Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 10 December 2025

St Kieran’s Primary School, Moe leaders Bailey, Brooklyn, Skylah and Evie oversaw fundraising effortsthat will see presents delivered to less fortunatekids this Christmas. MORE -PAGE 12

Another pie in the sky

Third Gippsland offshore wind projectcollapses

By PHILIP HOPKINS

ENERGYgiant AGL, which ownsthe

Loy Yang Apower station, hasabandoned its proposed multibillion-dollar offshorewind projectinGippsland, amovethat casts fresh doubt on the economics of an industry that is central to the Allan government’s energy plans, the Australian Financial Review reported on theweekend.

The AGL-backed consortium behind the proposed2.5-gigawatt Gippsland Skies offshore windprojecthas given up its licence to develop the project, citing poor economic prospects relativetoother forms of renewables in its development portfolio.

It is the third Gippsland offshorewind project to collapse this year.

The pullback comes less than aweek after the state Auditor-General, Andrew Greaves, foundVictoriawould not meet itsnear-term offshore wind targets, in a damning report into the government’s management of the energy transition.

The report prompted Morwell NationalsMP, Martin Cameron,to call for the resignation of the Minister

for Energy and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

Victorian opposition energy spokesman, David Davis, said AGL’s decision was a“body blow” to the state government’s offshore wind plans.

“Ja cin ta Al lan and Lab or’ sm ismanagement of energy in Victoria is shambolic,” he said.

“Supply is less secure [and] energy prices have surged, hitting businesses and families for six.”

Under the state government’s energy plan, Victoria has at ar ge to ft wo gigawatts of offshorewindgeneration by 2032, which underpins its target of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035, when Loy Yang Aisscheduled to close. Yallourn Wcloses in 2028, while LoyYang Bhas an open-ended closure date.

“Gippsland Skies has made the decisiontodiscontinuefeasibility studies for apotential offshore wind project off the coast of Gippsland,” AGL said in a statement.

“AGLwill prioritiseoptions in its development pipeline of onshore wind, batteries, pumped hydro and gas firming

projects, including an expectation of taking afinal investment decisionon 900 megawatts of grid-scale batteries in the next 12 to 18 months.”

The pullback was asharp turnaround for AGL, which previously pushed the project’s potential to power more than 1.4 million Victorian homes -or17per cent of the state’senergydemand-as well as provide replacement power for the company’s Loy Yang coal power station.

Gippsland Skies is the third project to collapseinVictoria after receiving approvals to conduct feasibility studies, with developments backed by BlueFloat Energyand RWE handingbacktheir licences earlier this year.

Another backedbyOrigin Energy recently put its development on ice and cut back staff numbers.

The Victorian government is astrong backer of the industry, but has been locked in astand-off with the federal government about how to fund the electricityofftakecontracts that are needed to give the projects enough certainty to begin construction, the AFR said.

Earlier this year,MsD’Ambrosio was

forced to delay aplanned offtake auction slated for September after failing to secure aguarantee from the federal government that it would help fund it.

An updated timeline is expected at the end of the year.

In an attempt to keep projects going through the impasse, the Albanese government loweredexpensive fees, thought to exceed $1 million per year, for feasibility licence holders.

Labor originally awarded 12 feasibility licences to offshore wind projects in the region.The most advanced is Southerly Ten’s Star of the South, which is partway through its own attempt to secure environmental approvals under federal laws.

Ms D’Ambrosio said offshore wind was “important to the nation’s energy security and pushingdownenergy bills forVictorian families."

Gippsland is widely acknowledged as the best locationfor offshore wind in Australiadue to its shallow waters, good windconditions, nearbygridconnections and asupportive state government.

Continued -Page5

Photograph: LiamDurkin

Long-timeMorwellresident dies after choosing voluntaryassistance

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE ambulance arrived on time at Morwell’s Cedar Lodge Motel on Saturday.

Ready to be picked up was 87-year-old Morwell woman, Gwen Tindill Harris.

Family, friends and staff at the motel lined the driveway and showered the ambulance with petals and waved goodbye to avisibly content Gwen: she was on her way to end her own life through the legal voluntary dying process.

Diagn osed more tha nt wo year sa go wit h Pulmonaryfibrosis -aprogressive lung disease causing scarring and thickening of lung tissue, making breathing difficult and reducing oxygen flow -Gwen was given acouple of months to live.

She sold her house and convinced Cedar Lodge owner, John Callaway, over aglass of red, to let her live there until her death. Her stay at the motel lasted more than two years.

“She had agreat sense of humour and was a breath of fresh air,” John said.

Gwen, abeloved figure to many in Morwell, was happytotalkabouther decisioninaninterview with the Express on Friday.

Put simply, it was time to go.

“I'm waiting to dieand it's not happening. Ican't stand every day trying to get my breathe,” she said.

“It'sbeenaneye-opener to know how long it takes to get out of the world, it really has.” Documentsto sign and duplicate everywhere. “I’m not wanting doctors to be overloadedwith peoplewanting to get out of the world, but Ithink you should be allowed without all the copies of documents,” she said.

Gwen was very happy in her adopted hometown of Morwell.

“Morwell has been really good to me, the Latrobe Valley; Ilove Morwell and never wanted to move anywhere else,” she said.

GwencametoMorwell fromKoo Wee Rup in the early 1950s when she was 14-years-old, one of nine kids.

“Mumhad left us for the lasttimeand dad brought us up. He was adrinker, but he was still agood dad, lots of love; he was agood person,” she said, but “hehad ahard life”.The Housing

Vale: Morwell’sGwenHarris, picturedlast Friday, underwent avoluntar ydying process thatwas completed over theweekend. Photograph: Philip Hopkins

Commission house in Morwell they obtained was arevelation.

“It had doors and windows, the basic things that we take for granted that we never had. Also, atoilet inside, awashbasin in the shed,” she said.

Having left school aged 11 or 12, she initially worked at Coles-the money went towards the house as her father initially had no job -before later working at Morwell Hospital.

Two marriages, the first when aged 17, produced two kids, Diane and Darrell, now aged 69 and 68; andthe secondtoIvan Harris that brought four stepchildren-Darryn, Lesley,Robert (deceased) and Debby.

Her first husband, an alcoholic, died of cancer and the second marriage ended in divorce after 26 years.

Her life in Morwell became ‘full on’. Gwen was ‘madame president’ of the golf club for awhile.

“In my youngerdays, Iusedtostutter, and Icould never talk.IfIcouldspeak to aroom full of people, no one could have shut me up. When the stutter suddenly left, Iwas told, ‘You kept that promise, didn't you?'” she said.

There was involvement with the Anglican Church, St Phillips on the Hill, where she used to teach Sunday School.

“Throughthe church -Ihad alot of dealings with

people. In my later years, they helped me to get through my life really,” she said.

Aconstant beloved companion in her life has been local Community Radio 104.7 Gippsland FM in BuckleyStreet.

“I want to thank my lovelyfriends for the support and loveI'vebeen shown all my life hereinMorwell, especially now," she said.

"Coming to Cedar Lodge was the best move I made. I’ve loved being here. We had so much fun, mixing with people,finding friendships, they come with life everyday. I've had the most amazing friendships in my life.

“People say Ilook fine -but I'm not fine. I’m grateful to God for taking me out."

Gwen chose the music for her funeral -her beloved MadameButterfly and the Italianopera Cavalleria rusticana.

The funeral will be held at the Morwell Bowling Club on Thursday, December 18 from 2pm.

No further change to knife laws

THE stategovernment has refused to adopt ‘Jack’s Law’ in Victoria, despite escalating knife crime across the state.

Jack’s Law was created in Queensland in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019. It gives police the power to use hand-held metal detectors to stop and scan people with wands for concealed knives and other weaponswithoutawarrant in public places.

Bet wee nA pri l2 02 3and Jun e2 02 5, Queensland Police successfullyconducted 116,287 scans, arrested 3080 people on 5597 charges and removed 1126 deadly weapons under Jack’s Law.

Facts and reality matter

COMMENT

including China, Russia, Indonesia and India.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Ms Bath said Labor’s weak laws are continuing to allow knife crime to flourish or hold perpetrators to account for theirviolent actions.

BY JOHN GWYTHER

JOSEPH Lis ('A conundrum that would defeat the wisdom of Solomon', LVE Opinion, 10/12) clearly subscribes to the Coalition model of never letting facts get in the way of agood story and of ignoring inconvenientexplanationsfor things thatdon't match your world view.

The fact is electricity prices wentupashe describes but, as reported by the Climate Council, Australian Energy Counciland others, the primary causes are the surge in global coal and gas prices after the Ukraine invasion and the constant coal generator outages forcing up prices; not net zero.

Correlation(i.e. prices going up after Labor comes to power) is not the same as causation (i.e. Labor must have caused the price rise).

Facts: 137 of 198 national governments have net zero targets(Net Zero Tracker).Onlythree countries do not have any net zero goals:Syria, Libya and Bolivia; aminiscule 0.33 per cent share of global emissions and 0.2 per cent of global GDP.

Fact: around 92 per cent of global GDP is covered by countries with formal net-zerotargets and only 13 countries have atargetdatebeyond 2050,

Fact: while Trump has removedthe USA's national net zero target, many states (like here) continuetheir own target programs. California (fifth largest economy in the world and largest USA state GDP), New York (second largest USA state GDP, similar to Canada's) and Illinois (third largest stateGDP andsimilar to SaudiaArabia's). So, nothing like "70 per cent of the world" has abandoned net zeroand Australiaismostdefinitely not "alone in the world".

Ican cope with Mr Lis' constant false statements and even his pathological hatred of Chris Bowen. What we never find out from him is what he thinks the way forward is for our national grid.

Ican only assume it is aregressiontothe last century when life wassimpler, coal was cheap and none of that pesky climate stuff or renewable energy intruded upon our lives.

Sadly, for him and his ilk, those days are irretrievably gone and he needs to face up to current realities.

Mr Lis would do also well to heed the quote that heads up his letter.

John Gwyther is aCoongulla resident Moreletters -Page6

“Premier Jacinta Allan’s refusal to introduce Jack’s Law is aserious setback as knife related violence continues to devastate Victorian families,” she said.

“Due to its success, Jack’s Law has been made permanent in Queensland and is being consideredbyother states as aproven measure to improve public safety.”

Ms Bath said Victoria’s hardworking police officers must be given thepower to use wanding to stop, scan and remove concealed weapons in high-risk public areas including transport hubs, shopping centres, sporting grounds and entertainment precincts.

“Jack’s Law is aproven and sensible step needed to save lives and reverse violent trends,” she said.

“Knife crime is continuing to have a profound impact on residents’ safety –everyone deserves to feel safe when walking the streets, attendingevents and visiting the shops.

The state government was approached for comment.

Christmas comes early after huge Morwell Tattslotto win

By AIDAN KNIGHT

AMORWELL resident received an early Christmas present, scored $790,000through awinning TattsLotto ticket.

The local woman purchased her ticket at Morwell Newsagency, as one of eight Division 1winners.

Newsa gent em pl oyee and Lat robe Cit y Councillor, Darren Howe, said the local win was "a great story, she's aregular customer, and has had the same numbers for about 50 years."

Wheninformed of her win, the woman said she "felt numb", and that she had no idea how to spend it.

"My mind is completely blank, (...) it's hard to think of what I'll do. One thing for sure is I'll have agreat Christmas!"

She had only stepped outfor aquick pharmacy run on the day she learned of her win, and said she

would spend the afternoon lettingthe news sink in Morwell Newsagency may be the lucky lotto to go to, seeingasthe Commercial Roadbusiness also had two Division 1winnerswithin asix-month period back in 2022.

The woman's prize was part of TattsLotto draw 4629, held on Saturday, November29, which produced eight Division 1winners across Australia claiming the same cash prize.

Thewinning numberswere 22,10, 17, 5, 44 and 36, with supplementary numbers 3and 11. Six of these, including the Morwell win, camefrom Victorian entries.

According to The Lott, the result contributes to 396 Division 1wins across Australia so far in 2025, with 161 of those claimed by Tatts customers.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.66 billion via taxes and donations to hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education. The same financial year TattsLotto create 165 millionaires nationwide, with 341 Division 1entries sharing more than $420 million in prize money.

It’s atimelyboostoffestive cheer for Morwell, and aChristmas the lucky winner, and her favourite newsagency, are likely to remember for years.

Newcrime laws passstate parliament

TWO crime bills passed through state parliament before the sitting year was out.

The new laws mean children aged 14 and above who commitviolent crimes,and people whoabuse shop assistants, assault fast-food workers, threaten rideshare drivers and throw coffee at waiters will face serious consequences.

The government's "Adult Time for Violent Crime" laws and Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport WorkerHarm) Act 2025 will be law.

Children committing violentcrimes- like invading someone’s home or injuring someone with a machete -will face adultsentences in adult courts.

The government claimedthat meant courtswill treat these children likeadults, so jail is more likely, and sentences can be longer.

The government will further increase the maximum jail sentence for aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking.

For anyone 14 and over sentenced in the County Court, these offences will carry amaximum life sentence.

The changes in Adult Time for Violence Crime will begin to take effect after royal assent and will be fully implemented by the end of February.

“There are no easy solutions to youth crime, and the best approach is always to stop crime before it starts," Attorney-GeneralSonya Kilkenny said. "But we absolutely need serious consequences for violentyouth crime to protect the community now.”

Meanwhile, the Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport Worker Harm) Act 2025createsnew offencestocrack down on abuse, threats and assaults against staff.

Under the new laws, aserious new indictable offence will apply to anyonewho assaultsor threatens to assault aretail, fast food, hospitality or transport worker. Those charged face up to five years’ imprisonment under this offence.

Separatesummaryoffences willalso applyfor lower-levelassaults and threateningorintimidatingconduct -including profane, obscene or insulting language -with penalties of up to six months’ jail. These offenceshave alower threshold to give police aflexible range of options to intervene early and protect workers.

Ramraids will now also be recognised as aggravated burglary, carryinga maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment, and serious or repeated offending will fall under theAdult Time for Violent Crime plan.

Next year, the government will introduce new laws to establish workplace protection orders as thenext step in responsetoretail crime. Under such orders, if aperson is violent to retail workers, they can be banned from that workplace.

Lynn’sdark pastnow revealed

By AIDAN KNIGHT

WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing NEWdetails in the case of convicted killer Greg Lynn have surfaced, following the Victorian SupremeCourt's overturning of asuppression order.

This comesafter several media outlets fought the court to publicisekey items barred fromcirculation.

The items included were details into thedeath of Lynn'sfirst wife, Lisa, and his consequent dealings withpolice prior to the deaths of campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill in the Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020. Lynn was found guilty by ajury of murdering Ms Clay, but was acquitted of the murder of Mr Hill.

The 59-year-old former pilot began the appeals process last month, challenging the 32-year sentence that was handed to him on October 18, 2024. Not too dissimilarly, amedia trinityof The Age, ABC, and Herald Sun appealed to lift the suppression order limiting their reporting, after the guilty verdict was delivered, which is not unusual, as it is usually deemed unnecessarytoretain information after atrial has finished.

Themagistrate opted not only to maintain the order, however, but also extended its content, now including information related to the death of Lynns' first wife.

The media formallyappealed this new imposition on their work,which SupremeCourtJusticePeter Gray accepted, removing the suppression order, a decision he found to be "obvious".

Now, in the midst of Lynn's sentence appeal, the public is becoming aware of his dark past.

JusticeGraygave Lynn's legal team 60 days' grace between the order quashing and its actual formal removal, protecting the information should they wish to put forward asecond application to withhold the information. This did not occur.

Eleven years prior to the High Country Killings, Lynn gave apolice statement denying any involvement in the death of his late wife, who was found in afoetal position in her pyjamas, on the front lawn of her Macedon Ranges home, in 1999.

Toxicology revealed alcohol and barbiturates in

her systemtoa lethal extent, and as aresult, never considered herseparated husband as suspicious in her sudden passing. The coroner found it unclear whether she intentionally took her own life or not. Despite this,Lynn called his estranged wife for amatterofmonths beforeher death, late at night, telling her with great specifics how he would kill her. Phrases such as "there'll be blood in the streets, (...) it'll be full of your blood" were used as he informed the mother of his young boys that he would dismember her ears with swords(which he was confirmed to own). Such threats had been reported by both Lynn's mother-in-law and Lisa's nanny on afew occasions.

After her death, many more threats were found to be recorded in Lisa's diary, quotes of graphic descriptions involvingshotguns,and intimidating statements like "I know where your sisters live, I know how to get you". According to Lisa's family, these threatswere only one aspect of Lynn's abusive behaviour, which also saw himbreaching intervention orders to break and enter her home. Victoria Police have record of Lynn using asledgehammer to gain entryinto the house, on one of two occasions of the order being breached, which led to it being extended to afive-year period.

Prior to this, he was alleged to have inflicted cruelty to animals and verbalabuse within the family.

After the secondbreach of the intervention order, not long before Lisa's death, Lynn was arrested and escaped from custody when escorted by detectives back to the home to "retrieve some property" (as he said in the 1999 police statement). He ran into the bush and was arrested four hours later after being located when making acall from anearby service station.

Barrister Demort Dann KC told the Supreme Court, when representing Lynn last year, "When they asked him to go and get it, instead of getting it,hejust kept walking to the train station, and that was said to be the escape from custody". He was almost convicted for this offence, but was only ultimately let off with afine.

Lisa's mother, Kim Searle, alleges that Lynn inflicted mental torture upon her daughter, making him responsible for her death, prompting

detectivestolaunchanew investigation (which has beenongoing since 2021). Among other details, the investigation is exploring the possibility of whether or not her deathwas staged,among other circumstantial details that were described as "not making sense".

This investigation was revealed to be halted by the police, accordingtothe deceased's family, because the authorities will not fund a$9000 expert reportonthe validity of that potentialscenario. The coroner cannot undertake an inquest without this report, to support anew brief that was delivered to the coroner's officethis year. Lisa's familyclaim they were happy to pay the fee themselves, but the police never responded to this.

The prosecution sought to raise information regardinghis wife’s death at Lynn'strial for the HighCountry Killings;however, the court did not allowit.

Greg Lynn now awaits adecision from the Court of Appeals for his sentence regarding the murder of Carol Clay.

Uncovered: Disturbing newinformation has cometolight regardinghigh countr ykiller Greg Lynn.

File photograph

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE energy market operator’s latest system security report shows the vital importance of knowing the best ways to ensure grid stability andtodeliver critical infrastructure on time, according to the peak body for generators, the AustralianEnergy Council,whose members include Latrobe Valley brown coal power station operators AGL and Energy Australia.

The council's comment follows the warning by the Australian Energy Market Operator this month that Origin Energy’s giant Eraring coal power plant cannot close in 2027 without risking blackouts in NSW because the equipment needed to keep the grid secure will not be installed in time.

The threat to power supplyfrom shutting down Eraringisnot becauseofa lack of electricity to replace the 2880-megawatt generator, AEMO said in areport, but because of alack of system strength services for the power grid.

Theseservices -known as synchronous condensers -act as ashock absorber, maintaining grid voltage and frequency stability, andare particularly important in agridpowered by relatively flighty windand solargeneration. System strength services have typically been providedbycoal plants, but as these are phased out, the grid’s resilience is dented because solar panels, wind turbines and most batteries cannot adequately provide them.

Transgrid, the owner of NSW’s high-voltage electricity grid, has been racing to install the synchronous condensers, whichare huge spinningmachinesthat would keep the power system stable to compensate for loss of Eraring.

The AEC’s Chief Executive,Louisa Kinnear, said AEMO's openness and willingness to shine

PAGONOW

alight on the challenges that need to be solved in its Transition Plan for System Security is importantand timely.

“In particular, the report highlights there are risks to relying heavily on asingletechnology, in the form of synchronous condensers, to deliver the essential system services (ESS) neededtoensure the integrity of the grid," she said.

“In the short term, synchronous condensers can provide good support to the systembut they havefaced delays and availability issues. Forthe longer term we need to progress other solutions with generators and transmission companies working alongside AEMO."

Ms Kinnear said traditionallyessential system services, which are acriticalpartof managing the transition, had been provided by thermal plant.

"As older plant like coal retires, we need to consider the best replacement options.As this report shows, there are differentways system services could be provided and we support AEMO’s current trials into arange of technologies, such as grid-forming inverters, gas-fired generators with clutches and large inverter-based loads.

"We have long argued there should be scope for abroadersuiteoftechnologiestoplay a role and for alevel playing field via an inertia markettooffer more options and realistic solutions at least cost to efficiently deal with this challenge.”

System security shortfalls were behind the catastrophic blackout that hit 50 millionpeople across Spain and Portugal in April.

More energy stories -Page31

Gordonkiller sentenced in court

By AIDANKNIGHT ANDBLAKE METCALF-HOLT

LATROBE Valley's Gordon family has seen justice, as one of the young men who murderedDoctor Ashley Gordon as part of ahome invasion last year, was sentenced to 17 years' prison time.

Gordon was killed while chasing agroup of boys in Doncaster who had broken into hisplace of residence on January 13, 2024,afterbeing stabbed 11 times.

The group were attempting to steal Gordon's Mercedes AMG. The boy who committed the stabbingcannot be namedbecause of his age at thetime of the crime, but is understood to be the son of a Victoria Police investigator, and was found guilty in Melbourne's Supreme Court on June 25, 2025.

The unnamed perpetrator pleaded not guilty, while admitting to two counts of aggravated burglary, and faced sentencing on December 2. He had claimed early on that he acted only out of self-defence, which was quashed by Justice Amanda Fox.

An accomplice, also 16 at the time of the killing, was initially being charged with the same,but no publicrecord is available as to the outcome of the co-accused. All that is known is that he was transferred to the Children's Court (from the Supreme Court) on February 14, 2025. The Express asked the Children's Court for comment but has not received aresponse to date.

Justice Fox said during the sentencing, "if he had not had aknife, Dr Gordon would be alive," before handing down the verdict, which contains a12-year non-parole period.

The convicted is in theprocess of an application to the adult parole board, appealing to serve this time in ayouth detention centre rather than an adult prison, despite now being of legal age. His defence argues that this would give the convicted the best chance of successful rehabilitation, claiming "early signs of remorse" (as saidincourt on November6).

Gordon’s family rejected that characterisation. Dr Gordon’s sister, Natalie, said that the convicted showed not “oneounceofremorse” during the trial.

Over the past 12 months, the Latrobe Valley community has channelled its grief into campaigning for changes to Victoria’s justice system, callingfor stricter bail laws, expanded police stop-and-search powers,and theabandonment of plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility.

The family's petition, sponsoredbyMember forMorwell, Martin Cameron, gathered 9829 signatures before being tabled in the Legislative Assembly,contributing to the introduction of new stop-and-search powers passed in late 2024 and the creation of aspecific offence for committing a crime while on bail.

As the offender pursues his bid to serve time in a youth facility,the family awaitsthe paroleboard’s decision -aprocess that will determine where he spends the bulk of his sentence.

Tragic: Dr Ash Gordon wasmurdered aftera brutal home invasion in Januar y2024. One of his killers will spendthe next 17 years’ behind bars. File photograph

Another one bites the dust, Gippsland Skies stopped

From Page 1

THE abandonment of the offshore wind farm comes after AGL’s biggest shareholder, software billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes,voted against the company’s climate plan, at the company’s annual meeting.

Grok Ventures, which owns about 10.4 per cent of AGL, strongly criticised the updated Climate Transition Action Plan at AGL’s annual meeting as an “only incremental”increaseinambition from the 2022 version.

Grok said it was out of step with Paris climate goals, and urged the board to take stronger steps to cut emissions and boost renewable energy.

The oppositionfrom Grok made up the majority of the roughly 30 per cent of AGLshareholders voting by proxy that opposed the climatetransition plan.

The2022 climate plan, under which Loy Yang A’s closure wasbrought forward to 2035, wasopposed by 30.69 per cent of voting shareholders.

Grok, whichforced AGLtodropits 2022 demerger plan and brought about an overhaul of the board and senior executives, urged the company to act faster on its climate goals.

AGL said in astatement that it was understandable there were variousperspectives on the climate transition plan given its complexity.

“Our focus continues to be on the execution and

delivery of our strategy of whichwehave made significant progressover the last threeyears,” the company statement said.

Within days of the AGL annual meeting, the federal government approved a$2billion wind farmnearDeniliquin co-owned by AGL. The Pottinger Wind Farm, ajoint venture between AGL and Someva Renewables, an Australian renewables energy company, is located between Hay and Deniliquin. It is proposed to have 247 wind turbines across 1069 hectares that the government says at full capacity will generate enough energy to power about 590,000 homes.

For now, Justice Fox’s ruling closes one chapter of acase that has gripped the community for nearly two years, marking adecisive end to the cour proceedings that began with Dr Gordon’s death.

Youdon’t have to be everything to everyone

WITH Christmas upon us, Ihave begun to notice astrange phenomenon.

Although Christmasisatimeofjoy and hope for so many, Ihave also noticed aheaviness, astress, apressure that has started to come to the surface in people’s lives.

As The Salvation Army,wenotice thesepressures first-hand.

They are the pressuresthat are placedon individuals and families at Christmas which can turn atimeofjoy into atimeofdistress. One of the most obviouspressuresisthe financial pressure people face. It is the choice between paying for foodand affordingpresents for their children or being able to go to the doctor instead of aspecial Christmas Day meal.

Christmasalsoilluminates otherpressures, like relationship tensions as family conflict is heightened, or time pressures due to the busyness of the season. But one of the more hidden pressures we see people facing, although often one of the most damaging, is the pressure of comparison with those around you at Christmas time. Pressure to spend a certain amount, look acertain way, buy acertain number of gifts, have all your friends over for a meal, the list goes on.

We see first-handthe damage this cancreate. The stress placed on afamily trying to ‘keep up’ with those around them can be debilitating, not just for individuals and parents but also for children. This is why we want to encourage Australians to re-think how they approach Christmasthis year, so as to not fall into the trap of comparison and ‘keeping up’ with those around you. Aim for connection, not perfection. Being with others is so much more valuable than stressing about creating the perfect Christmas, whether it be with family, friends or the Salvos -there’s no need to be alone this Christmas, we’re here for you. Share the load Ask others to chip in, encourage everyone to bring aplate or help out in another way. And finally, if you are struggling this Christmas, please don’t be ashamed to reach out for support. We want you to know that we have your Christmas taken care of this year -providing gifts for children, hampers and meals for Christmas Day, and aplace for connection where you can belong.

If you need help this Christmas, or to donate to TheSalvationArmy’s Christmas Appeal, which is aiming to raise $29 million, visit: salvationarmy. org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). From all of us at the Salvos, we wish you avery happy and hope-filled Christmas.

Colonel Rodney Walters

The Salvation Army

Good ordinarywriters

THOSE who, like Mr Editor, indulge in VFL/AFL history, will be aware of the great "Captain Blood" Jack Dyer, Tigerschampionand later renowned commentator.

Jack's unique commentary, filled with particular observationsknown as "Dyerisms", included the pithy "I won't say anythingincase Isay something".

Perhaps anumber of rustedoncontributors to this page should consider such sage advice, rather than generally taking that extra step past reason, logic, fairness, and respect.

English football manager Ron Atkinson famously onceobserved, post match, "I never comment on referees, and I'm notgoingtobreak the habit of a lifetime for that prat."

Joseph Lis, the modestly self titled "Listradamus", to his credit generally adheres to such advice regarding other correspondents, but sadly he has immersed himself in adeep dark world wide and intransigent conspiracytheory, inhabited by a dwindling few, but all zealots, (Barnaby says hullo),

from which he will probably never emerge.

