS, Colin(Col) Passed away 9/05/2024. One of natures true gentlemen and

friend. Condolences to

and Leanne and Trene and kylie. no

GRMUSA, Nikola. 8/05/34-11/05/23

In loving memory of Nikola cherished husband of Manda and beloved Tata (Dad) of Marko, Mick, Angela and Rada. Adored Father-In-Law, Djedo (granddad) and PranDjedo(Great Granddad). It has been one year since we lost you -a beautiful soul gone too soon. There is not aday goes by that you are not in our thoughts and our hearts, We love and miss you beyond compare. Forever with us.

service for Mr Colin Bird will be held

our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390

BOULTON (Williams). The funeral service for Mrs Doreen Boulton will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 11am on THURSDAY (May 16, 2024), followed by burial at the Sale Monumental Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

CRISP, Don. Lynn, Kaye, Bron and Heather and families would sincerely like to thank everyone for attending the graveside service for dad, your thoughts, cards and love were greatly appreciated. To Leonie Adam thank you for your beautiful service, perfect for dad. Dr Chris O'Kane, thank you for your care for a larger part of his life. To the staff at Ashleigh house for your loving care of dad over the last 10 years. Please accept this as our personal thanks. ♥Mum and Dad now reunited.

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

HEYFIELD 4.4 11.8 18.12 24.18 (162)

GORMANDALE 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 (2)

GOALS:Heyfield: FStephenson 8J Christian 4K Graham 3T Birss 3BManson 2M Bennett

2MCasella NDinsdale Gormandale: DetailsN/A. BEST:Heyfield: TMarchesi FStephenson

KGraham TBirss LHeasley KHole Gormandale: APawelNMillingtonHRichardsC Potalej

ZWatson.

TYERS 1.3 3.6 6.10 11.13 (79)

YARRAM 3.2 5.6 5.9 5.12 (42)

GOALS:TTU: MMustoe2B White2 FShields 2C Michie 2H Willaton FBrouns JNeilson. Yarram: JSwift2 TSheedy GUnderwood KPearce BEST:TTU: HWillatonMJacobsen Z KilgowerGSinclair FBrouns BWhite. Yarram: CBruns LBentley GUnderwood KPearce J Mcfarland NMckenzie

15.12 (102)

3.4

5.4 6.4 7.7 7.7 (49)

GOALS:Rosedale: SFox 8RDiamond 2W Logan HFoat RAtlee BSafstromO Smith. Cowwarr: KHughes 3MJohnston 2ASaunders BEST:Rosedale: SFox HFox BSafstrom DBarnett RAtlee RBoyle Cowwarr: ASaunders BCoffey JDavison TJohnston JBrown K Hughes

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DMacdonald 6MLuck 5L Rees 4BBurnett 2JMassese 2A Young 2DBentley DBath LFry BClymo Glengarry: JBassi JBurgess BEST:YYN: MLuck AYoungD Macdonald JMassese BMorrowLFry Glengarry: LHealy OBradfordC Mitchell LMitchell JThomasT Harris

Demons suffer first blunder

TomHayes

IT'S about time the North Gippsland Football-Netball Leaguehad around which saw the favourites win each game.

The first four weeks of the competition had us reviewing at least one eye-catching result each week.

But with only four games going ahead at the weekend, thingswere perhaps easier to predict.

One of the three gameslooked more likely to go either way than any other, but arguably you could say the favourite got the four points. The other three fixtures were very one-sided.

THE fitter, more drilled team won.

It was acontested duel between two powerhouses, Traralgon Tyers United and Yarram in Round5,but the Bombers finished stronger,winning 11.13 (79) to 5.12 (42).

Wind swirled aroundTyersRecreation Reserve as the Bombershosted the undefeated Demons, in what was always expected to be atight battle.

The match began with afree-flowing nature, before either side began to close their doors.

Halfwaythrough the first term, Yarram held atwo-goal lead before the game took a contested turn.

TTU displayed their run and carry, while Yarram was more reserved, using their skills to slow the game down with steadyprogress up the field.

RESERVES

CMacleod 2JReid 2W Gaudion AMitchell Cowwarr: JPryde 4D Websdale DVeale BEST:Rosedale: JMezenbergNO’Connor SStuckey JNichols CMacleod CJanssen. Cowwarr: BJohnston LLow WSwanJ Chalmers DCooper DWebsdale

GOALS:Heyfield: BDinsdale 10 JDinsdale5 MJohnston 2C Wilson BO’Doherty Gormandale: Details N/A. BEST:Heyfield: JDinsdale BDinsdaleKAnderson DMorris T BoyleBDarby. Gormandale: WBoulton OHoughtonMCarstein HCrean JRust NHammond

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GOALS:YYN: SSimpson 3MGlibanovic3AAnderson 2M Twaddle2 TPhillipsO Budge SPearson LRuach DWalshe Glengarry: RNguoth. BEST:YYN: SSimpson MTwaddle J Mathison DWalshe MGlibanovic LRuach. Glengarry: TWilsonH Bishop LDawson LNoble NPeel LWhitehead

0.0 0.0 0.0

(0) GOALS:TTU: TMustoe4 RMassaro 3DMorrison2 TMudita 2RMurdoch JAitken BPoel. Yarram: Details N/A. BEST:TTU:TMudita TMustoe DMorrisonJSleswick JSelwynK Watson. Yarram: JCollins WHarveyRShirley ALucas MMcmahon RDuVe.

