Gippsland Times Tuesday 10 October 2023

Times

MAFFRA SPECTATOR

SALE UNDER WATER

JUST days after out-of-control fires ripped through bushland, threatening homes and lives, flood waters inundated the region

Tinamba, Tinamba West, Newry, Mewburn Park, Bellbird Corner, Riverslea and Maffra residents were issued an emergency evacuation warning on Wednesday afternoon after 24-hour rainfalls of up to 100 millimetres were recorded across Wellington Shire

In the 24 hours to 1am on Thursday, more than 80mm of rain had fallen, with emergency warnings advising people to move to higher ground issued at about 4pm for residents in the vicinity of the Macalister River downstream to Lake Glenmaggie and the Port of Sale

The SES door-knocked 120 properties near the Port of Sale on Thursday to warn of flooding impacts, with the local emergency and rescue service receiving more than 100 calls

for help from communities in the 24 hours leading up to Friday

Emergency warnings were upgraded late Thursday night, advising residents to evacuate immediately, with the Thomson River expected to exceed the moderate flood level of three metres early Friday morning and possibly the major flood level of four metres at about noon

Sale, Tinamba, Tinamba West, Maffra and Newry emergency warnings were all downgraded by noon on Friday to either a watch and act or advice message with the State Emergency Service saying the Thomson River peaked at 3 66 metres at about 2pm, lower than the predicted major flood level

The Macalister River peaked at the major flood level of 6 96 metres early Thursday morning, dropping to 2 65 metres downstream of Lake Glenmaggie on Friday evening Emergency services cautioned evacuated residents on Friday night that returning

home was unsafe despite emergency warning downgrades

Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes and Emergency Management Victoria Commissioner Rick Nugent hosted a press conference at the State Control Centre on Friday morning to provide an update on the floods impacting the region

“At the outset, very pleased to report that there have not been any injuries and people have been on the whole following the advice from officials,” Ms Symes said “Earlier this morning, a water rescue was successfully completed by VIC SES and VIC Police Specialist Landbased Swift Rescue crews for two people who were trapped on the roof of their vehicle in flood waters in Bairnsdale ”

Ms Symes urged the public not to drive through flood waters

“We see time and time again, in basically every flood since I’ve been Emergency Services Minister, of people taking that risk,” she said

“It is very dangerous for yourself, and it also puts at risk the lives of those who are called to rescue you, so please avoid flood waters at all costs ”

Mr Nugent said rainfall for the floods had been significant, with between 200 to 350mml recorded in parts across the state

At 11 53am on Sunday, a Moderate Flood Warning was issued for Thomson River downstream of Wandocka and remained in place at the time of going to press (Monday morning)

The Vic Emergency warning stated that moderate flooding continues to ease at Sale Wharf

Elsewhere, clean-up continues for those affected by recent bushfires Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien visited locals in Loch Sport last Friday

Completing the trifecta, a 3 1 magnitude earthquake was recorded 35km east of Bairnsdale just after midnight on Saturday

Continued Page 11

Zoe Askew

Gippy FDP early season

THE start date for this year's Victorian fire season wasset by fire authorities two weeks ago, with the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2023/24 fireseason starting on Monday,October 9, for Wellington and East Gippsland Shire Councils.

The predicted El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect ahotter and drier summer than recent years, with CFA urging communities to prepare their properties and create aBushfire Survival Plan.

CFA will introduce further FDPs for Victorian municipalitiesinthe coming months based on assessments of the amount of rain, the grassland curing rate and local conditions.

CFA's Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan, said the FDP declaration was earlier this year, indicating what people can expect for the summer ahead.

"While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility, and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks," Mr Heffernan said.

"We are asking anyone burning off in the next two weeks before the officialFDP begins to be very careful.

"Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app."

The CFA's Deputy Chief Officer South East, Trevor Owen, said fire authorities were exceedingly conscious of the increasingdry conditions in Wellington and East Gippsland Shires owing to reduced rainfall during winter and spring.

"With increased day and night temperatures and lower rainfallthan average forecastover the comingmonths, thetiming for the early introduction of the Fire Danger Period is necessary," he said. No burning offispermitted during the FDP without apermit to burn.

Applications for apermit to burn can be made via the FirePermits Victoria website, www. firepermits.vic.gov.au.

While you can also apply for apermit by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511, registering your burn-off

online allows emergency call takers to allocate more time to take calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.

Fire Danger Period information:

 Awritten permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP.

You can apply for apermit at firepermits.vic. gov.au.

 Lighting fires in the open without apermit can bring apenalty of more than $21,800 and/ or 12 months imprisonment. For afulllist of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.

 Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms.

 More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.

 To find out what you can and can't do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Voting stations for beforeand during referendum

Beforereferendum day:

 250 York Street, Sale

 66-110 McNairnRoad, Traralgon (Tgon Racecourse)

 34 Princes Drive, Morwell (Across road from Maccas) On referendum day:

 82 Macalister Street, Sale (Sale Memorial Hall)

 333 Princes Highway Sale (Sale and District Specialist School)

 81/99 Patten Street, Sale (Araluen PrimarySchool)

 11-15 Foster Street, Maffra (MaffraMemorial Hall)

 42-44 Main Street, Boisdale (Boisdale Public Hall)

 17 Hobson Street, Stratford (StratfordMechanics Halls)

 9-11AvonStreet, Briagolong (Briagolong Mechanics Institute)

 2-8 CansickStreet, Rosedale (Rosedale Neighbourhood House)

 5-11ChurchStreet, Cowwarr (Cowwarr PrimarySchool)

 42 MacFarlane Street, Heyfield (War Memorial Hall)

 2-6 BuckleyStreet, Yarram (St Mary’sPrimarySchool)

 41 Prince Street, Woodside (Woodside PrimarySchool)

 34 Princes Drive, Morwell (Across road from Maccas)

 44-62 Bridle Road, Morwell

 Church Rd, Hazelwood North (Hazelwood North CommunityHall)

 Reserve Street, YallournNorth (Monash Hall)

 36 KosciuszkoStreet, Traralgon (KosciuszkoStreet PrimarySchool)

 1-15 Coleman Parade Churchill (Churchill PrimarySchool)

 NorthwaysRoad, Churchill (Federation UniversityAuditorium)

 154-184Grey Street, Traralgon

 5-23 Mount Hope Road, Tyers (Tyers PrimarySchool)

 30-44 Grey Street, Traralgon (Grey Street PrimarySchool)

 146LiddiardRoad, Traralgon (Latrobe Special School).

Safety in flood and fire emergencies

WITH large areas of the state facing floods andanadditionalthreat in eastern parts of Gippsland fromnow-extinguished bushfires, EPA Victoria has advice for communities preparing for another emergency event.

"(Last) Tuesday morning, we were giving advice to the Gippsland community about managingsmoke and your health," EPA's chief environmental scientist, Professor Mark Taylor, said.

"Now, almost immediately, we're remindingpeoplefromthose areasand now other parts of the state that all flood waters are contaminated. Avoid contact not just because of the dangers of debris but also of disease.

"Our work on testing flood waters during lastyear's event showedthere were elevated risks from microbial contaminants such as E. Coli, sourcedfromdomestic and native animal faeces.

"There's no reason that these waters will be differentwith the added issue of large amountsofburn materials washeddown from the bushfires."

 14 Main Street, Yinnar (Yinnar and District Memorial Hall)

 13-19Keith MorganDr, TraralgonSouth (Tgon South PrimarySchool)

 41-45 Cairnbrook Road, Glengarry (Glen PrimarySchool)

 Christian Street, Boolarra (BoolarraMemorial Hall)

 45 Main Road, Gormandale (Gormandale Mechanics Institute)

 15-25 Victoria Street, Toongabbie (Toongabbie Primary School)

Professor Taylorsaidcommunities would face manychallenges,includinghow to dispose of damaged property from fireor floods.

"It's important to dispose of flood or fire waste appropriately, and we have advice on our website that can help," he said.

"Mostimportantly, act to stay safe and use the www.emergency.vic.gov.au service to keepuptodateonhow floodsare progressing."

For information on flood waste management or how to manage bushfire waste, go to epa.vic.gov.au

When floodwaters have receded, people concerned they may have soil contamination issues in their homes can take advantage of the EPA's Gardensafe program.

For information, go to the EPA website.

34-year-old radar decommissioned

End of an era for 'Golf Ball' Radome

INSTALLED in 1989 by Selenia (Italy) and Ansett Technologies (Australia), the Alenia Radar, affectionately known to locals as the ‘Golf Ball’ was decommissioned on June 26,2023.The radar provided coverage out to 200 nautical miles, and was used by Air Force Air Traffic Controllers located at RAAF Base East Sale, and Air Services Australia Air Traffic Controllers located at Tullamarine Airport, as part of the National Radar network for military and civilianaviation.

The radar, located on Murtnaugh Rd in Dutson was 15 metres in diameter and stood on an 18-metre high tower. Over its 34-year life

What's on at Dutson Range

span it was maintained by both Air Force and APS technicians from Number 453 Squadron,East Sale Flight.Current and formertechnicians, includingLindsay Dunt and David Rautman (pictured below), were there to shut down the radar as part of the decommissioning.

The initial plan to lift and remove the radar as one piece quickly developedinto anew plan as the radarwas methodicallybrokendown into manageable pieces over the course of several days in July, to be transported off-site. The ‘Golf Ball’ has been replaced by aFixed Defence Air Traffic Control Surveillance System.

DUTSON Training Area will be active (or has been active) during the periods listed below for Field Training Exercises. Some of these activities may involve demolition practices and, as such, explosions may be heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day. Public recreational usage of Lake Wellington will not be affected by these exercises. During the week of October 16-20, RAAF Explosive OrdnanceDisposal personnelwillbeconducting adisposal of Defence Materiel. Several large explosions may be heard during this time.

 Oct 3-SurvivalPyrotechnic Training;

 Oct 5-Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training;

 Oct 6-8 -Military Skills Training including blank ammunition firing and pyrotechnics;

 Oct 12-14 -Military Skills Training;

 Oct 16-20 -Defence Materiel Logistic Disposal, and;

 Oct 27-Nov 9- Initial Officer Training including blank ammunition firing and pyrotechnics WhilstRAAF personnel strive to informthe public of all activities conducted at Dutson Training Area, explosions may be heard outside of the dates listed above if dictated by operational requirements.

Warningtohunters

IN the interest of public safety, notification is hereby given that access to DUTSON TRAINING AREA is PROHIBITED.

DUTSON TRAINING AREA is still an active weapons range, and presents asignificant hazard to all persons within the range boundaries. The hazard not only exists during range activation for weapons exercises, but also during times of inactivity. This is due to the very highlevels of Unexploded Explosive Ordnance on this range, some dating back to World War 2, much of which is in an unstable condition. Unmarked siltedinbombcraters present another significant hazard.

You are reminded that it is an offence, under Section 89 and 89A of the Commonwealth Crimes Act to trespass on Defence land, and to dischargefirearms on or over Commonwealth land. The DUTSON RANGEBOUNDARIES are depicted below. For further information contact Sergeant Nick Young on 0429 402 049.

If youare interested in learning more about the roleofRAAF Base East Sale, flying operations and flying areas, you can visit defence. gov.au/aircraftnoise/EastSale

This includes alinkthe RAAF East Sale Noise Management Plan. The Defence approachtonoisemitigation andAir Force fly neighbourly policycan alsobefound throughthe ‘Understanding Noise’ site.

General information

ANY enquiries relating to activities at RAAFBase, East Sale, should be directedtothe Air Base CommandPost on 5169 9892, or via email to esl.abcp@defence.gov.au

OldRadar (Golf Ball).

Photos: Contributed

Golf Ball replaced by new air traffic surveillancesystem

Dutson Training Area Range Boundaries.

Sale’s woolliest Alpaca Show

SALE Alpaca Show has attracted more than 50 alpaca entries.

This year's show will be judged by NSW judge, Ariana McCauley, and gets underway at 9am on Sunday, October 15 in the Horse Stable shed at the Sale Showgrounds.

There will be both Suri and Huacaya alpacas in colours ranging from white through to black. Fleeces will also be judged and on display.

There will be fleeces for sale and also alpaca knitting wool that is processed in aminimillnear Melbourne, and dyed in afabulous range of colours. This is agreat chance foranyone interested in either using the fleece or having some alpacas, to touch base with numbers of breeders.

For more information, phone Jen on: 0412383 655.

GippyWater annual survey

GIPPSLAND Water customers and those from seven regional water corporations will soon have the chance to provide feedback as part of an Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey.

To continually enhance the water and sewerage services provided to the community, some customers will receive an email and be asked to complete ashort survey to share their thoughts on their water and sewerage services.

Gippsland Water managing directorSarah Cumming said customers across all participating service areas are encouraged to be as honest as possible.

"The survey will help us to identify whether we are meeting customer expectations for water and sewerage services," Ms Cumming said.

"The survey is one of the most important ways we learn from our customersand improve our services.

"Whether or not you receiveanemail, you can participate by visiting our website and taking the

survey to ensure your voice is heard."

Organisations aim to gather feedback from overtwo thousand customers acrossthe seven water corporations, including Westernport, South Gippsland,EastGippsland, Central Highlands, Goulburn Valley and Coliban Water.

To encourage participation, each corporation is offering customers the chance to win one of ten $100 bill credits for those who complete the survey before 6pm Tuesday, October 31. Winners will be announcedafter the surveycloses in early November 2023.

For customerseager to provide feedback and potentially win a$100billcredit, thesurvey will be accessible on Gippsland Water'swebsite for four weeks from October 9, 2023.

Personal information collected will be used solely for the purposesofthe competition.Personal information will not be linked to feedback.

Going full steam ahead

BenMcArthur

TWO heritage steam trains arrived at Sale Station on Friday, taking passengers from Melbourne to Sale.

The trips were organised by volunteers from Steamrail Victoria as part of its Gippsland tour.

Passengers had the opportunity to ride either the A2986 or R761.

The train waited at Sale Station overnight to prepare for the Sale Steam Shuttles on Saturday morning, which departedSaleStation then passed through Stratford before heading back to Sale. Each trip lasted about an hour.

Steamrail Victoria Operations Manager Lionel Kamilleri said he was proud Steamrail Victoria can get people interested in history.

“I remember what it was like when Iwas young, having an interest in trains and the history behind them,” he said.

“It’s about passing that knowledge on to others and making sure that we can keep doing this for many years.”

Mr Kamilleri also said therewere many reasons why people enjoyed these events.

“It’s about being able to hop on an old steam train. It’s the whistle. It’s the sound and the smell, and it’s all that sort of stuff, which you don’t get with the modern trains,” he added.

Perhaps the most dedicatedfan of Steamrail Victoria is the teenager thathas been following the trains for about six months.

Mr Kamilleri saidthat ever since Steamrail Victoria visited Bendigo, ateenagerhas been following the trains’ journey with atripod and camera.

He follows the trains to anywhere in Victoria, whether it is Dandenong, Newport, Ballarat or Sale.

On the night the trains arrivedinSale, the teenager was spottedtrespassinginthe train yard and near the staff quarters of the train.

He was kicked out by staff who were having a barbecue.

On the weekend, around 2500 people rode the trains, including people fromBairnsdaleand Melbourne.

The Saturday Sale shuttles ran at 9.15am, 10.20am, 12.15pm, 2pm and 4pm. The event was made possible with the assistance

of around 25 volunteers and V-Line employees.

V-Line train driver Jeremy Lavery said operating asteam train was vastly different from amodern train.

“There’s more workinvolved to run asteamtrain. It’s hotter, dirtier, noisier and just harder on the body. You shovel alot of coal,” he said.

“The fireman, he’ll shovel maybe four tonnes of coal today.”

Mr Kamillerisaidthe trainispreserved as much as possible, even mechanically.

“It’spreserved as far as we can as most of the mechanical components are built to be reconditioned over and over again, so it’s all largely original stuff in them,” he said.

“But bearings wear out and so do boiler tubes, but they’re the consumable items.”

Train officerIan Joynerhad the job of getting people onto the trains and looking after carriages

Mr Joyner said he was glad steam trains have developedsuchabroadfanbase even to young people.

“They love it, even with all the technology these days. They still love the old things. They’re very excited,” he said.

New kids on the block

Babyphotos

PHOTOSofnew born babies are welcome to be included in the Gippsland Times.

The following details need to be included when submitting baby pics:

 Baby’s name;

 Date of birth;

 Siblings (if any);

 Hospital born, and;

 Parents’ name and hometown.

If mother’swould like their maiden name in brackets, please indicate.

Please note the Gippsland Times is not in aposition to send aphotographer to Sale Hospital for the purpose of baby photos.

Send your photos to news@gippslandtimes. com.au, with ‘baby photo’ in the subject line.

Axel Henry Pritchett, born 26/09/2023at Sale Hospitaltoproud parents Amanda Sheilds and TomasPritchettofSale

Weight: 2680 grams (5 pounds 14).

Time: 11.59am.

Abrother for Scarlett, Kain and Hayden.

Passengers boardthe A2986inSale.

Photos:Ben McArthur

Steam trains thrilled localsastheypassedthrough over the weekend. An old light design with modern featuresinside thecarriage.

Train driverJeremy Laverycleansthe train. Up to four tonnes of coal is needed to power thetrain

History grants back in action

THE 2023 Victorian Community History Awards are up and running after an uncertain start -and The Nationals are claiming alot of the credit for what they called the government's 'backflip'.

