Latrobe Valley Express Tuesday 23 December 2025 by lvexpress.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Street,

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 2026 MON M N TUE

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PH: 5176

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5214 214

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JOHN RYAN

Police, Fire,

Ambulance

19 9

26 6

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20 27

ALL PUBLIC

School

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Ph: 5134

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5pm-7pm

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December

MON TUE

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New Year’s Day ..............................Thu D Australia Day............................. Day rsday Labour Day .....Monday 1 January King’s Birthday.................. ........................................ 26 January Good Friday.. AFL Grand Friday........................ ...... Monday ..................... Monday 8 Final.........................F 9 Easter Saturda June Saturday.............................................Frida March Melbourne Cup**......................T riday 25 September y3 Easter Sunday Sunday..................... .................. Saturday April Christmas Day............................. uesday 3 November Easter Monday.................... ......................Sunday 4 April Boxing Monday Day............................. .Friday 25 December 5 Anzac Day.......... Day............................. .....................Monday April ....................................... ..Saturday .....................Monday 26 December .................Saturday 6 April 25 April ** All of Victoria unless 28 December arranged alternate

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HOME

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March

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19 26

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TERM 1: Tuesday 27 January to Thursday TERM 2: Monday 2 April 20 April to Friday 26 June TERM 3: Monday 13 TERM 4: Monday July to Friday 18 September 5 October ctober to FFriday NOTE: Term NOTE id 18 December dates may for any change vary. Check with your child’s of dates. school

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TUESDAY, 23 DECEMBER, 2025

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SUNNY

The Latrobe Valley Express wishes all readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Merry Christmas Plan NOT to Plan Pla Pl la an n for a

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Page 2 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

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Going off the rails By AIDAN KNIGHT

OFFICERS attended an incident at Tramway Road, Morwell at noon last Wednesday (December 17), after damage to the railway level crossing. Witnesses allege a car ran through the boom gate as it was closing, bending on its arm, causing the second to be stuck down, and the flashing lights turned on. Train services to and from Traralgon were suspended as a result. V/Line issued an alert at 12.33pm, advising that all services travelling from Southern Cross were terminating at Morwell until further notice, with outbound services also originating there. The disruption was first flagged in relation to the 9.25am Southern Cross to Traralgon service, which had been scheduled to arrive shortly before the announcement was made. Four additional Gippsland Line services were also affected. Passengers travelling between Morwell and Traralgon were advised to use replacement coach services, with station staff available to assist. The V/Line Incident Response crew arrived at the scene around 1.15pm to change over the bent gate and make additional repairs to the crossing. Regular services were restored by 2.26pm. ONLY a day later, a vehicle incident along the Gippsland Line halted all train services after a motorist came off Wirraway Street, Moe and onto the train line, at such a speed that the tracks were thought to have buckled. While the rail itself is designed to flex, the impact forced the sleepers underneath out of position. Because the rail is fixed to the sleepers, crews were required to lift sections of the track, realign the sleepers and re-pack the ballast beneath to restore the line to a safe alignment All trains travelling in either direction were stopped as a result. It is thought to have occurred at around 3.51pm. Emergency services were on the scene by 4.38pm, while V/Line stationmasters announced that replacement buses had been organised for passengers. Although V/Line incident response were happy to speak to the Express the day prior, those on the scene on December 18 declined to comment.

The vehicle involved was a black Chevrolet Suburban and was removed from a section of track across the road from St Kieran's Catholic Primary School, less than a kilometre from Moe train station. The driver suffered a medical episode and crashed through a section of fence onto the tracks. He was transported from the scene via ambulance, and his current condition is unknown. V/Line didn't publicly announce the line was down between Warragul and Traralgon until 5.35pm. Trains were partially restored to the line the next morning (December 19), with some services still utilising replacement coaches.

Crash: A car on the embankment of the trainline in Moe.

Photograph supplied

Blood donations for Bondi victims By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

Wrong turn: A car is towed away after being found on the trainline in Moe.

Crew: V/Line staff respond to an incident at Tramway Road, Morwell, after a driver allegedly tried to beat the boom gate.

Photograph: Aidan Knight

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

IN a show of support following the Bondi Beach massacre, blood donations have spiked across the country to treat the many victims still receiving care. Lifeblood Australia, the Red Cross national branch responsible for collecting blood, made the call out for donations in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. While available blood was being transferred from interstate to Sydney, they urged the need for Type O negative blood donors. "Our thoughts are with the injured, their families and those who have lost loved ones because of this tragedy," Lifeblood's statement read. "Please make an appointment for the coming days and weeks if you can." Victoria saw more than 22,000 appointments booked within the first 72 hours after the events of Sunday, December 14, while close to 7000 donations were delivered across the state. In Gippsland more specifically, 62 donations were made in the first 72 hours, compared to 41 donations during the same timeframe the week before. Lifeblood thanked the close to 50,000 people that donated over the course of last week, with a further 120,000 future bookings. An urgent call for blood donors was already made from Lifeblood earlier this year, as they issued a demand for blood during the winter period, having seen its highest number of appointment cancellations since the pandemic. As such, this severely impacted its blood supply, with Lifeblood stating they needed 12,500 additional donors at that instant. Blood and plasma donations are still needed between now and January 2, with Lifeblood continuing to encourage people to book an appointment over the Christmas and New Year's break. Lifeblood need 33,000 donations per week to help patients. You can ask your doctor for a test to identify your blood type. To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit: lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood App. Bondi letters, reaction - Page 14

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% & '! " $ $# The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 3

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Old Gippstown celebrates festive spirit By KATRINA BRANDON

DASHING through Moe, prancing through Old Gippstown, another Christmas celebration has been delivered to the Latrobe Valley. On December 13, Old Gippstown hosted its annual holiday celebration, welcoming hundreds of families and friends to the open village. While temperatures soared, people and dogs could be seen enjoying activities such as market stalls, food, music, Devonshire teas, a dog competition, photo opportunities, mini games and carols. Cars lined roads outside the Old Gippstown gates, indicating strong support for the event. People also arrived by the free shuttle provided by Latrobe Valley Bus Lines,

which was wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Strolling in early, Santa made an appearance around the start of the event, giving out highfives, taking selfies and springing into sharing the Christmas spirit. Dressed for the occasion, groups wore Christmas attire and dressed their dogs to try to win the best pup award. Pups could be seen as 'Santa' elves, or even Christmas ornaments. Most attendees were from the local area. Others came from far and wide, including a group from the metropolitan area. People could also be seen relaxing in the shade, chatting away as they embraced the Christmas festivities.

Great times: Locals Hulk Alikham, Izzy (4) and Solomon (2) enjoyed the warm weather accompanying the Old Gippstown Christmas event.

Dual purpose: Melbourne’s Lily Chiang and Jay Huang joined in on the Christmas celebrations at Old Gippstown, while also taking in the historic education. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Fun: As people walked around the Christmas event, they were able to support local businesses and collect late gifts.

Fun for all: Moe’s Jessie Priest and Trevor Priest brought along Santa Coco, who enjoyed meeting other Christmas-dressed pups.

Spirit: Morwell’s Sharon Stone, Churchill’s Matthew Cowell, Rachael Whitlock, Kelani (9), Bella (10) and Alyssa (9) got all dressed up for Christmas celebrations.

Gippy Water helping those in need

GIPPSLAND Water is supporting those doing it tough through monthly donations to the Morwell Neighbourhood House foodbank for the next year. The sponsorship, which began in late November, will provide essential items, ease the workload of the foodbank and offer friendly faces for those in the community to connect with. Gippsland Water Managing Director, Sarah Cumming said it was a great opportunity to continue the long-lasting sponsorship. “Each month, we’ll donate 192 rolls of toilet paper to the foodbank, which equates to more than 2300 rolls over 12 months," she said. “We’re also contributing a $500 donation toward personal care items and sending staff members to volunteer at the foodbank each month.”

The organisation’s social club recently ran a Christmas food drive, donating around $1000 worth of food. Morwell Neighbourhood House Manager Rebecca Arnason expressed appreciation for Gippsland Water’s contribution. “Gippsland Water’s support helps ensure our community has access to life’s basic essentials,” Ms Arnason said. “Its contribution helps us to uphold dignity, ease financial pressure and support those who need it most.” Gippsland Water has previously supported Morwell Neighbourhood House, donating a lawn mower and volunteering at the People’s Kitchen.

8pm 12.30am in the n

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Page 4 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

Conditions apply

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Generous: Gippsland Water’s Natalie Cowton and Sarah Barham flank Morwell Neighbourhood Photograph: supplied House Foodbank Coordinator Kerry Wilkinson, with the donation of food.

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Choose local this Christmas

Social dance

THE new year will be welcomed at Moe Social Dance on Wednesday, December 31. Music is by Bak2Bak at Newborough Public Hall. Dancing will go from 8pm until 1am. Drinks and nibbles will be provided before the dance from 7.15am to 7.45pm. Enquiries for tables and tickets to Carol Ryan on 0417 596 594 or Russell Hoyune (0457 543 856). Cost is $15 each. Tickets can also be bought at the door.

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club results: Monday, December 15 - 1st Ken Tierney and Monika Cornell (67 per cent); 2nd Helen McAdam and Moira Hecker (65). Tuesday, December 16 - N/S 1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (55.36); 2nd Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam (55.06). E/W 1st Ken Tierney and Anne den Houting (56.85); 2nd Barbara Barr and Phillip Goode (55.06). Thursday, December 18 - N/S 1st Marion and Kevin Taylor (59.14); 2nd Greg Nicholson and Kaye Douglas (57.21). E/W 1st Jocelyn Pilmore and Kathleen Elkington (58.75); 2nd Ken Tierney and Roxy Lamond (55.33). If you would like to play or learn more about bridge, call Helen McAdam on 0438 164 528.

Crib service

THE Co-Operating Churches in Churchill will again hold its annual crib service on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24) on the corner of Williams Avenue and McDonald Way, Churchill from 6.30pm. People are invited to come, remember and celebrate the 'reason for the season' - which is remembering Jesus' birthday. The service last for around one hour. All are welcome. Come and have fun, laughter and singing. Santa will pay a visit. For more information, ring Ruth Place on 0456 786 577.

Moe Cancer Council

THANK you to all our supporters of the recent stall and raffle. It was a great success, raising an overall total of $829. Congratulations to raffle winners:

e e r T s a m t s Chri l a e p p A

In support of Morwell Neighbourhood House

THANK YOU

Lay of the land: Kel Poole, alongside daughterin-law Bonnie and granddaughters Bella and Lettie are the Latrobe Valley farming family behind Get Fresh Gippsland. Photograph supplied

The generosity shown by members of our local community has been amazing! Feel the warmth on Christmas Day as you wake up knowing that you really have made a difference this Christmas.

“At any given time, you’ll see multiple generations of Gippslanders helping run the business, including Kel’s grandchildren,” he said. “With Christmas fast approaching, there’s no better time to support a small, local family business. “By choosing Gippsland-grown produce, you’re enjoying some of the best food in the world while backing the people who grow it and helping keep our regional economy strong.”

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

First: Damian; Second: Judy Redman, and; Third: Shallu. The group wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. Next meeting will be held Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Moe RSL from 1.30pm. All welcome. For more information: Volunteer Group contacts: Diane on 0438 517 470 or Linda (0427 671 780) Cancer Council Supporters Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85 Cancer Council Help Line: 13 11 20 Quit Line: 13 78 48 Visit: wwwcancervic.org.au / or visit Moe District Cancer Volunteer Group on Facebook.

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Classic chess

IAN Hamilton won both rematches that followed the losing bouts and recovered form to finish the latest round of Latrobe Valley Chess Club in first place. Peter Baker kept the opportunities alive but did not manage to hold off all the attacks. Price Samasaeia won two games before the other challenges proved too awkward. Smatha Juers was rewarded with two wins, taking advantage of opponent oversights. The quick win for Steve Ahern was reversed in the later games that missed out on chances to defend. Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more details on local chess.

To our valued readers and loyal advertisers

You can be a part of Community Corner

IF you are a community group and have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress.com.au You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin. Please write 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

As th he year comes to an end d we convey our graatiitud de for your continued support. May the spirit of Christmas remind us of the joy off giving an the value of connection. It’s a time to spend quality time together and create cherrished memories. Please remember the importance of supporting local busiinesses and shop p locally when purchasing gifts for your loved ones. Our region relies on it. We look forward to servicing you in 2026 for all your advertising needs and providing you with alll the latest local news you rely on in your loved Exp press.

Meerry Christmas - here’s to a bright and d successful new year ahead! Barb Seymour (General Manager) and all the team at Latrobe Valley y Exp press Partnerrship p

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FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to support local growers and family-owned businesses this Christmas, highlighting Traralgon-based business Get Fresh Gippsland as a great example of local produce being grown, packed and sold in the region. Get Fresh Gippsland is a family-owned business run by Kel Poole, alongside his son Jayden and daughter-in-law Bonnie, continuing a proud family tradition of potato growing in the Thorpdale region. “Get Fresh Gippsland is a fantastic example of locals supporting locals,” Mr Chester said. “Kel and his family are growing high-quality produce and providing it directly to the community, which means fresher food for locals and stronger support for our regional economy.” The self-serve farm shop, located at 9 Salisbury Crescent, Traralgon, showcases fresh, locally grown vegetables and is open Saturdays from 9am to 3pm, with pre-ordered vegetable pickups also available on Wednesdays. Alongside produce grown on the Poole family farm, the shop stocks a range of locally made products, including fresh floral posies from Moonrise Growers, jams, sauces, honey and peanut butter from Precious Pastures, as well as Get Fresh Gippsland’s own seasoning blends. Mr Chester said the business was a true family effort, with three generations involved.

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December,, 2025 — Page 5

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COUNCIL BEAT THE final Latrobe City Council meeting for the year took place at GPAC on Monday, December 15. All councillors were in attendance, bar Cr Leanne Potter (Budgeree Ward) and Tracie Lund (Morwell River). Latrobe City Chief Executive, Steve Piasante oversaw the meeting as per usual Recently elected Mayor Sharon Gibson (Newborough) made a point of sticking to the script from the get-go, so much so that the public half of the meeting was concluded in one hour and 10 minutes. The meeting began with a moment of reflection and respect for those who died, and were affected, by the tragedy of the Bondi terrorist attack the previous day. A standing minute's silence was undertaken. There were no declarations of interest or public questions.

Advocacy project

Action: Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman outlined a number of projects to include on council’s interim advocacy list. Photo file

Barnaby Joyce “very high” chance of local visit

By LIAM DURKIN

LOCALS can expect a visit from new One Nation man, Barnaby Joyce. Exactly when remains to be seen, however the former Deputy Prime Minister, who quit the Nationals last month, told Gippsland FM there was a “very, very high” chance he would travel to the region. Speaking to show host Greg Hansford, who ran on the One Nation ticket at this year’s federal election, Mr Joyce said he wanted to hear from Gippslanders about the issues affecting them. “I want to make sure that I present myself down to the people of Gippsland,” Mr Joyce said. “(They are) decent people who need the opportunity to see the suite of political alternatives before they do the most important thing in their civic duty which is to cast their vote.” Mr Joyce was interviewed via phone for around 15 minutes on the Tuesday, December 16 Gippsland FM breakfast program. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson toured Gippsland in 2022, where she was given a “rock star reception” according to Mr Hansford. He expected his new One Nation ally to receive similar treatment. “In the past I’ve been told by people in that neck of the woods, if I turned up you’d lose votes, no one down there likes me apparently,” Mr Joyce said during the interview. “I don’t think that’s the case, I think you’d be talking to packed houses just quietly,” Mr Hansford replied. Mr Hansford reported his party colleague being incredibly generous with his time, especially given he was preparing to fly to Bondi to offer support to victims of the previous Sunday’s horrendous mass shooting. As prominent as a visit from Mr Joyce may be, he might need to brush up on his pronunciation of Gippsland. Like many outsiders, including his own former Coalition partner, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, they don’t break up the syllables, meaning they pronounce it ‘Gippslend’. Mr Joyce could surely benefit from a checklist of local towns before he sets off. Traralgon is pronounced Ta-ral-gon, not Teral-gon. Cowwarr is Cow-ar, not Cou-war. Mirboo North is Moo-boo, not Meir-boo. Buchan is Buck-an, not Boo-can, and Korumburra is Car-um-burra, not Corum-burra, just to name a few.

CR Dale Harriman (Loy Yang) spoke on the first motion of the night, moving to seek council endorsement for an advocacy list to be included in the interim for the federal budget submission from Latrobe City. This is also for use as the framework for advocacy to be platformed by the council delegation to Canberra next year. The interim approach was adopted after an annual call-out in October, generated 20 project submissions, with several requiring further detail such as costings, readiness and evidence of community support before full prioritisation could occur. The endorsed interim advocacy list includes: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM); an Economic Support Package; an Enabling Infrastructure Fund; the Traralgon Flood Recovery Project (Glenview Park Pavilion); an Inter-Township Trail Network; the Moe Revitalisation Project; and the Traralgon Bypass. Projects requiring further information, or those that fall solely under state government's responsibility, were excluded at this stage to avoid submitting incomplete or inaccurate funding requests. Following endorsement, council officers will prepare the federal budget submission for councillor feedback, develop a stakeholder engagement plan, and begin scheduling meetings for the 2026 Canberra delegation. A fully assessed advocacy platform is expected to return to council in early 2026. Cr Darren Howe (Tyers) seconded the motion, which saw no opposition. "What this basically outlines is what's in line with state and federal government spending, rather than what council declare the direction is taking," Cr Harriman said, mentioning the way Latrobe City has in the past moved towards the second option, instead of working to get government backing and support for the spending that is allocated, and "what is worthwhile us advocating for". He described this scenario as "charging into oblivion as state or federal government isn't interested in what we're actually pushing." He spoke of the chief executive having meetings with both branches of government to understand "what it is they're actually interested in, and what's worth pushing further." This sets the time as a sort of policy reconnaissance, with council working ahead to scout out what would be feasible to ask for assistance on, realistically. Cr Howe spoke on the AAM component, as chair on the board at Latrobe Regional Airport, enabling him to be the most educated in the room on the concept and its societal impact within the region. The Express covered the topic and its future within Latrobe City on the front page splash of the August 27 issue. Cr Howe reiterated that AAM has a big future for new jobs and industry within the municipality. He also emphasised the importance of the report as a whole, with officers having identified 20 projects for council to advocate for.

"We need to start the work before Christmas to get on our front foot. We're going up against every other council in Victoria," he said. The motion was carried.

Christmas coloured tape

MOE Ward Councillor, Adele Pugsley, spoke of red and green tape when moving a motion concerning an update and fee review provided by council officers. Despite the colour choice, this tape doesn't relate to the festive time of year, but the regulations and approval processes within council. Council has noted the findings of a Red and Green Tape Fee Review and endorsed an accompanying action plan aimed at making it easier for businesses to establish and operate in Latrobe City. The review examined council’s regulatory fees, pricing methods, processes and communications, alongside officers’ participation in the BusinessFriendly Council (BFC) program. It found no evidence that individual council fees were acting as a standalone barrier to business activity. Instead, challenges were linked to the complexity and fragmentation of internal systems, processes and communication. Insights from the BFC program reinforced these findings, highlighting opportunities to simplify internal procedures, improve cross-department coordination, provide clearer information to businesses, and address unexpected or “hidden” costs, some of which sit outside council’s direct control. Actions from both initiatives have now been consolidated into a single, prioritised action plan, which will guide organisational and process improvements. The plan supports Council Plan Key Objective 3 - Local Businesses, including commitments to reduce or simplify fees, charges and regulatory costs. To oversee delivery, officers have recommended establishing an expanded Project Control Group to drive implementation and ensure a coordinated, whole-of-council approach to becoming a more transparent and business-friendly regulator. Cr Pugsley acknowledged the review was prompted by a previous motion, around "increasing ease of doing business in Latrobe City." "They've (council officers) found that no one fee is actually a barrier to doing business in the Latrobe Valley," she said. "I'm very pleased with what officers have come up (with). So this motion is really about endorsing an action plan to simplify fees, charges and processes." Cr Harriman seconded, noting part of the motion was formulated from "our meetings with businesses (of all sizes) and how they find tape holds back their development." He also mentioned that a great deal of these "tapes" are state or federally issued, which council is simply forced to impose. The motion was passed unanimously.

Parklife

COUNCIL has been presented with a draft Parking Management Policy for adoption, following a resolution in December 2023 to develop a consistent approach to car parking management after the Henry Street, Traralgon parking trial. The policy is informed by a review of recent parking studies and adopts the Department of Transport and Planning’s “Movement and Place” approach, recognising that different streets serve different purposes and require different priorities for road users. It sets benchmarks to guide parking decisions, such as maintaining at least 15 per cent availability of on-street parking within 200 metres in CBD areas, or ensuring two per cent of public parking spaces in city places are accessible. Where demand is high, additional restrictions may be introduced to improve turnover and access. The policy also aims to ensure projects funded through the Regional Car Park Fund improve

with Aidan Knight

user experience in identified hot-spot areas, with community consultation to inform parking changes. It provides clearer guidance on common issues including school parking, parking on nature strips, indented parking, and the management of private parking areas. Cr Steph Morgan (Yallourn) led the motion, seconded by Cr Pugsley. Cr Morgan spoke on her happiness to adopt the tabled policy, and ensuring all the interactions parking has on other aspects of the community, such as disabled spot permits and pedestrian usage of streets, is minimal and of an acceptable standard. Cr Pugsley reserved, and then passed on the chance to speak before the motion passed unanimously.

Committee appointments

COUNCILLORS passed procedural motions on the appointment of councillors to committees, such as Crs Potter and Cr Joanne Campbell's (Jeeralang) ongoing commitment to the Audit Risk Committee - and the authorisation of a new planning officer within council. There were no urgent businesses. There were several reports presented, including the now-deputy's trip to Spain, and a finalised 2024 election report, which was required due to the recount of votes that were called for the Yallourn Ward. Prominent discussions were also had around the fate of both Traralgon's Old Methodist Church and Old Gippstown Heritage Park in Moe.

Proceedings: Mayor Sharon Gibson chaired her first meeting since the election. The Newborough Ward councillor is familiar with the position, having served as mayor twice previously. Photo file

Acknowledgments

MAYOR Gibson extended condolences to multiple members of council who recently lost loved ones. Councillors Pugsley and Barnes both experienced the loss of their father, and Cr Potter's mother also sadly passed away. Cr Harriman made further mention of the events of Bondi, and mentioned his attendance at the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, held on the Gold Coast, in September. "Latrobe City will not forget that they (the Jewish people) are members of our community," he summarised. Cr Morgan acknowledged the passing of her dear friend and fellow advocate, Angela Wiebenga - who participated and led work within various organisations and community LGBTQIA+ groups, namely the Gippsland Pride Initiative. Mentions were also made of the Merry Morwell Festival, and Phill Britt of Rural Fibre. The meeting was closed to the public at 7.10pm.

Machete madness wastes $13 million THE Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has slammed the Allan Labor government for blowing $13 million on its short lived “machete amnesty”. “This policy and it’s $13 million price tag was an expensive stunt to manage negative headlines," Ms Bath said. “It’s done little to curb knife crime, and now Labor’s machete bin policy is scrap metal after just three months.” Ms Bath said taxpayers deserve answers on how 45 metal bins ended up costing Victorians millions, with the state government celebrating a program that could have been achieved at any local police station from day one. “Only the Allan government could spend millions on customised bins and a three month media circus before quietly removing them," she said.

Page 6 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

“With the bins and money long gone, Labor expects Victorians to applaud its effort while crime continues in our streets. “It is naïve to think criminals harbouring machetes would hand in their weapons in front of police station with CCTV surveillance - the only people handing them in were law abiding Victorians. “All this program delivered was three months of photo opportunities for the Premier. “After all of Labor’s pageantry, the process to hand in illegal machetes is what it should have been from the beginning - call ahead and hand your machete in at your local police station by appointment. “Victorians deserve answers on why this program cost them $13 million.” The state government introduced a machete ban this year, ordering them off shelves

with an interim sales ban announced in May. This led to several retailers removing them from sale across the country. Since then, Consumer Affairs’ Machete Taskforce has completed more than 550 in-store and online inspections, as well as 2400 market stall inspections. The Taskforce found very high rates of compliance - drying up the supply ahead of the September ban. Victoria's Police Minister, Anthony Carbines said while the state's crime rate remained "unacceptable" the government was confident the crime rate would flatten in the March quarter of 2026. "We've made, as a government, a number of legislative reforms, justice reforms to toughen consequences. Adult time for adult crime," he said. "Our tougher bail measures have seen remand up 26 per cent for adults and up 71 per cent for youth."

news

By KATRINA BRANDON

HOT and stormy weather patterns leading up to Christmas has been layered with fire warnings as dry conditions continue. Latrobe Valley was hit by all kinds of weather coming up to Christmas day, with temperatures last Wednesday (December 17) to Friday (December 19) reaching highs of 35 degrees. Last Thursday (December 18) reached 39 degrees, only to be struck with a stormy coverage following into the weekend. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a top of 35mm of rain was to hit the Valley on Sunday (December 21). In anticipation, the Bureau described the weather event as a "very high chance of showers ... a thunderstorm likely in the morning and afternoon". With roads flooded, authorities warned locals to take it easy and not drive through water. A severe thunderstorm warning also stretched throughout the state, with Latrobe Valley being in the moderate to severe area, luckily only receiving the moderate side of events. "Warm, moist air is increasing the chance of storms today (December 21). People living across Victoria’s north and north east should be prepared," the State Control Centre stated. "Communities such as Mildura, Swan Hill, Euroa, Shepparton, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Corryong and Albury-Wodonga - very heavy rain and damaging or destructive winds are possible. Tornadoes may also occur. "Storms are also possible in other parts of the state, including Melbourne. These storms may bring 15 to 25 millimetres of rain, with up to 30 millimetres possible in some areas. Even less severe storms can cause damage and put lives at risk." Victorians are reminded to never rely on one source for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including;  VicEmergency app;  Vic emergency website: www.emergency.vic. gov.au;  Local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations;  VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, and;  Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X.

Hampers provide helping hand CHRISTMAS hampers and toys have been distributed around Moe and district. The annual donation by the St Kiernan's/Moe Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul saw 100 hampers delivered to local families, as well as more than 400 toys. Students from St Kieran's Primary School, Moe helped fundraise to purchase toys. Each hamper contained a Christmas ham and other essential items, ensuring those less fortunate didn't go without on Christmas day. Deliveries were made last Friday (December 19), necessitating a huge logistical undertaking by volunteers. Preparations began in October when food was purchased, toys collected and stored, hampers packed, and hours spent organising the finer details. "We are deeply grateful to Alf and Stella Vella and the Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run for their incredible efforts in collecting and distributing toys for children in need," St Vincent de Paul Moe Conference President, Sandra Demagistris said.

"Their dedication ensured that many young faces will be smiling on Christmas morning. "A heartfelt thank you also goes to St Kieran's and St Mary's (Newborough) primary schools for their generous donations of toys and food. The kindness and compassion shown by their school communities made a meaningful difference to many local families. "We would also like to sincerely thank St Kieran's and St Mary's parishes for their outstanding support through the Giving Tree Appeal. The generosity of parishioners raised a significant amount." Ms Demagistris also wished to acknowledge Inner Wheel Moe, who donated cinema tickets for older children, and Rotary Club Moe who supported the delivery of hampers. "Most importantly, we thank members of the Moe St Vincent de Paul Conference. Their tireless efforts packing hampers, sorting toys and distributing both food and gifts reflect the true meaning of Christmas: generosity, service and care for one another."

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Temperature nudges 40

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Amazing effort: Hundreds of hampers and toys were delivered to families across Moe and district Photograph: Liam Durkin last week.

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 7

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Marinus signs major works contract

MARINUS Link (MLPL) has executed its final Stage 1 major works contract with TasVic Greenlink (TVGL) - a joint venture of DT Infrastructure and Samsung C&T Corporation. The $994 million contract covers the construction of converter stations in Heybridge and Hazelwood, the installation of equipment, and the land cable civil works, spanning 90 kilometres across Gippsland. Marinus Link is a planned undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between north-west Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley. MLPL Chief Executive, Stephanie McGregor, said the contract execution marks the final step in securing the capability and technology needed to start construction. “We have secured both our cable and converter technology suppliers, our integrated delivery partner, and now our lead contractor for the substantial civils and construction campaign,” Ms McGregor said. “Recently, we ran our Meet the Contractors events where around 1000 local businesses attended to explore and compete for supply chain opportunities across Gippsland, Victoria and North West Tasmania. Partnering with capable local businesses will complete our workforce and ensure the successful delivery of this national infrastructure project.” The contract execution follows the September announcement of TVGL as the preferred bidder for the ‘Balance of Works’ package. DTI Chief Executive, John Anderson, acknowledged the significance of this moment and the certainty it provides for regional economies that will benefit from Marinus Link.

Process: Marinus Link has secured its cable and coverter suppliers. “Today marks a significant moment for DTI, together with our partner Samsung C&T, we are committing to deliver a truly once-in-ageneration project for the regions of North West

File photograph

Tasmania and Gippsland,” Mr Anderson said. Samsung C&T Corporation Australia Managing Director, Scott Choi, echoed Mr Anderson's sentiments and reinforced their decision to partner

with DTI to deliver this landmark project. “Samsung C&T is excited to collaborate with DTI in supporting Australia's transition to a clean energy future,” Mr Choi said. TVGL is scheduled to start preparatory works at the Waratah Bay and Heybridge shore crossings in early 2026, pending final environmental approvals. Ms McGregor emphasised the planned engagement with communities ahead of construction. “Our Marinus Link teams, alongside TVGL, will be out and about early next year to provide detailed information about construction activities and expected timelines,” Ms McGregor said. DT Infrastructure is part of the Gamuda Group of Companies. DT Infrastructure brings together ties between global infrastructure and property giant Gamuda and local expertise in defence, transport and renewables infrastructure projects across metropolitan and regional Australia. Samsung C&T Corporation is a global engineering and construction company with expertise in large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Marinus Link will enable the flow of more electricity in both directions, bolstering energy security, and delivering tangible benefits to consumers in Tasmania, Victoria and the broader national electricity market. Marinus Link’s total 1500 megawatt capacity is equal to the power supply for 1.5 million Australian homes, and its fibre optic cables will increase telecommunications capacity by 150 times. Marinus Link Pty Ltd is jointly owned by the federal government, the state of Victoria and the state of Tasmania.

Star of the South moves one step closer

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE Star of the South offshore wind project has lodged its Environmental Impact Statement for approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. This is the primary environmental approval required for the project to proceed. Star of the South is the first Australian offshore wind project to reach this milestone. This comes off the back of a major land purchase where the project’s cables will come to shore, securing renewed Major Project Status with the federal government, and formally entering into an Engagement Agreement with the Traditional Owners through the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC). The environmental approval submission follows seven years of technical and environmental studies, including an extensive marine survey program. It draws on 26 technical studies examining potential effects of the project on environmental, cultural, social and economic values. Star of the South Chief Executive, Charles Rattray said the assessment is the most comprehensive ever undertaken for an energy project in Australia.