Namely that all climate change believers are corrupt,gullible,ignorant or fanatical, or all of the above, with his recent targets, ('Emissions impossible', LVE Opinion,26/11),including teachers who "indoctrinatekids" because of corrupt "scientists" IpleadguiltyYour Honour, but I'll wear it like abadge of honour

And of course,inhis weekly bashingoffederal Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Josephalways crosses the line into nasty, personal, cowardly and troll like abuse.

I've never met Joseph or Chris, and Joseph may well be avery nice chap, albeit witha touch of "white line fever".

I've read that Chris is ahusband,father, brother, son, (of an elderly mother who has suffered tragedy in her life),and astrong advocate for womens' health.

He's also rather keen on personal dentalhygiene, rather than "speaking through false teeth", (surely some of your finest work Joseph!)

But yes, Chris and Josephare at opposite endsof the political spectrum. So are lots of people, without surrendering dignity and respect.

And yet, Isuspect, from hiscopious contributions, Joseph is probably avery intelligent person, but maybe, as former Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade once said of ruckman, Will Minson, "he's the dumbest smart bloke Iknow".

Ialsosuspect that if Chris Bowen ever comes knockingonthe door of chez Lis,Joseph, troll like, will be hiding under the kitchen table.

John Duck

Trafalgar

Rockier roads

IT seems that with this state government saying they are puttingupalmost$1billiondollars for road maintenance, it is not showing the full story.

Overthe pastfew days and untilDecember 23, VicR oad si sresealing Tho mpsons Roa d, Newborough, even though there are roads in the Latrobe Valley in alot worse condition.

Works are being completed on one side from the new estate up to the golf club, and I'mguessing thatwhenthatisdone,they will do the other side.

The road has few potholes in the entire road and yet they are resealing it.

Letslook at Latrobe Rd between Tanjil East Rd and Old Melbourne Rd. You can hardly go 10 metres withoutalmost losing your car in ahuge pothole, so what do they do? Put signs up to say 'Rough Surface'.

There are other roads in the area which need work on them more thanThompsons Rd, but Jacinta Allan just wants to spend money like it's going out of fashiontomake herself look good.

Garry Mitchell Yallourn North

Bowenarrow

"THE Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes andears. It wastheir final,most essential command. And if all others accepted the lie, if all recordstoldthe same tale, then the lie passed into historyand becamethe truth." -George Orwell, 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'.

Three-and-a-half years of arrowing into the dead centre circle -Australia'seconomy -hittingthe bullseyeagain and again like aRobinHood in reverse robbing fromthe poor andgivingtothe rich via subsidies paid to mostly overseas multibillionairesthrough your ever-rising powerbills, Australia's reality-proof Energy Minister, Chris 'The Archer' Bowen, has porcupined the economy so precisely with his volley of arrows that much of the damage he has done is irreversible.

To illustratejust how utterlyeconomy-wrecking Bowen's net zero archery has been, all one has to do is to visit Hansard for an Australian Senate Estimate CommitteeHearing for June2017, when (then)Australia's ChiefScientist,Alan Finkel, said this: "Even if Australia were to stop all of its humanCO2 output [a vanishingly small 1.3 per cent per year compared to China's 35 per cent per year and rising fast -myemphasis] the difference to changing 'global' climate would be nil."

Joseph Lis Morwell

Supportthis festiveseason

THE festive season can be ajoyous time for many

people, as they take awell-earnedbreak from work and school and spend timewithfamily andfriends

It’s atime to rest and reset for the new year.

Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly difficult and distressing, and atimethey hope will pass quickly

It can bring additional financialpressures, strain relationships, and heighten feelings of loneliness. The festive seasonmay also intensifyisolation, particularly forthose separated fromfamily or grieving the loss of aloved one.

So, as we head into the holiday break, we want Australians to know that regardless of what they’re dealing with, they don’t have to face it alone.

The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, confidential, and available around the clock, including on Public Holidays. You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat onlineatwww.beyondblue.org.au/get-support It’s common to put off seeking help because we can’t quite find the words to express our needs. But when you reach us, you don’t have to know what to say. Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.

And finally, abig thank you to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year.Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.

Georgie Harman AO Beyond Blue CEO

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief,concise letters which address local issues. The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters mustinclude aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to aright of replytoa 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 thoseofthe writers, and do notnecessarily 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 fabricateddepending on the poolofdata 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.

Letter sr eg ardi ng reli gion will not be published.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Lettertothe Editor' in the subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

View: LetterwriterGarr yMitchellfeels local roadsthat need urgent attention arenot being treated as suchby thestate government. Image: istock

Heath promoted to shadow ministry

By DAVIDBRAITHWAITE

STATE Member for Eastern Victoria Renee Heath wasone of the winners of areshuffleofthe shadow ministry.

Previously ashadow assistant minister, Dr Heath has been promoted to the shadow ministry, given three portfolios -youth justice, crime prevention and victim support, and bay protection. She will remain the Liberals whip in the Legislative Council (upper house).

Dr Heathwas one of fiveLiberal MPs from across the party’s factions who met with the leader Brad Battin on the eve of the leadership spill to inform him he had lost the support of most of his colleagues.

Dr Heath said she was "humbled and honoured" to be appointed to the shadow ministry.

"I take these responsibilities extremely seriously," she said.

"Far too many Victorians have had their lives shattered by crime, and Iwillcontinuetostand with victims, survivors and families to build a safer, more peaceful and just state.

"Our bays are among Victoria’s greatest natural treasures and central to our lifestyle, environment and economy. Iamcommitted to ensuring these precious environments are safeguarded."

New Liberal leader Jess Wilson will retain the shadow treasurer's position, asignthat she will attack the economic credentials of the Labor government at the next election in ayear's time.

While it is rare for partyleaders to also told treasury responsibilities, there is recent precedent.

Former Western Austr alian pre mi er Mark McGowan, former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein and former ACT chief minister Andrew Barr also served as treasurer while in office, while Steve Bracks briefly served as both premier and treasurer after winning the Victorian election in 1999.

Mr Battin, aformer police officer, will stayinthe shadow ministry,given the police and corrections portfolio.

“With 12 monthsuntil thenext election, my team is fully focused on the task ahead and will work every day to present acredibleand optimistic alternative that Victorians want to vote for," Ms Wilson said.

“Ourprioritiesare clear and focused on the most pressing issues facing Victorians today: we will get our financesunder control, end the crime crisis,

deliver aworld-classhealth system and ensure every Victorian has the best opportunity to own their own home.”

The reshuffle does notaffect Nationals MPs.

Nationals leader and Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien remains Shadow Minister for regional development and liveability, emergency services, and roads and road safety.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull keeps the disability, ageing, carers and volunteers, racing, and veterans' affairs portfolios.

The Nationals leaderinthe upper houseand whip in the Legislative Council, Member for EasternVictoriaMelina Bath remains shadow minister for public land management, Aboriginal affairs, and outdoor recreation.

Gippsland's remainingCoalition MPs remain shadow assistant ministers.

Nationals Member for Morwell Martin Cameron has energy affordability, and smallbusiness, while Liberal Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham has planning, and housing and building, and will also assist Ms Wilson on regional matters.

Mr O'Briensaidthe Liberal-Nationals team would providet he genuine alternative that Victorians are crying out for.

"Regional Victoria has been ignored for too long by this Labor government and the Liberals and Nationalswill ensure we truly govern for the whole state and that regional Victoria gets its fair share," he said.

 ELSEWHERE, Liberal Party sources have confirmed Warragul's Matt Green intends to seek preselection for an upper house seat in Eastern Victoria Region.

Mr Green is asenior electorate officer for Mr Farnham.

Nominations opened Monday, December 1. If successful, he would seek the second Liberal position and third for the Coalition.

The Greens previouslyannounced BassCoast Councillor Mat Morgan as its upper house candidate for Eastern Victoria.

One Nation's Ben Lucas (also aBaw Baw Shire Councillor) is likely to standfor either the state seatofBassorEastern Victoria in the upper house.

Current sitting members are: Dr Heath, Ms Bath, Tom McIntosh (ALP), HarrietShing (ALP) and JeffBourman(Shooters, Fishersand Farmers Party Victoria).

Far too many Victorians have had their lives shatteredbycrime,and Iwillcontinue to stand with victims, survivorsand familiestobuild a safer, more peaceful and juststate

RENEE

Still no lights at end of Bank St saga

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THEcommunity is still waitingonanswers for when theTraralgon bypass will be fast-tracked and completed.

Bothlocal council and government ministers have asked the question and sought support to ensure the long-awaited projectisbrought forward,making certain asafe and efficient road network is finalised through and out of the major town.

Apetitionwas started in October by Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron calling for boththe federal and state government to accelerate the project.

The aim is to divert heavy vehicles and through traffic awayfrom theincreasingly busy town centre and to decrease traffic jams and improve driver welfare on the Traralgonsection of the Princes Highway.

“With15intersections involving roundabouts and traffic lights, it now takes at least 15-20 minutes (to) get through town and that can be much worse on long weekends and school holidays,” Mr Chester said.

“Providing aTraralgon bypass wouldreduce congestion, improve safety and productivity, increase liveability for locals andboost thevisitor economy in Gippsland (and) would create jobs during the major construction phase.

“There are well recognised social, economic and environmentalbenefitstobeachieved in delivering thisroad transport project as amatter of urgency.”

FollowingVicRoads’ extensivegroundworks which included tablingroad designsand analysing different aspects along the Princes Highway in the 2000s, the Traralgon Bypass Project was included in the Latrobe Planning Scheme in 2009.

The state government (then Andrews government) initially announced a$1.4 million commitmentfor

Bank Street-Princes Highwayintersection still waitingontraffic lights to fixa dangerous area. Photograph supplied

the planning of the bypass in 2017 and later a$2.9m investment to upgrade the Bank Street-Princes Highway intersection -whichisstill yet to come to fruition.

Roadupgrades were completed and trafficsignal poles were fixed afew years ago, but traffic lights

are yet to be installed for an area that has reportedly seen many near misses and collisions according to locals over theyears, especially when attempting to cross-over lanes when exiting Bank St or over the other side at the Traralgon Golf Club.

Chair of RoadSafe Gippsland Andy Milbourne, who is also an active memberand volunteer of the Traralgon Golf Club, called the problematic intersection a"white elephant".

"I've been working with them (different government sectors) for along, long time and Ikeep getting different answers, so it's absolutely frustrating to the nth degree that these traffic lights, they're installed but they haven'tbeen set up and the lanterns connected to make it, that intersection, safer," he told the Express

"We've seen far too many crashes happen there and it's only amatteroftimebefore,unfortunately, somebody's going to get seriously hurt -and then who's going to take the responsibility for that?"

Mr Milbourne successfully lobbied to reduce the speed limit along that strip of the highway down to 60km/h, but said the intersection needs to be prioritised.

"It's about time the government departments all gottogether, started working with each other and fix this thing once and for all," he added.

As for the prospects of the Traralgon Bypass Project in its entirety, Mr Milbourne wasn't holding out hope.

"That's been on the cards for many years, and I reckon I'll be deadbefore that actuallycomes to fruition," he said.

TraralgonGolf Club President Ross Chapman also shared his dismay regarding the time it's taken for the intersection's installations.

"It'sdisappointing it's taken so long the ideais fantastic, but it's just taken far too long," he said.

"There's usually cars waiting to turn right into Bank St and it can take considerable time to get

across if you're trying to turn right."The completion of the Gippsland Line in August now means that the Department of Transport can move forward withthe BankSt-Princes Highway intersection plans to interlink the signalling system with the railway crossing.

This is said to be complete around mid-2026.

Latrobe City Council has been advocating for government funding for the Traralgon bypass for many years, with the latest attemptcoming in July calling for the federal and state government to partner with council to delivering the project.

“Councilcontinues to seek regular updates from the Department of Transport to understand anticipated timelines for thecompletion of these critical safety upgrades,” acouncil spokesperson told theExpress.

“Speedy finalisation of this project is especially important given that the Department has not progressed planning or the delivery of the Traralgon Bypass Project, which is widely recognised as Gippsland’s most strategically significant road project.

“Delivering these roadsafety improvements is essential to supporting safe travel for our community and visitors, as well as accommodating the increasing development activity across our city.”

The project’s slow movement is due to its implications for the Loy Yang mine's rehabilitationefforts due to bypass' proximity.

In council’s advocacy proposal, it contended that with Loy Yang’s closure confirmed for 2035 that thebypass project now be prioritised.

Mr Chester said that the Coalition promised $5m to assist the design works of the project before the election, which the federal government has not matched.

The DepartmentofTransport were contacted for comment, but did not provide one before the Express' deadline.

By AIDANKNIGHT

LATROBE CityCouncil put to bed its most contentious issue of the year, with aunanimous decision on how to progress localised crime prevention within the municipality at last month's council meeting.

During the sitting of the November, 24 meeting, amotion waspassed on the CBD Community Outreach Program.

Originally called the Community Connectors Program, the proposal had been deferred three times in the nine months it had been the topic of disagreementwithin councilchambers, andled to thefirst (rather passionate) Star Wars reference spoken in the history of Kernot Hall, at the Septembermeeting (see the Express October 1 issue). Moved this final time by Yallourn Ward CouncillorSteph Morgan, the wielder of the aforementionedpop culture quote, and seconded by Morwell River Ward's Cr Tracie Lund,Cr Morgan opened strongly on her staunch defence of the program, telling her colleagues that "Police are not asocial service".

After previous meetings had seen tensions rise between Cr Morgan andfellowcouncillor, Cr Sharon Gibson (Newborough Ward/then Deputy Mayor, now Mayor),who sawitmoreeffective to wait for police advice pendingavisit from Minister for Police Anthony Carbines, the tone in the chamber shifted significantly when Cr Gibson and previously opposingcouncillors ultimately supported the program.

"This aligns very wellwithour council plan," she said, "whereweoutlined community safety as apriority.

"Anyone who attended the Victoria Police Community safety forum (held at KernotHall the week before) would know, the police cannot be everywhere at once.

"It's really important that we, as council, implement aCommunity OutreachProgram thatbrings together social services,healthservicestocreatea community-focused response to feelings of safety and lack thereof in ourcommunity. We needto ensure we're supporting people, but also freeing up police resources so they'renot spending their time doingsomeoneelse's job."

Cr Morgan argued it was up to localgovernment to do something, and promptly, as "now is the time to get on top of it and make adecisive decision."

"The community deserves to feel safewalking down the street and operating their businesses," she went on to say.

After Cr Lund reserved, Cr Gibson spoke for the motionfor the first time, apologeticinher opposition to being proactive while the Minister's visit was still not even adefinite promise.

"I'm sorry it'staken so long -ingoodfaith we were told ameeting would happen," she said, even though Latrobe CityChief Executive StevePiasente had previously clarified that Minister Carbines said he would be interested in visiting Latrobe, but had made no firm commitment.

"This has been in front of us afew times, and we need to be really honest about how we got here," Cr Lund said openly.

"Meanwhile, our community hasn't stopped raising concerns, and we've heard from some of our residents tonight about exactly that, referencing three public speakers whoimplored council to finally pass the motion

Thefirst of these was Linda Reid of Churchill, who found it pleasing to see many councillors at thepolicing forum the weekbefore, but "what was notpleasing was the data produced", "Crime,domestic and family violence in Morwell was extremely concerning -basically the worst in the country."

Ms Reidsaw it evenmorealarming thatamid this,cutstothe Latrobe Health Assembly meant that programs were either halted or unable to get offthe ground to begin with, programs designed to offset these issues in the community.

"Thereisalso very littlefunding for YouthSpace," she said, emphasising the generational needs being addressedbythese two organisations, which were receivingpositive data that showed benefit.

"I heard on the radio today an appeal not to move the transit police from Traralgonrailway station," shesaid,describingher own experiences of feeling unsafe in Latrobe.

As aregular commuter, Ms Reid felt protective service officers do agreat job,but "amyet to seeany form of security or assistance on the new platform at Morwell.

"There's no staff there at night, and if you get off on your own, it is very very scary."

The secondplatform at Morwell stationisthe only unstaffed platform in Latrobe Valley.

"I don't have the answer because it's multifaceted with many causes. Iurgecouncil to fund this very important program, as astep forward."

Another resident, Wendy Castles held asimilar opinion,with theunique perspective of experience in the special education sector. She referred to the Positive Behaviour Interventions Framework, which is adopted broadly across Australian schools,

noting it could be adopted to some extent by agenciesfundedbycouncil to help counter theissues plaguing Latrobe City.

Ms Castles felt that young people andpeople with disability are not receiving the socialsupport that theyneed in Latrobe, which may cause them to be more engaged in antisocial behaviours -or become victims of it.

"I don't believe the actionsbeing takeninLatrobe Valley,particularlyMorwell,are addressing those needs," she said.

The final public speaker on the issue was Jewel Burchell-Robins,youth co-chair at Gippsland Youth Spaces,who spokeongapsinsupportfor youth, and their safety. This is something Ms Burchell-Robins says"we need now more than ever", and she herself does not feel safe in Latrobe, as ayoung person. Cr Lund toldher colleagues each of these perspectives "are not political speaking points -they're lived experience."

She also made apointed statement, likely aimed at Cr Gibson, that policing has arole, but to rely on authoritiesisnot enough, and called for a multifaceted approach, as suggested by Ms Reid.

"Council needs to step up and do what we're here to do, (...) it's long overdue," Cr Lund said.

Latrobe City Council will now allocate asum of $30,000fromthe accumulated unallocated cash reserve in order to develop the program model to improve community safety.

Areport will return to future council meetings, outlining how the program -successful in several metropolitan areas -can be adapted intoalocalised model for Latrobe City.

Another never-ending story: Thegoahead on the Traralgon bypass is yettooccur,with parts likethe

Stay sun smart this summer

AUSTRALIA'S world-leading rates of melanoma and skin cancer serve as astark reminder to stay vigilant about sun protection as ultraviolet (UV) levels rise heading into summer, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.

Mr Chester, who co-chairs the Parliamentary Friends of Melanomaand Skin Cancer Awareness alongsideMinister for Education Jason Clare, attended the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network(MSCAN) annual Start of Summer BBQ in Canberra.

The event brought together patients, clinicians, researchers and sector leaderstodiscussthe nation's ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of melanoma and skin cancer, with MSCAN also partnering with leading dermatologists to offer on-site skin checks, emphasising the importance of early detection.

"Skin cancer is Australia's national cancer," Mr Chester said.

"We have the highest per capita melanomarates in the world, yet most cases are preventable if we take sensible precautions.

"Overexposure to UV lightcauses 95 per cent of melanomas.

"Protecting ourselves from harmful UV exposure and designing public spaces, like parks, playgrounds and sportsfacilities, with more shade are simple steps that can save lives."

Mr Chesterurged Gippslanders to takesun safety seriously over the coming months.

"As we head into summer, when UV radiation is at its peak, it's important to look after yourself and your loved ones," he said.

PhotoiStock

"By following the Five Sun Safe Rules, you can significantly reduce yourriskofmelanoma and other skin cancers.

"Simple actions can prevent life-changing consequences."

Five Sun Safe Rules

 Slip on protective clothing;  Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen;  Slap on awide-brimmed hat;  Seek shade, and;  Slide on sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard.

Bringingthe hammer down on underquoting

THE stategovernment willintroduce Australianfirst laws next year requiring real estate agents to publish vendors' reserve prices ahead of an auction or fixed-date sale.

Currently, vendors can set areserve or asking price as late as auction day -and at alevel higher thanadvertised. According to the government, this leads to Victorians showing up on auction day for ahouse they can’t afford.

The new laws will require agents to publish the actual reserve price at least seven days before auction day or fixed date of sale, and real estate agents that fail to disclose the reserve price within the time frame will not be allowed to proceed to auction or sale.

Real estate agents would also need to update all marketingmaterials to reflectthe reserve price and stop using any previous advertising that does not contain the reserve price.

Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said underquoting wasn’t fair, with young Victorians and families paying the price.

"That’s why we’re stamping it out by requiring reserve prices to be published at least seven days before an auction,” he said.

“We want the housing market to be fair that’s why we’re continuing to crack down on underquoting with strong laws, adedicated taskforce and active enforcement.”

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) welcomed the reform, but cautioned the government against adopting an overly narrow and reactive approach.

The REIV has long supportedgreater price transparency, but claimed the approach announced by the government was adisproportionateresponse that risked disadvantaging vendors in its current form.

“We have been developing suitable solutions that strike the right balancebetween greater price transparency and protecting avendor’s right to achieve the best possibleprice,” REIV chiefexecutive Toby Balazs said.

“We look forward to publishing the strategic working group’s recommendations. Informed by extensivestakeholder input,the group’sreport will aim to guidethe morenuanced regulatory response required to give buyers increased price transparency without compromising vendor rights.

“Having positivelyliaised with the Victorian government as part of our strategic working group activity, and the government’s own underquoting reform consultationprocess, the REIV and its members remain committed to being part of the solution.”

ONE POINTERS

Ta ke aB re ak

BRAIN STRAIN

1. What’s the nameofthe fairy in Peter Pan?

2. Which NSWriver is renowned forits paddle steamers?

3. What arethe names of SteveIrwin’schildren?

4. Who does the voicefor PrincessFiona in the Shrek movies? TWOPOINTERS

5. What year did the firstman land on the moon?

6. Is it male or female toads thatcroak?

7. George O’Dowd is better known as which 80’spop star?

8. On adartboard,whatnumber sits to theright of the number 20?

THREE POINTER

9. The Waratah is the floral emblemfor which Australian state?

10.The firstinternational soccermatch wasplayedin1872between England and what othercountry?

11. What four coloursmakeupthe Indian flag?

12. What is the only snakethat builds anest?

FOUR POINTER

13. In human anatomy,what body part does the ‘hallux’ referto?

14. The Petronas Towers arealandmark in what Asian capital city? FIVE POINTER

15. Who were the fivemain singers in the ‘Traveling Wilburys’?

Howdid youfare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 21-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room forimprovement; 0-8: Hit the books.

4: onmerCa Diaz; 5: 9;196 6: Male; 7: e;rgeoyGBo 8: One (1); 9: outhwSNe les;Wa 10: otland;Sc 11: ange,Or e,whit blue and een;gr 12: King a;brCo 13: The big e;to 14: alaKu Lumpur; 15: eff.J-1 nne,Ly -2. ison,rbyORo an,ylyDob.B-3 -4. ettymPTo and -5. geGeor Harrison.

rsweAns 1: erbell;Tink 2: The ayMurr er;Riv 3: Bindi and bert;Ro

Using the9 lettersin thegrid, howmany wordsoffour letters or more canyou list? Thecentrelet termust be included andeach letter maybeused onlyonce. No colloquialorforeign words. No capitalisednouns, apostrophesorplural wordsending in ‘s’.

•

•

Heart attacksurvivor forevergrateful

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AREGULAR morning in 2021 turned into alifechanging, traumatic event for Morwell man Michael Soban.

After suffering aheart attack at the ageof39, he recently reunited with the local paramedic who saved hislifeon that fateful day.

Experiencing chest pain for well over 24 hours, and after arestless night, Mr Soban awoke and jumpedinto the shower only for it to get significantly worse.

"I thought 'ah yeah, ashowerwill make things good' and it just got100 times worse," he told the Express

"That's when Icalled the ambulance up, called triple zero and they came (and) took me away.

"I thought at one point,becausethe pain had gotten pretty bad, Ithought I was going to die."

MobileIntensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic Eleisha Albert recognised the severity of Mr Soban's case from the moment she arrived.

"He met us at the doorand he was quite sweaty," Ms Albert said.

"I thought it wasfromthe shower, but it turned out it wasfrom aheart attack

"We had put the cardiac monitor onto him and when the electrocardiogram was printed out, Iremember looking at it in disbelief.

"He wassoyoungtobehaving aheart attack."

Suffering from aST-segment elevation myocardialinfarction (STEMI),which is amajor heart attack often caused by acompletely blocked major coronary

artery, Mr Soban was at risk of developing chronic heart failure or going into cardiac arrest had he not received swift treatment.

Whatwas also crucial in savingMr

So ban's life was am edicine called Tenecteplase, which is only carried by paramedics positioned morethan 90 minutes from the nearest hospital with

specialist cardiac facilities Rural areas such as the Latrobe Valley typically don't have these.

"Tenecteplaseisaclot-busting drug, meaning it has the abilitytodissolve blood clots in your arteries," Ms Albert said.

Spending five days at the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, Mr Soban

admitted the recovery was slow and is still progressing.

"I wasn't able to go to work for maybe 10 months, wasn't allowed to drive for six months," he said.

However, he's now back on track more than four years later, and enjoying his mountain bike riding acrossthe land once again.

The affection had for the paramedics who arrived to his rescue was evident, withMrSobanbringinggifts for his saviours with ahappy smilewhen meeting at the recently opened Morwell Ambulance Victoria super branch.

"They've forever got aplace in my heart," he said.

"I probably would have died if it wasn't for them.

"I wanted to say thank you and let them know that I'm continuing on."

Ms Albert wished to remind the community to take these signs seriously.

"I'd recommendthat people have regular check-ups with their GP to be screened forhigh blood pressure and high cholesterol and any high risk factors for cardiac disease, especially if they have afamily history of cardiac disease," she said.

"Listen to your body, and if you do ever have chest pains, regardless of how old they are, to treat it seriously and call triple zero."

Mr Soban, who was caring for his brother and sick mother at the time, said that he probably didn't listen to those signs.

"Their health was the upmost importance while Iwas caring for them but I probably ignored myself," he said.

"I hadn't seen adoctor for maybea decade."

The risk of heart attacks can be reduced by lifestyle changes or medication.

You can make an appointment with a GP to identifyany risk factors and make aplan to manage them.

Generous gesture from St Kieran’sPrimarySchool

By LIAM DURKIN

ONE, two, three, well done me.

Students from St Kieran’s Primary School, Moe gave themselves adeserved pat on the back after an incredible fundraising effort.

The school’s senior cohort (Grade 4-6) organised and implemented amarket day,the proceeds of whichwill see kids in need receive giftsthis Christmas.

Amazingly, enough money was raised for more than 70 presents.

Studentswere on hand to distribute the gifts last week, accepted by agratefuland equally proud team from the local St Vincent de Paul branch.

“Thisisoverwhelming. Your donation of toys for children who mightnot receive anything at Christmas is one of the kindest and most generous things anyonecan do,” St Vincent de Paul Moe Conference President, Sandra Demagistris said.

“Each toy you’ve givenwill bring asmile to a child’s face,maybe achild who thought that Christmas would pass them by this year.

“You may never meet the children who will receive your gifts, but Ipromise you this -they will never forget the happiness you’ve given them.”

Students sold items such as bracelets, pet rocks, and played games as part of the market, which had an emphasis on recycled products.

Additionally,on-the-groundlessons in money handling, accounting and budgeting were just someofthe educationalbenefitstocomeout of the initiative.

children.

Assembled: TheStKieran’sMoe school community,which has helped raisemoneyfor the less fortunatethisChristmas.Picturedisparish priest Father Casmir,schooldeputyprincipal Emily Marino,school leadersEvie,Skylah,Brooklynand Bailey,StVincent de Paul MoeConference President, Sandra Demagistris and conference member Mar yWeir

Prospering: Morwell’sMichael Soban wasrecentlyabletothankEleisha Alber t, the paramedic who savedhis life when he sufferedahear tattackatthe youngage of 39.

Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Community: Grade 4students Ruby,Nganun, Travis,Ava,(front) Hunter, Nova,Evie and Aria with FatherCasmir, St VincentdePaul Moe Conference Member Mar yWeir and conference president SandraDemagistris

Group effort: St Kieran’sPrimar ySchool, Moestudents gather around the more than 70 presents their fundraising effortshelped purchase forneedy

Photographs: Liam Durkin

From the garden to your plate

By KATRINA BRANDON

EACH season has its share of dishes, whether it's soup for acold night or abarbecueonasunny afternoon.