For the remaining 15 minutes or so in the first term, spectators were treated to end-to-end football, yet were starved of goals as both defences held firm, as Yarram took an 11-point lead into the first break. As good as the game wasinthe early stages, the scoreboard was barely touched. It tookuntil the21stminuteofthe second term for the next goal to go through, when Mitch Mustoe put the Bombers within akick. Yarram missed some chances, but remained astraightgoal in the lead. However, everything was tied up soon after, when Mustoescored his second in quick succession to level the scores.

Justwhen TTUthought they had agripon the game, the windshifted to the advantage of the Demons, with Josh Swift kicking two of his own in quick succession.

Swift was found in the forward 50 in almost identicalplays,kickingtruly to restore Yarram’s two-goal lead.

The Demons went into the main break up by acoupleofgoals, but nothingfelt comfortable aboutthe game whatsoever.

Themomentum was constantly shifting, and both sides were seeing their fair share of chances in front of the sticks.

Idon’t know what TTU coach,JackBrown told his troops at halftime, but whatever he said appeared to give them aboost.

The Bombers not only dominated possession after halftime, but just the complete flow of the game altogether.

In the first 20 minutes of the third term, TTU had kicked two goals, and found themselves back in the lead.

U18THIRDS

23.15 (153)

2.2 2.2 4.3 4.3 (27) GOALS:Rosedale: LSpeairs 6HPettie 3HRowley3 DRoss 2CMissen 2JReid BSyme N HeathcoteELogan JMurrayJ Plunkett KDoble Cowwarr: CMitchell 3ADomaille BEST: Rosedale: NHeathcoteLSpeairs HBerryJ Murray MVan Lier HPettie Cowwarr: CBass T Armstrong ADomaille JBartonCMitchell

6.3 9.7 9.13 13.16 (94)

1.0 3.0 4.2 6.2 (38)

GOALS:Heyfield: LDwyer 4JHanratty3JPettigrewHughes 2CRonan 2B WilloughbyB Meli. Gormandale: TKanara 2BOlivier 2ZJewked RMusgrove BEST:Heyfield: CRonan BWilloughbyLDwyer JParkerOMavorJPettigrewHughes Gormandale: RMusgrove K Whitney MVelascoM CropleyMDillon JCochrane

TRARALGON TYERS 3.24.8 11.11 18.12 (120)

0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (6) GOALS:TTU: NWasalski7R Denovan 3B Watson 3NLeslie 2J Stimson SMoonN Macfarlane-Mate. Yarram: CEarles BEST:TTU: TCrosbyR Payne TCooperT Spagnolo N WasalskiB Watson. Yarram: LRoberts WBrunton CEarles ABrunton.

6.12 8.16

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FRowley4K Sutherland 2L Taylor SDarbyJ Moorehead HYoung YYN: GRuey 2. BEST:Glengarry: FBlizzardSDarby CBickerton FRowleyDGoodwin OClifton. YYN: JKaschke GRuey IGlibanovic TWhite LLaidlawJBoyes

This time they made sure to hold off on any Yarram attack, disabling them from using their kick-mark strategy to any good effect by puttingtheirrunnersbehind the ball, and exploding when the opportunity arose.

The home side continued their run with a third straight goal to go eight points up. But

as the third term came to aclose, Yarram found asecond wind.

The Demons’ found themselves inside 50 once again, the markgoingthe way of Swift wholined up for his third of the match.

Perhaps swaying the momentum of the game, Swift’s shot almost cleared the goal line, with the goal umpire deeming it to have been touched, much to the disappointment of the away fans.

The rushed behind wouldbeYarram’s only score of the quarter.

Confusion surrounded the players on the field, as Swift thought he had put Yarram within akick. TTU captain Jye Neilson stood up to reassure Swift that he touchedthe ball, bringingthe third quarter to an end with the Bombers ahead by seven points.

Yarram would find their momentum stunted from that point on, failing to find the big sticksfor the entire second half as the home side ran away with it.

Yarram had their chances, but so did TTU, and the Bombers made the most of theirs.

Yarramkicked five behinds in the final term, all while TTU piled on 5.3 (33), to run away 37-point winners.

The Demons suffered theirfirst loss of the season, seemingly running out of legs in the final quarter.

HaydenWillaton was astandoutfor TTU, as wasMichael Jacobsen, Zach Kilgower, Guy Sinclair, Frazar Brouns and Beau White.

Chris Bruns, Liam Bentley, captain Griffin Underwood, Kayleb Pearce, Jake Mcfarland and Nick McKenzie were the brunt of the Demons’ force.

Yarram remain in the top five after suffering their first loss, while TTU move up into third, passing Woodside, who had the bye.

THE Jets flexed their muscles.

Yallourn Yallourn North proved they are still aforce to be reckoned with, destroying Glengarry to the tune of 160 points, 26.23 (179) to 2.7 (19).

The home side improved from strength to strength in what was acomplete fourquarter performance.

Amassive openingtermset the tone for theJets, as they blazed away to a40-point quarter time lead.

It was much the same ahead of halftime, with the Jets kicking 5.4 (34), all while keeping Glengarry goalless, seeing them score just four behinds.

With 70 points up their sleeve at halftime, thegamewas just about over, knowing that the Magpieshad only once scored more than 70 points thisseason, coming in Round 1 against Gormandale.