“This environmental assessment reflects seven years of rigorous science and consultation to understand the local environment and how to protect it. We’ve done the work, and then some, to ensure government and the community can have confidence that the project will be delivered responsibly,” he said. In a separate milestone, Star of the South has bought 120 hectares of farmland on Gippsland’s coast near Reeves Beach. This site is where underground cables will come to shore, bringing the electricity generated out at sea into the grid. “Securing the shore crossing site locks in a critical piece of the project’s infrastructure and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gippsland,” Mr Rattray said. “This is a huge step forward, recognising the positive relationships we’ve built with landholders over time, which we’ll continue to prioritise through the next steps of development.” Last month, the federal government renewed Major Project Status for Star of the South. The decision means the project will continue to receive tailored support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency for another three years, including assistance navigating regulatory approvals.

Traralgon CBD altercation TRARALGON Police are investigating an incident in Franklin Street on Thursday, December 11. An altercation involving multiple people occurred near the public transport hub in the Traralgon CBD. Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Senior Constable Novak Sztynda at Traralgon Police Station on 5172 2700, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Busted in blitz

POLICE detected eight drink and drug drivers during a major road policing operation on the Princes Freeway at Trafalgar earlier this month. Officers conducted 2314 preliminary breath tests, with six drivers found to be over the alcohol limit. A 40-year-old Drouin man allegedly returned a reading of 0.259 and had his vehicle impounded. He will face court at a later date. Police also impounded the vehicle of a 26-yearold Morwell woman after she was detected driving 112km/h in a 60km/h zone. Two drivers tested positive for drugs during 107 roadside drug tests.

Medals stolen

POLICE have charged a 37-year-old Traralgon woman following the theft of framed medals from the Traralgon RSL Sub-Branch. It’s alleged the woman was captured on CCTV

Police Beat

with Aidan Knight

on the night of Saturday, December wearing a bright red coat and carrying a half-eaten souvlaki when she removed a frame of replica medals from the RSL’s wall. The theft went unnoticed for several days before staff reviewed security footage and reported the incident to police. Following public assistance after a social media appeal, officers executed a search warrant and recovered the missing medals. The woman has been charged with theft and is due to appear at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court in February.

Stopped and seized

MOE Police intercepted a vehicle on Narracan Drive on the evening of Friday, December 19, during a random licence and vehicle check. The Moe man driving was found to be disqualified and allegedly in possession of a controlled weapon. The passenger, a 23-year-old Box Hill woman, was arrested for breaching bail conditions, after being released from prison only hours earlier. She has now been remanded. The vehicle was impounded.

Page 8 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

“These milestones show that Australia’s offshore wind industry is no longer an idea on the horizon - it’s moving from concept to reality and Star of the South is leading the way," Mr Rattray said. “No matter which way you look at it, any realistic scenario for a secure, reliable energy future has offshore wind in the mix.” Star of the South is an up to 2.2 GW offshore wind energy project with the potential to power 1.2 million homes across 30 years of operations, directly invest $7 billion into the Australian economy and create 6000 Australian jobs, mainly in construction, over the project’s life. The project has been under development since 2017. It was granted an exploration licence in 2019 and a feasibility licence in 2024 to explore the potential for offshore wind in Bass Strait off the Gippsland coast. All initial feasibility studies have been completed, confirming that Star of the South is suitably located, technically feasible and able to make a significant contribution to energy supply and emissions reduction, the company says. Completed feasibility studies include wind resource monitoring between 2019 and 2022, geophysical seabed surveys in 2020, geotechnical seabed surveys in 2023 and marine and landbased environment and cultural heritage surveys between 2020 and 2024. Star of the South has also undertaken detailed supply chain and workforce studies and extensive community consultation.

If successful in securing all necessary approvals, construction is targeted later this decade to support the National Electricity Market and Victoria’s energy transition with the closure of Yallourn power station scheduled for 2028 and Loy Yang A for 2035. Star of the South's progress comes after the Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Project was awarded Major Project Status by the federal government, but three other offshore projects abandoned the process. Blue Mackerel, located about 10 kilometres off the Gippsland coast between Seaspray and Woodside, has the potential to generate 1GG of power. AGL, which owns Loy Yang A power station, gave up its licence for the proposed Gippsland Skies 2.5 gigawatt offshore wind project, citing poor economic prospects relative to other forms of renewables in its development portfolio. Developments backed by Blue Float Energy and German giant RWE handed back their licences earlier this year. AGL's pullback came less than a week after the state Auditor-General, Andrew Greaves, found Victoria would not meet its near-term offshore wind targets, prompting a call by Morwell Nationals MP, Martin Cameron, for the resignation of the Minister for Energy and Climate change, Lily D'Ambrosio. Victoria has a target of 2GW of offshore wind generation by 2032, which aims to underpin its target of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035, when Loy Yang A is scheduled to close. Yallourn W closes in 2028, while Loy Yang B has an open-ended closure date.

Local businesses encouraged to tender for new energy projects By PHILIP HOPKINS

VICGRID has called on Gippsland businesses to push for work on the development of transmission for Victoria's offshore wind industry. VicGrid said local businesses should register on the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway to ensure they are considered for work on the transmission, which will support the first two gigawatts of offshore wind energy. VicGrid's chief executive, Alistair Parker, said the transmission provided opportunities for local businesses, with global bidders required to prioritise local suppliers. "Gippsland businesses have powered Victoria for generations and we want that local knowledge and experience to help shape the state’s clean energy future," he said. "This is more than a preference - it’s a requirement of the tender. By registering on the ICN Gateway, local companies ensure they are included in the pool of suppliers that tenderers must consider." The three companies tendering for the transmission project will receive the list of registered local businesses. VicGrid has included requirements in the tender for the companies to demonstrate how

they plan to use Gippsland suppliers in their bids. This move is designed to ensure local firms benefit directly from this energy infrastructure investment. The project will require a wide range of goods and services, including civil engineering, equipment supply, accommodation, transport and professional services. The list of registered local businesses will be provided to the tenderers early next year, which makes immediate registration essential for local companies wishing to be considered. Businesses are encouraged to register by mid-January 2026. VicGrid's move comes just weeks after Marinus Link, which is building a power and communications link between Tasmania and Victoria, held a meeting in Traralgon attended by countless Gippsland businesses looking for work on the project. Marinus Link involves building a cable under Bass Strait and travelling underground through the Gippsland countryside to the power grid at the former Hazelwood power station site. Gippsland businesses can register for free on the VicGrid ICN Gateway by visiting: gateway.icn.org. au/projects/16009

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Outrage after pet cat mistakenly euthanised

! #" ! ! !

Tragic: Morwell’s Jamie Sjamsudin with pet cat Billy, who was mistakenly put down.

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Photograph supplied

By KATRINA BRANDON

HORROR has set upon a Morwell family, after their beloved pet was euthanised, following a failure to scan for a microchip. The beloved cat, seven-year-old Billy, was a well-fed, well-kept domestic cat who had lived with Morwell resident Jamie Sjamsudin for many years. Originally being his late wife’s pet, Mr Sjamsudin was quite upset about the loss. On Thursday, November 27, Billy was trapped and taken to the pound the following morning. By Friday afternoon (November 28), Mr Sjamsudin received a call that Billy had been taken in. He received that call close to after hours, meaning Mr Sjamsudin had to wait until the following Monday to collect Billy. However, by the time Mr Sjamsudin went to collect Billy, it was too late. Distressed, Mr Sjamsudin looked for answers. Initially, he was told Billy could be scanned and sedated to scan his microchip. Upon arrival at the vet clinic, this procedural step was missed, and Billy was subsequently euthanised. Having been trapped overnight, Billy was reportedly hungry and “difficult to handle”. “Despite being collected on Friday morning and being identifiable to the extent that my father was contacted Friday afternoon, Billy was euthanised on the same day,” Mr Sjamsudin’s family told the Express. “Billy was not only my father's companion - he was deeply connected to my mother, who passed away in 2021, and this loss has caused profound emotional harm to my father. Given the gravity of the outcome, this was entirely preventable.” According to the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Billy was held under the statutory holding period time requirement before euthanasia was permitted to be used. Latrobe City Council Chief Executive Steve Piasente acknowledged there was an error in procedure. "Council is deeply saddened by a recent incident in which a cat was mistakenly euthanised after being taken to a local veterinary clinic to be checked for a microchip," Mr Piasente said. "This should not have occurred, and council acknowledges the distress and grief caused. "As soon as the error was identified, the veterinary clinic notified council, and staff made immediate attempts to contact the owner. Council extends its sincere condolences to the cat’s owner during this very difficult time. "Council has liaised with the clinic, and they have committed to additional staff training to prevent such an incident from happening again. Both clinic staff and council officers are extremely distressed by what occurred, and the clinic is providing support to its staff. "Council remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal care and will continue working with all involved to strengthen processes and safeguards."

Got something to say? The Express welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must carry the writer’s name, address and telephone number for verification purposes. Email your letter to news@lvexpress.com.au

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 9

19 21

23 26 25

32 35

Take a Break

Jooftkhee week

Proudly bought to you by the participating LOCAL businesses below...

BRAIN STRAIN EL WITH CATWEASEL

ONE POINTERS 1. Name the actor who starred as himself in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air? 2. True or false. All insects have six legs? 3. What term is given when it is too close to call the winner of a race? 4. Where was King Arthur’s court? TWO POINTERS 5. How many films did Sean Connery play James Bond in? 6. What is the national dish of Hungary? 7. Which plush toy gained fame as an interactive electronic pet that required feeding and care? 8. Who gave Froddo the ring in The Lord of the Rings? THREE POINTER 9. Who was Australian Prime Minister from 1991-1996? 10. Approximately what percentage of Australia’s land area is considered outback? a: 50% b: 60% c: 70% d: 85% 11. Making his debut in 1990’s ‘Super Mario World’, what is the name of the enemy-eating, egg throwing green dinosaur? 12. Who captained the Australia cricket team in a record 93 test matches between 1984 and 1994? FOUR POINTER 13. Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution while observing which animal? 14. Who directed the 2000 hit film Gladiotor? FIVE POINTER 15. What were the top 5 grossing movies released in the 1980s? One point for each correct answer. HOW DID YOU FARE? 37: Top of the class; 30-36: Outstanding; 21-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Why don t the circus lions eat the clowns?

They taste funny!

4 3

Crossword Puzzle No. 8669 ACROSS 1 Floor covering 5 Send money 8 Trembling poplar 10 Negligent 13 Enigma 15 Eminence 16 Wise man 17 Foot levers 20 Examines 22 Trilby hat 23 Distant 24 Shut 27 Death-dealing 30 Possibility 31 Essence 32 Scraped injuries 34 High-pitched and piercing 36 Unwelcome tasks 37 Bailiff 38 Holds aloof sullenly 39 Leave off

Solution page 47

DOWN 2 Biblical character 3 Lack of usual comforts 4 Sample 5 Checked 6 Conclude 7 Long lock 9 Appropriate 10 Repose 11 Untidy state 12 Droops 14 Expensive 18 Gifts to charity 19 Molten rock 21 Eat into 22 Passing craze 23 Physically weak 25 Den 26 Climbs 27 Angle 28 Thunder god 29 Fewer 30 Barrels 31 Walked up and down 33 Tidings 35 Annoy

Using the 9 letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in ‘s’.

8 10

15 16 20

22 23

31 32 35

33 36

37 38

Target Time No. 0298 How to play...

G A O L B B I N L

Sudoku No. 0294 How to play... Solution page 47 Fill the grid so that evry row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution page 47

Target: Average - 11, Good -15 Excellent -20+

Answers: 1: Will Smith; 2: True; 3: Photo Finish; 4: Camelot; 5: Seven; 6: Goulash; 7: Tamagotchi; 8: Bilbo Baggins; 9: Paul Keating; 10: c: 70%; 11: Yoshi; 12: Alan Border; 13: Finch; 14: Ridley Scott; 15: -1. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, -2. Return of the Jedi, -3. The Empire Strikes Back, -4. Raiders of the Lost Ark and -5. Ghostbusters.

Take some

time out over the holidays... try some

puzzles! GP1688011

Page 10 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 11

news

news@lvexpress.com.au

Reel Talk CHRISTMAS movies are like fruitcake - everyone has an opinion, nobody agrees, and someone’s nan will defend the worst one to death. Unlike your nan’s fruitcake however, there isn’t a two-dollar coin at the bottom of it though.The resident film critics at the Express, tinsel tragic Blake Metcalf-Holt and Aidan Knight (who insists the Polar Express is a horror movie) were at each other's throats this year as to which festive movie would be our pick of the week. So for this special festive edition of Reel Talk, we’ve roped in guest writer Frankie Hopkins to help us sort the nice from the naughty - unwrapping the best and worst of every kind of Christmas movie, to ensure there is truly something for everyone this year. Except for Blake. He doesn’t deserve any presents this year.  Type 1 - The ‘Actually Good’ Christmas movie Blake Metcalf-Holt: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). Childhood classic. I went through all of my life up until last year thinking this was a film directed by Tim Burton, which was a bit of a shock to the system, although it's still wholly his creation. Burton pours his creative soul into this piece, featuring all of his typically magical and gothic trademarks, while still maintaining a thoroughly uplifting adventure for all ages with Jack Skellington at the forefront. The revolutionary stop-motion picture (which was a first of its kind for a major studio - being Disney) still looks sensational and has music number after music number etched into my brain. A gamechanger for all weird kids. Discounting Aidan, he's in a special category all to his own.

Aidan Knight: Crackers (1998). Think National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - but Australian. It's chaotic, and that seems to be the key to stopping a Christmas movie from entering cringe territory. A young troublemaker spends Christmas with his dysfunctional extended family, and is introduced to his freshly un-incarcerated grandpa, who has a mysterious past, and teaches him a thing or two. There is a scene where someone buries themselves to get away from this zany family, and there's probably a lot of people who think of such acts over the holiday period. If Muriel's Wedding was festive, this is what it would be like. The only Christmas movie to feature Barbecue Shapes, and I think that says all it needs to say.

his pal Cindy-Lou, the Grinch overcomes prejudice and his misconceptions that Christmas is a vapid commercialist pageant; learning the values of forgiveness and community. With fantastically imaginative sets, fun and inventive costumes, and countless comedic bits of seasonal silliness, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is sure to get your heart singing.  Type 2: The ‘So bad it’s good’ Christmas movie: BMH: Daddy’s Home 2 (2017). Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg combine for the third time, following a successful outing with The Other Guys and less so with the first Daddy's Home (2015). I'd argue this isn't a bad film at all, and actually a more enjoyable time than the original, with the additions of Mel Gibson and John Lithgow. However, bar a select few, this has a small committee of fans despite a considerable amount of heart in its script. It's really just the star power that dominates each scene due to the combination of comedic and serious actors on offer. While no magnum opus by any means, this sits in the 'bad' section, at least by half of the Reel Talk team, due to the complicated times of Gibson and starring Mr Knight's least favourite actor in Ferrell. AK: Fred Claus (2007). I have a vivid memory of my mother taping this onto a VCR for me when

I was too young to understand the humour, and for some reason continued to watch it whenever I was sick, regardless of whether it was Christmas or not. Vince Vaughn at his obnoxious best, as the black sheep of the Claus family, showing the history of the unknown sibling of Santa and their interactions growing up. It's a more realistic and less cliché companion to films in the vein of The Santa Clause, and Elf, and I think I appreciated that point of difference even as a child. It's good to have a bit of lore-building as to why a lot of the December traditions exist, whether they're true or not. I will say, though, the most unsettling part of the film is when Saint Nick is born saying 'ho ho ho", and this is a film with KEVIN SPACEY in it. Paul Giamatti is, in my opinion, the best casting of the iconic gift-giver, and I think we should make "you scrooge, you lose" a more common quote. Underrated gem. FH: As I’m living a shame-free diet, I say there are no guilty pleasures - only pleasures. But I must recognise the objective quality of Home Alone 3 (1997) as run-of-the-mill, no matter how fun. Alex Pruitt replaces Kevin McCallister in this spinoff sequel that retains all the amusement and mischievous pranks of its predecessors. A nostalgic favourite, it follows a young boy sequestered at home with chicken-pocks’ undertaking to drive away a bandy of terrorists on a recon mission for a hidden microchip. Equipped with his checklist of elaborate booby-traps and - my personal highlight - a talking, singing parrot that bribes and swindles savoury crackers from the hooligans, this film is just plain cheeky fun. It features baby Scarlett Johansen in one of her first movies, and a festive sing-song soundtrack that includes Dean Martin’s classic Let It Snow. If you lose interest mid-watch, you can always analyse and assess which of the four villains suffers most at the hands of Alex - a past time of mine as a child (it’s Jernigan).

Frankie Hopkins: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000). It is a cult classic for Y2K babies and millennials everywhere. If you missed my big spread last week, here’s the brief rundown. A loving adaptation of Dr Seuss’ 1957 children’s story, the film is full of quirky charm and character. Our eponymous protagonist is played by none other than comedy great Jim Carrey - who delivers career highlight theatricality and goofiness. His whacky slapstick and gelatinous face is amusing and hard to look away from like vaudevillian voodoo. With Page 12 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

 Type 3: The ‘Technically Not A Christmas Movie’ pick BMH: Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Nothing screams the festive season like the physical embodiment of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's marriage and eventual divorce. A very interesting watch to say the least, especially if you're going in blind. Stanley Kubrick's final film, while not his best, still has the masterful touch technically, a transfixing story that's intrigue grows as it ticks along, and manages to produce some excellent performances across the board. If watched at this time of the year, do be warned that one will inevitably be sucked down the rabbit hole of all things secret societies and will most likely miss the last cuts of the family Christmas ham due to being sucked into their phone googling 'How did Stanley Kubrick actually die?'

there has been a total of 247 movies, shorts, and TV specials, which says to me that it's definitely been overdone. People talk about there being no original ideas left in Hollywood, and while this limits it to just the Christmas genre, that fact reinforces the sentiment over a long period of time. Aidan has suggested I watch Scrooged (1988), and while all things Bill Murray does pique my interest, I can't see myself checking it out this December.

AK: Elf (2003). Much in the same way that Blake doesn't want a ghost of his dead coworker standing in his room telling him to change his ways, I don't want to see Will Ferrell dressing up like Robin from Batman and acting like a hyperactive manchild who DOES NOT STOP YELLING the entire time. If you can stomach Ferrell, I'm sure it's a bearable watch - and I justify this by imagining Adam Sandler in the role instead. But alas, he is not, and Elf is instead a glorified depiction a single SNL sketch being waterboarded into feature length. The lead character's entire arc hinges on the idea that sincerity excuses everything, weak both in practice and in screenwriting. The only scene I enjoy is when you see Peter Dinklage bash the crap out of Ferrell. That felt therapeutic to write, actually.

AK: The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996). When people tell me Die Hard is a Christmas movie, this is what I retort with. Sam Jackson in a supporting role, still high off his unmistakable energy from Pulp Fiction two years before, and between each of those the third Die Hard film as well, he is the selling point in this gleefully violent festive flick. Although this preceded it, I do find it difficult to separate Geena Davis' lead character of an amnesiac CIA assassin from that of Jason Bourne, and in terms of plot and shots it plays out a lot like if you combined the iconic Matt Damon title with that of Kill Bill - and chuck a Santa hat on it. Everyone looks slightly silly in it, and that's what distances itself from Die Hard (and made it bomb upon release) but keeps it light-hearted enough to enjoy with a (mature) family if the overly joyous Christmas titles aren't your thing.

FH: Most of the beloved Harry Potter films have Christmas scenes, but none so special and charming as the original; Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001). Wreaths and fir trees line the school walls, carolling ghosts glide through the castle, and oversized ornaments are hung with a swish-and-flick on the great hall’s soaring tree. Christmas morning with best friends Harry and Ron - opening presents in their pyjamas beside a roaring fireplace with heavy snowfall outside - is a picture of ideal holiday bliss. Well, in the northern hemisphere at least. While the series is somewhat tainted for me due to J.K Rowling’s contemporary discriminatory legacy, it’s a cosy and iconic scene that will make you yearn for the simpler days of childhood; realising ultimately that your best days are behind you, adulthood is one endless exhaustion, and that death is soon coming for us all. Other highlights of this film include a giant three-headed dog, drinking unicorn blood, and the exorcism of an evil spirit … classic Yuletide activities if you ask me.  Honourable mentions: The ‘I Refuse To Participate In This’ Christmas movie BMH: All adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Does this have to do with the fact that I myself am Scrooge's long lost great, great grand nephew? Somewhat. I've just never felt the need to either read the Dickens novel or devour any of the film adaptations over the years. According to IMDB,

FH: While I do love a pun, I’m a passionate hater of Violent Night (2022). Aside from a perfectly acceptable premise of a sledge-hammer-wielding Santa, Christmas themed deaths, and a promising opening scene, this movie quickly devolves into action drivel. Starring Stranger Things’ David Harbour as the jolly man himself and a misbehaving Sid the sloth (John Leguizamo), the plot follows a wealthy family taken hostage by mercenaries, and a vengeful washed-up Santa Claus’ mission to free them. Despite being an action comedy, this fails to deliver in laughs - a cringe and crude, derivative and dumb affair that includes pearly lines as; “everybody get up, it’s time for a murder”. Ouch. This calamitous film’s now extra-tinged with nastiness, following Harbour’s soon to be ex-wife Lily Allen’s explosive and delightfully dramatic West End Girl album, putting him certifiably on the naughty list. If you like ass-kickery, manbuns, and strangling your enemies with tinsel, this might be for you. But I’m leaving this off my Christmas roster.

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 13

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Locals devastated after Bondi Statement Hero among the horror

IN the horror that happened on Bondi beach recently, in a town where many isolate themselves from the problems of others, the situational awareness and heroism of Russian-Jewish North Bondi couple Boris and Sofia Gurman who were the first to try and prevent that tragedy from unfolding, giving their lives in circumstances of extreme peril through an act of conspicuous courage, is truly inspiring. It no doubt contributed to the failure of the gunmen to deploy their improvised explosive devices, being thrown by coming under pressure well before they planned, when Boris and Sofia saw the ISIS flag being placed on the windshield of the terrorists vehicle and noted the older gunman was carrying weapons. Boris bravely leaped into action, tackling and disarming the older gunman and trying to separate him from his firearms with the support of his wife Sofia, despite no cover and being in the direct line of fire, before both were fatally shot at close range. They knew something was deeply wrong, and without thought for preservation of their own lives, immediately tried to buy vital time to slow down and limit the monstrous plans of these terrorists. That early intervention gave the first alert to those in the area of the imminent danger and likely saved many lives. Not for them just whipping out their phones to get some ‘exclusive’ footage as passive observers. Their heroic courage and bravery rattled the terrorists, disorganised their plans, and opened chinks that others like Ahmed al Ahmed, and Reuven Morrison (who had nothing but loose bricks), used to put more pressure on the terrorists and to limit their movement. I certainly hope, while cold comfort to their families, that Boris and Sofia Gurman’s ultimate sacrifice is recognised with posthumous Crosses of Valour. They gave everything so others might live, despite knowing the extreme peril of doing so. John Knowles Churchill

Community message for Gippsland

THE devastatingly tragic events at Bondi Beach have saddened us all. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, those injured and the Jewish community deeply affected by this terrible act. We collectively praise and sincerely thank the brave citizens, who alongside the first responders

who acted so courageously in the face of peril. Violence and hate have no place in our country. It is vital that political leaders at every level work together on the critical issues before us and uphold their responsibility to keep our community safe and protect the freedoms and values we hold dear. Gippslanders are no strangers to adversity - from bushfires to storms and floods, we face hardship by standing together. This terrible event is a different kind of darkness. In times like this, we need to stay united, look out for one another, show kindness, and support anyone who may be feeling vulnerable or afraid.We must rebuild together by strengthening mutual respect, tolerance and rejecting anything that threatens and divides the people of our nation. With support and respect. Melina Bath MP Member for Eastern Victoria Region

Richly deserved

THE smartest thing the federal government should do to demonstrate their attitude to religious tolerance in Australia would be to award the Muslim man who attacked one of the armed killers, disarmed him (and was subsequently wounded} the George Cross. For those of the public who don’t know what the George Cross is, it is the civilian equivalent of the Military Victoria Cross - our highest military medal for valour. Oliver Raymond Traralgon

Permanent stain

OVER the past week, I have received many emails from Monash residents expressing their grief and anger over the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi. My first thoughts are with the victims and their families. The outpouring of sorrow from across Australia and the world has been incredibly moving. Beyond this week, I believe we need to have an honest national conversation about antisemitism and radical extremism in Australia. We need to follow that conversation with concrete actions. We have seen our security agencies including the Chief of ASIO Mike Burgess repeatedly warn that antisemitism is the biggest threat to loss of life in Australia. In relation to the federal government’s gun law reform, my views are as follows: The Prime Minister has not provided any detail of what he plans to legislate.

There has been the reasonable suggestion that gun ownership should be reserved for Australian citizens. That sounds sensible to me. Beyond that, I am firmly of the belief that Australia has the strongest gun laws anywhere in the world. In the Monash electorate, my constituents require guns for pest control and humane reasons on farms. We have responsible gun clubs that contribute to our community. I do not want these people to be punished in an ad hoc response, especially when I believe our first national priorities need to be on combating radical extremism and addressing national security failures. The events of the last week will leave a permanent stain on our nation’s heart. Many in our community are hurting right now. I stand with you. Mary Aldred MP Federal Member for Monash

Lesson in leadership

BONDI is a blot on our democracy. Albanese has failed not only the Jewish community, but the rest of the nation. He has sat on his thumbs for two years while this cancer festered, trying to be a statesman with all his overseas trips. He has gained nothing for Australia Freedom of speech should not be allowed to spread hate as has done in the past two years. We want action. There are terrorist cells in this country and they need to be exterminated before more lives are lost. Patricia Correa Traralgon

From the editor

LOCALS have been left heartbroken and rightly furious over the mass shootings at Bondi. This masthead received a host of letters to the editor from people offering their thoughts. While the editor respects the views of all readers, a few were deemed unpublishable at this point in time, noting sensitivity and timing. As an aside, Sir John Monash, whom the local Monash electorate is named after, and whose office was in the old Yallourn Production Centre, was Jewish. Liam Durkin LVE Editor

Islamic council condemns attacks

THE United Muslim Sisters Latrobe Valley has joined the Islamic Council of Victoria in condemning the horrific acts that occurred in Bondi. "The UMSLV want to reiterate that any act of violence targeting a community is abhorrent and has no room in our diverse, multicultural society," the group posted. The Islamic Council of Victoria released a statement. It reads: "The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) condemns in the strongest terms the violent and targeted attack against members of the Jewish community during a community celebration at Bondi. "We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to those who were killed or injured, to their families and loved ones, and to the wider Jewish community, as well as the broader community affected by this horrific act. "We also acknowledge emergency services, first responders and civilians who responded courageously in the face of danger. "Any act of violence that targets a community on the basis of identity, particularly during a religious gathering, is abhorrent and has no place in our society. This attack strikes at the heart of our multicultural society and the freedom of all people to practice their faith without fear. "At this difficult time, we call on our community to respond with compassion. We encourage the public to avoid speculation and to allow law enforcement authorities to carry out their work. This must be a moment for empathy and unity, not division and hatred. "The ICV stands with the Jewish community and all those affected by this attack. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace, interfaith respect, and the safety and wellbeing of all Australians."

Outpouring: The nation has been left devastated after the Bondi terrorist attack claimed 15 innocent Photograph supplied lives.

In the name of democracy By LIAM DURKIN

AT this time, it is perhaps appropriate to borrow from Sir Charles Chaplin. His speech and call for peace at the end of The Great Dictator is still considered one of the most uplifting moments in film. In the film, Chaplin plays both a Jewish barber and a Hitler-inspired character. The film was Chaplin's first major speaking role. That the man who made everyone laugh when he said nothing reduced everyone to silence when he spoke is most telling. First spoken in 1940, the words are unfortunately still as relevant today. Below are a few extracts. If you haven't heard it, just YouTube 'Charlie Chaplin speech'. "I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. "I should like to help everyone - if possible - Jew, Gentile, black man, white. "We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness - not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. "In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have

Page 14 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

lost the way. Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. “We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our cleverness, hard and unkind. “We think too much and feel too little. "More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. "The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all. "To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. "You, the people have the power - the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. "Then - in the name of democracy - let us use that power - let us all unite."

from the Premier

AUSTRALIANS are struggling to comprehend an act of hatred and terror that goes against everything we believe in and stand for. This was a targeted, antisemitic act of terror. It occurred at a time that should be marked by joy, safety and celebration for Jewish families. The thoughts of all Victorians are with the victims and their families, and with everyone affected by this horrific attack. From those who witnessed it, to the first responders and the public who acted with courage and bravery in a moment of fear and chaos. To Jewish Victorians: you should never have to carry fear in this country. You belong here: fully, safely and without question - and we will do everything in our power to make sure you are safe. I have spoken with Jewish leaders and made clear that the full support of the Victorian government, and Victoria Police, will be available to ensure Hanukkah can be observed safely, freely and without fear. Hanukkah is a sacred time of light and renewal. No act of hatred can ever be allowed to diminish that. This is not who we are. This is (was) a heartbreaking day for our nation. Jacinta Allan Victorian Premier

Jewish community heartbroken

WE are absolutely devastated, grief-stricken and in shock after the massacre that took place at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased victims, with the injured as they battle for recovery and the Sydney Jewish community. We also pay our deepest respects to the first responders, police force, paramedics and the courageous public who worked so valiantly to save and rescue. What should have been a night of celebration was inverted in the most evil and violent of ways. It is hard to find words to express the sense of loss the Jewish community is feeling right now, not only around the loss of lives but also around the loss of a way of life. When Jewish Australians cannot freely and safely practise rituals and share our culture in the public arena, then no one in society is truly free. The wider Australian public knows this too and we are so grateful for the messages of support we are receiving. The Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica is a place of storytelling and at our heart is the sharing of the Australian Jewish story. This is the darkest chapter in our over 200-year history on this continent. What has largely been a story of the Jewish community flourishing and living harmoniously as a distinct but integral part of wider society, has taken on a darker tone in recent years and a black one after Bondi. The museum’s vision is to work towards an inclusive and cohesive society in which the Jewish community is thriving alongside all faith and cultural groups. We will continue to do our work of education, preservation, storytelling and providing a place of intersection and conversation. The values we communicated in our Chanukah booklet, including Community and Belonging, Tikkun Olam and Building Bridges, are as important as ever. Our lighting of a yartzeit (memorial) candle alongside our Chanukah candles embodies both the grief we feel right now and our commitment to continuing to be a place of connection and affirmation of the enduring Jewish spirit. Sidra Moshinsky (Jewish Museum of Australia Chief Executive)and Gideon Kline/Adam Krongold (museum co-presidents).