Sharing the ideologythatrecipes change with the seasons, Churchill local Noelene Marchwicki has released another recipe book, Garden Path: Kitchen Door.

Lastyear, Ms Marchwickireleased Cooking with Noelene,acookbook printed by the Churchill and District News,withthe profits from the book going towards keeping the local paper going.

The newest cookbook was launched last month at Churchill Pizza HQ, sheltering from the rain while sparking conversationsover coffeeabout Ms Marchwicki’s recipes.

From the “garden path”, Ms Marchwicki focused on seasonal food, sharing whatsuitswhen andhow to adapt it to fit the person cooking.

“It's not just about the food,” she told the Express “It's about the seasons.The seasons change. The food that we eat changes. We change with every season.

“The seasonsgift us different foods …Ijust thought it makes agood opportunity -takesome recipes, recipes I've grown up with that I've seen, andIchange themtosuit myself. It'sinseason, becausewe've got so manybeautiful, wonderful, freshfoods, vegetables.”

Lookingaround the garden, through local produce marketsorsupermarkets,MsMarchwicki said that while not everyone has roomortimefor agarden to grow produce, some of the recipes can make up to four or five meals, which can be put in the freezer for alater date.

Ms Marchwicki said she also hopesthe book encourages people to cook more and to delve into

Local support: Churchill and District News (CDN) team memberAllan Larkin, local author and chef Noelene Marchwicki and CDN secretary Ruth Place

the kitchen to find their own recipes.

Ms Marchwicki has along connection with food, startingwith being astay-at-home mum of five kids

Shespoke with aneighbourand friend,then considered starting herown catering business, Dial An Occasion. Mortified, the friend went along with Ms Marchwicki’s enthusiasm. Later, Ms Marchwicki applied to be on My KitchenRules and was accepted, butshe decided to stepdown as it wasn’t what she waslooking for.

In 2013, when her youngest son,Dale,moved out of home, he delivered to his mum paperwork for MasterChef,for which she had been accepted. The20-week journey brought Ms Marchwicki to beingone of Australia’s Top 10 cooks.

The long journey wasn’t just challenging for Ms Marchwicki; she said it inspired her to return and follow her dream of cooking fulltime.

MerryChristmas Traralgon

THOUSANDS lined Traralgon streets for the town's annual community Christmas parade. Although the weather thought about putting a dampener on the day, the rain stayed away for the most part, and allowed everyone to keep smiling and cheering as each parade float passed. The parade wasafabulous mixofbands, fantasy characters, stilt walkers,community groups, emergency services, youth groups, sports groups, church groups, motor cyclists, and vintagecars. Everything for the whole family to enjoy! Latrobe CitycouncillorsJoanne Campbell and Mayor Sharon Gibson joined in. Local MPs Melina Bathand MartinCameronhanded out so many lollies alongside their great band of young people. Santamade it to the Traralgon CentrePlaza on time to open the Christmas Grotto. Not even

Photographs supplied

the Grinch could spoil that! Families were out in force and so many young people were dressed perfectly for the occasion. Those who caught the eye of the event’sjudges were rewarded withan adventcalendar.

The market was busy right from the start,with awide variety of Christmas goods on sale. Every stall wasdoing well and shoppersand stallholders had fun.

Bluey’s photobooth was another standout success, with Bluey and Bingo and friends having greatfun with the children.

Overall, it was awonderful experience and the community organisers, and their many sponsors can be incredibly happy with bringing to fruition such ajoyful occasion.

Put November 29 in your diary for next year.

Secret recipes: Member forMorwell, Martin

Cameron and Latrobe CityBudgeree Ward

Councillor Leanne Potter with copies of Churchill local’sNoelene Marchwicki’snew cookbook

Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Ms Marchwicki has also shared her recipes online through her blog and has lived in the local area all herlife.Asachild, she started at Jeeralang Junction, before moving to Churchill, where she attended the Gippsland InstituteofAdvanced Education, now known as Federation University. Later,she taught classes at Churchill Neighbourhood House, where her passion for cooking inspired many.

“Whenthey started the Community Engagement Project Churchill Neighbourhood Centre, that I encountered this petite tour de force in chef's wipes for the first time,” Neighbourhood House Churchill former coordinator Abigail Brown said.

“She wasthere,peeringintopots on the stove, demonstrating techniques and encouragingher students, who were hanging on to her every day. As the manager, Igot to know pretty quickly that

Connection: Churchill andDistrict News SecretaryRuth Place speaking at the book launch, detailing Noelene Marchwicki’s contributions through her cooking

Tuesdays were the day for cooking. The students would arrive buzzing, she wouldrock in,and together they would cook up delicious meals.

“Weinthe office wouldberequired to do taste tests, and we certainly didn't complain, and there was often something lovely left in the fridge for us to take home. Her classes were like gold dust, and students came along way to be there.

“Noelene is just such agreat teacher, but also she is acommunity spirit.”

Member for Morwell, MartinCameron and Latrobe City Budgeree Ward Councillor Leanne Potter also boasted about Ms Marchwicki’s passion and talent.

For Garden Path: Kitchen Door, the Express askedwhat reciperesonates best with Ms Marchwicki, which she answered, “one of the chicken dishes, because chicken’svery easy to use."

Our favourite recipe picks

Here are three of the top picks, selected by Express

Crunchy honeyChicken

INGREDIENTS

500 ml canola oil

1egg, lightly beaten

125 gram self-raising flour

450 gram chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 4spring onions, cut into 5centimeter pieces 1x225 gram canpineapple rings, drained and quartered

50 gm vermicelli noodles

11/2 cups water 1/3 cup cornflour 1tbs peanut oil 180 ml of honey

INSTRUCTIONS

Let's getstarted. Pourthe canola oil into a medium saucepanand heat overamedium heat until hot. Deep fry the noodles in two batches, for acouple of seconds until white and fluffy.Removewith aslottedspoon and drain on absorbentpaper. In alarge bowl whisktogether the water, beaten egg and flour until batter is smooth. Place the cornflourinashallow bowl and coat the chicken pieces, shaking off any excess cornflour. Dip the chicken pieces into the batter mix and deep fry in small batches untilgolden brown Remove and drainonabsorbent paper. Heat the peanut oil in alarge pan over amedium/ highCieat aStir fry esprin onions and drained and quartered pineapple. Place the chicken onto serving dishes and top with the spring onions, pineapple and noodles. Drizzle over honey.

Classic Spaghetti and meatballs

INGREDIENTS

1kilogram tray beef sausages

3x400 gram tins diced tomatoes

400 gram dried spaghetti

3tbspmincedgarlic

3tbspItalian herb mix

Chopped parsley to serve

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat yourovento180 degrees C. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Squeezeabout three meatballs from each of the sausage casings, the meatballs should be about 3cm in diameter. Place the meatballs on the oven tray. Cook in the preheated oven,until themeatballs are cooked and lightly coloured. Empty two cans of chopped tomatoes in alarge ovenproof dish and stir through the minced garlic and Italian herb mix. Add thecookedmeatballs and stir to combine.

Place the dish back into the ovenand allow to heat through while you prepare thespaghetti. Partially fill alarge pot with saltedwaterand

bring to the boil over ahigh heat. Add the spaghetti and boil till al dente. Drain through acolander and lightly spray the drained spaghetti with cooking oil. Turn the cooked spaghetti into aserving bowl and stir through the finalcan of diced tomatoes. Sprinkle over lightly with Italianherb mix. Finally finish this classicdish with chopped parsley over the meatballs.

Jessie's pavlova

INGREDIENTS

6egg whites at room temperature

250 gcastor sugar

1tablespoon ncornf cornflour

125 gicing sugar

Apinch salt

1teaspoon white vinegar 1teaspoonvanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 150 degrees C. Lightly spray and line abaking sheet (tray) with baking paper. Beat the 6egg whites, apinch of salt and the castor sugar, until peaks are glossy and stiff. Mix together the icing sugar and cornflour and sprinkle overalong withthe vanilla extractand vinegarand fold in. Spread the meringue on the prepared oven tray in acircle. Make aslightwell in the centre. Bake in the preheatedoven for 90 minutes, until apale eggshell colour. Turn the oven off,but DO NOT REMOVETHE MERINGUE FROM THE OVEN. Open the oven door very slightly and allow the meringuetocoolinthe oven. Expect cracks Carefully removethe meringuetoaserving plate and then fill with whipped cream andyour favourite fruit fillings. SometimesIgrate flake or peppermint crisp over the filling.

TASTY and delicious recipescan be foundin Noelene Marchwicki's new cookbook Garden Path: Kitchen Door

journalist Katrina Brandon.

Jolly: SantainTraralgon.

Community Corner

Christmas carols

SUNDAY,December 14 at Moe Baptist Church (60-62 Fowler Stre et, Moe) from 6pm. Barbecue and children's activities at 7pm,carols and supper to follow. Phone 0494 333 776.

St Mary’s Anglican Church, Morwell (6 Latrobe Road, Morwell) -family Christmas carols servicewith Morwell Citizens Bandand soloistfrom 7pm. Belong Church Moe(Level 1Shaw'sArcade, 36 George Street, Moe). Special carol service at 10am.

St Kieran's Catholic Parish, Moe (corn er Lloyd and Wirraway St) -Christmas Eve mass is at 7pm.

Brilliant bridge TRARALGONBridgeClub

results:

Monday,December 1: Equal 1st -Ken Tierney and Monika Cornell,BarbaraBrabets and Anne Moloney (56.25 per cent).

Tuesday, December 2: N/S equal 1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr, Robin and Moira Heck er (57. 5). E/W Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (66.43); 2nd Peter Lonie and Carol Cheyne (55.36).

Thursday, December 4: 1st Don Tylee and Robin Hecker (61.11); 2nd Greg Nicholson and Kaye Douglas (58.89).

If you would like to play or learn more about bridge, call Helen McAdam on 0438164 528.

Seniorsclub

ORA NA Senio rs Cl ub, located at 5Ollerton Avenue, Newborough (turn into Gate 2and continue along until you come to the big carpark on the left).

Avariety of activities are on offer. Membership is $10 per year, andfromJanuary, aweekly activity fee of $3 will be chargedtohelp keep the

club solvent. Games of 500 and Rumikub areplayedon Tuesdaysfrom1pm until 4pm. At 2.30pm there is atea break and apleasant interlude.

On Thursday mornings from 10am until noon, thereisa craft group. The third Friday of each month is when the club hasatakeaway night catered for by avarietyoflocal businesses.

The club has apool table, indoor bowls matsand an extensive lending library.

On the first Thursday of the month, there is atwo course catered lunch and general meeting ($20 ahead). No craft on meeting days.

Rooms are available to hire for socialactivities.The club does not have aliquor licence, but has all the required kit chen facil itie sa nd the rooms are attractive.

Phone Orana Club president Heather on 0455 111 273 or secretary Coby on 0417 163 217.

You may alsoleave amessage on the Orana line at 0487 111 792.

Orchid club

AFTER quite abusy 2025, the Gippsland Orchid Club is looking forward to its final meeting of the year. The club will be celebrating Chr istmas tomo rrow (Thu rsday, Decemb er 11) at the clubrooms (Anglican Church Hall, Tra ralgon).

Do ors op en from 5.30 pm Dinner will be provided for financial members and guests.

There will be araffle. For those attending, it would be great if you could bring along one or tw or aff le pr iz es. Ticketswill be three for $5. Awa rd winn ing membe rs willbepresented with their trop hies afte rd inner and Christmaspresentsand raffle prizes also being received.

First meeting of 2026 will be Thursday, February 13. For fur ther informa tion , phone Pat on 0407 741 621.

Viewtohelp

THE committee and members of Moe View Club would like to thank Moe Hotel(Leggies), loc al busin es ses ,a nd the public for helping throughout 2025.

Your efforts helped raised money for eight students that the club sponsorsthrough Vie wa nd Sm ith Fam il y Foundation.

The club hadafun year while helping these families. Happy Christmas to you all.

Thirty-six ladies attended the Christmas lunch.

Major raffle winners were: Hamper: Rose Beer. Plum pudding: Ka ye Anderson.

Moe Hotel and Penny Lane

Wine Bar vouchers were won as well.

All interested ladies are most welcome to join next year.

Inquiries to Sue on 0417 515 745 or Maureen (0458 842 256).

Classic chess

PETER Baker holds the lead in the wide open series that is in progress at the Latrobe Valley Chess Club.

Ian Hami lton kept his chances alivelastweekand Steve Ahern also remained in contention.

Price Samaseia was in brief trouble but has now recovered Harriet [pseudonym] helped others by accepting the challenges.

Bar ry [ps eud on ym] was another player who was new to the cluband showedplenty of potential.

Samanatha Juersrejoined the contests and started with awin, that was followedby aloss in the tight struggles.

CliffThornton chose to take the short break and looks forward to rejoining the series soon.

Phone Ian Hamilton on 0400 221 649 for furt her information.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity group and have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress. com.au

You can addresscorrespondence to the editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write 'Community Corner' in the subjectline and nothing else.

Dea dl ine is Fr id ay 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

As a locally-owned-family-run business, Carpet Country and now The Country Tiler brings bold and exciting ideas to your new build or renovation, with a variety of tiles in store, pop in to see the experts and let them help design your new space.

We’re passionate about helping people fall in love with their homes by choosing products that suit their style, needs, and how they use their spaces

Providing indoor and outdoor flooring from our store in Traralgon for over 40 years 5174 7211

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Great jobladies: MoeViewClub has celebrated another successful year,helping students andthe local community The group is pictured at last week’s Christmaslunch. Photograph supplied

Uniting young people in ag

By KATRINA BRANDON

WORKING to get young people into dairy, the GippsDairy Young Dairy Network (YDN) held a family fun day at Mirboo North’s Walter JTuck Reservelast month.

“The aim of the committee is aboutincludingour younger generation and getting every member of the family involved, and networking and being social, meeting each other, making connections and buildingcommunity,” YDNcommittee member Alex Boileau told the Express

“That's whatthis day is really aimed at, providing and bringing people together from across Gippsland to meet peoplethat they may not have met before, andfor theyounger kids too, to havethat opportunity as well, which they don't often get.”

More than 100people registered for the event, with the majority turning up despite the wet weather that soaked the grounds, which, for some attendees, added to the excitement.

Committeemember Luke Johnson saidthat, despite the group's name, the events are not exclusive to dairy farmers.

“Even if you just come in two weeks into the industry, come along,” he said.

“That is one of our main goals, to create aplace where everyone in the industry is equal. There'sno

divide betweendairy farmers and service providers.

We just want everyone to be able to get involved.”

Ms Boileau and Mr Johnson said that one of the biggest challenges for farmers these days is finding acommunity that suits them, and that it can be quite isolating, as some don’t feel they can leave the farm.

“Making it really known to be inclusive is that it can be areally challenging thing for young people who are new to the industry, new to the area, and really trying to get on their feet,” Ms Boileau said.

“I'venoticed in my line of work that at alot of the other GippsDairy events, alot of the younger peopleare busy working on thefarmand don't get the opportunity to come out. So we've really tried to makealot moreevents at night, or like socialevents on the weekends, just to workaround younger people's schedules and busy days on the farm, and obviously, children as well.

“We've got equal representatives from across Gippsland, but also an excellent equal split of service providers and farmers. But the one thingthat we are all really focused on is creating that sense of community. And just even though we do provide a mixtureoftechnical events and social events, that the focus is always around, gettingpeople off farms, getting people opportunity to, whether it's at the pub and have abeer together, or have ameal or

committeemembersLuke

here todaywith the kids, just creating those social situations andworking opportunities.”

Next year, Ms Boileau and Mr Johnson hope to increase engagement at industry events among people in agriculture, as well as find events that suit all generations.

During the event, warm drinks were available forattendees, with asideofpopular snacks and event food, popcorn and fairy floss. Young children enjoyed face painting, abouncy castle and bubbles

While the event was geared toward younger generations, the day became “a chance to be akid again” for parents who wantedtoenjoy popcorn and snacks, with cheese optional from Tarago Cheese. While parents chilled undercover and in the recreation reserve social room, local musician Tegan Blackstock entertained the crew with music she had played at Tamworth.

Lunchwas provided for attendees, helping the youngerones regainenergy andgiving othersa chance to warm up with the roast provided by Gippsland business owner Craig Young.

Youth present were also seen running through the event in arace from one side of the oval to the other, through giant bubbles, and to greet Santa, who arrived with many giftsfor the young ones and later joined the bouncy castle fun.

Using TikTok for good, Heyfield local recognised for wildlife safety videos

MILLIONS of people have watchedaHeyfield family turn their home into ahaven for sick and injured native wildlife.

It’s where wombats dash across the lawn, joeys are bottle-fed on the couch,and everything from boobook owls and echidnas to blue-tongue lizards and ring tail possums arrive on the doorstep to be cared for.

Authorised wil dlife carer Josh Neille has leveraged the power of social media to support conservation efforts and raiseawarenessabout Australian wildlife. He shares his passionalongside wife Amber Moyes and their daughter Ashlee. Recently, Neille took out the ‘TikTok For Good Award’ at the annual Australian/New Zealand TikTok Awards held in Sydney.

Arecord-breaking 6.4 million votes were cast across the award’s 14 categories.

Neille called the experience “humbling” in accepting the award on the TikTok Entertainment Centre stage. He said the platform has provided “a window into how unique our lifestyle is for everyone to chime in about all the cool stuff we do

with Australian wildlife”. “To be able to showcase that to the world, the importance of that and just how beautiful and unique they are -Idon’t think people realisejust how special and lucky we are here in Australia,” he said. Besideswildlife, Neille’s daughter Ashlee has also become afamiliarfacein hisvideos. Her enthusiasm and naturalbondwith theanimals have earnther afollowing of her own.

“I know our little six-year-old Ashlee is at home cuddled up to awombat watching this, and Ijust want her to know thatmum and sad are really proud of her,” he said.

“All we can ask for is that my ceiling becomes her floor -and Ithink she’s going to do really good things in this space.”

One thing is true -Ashleeisgrowing into “a mini wildlife warrior”, much like her dad.

Raised in afamily that encouraged compassion for native animals, Neille said he hopes his work now will inspire other children “to grow up to help critters” too.

Fun: Many activities were available forattendeesatthe Young Dair yNet work familyday,including crowd-favouritebubbles

Dairy: Giving an oppor tunityfor farmersfromall sidesofthe agriculturesector to socialise,the Young Dair yNet work,who areapar tofGippsDair y, welcomedpeople to MirbooNor th last month.

Cheerful: Santajoined in the fun at theYoung Dair yNet work,beforereturning to regular duties Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Young leaders: YoungDair yNet work

Johnson and AlexBoileau helped lead the event at Mirboo Nor th Recreation Reser ve

Tunes: Local musicianTegan Blackstockenter tained at the Young Dair yNet work event lastmonth

Joy: Gippsland youngster Bella(4) received specialChristmas lollies offSantaatthe dair ynet working event.

Viral: Heyfield wildlifecarer Josh Neille has become aTikTok sensation. Photographs supplied

Assistant: Josh’s six-year-old daughter Ashlee has become afamiliarface on the videos detailingwildlife conser vation.

Christmas Tree Appeal

In support of Morwell

Neighbourhood House

A helping hand will make a difference for families and children this Christmas

Bring in gifts for babies and children up to 16 years or non-perishable goods to go under the Christmas tree. Non wrapped presents are preferred Feel the warmth as you’re giving and make a difference this Christmas

All gifts and non-perishable goods will be passed onto Mor well Neighbourhood House, for distribution at their discretion f rom Monday 15 December.

Drop off deadline is: Monday 15 December by 1pm

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne MadelineMoore

December 8-December 14,2025

then start again next week Friday onwards is a good time to read write research publish and/or travel

This week’s stars highlight the constant balancing act between individual needs and relationship responsibilities Adventurous Uranus (in Taurus) emphasises the importance of maintaining your individuality and prioritising personal projects Whereas the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Venus (your ruling planet) shine a spotlight on your partner, relatives and/or close friends Are you meeting their needs as well as your own? And is your trust in someone well-placed?

Attached Twins – this week’s stars are good for cementing your commitment to your sweetheart, as you find extra romantic ways to show affection Singles – give superficial suitors a wide berth Look for lasting love with a clever Libran a stable Sagittarian or a charismatic Aquarian And – when it comes to your wellbeing – don t just talk about improving your fitness levels Be proactive jump off the comfy couch and get physical in the great outdoors!

Lucky, plucky Jupiter is visiting your sign, plus Mercury forms positive aspects to Saturn and Neptune in your aspirations zone So you need to be more proactive and focused about turning current opportunities and vague dreams into future good fortune Where intention flows energy goes! Inspiring motto for the moment is from birthday great poet Emily Dickinson: “Fortune befriends the bold ” When it comes to a burgeoning friendship or romance, don’t rush

Attention Cats your inner muse is calling! Inspiration is high as the Sun (your ruler), Mercury, Venus and Mars activate your creativity zone So its a fabulous week to express your fiery energy as you sing dance draw paint perform write take photos or play music But expect some Uranian disruptions at home or work especially midweek Clever Lions will slow down think before you speak and consider the possible consequences before you act

Apart from some midweek disruptions (courtesy of Uranus), this week looks very good Mondays Mercury/Saturn trine is terrific for mental focus and disciplined work Thursdays Mercury/Neptune trine encourages creative thinking intuitive insights and forgiveness And then Sunday’s Mercury/Pluto link fosters deep thinking and powerful communication Your quote is from birthday great, Sinead O Connor: “Forgiveness is the most important thing”

Communication, conversation, education, social media and local travel are all highlighted this week But avoid being rash with cash and credit (especially midweek) via an expensive online purchase or a spontaneous spending spree at the local shops Impulse buys now could lead to big regrets later And is it time to express your humanitarian side? Think of ways you can contribute your numerous Libran talents to a worthy cause within your local community

The Sun Mercury Venus and Mars are all transiting through your money values and self-worth zones So financial matters and self-esteem issues are on your mind, as you find ways to consolidate your finances and boost your inner confidence Do your best to show extra kindness and compassion towards a family member or close friend who’s going through a tough time The things they are dealing with are more serious and complex than you previously thought

This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are in your sign, Mercury and Pluto fire up your imagination, plus Uranus pushes you to express your authentic self every day So its time to network within your peer group and extended social circle as you get your creative ideas out into the world Be inspired by Sagittarian singer-songwriter-poet Jim Morrison (who was born on December 8, 1943): “The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are ”

The week starts well, as Mercury makes a terrific aspect with taskmaster Saturn (your ruling planet), which encourages and boosts your conscientious perfectionist side But don’t overdo it! Leave room for mistakes stumbles and occasional sloppiness No one can get things 100% right all the time Wisdom for the week comes from birthday great, actress Dame Judi Dench: “I think you should take your job seriously, but not yourself – that is the best combination ”

Work and home life look rather chaotic as Mercury and Uranus (your ruling planet) stir up your career and domestic zones Expect the week to be messy and disorganised (and you might get distracted and make some frustrating mistakes) but try to keep things in perspective Don’t let outer circumstances upset your inner equilibrium Your motto is from Taylor Swift (who turns 36 on Saturday): Happiness and confidence are the prettiest things you can wear

You re full of big ideas and ambitious aspirations but stop procrastinating Pisces! The challenge is to follow through on plans and commitments If you make a promise – keep it If you set a goal – work hard to achieve it It doesn’t matter how long it takes With patience and persistence, you can make your dreams come true But take off your rose-coloured glasses and have your wits about you (especially on Sunday) Don’t fall for a smooth talker bearing fake news

COPYR GHT Joanne Made ne Moore 2025

Old Gippstown Christmas thisSaturday from 3pm

THE annualChristmascarnival and carolsat Old Gippstown Heritage Park is this Saturday (December 13).

Gates open at 3pm, close at 10pm. Entry is free.

Highlights of the event will be astunning neon light display, the many markets and food stalls, a dog lookalike competition, Santa and Mrs Claus, awonderful Devonshire tea in the Narracan Hall, old time games and carols in the rotunda featuring local schooland communitychoirs and walkup entertainers.

To makeattending easier,LatrobeValley Bus Lines will be operating afree wheelchair and stroller friendly shuttle bus service from 3.30pm to 9.30pm,picking up and setting down at Old Gippstown at 30 minute intervals. The pickup points will be Albert St,Moe (outside Reeces Plumbing) and Lloyd St, Moe (just up from the railway station).

Lions Club of Moe President, Rob Sharrock,said the event embodies and captures everything that Lions stands for.

"The event is about bringing people together and celebrating what makes our community special," he said.

"Withsomany local groups involved,Santa and Mrs Claus making an appearance, and afantastic neon lighting displayplanned, it’sgoing to be a truly magical night for families of all ages."

Twogood neighbours

FOR the second consecutive year,Robert and Lynne from Morwell Neighbourhood House have beenabletodonate 300 non-perishable food items to help those in need.

The couple started this initiative eight years ago, and the Salvation Army and Anglicare have been therecipients of this assistance in previous years.

Putting asideafew dollars each week has enabled Robert and Lynne to reach their goal for Christmas 2025.

The listoffoods include tintomatoes, corn, beetroot, pineapple,baked beans and spaghetti, as well as cereal, pasta and ahost of other foods with long expiry dates.

In these hard economic times, the cries for help haveincreased dramatically,and places like Morwell Neighbourhood House are in need of all the help that is available.

Putting aside one can of food each week by 10 peoplecan leadto500 cans of food to be distributed near Christmas.

"We urge anyone who can help to contact Morwell Neighbourhood House, every donation willhelp out greatly and would we are sure would be greatly appreciated," thepair said "We wish everyone asafeand an enjoyable festive

O’Grady

Locallegends: Robert andLynne have again givengenerouslytohelpMorwell NeighbourhoodHouse this Christmas Photograph: supplied

St, Morwell

O'GRADY Street is one of the streets in Morwell Eastnamedafterearly presidents and councillors of the Shire of Morwell.

Margaret O’Grady (nee Doyle) and her children Michael Ward (and his wife Catherine) and John and William Francis O’Grady immigrated to Melbournefrom County ClareinIreland on the Blue Jacketin1864.

They lived on afarm on the southern outskirts of the town of Boolarra and the creek which flowed through their property became known as O'Grady's Creek. The creek flows through Boolarra and into theMorwell River.

William Francis was the son of John O’Grady and his wife Margaret Doyle,and was born in County Clare in 1845. He married Fanny Smith in West Melbourne in 1880. She became known as FrancesMary.

William and Frances hadfive children: Edith (Kit) Kate, Mary Ellen, William Francis Edward, William John Edwin and Frances Margaret.

William O’Grady was acouncillorwiththe Morwell Shire from 1899 to 1906 and shire president 1903-04. As president of the Shire of Morwell, he opened Alexandra Park in Commercial Road in 1904 andplanted the first tree in the park, a CalifornianRedwood, agianttree which grows to aheightof90metres.

William was chairman of Boolarra Mechanics Institute(1905) and appointed Justice of the Peace in 1910. He was also vice president for the St Patrick’s Day races in Morwell. Afarewell to the O’Gradys was held in the Boolarra Hall on December 22, 1919.

To be sure: William O’Grady gavegreat service to Morwell and Boolarraafter emigrating from Ireland. Photograph supplied

William O’Grady sold his property in 1919 and went to Mentone, where he and his wife lived with their daughter Edith.

William died in 1935 and Frances in 1938. Both are buried in the same grave as his mother in aRoman Catholic compartment in the St Kilda Cemetery.

Information and photographsupplied by the Morwell Historical Society.

season." Morwell Neighbourhood House is located at 48-50 Beattie Crescent, and can be reached on 03 5134 5488.