Thestate government didnot fundthe annual community awards and localhistory grants program in the state budget, angering the Royal HistoricalSociety of Victoria,which administers the awards. The society's president, Dr Richard Broome, said he was disappointed with the state budget, but the state government subsequently has reversed its decision.

"We are delighted that the State Government has againfundedthese awards whichwereestablished in 1997 with the first awards being made in 1998. They have run continuously since then except for one year, when their funding was not forthcoming," Dr Broome said.

The Nationals Member for Morwell,Martin Cameron, said the recent announcement was

music to the ears of local historical societies and local history groups, who play asignificant role in preserving and sharing Latrobe Valley history for future generations.

Mr Cameron said asuccessful petition tabled by TheNationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, and supported by fellow Nationals MPs, was a major drivingforce in forcing the state government to backflip on their proposed funding cuts.

"Historical societies are an essential part of our regionalcommunities. The volunteer-led organisations keep detailed archives of their region, maintainingextensive collections of local artefacts and information,” he said.

“The funding allocation was critical to the ongoing growthand digitisationofthe state’s archivesand supported countlesscommunity volunteer historical societies, who contribute thousands of hours for the benefit of their local towns.”

TheVictorian CommunityHistory Awards are

run by Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

Applications are open now for Victorian history projects which came to fruition between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Because of the delay in funding, the awards have beenmoved to the second half of 2023 with atighter-than-usual timeline.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, October 13, 2023.Entries must be complete by this date. The

awards ceremony willbeheldatthe Victorian Arts Centre early next year.

The Local History GrantsProgram hasbeen running for 21 years and supports community organisations with grants of up to $15,000 for projectsthat preserve and share thematerials and memories that make up Victoria’s history. Any queries,contact the RHSV: vcha@historyvictoria.org.auor+61 39326 9288.

Aussie of the year at The Wedge

THE 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, will speak at the GippslandAnnual Leadership Address, on Thursday,October 19 from 6pm at The Wedge Theatre in Sale.

Ms Brumfitt's visit has been organised by the Committee for Gippsland,inpartnership with TAFE Gippsland.

Before becoming Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, the Body Image Movement founder, won multiple awards for her inspiring documentaries: EMBRACE and EMBRACE KIDS.

This event and her messages of acceptance and leadership aimtoprovide arefreshing antidote to negative media messaging about what an ‘ideal body’ should look like.

C4G's chief executive, Tony Cantwell, said the Australian of the Year was agreat example of leadership, providinganexcellent opportunity for Gippslanders to learn from her experience.

“We are thrilled to have Taryn visit Gippsland. Thank you to our sponsor TAFE Gippsland for helping bring Taryn to our region. Taryn’s message of body acceptance has changed lives, and shecontinues to inspire change and start important conversations,”

Mr Cantwell said TAFE Gippsland'schief executive, Laura Macpherson,saidTaryn hadworked hard to educate people around the country and the globe about valuing difference. “Taryn’s

message and work as afierce advocate for embracing body acceptance has reached more than 200 million people around the world,” Ms Macpherson said.

“TAFE Gippsland is committed to supporting current and emerging leaders. We hope this event will assist them to implement some of these lessons in their workplaces and community groups to walk together in creating an inclusive environment where we can recognise and celebrate our diversity”.

People who would like to join the Committee for Gippsland and TAFE Gippsland after the event, for aGippsland Community Leadership Programalumnigathering with canapesand drinks select the GCLP Alumni ticket option via the link below.This is agreat opportunity to network with regional leaders from across Gippsland.

The Gippsland Annual Leadership Addressispart of the GippslandCommunity Leadership Program (GCLP). It is the longest-running program of its kind in regional Australia and is highly regarded for its effectiveness at growing and developing Gippsland leaders. Applications for the 2024 GCLP will open soon.

Tickets to the GippslandAnnual Leadership Address are limited.Book at https://thewedge. com.au/event/embracing-body-positivity-withaustralian-of-the-year/

Member forMorwell, Martin Cameronisdelightedthatthe stategovernment is back funding the 2023 Victorian Community History Awards.

File Photo

Acentury of love and lessons

BenMcArthur

“WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING HERE?” ayoung manager of atour bus company shouted at an elderly womanand her adult daughter at an officeinSydney, back in 2004.

Amidst the steady hum of the office lights and the hushed chatter of employees, the elderly woman who was carrying ared bag and walking stick didn’t recognise the man’s face. In her 80 years of existence she had met alot of people, but not this man.

He continued “Helena Klimas…”

This wasindeed her namebut still shehad no idea who this was.

“I’m very sorry… but Ireally don’t know who you are.”

“Oh.”

“Who are you?”

“You don’t rememberme? When Iwas akid, most days me and my friends would play footy in the street, and whenever we were hungrywe’d just walkinto your house and eat whatever we wanted…”

This used to happen alot in Helena’s house throughout the 1960s and 70s, back when she had growing kids of her own.

She would invite the neighbourhood kids inside for ameal at herhouse because she didn’t want herkids to be at someone else’s.

And on the days where she was at work or not at home for some reason or another, would leave the door unlocked or give the sparekey to atrusted child and encourage them to go to the fridge to eat whatever they could find; butter cakes, pierogis, sandwiches.

Her husband, Frank never seemed to mind.

He never seemed to mind that after ahard day of manual labour would come home to see abunch of random kids sifting through the fridge nor did he care that everyoneinthe neighbourhoodeventually found out that the door was always unlocked and an easy target for robbery.

What made someone okay with this? Helena thinks it is because it was adifferent time where people where more trusting.

But the answer might actually be in the cruel upbringing and circumstances experienced by both Helena and Frank.

Helena turns 100today (October10), and now looks back on her life that got her to Sale.

Helena was not born in Australia but in Kamionka, Poland.Asmall farming village twentysix kilometres north of Lublin.

Back then Helena Klimas was Helena Grajek, she was the secondchild andasisterofsix boys and two girls.

The Grajek’s had been there for generations.

But the beginning of autumn 1939, marked the end of many families living in Poland.

The Germanshad finalised their occupation of Poland, (which would come to be the catalyst for WW2) and would send peopletoworkonindustrial projects in Germany to boost the war effort.

Theyproducedammunition, equipment or medical supplies anything relevant to the war.

For Helena it was the end of life as she knows it. The final time she would see her family, her village or even her country (until she revisited in 1979, but by then her mother had passed.)

German policyatthe time meant that someone in the Grajek’s must be sent to Germany to produce supplies for the war.

In 1934, Helenas father died, which meant the eldest brother, Stefan, needed to stay and help look after the farm (he would later die in around 1944 from untreated Hernia,) and her mother could not abandonher children. The burden fell on Helena.

In 1943 at 20 years of age, Helena along with her cousin and uncle were takentoGermany to work as afarmhand.

For the next two years or so everyday seemed the same, she would clean and prepare the land with ahoe to grow barley, corn, wheat and peas.

It was there she met Frank.

One day an announcement came in 1945that the Allies had taken Germany and that they were free.

Just like that, and unsure of what to do, Helena married Frank in aformer German barracks the place where former prisoners lived and held events. “I don’t know why Imarried him. Iwas just meetingpeople like everyone else…wewereall working together and after the war alot of people just got married… the American gave us parcels which had somechocolate, cigarettesorother things. But the Germans liked the American cigarettes, andthat’s what Iexchanged with them to buy a parachute piece and make adress… Idon’t know where it came from, maybe from an airplane, but

Ireally don’t know. That’s just what they were selling and Ibought it.”

Helena was 23-years-old and Frank was 33.

They married in the church barracks presided by aPolish Army Priest at the same time as four others.

Her ring was made from melted Polish coins (Zloty).

“After the weddings we just walked back to the barracks. There was no celebration, maybe the boys would make some homemade drinks like whiskey from the sugar or something. It was acheap place to get married in… Ijoke that some people today drive to weddings in ahelicopter but get adivorce in only five days.”

The Allied powers unsure of what to do with this huge influx of liberated prisoners, meant that Helena spent the next five years in limbo.

She lived in kitchensand odd rooms of former German army barracks in Gottingen, Hanover, Minden and Osteradda where she gave birth to her eldest children Kris in 1947 and Richard (1950).

Then (the way Helena tells the story)she was taken to an immigration department given alist of countries and asked where she wanted to go. Shecould have chosen Belgium, Canada, France or Brazil.

But for some reason with “blind eyes” she and Frank chose Australia.

At thispoint of time, Helenas knowledge of Australia was restricted to kangaroos and hot weather, but this seemed like it could be an exciting adventure.

So she wastransferred to Italy for two weeks andonMarch 1, 1950 they caught apassenger ship from aNapoli port and landed in New South Wales on aboat called “Skagun.”

In exchange for the transport Helena and Frank stayed in an area close WaggaWagga under contract to the Australian government.

Frank worked at Lambo Crossing constructing roads while Helena stayed in the camp looking after her two kids.

After two years the contract was completed and the family ended up in the West Sale Migrant Camp where the other Polish, Italiansand Greeks lived. The diet consistedofmostly Mutton and Watermelon.

But the camp closed shortlyafter arriving and as awoman of thirty Helena remembers the kindness she experienced from people once she had left the camp.

Everyone in Sale, from the migrants to the Australians treated her very well in employment, in charity and socialising. This is how she learned to appreciate Sale.

One earlyexample of this occurredin1953when areal estate agent named Mr Schultz approached Helena and offered to sell her ahouse.

The house was worth 2000 pounds with a500 pound deposit. Helena was working as achefatthe Star Hotel on five pounds aweek, Frank was not working. Shecouldnot afford this so she saidtoMrSchultz, “If you wait for me, Iwill pay for the deposit and I will pay for the interest, but after Iget some money. After Iwillpay you what Ican”.

“That’s okay. We are Christian and we have to help one another, just pay me when you can,” he replied.

But Helena is no longer ayoung adult anymore. Now she is an elderly 100-year-old woman. And she still lives in that same house seventy years later.

It’s arather modest house and it doesn’tappear to havehad muchworkdone sinceitwas purchased

The fridge, while different is still in the same spot as when kids would go inside and grab food, the wooden table has dust accumulating on the bottom.

Aheater has replaced asmall combustion stove. Agarage and veranda has been built and the wallpaper has been changed to white.

Helena lives on aquiet residential street not far from the Sale town centre and is often visited and taken care of by her daughter Rosy.

When Rosy is busy or for some reason unavailable she sends for her brother or sisters to stay with Helena and look after her wellbeing.

Helena has fivechildren, two boys and three girls.

Elizabeth lives in Melbourne, Rosy in Sale, Kris stays in Pambula Beach and visits everymonth or twoand her son Joeseph lives in Merimbula.

Her other son, Richard, died from aheart attack in 2021.Hewas 70.

She herself hashad some personal experience with death. Or perhapsabetter description is that others worried about her personal experience with her death. She was never worried.

For abrief period there were little spots on her rightshoulder fromSkin Cancer, and after the surgery in Melbourneshe recovered almost completely.

“When theyweredoingthe surgery they damaged my nerves and damaged my body, but my blood is stillworking so I’m thankful …Ibelieve life is like this, today you are living and tomorrow you go. So Idon’t think about what’s tomorrow. Ionly think about what’stoday becausetomorrow no one knows what’s going to come …Ialwayssay ‘just keep going and don’t worry’... I’m not awhinger, going ‘ohhh I’m so sick’ Ithank god that I’m still here today.”

his point her daughter eth jokes there’snosymin Helena’s house. Helena nds to her with laughter.) sbelief appears to have lped her throughoutthe years obtain the health she has. Indeed, for a100-year-old woman, she appears to be in cellent physical condition. Her facial skin is alive and unsagging, her eyes dart aroundrooms without any around the eye socket -a She still has afull head of (thinning) grey hair and is always smiling proudly bearing false white teeth and ahearing aid in her left ear.

However, there was one complication to the surgery.

Thenerve theydamaged belonged to theright shoulder an area crucial to performing motor functions.

This meant she could not look after her beloved plants and even worse that she couldn’t cook.

Cooking was alovedhobby of Helena andher children would observe that no meal was allowed to be store bought.

And it was in this environment Joeseph (1953), Rosy (1957) and Eliazbeth (1965) were born.

An environment where thevegetables werehomegrown and even the sauces had to be homemade. Perhapsone of the first observations her kids made before they could even walk was that every meal had to be home cooked. Or that no one can leave the house without being fed.

In 1953, Sale was picturesque. There were no shopping centres or grocery store chains. The small quaint community shops on Raymond Street created aweathered elegance. For Helena, Sale is where the best years of her life began.

Shehad kids,then grandkids, thengreat grandkids. She worked,then retired.She never learnt to drive, preferring abicycle.She acquired apassion for soup;beetroot,chicken, barley, cabbage,carrot Shesaw the first peacocks in the botanical gardens, wasaround for the firstboat race on LakeGlenmaggie,the opening of the Gippsland Art Gallery and has seen generations of people and politicians come and go. But her neighbours have stayed for 60 years (and apparently never had one argument).

Up until two years ago she tendedtoher own garden,cooked herown meals and talkedtoher own people.

She takes any opportunity to socialise, to pursue religion and to be active. “The door’s always open,” she often says.

Shebelieves you mustlive life fully -completelyopenly.Cherishing every moment, embracing each day's sunrise and working with an unwavering enthusiasm.

She also believes that in those shared moments with family, of stories and laughter we find an existence worth living.

And she says this to everyone who asks, except in the rare moment when anew visitor comes to her door to ask avague and confusing question.

“What is the meaning of life?”

“Huh?”

“I mean what’s the purpose of humans to be put on the earth?”

“It’s so we can enjoy whatever we got, and not to wishfor too much. Justtakeithow it comes and goes and that’s all there is …but also not to kill anyone.”

HelenaKlimasinfront of hergarden bed.

Photos:Ben McArthur

na’s favourite book m1964 about dream erpretation.

Shock through the airwaves as local radio producer hascardiacarrest

GIPPSLAND radio veteran Kym Williams is familiar with broadcasting the news.

But ayear ago,the 75-year-old became the newswhen he suddenly wentinto cardiac arrest while working at the Bairnsdale Community Radio Station.

The Sarsfield local, who has broadcast local news,football and music programsfor 26 years and has also served as the station’s secretary, said he had no warning signs on the morning of September 2ashearrived at the station for another day of regular programming.

“The station quiteoftenonlyhas one person in thebuilding, but fortunately for me, on that day there were plenty of people around,” Kym said.

“Apparently, Iwalked past one of the guys and said ‘g’day’ and went into the studio.”

The colleague he passed wasDamian Pratt, who had recently renewed his cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) training through his involvement with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.

“I was in theoffice late that afternoon when Iheard an unusual noise from the production studio,” Damian said.

“Kym had collapsed in achair. I askedother staff to callanambulance while Istarted CPR.

“I don't recall much about it, other than another member at the station (Peter), who was also trained in CPR, took over until paramedics arrived.

“It was ateam effort -from the first responders to the paramedics being able to administer higher level medical care that saved Kym's life.

“I never envisioned being called upon to use that vital skill.”

Ambulance Victoria (AV) Mobile IntensiveCareAmbulance (MICA) paramedic Phil Clark responded to Kym’s case, and said when paramedics arrived, Damianand Peter were performing excellent CPR.

“It kept the bloodflow going to Kym's heart and that explains why his heart respondedsoquickly after we gave him the life-saving drugs,” Phil said.

Kym said while he had no recollection of his emergency, he understood the ordeal had been traumatic for his family and colleagues.

“I’vebeentold by every doctor and report that has been written about me thatthe reason I’m still here is that initialCPR,” he said.

“I wasverylucky. IknowwhenI was put into thehelicopter Damian and

Peter were told thatitwas unlikely I’d make it.”

AV Air AmbulanceMICA flight paramedics flew Kym to Monash Hospital in acritical condition, where he had adefibrillator inserted into his heart after alengthy recovery.

Kym admits while he has slowed down since his cardiac arrest, his life is relatively back to normal.

Remarkably, just three months after his cardiac arrest local listeners heard his voice on the air again as he resumed his weekly radio program.

“I often think how incredible it is that Ihad people close-by who knew what they were doing when that happened to me,” Kym said.

“I want to say thank you to Damian, Peter andthe paramedics.They’re incredible. Iwouldn’t have survived without them.”

Ayear after his cardiac arrest, Kym reunited with his bystanders and paramedicsaspartof‘Shocktober’ -AmbulanceVictoria’s nationally recognised campaignwhich aimsto improvecardiac arrest survival rates Every day, around 20 Victorians suffer the medical emergency, but only one in 10 survive.

AV Medical Director Associate Professor David Anderson said it is essential to know CPR, how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and where your closest defibrillator is located.

“Shocktober is about giving more Victorians who sufferacardiacarrest abetter chance of returning to their loved ones,” he said.

“CPR and defibrillation are critical. For every minute CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime,anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms.”

Forinformation about Shocktober, the GoodSAM app and how to learn CPR and use an AED (defib), visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/shocktober

Locals arebeing urgedtoknowCPR this ‘Shocktober’.

Photo: Contributed

Aftermath of Loch Sport fire

BenMcArthur

MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien visited Loch Sport on Friday to speak with locals about their concerns of the recent bushfires. They discussed concerns around power supply, water and evacuation plans.