Stop fixing roads that don’t need repairing

THIS is directed at those who look after the road maintenance around Moe. Instead of throwing money around fixing roads that are in good shape (I refer to the latest work done on Della Torre Road and other side roads). If you care to look at Moore Street, the pot holes and the rough surface down from the bus depot are only maintained by a band aid instead of digging them up, compacting them, then covering up with bitumen. This area is a band aid fix and when we have a shower of rain it's dug up again. This has been occurring for years. Joe Balzan Moe

Engineering escapade

I'VE heard some commentary about the proposed Traralgon bypass in the media recently. Unfortunately, it seems some really important and relevant detail is always left out. In fact, I would argue that it's the most important detail. I would say that just about everyone thinks that a Traralgon bypass is a good idea. When we look at Morwell, Warragul, Drouin, Pakenham and Berwick, it's hard to imagine that we had to drive through those towns in the past on the way to Melbourne. Yes, there will be some business impact on things such as petrol stations, but it would be reasonable to suggest that the positives largely outweigh the negatives. Unlike other bypasses, the Traralgon one is somewhat unique because of its proximity to the Loy Yang mine. The bypass easement is to the south of the Traralgon township and north of the mine boundary but relatively close to it. According to the Department of Transport and Planning, the new bypass can't go ahead until the long-term stability of Loy Yang mine is confirmed. That suggests that we will have to wait until Loy Yang is shut down and the mine is filled with water under the current planning model. That's something that is more than 30 years away. We all remember when the Princes Highway at Morwell had to be closed because of problems with the Hazelwood mine. For months traffic had to be diverted until a solution was found.

So, the issue has precedence. It's blindingly obvious that we need an engineering solution here. What that is, I don't know. But, that is the main issue. Everything else is secondary. I don't think anyone wants to wait 30-plus years for a Traralgon bypass and we certainly should be discussing it publicly. However, we need to have all the issues on the table so that we can come up with a feasible solution. In this case, the elephant in the room is the stability of the mine. Therefore, the next time you hear someone proclaim that we should get on with building a bypass, ask them whether they have the engineering solution in place in order for this to happen. As always, the devil is in the detail. Adrian Cosgriff Traralgon

Inspiring pioneers

I AM enjoying reading the 'Stories From Street Names' section in the Express. These men and women who streets, roads and reserves are named after, volunteered and served in the community so well. They committed so much time and money to many good causes. It is interesting to note how much the church was a big part of their lives; some donated land, materials and many donated time to build churches. By reading about their faith and servant attitude and their commitment to God, I am encouraged to be more involved in the community. Paul McGrath Yinnar

Dollars and cents

DARREN Chester and Martin Cameron can call all they want until they are exhausted concerning the bypass of Traralgon. They both know that the money is not there for the project and nothing happens in regional areas under Labor. Traffic lights are a dire necessity, but stop and count how many exist once you come off the freeway approaching Traralgon. They slow down traffic and congestion occurs. All that is needed is patience.

The letter by Garry Mitchell ('Rockier roads', Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 10/12) points out quite clearly that there are urgent roads needed to be repaired, but once more, no money for regional areas. The state of local roads is a disgrace. Cost-of-living is hard enough without major car repairs. Priority needs to be addressed before a bypass. Back to the headline of the Express 'Pie in the sky' (front page of the December 10 issue). When are the advocates of renewables going to realise they are flogging a dead horse? This is the third offshore wind collapse. Investors are not interested; this is happening all around the world. Chris Bowen loves the limelight, but he does not realise the lights are going to go out. As for Lily D’Ambrosio, offshore wind is not important to us, only to Labor. Energy prices have risen, not gone down, as promised by Albanese. Patricia Correa Traralgon

Ghost town

ALONG the dark stream of my soul, with the distress of an Ophelia, at night I walk the deserted streets of Morwell, all alone except for the sound of my footsteps. And as I walk, withdrawn and Hamlet-like, muttering brooding soliloquies to myself, a windblown newspaper gets caught-up in my legs as if it were tumbleweed. Morwell is all so silent at night, not an ordinary silence - it is the sepulchral silence of the grave. For Morwell is a dead town and has no one to give it life, and at night only ghosts and I walk its deserted streets. But by day it is just as depressing. I wander pensive as a pallbearer along a near-deserted Commercial Road and count 17 shops of varying size vacant. The banks are gone. The music shops and pubs are gone. The town is just an empty shell of what it used to be - ruined by Labor's net zero obsession of a renewables-only economy that, ironically, has actually destroyed the economies of towns like Morwell. From coal-town to town without a soul is not

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Have your say THE Latrobe b Valley ll Express welcomes l letters l to the editor. Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues. The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation. The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors. Letters must include a phone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to a right of reply to a letter directed at them. While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation. The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff. Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support a person's point of view. As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the pool of data used or people involved in surveys. The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas. Letters regarding religion will not be published. Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Letter to the Editor' in the subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tueday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 15

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It’s time to hit the road

Education: Another round of road safety training has been delivered through the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council. By KATRINA BRANDON

GETTING people ready to hit the road, the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council recently completed another round of courses. The third and final course of the year, Let’s Get Driving Program, celebrated another round of graduates who are road-ready. Instilling confidence in newer citizens to drive on local roads with ease, the program is taught and led by local police. As Gippsland Trades and Labour Council Community Project Officer, Kellie Bertrand explained, the program was aimed at assisting multicultural residents. “The heart of this program is the participants, the women who showed determination, courage and a willingness

to step outside their comfort zone,” she said. “This program is about so much more than getting a licence. It’s about creating opportunities, strengthening families and helping multicultural community members feel connected and supported in their everyday lives.” “Learning to drive in a new country, with new rules, new roads, and often a new language, is not an easy task. Yet they all embraced this challenge with strength and determination, supported by the camaraderie and friendships they built along the way. “Congratulations to all participants, and thank you to everyone who made this program possible. Our collective efforts are helping create a more inclusive and supportive Gippsland.” Participant Aida Osman was among the many students in this round who

Driving force: A joint effort from the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council and Victoria Police is teaching multicultural women about road safety and laws.

had previously driven outside the country. She told the Express that, despite her previous experience, driving in rural Victoria had seemed daunting before the course, but she now had a good knowledge of road rules and expectations. “It gives me confidence,” she said. “In Malaysia, I was a good driver, and I hope that, thanks to this program, I will be able to be a good one here, too. I am very thankful for this program.” During the course, the group also learned about the signs and common faults drivers may encounter. The Let’s Get Driving program is also being held in Warragul and Wonthaggi. The Warragul program runs from February 3 to March 3 at the Warragul Community House, and the Wonthaggi program runs from late April to late May at Bass Coast Adult Learning. Upon stepping into the program, a local police

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

spokesperson said it went quite well. “The program has been a great opportunity for participants from different multicultural backgrounds within the local community to be educated in road safety and road rules relevant to driving on our roads in Victoria,” they told the Express. “Although some participants may have had many years of driving experience in other countries, they are very new and inexperienced on Victorian roads. “Over the past five weeks, we have been able to discuss and educate participants who have been very engaged on all aspects of road safety, sharing our roads with other road users and the impacts of speed, distraction, and impaired driving. “It has also been a great opportunity to discuss any misconceptions and provide the participants with an understanding of our role within road safety and the enforcement of road rules.”

Confidence: Participant Aida Osman benefitted from the program.

FedUni-designed app giving farmers greater data access FEDERATION University researchers have developed a tool that reveals spatial variations in rainfall over short distances, providing farmers with an unprecedented level of detail about rainfall on their properties. Rainfall Mapper enables users to select tiles that are 500 by 500 metres for specific locations and time periods – allowing the tool to be used by farmers to gain greater insight into rainfall information specific to their property. With increased access to information about past rainfall, the tool enables farmers to make more informed decisions, including crop planning and irrigation strategies. Available to the public on a trial basis, Rainfall Mapper is a standalone, online application developed by the technical team from the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) based on the initial work done by Dr Peter Weir during his Soil CRC PhD project. The trial results will help improve the design of the tool to enhance the user experience, enabling the research team to gain a deeper understanding of the varied, practical applications of the tool. This will guide the research direction of optimising the practical value of Rainfall Mapper for different users.

The project was developed from Dr Weir's PhD research, which involved determining soil moisture content at the paddock level and investigating the spatial variation in rainfall within an area. "It is an area measurement - not a point measurement from a single location, and that means the app has the capability of picking up rainfall details of localised thunderstorms that often occur unmeasured between official Bureau of Meteorology gauges," Dr Weir said. Regional rain gauges are sparsely located with an average distance of around 30-50 kilometres between these single-point measurements. "We're very careful with our disclaimer because the rainfall amounts are dependent on the modelling of the weather radar signal to estimate the amount of rain that has fallen in that specific area, but the results are extremely interesting." Rainfall Mapper uses data sourced from the official Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) rain gauge network from across Australia, merged with the BoM's weather radars to generate the Rainfields3 dataset, which is available online from the National Computing Infrastructure - Australia's premier provider of high-performance computing resources that supports research and collaboration

Page 16 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

across science, government, and industry. It is currently available as a component within the Visualising Australasia's Soils (VAS) portal - a long-running Soil CRC initiative that brings together soils research, information and activities from across Australia and New Zealand. CeRDI Principal Research Fellow Associate Professor Peter Dahlhaus, who supervised the project, says there are many potential applications for the Rainfall Mapper, including for anyone who wants information specific to their property. "If you're a farmer and you want to seed your paddock, you would like to know how much rain you've had since the last harvest, and when and where the rain has fallen", Assoc Prof Dahlhaus said of the app. "It's farmers and farming groups that are currently showing interest in the app. Apart from the agricultural sector, I anticipate strong interest from people involved in catchment management and those living in high-rainfall areas. Biodiversity groups are also likely to find this tool valuable." "The resolution is so much finer than any other tool that is available and rainfall patterns have shifted due to climate change. Instead of getting normal reliable winter rain, we're now getting

more scattered intense rain events and scattered showers." The tool relies on modelled data that converts reflectivity picked up by weather radar - often detected up to a kilometre off the ground - and converting that to rainfall. Assoc Prof Dahlhaus says the research is "shining a light in a dark corner" to show already available information in a user-friendly way. Rainfall Mapper includes two years of data and allows users to select specific date parameters. The researchers demonstrated the concept at the Soil CRC conference in 2024 and say the interest that was generated was far beyond their expectations. "Now we are going on to the next step, which is to convert this rainfall data into soil moisture at a finer resolution than we have been able to do so far," Assoc Prof Dahlhaus said. "The important point is not just the rain that has fallen on a specified area - this is valuable information - but a lot more interest will come when people are able to say how much water is in the bucket." Dr Weir's PhD research was supported by the Soil CRC with funding from the federal government.

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Merry Christmas from the Gippy Nats

CHRISTMAS is my favourite time of the year in Gippsland, but this festive season will be tinged with sadness. The loss of 15 innocent lives in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack has cast a dark shadow over our nation. As we gather with loved ones, it’s important to be thankful and count our blessings while remembering those we have lost during the year. I will be spending as much time as I can with my family and friends. We will share a meal, laugh about the good times we’ve had throughout the year, and also remember our family members who aren’t with us to celebrate the occasion. In our increasingly busy lives, many of us will have a chance to take a break, probably think about the year that has passed more quickly than expected, and make some plans for the future. I always like to spare a thought for the essential workers in our health and emergency services, or critical industries, who will be doing shifts over the Christmas period to keep us safe and keep the country functioning. Thank you for your contribution to our region and our nation. Australia remains the greatest country in the world, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere other than Gippsland. But that doesn’t mean we are perfect. The Bondi Beach killings are a stain on our national soul that will never be removed. All we can do now is join together in love and peace to celebrate our freedoms and commit to the values of mutual respect and tolerance, which can defeat the hatred that led to the killings. Violence has no place in Australia, and we must stand united and take action to uphold the values of our nation. We must prove ourselves to be stronger and more resilient than the people who seek to promote hatred in our community. At this time of reflection and through the act of giving to each other, we can commit ourselves to building a better Australia. I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year. Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland

AS we approach the festive season and the end of another year, I want to express my heartfelt thanks

towns or explore our landscapes, please take care on the roads. Drive to the conditions, be patient and stay safe. Whichever way you choose to celebrate the holiday period, I hope it is filled with laughter, love and cherished moments with those who matter most. Wishing you a healthy, happy and wonderful start to 2026. Melina Bath, Member for Eastern Victoria Region

Fun and games: Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull is congratulated by Member for Morwell Martin Cameron, after his team won the annual Gippsland Nationals barefoot bowls Christmas Photograph supplied championship. for the role you play in making our region such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. Our towns are busy with seasonal cheer and it’s fantastic to see local small businesses bustling with activity as people shop, dine and socialise. Christmas is a special time for many of us to reconnect with family, friends and neighbours, sharing in the spirit of community. Despite ongoing cost of living pressures, the generosity across our region has been nothing short of inspiring. Donations of toys, clothing and food hampers have

brought hope and relief to those doing it tough. To everyone who has contributed - thank you for your kindness and compassion. I’m optimistic about our region’s future and the individuals and families who make our communities so strong. This year marks my 10th year serving in state Parliament – an honour I never take for granted. I will continue to stand up for Eastern Victoria, ensuring our voices are heard and striving to deliver the support and investment our region needs to thrive. As holidaymakers head to our beautiful coastal

AS the year draws to a close and we prepare to celebrate Christmas, it is a welcome opportunity to pause and enjoy time with family, friends and the wider community. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Gippsland South throughout the year. I remain committed to listening, being accessible and advocating for our region so our communities continue to thrive. I hope everyone has the chance to take a break and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer in Gippsland with its longer days, local events and more time spent outdoors with family and friends. I also want to acknowledge and offer thanks to those who will be working over the Christmas period, including emergency services, health workers and others who help keep our communities safe and running. As we look ahead to the New Year, I hope the spirit of Christmas carries forward, encouraging goodwill, connection and unity throughout the year ahead. I wish all Gippsland South residents a safe and Merry Christmas and a wonderful summer. Danny O’Brien, Member for Gippsland South

MEMBER for Morwell, Martin Cameron visited Santa before Christmas. His wish list for 2026 included:  A plan to replace the thousands of local jobs that will be lost when Yallourn closes in 2028;  More funding for dangerous and decaying network of roads;  Investment in frontline services and serious legislative reform to combat the crime crisis, and;  Tax and planning reforms to stimulate investment and address the dire need for all forms of housing.

Councillor Harriman reports back from Spain By AIDAN KNIGHT

THERE was several reports presented to Latrobe City Council at the December council meeting, one of which addressed some previous controversy among residents This was of course, in relation to Loy Yang Ward Councillor Dale Harriman's trip to the International Urban and Regional Corporation Program (IURC) conference in Spain last month while he was still mayor, and the questions and inquiries from residents that were prompted. Ofthefirstmatter,CrHarrimandetailedhistimeas"68 hoursinairportsandplanes,and92hoursinBarcelona (...) for those who think it's a bit of a jaunt". The conference was held alongside the Smart City Expo World Congress, and Cr Harriman was granted leave and use of Council and Expenses Fund for any incidentals outside of flights and accommodation (which was provided by the IURC). The amount estimated prior to his departure was around $1000, and the report lists Cr Harriman incurred $920 in incidental expenses, including travel to Melbourne Airport, accommodation outside the program and meals.

The Loy Yang Councillor detailed progress made with representatives of municipalities in Western Greece, which has a similar climate and landscape to that of Gippsland, "bordered by mountains and the ocean, having a lot of farming, some green energy, and lakes and fishing areas." Cr Harriman also conversed with leaders of areas well-versed in offshore wind and established power generation, as well as hydrogen production, "which are two of the main industries that we are looking at in this region." He said these talks have been progressing through One Gippsland, an alliance of the region’s six councils, post-event. "I've continued to be part of the weekly and fortnightly meetings with the IURC, there was a lot of benefits in talks with other regions as well. Part of what we're looking at coming out of process is being able to track produce back to the farm - something they do very well, particularly in Western Greece," Cr Harriman said. "We need to know if somebody says in Melbourne they're selling Gippsland Angus, it is Gippsland Angus. We know that there's a higher price

associated with products made in Gippsland, but we're not getting the benefit of it, and there are a lot of others taking that profit from us and diluting the value of it." Cr Harriman went on to list how Federation University has already had discussions with universities in Bremen (German city south-west of Hamburg). The focus of this was mostly centred around a collaborative nature, the most pivotal of this discussion being that around a 'green energy' training centre. Federation University confirmed in Spain its willingness to be involved in the program, increasing the validity of Cr Harriman's points thanks to the institution's buy-in According to the council report, Western Greece and the German region of Bremen was identified by both Cr Harriman and One Gippsland Chair Nathan Hersey as the best fit for ongoing collaboration. Western Greece offers expertise in food provenance, traceability and agribusiness-tourism links, while Bremen and its port city Bremerhaven bring experience in renewable energy, offshore wind, hydrogen and advanced manufacturing supply chains

"The benefits to the region are great (from the trip), and I look forward to Latrobe City and One Gippsland continuing to be part of the IURC program," Harriman concluded. Yallourn Ward Councillor Steph Morgan seconded the motion and spoke on how pleased she was to see the benefits of the trip on paper, and how it displays the importance it is for a developing municipality to take part in such global events. Cr Morgan found great value in "multi-city connection and cooperation, and taking that step into sustainable development (especially urban)." "This helps us in finding everything we need to support our community to develop in the best way sustainably," she said. As a next step, One Gippsland will formally write to Western Greece and Bremen to gauge their interest in partnering with Gippsland under the IURC program, with a decision of ongoing involvement to be considered by the One Gippsland Board in February 2026. Possible reciprocal visits are also being explored for later next year

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 17

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Creative minds at Albert Street By KATRINA BRANDON

SPARKING creativity and uniqueness, Albert Street Primary School, Moe held an art show sharing students’ works. The show, “celebrating the uniqueness of being human”, aimed to provide a creative outlet for students and to share their works, giving them confidence and a sense of achievement. Learning through process-based learning, Albert Street Primary School art teacher Jo Fraser told the Express that watching the students create their works was “amazing”. “Picasso once said his goal was to paint like a

child, and I feel fortunate as a primary school teacher to witness that raw creativity before worry, doubt, and self-consciousness start to creep in. Every child is an artist and this exhibition honours that,” she said. “In my teaching, I focus on the process - from learning to paint negative space to finding shapes when sketching. “When children are encouraged and supported to make things, amazing things happen - and that's exactly what this art show celebrates.” By giving students ample opportunities to share their creative spirit, parents enjoyed seeing the students’ display.

Ms Fraser said the exhibition gave students a real “I can do it moment”. Students explored many art forms throughout the year, including different styles and artists. “We always begin by looking at artists for inspiration,” Ms Fraser said. “For their cake sculptures, the Year 5/6 students explored the Pop Art movement and responded to the playful, oversized works of American artist Claes Oldenburg. They constructed cardboard forms, paper-mâchéd them, and learned to create texture - collecting sand from the playground for cake crumb and mixing colour into plaster and paint for frosting. We discussed how colour creates meaning, so students expressed cake flavours through colour and then designed decorations to communicate those ideas to the audience.” By learning to navigate each piece, exploring colours, shapes, and techniques, Ms Fraser highlighted that while some students may have struggled to put mind to paper and design, the

students learnt that art is a skill and that skills take practice to get right, demonstrating patience. She also highlighted that in a screen-heavy world, art is essential for children - connecting them to authentic experiences, engaging their hands, focus and problem-solving skills. “In those moments, mindfulness happens naturally, and emotions settle, creating space for children to take creative risks. These risks build confidence and teach children that it's okay to try, make mistakes, and try again," Ms Fraser said. “I am most proud of the community this art show represents. “At Albert Street, we are a small team of dedicated teachers committed to ensuring every child is seen and valued - every child's work is displayed because every child matters. I'm also proud of how productive our students are and how unafraid they are to make a mess, experiment, and fully immerse themselves in the creative process.”

Gallery: Seth shows off the impressive range of artworks at Albert Street Primary School, Moe.

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Thorpy’s top trio By LIAM DURKIN

JUST more Thorpy high achievers. Three of the highest accolades from Trafalgar High School were taken out by Thorpdale students this year. All three carry surnames synonymous with the potato farming town as well. Lucas Murphy received an ATAR of 97.30 higher than the Dux of Gippsland Grammar, while Lena Blackshaw was Valedictorian (for accumulated study scores) and Memphis McQualter won the Sports Excellence Award. "Must be something in the spuds this year!" school principal Brett Pedlow quipped. The trio all attended Thorpdale Primary School. Trafalgar High School alumni and former Thorpdale local Megan Low graduated in 2012

Hands-on: Albert Street Primary School students Lilith, Jai and Nina with some of their creations.

with an insane ATAR of 99.75 - virtually the highest score possible. She is currently working in a highly discrete government role in the nation's capital. Thorpdale has also produced two of the region's leading journalists. Yvette Brand is editor of the Warragul Drouin Gazette, and Laura Poole was a familiar voice to many during her time with the ABC. (Express editor Liam Durkin also grew up in Thorpdale). From a sporting lens, Rachael Blackshaw is the current VNL coordinator at Netball Victoria. Other prominent sporting names from Thorpdale include Jason Winderlich, Barry Rowlings and Olympic bronze medallist, Tim Forsyth. Clearly only the best went to Thorpy primary. But surely only the very best went to Thorpy kinder.

Moulded: Francis and Octavia display some cactus-inspired artworks.

Geniuses at work: Trafalgar High School students and Thorpdale kids Lena Blackshaw, Memphis McQualter and Lucas Murphy had outstanding results this year. Photograph supplied Page 18 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

Service: Kara, Gina and Jasman with artworks on a plate.

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Purple is a fruit, Small school’s huge effort, Grove achieves best and also fundraiser Willow NAPLAN results in Gippsland

YEAR 6 Traralgon students brought colour and energy to Purple Day at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School. Students powered through unpredictable weather to run a range of fun activities and raise money for the Cancer Council. Students from across the school joined in, taking part in engaging activities while supporting a meaningful cause. Planned and led by the Year 6 cohort, the day created a vibrant atmosphere, with purple outfits adding to the strong sense of unity and spirit. A standout highlight was the ever-popular spongethrowing activity, which sparked plenty of laughter as staff members sportingly joined in. Beyond fundraising, the event strengthened wellbeing, connection and community spirit. Together with the Year 6 Relay For Life initiative, the students raised a total of $2700 for the Cancer Council. Duo: Ava colours Heidi’s hair at the St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Purple Day fundraiser.

Excellence in education: Willow Grove Primary School Principal Tamara Halket with students Erica, Isabella, Emma, Mikayla, Sidney, Angus, Jack and Grace. The small school had the best Photograph: Katrina Brandon NAPLAN results in Gippsland. By KATRINA BRANDON

TO GET the best education, you don't necessarily need to go to the biggest school. This year's NAPLAN results showed Willow Grove Primary School (WGPS) Grade 5 students were the brightest in Gippsland. According to the Herald Sun, the school recorded the best NAPLAN results in Gippsland for both private and public schools. In the Grade 5 reading section, the school received a score of 566, 519 in writing, 515 in spelling, 553 in grammar and 523 in numeracy - above average across the state. WGPS school council president, Simon Fiddelaers, said, "This is wonderful and welldeserved recognition for our incredible students and staff at WGPS." "Congratulations to our Grade 5 students on this excellent outcome. "We have always punched above our weight when it comes to academic excellence, and these results confirm what local families have known for years: we have a great school with a great school community. Now the secret is out." Willow Grove Primary School ranked as the top school in Gippsland and in the top nine per cent in the state. Highlighting the achievement, principal Tamara Halket told the Express that, as a small school, the results demonstrate the quality of its work and that small schools can perform just as well as larger schools. “It is really exciting for the kids,” she said. “It’s nice to get some good results, but it’s really nice to find out what our school is doing well, to showcase that a small school has the same to offer as any of the other bigger schools.” As a smaller school, the community and support is spread across the “small” school network, with each school supporting one another. “It’s not a competition between schools.

How many: Oliver, Harrison, Harrison and Zeke with their ‘guessing’ stall.

Photographs supplied

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Process: Mikkayla paints Stella’s nails as part of the fundraiser.

“The small school principals work quite nicely together so that we’ve got a wider group working with the same kids. We’re all working for the same purpose,” Ms Halket said. Ms Halket also mentioned that the school has been working on how they can deliver the curriculum and support different learning styles. “What we’ve done a lot of work on is building teacher capacity and building collective understanding of the curriculum, how to deliver it in a way that kids understand what it is they are learning in different ways, how they can learn that they know they’re successful, and then what the next steps for them are,” she said. “We’ve been going and building our own handbooks, and we’ve been creating our own understanding, so then we can transfer that to the kids. “As long as we are teaching the curriculum that we’re supposed to teach, and if we are teaching it well, then the results will reflect that.” Not only is the school community in high spirits about the results, but the broader community is as well. Willow Grove local and author Leah Mether also shared her excitement on LinkedIn about the students' achievements. "I'm so proud of the staff and students at Willow Grove Primary School for achieving the best NAPLAN results in Gippsland," she wrote. "I have a long history with this school: all three of my boys attended primary school here. "I did all of my primary schooling here, too, as did my three sisters. "My dad went to primary school here, as did his siblings. "And my grandpa was the principal at WGPS in the 1960s/70s. "(WGPS is) Such a fabulous country school with fabulous staff and students. I'm so pleased to see them get this recognition."

The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 19

HOROSCOPES

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by Joanne Madeline Moore

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

May 20 26, 2024 December 22 -- May December 28, 2025 Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

The week starts with Mercury and Venus in fellow fire sign Sagittarius, so you’re in the mood for plenty of fun and Yuletide cheer. However, too much haste and festive frivolity could land you in trouble, especially involving friends and/or in-laws. So do your best to get the balance right between thinking things through and being spontaneous. When it comes to Christmas presents, choose ones that bring joy and inspiration, like soulful music and beautiful books.

On Christmas Eve, nebulous Neptune squares Venus (your patron planet) so things could get rather confusing. Don’t worry if your carefully-made plans are messed up this Xmas. Try to keep things in perspective. It’s OK if the food, presents, decorations and celebrations aren’t 100% perfect. As writer (and birthday great) Quentin Crisp wisely observed: “Treat all disasters as if they were trivialities but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster.”

Most Bulls are well-prepared but Neptune squares Venus (your ruling planet) on Wednesday, so expect a rather confusing Christmas Eve. Perhaps a family member misunderstands you or Santa gets lost! With the Moon moving through your peer group zone, many Bulls will spend Christmas night with a close circle of special friends. Your festive motto is from birthday great, movie star Marlene Dietrich: “It’s the friends you can call at 4 am that matter.”

With Pluto (your ruler), plus the Moon, Saturn and Neptune in your domestic and entertainment zones on Xmas Day, many Scorpios will host festive celebrations at home. But communication between guests looks tricky, as Neptune stirs up sensitivities. It will take your best diplomatic skills to keep children under control, parents from getting paranoid and family members from feuding. When in doubt, take ten deep breaths and continue … the show must go on!

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) With the Sun, Venus, Mars and Mercury (your boss planet) bouncing through your relationship zones, it’s all about companionship and sharing as you enjoy the festive season with family members, close friends and/or neighbours. And some lucky singles could find love at a lively Christmas Party. Your motto for the moment comes from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox: “Love is the most important thing we can give.”

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Prepare to be in a fabulously festive mood, as you let your hair down and enjoy the Yuletide celebrations to the max. But if you eat and drink and party too much on Christmas Day, then you’ll be a grumpy Crab for the rest of the week. Extravagant Jupiter is jumping through your sign, so be careful at the Boxing Day/New Year sales. Extravagant, imppulse buyys this week could result in longg reggrets later. From Thursday on, love is in the air.

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) When it comes to last-minute gift shopping, look for presents that are practical and useful. But if you spend more than you can comfortably afford this Christmas, then you’ll just end up with a heap of New Year debt. You don’t have to go overboard in order to have a good time. And avoid getting too serious and stressed. It’s time for clever Lions to bliss out on Yuletide cheer! A calm and methodical approach is the best way to handle festive celebrations.

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22) It’s been a busy lead-up to the big day, so you may feel a bit out of sorts this Christmas. Many Virgos have a very delicate digestive system which is easily upset by stress, rich food, too much alcohol, overwork and over-excitement. If you pace yourself, then you (and your sensitive stomach) will enjoy the festive season even more. Simple meals – in small amounts – and plenty of sleep is the smart and sensible way to go. Spend Boxing Day with a special loved one.

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

The Moon, Saturn and Neptune are in your domestic zone on Christmas Day, which favours traditional celebrations, surrounded by loved ones. Choose your words wisely though because Neptune squares Venus. If you’re not careful, you could blurt out the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time and upset a relative or stir up an old grievance. A smart Sagittarian will simmer down, hold your tongue, and think things through before you speak.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) You’ll need to be extra diplomatic if you want to avoid a fraction too much friction on Christmas Day. With Venus squaring Neptune in your communication zone, misunderstandings are likely (especially with relatives), so tread carefully. With the Sun, Venus and Mars all visiting your sign, focus on friendship, generosity and community sppirit. Your Xmas motto comes from writer (and birthdayy great) Henry Miller: “Do anything but let it produce joy.”

Collab: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Concert Band, directed by Tamara Warden, performing Into The Clouds by Richard Saucedo. Photographs supplied

High notes and high marks ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School students lit up the stage of the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) during this year’s Codetta concert, delivering a night filled with performing arts passion and remarkable talent. Each performance offered something special, from compelling drama pieces and expressive dance to beautifully blended ensembles and heartfelt vocals, creating a

memorable experience for everyone in the audience. The Performing Arts program at St Paul’s invites students to discover and develop their artistic potential, encouraging them to explore a range of creative forms and build confidence in their craft. Events like Codetta provide valuable opportunities for students to perform publicly and share their skills with the wider community.

Tune: St Paul’s student Rumindu singing Muddy Water by Roger Miller.

Classic: Alexandra performing a drama piece titled ‘Elle Woods - Harvard Admission Essay’ from Legally Blonde by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith.

Dr: Shenuli singing Notice Me, Horton from Seussical the Musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Note: Matilda singing When He Sees Me by Sara Bareilles.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Unique Uranus (your ruling planet) and joyful Jupiter are transiting through your domestic and daily routine zones. So, strive to be more generous and forgiving towards family and friends, as you view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective. Your festive motto is from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox (who turns 71 on Christmas Day): “Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.”