Merry Christmas: Santawillbemaking an appearance at OldGippstown.

Photograph: iStock

TheGuide

BILL BAILEY’S VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Sail away: Sam Claflin stars as Edmond Dantès in TheCount ofMonte Cristo

CRICKET: BIGBASHLEAGUE

Seven, Sunday, 7pm

PICK OF THE WEEK

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO

SBS Viceland, Saturday, 8 30pm

Sam Claflin (DaisyJones&theSix) and acting icon Jeremy Irons lead an impressive cast for this epic eightepisode interpretation of Alexandre Dumas 1846 novel The men are cast as prisoners on a forbidding island off the coast of Marseilles They spend five years chipping away at the mortar between them with the elder Abbé Faria (Irons) educating Edmond Dantès (Claflin) in multiple subjects before his death gives the younger man a chance to escape Armed with Farias knowledge of a vast treasure Dantès makes for the island of Monte Cristo to claim his fortune Boasting epic fight scenes, revenge, romance and profound moments, this historical drama has something for everyone

SBS, Monday, 7.35pm

As farastravelcompanionsgo, English comedian Bill Bailey (pictured) has to be up there with the zaniest, most affableand entertaining offsiders to hit the road with. Keen to immerse himself in local life, the BlackBooks star jams with musicians, meditates with monks and enthusiastically connects withthe Vietnamese peopleinthis six-parttravelogue.Returning to Vietnamadecade after his first visit,Bailey is intrigued by howthe country has changed in recent years, butalso determined to knowmoreabout its ancient stories and history. In this final episode, he sets sail in atraditional boat andweavesthrough thelimestone karsts and mythical waters of Ha Long Bay.

POH COOKS

MALAYSIA

10, Tuesday, 8 30pm

Thesummerofcricket is now in full swing,treating fans to action left,right and cent Between Saturday night’sWBBL final, thethird AshesTestcommencing in Adelaide and the electrifying action of the BigBash League beginning tonight, cricket lovers a spoiled forchoice by the sport’soverlappingfixtures. Live from the Furnace, the first match-up of the Big Bash season pits the Perth Scorchers against theSydneySixers Afteranearly exit in BBL14, theSixers (aidedbynew signing,Pakistani superstar Babar Azam) will be eager to makeastatement againstthe mostsuccessful side in theleague’shistory. As cricket legend and Seven commentator Aaron Finch (pictured) puts it,“Thebestthing about the BBL is theunpredictability”. tre. e tomorrow are t

Wednesday, December 10

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Destination Flavour.(R) 9.15 Outta Town Adventures. (PGaw,R) 10.10 LeaveNoTrace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do YouThink YouAre? (PG, R) 12.00 BBC NewsAtTen. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 1.55 South America With Simon Reeve (Ml, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGaw,R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 TheCook Up.(R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PGav,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas In My Heart. (2021, PGa, R) Heather Hemmens. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 Beat TheChasersUK. (R) Presented by BradleyWalsh. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. Hosted by LarryEmdur

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz. (Final, PG)

8.30 Crime Night! (Final) HostedbyJulia Zemiro

9.00 SpicksAnd Specks. (PG, R) Hostedbycomedian Adam Hills. 9.30 Utopia (PG, R) 10.25 If You’re Listening. (R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 TheBusiness. (R) 11.20 You Can’t Ask That. (Ml, R) 12.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 1.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next.(PG,R) 2.05 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG,R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News

7.35 MichaelPalin In North Korea (R)

8.25 Terror On TheSpace Station: High-Risk Build. (Premiere) Looksatthe creation of the International Space Station. 9.25 Crime. (Return) DI Ray Lennox is determinedtobea normalcop 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Elvira. (Malv,R) 2.05 Charles I: Downfall Of AKing. (PGav, R) 3.10 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R) 4.15 Growing AGreenerWorld. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20

PGs)

Song To Song. (2017,Malnsv) 12.45pm ABrighter Tomorrow.(2021, Mal, French) 2.30

Caraboo.(1994,PGa) 4.15

(2015,PGa) 6.05 Arthur’sHallowed Ground. (1984,PGl) 7.30 Breath. (2017,Mals, R) 9.40 TheEight Mountains. (2022, Mals) 12.25am Vampire’sKiss. (1988,MA15+lv) 2.20 Caravaggio’s Shadow.(2022, MA15+lns) 4.30 The Movie Show. 5.05 Mrs LowryAnd Son. (2019,PGan)

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PGa) Customs uncovers suspicious paperwork.

7.30 The1%Club UK. (PG,R) Hosted by LeeMack.

8.30 MOVIE: Pitch Perfect. (2012, Mls, R) Auniversity freshman is coaxed into joining an all-girl acappella group.Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow,Rebel Wilson.

10.50 Chicago Fire. (Ma) 11.50 Motorway Patrol. (PGa, R) 12.20 MOVIE: Secrets Exposed. (2022, Mav, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

When Poh Ling Yeow (pictured) first auditioned for MasterChefin 2009 with a fancy French dish the judges asked why she didn t cook a meal from her culture The answer isn t as straightforward as you might expect In fact, the Malaysian-born cook, wh d t Adelaide aged nine has spen career reconnecting with her Malay heritage and traditions childhood This vivid homeco special takes Yeow back to h beginnings, exploring the tro nation’s vibrant food scene through markets hawker sta family kitchens as she redisco the dishes and stories that sh her, before recreating her fav with fresh Aussie ingredients

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 The LastMusician Of Auschwitz.(Ma, R) 11.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 ABCNews At Noon 12.30 National Press Club Address. (Final) 1.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 1.55 Death In Paradise. (Mv,R) 3.00 QI. (PGls, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand.(R) 4.45 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

ho moved to nt her entire r Chineses of her oming g er opical alls and oveers happed vourites s

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today ExtraSummer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm, R) 1.00 HolidaysIn The Sun. (PG,R) 2.00 Pointless.(PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG,R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 6.30 GCBC. (R) 7.00 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 RBT. (Ml, R) Alook at police random breath test patrols.

8.30 Paramedics (Mam, R) Aflight paramedic responds to a crash where asingle mum has gone off abridge and into water

9.30 AmericanCrimeStory (Madlsv) Marcia Clark announces that OJ has been charged.

11.35 Resident Alien (Mlv) 12.20 Tipping Point.(PG, R) 1.10 Hello SA (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. HostedbyDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer

7.30Gordon Ramsay’sSecret Service. (PGal) Gordon Ramsayhelps three sisters. 8.30 FBI:MostWanted. (Mav) TheFugitiveTask Force is thrown into the worldofthe wealthy after asocialite is murderedinher ownmansion. 10.30 10’s

Thursday,December 11

ABC (2)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.25 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.30 Crime Night! (Final, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Madl, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 3.00 QI. (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)

8.00 Grand Designs Australia: Hunter Valley Acouple want to self-build an off-grid home. 9.00 Long

Family Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. 9.45 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) Heat six features an array of unique talent. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (Final, R)

The Art Of. (PG, R)

Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 12.25 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PGs, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

(3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.15 Leave No Trace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do YouThink YouAre?(PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw,R) 3.10 Going Places. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by MarcFennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain: Spain’sBig Bang. (PGaw) Eva Longoria explores the cuisine of Spain.

8.25 Niagara Falls. (R) Explores the Niagara Falls, the largest freshwater ecosystem on Earth.

9.25 Vigil. (MA15+v) Amy and Eliza come face to face with the dissident group at the heart of the investigation and aretaken hostage.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Vienna Blood. (Mav,R) 12.50 House Of Promises. (Ma, R) 3.30 Charles I: Downfall Of AKing. (PGalv,R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm 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: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.00 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: AChristmas Spark. (2022, PGa, R) Jane Seymour 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11.30

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: 2025 Year In Review Alook back at the stories that shaped 2025.

8.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PGa) Graeme Hall helps acouple whose St Ber nardkeeps them prisoner in their own house.

9.00 MOVIE: Robin Hood. (2010, Msv,R)Anarcher retur ns home

suffering under the yoke of devious noblemen. Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Matthew Macfadyen.

12.00 The Amazing Race. (PG, R)

1.30 Life. (Malsv,R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 Australia’sSleep Revolution. 1.35 Birdsville Or Bust: Untold Australia. 2.40 SBS50. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’sGreatest Mysteries. 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.35 MOVIE: Rumble In The Bronx. (1995, M) 11.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Movie Show 10.35 The Shadow Of The Day.(2022, Msv,French, Italian) 1pm Down With Love. (2003, Mas) 2.55 The Movie Show 3.30 The Assassin. (2015, PGv,Mandarin) 5.30 AUnited Kingdom. (2016, PGa) 7.35 Living. (2022, PGals) 9.30 There’sStill Tomorrow (2023, Italian, English) 11.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Great Getaways. (Retur n, PG) The team heads to Greenland.

8.30 Topknotz: Wild On Water The crew blasts offonathrilling Jet Sprint boat ride. TomWilliams teaches Rob Palmer surfboat rowing.

9.30 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth: Fasting. (PGa, R) Chris Hemsworth habits

Programs. 1pm Escape To The Country 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Our Town. 3.00 The Zoo. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 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 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon New Tricks. 1.00 Good Karma Hospital. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: School For Scoundrels. (1960) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Clarkson’sFarm. 8.30 MOVIE: On Her Majesty’sSecret

Friday,December 12 ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s50th Gala. Hosted by Jeremy Fer nandez and Megan Burslem.

8.30 Maigret. (Final, Mav) Tragedy strikes in Saint-Fiacre. Maigret’sabsence in Paris has terrifying consequences.

9.25 HardQuiz. (Final, PG, R) Hosted by TomGleeson.

9.55 Crime Night! (Final, R) 10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

10.55 ABC Late News. (Final)

11.15 Silent Witness. (Final, MA15+a, R)

12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

(7,6)

(9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year.(PG, R) 11.05 The Forsytes. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Newsreader.(Final, Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Aust. (R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.15 Leave No Trace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do YouThink YouAre?(PG,R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw,R) 3.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Nazca Desert Mystery.(PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by MarcFennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jaws: Making ASplash In Hollywood. Charts the making of Jaws

8.30 William Shatner: YouCan Call Me Bill. (Mav,R)Anintimate portrait of actor William Shatner’s nine decade-long personal jour ney

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Sisi. (Ma, R) 11.40 Culprits. (MA15+v,R)

1.50 Soldiers. (Mal, R)

3.35 Growing AGreener World. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 ScoobyDoo And Guess Who? 8.25 HardQuiz Kids. (Final) 8.55 Robot Wars 9.55 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs.

Of

Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.10 Living. (2022, PGals) 10.00 Breath. (2017, Mals) 12.10pm The Eight Mountains. (2022, Mals) 2.45 The Movie Show 3.45 Arthur’sHallowed Ground. (1984, PGl) 5.10 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw) 7.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’sNest. (1975,

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Cooking Up Christmas. (2020, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer Melissa King visits Castlemaine.

8.30 MOVIE: The Holiday (2006, Mls, R) Twowomen who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law

11.10 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, Malv,R) Abiochemist is transformed into avampire. Jared Leto.

1.15 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Swimming. Australia vThe World. From The Valley Pool, Brisbane. 10.30 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R)The taskforce uncovers asinister robbery scheme.

11.30 Next Stop. Alook at holiday destinations.

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard. 1.00 Drive TV:Launch Pad. (R) Jessica Lydka-Morris tests an electric vehicle.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

(10, 5)

Postcards Summer. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00

Saturday, December 13

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00

ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Retur nTo Paradise. (Mdv,R) 1.25 Maigret. (Final, Mav,R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Le Concert De Paris 2025. 5.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.30 Muster Dogs: WhereAre They Now.(R)

6.00 Back Roads: Harvey,WA. (R) Lisa Millar visits the town of Harvey,WA.

6.30 When The WarIsOver: Afghanistan. (PGa, R) Rachel

7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of the day

7.30 Retur nToParadise. (PGdv) Acrime writer is found stabbed to death.

8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates after ayoung man is found dead following acollision with acar

10.00The Forsytes. (R) Soames ends Irene’sParisian dreams.

10.55 Bergerac. (M, R) There’s abreakthroughinthe search for Cate’sphone. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.25 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 MOVIE: The Night BeforeChristmas In Wonderland. (2024) 8.50 Chopped Junior 9.30 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.15 Abbott Elementary 10.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm Living Black. 2.50 MOVIE: The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990, PG) 4.30 Faboriginal. 5.00 The Coolbaroo Club. 6.00 The Barber 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Black Water.(2007, M) 10.05 Australian Music Vault: Emma Donovan. 11.15 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.10 New Zealand From ATrain. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 When The World Watched. 3.25 Cycling. Cape To Cape MTB. Highlights. 4.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 4.35 Such WasLife. (PG, R) 4.45 Who Do YouThink YouAre?(PG,R) 5.35 Britain Under The Nazis. (Premiere)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped. (PGl, R) Alook at Wham!’s Last Christmas 8.40 Alpine Hotel At Christmas: Winter Wonderland –Christmas At The Palace. (R) Chronicles the Christmas season at the Gstaad Palace hotel in Switzerland. 9.35 Osbor ne House: ARoyal Retreat. (PG, R) Alook at Osbor ne House. 10.50 The Real Spies Among Friends. (PGalv,R)

11.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav,R) 3.05 Being Beethoven. (PG, R) 4.10 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Mor ning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Pakenham Cup Day,Ingham Charity Raceday and Gateway Raceday 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Women’sBig Bash League. Final. 10.30 Women’sBig Bash League Final Post-Game. Coverage of the WBBL Final post-game. 11.00 MOVIE: The Rock. (1996, MA15+lv,R)AnFBI agent and aconvict must break into the former Alcatraz prison to stop arenegade general from going through with his threat of launching deadly poison gas missiles at San Francisco. Sean Connery,Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic. (R) Students compete against other schools to win cash and prizes. Hosted by Simon Reeve.

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 Our State On APlate. (R) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.00 Drive Safer 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Ready VetGo: The VetParamedics. (PGm, R) 2.30 Eatwell Christmas. 3.30 Getaway Presents France. (PG) 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: Avatar (2009, Mv,R)

loyalties tested when he is given the chance to assimilate into an alien culture. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigour ney Weaver

10.45 MOVIE: The Domestics. (2018, MA15+lv,R)Acouple search for safety.Kate Bosworth, Tyler Hoechlin.

12.30 Getaway Presents France. (PG, R) The team looks at France.

1.30 Our State On APlate. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Jour ney 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)

6.30 The Dog House UK. (PGa) Afamily of three dogs aresplit up.

7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) Mary and Tomsaved for many years while working at asupermarket two-storey dream home.

8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (PGa, R) Mitch and Mark aresearching Melbour ne’s easter nsuburbs and the glorious Mor nington Peninsula to help two sets

9.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv,R) The Fugitive Task force is called in to connect aseriesofrandom poisonings beforemorelives arelost. 11.30 FBI. (Masv,R)The team races 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power 6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Tiny Beautiful Things. 1.05 Curse Of Oak Island. 3.35 WorldWatch 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 Inside Legoland: AWorld Of Wonder 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Count Of Monte Cristo. (Premiere) 10.40 Snowpiercer 12.25am Letterkenny 1.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am The Assassin. (2015, PGv,Mandarin) 7.55 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw) 10.20 There’sStill Tomorrow.(2023, Italian, English) 12.30pm Annie’sFire. (2022, Mals, French) 2.40 AUnited Kingdom. (2016, PGa) 4.45 6.25 The Giants. (2023, PGalv) 8.30 Michael Collins. (1996, Malv) 10.55 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

Programs. 1pm Harry’sPractice. 1.30

Medical Emergency 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. 2.30 Better Homes. 5.00 Horse Racing. Pakenham Cup Day,Ingham Charity Raceday and Gateway Raceday 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 TheYorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. 11.00 MOVIE: Will Any Gentleman…? (1953) 12.45pm MOVIE: The Man Who Loved Redheads. (1955) 2.40 MOVIE: How To StuffA Wild Bikini. (1965) 4.40 MOVIE: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 MOVIE: Live And Let Die. (1973, PG) 11.00 Late Programs.

9GO!

6am Morning Programs. 2.40pm Soccer.English Premier League. Arsenal vBrentford. Replay 4.40 Australian Roulette. 5.30 MOVIE: Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London. (2004, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games. (2012, M) 10.20 The Winter King. 11.30 Top20Funniest. 12.30am Love After Lockup. 2.00 MOVIE: Pieces. (2022, MA15+) 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars &Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars 3.00 Motor Racing. Sunraysia Safari. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Grown Ups 2. (2013, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Kingdom. (2007, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.

FACTS about Regional Newspapers:

•“Thereiscontinued strongdemand(andpassion)for theprinted productinrural andregionalAustralia.”

•“Audiencesoverwhelmingly view aprinted copy of their newspaper as an essentialservice fortheir community.”

Sunday,December 14

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 World This Week. (Final, R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 ADog’s World With Tony Armstrong. (R) 1.25 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.25 Nigella’s Christmas Table. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family.(R) 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PGl, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.

8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year (PG)

8.50 The Forsytes. (Final, PG) Jolyon decides his future.

9.45 Retur nToParadise. (PGdv,R)Acrime writer is found stabbed to death.

10.40 When The WarIsOver. (PGa, R) 11.10 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 11.40 Nigella’sChristmas Table. (R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.05 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.40 The Art Of. (PG, R) 4.10 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.10 Annabel Crabb’sCivic Duty.(PG,R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm Stick Man. 5.40 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: Niko: Beyond The NorthernLights. (2024, PG) 8.55 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG) 10.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.10 Matched. (PG, R) 10.00 Secrets Of The Deadly T-Rex. (PG, R) 11.00 Secrets Of The Terror Whale. 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBSWashington Week 12.55 ThePoint: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Ethnic Business Awards. 5.35 Britain Under The Nazis.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (PG) Cleopatra ascends the throne despite many obstacles. 8.30 Ken Bur ns’ The American Revolution. (PG) New Englanders rush to surround the British Army in Boston, but as war themselves sharply divided. 10.40 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav,R) 11.35 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGn, R) 1.05 Empires Of New York. (Madl, R) 3.35 Dishing It Up Christmas Special. (PGl, R) 4.30 Growing AGreener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Mor ning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Beretts Tour De Cure. (PG) 1.00 MOVIE: AChristmas Number One. (2021, PGalsv,R) 3.30 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Inter national. (PG, R) 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 ExploreTV. (R) 12.00 MOVIE: Destination Christmas. (2022, PGa, R) 2.00 The 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards. (PGl) 4.00 Great Getaways. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 1. Perth Scorchers vSydney Sixers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Liam Bartlett sits down with akiller 12.00 The Queen Unseen. (PG, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger 1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) Information about pet care.

TEN (10, 5)

12.30 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners Iron Series. Day 2. Eliminator round. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 12. Melbour ne United vSydney Kings. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.

The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock andAmelia Brace. 7.00 William And Harry: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) Explores the relationship between William and Harry,one being the heir apparent, with the other being the spare. 9.00 FBI. (Madv, R) The team races against the clock to take back control of ahijacked train that an unarmed OA and Gemma areriding. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 NCIS. (Mad, R) The team mour ns the loss of Ducky 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 1.50 Bamay 2.20 Jeopardy! 4.25 Fashionista. 4.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Road To Change. 6.05 MOVIE: Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature. (2024, PG) 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 Rama X: The Mysterious King Of Thailand. 10.40 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Rugby League. Murri Car nival. 2.50 Rugby League. Murri Car nival. 3.55 Walkabouts. 4.20 Johnny Warren’sFootball Mission. 5.20 Australian Music Vault: Emma Donovan. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 TalesFromZambia. 7.30 The American Buffalo. 8.30 Rock Prophet: Link Wray 10.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 7.45 The Giants. (2023, PGalv) 10.00 La Chimera. (2023, Ml) 12.25pm Michael Collins. (1996, Malv) 2.55 The Movie Show 3.30 Murder Party.(2022, PGad, French) 5.25 All At Sea. (2010, PGans) 7.00 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982) 8.30 The World’sFastest Indian. (2005, PGal) 10.50 Late Programs.

Red Eye. (Premiere, Ml) ALondon in an escalating conspiracy 11.20 World’sMostDangerous Prisoners: Robertson. (Mv,R) 12.10 WildCards. (Mv,R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa)

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 Tipping Point: Celebrity Special. (PG) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge. 8.10 Events That Changed Australia: Black Saturday (Ma) Looks at Victoria’s2009 Black Saturday

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Shopping. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.00 Escape To The Country 1pm Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Hor nby: AModel Empire. 2.30 Escape To The Country 5.30 Greatest Escapes To The Country 7.00 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. 9.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Jour ney 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 MOVIE: AMan About The House. (1947, PG) 12.25pm MOVIE: Hawaii. (1966, PG) 3.45 MOVIE: On The Beach. (1959, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Man With The Golden Gun. (1974, PG) 11.05 Late Programs.

6am

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Soccer.English Premier League. Manchester United vWest Ham United. 4.35 Young Sheldon. 5.05 Dinner With The Parents. 5.35 MOVIE: Superman IV:The 7.30 MOVIE: Avatar: The WayOfWater.(2022, M) 11.20 Gotham. 1.15am Arrow 3.05 Jeopardy! UK. 4.00 Late Programs.

Monday,December15

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (R) 10.25 Vera. (Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv,R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 MOVIE: Whatever It Takes. (2024, Mdls) Ebay harasses two small-town journalists.

9.30 MOVIE: Embrace. (2016, Mn, R) Follows body image activist

11.00 Creative TypesWithVirginia Trioli: Jenny Kee. (PGl, R) 11.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R)

12.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am

Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 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: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Premiere) 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Anthem Sessions. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 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 TalesFrom Zambia. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre?

8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Quincy Jones: Music Man. 10.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.20 Who Do YouThink YouAre?(PG,R) 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Planet Reef. (PGaw,R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGaw,R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Who Do YouThink YouAre?(PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Bill Bailey’sVietnam Adventure. (PG)

8.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. Comedic game show,hosted by Greg Davies.

9.20 Jimmy Carr’sI Literally Just Told You. (M) Jimmy Carr presents acelebrity special.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 The Man Who Died. (Malv)

11.35 Culprits. (MA15+v,R) 1.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a, R) 3.45 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.15 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: SingaporeBitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am

WorldWatch. 6.50 The 77 Percent. 7.20 WorldWatch. 8.40 DW Euromaxx. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 RexInRome. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 IAm 11.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 11.20 Man Who Madls, Finnish) 12.50pm Blow Dry.(2001, Mals) 2.30 The Movie Show 3.05 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PGa) 4.55 The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PGav) 7.30 Samia. (2024, Mlv) 9.30 Unforgiven. (1992, Malsv) 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Candy Coated Christmas. (2021, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 2. Melbourne Renegades vBrisbane Heat. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat. 11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) In the face of adversity,Pascal searches for justice. Violet struggles to write aletter to Carver 12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Abby goes on adate with aTVcelebrity

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

Programs. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm Hornby: AModel Empire. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Hornby: AModel Empire. 3.30 Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To TheCountry 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (73,64)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Boating. Circuit Boats 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 MOVIE: AVintage Christmas. (2024, G) Merritt Patterson, Christopher Russell.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The guides head to northernTasmania. 8.40 MOVIE: Muriel’sWedding. (1994, Mls, R) Ayoung woman, who dreams of marriage, leaves in thebig city.Toni Collette, 10.50 The Equalizer (Mav) The team searches for amissing pregnant woman. 11.40 Sight Unseen. (Premiere, Mv)

12.30 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’sVoice Of Victory (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. Noon ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 1.00 MOVIE: The Cracksman. (1963) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow 3.50 MOVIE: ABlue Ridge Mountain Christmas. (2019) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: The Spy Who Loved Me. (1977, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Morning Programs. 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 Love Island Australia. (Final) 9.50 MOVIE: The Prep Room. (2024, MA15+) 11.40 Seinfeld. 12.10am The VampireDiaries. 1.50 Pretty Little Liars. 3.30 Late Programs.

Don'tbe Puzzled

Tuesday,December 16

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Art Of... (Mns, R) 10.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Forsytes. (Final, PG, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv,R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 When The WarIsOver: Australian Wars (Final,PGa)

8.30 The Piano UK. (Final, PG, R)

9.20 The Art Of. (Final, PG) Namila Benson travels to Papua New Guinea. 9.50 The Assembly: Richard Roxburgh. (PG, R) 11.20 Escaping Utopia. (Mas, R) 12.20 ACountry Road: The Nationals. (R) 1.20 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R)

2.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Planet Reef. (PGaw,R) 3.05 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Glasgow To Cumbernauld. (R) 8.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? Paddy McGuinness. (PG) Paddy McGuinness looks at his family history

9.40 Australia In Colour: Australia At Play (PGa, R) Acollection of colourised archival footage. 10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Families Like Ours. (Mal)

12.10 De Gaulle. (Mav,R) 2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R) 4.05 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 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: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory 9.10 Super Shark Highway 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Our Law 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 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

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 William And Harry: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) Alast-ditch attempt to reconcilethe brothers is brokered. 8.30 NCIS. (Mv,R)The team during his wedding proposal. 10.30 10’sLate News. Coverage of news, sport and weather 10.55 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: My Norwegian Holiday. (2023, PGa) Rhiannon Fish. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 3. Hobart Hurricanes vSydney Thunder 10.30 Big Bash League PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder 11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGa)

12.00 Miniseries: London Spy (MA15+ds) Danny is accused by the papers of murder 1.15 Travel Oz. (R) Hosted by Greg Grainger 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 NBC Today Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To TheCountry 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The Heiress Of Christmas. (2023, G, R) Katerina-Maria Vitkoff, David William Pinard. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Bold. (PG,

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Taronga: Who’sWho In The Zoo: Chatty Cheetah. (PG) The vet team sedates acheetah for adental check.

8.30 Jamie Durie’sFutureHouse. While the Quercinis and Foxes race ahead, Jamie and Ameka arestill waiting for their DA approval.

9.35 Beyond The Build. Jesse and Mel attempt to renovate aheritage home.

10.35 Wild Cards. (Mv) 11.30 La Brea. (Mav,R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

6.00 10 News+.

7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Jamie’sCook Ahead Christmas. Jamie Oliver shows what to prepareonChristmas Eve. 8.30 Poh Cooks Malaysia. (Premiere) Poh Ling Yeow returns to Malaysia, rediscovering her roots through its vibrant food scene.

9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) ANew Jersey mayor is kidnapped. 10.30 10’sLate News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.15 Heroines. 3.45 WorldWatch 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.35 Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 Hoarders. 11.20 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.15am Bad Education. 1.25 Count Abdulla. 2.20 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.20 Let Me Go. (2023, Mans, French) 12.05pm Unforgiven. (1992, Malsv) 2.25 All At Sea. (2010, PGans) 4.00 5.30 Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, PGal, French) 7.30 Bandit. (2022, Mlnsv) 9.50 Million Dollar Baby.(2004, Malv) 12.20am Late Programs.

Calendar winners announced

FEDERA LM embe rf or Gip ps land Da rren Chester has announced the winners of his 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, following another outstanding collection of photographs showcasing the beauty of the region.

This year’s theme, ‘Iconic Gippsland’, challenged entrantstocapture the essenceofthe regionfrom rugged coastlines and mountain peaks to vibrant country towns and tranquil waterways. The competition received hundreds of submissions from talented local photographers.

Mr Chestersaidthe standard of entries was once again exceptional, making the judging process particularly difficult.

“Choosingthe winning photographsisalwaysa tough job because Gippsland offerssuchincredible scenery, and our local photographers consistently capture it so beautifully,” Mr Chester said.