Mr O'Brien said the day was constructiveand that he will raiseconcerns to the state government.

“It's agood opportunity for the community to give me clear feedback.It's great to listen to the community and it was great that so many turned up,” he said.

“LochSport is acommunity that is very passionateabout itsfire protection.”

About 50 people attended, including the president

of the 18-hole LochSportGolf Club, Shaun Casley.

Mr Casley was part of afive-person spotter group set up at the golf course to locate fires and provide food to CFA personnel on Tuesday.

“They(CFA) came because we made sure they hadaplace they could set up and fight the fires,” he said.

“We tookthem around the golf course and showed where it was safe to go and where it wasn’t. There are afew spots where they can’t drive trucks otherwise it would get stuck in sand. “

Mr Casley said the CFA volunteers came from around Victoria Theouter edges of the golf course are the closest the fires got to the town before the rain started. Although the surrounding trees have been burnt, little of the course itself was damaged.

“The fire stopped where it did because the golf course actsasafirebreak and if we didn’t have that or the rain, it could have been the end for Loch Sport,” he said.

After the meeting at Lochy Coffee, Mr O'Brien visited other areas around Loch Sport including the local BP owner, Elias Saliba.

Mr Saliba assisted the CFA during the fires by providing resources. He wanted to leave at first warning.

"I was going to leave for my safety but Ireceived aphone call from my wife and she said ‘how are the firefighters goingtoget their fuel?’And Ididn't think about that,” he said.

“And lucky Istayed. Isupplied fuel to the firefightersand fuel to the localstorun theirgenerators and we started cooking meals for the firefighters.”

LastTuesday, about 60 people were takingrefuge at the Loch Sport Marina Hotel.

BartenderJake Elso and waitress Jessica Flynn were working at this time.

Mr Elso said he was unaware of the emergency until people started seeking refuge at the restaurant.

“Well, Ijust woke up and came into work and it was acompletely normal day. Ihadn't seen anything about it before we arrived. We only heardabout it because peoplestarted coming in and telling us,” he said.

“It got abit busier than Iexpected but that’s about it.

“The only kind of tell-tale sign is that when the windblew thesmoke Inearly suffocated,but Ijust thought it was aburn off.”

Ms Flynn said the regions power outage meant working conditions were different.

“We could communicate and all that, but our generatorhad limited power, so they could only operatethe kitchen and the pub. So serving in here was only served with candlelight,” she explained.

“Which is nice atmosphere. It's pretty.”

On the road into Loch Sport, kilometres of bushland was completely black and embers were still burning in some areas.

Mr O'Brien suggested the state government use more Indigenous fire management practices.

“The reality of living in south eastern Australia is we are one of the most fire prone regions in the world so there's goingtobemore fires and that will always be the case,” he said.

“But very clearly the communityhas been concerned for along time that not enough has been done to reduce the risk and amount of fuel.

“Thisweek’s firehas highlighted the concerns of the community.”

Mr O’Brien also said there was asilver lining.

“We've just had agreat fuel reduction boom, but this is not the way you want to do it,” he said.

“It’s not good for the environment. It's not good for the wildlife. It's not good for communities and if we managed it better and did more cool burning we wouldn't have this disastrous outcome.”

Labor member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh has offered assistance to Wellington ShireCouncil.

Minister Shing to oversee housing big build

Liam Durkin

MEMBER for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing has added to her portfolio.

Ms Shing is now also the Minister for Housing, and is continuing as Minister for Water and Minister for Equality.

The MorwellMPgained the position as part

of the Cabinetreshuffle in thenew Allan Labor government.

JacintaAllanrose to the top job of Victorian Premier following the resignation of Daniel Andrews afortnight ago.

Ms Allan will be deputised by former Roads Minister Ben Carroll, whoisnow also Minister for Education and Minister for Medical Research.

The new ministry was sworn on Monday last

week,markingthe start of Ms Allan’s premiership

Ms Shing takes over from Colin Brooks, who was housing minister since December last year.

Mr Brooks has moved to Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts and Minister for Creative Industries.

Thepair have seeminglytraded folders,asMs Shing was Minister for Regional Development from June 2022 until this month.

Ms Shing was also Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy from December2022 until the Games were cancelled three months ago.

Gippsland was slated to host anumberofevents, butcost blowouts forced the then Andrew’s government to make the shock decision to pull out.

As Minister for Housing, Ms Shing will oversee the 'Big Housing Build',aswell as the urban renewal project across Melbourne's high-rise public housing estates.

The housing build has an ambitious target to construct 800,000 new homes across the state in the next decade,with more than 150,000 in regional Victoria.

Taking to LinkedIn, Ms Shing said she was privileged to be able to continue serving the state.

"It is ahugehonour to be returned to the portfolios of Water and Equality, and to also accept responsibility for the Housing portfolio in theAllan Labor government," she said.

"There’s alot to do -today and every day -todrive the long-term change we need.

"And the work goes on."

In other key appointments, Tim Pallashas remainedtreasurer of the state, whileLily D'Ambrosio will continue as Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources and Minister for the State Electricity Commission.

The bushland on theside of the road into Loch Sport looked like this for kilometres.

New Victorian Premier JacintaAllan and Memberfor Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

Photo: Contri

Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien visited Loch Sport residents last Friday.

Photos:Ben McArthur

Loch SportGolf Club President,ShaunCasley looks at the burnt bushland on the golfcourse.

2023 marked the year of Strzelecki

FRIDAY, October 6, 2023, marked 150 yearssince the death of the Polish explorer and scientist Sir Paweł (Paul) Strzelecki (July 20 1797, Głuszyna, Pozna , Poland - October 6 1873, London, United Kingdom).

In commemorationofthe 150th anniversary of Strzelecki's death, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland (PolishGovernment) has declared Strzelecki aPatron of 2023 and proclaimed 2023 as the Year of Strzelecki.

It is acknowledged that Strzelecki played an important part in the exploration (see map -Route from Yass Plains by the AustralianAlpsand Gipps Land to Port Phillip, circa 1840) and naming of Gippsland (Gipps Land). However, the significance of his contributions through his scientific works andpublications, especiallythatimmediatelyin the local press and that detailed within the 1845 publication, Physical Description of New South Walesand Van Diemen's Land,tothe greaterdevelopment of Australia, particularly farming, forestry, mineralogy and mining, and enhanced trade on Australia'seastcoast in the mid-late 1800s,has beenunderplayed for arangeofreasonsincluding thosethat took to discrediting Strzelecki's works.

Additionally, Strzeleckiwas not initially credited as oneofAustralia's earliest discoverers of gold (along with fellow Pole, John Lhotsky), which he did in 1839, nor the subsequent gold rush that ensuedinthe decades following the first widely promoteddiscovery of gold in 1851 owing to adhering to Governor Gipps' requestnot to disclose his discoveries of preciousmetals such as gold and silver. In 1856, following the discoveries of gold becoming public,Strzeleckipublished The Discovery of Gold and Silver in Australia -Gold andSilver: ASupplement to Strzelecki's Physical Description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land

Similarly, Strzelecki is also understated in his role of supporting immigration from Ireland to Australia (with Caroline Chisholm) when leading the British Relief Association during the Irish famine -arole in whichhewas responsible for saving in excess of 200,000 Irish from starvation. He was also amember of Lord Herbert's and the DukeofWellington's Emigration Committeesand amember of theCrimean Army FundCommittee, working closely with Florence Nightingale on this and other matters across several decades. His accomplishments saw him awarded widely,

including the Royal Geographical Society's Founders Medal, aCompanion of theOrder of the Bath, aKnightCommander of the Order of St Michael and St Georgeand an HonoraryDoctor of Civil Law from Oxford University.

It is alsoimportant to acknowledgethat Strzeleckiand his travellingparty comprising James Macarthur (a relative of New South Wales politicians,Johnand James Macarthur) and James Riley,were also accompanied by Charley Tarra (for whom TarraBulga National Park is named in part) through Gippsland along with servants John Kent (Rent) and James Nolan. Tarra was instrumental in protecting and saving the lives of the travelling party throughout, least of all in Gippsland when capturing kangaroos,koalas (referred to as monkey) andlyrebirds,which they mostly ate rawonaccount of being unable to form afire in the conditions at the time, after they had all but exhausted their

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food rations and encountered near impenetrable bushland inhibiting their planned path to Corner Inlet. From near Morwell, they abandoned their horses and packs and madefor Corinella(the home of the first Government House in what is now Victoria).

Australia, more broadly, has benefited greatly from Strzelecki's pioneering exploration, publicationsand promotion,particularly Gippsland, both in written word in the newspapers and his exemplary 1845 publication, the PhysicalDescription of NewSouth Wales andVan Diemen'sLand (noting Victoria had not been proclaimed at this time) as well as word of mouth, both domestically and internationally (especially the United Kingdom and Ireland).Inpart, manyAustralians of Irishdescent owemuchtoStrzelecki either directly or indirectly.

Prominently within his written works, particularly the Physical Description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land,Strzelecki's scientific observations and promotion included, inter alia, thestate of colonial agriculture(including what hadalreadybeen done to advantage Australia), botany including forestry, flora and fauna (includingfossils), climate, geology and mineralogy and land and marine surveys (including hydrology). It also highlighted what further resources could be utilised for the application of industry and capital on the part of the colonists as well as the physical, moral, and social state of the Aboriginal people.

As aresult of Strzelecki's works, Australia, and particularly Gippsland, has enjoyed great benefit and development across arange of sectors critical for the country's prosperity.

In celebrating the achievement of Strzelecki on this sesquicentenary of his death, activities and eventsare being hostedinvarious parts of the world where Strzelecki made asignificant impact and left alasting legacy.

It is understood that 50 Strzelecki Ambassadors were selected from thePolish diaspora that will

traverseGippsland in the firstweeks of December 2023. Earlier in 2023, representatives of the Monaro Ngarigo Indigenous peoples, custodians of the region encompassing Mt KosciuszkonamedbyStrzelecki as he believeditreminded him of Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow, Poland (and was afitting tribute to the Polishnational hero,Lieutenant-General Tadeusz Kosciuszko), participated in activities in Poland including Strzelecki's hometown of Poznan as well as other prominent cities in Strzelecki's life such as Krakow and Warsaw. They met with the Australian Ambassador to Poland, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, His Excellency, Lloyd Brodrick. The Monaro Ngarigo Indigenous peoples also have ashared 'border' with the Gunai Kurnai peoples of Gippsland.

Powerline inspectionsunderway

ENERGY Safe Victoria has begun inspections of thousands of kilometres of powerlines to ensure they are clear of vegetation ahead of the summer.

Vegetation coming into contact with powerlines is asignificant risk and cause of bushfires. It can also be the cause of widespread electricity outages.

Major electricity companies (MECs) and councils are responsible forvegetation management and are requiredbylaw to ensure there is enough distance between vegetation and powerlines to prevent them coming into contact.

As Victoria’ssafetyregulator, Energy Safe carries out an audit and inspection program,targetinghigh bushfire risk areas. Key target areas will include the Dandenong Ranges, the Macedon Ranges and the Mornington Peninsula. Inspectors will also focus on Victoria’s south-west,includingareas impactedbythe St Patrick’sDay fires of 2018, and the Colac Otways region.

“Our audit and inspection program has started

and we willlookatover 6000spans of powerlines in Victoria’s hazardous bushfire risk areas before the weather starts to really heat up and the bushfire risk increases,” Energy Safe's chiefexecutive, Leanne Hughson, said.

“This work is particularly important ahead of this summer with hotterand drier conditions predicted for the summer ahead.

“Where we find non-compliance we will take action, includingissuingfines and non-compliance notices that require MECs and councilstourgently address safety risks being caused by vegetation. There is no excuse for lineclearance breaches- each of which is essentially abushfire risk.”

Energy Safe compliance officers will be on the road across the statetoinspect vegetation and ensurethe management systems and plans of MECs and Councils are being adhered to. Inspectionswill also ensure previous non-compliances have been corrected.

Youmay recognisethe Strzelecki township, Strzelecki eucalyptus, Strzelecki burrowing cray, Strzelecki koala, the Strzelecki Highway, the Grand Strzelecki Track, Strzelecki cairns, Strzelecki Desert,Strzelecki Ranges and others thatbear the Count’s name.

Photo: StateLibraryofVictoria

Count Strzelecki,circa 1845.

Photo: StateLibrary of New South Wales

Route

Image:

Fire threatgone amid downpour

StefanBradley

BRIAGOLONG resident Anna Larkin has said the town has returned to normality in the wake of the fires that began on October 1.

While the fire at Duffy Road, Briagolong was officially listed as not under control (as of Sunday 11.21am), VicEmergency on Fridayafternoon had indicated there was no immediate threat to the community and no action was required.

“They’re (the authorities) being cautious. But no one in Briagisworried because it went past us anyway,” Ms Larkin told the Gippsland Times on Friday.

“Even the flood waters and puddles have gone away. No one’s worried about it.

“No properties wereaffected by floods, so (we were enjoying) the rain.”

Ms Larkin, who has more than 25 years experience working with the SES and CFA, said she believed the fire had burned as close as nine kilometres away from the Briagolong town centre. She had observed the fires from her backyard in the northern side from the foothills.

“Fire went from Duffy Rd to the north-east,then it turned andwent towards Fernbank and Munro,

took aright turn and missed Briagolong,” she said.

Ms Larkin said it was all back to normal except for the Saunders family, whose home was sadly lost in the blaze. She urged people to test out their fire plan, after finding aflaw in her own.

“We’re used to preparing for fires in November, so to get one on the first day of October is awake up call,” she said.

“My sense is relief, but also concerned about what happenswhenthe grass dries out. This is real, we've got to do something about it.

“It’s time to test your fire plan.We’re still predicting abad fire season."

Ms Larkinjoined in the criticism of Southern Rural Water fromsome of the region's locals, who accused the organisation of being too slow to releasewater from LakeGlenmaggie,contributing to flooding along the Macalister River.

Southern Rural Water's managing director, Cameron Fitzgerald, defendedthe time it took to drainLakeGlenmaggie,sayingthe weather conditions in the region had exceededexpectations.

"Two days ago we had bushfires, we are in an El

Nino event and we do need water for people later in the season to be able to continue to grow their produce, fruit and vegetables and create milk," he told the ABC last week.

"So we are always thinking about the full balance of how we manage this storage.”

In response, Ms Larkinsaid“butthat’s their job”, and that the organisation had “hedged their bets”.

“Theydidn’t inform people. Farmers didn’t have time to be organised,” she said.

“This rainfall was very solidly predictable for four days.”

Conditionsease,but morerainexpected

From Page 1

"MODERATE flooding is slowly easing along the Thomson River at Sale Wharf," the warning read.

"No significant rainfall has been recorded in the 24 hours to 9:00 am Sunday.

"No significant rainfall is forecast across the Thomson Rivercatchment over the next few days "The Thomson River at Sale Wharf is currently at 3.05 metres and falling, with moderate flooding.

"The ThomsonRiver at SaleWharfislikely to fall below the moderate flood level (3.00 m) early Sunday afternoon.

"The river level is likely to remain above the minor flood level (2.40 m) during Monday."

Emergency services continue to assess the damage of floods that replaced uncontrollable bushfires last week, with the SES predicting that up to 130 homes in the region west of Maffra could be flooded.

Early impact assessments confirmed at least three homes were inundated in the Newry and Tinamba area.

AccordingtoBureau of Meteorology forecasts, rainisexpected to have eased for now, with today's weather partly cloudy with ahigh of 18 degreesand alow of four degrees and tomorrow mostly sunny withahigh of 23 degreesand alow of threedegrees

On Thursday, it will be partly cloudy with a very high chance of showers and the chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening.

Friday is expected to be cloudy, with amedium chance of showers; Saturday, cloudy with ahigh chance of showers; and Sunday, cloudy with ahigh chance of showers.

On Friday, Ms Symes reminded those affected by floods that support payments are available.

"If you're able to attend apay relief centre in person, they can help you there;otherwise, you can access the VicEmergency website (emergency vic.gov.au/relief), or you can call 1800, 226 226.”

Storm clouds tinged with firepink in Briagolong.

Soggyhills,big puddles in Briagolong at

Photos: Anna Larkin

PROUDLYBROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESE PARTICIPATINGLOCAL BUSINESSES

Crossword Puzzle No.8555

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. What do you call acosmetic treatment of the feet or toenails?

2. Who was the winner of this year’sBrownlow Medal?

3. If Iwas visiting the town of Birdsville, what state/territory would Ibein?

4. Who is the Australian that sings the song ‘True Blue’?

TWO POINTERS

5. What was the nickname of Melbourne gangster Joseph TheodoreLeslie Taylor?

6. Which metal has the lowest boiling point?

7. Les Misérables’ is abook, musical, and movie set in which city?

8. What colour is the letter ‘a’ in ebay?

THREE POINTERS

9. What event is being referred to in the poem ‘The Race That Stops The Nation’?

10. True or false. Henry Fordinvented the first car?

11. In the phonetic alphabet, what wordisused for the letter ‘J’?

12. In Japan, the wordMikado originally referred to what?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Iamanodd number.Take away one letter and Ibecomeeven. What number am I?

14. In which century was William Shakespeareborn?

FIVE POINTER

15. Musician or serial killer? One point for each correct answer

Target Time No.0179

Howtoplay.