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Steady Saturn (in your sign) helps to stabilise and conserve your energy throughout a long and hectic Christmas Day. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the Yuletide celebrations … without feeling totally exhausted by bedtime! Many Pisceans will spend the post-Christmas period reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026. So, your motto is from birthday great, writer Henry Miller: “One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.” COPYRIGHT Joanne Madeline Moore 20 2G025668

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To advertise your bargains, products or services in this column or for information, simply phone Jenny Mann on 5135 4412 today. Page 20 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

The Guide PICK OF THE WEEK

JULIA SBS, Saturday, 7.30pm

Home front:

Nowadays we have entire TV channels devoted to food, but not so long ago, the idea of audiences tuning in to someone else cooking a meal was totally outrageous. Enter Julia Child (pictured). The American chef with a passion for French cuisine and a wonderfully authentic manner in the kitchen pioneered the modern cooking show when The French Chef debuted in 1963. This tasty treat from RBG directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen traces the life and career of the revolutionary chef, from her time working at the OSS (a precursor to the CIA), to her studies at Le Cordon Bleu, the struggles to publish her bestselling 1961 cookbook and her rapid ascent to fame as an unlikely television star. Bon appétit!

James (Nicholas Ralph) reunites with Helen (Rachel Shenton) and baby Jimmy.

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE SBS, Monday, 11.10pm

Forbidden love:

Azul Guaita and Andrés Baida.

This searing Spanish-language romance from executive producer Salma Hayek Pinault is well worth staying up for. Based on the bestseller by Laura Esquivel that previously inspired a decadent 1992 film, this HBO adaptation is pure indulgence. Set during the Mexican Revolution, it centres on young woman Tita (Azul Guaita) who longs to be with her childhood sweetheart Pedro (Andrés Baida) – but is prevented from doing so by a family tradition. Tita’s primary way of expressing her heartache is through cooking, which gives way to the series’ most magical scenes.

TARONGA: WHO’S WHO IN THE ZOO Nine, Tuesday, 7.30pm

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ABC TV, Boxing Day, 7.30pm

Pet owners might think they’re familiar with the ins and outs of a veterinarian office, but clipping a house cat’s claws or giving a dog a dental check is nothing compared to the daily duties of the Taronga Zoo team. Tonight, a small village of vets is on standby for Sumatran tiger Mawa, who is in line for an exclusive breeding program in the US and needs a thorough health assessment under delicate sedation. Meanwhile, senior keeper Suzie is hoping sparks fly when Australia’s smallest bachelor – Spud the potoroo (pictured) – is introduced to female Penny. Highlighting the important conservation work and care that these incredible animals receive, this docuseries makes for positively heartwarming viewing.

As Spring 1941 arrives in Darrowby and season five of this cheery series makes its way on to screens, there’s a new boss at Skeldale House: baby Jimmy. The little lad is keeping everyone on their toes – particularly mum Helen (Rachel Shenton) – while James (Nicholas Ralph) is away at RAF Abingdon. Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) steps up and contributes to the local war effort as a blackout warden, but being the only woman on the team is no easy task. Meanwhile, Siegfried (Samuel West) is holding down the fort at the surgery while waiting for the others to return. Combining the show’s trademark warmth with a more sombre wartime tone, this poignant dramedy reaches new heights of storytelling.

Wednesday, December 24 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7, 6)

NINE (9, 8)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Under The Christmas Sky. (2023, G) Jessica Parker Kennedy. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas. (R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGas, R) 2.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGal, R) 3.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG) 8.10 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG) Presented by Guy Montgomery. 9.00 QI. (Mls) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig. 9.30 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) Hosted by Rob Brydon. 10.00 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG, R) 10.30 Utopia. (PG, R) 11.25 You Can’t Ask That. (Mals, R) 12.35 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 1.20 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Big Fat Quiz Of Everything. (Mls, R) Presented by Jimmy Carr. 9.05 Rock Legends: Elton John. (PGd, R) Documents the career of Elton John, from his days as a budding songwriter to his peak in the ’70s. 9.35 Crime. (MA15+) Lennox must save an attacker’s third victim. 10.30 The 2010s: Obama – Legacy On The Line. (Ma, R) 11.20 Mirusia: Live In Concert. 12.50 Daddy Issues. (Mls, R) 4.00 Growing A Greener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.00 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet. 10.40 Chicago Fire. (Ma) Severide investigates a past house fire. 11.40 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Officers stop two newlyweds at the border. 12.05 MOVIE: The Other Me. (2021, Mav, R) Sheena Peña. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R) 5.30 NBC Today.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Christmas With Delta. (R) A Christmas concert with Delta Goodrem. 8.00 Carols By Candlelight. (PG) Coverage of the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight from Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne. 11.00 MOVIE: Noel Next Door. (2022, PGa) Natalie Hall. 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Nine Perth Presents: Christmas In WA. (R) 5.30 Thunderbirds. (R)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Airport 24/7. (PGal, R) A kangaroo keeps Trent on his toes. 8.30 The Cheap Seats. (MA15+l, R) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was. 9.30 MOVIE: Patriot Games. (1992, Mv, R) A former CIA agent becomes a target for assassination after shooting an IRA terrorist. Harrison Ford, Anne Archer. 11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Hour Of Power Christmas Eve Special. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s

SBS VICELAND (31) 6amWorldWatch.

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (Final, R) 10.00 MOVIE: Songs Inside. (2024, Ml, R) 11.30 Maggie Beer’s Christmas Feast. (R) 12.00 News. 12.55 The Piano UK: The Incredibly Talented Lucy. (PG, R) 1.55 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Programs. 3.55pm Stan Can. 4.00 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 4.50 Bluey. 5.00 Peppa’s Christmas. 5.10 Peppa Pig. 5.20 Millie Magnificent. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Hey Duggee. 6.35 Ben And Holly. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Tabby McTat. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Merry Madagascar. 8.25 MOVIE: The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland. (2024) 9.45 A (Very) Musical Christmas. 11.20 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 9.50

Chums. 10.00 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 10.50 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 11.00 Water Worlds. Noon Big Boss. 12.30 Unleash The Beast. 1.30 Off Country. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Spartakus. 3.25 Cities Of Gold. 4.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Arctic Secrets. 7.30 Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready. 8.30 MOVIE: Scrooged. (1988, M) 10.15 Uncharted With Alicia Keys. Midnight Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs Xmas. (PGa, R) 10.00 Inside Oxford Street. (PG, R) 10.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Darcey Bussell’s Royal Road Trip. (R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 London Zoo At Christmas. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery. (2015, PGav, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

TEN (10, 5)

8.10 NHK Newsline. 8.40 CBC The National. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. 11.05 The Movie Show. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.35 If You Are The One. 3.45 BBC News At Ten. 4.15 France 24 International News. 4.45 PBS NewsHour. 5.45 Travel Man: Jon Hamm In Hong Kong. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 MOVIE: Gremlins. (1984, M) 11.20 Tis The Season: The Holidays On Screen. 12.55am Show Me The Father. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am The Zoo. 6.30

Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes And Gardens. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 The Master. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Charles: The Monarch And The Man. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Room For Improvement. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81) 6am Gideon’s Way. 7.00

10 COMEDY (11, 52) 6am GCBC. 6.30 Everyday Gourmet. 7.00 Ridiculousness. 8.00 Taskmaster Australia. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. 9.30 Bold. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Taskmaster Australia. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 3.30 Frasier. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ridiculousness. 12.30am Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (73, 64) 6am Hook, Line And Sinker. 7.00 My Fishing Place. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 A Football Life. 9.00 America’s Game: The Super Bowl Champions. 10.00 Australia ReDiscovered. 10.30 American Restoration. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Restoration. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam Holiday Specials. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Live PD Presents: PD Cam. Midnight Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs.

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing. 8.30 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. (PGdlv, R) 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. (PGalv) 12.45 The Young And The Restless. (PGasv) 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGas, R) 2.30 JAG. (PGlv, R) 4.30 The Living Room. (PG, R) 5.30 JAG. (PGlv, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 10.20 Fire Country. (Mav, R) 12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Shopping.

6am The Movie Show. 6.35 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PGv) 8.10 All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PGav) 11.00 Year Of The Dog. (2007, Ma) 12.55 Starring Dick Van Dyke. (R) 2.55 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, G, R) 4.55 Mosley. (2019, PGav, R) 6.50 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG, R) 8.30 Bye Bye Birdie. (1963, PGa, R) 10.35 The Comic. (1969, PGansv) 12.25am My Neighbour Totoro. (1988) 2.05 Divorce American Style. (1967, Ma) 4.05 Mosley. (2019, PGav)

Creflo Dollar Ministries. 7.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. 8.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: Wonderful Life. (1964) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. (2019) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 MOVIE: The World Is Not Enough. (1999, M) 11.15 How We Celebrate. 12.15am Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.15 Creflo. 1.45 Late Programs.

8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Innovation Nation. 12.15 Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Unseen Enemy. (2025, MA15+) 10.40 MOVIE: A Savage Christmas. (2023, M) 12.30am The Vampire Diaries. 2.10 Pretty Little Liars. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 Booba. 5.10 Teen Titans Go! 5.30 Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat (a) Adult themes (d) Drug references (h) Horror (s) Sex references (l) Language (m) Medical procedures (n) Nudity (v) Violence.

MEL/VIC

The Latrobe Valley Express, TV Guide Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 21

Thursday, December 25 ABC (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7, 6)

NINE (9, 8)

TEN (10, 5)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 1.20 Shaun Micallef s Eve Of Destruction. 1.55 Death In Paradise. (Final, Mv, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 HM The King s Christmas Message. 3.40 Bluey. (R) 3.50 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG, R) 5.30 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Darcey Bussell s Royal Road Trip. (R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Christmas Carols From London Coliseum. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG, R) 9.30 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant. (PG) 10.30 Mayor s Christmas Carols. (PG) 11.30 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R) 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 2.30 MOVIE: Last Train To Christmas. (2021, PGaln, R) Michael Sheen. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Thunderbirds. (R) 6.30 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. 8.30 Lord Mayor s Christmas Carols. 10.30 CMA Country Christmas. [VIC] WIN Symphony Orchestra Special. (R) 11.30 Christmas With Delta. (R) 1.00 Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R) 4.00 MOVIE: Blizzard. (2003, G, R) Jennifer Pisana.

6.00 Jamie Oliver: Christmas. (R) 7.00 Jamie s One-Pan Christmas. (R) 8.00 MTV Greatest Christmas Hits. (PGa) 12.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGls, R) 1.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) 2.30 The Living Room. (PGa, R) 3.45 The King s Christmas Message. 4.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGa, R) 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 10 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC National News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 7.30 HM The King s Christmas Message. (R) King Charles III s Christmas message. 7.40 The Royal Variety Performance. (PG) From the Royal Albert Hall, London. 9.40 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (Final, R) Three artists

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration. (R) A performance by Andrea Bocelli. 9.20 Vigil. (MA15+v) Amy must decide if she is prepared

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia s Front Line. (PG, R) Biosecurity

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon s Christmas Vacation. (1989, Ml, R) A man tries to create

6.00 The King s Christmas Message. (R) King Charles III s annual Christmas message. 6.15 The Dog House. (PGa, R)

10.25 A (Very) Musical Christmas. (R) 11.55 The Art Of. (M, R) 12.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 12.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.40 Rage Christmas Special. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

responsible when she uncovers the full scale of the conspiracy. 10.30 The 2010s: Trump The Disruptor. (Ma, R) 11.20 Vienna Blood. (Mav) 12.15 Outlander. (Masv, R) 1.35 House Of Promises. (Mlnsv, R) 3.20 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.20 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7.30 MOVIE: Love Actually. (2003, Mlns, R) Explores a series of interlocking vignettes about love and romance in Britain in the weeks before Christmas. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth. 10.15 MOVIE: Last Christmas. (2019, PGals, R) An aspiring singer gains a new perspective. Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding. 12.25 Life. (Malsv, R) A Los Angeles coroner is found murdered. 1.25 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Chase, Beverly D Angelo. 9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon s Vacation. (1983, Mdl, R) A Chicago family encounters an endless series of disasters during their cross-country road trip. Chevy Chase, Beverly D Angelo. 11.30 The King s Christmas Message. 11.40 MOVIE: The Jazz Singer. (1980, G, R) 1.40 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 5.00 A Current Affair. (R) 5.30 Today.

7.15 The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton is joined by Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Jessie Buckley and Michelle de Swarte. 8.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 14. Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks. From Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney. 10.30 MOVIE: The Lost City. (2022, Masv, R) A romance novelist gets kidnapped. Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum. 12.45 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Wallace And Gromit: A Grand Day Out. 8.20 Wallace And Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. 8.50 Wallace And Gromit: A Close Shave. 9.20 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 9.50 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.35 Late Programs.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.20pm WorldWatch. 12.50 Australia s Sleep Revolution. 1.55 Devoured. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: Rebel Wilson In Florence. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Charles: The Monarch And The Man. 3.30 Harry s Practice. 4.00 Christmas With The Salvos. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81) 6am Gideon s Way. 7.00 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon How We Celebrate. 1.00 MOVIE: Christmas Reservations. (2019, PG) 2.45 MOVIE: A Christmas In Tennessee. (2018, PG) 4.30 Poirot. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Clarkson s Farm. 8.30 MOVIE: Die Another Day. (2002, M) 11.10 Late Programs.

10 COMEDY (11, 52) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Bold. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Taskmaster Australia. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 3.30 Frasier. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 9.30 Becker. 10.00 Frasier. 11.00 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Road Open. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Arctic Secrets. 7.29 NITV Weather. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.30 MOVIE: New Jack City. (1991, MA15+) 11.15 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (73, 64) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 MOVIE: Ghost Rider. (2007, M) 10.45 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs.

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Shopping.

6am Morning Programs. 8.40 Bye Bye Birdie. (1963, PGa) 10.40 The Comic. (1969, PGansv) 12.25pm Sisi & I. (2023, Mad, German, English, French) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.15 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 4.55 Selkie. (2000, PG) 6.30 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 8.55 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 11.30 Late Programs.

Australia s Lightest ONLY 2.5KG 1 Scooter

2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Circle. (2017, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.45am The Vampire Diaries. 2.35 Pretty Little Liars. 4.20 The Nanny: Oy To The World. 4.50 Booba. 5.10 Teen Titans Go! 5.30 Late Programs.

8.00 Escape Fishing. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+a, R) 10.20 Fire Country. 12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Shopping.

Mobility And More Moe 32 George Street, Moe

Phone: 51 272099

Friday, December 26 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7, 6)

NINE (9, 8)

TEN (10, 5)

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. (Return, PG) James is grounded in the RAF. 8.20 MOVIE: Top End Wedding. (2019, Ml, R) A woman and her

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Nicole Kidman: Eyes Wide Open. (Malns, R) 8.30 Marlon Brando In Paradise. (R) Explores Marlon Brando s environmental legacy. 9.35 Discovering Film: Gene Hackman. (PGav, R) Looks at the life and career of Gene Hackman. 10.30 The 2010s. (Malv, R) 11.20 Sisi. (MA15+s, R) 12.15 Culprits. (MA15+v, R) 2.15 Soldiers. (Malv, R) 4.00 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.30 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 11. Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars. From the SCG. 9.10 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 12. Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes. From Optus Stadium, Perth. 12.30 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns) Logan s mission in Zurich reveals the deadly zeal of the SPK. 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) A look at a variety of holiday destinations here and abroad. Hosted by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. Hosted by Shelley Craft. 8.30 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality. (2000, Msv, R) A graceless FBI agent goes undercover in a beauty pageant to catch a terrorist. Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt. 10.40 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) A UN diplomat is targeted by assassins. 11.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.30 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R) Lifeguards search for a student. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Rob and Robyn try to sell their property in Penola. 8.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple of IT professionals never got around to renovating their Rozelle house as planned and can t decide whether to stay or leave. 9.50 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Celebrity guests include Daniel Craig. 11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children s

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Dark Side Of Comedy. 1.30 WWE Legends. 3.00 Bamay. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 If You Are The One. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: Constantine. (2005, MA15+) 10.45 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.35 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 Antiques Roadshow. 1.30 MOVIE: I ll Take Sweden. (1965) 3.30 MOVIE: Beach Party. (1963) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 MOVIE: Casino Royale. (2006, M) 11.25 Late Programs.

10 COMEDY (11, 52) 6am Morning

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Living Black. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 The Drover s Boy. 6.40 Arctic Secrets. 7.29 NITV Weather. 7.30 MOVIE: Bush Christmas. (1983, PG) 9.10 First Nations Bedtime Stories. 9.20 MOVIE: Crackers. (1998, MA15+) 11.00 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (73, 64) 6am Morning

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs.

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Shopping.

6am Morning Programs. 11.05 The Forsytes. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 1.00 The Royal Variety Performance. (R) 3.00 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

mother before their wedding. Miranda Tapsell, Shari Sebbens, Gwilym Lee. 9.55 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills. 10.30 Silent Witness. (Mv, R) The team works on a suspected suicide. 12.15 Rage In Memoriam. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Programs. 5.20pm 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.10 Shaun The Sheep. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Zog. 6.55 Zog And The Flying Doctors. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Queen And I. 8.45 My Adventures With Superman. 9.05 Robot Wars: Battle Of The Stars. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Darcey Bussell s Royal Road Trip. (R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (PG, R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Scotland: A Wild Year. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 Mosley. (2019, PGav) 10.00 Charlie And Boots. (2009, Ml) 11.50 Ali And Ava. (2021, Mal) 1.30pm Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 3.50 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 6.30 Howl s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 8.40 The Fifth Element. (1997, PGnsv) 11.00 Late Programs.

Page 22 — The Latrobe Valley Express, TV Guide Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session.

Programs. 11.00 NFL Tailgate. Noon NFL. NFL. Week 17. Kansas City Chiefs v Denver Broncos. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 American Pickers. 6.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 11. Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Road Wars. 8.30 MOVIE: The Blues Brothers. (1980, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Cross Court. (R) 12.30 Sailing. Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Cheaper By The Dozen. (2003) 9.30 MOVIE: Yours, Mine And Ours. (2005, PG) 11.20 Seinfeld. 12.20am The Vampire Diaries. 2.10 Pretty Little Liars. 4.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 Dog House. (PGa, R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGl, R) 2.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) 3.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

Programs. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Taskmaster Australia. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 3.30 Frasier. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 7.30 MOVIE: Mean Girls. (2004, M) 9.30 MOVIE: Andamooka. (2024, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

8.00 Escape Fishing. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 All 4 Adventure. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+av, R) 10.20 Fire Country. 12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Shopping.

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Saturday, December 27 ABC (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7, 6)

NINE (9, 8)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills. 6.30 When The War Is Over: Australian Wars. (Final, PGa, R) with the wars fought on Australian soil. 7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events. 7.30 Call The Midwife. (M) Follows the work of nuns and nurses in a poor district of London s East End during the 50s. 9.35 Vera. (Final, Ma, R) Vera investigates when the body of the co-owner of a chip shop is found in his own freezer. 11.05 Rage Best Of The Guests 2025. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming. 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 MOVIE: Julia. (2021) Looks at Julia Child s journey. José Andrés, Paul Bogaards. 9.15 MOVIE: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song. (2021, Ml) Looks at singer songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, Hallelujah . Leonard Cohen, Nancy Bacal, Steve Berkowitz. 11.20 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R) 1.00 MOVIE: Homicide: The Movie. (2000, Malv, R) 2.35 Growing A Greener World. (R) 3.35 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.05 The Eco Show. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Animals Aboard With Dr Harry. (PG) Nine lemurs are stranded at the airport. Two guinea pigs go on an international adventure. 8.00 MOVIE: Jaws. (1975, Mlv, R)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous. (2005, Mv, R) An FBI agent goes undercover once again. Sandra Bullock, Regina King. 9.50 MOVIE: Be Cool. (2005, Mlv, R) A former mobster enters the music industry. John Travolta, Uma Thurman. 12.10 MOVIE: Analyze That. (2002, Mlsv, R) Billy Crystal. 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Dog House UK. (PGa) A farmer is in search of a companion. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple need a solution to their chaotic house. 8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Follows property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie as they search for the perfect home in Adelaide. 9.50 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) The ambulance service is hit by a strike. 11.05 NCIS. (Mv, R) The team

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children s Programs. 5.40pm Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Around The World In 80 Days. (2021, PG) 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.20pm Fashionista. 12.35 Curse Of Oak Island. 3.05 Bamay. 3.35 SBS50. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 Inside Legoland: A World Of Wonder. (Final) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Fast & Furious. 10.20 Snowpiercer. 12.10am Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 10.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Medical Emergency. 11.30 Harry s Practice. Noon Horse Racing. Cranbourne Raceday and Royal Randwick Raceday. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81) 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Tomorrow s World. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 MOVIE: The Winslow Boy. (1948) 1pm MOVIE: Taras Bulba. (1962, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: Bikini Beach. (1964, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Crossplot. (1969, PG) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 MOVIE: Quantum Of Solace. (2008, M) 10.40 Late Programs.

10 COMEDY (11, 52) 6am GCBC.

7.00 Bold. 8.30 Wheel Of Fortune Australia. 9.30 Deal Or No Deal. 10.00 Ridiculousness. 11.00 Farm To Fork. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Stephen Colbert. 2.00 Ridiculousness. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Friends. 6.30 Big Bang. 10.00 Frasier. 11.00 Ridiculousness. Midnight South Park. 1.00 Shopping. 1.30 South Park. 2.30 Shopping.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm Benny And The Dreamers. 3.10 Road Open. 3.20 Land Of The Little Kings. 4.45 Road Open. 4.55 Yarning Culture Through Film. 5.00 Faboriginal. 6.00 The Barber. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Blade Runner. (1982, MA15+) 10.30 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (73, 64) 6am Morning

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs.

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Shopping.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Rage In Memoriam. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Return To Paradise. (Final, PGdv, R) 1.30 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas. (R) 2.30 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.20 The Royal Variety Performance. (PG, R) 5.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (PG, R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix 5. Highlights. 4.30 Incredible Canals. (R) 5.35 Great Gardens Of Europe. (Premiere)

6am Morning Programs. 8.25 The Band s Visit. (2007, PGls, Arabic, English, Hebrew) 10.00 Operation Mincemeat. (2021, Malsv) 12.20pm My Zoe. (2019, Mals) 2.15 Howl s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 4.25 The Fifth Element. (1997, PGnsv) 6.40 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.30 Absolute Power. (1997, Mlsv) 10.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 12.00 Our State On A Plate. 12.30 My Way. (R) 1.00 Drive Safer. 2.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 2.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 3.00 MOVIE: The Cutting Edge. (1992, PGl, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Evening session.

and a marine biologist hunt down a giant killer shark. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw. 10.30 MOVIE: Violent Night. (2022, MA15+lv) Santa Claus must save some hostages. David Harbour, John Leguizamo. 12.30 Dr Harry s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) Dr Harry Cooper meets the mum of 18 puppies. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

3.30pm Premier League Stories. 4.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters. 5.40 MOVIE: Wedding Daze. (2006, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. (2014, M) 10.00 The Winter King. 11.10 Top 20 Funniest. 12.10am Love After Lockup. 1.35 MOVIE: Your Love Is Mine. (2022, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs.

Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Nitro Funny Cars. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: The Karate Kid. (2010, PG) 10.25 MOVIE: King Of Thieves. (2018, M) 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Gordon Ramsay s Secret Service. (PGal) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 12.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 1.00 Silvia s Italian Masterclass. (R) 1.30 The Yes Experiment. (PG) 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa, R) 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00 News.

12.05 MOVIE: I Am Andrew Tate. (2024, MA15+a) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

9.00 I Fish. 9.30 On The Fly. 10.00 What s Up Down Under. 10.30 JAG. 4.30pm Soccer. A-League Men. Round 10. Sydney FC v Auckland FC. 7.00 Football Tonight. 7.35 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 10. Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers. 10.00 NCIS. 12.50am NCIS: Origins. 1.45 Shopping.

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Sunday, December 28 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7, 6)

NINE (9, 8)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Living With Devils. (PG, R) A look at the Tasmanian devil. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) Three unrelated Santas are shot simultaneously. 9.00 MOVIE: The Imitation Game. (2014, Ma, R) During World War II, a mathematician is forced to hide his sexuality as he tries to unravel a secret German code. Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode. 10.55 Rage Vault. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.10 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.10 The Art Of. (Malns, R) 4.40 Dream Gardens. (R) 5.05 Annabel Crabb s Civic Duty. (Final, PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (PG) An investigation into how Cleopatra died. 8.35 Ken Burns The American Revolution. (PG) America braces for a third year of war. 10.35 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav, R) 11.30 Dean Martin: King Of Cool. (Ml, R) 12.35 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGa, R) 1.45 24 Hours In Emergency. (M) 3.35 Rediscover Victoria. (Mls, R) 4.00 The Eco Show. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 14. Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Meet the pilot who survived the unthinkable. 12.00 MacGruber. (MA15+lsv) MacGruber races to retrieve a chemical weapon. 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Sydney 2000: The Best Ever. (PG, R) 8.30 60 Minutes. (Return) Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.30 Freddie Mercury: A Secret Daughter. (Mans, R) A look at a secret child of Freddie Mercury. 11.00 World s Most Dangerous Prisoners: Bingham. (Mv, R) 12.40 Tennis. Laver Cup. Highlights. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.00 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Steve s house has been on the market for seven months. 8.10 MOVIE: Meet The Parents. (2000, Ml, R) A teacher takes her accident-prone boyfriend home to meet her mother and humourless father. Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo. 10.10 FBI: Most Wanted. (Final, Mv) A rogue operative plans a domestic terror attack. 11.10 FBI. (Mv, R) A rapper and two teen fans are gunned down. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children s

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 11.45 Fashionista. 11.55 Dark Side Of The 90s. 1.45pm WWE Rivals. 2.40 Jeopardy! 4.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Icons Unearthed: The Lord Of The Rings. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 A Future On Stage: The Making Of A Broadway Musical. 10.20 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Escape To The Country. 1pm Harry s Practice. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 Hornby: A Model Empire. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.45 Mrs Brown s Boys. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81) 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 MOVIE: Trapeze. (1956, PG) 12.40pm MOVIE: The Barefoot Contessa. (1954, PG) 3.10 MOVIE: New York, New York. (1977, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Skyfall. (2012, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

10 COMEDY (11, 52) 6am Deal Or No Deal. 8.00 Frasier. 10.00 Ridiculousness. 11.00 Stephen Colbert. 2pm Ridiculousness. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Friends. 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 9.35 Frasier. (PGa, R) 10.30 Ridiculousness. (PGl, R) 11.30 South Park. 12.30am Shopping. 1.30 South Park. 2.30 Shopping.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm MOVIE: Araatika: Rise Up! (2021, PG) 3.25 Artie: Our Tribute To A Legend. 3.55 MOVIE: The Saltwater Story. (2018, PG) 4.55 Nganampa Anwernekenhe. 5.20 Australian Music Vault: Vika And Linda Bull. 6.40 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.50 Arctic Secrets. 7.40 Aerial Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Chuck Berry. (2018, PG) 10.20 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (73, 64) 6am Morning

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs.

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Shopping.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 New Leash On Life. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGls, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Magda s Big National Health Check. (PG, R) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2023. (R) 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Programs. 5pm Peppa Pig. 5.10 Zog. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Play School Show Time. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Paddington 2. (2017, PG) 9.10 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.35 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.20 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Figure Skating. ISU Figure Skating. Grand Prix 6. Highlights. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Great Gardens Of Europe.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Absolute Power. (1997, Mlsv) 12.10pm Godland. (2022, Manv, Danish, Icelandic) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 5.05 Emu Runner. (2018, PGadlv) 6.50 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 8.30 Seven. (1995, MA15+av) 10.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 3. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 3. Evening session.

Programs. 11.30 Storage Wars. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN: Best Of. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Tackling Australia. 2.30 Merv Hughes Fishing. 3.00 Duck Dynasty. 4.00 Mt Hutt Rescue. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Black Hawk Down. (2001, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Cross Court. 10.30 GolfBarons. (R) 11.00 Fishing Aust. 11.30 Tennis. Laver Cup. H lights. 12.40 Jamie Durie s Future House. (PGl, R) 1.50 Taronga: Who s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 2.50 MOVIE: No Reservations. (2007, PGal, R) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. (PGdl)

2.30pm Soccer. English Premier League. Everton v Arsenal. 4.30 LEGO Masters. 5.50 MOVIE: Space Jam. (1996) 7.30 MOVIE: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. (2016, M) 10.35 Gotham. 12.30am Arrow. 2.10 Jeopardy! UK. 4.00 4.30 City-Bay: Adelaide s Iconic Fun Run. 4.50 Wild Manes. 5.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Key Ingredient. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 10 Minute Kitchen. (R) 11.00 Well Traveller. (PG, R) 11.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 12.00 The Dog Academy. (PGa) 1.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 1.30 Lingo. (R) 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 14. Adelaide 36ers v Perth Wildcats. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.

8.00 Pooches At Play. 9.00 What s Up Down Under. 9.30 Camper Deals. 10.00 4x4 Adventures. 11.00 Navigating The World. 1pm JAG. 5.00 I Fish. 5.30 JAG. (PGv, R) 7.30 NCIS. (Mdv, R) 10.20 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R) 12.15am Shopping.

The Latrobe Valley Express, TV Guide Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 27

Monday, December 29 ABC (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7, 6)

NINE (9, 8)

TEN (10, 5)

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 MOVIE: Whatever It Takes: Inside The eBay Scandal. (2024, Mdls) eBay harasses two small-town journalists. 9.00 Franklin. (MA15+l, R) Recounts the seven-year campaign to save the Franklin River from being drowned by a hydroelectric project. 10.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Richard Tognetti. (Final, PGv, R) 11.00 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 11.50 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 12.35 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Mysteries Of Stonehenge: Secrets Of The Sun. (Mav, R) Takes a look at Stonehenge. 9.25 Jimmy Carr s I Literally Just Told You. (M) Jimmy Carr hosts a comedic game show where paying attention pays off. 10.20 The 2010s: Taking It To The Streets. (Malv, R) A look at the protests of the 2010s. 11.10 Like Water For Chocolate. (Premiere, MA15+v) 12.05 Culprits. (MA15+v, R) 2.05 Pagan Peak. (Ma, R) 4.00 The Eco Show. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 15. Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades. 11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) With the crew stretched thin, evaluates Firehouse 51. 12.00 Girlfriends Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Abby s parents come to town. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The travel guides head to Peru. 8.40 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom. (1984, Mv, R) Archaeologist Indiana Jones searches for a mystical stone stolen from an Indian community. Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan. 11.05 Sight Unseen. (Mv) Tess inserts herself into Jake s investigation. 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) Harries confronts a body surfer. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple can t decide if they should stay or leave their Kew East home. 8.40 MOVIE: Deep Impact. (1998, Mal, R) After a comet is spotted on a collision course with Earth, a team of astronauts is sent to destroy it. Morgan Freeman, Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni. 11.05 MOVIE: Scream. (2022, MA15+l, R) A new killer terrorises Woodsboro. Neve Campbell. 1.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.10 The Crystal Maze. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch. 6.50 The 77 Percent. 7.20 WorldWatch. 8.40 DW Euromaxx. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 11.45 WorldWatch. 12.15pm Rex In Rome. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.40 Marty And Doc: The Inside Story. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 I Am Evel Knievel. 10.20 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 3.30 Harry s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Antiques Roadshow. 12.30 Antiques Downunder. 1.00 MOVIE: How To Murder Your Wife. (1965, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: Foreign Intrigue. (1956, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: Spectre. (2015, M) 11.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Turn Up Respect. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Arctic Secrets. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.05 Dolly Parton: Still Rockin . 10.00 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (73, 64) 6am Morning

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs.

