Gippsland Farmer June 2022

Phone: (03) 5135 4444

June, 2022

photograph jaci hicken

Front: Hakan Koyu (Central Agri Ag g Group), Sallie Jones (Gippslan nd Jersey), Tom Gray (Litt ttle t Farms, Singapore), David Grimmond (Food & Fibre Gippsland). Back: Graham Step phenson (Ex Exq xquisite Treats ts), s , Camp pbell Evans (South Gip ppsland d Dairy ry), y , Najjib Lawand (Ex Exp xport rtt Connect),, Frank Nobile (Select Produce e),, Dan Encel (Prom Coast Ice Cream) pictured at the Morwell Innovation Centre.

SINGAPOREAN VISIT

By JACI HICKEN

LITTLE Farms, Singapore commercial director Tom Gray recently embarked on a whistle-stop tour of Gippsland with a meet and greet of farmers and producers at the Morwell Innovation Centre.

“Little Farms is an all-natural, gourmet grocer based in Singapore. It’s about six years old and we currently have five stores, two of which have cafes attached,” Mr Gray told Gippsland Farmer.

“There are a few Gippsland products that have some interesting products and I’m trying to plug gaps in our current range of products.”

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The gaps Mr Gray identified for Little Farms are smallgoods, baby food and kids’ meals, and sustainable seafood.

“Seafood, seafood, seafood. It’s a pretty big gap for us. We are looking for sustainable fishing, small boat fishing, with a particular interest in someone who can do a private label fish range,” he said.

“I’m looking for private label suppliers, so people are willing to do Little Farm brand products. We have started a private label range with 90 SKUs (stock-keeping units).”

Organised by Food and Fibre Gippsland’s Export

Hub in collaboration with Invest Gippsland, Mr Gray and Export Connect director Najib Lawand looked at, tasted and discussed Gippsland dairy, snowpeas and bouquet products.

Export Connect is a consultancy and advisory service that helps Australian food and agribusiness open and grow export markets by providing them with market intelligence, competitive data sets, strategies, pitches and connections they need to succeed.

Continued on page 6

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RURAL NEWS

New push to phase out rodent poisons

By MICHELLE SLATER

THE Victorian Greens are urging the state government to phase out forms of rodent poisons that can have a deadly effect on both wildlife and possible impacts into the human food chain.

The Greens raised an Australian-first motion in parliament last month to stop retailers from selling baits that contain second generation anticoagulant rodenticides – or SGARs. But under the amendment, farmers would still be able to purchase these poisons when needed.

SGARs ar e found in common supermarket brands that contain active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone and flocoumafen.

They can affect non-targeted predator species which can suffer from secondary poisoning after eating a contaminated rodent.

Wildlife group BirdLife Australia had been running a campaign on the issue for several years.

The group is instead encouraging consumers to look for products containing first generation coagulants including warfarin or coumatetralyl.

BirdLife Australia urban bird program manager Holly Parsons said the campaign was mainly being aimed at householders, but stressed that farmers and professional pest controllers would still need to rely on SGARs. Ms Parsons said if farmer must use SGARS, they could think about how and where they placed baits, and dispose of contaminated rodents before they could be predated on.

But she warned there was evidence that SGARs had been found in commercial egg production.

“The average home owner doesn’t need to be using these products and there are just as effective products out there that are less likely to cause harm,” Ms Parsons said.

“On farms, there are a wider range of products that can be used in certain conditions.”

Last year, the New South Wales government had attempted to seek regulatory approval to allow the use of mass amounts of SGARs to control mouse plagues, but the call was rejected.

A range of ag sector bodies such as New South Wales Farmers, Cattle Council of Australia, Grain Producers Australia and Pork Australia had written to the NSW government at the time raising concerns over the plan.

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There is a zero tolerance for bromadiolone within meat and grain products by domestic and export customers, therefore this application poses significant risk to market access and trade.

HOLLY PARSONS

The co-signed letter to the NSW agriculture minister outlined concerns on the potential impacts that any SGAR contamination could have on trade.

“Livestock directly ingesting the product, mouse carcasses or contaminated feed can cause residues in meat products. Similar contamination can occur in grain stores,” the letter said.

“There is a zero tolerance for bromadiolone within meat and grain products by domestic and export customers, therefore this application poses significant risk to market access and trade.”

In Europe, SGARs poisons can’t be bought off the shelf and require a special licence. Farmers are still able to access them, but regular households do not have access to these poisons.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is undertaking a review SGARs with new regulations to be decided upon on a couple of years.

“There is a need for a new set of frameworks for rural landholders to use SGARs in a way to minimise the risk to wildlife,” Ms Parsons said.

“This is why first generation products are better, as they are less likely to cause secondary poisoning and are effective.”

A Victorian government spokesperson said the government acknowledged the emerging concerns about risks associated with SGARs. “That’s why Agriculture Victoria has been working with the national regulatory body, which is undertaking a review of these products,” the spokesperson said.

“We will follow the advice of the independent authority and support any changes with education and advice on correct use.”

GOT NEWS TO SHARE? Send your news tip to farmer@gippsnews.com.au or share your story with journalist Michelle Slater by phoning 5135 4444.

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RURAL NEWS

NFF pinpoints bush issues for new PM THE National Farmers’ Federation will be working with the new Albanese-led federal government to push for key priority issues for agriculture and the bush.

NFF president Fiona Simson said Anthony Albanese had demonstrated strong support for the sector’s opportunities and challenges, and attended the NFF National Conference in April.

The NFF will work with the government on ensuring progress on a series of issues including the ag sector’s workforce crisis, a regionalisation plan and opportunities in reducing emissions.

During the campaign, Labor committed to establishing a long-term funding pipeline for biosecurity.

“This has never been more important as Australia’s stares down outbreaks of

Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease in nearby Indonesia,” Ms Simson said.

“We are also looking forward to working with the Albanese government on the implementation of its highly positive commitments (in the area of) regional telecommunications.”

Ms Simson hoped the government would continue to back farmers’ on sustainability, including a push for the new government to make sure Australia’s food, fibre and forestry interests will be represented at the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference.

Ms Simson said it was no secret farmers were hurt by Labor’s intention to scrap the coveted Agriculture Visa.

“The NFF has worked across industry to design an Ag Visa that broadens farmers’

workforce options and which best protects our highly valued international workers,” she said.

Now the dust has settled on the campaign, we will regroup with the new government on progressing the Ag Visa, especially in light of Australia’s record unemployment figures and the food price hikes impacting all Australians.”

Ms Simson said a sensible approach to water management that delivered for communities, farmers and the environment was also a priority.

“The NFF supports the continued implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, in the manner envisaged: a dynamic document that is adapted to reflect the lived experience,” she said.

“We are excited to work with the

newly-elected Albanese government and the expanded cross-bench on propelling agriculture’s growth trajectory to $100 billion industry by 2030 and beyond.”

Ms Simson also acknowledged former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and outgoing Agriculture Minister David Littleproud (now the new Nationals Party leader) for their contribution to the farming sector.

“The Morrison gover nment was unflinching in its support for our industry’s growth ambitions,” she said.

“They will leave an important legacy in the farm sector, including record investments in regional connectivity, the establishment of the Future Drought Fund, and important foundational work to give farmers access to new environmental services markets.”

Tynong horsewoman reviving a fine riding art

By MICHELLE SLATER

A TYNONG horsewoman is reviving the traditions of a near long forgotten equestrian discipline on a horse believed to be once running wild in the Barmah Forest.

Kate Fremlin is one of a few Victorian equestriennes who rides in a side saddle, taking part in fox hunting and showing on her brumby mare It’s Possible.

Ms Fremlin had always wanted to have a crack at side saddle and pursued her dream after taking her mount to a come and try day with Broadford based instructor Broadford-based Stacey Rusic.

“Side saddle was high on my b bucket list of horse r riding adventures.

I loved the n novelty of it, g getting to ride in a dress was something so elegant,” M Fremlin Ms said.

“The firstt t time I had a go, it felt so bizarre b after 20 but m minutes, it

felt natural, the saddle is very secure and gives you a lot of support. My horse was terrific, she took to it like a duck to water.”

The side saddle dates back to antiquity but developed in the middle ages to enable a woman in skirts to ride a horse while maintaining her chastity.

The discipline died off in the 20th century and is now regarded as a niche sport, with the hard to find saddles regarded as antiques or hidden away in attics.

Ms Fremlin found her side saddle online from America, originally made in England she estimated it is about a century old. She purchased her specialised riding habit –or woollen skirt - second hand.

She has since gone on to wow judges in the turnout ring at the Pakenham and Royal Melbourne shows, winning sashes up against

Tynong equestrien nne n Kate Fremlin rides side saddle on her mare It’s Possible.

competitors riding astride. e “It’s a gre eat conversa ation starterr at show ws, peoplle com me up an nd ask ab bout it. IIt crreates a e ch hallenge o the fo or d jud dges as itt’s like compa aring r ” apples and orranges,”

she said. of “II never fail to get a kiick ck out o

putting all the gear on, the habit is beautiful to wear. It’s toasty warm and great fun. My horse is so kind to me, she makes it a pleasure.”

Instructor Stacy Rusic is only one of three qualified side saddle teachers in Australia and has taught “hundreds” of riders at clinics and pony club rallies.

Ms Rusic said the same principles applied as sitting astride, with the rider sitting centrally and straight in the saddle, replacing the right leg with a cane to guide – not hit the horse.

She said historically, side sale

Photographs Michelle Slater

allowed women to undertake the same activities as a man on a horse and has also allowed riders with a disability to get in the saddle.

Ms Rusic pointed to Belgian Paralympian dressage rider Barbara Minneci who has monoplegia in her left leg and muscle loss in her right leg.

“Side saddle was liberating for women. Anything you can do in a regular saddle, you can do in a side saddle,” she said.

“Within 15 minutes, my students are cantering around.

It’s not more difficult, it’s just a different style of riding.”

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RURAL NEWS

Andrew Sultana shows the range of compliant gun safes at Alpine Country Tackle in Morwell. photo jaci hicken

New firearm storage laws

By JACI HICKEN

THE state government is introducing new firearms storage laws to reduce incidents of crime across Victoria.

The new laws will come into place from August 30, effecting category A, B, C, D longarms and general handguns.

It means firearm owners can no longer use light metal cupboards or hardwood boxes to store category A and B firearms.

The new requirements require all firearm safes need to be made of at least 1.6 millimetres thick solid steel and must have a sturdy lock when firearms are stored in it.

If the safe weighs less than 150 kilograms when empty, it must be bolted to the structure of the premises.

But firearm owners who already have storage that meets the updated standards will not have to make any changes.

This particularly applies if they have a purpose-built commercial manufactured gun safe which has been purchased from a registered dealer.

Victoria Police reported there were 26

firearm burglaries and 80 firearm thefts in the South Gippsland, Bass Coast, Baw Baw and Latrobe City local government areas in the past two years.

Acting Divisional Firearms Officer, Leading Senior Constable Robert Nicholls said he was concerned about those people who may not be complying with updated gun safe laws.

“People who have not updated their firearm security in a while, are seen as easy targets,” Snr Con Nicholls said.

“On the western side of the division, it is very easy for criminals to access rural properties. (Criminals) can drive into rural properties, where the farmer may not be home, or out in the paddock at the time,” he said.

Morwell Alpine Country Tackle World gun salesman Andrew Sultana said compliant gun safes were selling “like hot cakes.”