Despite that piece of information, YYN put their opponents to the sword, shifting up into the next gear in the second half.

Glengarry managed to find their second, and final, major of the game, though it was no use.

The Jets kicked six third-quartergoals, sending the marginover100 points,and to sour those playing in blackand white, therewas still another30minutes of football ahead of them.

Perhaps the most damaging of the lot, the Jets blazed away in the final term, having 18 scoring shots to one, outscoring Glengarry by 57 points.

YYN’s 8.10 (58) to one behindlastquarter, saw them hold a160-point margin as the final siren rang around George Bates Reserve.

With the number of opportunities they had, YYN may be bugged with themselves for not capitalisingontheir chances, but no doubt the result is apositive. Having 49 scoring shots to nineisacomplete and utter demolition job.

The Jets were well jockeyed by Mitch Luck (five goals), Anthony Young, Dean Macdonald (six goals), Jai Massese, Ben Morrow and Lucas Fry. Also chipping in on thescoreboard wasLachlan Rees, kicking four majors LukeHealy, Oscar Bradford,Callum Mitchell, LiamMitchell,Jordan Isiah Thomas and Thomas Harris were the best for the Magpies.

YYN will feel like they have been pointed in the right direction for their upcoming clash with Churchill. Last time those two sides played, they provided one of the most entertainingNGFNL finalsinrecent history. Glengarry are set with the task of Cowwarr next week, and apotential points grab is on the cards for the Magpies.

IT was ataleoftwo halves in Cowwarr

The Saints hosted Rosedale, as both teams entered the game hopeful of winning, but it was the visiting side who had the last laugh, victorious 15.12 (102) to 7.7 (49).

It was always going to be aback-and-forth battle between these two teams, but one had to get one over the other.

The home side started strongest, piling on five first-quarter goals to three, taking a two-goal lead into the first change.

The margin could have gone in anumber of different ways, withboth sides kicking four behinds. If any of those had have been goals, Rosedale could have hit the front, or the Saints could have put more pressure on in the form of afour or five-goal advantage.

With some work to do, the Blues piled on pressure of their own, ultimately breaking the home side. Rosedale gained alot from this,kicking five goals to one in the second term.

With the lead now in their hands, they handed over the reins to Cowwarr to reply, and if they didn’t, the Blues would make sure to make them pay for it.

The start to the second half was ahot contest, and it showed on the scoreboard, withonly threemajorskicked throughout the30-minute period.

Cowwarr managed to kick1.3 (9),but they were outdone again by Rosedale, who improved on their halftime lead.

Rosedalekicked ahead with 2.2 (14), extending their lead to 20 points as the two sides headed into the final term. It was all Rosedaleasthe game came to an end. Cowwarr remained on the same score as three quarter time, as the Blues did all the scoring.

From 20 points, the margin soon rose to 53, with Rosedale kicking 5.3 (33) in the last to claim their second win of the season.

Rosedale was led by Spencer (eight goals) and Harper Fox,BlakeSafstrom,Declan Barnett, Riley Atlee and Riley Boyle. Cowwarr were valiantly defeated, in their best was Alex Saunders, Ben Coffey, Jackson Davison,Tim Johnston, Jake Brown and Keenan Hughes.

ADAY out for the Kangaroos. Heyfieldhad no problems against Gormandale, takingcare of them 24.18 (162) to 0.2 (2).

The game was nearly over before it started for the Tigers, who didn’t even get on the scoreboardinthe firstquarter, all while Heyfield had eight chances slotting 4.4 (28). Things went from bad to worse for Gormandale, as the Kangaroos only worked themselves further into the game,kicking another 7.4 (46) to asingle behind.

Leadingby73points at halftime, the game was already done,but Heyfieldhad more work to do.

They got better in the second half, starting with aseven-goal third quarter which saw the lead surpass the 100 mark, which was followed by a6.7 (43) to one point final term, which closed the game out with Heyfield 160-point winners.

Thomas Marchesi was the best for the Kangaroos, and was well-assisted by Finn Stephenson (eight goals), Kyle Graham (three goals),Tyson Birss (three goals), Liam Heasley and Kail Hole. Anumberofyoung guns for Heyfield stepping up in the big win. JackChristianfeatured prominently up top for the Kangaroos, kicking four himself. Aaron Pawel, Nick Millington, Hayden Richards, Chris Potalej and Zac Watson were best for the Tigers.

Heyfield will walk themselves into the bye for Round 6, while Gormandale will need to puttheirbest foot forwardagainst an ever-growing TTU side.

WOODSIDE, Sale City andChurchill had the bye.

Yarram’s JoshSwift kept his side in the gameasanimportant forward target

Photo:Tom Hayes

CHEYENNE

GeelongCatsvs.PortAdelaide(GMHBA) (N)

Fremantlevs.SydneySwans(OS)(N) Saturday,May11

Hawthornvs.StKilda(UTAS)

Essendonvs.GWSGIANTS(MRVL)(T)

Richmondvs.WesternBulldogs(MCG)(N) GoldCoastSUNSvs.NorthMelbourne (TIO)(N) Sunday,May12 Collingwoodvs.WestCoastEagles(MRVL) AdelaideCrowsvs.BrisbaneLions(AO)(T)