“The three winning images for the 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition, together with the 13 photographs selected to feature in thecalendar, celebrate the diversity, vibrancy and natural beauty of our region.”

The winners of the 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition are:

 Sue Allison -One of the Locals;  Samantha Wells -Nature’s Sculptures, and;  The Gordon Family -Sheep Waiting Their Turn

Eachwinner will receiveacurated hamper of Gippsland-made products, while all selected photographers willhave their work featured in the free calendar distributed across the region.

Morethan30,000 copiesofthe 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar will be available at Mr Chester’s office in Traralgon andSale, along

with community hubs, visitor centres and local businesses throughout Gippsland.

Mr Chester thanked all entrants for their contributions.

“Thankyou to everyone who submitted their photos -yourimagesnot only showcaseyour talent but also your affection for Gippsland and what it means to call this region home,” he said.

“Each year, I’m inspired by the pride and love for our region that shines through in every entry.”

Personal touch: Darren Chester’s 2026calendars, featuring local landscapes, arenow available Photograph supplied

Li ghtUpLatrobe

Reel Ta lk

IN honour of the recent Mayoral Election within Latrobe City Council,this week's film review centres around apolitical nomination of its own.

Blake Metcalf-Holt, who thinks leadership spills are the same as an AFL trade period, and Aidan Knight (who once called Kevin Rudd his favourite Australian athlete), team up yet again, to dissect acampaign far messier than anything seen in the council chambers.

The Ides of March (2011),directed by and starring George Clooney, follows the cutthroat world of American primary politics through the eyes of idealistic campaign press secretary Stephen Myers, playedbyRyan Gosling. As Governor Mike Morris (Clooney)fightsfor the Democratic nomination, Myers becomes entangled in aweb of ambition, backroom deals and moral compromise that threatens to dismantle both the campaign and his own belief system. Blendingsharp dialogue, slick performances and agrimreminder that politics is rarely won through virtue alone, The Ides of March remains one of the most compelling modern political dramas.

Now, it's time for REEL TALK...

Blake Metcalf-Holt: Yes, George Clooney directs movies too.Despitebeingone of the most recognised actors of his time, the cool man of Hollywood is almost forgotten about when it comes to his career choices, especially with films like this. Ides of March is the type of film that consistently releases once or twice adecade (of those that are made well) -a politicalthriller that rampsupasthe plot thickens and by the end truly makes you feel miserable about who we decide should be, and should run to be, the leaders of acountry. Clooney arrives at this after already stringing together afew director creditsinthe 2000s and also following on from the heights he reached as an actor, which means he guides the movie quite well. It dealswithsome heavy and giant themes but also has the in-house drama to make it an enjoyable watch for many.

Aidan Knight: There's probably agood chunk of people who would look at the blurb of this film and thinkitwould be abore, butClooneyreally turned

this one into agrippingstoryline. Not atrue story, but supposedly drawing much inspiration from the 2004 Howard Deanpresidential campaign, the themesofbetrayal,confusion,interference and lack of humanity in the high-stakes political world are made to feel very real -and Clooney does well not to glorifyit. Ryan Gosling in the lead role deserves his flowers, too. I'm not overly fond of the guy, but his range is undeniable, and he fulfils his role as an equally realistic depiction of ahuman you neither likenor dislike,and should be appreciated for such.

BMH: Personally, the movie’s biggest selling point is simply from the cast alone. Top names likeClooney, Gosling,PhilipSeymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, and Marisa Tomei trulyisaneclectic bunch thatmakeup what Irefer to as ‘a Blake speciality’ of movie.All of whom are great performers and make it so that at every turn, the audience is seeing the best of what each scene is capable of due to the talent at hand. That also comes down to the script being as fine as it is as well, which ultimately provides sections of the runtime that shoot out of the ceiling in terms of their captivation. One moment that stood out was the scene where Zara (Hoffman) tells Myers he leaked the story to their journalist friend (Tomei) and that he has to let him go -some exceptional dialogue is in there (“I value loyalty… Idon’t trust you”)and elevated by especially the otherworldly

Driven to make difference

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TUCKED behind Moe Neighbourhood House, members of the Gippsland car scene have driven adifference-making local charity into gear.

Raising Awareness One Drive at aTime was established in 2024 after afew people in the local car-loving community lost their lives to suicide. The idea was sparked for Abby and Bryce Thetford to offersupport and see changewithin the community.

“It sort of flicked aswitchinmybrain (that)we’ve got to help people,” Mrs Thetford told the Express Theoriginal planwas to acceleratethe initiative through the power of car culture to raise money for suicide prevention, which has since evolved into a standalone outreach service for the less fortunate.

“We use to havemonthlycar meets, but we’ve sort of dropped off on that because obviously this has taken over,” Mrs Thetford said.

After putting it out to the wider communityafew months ago, the Moe family has seen an incredible response and now featureashedfull of food, clothes, shoes and tents to be handed out to those in need -a majority of which has been donated.

Thecharity’sfounderwassurprisedbutwarmedbythe overwhelming amount of peoplewho wantedtohelp.

"It has been absolutely fantastic Iput up one single postand it was like 200 messages going 'we've got this, we've got that' Iwas actually in tearslikeit'sworking, it's helping people," Mrs Thetford said.

"It was abig shock to the system, but the community's been fantastic."

The One Drive at aTime crew has developed a real connection with locals, and additionally supported many families out there struggling with food and clean clothes.

The charitywill also hosta Christmas run in partnership with Gippsland Santa Run on December 20, where kids and families will be brought backto

the outreach hub at Moe NeighbourhoodHouseto receive their donated Christmastoys and presents.

Thatcommunityresponse has been equally massive, with their storage unit filled to the brim.

It is often difficult to breakthrough withthe homeless, not willing to put themselves out there for help, but the servicehas been patientinan effort to see them open up.

"Itcan be quite difficult with homeless people, they want their privacy," Mrs Thetford said.

One man the outreach service is supporting has had his tents slashed multipletimes,but still needs to be nudged into being provided help.

"He just wants to get off the street and for people to hear his story, but he doesn't want everyone to feel sorry for him at the same time," Mrs Thetford said.

All of these initiatives blendinto the primary mission of One Drive at aTime, being to provide mental health counsel for anyone and everyone.

Mrs Thetford said that "if someone is struggling mentally or physically or having those thoughts that none of us like to speak about, they can come down here."

The doors are open for all every Friday and every second Saturdaytoreceive advice and eventual referral to other mental health supports.

"There's alot of peopleout there, whether it's not-for-profits or charities or just people wanting to help, there's stigma around it, they think that once you've helped them once,they should be fine," Mrs Thetford said.

"Asacharity, you'vegot to stick on top of that andmakesureyou're (there) forever."

One Drive at aTime has embedded themselves within the community, andwillprosper with a strong contingent of young people ready to jump on board.

For more information, visit Raising Awareness One Drive at aTimeonFacebook.

genius of Hoffman. That is then immediately followed by an equally great encounter when Myers returns to Duffy (Giamatti) and then also lays the smack down on him. All mentioned so far made the film an easy sitting for me.

AK: If 'AmbitionLeadsToCorruption' were a genre, thiswouldbehigh on thelist. The title comes from the height of the political feud in ancient Rome, as the Ides of March was the name given to the day after Julius Caesar was assassinated. This gives you asense of tone for the drama contained within this film, and would appeal to fans of The Sopranos, Succession,and Argo -oranything that involves aMachiavellian scheme. It's much fasterpaced and an easier watch than our first political drama review, All The President'sMen,and as such will likely be the more accessible of the two fromour 2025reviews.Itlandsreallywell becauseitdoesn't have adual-party narrative, centred around two Democrat candidates running against each other for support of the party to runfor President, rather thana finalisednominee versusaRepublican opponent. This does alot in today's climate, not only by failing to alienate any Republican-leaning audiences,but also showcasing how the further up one goes inside the political sphere, and less and less friends youhave, as everyone is truly there for the same reason.

BMH: The film hits on the required notes of genre its dissecting, and done quite well in all aspects. It’s alittle different from the other political flick I watched previously in The Candidate,mostly from the angle and perspective it takes, but also even with Ides of March followingthe similar ‘onthe campaign trail’-type, remains more gripping then the Redford film duetothe intrigue the viewer gains diving deeper into the rabbithole of this power-hungry and scandalous world. It makes for an ending that works, but also may be viewed as slightly unsatisfying. Given that it’s got one of those‘hey, it’s thatguy!’ from The Social Network, this film could have been viewed through the lens of abizzaro, political version of the David Fincher masterpiece where it instead is seen through the eyes of Saverin (Andrew Garfield’s character), beingGosling, and watchinghim scramble but ultimately fail to sit at the winners table. Que the “hoodie and my [expletive] flip-flops, you pretentious douchebag” exchange at the endof The Social Network, only this time directed at the international ambassador for Nespresso.

AK: At aglance, it's apretty typical Clooney film, who (in both acting and directing) seems to attach himself almost exclusively to stories about

dashing, intelligentguyswith high-pressure situations that could fall apart at any moment (Ocean's 11, Gravity, Money Monster). Iwent into this watch pretty convinced Iwould never vote for George Clooney in ahypothetical election, and Ides of March confirmed that, but Idonot think adifferent cast could have carried it as well. It becomes pretty clear early on that in politics, fan mail is just well-disguised blackmail, and that's such an intriguingconcept to unpack an entire story around, and will likelynever become irrelevant Clooney is calm and calculated throughout all the plottwists,but one could neveraccuse him of using his director's chair to make his character look good, which may surprise some people.

BMH: While never operating in any standout location or set, some of the shots that Clooney manages to get here are quite undeniable.More so, the lightingonthis is atypical for amainstream film, making it very GordonWillis-esque (Godfather films) in termsofcapturing ascenewith dampened lights and alot of shadow. It givesafeeling of unease and reflects Duffy's sentiments to Myers aboutthis line of work only beingfor miserable (and terrible) people. Overall,asuccessful venture for all involved,ripping fromthe best parts of other political thrillers like All The President’s Men (Aidan doesn’t know what he’s talkingabout, President’s is easiertowatchfrom it being afar superior film alone), TheManchurianCandidate, and Primary Colors AK: It's notthe bestpolitical drama out there, butit's one of the easiest to getsucked into,and for that, it deserves points. There are very few loose threads in the story, and there is genuinely no filler in it; everything that happens is easy to follow, happensfor areason, is shot effectively and acted out well. It's been speculated that the film doesits best work in "setting up amore interesting movie we'll never get to see", and ironically, some of the best movies justthat-because they you with something to about.

AK: ★★★☆☆

BMH: ★★★☆☆

Ides of March (2011) is for rent on Apple TV, and YouTube, and is rated Mfor mature audi ence s( som e themes may distress some viewers)

50 years ago

The Express, December 10, 1975 Senatorstops forsample NATIONALCountryPartySenatorJim Websterflew into the Latrobe Valley on Monday to "sample the mood of the electorate", stopped for afew minutes,then flew out again without leaving the airport. With himwas National Party Chief President, Mr Tom Tehan -alsoaSenate candidate -and the aircraft owner-pilot, Mr Geoff Keighley, aNSW legislative councillor. During his stop, Senator Webster said he was flying between 12 major provincial citiesand towns in Victoria and NSW to prepare areport for NCP leader, Doug Anthony, on the mood of the electorates.

30 years ago

The Express, December 12, 1995 Fire investigation

POLICE are investigatingafireatthe MorwellFreightCentre on the weekend, which caused thousands of dollars damage. The Country FireAuthority was alerted to the fire at 5.29am Sunday. Theblaze engulfed acarriage at the Commercial Roadfreight centre. Apolice spokesperson said the fire

was being treated as suspicious and police had not ruled out arson.The destroyed carriage included several containers loaded with avarietyofgoods. Three Morwellfire brigadeunits attendedthe sceneand were supported by fire fighters fromTraralgon and Churchill. The fire was treated with caution by firefighters when unidentified chemicals were located.

10 years ago

The Express, December 10, 2015

Bittersweet victory

AMORWELLwoman claiming her husband died due to toxic smoke and ash exposure during the Hazelwood mine fire, has called the report findings abittersweetvictory. Voices of the Valley member Kieryanne Clissoldsaidher 48-year-oldhusband died in September 2014, four months after the fire was extinguished. Ms Clissold said she and her husband evacuated the Valley four times and both sufferedfromheadaches and nosebleeds during the fire. She said his health improved once the blaze was put out, but he was later found comatose in bed and taken to hospital with alevel five aneurysm and diedsix dayslater."Iknewitwas the toxins in the smoke thatkilledhim;there had been too many other people who had suffered aneurysms and died since the fire started to be coincidental," she said. Ms Clissold said all levels of government needed to be held accountable and the community had been "lied to" from day one of

the Hazelwoodmine fire

From the with AIDAN KNIGHT

Heretohelp: TheMoe charityspawnedafter anumber of people within the Gippsland car scene

Exceptional: FounderofMoe-based charityRaising Awareness One Driveata Time,Abby Thetford and Mar yHarris aretheretosuppor tthosestruggling throughtheir communityoutreach programlocatedatMoe Neighbourhood House Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

CRICKET LV SCOREBOARD valleysport

SENIORS

Premier

B

Round 9(Saturday, November 29) - washout

Round 8(Saturday, November 22) - CATS 6/240 (D Wilson 112*, SMustoe76, SBilic 4/70) def Morwell221 (R Semmler109, SGniel 27,DWilson 3/18,BFoster 2/25, NMiller 2/36), Glengarry 0/162 (P Henry 78*, CDunn73*) def Ex Students 8/159 (D Churchill 68, JPorter 4/14), Moe 7/216 (E Sheekey 107, STobin 3/37, DHobbs 2/18) def Churchill 100 (J Dunn 30*, CBoswell 6/30, ASavige 3/24), Centrals 9/116 (Brad Hourigan 40, JHazelman 4/24, JWall 2/22, DBarry 2/24) def Toongabbie 115 (M Dunn 39, JDonovan 4/33, HRajapakse 3/18), Jeeralang-Boolarra 127 def Thorpdale 8/118 (no player scores entered).

Round 7(Saturday, November 15) - Glengarry 5/253 (P Henry 136*, SHenry 40, AHodson 31, SGniel3/40) def Morwell 6/147 (R Semmler68, DMcDonagh2/34), CATS 5/92 (S Mustoe 32, C Williams 3/15) def Churchill 91 (L Urand 27, P Van Rossum 25, JBellingham 4/14, LBence 2/9, NMiller 2/21, BFoster 2/43), Moe 155 (A Savige 44,M Whitney 40, SSilva 3/10, HRajapakse 3/17, DDoble 3/33) def Centrals75(ASavige4/22, K Micallef 2/27), Ex Students 7/206 (M Stockdale 38, DTrease 33, MCropley 32, JRobertson 31, M Bentley 26*, JWus 2/38) def Jeeralang-Boolarra 9/77 (L Spiteri 2/6, TChurchill 2/18), Thorpdale 8/149 (D Taylor 32, RKerrison 26*, BHood 3/27, GMcIlroy 2/36) def Toongabbie 7/147 (J McGown 34, BGrieve 33, KO'Connell 2/24, JHecker 2/40) Round 6(Saturday, November 8) - washout

BGrade

Round 9(Saturday, November 29) - washout Round 8(Saturday, November 22) - Raiders 9/215 (H Rai 74, RSidhu 55,KHebbard 5/22) def Latrobe 195 (J Coltman 47, TDhawan26, S Pooni 3/38, RSidhu 2/36), Traralgon West 153 (B Howe 49, DGanegodage 3/13, GSwan 3/24, T Lawrence 3/40) def Gormandale 89 (L Bermingham 4/7, LPhillips 2/14, BBright 2/24), Rovers 5/81 (E Williams 48*, TBasarke2/12, MWoodall 2/16) def Mirboo North 80 (W Lawrey 26, EWilliams 3/11, JCarney2/20), Imperials 5/129 (T Paulet 33, R Martin 29, AJohnstone27*,MJennings 2/16) def Willow Grove 9/128 (T Norton 62, AJohnstone 3/14,D Loots 3/26)

Round 7(Saturday, November 15) - Mirboo North168 (D Matthews 39, LAnders 31, AAntony 4/28, SHanning3/12, SKangana Gedara 3/31) def Latrobe 8/146 (B Aitken 61, DMcdougall 43), Raiders 5/150 (R Sidhu 27, AJohnstone 2/21) def Imperials 149(DCampbell 43, BSizeland 35, R Sidhu 3/25, HRai 2/6), Willow Grove 8/98 (T Norton 47, LPhillips 3/8, MEdebohls 2/6) def Traralgon West 8/95 (N Sallee 2/8, JKeily 2/14), Rovers 4/106 (A Rathbone 52, JArmstrong 2/17)def Gormandale 105 (D Norton 32, IBrown 4/21, SCarney 2/21)

Round 6(Saturday, November 8) -washout

Round 7(Saturday, November 29) - washout Round 6(Saturday, November 22) - Mirboo

North 2/161 (P Woodall 54*, GVanderzalm 42*, A Evans 37) def Morwell 9/157 (S Esler 48), Glengarry 7/83 (C Ashton 2/33) def Ex Students 78 (A Gore 25, JRouse 3/1, SBonacci 3/14, GMowat 2/5), Rawson 3/72 (J Casey 30*, JShankland 2/16)def Imperials 9/71 (A Ashlin 30, JWiseman 3/15, D Wilkie 2/9), Churchill 8/213 (T Brighton 97*, S Forbes 58, DBiggins 2/17, HBoothman 2/38) def Moe 7/134 (F Manduci 35*, TBrighton 3/7, SDunn 2/10), Toongabbie def Centrals on forfeit.

Round5 (Saturday, November 15) - Moe 7/103 (B Finn 33*, DBiggins 31, CHowlett 3/41, HRajapakse 2/17)def Centrals 100 (D Moorhouse 40,FManduci4/21, RStraughair2/2, HEdwards 2/19), Morwell6/161 (S Esler 39*, RStanyer 39, MWynne27, JPearson3/25, ADomaille 3/43)def Toongabbie 160 (B Wall57*, CMitchell 54, SEsler 4/30, MFreeman 2/27), Rawson 9/116 (L Watson 39, DHart 2/4, GHarvey 2/16) tied Churchill 5/116 (T Brighton 37*, DWhite 30*, MMetcalfe 2/14, B Richards 2/28), Ex Students 6/210 (H Richards 59, PRichards56*,NMillington 33, EMartin 2/36, DMorris 2/39) def Imperials 71 (A Spowart 33, J Zappulla8/11), Glengarry 5/196 (J Lawrence52, G Mowat 45*, RStephens 35, BClark 28, DCalder 3/20) tied Mirboo North6/196 (D Shields 49,G Vanderzalm 35, HVanderzalm 26*, KStares 2/61)

Round 4(Saturday, November 8) -washout

CGrade

Round 7(Saturday, November 29) -washout

Round 6(Saturday, November22) -JeeralangBoolarra 2/154 (B Duffy 69*, NSpark 43*) def Willow Grove 53 (N Spark 4/13, PGilpin 3/5, J Cecil 2/6), Traralgon West 4/128 (P Gibson 70*, B McQuillen 28*) def Raiders 9/125 (N Beecher 46, S Darby 25, NDeerasing Talawitage 3/11, TGriffiths 3/16, JNess 2/7), Rovers 9/145 (B Donoghue 53, D Brain 36, VTirumalaPeddinti2/14, ASmith 2/22, SWernham 2/23, MTobin 2/25) def Latrobe 110 (T Cranwell 65,ASachdeva 2/1, AAgustin 2/12, C Boyes 2/12, KAli 2/18, JLewis 2/29), Gormandale 9/145 (B Peavey 80, JScurlock26, BWilson 3/20, LWilson 2/16, THarrup 2/37) def CATS 5/46, Imperials -bye.

Round 5(Saturday, November 15) - Traralgon West 8/175 (B McQuillen 55, PGibson 32, TBlake 2/9) def Jeeralang-Boolarra 4/163 (A Parker 70*, JMaggs 31, NSpark 26*, SCooke 2/28), Raiders 3/108 (C Gray 40) def Rovers 106 (S Darby 5/10, EWebb 2/18), Gormandale 9/138 (N Nikodemski 26, HMcKay 2/10,A Smith 2/18) def Latrobe 9/88 (J Ainsworth 4/5, TDomotor 3/8,B Nikodemski 2/24), CATS 6/252 (D Fleming 107, THarrup 83*, CMcDonald31, NCuddy 2/48) def Imperials 50 (L Wilson 4/10, TWilhelm 3/28, HWilhelm 2/2), Willow Grove -bye

Round 4(Saturday, November 8) -washout

WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP

Round3(Thursday,October 30): Traralgon West 6/84 (L Walker 35*, EWinkel 28, KGrima 2/18) def Willow Grove 4/82 (J Christie 25), Rovers 0/107 (F Morrison 30*) def Churchill 3/92 (S Birch30*), Raiders 2/47(HWilliamson 2/10) def Centrals7/46 (L Van Berkel 4/6), Morwell 3/114 (B Clymo 31*, RBall 30*)

Why publish scores?

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

ANEWSPAPER is as much ahistorical document as it is acommunicative tool. Researchers and historians still refer to physical newspapers as their first point of call, as they generally contain the most detail, and are the most user-friendly.

Rather than havingmultiple internet tabs open, physical pages make for amuch neater exercise.

Computer systems change over time as well, meaning things such as local sports scores can change location, leading to inconsistencies, not to mention undoing years of work from those who have entered historical data. Cricket for instance moved from MyCricket to PlayHQ in 2023, whilefootball has gone from SportsTG, GameDay and now to PlayHQ.

It is asource of great frustration going through old Express' and finding certain sporting rounds were not recorded at the time.

defeated Toongabbie 3/71 (N Freeman 2/19).

Round 4(Thursday,November 6): Churchill 3/89 (S Birch 30*) def Centrals 1/76 (L Pettie 31*), Toongabbie 3/79 (R Cooper 29) def Willow Grove 6/76 (C Christie 32*), Morwell 0/122 (B Clymo 32*, MFreeman 30*) def Rovers 7/17 (D Cole 4/1, RBall 2/4), Raiders 1/106 (Z Long 34*, MQuinn 31*) def Traralgon West 5/62 (L Walker 30*, ZLong 3/8).

Round 5(Thursday, November 13): Willow Grove 4/94 (C Christie 25*, KLagos 2/15) def Churchill 1/84 (S Birch 26*), Centrals 2/85 (K Doble 32*, LPettie 30*) def Rovers 5/67 (K Stockdale 2/13), Toongabbie 3/108 (A Robinson30*,R Cooper 26) def Traralgon West 4/84 (A Robinson 2/17, T Whelan 2/19), Morwell0/109 (R Ball 30*, BClymo 30*, DCole 25*) defRaiders 7/38 (M Freeman 2/8).

Round 6(Thursday, November 20): Churchill 4/54def Toongabbie 7/47 (M Galletti 2/9, MPorykali 2/11), Morwell 0/69 (B Clymo 33*) def Centrals 5/56 (L Pettie 26*, LFreeman 2/8, AGeorge 2/12) Traralgon West 1/53 def Rovers 6/52, Willow Grove vs Raiders (abandoned)

Round 7(Thursday,November 27): Morwell 2/68 def Churchill 4/48, Raiders 1/114 (M Quinn 30*) def Toongabbie 5/63(ARobinson 30*, C Stockdale 2/10), Traralgon West 2/81 (E Winkel 27*) def Centrals 3/70 (K Doble 30*, EWinkel 2/9), Willow Grove 2/84 (N Savige 31*) def Rovers 3/81 (F Morrison 27*).

WOMENS PREMIER

Round 3(Thursday, October 30): Raiders 2/93 (Z Long 33*) def Willow Grove 1/84 (M Donoghue 28), Imperials 1/91 (R Reid 30*, KMorley 25*) def Ex Students 6/51 (C Goodwin 2/4), Centrals 1/77 (K Collins 31*) def Churchill 6/76 (E Lugton 30*, SLovi 3/13, KCollins 2/15), Latrobe -bye.

Round 4(Thursday, November 6): Centrals 1/105 (B Kimpton 32*, THalkett 30*) def Raiders 2/81 (Z Quinsey-Munro 30*, DKing 30*), Churchill 2/69(EShaw 31*, KFerguson 2/11) def Ex Students 3/62, Willow Grove 2/48 def Latrobe 5/46, Imperials -bye

Round 5(Thursday, November 13): Churchill 5/81 (Z Quinsey-Munro 2/15) def Raiders 6/78 (Z Quinsey-Munro 39*, ZTreloar 3/16, AForbes 2/17), Imperials 2/77 (K Beaty 29*) def Centrals 5/76 (B Kimpton 30*, CGoodwin 2/17), Latrobe 0/87 (S Rockliff33*, CBailey 31*)def Ex Students 3/84 (A Hood 29*), Willow Grove -bye

Round 6(Thursday, November 20): Imperials 1/51 def Raiders 3/49 (Z Quinsey-Munro 31*), Latrobe 5/106 (S Rockliff 42*, CBailey 30*) def Churchill 5/100 (E Lugton33*,SForbes 27, E McEwen 3/26) Centrals 3/103 (B Kimpton 33*, K Collins31*)def Willow Grove6/83 (J Christie 30*, KCollins 3/10, SLovi 2/21), Ex Students -bye

Round 7(Thursday, November 27): Centrals 4/83 (T Williamson 30*, KPeters 28, LRichards 2/5) def Ex Students1/82 (D Godenzi 30*, J Millington 30*), Willow Grove 3/82 (J Christie 31*) def Imperials 4/77(AHodson 30*), Raiders 4/76 (Z Quinsey-Munro 31*, MDuncan 2/6,SRockliff2/16) def Latrobe 6/66 (M Winter 3/19), Churchill -bye.

UNDER 16

By including afull wrap of season results (as this paper did for the Latrobe Valley Soccer League season), it is hoped future historians will have something to refer to.

Sorting through cricket statistics is painstaking, and can also be pedantic.

For example, if two players return the same scores in the one game, the player who achieved their score first has to be referred to first.

In bowling,iftwo playershave the same figures, standardpractice is to preference the player who has bowled the least number of overs. Working back fromthat,ifthe overs are the same, it is decided by alphabetical order.

If you want to get really fussy, some player names need to be written out in full, as in some religions and cultures, there is no distinction between given and surnames.

Note this anytime aPakistani player is listed on an international scorecard.

It will never be 'B Azam' or 'S Afridi', it will always be 'Babar Azam' or 'Shaheen Shah Afridi', to avoid confusion to 'Shahid Afridi'.

Morwell/Latrobe9/257(BDuncan95*,J Howell 52*, TWebber 2/23, CGray2/38, WEllis 2/68) def Raiders 7/136 (A Madex 3/16, JSterrick2/22), Toongabbie 4/165 (X Hurley50*,A Fernando 46, M Mayman 31*, SFernando 27*,S Breddels 2/16)def Rovers/Gormandale 6/161 (K Senthilkumar 51*, S Breddels37*,CYoung3/24,HMartin 2/25), Mirboo North/Jeeralang Boolarra 7/177 (J Calafiore 70*, CStanton 50*, JChurchill 3/16) def Ex Students 9/174 (L Bastin 50, FGraham43, CStanton 3/22, OO'Brien 2/16, JCalafiore 2/18), Moe -bye

UNDER 14

Round 3(Wednesday, October29& Nov5): Willow Grove 5/145 (N McIntosh 26, AStafford 25, JSterrick 4/24) def Morwell 8/143 (W Frankland 38, HGiddens 30, LDart 3/20), Jeeralang-Boolarra 7/154 (R O'Brien 37*, TBlake 31*, OStanton 29*) def Centrals 152 (E Dissanayake 51, OStanton 3/14, RTeagle2/20),ExStudents Tiger 205(B Fulham 53*, AShine 42, DHenry 2/5) def Churchill 53 (H Brighton 40, JChurchill 4/6, KMurtagh3/5, JWhitechurch 2/7), Raiders 2/230 (A Madex 50*, APeavey 50*, SDarby 41, OHill 2/39) def Moe 6/63 (J Romyn 32, AMadex 4/5), Imperials/CATS 4/115 (A Hodson 39*) def Traralgon West 8/70 (M Edebohls 25*, TWilhelm 2/4, RPiechota 2/7), Ex Students Gummy -bye.