“The safes we have in stock are mostly thicker than the requirements and range in price from $400 to $1500,” Mr Sultana said.

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RURAL NEWS

Ambitious project at Perry Bridge THE problems of climate change and biodiversity loss are now widely recognised.

Many farmers around Australia are helping to address these problems through planting of trees, or at least conserving already treed areas on their properties.

On one small (80 hectare) property at Perry Bridge, an ambitious revegetation project is under way.

The intention is to redevelop the entire property as a haven for native flora and fauna, while greatly increasing its capacity for carbon storage.

The property, known as “Fernlea”, is owned by Canberra couple Allan and Wendy Hahn.

It was purchased by Mr Hahn’s ancestors in 1888 and has been in the family ever since.

The couple visit Gippsland regularly to work on the project, but have also engaged a small Paynesville-based company, Gondwanan Ecosystems Management, to pursue activities on a day-to-day basis.

The project began in earnest in mid-2018, when a decision was made to de-stock the property, which had long been used for cattle agistment.

Gondwanan Ecosystems Management principal Hagan Brightman notes there are significant challenges involved.

“Historically, the property has been overcleared and over-grazed by cattle, and this has favoured establishment of invasive weeds,” Mr Brightman said.

“We’re now seeking to eliminate the weeds and replace them with native vegetation that once typified the area.”

For environmental reasons, an effort is being made to achieve weed elimination without using chemical herbicides.

Burning off, followed by direct seeding, has been partly successful, but manual digging out of weeds seems to be producing

Planting day on the Hahns’ property at Perry Bridge.

Native flora is now the dominant species on the property.

photographs supplied

the best long-term results. The problem is that it’s a slow and labour-intensive task.

Mr Hahn, who has a 40-year history as a scientist in Australia’s high-performance sports system, believes that it’s as physically hard as many sports, and even suggests that there may be scope for development of an “enviro-sports” movement.

During the past four years, about 4000 seedlings have been planted on the property, with some of the earliest plantings having now become trees of more than two metres in height.

In addition, since the de-stocking of the property, quite a few native plants have appeared spontaneously.

“We’re acting on a theory that the native plants will gradually modify the soil in ways

that will make it less hospitable to invasive weeds,” Mr Brightman explained.

“If that proves correct, the need for manual weed removal will gradually diminish.”

To monitor the effects of the project, regular plant, bird and frog surveys are being conducted.

So far, over 40 native plant species have been recorded, including the slender wire lily, which is rare in Victoria.

Mr Brightman said that last spring, the display of wildflowers on the property was truly spectacular.

Almost 50 bird species have been documented, along with six frog species, and there have been some interesting sightings of reptiles and insects.

It is expected that species diversity will increase as the project progresses.

The Hahns have ambitions for the property to become a site for the controlled re-introduction of locally extinct species, but Wendy Hahn acknowledges there is still a long way to go.

“The long-term vision is to plant around 50,000 seedlings, ideally within the next four to five years,” Mrs Hahn said.

“After the 2019-20 bushfires, tube stock became hard to get, because available supplies were needed for forest regeneration.

“We purchased all we could, but also started growing plants from seed in our own suburban garden, for later transport to the property.

“Several family members and friends are now doing likewise, and we’re trying to recruit more people to help us in this way.”

For anyone interested in the project, an Open Day will be held on the property on Saturday, June 18.

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RURAL NEWS

Showcasing Gippsland to Singapore Continued from page 1

“Special projects like this one, where we bring a buyer from a high-end premium supermarket chain in Singapore to come and meet with potential prospective suppliers from the Gippsland region,” Mr Lawand said.

“We work individually with companies and through programs like Invest Gippsland and Food & Fibre’s Export Hub to help them achieve this.”

“Today is part of a more significant program with Food & Fibre Gippsland (FFG), where we deliver an equitable program that includes capacity building and a workshop program around market insights.

“We are helping FFG members understand the opportunities in North Asian, South-East Asian, Middle East, UK and US markets.”

Export Connect has worked with Gippsland producers like South Gippsland Dairy to help them get to international markets.

“We have come across quite a few products that are suitable for export or are already exporting,” Mr Lawand said.

Produce Mr Lawand has had an interest in includes packaged salads, loose-leaf vegetables, craft spirits, dairy products yoghurt, butter, cheese, colostrum - as well as beef and confectionery.

“All of these products fall into categories that are in demand, especially if they have a premium or functional perspective, functional in terms of gut health, immuneboosting, especially post-pandemic, consumers across the world, particularly in Asia are looking for products like that,” he said.

“In addition, Australia’s reputation for being a world-class producer of all-natural foods made in safe conditions makes them all that more appealing to consumers.”

A Little Farms store in Singapore. The company’s commercial director Tom Gray recently embarked on a whistle-stop tour of Gippsland. photograph supplied

A range of Gippsland produce for Little Farms to sample. photograph jaci hicken

Prom Coast Ice Cream’s Dan Encel said the business was already export-ready, with SAA global and HACCP accreditation and would love to use Singapore as ‘a springboard to larger markets’.

“Singapore is an advanced market; it is probably Asia’s most advanced consumer market,” Mr Encel said.

“If you can export to Singapore and successfully into Singapore, it will indicate that you should be successful in other South-East Asian markets.”

Mr Encel said he would like to export to Little Farms as they are a quality business with a beautifully-presented model.

“I know the freezers will be pristine, I know the product will be presented well, and I know the product will have the best

chance possible to succeed if it goes into Singapore.”

Gippsland Jersey co-founder Sallie Jones would like to ‘dip’ the business’ toes in the export area and said a relationship with Little Farms would be an excellent way to start.

“Little Farms is very much a high-end premium store, which I think Gippsland Jersey is very suited to,” Ms Jones said.

“But they are interested in all of our products and we have sent samples over for them to try, so it’s hopeful that one day we will be able to export out of Melbourne.

“We are in the research phase and it’s always good to create relationships and networks, to understand who’s who in the zoo and how exporting works.”

Hubbard appointed as new VicForests director THE state government has appointed a former Gillard chief of staff as the new VicForests director and board chair to lead the agency into the native timber industry transition.

Ben Hubbard takes the reins from outgoing chair Chris Lovell, moving into the position from being YMCA and the Australian Institute of Company Directors national chair.

Mr Hubbard was previously chief of staff to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and a chief strategy officer at a national law firm.

He was also former Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority chief executive, working with communities as they recovered from the Black Saturday bushfires.

He undertook the previous government’s

review of long-term bushfire recovery in 2014.

Mr Hubbard takes the lead ahead of the 2024 step-down, under the Victorian Forestry Plan to get out of native logging by 2030.

However, Nationals leader Peter Walsh slammed the appointment, labelling it as a “sneaky move to parachute another Labor mate into an executive role with the Victorian public sector”.

“The Andrews Government has no shame in rewarding its Labor mates with big responsibility or big salaries in the Victorian public sector to implement Daniel Andrews’ radical political agenda,” Mr Walsh said.

“Victoria’s native timber industry supports tens of thousands of Victorians to put food on the table, pay the bills and send the kids

to school, but under Labor this industry is being axed for nothing more than political point-scoring.”

Mr Hubbard’s appointment comes off the back of the recent Latrobe Valley Authority appointment of former Labor candidate Chris Buckingham as chief executive officer.

But the state government is defending its position, pointing out Mr Hubbard’s “extensive career” in the public and private sector which demonstrates he “is an excellent candidate to lead VicForests through a period of change and transition in the industry”.

VicForests is a state-owned business with a Board of Directors and is accountable to the Victorian government through the Treasurer and Agriculture Minister.

Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas

thanked the outgoing chair Chris Lovell for his “many years of hard work” and for leading the agency through the first phase of the Victorian Forestry Plan.

“Ben Hubbard has extensive senior leadership experience, which will support the transition of VicForests and its operations to deliver the Victorian Forestry Plan,” Ms Thomas said.

The Victorian Forestry Plan was created to transition the native forest industry to a range of new opportunities by2030, moving towards plantation-based supply.

The plan ensures supply chains that rely on native timber will have enough time to adjust ahead of the phase out in 2030, while supporting workers and communities through the 2024 step-down.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

June, 2022

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Time to plant Hazelnuts

HAZELNUTS are a delicious edible nut rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals and are now considered a health nut.

Hazelnut trees are a deciduous tall shrub that can be trained into a small tree shape.

Hazelnuts have a high degree of drought tolerance and need a climate with cold winters for good pollination and they tolerate hot summers, so Gippsland is ideal.

Hazelnuts are very easy to grow and having very few pests or diseases they are suitable to grow organically.

There is a huge demand for fresh Australian grown hazelnuts which presents this crop with potentially a very profitable future.

Hazelnuts are suitable to be grown as a large highly mechanised commercial enterprise or as a smaller lifestyle operation.

Hazelnuts do have some complexity around pollination so careful selection of compatible polliniser varieties is essential to maximise nut production.

In short, the flowers are self-infertile and so need cross pollination.

The female flower may be receptive for seven or eight weeks in winter, but the pollen from one polliniser variety is shed for only a couple of weeks.

Thus, an orchard program needs to include early, mid and late season pollen shed varieties to gain complete pollination.

Hazelnut Nursery Propagators (a division of TruffiCulture) propagate nine varieties of hazelnuts so they can provide compatible pollinisers for several main crop varieties.

Hazelnuts are highly sought after for the in-shell table market, which makes them ideal as a healthy snack food.

Hazelnut kernels can be cracked out of the woody shell and used either as dry roasted, crushed or made into a praline paste.

The kernel is used by confectionary companies, biscuit and ice cream manufacturers and chocolatiers.

The fresh kernel contains about 50 per cent oil content and can be cold pressed to extract hazelnut oil which is a delicious product.

HAZELNUTS INOCULATED WITH TRUFFLE Hazelnuts as well as oaks are

successful host trees of truffle. Truffles themselves are a high value crop so the opportunity exists to grow truffle inoculated hazelnuts and benefit from the returns from dual-cropping.

At TruffiCulture they inoculate cuttings of commercial hazelnut varieties as well as hazelnut seedlings with the famous French Black Truffle.

The long lead time to produce well colonised plants means that growers need to place orders at least 12 months ahead of planting.

However smaller orders can sometimes be accommodated in the short term.

Truffles need a well-drained soil with a high pH which means a large amount of limestone needs to be incorporated to get the conditions right.

The truffle industry has a truffle soil testing specialist who has designed specific tests to achieve this.

Check the trufficulture.com.au website for more info and to book a soil test.

LEARNING ABOUT GROWING HAZELNUTS AND TRUFFLES TruffiCulture, Hazelnut Nursery Propagators and Truffle Growers are conducting one day grower seminars in Gembrook, Victoria to provide an educational platform for growers considering entering one or both industries.

The comprehensive seminar covers an in-depth range of topics, detailing many aspects of growing these two important and emerging crops.

In the afternoon participants will also experience a farm walk through the truffle plantation, hazelnut grove and a visit to the nursery at Gembrook.

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17

RURAL NEWS

Mawarra Genetics, Longford sells Hereford for top price of $130,000 THE Hereford breed stamped its dominance in the market posting a thumping top price of $130,000 and a new record average of $15,794 at the 57th Herefords Australia National Show and Sale.

Held on May 12 at Wodonga, the National Sale drew buyers from NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland, and was interfaced with AuctionsPlus.

Billed as one of the largest multi-vendor sales in southern Australia, it catered for 34 vendors from four states.