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

GOALS:Wonthaggi: JBlair JThomasMHayesNAnderson EDickison ALindsayCMcInnes. Maffra: JMcQuillen 2CCalwyn2 BTohara 2A Wright ACarr. BEST:Wonthaggi: THuther ALindsay SBrayJBlair JGilmour IChugg Maffra: JKilloranJBoyd ZFelsbourgACarrC Calwyn HAnderson MORWELL 4.2 7.4 11.8 13.10 (88)

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GOALS: Morwell: BBailey 3BMcDonald 3CCampbell 3T Hillier 3HMcColl Leongatha: JGinnane 5T McRae2 TBrill ATurtonJGarnham SForrester. BEST:Morwell: BMcauliffe BBailey AQuigley JBurrT Brown. Leongatha: TMarriott JGinnane MBentvelzen TBrill C MaskellJ van der Pligt

2.1 5.26.6 9.11 (65)

1.42.5 4.11 7.13 (55)

GOALS: Warragul: TCrole 3LSerong 2CRaso 2T HobbsB Paul Bairnsdale: BMcCarrey 2 XRichardsLAustin TBlenheim LMckenna MCorbett. BEST:Warragul: LWardT HobbsM SmartJ Lewsey BHeffordT Crole Bairnsdale: LByrne-Jones LCloak RStewartMCorbett WMitchell

SALE2.6 5.10 10.14 13.16 (94) TRARALGON 3.4 4.6 6.7 9.11 (65)

JJohnstone 7JFreeman 2HHolmes KCutlerW

Traralgon: DLoprese3 CScandrett 2LD’Angelo CBrown LWillaton KRuyters BEST: Sale: JLeslie

Eggmolesse-Smith SLange JMcGuiness WLeslie MDowse Traralgon: CDoultree CLittleD LopreseT Hourigan MMembrey MJacobsen

Sport

Magpies sit equal-second

Liam Durkin

JUST when you think you have aread on the Gippsland League, it throws up results similar to those seen at the weekend.

Round 6saw all five games go down paths notmany people would have predicted, with three decided by less than 15 points, and another, equally surprising,decided by triple figures.

Regardless of allegiances, results were describedas‘good for the league’ when scores came to hand, adding further intrigue as the competition now breaksfor an in-season bye.

Adownside to an otherwiseexcellent round was the absence of league statistician Paul Carter, who is recovering from having his appendix removed.

The absenceofthe stats guru, who has hardly missed agameindecades,was felt greatly, and not just for his unmatched record keeping.

How’s the irony -the one week he is away is the one that sees the top-two teams get rolled.

SALE won amatch that required perspective.

While the Magpies 13.16 (94) to 9.11 (65) win over Traralgon was meritorious in its own right, events at Sale Oval meant issues muchbigger than football needed to be taken care of.

The Maroonsentered the contestwith only one loss to their name so far this season.

Just threeminutes into the game however,

asickening blow was felt when key forward

Josh Hamilton was concussed.

Hamilton flew for ahigh ball at the top of the goal square at the clubhouse end, only for the back of his head to collide withthe turf upon landing.

Play was halted for 20 minutes, as by all reports the youngster was out cold for some portion of that time.

Trainers weretobecommendedfor the job they did,althoughunderstandably,Traralgon players were shaken up by what took place, nottomentionthe effectitmust have had on theircoach and theplayer'sdad,Troy Hamilton.

The Maroons appeared to get on with the job after the delay, and went into the first break ahead by four points.

Sale made more of the running in the second, kicking three goals, one of which featured aspinningmovefromBohdi Walker handing it off to playing-coach Jack Johnstone, who finished truly.

Adding to the subplots fromthe day, Johnstone kicked seven goalsand didnot feature in the best. Such an effort generally slots akey forward in the top six, let alone a midfielder such as Johnstone.

That he ended up kicking more than half the Magpies goals perhaps only highlighted the teameffort from those wearing the black and white. Or maybe it was just coaching modesty.

Someone who did feature in the best was Will Leslie, who benefited from ahorrendous

and equally uncharacteristic turnover by foot fromTraralgon captain TyeHouriganinthe second quarter. Leslie pounced on the loose ball and sent adribbling kick toward goal, gettinghimself on the scoresheet.

Sale took a10-point lead intothe main break, and with their minds perhaps not as distractedasthose in theTraralgon camp, virtuallyput the game to rest in the third.

The Magpies added five goalstotwo, getting the margin out to 31 points with one quarter to play.

Both teams then shared three goals in the last, making the final margin virtually the same as it was half-an-hour earlier.

Jack Leslie played another great game for the winners, as did Jonty McGuinness who just continues to impress.

McGuinness has come of age this season, already named in the best twice as many times as he did last season (four games).

On current form, he should feature prominently when votes are tallied at the end of the year, which (in the greatest respect) would have been very long odds in March.

Derek Eggmolesse-Smith again showed his class, and is proving why he was touted as the biggestrecruit of the offseason.Mitch Dowse, back this year after some time away, also played well, as did the ever-reliable Shannen Lange.

For Traralgon, the plaudits wenttoChance Doultree, Dylan Loprese, Hourigan, Mitch Membrey, Max Jacobsen and Conor Little in his 100th senior game.