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Shopping.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Whitlam Dismissal: 50 Years On. (R) 10.30 Vera. (Ma, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Kimberley. (R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Haka Warriors 2023. (R) 2.15 Dan Snow s Greatest Discoveries. (PG, R) 3.10 Two Homelands. 4.10 Scotland: A Wild Year. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.20 Couch Potatoes. (2017, Madls, Italian) 12.20pm Benediction. (2021, Ma) 2.55 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 4.40 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PGalv, Italian) 6.30 Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 8.45 (2012, Madlsv) 10.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 4. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 4. Evening session.

Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing. NDRC Nitro Funny Cars. Replay. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 The Mightiest. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 1.00 Jeopardy! Australia. (Return) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Hangover. (2009, MA15+) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The 100. 12.30am The Vampire Diaries. 2.10 Pretty Little Liars. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGs, R) 2.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) 3.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

8.00 Reel Action. 8.30 Everyday Gourmet. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 Blue Bloods. (Mav, R) 10.20 48 Hours. 12.15am Shopping.

Want m re eyes n y u? We can make that happen! Advertise with a trusted community voice! For more information talk to your local Latrobe Valley Express representative or call the office on 5135 4444 to speak to one of our friendly and helpful consultants.

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Tuesday, December 30 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7, 6)

NINE (9, 8)

TEN (10, 5)

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Long Lost Family. (PG) Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. 9.00 The Assembly: Steve Waugh. (PGl, R) A collective of Autistic journalism students interviews Australian sporting legend Steve Waugh. 10.30 Escaping Utopia. (Final, PG, R) 11.35 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 12.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 Simply Nigella. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Liverpool To Uttoxeter. (R) 8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. (PG) Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill uncovers her roots. 9.40 Australia In Colour: Making Australia. (PGa, R) A collection of colourised archival footage. 10.40 The 2010s. (Malv, R) 12.10 Families Like Ours. (Ma) 1.10 Dopesick. (Mals, R) 3.25 The Eco Show. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 16. Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers. 10.30 Big Bash League PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers. 11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals) George has to settle a feud with Santa. 12.00 Miniseries: London Spy. (MA15+ds) Danny remembers a vital clue. 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who s Who In The Zoo: It s Tiger Time. (PG) Sumatran tiger Mawa has a health check. 8.30 Beyond The Build. (PG) Having come off success from The Block, Jesse and Mel attempt to renovate a heritage home in Albert Park. 9.30 Red Eye. (Malv) Hana takes drastic action. 11.30 La Brea. (Mav, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Destination WA. (PG, R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 MOVIE: Terminator Genisys. (2015, Mlv, R) A soldier is sent back in time to protect the mother of the future leader of the human resistance. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke. 11.00 MOVIE: Scream VI. (2023, MA15+l, R) Melissa Barrera. 1.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children s

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 11.45 WorldWatch. 12.15pm Homicide. 2.05 Heroines. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Shaun Micallef s Origin Odyssey. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 Big Fat Quiz Of Everything. 9.15 The Voynich Manuscript. 10.05 Hoarders. 10.55 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.45am Bad Education. 1.55 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (92, 81) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Explore. 12.05 Antiques Roadshow. 12.35 MOVIE: Alexander The Great. (1956, PG) 3.25 MOVIE: Separate Tables. (1958, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: No Time To Die. (2021, M) 11.55 Late Programs.

10 COMEDY (11, 52) 6am Morning

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Our Law. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Big Backyard Quiz. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding USA: Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.00 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (73, 64) 6am Morning

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs.

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Shopping.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Art Of... (PGl, R) 10.30 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Meet The Penguins. (R) 1.55 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Ice Age. 9.15 Monsters Of The Deep. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dan Snow s Greatest Discoveries. (R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Scotland: A Wild Year. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.20 Moonfall. (2022, Malv) 12.45pm But I m A Cheerleader. (1999, Mals) 2.15 Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 4.30 Remi Nobody s Boy. (2018, PGav, French) 6.30 Castle In The Sky. (1986) 8.55 Two Hands. (1999, MA15+lv) 10.35 Princess Mononoke. (1997, PG, Japanese) 1.05am Late Programs.

Page 28 — The Latrobe Valley Express, TV Guide Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 5. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Australia v England. Day 5. Evening session.

Programs. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Truckers. 9.30 Railroad Australia. 10.30 Ice Road Truckers. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Space Invaders. (PG, R) 1.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Dumb And Dumber. (1994, PG) 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.45am The Vampire Diaries. 2.30 Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. (Premiere) 3.30 4.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Matlock. (PGal, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGlv, R) 2.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) 3.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

Programs. 9.30 Bold. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Taskmaster Australia. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 3.30 Frasier. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.00 Late Programs.

8.00 Escape Fishing. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Madv, R) 10.20 48 Hours. 12.15am Shopping.

Light Up Latrobe 2025

BOOLARRA 70 Young Street

CALLIGNEE 325 Old Callignee Road

CHURCHILL 1 Bond Court 10 Illawonga Court

BUSINESSES

Life Line Shop 12 Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre, Georgina Place

MOE 15 Hawker Street 31 Truscott Road 84 Vale Street

BUSINESSES

Better Lives Support Services 44 George Street

Changing Seasons 23 Moore Street

Lilly Pilly Florist 12 Moore Street

MORWELL 26 Gabo Way 11 Glenrowan Street 9 O’Grady Street 25 Nindoo Drive 14 Sherrin Street

BUSINESSES

Dear Delilah Florist 166 Commercial Road

Fossick & Find Opportunity Shop 72 George Street

Morwell Newspower Newsagency 176 Commercial Road

Vinnies Morwell Retail Store 15 Tarwin Street

NEWBOROUGH 278 Old Sale Road 91 Western Avenue

BUSINESSES

Carpet Country 2/ 161 Argyle Street

Changing Seasons 127 Franklin Street

DFP Recruitment 45 Grey Street

Grow Master Traralgon

It certainly looks a lot like Christmas across the Latrobe Valley.

62 Argyle Street

Light & Shade Shop 1, 91 Hotham Street

Savvy B on Seymour 81 Seymour Street

Tiffany’s Florist 89 Seymour Street

Traralgon News & Lotto 51-53 Franklin Street

TYERS

BUSINESSES

56 Main Street

Odlums Pharmacy

YALLOURN NTH

28 Rutherglen Road

TRARALGON

8 Alfred Close V-Line Moe Railway 131 Hammersmith Circuit Station 24 Riley Street Lloyd Street

21 Kelso Road 121 North Road

YARRAGON 12 Market Street

YINNAR 27 Creamery Road Trarallgon T n

Christmas lights bring festive joy to everyone Residents and business owners have been busily putting up lights and decorations throughout December to capture the Christmas spirit. For many families a drive around towns to view the Christmas lights has become a tradition. The delight on the faces of young and old alike is what keeps residents scrambling onto their roofs year after year. Congratulations go out to all residents and businesses who have made a great effort to spread the Christmas spirit. The winners of Light up Latrobe 2025 can be found on the following pages.

Merry Christmas to all!

Morwell

The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 29

Light Up Latrobe 2025

BUSINESS WINNERS

OVERALL WINNER Carpet Country

2/161 Argyle Street, Traralgon

Light Up Latrobe BUSINESS WINNERS 2025

CHURCHILL WINNER

OVERA RALL A WINNNER Carpet Country ryy

Life Line Gippsland Shop

2/161 Argyle Street, Traralgon

CHURCHILL WINNER Life Line Gippsland Shhop Shop 12, Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre, Georgina Place, Churchill MOE/NEWBOROUGH WINNER Lillyy Pillyy Florist 12 Moore Street, Moe MOE/NEWBOROUGH RUNNER-UP Better Livves Support Serv rvices 44 George Street, Moe

Shop 12, Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre, Georgina Place, Churchill

MORWELL WINNER Fossickk & Find Opportunity ty Shhop 72 George Street, Morwell MORWELL RUNNER-UP Morw rwell New wspow wer New wsagencyy 176 Commercial Road, Morwell

MOE / NEWBOROUGH WINNER

TRARALGON WINNER Carpet Country ry 2/161 Argyle Street, Traralgon TRARALGON RUNNER-UP Grow w Master Traralgon 62 Argyle Street, Traralgon

Proudly sponsored by Latrobe City and Latrobe Valley Express

Lilly Pilly Boutique Florist 12 Moore Street, Moe

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Lighting up your Christmas Day.... ...plus the other 364 days a year, every year! Wishing each and every ry y one of our employees, their families, our customers and the Latrobe Valley Community ty y a wonderf rful f festive season.

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Page 30 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

Light Up Latrobe 2025

BUSINESS WINNERS

MOE / NEWBOROUGH RUNNER-UP Better Lives Support Services

44 George Street, Moe

MORWELL WINNER

Fossick & Find Opportunity Shop 72 George Street, Morwell

MORWELL RUNNER- UP

SHOP latrobe city

THIS

CHRISTMAS!

Searching for the perfect present this Christmas? Latrobe City Gift Card - the gift that keeps on giving. The Latrobe City Gift Card is a pre-purchased EFTPOS voucher that can be spent at over 150 local stores, keeping money in your community. For more information on how and where to buy and redeem cards, visit our website: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/LatrobeCityGiftCard GP1687918

Morwell Newspower Newsagency 176 Commercial Road, Morwell

TRARALGON WINNER Carpet Country

2/161 Argyle Street, Traralgon

TRARALGON RUNNER- UP Grow Master Traralgon

62 Argyle Street, Traralgon

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 31

Light Up Latrobe 2025

RESIDENTIAL WINNERS

Light Up Latrobe 2025

RESIDENTIAL WINNERS

BOOLARRA 70 Young Street CALLIGNEE 325 Old Callignee Road CHURCHILL 10 Illawonga Court MOE 31 Truscott Road MORWELL 11 Glenrowan Street NEWBOROUGH 91 Western Avenue

TRARALGON 24 Riley Street

TYERS 56 Main Street

BOOLARRA

YARRAGON 12 Market Street

70 Young Street

YALLOURN NORTH 21 Kelso Road

YINNAR 27 Creamery Road Congratulations to all.

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CALLIGNEE

325 Old Callignee Road

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FUNCTION CENTRE

NOW OPEN 350 SE SEAT EAT FUNCTION ROOM

CALL OUR FUNCTION TEAM 5134 3449

Morwell

Bowling Club Come and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere Open 7 days Become a member today Bistro Meals Social Bowls Ice Creamery Function Centre

Special Meal Deals Outdoor Area Large Parking Area

52 Hazelwood Road Morwell

Phone 5134 3449

www.morwellbowls.com.au Page 32 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

CHURCHILL

10 Illawonga Court

Light Up Latrobe 2025

RESIDENTIAL WINNERS

31 Truscott Road

MORWELL

11 Glenrowan Street

Wednesday 24 December 9am - 3pm Christmas Day CLOSED Boxing Day CLOSED Saturday 27 December 9am -12.30pm Monday 29 December 9am - 6pm Tuesday 30 December 9am - 6pm

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MOE

Wednesday 31 December 9am - 6pm New Years Day CLOSED Friday 2 January 9am - 6pm

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Advantage Pharmacy Morwell (03) 5134 2388 187 Princes Drive, Morwell

Newborough 91 Western Avenue

The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 33

Light Up Latrobe 2025

RESIDENTIAL WINNERS

TRARALGON 25 Riley Street

TYERS 56 Main Street

YALLOURN 21 Kelso Road

YARRAGON 12 Market Street

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

TRADING HOURS

Monday 22 December Tuesday 23 December Wednesday 24 December Thursday 25 December Friday 26 December Saturday 27 December Sunday 28 December Monday 29 December Tuesday 30 December Wednesday 31 December TM&H Mitre 10, 56 George Street, Thursday 1 January Moe. 5127 2155 Friday 2 January

7.00am – 5.30pm 7.00am – 5.30pm 7.00am – 5.30pm CLOSED CLOSED 9.00am – 4.00pm 9.00am – 2.00pm 9.00am – 5.30pm 9.00am – 5.30pm 9.00am – 5.30pm CLOSED 9.00am – 5.30pm

GP1687 GP1687917 G P168 P

YINNAR

27 Creamery Road

Congratulations to the winners of

Light Up Latrobe

& Sultan’s Blinds Traralgon

2025

Thank you to all the businesses that have supportrted t this community tyy feature.

The Latrobe Valley Express wishes everyone a wonderful Christmas.

2027 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for from Brenton, Lidia and the team

TRARALGON 173-175 Argyle Street. 5174 2588

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Page 34 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

news

www.lvexpress.com.au

Young leader proving what’s possible By AIDAN KNIGHT

LATROBE City currently seats the youngest representative in the council's history, in the 30-year-old Steph Morgan. The Yallourn Ward Councillor, who has been living in the area for five years, has capped off her first year in local government with a nomination for the prestigious Mary Rogers Award, celebrating female leaders across Victoria. Cr Morgan was recognised as one of the most promising faces for the state's 'Emerging Woman Leader' category, which can only be given to first term councillors such as herself. The awards are named after the first woman elected to local council, 105 years ago, in the Richmond City byelection, and the second female councillor in the country. The award Cr Morgan was nominated for ultimately went to Katharine Nikolic of Brimbank City Council, an area served by a rural paper printed by the Express here in Morwell. Attending the ceremony at Parliament House, Cr Morgan described the experience as “really special” and was quick to praise the calibre of women in attendance. “Just being nominated, I was like, 'wow, I don’t think I could have dealt with winning'. That would have just been like, I would have been sobbing,” she admitted with a laugh. “But another young woman councillor won, and I was just over the moon.” Cr Morgan sees her nomination as both a personal honour and a cause for celebration for all women in local government. “There was one award for councils doing a lot of work for gender equity and gender equality. And the Mary Rogers award itself ... especially for the two for individual women, phenomenal women, just amazing women were nominated," she said. “It was very special, I think, to be in Queen's Hall, surrounded by excellent people, which was just really lovely. "I would love for someone to beat me to be the youngest councillor, or the youngest female councillor," she says, of what she views as gaping holes in the demographics represented in local government. Cr Morgan emphasised her initial thoughts that you had to be "a retiree" to represent a ward, and hopes her achievement in securing her seat by nine votes encourages others to step forward to the task, anywhere in Victoria. "I feel like a 30-year-old shouldn't be the youngest," she said. Cr Morgan is convinced that lasting progress

Drops: Dylan Berends and Jimmy Krekelberg from Good Land Brewing, Traralgon.

Photographs: Stefan Bradley

Outstanding: Latrobe City Councillor Steph Morgan, the youngest in council history, has been recognised for her work.

Photograph supplied

depends on engaging more young people and fostering authenticity in council decisions. “We struggle so much with engaging young people in all of our engagement surveys … it's so disappointing because, not because young people aren't engaging, but because we aren't reaching them. If we don’t know what they or their caregivers want and need, then we're missing the mark," she said. “The more people who represent the entire community, from the oldest to the youngest to the most marginalised, the stronger our democracy.” And while Cr Morgan’s first year has earned her statewide recognition, it didn’t end with a clean sweep. On November 28 , the same day she travelled to Parliament House for the awards, she also ran for both Mayor and Deputy Mayor back in Morwell, ultimately unsuccessful in both bids. It was a twist likely not lost on those in the chamber, especially after Cr Morgan quoted Star Wars in a recent meeting. So for now, she holds a seat on the council - but the rank of master will have to wait.

Gippsland Beer Fest fun By STEFAN BRADLEY

BEERS brewed in Gippsland can be found all over the region and beyond, but there's only one event that gets them all in the one spot on the same day. The Gippsland Beer Fest was held last month at the Tinamba Hotel, and brought in locals and visitors from across the state to enjoy music, socialise, and of course, drink a nice cold regionally-brewed beer. Drinkers could sip the same type of beer they've enjoyed for years, or want to try the new variants the brewers created - some with stories and artwork to enhance the experience. The venue also hosts the long-running Tinamba Food & Wine Festival in collaboration with Wine Gippsland. Tinamba Hotel owner Simon Johnson said the two events had a different feel. "It's a very different crowd and the vibes are a

bit different - the beer fest is a bit more upbeat. This event is obviously about celebrating breweries and cideries, and allowing them to show off their latest releases," Mr Johnson said. The breweries and cideries were Good Land Brewing Co (Traralgon East), Maffco Brewery and Taphouse (Maffra), Sailors Grave Brewing (Cape Conran), Bandolier Brewing (Warragul), Ocean Reach Brewing (Cowes), Burra Brewing Co (Korumburra), Five Aces Brewing Co (Neerim South), Gurneys' Cidery (Foster and Fish Creek), and Green Gully Brewing (Cowes). Each year the festival supports a charity, with more than $2500 raised last year for the Cancer Council. This year was all about the Little Jem Foundation, which supports families in Gippsland who've suffered the sudden loss of a baby or child during pregnancy, as a newborn or as a young child.

Farewell to retiring director

Taste sensation: Robert Wood from Wheelie Good Pizzas, based at Traralgon South, providing the best food to go with beer.

Thanking you: Retiring chair, Barry Henwood, pictured with Gippsland Community Foundation Photograph supplied Executive Officer Michelle Dowsett and director Lara Caplygin. BARRY Henwood is stepping down as director of the Gippsland Community Foundation. A founding director, inaugural chair and passionate driver of the organisation, Mr Henwood oversaw the establishment of what was then the East Gippsland Community Foundation in 2021, following the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires. His experience of living in and guiding community though the earlier Black Saturday Victorian Bushfires brought a deep understanding of the nature of recovery, that saw the foundation able to uniquely respond at a community-first level. Under Mr Henwood's lead, Gippsland Community Foundation has granted close to $7 million of public-raised bushfire recovery funds

for community-led projects in the East Gippsland flame-impacted footprint. He has given countless hours to the organisation to ensure its success, championing the transition to Gippsland Community Foundation in 2024, and the development of a fundraising framework to create an enduring foundation for wider Gippsland. Over the last 12 months, his role as chair has seen GippslandCommunityFoundationexpand,delivering non-bushfirerelatedgrantprogramswithmajorfunding partners,grantingafurther$2.8mincommunityprojects across Gippsland. A quiet achiever, the foundation said Mr Henwood is an ethical, astute, empathetic and business-minded leader.

Taste testing: Amy and Millie from Traralgon keen to fill their new complimentary Gippsland Beer Fest glasses. The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 35

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Rick remains at the helm with about 40 years’ experience in the industry. As a family-oriented enterprise, Rick’s son Daniel will eventually take over the operations. High Tree Tree Services is based in both Trafalgar and Pakenham and cuts trees Monday to Friday, but the staff are more than happy to offer quotes on the weekend if need be. Services include pruning and removing of trees and shrubs, stump removal, hedge maintenance, mulching of gardens and supplying mulch.

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To all our valued Tradies who a ad dvertise in our Trades & Services section, we wish you all a very

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 37

Classifieieds 51354455 classif ieds@lvexpress.com.au

2015210

How to place your classified in our

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For Sale

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PLANTS FOR SALE Tall Bearded Iris, Bare Root Rhizomes, over 200 varieties. Visit website: irisendeavours.com SNOOZE ERGO Motion adjustable king single bed, 10 year warranty, purchased October 2025, barely used. RRP $3,000. Selling $2000. Traralgon pickup before 25 Jan 2026. Ph 0427 460 622.

Newspaper media reaches 93% of Australians every month.

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Home

• • Maintenance • Motorcycles Moe Self Storage ELECTRICIAN

APRICOTS fresh from Goulburn Valley due in Latrobe Valley, 31/12/2025. 10kg for $35, 20kg for Non-going, parts. Motors, various sizes from $85 Specialising in all domestic p.c.m. Contact Strzelecki work. REC.4188. Phone $60. Phone now to place frames etc. Realty on 5127 1333. Peter 0438 177 153 or your order 0400 950 407. Phone 0417 340 428 Carol 0438 998 849.

ALL CLASSIFICATIONS BEFORE 3PM MONDAY Latrobe Valley Express 21George St, Morwell Nextra Lotto Moe 1-3 Moore St, Moe

Wanted To Buy

NEWSPRINT REEL ENDS Price: $6 each or 2 for $11 (GST incl). Available at the

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WANTED

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Holidays

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LAKES ENTRANCE. High Tide Holiday Flat, central location. Opposite boat hire and ramp, 1 bedroom, linen and TV's, kitchen, lounge, laundry and BBQ. 0488 060 224.

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Minimum 6 lines $60 without a photo or $74 with a colour photo Total of x4 consecutive editions in the Latrobe Valley Express and x4 consecutive editions of the Gippsland Times

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Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older. When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in a public place and let a member of your family or a trusted friend know where you will be. We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

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Please check your ad on the first day and bring any errors to the attention of the Classifieds Department immediately. The Latrobe Valley Express makes every effort to avoid errors. We regret that we cannot be responsible for any errors beyond the first day if you fail to bring it to our attention. No allowances can be made for errors not materially affecting the effectiveness of the ad. Position cannot will not be guaranteed. All claims for adjustment of credit must be made within seven days after billing date. We reserve the right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionable and to change the classification when necessary to conform to the policy of this newspaper. In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liability for such omission.

Situations Vacant

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE:

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry a specific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

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HALF PRICE FOR SALE ADS Place a 6 line “For Sale’’ classified ad with goods to TOTAL VALUE OF $200 or LESS and you receive the ad for HALF PRICE!

ONLY $14.55 - for one edition

This offer is for NON BUSINESS customers

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Page 38 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

Situations Vacant

Engineering Cadet Loy B is partnering with Yang Federation University to offer a cadetship to someone in Electrical Engineering at interested studying about the Gippsland Campus. Find out more how kick start your this opportunity could career:

Cars

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Motor Mart

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THEY DO SELL!

•

FORD 1992 FAIRMONT GHIA 6 cyl, auto, cruise. $5,800 spent on motor, 6 months rego (ZBZ 082), original purchase book. $5,950. 0412 325 723

NEWS STORIES can be directed to the Editorial Team on 5135 4429 or email: news@lvexpress.com.au PUBLICATION DATES 24/12/25 edition to be published 23/12/25

31/12/25 edition to be published 30/12/25

Management and team would like to thank our loyal advertisers and readers.

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Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborough and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for a government Child Employment Permit. Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

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Mum, congratulations on Loving Dad of Mackenzie. your milestone birthday. Finally at Peace. Your journey through nine decades is an inspiration to us all. Wishing you health and happiness. Much love, Linda, Russ, Doug, Shaz, Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.

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Marine

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QUINTREX 530 Coast Runner. Honda, 75HP, 4 stroke motor, new radio (Nov 2020), new UHF (Nov 2020), new precision boat trailer (May 2020), new electric winch (Jan 2022), New Garmin (Feb 2022). Reg to Dec '26. incl life jackets, oars, EPIRB, plus self drive on 'catch'. $17,000. 0488 710 509 .

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Personals Deaths

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CA$H IN HAND!

Use the LATROBE VALLEY EXPR RESS CLASSIFIEDS to tu urn you ur clutter into cash!! It’s easy, just call 5135 4455 and put an ad in the paper todayy!

HICKS Lisa Jane Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health, 16 December 2025, aged 52 years. Partner of Mick. Daughter of Daryl (dec.) and Kaye (dec.), and step-daughter of Rob. Sister of Julie. Mother of Kaylee, Toby, Danielle, Chaise, Bobby and Poppy. Grandmother to Sophie, Jackson, Seilala and Leilani. A treasured mother-in-law, niece, cousin and friend. Loved to the moon and back. Forever in our hearts. Privately Cremated.

BEVIS Robert Stephen 24/11/1957 - 18/12/2025 Passed away surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought illness aged 68 years. Loving husband to Maria. Devoted father to Lindsay, Gavin and Lisa, Joanne and Adam. Loving grandfather to Lachlan, Ethan, Tristan, Stephen, Peyton and Riley. Will be greatly missed.

DELICATO Antonio (Tony) 20/6/1931 - 20/12/2025 Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family aged 94 years. Loving husband to Adele (dec). Loving father to John. Loving Nonno to Sam, Alex and Jaida. Will be greatly missed. For Funeral information please visit our website: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

DUNSTONE (Murphy) Kathleen Joan 20/12/1935 - 17/12/2025 In her 90th year. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon. Loved and adored wife of Henry for 69 years. Beautiful mum of Kay, Leanne, Sandra and Shane. Loving mother-in-law of Kevin and Michelle. Cherished Nana of Katie, Beth, Jacyln, Jordan, Nathan, Megan, Daniel, and Elly. Loved Great Nana of 9 great-grandchildren. Forever In Our Hearts.

Deaths

•

SHIELDS (née Scales) Gwenda Elaine With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Gwenda, 16 December 2025, at home in Traralgon. Born on July 10, 1947. Aged 78 years Dearly loved husband of Ken (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Jody and Darren, Justin, Naomi and Travis. Adored Nanny to Maggie, Sammy, Gracie, Harry, Jesse and Ben. Best friend and companion to Dotty. Beloved daughter to Annie and Clive Scales (both dec.). Loving sister to Muriel (dec.), Norma and Janice (dec.). Reunited with her soulmate Kenny. GO BOMBERS. The funeral for Gwenda will be at a later date-still to be arranged.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

LANCASTER Frederick Passed away at Dalkeith Gardens Traralgon, Friday 19 December 2025. Aged 94 years Beloved husband of 69 years to Joy. Loved father of Daryl and Linda, and father-in-law to Caryn and Terry. Loving Pa to Simone, COULTHARD Shaun, Lauren, Adam and Carmel Maureen Leon, and Little Pa to 24/01/1932 - 13/12/2025 Loved and loving mother, Olga and Peyton. mother-in-law and grandNow at rest. mother. Beloved mum of Raye, cherished by Tony, POOT Maarten Erin, Todd, Ryan, Phoebe, It was with great sadness Abby and Blake. A life that we let go of our lived with strength, gentle husband, papa and resilience and deep love opa Maarten Poot, aged for her family. Forever in 89 years. our hearts and always A private cremation was remembered. attended by his nearest Until we meet again, may and dearest, wife Marijke, you be held in the palm of sons Johan, Marco and God's hand. daughter Sasja and their families. Until we meet again, rest in loving peace. COX Pat 3/8/1937 - 11/12/2025 To Peter and all the Cox clan, we are deeply saddened at the passing of Pat. One of the kindest and beautiful person, our family has ever known. We have shed tears, now memories are remembered Moe Bowling Club Inc. with smiles and laughter. Love Chris and the Robinson clan.

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•

Happy 90th Birthday GIBBS Robert (Rob) 22/11/1970 - 21/12/2025 Alma Glover Loving husband of Ann.

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Deaths

RUDY Jan On behalf of the Moe Bowling Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends on the passing of Jan Rudy. Jan was a long-time member and tireless volunteer at the club for many years. Will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Jan.

When you are lost for words

A personal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much For friendly advice on how to place your message contact

The Classified Department 5135 4455

SMITH (Rooney) Beryl Mae 31/5/1931 - 16/12/2025 Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Valley Village Aged Care Newborough. Aged 94 years Dearly loved wife of Allan (dec.). Loving mothe r and mother-in-law of Jaqueline and Peter, Barry and Julie, Glenis and Wayne, Wendy and Barry. Loved little Nan of 4 grandchildren and 11 great-grandkids and their families. Loving sister and Aunt and friend to many. Special thanks to the staff at L.V. Village for their care and support. Privately Cremated

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DUNSTONE A Service to celebrate the life of Kathleen Dunstone will be held at The Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Rd Traralgon, MONDAY IN TWO WEEKS (5 January) at 1.30pm. Service will also be live streamed. To view Kathleen's Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au A private cremation will be held.

GIBBS Robert (Rob) The Funeral Service to celebrate Rob's life will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Dr Traralgon, on Monday 29 December 2025 commencing at 11am. The ceremony will be livestreamed - please visit harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link. No Flowers by request.

BEVIS The Funeral Service and committal for Cremation for Mr Robert Stephen Bevis will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Service Chapel, 437A Princes Drive Morwell, FRIDAY (2 January 2026) commencing 1:30pm

FUNERAL SERVICES Latrobe Valley Funeral Serv rvices v has been helping the local community tyy for more than 70 years. Our Chapells are fitted d wiith the lattestt viisuall technology including the option to livestream a Funeral from any location. A large function room is available adjacent to each chapel to provide catering and refreshment facilities.

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LANCASTER The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Frederick Lancaster will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, on MONDAY (29 December) commencing at 11am

Serving the local community for over 40 years John 0413 332 647 Craig 0407 043 182

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TANNER In accordance with her wishes a private funeral service for Mrs Valda Elizabeth 'Beth' Tanner WAS HELD.

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SHIRREFF Adam Troy TANNER (nee Sheppard) 29/2/1972 - 24/12/2005 Valda Elizabeth 'Beth' Always loved, never forgotten. 22/1/1933 - 17/12/2025 Passed away at Ashleigh Love Dad. House, aged 92 years. Cherished wife of Walter Joseph Tanner (dec.). Mother of Michelle, Kay and Sue. Mother-in-law of Alan and Darryn. Grandmother of Jonathan, Nicholas and Samara, Jacob, Caitlyn and Amanda, Brody and Liam. Great-Grandmother of Jed. Softly sleeping dear mother, now free from pain in God's embrace until we meet again.