Overall, 102 bulls sold from the 106 offered for a 96 per cent clearance, gross of $1,611,000 and average of $15,794.

In the sale breakdown, a total of 59 junior bulls sold to a top of $35,000 and average of $12,847 while 43 senior bulls sold to a top of $130,000 and average of $19,837.

Creating plenty of excitement in the sale barn was Mawarra Ultra Star R182 selling for a new record top price of $130,000 to Tom Nixon, Devon Court Herefords, Drillham, Queensland.

The price eclipsed the previous top of $103,000 set in 2021 by Mawarra If Only Q264.

The 24-month-old Mawarra Ultra Star R182 by US sire Endure 173D was sold

by Peter and Deanne Sykes, Mawarra Genetics, Longford, and had been sashed as the intermediate and grand champion bull by judge Steve Reid the day before.

Weighing 1004kg, Ultra Star had BREEDPLAN figures of +123kg for 600-day weight, +27kg for milk, +82kg for carcase weight, and +8.6sqcm for eye muscle area.

Mr Nixon confirmed the New Zealand semen rights were sold to the Robbie family, Otapawa Herefords, NZ. He had a strategic plan to buy two full brothers and had earlier paid $35,000 for the top price bull at Mawarra’s on-property sale, Mawarra Ultimate R140, partnering with Cascade Poll Herefords, Currabubula, NSW. “We will have a multi-sire joining to the stud cows this year to those two bulls, on top of an AI program using our new Canadian sire KJ Medium, which just sold for CAN$240,000 - we partnered with Otapawa for the Australian semen rights,” Mr Nixon said.

“It was phenotype and pedigree first (with Ultra Star) – breed leading data sets with top one per cent most of the way through with moderate birthweight, calving ease, EMA (eye muscle area), fat and IMF (intramuscular fat).”

Vendors Peter and Deanne Sykes were overwhelmed and humbled by the result.

“The outlook for the breed is great with people willing to spend money on good genetics with the right traits,” Mr Sykes said.

Most successful exhibitor of the 2022 Herefords National Show was Mawarra Genetics of Longford. From left Nick Farley, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Logan Sykes, Hayden Brunt, Taylah Brunt holding Carter Sykes, grand champion bull Mawarra Ultra Sar R182 held by Brandon Sykes, Brittany Sykes, Deanne and Peter Sykes. photograph supplied

We will have a multi-sire joining to the stud cows this year to those two bulls, on top of an AI program using our new Canadian sire KJ Medium, which just sold for CAN$240,000 - we partnered with Otapawa for the Australian semen rights.

TOM NIXON

“Our grass-fed markets are going well for Herefords and the cattle sold today certainly had those carcase traits and doing ability Herefords are known for.”

It was a day full of emotion for vendor Andrew Green, Yarrandabbie Herefords, Barfold, Vic, when his bull Yarrandabbie Richard R004, named in honour of his late father, Dick Green, sold for the second top price of $70,000 to Marc Greening, Injemira Genetics, Book Book, NSW. The 23-month-old bull had been sashed as reserve intermediate champion and was sired by Glendan Park Panama P004.

On BREEDPLAN, the young sire had a birthweight of +5kg, milk of +22kg, carcase weight of +65kg and eye muscle area of +5.9sqcm.

Mark and Wendy Campion, Amos Vale Herefords, Pinkett, NSW, outlaid the third

top price of $60,000 for Mawarra Justify R265, a 23-month-old son of Mawarra Evolution weighing 890kg from the Sykes family stable.

Mr Campion said the bull ticked all the boxes a Hereford sire required.

“Overall, he was a beautifully balanced bull with good structure, a tonne of depth, good length and massive figures,” Mr Campion said.

“We have used Mawarra before and moving forward our mission would be to use him over Yarram Park and Newcomen females.

“As far as weaner prices go, everything is just brilliant with all our clients benefitting from that and the back-to-back seasons.

“It is really good for the rural sector after such a hammering during the drought years, and it looks like we might have three good seasons in a row.

“That puts confidence back into everything and that leads into this industry, and it is showing here today.

“This sale is totally underpinned by commercial and stud buyers.”

Andrew Hore, Rotherfield Poll Herefords, Mullengandra, paid $50,000 for Glendan Park Regal R016 offered by Alvio Trovatello, Glendan Park Herefords, Kyneton, Vic. The 25-month-old bull was by Glendan Park Panama P004, weighed 904kg, had a raw eye muscle scan of 128sqcm, a birthweight estimated breeding value of +4.5, carcase weight of +70kg and eye muscle area of +6.1sqcm.

Phil “Bluey” Commins, Nunniong Herefords, Ensay, outlaid $38,000 for Hollow Point R024, a son of Yavenvale M446 and with an EBV of +108kg for 600-day

weight, +24kg for milk and +66 for carcase weight.

The bull was sold by Alex Townsend, Hollow Point Herefords, Tinderbox, Tasmania.

The commercial producers entered the bidding at $35,000 with Hunt Agriculture, Moree, NSW, taking home Mawarra Union Pacific R424, a Koanui Techno 3062 son from the Sykes family.

Pat, James and Nikki Pearce, Yavenvale Herefords and Poll Herefords, Adelong, NSW, purchased Morganvale Rookie R306 for $34,000 from Allan Morgan, Morganvale Herefords, Keith, SA. Among the volume commercial buyers on the day was Scott Reardon, Rockford Pty Ltd, Bothwell, Tasmania, with Mawarra Jackaroo R262 for $22,000, Hollow Point Redneck R017 for $20,000 and Mawarra Jupiter R044 for $24,000.

Mr Reardon was investing in genetics after selling 170 steers (top pen was 457kg) and 49 heifer weaners at Powranna for an overall average of $2175.

“I like good meaty cattle without being extreme. I like the Hereford’s temperament, growth, carcase, calving ease and doing ability,” he said.

Herefords Australia National Show and Sale (Wodonga) committee chairman Alvio Trovatello described the event as a “great outcome and clearance”.

“Elite stud sires were making record prices and very good top end commercial sires sold well,” Mr Trovatello said.

“It was good to see the strong commercial support with repeat buyers and quite a few people bidding online.

“The social aspect is a big part of it – it’s a big few days on the Hereford calendar.

“Since COVID has come and gone people have really been looking forward to the event this year with a different level of optimism off the back of cattle prices and the season.”

Stud stock agent Peter Godbolt, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Albury, said commercial producers paid $25,000 to $30,000 for bulls while studs operated at the top end.

“Off the back of the weaner sales through January and in the mountains in March, buyers were getting good money for their calves and were willing to invest in the genetics – it was a credit to the breeders what they are doing for their commercial clients,” Mr Godbolt said.

“With a new record top price for Wodonga – it was good to see the breeders getting rewarded for what they do, and the Hereford breed getting recognised within the industry.”

Mr Godbolt said online buyers bid on around half the catalogue.

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My School, My Home Xavier College THE past two years have emphasised the importance of student wellbeing more than ever before.

For boarding students in particular, the need to connect with a welcoming and caring community is paramount.

As demonstrated by their decision to remain on campus during lockdowns, Xavier boarders appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play with their best mates.

For this year’s Captain of Boarding, Nick Honeyman, who comes from Canberra and his Year 12 colleague, Ed Plunkett from central Victoria, the decision to remain at school was almost a no-brainer.

“We have such a strong culture that the boarding house almost feels like home,” Nick explains.

“The school encourages the students to be themselves and feel comfortable

Boarding for Years 7 and 8 will be available from 2024 in addition to their traditional Years 9 to 12 offering.

Academic excellence, Music excellence and Boarding scholarships continue to remain available from Year 7.

Bursaries (means-based application for seeking financial assistance) are also available for boarders. with who they are and while we live in our year groups, there is lots of interaction with the younger students so we feel like family.”

“And it probably explains why numbers are growing and this year we have 72 boarders, our biggest cohort for a long time.”

“No one escaped tough times during lockdown.

Xavier College is entering into an exciting period of growth.

“But the boarding community really rallied to look after each other. We call each other brothers because that’s how we feel.

This will include a new Year 7 and 8 which has commenced construction this May, and an expansion of boarding opportunities.

Xavier prides itself on delivering a unique Jesuit education, and 2028 will mark 150 years of developing exceptional graduates through inspiring learning experiences.

Buoyed by strong recent VCE results and APS sporting success, the College now looks ahead with excitement and anticipation.

Xavier College is very much on the move.

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A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

A city home for country kids

“MORCOM House is a home away from home for 90 girls and boys from years nine to 12,” Caulfield Grammar’s Head of Boarding Tim Gallop said.

“We love that we are nestled in the heart of our Caulfield Campus, and only 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, so our students have an opportunity to experience all the fantastic things that our great city has to offer.”

Caulfield Grammar has one of the longest-running and most experienced boarding programs in Australia and is one of the few schools to offer boarding for both girls and boys.

It provides boarders with the best of both worlds – an exceptional education and a nurturing family environment in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Siblings can board at the same school and enjoy light-filled homely rooms that range from four-bed to singlebed configurations, with all Year 12 students enjoying a single-bed room.

Girls and boys are accommodated in separate houses but share recreational facilities and one of the most important locations — the dining room.

“We want our boarders to feel as supported and comfortable as possible in our ‘home away from home’,” Tim said.

“The dining room is the central hub of focus for our boarders, with highquality, nutritionally balanced meals on the menu.”

Boarding students get to make the most of living on-campus and a myriad of opportunities available to them – including access to the school’s facilities such as the Olympic-sized swimming pool and outstanding visual arts and performing arts spaces, as well as in-house tutors, counsellors and nurses.

In these challenging times, a sense

of community has never been more important.

“We guide each student to take responsibility for their own personal wellbeing, provide programs to facilitate self-care during times of stress, and encourage everyone to seek ways they can support the wellbeing of others,” Mr Gallop said.

“It keeps on coming back to connectedness and care.”

Caulfield Grammar’s extensive co-curricular activities and programs also help build a strong

spirit of camaraderie and community.

Students stay connected through extensive broad and balanced experiences – from House Sports, BBQs and movie nights and weekend excursions to dedicated real-world learning experiences such as the Year 9 Café Hospitality Program, the Year 9 Regional Expedition to the Northern Territory, and the unique Education Outdoors program at Caulfield Grammar’s Yarra Junction Campus.

“Each student is different, coming from a different rural or overseas home, and with unique aspirations,” Mr Gallop said.

“We’re not about moulding them into our ways, rather moulding our approach around each student to guide them in following their own individual pathways and passions – be it academic, sport, music, performing or visual arts.”

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June, 2022

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

It’s all on your doorstep with boarding at Wesley College, Glen Waverley SENDING their 15-year-old daughter to boarding school in Melbourne was not something that Dale and Kylie Pendergast had ever seriously considered until Tilly herself suggested it.

“We had heard really good things about Wesley College boarding from Meika King’s parents who we know through the girls’ involvement in cricket,’’ Tilly’s mother, Kylie said.

Meika, a former boarder at Wesley College who graduated in 2021, was the first girl to play on the Wesley First XI boys’ cricket team and was the inaugural Learning in Residence (boarding) Captain and a Senior School Prefect. ‘’Living in Stratford in the Gippsland region meant we were spending a lot of time each week driving Tilly to and from Melbourne for cricket training and matches, so it made a lot of sense to consider boarding at Wesley.

“Tilly loves being around people of all ages and the disconnection of the last two years was really hard, so we just thought, let’s give it a go!