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words

Sudoku No.0179

Howtoplay...

Fill the grid so thateveryrow and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1to9 Solution page 30

BUY

Toylibraryoff to thelocal shire

THE Walk for Yes in Sale on Saturday, September 23 was awonderful experience.

It was uplifting to feel the goodwill and the passion of 100 people of our local community coming together to show our support for what will be an historic moment of positivechange for our country.

There are so many reasons to vote Yes in the coming referendum, but the main one for me is this: The Uluru Statementfromthe Heart is adirect invitation to me, to you and to every individual Australian citizen, to acknowledge our First Nations people and to unite our country by listening to them.

In listening, we will learn how better to help those communities that are in desperate need, and in addition, it offers us the gift of walking forward together, sharing theirextraordinary history and benefitting from their ancient wisdom andknowledgeof60,000 years.

What agenerous offer.

Whether we admit it or not, every Australian bears the weight of the knowledge thatthis country was taken unlawfully, and that the subsequent appallingtreatment of First Nations people is a stain on our nation.

Ibelieve if we bring about this change in our Constitution we will, all of us, feel alifting of that weight, because although we cannot change the past, we can change the future.

Jenny Candy Boisdale

Kids to miss out on toy library

IAMaparent of the Wellington Toy Library who is being evicted from the DerekAmosCommunity Hub(theold highschool) in RaymondStreetSale.

In relationtoyournews article in the newspaper dated September 19, 2023, there have been significant developments since your article was written. Ihavereceived an email from the ToyLibrary Committee saying thatthey have been advised that the building will be sold to Wellington Shire by mid-2024.

It was said that Wellington Shire Council has asked that the property be sold with no tenants. Thismeans that they will be out on the street without accommodation to continue the Toy Library that services more than 300 Wellington families andchildren.

Ihave two kids who absolutely love going to the Toy Library after school on aFriday or Saturday to return the toysthey borrowed and to havealook at borrowing some more for the week or fortnight.

It is obvious that Wellington Shirewants the whole site including the old derelict special school site that has been left to crumble away for the last eight years, but because the building is protected

by aheritage listing they (the shire) don’t want to pay to upgrade or renovate this building.

It seems that Wellington Shire want the whole property for the so-called commercial Port of Sale project, they don’t care about the many services in aheritage-listed building that was built in 1908 and is part of Sale’s rich history and ultimately kick us and other groups to the curb and wipe their hands of it, gaining the large financial benefits of the rest of the site.

Naticia Thornton Wurruk

All about habitat

MANY Victorians feel that aban on duck hunting will now pave the way for further restrictions on traditional pursuits and access to public land.

Regulated duck hunting is asustainable practice thathas significantsocial,economic,and environmental benefits for Victoria.

This message wasclearly lostona stacked and biased UpperHouseInquiry,whichrecently recommendedthe endofnative game bird hunting

The Labor, Greens and Animal Justice Party members on the Select Committee put ideology ahead of science and thepositive role thathunters play in restoring waterfowl habitat.

Last year alone, hunter conservationists spent half amillion dollars in volunteer hours restoring wetland habitats, erecting nesting structures and pest eradication.

Wetlands such as Connewarrenear Geelong and Heart Morass near Sale, have been brought back to life through restoration projects led by local hunters, who should be praised for their dedication.

In fact, the 3200 acreswhich compriseHeart Morass, once asaltpan worn down by acentury of stockgrazing, is today athriving healthy wetland teaming with bird, insect and aquatic life.

If Labor enforces aban on duck hunting, where is the incentive to volunteer?

This is on parwith maintainingagolf course that you’re not allowed to play on.

Dr Brian Hiller, Professor of WildlifeEcology, sums it up well -Itisall about habitat.

“Habitatiskey -ifyou have habitat, you have birds,” Dr Hiller has stated.

This evidence was the key message on the cover of the dissenting minority report Iprepared on behalf of The Nationals and Liberals.

If volunteerscontinue to preserve and revive places likeHeart Morass,then duckswill have additional habitat to breed and flourish.

Regulated by the GameManagementAuthority, withahigh degree of compliance, nativegame bird hunting is practiced in asafeand responsible manner, ideally using the interimadaptive harvest model to guide bag limits.

Ecologist and co-author of the interim harvest

Australia votes on the Voice

THE federal government has proposed to alter theConstitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The proposed alteration inserts the following text into the Constitution: Chapter IX -Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

In recognitionofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

1: There shall be abody, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

2: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

3: The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition,functions, powersand procedures

This Saturday, (October 14) Australians will vote Yes or No on whether they approve the amendment to be made to the Constitution. Thereferendum needs amajority of votes in majority of states to succeed, Parliament will then design the Voice via legislation.

model, Professor Richard Kingsford, said that he found little to no impact on bird populations due to hunting.

“We alsoinvestigated whether there wasany effect of hunting on those species, and we found a very small effect, which was considerably overridden by the loss of habitat.”

Victoria has around 58,000 trained and licenced hunters, including 26,000 duck and quail hunters, who collectively contribute around $356 million and 3138 jobs annually to the Victorian economy, predominantly in regional areas.

Aban on regulated duck hunting would not only ignore the science of waterfowl populations, but it would also completely disregard the traditional pursuits of rural and regional Victorians and the economic stimulus it provides.

The Nationalshave in the past and will continue to support law abiding hunters and acknowledge their incredible work as hunter conservationists.

Melina

Bath Member for Eastern Victoria Region

The Voicetoresolve overlooked issues

THE forthcoming Voice election is an attempt to adjust our Constitution.

It seems that some university ideologues see the Constitution as ameans of resolving Aboriginal issues that get overlooked at present.

These issues tend to be personal and vested at the domestic level but are also seen to have political possibilities.

Theconstitution is directed at amuchbroader level. Time was when universities were primarily directed to seeking and understanding God.

Our secular ascendency has had the sorry effect of removing God from our search for Truth.

The quest for aVoice will have some benefit if it reveals the pressing need to review the rampant ideology frustrating this search.

John H. Cooney Cowwarr

Missing Minister

THE Albanese government is putting lives at risk on our local roads because of stalled safetyprojects and afailure to deliver the funding our communities have been promised.

Halfway through the Albanese government’s term, local council and community groups have no idea if vital road safety and infrastructure projects will ever proceed,thanks to an incompetent Minister.

The Minister for Infrastructureand Transport CatherineKing has been ahugedisappointment for local councils whichrely heavily on federal government grants to help fund major projects.

If you see agrader, abulldozer, or acrane at work on amajor public project anywhere in Australia today, you can be sure of one thing -the current Federal Minister had absolutely nothingtodowith providing the funding.

Should we be surprised about this failure to deliver any new projects given this year’s budget speech didn’t containasinglemention of the word ‘infrastructure’?

Instead of guaranteeingfunding for projects, Minister King announced a90-day review of the Infrastructure Investment Program but conveniently excluded all Labor election promises from the process.

More than 150 days later, we still haven’t heard the outcomes of the review and communities are waiting to find out whether the funding which was promised, and included in the previous government’s budgets, will ever be delivered.

Nothingisgetting cheaper by waiting,and when the Minister finally makes some decisions,there’s no doubt that localcouncil community projects will need to be re-scoped, and less road safety initiatives will be undertaken.

So we are in limbo as Australia experiences a spike in road trauma, and motorists endure potholed roads, while the responsible Federal Minister ponders her review.

Darren Chester Federal Member for Gippsland

Have your say in letters

THE Gippsland Times welcomes letters to the editor.

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

The editor, Liam Durkin, reserves the righttoedit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publishany letter without explanation.

TheGippsland Timesdoes not publish lettersfromanonymous contributors. Letters must include aphone number or email address and the author’s hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to one right of reply to aletter directly solely at them.

The views expressed in letterstothe editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gippsland Times management or staff.

Email letters to news@gippslandtimes. com.au

IN the Gippsland Times' issue on Tuesday, October 3, the story regarding the Legacy Torch Relay incorrectly referred to relay runner Ian Barclay as Jan Barclay.

Mr Barclay arranged the relay for Sale with agroup from Melbourne.

The Gippsland Times apologies for any confusion or inconvenience caused.

Proudlysupporting localbusiness and localjobs

Bundy open garage sale

Stefan Bradley

CLEAR out those cupboards, attics, drawers and spare rooms of fabric and craft supplies -it’stime foragarage sale at the Bundy.

Lisa Manning from Bundalaguah loves sewing, so she and her friends decided to put on afunction where the community could buy and sell unused quality craft items at an affordable price.

It created quite abuzz. Expressions of interest wererecently posted on Facebook and the 25 tables available for stalls were booked out by interested parties very quickly, and there’s now awaiting list.

Not bad for asmall non-profit community event that hasn’t happened yet.

It’s set to be held indoors and outdoors at the Bundalaguah Hall, this Sunday, October 15.

While it’s not quite music, that’s going to be Live at the Bundy; it's certain to be alively affair.

“The Bundy Hall is very famous. It’s the place to haveafabric and crafts sale. It’s very central to Sale, Stratford, Maffra, and is easy to find,” Mrs Manning said.

“There will be alot of quality fabrics on offer for

much reduced prices. It’s great if you’re someone who sews for charity.”

And there’s no-one more excited than Mrs Manning herself.

“I’ve beenpatchworking and quilting all my life,” she said. “I have hundreds of metres of patchwork fabric at home, as well as buttons, zips, paper crafts, laces… wool. Idoa lot of knitting and crocheting as well. I’ve tried alot of crafts.”

The stalls are also expected to featureitems such as jewellery, decorated cakes,ribbons, beads, tapestry and more. Schools and community groups who offer art and craft classes can stock up their supplies.

When the idea for this initiative came about, Mrs Manning and her friends spoke about all the unused items they’ve stored in their homes overthe years, and how it could be taken on by someone else.

That’s why the slogan for the event is ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’, and Mrs Manning says sustainability and the environment was front and centre.

When crafting is ahobby, it’s not too difficult to accumulate more things in your house than you know whattodowith.

“I liked the idea of recycling and reusing products. If someone can usethemtomakesomething,that’s fantastic. We’ve got brand new products that are just sitting there and not being used," she said.

“So come along! Everybody that’s rung me has said they’ve got so much stuff that they’d like to sell."

Toni Hiskins from Sale will also bring her Stay Grounded coffee van to serve light refreshments. Mrs Manning said she hopedthat this could become an event held two or three times ayear, due to the overwhelming amount of interest from locals, as well as Gippslanders from across the region.

“I’ve even had people from Latrobe Valley and Bairnsdale ring me to tell me how great this event is,” she said.

Checkitout this Sunday at the Bundalaguah Hall from9am to 2:00pm.Attendanceisfree. Payments forcraft supplies is cash only, and bring your own bags. Most importantly, have fun shopping!

CallLisaManningon0419 578 402 for more information.

Bargain book collection

FOLLOWING the success of the last book sale pre-COVID, Stratford Historical Society will finally hold another giant book sale after several forced cancellations.

Awide range of books for all ages on every topic imaginable have been donatedfor the sale which will be held over two weekends during History Month as well as each Tuesday from October 14.

The sale will be at theMuseumat14Hobson Street, Stratford.

Opening hours will be 9am to 3pm on Saturdays October 14 and October 21, 10 am to 3pmonSundays, October 15 and October 22 and Tuesdays, October 17 onwards.

Furtherdonations will be accepted at the museum any Tuesday morning.

The eventhas been organised forthe Bundalaguah Hall on October 15

Lisa Manning from Bundalaguahsaysthat crafting is notcheap these days thanks to the cost of living.

Photos: Stefan Bradley

Ready to move in

This near-new,brick veneer, modern four-bedroom home in Currawong Crescent, Maffra, needs no amendments. All the hard work has been done.

The tastefully presented home consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, aseparate lounge/theatre room, afamily area, a modern kitchen and aseparatelaundry with the added bonus of ducted heating and reverse cycle air-conditioners.

The light-filled family area, which flows onto an outdoor alfresco, captures all the afternoon sun.

The kitchen features Caesar stone bench tops, plenty of bench and cupboard space, a walk-in pantry,adouble sink, and modern stainless appliances such as gas hotplates, an electric oven and adishwasher

The master bedroom features awalk-in wardrobe and stylish ensuite with alarge shower,double vanity and toilet. All other bedrooms have built-in robes.

Colorbond fencing encloses the spacious yard.

Adouble garage with an automated door and direct access adjoins the home.

There is alarge 7.5metre x12m shed with concrete floor,power and extra height, allowing easy storage of boats and caravans and aconcretedriveway from the front of the property through to the shed allows all weather access.

Your inspection is amust to appreciate this property fully—inspection by appointment.

Briefdetails fdetails

Address: 13 Currawong Crescent Maffra

Bed: 4

Bath: 2

Price: $735,000

Agency: Gippsland Real EstatePty Ltd

Agent: BrettLanigan 0427 517577 or PatWeatherley0412435 644

Position Perfect

Nestled in apeaceful street on a substantial 1044m2 block, this property boasts an ideal location in one of Sales most sought-after areas. Living on Macalister Street you'll enjoy the convenience of being close to schools, parks, shops and all the amenities Sale has to offer.

This solid, well-built home is brimming with potential and just waiting for your creative touch to transform it into your dream living space. With asturdy foundation and strong bones, it's afantastic canvas for your interior renovation dreams. Unleash your creativity and design flair,withthe opportunity to renovate the interior to your exact specifications, you can craft aspace that perfectly suits your lifestyle. The current floor plan is generous to work with providing flexibility in design, it includes three large bedrooms plus study,spacious living areas, large kitchen and dining area, family bathroom, laundry plus arear sunroom.

The generous backyard is securely fenced and offers ablank canvas for landscaping, gardening or creating your own outdoor oasis. There is abrick lock garage/workshop for your vehicle or Don't miss out on this opportu ahome in aprime location ready to be transformed.

This property is being auctioned on Saturday, October 14 -contact us to schedule a viewing and explore the endless potential of 151 Macalister Street, Sale.

Briefdetails fdetails

Address: 151Macalister

Auction on Site: Saturda

October at 11:00am

Green rolling hills SHADYCREEK- “KOORAGULLA”

The ShadyCreekdistrict (northofWarragul) with its 1000mm annual rainfall currently looks apicture!

Picturesquerolling green hills, stock water dams full to the brim and the creeks flowing at full capacity. As eastern Australia goes marching into another drought, increasingly securerainfallareasbecome more fully appreciated.

“Kooragulla” a483-acreWest Gippsland grazing property is currently offered for sale throughElders for $7million, equating to $14,500 an acre. The property’s impressive infrastructure includes afully enclosed industrial scale shed measuring a huge 47m x20m with internal cool room capacity for 1200 tons.

Briefdetails fdetails

SHADYCREEK

Built to facilitate the processing and coldstorage for the property’s large scale seed potato operation, the shed’s replacement cost has been estimated at $2.5 million adding an additionalincome diversity to the overall package.

The property’s two residences are strategically sited in relation to the extensive shedding complex as well as afully enclosed stable facility and adjoining office block.

The property consistsofpicturesque, rolling country balancedwith highlyproductive creek flats along amileoffrontage to the Shady Creek. The ownerhas suggested that there may be apossibility of adding adjoining acreages to Kooragulla if required.

Agent:

Wellington ShireQFever cases raises alarms

THE Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) is launching acampaign in the agricultural sector about the risk of QFeverinfection, as most Gippsland cases have been found in Wellington Shire.

QFever is adisease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is spread to humans fromcattle, sheep and goats and arange of other domestic and wildanimals. Even people who do not have contact with animals may be infected.

The disease disproportionately affects people working in agriculture andisparticularly prevalent in Gippsland.

The disease can be contracted in anumber of ways including:

 Inhalation of dust particles contaminated by infected animals, mainly cattle, sheep and goats;

 Handling infected animals;

 Handling the wool or hide of an infected animal;

 Coming in contact with materials that have been infected such as straw or clothing, and;

 Contact with animal faeces, urine or birth products.

The GRPHU will be working with local agricultural stakeholders, GPs and the broader community to deepen knowledge of QFever and prevention measures includingincreasing testing andvaccination “While the numbers are small, this is apotentially seriousconditionwith long term implications,” GRPHU senior epidemiologist, Katie Walker, said.

“Gippsland is over-represented in the state’s Q Fever statistics with more than 25 per cent of cases detected despite being home to only four per cent of the state’s population. Most cases were identified in the Wellington Shire.”

The bacteriacan be transported up to 18 kilometres under the influence of wind, which can result in cases in people who have had no contact with animals.

Typically, Octoberand November are the months with the highest notifications. Thesemonths coincide with calving season in the dairy sector.

“Symptoms of infection include high fevers, chills, sweats, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, cough and weight loss,” GRPHUPublicHealth Physician, Dr Shereen Labib, said.

“Longer term symptoms include fatigue and heart disease, which for some patients can become a

chronic condition lasting severalmonthsoreven years.”

Theawarenesscampaign will target local industry, dairyworkers, veterinarians and GPs.

“With the region being so over-represented in terms of infections, we aim to increase QFever awareness anduse of prevention measures including use of personal protection measures and vaccination. Ultimately, we want to achieve adecrease in people infected with the disease,” Dr Shereen Labib said.

Find alocal vaccine provider at qfever.org

Leaving Gippsland behind

IN state parliament,the Liberal Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Renee Heath, called on PremierJacintaAllantoreverse the closure of the state's native timber industry.