Round4(Wednesday,November 12 &19): Ex Students 4/130 (J Hazelman 36*, TBlake 3/1) def Jeeralang-Boolarra 2/84 (T Blake 26*) (T20), Ex StudentsTiger9/159 (T Ferguson 47, BFulham 31) def Willow Grove 9/107 (L Dart 44, JSterrick29*, JChurchill 2/9, GCheema 2/11), Imperials 9/207 (M Cochrane 90*,AAhmed 2/9)def Churchill 84 (E Forbes 38*, CMilligan 2/4, JWilliams 2/8), Raiders 96 (A Peavey 51*, CHowlett 4/6, CZammit 3/5, E Dissanayake 2/2) tied Centrals 96 (E Dissanayake 26*, BBremner 3/12,S Darby 2/10,A Madex 2/15), Traralgon West2/191 (M Edebohls 50*, HPhillips 32*) def Moe 8/66 (H Phillips 2/2), Morwell -bye

Round 5(Wednesday, December 3-T20s): Ex Students Tiger 6/84 (J Whitechurch 2/11) def Ex Students Gummy 5/83 (S Kerr 2/6), JeeralangBoolarra 3/93 def Morwell5/83, Imperials 2/101 def Moe 9/33 (A Hodson 3/3, MCochrane 2/0), Traralgon West -bye

UNDER 14 GIRLS

Round 1(Friday, November 7): Raiders5/67 (L Freeman 2/7) tied Morwell 4/67 (L Baker 2/7), Willow Grove5/69 def Traralgon West 1/59, Ex Students -bye

Round2 (Friday,November 14): WillowGrove 6/45 (L Freeman2/5, SHunter-Thain 2/6) def Morwell 3/44, Raiders 3/57 def Ex Students 2/47, Traralgon West -bye

Round 3(Friday,November 21): Raiders 1/85 def Traralgon West 3/56, Ex Students 5/74 (L Freeman 2/13) def Morwell5/54, Willow Grove-bye Round 4(Friday,November 28): Ex Students 3/100 (A Shine42*) defWillow Grove 4/38(AShine 3/7), Morwell 3/113 (G Cukier 44*) def Traralgon West 4/61, Raiders -bye

UNDER 12

Round 5(Friday,November 7-T20s): Toongabbie 6/81(CYoung 32*, HJohnston 2/2) def Centrals 7/80 (C Moncrieff 33*, CMoncrieff 3/9), Mirboo North/Jeeralang-Boolarra 1/78 (J Calafiore 28) def Morwell/Latrobe 9/72 (W Dowdell 33*, J Calafiore 2/20), Willow Grove 5/85 (L Walsh 30*, TGoyne2/6) def Moe8/83 (H Boothman28, K Micallef 25, JGrima 2/11,JCotter 2/12, NSallee 2/16), Ex Students 5/128 (L Bastin 33*, JHodson 31*, JArmstrong 3/16) def Rovers/Gormandale 6/111 (K Senthilkumar 30*,JArmstrong 30*), Raiders -bye

Round 6(Sunday, November 16 -one day): Centrals 3/195 (A Hurley 50*, SRajapakse 50*, JPoursanidis39, EDissanayake 31) def Mirboo North/Jeeralang-Boolarra 7/194 (J Calafiore 53*, CStanton 37,KMorrison 3/23, EDissanayake 2/20), Toongabbie 4/54def Moe 47 (S Fernando 5/5), Ex Students 5/113 (F Graham 53*, LWalsh 2/31) def Willow Grove 8/76 (L Bastin 4/12),Rovers/ Gormandale 4/208 (J Bull 50*, KSenthilkumar50*) def Raiders 9/88 (S Darby 37, SBreddels 5/10, J Towers 2/25), Morwell/Latrobe -bye.

Round 7(Friday,Nov 21/28 -two day): Centrals 5/156 (C Moncrieff 52*, AHurley 30, SRajapakse 25*, NSallee 3/34) def Willow Grove 129 (L Walsh 51,CHowlett3/9,XPettie 2/14, KMorrison 2/21),

Round 2(Monday, October 27): Morwell 3/44 def Raiders 1/38,ExStudentsHammerheads 2/122(JGray36*)def Willow Grove4/27 (G Cheema 2/4), Traralgon West 4/131 (H Rawson 29*, HPhillips29*)def Mirboo North 7/50, Moe 3/64 defExStudentsGreat GreatWhites 6/45 (P Shellcot 2/3), Centrals vs CATS (no scores entered), Imperials -bye.

Round 3(Monday, October 10): Morwell 2/75 def Willow Grove 3/49, Ex Students Great Whites 4/50 def Raiders 6/47 (R Burge 2/2), Moe 8/54 def CATS 2/47, Traralgon West 2/96 def Ex Students Hammerheads 7/81 (A Shine 37*, PMcQuillen3/8, MEdebohls2/15), Centrals vs Imperials(no scores entered), Mirboo North -bye.

Round 4(Monday, November 17): washout

Round 5(Monday, November 24): Centrals 3/64 def Raiders 6/43 (A Brar 3/7), Ex Students 4/76 def Mirboo North 9/37 (A Shine 2/5), Traralgon West 4/164 (H Rawson 46*, MEdebohls 32*, PMcQuillen 26*), def Ex Students 7/35, Moe 6/66 (R Hateley 2/15) def Imperials5/39 (R Neame 2/4),Willow Grove vs CATS (no scores entered), Morwell -bye.

Round 6(Monday, November 1): washout

Marinus works expected by March

By PHILIP HOPKINS

APACKED TraralgonTown Hall last Friday sent abig message: large numbersofLatrobeValley and Gippsland businesses want to be part of the action for the construction of Marinus Link,the power and communications cable that will be built between Victoria and Tasmania.

The cable will go under Bass Strait, comingashore at Waratah Bay and travelling through the South Gippsland countryside, entering the Latrobe Valley near Mirboo North and connecting to the power grid at the former Hazelwood power station site.

The Project Director for Marinus Link, Mike Carter, said it was fantastic to see such astrong turnout from localbusinesses, industry groups and community representatives.

“Your active interest and involvement are absolutely critical to helping us maximise the benefits of Marinus Link to the local economy,” he told the gathering.

Asimilar meeting was held in Leongatha on Thursday (December 3). The lead contractors for the project -Hitachi Energy, Prysmian, and the TasVic Greenlink joint venture –gavepresentations about their role in Marinus Link and the skills they were looking for from Gippsland businesses.

“Early works are planned to start in March next year,” Mr Carter said, emphasising that the meetingwas thechance for businesses to apply for the work.

He made “a special callout” to the Industry Capability Network team in Gippsland, headed by Colin Young.

“They have been our key partnersinlocal industry engagement and to make sure all of your details reach the right people at the right time,” he said.

Mr Carter said Marinus Link aimed to combine

Victoria’swind and oversupplyofdaytime solar withTasmania’s flexiblehydropowerand geographically diverse wind.

“During the days when Victoria has an oversupply of renewables, Tasmania can import this lower-cost energy and conserve its hydrostorage. Then,inthe evening, whendemand peaksinVictoria, Tasmania can exportthatstoredhydro energy, providing value to both regions,” he said.

“For Victoria, hydropower then displaces higherpriced peaking alternatives like gas, pushing down wholesale energy prices with aclean alternative.”

Mr Carter said the capability in Gippsland was strong.

“We want to make sure you’re all well-placed to compete for upcomingwork packages. We know our lead contractors are already engaging with local businesses, and we’re seeing areal depth of capability acrossGippsland and North West Tasmania,” he said.

“We have astrongfocus on maximising local content. However, there will be areas where local capacity can’t meet every requirement, and some elements of theworks will need to be sourcedmore broadly. That’s the reality of aproject of this scale and technology.

“We are ensuringthat we run an open, transparent process where every local business has equal

access to information,and equalopportunity to put themselves forward, so together we can maximise the benefitsofMarinus Link for the local economy.”

Mr Carter said it had been amonumental year forMarinus Link, with several major approvals, decisions and contracts now locked in.

Highlights included:

 Positive final investment decisions in August from the shareholders -the Commonwealth, Tasmania and Victoria, followed by financial close with the debt provider –the Clean Energy Finance Corporation;

 Together, these commitments completed the financing needs for Stage 1ofMarinus Link. This enabled the company to give notices to proceed to the technology suppliers -Prysmian for the cables and Hitachi Energy for the converters.;

 Primary approvals under both Victorian and Commonwealth legislation, which were both major landmarks for the project;

 The permit for the shore-crossing and submarine cables, withthe end of the process nearfor the converter station permit, both under Tasmanian legislation;

 Strengthening the relationship with Jacobs through the formation of an Integrated Delivery Team, ramping up resources and systems in preparation for construction;

 Announcement of the preferred lead contractor for the civil and construction worksthe TasVic Greenlink JV, ajoint venture between DT Infrastructure and Samsung C&T, and;

 The final milestones ahead are the final permits and the Australian Energy Regulator’s final revenue determination, expected in February.

US backing to make Latrobe great again

By PHILIP HOPKINS

IN an economic and reputationalboost to the Latrobe Valley, Latrobe Magnesium is set to receive largefundingfrom the US as part of the $8.5 billion US-Australia critical minerals deal. The agreementwas signed in Octoberina meeting between US President Donald Trump and Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Latrobe Magnesium, based in Morwell,has developed technology that can produce magnesium from the ash waste produced by Yallourn power station.

Latrobe was one of seven ASX-listed critical minerals companies to receive backing from the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM).

Latrobe received aletter of interest (LOI) from EXIM for up to $US122 million (AUD $187 million) to finance the construction of its10,000tonne per annum commercial magnesium plant in the Latrobe Valley, with arepayment period of 15 years. The LOI is non-binding -itdoes not represent afinancing commitment -until EXIM conducts its standard due diligence.

Latro be Magn esi um’s tec hno lo gy has the potential to turn millionsoftonnesofash intoa massive resource of critical minerals,which are deemed essential for modern technology, energy, anddefence. Re-usingthe waste, ash avoidscostly undergroundexploration and the building of mine infrastructure, as well as putting waste product to productive use.

“Magnesium is critical becauseabout 90 percent comes from China, and afew per cent comes from Russia,”Latrobe’s chief executive, David Paterson, told the Australian Financial Review. “So you can understand why the rest of the worldislooking for

awestern producer of magnesium.” nMagnesium is used to make steel stronger, as well as in the productionoftitaniumand aluminium. Themetal is vital to the manufacture of electric vehicles, as well as military hardware such as aircraftand ships. Fighter aircraft use magnesium flares to lure away enemy missiles.

Mr Paterson said the US interest was ashortterm bonus, but the company’s selling points had been around for years. Latrobe’s technology was developed in-house in collaboration with Wollongong University and the CSIRO.

“We have been developing for 20 years, but now everyone is starting to understand the mentality of the magnesium metal,” he said.

Latrobe’s technology converts fly ash into magnesium oxide by extractingunburnt minerals such as carbon and silicon. The remaining magnesium oxide is then turned intoametal ingot. It currently runs ademonstration plant at Hazelwood North and recently raised $10 million to complete the 1000-tonne-a-year plant. The project was funded through a$4million fundraising at 2.3 cents per share, and another $6 million from institutions.

“We call it ademonstration plant, but it’s basically asmall commercial plant. We have spent $70 million on it, and we’re probably going to spend another $10 million,” Mr Paterson told the AFR.

Production of magnesium oxide (MgO) is the prerequisite for proceeding to the next stageofthe operation,acommercial plant withacapacityof more than10,000tonnes per annum of magnesium metal. Latrobe aims to build the larger commercial plantbythe end of 2027, using the $US122 million backing from the US.

“There’s no issue with resources. To run aplant of 10,000 tonnes,itonly requires about 100,000 tonnes of flyash ayear. Yallourn [the power station] makes about 400,000 tonnes of ash ayear,” Mr Paterson said. "The technology also produced much lower carbon dioxide."

Mr Paterson said US buyers are prepared to take all the magnesium Latrobe can produce; the company has already signed an offtake agreement with US aluminium group Metal Exchange.

“We will soon be in aposition to produce 11,000 tonnes [a year],” he said. “I guess that’s what the Americans love about us -we’re aready fix.”

In its September quarterly activitiesreport, Latrobesaidithad submittedits 'White Paper' for the EXIM funding to the US Department of Defence (DoD -now the DepartmentofWar)under the auspices of aUSAct that supports the development of domestic supplychains forcriticalminerals.

Magnesium is designated acriticalmineral in the US, which has no current domestic capability.

"The proposal -positivelyreceivedbyDoDhighlights that Bechtel, aUS-based Washington firm, would leadthe engineering scope. Under the proposal, all magnesium metal produced will be exported to US customers, including the Pentagon," Latrobe said.

"The funding, if approved, will enable LMG to completemagnesiummetal production at the demonstration plant, support ramp-up costs, and advance feasibility studies for the Stage 2, 10,000 tpa (tonnes per annum) commercial plant. An outcome from the application is expected in Q4 2025."

Production at the demonstration plant was

recently halted due to amanufacturing defect in aSpray Roaster Fan, but acompany spokesman said the repairs were close to completion, ready for the plant to restart.

Latrobe has also been accepted into the federal government's Industry Growth Program. Under phase 1, aCommonwealh-appointed business adviser has completed an assessment of the LMG project and submitted it for review, paving the way fora Phase 2funding application of up to $5m and/ or 50 per cent of eligible expenditure."

The Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Tim Ayres, told the ABC that magnesium is avital, critical mineral that’s used in aircraft production,inweapons systems, in protective gear, used in defence and fire applications.

"It’s areally importantmineral forthe world,” he said. "We’re not just exporting ore overseas or the raw product,we’re makingthe product here in Australia.”

Mr Ayres said the “cold hard cash” committed by the US and Australian governmentswould encourage private capital to follow, ensuring the project gets the funding it needs.

LMG, through its 100 per cent subsidy, established Latrobe Magnesium Sarawak, which also aims to build a100,000 tpa magnesium plant located in Sarawak, Malaysia. The company has previously said labour costs and high energy prices make it difficult to build this plant in Australia

Separately, LMG has hired Jones Lang LaSalle to sell about 4.3 hectares of surplus land at the TramwayRoadsite. It is expected to sell for up to $3m.

Sue stands as shining example

By AIDAN KNIGHT

ATRARALGON woman has been recognised for 70 years as an insulin-dependent, by Diabetes Victoria.

Sue Tabuteau was recognised for her third milestone, having already received silver (50 years) and gold (60) medals from the same organisation, at this year'sDiabetes Victoria Kellion Awards, held at the NAB building in Docklands.

The award is named after Clause Kellion, aSydney businessman who formed aresearch foundationafter the death of his son fromdiabetes complications. Awards are given up to 100 years of living with the condition, corresponding 'supporters' awards are given to each recipient's carer.

Diagnosedasachild at just seven-and-a-half, Sue’sjourney withdiabetes began whenher family noticed changes in her appetite and appearance.

“I was always such afinicky eater …and then, of course, it changed. I’dbeeatingand drinking anything and everything,” she recalls.

Whatfollowedwas adiagnosisofType1diabetes, amoment that altered the course of her life forever.

"At that time, the doctor said to mum, 'don’t expect along life from Sue. She may get to 30'.”

Defying thoseearly expectations,Sue went on to live an active and fulfilling life, having played "every sport under the sun", and remains an active member of the Trafalgar Golf Club.

Suesaidher storyisdeeply etched withthe wisdom and compassion of her father, whose words became aguiding light through the challenges of alsoliving with Type 1diabetes. She remembers the day vividly: her father, ahumblecarpenter, spent his spare time crafting wooden toys for children in need, thosewho faced even greaterobstacles than Sue would.

"He'd comehome andhe'dhave tears running down his face," Sue said. It was then that her father looked at her and made apowerful statement that hasstayedwith her for alifetime: “Suzanne, you can do anything with your life.”

Thosefew words carried enormous weight, shaping how Sue viewed her diagnosis and possibilities.

“I sort of had to take that into consideration at that age. Ijust thought, well, you know, if dad has seen that and it's brought him to tears, so that was my main achievement withmylife …”. The message was clear: where others saw limits, her father saw potential, and he urgedSue to seize every opportunity.

Everymilestone from sportingachievements, to raising afamily, to being awarded the 70-year

medal, has been coloured by that early lesson -to value one's abilities and to live life with gratitude and determination. Her dad’s wisdom continues to inspire not justSue,but everyone who hears her story.

In Victoria, Type 1diabetes accounts for around 10 to 15 per cent of all diabetes cases. In the Gippsland regionspecifically (ABS data) in the 2021 census, 5.8 per cent of people reported nongestational diabetes. Today, the Primary Health Network estimates 9.9 per cent of adults in Latrobe are diabetic, one of the higher hotspot rates being Moe/Newborough.

Diabetes Victoria Chief Executive Glen Noonan toldthe Express,“The KellionVictory Medalismore than just an award; it is aprofound testament to the journey our Kellions have been on and apowerful source of inspiration for our entire community."

"WhenSue was diagnosed more than 70 years ago, managingdiabetes was even more complex and relentless than it is today. She has seen many changes in diabetes technology since the '50s and she has had to continue to learn and adapt, becoming the expert in her own care. We oftenhear from Kellion recipients that managing diabetes over many decades is ateam effort -support from friends, family and health professionals is vital.

Theconnections Sue established in the diabetes communityover the years has no doubt helped her to live alonger and happier life.”

“Type 1diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires 24/7 management -tolivewell with diabetes for seven decades is an incredible effort. It is our privilege to honour remarkable people like Sue."

Research and evaluation officer Chelsea Nguyen

read out Sue's story at the ceremony,and as alived experience member of the Diabetes Victoria team, found inspiration in her seven decades with the condition,one she describes as having "no days off".

"Living with diabetes does not limit our ability to live the life we choose. It becomes part of the way in how we move through the world," she said.

"Stories like Sue show that with determination, connection and support from the people around us, we can keep going, keep learning and continue living in away that is meaningful to us."

All Australians who havebeen livingwith Type 1 or Type 2diabetes for 50 years or more, are eligible for aKellion Award. Those wishing to apply should make anomination by filling out the form found at: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/

Premier’shonour for FedUni

FEDERATION University has taken out multiple honours at the 2025 Victorian International Education Awards -including the Premier’s Awardfor International Education Provider of the Year.

The Premier’s Award is the highest recognition for international educationinVictoria,and reflects Federation’s commitment to ensuring students succeed academically, professionally and personally.

PresentedbyThe Hon.John Brumby AO, Chair of the Victorian International Education Advisory Council and Former Premier of Victoria, the award recognises Federation University’s investment in international student success and strong track record in preparing graduates for globally competitive careers.

The university’s nation-leading co-operative education model wasalso acknowledged withthe Excellence in InternationalStudent Employability and Career Development Award.

Never stop learning, even at 103

MANY Gippsland residents will be familiar with the name, Judy Hall OAM.

Judy is acentenarianwho is stillteachingpiano, and learning as well.

The Victorian Music Teachers’ Association (VMTA) has collaborated with Judy and her close friend, Joy Ellis, to produce a‘Toolkit’ for establishing excellent piano technique in early years.

It is basednot only on Judy’svastexperience, but also from her determination to learn more from colleagues.

Judyand the VMTA boardare thrilled to announce the launch of Judy’s ‘Toolkit’ on establishing excellent piano technique. Judy did not experience learning good technique in her youth, and decided shewould research abetterapproach with other world leading piano teachers. As a result, many of her students have benefited, with some achieving international standing.

Judy lives in Moe.Hence, aregional launch, and she has performed at Wesley of Warragul.

Furthermore, all profits from the sale of the books will go towards establishing the ‘Judy Hall OAM Scholarship Fund’.

Judy is very excited to have her book guide teachers to establish good technique, as well as assist struggling students financially. Both teachers and students will be the recipients of her lifelong work.

Judy and the VMTA hope to see piano teachers and friends at thelaunch, whichwillinclude light

refreshments.Copies of the ‘Toolkit’ are $30, which includes free entry to the launch, and can be ordered at: https://www.vmta.org.au/events/ events-calendar/ Entry is free if you do not want to orderatoolkit.

Co-op helps students kickstart their careers by providing real-world work experience and industry connections as part of their study.

In an Australian first, co-op offers paid placements that count towards astudent’s qualification without extending the length of their degree.

Importantly, co-op is translating into realworld outcomes, with Federation named Number 1inVictoriafor overall postgraduate employment, and number two in Victoria for overall undergraduateemployment -with manyinternational students securingongoing employment as aresult of their co-op placement.

Since 2013, the Victorian International Education Awards have celebrated the state’s mostexceptional international students, recent graduates and industry providers.

The awards highlight excellence in leadership and innovation in the international education sector, re-enforcing Victoria’s position as a world-class education destination.

Humbled: Sue pictured at the 2025 Kellion VictoryAward Photograph supplied

Againstthe odds: Sue stands proudly withher latest Kellion Medal Photograph: Aidan Knight

Cleverminds: Former Victorian Premier The Hon John Brumby, Federation UniversityVice Chancellor Professor Duncan Bentleyand Department of Jobs,Skills,Industry and Regions IndustryTrade and Investment DeputySecretary DanniJarrett. Photograph: SDP Media

Decorated soldier: Everymedal Suehas beenawarded. Photograph: Aidan Knight

Light touch: MoepianistJudy Hall OAMissharing her teachingexpertise in anew book.

Protégé: 103-year-old pianistJudy Hall with renowned and award-winning concertpianist William Schmidt. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Valedictorydinner

TRAFALGAR HighSchool held its valedictory dinner at Lardner Park.

All Year 12 students were presented their yearbook, while the school celebratedthese young adults as they completed their high schooljourney.

Principal BrettPedlow paid tribute to the students’ character, commitment to their studies and the connections they have formed in the school that they will carry throughout their lives.

He also acknowledged therole of familiesin supporting students in their studies.Three awards were given on the night:

-Valedictorian; for the student who received the highest aggregatedassessmentscores acrosstheir subjects. This award went to Lena Blackshaw. Lena has been with Trafalgar High Schoolfrom Year 7whenshe joined the select entry accelerated learning program;

-The principal’s award, voted by subject teachers as someone who engages withthe classwork and applies efforttoall aspectsoflearning. Two students were awarded the honour this year: Tillie

Manfieldand Darby Taylor. It was notedthat both students joined the school in theirsenior years, and quickly found aplace in the THS community;

The final award wasthe VCE/VMstudentofthe year, which was awarded to Hunter Timbs. Hunter gave atwo-word acceptance speech of “thank you”, but Mr Pedlow noted he had personally taught Hunter in 2025and said his commitment to his studies and TAFE program was exceptional.

School captains, Jessica Pettifer, Stevie Fiddler, Archie Fraserand JonahMeredith took time to thank teachers and staff for their efforts in teaching and guiding them and their peers through many years. It has been theseefforts they said,that has helped to shape them into who they are now,and how they are now ready to take the next step as they enter adulthood.

“We wish our outgoing Year 12’s all the best for theirfuture endeavour’s andhave all the confidence in theirability to achieve their goals,”Year 12 coordinator Sarah Kent shared.

Congr student Tillie Manfield andprincipal Pedlow.

ga ighSchool

valedictorian Lena Blackshaw is congratulated by principal BrettPedlow

Shortand sweet: Hunter Timbs and principal BrettPedlow.

First sods turnedonnew VCE centre

By KATRINABRANDON

ANEW chapter is setfor St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Traralgon Campus.

The firstsod of the school's new VCE Centre was turned last month (Friday, November 21).

Bringingtogether students, parents, teachers and local leaders, such as Member for Morwell Martin Cameron and (now) Latrobe City Council Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman (Mayor at the time), about 50 people gathered for the launch to celebrate how far the school has come.

The construction of this new facility marks a significantmilestoneinthe history of St Paul’s TraralgonCampus, as the school prepares to offer Year 11 and12for the first time from 2026.

Thisexciting development willcatertosenior students across theLatrobe Valley, preparing them for life beyondschool by equippingthem with the skills and guidance needed to pursue further education and enter the workforcewith confidence.

The new VCE Centreand Specialist Hub was made possible through a$2.2 million Capital Grant fromthe federal government'sCapitalGrants Program.

The school's new state-of-the-artbuilding will be ready for Term1,2027and will feature modern, flexible learning spaces, including two food technologystudios, two science laboratories and six general-purpose classrooms. Designed with collaboration and adaptability in mind, the centre will also be equipped to operate as aregistered VCE Examination Centre, providing acomprehensive senior learning environment.

At the turning of the sod, St Paul’s Principal, Cameron Herbert, led the ceremony.

“This is amomentousoccasion, and we have guests here from incredible chapters of history of the school,” he told the crowd.

“There are people here today who were part of the school in the first place when it began in Warragul.

Next year, for the first time, Year 12 and secondary will have 100 students in ayear level, and it looks like we already have await list at Year 7for 2027, aremarkablegrowthstory and proofthatthe area is very, very interested in St Paul's going to VCE at this campus.”

Looking at the school's growth, Mr Herbert reminisced about the different projects that have taken place, including some of the doubts, andhow they got to where they are now.

Now looking to the future growth of the new VCECentre,hehighlighted the aim of getting the building in use by the start of 2027 and the excitement of the new structure towards the back of the school.

FollowingMrHerbert’s speech wasThe Right ReverendDrRichard Treloar(Anglican Bishop of Gippsland), who deliveredaBible passage for theoccasion.

Reading from Colossianschapter three, verses 12 to 17, he highlighted partstending towards education and growth.

School CaptainsLayla and Chloe followed the

reading, sharing theirexcitementfor the new development.

Layla said, “We're assembled here at this location to celebrate and acknowledge the commencement of what will be one of the most significant builds for this campus.

“I would like to thank the school’s team, our executives, school board, for their generous and unwavering commitment to the VCE vision and theincreasing capacity to support and maintain asmall schoolfeeland quality teaching, as well as the safe and productive learning environment thathas made our travels and secondary schoo the schoolofchoice for so many Latrobe Valle families in recent years.”

Adding to the occasion, the current Year 10 studentsreceived badgestobeworn on their blazers next year, highlighting the specialityo theiryearlevel and achievements -alongside a Traralgon Secondary School Foundation VCE Student Certificate.

Chairo sharesits creativity

CHAIRO ChristianSchool hosted its annual art and design expo recently -acelebration of student creativity and innovation.

Families and friends were invited to view an array of artwork and designprojects developed by students during Semester 2.

Students explained the creativeprocess behind the projects to their visitors; the planning, problem-solving,and techniques that brought their ideas to life.

Students were to be congratulated on their hard work and outstanding achievements.

Junior school studentspresented their artwork, while middle school studentsdisplayed a varietyofdesign projects that highlighted both imagination andpractical skills. Among the projectswere 3D games,cookies,keyrings, and desk accessories, each reflecting the students’ unique ideas.

Occasion: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Principal Cameron Herber tand school captains Layla and Chloe cut theceremonialcake.

Future: Current St Paul’s Year 10 students set to be theTraralgon Campus foundationVCE studentswith St Paul’s BoardChair,Darren Jennings,and St Paul’s Principal, Cameron Herber t. Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Honours: Turningthe firstsodsare St Paul’s BoardChair,Darren Jennings,and St Paul’s Principal, Cameron Herber t.