“And since starting this year in Year 10, she hasn’t looked back.

“With the boarding residences situated within the Wesley College Glen Waverley campus, it is amazing that Tilly can now walk straight from her bedroom to the classroom!’’

Tilly said Wesley became a home away from home.

“I now have more time in my day for schoolwork, sport, social activities and sleep, and it’s a relief not to have to get up before dawn and go to bed after midnight,” she said.

“I feel really well looked after; the food, facilities and learning opportunities at Wesley are just fantastic!’’

A talented all-rounder, Tilly is following closely in Meika’s footsteps and is currently playing in the Year 10 Boys cricket team at Wesley.

She has just completed a successful season in the Victorian Girls Under-16 State team and has her sights firmly set on making the state team again next season.

“Boarding isn’t something we had planned for our daughter but we, and more importantly Tilly, couldn’t be happier,” Kylie said.

Learning in Residence is a contemporary, innovative, studentcentred boarding program for students

in Years 9 to 12 and provides a safe ‘home away from home’ at Wesley’s Glen Waverley campus.

The custom-designed residential curriculum provides boarders with structure to their evenings, weekends, social and leisure time as well as access to academic support, personal training, cultural integration and wellbeing programs.

From the courses on offer to the architecture and location of the facility, everything is designed to support development at an individual level and complement students learning experiences in the classroom.

Enrolments are now open for full-time and weekly boarding options.

Scholarships are also available for rural and regional students (applications close October 14).

Visit wesleycollege.edu.au/boarding to learn more or apply now.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Firbank Grammar School

NESTLED in the streets of Brighton is a school that values connection, joyful students and bright futures.

Walking along Bay Street, you might not even realise that one of Melbourne’s top independent schools lies only a few minutes away, unless you come across any of the happy and smiling Firbank Grammar School girls out of school hours.

Regularly among the top Australian schools for ATAR scores and the NAPLAN, Firbank Grammar School prides itself on preparing students to be conquerors of learning and life, as per the school’s motto: ‘Vincit qui se vincit’, or ‘One conquers, who conquers oneself’.

Each year, many Year 7 students begin or continue their Firbank learning journey at the Brighton Girls Senior Campus.

Although Firbank Grammar has two junior campuses, many students start at the Senior School without previous Firbank education, including rural and interstate students through the boarding program.

Firbank Grammar principal Jenny Williams believes that the school must

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

always nurture well-being for students to succeed academically, and works closely with parents, teachers and the wider community to ensure students realise their potential, readying them for life.

Firbank Grammar School stands out as a place where teachers genuinely believe in their students, going the extra mile to help them achieve great things.

Success is everywhere at Firbank, from the school’s extensive sporting programs to its rich music culture, as well as its performing arts and outdoor education programs.

Most noticeable is the school’s commitment to upholding its values.

Firbank is home to a diverse student and staff population, where everybody is treated with respect and acceptance.

The school teaches its students to be aware of their impact on the environment and makes a continuous effort to be sustainable especially with its new eco-uniform. Student voices are heard and acted upon.

For parents, choosing where to send their daughter for her senior school education can be daunting.

When her future is at stake, they want to make the right decision, which is why so many parents choose Firbank Grammar School, giving their daughters a boarding pass to a brighter future.

For more information on Firbank Grammar, call (03) 9591 5188 or visit firbank.vic.edu.au

June, 2022

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June, 2022

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

23

RURAL NEWS

Cheltenham Park Angus Private Bull Sale!

Gippsland Bred - 2 Year Old Stud Angus Bull’s.

By Breedplan and A.I.Sires. All Bulls are Very Quiet and Structurally Sound, High growth and Calving Ease Bull’s available

Bet-On-Black GP1642802

Enquiries Please Call Andrew Haw: 0487 858 544 457 Old Carrajung Road, Carrajung cheltenhamparkangus@gmail.com Dane Perczyk c/o Alex Scott - 0408 176 063 Details & E.B.V.’s on Angus Aust.Website

Dennis Proud, secretary Michael Coggan, president Tim Dwyer, Food & Wine co-ordinator Connie Dwyer, Cheryl Dowling and treasurer Jasmine Munro of the Maffra Show committee underneath their new DomeShelter. photograph tom parry

New Maffra Show pavilion is continuing to take shape

Quality Angus Bulls Reasonable p prices rices

Tom Parry

Millah Murrah Klooney

FERNLEIGH ANGUS Peter Blyth 0419 244 906

ALEX SCOTT & STAFF Rob Ould 0408 595 183

HEIFER BULLS

AL AVAILASO B

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Sired by Fernleigh, Banquet and Millah Murrah Bulls.

CONSTRUCTION is well underway for the new DomeShelter pavilion at the Maffra Recreation Reserve.

Located at the northern end of the Reserve, the structure has being built with grant money secured by the committee for the Maffra Agricultural Show.

Committee secretary Michael Coggan said it was great to have a sheltered exhibition space for the Show.

“We put in our application in December 2019, and we finally got notification that it was successful in about June 2020,” Mr Coggan said.

“We just had a few compliance issues and things, so we eventually got our building permit earlier this year.” $250,000 was secured for the pavilion’s construction as part of a Regional Agricultural Show Development grant from the federal government.

“The Dome itself … comes from Northam in Western Australia, but all the rest of the work is being done locally – 75 per cent of the grant money is being spent locally on local businesses.” Mr Coggan said.

Most of that money has already been spent, with the remainder set to go towards drainage and the paving of access paths.

The committee plans to utilise the space for its food and wine court at this year’s show, as co-ordinator Connie Dwyer explained.

“We have about 150 patrons during the busy period for lunch, and if it rains, or it’s windy, there’s nowhere for them to sit,” Ms Dwyer said.

“This (pavilion) guarantees that we can hold the food and wine court to the full extent without disruption.”

Five local food stands, two local wineries and a brewery are all expected to be part of the 2022 event, which will have a Mediterranean theme.

“This year, for the Mediterranean theme, we have locals cooking traditional family menus that people can get the recipes (for) and take home,” Ms Dwyer said.

The food and wine court will also feature Mediterranean music, and a pizza-making competition between the local schools.

Additionally, visitors can expect all the usual fanfare of the event, including animal displays, the carnival, Smash Up Derby, Maffra Mile and fireworks display.

The 2022 Maffra Agricultural Show officially begins on Friday, October 21.

Next available bulls Select Yearlings Available September 2022 Innesdale Angus,

718 Rosedale Road, Heyfield 3858

Geoff 0412 958 168 AH 5148 6371 E geoff@innesdale.com 24

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

Quartz S36” 460 kgs at 9 months by MM Quartz Q29.

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FOR DETAILS CONTACT

June, 2022

Money Matters GP1637803

Caution - End of financial year fast approaching

IT SEEMS like June 30 rolls around quicker every year, and can catch many by surprise.

be deducted – specifically that the prepayment relates to a service period not exceeding 12 months.

With volatility in the global economy, seasons and markets, and government support measures of the past two years, it’s likely your finances have changed – either for the better, or worse.

If incurring an expense now is not on the table, but you have spending that is coming up further down the track, an alternative might be to consider Farm Management Deposits.

These accounts allow a deferral of income to a future year and therefore pushes a current tax burden forward to a time when it might be able to be managed better.

Either way, you might be facing a tax bill that might add pain to your finances.

It is a good idea to ensure you’ve done everything you can to maximise your financial outcomes by minimising your tax burden and taking advantage of opportunities in the tax system.

To understand how these or the many other EOFY actions might be of benefit, you must first know what you are facing.

There are a number of time sensitive decisions to make – here are just a few to consider this year.

A key task for EOFY is maximising your super contributions to boost your retirement savings and take advantage of tax benefits.

Annual contribution limits for super rose this financial year.

From 1 July 2021, the annual concessional contributions cap increased to $27,500 (up from $25,000). This allows you to contribute a bit extra into your super on a beforetax basis.

If you have any unused concessional contribution amounts from previous financial years and your super balance is less than $500,000, you may be able to “carry forward” these amounts to further top up.

Get your business financial reporting up to date and work with your accountant to understand the likely tax bill you have ahead.

If you employ staff, you should also consider their superannuation obligations.

to allow temporary full expensing of eligible assets purchased for business purposes.

Super Guarantee and employee salary sacrifice for in the current financial year must be made prior to June 30 otherwise they become next year’s deduction.

This 100 per cent write-off continues until 30 June 2023, but time is running out if you are looking to gain a deduction for the current year.

It is also worth remembering that from 1 July 2022 the Super Guarantee rate is increasing to 10.5 per cent - so make sure your payroll systems are ready to go with that from the first pay run in July.

One of the government’s key initiatives in response to the pandemic was

Another option many businesses consider is to bring forward future year expenditure to reduce current taxable income.

Small expense amounts under $1000 can be claimed without triggering the prepayment rules.

For expenditure over this limit, the prepayment rules regulate what may

Then you can plan the actions to get the most benefit in the near term.

Before we know it FY2023 will have begun and we will do it all again.

How well the next year starts will depend on how you finish off this one.

Don’t delay – get your strategies in motion today.

Abe Schuback is an Agri Accountant and Partner at Phillipsons Accounting Services who has been advising Gippsland businesses for over 50 years.

For more information please visit online at www.phillipsons.com.au or phone our office on 5144 4566.

June, 2022

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

GP1632082

25

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Aussie Pumps…

Designed for Australian farmers FARM DEPOT SUCCESS

By TYSON SIECKER, Victorian Area Manager of Australian Pump Industries

The fact that farming and mining is the backbone of Australia’s economy is not a secret.

Many urban dwellers don’t understand that Australia’s agricultural productivity can reach $100B per year, and, with the proper investment in water resources, double that!

We know, at Australian Pump Industries, the true potential of Australian farming.

That’s why our engineering team is always looking for ways of making products that are faster, effective, more cost efficient and better value for money than cheap imports or even some of the old traditional brands on the market.

BETTER PRODUCTS FOR AUSSIE FARMERS The whole philosophy of the company is about providing more value to the consumer and doing it at what they regard as being “fair prices”.

So when it comes to pumps, they’ve developed a range of self-priming pumps from 1” to 6”, suitable for a huge range of on-farm applications.

We know that farmers prefer selfpriming pumps to end suction pumps any day of the week.

Self-priming pumps offer real convenience for any farmer who wants to draught water from dams, creeks, rivers or wells.

GETTING DESIGNS RIGHT Our engineering team focus is on the user, not chiselling cost out of the product by reducing material, or sourcing from third world countries.

Quite the contrary, we put more material into the product, offering more quality at a competitive price.

A classic example of this is the Aussie QP self-priming centrifugal pump range.

The flagship in the range is the Aussie Fire Chief, regarded as the world’s best lightweight portable fire pump.

It simply has more capability, more

A production run big 6” 602 pumps comes off the line at Aussie.

features and more material in key components (impeller and volute) than any other pump of its type in the world.

With 25 per cent more performance, bigger impellers and the ability to self-prime from 7.6m (vertical lift), the product has a big advantage compared to all others.

Farmers relate to the value for money concept.

DEALER SUPPORT ESSENTIAL The strength of the Aussie Pumps product in Gippsland is in the quality distribution outlets.

One example is BrownWigg.

They have branches in Sale, Bairnsdale, Yarram, Stratford, Maffra, Traralgon, Warragul, Officer and Meeniyan.