Speakinginthe LegislativeCouncillast week, Dr Heath said that Gippsland has "not onlyfelt neglected but attacked" throughout former Premier Daniel Andrews' nine years in the top job.

“The statehas beenfed from our produce and it is our power industry has kept the lights on

across the state,”DrHeath said. “We have seen firsthand the damage that can happen to aregion when an ideologicaland city-centric Premier is at the helm.

“Thousands of jobshave been lost in our region over the past three terms, but now there is a chance for afresh start.

“On behalf of the workers that are set to lose their jobs at the end of this year, the question we ask is, 'Will the Premier reverse the decision to close the native timber industry?'”

Farming free fee children

THE Maffra ShowCommittee willagainhave free entry for kids, made available by adonation from the Community Bank Maffra &District.

The Show Committee has always strivedtokeep admission prices as low as possible.

The president, Kath Coggan, said: “We haven’t raised our fees for along time and over the years have been lucky to tap into the Wellington Shire Council’s free entry for farmers during the drought years and last year’s State Government’s COVID recoverymeasureoffreeentry for kids for all agricultural shows."

"Last yearour attendancenumbers were the highest for along time and we really believe, free entry for children contributed to this. Now with the support of the CommunityBank Maffra&District, we can offer that again,” she said.

The show as usual has an action-packed program and you can keep up to date the Facebook page: Maffra Agricultural Show.

Gippsland andWellington Shire in particular is massively over represented in terms of workers contracting QFever. Photo: Contributed

While the numbersare small, this is apotentially serious condition with long term implications

Katie Walker, GRPHUsenior epidemiologist,

Michael Coggan, Jasmine Munrofromthe showwith Rob Christie, Chairman of the Board and HarmoniBennett, Manager of the Maffra Branch.

Bushfiremanagement control under review

PhilipHopkins

TIMBER harvesting is not aconcernofGippsland

Indigenous groups, who overwhelmingly want to be involved in direct managementofforests before, during and after bushfires, the RFA Major Event Review of the 2019-20 bushfires found.

The joint Commonwealth-State review, held to assess the impact of the fires on the modernised Regional Forest Agreements (RFA), took more than ayear to complete and involved feedback from multiple groups, including Traditional Owners.

It was prepared by athree-person, expert panel -the Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Dr Gillian Sparkes AM; an independent forestry consultant Dr Tony Bartlett AFSM; and aVictorian Traditional Owner, Katherine Mullett.

The report, with 37 recommendations, was delivered 18 months ago to the state government, which has not issued aformal reply. However, it has published anew draft bushfire policy

The panel had adedicated seat for Traditional Ownerrepresentation. It acknowledged it could not representall Traditional Owners and their interests, completed adedicated consultation process that ensured that all people, groups corporations that represented Traditional Owners were engaged directly.

Over about two months, the panel spoke to 29 groups and individuals. Somegroups chose not to take part.

“TheBlackSummerfires hadmajor impacts on Aboriginal people, community, Countryand cultural heritage. Many of these impacts are still felt today, years on,” the panel said.

“The destruction of Country has taken asignificant toll on Aboriginal communities, causing immense grief due to the extent of the damage to forest areas, the loss of and damage to tangible

and intangible cultural heritage, andthe large number of deaths of wildlife totemanimals, on additiontothe destruction of/or damage to 42 homes of Aboriginal people.”

Traditional owners had nine main areas of concern: the engagement process, an Aboriginal cultural heritage management, economic impacts, access to Country, healingofCountry and culture, implementation of Traditional Owner clauses, cultural burning,the currentcondition of Country, and timber harvesting.

The panel’s report said only asmall number of Traditional Ownersraisedconcernsregarding timber harvesting in direct relation to the major event.

“Twogroupshighlighted that they were not ‘against’ timber harvesting; rather they would like to see greater opportunity for Traditional Owner involvement and employment,” the report said.

“Onegroupspoke stronglyabout Traditional Owners needing to be actively involved in timber harvesting planning to ensure that cultural heritage is not impacted.”

Active on-ground assessments was needed, not desktop analysis.

“Country needs to be seen as aculturallandscape, and unregistered heritageshould be as highly considered in planning as registered sites. Abetter understanding of the forest resource for arange of benefits, such as economic opportunities and cultural management, can be achievedwithmore Traditional Owner-led processes and policies,” the panel said.

“One group highlighted the importance of protecting ‘grandmother’ trees during timber harvesting.”

Departmental officers told the panel that the projectcomponent of the 2005 National Indigenous Forestry Strategy hadnot operated for some years.

“This strategy aimed to enhance the involvement of Aboriginalpeople in forest and woodprocessing industries and therebyleadtoimproved socialand

economic outcomes,” the report said.

“The panelconsiders that the intent of this strategyand itsproject component arehighly relevant to the new provisions in the modernised RFAs covering Indigenous heritage, Traditional Owner rights and partnerships.”

Many groups highlighted the importance of TraditionalOwner fire knowledge and the reinstatementofcultural burning to support healing and caring of Country.

Suggestions included aholistic management of fire, including year-round management of Country, and that the 2019-20 bushfires may not have been as severe if traditional burning regimes had been reinstated.

“Traditional Owners consistently advised of their desire to be more actively involved in direct management of forests before, duringand after bushfires,” the review said.

“Traditional Owners seek to be managing fire directly,with their own crewsand equipment. They see themselvesasfire givers, not firefighters.”

The RFA Major Event Review made several recommendations regarding Traditional Owners:

 Review the forest and fire management systems to improve the role of Traditional Owners, who should be actively involved in site management during and after fire- suppression operations;

 Assess all cultural sites affected by the fires and put in place protection measures;

 The Australian government should revitalise the 2005 National Indigenous Fire Strategy to enable Traditional Owners to use the RFAs to create forestry jobs through partnerships with forest businesses, and;

 The state government at aregional level should partner with Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria to develop RFA plans for each Traditional Owner group.

Protecting Victoria’s agricultureindustry

THE state government is encouraging families to learn how to protect Victoria’s agriculture industry.

The former Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney, visited the Melbourne Royal Show last month to launch the Great Biosecurity Quest, anew science programthat will teach people how to combat against pests and diseases that threaten the environment.

HeldinOctober, Victorians can register to join the Quest as aWatchout Warrior and access ascience toolkit that explains the pests and diseases in their backyard, local garden or national park.

Watchout Warriors can alsoreporttheir discoveries via Agriculture Victoria’s online portal and help keep our natural assets safe.

Ahead of the Great Biosecurity Quest’s opening,Melbourne Royal Show visitors can take part in the Junior Quest, an interactive display in the Livestock Building that will educate children on specific animals and diseases.

Visitors willalsodiscover howtojointhe Great Biosecurity Questand enter acompetition to win an iPad Mini.

“We’re asking Victorians to join the Great Biosecurity Quest and play their part in keeping our unique natural environment safe,” Ms Tierney said.

“Keeping our environment safe from pests

and diseasesisa shared responsibility -thanks to our new Great Biosecurity Quest program, small actions from people like you and me can have abig impact.

“When we all keep an eye out forthe risks, we have the power to protect our precious natural resources, valuable agricultural industry and ensure futurefood security for everyone to share and enjoy.”

Pests and diseases pose amajor threat to the state’s multi-billion dollar agriculture and tourism industries, so astrong biosecurity system is fundamental to the health, well-being and prosperity of all Victorians,the state government says.

The state government says it is committed to managing and preparing for key biosecurity threats, including emergency animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or lumpy skin disease.

The government invested $17.5 million in biosecurity as part of this year’s budget. The aim is to ensureVictoriahas the skills and capability to respond swiftly to an emergency animal disease detection.

For more information and to register to become aWatchoutWarrior, visit the Great Biosecurity Quest stand at the Melbourne Royal Show or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurityquest

Initiativefor grassfed meat producers

GRASSFED beef and sheepmeat producers with aburning research challenge that needs attention are encouraged to have their say as part of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)’s producer consultation process.

The initiative, which has already funded more than $50million worth of projects, empowers producers to directly influence the on-farm research, development and adoption (RD&A) activities their levies are invested in.

MLA’s Program Manager for Consultation, Georgie Townsend,said: “MLA’s producer consultation process puts producers at the forefront of decision-making regarding the allocation of their levies.

“This process is now open and ensures national and regionally relevant RD&A priorities are identified and thatMLA’sinvestments deliver optimum value to producers.

“For anyone thathas aburning research

challenge or in their region that needs addressing, now is the time to speak up.”

The producer consultation process startswith producers communicating with one of 19 regional consultation committees throughout Australia.

Regional committees meet up to fourtimes ayear and are avital linktoensure that MLA is hearing what is happening on the ground, helping identify potentialgaps where investment in research, development and adoption could provide solutions.

From there, MLA works to identify the scope, impact and scale of research needed to address the priorities. These independent, producer-drivencommittees operate under three Research Advisory Councils (RACs):

 North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC)

 Southern Australia Livestock Research Council (SALRC)

 Western Australia Livestock Research Council (WALRC)

“Through the MLA producer consultation process, MLA can ensure that where there is current research or extensionactivities relevanttothat region are being delivered, that we communicate back to these groups,” Ms Townsend said.

“I’d encourage all producers interestedtoget involved by contacting their local committee.

MLA is committed to fosteringa collaborative and innovative industry that benefits everyone involved, and this process ensures no one misses out on having their say.”

Producers have until December 1, 2023, to provide their input through their local regional advisory committees.

For more information go to Meat &Livestock Australia (mla.com.au).

Gayle Tierney launched the Great Biosecurity Quest.

Photo: File

St Paul's spring plant sale. Sat Oct 14. 9am. 153 Cunninghame St. Sale. Anglican church hall. Old Port Poultry Farm Delivering 18 week old Isa Brown laying hens to your area, Sat. Oct. 14. $30 ea. 0438 832 535.

Lease and agistment country. We currently have avery good client looking to lease 100 -500 acres preferably in the Wellington shire but will consider all options. Contact Aaron Ralph 0456215087 POPUPTHRIFTBOUTIQUE Preloveddesigner and vintage Newitems daily Open WedtoFri 10am-3pm and Sat9am-1pm Everyweek until Christmas! 89 Johnson Street, Maffra (Old NAB building) From $5 Clothes |Shoes| Accessories O Public Notices • Agistment • Wanted • PUPS German Shepherd Three male, three female, collect 26/11/23. First injection, micro-chipped and wormed. Source MB 105567. Microchip nos. 956000016265774/68356/ 59082/67430/66536/57406. $2000. Phone 0411 097 226. PLASTERER Chris Owens Plastering. Experienced plasterer available for new houses, extensions, renovations, sagging ceilings, water damage, patching. No job too small. Qualified trades-man with 25 years experience. Prompt, reliable, professional service. Ph. Chris 0460 813 299.

Livestock

BULLS

FOR HIRE/SALE

Angus, Limousin, Jersey, Hereford and Friesian, very quiet. 0447 331 762.

Free service. Phone Sam 0488 471 163

MOBILITY SCOOTER

2021 Shoprider Rocky 8. Only ridden for 146km. One owner. Excellent condition. $4,500 firm. Phone 0403 172 621.

AGM

George Gray Centre Inc.

Meetings • Situations Vacant • HORSES WANTED $$$ Cash Paid $$$ Gippsland Ph. Dave 0418 202 202 LPG Gas Bottle Refills 8.5kg -$20 45kg -$130 We will refill any gas bottle including SWAP'n'GO if it's less than 10yrs old Call Platinum Plumbing Plus Sale 5144 7644 Maffra 5147 2818 Newspaper Deliverer required for Sale round: Raymond St. (From Foster St. to MacArthur St.) Please phone Sam 0438 446 513 Wanted To Buy • For Sale • Situations Vacant •

Full

Time Salesperson

There are currently two opportunities for full time

Retail Sales positions located at our Sale branch.

Essential to your success with Brownwigg is:

● Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office

● Communicates well with customers

● Ordering stock /maintaining stock levels

30 at 31a Thompson St., Maffra at 6pm.

DRIVERS NEEDED

For local 13 Cabs taxi company. Nights and weekends especially. We offer part time and full time. If interested or for enquiries please call Kerry Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on 0490 882 007.

● Weekend work on amonthly rotation basis

● The ability to negotiate and build strong relationships

● Demonstrated sales ability, effective rapport building and resilience

● Determination to achieve results no matter the obstacle

● Immaculate personal presentation

● Apositive attitude and drive for personal growth

● Aforklift license is an advantage

● Work well in ateam environment.

If you thrive in afast-paced sales environment, are motivated, energetic and are looking for a long-term career then apply today.

The Footprints Foundation annual general meeting wil lb eh eld on Tuesday, November 14th at 7:30pm at Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Cobains Road, Sale. For more information contact info@footprintsfoundation .org.au Come along and show your support for the Foundation.

Catholic

"Every Student, Every Day"

SANTAS WANTED

The Sale Junior Football Club Inc. annual general meeting will be held at the Lakeside Club Meeting Room at 6pm on Monday, October 23. We invite all current members and encourage any interested partiesto attend.

TYRE PLUS SALE

Is looking for amechanic for afull time position. Duties include vehicle ser vicing, wh eel alignments, brakes and suspension etc. Apply within or call 03 5144 1676.

Applications are invited for the following:

English Teacher (Literacy Intervention)

Language Teacher (French)

Technology Teacher (Automotive) Science Teacher (Years 7-10)

Applications with aREqualification are advantageous. Commencing in 2024.

Further information and application forms available at www.ccsale.catholic.edu.au

All applications are to be forwarded to principal@ccsale.catholic.edu.au

Applications Close: 4.00pm Friday, October 27, 2023.

Imagine. Weeds and unwanted plants removed, hedges trimmed, watering system repaired and a fresh cover of mulch. Need design work, anew fence, paving or edging or afood garden? Talk to us. We are the garden renovators and we love what we do. Call Mike on 0478 636 088. SUNDAY MARKET Sale CharitySunday Variety Market, Canal Reserve, October 15. Egg and bacon rolls for breakfast, BBQ, 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 MAFFRA 30 King St. Sat Oct 14 and Sun Oct 15. 8am-3pm. TREASURES GALORE! CARPENTER Carpenter/handyman. 35 years experience. Free quotes. Call Sean: 0484 848 811 IMPOUNDED Wellington Shire Council has impounded three (3) sheep from Clydebank Road, Airly on 3October 2023. The sheep have no ID marks. If not claimed within 7days, the sheep will be offered for tender. For enquiries, please contact impounding officer Kane Oliver on 1300 366 244. Howto placeyour advertisement Deadlines for classifieds CLASSIFIED GUIDELINES Tuesday’s paper before9:30amMonday Friday’s paper before9:30amThursday More options for placing classifieds inperson MaffraNewsagency NewryStore Heyfield Newsagency Car advertisers Private vendors of motor cars advertised for salemust includeintheir advertisement: -Cashpriceofmotor car -Ifcar is registered, registration number -Ifunregistered, the engine, vinorchassis number. Lost and found All ‘found’ advertisementsare published free Simply providethe details of yourfind for publication. ‘Lost’advertisements arepaid Photographs Photographs for Death and In Memoriam noticeswillcostaccording to thespace they use. Pleaseemailhigh resolution images to classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au as we cannotaccept photosonamemorystick. Personal notices All engagement and marriage notices must carrythe signatures of BOTH parties. If under 18 the parents’ signatures as well. The publisher reserves the right to refuseadvertisements PHONE (03) 5143 9333 FAX (03) 5144 7308 E-MAIL classifieds@ gippslandtimes.com.au IN PERSON 74 Macalister St, Sale or newsagents CREDIT CARD FACILITIES We accept Public Notices • Situations Wanted • Livestock • Garage Sales • Public Notices • Impounding • Accommodation Accommodation Wanted Lease To Let Business Opportunities Educatio cant Situation ents Fo al Lost Pet Cemetery Public Notice Religion Tenders 4WD Caravans Cars Machinery Phone: 5143 9333 Fax: 5144 7308 Email: classifieds@ gippslandtimes.com.au

We seek committed and enthusiastic individuals for the following opportunities commencing in Term 1of2024:

Primary Teacher

● Ongoing full-time @StAnne's Campus

International Program Co-ordinator

● Ongoing part-time 0.5FTE @Garnsey Campus

Learning Support Co-ordinator

● Ongoing full-time @Garnsey Campus

Learning Assistants

● Ongoing positions @Garnsey Campus and Bairnsdale Campus

Administration GAP Assistant

● Full time 11 month fixed-term contract in General Administrative Duties @Garnsey Campus

For more detail on the requirements, duties and responsibilities of these roles, visit the employment page of the Gippsland Grammar website.

Cars

AVAN camper,2006,12ft, as new, little use, sleep 3, solar panel, 3-way fridge, h.w.s., annexe, $11,500, easy tow 4cyl. car Churchill. Ph 0456 422 666.

CAMPER trailer, brand new, off road, custom built, never used, reg'd, sleeps 2, custom built factory made pull-out kitchen, $7500. Ph 0411 428 914.

2010 VW Passat sedan, turbo diesel, leather, sat. nav., great fuel economy, r.w.c. incl., reg. incl., auto trans, XEC-770 $5500. Ph 0477 636 141.