NRogers BFlynn HPiner CStone JMcLeod CFleming. Moe: LRock AWilson JChessells DBlackshawSSpiteri BWilson

SPendergast RPhelan CHenry. Wonthaggi: RLindsayABusana WLuke CBrown CGilmour BCornelis

(17) GOALS: Traralgon: JTwite3 AJaensch 2BHutton LMcDonald FWatts CRuyters J Macumber Sale: BJones 2. BEST:Traralgon: LMcDonald GWood JTwiteLHahnP Akram N Addison. Sale: ZRussell BJones JDessent TGlenn LTodd CHudson

GOALS: Leongatha: FMateria 2JStewartN NagelLMarshman NFixterJLamers NClark THallJHayesR Kelly BEST: Leongatha: BGrabham AndrewsRKelly JLamers NFixterA TrottoT Sauvarin. Morwell: SGissaraDMakepeaceJ Leak LPatterson EPorigneaux JCarnes

CMann OClarke L Bleyswyk MHamiltonJ Fraser OEmmett. Warragul: VKuol JHughes MLynn JCasson JOrlicki SKelly

Morwellupset highlights round

Liam Durkin

BOYD Bailey might have Coach of the Year wrapped up after that.

The Morwell playing-coach did what not many have done in the last 10 years -defeat Leongatha.

What’s more, the Tigersdefeated the previously undefeated Parrots at their own run-and-spread game.

Morwell celebrated abig day for the club, raising money for the Breast Cancer Network, winning 13.10 (88) to 11.9 (75).

Trading the traditional yellowsashfor pink, the Tigers made the most of what Bailey described as a“threetofour” goal breeze heading toward the Princes Highway at Morwell RecreationReserve, gettingfour majors on the board in the first term.

Leongatha squared things up at halftime, but thenfailed to scoreinthe third, as Morwell repeated their first quarter effort.

With conditions in mind, the Tigers didn’t have the option of conserving their 28 point leadcome the finalchangeofends,and manufacturedtwo critical, and ultimately, match-defining goals in the last.

weekend, with anumberof‘one percenters’ highlighting their day.

JacksonBurrdid asound job stifling the influence of Leongatha playmakerCade Maskell across halfback, and was named in the best as aresult.

Brandon Mcaullife was everywhere and a clear best-on for Morwell, while Bailey helped himself to three goals, one of four Tigers to return the same number.

Ginnane attracted votes for Leongatha, alongwith Tom Marriott and Mitch Bentvelzen.

The Parrots were admittedly without Kim Drew, Noah Gown, Jack Hume, Aaron Hilberg, Luke Bowman and CamOlden, but that should not detract from the Tigers’ deserved victory.

As they say, you can only beat what’s out there.

Morwell has now won their last three games and are four points clear inside the top five.

WHEN Moe are good, they are Jimmy Anderson bowling under grey skies good.

Like the soon-to-be-retired GOAT of England bowlers, the Lions proved to be unplayable against Drouin.

The Baldi twins, Riley and Trent, were among the top three players for Moe, as was Scott van Dyk, who slotted two goals as the Lions won by morethan 100 points,18.13 (121) to 2.8 (20).

Kye Quirk, Will Papley and Shay Harvey battled hard for Drouin.

WARRAGUL bookended the first block of sixgames with awin.

The Guls regained some credibility, defeating Bairnsdale 9.11 (65) to 7.13 (55)athome.

Having not won agame since Round 1, the victory meantWarragul went into thebreak with some confidence behind them.

TakingonaRedlegs outfitwho had shown good signs in recent weeks, the Guls found three goals in the second term at Western Park to take ahandy 15 point lead into the sheds.

The visitors respondedwith plenty of shots on goal in the third, but were let down by a returnof2.6 (18),which ultimately proved disastrous.

Warragulonly led by seven points at three quartertime, but did enough to hold on as both teams kicked three goals in the last stanza.

SGrummisch 4KBoi 3CMcintosh 3MCahill 2C MacLean. Bairnsdale: O Emmett RCullinan BEST:Warragul: CMcintosh OMurphyK Boi APhillipsF Sheehan DPaul. Bairnsdale: JBills MNeate RCullinan MHamilton SO’Kelly CReed

LEONGATHA 7.5 10.8 15.11 20.14 (134)

MORWELL 0.0 0.1 1.2 4.2 (26)

GOALS: Leongatha: MCroatto 7T Gannon 2BFort2 ZLamers EPitts BAbernethy AWilliams HBowlerJ Callahan KBerrymanN Skewes JFixter. Morwell: HMcKay 2SOling DTaylor BEST: Leongatha: MCroatto AWilliams ZLamers JCallahan IBolge OMahoney Morwell: A Janssen TKirk OKalan TDicoratoH McKayM VanVliet

TRARALGON 3.1 8.4 9.10 12.15 (87)

SALE1.0 1.1 1.3 4.4 (28)

GOALS:Traralgon: CBooth 3BBurrows 2AHarle 2BHagleyRRutter GRuach ERoscoe A Blackford. Sale: WMoon 2JCutlerJCantwell BEST:Traralgon: CBooth ERoscoe RRutter HPirie Avan der Velden RPeavey. Sale: CNew TMiller TRonchi CShawJ Annear BGrubb LADDER

PARROTS OFF THEIR PERCH

SUCCESSFUL OPPOSITION

COACHES AGAINSTLEONGATHA

Leongatha has lost just 24 games in the last 10 years

Thesecoaches belong to that exclusive group:

Wayne Butcher (Maffra) - eight times

Mark Collison (Traralgon) - four times

Jarryd Blair (Wonthaggi) - three times

Declan Keilty (Moe) - twice

Once Shane Fyfe (Sale)

Travis Ronaldson (Sale)

Rob Railton (Wonthaggi)

Stuart Gilmour (Wonthaggi)

Ben Hughes (Warragul)

Lachlan Sim (Moe) Boyd Bailey(Morwell) Premiership coaches vs Leongatha Wayne Butcher 2016,2019

Mark Collison 2015

Bailey stepped up and showed presence of mind to soccer one in from 20 metres out, giving his side some breathing space.