BrownWigg stock the Aussie Fire Chief because it’s a multipurpose pump that all farmers need.

WANT TO TRANSFER WATER FAST? Aussie’s got the 3”, 4” and 6” pumps to do the job.

Aussie’s big 6” self-priming pumps can move up to 2500 lpm.

The Yanmar diesel is a 10hp air cooled unit with a large 13l fuel tank mounted in a heavy duty galvanised or stainless steel frame with floating base with anti-vibration mounts.

The big advantage is the pump’s ability to move large volumes of water continuously for up to 5 ½ hours.

That’s an astonishing 825,000 litres per fuel tank cycle.

As we head towards tax time, farmers are taking advantage of the 100 per cent depreciation allowance and investing in larger pumps.

These 3000 psi pressure cleaners, with top quality Italian ‘Big Berty’ Bertolini pumps and Honda engines, feature ergonomic stainless steel frames.

It’s what we call the ‘Scud’ design.

It really does give our machines a huge advantage.

Customers love the Scud range, not just in the AB30 but in the next model up, a 4000 psi machine called the AB40-GT. The GT has a beautifully sculpted stainless steel frame and 4 big 13” wheels with flat free tyres making the machine look more like a Bobcat.

For super heavy duty applications in dairies, processing plants and similar, the Scud 400, 13hp Honda powered machine with huge 4000 psi pump, slow speed gearbox drive is the choice of professionals.

Available in Honda recoil or electric start, it’s ideal for continuous cleaning applications.

For jobs that require a long reach, Aussie has stainless steel hose reels with up to 30m of high pressure hose to suit these blasters.

They are easy to fit and offers huge OH & S advantages.

The team at Farm Depot also focus on Aussie’s steam cleaner range.

Recently Matthew Hearn sold a mighty Aussie Admiral MK3, 20 litre per minute 3000 psi machine designed for continuous 10 hour a day work steam cleaning.

This steamer, with a capacity to produce up to 135°C, will knock over big cleaning tasks fast.

You can even sterilise with it as well.

Farm Depot also stocks the Aussie Sizzler, a 240 volt dairy special that produces 1800 psi and operates at 80°C. That combination makes it a genuine hot wash machine, suitable for everything from killing Coronavirus to being a dairy steriliser.

The first Sizzler we ever sold was to a dairy farmer in Tasmania who milks 650 cows twice a day.

That machine has now been in service for 3 ½ years and hasn’t even coughed!

Farmers love the Sizzler, not only because of its reliability, stainless steel cover, heavy duty pump and slow speed motor, but also because of the low entry price point.

It’s priced to sell and to work.

WHY AUSSIE PUMP GIVES EXTENDED WARRANTIES The design team is always looking for inspiration and direction from the market.

We’re fanatical about understanding applications!

That way we learn from the people who know the most about these tasks, that’s the users.

The reason we give long warranties is because our engineers put so much time into making sure the machines will work, sometimes under very arduous and difficult applications.

Further information is available from your authorised distributor throughout Gippsland.

PRESSURE CLEANERS TOO

Wiggies loves the Aussie QP range with its Fire Chief outperforming and out featuring all others.

26

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

We’re pleased to work with both Farm Depot and PK Equipment with our range of pressure cleaners.

Partners Peter Padula and Peter Phelps are experts in the benefits of the Aussie range of cold water pressure cleaners.

The compact AB30, Aussie’s Pocket Rocket, is now produced in huge volumes, not just for Australian buyers but also for the export market.

Aussie’s AB40GT a product that combines utility with elegance.

June, 2022

RURAL NEWS

Logo showcases Gippsland’s own

By JACI HICKEN

MANY consumers are drawn to the “Made in Australia” logo of the yellow kangaroo inside a green triangle and trust products with this label.

Well, now it is time for Gippsland to stand proud and have its own logo to highlight Gippsland’s well-produced clean green produce.

Food & Fibre Gippsland, in collaboration with Destination Gippsland, has created the Gippsland Trusted Provenance brand for growers, producers, makers, processors and artisan goods creators to showcase the regional origin of their products proudly.

Food and Fibre Gippsland chief operating officer Nicola Pero knows that Gippsland has quality produce.

“The very best, in fact, and now it’s time to connect across our region and share that with an ever-hungry audience,” Ms Pero said.

“We want to gain the trust of those who don’t yet know enough about Gippsland’s abundant table.”

Gippsland Jersey is the first brand to feature the Gippsland trusted provenance licensed logo.

“Gippsland Jersey was an early adopter of the licensed logo that you will find on the back of our milk bottles,” said Gippsland Jersey co-founder Sallie Jones said.

“The Gippsland Trusted Provenance licensed logo is to promote Gippsland as a region and to really get us on the map.

“To fly the Gippsland flag as a whole in all market spaces is a fabulous opportunity.

“We are a region that does such wonderful work producing amazing food and it should

The Gippsland Trusted Provenance logo.

be recognised like it is in Tasmania or New Zealand.”

As momentum builds and more brands join the Gippsland Trusted Provenance group, Food and Fibre Gippsland has plans to hold networking events and engagement activities to highlight and champion the diversity and quality of what is grown and made in Gippsland.

“There’s a process for people to go through; you can’t just automatically slapdash it on your products; you have to go through a process with Food and Fibre Gippsland,” Ms Jones said.

To find out more about Gippsland Trusted Provenance and how to access and license the brand for your products and produce, visit www.foodandfibregippsland.com.au/ gippslandtrustedprovenance

Got news to share?

Do you have an agricultural story to share with the Gippsland Farmer?

Send your news tip to farmer@gippsnews.com.au or share your story with journalist Michelle Slater by phoning 5135 4444.

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June, 2022

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TTo grab b a bargain visit www.oringi.com.au

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

27

RURAL NEWS

Making a gumboot-sized mark

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE founder of gumboot label Merry People never thought that a country girl from Gippsland like herself could run a business, but Danielle Holloway’s career has reached a new high after launching a collaboration with New Zealand fashion designer Karen Walker.

Ms Holloway, who grew up in Leongatha and mentors for business networking group Startup Gippsland, now employs 10 people and has fulfilment centres in Melbourne, Los Angeles and London to help distribute Merry People’s gumboots.

Ms Holloway said the Merry People name is all about happiness.

“If you’re wearing gumboots, you’re a happy person. You’re getting on with life, even if it’s muddy or wet.

You’re still getting out there, walking the dog, working on your garden or going to work,” Ms Holloway said.

Ms Holloway said the idea to sell gumboots sprung to mind after she moved to Melbourne.

When she was working a corporate job at ANZ, she would walk to the office in her trainers or flat shoes, and would often arrive at work with cold or wet feet in the winter.

“I was at a music festival and people around me were buying either expensive designer gumboots or cheap rubber ones from Bunnings.

I wanted something in the middle that was affordable and accessible. I was looking for a quality boot that was warm and comfortable like the boots we had on the farm, but that could still be fashionable,” Ms Holloway said.

“I couldn’t find

Startup Gip ppsland ader Stephen n program lea Angus and Danielle Holloway.

anything like l that in Melbou urne, or in the counttry either, so there was w a gap in the ma arket. Most gumboots s were more appropria ate for the la and or had pa atterns that were child d-like. I wan nted a classic designed d bo oot with on-trrend colours s that still performed p liike a farm or work gumb boot and could d be worn from city to cou untry.”

Growing g up in the country, Ms M Holloway y was certaiinly familiarr with gumb boots, so sh he started sketching ideas ketching ide as and looking at factories. ies “I approached factories in Australia, but they told me I was too small, or they were not looking for new clients, or they never got back to me,” she said.

“I eventually found a supplier in China, and put all my money into this project. I took a flight to China by myself, and visited many factories. I showed them my vision. They sent the sample back to Australia, and I took it around to a couple of retailers who liked my design - so I made an order.

“I was still working

Speaker, author an nd mentor Kerryn Vaughan, Startup Gippsla and d program manager Tasha Wright and Dan nie elle Holloway. photographs supplied

wanted to chat. I then started mentoring.

At the Startup Gippsland program in Sale last

at ANZ and did Merry People on the side for about three years. I was on Yo e a lot lo trying ry ng to o YouTube lot, learn. Even sourcing the learn gumboots took a while as I had never designed a product, started a business, launched a website or worked with an overseas factory before - so everything took a lot longer.”

After making Merry People her full-time commitment, Ms Holloway eventually saw success, and the amazing milestones kept coming when she started mentoring for Startup Gippsland.

“I had done a startup incubator program with Monash University, so I reached out to Startup Gippsland to see if they

year I spoke as a local girl about my y story. y I p explained how my team grew, and where we found warehouses,” she said.

Ms Holloway said Karen Walker emailed her out of the blue.

“It was such a shock,” Ms Holloway said.

“Karen said she’d seen our products and was interested in doing a collaboration. We met in Melbourne and we had a chat. They wanted something to go with their umbrella and jacket, so my boots had to match hers.”

The Merry People x Karen Walker gumboot is co-branded with the iconic Karen Walker

brand mark and Merry People logo, and presented in a colourway selected by Karen Walker, consisting of a green boot with gold trim, finished with a tan sole. Ms Holloway described the collaboration as a “massive deal”.

“Karen Walker is an international fashion designer. I remember saving up to buy her sunglasses when I was in high school. It was a career highlight for me, to go to New Zealand and do a photoshoot with her and her husband, and to learn about how she has grown such a successful business was an experience I will never forget,” she said.

The advice that Ms Holloway has for aspiring entrepreneurs in Gippsland is to have a go, and don’t overthink things.

“Find something that you’re passionate about.

I liked working at the bank, I have great memories from there and it was a great foundation for me in learning some commercial skills, but I wanted to do something else that made me feel really happy,” she said.

“You need that to go through the startup phase, especially in the first few years when you’re probably not making money and sacrificing a lot of time. You don’t have to have all the answers. I designed the product first and went from there. We just launched in the UK in April, we want to grow that part of the business, and grow our products with more colours. We now distribute in Melbourne, LA and London.”

“While there might feel like perceived challenges around starting a business in the country, I think COVID has taught us how we can do business online more and connect with people and events from our homes. Businesses, including my own, often arise from a problem you’re experiencing in life. So there may be opportunities for country people to be solving country problems - and programs like Startup Gippsland can help support that!”

Danielle Holloway wearing the Merry People x Karen Walker gumboot.

GP1643157

28

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

June, 2022

RURAL NEWS

Obligations were ignored

Poowong landholder fined by EPA

By PHILIP HOPKINS

Opposition spokesman on forestry ryy Gary ryy Blackw kwood w said the state government has ignored its ts s obligations to the native timber industry ry. y

RFAs included three core elements.

Along with ecologically sustainable forest management and an extensive conservation reserve system, a core aim of the RFAs was a commitment to enhance timber industry employment and development.

This included 20 years’ certainty of access to forest resources, an emphasis on downstream processing, support for innovative and internationally competitive forest products that are economically sustainable and provide social and economic benefits.

Mr Blackwood said there was no specific recommendation in the updated RFAs to close the Victorian native forest industry.

Even the RFA scientific advisory panel, which included anti-forest academic David Lindenmayer, only acknowledged uncertainties about future wood supply due to climate change and fire. This precluded commitments to fixed long-term wood availability.

“The Andrews government have no scientific basis for closing the industry. The native forest industry and threatened species have coexisted for over a hundred years and current numbers and sightings do not justify destroying a legitimate industry and the futures of hard-working timber families,” he said.