2012 ISUZU

HOLDEN ASTRA

2003, manual, reg'd, no r.w.c., selling as is, IBDIPV $1200 o.n.o. Phone 0408 117 027.

ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, STRATFORD

READVERTISED: DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

St Patrick's Primary School is seeking adynamic and innovative leader to work in partnership with our staff, student, and parent community. The role of the primary deputy principal is to support the principal and leadership team in managing the planning, delivery, evaluation, and improvement of the education of all students. It will involve working closely with the principal in enacting the strategic directions of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL)and the strategic deployment of resources. The duties and the responsibilities include:

● Enlivening faith education and Catholic identity

● Improved learning outcomes for all students

● Strengthening and development of expert teacher practice, leadership formation and capacity building

● Ongoing commitment to effective and supportive governance.

Salary: $123,878 -$134,422

Essential Knowledge and Experience

● Proven record of leadership

● Acommitment to the understanding of the ethos of aCatholic school and its mission

● Excellent communication and intrapersonal skills, including team building and mentoring skills

How to apply

Further information on this exciting opportunity can be found at St Patrick's Primary School website or by contacting Principal, Joel Brayshaw on 03 5145 6463.

Applications are to include aone-page cover letter addressed to the Principal, aCVthat includes three professional referees and your responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

Applications are to be emailed to jbrayshaw@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au

Applications close: Monday 23 October 2023 at 9:00am

St Patrick's Primary School community is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all children in our care.

Arole description can be found on the school website: www.stpstratford.catholic.edu.au/employment https://teacherson.net/vacancy/104565-readvertis ed-primary-deputy-principal-st-patricksschool-stratford/

Motoring Deal

CAMPER Trailer, off-road, water tank and pump, elec. brakes, 12v batt. and 12v plugs, boat rack, erect trailer for tinny $7000 o.n.o. Ph 0488 301 283.

PARAMOUNT Thunder

19'6'' pop-top, 2020, custom made, dual axle, full ens., L-shaped lounge, bike rack, diesel heater, QS bed, el/brakes, Dexter anti-sway, gas/240v HWS, 3-way fridge, m/wave, anti-flap kit, Dometic awn., solar panel, rev. camera, w/mach., TV, exc. cond., great van, easy to tow, $68,000. 0431 159 984.

TOYOTA Hiace camper '86, auto, diesel, fully fitted, m/w, 3-way fridge, gas stv, suit 1 person, annexe, reg. 31/10, bike rack, 274, 000km, $11,000 ono. 0428 346 224.

2012 MAZDA 6

Black Luxury Sports. Auto EC. Lady owner, 163000kms. $13,500. ZDA-288 sunroof, leather seats. Ph: 0414 743 700

Deaths

BROMLEY, Edward Alan "Ted".

Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Aged 59 years. Loving son, father, brother and Poppy. We will miss you, so sleep peacefully.

Passed away Tuesday, October 3, at the Sale Hospital. Aged 75 years. Loving husband of Jeannette. Stepfather to Sean and Marie, Krista and Richard. Step grandfather to Jarryd, Regen and Grace.

Loved son of Robert and Jean Howie (both dec.).

Loved brother of John and Graeme, Margaret and Jenny. Brother-in-law to Felicity, Dianneand Gavin, Rhonda and Alan; and families. Rest Peacefully

McKENZIE, Donald Leslie 23/5/1924 -2/10/2023

Passed away peacefully at home aged 99.

Devoted to his wife, Nancy for 73 years, his children Malcolm and Neville,daughter-in-law Gail, his grandchildren Kerry and Fiona and Ruffy and proud great grandfather of William, Alexander and Matthew.

McKENZIE, Don.

My dearest Uncle Don, what agentleman, the most caring considerate and humble man. You have left us with wonderfulmemories

Personally you and Malcolm were beside me every day when my mum was passing, thank you. Aunty Nan, my heart goes out to you, so glad Iwas your little flower girl, 73 years ago. Condolences to you all, from Barb "Wain" and John.

McKENZIE, Don.

The end of an era. Vale Don. Gone to reunite with his six siblings. Love to Nancy, Neville, Mal and family. Brother Ted (dec.) Bet, Kerryn, Robyn, Russell and Marian.

SUBARU Forester,2013, auto, reg. till Feb '24, nice car, 107,000km, r.w.c. ZOB-034, service records, $16,660. Ph 0428 746 634.

TOYOTA YARIS, 2007, 5speed man., red, done 216,670km, r.w.c., good cond., exc. running order $4500. 0418 678 652.

TRAVELLER Sunseeker 2013, 18ft 6'', single beds, combo shwr/toilet, gas/ elec. h.w., gas stove and griller, diesel heater, 175L gas/elec. fridge, satellite TV, 2x 120 batt's, 300w solar panels plus many extras $55,000. 0428 504 823.

Trucks &Tractors •

DEUTZ tractor 100hp, good con., $25,000. FIAT tractor 411R and slasher, good con. $5000. TOYOTA ute 1994 FJ75, $15,000. WEBSTER 4.0m alum. boat, 35hp, g.c. $8500. Phone 0428 748 044.

HAIR (nee Jennings), Ethel Bessie. 1/3/1927 -8/10/2023. Beloved wife of Bruce (dec.). Mother and Mother-in-law of Robert and Annette, Trevor and Suzanne, Graeme and Kim, Faye, Craig and Jayne. Much loved Grandmother of 13. Great grandmother of 19. Great great-grandmother of 6.

HARDING, Robert Charles (Bob).

Sadly passed away October 1, 2023. Aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of Val. Adored father of Ley and Peter, Tracy and Dave, Glenn and Heather. Devoted Pa to Joshua, Dan, Laura, Jackson, Abbey and Kellie. Great Granddad to Levi, Eden and Matilda Such an amazing journey. Alife to be proud of. HARDING. (22/07/1932 -1/10/2023). Dad we will all miss you so much, but we can cherish all of our memories of you and the many things you did for us. Ley, Peter, Josh, Bec and Matilda, Dan, Kate, Levi and Eden and Laura. We couldn't have wished for abetter Pa to look up to. You'll be forever missed. Love Josh, Bec and Matilda.

Victoria, Australia District 201V3 Lions Club of Heyfield Inc.

HOWIE, Bob. Lions Club of Heyfield Inc. The Heyfield Lions Club members deeply regret the passing of our esteemed member Lion Robert Heron "Bob" Howie. Bob was aLife Member of the club and aMelvin Jones Fellow. He served as President and Secretary of the club, Zone Chairman and SecondViceDistrict Governor for Lions District 201V3. Sincere condolences to Jeannette and family. He will be sadly missed.

JONES, Lindsay Francis. 5/4/1950 -3/10/2023

Peacefully at Sale

Hospital.

Loved son of Harry and Eileen Jones (both dec.).

Loved partner of Janet. Loving father of Mason.

Loved brother and brother-in-law to Marie, Allan and Jan, Dianne and Peter. Aloved uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Forever in our hearts

JONES, Lindsay Francis. 5/04/1950 -3/10/2023. Loved younger brother of Marie and Max (dec.) Crosier.

Aman Ilove is missing, Avoice Ilove is still, Aplace is vacant in my heart, That no one else can fill. No matter how my life may change, Or whatever Imay do, Iwill always cherish the memories, Of the years Ispent with you. Nancy.

Dad you were: Always ready to listen, Always ready to help, Always ready to advise, Always ready to laugh, Always ready to be there. You were, and still are, the best role model anyone could wish for. Luvs ya Dad, Malcolm and Gail.

Aface we love ismissing. Avoice we love is still. Ihad lots of time for last farewells, And cherish these lwill. We had many special memories, From so many happy years. After spending weeks together, I'm yet to shed some tears.

He knew his time was getting close, And things were looking grim. His biggest fear was leaving Mum alone, That's what really worried him.

Mother stayed so strong for him, Her devotion you couldn't bend. With help from all the family, They were together 'til the end.

RIP Dad. Mum will be looked after. -Neville.

McKENZIE, Don. Words are few, Feelings deep. Memories of you, Are mine to keep. Di, Peter and family.

VOLVO, S60, 2013, 5cyl turbo T5, elderly lady owner, low country kms, like new, $14,990 with r.w.c. or make an offer as is, rego 7-RANGE. 0409 096 800.

FUSO Canter 2tonne tipper 2015, auto, drop sides, 104,000km, r.w.c., no reg. but 12 mths reg. will be incl. in price, can drive on car licence, $34,900 ono. 0412 325 723.

HARDING, Robert Charles (Bob) 22/07/1932 -1/10/2023 We were not at all prepared to lose you just yet, your life-force was still strong. You were such a wonderful husband and Dad and we thank you for each moment and every year we had.

We will miss you so much, you are embedded in our hearts forever. Val, Tracy and David.

HARDING, Robert Charles (Bob) Dad, even though we had you for along time, it still feels that you were taken away from us too soon. Thanks for the lifetime of memories. Don't worry, we will look after Mum.

Love you forever, Glenn, Heather, Jackson, Abbey and Kellie.

HARDING, Robert Charles. In memory

Wonderful uncle to Robert and Tania, Andrew, Mark and Jocelyn, and Colin. Great uncle to Kelsey, Abbey and Maddison, Brianna and Brayden.

Forever in our hearts

KEENAN, Jenny. We reconnected at Partners in Training. You knew my face but forgot from where. Isaid "Scrub from Opal." "Oh s@#t," you said, "that's right." Then talking in front of the whole class catching up. You were an amazing nurse, then an awesome trainer. You got me through arough time. A caring, funny lady who loved your family and passionate to teach the right way to become a PCA. You will be missed. Love Karen Goodwin-Baker.

The love Ihave for you Pop will never fade away. Memories of working by your side and fun times we enjoyed fishing, duck shooting and camping. Missing you deeply. Kerry.

Pop, 99 and forever awesome. This is not goodbye -you live on in all of us.

So many fun memories, not just from when we were growing up, but recent ones too. You taught us family is number one, love, respect and work hard.

We admire you for the love and devotion you had for Nanna, and the love you had for all of us. You were one of akind. So privileged to have you as our Pop. Love Fiona, Ruffy, William, Alexander and Matthew.

PHILLIPS (nee Clapton), Nita (Juanita Anne). 21/1/1940 -29/9/2023

Loving and devoted wife of Graham (dec.). Precious devoted mum of Shane and Leanne, mother of Peter, loved mother-in-law of Colleen. Loving and caring Nan of Samantha, Jodie, Danielle, Rhys, Bradley and Ancelin. Adored Old Nan of Lilah, Lexie, Frankie, Serafina, Lola, Nate, Teddy and Noah.

Our precious Mum, Nan and Old Nan, Our hearts are broken, you dedicated your life to your family, especially your grandchildren. Rest peacefully until we meet again.

SULLIVAN (nee Hackwill), Jane Frances. Passed away peacefully at her home in Congupna on Oct. 5, surrounded by her family. Daughter of Gavan (dec.) and Valda Hackwill. Loving wife of Damien Sullivan. Mother of Daniel, Claire, Nicholas, Gabrielle and Lucy and friend to their partners. Rest in Peace

SULLIVAN (Hackwill), Jane Frances.

Adored sister of Megan and Malcolm Stewart.

Treasured aunt and great aunt to Cal, Bec and Alby, Mercedes and Zeke, Kyung and Loretta. A kind, caring, strong and brave lady -now at peace. An inspiration to all

SULLIVAN (Hackwill), Jane Frances. Loved older sister of Megan and Malcolm Stewart, Kirstin and Phil Hine, Daniel and Rachel, Martin and Melanie, Leah and Maurie Monaghan and Justin and Miranda. Beautiful aunt and great aunt.

HOWIE, Robert Heron. "Bob" 16/08/1948

2015 Jayco Outback pop top, 1owner, ESC brakes, 3-way fridge, a/c, gas/elec. h.w.s., external hot/cold swr, solar panel, $30,000 neg. Ph 0418 598 128.

SZABO, George Geza. 8/10/1943 -25/9/2023

Passed away peacefully at Bairnsdale.

Loving and adored husband of Jan.

Cherished father of Kim, Mick, Julie and Darren.

Loved stepfather to Bernadette and Damian.

Special Poppy George to Ricki, Adam, Steph and Luke, Laura, Murray and Olivia. Ha Ha to Ben and Cooper.

Great poppy to Ethan, Joann, Izabele, Jaxon, Harley, Lyla and Walter.

We will love and miss you always.

Dad, There aren't enough words to describe what you meant to me. The grief and heartache we feel bears witness to the depth of our love. Your heart was true and tender, you simply lived for those you loved and those you loved remember. Life is not measured by the years you live, but the love you gave and the things you did.

Sadly missed. Pilso and Julie

Dad, Poppy George , We love you, rest in peace. Your son Darren and grandchildren Laura, Murray and Olivia.

BROMLEY

The funeral service and committal for cremation of Mr Edward Alan "Ted" Bromley will be held in the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon on WEDNESDAY, (October 11, 2023), commencing at 2:00 pm. Ted's service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit our website.

McKENZIE. The funeral service for Mr Donald Leslie "Don" McKenzie will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 1pm TOMORROW (Wednesday October 11, 2023), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

YEATES (nee Murphy).

The funeral service for Mrs Betty Colleen Yeates will be held at St. Paul's AnglicanCathedral, Cunninghame Street, Sale at 1pm on MONDAY (October 16, 2023) followed by aprivate cremation.

Please see our website for livestream details.

Teams get into CBL basketball

TomHayes

COUNTRY basketball returned for season 2023 at the weekend.

The Country Basketball League’s senior men’s opening round had tight finishes and blow outs.

Maffra recovered from aslowstart against Morwell, dominating the final three quarters to clean up the points.

WARRAGUL defeated Southern Peninsula with ease.

The Warriors got their season off to the best of starts in the 86-67 win.

IN the Women Division, like the men’s, Traralgon began their winningways against Lakes Entrance

The T-Birds smashed the Pelicans off the court in a70-point reaming, 94-24.

VAN ETTE (nee Muir), Barbara Anne.

22/9/1955 -2/10/2023

Passed away peacefully with family by her side.

Mother to Bradley, David, and John.

Mother-in-law to Raquel, Angelique, and Jodie. Grandmother to Amelia, Felicity, Miles, Taneesha, Jaxon, Charlie, Maddie, and Brayden.

Sister to Kathleen, Robert, Russell, and Elaine.

Resting Peacefully

Sadly Missed

YEATES (nee Murphy), Betty Colleen 7/2/1935 -2/10/2023

Loving wife of Norman "Bluey" (dec.).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Stephen and Angela, Joanne and Willem, and Graeme (dec.).

Adored grandmother of James and Emily, Madeline and Joshua.

Treasured great grandmother of Gordon.

In God's Care

Devoted to her family and deeply involved with the Anglican Church, Betty would lend ahand to anyone in need.

"May your great love for family and friends continue to be felt in our lives."

HAIR. For funeral arrangements for Mrs Ethel Bessie Hair please check website listed below or contact:

PHILLIPS. Afuneral service for Mrs Juanita Ann Phillips WAS HELD on MONDAY (October 9, 2023). See our website for "Youtube" broadcast details.

Sale Sonics went downinthe narrowestofways, losing on their home deck to Korumburra by one point.

Despite winning three of four quarters, Sale lapsed in the third term, which ultimately cost them the result.

Sale ledbytwo at the first break, then seven at the main break, as things began to progress smoothly.

But Korumburra didn’t take that nicely, hammering the Sonics 29-17 in the third quarter, flipping the game on its head, handing over the lead to the Wildcats by five points.

Traralgon won every quarterconvincingly, all while keeping Lakes Entrance to single-digit scores in each quarter.

Taylah Murtagh was the most prominent scorer with24points,but four others managed to record double-digit points; Charlie Hamilton (19 points), Indiana de Dios (14), Laura Vannapraseuth (12) and Sienna Privetera (10).

The T-Birds were quickly humbled the following day when they tasted defeat at the hands of Korumburra, going down by two points in the 62-60 loss.

HARDING. The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr Robert Charles (Bob) Harding will be held at the Maffra Football Club function room, Newry Rd., Maffra on THURSDAY (October 12, 2023) commencing at 2pm.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Bob's service.

SKULTE, Ansis (Andy). 17/12/1927 -9/9/2023.

The family of Andy (Ansis) Skulte invite his friends to afternoon tea in celebration of his life upstairs at the Maffra Sports Club from 2-4 pm on Friday, October 13. We would love to see you there.

VAN ETTE (nee Muir).

The funeral service for Ms Barbara Anne Van Ette will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 2:30pm on MONDAY (October 16, 2023) followed by aprivate cremation.

HOWIE. The funeral service for Mr Robert Heron "Bob" Howie will be held at the Heyfield Wetlands Centre, MacFarlane Street, Heyfield at 1pm on THURSDAY (October 12, 2023), followed by burial at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

JONES. Aprivate family funeral service for Mr Lindsay Francis Jones will be held.

Funeral Directors

PEVERILL, Katherine Jayne.

8Nov 1978 -13Oct 2013 My heart still aches in sadness, My silent tears still flow, What it meant to lose you Kath, No one will ever know. Love from Dad.

Bereavement

Thanks •

GIESCHEN, Lynne. We would like to thank everyone who sent cards, flowers, messages of sympathy and who travelled to attend Mum's funeral. Also ahuge thank you to Brad, Paland Zoe Semmens for the beautiful service they delivered on our behalf. It was appreciated by all of us. Our Mum, Gran and Gran Gran was very loved by us and so many. Please accept this as our sincere thanks. Celeste, Ingrid and family.