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LATROBE VALLEY

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Honour your loved ones and share their story When you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words A personal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much For friendly advice on how to place your message contact

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The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 39

valleysport

Fantastic Phillips’ bowls brilliance BOWLS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

WHAT a recent run for Latrobe Valley lawn bowls player Lisa Phillips. Not only did she walk away with three medals around her neck at the 2025 Australian Championships and Australian Sides Championships, the local gun was also selected to the Emerging Jackaroos national squad. The elite development program is a feeder squad to eventually play for the Australian Jackaroos building towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond. After taking up the sport at 10-years-old, Phillips receives her first recognition at this level as one of the country's best. "As a kid starting in the sport of lawn bowls, my dream was one day to have an opportunity to wear the green and gold," Phillips told the Express. "I can't put into words how grateful I am to be selected in the Emerging Jackaroos squad. "It may be myself who's been selected within this squad, but if it wasn't for the support of all my teammates, coaches, managers, friends and of course my family, something like this would never be possible. "I'm looking forward to the journey ahead and excited for what is to come." The current Clayton player has also been selected to represent Australia at the Burnside Pairs in January, held in Christchurch, New Zealand. At the Australian Championships held in Devonport, Tasmania last month, Phillips claimed her first gold medal at the national competition, as her Victorian triples rink defeated South Australia by two shots in the final. She featured alongside fellow Sandbelt Region teammates Kelly McKerihen and Melanie Allen. “Doing it with the team, the two other girls who I’ve played with for the last few years, we managed to win our triples at a smaller level, at a regional level, before going to the state (level),” Phillips said. “This year we managed to win the state title, which gave us that opportunity to play for the Australian title, so it was our first go at it (and) it was really cool to win the gold medal from our first attempt.” Following on from that victory, Phillips then sought to taste further success in the fours competition. Her rink almost pipped another gold medal, but settled for silver thanks to a painstakingly close result in the final against New South Wales. “We were all square on the very last end of the game, so that was another one where we actually were behind early and we fought our way back into it to get all level and it came right down to the absolute wire,” she said. “It could have gone either way… we were really happy to get back into a position where we could’ve won it, but up against such competition, to come away with a silver medal was an awesome result for us.” In the lead-up to the Australian Championships,

Mountaintop: Latrobe Valley lawn bowls player Lisa Phillips (left) claimed a gold medal at the Australian Championships. Additionally, she was also recently selected to the Emerging Jackaroos national squad. Photo supplied Phillips and her Victoria women’s side clinched an additional silver medal at the Australian Sides Championships. As captain of the state team, Phillips led from the front as Victoria rallied to finish the tournament with six straight wins after an initial loss to eventual Marj Morris Trophy recipients New South Wales. The resilience was clear as day from a group who had not long ago stood atop the podium themselves in the same competition. Phillips has done wonders for herself, including two Australian Open Singles wins, as well as

multiple state singles titles, and triples and fours successes. After becoming the number one female lawn bowls player in the country at the age of 20 when she won her second Australian Open title, Phillips has continued to play high level, competitive bowls over her time in the game. The now 32-year-old noted the growth she’s seen over the past two decades since first competing on the green. “When I started, you didn’t come across a lot of younger people… and people had that mind-set that it was an older person’s game,” Phillips said.

“But, I think now everyone you play against is younger than me half the time, and I’m only 32, so I think there’s been a massive growth in our sport with younger ones coming through the ranks.” Phillips has been one of many that have advocated for lawn bowls inclusion in future Olympics and Paralympics, beginning at the 2032 Brisbane Games. In a past life, Phillips would be leading into potentially playing in her backyard in Gippsland with the Jackaroos, but the Commonwealth Games will now commence in Glasgow, Scotland next July.

Local women’s baseball comp in the works BASEBALL LVBA BY RENAE GILLETT

LATROBE Valley Baseball has entered a new era, taking a big step towards the introduction of a women’s competition for the very first time in its long and storied history. The move represents a landmark moment for the sport in the Gippsland area, ensuring that women and girls now have a dedicated pathway to participate, compete, and build their own legacy on the diamond. For decades, baseball in the Latrobe Valley has been equal with community spirit, tradition, and fierce competition. Local clubs have developed generations of players, with mixed competitions in both junior and seniors, forming the backbone of the association. At the Latrobe Valley Baseball Association Annual General Meeting, held on December 9, the LVBA committee voted to introduce playing conditions for a women’s competition. Recently, the association is embracing inclusivity and growth, responding to increasing demand from female athletes who have long wanted the chance to play in an official women’s competition. 2026 LVBA President Josh Graham described the announcement as “an exciting, positive time for Latrobe Valley Baseball.” LVBA explained that the decision was not only about expanding opportunities but also about strengthening the sport’s future. LVBA has seen the passion building for years. This competition is about giving women and girls the opportunity they deserve, while ensuring baseball continues to succeed in our community.

Historic: Latrobe Valley Baseball Association will introduce a women’s competition for next season.

Photograph supplied

While this marks the beginning steps for the first official women’s competition in Latrobe Valley history, female players are far from newcomers to Baseball across Gippsland. For years, women and girls have competed in

Page 40 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

both junior and senior grades, often lining up alongside male teammates and proving their skill and determination. Their presence has been vital in shaping the culture of local baseball, and the upcoming women’s

competition is designed to give them a platform of their own, using the now rules set into the bylaws of the LVBA. Importantly, Latrobe Valley has already produced female players who have achieved at the highest levels. Hannah Jackson has gone on to wear the green and gold for Australia, while Felicity Clissold is working her way there, regularly representing Victoria in National Championships. Their achievements stand as proof of the LVBA’s ability to sustain elite talent and serve as inspiration for the next generation of players who will now have a local competition to call their own. Local baseball clubs have praised the contributions of female players, noting their commitment and passion for the game. “We’ve had girls in our junior ranks who’ve gone on to senior competition, and showing amazing skill development," one club representative said. “This league is about recognizing that talent and giving them the chance to shine in a competition built for them.” As anticipation builds for the first women’s season, the competition promises not only to showcase athletic talent but also to inspire young girls who dream of wearing their club’s colours. The crack of the bat and the cheer of the crowd will now echo with even greater inclusivity, ensuring that Latrobe Valley baseball continues to evolve while honouring its proud heritage. The historic launch of the women’s competition is set to become a defining milestone in the region’s sporting story - one that future generations will look back on as the moment the game truly opened its arms to all.

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valleysport

Humphrey clears the air on surprise trade talk

Tigers land Lewis

FOOTBALL AFL EXPORTS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MOE'S Bailey Humphrey has opened up following the explosive AFL trade period that revealed the Gold Coast star's desire to move back to his home state. The Suns hybrid forward told AFL.com.au that despite being snapped with latest Melbourne coach Steven King and Nathan Jones, his indirect trade request didn't reflect negatively on the opinion of the club that drafted him in 2022. Despite Gold Coast being blindsided by the the revelations, Humphrey said that he's been welcomed back into the group this preseason. "The reason it hasn't been so awkward is because it never was about the people at the club, money, or anything about leaving," he said. "I've got some great friendships here. It was all about family and I think the boys understood that. "It was never awkward. It was never like I was scared to show up because I thought it was going to be awkward." Humphrey didn't divulge specifically his issues closer to home, but expressed that if something was to happen, it's harder to get there from Queensland. "I just thought with the struggles going on back home, it would have been a bit easier to deal with that if Melbourne (the city) was an option to go back," he said. "It was never about the people at the club. I love the club. I love the people. "They made it very clear they weren't going to trade me, and that's a good thing. "It just means they love me and want me at the club." The Demons were one of a handful of Victorian clubs that eyed the 21-year-old, which also included Hawthorn and Collingwood. Humphrey signed a four-year extension during his rookie year in 2023, which contractually keeps him on the Gold Coast until the end of the 2028 season. The former Moe, Newborough and Trafalgar junior finished fourth in the Suns' best-and-fairest this year behind 2025 Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, and Touk Miller. While Gold Coast still feature Heyfield's Asher Eastham and Maffra's Max Knobel on its list, the Suns lost its Latrobe Valley touch during the off-season, with Morwell's Ben Ainsworth (Carlton) and former Moe footballer and Fish Creek's Sam Flanders (St Kilda) both departing.

Big signing: Footscray premiership forward Will Lewis has chosen Morwell as his aligned club when not on VFL duty next season. Photograph supplied FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE/MID GIPPSLAND BY LIAM DURKIN

THEY did very well to keep this quiet. Morwell Football-Netball Club has officially announced the recruitment of VFL premiership player Will Lewis for next season. The 26-year-old will play for the Tigers when not on VFL duty at Whitten Oval. He kicked 40 goals in the VFL last season playing as a key forward. Lewis enjoyed the unique distinction of winning two flags in one week, celebrating with Footscray and also qualifying for VAFA club Old Brighton.

"As a strong athletic six foot four key forward, we look forward to seeing what Will can produce on the big Gippsland League grounds in the yellow and black," Morwell FNC posted. The Tigers have their own VFL premiership player in skipper Aidan Quigley, who played in Casey's 2022 triumph. Should Lewis play against Moe, spectators could well be treated to a Salmon/Ablett-like game with Ben Crocker at the other end of the ground for the Lions. Crocker came close to reaching the ton in the last Gippsland League season. While the recruitment of a player of Lewis' calibre usually means there is a family/work/

friendship connection to the new club, it is understood Morwell simply took a punt and things developed from there. As they say: if you don’t ask, you don’t know. The acquisition is sure to come as some comfort to Morwell officials, after the list appeared to be thinning. New coach Shaun Mooney walked into less than ideal circumstances, as three players defected to Yallourn Yallourn North (Cody Macdonald, Brandon Mcaullife and Tom Gray), while playingcoach of the last three years, Boyd Bailey took the coaching job at Sea Lake in northern Victoria. His departure has meant wily defender Harri McColl has returned to Yinnar after two years. Bailey played cricket for Raiders on a virtual gentleman's agreement that McColl would play footy for Morwell. The Magpies look set to feature deep in Mid Gippsland finals again, with former Morwell player James Jacobsen, (most recently aligned with TTU) also coming across, along with Sam Walsh. It is believed Walsh left after becoming frustrated with how the Morwell senior coaching position was eventually filled. Fellow Mid Gippsland club Thorpdale has landed arguably the biggest recruit, luring Ayden Ramm from Neerim Neerim South. By all accounts, he is the best winger in the Ellinbank competition. Historically, the Blues have always had a pretty strong top end, yet sheer demographics mean the depth usually drops right away. Still, with midfielders James De Virgilio and Lachlan Wallace roving to ruckman Gavin Low, Thorpdale would have to rate its chances most weeks. There is still uncertainly about whether or not star local Shannon Pickering (rated by some to be Thorpdale's most important player) will be in blue and white colours next year, given his older brother Ray coaches Catani. Similar to the Bailey/McColl arrangement, Thorpdale senior coach Daniel Taylor is playing cricket for Thorpdale this season, presumably to be close to any conversation surrounding Pickering's future. All this said, many Mid Gippsland insiders are already saying it will be Foster then daylight in the race for the premiership. The Tigers have favourite son and former Traralgon senior coach Jake Best at the helm. He is best mates with Brett Eddy (and has been asked to be best man at his wedding). It can be reasonably assumed the new coach will be doing all he can to convince the former Port Adelaide forward to come home and play. The Maroons themselves have lost some players seeking senior opportunity at North Gippsland clubs, but gained a host of quality TTU troops. Moe meanwhile has experienced a very high turnover of players. At last count there was at least 15 from this year's reserves team photo missing alone. Compounding the issue will be the fact a host of senior players have had surgery or are still recovering from injury. Declan Keilty, Harri Sim, Trent Baldi and Ben Maslen are just some who will go into next year on limited preseasons.

Moe, Morwell and 6-7 FOOTBALL By LIAM DURKIN

BETTER use this while the meme is still relevant. The six-seven cry can be connected to a couple of local footy examples. Moe’s last Gippsland League senior football premiership was in … wait for it … 1967. Richmond also won the flag that year, with Fred Swift as captain. Swift then came to Morwell as coach from 1970 to 1972. He led the local Tigers to finals in two of those seasons, and was said to have introduced ‘Oh We’re From Tigerland’ as the Morwell theme song.

The Lions’ premiership was bumped off the front page of the Express’ September 20, 1967 (6-7) issue by future Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who visited the region. The editor at the time, and Express founder Patrick Hegarty, probably thought there would be another Moe flag to splash over the front in the ensuing years (if only). The Prime Minister in 1967 was Harold Holt, whose death that same year still remains a mystery. Holt presumably drowned at Point Nepean, not far from where current Moe Football-Netball Club senior coach, Leigh Poholke resides at Sorrento.

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As all barrackers should: Some familiar faces perhaps, Moe supporters cheer on their team during the 1967 decider at the famous Yallourn Oval. From: Express archives

Big coup: The Express details the first game for Richmond premiership captain, Fred Swift as Morwell coach in 1970.

Page 42 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

From: Express archives

So long ago: Moe’s last senior football premiership team from 1967. Pictured bottom left as the mascot is Moe Racing Club Vice Chairman and former Latrobe City Councillor Brad Law. His father Alby, coached the team. Moe’s best-and-fairest is named in his honour.

Photograph: author’s collection

valleysport

Champs time for White BASKETBALL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

WHILE Mersin MSK are struggling in regular competition, they've found greater success in the Basketball Champions League. Traralgon's Jack White, seeking his fourth major title over the last five years, joined the Turkish side after a brief stint with German club Bayern Munich, where he won the Basketball Bundesliga championship in just three months of service. Beginning with Mersin MSK for the start of the Turkish Super League season, White's squad have managed just a handful of victories through the first half of the 2025-26 campaign. Opposingly, they've ramped up their play during the European FIBA tournament, which sees some of the best teams across the continent collide. Mersin MSK have more wins through six group stage games in the Champions League than in their 11 regular season matches. More so, the Traralgon star has performed even greater during the increase in competition,

producing greater numbers with more time on the court. Averaging 11.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a steal per game, White has been lauded by his team, especially in his last two Champions League games where he's added back-to-back double-double performances. With four wins and two losses in the group stage, Mersin MSK head into a play-in series against French side Le Mans Sarthe. If White and his Turkish team are able to go deep through the knockout period and eventually succeed in lifting the trophy, they'll automatically qualify for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Mersin MSK begin their three-game series against Le Mans Sarthe in January. Keep it up: Traralgon’s Jack White and Mersin MSK have made it through to the knockout stages of the European Champions League. Photo supplied

SCOREBOARD ATHLETICS GIPPSLAND ATHLETICS CLUB

Gippsland Athletics Club held their Xmas Nitro Athletics Night on Tuesday 16th of December 2025. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS: 150 meters Zaria Dalton 18.47, Liam McCandless 18.87, Brooklynn Wyatt 21.31, Taj Makepeace 21.56, Aaron Makepeace 22.45, Stuart Dalton 24.79, Wayne Seear 27.77 Wrong Handed Discus All Combined: Simon Van Baalen 23.30, Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 19.72, Brooklynn Wyatt 18.82, Ian Twite 16.97, Cameron Hughes 16.64, Brandy Forgèt 15.77, Wayne Seear 15.40, Stuart Dalton 14.33, Aaron Makepeace 14.17, Zaria Dalton 13.98, Fiona Saltmarsh 13.11, Liam McCandless 13.01, Taj Makepeace 9.02 Discus – with accuracy deduction, dist from centre line All Combined: Brandy Forgèt 25.94+5=30.94, Simon Van Baalen 33.596=27.59, Taj Makepeace 14.02+10=24.02, Stuart Dalton 24.46-5=19.46, Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 18.91- 1=17.91, Zaria Dalton 19.24-2=17.24, Cameron Hughes 22.73-7=15.73, Aaron Makepeace 18.794=14.79, Ian Twite 16.36-3=13.36, Fiona Saltmarsh 14.75-2=12.25, Liam McCandless 10.78-2=8.78, Wayne Seear NT 1000 meters – with obstacles- reverse track direction All Combined: Liam McCandless 4:20.82, Ian Twite 4:58.25, Zaria Dalton 5:34.31, Brooklyn Wyatt 5:35.16 Long Jump (three jumps totalled, with 10m equal dist jumps, 5m within 2cm jumps and 2m within 5cm jumps bonus) All Combined: Zaria Dalton 4.33+4.61+4.65+2=17.59, Taj Makepeace 3.96+4.21+4.31=12.48, Brooklynn Wyatt 3.07+3.23+3.18+2=11.48, Liam McCandless 3.65+3.80+3.94, Aaron Makepeace 3.39+3.70+3.59=10.68, Brandy Forgèt 1.27+1.44+1.30+2=6.01, Aaron SaltmarshMilne 1.29+1.37+1.32+2=5.98, Fiona Saltmarsh 1.88+1.94+2.01=5.83, Watne Seear x+2.36+2.65=5.01 Hammer Throw (with bonus distance targets to aim for) All Combined: Simon Van Baalen 42.35, Brooklynn Wyatt 39.36, Zaria Dalton 19.17+20=39.17, Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne (LH 3kg) 38.82, Fiona Saltmarsh 18.67+20=38.67, Brandy Forgèt 29.16, Wayne Seear 26.67, Stuart Dalton 24.36, Liam McCandless 16.90 Gippsland Athletics regular track and field season resumes with Round 9 on Tuesday 6th January, 6pm at the Joe Carmody Track, Newborough Events: 800m, Hammer, Triple Jump, 2000m walk/run, Shotput, 100m

BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT ROUND 9 16-DEC-25 DIVISION 1 Moe 12 55 Warragul 4 52 Newborough 14 60 Drouin 2 53 Traralgon RSL 16 63 Morwell Club 0 55 Trafalgar 16 68 Traralgon 0 48 DIVISION 2 Newborough (3) 16 76 Drouin (2) 0 42 Morwell 13 70 Traralgon (2) 3 52 Trafalgar (2) 14 68 Yinnar 2 54 Newborough (2) 16 81 Neerim District 0 39 DIVISION 3 Churchill 14 50 Traralgon (3) 2 47 Warragul (2) 16 82 Morwell Club (2) 0 45 Longwarry 14 63 Drouin (3) 2 43 Morwell (2) 16 79 Yarragon 0 39 DIVISION 4 Traralgon RSL (2) 14 64 Moe (2) 2 51 Traralgon (4) 14 57 Newborough (4) 2 56

Morwell (3) 16 67 Garfield 0 38 Yallourn North 13 59 Longwarry (2) 3 55 DIVISION 5 Drouin (4) 10 48 Traralgon RSL (3) 0 21 Warragul (3) 10 48 Trafalgar (3) 0 32 Yinnar (2) 9 45 Morwell (4) 1 37 Neerim District (2) 10 56 Churchill (2) 0 27 STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK PENNANT LADDER 2025 - 26 ROUND 9 16/12/2025 DIVISION 1 Name W L D F A Diff. P Newborough 1 7 1 1 498 406 92 109 Traralgon RSL 1 5 3 1 483 431 52 87 Morwell Club 1 5 3 1 475 424 51 85 Trafalgar 1 4 4 1 479 459 20 76 Traralgon 1 4 4 1 439 489 -50 69 Drouin 1 3 5 1 453 486 -33 56 Moe 1 2 6 1 424 508 -84 49 Warragul 1 2 6 1 437 485 -48 45 DIVISION 2 Name W L D F A Diff. P Newborough 2 7 1 1 563 373 190116 Morwell 1 7 2 0 603 439 164109 Neerim District 1 5 4 0 503 536 -33 73 Traralgon 2 4 4 1 490 521 -31 69 Newborough 3 3 5 1 483 529 -46 60 Yinnar 1 3 5 1 447 493 -46 57 Drouin 2 2 6 1 406 519 -113 47 Trafalgar 2 2 6 1 439 524 -85 45 DIVISION 3 Name W L D F A Diff. P Longwarry 1 8 0 1 602 340 262128 Warragul 2 7 1 1 556 392 164113 Morwell 2 4 4 1 512 442 70 78 Yarragon 1 3 5 1 437 501 -64 63 Churchill 1 3 4 2 419 501 -82 61 Drouin 3 3 5 1 468 484 -16 56 Traralgon 3 2 5 2 398 548 -150 51 Morwell Club 2 1 7 1 386 570 -184 26 DIVISION 4 Name W L D F A Diff. P Garfield 1 7 2 0 585 463 122110 Traralgon RSL 2 6 2 1 485 405 80 100 Yallourn North 1 6 3 0 540 505 35 82 Morwell 3 5 4 0 542 517 25 74 Newborough 4 3 5 1 460 508 -48 63 Longwarry 2 3 5 1 450 490 -40 60 Moe 2 2 6 1 411 482 -71 47 Traralgon 4 2 7 0 457 560 -103 40 DIVISION 5 Name W L D F A Diff. P Drouin 4 7 1 1 351 225 126 71 Morwell 4 7 1 1 345 297 48 66 Traralgon RSL 3 5 3 1 315 278 37 51 Warragul 3 4 4 1 298 318 -20 44 Yinnar 2 3 5 1 300 330 -30 40 Neerim District 2 3 5 1 314 313 1 37 Churchill 2 2 6 1 266 322 -56 31 Trafalgar 3 1 7 1 254 360 -106 20 STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA SATURDAY PENNANT 2025 - 26 ROUND 10 20-Dec-25 DIVISION 1 Traralgon 14 94 Drouin 4 69 Traralgon RSL 16 98 Morwell Club 2 60 Trafalgar 14 80 Morwell 4 79 Newborough 14 89 Longwarry 4 80 DIVISION 2 Warragul 15 89 Moe 3 81 Traralgon (2) 18 90 Boolarra 0 60 Garfield 16 76 Neerim District 2 68 Traralgon (3) 16 91 Traralgon RSL (2) 2 64 DIVISION 3 Newborough (2) 16 86 Thorpdale 2 80 Moe (2) 18 90 Longwarry (2) 0 47 Drouin (2) 14 88 Trafalgar (2) 4 74 Yinnar 18 88 Morwell (2) 0 59 DIVISION 4 Newborough (3) 18 97 Churchill 0 72 Traralgon RSL (3) 16 98 Yallourn North 2 63 Traralgon (4) 12 97 Neerim District (2) 6 71 Yarragon 16 96 Warragul (2) 2 59 DIVISION 5 Garfield (2) 14 66 Warragul (3) 2 44 Morwell (3) 12 58 Drouin (3) 4 49 Traralgon (5) 14 81 Trafalgar (3) 2 34 DIVISION 6 Morwell Club (2) 16 83 Boolarra (2) 0 37 Morwell (4) 12 59 Traralgon (6) 4 51 Newborough (4) Bye Longwarry (3) 14 64 Moe (3) 2 51

DIVISION 7 Traralgon RSL (4) 10 16 Churchill (2) 0 0 Thorpdale (2) 8 40 Boolarra (3) 2 39 Drouin (4) Bye Morwell (5) 10 37 Yallourn North (2) 0 26 STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA SATURDAY PENNANT 20 DEC 2025 ROUND 10 DIVISION 1 Name W L D F A Diff. P Traralgon 1 9 0 1 908 628 280158 Newborough 1 7 2 1 831 775 56 120 Trafalgar 1 5 3 2 793 754 39 101 Longwarry 1 4 6 0 832 755 77 84 Traralgon RSL 1 4 5 1 692 774 -82 79 Morwell 1 3 7 0 744 799 -55 66 Drouin 1 3 6 1 663 755 -92 66 Morwell Club 1 2 8 0 668 891 -22346 DIVISION 2 Name W L D F A Diff. P Moe 1 8 1 1 816 620 196140 Boolarra 1 6 3 1 752 637 115 113 Garfield 1 5 4 1 694 670 24 104 Warragul 1 4 4 2 641 608 33 92 Traralgon 2 5 5 0 738 765 -27 92 Traralgon 3 4 5 1 641 701 -60 79 Neerim District 1 2 6 2 582 612 -30 64 Traralgon RSL 2 2 8 0 643 894 -25136 DIVISION 3 Name W L D F A Diff. P Newborough 2 8 0 2 678 572 106139 Longwarry 2 5 3 2 646 544 102106 Trafalgar 2 5 3 2 611 596 15 105 Moe 2 4 4 2 615 582 33 92 Drouin 2 3 5 2 605 642 -37 81 Thorpdale 1 3 5 2 590 597 -7 80 Yinnar 1 2 6 2 551 676 -125 60 Morwell 2 2 6 2 536 623 -87 57 DIVISION 4 Name W L D F A Diff. P Warragul 2 7 2 1 755 609 146128 Newborough 3 5 3 2 708 531 177110 Traralgon RSL 3 5 4 1 694 700 -6 95 Yallourn North (1)4 4 2 574 662 -88 83 Traralgon 4 4 5 1 676 683 -7 80 Yarragon 1 3 5 2 587 614 -27 80 Churchill 1 3 5 2 590 627 -37 76 Neerim District 2 3 6 1 644 802 -158 68 DIVISION 5 Name W L D F A Diff. P Garfield 2 5 2 3 480 425 55 102 Morwell 3 5 2 3 474 402 72 94 Traralgon 5 5 3 2 476 430 46 88 Drouin 3 4 4 2 484 403 81 86 Trafalgar 3 3 5 2 381 509 -128 65 Warragul 3 1 7 2 384 510 -126 45 DIVISION 6 Name W L D F A Diff. P Newborough 4 6 0 2 402 273 129106 Morwell Club 2 5 3 1 492 424 68 87 Moe 3 5 3 1 500 439 61 86 Morwell 4 4 3 2 391 408 -17 76 Longwarry 3 4 3 1 417 388 29 70 Traralgon 6 1 8 0 512 580 -68 32 Boolarra 2 1 6 1 320 522 -20223 DIVISION 7 Name W L D F A Diff. P Morwell 5 5 2 1 302 241 61 57 Drouin 4 4 3 1 321 195 126 50 Traralgon RSL 4 4 4 1 248 260 -12 44 Boolarra 3 4 4 1 322 339 -17 44 Yallourn North 2 3 4 2 257 268 -11 40 Churchill 2 3 3 2 186 206 -20 35 Thorpdale 2 3 6 0 288 415 -127 30

GOLF CHURCHILL AND MONASH

Gentsomes 4s - 13th December 2025 Winners: G. Sanders/A. Sanders/D Cluderay/B Cluderay 103 pts c/b D.T.L: 1. G. Leahy/T. Bennet/J. Balding/G. Beyer 103, 2. D. Byers/C. Gilfillan/M. Lugton 102, 3. P. Jordan/A. Auld/T. Collins/B. Kilday 101 N.T.P: 3rd Adam West, 5th M. Brereton, 12th G. Sanders, 14th C. Thompson Target Hole: D. Cluderay Stableford – 16th December 2025 A Grade Winner: S. Caldwell 38 pts B Grade Winner: J. Tatterson 42 pts D.T.L: 1. K. Del Piccolo 36, 2. C. Gosling 35,

3. S. Gosling 34 N.T.P: 3rd J. Tatterson, 5th S. Caldwell, 12th M. McQuillen, 14th S. Caldwell Birdies: 3rd C. Bird MIRBOO NORTH

Tueday 16th December, Stableford. A Grade:, D Reynolds (+2) 39pts c/b B Grade:, S Beitz (16) 39pts. DTL: G Thorburn 38, R Matthews, M Richter, N Rutledge 37, NTP: 4th G Shandley, 6th T Bradshaw, 13th N Baker, 16th S Beitz, Birdies: 6th G Lalor, N Rutledge, 16th J Mc Farlane. Saturday 20th December, 2 Person Ambrose, A Grade: P Woodall & T Bradshaw 58.75 B Grade: F Fernandez & K Garcia 62.75 DTL: N & T Baker 61.5, J Gunn & N Bickerton, M Snell & R Cambell 62. NTP: 4th S Mc Kenzie, 6th (MN Pub voucher) S Mills, 13th (Boolarra pub voucher) J Mc Farlane, 16th N Baker. MOE

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 Twilight Stableford A Grade Winner: G. Wilson (9) 21 B Grade Winner: T. Knox (29) 20 C/B Wednesday, 17 December 2025 Twilight Stableford A Grade Winner: P. Metcalfe (36) 21 C/B Thursday, 18 December 2025 OPEN Mixed Stableford Grade A Winners: Wilson, Graeme (10) 36 C/B Grade B Winners: Shelley, Chad (17) 39 Grade C Winners: Scammell, Larry (28) 42 Place Getters: Scammell, Shaun 41, Azzopardi, Nato 38 C/B, Jenkins, Brian 38, Nyko, Steve 37 C/B, Soppe, John 37, Stirzaker, Jason 36, Devent, Anton 36 C/B, Comber, Paul 36 C/B, Halkett, David 36 C/B, Coffin, Phillip 36 C/B, Morrow, Darren 36 Great Score: Albert Hayes (Birdie) @ 8, Paul Comber (Birdie) @ 4, Stephen Jones (Birdie) @ 4, Wally Wilkinson (Birdie) @ 14, Laurie Veenman (Birdie) @ 8, Brian Jenkins (Birdie) @ 4, Tony Johnson (Birdie) @ 4, Phil Backman (Birdie) @ 8 Nearest to Pin: 4th Paul Comber, 8th Albert Hayes, 14th Wally Wilkinson Saturday, 20 December 2025 WOMEN'S SATURDAY OPEN Stableford Grade A Winners: Shaw, Karen (24) 40 Saturday, 20 December 2025 MENS Stableford Grade A Winners: Poole, Joel (6) 40 Grade B Winners: Pearce, Liam (18) 38 C/B Grade C Winners: Kerr, Graham (21) 39 C/B Place Getters: Mead, Barry 39 C/B, Imer, Corey 39 C/B, Johnson, Charles 39 C/B, Tripodi, Lucas 39, Boyce, John 38 C/B, Wright, David 38, Devent, Anton 37 C/B, Babet, Alain 37 C/B, Keyter, Joe 37 C/B, Jamieson, Justin 37 C/B, Metcalfe, Mark 37 C/B, Wolski, Ted 37 C/B Great Score: David Mifsud (Birdie) @ 14, Charles Johnson (Birdie) @ 8, Joel Poole (Birdie) @ 8, Wayne Yeomans (Birdie) @ 4, Wayne Yeomans (Birdie) @ 8, Aaron Bassman (Birdie) @ 14, Ben Cheetham (Birdie) @ 14 Nearest to Pin: 4th Wayne Yeomans, 8th Wayne Yeomans, 14th Aaron Bassman TRAFALGAR

Tuesday: 16/12/25 - Stableford Players ; 22, Women 2, Men 20 Winner: Anthony Cunningham (22) Runner Up: Chris Moody (21) DTL's: Duane Baker (20) Ray Williams (20) Mick Bennett (19) Graeme Harris(19) NTP: Hank Fiddelaers (5th) Lucky Card: Frank Kiss Thursday 18/12/2025 - Gentsomes Players: 33, Women 11, Men 22 Winners: Graeme Grant, Ron Pike, Helen

Keith, Ron Keith (58) c/b Runners Up: Craig Scanlan, Dave Rose, Glenn Doolan, Hank Fiddelaers (58) DTL: Aileen McNair, Nola Fordham, Tony Shearer, Tony Pitt (57) Cheryl Toyne, Bev Keily, Keith Owen, Duane Baker (53) NTP:13th Aileen McNair & Ray William NTP: 15th Bev Keily & Ron Keith Lucky Card: Mick Bennett, Al Gray, Rob Cusworth/ Warner, Richard Gould Player for The Month Of November: Tony Shearer Friday, December 19th, Open Men’s & Ladies Stableford A Grade Winner: Dylan Spence 38 pts B Grade Winner: Hamish Phoenix 46 pts DTL's: Evan Crabtree 41, Darryl Blackshaw 38, Muhanad Al-Ani 37, Jeff Hasthorpe 37, Charlotte Killeen 36, Nick Rowe 36, Laurie Snowball 35, Bob Baldry 35 C/B Eagle: 6th: Dylan Spence 7th: Chris Nott Birdies: 2nd: Evan Crabtree, Nick Rowe 5th: Peter Hobson, Mick West, Evan Crabtree, Tony Bickley 11th: Jeff Hasthorpe 15th: Peter Grima Saturday, December 20th, Mulligans Stableford A Grade Winner: Garry Jansen 43 pts B Grade Winner: Roy Whatmough 44 pts C/B DTL’s: Graeme Grant 44, Max Taylor 43, Andrew Tangusso 43, Rod Boon 42, Dwayne Jenkins 42, Tony O’Reilly 42, Chad McKie 42, Jordan Chapman 42, Rob Suanders 41 C/B NTP’s: 2nd: Luke Brain – Di Moody 5th: Richard Gould 11th: Symon Lee 13th: Mark Ando 15th: Tom Cross YALLOURN

Ladies Thursday 18th December. End of Year Trophies 2025 Count Putts Best 6 winner: Lola Carter 170 from Lyn McAlister 202 Monthly Medal Aggregate: Best 4 winner Div 1: (0-34) Lola Carter 279 from Lyn McAlister 301 Div 2: (35-45) Evelyn Graske 290 from Sue Riches 301 Gobbler’s: Betsy Brown 6 From Heather Ware & Lola Carter 5 each. Eclectic Div 1: (0-34) Lola Carter 72-6.75=65.25 Div 2: (35-45) Sue Riches 88-13.125=74.875 12 Hole Summer Competition Week 1 Winner: Sue Caldow 27 pts DTL L oretta Booth 21 pts NTP: 2nd & 16th Sue Caldow Tuesday 16 December 9 Hole Stableford Winner: Sue Riches 20 pts on c/b from Jan Wilson & Lyn McAlister.