The Parrots camehard, mainly through the efforts of Jack Ginnane who kicked five straight, but the siren eventually sounded, signalling afamous Morwell win -possibly their best since 2019 against eventual premier Maffra.

The Tigersrose to the occasion at the

Much like Anderson favourable conditions as well, there was abreeze at play at Ted Summerton Reserve.

For the second week in arow, the wind blewinthe direction of the Can Bar,although this time however, any such advantage was taken out of the equation given the quarterby-quarter scores Moe put up.

Kicking to the ValeStreet end to start, the home side slammed on 7.3 (45) to 0.2 (2).

Tom Cole kicked three goals for the winners and was amongthe best. He receivedgood support from Lane Ward,Tom Hobbs, Mitch Smart, Jack Lewsey and Brad Hefford. Lachlan Byrne-Jones was industrious for Bairnsdale, as was Lachlan Cloak, Randall Stewart, Matt Corbett and Will Mitchell.

That the Redlegs only named five players in the best perhaps summed up feelings from the coaching and support staff.

Maiden Maffrawin is not far away

Liam Durkin

SO close, yet so far.

Such acliché was apt for Maffra, who missed registering their first win of the season,losing to Wonthaggi by just five points (so close), on the Power’s home deck (geographically so far).

For the second week in arow, the Eagles came home like afreight train, kicking two goals in red time during the last term.

The second of thosetwo however came right on the final siren, only serving to cut the final margin from 11 points to five, as the scoreboard read 8.12 (60) to 8.7 (55).

Wonthaggi, who have looked very underwhelming coming off aGrand Final last season,narrowly avoided acertain crisis meeting to go into the break with two wins from their last three games.

The Power had six scoring shots to one in the first quarter, but then watched on as Maffra made the most of their turn kicking

with the advantage toward the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve entrance.

The Eagles slammed on 4.4 (28) to 1.2 (8) in the second, taking a10point lead into the sheds.

Sensingagenuinechance of victory, the Eagles held sway in the third, swapping the script with Wonthaggi for aquarter, who managed the same number of goals as their opponents had kicking to the scoring end.

With just 13 points the difference at three quarter time, the visitorsfailed to find the early inroads they were after.

Maffradid not kickagoal until the 25 minute mark of the final term, and even then it came from afree kick to Jack McQuillen.

McQuillen ended the game with two majors, as did Brodie Tohara.

Tohara’ssecond came right on the final siren, and amid some controversy as Wonthaggi players protested his long-range effort was touched on the line.

It mattered littlehowever, as the siren sounded justasthe umpiresignalledall clear.

Maffra playersappeared dejected in the immediate aftermath, having lost asecond consecutive game by less than 10 points. Such results however have put the competition on notice that the Eagles certainly won’tbeawalkover this season, despite still searchingfor theirfirst win.

Jett Killoran was best on and continues to impress for the Eagles. Jonathan Boyd, Zac Felsbourg, Alex Carr, Henry Anderson and key forward Caleb Calwyn, in his first game for Maffra since crossing over from Boisdale-Briagolong, all rated amention.

The differenceinafive-point result was arguably summed up in who featured in the best for Wonthaggi: Toma Huther, Aiden Lindsay, Shannon Bray, JackBlair, Isaac Chugg and Jye Gilmour.

The first four names being all very senior Power players with finals experience, along with Chugg, who was playing AFL only two years ago, compared to Maffra's best, mostly made up of kids, with the exception of Carr and Calwyn.

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 6

AGRADE: Warragul 55 def Bairnsdale 45, Leongatha 50 def Morwell 49, Moe 54 def Drouin 45, Wonthaggi 58 def Maffra 35, Traralgon 51 def Sale 40.

BGRADE: Warragul 72 def Bairnsdale 47,Leongathta 58 def Morwell 31,Drouin 59 def Moe 50, Wonthaggi 72 defMaffra, Traralgon 57 def Sale 39.

CGRADE: Bairnsdale42def Warragul 37,Morwell 34 def Leongatha 27,Drouin 32 def Moe 27,Maffra 31 def

Wonthaggi 27,Traralgon 30 def Sale 22.

17 ANDUNDER: Leongatha 47 def Morwell 13,Drouin 53 def Moe 22, Wonthaggi 39 def Maffra 29, Traralgon 51 def Sale 27,Bairnsdale 58 def Warragul 18

15 ANDUNDER: Morwell 34 def Leongatha 24, Moe

48 def Drouin 26, Wonthaggi 34 def Maffra 24, Sale 32 def Traralgon 23, Bairnsdale 59 def Warragul 15 13 AND UNDER: Leongatha56def Mowell 6, Moe

38 def Drouin 24, Maffra 60 def Wonthaggi 10,Sale 28 drew Traralgon 28, Bairnsdale 50 def Warragul 3.

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 5

AGRADE: Yallourn Yallourn North 39 def Glengarry38, Traralgon TyersUnited74def Yarram 24, Rosedale 44 def Cowwarr36, Heyfield 60 def Gormandale21, Sale City,Woodside and Churchill bye.