Trio: Grace,Giftand Akala took part in the Chairo Christian School ar tand designexpo Photograph supplied

Small ideasbringbig marketsuccess

YEAR 5studentsatStPaul’s Anglican Grammar School brought energy andexcitement as they hostedtheir annual market day, transforming classrooms into abustling hub of small-business ideas and handmade creations.

Working in colla borative groups, stude nts designedand developed their own stall concepts linked to their Humanities Economics unit. Throughout the project, they explored real-world economic principles including consumer choices, goods and services, scarcity, resources, and the differences between wants and needs. Educators guided the process,encouragingstudents to think strategically, plan carefully and consider the role businesses play within acommunity.

Market day showcased an impressive variety of products, from twisty balloons and chip bag

keyringstocrafty jewellery and hand warmers, highlighting the students’ creativity and emerging entrepreneurial skills. Afterthe event, students analysed their results by preparing profit and loss statements, reflecting on what worked well and what they would improve next time.

This hands-on experience also supported the school’s commitment to personalised learning, allowing students to make decisions, take ownership of their stall, and pursue ideas that reflected their interests and strengths.

One of the most meaningfulaspects of the project was its focusongivingback. All profits weredonatedtothe Royal Children’s Hospital and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, with an impressive total of $1800 raised.

MONDAY8

Avah Twomey turns 8

Marium Ahmed turns 4

FRIDAY12DECEMBER

Flynn Musgrove turns 11

Tiana Hosking turns 12

Rose Calabro turns 11

SUNDAY14DECEMBER

Lachie

turns 10

In knots: Jake,Liam,Isa and Xander with their‘The TwistyTwisters’ balloon stall.

Cosy: Lucas, Lauraand Alexeiwiththeir ‘HealingHandWarmers’stall

Bloom: Emma, Charlie and Arjanwith theircraftyflowers stall.

Duo: Leni and Robbie withtheirbookmarkstall.

Photographs supplied

Creative: Annabel andIsabella with their‘Chip bagsisters’ keyring stall.

Thumbs up: Anna and Jackson with their ‘HoneyPops’stall

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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 apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted 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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Deaths •

ALLEN (nee Reidy) Dianne Margaret 26/06/1947 -5/12/2025

Passed away Peacefully surrounded by family at the Korumburra Hospital. Daughter of Audrey and Martin Reidy (dec.). Dearly Loved Wife of Brian. Loved and adored Mum of Trevor and Lizzie, Katrina and Bruce, and Bronwyn. Adored Nanny of Dylan, Nathan, Gavin, Cameron, Nicole and Matthew. Loved Great-Nan of Ashia and Jemma. Loved Sister of Kevin, Adelia, Kathy, Glenn, Patricia (dec.), Graeme, John, Eileen, Michael, Greg, Edna, Bernadette (dec.), and all of their extended families.

Adored Aunty of many. Forever In Our Hearts.

Funeral Details to follow.

ELLERINGTON Elizabeth (Betty)

Passed away peacefully at LRH on Monday 8 December 2025. Aged 82 years Loved and loving mother of Peter and Cassandra. Cherished Nana of Thomas.

Loving sister of Joan (dec.) and Bronwin. Always treasured and remembered.

ELLERINGTON Elizabeth (Betty)

Loving sister of Bronwin and Joan (dec.). Loving Aunt of Leanne and Robert. LovingGreat-Aunt of Amanda and Sam and Great-Great- Aunt of Indiana and Ryder. Forever in our hearts.

FENECH Joseph Simon (Joe) Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens Aged Care Traralgon on 6th December 2025. Aged 76 Years

Dearly loved husband of Jenny (dec.). Much loved Father and Father-in-law of Jason and Casey, Simone and Anthony, Marc and Laura. Ador ed Gra nddad to Caleb, Elsie, Corbin, Sasha, Carmen, Mikayla, and Jensen.

GRANT (Field) Marion Yvonne (Yvonne)

Passed away peacefully at Calvary Narracan. Gardens 5December. Dearly loved wife of Eric (dec.), much-loved mother and mother-in-law of Ken and Diane, Colin and Susan (dec), Robyne, Lynette, and Phil Blunt. Adored Nana and GreatNana of Christopher, Qin Qin and Ella, Steve and Elenor, Chrissy, Philip and Robert. Reunited with the love of your life and dancing partner. -

Loved by Ken and Diane, Steve and Chrissy and Great- Granddau ghter Elenor.

Nana, we take comfort knowing you're reunited with the love of your life We'll think of you every time we order a Filet-O-Fish.

Dearly loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Lynette and Phil, and adored Grandmother of Philip and Robert Blunt.

Mum, it was an honour to have been by your side when you took yourfinal breath. Rest easy, back in the arms of Dad, dancing in heaven. -

Would you liketodeliver the LatrobeValley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesdayand /or Wednesday afternoons in Traralgon and Moe. Please apply to: The CirculationManager0456000 541

Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit. Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome

FREE and PROMPT No job too big or small, servicing all areas. Please call Levi 0409 576 763.

TOYOTA Estina 2004. 7Seater, 188,000km, reverse camera, power side doors, sunroofs. RWC, 6mths reg. VIN64900MCR300067657. $6800. 0409 565 497.

BARRY-MURPHY Kevin John (John) Born at Yallourn 10/1/53, passed away at Latrobe Regional Health 6/12/25. Son of Denis and Sheila Barry-Murphy (both dec.). Brother of Margaret (Maxwell), Denis (dec.), Hugh, Joe (dec.), Claire, Peter and Katie (dec.). Uncle of Rebecca and Mat, Great-uncle of Olivia. Dear friend of Rae and Gina. Agenerous manwith a cheeky grin andcontagious laugh who will begreatly missed.

GIBSON Leighton Macdonald Born 4th March 1950, passed away peacefully at home last week, aged 75. Much-loved Father of Marcus and Kate, and cherished Pa of Emerson, Ebony and Lily. Wonderful Father-in-law to Simon and Carrie. The family, memories, and bond created with Heather will never be forgotten. His years of companionship with Helen, forever treasured. Ashining exampleofa man who lived for others. A champion in so many ways.

In Loving Memory of Nana. Your absence leaves a deep void. You were a constant source of love and kindness.

Treasured Nana to Christopher and Qin Qin, Great- Nana to Ella, and the heart of our family. The Wakefield family send their love.

Now reunited with Pop, may you both be dancing in heaven.

POELSMA Lawrence Johannes (Lawrey) Passed away peacefully at St Hillary's, Morwell on December 1, 2025. Aged 88 years Dearly loved husband of June (dec.). Much loved father of Simon, Chris and their partners. Loved grandfather of Nathan and Daniel. Loved stepfather of Linda and family. Re-united with June.

Keith Agreat friend and

JAYCO Sterling van, mod. 21.65-7, ATM 2529kg, tare 2054kg, Q/bed, ensuite, a/c, fridge, gas/elec hot water and cooking, TV, 2x80L water tanks, Aussie annexe, exc/cond. $25,000. neg. Ph 0458 517 415.

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

COWEN Kevin Born on March 2, 1959. Passed away peacefully on the 24th of November 2025. Beloved husband of Vicki. Much loved and devoted father and father-in-law of Kylie and Ashley, Kevin and Monique, and Cameron. Adored grandfather of Sean, William, Zander, Jonathan, Adaline and baby Evans #3 due April 2026. Much loved brother, uncle, and friend. Forever in our hearts and sadly missed.

and

and friend of

Happy memories will last forever.

for 60 years and will be missed not only by family but by all who knew him. Mo and Gwenda Machen.

SAYLE (nee' Sullivan) Maureen Ivy 18/2/1937 -30/11/2025 Beloved wife of David (dec.). Loving mother of Sean, Jodi, Glen and Coralie, Nan to 13 and Great-Gran to 8.

Patricia Passed away peacefully on the 2nd of December 2025 aged 83. Much loved wife of Michael. Dearly loved Mother and Mother-in-law to Lisa,

and Alan, Stephen and Bettina,

and

and

Naana to Emma, Calum, Joe, Ben, Immy, Polly and Jarvis.

TEMPLETON

Pauline

Sean

Kate, Peter

Jacey. Loved

PONTON

workmate

GIBSON Leighton MacDonald. Loved nephew of Ivan and Margaret Gibson (both dec.)

beloved cousin and childhood buddy of Brenda

Russell.

BARRY-MURPHY

Kevin (John)

The funeral service for Mr Kevin (John) BarryMurphy will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on FRIDAY (12 December 2025) commencing at 11.am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Yallourn Cemetery. John's service will be livestreamed, to view please visit our website: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GIBSON AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of Leighton Gibson will take place at the Trafalgar Golf Club, 230 Gibson Rd, Trafalgar on FRIDAY (12th December 2025) commencing at 2pm. To be preceded by aPrivate Burial. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities in Leighton's name would be greatly appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the service. tinyurl.com/leightongibson The Ceremony will be livestreamed. Please visit Harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link.

Mrs Maureen Sayle will be held at the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Dr Morwell, MONDAY (15 December 2025) commencing at 11am.

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

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au SAYLE Maureen The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation to Celebrate the

COWEN

Family and friends are invitedtoattend a celebration of Kevin's life, FRIDAY (12 December 2025) at 1.30pm at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive Morwell. At the conclusion of the service, the funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. Kevin's service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please go to: latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

DESTEFANO

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Maria Grazia Destefano will be offered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Rd Morwell, WEDNESDAY on (10 December 2025) commencing at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of mass for the Gippsland memorial Park Cemetery, Traralgon. Rosary will be recited on Tuesday (December 9th, 2025) at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Dr Morwell at 4pm. Maria's service will also be livestreamed. To view, please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming. MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

ELLERINGTON

The Funeral of Ms Elizabeth 'Betty' Ellerington will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon on FRIDAY (12th December 2025) commencing at 10.30am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FENECH

The funeral service for Mr Joseph (Joe) Fenech will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon on THURSDAY (11th December 2025) commencing at 11am.

The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for aprivate burial at Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

2258

TRARALGON 5174

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GRANT

The funeral service for Mrs Marion (Yvonne) Grant will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe, Monday 22 December 2025 at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Moe Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your

HARRIS Gwenda

21/6/1938 -6/12/2025

Gwenda has finally left town. At Last. Please Gather for a Celebration of Gwen's life at the Morwell Bowls Club, Hazelwood Road, Morwell, on THURSDAY (18th December 2025) commencing at 2pm. APrivate Cremation will follow.

MCBRIDE

The Funeral service and burial for Ms Karen McBride will be held at The Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on THURSDAY (December 11th, 2025) commencing at 1.00pm.

POELSMA

The Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Lawrey Poelsma will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd, Warragul, WEDNESDAY NEXT WEEK (December 17) at 2pm.

The Service will also be live-streamed. To view please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

APrivate Family Burial will precede the Service.

Aservice to celebrate the life of Patricia Templeton will be held at St Michaels Catholic Church, Church St Traralgon, THURSDAY (11 December 2025), commencing at 1pm. At the conclusion of this service the funeral will proceed to Gippsland Memorial Park for aburial service. This service will not be livestreamed.

WILSON (nee HICKEY)

AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of Betty (Janet Elizabeth) Wilson will take place at the Bena Hall, 41 Main Rd, Bena on MONDAY (15 December 2025) commencing at 2pm. To be preceded by Private Cremation.

CARDILLO Francesco

1/6/1931- 11/12/2022 3Years without you Dad. Loving you always, Forgetting you never, Always in our hearts. Love from Lucia, Angela, Vin, Tony, Mario and families

LAWSON Janette

1/5/1939 -5/12/2014 11 years have passed and Imiss you every minute of every day. Ilove you, until we meet again. John. Loved andremembered always. Neil and Wendy, Linda and Gary, Samantha, Caitlin, Alex and Lachlan.

Bereavement

NACHORNY Stefan (Steve) Maureen, Stephen and families, would like to thank everyonewho attended Steve's funeral and for all the cards, flowers, food and gifts. Your kindness and support were sincerely appreciated. So sadly missed by all.

LATROBE VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES

Familyowned and locally based Funeral Directors

We bring 35

Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburraand surroundingareas.

you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words

notices placed in print also go

SHOP,EAT, SPEND &ENJOY LOCAL

Newborough back on top

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

COOLconditions ledmidweekpennanton

Tuesday, December 2, starting in Division 1 with Morwell Club only having ashort stay on top of the ladder,losing 72-50 at Trafalgar.

Ian Miles and his rinkofSue Robinson, Terry Robertson and Matt Coutts defeated Tara Harle, 21-15.

Adam Proctor and his rink of Paul Dawson, Noel Rubenstein and Mick Fleming defeated Neil Whitelaw 24-16,and to complete a cleansweep, David Cook andhis rink of Pat Tatterson, Heather Taylor and Chris Bortignon defeated Alan Campbell 27-19.

Newborough regained the ladder top spot with astrongwin at Traralgon with Sammy Atkinson and her rink of Liam Jones, Bluey Flaniganand Alan Grubbdefeating Kathy Smiles 29-10.

Sheryl Atkinson and her rink of Maureen Leighton, Alan Ryanand Scott Jones defeated James Scullin 25-17.

For Traralgon, Trevor James and his rink of JanisKirby, bill Mundayand Graham Crossdefeated Phil Mustoe 25-19,leaving Newborough winning 73-52.

Traralgon RSL continued their winning ways against Moe with Ross Sizeland and his team of Margaret Morley, Peter Barnes and Terry Hunter winning 26-15 against Jeff Thompson.

Maurie Sutcliffe and his rink of Ron Osler, Titch Hore and RossMcKenziedefeated Lorraine Horton 30-7, and for Moe, Ian Caines defeated Beau Williamson 25-21 as Traralgon RSL won 76-45.

Drouin won all rinks against Warragul 69-44 with Chris Deal and his rink of Ron Westrup, Steve Barr and Ian Wake defeated Margaret Ratcliffe winning 24-13.

Dennis Throup and hisrinkofDenise Hamilton, Dini Hone and David McIlfatrick defeated Robert Renn 28-16, and Col Jeffreys defeated Gary Ingley 17-15.

 IN Division 2, Newborough (2) won all rinks against Traralgon (2) 76-41 with Trevor Kennedy and his rink of Michael Holroyd, Jeff Wetzel and Julie Jackson winning 29-11, Paul Gallagher 20-15 and Robbert Cook 27-15.

Yinnar defeatedNewborough (3)68-65 with only the rink of Tim Roche and his team of Francis Cassar, Ray Tanti and Russ Peters winning 32-21.

For Newborough,AlbertVan Stekelenburg won 24-17 and Ann-Mary Ryan 20-19 leaving Yinnar winning by three shots.

Morwell won all rinks against Drouin (2) 70-39 with Steve Collins and hi rink of Mike Arnold, RitaReddiex and Kevin Pigdon winning 31-11. Col Grant won 20-12 and Danny McKeown 19-16.

NeerimDistrictdefeated Trafalgar77-60 with Karren Sheers and her rink of Heather Guppy, Linda Chapple and John Rochford winning 30-11. Julie Adams won 31-24, and for Trafalgar Peter Watson won 25-16.

 IN Division 3, Churchill defeated Morwell Club (2) 66-59 with Tony Colwell and his rink of Heather Moir, Bill Brown and Grame Drury winning 21-15 and John Stewart won 21-19, whilst for Morwell Club (2) Ray Ancilleri won 25-24.

Drouin (3) defeated Morwell (2) 64-57 with only the rink of Robert Dickson together with Bill Martin, Marie McDonald and Lyn Jeffrey winning30-16.Morwell (2) had winners in Bob Wilson 20-17 and JohnMatheson21-17 Longwarry defeated Traralgon (3) 95-25 withTrevor Kitchin and hisrink of Janice Aubrey. JodieAshby and Graeme Aubrey winning 38-6. Dave Ashby won 29-8 and Jason Lieshout 28-11.

Warragul (2) with Bill Clappersand his rink of Ada Baxter,Brian Kennedy and David Feguson won 32-19and Paul Simmons drew 18-18with Richard Chetland. For Yarragon,Ross McDermott won 15-14, leaving Warragul the winners 64-52.

 IN Division 4, Yallourn North 14-69 defeated Traralgon RSL (2) 2-45 with Stephen Postlethwaite winning 30-7. Garfield 14-71defeated Longwarry (2) 2-58 with Alan White winning 26-16. Newborough (4)15-73 defeated Moe(2) 1-44 with Alan Luck winning 34-9. Traralgon (4) 16-64 defeated Morwell (3) 0-55 with Barbara Gapper winning 22-17.

 IN Division 5, Traralgon RSL (3) 8-51 defeated Yinnar (2) 2-29. Churchill(2) 8-38 defeated Trafalgar (3) 2-31,Morwell(4) 10-51 defeated Neerim District (2) 0-42 and Warragul (3) 9-37 defeated Drouin (4) 1-32.

Rain again playshavoc on bowling greens

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH WEEKEND PENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

SATURDAY was another day of intermittentrain with most games starting, however anumberwere unable to finish due to the constant rain and wet greens.

In Division 1, Drouin’s ChrisDeal and his rink of Alex Miller, Mary Firth and Fred Scicluna defeated Newborough champion Kevin Lovett 27-9, despite afew weather interruptions.

GarethRichdrewwith Sammy Atkinson19-19, and for Newborough,George Lambosdefeated Dennis Throup19-13 and Scott Jones defeated Doug Boggie 22-18.

The resultleft Drouinthe winners77-69after

Sammy Atkinson made avaliant effort to bridge the gap overthe last few ends after the other rinks had finished their matches.

Traralgon RSL won well at Morwell with Brian Smith and his rink of Ian Hartley, Terry Hunter andGregMcRonald defeating Kevin Pigdon 31-9.

Ross Sizeland defeated Brian Kingsley 20-12 and Dave Hodson defeated Danny McKeown 23-18.

For Morwell, their latest recruit Rod Lewis won 26-19 against Beau Williamson with Traralgon RSL winning 93-65.

Longwarrywon 90-68 at home against Trafalgar with Ken Towt and his rinkofKen White,Richard Ross and Russell White defeating Matt Schreyer 25-16.

Trevor Kitchin and his rink of Hank Metselaar, Grant Pask and David Ashby defeated Nathan Cook 25-11. Ian Peterson defeated Ian Miles 22-19.

For Trafalgar,Chris Bortignon defeated Jason Lieshout 22-18.

Traralgon had abattleatMorwell Club with Michael Yacoub and his rink of Pat Trewin, Michael Better and ShaneChapman defeated BrettHarle 23-16,Matt Eccles defeatedGlenn Trembath 23-18 and Wayne Lynh drew 18-18 with Tara Harle.

For Morwell Club,Neil Whitelaw defeated James Scullin 19-16 leaving Traralgon winning 80-71.

Division 2

ONLY two games were completed in Division 2

Boolarra won well at Traralgon RSL (2) with TerryParker and his rinkofBruce Davey, Michael Williams and Jorma Takanen defeating Grame Hore 36-9.

Stan Williams defeated Max Gibbins 24-14 and Steven Davy defeated Laurie Melhuish 27-17.

For the RSL,Gordon Bayley defeated Joel Anderson 22-15 leavingBoolarra winning 102-62.

Traralgon(2) won at home against Garfield with Garry Trewin and his rink of Bernie Detering, Ken Mooney and Bill Francis defeating Stephen Whyte 23-6.

Ron Sherlock defeated Joe Lenders 28-13 and Kevin Enguell drew 18-18 with Alan White.

For Garfield, ShaneOliverdefeated Cary Locke 27-17 leaving Traralgon (2) winning 86-64.

 IN Division 3, Newborough (2) defeated Drouin (2), although the game was not counted as only one game was played in this division.

 IN Division 4, there were only two games completed with Traralgon RSL (3) winning all rinks win at home against Neerim District (2).

John Farquhar and his rink of Donna Street, GregInmanand Gordon Asbury defeated Kay Cousins 34-12.

Shirley McKenzie defeated Russell Meehan 23-17, Frank Metcalf defeated Ross Pollard21-18 and Margaret Gibbinsdefeated Jim Schroeder 28-19.

Warragul (2) had a97-53 win at Traralgon (4) with Terry Sullivan and his rink of Adrian Helmuth, Gabrielle Draisma and Paul Simmons defeating Norbert Schroeter 28-5.

Greg Mitchell defeated Ian Wills 23-16 and Linda McCoydefeatedStuartHulse 27-10.For Traralgon (4), Bill Bishop defeated Bill Clappers 23-19.  IN Division 5, Morwell (3) defeated Traralgon (5), although the game was not counted as only one game was played in this division.  IN Division 6, Boolarra (2) with only one rink up defeated Moe (4). Michael Schelling and his rink of Lawrie Havrillay, Ethan Gregor and Ken Reynolds defeated John Kerr 25-17. For Moe (4), Shane Hope defeated Tamara Traill 16-15 and Bob Essler defeated Keith Holmes 19-17 leaving Boolarra winning 57 –52. Morwell Club (2) defeated Traralgon (6) 60-58 with Glenn Rogers defeating Deborah Johnston 25-19 and Geoff Unwindefeated DavidMallaghan 21-18.For Traralgon (6), Jill Beck defeatedBob Pelchen 21-14.

 IN Division 7, Drouin (4) defeated Thorpdale (2) 59-24 with Dennis Daniels defeating Darron Fraser 30 –11and Gwen Price defeated Ross Pethybridge 29-13. Traralgon RSL (4) had a48-39 win at Boolarra (3) with Trevor Nelson defeating Ross Bramley 25-16 whilst ElaineMuir drew 23-23withMandi Peter.

Proudlywaving the Valley netball flag

NETBALL

FOUR netball teams from the Latrobe Valley recentlyreturned from TheAustralian Masters Games in Canberra with greatsuccess.Valley

Power 60+ came home with asilver medal, Valley Power 50+ won bronze, Old Spice Girls 60+ took bronze, and Racers 50+ scored silver, It was agruelling week physically and mentally, with all four teams playing 14 games over 40

minutes across seven days. The competition was extremely fiercewith teams coming from every state.

So many collective years of experience and netball knowledge made up the local teams.

Speed: Racers50+ netball team scored silveratthe games

Strength: The ValleyPower 60+ team claimed silver. Photographs supplied

Superb: The ValleyPower 50+ team won bronzeatthe Australian MastersGames

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND ATHLETICS CLUB

Round 8ofGippsland Athletics Club trackand field season washeld Tuesday 2nd of December 2025.

ROUND 8RESULTS: U/14Women’s Hammer –Brooklynn Wyatt 38.01m (37.99m previous record, Brooklynn Wyatt Nov2025)

U/16Women’s 200m –Zaria Dalton 26.20 (26.26 previous record, HaileyArmstrong, WEL, Jan2015)

200M

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 30.31, Xanthe Dalton 31.35; U/16–Zaria Dalton 26.20

Men: Open –Cameron Hughes 29.72, Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne NT;Masters–Aaron Makepeace 31.84, RobKnowles 32.12, StuartDalton 36.28, Simon VanBaalen 37.04, Wayne Seear 37.84

DISCUS

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 26.51, Xanthe Dalton 17.93; U/16–Zaria Dalton 17.59; Masters-Brandy Forget 26.08, Edwina Knowles 19.52, Fiona Saltmarsh 16.42

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 17.10; Open –Cameron Hughes 24.24; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 34.98, StuartDalton 27.26, Wayne Seear 25.41, RobKnowles 22.09, Aaron Makepeace 20.29, Ian Twite19.67

1500MWalk

Women: U/14–MorganKnowles 11:38.08

1500M Masters–Ian Twite7:28.00 HIGH JUMP

Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 1.10, MorganKnowles 1.00; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh1.00

Men: Open –Cameron Hughes 1.30; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 1.25

HAMMER

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 38.01; U/16–Zaria Dalton 24.18; Masters–Brandy Forget 26.69, Edwina Knowles 25.64, Fiona

Saltmarsh18.01

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 16.78; Open –Cameron Hughes 20.56; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 38.39, StuartDalton 25.39, Wayne Seear 24.61, Aaron Makepeace 15.63

100M

Women:

U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 14.69, Xanthe Dalton 15.57; U/16–Zaria Dalton 12.85; Masters-Brandy Forget 20.18; Edwina Knowles 22.97

Men: Masters–RobKnowles 15.73, Stuart Dalton 16.62, Wayne Seear 17.75

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH

STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK PENNANT

ROUND 702-DEC-25

DIVISION 1

Traralgon RSL1476Moe 245

Newborough 14 73 Traralgon 252

Trafalgar 16 72 Morwell Club 050

Drouin 16 69 Warragul 044

DIVISION 2

Neerim District 14 77 Trafalgar (2) 260

Morwell 16 70 Drouin (2) 039

Yinnar 12 68 Newborough (3) 465

Newborough (2) 16 76 Traralgon (2) 041

DIVISION 3

Drouin (3) 12 64 Morwell (2) 457

Churchill 14 66 Morwell Club (2) 259

Longwarry1695Traralgon (3) 025

Warragul (2) 13 64 Yarragon 352

DIVISION 4

YallournNorth 14 69 Traralgon RSL(2) 245

Traralgon (4) 16 64 Morwell (3) 055

Newborough (4) 14 73 Moe (2) 244 Garfield 14 71 Longwarry(2) 258

DIVISION 5

Churchill (2) 838Trafalgar (3) 231

Traralgon RSL(3) 851Yinnar (2) 229

Morwell (4) 10 51 Neerim District (2) 042

Warragul (3) 937Drouin (4) 132

STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK PENNANT LADDER 2025 -26ROUND 72/12/2025

DIVISION 1

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 15 11365 307 58 79

Morwell Club 14 21364 306 58 72

Trafalgar 13 31357 350 758

Traralgon RSL1 331359 322 37 57

Traralgon 13 31331 367 -36 55

Drouin 13 31346 366 -20 52

Warragul 12 41339 357 -1841

Moe 11 51314 400 -86 34

DIVISION 2

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 26 01433 274159 98

Newborough 32 41365 412-47 42

Drouin 21 51302 393 -91 32

Trafalgar 20 61296 428 -132 17

DIVISION 3

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Longwarry1 601488 250 238100

Warragul 25 11407 299 10883

Morwell 23 31386 342 44 60

Yarragon 12 41335 371 -36 47

Traralgon 32 32298 435 -13747

Churchill 12 32321 387 -66 45

Drouin 32 41362 378 -1640

Morwell Club 21 51290 425 -13526

DIVISION 4

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Garfield 16 10483 348 13594

Traralgon RSL2 511378 285 93 84

Yallourn North 15 20433 386 47 69

Newborough 43 31347 387 -40 57

Morwell 33 40411 422 -1146

Longwarry2 241326 388 -62 43

Moe 21 51296 376-80 31

Traralgon 41 60358 440 -82 24

DIVISION 5

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Drouin 45 11257 1797853

Traralgon RSL3 511255 1876849

Morwell 45 11257 221 36 49

Churchill 22 41204 215-11 31

Yinnar 22 41225 259 -34 29

Neerim District 22 41232 248 -1627

Warragul 32 41199 251 -52 24

Trafalgar 31 51197 266 -69 18

STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA SATURDAY PENNANT 2025 -26ROUND