PISTOLS TRARALGON

Mon 8/12.25 Air pistol C Grade: F Borgnine 510-82-592. D O'Rourke 461-93-554. D Grade: B Chapman 464-110-574. J Konrad 435-142-577. LMorris 417-129-546. Junior mens D Grade: N Chapman 257. Wed 10/12/25 50 mt pistol D Grade: F Borgnine 363. C Benelli 344-190-534. A Chenoweth 303. L Morris 290-255-545. M Peterson 261-357-618. D Chandler 235-262-497. D O'Rourke 167-301-468. Sat 13.12.25 morning centre fire D Grade: L Morris 358-221-579. 25 mt pistol B Grade: D Farnham 497-57-554. C Grade: C Benelli 501-53-554. C Goodwin 452-85-537. D Grade: M Peterson 436. H Miller 396-194590. L Dunbar 132. Afternoon shoot 50 Mt D Grade: L Morris 223-241-464. B Collins 215.

The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 43

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valleysport

One-sided results in Premier A CRICKET CLV PREMIER A BY LIAM DURKIN

LOCAL cricket wrapped up before the Christmas break at the weekend. The calendar was not entirely kind this year, with the last game of 2025 falling just five days before Christmas, leaving clubs with a host of unavailability’s. Many players also had work breakups last Friday, meaning a few rocked up to park cricket not in the most desirable state. Cricket Latrobe Valley’s A Grade divisions completed Round 8 two day matches, and players now have three weeks off before the resumption.  ALWAYS good to have an early beer - provided you are on the winning team. Morwell decided not to play on after getting past Centrals’ first innings total at Keegan Street. The Tigers were only 73 runs behind with all 10 wickets in hand when play resumed, and ended up winning by seven wickets. The home side completed the task in little more than 20 overs, and could have pressed on to set up an outright, but decided to bank six points for a first innings win. Blair Clymo added a handful of runs to his

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It wasn’t a cheap second innings five-fa either, with the veteran quick taking the first five wickets, including a genuine snick-off of Andrew Philip to the keeper, which doesn’t happen often.  EX STUDENTS annihilated Glengarry. The Sharks opted not to bat into Day 2, giving the Magpies all day to chase 261. A procession of wickets played out at Terry Hunter Oval, with the visitors routed for just 99. Only Cam Graham (44 off 123) was able to provide any resistance, as all five Ex Students bowlers used took wickets. Adam Brady added to his career tally with 4/23, alongside new ball operator Mitch Harris (2/12) and spinner Lee Stockdale (2/28). Perhaps most alarmingly for Glengarry, five players were bowled. Thanks mainly to Graham, the Magpies faced 58 overs, and while Ex Students enforced the follow on, players shook hands after 12 overs in the second innings as it became clear no outright result could be achieved.  CHURCHILL won by more than 100 runs against Toongabbie. The Rams entered the day already 1/1 at Roger Reis Oval, and despite starts from five players, the task soon became insurmountable. Rob Wheildon essentially ensured the home side

only had to bat once, making 31 off 180 balls, while opener Sam Moran did his best with 29 off 76. The approach was perhaps tailor made for Steve Warr, who cashed in against the defensive batting, taking 4/32 off 21.5 miserly overs. Ryan Harvey (2/23) and Chris (Willow) Williams (2/40) also chipped in. Perhaps spare a thought for Toongabbie’s Tom Hood, who was already dismissed and had to rock up on Day 2 after fielding for 80 overs on Day 1. Surely the epitome of ‘wasted Saturdays’.  EX STUDENTS heads the ladder at the halfway mark on 30 points. Only two points behind however is Imperials something not many would have predicted upon their promotion to Premier A. Churchill, also promoted to the top grade this season, is fourth on 22 points, four behind thirdplaced Morwell. Moe is fifth on 21 and Glengarry sixth on 17. The Magpies may need to get a move on to play finals, although are expected to welcome Nat Freitag back after the break. Toongabbie and Centrals are both winless, and could unfortunately already be headed for relegation.

Terrick the terrific amid final wicket drama CRICKET CLV A GRADE BY LIAM DURKIN

LATROBE won a one-wicket thriller in Round 8 of A Grade. Chasing 218 against Traralgon West, the Sharks found an unlikely match-winner in Izayah Terrick. Coming in at Number 11, he played surely the innings of his life, getting through unbeaten on 26, partnering with fellow youngster Liam Duncan

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY

UNUSUAL SCORES Under 14 girls - Round 7 (December 19)

Traralgon West 6/71 tied Morwell 2/71. This is the second tie in the under 14 girls competition this season. Both have involved Morwell. There has been a total of three ties already in all under 14 competitions, two involving Raiders.

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overnight score of 54, while Kris Fortuin registered a half-century in his 300th game, Blake Mills whacked an unbeaten 40 off just 27 balls. Tyron Gamage had some success for the Lions, taking 2/57 off 19 overs - one of only two Centrals bowlers to bowl more than 10 overs.  IMPERIALS had to make do with first innings points, after going for an outright against Moe. With the game already won heading into Day 2, the team from Catterick Crescent resumed at 7/169 - a lead of 36. The lower order took the score to 215, with Aaron Johnstone making 28 against his old side. With a lead of 82 and around 60 overs left in the day, the home team decided to bowl again. The Lions however negotiated the remainder of the day, although not before a scare after being precariously placed at 4/77. Moe gave a better account in its second dig, with five players reaching scores above 20. Anubhav Anubhav was subbed in for Day 2 and made 33. Chris Robinson came in at eight and stroked an unbeaten 29 (six fours), while skipper Matt Hibbs (30), Benn Zomer (28) and Callum Grant (27) got some valuable time in the middle. Todd Mann however led the honours, taking 5/58 off 22 overs.

to scamper through the winning runs at Jack Canavan. Rhys Noble (67) had earlier given the Sharks a look at victory, backing up the ever-resolute efforts of Jamie Coltman, who podged 35 off 125. Ronnie Chokununga went the reverse, cracking 28 off 19 (two sixes), before a pulsating finish was decided after 86.3 overs. Traralgon West import Alfie Peck did all he could, sending down an insane 43.3 overs for a fast bowler. He took 5/96, but may need a new back for Christmas. Eagles captain Hayden Kimpton kept things tight with 2/25 off 18, as did all Traralgon West bowlers, none of whom went at more than 2.68 an over, highlighting just how close the contest was.  REVERSE OUTRIGHTS are local cricket’s version of socialism. Everyone gets a slice of the pie - just some benefit more than others. CATS took six points and Willow Grove four, after a crazy second day out at Traralgon South. Officially, the home side won the match, but only after the Wolves had also won the game. (Anyone reading this not familiar with cricket must think those who play it are mad … well). CATS were bowled out for 120 chasing 133, yet then knocked Willow Grove over for just 75 in its second innings, meaning CATS only needed to score 88 in the fourth innings to win. The Wolves still received points for winning on first innings, but will surely feel a huge opportunity has slipped through their fingertips - especially against a team the quality of CATS. CATS resumed Day 2 at 6/82, and looked every chance of taking first innings points when the scoreboard read 7/112 with Tinashe Panyangara,

Callum Stewart and Nathan Harrup still at the crease and to come. A dramatic collapse however saw the final three wickets fall for just eight runs, giving Willow Grove a lead of 13. That number may well have been unlucky, as the Wolves were bowled out in just 29.1 overs second time around. The scorecard featured four blobs, as only Number 10 Adam Forth, who scored a run-a-ball 39, prevented an even lower total. Dane Fawcett cleaned up against the town he also plays footy for, taking 6/35, while Josh Moore (2/4) and Stewart (2/9) also made inroads. With around 40 overs left in the day, there was a final twist, as CATS lost three poles up top and were reduced to 3/14. Panyangara however then took the proverbial, smacking an unbeaten 70 off 54 balls, slamming four over the fence. This guy was playing in a World Cup little more than a decade ago, so really, he should be doing pretty well in the second tier of a local cricket competition. Leg spinner Darcy Walsh (2/16) and Edebolhs (2/24) took a pair of second innings wickets.  ROVERS pumped Gormandale. Travelling to Stoddart Oval with 254 first innings runs, the visitors cleaned the Tigers up for just 55. Simon Duff took 6/22, enjoying another fine day in his more than 200-game A Grade career. Navdeep Singh (2/7) and Ewan Williams (2/13) took the remainder, across a very disciplined fielding display that saw not one extra. Connor Bettsworth top-scored with 26 for Gormandale, yet was the only player to reach double digits.

Rovers sent Gormandale back in, who then blocked out. Bettsworth made 63 for good measure, while Nick Scammell batted 67 overs for 26 red in a score of 4/124. Duff ended the day with eight wickets, after taking 2/34 in the second dig.  RAIDERS outrighted Mirboo North. Having already won on first innings after bowling the Tigers out for 40 on Day 1, Raiders returned with the follow on in full force. The Tigers were 0/10 on resumption, still 128 runs shy of even making Raiders bat again. The visitors passed this landmark, but only just, giving Raiders a mere 17 runs to get to take all 10 points. George Fairbairn had some reason to smile, scoring 54, while Nila Thillekarathna made a patient 30 off 84 balls for Mirboo North. There was simply no stopping Keenan Hughes though - his five second innings wickets backing up seven from the first dig. Tom Robertson (2/33) and Harri McColl (2/51) also enjoyed their time with the ball for Raiders.  CATS and Rovers are both on 30 points on the ladder, eight points clear of Traralgon West, who not many probably expected to be third at Christmas. Latrobe (21 points) and Raiders (20) follow, the latter picking up a heap of points in the last week after dropping to as low as second-last in recent weeks. Willow Grove (16 points) is still a live finals chance, while Gormandale and Mirboo North occupy the bottom rungs with just one win each.

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY PREMIER A ROUND 8 (DAY 2) EX STUDENTS V GLENGARRY at Terry Hunter Reserve EX STUDENTS 1ST INNINGS

M Dyke c B Marks b C Graham.......................................................................................118 J Pryde c J Hodson b B Mayberry.................................................................................... 21 M Harris c J Cochrane b B Mayberry.................................................................................3 L Stockdale lbw T Duncan ................................................................................................. 45 Z Bastin c T Duncan b A Jenkin...........................................................................................8 R Battista not out.................................................................................................................. 36 M Stockdale run out ........................................................................................................... 11 D Trease c B Marks b A Jenkin.............................................................................................0 A Matthews not out................................................................................................................6 Sundries (5b 8lb 0w 0nb)..................................................................................................... 13 TOTAL (85 overs) ...............................................................................................................7/261

GLENGARRY 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

J Francis 3-1-15-0, C Graham 16-5-40-1, A Jenkin 28-3-93-2, T Duncan 8-1-22-1, S Marks 1-1-0-0, F Marks 14-4-36-0, B Mayberry 15-6-42-2

GLENGARRY 1ST INNINGS

S Marks b M Harris...................................................................................................................5 J Hodson c Z Bastin b L Stockdale .....................................................................................8 G Waack-Hawkins b M Harris...............................................................................................0 B Marks lbw A Brady...............................................................................................................9 C Graham st D Trease b L Stockdale............................................................................... 44 J Cochrane b A Brady .............................................................................................................1 B Mayberry c unknown b A Brady.................................................................................. 11 A Wright lbw J Pryde ..............................................................................................................9 T Duncan b A Matthews........................................................................................................0 D McDonagh b A Brady.........................................................................................................0 J Francis not out.......................................................................................................................0 Sundries (0b 0lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................0 TOTAL (58 overs) ..................................................................................................................... 99

EX STUDENTS 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

L Stockdale 16-7-28-2, A Matthews 6-1-11-1, M Harris 7-3-12-2, J Pryde 13-713-1, A Brady 16-6-23-4

GLENGARRY 2ND INNINGS (FOLLOWING ON)

C Graham not out................................................................................................................. 14 J Hodson c A Matthews b M Harris ...................................................................................1 A Wright not out ......................................................................................................................9

Sundries (0b 0lb 1w 0nb)........................................................................................................1 TOTAL (12 overs) .................................................................................................................1/25

EX STUDENTS 2ND INNINGS BOWLING

L Stockdale 1-0-4-0, M Stockdale 2-0-7-0, M Harris 5-1-9-1, J Pryde 1-1-0-0, A Brady 3-0-5-0 EX STUDENTS WON ON FIRST INNINGS

IMPERIALS V MOE at Catterick Crescent MOE 1ST INNINGS

C Grant c L Blake b T Mann................................................................................................ 41 R Phoenix b T Donoghue................................................................................................... 21 A Philip c L Blake b C Pilling.............................................................................................. 24 B Zomer c L Blake b T Mann.............................................................................................. 20 M Hibbs run out T Donoghue, D Thilakarathne............................................................3 N Kane c L Shuttleworth b C Pilling ..................................................................................0 C Robinson c T Donoghue b C Pilling...............................................................................0 K Micallef c T Donoghue b C Pilling ..................................................................................0 R Colgrave c R Morley b C Pilling .................................................................................... 15 B Cake b T Mann.......................................................................................................................0 B McCartney not out ..............................................................................................................5 Sundries (4b 0lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................4 TOTAL (40 overs) ...................................................................................................................133

IMPERIALS 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

T Donoghue 8-3-23-1, D Thompson 3-0-12-0, D Thilakarathne 2-0-5-0, T Mann 18-4-62-3, C Pilling 8-2-21-5, A Johnstone 1-0-6-0

IMPERIALS 1ST INNINGS

R Morley c B McCartney b B Cake................................................................................... 18 L Shuttleworth lbw B Zomer ............................................................................................ 42 L Blake run out ...................................................................................................................... 20 D Thompson c&b C Grant.....................................................................................................2 D Thilakarathne c M Hibbs b A Philip............................................................................ 39 C Pilling b A Philip ................................................................................................................ 24 T Mann c N Kane b R Colgrave......................................................................................... 23 T Donoghue c B Zomer b A Philip .....................................................................................0 H Dunstan c M Hibbs b R Colgrave ...................................................................................4 A Johnstone c N Kane b B Zomer ................................................................................... 28 S Aitken not out .......................................................................................................................8 Sundries (6b 1lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................7 TOTAL (69 overs) ...................................................................................................................215

MOE 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

B Zomer 10-4-19-2, B McCartney 5-0-28-0, R Phoenix 3-1-9-0, C Grant 15-3-461, R Colgrave 15-6-45-2, A Philip 10-2-33-3, B Cake 11-3-28-1

Page 44 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

MOE 2ND INNINGS

C Grant c A Johnstone b T Mann..................................................................................... 27 R Phoenix c L Blake b T Mann..............................................................................................8 A Philip c L Blake b T Mann ..................................................................................................1 B Zomer c L Shuttleworth b T Mann.............................................................................. 28 M Hibbs c L Shuttleworth b T Mann .............................................................................. 30 N Kane c T Mann b C Pilling .............................................................................................. 22 A Anubhav b D Thilakarathne.......................................................................................... 33 C Robinson not out.............................................................................................................. 29 R Colgrave not out ............................................................................................................... 12 Sundries (2b 2lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................4 TOTAL (57 overs) ...............................................................................................................7/194

IMPERIALS 2ND INNINGS BOWLING

T Donoghue 4-1-17-0, S Aitken 2-0-8-0, D Thilakarathne 5-2-12-1, T Mann 225-58-5, C Pilling 13-5-40-1, A Johnstone 8-0-44-0, H Dunstan 3-1-11-0 IMPERIALS WON ON FIRST INNINGS

MORWELL V CENTRALS at Keegan Street CENTRALS 1ST INNINGS

H Berry c T Ford b B Brincat............................................................................................... 15 J Murdoch lbw T Ford.......................................................................................................... 32 L Speairs c D Day b T Dixon............................................................................................... 16 T Hourigan c J Campbell b B Brincat ................................................................................7 T Shankland c L Gettings b R Whelpdale ........................................................................9 B Hourigan c B Mills b R Whelpdale............................................................................... 14 N Gamage b T Dixon...............................................................................................................3 T Gamage not out ................................................................................................................ 53 B Williamson lbw B Mills..................................................................................................... 10 C Whitehead b R Whelpdale................................................................................................4 J Donovan b T Dixon ..............................................................................................................3 Sundries (0b 2lb 0w 5nb)........................................................................................................7 TOTAL (56.4 overs)................................................................................................................173

MORWELL 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

T Ford 14-1-59-1, T Dixon 5.4-0-9-3, B Brincat 9-3-27-2, B Clymo 2-0-5-0, B Mills 6-0-30-1, R Whelpdale 20-3-41-3

MORWELL 1ST INNINGS

K Fortuin c L Speairs b T Gamage ................................................................................... 53 B Clymo c B Williamson b T Gamage ............................................................................. 65 L Day c T Hourigan b M Fenech..........................................................................................1 B Mills not out........................................................................................................................ 40 B Brincat not out................................................................................................................... 10 Sundries (2b 7lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................9

TOTAL (49.3 overs)............................................................................................................3/178

CENTRALS 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

J Donovan 5-2-8-0, N Gamage 3.3-0-32-0, B Williamson 3-0-17-0, T Hourigan 1-1-0-0, T Gamage 19-2-57-2, C Whitehead 7-0-27-0, M Fenech 11-5-28-1 MORWELL WON ON FIRST INNINGS

TOONGABBIE V CHURCHILL at Roger Reis Oval CHURCHILL 1ST INNINGS

S Warr b T Shippen ..................................................................................................................5 B Kelly b G Munasinghe ..................................................................................................... 68 R Velardi lbw G Munasinghe............................................................................................. 29 R Ayres c N Farley b S Moran ............................................................................................ 92 B Kearns c K O’Reilly b N Farley........................................................................................ 16 R Harvey c K O’Reilly b S Moran....................................................................................... 16 J Higham c K O’Reilly b G Munasinghe............................................................................7 M Harvey lbw G Munasinghe..............................................................................................0 R Johnson b G Munasinghe.................................................................................................2 N Duncan c b Hood b S Moran ...........................................................................................2 C Williams not out ...................................................................................................................0 Sundries (9b 10lb 0w 2nb) .................................................................................................. 21 TOTAL (81.1 overs)................................................................................................................258

TOONGABBIE 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

T Shippen 19-7-39-1, T Dunn 8-1-16-0, A Athulathmudali 8-2-21-0, S Moran 13.1-0-61-3, b Hood 4-0-17-0, N Farley 9-1-34-1, G Munasinghe 20-7-51-5

TOONGABBIE 1ST INNINGS

S Moran b C Williams........................................................................................................... 29 T Hood b R Harvey ..................................................................................................................0 T Dunn b R Harvey ..................................................................................................................4 R Wheildon b S Warr ............................................................................................................ 31 A Athulathmudali st A Ceeney b J Higham................................................................. 24 K O’Reilly b S Warr ................................................................................................................ 21 G Munasinghe not out ....................................................................................................... 23 B Cooper lbw C Williams .......................................................................................................3 T Shippen c A Ceeney b S Warr...........................................................................................0 b Hood c J Keighran b S Warr........................................................................................... 11 N Farley run out R Harvey.....................................................................................................0 Sundries (8b 0lb 1w 0nb)........................................................................................................9 TOTAL (76.5 overs)................................................................................................................155

CHURCHILL 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

S Warr 21.5-9-32-4, J Higham 7-2-22-1, R Johnson 3-2-4-0, R Harvey 12-1-23-2, C Williams 15-6-40-2, R Ayres 18-8-26-0 CHURCHIILL WON ON FIRST INNINGS

valleysport

Sensational Siddle still hitting top speeds

Slim: Morwell’s Peter Siddle opened the Big Bash season with a three-fa, coming in a win against the defending champion, Hobart Hurricanes. The 41-year-old continues to defy his age, still bowling at 140 km/h. Photograph supplied CRICKET BBL/WBBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

BLASTING into the latest Big Bash League season, the Melbourne Stars got the job done against the defending champions. Last Thursday (December 18) saw the Stars blow past Hobart Hurricanes in convincing fashion at the MCG by eight wickets. The visitors posted a mere 158, and after the top order were struck, Morwell's Peter Siddle did wonders for the Stars. Siddle snared 3-30, slaying Tim David and Riley Meredith, and in between produced another wicket as Glen Maxwell saved a six with his typical heroics. Siddle has committed to another, potentially final, BBL campaign after finishing up with Victoria last summer. The 41-year-old has shown right out of the gates that he's still got it, registering speeds of 140 km/h. The Stars played just one game last week, alongside Adelaide Strikers for the least number of matches, but still sat second on the ladder after the win over the reigning champion. The Stars played the Strikers yesterday (Tuesday, December 23) at Adelaide Oval, after the Express went to print, and then travel to Sydney to battle the Sixers at the SCG on Thursday (December 26).

Now onto T20 semis HONOUR BOARD CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY

CRICKET CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

JUST four teams are left standing in the Cricket Latrobe Valley Twenty20 competition. Moe, Churchill, Ex Students and Willow Grove will play semi-finals in the new year to determine this season's finalists. Quarter finals were played Tuesday, December 16.  CHURCHILL won a thriller off the last ball. Needing 121 against Morwell, Cobra leaders Ryan Harvey and Ryan Ayres held their nerve. Harvey got off strike on ball four, paving the way for Ayres to find the rope, before the pair scampered a three to sneak home. Earlier in the night, the Tigers were led by Blair Clymo, who made 37. Spinner Ross Johnson ended with 3/30 for Churchill, while Harvey took 2/14. Ayres was 41 not out when the winning runs were hit. Ben Kearns (31) and Jordan Higham (30) also contributed greatly at Andrews Park West. Tim Ford gave little away, even bowling a maiden in his 2/9 off four maximum overs.  MOE defeated Traralgon West at Burrage. The Lions easily accounted for the Eagles, making a score of 127 appear greater than perhaps it was. All of the Moe top order reached double figures, with opener Chris Robinson the best of the lot with 28 off 18 balls. 'Robo' hit four fours and a six, against a balanced attack that saw five bowlers take wickets. Hayden Kimpton finished with 2/19 and Brenton Howe and Alfie Peck both took 2/20. The Traralgon West innings quickly fell apart

after the third wicket fell with the score on 30. From there, it wasn't too long before a score of 7/61 was showing. Callum Grant (2/7), Robert Blunt (2/11), Ben Zomer (2/11) and youngster Brady Cake (2/16) all helped.  EX STUDENTS had too many runs for Imperials. Batting first at Terry Hunter Oval, the home side compiled 9/166. The rate stayed above a run-a-ball for the most part, with Jake Zappulla (54 off 26) and Rick Battista (48 not out off 42) doing most of the damage. Charlie Pilling left the venue with 2/21. Lewis Blake did his best to get Imperials to victory with 53 off 46, but the equation soon became mathematically improbable. Zac Bastin (4/22) and Adam Brady (2/29) combined youth and experience to claim six wickets between them.  WILLOW GROVE took one step closer to a historic final. The Wolves chased 104 against Rovers six down. Ewan Williams did virtually all the scoring for the home side at Duncan Cameron, making 47 off just 29 rocks. Batsmen two to nine however all registered single figure scores. Anthony Wilkes (3/20), Luke Payton (3/21) and Ben Edebohls (2/27) ensured wickets fell at regular intervals. Willow Grove then got the winning runs away in the 18th over. Payton top-scored with 40 off 28 (three bombs), while Edebohls made a run-a-ball 25. Rovers veteran Simon Duff took 3/15.

Pride qualifies on technicality

CRICKET VCCL BY LIAM DURKIN

GIPPSLAND Pride has qualified for the Victorian Country Cricket League Under 21s final. Pride will play Barwon Rockets for the title on January 18. The team won its two qualifying games to qualify. Latrobe cricketer Rob 'Barney' Webber is again coaching the side. The Pride team has however attracted some criticism for playing overseas players. Gippsland easily defeated Western Waves in Round 1. The team racked up 265 at Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus, before skittling the Waves for a paltry 84. Cricket Latrobe Valley had no representatives in this match. Pride had the bye in Round 2. Pride defeated South East Sharks at Rosedale in Round 3. Chasing 127, the home side crossed the line with five wickets in the shed. Traralgon West's Harley Bright represented Gippsland.  GIPPSLAND has also qualified for the under 18s final. Pride will play the Mallee Murray on January 18. Pride defeated Barwon in Round 1 at Lara, after making 7/279 off the allotted 50 overs. Churchill's Ashton Ceeney top-scored with 88. Barwon was bowled out for just 93.

Willow Grove leg spinner Darcy Walsh took three of the last four wickets to fall, snaring 3/14. He combined with Ceeney on two occasions, with the keeper completing a stumping and taking a catch. The Round 2 match saw controversy reign. Pride travelled to North Geelong to take on Western Waves. The home side won the match after scoring 270 and bowling Pride out for 159, however, were later disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. Ceeney again represented Gippsland, taking a catch and making four before getting run out.  GIPPSLAND Pride senior women went one and one from its two twenty20 double-headers in Bendigo. Pride lost to Northern Rivers in Round 1. The visitors closed at 6/77, which Rivers easily chased, and were given the chance to bat on, finishing at 5/133. The Gippsland girls enjoyed a better time in the next match, accounting for South East Sharks. Pride batted first, scoring 4/151. Latrobe's Stacy Rockliff was the shining light, smashing 47 off just 25 balls. Imperials cricketers Ryley Reid scored 29 off 24 balls, sharing in a 71-run stand with Rockliff for the third wicket. South East closed at 6/81 in reply. Churchill's Emily Shaw also represented Gippsland. THE Australian Country Cricket Championships will be held in Western Australia next month, near Margaret River. The championships run from January 3 to 11, 2026, welcoming the nation’s best country players.