The Sonics did getthe betterofthe Wildcats in the final term, winning the battle per say, but ultimatelylost thewar,goingdownbyapoint, 71-70.

Sale’s Jake Hutchins was admirable in defeat, scoring 21 points, and Bailey Harrison scored 14. But their effortswereoutshone as Matt Kennewell and Joel Winderlich scored 25 and 22 points respectively for the Wildcats.

TRARALGON got off to aflying start in CBL men’s division, going two-from-two in Round 1.

The T-Birds featured twice in the opening round, firstathome to Lakes Entrance, then away to Korumburra the following day.

Theyeased to victory against the Pelicans, winning three of the four quarters, dominating in the first and final term.

Traralgon’s Koby Tibballs scored acareer-high 31 points, while Zac Bezzina starred with 19 points, as the T-Birds won by 23, thanks to a14-point differential in the last quarter.

It was then two from two, as the T-Birds came home strong against Korumburra, coming from behind to win in the final term.

In aseesawing affair, Traralgonheldathreepoint lead, beforethe Wildcatsgrew aleadoftheir own -out to threepoints.

Scoring went back and forth in the third term, nothing separated the two sides, so Korumburra wentinto the last termwithathree-point advantage.

Traralgon fired from all cylinders in the last, outscoring the Wildcats by eight points to come home five-point winners.

Bezzina was back at it again with 25 points, while Jarrod King-Church managed 17. Bradley Watson and Kody Tibballs were the other doubledigit scorers.

MOE got theirseason started in theright direction, takingcare of the Pakenham Warriorsathome by eightpoints.

An entertaining game witnessed ashootout between two players on opposing sides.

Pakenham took control of the early stages of the match, inching their one-point lead out to five points by halftime.

But we were far from done, as Moe dragged the margin back to two points with aquarter to play.

Amammoth final quarter from the Meteors saw them steal the win, scoring 44 points to 34 in the final period, capping off a110-102 win.

Both sides showed their time of dominance, as the Wildcats kept Traralgon to just nine points in the first term, but the T-Birds were able to bite back to keep Korumburra to five points in the third.

The eight-point bufferinthe third termhad Traralgon up by fourpoints heading into the final quarter.

But it wasn’t to be for the T-Birds, who were trumped in the final term, overrun by theWildcats, who start their season 2-0 instead.

SALE went downtoKorumburra too, the day before, but by amuchbigger margin.

Theywere unabletoget going against the Wildcats, who simply put the foot down and did not let off.

So much so, that Korumburra only had five players feature, with no bench,four of which scored more than 20 points.

Korumburra stormed to victory by 80 points in the 112-32 smashing.

JUST like the men’s,Maffra also got the better of Morwellinthe women’s

Each quarter displayed adifferent dominance, but it began with Maffra setting the tone in the opening term,bursting out to a27-10 lead. Morwell foughtback, dragging the marginnine points in their direction, yet still trailed by eight points.

The Eagles piled the margin back out to 16 points, leaving the Magic little-to-no chance of coming back.

The margin was reduced to 12 points at the end of the fourth term, completing the 65-53 win. Maffra Jamie Gallatly and Paige Biddle led from the front with 21 and 20 points respectively,while Emily Scholtes claimed 17 points for the Magic. THE all-rounded Moe Meteors combined for a team effort against Pakenham, to win by six points, 80-74.

Moe held atight lead after the first quarter by justthreepoints,but Pakenham soonmadeit theirs taking aone-point lead into the half. The Meteors drew the margin back their way, taking asix-point buffer into the final term, and just when you expected the tide to sway once more, Moe held firm to control their lead and claim the win.

KEENAN (nee Lyons). Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Jennifer Margaret "Jenny" Keenan will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Pearson Street, Sale at 1pm TODAY (Tuesday October 10, 2023), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

GP1658408

Barry &Annette Lett

GP1658406

The Warriors’ Ben Gaze was impressive with 40 points, but he and his team were outdone by Moe’s Austin Shelley who couldn’t miss with 48 points.

Four Moe girls scoreddouble-digit points; Tahni Hodgens (14 points),Michelle Clarke(13), Caitlin Demczuk (12) and Brooke Hunter (12). WARRAGUL claimed an 11-point win over Southern Peninsula to get the ball rolling on their season Wonthaggi Coasters had the bye in men’s and women’s.

GP1658407

Maffra Eagles back with abang

MAFFRA Eaglesjuniorand senior basketball squad teamsreturned to the court at the weekend, marking the start of their 2023/24 seasons.

NineMaffrajunior squads participated in the Morwell Tournament on Saturday.

For some players, it was their first taste of representative basketball; for others, it was the start of theirfinal junior basketball season.

Maffra teams were successful at the weekend's event, with five teams reaching the finals and three winning theGrand Final.

TheMaffraUnder 10 Boysand Girls teams booked their ticket to the Grand Finals after goingunbeaten through the divisional rounds.

In alow-scoringbut exciting Grand Final,the Under 10 Eagles Girls defeated Moe 13-4,withMaffra's Harper Fulford winning the Grand Final MVP

The Under10Boysfollowed suitsoon after with adominant performance,winning 46-19 against Warragul to cap off abrilliant tournament.

Maffra's Nixon Killoran was awarded MVP for his Grand Final performance.

In the weekend's last game,the Under 14 Boys came up against Warragul, who they beat by 15 points in the preliminary rounds. The Eagles boys played awonderful team game and marched away

with adominant 38-point win, 57-19.

Maffra's Ace Burgiel received MVP honours.

On Saturday night, Senior Eagles teams travelled to Morwell for Round 1ofthe Gippsland Country Basketball League (CBL).

With the Eagles Women coming off atwo-point semi-final loss last season, they were out to make astatement early, blowing the game out to a20-point margin early in the second quarter.

However, Morwell Magic took their chances and brought the game back to single figures by halftime.

The third quarter featured alittle scoring; however, Maffra extended their lead by afurther eightpoints and took a 16-point lead into the final break.

During the last quarter, Morwell put pressure on Maffra, but the Eagles were ultimately up to the task and finished the game 65-53 victors.

Leading scorers were Paige Biddle

with 21 points, Jaime Gallatly (20) and Sienna Wynd (12).

The men'smatchup saw adifferent start to the game, with Morwell running out to an 18-13 lead at quarter time before the Eagles Men kicked into gear during the second quarter to take a 37-28 lead by halftime.

Morwell once again bounced back and reduced the Eagles' leadtofour points beforesome hot shooting from reigning league MVP Sam Whelan and new recruit Ethan McIntyre helped the

Eagles to a19-point win, 76-57. Whelan led the scoring with35points.

This weekendseesthe local rivalry between Maffra and Sale take centre stage at the CameronSporting Complex in Maffra, with the women's matchup at 5.30pm followed by the men at 7.30pm.

Prior to the CBL matches, the two clubs will come together in aseriesof practicematches between all their junior squad teams, as has becomea tradition in recent years

Mixed bagfor Sonics at junior tournament

SALE Sonics junior representative squadsofficially started their new season by travelling to Morwell for their first tournament at the weekend.

The Morwell Tournament was the first time most of these teams have had achancetoplay together, and lots of positives came out of the weekend, which has coaches lookingforward to the rest of theseason.

The Sale Under 10 Boys had agreat weekend as severalplayersgot to experience representative basketball for the first time. With apretty young team, the boystried their best and madesome improvement over the four games despite losing by large margins.

The Under 12.1 Boys had agreat weekend, going undefeated on Saturday before playing the other undefeated team, Traralgon on Sunday morning, fighting out athrilling draw.

Sale metTraralgon again in the final, where they proved too strong and overpowered the Sonics.

On Saturday, the Under 12.1 Girls played three round games. They were unable to win, but they progressed both individually and as ateam, and there was some excellent learning.

Sundaysaw the girls headinto asemi-final, where they lifted their defensive intensity and started puttingtogether some great passages of play.

TheU12.2 Girls had atough task playing four games on Saturday. Unfortunately, they couldn't win, but they showedgreat competitiveness throughout the day, improving both individually and as ateam throughout the weekend.

The Under 14.1 Boys had achallenging tournament coming up against some muchbiggerand older opponents, ending the tournament with a draw and three losses.

TheUnder 14.2Boyshad aproductive weekend, winningand drawing one game and falling short in two. The games were well fought, and the boys worked hard and played as ateam and, all in all, had agreat weekend. This is agreat start for the first tournament for the group, whichshouldbeagreat year for this group of boys.

The Under14.1Girls had agreat but tough weekend.

Avery fresh, new and nervous Under 14.2 Girls

team took to a very tough draw over the weekend with plenty of determination and competitiveness.

It was aGrand Final for the Under 16.1 Boys in their first tournament of the season.

The boys had atough draw but pulled together their best game at the most important time -defeating Warragul in an intense play-off for six points in what happened to be Sale's fourth game of the day.

The tournament was agreat start to the season for Sonics Under 16.2 Boys, who had awin and a draw but missed the finals by one game.

The Under 16.1 girls had agreat weekend, winning all their preliminary rounds comfortably, beating Mowell, Traralgon and Maffra. Finishing on top, they faced Maffrainasemi-final and won by 40 points, going on to face Morwell in the Grand Final, eventually going down by 10 points.

The Morwell Tournamentwas the first of the season and the first time all of the Under 16.2 Sonics Girls played together.

More basketball-Page27(CBLseason starts).

Maffra Eagles Under 10 boys capped offa strong tournament with victory in the Grand Final.

Sale SonicsUnder 16.1 Girls made the Grand Final at the Morwell Tournament.Pictured is Ella Higgins, Tilly Courtney, Makayla Grabham, Lily Carmody,LilyWheeler,Brooke Kelly, Lexi Doherty,Daisy Wilson andcoach ChloeRees.

Maffra EaglesUnder 14 Boys were victorious.

Sale Sonices Under12.1 Boys Sonny Millier,Hamish Wheeler,Fletcher Fyfe,Davey Miles, Tom Lancaster, Harlow Douthat, HarveyMcMillan,Campbell Sellars and Liam Fraser. Photos:Contributed

Maffra Eagles Under 10 Girls won theMorwellTournament Photos: Contributed

Sale SonicesUnder 10 Boys coach Joel Fraser with players BeauHudson, Quinn Southall, Otis Piasante, Ryan Lamb, Finn Jellis, Buster Anstee andCruzPattinson.

Sale Sonics Under16.1 Boys won their Grand Final. Pictured is Koda Tuau, CooperHole, Elijah Banner,Archer Crawley, Phoenix Cox, Hunter Wynd, Charlie Kelly, MaxCox,Bailey Lieuwen and coach Jo Crawford-Wynd.

Maffra host latest hillclimb meet

MAFFRAAnd District Car Club recently held Round 6ofthe BoisdaleHillclimb Series,with a Sunday, short track race meeting.

With70competitors racing against the clockon the gravel track, all enjoyedthe day with many setting personal best times.

As expected, the buggies reigned supreme, blitzingthe rest of the fieldbymore than three seconds by the end of the event.

Kerran Pridmore recorded a39.97 second run to win the fastest time of the day, closely followed by Matt Muir and Anthony Kovco with 40.13 and 40.17 seconds respectively.

Overall fastestJunior driver was Ozzy Muir-also in abuggy -with avery respectable time of 41.52 seconds.

LadiesClass winner was Lauren Britton, recording atimeof45.07 seconds. Natalie Mayall and Kristy Tormey gained second and thirdwith 46.46 and 47.44 seconds.

This Saturday MADCC will hold Round 7ofthe Series -the second last race meeting for the 2023 season -with aTwilight, Long Track Hillclimb. Racing will start at 1pmatthe Boisdale Hillclimb

Track (239 Boisdale/Newry Road, Boisdale).

There is free entry to all spectators and akiosk will be open throughout the event. Furtherinformation is availableatwww.madcc. com.au or Adrian Britton on 0418 561 053.

FirsttoThirdClass results from Round 6wereas

follows: Class A:D.Clutterbuck 47.29, D.Scott 47.83, L.Chapman

47.94

Class B:A.Britton 44.15,SpiderAnderson45.46, W.Gellie

46.80

Class C:J.Forsyth 45.29, M.Bumpstead45.98, H.Hudson

47.16

ClassD:L.Fortune 45.16, C.Mayall

Swanettesseal back-to-back Browne-HuizerCups

From Page 32

LOSING to Sale 4-2 in Round 1ofthe Nike FC Cup, 2-1inRound 1ofthe LVSL and 8-0 in Round 12, the Lions were looking for something like fourth time acharm.

It had been expected Fortuna would draw on brute force in an attempt to take the upper hand Still, despite clattering into several Sale players and borderline recklessstuds-up challenges,the Lions’ fearmongering tactics were useless. Sale did well to drown out execrative on-field taunting, and remained unphased as they were barked at from behind.

Agoal from young gun Dani Wilson, lashing intothe top left corner from the top of the box off a Hollie Ryan corner,gave Sale an early advantage Sophie Jarvis nettedanequaliser beforethe break, with scores levelled 1-all.

Lion’scaptain Brabazon may have been the mostbooked player this season, bankingfour yellows and ared, but it was Fortuna’s Alyssa Palermowho was shown the game’s only yellow card.

The first 45 minutesofthe 2023Browne-Huizer Cup Final had proved anail-biting affair, with things heating up when teamsreturned to the stage.

With play congested in the middle of the field and little chances at both ends, overtime looked apossibilityasthe clock ticked closertothe hour mark.

In what can only be described as afairytale ending,SaleUnited’s TeniellePagestruckahalfvolley off aMadelaineBreakspearcorner,burying her first-ever career goal and the match-winner. Fortuna pressed aggressively, desperately looking for the goal to make things level.

Sale remained steadfast in their defence, with young gun Millie Harbour outstanding in the midfield -her work rate and tenacityunmatched.

The final whistle sounded, spelling victory for Sale United.

Madelaine Breakspear and Romi Bitar’s league championsdefeated Fortuna 2-1toclaim the 2023 Browne HuizerCup, completingahistoric double Breakspear was awarded best-on-ground.

Sale United Football Club president Tom Breakspear described the Browne-Huizer Cup final as an exciting affair.

“Itwas certainly oneofthe most testing games Ihave seen for the Swanettes this year, but as they have all year, bar one game, doubled down in the second half and showed the fitness and strength behind the ball,” he said.

“Fortuna has been abit of an adversary team this year, and the Swanettes really prepared to play abig game against them.

“I think every time they played against them this year, it has been considered abig game, and the Cup Final played out like that as well; it was close.”

Breakspear said Page’s maiden career goal, which sealed Sale United’s triumph, encapsulated the team’s effortsall season, individually and collectively.

“It speaks volumes of the team, what the Swanettes have worked at as ateam and how they’ve playedthis year, that Tenielle (Page) coming from being new to the sport to being in the right place at the right time to carry the team through,” he said.

“It shows how much everyone has played a part in the squad.”

Securing back-to-back Browne-Huizer Cup victories on top of an inaugural league championship has propelled Sale United’s2023senior women’s

squad intothe history books yet again as the club’s first team to secure the double.

“It has been areally successful year for the club all round,” Breakspear said.

“Our junior teams, we made four out of six Grand Finals and won two of those. The senior men’s team finished off the season knocking off some big clubs, which was really good to see, to see that coming together.

“But as Ithink we all know, our women’s team have been absolutely outstanding this year. Not only from awomen’s football perspective, but if you look at that sort of achievement in the context of any league, it’s ararity.

“I’m very proud to be part of aclub that’s been so successful, particularly successful with our women’s team, and that’s really leading the way in women’s football.”

Sale United is undeniably leading the way in

women’s football in the region, withhighparticipation numbers and weekly game supporters,just scratchingatthe surface of supporting evidence.

The benefitsoffostering agender-inclusive club culture are evident through the Swanettes’ bolsteredon-fieldperformance,with Breakspear owing Sale United’s environment to the strong female leadership embedded in the club.

“We have really strong leadership throughout the club, in Madi (Breakspear) and Anouk (Meereboer) being both our senior coaches,” Breakspear said.

“Romi (Bitar) hasbeen amassive leader of change in that space and has been supporting those girls coming through from the juniors into the women’s game, which has been absolutely integral in being able to be where we are today.”

Anna Brady in theDTM Builders modifiedHolden Commodore. Photos: Contributed

Gary Daniel in his V8 ToyotaCorolla.

Adrian Britton in SpiderAnderson’s Hyundai powered Mini at the Boisdale Hill Climb recently.

Sale Unitedwomen defeated Fortunatoclaim back-to-back Browne-Huzier Cup victories, completing ahistoricdoublefor the club.

Photo: Contributed

Onto the big stage Washed out with wildweather

Stefan Bradley

MAFFRA gymnast Henry Noble will hit the world stage next month, after qualifying for the World Gymnastics Championships.

Noble attendedthe National Club Championships on the Gold Coast in mid-September and placed second in the Men's U17 international tumbling. Thanks to this and all the other hard work he has done since the Australian Championships in May, he was offered and has accepted aplace in the Australianteamfor World Gymnastics Championships in Birmingham.

"Representing my country willbea dream come

true,I've dreamed about this for years and now I get the chance to wear the green and gold," Noble said.