Mr Blackwood pointed out that the independent report on the modernised RFA agreements was published in December 2019 – one month after the Andrews

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government announced the unilateral closure of the industry.

The modernised RFAs were signed by the state and federal governments in March 2020.

One timber industry source said the federal government was forced to sign because otherwise, the native forest industry would not have had the protection that the RFAs give it under the EPBC Act (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).

The state government maintains that the modernised RFAs support the closure of the native forest industry, but the previous federal government strongly argues for the retention of the Victorian native forest industry.

Mr Blackwood said the new federal Labor government must use the RFAs to bring Victoria and Western Australia back into line with their obligations under their respective RFAs and give this sustainable industry a secure future.

“Both State Labor governments have acted totally irresponsibly by ignoring the impact of their decisions on the economy of regional towns, the domestic supply of hardwood timber to the construction industry and the devastation imposed on the environment of other countries who will increase harvesting to meet international demand with no intention of replanting,” he said.

A POOWONG landholder has been fined more than $1800 by the Environment Protection Authority over dairy effluent spilling through a neighbouring property and into Pheasant Creek.

EPA Gippsland regional manager Zac Dornom said the investigation began with a report from a member of the public in August last year.

“This case should be a warning to every landholder that mismanaged dairy effluent is a waste of good fertiliser for your own pasture and a hazard to the environment, and can be a nasty surprise for your neighbours,” Mr Dornom said.

“This badly maintained effluent system, and a belated effort to clean it out, combined to put effluent sludge right where it had the potential to do the most harm.”

EPA officers found the property’s two-pond effluent management system appeared to have been left without desludging for years.

The sludge had finally been excavated and then left by the side of the ponds.

The land was steep, and rain sent the sludge flowing down the hill, across paddocks, through a neighbouring property and into the nearby creek.

“Regular maintenance over preceding years or an effective system for containing the sludge during the excavation would have prevented the spill, saved the landholder a fine, and protected the environment and neighbouring farms,” Mr Dornom said.

“Without those sensible measures, it has been left to EPA to sanction the responsible landholder and ensure they take actions to prevent any further spills.”

Since the spill, EPA officers have inspected the property several times, provided compliance advice to the landholder, and required proper maintenance and upgrades to the effluent system.

To report pollution, call 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) or visit epa.vic.gov.au/ report-pollution/reporting-pollution.

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THE state government deceived the inquiry to modernise the Regional Forest Agreements and ignored its obligations to the native timber industry under the RFAs, according to the State Opposition spokesman on forestry, Gary Blackwood.

Mr Blackwood, the Member for Narracan, said the government decided to close the native forest industry in early 2018 before the RFA process even began in early 2019.

“Their decision has no scientific basis and was made purely on political grounds as the timing of the decision uncovered by Wellington Shire’s Freedom of Information request clearly indicates,” he said.

“The decision taken prior to the 2018 election was deliberately made at that time to appease the Greens Party and activists and lock in their preferences before the 2018 election.”

The government’s decision to “exit” the native forest industry by 2030 was revealed in The Weekly Times in April.

The Weekly T imes reported that Wellington Shire, after more than two years of requests and appeals, showed that the Premier opted for the 2030 phase-out in a two-page briefing paper that he signed on April 9, 2018, titled Native Forestry Industry Transition Approach.

The state government replied to The Weekly Times that the March 2028 brief did not recommend the adoption of a policy by the state government.

The forest plan to transition the industry to plantations was announced on November 6, 2019.

Mr Blackwood said the closure decision was clearly made before the RFA process began in early 2019. Subsequently, the Andrews government also paid no regard to their obligations under the RFA. “The Andrews government continues to lie when it claims the RFA supports the closure of the native forest industry,” he said.

The modernised RFA documents clearly stated that the purpose and objectives of the RFA remain unchanged – to balance environmental, economic and social uses and values of key forest regions.

“The major intent of the RFA is to maintain an ongoing commitment to enhance timber industry employment and development,” Mr Blackwood said.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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30

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

June, 2022

RURAL NEWS

Dynamic duo’s endurance triumph

By MICHELLE SLATER

A GLENGARRY horsewoman and her mare have taken on one of the ultimate fitness tests by winning a 100 mile endurance ride near Ballarat last month.

Tabitha Schmetzer won the 160 kilometre event at Mia Mia in nearly 13 hours on her home-bred 10 year-old Arabian-cross-Standardbred Eaglehawk Halima Bea. “My mare is an adrenaline junky, she loves it. It was quite a hilly ride, more hilly than we were expecting. It was such a long distance and we took it slow,” Ms Schmetzer said.

“Heading into the last leg, she picked up like she hadn’t done anything. She did an amazing job. She has this amazing Standardbred trot and such a big stride, she stretches out with a long leg.”

Ms Schmetzer comes from an endurance riding family, with her mum, dad and three siblings taking part in the sport together.

She entered her first endurance ride in 2008 in a 40 kilometre event in Rosedale, qualifying her to ride in an 80km event the following day on a different horse.

The seasoned rider had since gone on to complete six 160 km rides, including winning the 2018 Victorian State Championships and coming second the following year.

“Everyone in my family is involved, we are all looking out for each other if we get stuck, you need to work as a team,” Ms Schmetzer said.

“We all train and know our horses and know how to manage them.”

Endurance riding is vigorously supervised by a team of vets who

Glengarry pair Tabitha Schmetzer and Eaglehawk Halima Bea won a 160 kilometre endurance ride near Ballarat last month.

scrutinise the horse at checkpoints along the way.

The horse is immediately eliminated if it fails a vet check.

Ms Schmetzer said she trains about 30 kilometres a week through the Toongabbie hills, clocking up about 10 kilometres in each training session working on conditioning and cardio.

She said her mount got a clean bill of health at the final vet check, qualifying the pair for the national championships, the coveted 100 mile Tom Quilty.

Ms Schmetzer said she will aim to ride

in next year’s Tom Quilty in Bunyip, and will have a crack at the course in the state championships later this year.

“The vets said she looked great, her trot was clean and she ate and drank well.

There’s no flogging them as horse welfare is second-to-none,” she said.

“My mare never stops, she always gives 110 per cent. I think she loves me as she nickers to me at the paddock. You spend ridiculous amounts of time together with your horse.

“Every ride I do on her, I love it. She is a fantastic little girl.”

Tabitha and Eaglehawk Halima Bea. photographs supplied

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33

WEATHER OUTLOOK May’s Rainfall Observations for Eastern Victoria (source BOM)

Victoria’s rainfall total for the week leading up to May 30, 2022. The national rainfall outlook for the period June to August 2022. image bureau of meteorology image bureau of meteorology

East Sale Airport.........20.2mm Hogan Island...............64.8mm Latrobe Valley.............16.8mm Mount Baw Baw.........48.8mm Mount Moornapa.......27.0mm Wilsons Promontory .174.6mm Yanakie ........................55.6mm Yarram Airport............14.4mm Bairnsdale....................27.2mm Combienbar................56.0mm

Gabo Island.................41.2mm Gelantipy .....................34.0mm Lakes Entrance...........19.4mm Mallacoota...................40.0mm Mount Nowa Nowa....28.8mm Omeo...........................20.2mm Orbost..........................48.6mm Mount Hotham............. 8.8mm Pound Creek...............60.8mm Wonthaggi...................87.6mm

GIPPSLAND’S

Cattle Market REPORT PAKENHAM LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Monday, May 30

There were approximately 800 export and 200 young cattle penned representing an increase of 15 head week-on-week. There was a near full field of buyers present but not all operating fully in a generally firm market. Quality was limited with secondary cattle well supplied and well finished lots in short supply. Well finished trade cattle gained a few cents while feeder lots gave a little back. Grown steers and bullocks improved slightly. Heavy grown heifers gained 9c/kg for a better quality selection. Manufacturing steers eased 4c/kg on most sales. Most cows sold generally firm while heavy Friesians lost 10c/kg. Heavy bulls lifted 5c/kg.

Vealers sold from 450c to 624c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 550c and 606c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 490c and 598c/kg. Grown steers made from 500c to 548c/kg. Bullocks sold from 487c to 505c/kg. Heavy grown heifers showing good finish made between 440c and 495c/kg.

A limited selection of heavy Friesian manufacturing steers sold between 342c and 360c with the crossbred portion between 380c and 485c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 220c to 332c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 262c to 396c/kg.

Heavy bulls made between 332c and 360c/kg.

There were approximately 120 export and 30 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 280 head week-on-week. There was a small field of buyers present and operating in a cheaper market. Quality declined with few prime cattle penned while cows represented more than half of the sale. Young cattle eased 30c to 40c/kg. Heavy beef cows eased slightly while lighter cows lost 35c to 45c/kg. Heavy bulls eased 10c/kg.

Category Grade Score

Live Weight c/kg

Carcass

Low

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

Grade Score

Carcass

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

High

Avg 2136

600+

C,2

312

330

321

-15.8

573

2756

3120

2938

600+

C,3

344

344

344

-5.0

593

3182

3182

3182

520+

D,2

318

318

318

-3.1

663

2083

2083

2083

520+

D,3

322

338

336.2

0.6

678

1787

2120

2020

D,4

382

382

382

-28.0

735

2800

2800

2800

Cows

0-450

B,2

562

562

562

NQ

969

2136

2136

450-600

C,2

350

482

455.6

135.6

828

1925

2651

2506

600+

B,2

360

360

360

NQ

621

2880

2880

2880

0-400

E,1

160

160

160

NQ

421

640

640

640

400-520

D,1

250

332

291

18.5

647

1150

1660

1405

520+

B,3

388

388

388

NQ

693

3104

3104

3104

0-540

D,2

426

426

426

6.0

819

2237

2237

2237

0-540

E,2

350

414

382

NQ

779

1838

1863

1850

540+

B,2

518

518

518

NQ

925

3108

3108

3108

500-600

B,2

522

546

540

-30.0

939

2871

3140

3072

600-750

B,3

544

544

544

NQ

938

3536

3536

3536

750+

C,4

492

492

492

22.0

879

3936

3936

3936

LEONGATHA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE There were approximately 1480 export and 120 young cattle penned representing a similar overall number week-on-week. Most of the usual buying group was present and operating in a cheaper market in places. Quality declined with secondary cattle throughout and cows representing half of the sale. Trade cattle sold a little dearer for the more limited selection.

Grown steers were in short supply while bullocks eased 15c to 25c/ kg with quality an issue. Manufacturing steers sold 10c/kg cheaper on most sales. Well finished dry Friesian cows sold 8c dearer while the remainder of the cows sold from firm to 10c/kg easier. Heavy bulls gained 5c/kg.

Vealers sold from 450c to 592c/kg. Yearling trade steers made

Cows

Grown Heifer

Grown Steer

Yearling Heifer 330-400

B,3

598

598

598

NQ

1031

2392

2392

2392

400+

B,3

590

590

590

-8.0

1035

2655

2655

2655

400+

B,2

550

598

574

17.0

1007

2870

2888

2879

400+

C,2

526

540

535.3

45.3

991

2236

2700

2509

Yearling Steer

Livestock

Steers

Heifers

Vealer

Beef Cows

Dairy Cows

Tuesday, May 24

Grown Heifer 540+

Manufacturing Steer 540+

D,2

346

346

346

NQ

665

2083

2083

2083

540+

D,3

410

436

427.3

6.3

791

2768

2834

2812

330+

C,2

520

520

520

NQ

945

2028

2028

2028

330+

C,2

520

520

520

-42.9

945

1810

1810

1810

D,2

364

364

364

NQ

700

1376

1376

1376

Vealer Heifer

Yearling Heifer 330-400

Wednesday, May 25 between 560c and 616c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 490c and 616c/kg. Grown steers were in short supply while bullocks made from 465c to 514c/kg. Heavy heifers showing good finish sold from 430c to 534c/kg.

Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made between 310c and 390c after a top of 442c with the crossbreds portion between 380c and 499c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold between 200c and 340c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 265c to 375c/ kg. Restocking cows sold from 200c to 384c/kg. Better shaped heavy bulls made between 340c and 379c with the dairy lots between 290c and 344c/kg.

Total Yarding: 1660 | -1

Vendor

District

Avg Kg

C / Kg

Avg $ / Head

Scicluna Anthony

Stratford

575.0

498.6

2,866.95

Category

Scicluna Anthony

Stratford

526.0

498.6

2,622.64

Weight

Scicluna Anthony

Stratford

590.0

494.6

2,918.14

Scicluna Anthony

Stratford

505.0

494.6

2,497.73

Carcass

Byers Faie

Stratford

410.0

448.6

1,839.26

Walker SL & DT/AS Charellen Pol

Pearsondale

525.0

398.6

2,092.65

Tablelands Past. Co.

Maffra

525.0

394.6

2,071.65

Higgins Pat J&La

Heyfield

565.0

330.6

1,867.89

Farrugia K & Blayney Fm

Sale

450.0

566.6

2,549.70

Farrugia K & Blayney FM

Sale

440.0

538.6

2,369.84

Farrugia K & Blayney FM

Sale

445.0

538.6

2,396.77

Grade Score

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

Bulls 0-450

C,2

390

504

428

NQ

787

1560

1638

1586

450-600

B,2

340

340

340

NQ

596

1955

1955

1955

600+

B,2

366

379

372.5

-2.5

682

3222

3294

3258

400-520

D,2

340

385

365

51.5

773

1575

1636

1620

520+

D,2

310

354

340.3

-3.0

704

1782

2170

1938

0-540

D,2

400

468

436.4

86.4

887

1913

2340

2078

540+

B,3

534

534

534

NQ

954

3071

3071

3071

500-600

C,4

496

496

496

NQ

886

2976

2976

2976

600-750

B,2

490

490

490

NQ

860

3063

3063

3063

750+

C,4

463

494

479.9

-25.2

870

3704

4001

3788

Cows

Grown Heifer

Farrugia K & Blayney FM

Sale

485.0

538.6

2,612.21

Farrugia K & Blayney FM

Sale

660.0

376.6

2,485.56

Dunsmuir GJ & LA

Briagolong

715.0

376.6

2,692.69

Hollonds LJ

_

695.0

376.6

2,617.37

Quinn Patrick F

Morwell

750.0

376.6

2,824.50

Higgins Pat J & LA

Heyfield

745.0

336.6

2,507.67

Higgins Pat J & LA

Heyfield

690.0

336.6

2,322.54

Gallatly Kim

Airly

730.0

336.6

2,457.18

Higgins Pat J & LA

Heyfield

635.0

336.6

2,137.41

330-400

C,3

540

540

540

-22.0

964

2160

2160

2160

B,3

616

616

616

-2.0

1027

2895

2895

2895

Grown Steer

Yearling Heifer

Tinamba

755.0

348.6

2,631.93

400+

MW & DE Reynolds

Hazelwood

735.0

346.6

2,547.51

Yearling Steer

MW & DE Reynold

Hazelwood

475.0

346.6

1,646.35

330-400

B,3

594

594

594

NQ

1024

2257

2257

2257

Tinamba

655.0

330.6

2,165.43

400+

B,2

570

580

574.6

8.8

981

2880

3192

3061

Bulls

Vealers sold from 449c to 520c/kg. Yearling heifers sold mostly to local restockers making between 440c and 498c/kg. Heavy Manufacturing steers sold between 346c and 436c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 190c to 320c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 240c to 354c/kg. Heavy bulls made between 310c and 344c/kg.

Bulls

Bulls

GIPPSLAND REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Thursday, May 26

Total Yarding: 147 | -281 Category Weight

Total Yarding: 996 | +16 Weight

BAIRNSDALE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

-

Selected market figures. For full market information go to https://www.mla.com.au/ and/or https://www.grle.com.au/

34

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

June, 2022

RURAL NEWS

Doubts tss over live export rts ts emerge

Gippsland sheep producers could be facing a glut in local markets if the federal government’s plans to end live sheep export go ahead.

By MICHELLE SLATER

GIPPSLAND sheep producers could be facing a glut in local markets if the federal government’s plans to end live sheep export go ahead.

Victorian Farmers Federation livestock president and East Gippsland sheep producer Steve Harrison said stopping exports out of Western Australia would have a flow-on effect into Victoria.

“It certainly would and I can’t emphasise this enough,” Mr Harrison said.

“If, or when, it does get banned a large majority of stock from WA originally destined for export will make their way to the eastern states for processing. This is a given.

June, 2022

“This extra stock coming into Victoria will put pressure on our prices as producers.”

The new federal Labor government had made a vague commitment to phase out the $136 million industry in consultation with farmers and the West Australian government, but has set no timeline.

Western Australia accounts for the majority of the country’s live sheep exports, and sent one million live sheep mostly to Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan in 2019.

The Middle East also purchases Australian frozen or chilled sheep meat, with a substantial growth in the export of chilled lamb in the past decade.

But Mr Harrison said there was still a “clear advantage” for producers to sell their stock on the live export market.

“Exporting animals also means more capacity to sell animals domestically.

Everyone is working hard to maintain good prices and this is why we can’t afford to lose exports markets,” he said.

“If we did, sheep bred in WA would come here even with high transport costs and this would be on going as it’s more economical to get them processed here.”

Mr Harrison pointed to the industry’s welfare standards which are regulated with transport density limits in place and standards in international abattoirs. Shipments of sheep to the Middle East have been stopped during the hottest periods of the northern hemisphere summer.

“The industry has cleaned up a lot, there has not been a welfare concern on a boat

file photograph

in a number of years,” he told Gippsland Farmer.

National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson accused Labor of being “beholden to a small, uninformed minority made up of radicals who invade farms and steal animals”.

Ms Simson said Australia’s live sheep exports needed to fundamentally improve and it had.

“It sends a shiver down the spine of all farmers about the precedent it sets. If live sheep exports can be so easily be written off, what’s next?” Ms Simson said.

“It’s industry who Labor should listen to when it comes to the welfare of farm animals, not city-based minority radicals.”

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

35

GIPPSLAND SPORT

Netball ace is truly Lion-hearted

By LIAM DURKIN

OF all the things Ramayer Gourley has achieved in netball, the greatest may well be for something they don’t hand out trophies for.

Those watching the Moe A Grade playingcoach would have no reason to believe anything abnormal was happening.

After all, Gourley is one of the Gippsland League’s premier defenders, with a resume that reads: grand final best on court twice, four selections in the league team of the year, and experience representing Vic Fury in the Australian Netball League.

While this is impressive enough, it pales in significance considering what she has had to overcome in the last few years just to get back onto the court.

Having progressed to ANL level in 2017, Gourley looked set to progress further, before being struck down with what turned out to be, among other things, autoimmune arthritis.

“I first really starting feeling it in my hips and shoulders in my first season at Fury, so it came to a head at a really bad time because I felt I had just taken that step in my netball career,” she said.

“I had one season with Fury which is a big load, you play back-to-back games Saturday and Sunday for however many weeks then finals.

“We made the grand final that year, it was during that time, toward the end of the 2017 season my body was pretty sore.

“Predominantly it started from my groin, I was actually diagnosed with osteitis pubis, which wasn’t a wrong diagnosis, it was just a side effect of the arthritis.”

The 27-year-old said she had no real reason to believe such a disease would beset her.

“My pop had mild psoriasis on my mother’s side and my dad also has very mild psoriasis, it would flare up every couple of years, but he would easily get rid of it,” she said.

“When I finally got diagnosed I was going to Olympic Park and I met up with the doctor and she thought it was definitely osteitis pubis but she thought something else was going on as well.”

With the pain becoming excruciating, Gourley was forced to reshuffle her entire life.

“Those couple of months where I couldn’t

Moe A Grade netball playing-coach Ramayer Gourley has not let autoimmune arthritis stop her from playing. photograph liam durkin

get out of bed, it wasn’t every day, but some days the pain was so bad I physically could not get out of bed,” she said.

“There was a period of time I thought not just netball, but functioning as a normal adult on my own was going to be impossible.

“I couldn’t even drive. It was strange because it was mostly my left shoulder so I couldn’t change gears.”

During this time, Gourley tried to make the most of a difficult situation, using her artistic talents to help her recovery.

“I actually did a big piece at uni about my

arthritis, that was my last studio work that I did,” she explained.

“When I was originally diagnosed I had all these preconceptions about what arthritis looked like, my thought was it went to my hands, so I did a series of hand drawings.

“Deep down I really wanted to get back playing, but when I wasn’t able to walk I was thinking ‘let’s take it step by step’, let’s get to a point where you can go through a day maybe at 80 per cent pain free.

“Once I got to the point where I didn’t feel pain all the time I went for a walk,

then a run, slowly chipping away at what my body could handle and I got to a point where I could actually play again.”

Slowly but surely, Gourley was able to make a return to the court, and came back with a blast in 2019, making another Gippsland League Team of the Year.

Describing arthritis as a ‘shooting pain’, Gourley now takes injections twice fortnightly in her stomach to help stay on top of the disease - something she says “doesn’t tickle” but is necessary nonetheless.

The defender has been able to return to virtually full fitness this season, and said she was loving her time on the court.

“My biggest thing this year, it was actually Round 1 for VNL, I just had the best time and I came off and it was so much fun,” she said.

“I realised it was probably the first time in five or six years where I wasn’t in pain, I was able to just play the game I loved and it didn’t hurt.”

Gourley is staying heavily involved in the game, coaching not only Moe, but at Lowanna College and said she was grateful for all the support received.

“My family, Declan (partner Declan Keilty) especially have carried me through. When I was going through that phase I didn’t know why I was in this pain, that was the worst part, during those years I needed that support,” she said.

Higher things in netball might not be totally out of the question for Gourley, who has made the Collingwood training squad for the Super League.

Reflecting on her journey was especially poignant given last Friday was World Autoimmune Arthritis Day. Even if it was in a small way, Gourley hoped the old saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ shone through.

“What I struggled with so much while this was happening was I looked like an able-bodied person, but I wasn’t,” she said.

“You never know what people are going through and that is why you need to be kind.

“For people that might be going through anything remotely similar to me, be patient, do what you can, you are still going to have a future, it might look differently to what you originally planned but you can still make the most out of it in other aspects.”

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

June, 2022

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June, 2022

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

37

GIPPSLAND SPORT

Magnificent Magpies reflect on a

By LIAM DURKIN

SALE Football-Netball Club celebrated the 10-year reunion of their 2012 senior premiership late last month.

Players and officials gathered at Sale Oval to reminisce, recall and remember deeds performed during what was one of the most dominant seasons by an individual team in Gippsland League history.

The Magpies put together a truly spellbounding campaign in 2012, virtually wiping out every opponent it came up against.

Sale’s 2012 title was the club’s 10th since the Gippsland League was established in 1954, and remains their most recent.