2025/26

 CENTURIES

Matt Dyke (Ex Students) 118 David Pryde (Ex Students) 100* Dale Fleming (CATS) 107 Evan Sheekey (Moe) 107 Rob Semmler (Morwell) 109 Declan Wilson (CATS) 112* Paul Henry (Glengarry) 136* Lee Stockdale (Ex Students) 100* Donald Mcdougall (Latrobe) 144* Darren Brain (Rovers) 138* Jamie Kendall (Gormandale) 109* Mark Smallwood (Gormandale) 105*  FIVE WICKETS

Matilda Freeman (Morwell) 5/9 Todd Mann (Imperials) 5/58 Dane Fawcett (CATS) 6/35 Simon Duff (Rovers) 6/22 Alfie Peck (Traralgon West) 5/96 Keenan Hughes (Raiders) 5/43 Arun Antony (Latrobe) 5/31 Keenan Hughes (Raiders) 7/26 Yohan Soyza (Gormandale) 5/50 Robert Webber (Latrobe) 5/41 Gayashan Munasinghe (Toongabbie) 5/51 Charlie Pilling (Imperials) 5/21 Andrew Winter (Glengarry) 5/21 Jie Armstrong (Gormandale) 5/30 Sonny Darby (Raiders) 5/10 Jake Zappulla (Ex Students) 8/11 Kade Hebbard (Latrobe) 5/22 Craig Boswell (Moe) 6/30 Shevan Fernando (Toongabbie) 5/5 Shane Breddels (Rovers/Gormandale) 5/10 Lee Stockdale (Ex Students) 7/14 Ben Edebohls (Willow Grove) 6/11 Ben Fleming (Traralgon West) 5/3 Matt Stoaddart (Toongabbie) 5/11 Jagbir Dhillon (Raiders) 5/20 Waseem Abrar Mohammed (Latrobe) 5/24 Darren Brain (Rovers) 7/15 Angus Murdoch (Moe) 5/3 Cooper Stanton (Mirboo North/JB) 5/11 Josh Pearson (Toongabbie) 5/16 Connor Hughes (Traralgon West) 6/21 Xavier Hurley (Toongabbie) 5/7

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY A GRADE ROUND 8 (DAY 2) CATS V WILLOW GROVE at John Black Oval WILLOW GROVE 1ST INNINGS - 133 CATS 1ST INNINGS (RESUMED 6/82)

J Keyhoe c L Payton b B Edebohls .................................................................................. 51 P McGill c D van der Stoep b L Payton .............................................................................6 J Moore lbw R Fiddelaers......................................................................................................0 E Porigneaux b B Edebohls ..................................................................................................7 B Hagley run out J Hammond, L Payton .........................................................................2 J Cochrane c R Fiddelaers b B Edebohls..........................................................................9 D Fawcett b D van der Stoep...............................................................................................8 N Harrup b L Payton ...............................................................................................................8 T Panyangara c L Walsh b D van der Stoep ................................................................. 21 C Stewart c L Payton b D Walsh..........................................................................................3 S Gissara not out......................................................................................................................0 Sundries (3b 2lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................5 TOTAL (44.5 overs)................................................................................................................120

WILLOW GROVE 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

L Payton 11.5-3-22-2, R Fiddelaers 6-1-21-1, D Walsh 4-1-3-1, D van der Stoep 12-4-34-2, B Edebohls 11-3-35-3

WILLOW GROVE 2ND INNINGS

B Edebohls c P McGill b D Fawcett ....................................................................................4 N Sallee lbw D Fawcett ..........................................................................................................5 H Phoenix c S Gissara b D Fawcett ....................................................................................4 L Payton c S Gissara b D Fawcett........................................................................................4 D Walsh lbw C Stewart...........................................................................................................0 L Tumino c T Panyangara b J Moore .............................................................................. 15 J Hammond b C Stewart.......................................................................................................0 D van der Stoep c N Harrup b D Fawcett ........................................................................0 L Walsh b D Fawcett................................................................................................................0 A Forth c B Hagley b J Moore ........................................................................................... 39 R Fiddelaers not out ...............................................................................................................0 Sundries (2b 1lb 0w 1nb)........................................................................................................4 TOTAL (29.1 overs).................................................................................................................. 75

CATS 2ND INNINGS BOWLING

J Bellingham 2-0-9-0, D Fawcett 15-3-35-6, C Stewart 9-4-9-2, S Gissara 1-0-150, J Moore 2.1-0-4-2

CATS 2ND INNINGS (89 REQUIRED)

P McGill c J Hammond b L Payton.....................................................................................4 L Pass c D van der Stoep b B Edebohls ............................................................................4 N Harrup c H Phoenix b B Edebohls..................................................................................6 T Panyangara not out.......................................................................................................... 70 B Hagley c&b D Walsh............................................................................................................4 J Cochrane b D Walsh.............................................................................................................0 C Stewart not out ....................................................................................................................0 Sundries (0b 1lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................1 TOTAL (25.1 overs)..............................................................................................................5/89

WILLOW GROVE 2ND INNINGS BOWLING

L Tumino 5-1-36-0, L Payton 7-4-7-1, J Hammond 1-0-5-0, D Walsh 6.1-1-16-2, B Edebohls 6-2-24-2 CATS WON REVERSE OUTRIGHT

RAIDERS V MIRBOO NORTH at Yinnar Turf RAIDERS 1ST INNINGS - 178 MIRBOO NORTH 1ST INNINGS - 40 MIRBOO NORTH 2ND INNINGS (FOLLOWING ON)

B Heath b H McColl .............................................................................................................. 17 L Chila b H McColl ...................................................................................................................3 F Ingram c T Hutchinson b K Hughes............................................................................ 20 Z Hollis lbw K Hughes ............................................................................................................2 N Thillekarathna c K Hughes b T Robertson ............................................................... 30 M Daly lbw T Robertson........................................................................................................0 G Fairbairn c J Berryman-Lambert b K Hughes.......................................................... 54 C Anders c H McColl b M Higgins ................................................................................... 16 W Lawrey b K Hughes ............................................................................................................0 R Colgrave c H Rogers-Collen b K Hughes......................................................................0 D Banks not out........................................................................................................................2 Sundries (3b 3lb 0w 4nb)..................................................................................................... 10 TOTAL (53.4 overs)................................................................................................................154

RAIDERS 2ND INNINGS BOWLING

M Higgins 0.4-0-0-1, H Rogers-Collen 3-0-21-0, H McColl 14-2-51-2, K Hughes 24-9-43-5, T Robertson 12-2-33-2

RAIDERS 2ND INNINGS (16 REQUIRED)

H Rogers-Collen c N Thillekarathna b M Daly............................................................. 10 M Higgins not out ...................................................................................................................5 H McColl not out......................................................................................................................2 Sundries (0b 0lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................0 TOTAL (2.1 overs) ................................................................................................................1/17

MIRBOO NORTH 2ND INNINGS BOWLING

R Colgrave 1.1-0-15-0, M Daly 1-0-2-1 RAIDERS WON OUTRIGHT

TRARALGON WEST V LATROBE at Jack Canavan Oval TRARALGON WEST 1ST INNINGS - 218 LATROBE 1ST INNINGS (RESUMED 0/23)

E Hopper c R Wilkie b J Cooke.......................................................................................... 13 J Coltman b A Peck............................................................................................................... 35 R Webber lbw B Fleming.......................................................................................................3 R Noble c H Kimpton b A Peck......................................................................................... 67 A Bloomfield lbw A Peck.......................................................................................................8 R Chokununga b A Peck..................................................................................................... 28 S Freshwater c R Wilkie b H Kimpton............................................................................. 14 J Bloomfield c J Cooke b A Peck.........................................................................................2 L Duncan not out.................................................................................................................. 14 A Duncan lbw H Kimpton.....................................................................................................2 I Terrick not out ..................................................................................................................... 26 Sundries (0b 0lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................0 TOTAL (104.3 overs) .........................................................................................................9/219

TRARALGON WEST 1ST INNINGS BOWLING

J Cooke 15-5-27-1, B Fleming 25-8-67-1, R Falla 3-3-0-0, H Kimpton 18-4-25-2, A Peck 43.3-13-96-5 LATROBE WON ON FIRST INNINGS

GORMANDALE V ROVERS at Stoddart Oval ROVERS 1ST INNINGS - 8 DEC 254

GORMANDALE 1ST INNINGS (RESUMED 0/25) N Scammell c E Williams b S Duff.......................................................................................9 C Bettsworth c W Coad b S Duff...................................................................................... 26 C Peavey c J Hayter b S Duff ................................................................................................5 J Bull b S Duff ............................................................................................................................0 Y Soyza c N/A b E Williams ...................................................................................................4 B Fulham c&b N Singh ...........................................................................................................3 B Dissanayake c N/A b E Williams ......................................................................................0 P Brooks c N Singh b S Duff .................................................................................................4 R Farley c D Duncan b N Singh ...........................................................................................0 J Armstrong not out ...............................................................................................................0 C White c T Pearce b S Duff ..................................................................................................0 Sundries (0b 0lb 0w 0nb)........................................................................................................0 TOTAL (30.3 overs).................................................................................................................. 55

ROVERS 1ST INNINGS BOWLING N Findlay 2-1-1-0, N Singh 5-3-7-2, S Duff 11.3-5-22-6, M Leslie 6-3-10-0, E Williams 6-2-13-2

GORMANDALE 2ND INNINGS (FOLLOWING ON) N Scammell not out............................................................................................................. 26 C Bettsworth c E Williams b N Singh.............................................................................. 63 C Peavey lbw S Duff ............................................................................................................. 16 J Bull c D Duncan b S Duff ....................................................................................................0 Y Soyza c E Williams b L Little..............................................................................................7 B Fulham not out.....................................................................................................................3 Sundries (5b 2lb 1w 1nb)........................................................................................................9 TOTAL (67 overs) ...............................................................................................................4/124

ROVERS 2ND INNINGS BOWLING J Hayter 1-1-0-0, N Singh 15-4-29-1, D Williams 3-0-5-0, L Little 4-1-6-1, W Coad 1-1-0-0, S Duff 22-7-34-2, M Leslie 4-0-11-0, E Williams 17-6-32-0 ROVERS WON ON FIRST INNINGS

The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 — Page 45

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valleysport

Trafalgar one-shot weekend winners BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH WEEKEND PENNANT BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

SATURDAY was a lovely day for bowls with players enjoying the last round prior to the Christmas break. In Division 1, Trafalgar won by one shot at Morwell, 80-79, with Nathan Cook, and his rink

Junior cricket scores  UNDER 16

Round 9 (Friday, December 12 & 19): Rovers/Gormandale 9/87 (B Fulham 50, L Walsh 4/14, A Stafford 2/5) def Willow Grove 61 (R Farley 3/3, K Senthilkumar 2/2), Ex Students 6/246 (J Hodson 50*, L Bastin 50*, F Graham 41*, A Gore 37, H Smith 2/16, J Howell 2/39) def Morwell/ Latrobe 64 (A Panwar 3/0, T Churchill 3/10, R Clark 2/12), Moe 6/136 (K Micallef 32, B Cake 30, L Chila 2/5) def Mirboo North/Jeeralang-Boolarra 7/106 (O O'Brien 31, A Murdoch 3/14, K Micallef 2/17), Centrals def Raiders on forfeit, Toongabbie - bye. Round 8 (Sunday, December 7 - one dayers): Rovers/Gormandale 6/46 (K Micallef 3/9, B Cake 2/7) def Moe 8/37 (S Breddels 4/6, C Boyes 2/17), Mirboo North/Jeeralang-Boolarra 1/71 (O O'Brien 27*, O Stanton 26) def Raiders 7/68 (P Mills 29, L Roberts 3/11), Morwell/Latrobe 87 (J Doble 2/12, K Morrison 2/14, J Cane 2/16, A Hurley 2/18) def Centrals 7/76 (A Hurley 28, E Dissanayake 28, T Webber 2/4), Toongabbie vs Willow Grove (no scores entered), Ex Students - bye.  UNDER 14

Round 6 (Wednesday, December 10 &17): Ex Students Gummy 8/161 (C Adams 62*, Z Thow 3/18, C Howlett 2/13) def Centrals 9/60 (C Adams 3/1, L Mackay 3/10), Morwell 3/95 (W Frankland 53*) def Churchill 4/136 (A McCulloch 39*, H Brighton 27, E Forbes 26) (forfeited seconded week), Ex Students Tiger 7/182 (B Fulham 51*, J Churchill 51*, H Rawson 2/9, D Clarke 2/16) def Traralgon West 9/53 (J Gray 2/3, B Fulham 2/6, K Murtagh 2/6), Imperials 7/136 (L Pass 36*, M Cochrane 25, A Peavey 2/19, S Darby 2/25) def Raiders/Latrobe 9/75 (J Williams 2/4, L Pass 2/4, M Cochrane 2/6, C Milligan 2/11), Jeeralang-Boolarra 7/295 (O Stanton 56*, T Blake 52*, J Mobourne 2/41, T Bialy 2/47) def Moe 6/102 (M Whittaker 35*, R O'Brien 2/1, D Richards 2/6), Willow Grove - bye.  UNDER 14 GIRLS

Round 7 (Friday, December 19): Ex Students 0/42 def Willow Grove 1/30, Traralgon West 6/71 (L Freeman 4/5) tied Morwell 2/71, Raiders - bye. Round 6 (Friday, December 12): Morwell 2/64 (L Freeman 26*) def Ex Students 5/30 (G Cukier 2/14), Raiders def Traralgon West on forfeit, Willow Grove - bye. Round 5 (Friday, December 5): Raiders 1/81 def Willow Grove 1/51, Ex Students 0/111(A Shine 25*) def Traralgon West 5/36, Morwell - bye.  UNDER 12

Round 8 (Monday, December 15): Imperials 1/63 def Morwell 6/51, Raiders 5/92 def Willow Grove 5/32, CATS 5/102 (H Riseley 45*) def Mirboo North 7/85, Ex Students Hammerheads 5/68 (M Inglis 25*) def Ex Students Great Whites 7/38 (G Cheema 2/4, M Khan 2/5), Traralgon West 5/131 (M Edebohls 52*, H Phillips 26, C Robinson 2/18) def Moe 6/58 (H Rawson 2/6, D Joseph 2/8), Centrals - bye. Round 7 (Monday, December 8): Traralgon West 3/170 (H Rawson 42*, M Edebohls 32*) def Imperials 7/53 (M Edebohls 2/3), Mirboo North 4/66 def Raiders 5/57, Centrals 3/94 (K Joshi 32*) def Morwell 6/71 (M Sterrick 30*, K Joshi 3/13), Ex Students Hammerheads 5/89 (L Savige 3/2) def Moe 7/49, Ex Students Great Whites def CATS on forfeit, Willow Grove - bye.

of Peter Rosenboom, Matt Leicester and Tim Fraser defeating Abbas Mehran 21-18. David Cook and his rink of Noel Rubenstein, Paul Dawson and Mick Fleming defeated Danny McKeown 22-13. For Morwell, Brian Kingsley and his rink of Aaron Illman, Alex Monroe and Ross Kennedy defeated Matt Schreyer 26-16 and Kevin Pigdon and his rink of Jill White, Alex (jnr) Muirhead and Richard McMahon defeated Chris Bortignon 22-21. Traralgon RSL won well at home against Morwell Club with Beau Williamson and his rink of Peter Barnes, Ross McKenzie and Greg Pratt defeating Tara Harle 37-11. Brian Smith and his rink of Ian Hartley, Terry Hunter and Greg McRonald defeated Neil Whitelaw 23-16. Ross Sizeland and his rink of Titch Hore, Alan Kanavan and Maurie Sutcliffe defeated Glenn Trembath 27-13. For Morwell Club, Brett Harle and his rink of Matt Rogers, James Turner and Alan Campbell defeated Dave Hodson 21-11, leaving RSL winning 98-60. Newborough had a good win at Longwarry with Kevin Lovett and his rink of Liam Jones, Phil Mustoe and Jo-Anne Michaels defeating Ken Towt 22-19. Scott Jones and his rink of Lisa Arnold, Deb Kennedy and Neale Houston defeated Trevor Kitchin 34-11. For Longwarry, Glenn Pask and his rink of Jan Aubrey, Dale Weller and Ken White defeated George Lambos 26-17. Dave Ashby and his rink of Jodie Ashby, Grame Aubrey and Craig Cousin defeated Sammy Atkinson 24-16, leaving Newborough winning 89-80. Traralgon travelled to Drouin with Wayne Lynch and his rink of Trevor James, Nick Turnbull and Matt Ferrari defeating Dennis Throup 26-18. James Scullin and his rink of Jedd Ladgrove, Ian Kirkup and Wayne Barnes defeated Gareth Rich 35-7. For Drouin, Chris Deal and his rink of Alex Miller, Wayne Hawken and Fred Scicluna defeated Vin McIlwain 26-16. Doug Boggie and his rink of Elaine Thorpe, Bruce Andrews and Ian Wake defeated Michael Yacoub 18-17, leaving Traralgon winning 94-69.  DIVISION 2

WARRAGUL had a great win at home against the undefeated Moe with Gary Ingley and his rink of Daniel Sheehan, David Ferguson and Russell Carrick defeating Michael Smogavec 29-8. David Gatewood defeated Steve Pallot 24-20 and Gaye Renn drew 21-21 with Lachie Sim. For Moe, John Westerlo and his rink of Dave

Wurlod, Stuart Caines and Banger Harvey defeated Robert Renn 32-16, leaving Warragul the winners 89-81. Garfield won well at Neerim District. Joe Lenders and his rink of Grame Burton, Ray Biffin and John O’Shea defeated Angus McGillivray 22-13. Shane Oliver defeated Peter Wilson 21-20 and Les Pumphrey defeated Peter Brooks 19-12. For Neerim District, Peter Throup and his rink of Neil Adams, Jim Fallon and Pat Fraser-Aurisch defeated Alan White 23-14, leaving Garfield winning 76-68. Traralgon (2) got back on the winning list with all rinks up against Boolarra. Julian Wildenberg and his rink of Robert Marsh, Jason Irvine and Paddy Francis defeated David Stevens 25-10. Ron Sherlock defeated Joel Anderson 23 – 22, Garry Trewin defeated Steve Davy 18-11 and Cary Locke defeated Jorma Takanen 24-17, leaving Traralgon (2) winning 90-60. Traralgon (3) won well at Traralgon RSL (2) with Kathy Smiles and her rink of Di Richards, Ron Baker and David Currie defeating Max Gibbins 34-8. Brendan Smiles defeated Laurie Melhuish 18-17 and Greg Swan defeated Graham Hore 21-20. For RSL (2), Alan Jones defeated Graham Cross 19 – 18 leaving Traralgon (3) the winners 91-64.  DIVISION 3

NEWBOROUGH (2) defeated Thorpdale with Robbert Cook and his rink of Brian Carpenter, Spencer Goss and Alan Ryan winning 25-20. Paul Gallagher won 23-19 and Trevor Kennedy 19-17. Thorpdale had a winner with Ben Powell 24-19, but Newborough (2) won 86-80. Moe (2) won all rinks against Longwarry (20 with Brian Rodgers and his rink of Val Rodgers, Rex Price and Lorraine Horton winning 25-11. Ian Caines and his rink of Nick Marino, Michele Muccillo and Les Stolarik won 25-8, Paul Read 20-13 and Garry Evans 20-15, leaving Moe (2) winning 90-47. Drouin (2) won well at Trafalgar (2) with Rudy Kerkvliet and his rink of Paul Delaney, Neil Radford and Peter Phillips winning 27-11. Brian Thorpe won 22-15. For Trafalgar (2), Frank Farrugia won 21-15 and Derek Jones 27-24, leaving Drouin (2) the winners 88-74. Yinnar won all rinks to trade places on the ladder with Morwell (2) as they won 88-59. Luka Djudurovic and his rink of Robert Hooper, Ray Tanti and Jennie Harris won 25-12, as did Russ Peters and his rink of Peter Rennie, Leanne Emond

and Pam Allen, Murray Delahaye won 19-17 and Tim Roche 19-18.  DIVISION 4

YARRAGON defeated top team Warragul (2) winning 96-59 with Jason Roberts and his rink of Richard Chetland, Bevan Romans and Murray Grigg winning 29-7. Kevin McLaren and his rink of Harry Langres, Simon Allen and Marg Arnold won 29- 8. Richard Polmear won 24-20, and for Warragul (2), Linda McCoy 24 -14. With all rinks up, Newborough (3) defeated Churchill 97-72. John Wasiukiewicz and his rink of Di Slayford, Maurie Ludlow and Kevin Myrteza won 27-15, Albert Van Stekelenburg 28-18, Ed Whelan 22-20 and Gerry Van Duin 20-19. Traralgon RSL (3) defeated Yallourn North 99-63 with Margaret Gibbins and her rink of Garry Thexton, Wendy Inman and Joe Ward winning 32-11. Shirley McKenzie won 28-8 and John Farquhar 28- 14. For Yallourn North, David Hibbert won 30-10. Traralgon (4) with Ian Wills and his rink of John Kong, Shirley Kolcze and Norbert Schroeter winning 42-10 defeated Neerim District (2) 97-71, who won the other three rinks with Jim Schroder winning 20-17, Ross Pollard 22-20 and Tony Thornton 19-18.  DIVISION 5

MORWELL (3) defeated Drouin (3) 58-49 with Leanne Broadbent and her rink of Helen Cook, Lyn Johnston and Palma McNeil winning 29-10. Traralgon (5) with Scott McDonald and his rink of Kelvin James, Max Cumming and David Firth winning 37-5 defeated Trafalgar (3) 81-34. Garfield (2) defeated Warragul (3) 66-44 with Brian Fox and his rink of Ken Place, Stephen Hyam and Leonard Preece winning 27-8.  DIVISION 6

MORWELL Club (2) defeated Boolarra (2) 83-37 with Beryl Noblett winning 34-9. Longwarry (3) defeated Moe (3) 64-51 with Ronald Te Giffel winning 32-15. Morwell (4) defeated Traralgon (6) 59-51 with Verna Crane winning 22-8.  DIVISION 7

IN Division 7, Morwell (5) defeated Yallourn North (2) 37-26 with Phillip Butler winning 21-14. Thorpdale (2) defeated Boolarra (3) 40-39 with Darron Fraser winning 27-14, and for Boolarra (3), Scott Gregor 25-13. Churchill (2) forfeited to Traralgon RSL (4).

All rinks up for Traralgon RSL BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK PENNANT BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

IN Division 1, Moe defeated Warragul in Round 9 of midweek pennant, played Tuesday, December 16. Ian Caines and his rink of Michael Rudy together with Val and Brian Rodgers defeated Margaret Ratcliff 21-13. For Warragul, Gary Ingley and his rink of David Ferguson, Lyn Morrison and Peter Gallasch defeated Paul Read 18-14. Robert Renn and his rink of Matt Draisma, Bernie McIntosh and Pat Hammond defeated Banger Harvey 21-20 leaving Moe the winners 55-52. Traralgon RSL won all rinks at Morwell Club Margaret Gibbins, and her rink of Greg Pratt, Shirley McKenzie and Graeme Hore defeated Glenn Tembath 21-19. Ross Sizeland and his rink of Margaret Morley, Peter Barnes and Terry Hunter defeated Tara Harle 22-18. Maurie Sutcliffe and his rink of Ron Osler, Tim Allen and Ross McKenzie defeated Neil Whitelaw 20-18, leaving RSL winning 63-55. Newborough won at Drouin with Sheryl Atkinson and her rink of Maureen Leighton, Alan Ryan and Scott Jones defeating Chris Deal 25-19. Phil Mustoe and his rink of Fran Clark, Danny Van Zuylen and Jo-Anne Michaels defeated Robert Campbell 20-12. Drouin were well served by Dennis Throup and his rink of Denise Hamilton, Dini Hone and David McIlfatrick defeating Sammy Atkinson 22-15, leaving Newborough the winners 60-53. Trafalgar won all rinks defeating Traralgon by 20 shots winning 68 - 48 with Ian Miles and his rink of Sue Robinson, Matt Ogilvie and Matt Coutts defeating Lyn Moffat 27-12. Matt Schreyer and his rink of Pat Tatterson, Heather Taylor and David Cook defeated Kathy Smiles 22-21. To complete the sweep, Adam Proctor and his rink of Paul Dawson, Noel Rubestein and Mick Fleming defeated Trevor James 19-15.

Page 46 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

 IN Division 2, Morwell defeated Traralgon (2) 70-52 with Steve Collins and his rink of Mike Arnold, Rita Reddiex and David Broadbent winning 32-13. Col Grant drew 19-19 with Bill Bishop and for Traralgon (2) Ian Wills won 20-19. Trafalgar (2) defeated Yinnar 68 - 54 with Peter Watson and his rink of Col Carmichael, Kath Geisler and Paul Gridley winning 32-15. Peter Rosenboom won 19-18 and for Yinnar Tim Roche won 21-17. Newborough (3) defeated Drouin (2) 76 – 42 with Ann-Mary Ryan and her rink of Denise Ryan, Ron Boskmmma and Maurie Ludlow winning 30-8. Brian Milkins won 22-19 and Albert Van Stekelenburg 24-15. Newborough (2) defeated Neerim District 81 – 39 with Robbert Cook and his rink of Brian Carpenter, Mary Whelan and Peter Policha winning 30-12. Trevor Kennedy won 25-10 and Paul Gallagher 26-17.  IN Division 3, Warragul (2) defeated Morwell Club (2) 82-45 with David Gatewood and his rink of Ada Baxter, Jim Moyle and Glynis Mitchell winning 34-11. Greg Mitchell won 25-16 and Paul Simmons 23-18. Churchill defeated Traralgon (3) 50 - 47 with David Patience and his rink of Helen Dyson, Barry Flanigan and Craig Roberts winning 18-10. John Stewart won 21-18, and for Traralgon (3), Graham Webb won 19-11. Longwarry defeated Drouin (3) 53 - 43 with Richard Ross and his rink of Peter Beechey, Natalie Cousin and Jodie Ashby winning 21-12. Jason Lieshout won 19-12, and for Drouin (3), Rudy Kerkvliet won 19-13. Morwell (2) defeated Yarragon 79-39 with Rebecca Mtheson and her rink of John Matheson, Jill White and Leanne Broadbent winning 32-12. Bob Wilson won 24-7 and Ian Auld 23-20.  IN Division 4, Morwell (3) 16-67 defeated Garfield 0-38 with Jan Moody winning 30-8, Verna Crane 19-13 and John Betteley 18-17. Yallourn North 13-59 defeated Longwarry (2) 3-55, with Stephen Postlethwaite winning 25-12. Traralgon RSL (2) 14-64 defeated Moe (2)

2-51with Max Gibbins winning 24-15. Traralgon (4) 14-57 defeated Newborough (4) 2-56 with Shirley Richardson winning 27-13 despite Alan Luck winning 25-11.  IN Division 5, Morwell (4) 9-45 defeated Yinnar (2) 1-37, and Drouin (4) 10-48 defeated Traralgon RSL (3) 0-21. Neerim District (2) 10-56 defeated Churchill (2) 0-27, and Warragul (3) 10-48 defeated Trafalgar (3) 0-32.

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY LOWER GRADE SCORES Premier B Round 12 (Saturday, December 20): Ex Students 9/209 (D Churchill 65, M Bentley 27*, A Jaensch 27, A Norman 2/36, J Holden 2/53) def Churchill 42 (S Farmer 3/5, J Zappulla 3/8, L Bastin 2/8), Jeeralang-Boolarra 6/207 (L Smith 62, G Smith 38, P Gilpin 35*, B McCormack 26, D Cochrane 3/44, A Hodson 2/47) def Glengarry 7/194 (A Hodson 36, S Henry 34, D Cochrane 31, L Smith 3/30, A Flanigan 2/28), Moe 8/102 (B Foster 3/16, E Pass 2/21) def CATS 101 (C Wilkerson 40, A Savige 3/8, D Freitag 3/19, B Cake 2/18), Thorpdale 180 (D Taylor 93, M Powell 52, D Doble 3/20, C Perera 3/41, S Gray 2/27) def Centrals 116 (B Hourigan 30, A Hurley 29, R Kerrison 2/10, S Pickering 2/24, K Dron 2/26, M Powell 2/32), Toongabbie 8/159 (G McIlroy 63*, M Dunn 31, J Pullen 3/33, C Monds 2/43) def Morwell 9/158 (R Francis 36*, J Pullen 30, D Barry 3/20, M Cooper 2/27). B Grade Round 12 (Saturday, December 20): Raiders 187 (S Kalyan 54, R Sidhu 35, D Cooke 4/43, L Bermingham 2/23, B Lever-Makin 2/31) def Traralgon West 168 (P Gibson 88, S Kalyan 2/24), Rovers 177 (K Scott 40, A Antony 5/31) def Latrobe 115 (A Antony 27, S Carney 3/28, K Scott 2/23), Mirboo North 4/103 (G Swan 2/21) def Gormandale 101 (M Dykes 27*, C Bickerton 3/21, R Hughes 2/12, J Calafiore 2/18), Willow Grove vs Imperials (no scores entered). Women's Championship Round 10 (Thursday, December 18): Morwell 0/73 (B Clymo 32*) def Centrals 6/69 (M Freeman 5/9), Churchill 6/92 (A Robinson 2/19, P Cooper 2/29) def Toongabbie 5/91 (K Johnston 30*, M Kearns 2/7, N Wilson 2/18), Raiders 0/59 def Rovers 3/58 (F Morrison 28), Willow Grove def Traralgon West on forfeit. Women's Premier Round 10 (Thursday, December 18): Ex Students 6/98 (D Godenzi 30*, R van der Stoep 2/22) def Willow Grove 3/95 (M Metcalfe 30*), Imperials 3/79 def Latrobe 7/60 (S Rockliff 29, K Morley 2/4, A Ralls 2/5, C Goodwin 2/6), Centrals 3/111 (T Halkett 32*, B Kimpton 31*) def Raiders 4/96 (S Blines 33*, M Winter 30*), Churchill - bye.

valleysport

Sutton’s “happy tears” on draft night FOOTBALL AFLW EXPORTS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

GIPPSLAND extended its top league football representatives at last week's AFLW Draft. A total of three Gippsland Power players were scooped up, while a Latrobe Valley legacy name was added under father-daughter. Traralgon's Chelsea Sutton was the first to be picked on Monday, December 15, taken at Pick 32 by St Kilda. Sutton was delivered the news like everyone else, watching the draft proceedings from the comfort of her home alongside family and friends. "When my name got called out, I was pretty relieved but I was quite emotional (and) cried a little bit ... it was happy tears," she told the Express. "I'd had a few interviews with different clubs, obviously I didn't know where I was going on the night, I didn't know if I was going to go at all because anything can happen on draft night. "I was super happy to get my name called out and I can't wait to get started at St Kilda and get down and into preseason." Sutton played four seasons at Power, with 2025 being her breakout year, winning Gippsland's bestand-fairest and earning her first selection to Victoria Country at the AFL National Championships. The speedy mid-forward said that the last 12 months have been a real "awakening" in pursuing a professional football career.

Family affair: Each of the late Churchill great Paul Dear’s children will carry on his legacy, as Maya Dear was drafted to Hawthorn with their first-ever father-daughter selection. She’s pictured with fellow Hawk and brother, Calsher.

Top of the bill: Traralgon’s Chelsea Sutton was Gippsland Power’s highest selection in the 2025 AFLW Draft, heading to St Kilda.

"I unlocked a whole new motivation, knowing this year was the biggest year yet and how hard I had to work for those dreams to come true," Sutton said.

"I had a new look on everything and when I made Vic Country, I was like 'if I keep going the way I am, I could have a real chance here.'

Photographs supplied

"So, ticking off the small boxes and goals I had (made) for myself and slowly ticking them off throughout the year (and) I began to get more and more confident." Sutton joins fellow Traralgon export Darcy Guttridge and Power teammate Abby Hobson (from Koo Wee Rup), who was taken by the Saints 10 picks later. Wonthaggi's Baia Pugh was drafted at Pick 54 to Richmond. Lastly, Maya Dear, daughter of the late Churchill legend Paul Dear, was picked up by Hawthorn as the club's first-ever father-daughter selection in its history. As a more mature aged player taken as a 21-yearold, Dear comes from a predominant basketball and netball background, where she most recently was playing NBL1 for Sandringham Sabres. Dear joins brother Calsher, carrying on their father's name in the brown and gold, with the son having already played 26 games for the Hawks in the last two seasons. It was recently announced that Calsher would be donning Paul's number 13 going forward, having previously worn 35 on his back. More footy - Page 42

National success in latest Lowanna venture BASKETBALL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ENTERING their most teams in more than halfa-decade, Lowanna College were rewarded with sensational results at the recent Australian Schools Championships. The peak of their latest nationals trip to Gold Coast included securing the Newborough school's

first podium finish since 2019. The under 15 girls team won a silver medal in Division 2, missing out on gold by a mere four points in the final to an undefeated Crest College. After coming out on top in the semi-final over Varsity Vikings by two points, the local young guns showed great improvement over the week, having lost to the eventual gold medallists earlier on by 45 points during the pool rounds.

Show it off: Lowanna College secured a silver medal in the under 15 girls at the recent Australian Photograph supplied Schools Championships on the Gold Coast.

"The development and the growth throughout the week was outstanding," Lowanna College Head Basketball Coach, Michael Santo told the Express. "To make a 40-point turnaround in the matter of three days was remarkable really, and the growth of those girls throughout the week is exceptional." The squad, along with a number of other Lowanna teams that travelled over, featured a predominately underage side, meaning they have another year in their age group to set out for an even greater result. "It's exciting for their prospects for next year," Santo said. The silver medal-winning team was led by Gippsland United Director of Coaching and Development, Heath Johnson. The regional school has been on an unbelievable run since arriving at the national competition back in 2015, having captured six medals over that period, beginning with a famed U15 boys Division 1 gold medal in their first venture, which was played in Canberra. That squad was also coached by Santo and featured names such as former AFL-listed players and current Moe footballers, Brock Smith and Harry Pepper. Despite recording just one medal in their latest run, Lowanna sent five teams up in total (most since 2019), a majority competing in Division 1, and had three of them finish top six in the country. The U17 girls missed out on a bronze medal by the skin of their teeth, going down by a single point to JSR College, while the U17 boys finished fifth-best and the U15 boys sixth-best. The U20 boys, who were coached by 2015 gold medallist Ben Van Dyk, were hit with injury and inconsistency, but still reached the quarterfinals. All-in-all, Santo called the ninth nationals campaign another gratifying experience for the players and coaches.

Take a Break Solutions Target Time No. 0298

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"A lot of the teams, we didn't know what to expect with a lot of them, but it just came together really well and the preparation we did really paid off," he said. "We've clearly overachieved when you look at the quality of talent we're playing against." Lowanna's previous medal was an U15 girls Division 2 gold medal in 2019.

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