"Since this is my first world championship, I’m going there to not just compete but to watch my opponents and see what Ihave to improve to be internationally competitive in the next few years.

"The news hasn’t really sunk in yet."

Noble flies out on November9,has atraining camp in the UK andthen competessomewhere between November 16 and 19.

"Training will stay relatively the same as Ifly out and don’t have much time to improve my routines heavily, Iwill now just focusonmaking them more consistent and neater," he said.

The training campinthe UK that Noble will attend beforethe competition will allow him to tumble on afloor that is similar to the one at the World Championships, which will wake his body up after along journey. Every floor at the camp for tumble is different, with some harder or softer, and some allow one to go faster or slower.

The road to the world championships consisted of threecompetitions/assessments. The first was the Australian Championships in May where Noble placed fourth.

"This is where my coach and Irealised that I could possibly qualify for the world championships," he said.

"The next step was avideo assessmentwhere Iwould do my routine in front of acamera at my home club (BTYC Gymnastics) and the final competition was at the National Clubs Carnival in September where Iplaced second. All this ended up in me getting selected to represent Australia."

Liam Durkin

NOT surprisingly, there was no cricket in SaleMaffra last weekend.

The Sale-Maffra Cricket Association made the calltoabandon the opening roundofthe seasonas early as last Thursday just after midday.

With floods affecting the region and leaving many grounds underwater, there was simply no chance grounds were playable or wickets had time to get up.

Given how much rain has fallen in places around College Oval and Wurruk Cricket Ground, it is likelythosevenues will be off-limits for at least another week.

Both resembled lakes last week, with ducks about the only ones happy with their new habitat.

As far as local cricketers go, they will be hoping those ducks don't provide abad omen for the season ahead.

While better weather is expected tomorrow (23 and sunny), showers are forecast to return by Thursday and continue right through until Sunday.

The situation could leave anumberofgrounds still out of action, and force the reshuffling of first grade matches to other turf venues.

All first grade games from Round 1are stilllisted as 'pending' on PlayHQ, so the SMCA may look to play acatch-up round on aGCL-free weekend.

As games were called off before training on Thursday, clubs did not bother picking sides, even for the purpose of qualifying players for finals. Stratford had ateam listed, but only 10 names appeared,presumably from the preselection function on PlayHQ that lines players up with a particular grade.

If the preselection is any indication, there was a couple of key names missing from the Redbacks, including Chris Aurisch and Cormac Hassett.

Both are expected to come into the team in coming weeks. Hassett is returning to wicket-keep, while top orderbat Aurisch trained with the squad during preseason.

Playersand officials will wait with bated breath

Sunny scenesfor Sale race day

SALE Turf Club willhostaneight-racecard

tomorrow.

The track rail has been set six metres out for the entire circuit.

The firstfour races aremaidens, before moving into benchmarks.

Fortunately, the meeting looks to be coinciding with the only fine day in Sale weather-wise this week, with atop of 23 predicted.

The cup season is upon racegoers in Gippsland, and two will be held this month.

Moe Cup is next week, on Friday, October 20,

while the Sale Cup is on Sunday, October 29. The 'little brother' of Gippsland's main country racing clubs, the volunteer-ran Latrobe Valley Racing Club (Traralgon), is launching its season this Friday night,inpreparation for its two meetings ayear -Derby Day and Traralgon Cup, which is on Sunday, December 3. Next year, the country cups continue, with StonyCreek Cup on Sunday, March 10, before thecup season rounds out with Bairnsdale Cup on Sunday,March 24 Gatesopen 11am tomorrow at Sale TurfClub.

to see whether or not play is possible this weekend for both Round 2ofthe SMCA and Round 1of representativecricket in theGippsland Cricket League.

SMCA Round 2fixture:Longford vs Maffra (at Stephenson Park); Boisdale-Briagolong vs Yarram (Briagolong Rec); Sale vs Collegians (Sale Oval);Stratford vs Bundalaguah (Stratford Rec); Rosedale-Kilmany -bye.

Maffra Mile back again

RUNNERS fromacrossGippslandhave begun training for this year’s Maffra Mile. The Maffra Mile is at the MaffraShow night carnival on October 28. This is a highly contested race with a total prize pool of $1500.

OrganiserDenis Hufferagainexpected tough competition.

“It will be an exciting event once again. It is always aspectacle to watch Gippsland's fastest athletes chase thecashunderthe lights at the Maffra Agricultural Show,” he said.

Primaryschool children are encouraged to enter the 100m sprint competition with medals awarded.

To enter, phone Denis Huffer on 0428 501 487.

Remember the Maffra show has free entry for children.

Maffra gymnastHenry Noble came secondat the NationalClub championships.

Photo: Contributed

Henry Noble at the AustralianChampionships

Photo:WinkiPoP Media

Wurruk Cricket Groundresembled alake last week.

Photo: Contributed

The 2022 Maffra Mile winner Craig Huffer, is pictured among last year’s competitors wearing agreen Gippsland singlet Photo: Contributed

Barr on the

Zoe Askew

PAIGE Barr was among the Australian Rowing Team (ART) athletes to qualify berths for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the World Rowing Championships 2023 in Belgrade, Serbia.

The former Gippsland Grammar student represented the nation as part of the ART Women’s Eight, who placed third in the AFinal, qualifying the boat for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

BarrjoinedHayley Verbunt,Lily Alton,Georgie Gleeson, Olympia Aldersey, Georgina Rowe, Jacqueline Swick, Molly Goodman and Bronwyn Cox in the ART Women’s Eight.

“We were confident but obviously quite nervous because it wasWorld Champs andOlympic qualification,” Barr said.

“We knew there was alot on the line.

“Our goal was to win or podium, but then also in the back of our mind was to qualify.

“The crew that came last in the AFinal, we knew they wouldn’t qualify, so it waslike aPlan A, Plan B, win, but if that doesn’t happen,don’t come last.”

Following successful performancesatRowing World Cup 2and 3, the ART Women’s Eight knew therewas still much more they had to do if they were to repeat their success at the World Rowing Championships.

“I thinkwehad areally good regattaworking on fromWorld Cup 2and 3, but we knewthat we had alot to do coming into World Champs,” Barr said.

“We had areally good first half of the race in our heat, but it’s only the top one that goes straight to the AFinal from the heat, and we came second, so we had to do the repechage (repechage in rowing is acontest where the best of those who fail to win heats compete for aplace in the final) to get into the AFinal.

“It was kind of good for us to have another race.

“It gave us another chance to put together agood plan and hopefully do abit better, which we did. We had areally good second half of the race, which meant we won the repechage, and that also gave us agood lane for the final.

“Goinginto the AFinal, we wanted to take the first half of our heat, the second half of our repechage and kind of try and put them together.”

TheART Women’s Eight successfully combined their first-half heat performance and second-half repechage performance in the AFinal, steaming home to claim Bronze.

“It was really good; it all came together in the end, which was nice,” Barr said.

“We were all pretty excited; it’s always great to stand on the podium and especially to do it after this season. We’ve had some injuries, and stuff hasn’t always gone our way, but we’ve really put in the effort this season to try and stick together and do what we can, always get out on the boats, so it was quiteexcitingtoget out thereand get on the podium.

“Also, being on the podium meant that we got an automatic invitation to the NTC (National Training Centre), so Iknow for me that was abig thing, having not been to the NTC yet.

“Most of the other girls had already been there, so Ithink getting that invitation and not having to do the testing camp to get in was definitely one of the highlights; it was really exciting.”

Whilethe ART’s Women’s Eight berth may have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Barr and her teammates still need to secure aplace on the ART Olympic team.

Barr is now trainingfull-time at the NTC in Sydney, with Olympic team selection trials scheduled for early next year.

“We are full-time training at the NTC in small boats, mostly in pairs and sometimes skulls,”Barr said.

“So, training three times aday

“We get to come back for Christmasbut head straight backuptoSydney, and we go through trials late February or earlyMarch, and that’s when they will select the Olympic team. So until then, it’s kind of just get yourself as good as you can,asfit as you can and hope that you’vedone enough to make it.”

While Paige feels confidentinbeing named as part of the 2024 Paris Olympics ART, the former Gippsland Grammar student knows individual qualifications will be hotly contested.

“There are agroup of girls who were close to making the [World Championships] team, who are obviously going to be training very hard, which keeps you pushing to be the best you can be,” Barr said “Likeyou can’tjusttakeafew daysoff because thereare always going to be peoplereadytotake your seat. Hopefully, they don’t, but they willbe therewaiting.”

Followingher podium finishatthe World Championships, Barr returned to her roots,visiting the next generation of Gippsland Grammar rowing students.

Scarlette Tavasci, Camden Beyer, Ruby Lindrea, Ella Gerrand, EvanLewis and Lucy Hodges eagerly awaited Barr’s arrival, upon which they unveiled their newestboat named “Paige Barr” after the local rowing prodigy.

Barr vividly remembers sitting on the floor in the GippslandGrammar rowing shed as a15-year-old beginnerrower under coach Peter Campbell, being inspired by talks given by VIS organisers.

Having chasedher dreams, producing asuccessful rowing resume in the infancy of her career, including aBronze medal in the Women’sEight at World Cup 2and aGoldmedal at World Cup 3, Barr hopes to be an inspirational role model for today’s rowing students

Whenasked whatadviceshe would give to young local rowersaspiring to make the big leagues, Barr

said that while living in regional Victoria is a barrier, you can overcome it.

“Just because we are from the country, it is abit of abarrier;you can definitelyovercome it,” she said.

“If you want to keep going, you can.

“I think being from the country makes it all that more special.

“Because you don’t have quite as much support as the people in Melbourne who are on the Yarra everyday with heaps of peoplerowing aroundthem, it kinda makes it more special that we can still get thereand prove thatyou candoa bit more on your own; although it is hard sometimes, it definitely is achievable.”

Gippsland Grammar director of rowing Nick Bartlett saidBarrdemonstratedexcellent progress and determined commitment to achieve throughout the two years he coached the young rower, and is confident shewill don the green and gold for Australia at the next Olympics.

“Generally, if you were in the boat at the world championships, you will more than likely be in the boat at the Olympics,” Bartlett said.

“However, there’s always the needfor abit of lucktoavoid illnessand injury,and you’vegot atargetonyour back for other rowers to try and break into the boat.

“I think Paige’s chancesare really good, and I knowshe’ll do her very best and leave nothing out there.”

Bartlett said Gippsland Grammar is fortunate to have someone like Barr as an old scholar, with the rowing prodigy’s recent visit well received by current rowing students.

WHEN Maffra Hockey Club life member Kate Steinmann wasfaced with life-changing breast cancer surgery,finding amedical professional who listened and cared, was important.

“When Iwas told Ineeded the surgery,some friends encouraged me to consider surgeons down in Melbourne. Ispent alot of time on the phone only to find that many of them only took private patients. It was pretty upsetting,” Steinmann said. However, afriendtold her aboutLatrobe Regional Health (LRH) breast cancer surgeon, KJ Tan.

“My friend had worked with KJ and described him as caring, professional and someone who listened. I thought, ‘yes, Ilovethe sound of this guy’,” she said.

According to Steinmann, finding Tan was a “godsend” and it meant she could receive the treatment she needed as apublic patient, close to home with family and friends able to support her. Steinmann required two surgeries, which is why she is now fundraising for the LRH Better Care Appeal.

The appeal for ahigh-definition imagingsystem will allow surgeons to x-ray breast tumour specimenswhile thepatient is still in the operating theatre. The image assists with confirming all the tumour has been removed.

“It’s likely that Iwould have only needed one surgery if LRH had been able to access aportable high-definitionimaging system.Everytimeyou go to surgery,it’smore stress, more emotional turmoil and of course more risk,” Steinmann said.

“Hopefully we can raise asignificantamount towards the purchase of the imager.”

Tansaidthe imaging system would enable LRH to offer more precise breastcancer surgery and the reduced likelihood of subsequent surgeries.

“It creates lower risk for patients because less time is spent in the operating theatre. This reduces potential risks associated with anaesthetic, infection and bleeding,” he said.

Akeen hockey player, Steinmann hasbeen involved with Maffra for many years, and coaches the under 18 squad.

Teammate Jo O’Doherty said the club was excited to get behind the LRH appeal and also support Steinmann.

“I sawthe appeal in local media around the time Kate was undergoingher treatment. When she had to go back into surgery for afurtheroperation, I thought, ‘this would be such agreat thing to help out with and help women receiving treatment for breast cancer’,” she said

Fifteen-year-old Eva Humphris playedalongside and was coached by Steinmann last season. She is anotherMHC player supporting her efforts. “Kate’s apassionate, dedicated and determined person. It meant alot to me that she continued to make time to coach us even through her diagnosis and treatment. Anything we can do to decrease the suffering of people with cancer and their friends, families and communities is aworthy cause,” Eva said.

Not surprisingly, as someone who chases aresult in ahockey setting, Steinmann has set atargetfor the fundraising campaign.

“I’ve always worn the number 48 jersey as a player, so we’re tryingtoraise$4800.It’s not a massive amount, but it’s not asmall target either, so we’ll promotethis importantfundraiser far and wide,” she said.

“We are largely unawareofthe needfor these types of equipment until you need them yourself. Hopefully, if we can help get towards the target figure, women of Gippsland will get the same swift, caring and professional treatment Ireceived with less visits to theatre for the same outcome.”

To help the Maffra Hockey Club reach their target, head to bit.ly/3PuN7N7

Gippsland Grammarstudents Scarlette Tavasci, Camden Beyer,RubyLindrea, Ella Gerrand, Evan Lewis and LucyHodges, alongside former Gippsland Grammar student Paige Barr (bottom right).

Photos: Zoe Askew

Paige Barr kneels alongside Gippsland Grammar’s newest boat,named after the former student

hockeyplayer Kate Steinmann

Olympic dream

Former Gippsland Grammar student Paige Barr looks set to compete at the Paris Games next year,after being part of the Women’s Eight team that claimed bronze at the World Rowing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

FULL STORY -PAGE31

Swanettes retain cup after outstanding season

Zoe Askew

IT doesn’t get better than that.

Sale UnitedFootball Club’s seniorwomen topped off their maidenLatrobe ValleySoccer League championship winning season, claiming the Browne-Huizer Cup for asecond consecutive season.

Tenille Page netted her first career goal to seal Sale’s2-1 victory over adversaries Fortuna in a highly physical Cup final at Latrobe City Stadium on the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday(Friday, September 29).

Following Sale United’sfirst leaguechampionship-winning season, losing just one game throughout the 2023 campaign,the Swanettes braced for one last hoorah with aclear objective: defend the Browne-Huizer Cup.

The 2022 Browne-Huizer Cup Final marked the first timeSale United’s seniorwomen made aFinal appearance in more than adecade, with

a6-0 thrashing against East Gippsland securing the Swanettes’ first-ever silverware.

Sale’s road to thisyear’s Browne-HuizerCup final was rather anti-climactic, particularly given last year’s thrilling Cup campaign -defeating

Fortuna 5-1 in the quarter finals and 2022 league champions Falcons 4-3 in the semi to book aticket to the bigdance

Withabye in Round1this season(drawn at random), Sale eagerly awaited results. The Swanettes were to play the winner of Moe United and Falcons in the quarter finals.

Miley Cooper put two goalsaway for Moe, but the Red Devils fell short in their efforts.

Falcons’ Madison Rossi netted abrace, with Kristina Mezentseff, Monique Lapenta and Chloe Martin putting onepast thekeeper to seal a5-2 victory for Falcons.

Fortunaalsohad aRound 1bye and awaited results from the Churchill United and Monash game, with the Lions to take on the winner in the quarter finals.

An Ebony WebbgoalclaimedChurchilla 1-0 victory.

Sale progressed to the semi-final, having yet played asingleminute, afterthe Falcons were unable to field ateam for the semi, giving the Swanettes an automatic 3-0 win on forfeit.

Fortunaplayed their quarterfinal against Churchill, breezing through the round with a5-0 victory.

Sophie Jarvis scored ahat-trick, and Tenae Shanklandnetted abrace.

FortunaplayedTyers Lightning in the semi-final, following Lightning’s1-0 win overNewborough/ Yallourn United, while Morwell Peagasus’ 1-0 win against Traralgon City put the Flying Horsemen up against Sale.

Lightning’s efforts, as valiant as they may have been, fell devastatingly short, with Tyers unable to overcome the roaring Lions.

Emily Brabazon slotted the winning goal, progressing Fortuna to the final after beating Tyers 1-0 at Traralgon’s Harold Preston Reserve.

Acaptainand coach goal bookedSale United’s ticket to the Grand Final.

Zoe Askew and Madelaine Breakspear netted goals before the break, giving Sale United atwogoal buffer when teams returned for the second leg of the semi-final.

Pegasus challenged the league champions with a Mabior Anyieth goal, curtailing Sale United’s lead. Anyieth’s goal was ultimately aconsolation, as Sale thwarted achaotic Morwell without untoward occurrences before the final whistle’s blow.

And so, with Fortuna’s1-0 win over Tyers Lightning and Sale’s 2-1 victory against Pegasus, the 2023 Browne-HuizerCup finalists weredecided Oh, what agamewas in store.

It is fair to say there has been along ongoing rivalry between Fortuna and Sale, and with the Lions having yet to defeat the Swanettes in 2023, they were out for blood.

Continued Page 29

Photo: Zoe Askew