BGRADE: YYN 46 def Glengarry 26, Yarram 49 def TTU45, Rosedale 54 def Cowwarr,Heyfield 51 def

Gormandale 42, Sale City,Woodside and Churchill bye.

CGRADE: YYN 38 def Glengarry 35, TTU42def Yarram 29, Rosedale 41 defCowarr 21,Heyfield 30 def Gormandale 28, Sale City,Woodside and Churchill bye.

DGRADE: YYN 41 def Glengarry 24, TTU54def Yarram 16,Rosedale 34 def Cowwarr 30, Gormandale 32 def Heyfield 28, Sale City,Woodside and Churchill bye. 17

ANDUNDER: Glengarry 27 def YYN 20, TTU63 def Yarram 6, Rosedale 74 def Cowwarr3,Heyfield 22 def def Gormandale 12,Sale City,Woodside and Churchill bye.

15

ANDUNDER: Glengarry 30 def YYN 18,TTU 73 def Yarram 4, Rosedale45def Cowwarr 8, Heyfield 54 def Gormandale13, Sale City,Woodside and Churchill bye.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 5

TomHayes

STRATFORD produced aperformance for the ages to knockoverlastyear's premier, Wy Yung in East Gippsland football at the weekend.

The two sides fought tooth and nailfor four quarters, with barely anything separating the two at the end of each quarter.

The Swans handed Wy Yung their first loss of the 2024season,downing the Tigers by two points, 9.11 (65) to 9.9 (63).

Nothing could standbetween the two sides at Stratford RecreationReserve at quarter time, both scoring 3.3 (21) apiece.

The Swans held the upperhand heading into

halftime, despite having less chances in front of goal.

Wy Yung scored 2.3 (15) to Stratford's 3.1 (19) in thesecond term, gifting the home side afour-point advantage at the main break.

Theremust have been ascoring end at Stratford RecreationReserve on Saturday afternoon, as Wy Yungspurred themselvesback intothe game in the third.

Another three goalswere slotted for the reigning premier, to Stratford's one, which saw the lead trade hands again, this time to Wy Yung, who led by astraightkick at the final change.

Amassive final quarter was played, and Stratford was up to the task.

JFleming TBrown JFarquhar JHaslam. BEST: Orbost Snowy Rovers: JHerbertM Welsh GRogers SNippress L Osborn THerbert. Paynesville: MWillmottS Latta CMein JHaslam OPikeJ Morgan

RHall BJohnson BCuttriss CWebb JRonalds DBrown Wy Yung: KMcNamara RPeters

JKellowCFroud SGrinter AHudson

LUCKNOW5.2 7.5 10.6 14.11 (95)

LINDENOW 0.3 1.5 3.6 3.8 (26)

GOALS:Lucknow: SRyan4JKennedy 3A Southen 3MBommer KCollins KMcNaughtonJSanford. Lindenow: JWalker 2T Duignan. BEST:Lucknow: TCoxhill JKennedy JSanford APapp ASouthenS Ryan. Lindenow: LRoberts BRitchie JHay ZStewart BEgan TDuignan

BGRADE: Wy Yung 41 defStratford 29, Orbost Snowy Rovers51def Paynesville 12,Lucknow vLindenow (no scoresupplied), Boisdale-Briagolong and Lakes Entrance bye.

CGRADE: Wy Yung 36 def Stratford28, Orbost Snowy Rovers43def Paynesville 11,Lucknow 8drewLindenow 8, Boisdale-Briagolong and Lakes Entrance bye.

DGRADE: Wy Yung 49 def Stratford20, Orbost Snowy Rovers26def Paynesville 18,Lucknow 29 def Lindenow 15,Boisdale-Briagolong and Lakes Entrance bye. 17 AND UNDER: Wy Yung 43 defStratford20, Orbost SnowyRovers61def Paynesville16, Lucknowv Lindenow (no scoresupplied), Boisdale-Briagolong and Lakes Entrance bye. 15 ANDUNDER: Stratford31def Wy Yung 18, Paynesville 42 def Orbost SnowyRovers30, Lindenow 46 def Lucknow 29, Boisdale-Briagolong and Lakes Entrance bye.

AGRADE: Wy Yung 48 def Stratford36, Orbost Snowy Rovers 71 def Paynesville 17,Lucknow vLindenow (no scoresupplied), Boisdale-Briagolong and Lakes Entrance bye.

Swans home in two-point thriller over Tigers

They kept the Tigers to just two scores in the quarter, their lowest amount of opportunities all game. And they did it when it mattered most.

Wy Yung registered 1.1 (7), but it wasn't enough to keep Stratfordatbay,asthe home side managed to kick two through the big sticks to see them over the line.

Lachlan Channing was named in the best for the winning hosts, alongside Floyd Fulton, Brodey Reid, Jack Bacon, Will Webb (five goals) and Alex Morcom.

While for Wy Yung, Tom Betts, Bayden Ashwood, NathanDennison, JakeAnderson (four goals), Luke Elia and Bradley Daniel were valiant in defeat.

Stratfordmovedinto the top four with awin-loss

2HKenny 2T GriebenowJ DerbyshirePDerbyshire.

record of 3-1, while stunting Wy Yung to a3-1 record also.