Those in attendance last Saturday heard from playing-coach Matt Ferguson, while the premiership cup was taken out of the trophy cabinet and players were seated amid the backdrop of the 2012 premiership flag.

Ferguson, a former Sale junior who played 12 games for St Kilda, took on the coaching job in 2012. Little was he or anyone to know what that year had in store.

FOUNDATION FOR A FLAG AFTER winning the Gippsland League premiership in 2008, the Magpies suffered a mass exodus of players, losing half of its flag winning side, and duly finished the 2009 season in eighth position.

The next year was spent developing under coach Nick Anderson, who took over from premiership winning mentor Adrian Cox. Sale finished seventh in 2010, but a solid recruiting drive the next season that enticed Ferguson and former Brisbane and Carlton player Dylan McLaren back to the club saw the Magpies end the home-and-away season in third.

However, disaster struck in the finals series, and Sale went out in straight sets.

Anderson departed following the loss, and Ferguson took over.

Ferguson, who played with Perth in the WAFL after his time at St Kilda ended, said coaching was never really on his radar.

“It was more situational,” he said.

“I guess I thought I had enough football knowledge and I had too many good ideas in my head at the time that I didn’t want to go to waste.

“The more I thought about it the more it built inside me. I talked to a few mates and they had my support, especially my good mate Justin McLay, he really encouraged me to do it, he said he’d come back from Sale City to come across and play, once I really applied myself the boys seemed to resonate with me.”

Despite failing to win a final in 2011, Ferguson said there was enough to suggest the team was tracking in the right direction.

“I knew we had a good list, we were able to recruit a few players and we knew that if I could get the boys really enjoying their footy we could push for a premiership,” he said.

With the players assembled, Sale had the basis of a successful team - then it unleashed something that had never been seen before.

PRESSURE COOKER OF all the brilliant ideas Ferguson had in his head, one proved to be the most devastating for opposition teams.

Breaking from the norm, Sale decided to go with a system that had never been used in the Gippsland League before: a full ground press.

The press initially caught every other team off guard, as Sale rolled over its opponents with a high octane style that created incredible levels of pressure.

Onlookers were left stunned and amazed at its effectiveness and by the second half of the season, bedazzled opposition coaches were scratching their head to try and conjure up a way to counteract it.

In the end, not only could teams not beat Sale, they couldn’t stop them.

As Ferguson explained, the press worked on the simple principle that chaos created panic for opposition defenders.

“The theory behind it all was you had to

38

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

have forward pressure, you had to have fit players in your forward line willing to chase, tackle and harass,” he said.

“It was about defenders coming off their man to push up the ground and come forward to defend, it was about celebrating not just goals and nice kicks but it was about celebrating surging the ball out of bounds, gaining territory, punching from behind, all those one per cent things.

“We got so good at that, when we would punch the ball out of bounds we would celebrate and get around each other, the other team didn’t really understand what was going on, we knew exactly where we wanted the ball, we were forcing the other team backwards, sidewards, down the line, if they kicked it in the middle it was turnover city, teams just had nowhere to go.”

So, where did the idea come from and why was it so effective?

“I played four years under Grant Thomas at St Kilda, and then two years under Ross Lyon,” Ferguson said.

“He (Lyon) didn’t really perfect the forward press until 2009 which was the year after I got delisted, but I could see what was happening and I was very interested in learning what was happening.

“I still had some really good contacts at the footy club, I was able to get some inside knowledge of how to teach it. I got a memory stick from someone at the club which was a real game-changer.

“The technology wasn’t great back then but it showed some cartoons of rolling zones and some key points. I dumbed it down quite a bit because we didn’t have the time to train the boys but I tried to just give them the key points and key teachings.”

For Sale, it seems 2012 wasn’t so much about how to beat an opposition, but more on making sure an opposition could never defeat them.

“We had continuity, the boys just had so much confidence in positioning,” Ferguson said.

“You would see teams arguing amongst themselves, coaches didn’t really know what to do.

“Maffra was a super high scoring team, they’d kicked 150 points the week before playing us and then kicked 20 or 30 points.

“For that year there was no answers.”

PATH OF DESTRUCTION SALE officials may well have been forgiven for thinking their new coach would take some time to find his feet after what was an inauspicious start to the season.

The Magpies almost lost a practice game to neighbours Sale City, with Ferguson unsure at that stage whether or not local footy was ready for a full ground press.

Any such doubts were surely extinguished once the season proper came around.

After three games the Magpies were undefeated, with winning margins of 140, 113 and 95 points.

A Round 6 loss to Morwell by five points served as nothing more than a blip on the radar, as Sale went on to win every game for the remainder of the home-and-away season.

Along the way there was some absolute carnage for opponents.

The Magpies won their Round 10 match against Bairnsdale by 176 points - Alister Ford never coached the Redlegs again.

The Magpies kept Leongatha goalless in Round 18 - the Parrots finished the season second on the ladder.

Ferguson labelled the Leongatha job as the side’s most complete performance.

“It was just one of those years where we got that perfect mix,” he said.

“Maffra had it over us for so many years and didn’t get anywhere near us for the entire year, it was one of those years where we looked at each other in the eyes before we ran out and we almost knew what we were going to get and the results showed.

“The confidence was just super high.”

The statistics for Sale from 2012 were staggering to say the least.

The Magpies’ average winning margin

Sale celebrates winning the 2012 Gippsland League senior premiership.

sat close to 80 points, while all-in-all they kicked 212 more goals than their opponents.

They averaged 17 goals a game and won four games by over 100 points.

Although this all points to the season being a walk in the park, keep in mind Sale had to play with the pressure and expectation of winning every single week.

A KID NAMED DUNKLEY BEFORE becoming a 100-gamer with the Western Bulldogs, a little know 15-year-old by the name of Josh Dunkley was playing senior football at Sale.

While most kids his age were kicking the

file photograph

dew off the ground at 9.30am, Ferguson saw enough in the youngster to play him in the main game.

Dunkley was brought into the side midseason and never looked back, becoming the youngest ever Sale senior premiership player.

Amazingly, he was a bottom aged under 16 player at the time.

Ferguson remembers a young boy who well and truly belied his age.

“I can remember ringing up his dad (Sydney Swan Hall of Famer Andrew) and asking him if we could pick him,” Ferguson said.

“His dad said ‘I’m okay with it, I think he

June, 2022

GIPPSLAND SPORT

memorable flag win 10 years on Members of the 2012 Sale senior premiership gathered last month for their 10 year reunion. photograph liam durkin

there is an undeniable sense Sale missed a golden opportunity to go back-to-back or even complete a hat-trick, which would have put them among the truly great Gippsland League teams of all time.

In looking at what went wrong, it may well have been the Magpies greatest strength became their greatest weakness.

“We actually didn’t know how to beat it (the forward press),” Ferguson said.

“We knew how to do it, if we had to play against it we weren’t too sure, we just knew that we had a game plan that seemed unbeatable at the time.

“You need to keep continuing to learn and refine it, maybe in 2013 and 14’ we went away from the things that put us in that position.”

Although a dynasty eluded them, for what Sale put together in 2012, they certainly deserve to be mentioned in the same conversation as Morwell 1993, Traralgon 1998 and Maffra 2004.

Morwell was the only team to beat Sale in 2012. They beat them again the next year too - but that story will have to wait until the Tigers’ reunion.

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FINALS TIME AFTER finishing on top of the ladder by two games and more than 100 per cent, Sale faced rival Maffra in the first semi-final.

The Magpies broke away from the Eagles after quarter time to eventually win by 38 points 13.6 (84) to 6.10 (46).

Maffra then won the preliminary final in a thriller, getting up over Leongatha by a point.

Even that tells a story of how dominant Sale was: Leongatha missed playing in the grand final by a point and the Magpies kept them goal less for an entire game.

With a local derby set to determine the season’s premier, the Magpies capped off their dominance by leading at every change to win by 56 points.

Among the best players in the black and white on grand final day were future club

June, 2022

leaders Shane Fyfe and Jordan Dessent, as well as Ferguson who kicked five goals.

Martin was prolific, and collected both best-on-ground medals on offer.

Ferguson said the day was etched in his memory, with one particular moment standing out.

“When Dylan McLaren bombed a goal from the midfield in the third quarter that is when reality set in,” he said.

At that stage Sale had a sizeable lead, and the fourth quarter acted as little more than a formality as the Magpies won 17.7 (109) to 7.11 (53).

The premiership was Ferguson’s first, and in the immediate aftermath he described the beer as tasting like “liquid gold”.

Come the presentation, Ferguson, as captain and coach was left with no one to hold the cup up alongside with.

Club president Scott Pearce was rightly called on stage to take the honour.

“John Patten was president in 2008, he sticks it to me quite often because he had Adrian Cox as coach and Chris Laverty as captain, Ferg being captain-coach, somehow I got called up on stage, and the next minute they are presenting me the cup with Ferg,” Pearce said.

“I played in two grand finals, one with Sale and one in Queensland and lost them both so I was rapt, that photo is pride of place at home that’s for sure … very lucky.

It was pure relief when we won.”

CELEBRATIONS IN THE SHED FROM Morwell where the game was held, the Sale contingent made their way back into town.

The club hired a shed at the local Agricultural Society to hold its after party, and as Pearce recalls, it was a “very long night”.

A shed offered a practical location to host the vast number of Magpie players and

supporters, which included those from the Sale reserves who had unfortunately lost their grand final in dramatic circumstances.

The senior team was presented on stage, and from there celebrations continued. It did not take long for the premiership cup to suffer from its instant popularity, and a visit to Gippsland Trophy House was needed to help piece it back together.

A LOST DYNASTY? AS good as Sale was in 2012, the fact remains - they only ever won one flag.

For a team that was so dominant, it appeared a safe bet the Magpies would win at least another premiership in the years to come.

Sale made the grand final again in 2013, and the preliminary final in 2014, only to suffer crushing defeats on both occasions.

In 2013, the Magpies went into the grand final with 32 consecutive wins under their belt - and lost by 81 points.

The next year they were 45 points up at three quarter time in the preliminary final - and lost by two points.

Ferguson, who coached to the end of 2014, said it was a shattering way to bow out.

“For the amount of games we won, to only get one flag was definitely disappointing,” he said.

“It is hard to stomach, I’m not going to say I don’t still think about it.

“We were really dominant, to only get one premiership still hurts but I guess we are here to celebrate the positives.

“I can’t tell you which one hurt more out of 2013 and 14’. I can remember after the 2014 one I struggled to even talk to the team after the game, to be up by 45 points at three quarter time and to lose by two points, that was my last game I coached, I have to live with that.”

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would love to play, give him a call and see what he says’.

“I called Josh Dunkley and he was rapt.

He fronted up, it was an element of coaching that I didn’t expect or plan for that just blew me away, watching these young kids come through, especially Josh, he showed us all how to attack the ball, how to tackle, he was an incredible young kid.

“Once he became part of our team the opposition didn’t even notice he was so young. He was baby-faced but the way he played footy just showed so much leadership.He was as tough as they come, he did not take a backward step, and he was even quite aggressive.

“He had some really mature players around him, blokes like Collo (Luke Collins), (Jamie) Sweeney, Kane Martin, he was coming into a gun midfield so it was a perfect environment for him to just grow.”

Four years later Dunkley would be on another premiership dais, only this time in front of more than 100,000 people.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

39

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

June, 2022