TheSwans host theundefeatedLucknow next week in Round 6. LUCKNOW finished strong against Lindenow. The Magpies were given ascare by the bottomof-the-ladder Cats at home, winning 7.10 (52) to 4.1(35).

Neither team could register agoal in the first quarter, yet Lindenowled 0.5(5) to 0.1 (1)at quarter time. Both sides had better luck in front of goal in the second term, and Lucknow hit the frontbytwo points at the half.

Lindenow weren't goingaway, sticking within agoal following the action of the third quarter. But the undefeated Lucknow provedwhy they were unbeaten, kicking three goals to one in the final term to run away with a17-point win. If Lindenow had have taken theirchances,they could have produced one of the upsets of the season.

ORBOST Snowy Rovers were 100-point winners over Paynesville, winning 21.18 (144) to 6.8 (44) at Lochiel Street Reserve.

The Rovershad 12 separate goal scorers, half of which scored multiple. Gus Rogers led the way with four majors. BOISDALE Briagolong and Lakes Entrance had the bye.

Fearless Fe

Yarram showed it will be among the top few teams in the competition this season, despite going down to wn reigning premier TTUatthe weekend. The Demons wereright in the er Round 5match, which sawtheir own 5mat heir Swift,Josh (pictured), kick two goals. osh(pictur

NORTH GIPPSLAND REVIEW -PAGE31 E3

Close margins decide local netball winners

ErikaAllen

WONTHAGGI was too strong for Maffra in Round 6ofGippsland League netball.

The Power defeated the Eagles 58 to 34. Maffra had to drive towards the coast and were on the back foot early, as by the first change of ends, the home side led 19-7.

Chloe Felsbourg and Sienna Wynd almost spilt the Eagles’ goalsbetween them, but Wonthaggi were too powerful in the end, with Ellie Bates, Chelsea Bowman and Alana McRae steering their side to victory.

Wynd, Matilda Pendergastand Maddy Dalton were named best for the Eagles.

Traralgon travelled to Sale and quickly shot out to aseven-point lead in the first quarter. Sale stayed on the Maroons'tailasthe match wore on, and the home side matched Traralgon for scores in the third quarter.

Kate Van der Voort was accurate under the post for the Magpies, scoring 32 goals out of their total of 40 for the day. However, at the other end, the Maroons goal scoring guns led by Grace Van Tilburg

saw Traralgon keep their noses in front until the end, winning 51-40. In other games, Warragul got the best of Bairnsdale by 10 goals, 55-45 at home.

Meanwhile, aclose game between Leongatha and Morwell saw the Tigers claw their way closer and closer to their visiting opponents with every quarter. Despite the Tigers best efforts and stand out performances from ChloeRadford, Hayley Stringer andSeishaBoyd-Thomas,they found themselves valiant losers, 50-49.

Moe was the better side in their clash against visiting Drouin, claiming a54-45 win.

ONLY onegoalseparated Yallourn Yallourn North andGlengarryinthe North Gippsland league’s most tense match of the weekend.

Finding themselvesfourplacesabove YYN on the ladderheading into Round5,Glengarry looked the betterofthe two sides this year. However,YYN got theirseasonbackontrack with the 39-38 triumph.

The win will give the Jets someconfidence as they head into aRound 6home game againstChurchill.

Traralgon Tyers United was not challenged by Yarram, handing the Demonettes aconvincing 50-goal loss, 74-24.

Meanwhile, Rosedale held off Cowwarr 44-36. Heyfield did it easy over Gormandale, winning 60-21. MillieRiseley led the way for the Kangaroos in abest-on-court display.

Sale City, Woodside and Churchill rested with abye

ROUND 5 of East Gippsland netball presented arematch of last year’s AGrade Grand Final as StratfordRecreation Reserve became the stage on whichWyYung turned the tables on the Swans.

TheTigersclawedtheir waytovictory against thepremiership defenders, 48-36.

At the first change, the scoreboard read the visitors were up by five.

Sarah Bishop was aforceinthe midcourtfor the Swans. She was the wind under their wings as she deftlyfed the ball downthe court.But with two quartersdisruptedbyinjury, the Swans lost one of their best shooters, Skyla White to an ankle injury. Playing coach Ash Higgins stepped in as the third quarter resumed, but despite the veteran'saccuracy on goal, Wy Yung's pressure never wavered.

Another disruptiontoplay came as Stratford midcourter Holly Webb also suffered an ankle injury. Unlike White, who resumed playwith

heavingtaping on her ankle in the fourthterm, Webb was sidelined for the remainder of the game. It’s no wonder Swans defenders Nellie Hunt and Ava Buckland were among Stratford’s best players, workingwelltogether under the post to thwart as many Wy Yung scoring opportunitiesasthey could, forcing turnovers that keptthe final margin arespectable 12-goal loss.

Stratford sits fifth just behind Wy Yung,and both teams have alot of work to do to get their seasons back on track.

Elsewhere,Paynesville are in pain-villeafter sufferinganother punishing54goal loss, thistime, at the hands of the Orbost Snowy Rovers 71-17. The win did wonders for the Blues' percentage, movingthem to clear second place behindLucknow on the ladder. However, for Paynesville who were forcedtotakethe trip to Orbost, the furthest postcode in the East Gippsland league, their first win of the season went begging.

Boisdale-Briagolong and Lakes Entrance had the bye.

NETBALL SCOREBOARD -PAGE 35

Photo: Tom Hayes