806-DEC-25

DIVISION 1

Traralgon 15 80 Morwell Club 371

Traralgon RSL1693Morwell 265

Longwarry1690Trafalgar 268

Drouin 13 77 Newborough 569

DIVISION 2

Warragul 90 Traralgon (3) 90

Traralgon (2) 15 86 Garfield 364

Boolarra16102 Traralgon RSL(2) 262

Neerim District 90Moe 90

DIVISION 3

Newborough (2) ** 18 76 Drouin (2)** 038

Moe (2) 90Morwell (2) 90

Yinnar 90 Thorpdale 90

Trafalgar (2) 90Longwarry(2) 90 ** Match ** Not Counted

DIVISION 4

Traralgon RSL(3) 18 106Neerim District (2) 066

Yarragon 90Newborough (3) 90

Churchill 90 YallournNorth 90

Warragul (2) 16 97 Traralgon (4) 253

DIVISION 5

Garfield (2) 80Drouin (3) 80

Morwell (3) ** 14 61 Traralgon (5) ** 243

Warragul (3) 80 Trafalgar (3) 80 ** Match ** Not Counted

DIVISION 6

Newborough (4) 80Morwell (4) 80

Morwell Club (2) 14 60 Traralgon (6) 258

Boolarra(2) 12 57 Moe (3) 452

Longwarry(3) Bye

DIVISION 7

Churchill (2) 50 YallournNorth (2) 50

Morwell (5) Bye

Drouin (4) 10 59 Thorpdale (2) 024

Traralgon RSL(4) 848Boolarra(3) 239

STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA

SATURDAY PENNANT LADDER 6DEC 2025 RND 8

DIVISION 1

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Traralgon 1 7 0 1 729 494 235126

Newborough 15 21643 626 17 90

Longwarry1 440682 592 90 77

Trafalgar 13 32625 603 22 71

Morwell 13 50600 634 -34 62

Drouin 13 41522 573 -51 60

Traralgon RSL1 251520 644 -12448

Morwell Club 12 60539 694 -15542

DIVISION 2

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Moe 17 01644 472 172119

Boolarra1 521576 476100 95

Warragul 13 32481 4117077

Traralgon 24 40589 614-25 74

Garfield 13 41522 554 -32 70

Neerim District 12 42457 452 560

Traralgon 32 51466 580 -114 47

Traralgon RSL2 260531 707 -176 34

DIVISION 3

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 26 02512 422 90 107

Longwarry2 512529 374155104

Trafalgar 24 22464 440 24 85

Thorpdale 13 32439 426 13 74

Moe 22 42440 464 -24 60

Morwell 22 42409 462 -53 55

Drouin 21 52413 509 -96 49

Yinnar 11 52404 513-10942

Newborough 34 22541 381 16087

Traralgon RSL3 431533 541 -8 77

Churchill 13 32455 451 474

YallournNorth (1)332425 503 -78 67

Yarragon 12 42430 469 -39 60

Traralgon 42 51501 542 -41 55

Neerim District 22 51494 642 -14846

DIVISION 5

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Garfield 24 13354 3144085

Drouin 34 22385 278 10780

Morwell 33 23347 3153268

Traralgon 53 32328 336 -8 61

Trafalgar 33 32309 359 -50 61

Warragul 30 62273 394 -12129

DIVISION 6

Name WL DF ADiff. P Newborough 45 02343 220 12392

Moe 34 21373 3116270

Morwell Club 24 21356 328 28 69

Morwell 43 22289 292 -3 62

Longwarry3 231288 294 -6 42

Traralgon 61 60397 445 -48 26

Boolarra2 151283 439 -15623

DIVISION 7

Name WL DF ADiff. P Morwell 54 11231 1725945

Drouin 43 31262 1649840

Boolarra3 421248 249 -1 40

Churchill 23 22186 190-435

Traralgon RSL4 331201 2010 34

YallournNorth 22 32181 196-15 32 Thorpdale 21 60205 342 -137 14

GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

Men’sChampionships Rd 3(Stroke)and Monthly Medal and KenGarlic Star Medal

29th November 2025

Men’s Championship Overall Winners

Men’s Champion (Scratch): T. Webb 259

Men’s Champion (Handicap): G. Sanders

229

AGrade Men’s Championship Handicap

Winner: G. Sanders229

BGrade Men’s Championship Handicap

Winner: B. Mathieson 230

CGrade Men’s Championship Handicap

Winner: B. Cluderay 231

MonthlyMedal Winner: S. Sanders72Nett

ScratchWinner: B. Downie 84 strokes

Putts: S. Sanders25

KenGarlic Star Medal Winner: C. Wilson

75 Nett

AGrade Winner: P. Kearns 74 Nett

BGrade Winner: S. Sanders72Nett

CGrade Winner: B. Cluderay 76 Nett

D.T.L: 1. C. Wilson 75, 2. G. Barnes 75, 3. J. Cahill 76,4.B.Downie 76,5.G.Sanders77, 6. R. Sands 79.

N.T.P: 3rdT.Webb(Propin), 5th J. Cahill, 12th P. Smart, 14th G. Beyer

Target Hole: G. Beyer

Women’sChampionships Rd 3(Stroke) and Monthly Medal 2nd December 2025

Women’s Championship Overall Winners

Women’s Champion (Scratch): S. Caldwell

312

Women’s Champion (Handicap): S. Caldwell 237

AGrade Women’s Championship

Handicap Winner: S. Caldwell 237

BGrade Women’s Championship Handicap Winner: K. Del Piccolo

258

MonthlyMedal Winner: S. Gosling 82 Nett

c/b

Winner: B. Jenkins 78 Nett

Putts: B. Jenkins 28

D.T.L: 1. S. Caldwell 82, 2. K. Del Piccolo 82

N.T.P: 3rdS.Caldwell, 5th C. Carder,12th S. Caldwell,14th L. Brent

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday2nd December,Stableford

AGrade: TBradshaw, 41pts

BGrade: JSmeriglio 36pts, DTL: MWoodall 39, NRutledge 36, N Whichello 34 c/b

NTP: 4th MPayne,6th CJames,13th T Bradshaw, 16th GRenwick, Birdies: 16th TTomada

Saturday6th December,Stroke,

AGrade: PDraper 67 nett.

BGrade: FFernandez 69 nett

DTL: SMc Kenzie 69, TimTraill, TWhitelaw 71, NBickerton, JMcFarlane 72, NTP: 4th CBourne,6th NWhichello,13th F Fernandez, 16th CBourne

Birdies: 6th TimTraill, NBickerton, J Hughes,13th TBaker Lowest Putts: TWhitelaw(25).

MOE

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Twilight

Stableford

AGrade Winner: Andrew Pickard (4)18

Sunday, 30 November 2025 BenBoon Plate-MENS Teams Fourball Stableford

Grant McLure(8) 102

Sunday, 30 November 2025 BenBoon

Plate-Individual Stableford

Grade AWinners: Govaars, Paul (10) 42

Grade BWinners: Mcphail, Trevor (13) 39

Grade CWinners: Poole,Justin (20) 34

Place Getters: Burghardt, Peter37, Pisa, Johnny36 C/B,Marriott, Stuart36, McQuillen, Glenn 35 C/B,Ashby, Tristan 35 C/B,Harland, Bob 35 C/B,Johnson, Tony 35, Scurlock, Dael 34 C/B,Johnson, Charles 34, Humphryis,Terry 33 C/B Halkett, David 33 C/B,Mowat, Wombat 33 C/B,Wasmund, Greg 33, Gould, Anthony32 C/B,West,Ashley32 C/B,CARTER, DEAN

32 C/B,Smith, Damian 32 C/B,Jewell, Steve32C/B

Great Score: Bob Harland (Birdie) @8

Paul Mc Rae(Birdie) @14, Glen Ward (Birdie) @8,Charles Johnson (Birdie) @ 14,Craig Perkins (Birdie) @8,Justin Poole (Birdie) @14, GerardHayes (Birdie) @8 Alain Babet (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Paul Hobson, 8th Glen Ward,14th Alain Babet

Wednesday, 03 December 2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winners: Bates,Linda (11) 14

Wednesday, 03 December 2025 WOMEN'S 3PERSON AMBROSE

Overall Winners: PatThompson &Kaye Middlemiss &Leahann Stewart&Helen Mifsud 68

Grade APlace Getters: Christine Elliot & Elizabeth Wallis &Christine O'Reilly&Judy Lee 68.5

Target Hole: PatThompson

NTP: PatThompson (4th)

Wednesday, 3December 2025 Twilight Stableford

AGrade Winner: JohnnyPisa Junior (6) 20

Thursday, 04 December 2025 OPEN Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Veenman, Laurie (7) 39

Grade BWinners: Taylor, Amy(17)37C/B

Grade CWinners: Beath, Ken(23) 38 C/B

Place Getters: Scammell, Larry38, Halkett, David 37 C/B,Nyko, Steve37 C/B Gniel, Glenn 37 C/B,Langstaff, Jay37 C/B,Soppe,John 37,Babet, Alain 36 C/B Shearing,Jason 36 C/B,Borg, Kathy36 C/B,Spiteri, Paul 36 C/B,Taylor,Brayden

36 C/B,Garlick, Karl 36, Stansbury, Les 35 C/B,Yeomans, Wayne 35 C/B,Johnson, Tony 35 C/B

Great Score: Greg Evison (Birdie) @4, Charles Weir (Birdie) @8,Paul Spiteri (Birdie) @4,KarlGarlick(Birdie) @8,Brad Royal(Birdie) @8,JimmyHeland (Birdie) @8,CarlTurner (Birdie) @14, Peter Buckman (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Bob Harland, 8th Jimmy Heland, 14th Tony Johnson

Saturday, 06 December 2025 WOMEN'S SATURDAY OPEN Stableford

Grade AWinners: Donaldson, Leanne (25) 34

Saturday, 06 December 2025 MEN'S Monthly Medal Stroke

Overall Winners: Puddy,Jacob (19)67

Medal Winner

Grade AWinners: Johnson, Tony (0)71

C/B

GradeB Winners: Puddy,Jacob (19) 67

Place Getters: Richmond, Paul 71 C/B, Duncan, Jack 71 C/B,Gaul, Joshua 71, Cunningham, Steve72C/B,Harland, Bob 72 C/B,Thompson, Peter72C/B,Gross Winner,TonyJohnson 71

Great Score: BarryGoodwin (Birdie) @14, Baxter Hamilton (Birdie) @8,Bob Harland (Birdie) @14, Alain Babet (Birdie) @8 Nearest to Pin: 4th RobertHefford,8th Baxter Hamilton, 14th BarryGoodwin

MysterySixes PrizeWinner: Jack Duncan

MORWELL

Wednesday3rd December 2025 Women's Stableford

Winner: DVuillermin 35 c/b

DTL: JGriffiths35

Star Medal Winner: DVuillermin 73 c/b

NTP: 2nd JGriffiths 11th CBoers15th C Boers

TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen's results 3/12/25

18-Holes: 3rdRdChampionships

9-Holes: Stableford

AGrade Winner: Sue Klemke(14)with 71 nett

Runner-Up: KarenMacGregor (24) with 73 nettc/b

BGrade Winner: Anne Outhred (27) with 78 nett

Runner-Up: JanJansen (43) with 79 nett

DTL: Cheryl Deppeler with 73 nett, Bev Keilywith 74 nett, Charlie Killeen with 77 nett and Ange Bayleywith 78 nett

NTP: 5th SamCaldow

Winner: Sue Williams with 16 nett

Runner-Up: Heather savage with 15 nett (16) with 12

Championship winners

Congratulations to all winners

AGrade Scratch: SamCaldowwith 256 -

Handicap: Sue Klemkewith 223 nett

BGrade Scratch: Charlie Killeen with 307 -

Handicap: Charlie Killeen with 226 nett

CGrade Scratch: JanGriffin with 331-

Handicap: JanJansen with 233 nett

Veterans: Ange Bayleywith 153nett

Tuesday: 02/12/25 -Stableford

Players: 26, Women 3, Men 23

Winner: Glenn Doolan (20)

Runner Up: MickBennett(19)c/b

DTL's: AnthonyCunningham (19) John Kerr (19) June Tickell (19) Steve Klemke(19)

NTP: Graeme Harris (5th)

Lucky Card: Charlie Hooker

Thursday 04/12/2025 -Stroke M/Medal

Players: 35, Women 13,Men 22

Ladies Winner: BevKeily(34)

Runner Up: Aileen McNair (35)

ScratchWinner: Sue Klemke(44)

DTL: JanGriffin (36) Cheryl Deppler (36)

NTP: 15th Bron Wallace

Lucky Card: Cheryl Toyne

Mens Winner: RayWilliams (31)

Runner Up: GeoffThomas (33)

ScratchWinner: Tony Shearer

DTL: Neil Watson (34) Wayne Dunn (34)

Max Pugliese (35) Chris Moody (35)

Graeme Harris (35) NormMether (35)

NTP: 15th Harold McNair

Lucky Card: RonKeith

Friday,December 5th, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Jackson Giles 36 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: Di Moody 39 pts C/B

DTL's: Michael Warry39, SteveClark36, Chris Moody 36, Glenn Vassett35, Glenn Flowers 35, Chris Griffin35, KymRoss 34, Jack Henning 34 C/B

Birdies: 11th:Glenn Flowers 13th:Jackson Giles 15th:Peter Grima, Loretta Booth Saturday, December 6th, Monthly Medal Stroke

Medal Winner: Glen Roberts 70 nettC/B

AGrade Winner: Glen Roberts 70 nettC/B

BGrade Winner: Chris Griffin71nettC/B

Scratch Winner: Bill Williams 73 gross

DTL’s: Michael Habgood 66, Zavier O’Reilly 70, Di Moody 70, Denis Dyke 71, Bill Williams 71, RobClark71, RamonDyke 71, Laurie Snowball 71, Jordan Chapman 72 C/B

Birdies: 2nd: Laurie Snowball 5th: Josh Clarkson, Glen Roberts,Uwe Tomski, Harold McNair 11th:Russ Grant, Stewart Cluning,TonyShearer

NTP’s: 2nd: Laurie Snowball 5th: Peter Rhodes 11th:TonyShearer 13th:Ken Street 15th:Harold McNair

YALLOURN

Yallourn Golf Club Ladies Thursday 4-12-25

ParEvent Winner Div 1: (0-34) Sue Caldow+1 Div 2: (35-54) Donna Brown-3onc/b Evelyn Graske

DTL: Heather Ware -3 LynMcAlister-3 NTP: 2nd LynMcAlister 8th Loretta Booth 16th HeatherWare

Birdies: Lola Carter 12th Tuesday2-12-25 9Hole Stableford Div 1: Loretta Booth 21 pts Div 2: Judy Budge 21 pts

PISTOLS

TRARALGON

Mon 24/11/25 Air pistol

AGrade: CBond 546-36-582. CGrade: VBaldwin 517-62-579. FBorgnine 483-78-561.L Klien 477-87-564. DO'Rourke 464-101-565. HSheils 445-108-553. DGrade: DSykes 465-110-575. HMiller 435-141-567.L Morris434-129-563. J Konrad 430-165-595. FPeterson 362-186548. MPeterson 353-189-542.K Beaufort 314-196-510.

Wed26-11-25 Standardpistol

Morwell 15 20473 338 13582

Traralgon 24 21388 389 -1 65

Neerim District 14 30405 399 660

Yinnar 13 31337 366 -29 52

DIVISION 4

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Warragul 26 11600 450 150110

Round

Winners: Garfield Golf Club HarryElylasie (6), Greg Wasmund (15), Paul Govaars(10),

Gobblers: SamCaldowonthe 2nd and Sue Klemkeonthe 6th

9-Hole players

CGrade: CBenelli 489-80-569. DGrade: LMorris 424-157-581.M Howard 381-136-517. DChandler 359-166-525. D O'Rourke 350-205-525.

Midweek hackers clear the front dog

CRICKET

CLV

BY LIAM DURKIN

AS the welcome screen on Stick Cricket states: Hit out or get out.

Cricketersacross theLatrobeValleyhave channelled such thoughts in recent weeks, with the local twenty20 competition getting underway. Matches are playedonTuesday nights,breaking up the usual monotony of training.

Thefixturehas been compromised slightlydue to teamsstruggling for numbersasblokes can’tget to games by the 5.30pm start time due to work.

As aresult, some clubs have done gentleman’s agreements and arranged to reschedule games amongthemselves.

With this in mind, it is important to remember that midweek T20s are largely hit and giggle affairs.

The competition has been dividedinto four pools of four teams.

The top two teams from each pool will play quarter finalsnext Tuesday (December 16) before the rest of the finals series is completedinthe new year.

Round 1was rescheduledtobeplayed yesterday (Tuesday, December 9).

Results at time of print (Monday, December 8) were:

 POOL A

Round 2: Morwell 0/76(JMason 40*, BMills 26*) def Mirboo Nor th 74 (T Dixon 3/7,DDay 3/19, BClymo 2/13), Moe 5/149 (A Philip 69, N Kane 45, HRogers-Collen 3/24, TRober tson 2/22) def Raiders6/126 (H Rogers-Collen 44*, L Maynard34, CGrant 2/14,BZomer 2/29)

Round 3: Moe 3/102 (N Kane 47*, CGrant 35) def Mirboo Nor th 5/101 (F Ingram32, DFreitag 2/13, RColgrave 2/26), Morwell vs Raiders (washout).

 POOL B

Round 2: Churchill 4/154 (B Kearns 83, RAyres 32, JCecil 2/20) def Jeeralang-Boolarra7/83 (B McCormack29, BKearns 2/5, CWilliams 2/22), Traralgon West vs Toongabbie (no scores entered)

Round 3: Churchill 8/139 (R Ayres68, APeck 3/24, JCooke2/24) def Traralgon West 63 (B Kelly3/2, RHarvey2/7), Jeeralang-Boolarradef Toongabbie on forfeit.

 POOL C

Round 2: Glengarry8/142 (S Marks 64, J Armstrong 5/30) def Gormandale 9/119 (C Graham 2/18), Ex Students 6/123 (J Pryde34, R Battista29) def WillowGrove 83 (M Bentley2/2, AMatthews 2/9, MHarris 2/10).

Round 3: Ex Students 5/116 (J Zappulla 42, Z Bastin 30, AMcCormick28, BDissanayake 2/17) def Gormandale 8/115 (Y Soyza 35, ZBastin 3/8, MHarris 2/20), WillowGrove 6/120(DWalsh 50*, SMarks 2/24) def Glengarry6/119 (P Henry47*, BMarks 36, DWalsh 2/11).

 POOL D

Round 2: Imperials 5/137 (A Johnstone 36*, ASpowart 35, LShuttleworth29, JDonovan 2/23) def Centrals 6/135(TShankland 65, A Johnstone 3/20), Rovers 7/159 (D Williams 77*, RNoble 3/27,S Rasool 2/26) def Latrobe 9/111 (S Freshwater 28, KScott3/13, EWilliams 2/5). Round 3: Imperials 3/119 (A Johnstone 45*, C Pilling 38, RNoble 2/23) def Latrobe 7/116 (R Noble 28, TDhawan26*, JJones 2/4, CPilling 2/19).

Limited cricket action, Rovers beat the rain to winonDLS

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

THIRD time lucky.

The trade-offfor hardly missingany cricket during October has been an unseasonably wet start to summer.

All matches acrossCricket Latrobe Valley wererain affected at the weekend,makingfor consecutive damp Saturdays.

Unlike the previous weekend however where not asingle ball wasbowled, some teams still got on, and even had enough time to win.

Rovers defeated Raiders by Duckworth-LewisSternatDuncanCameron.

The Round 7match,previously scheduled as atwo dayer, saw Rovers given 88 to chase in 23 overs.

Raidersmade7/113 from 38 overs before the calculator came out.

Liam Maynard again did most of the heavy lifting, scoring 56 not out for the visitors.

His responsibility has increased markedly in recent weeks,due to injury from all-rounder Keenan Hughes (back at the weekend), and the defectionoffellow all-rounder Rob Webberto Latrobe.

Rovers captainEwan Williams nabbed 3/19 from eight overs. His brother Dougal then made arun-a-ball 26 to see his teammaintaina stronghold in the top two on the ladder.

Finn Mahoney took 2/19 for Raiders.

Mirboo North batted for7.3 overs against Traralgon West, before rain made its way up the Strzelecki.

Just one over was bowled at Traralgon South, with CATS 0/2 against Gormandale.

There was no start between Willow Grove and Latrobe at Moe Racecourse Turf, yet afull game was played on the opposite oval on the astro in CGrade

 EX STUDENTS batted 30 overs, putting up

153 against Imperials at Catterick Crescent.

Jack Robertson showed he is as reliable as ever, making an unbeaten 46 off 43 balls.

Youngster Zac Bastin continues to take huge strides, this time scoring 37 off 39 balls.

Wicketswere shared among the Imps boys. Tyl ah Do nogh ue gra bbed 3/30 and Aar on Johnstone 2/25 following his promotion.

No other Premier Amatches got astart,except Centrals, who batted five overs at Apex against Churchill.

That 30 overs were bowled at Catterick and hardly any at Apex showed just how diverse local weather can be.

Acouple of clearances have also come through before the Christmas deadline.

Off spinner Ross Whelpdale has gone back to Morwell from Churchill, and was named in Premier Batthe weekend.

Given matches at the weekend were reverted to one dayers, all teams split the points. Clubswill now playatwo dayer to see out 2025.

CRICKET

WBBL BY LIAM DURKIN

FALTS might be asneaky chance at the record here.

LatrobeValley cricketerNicole Faltum brought up her100th appearance in the WBBLlast week

The wicketkeeper-bat celebrated the occasion in the bestpossibleway,with her Melbourne Renegadesteamwinningbysix wickets over finals-bound Sydney Sixers.

Victory was anice way for the Renegades to finish its WBBL season, even if the Docklands-based team finished fifth defending the title, missing

Ton of love:

Bairnsdale’s Sophie Moleneux presents fellow Gippslander Nicole Faltum with a commemorative Renegades shir t to celebrate her 100th WBBL game Photograph supplied

finals by just one point. The Renegades were forcedtosweatonother resultstodetermine its finals fate.

Nevertheless, Faltum had agreat time in the field,dismissing two of Australia's leading players.

She stumped Alyssa Healy for aduck, possibly giving the Willow Talk podcaster something to talk about, before combining with fellow Gippslander SophieMolineux to run out Ash Gardner.

Gardner was involved in amix-upwith Ellyse Perry (proving even she can do wrong), with Faltum making good ground to take ahigh return throw before diving to complete the run out.

The Sixersmade130 after 20 overs at Junction

Oval, whichthe Renegadeschasedin16.2overs. Faltum opened the batting, but managed just one.

Her return to Melbourne came after flying back fromPerth justthreedays earlier. The Renegades lostthe match to Perth ScorchersonTuesday, December 2by30runs.

Faltum contributed 28 off 22 balls batting at six, likely earning her apromotion to the top for her milestone match.

Faltum was mic'd up during her 100th game, joining in somepregame funwith kids who asked her to write '6-7' on their caps.(cue Simpsons episode 'Kids say the darndest things').

The former Trafalgar and Morwell player and Moe resident is now one of 41 people to have played 100 games at WBBL level.

Given her age however (25), Faltum may have time to mow down the league record of 153 set by Jess Jonassen.

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY

UNUSUAL SCORES

n Toongabbie 125tied Moe 125(Premier C, Round8)*almost the same number of oversaswell. Toongabbie faced 30.3, Moe 31.3

n Round 5inPremier Csawt wo ties in the same round.

Rawson 9/116 tied Churchill 5/116

Glengarry5/196 tied Mirboo Nor th 6/196

n In under 14s, Raiders/Latrobe 96 tied Centrals 96 during Round 4.

Raidershad another tie,this time in under 14 girls,against Morwell inRound 1(Raiders5/67tied Morwell 4/67,cue meme) compiled by Liam Durkin

On this day: Jardine almost knocked out in Gippsland

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

SPORTS comedian Titus O’Reily is retelling the Bodyline series.

Speaking on the Sports Bizarre podcast with fellow funnyman Mick Malloy, the duo dive further into the history and subplots related to theinfamous 1932/33 Ashes series.

The seriesbecameknownas‘Bodyline’ dueto tactics employed by the England team on its tour of Australia, mainly to curb the influence of Don Bradman.

The tactics involved repeated short-pitched bowling in line with the batsman’s body, hence the moniker.

Forcontext, this was in the days of no helmets and when player protection was flimsy at best. There was also no fielding restrictions or bouncer limits, meaning England could, by law, keep bowling head-high deliveries with catchers in close.

This was also an era when cricket was generally viewedasa gentleman’s game, and such tactics were widely condemned.

What might not be as well-known however is that the main protagonist of Bodyline crossedpathswith Gippsland -acollision which very nearly changed the entire course of cricket history forever.

The protagonistwas haughtyEnglish captain, Douglas Jardine, and the location -the seemingly misplaced Bundalaguah countryside.

It was here that aGippsland cricketer way back in 1932 was only one inchaway fromstopping Bodyline dead in its tracks.

Jardine’s connection to the area was through Maffra resident Frederick Gilder, who owned the Powerscourt homestead. The pair struck up afriendshipduring their universitydays, and Gilderinvited Jardine to stay in early December 1932.

Jardine had anear three-week break between his Gippsland visit and when he was required to play in the second Test match at Melbourne.

On this day (December10) in 1932, Jardine toured anumber of sporting clubs in the Sale-Maffraarea, including Maffra Bowls Club andthe Maffra, Stratfordand Bundalaguah cricket grounds.

While in Maffra, Jardine watched acricketmatch between MaffraDiggers and Boisdale-Bushy Park. Before leaving, he marked the occasion by signing the Maffra Diggers’ scorebook.

Alittle while later at Bundalaguah, Jardine was coerced into battingagainst alocal bowler He agreed to face one overand went out to the middle with no gloves on.

The ball was given to Maffra fast bowlerEmmett Lanigan, who delighted in the opportunity to bowl to the England Test captain.

Emmett, the uncle of fellow local cricket icon Kevin Lanigan and great uncle to modern-daylegendBrett (as well as former Express journalist, Ros Lanigan), had no hesitation in sending downa thundering bouncer first ball. The ball was said to have missed Jardine’s nose by afraction.

Jardine then uttered, “that will do gentlemen” and walked off.

To think if that ball had of been one inch closer to Jardine’s face, Bodyline may not have escalated

The escalation boiled over in the thirdTest at the Adelaide Oval, when anumberofAustralian players suffered repeated blows to the body.

The atmosphere became so tense, those present believe that if one spectator had jumped the fence, 50,000 would have followed.

It was therethat Australian captain BillWoodfull saidhis famous quote:“There aretwo teams out there. One is playing cricket and the other is not.”

True story: English captain Douglas Jardine, chief architect of Bodyline, visited Gippsland during the infamous series. Photograph supplied

No escape from mushroom madness

Cricketer found not guilty

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

Cricket just has a way of messing with you

The WBBL would have undoubtedly haunted a few journalists still on edge from the Erin Patterson case

Check out the surnames of the Adelaide Strikers batters during the match against Sydney Sixers at the weekend

Not only is one named Patterson, the other carries a name virtually describing her weapon of choice

Former Express journo Tom Parry was quick to realise, promptly alerting Express editor Liam Durkin to the fact

Mr Editor can confirm the triple murderer has appeared at least twice in his dreams this year

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY -LOWER GR ADE SCORES

Premier BRound 10 (Saturday, December 6): JeeralangBoolarra (washout) drew Morwell4/26 (J Wus3/6), Churchill (washout) drew Toongabbie 0/18, Ex Students3/41 def Centrals 40 (S Farmer 3/11, JChurchill 2/1, DChurchill 2/2), CATS 0/15 drew Thorpdale(washout), Glengarr ydrewMoe (washout).

BGradeRound 10 (Saturday, December 6): Imperials 1/105 (R Williams 43*,T Paulet 37*) drew Mirboo Nor th (washout), all other games did not star t. Premier CRound 8(Saturday, December 8): Imperials 9/146 (B Sizeland 56, BClark 3/9, KStares2/27, XClark 2/27, JRouse 2/37) def Glengarr y9/109 (C Meers2/6, BSizeland 2/15, EMar tin 2/18, JJones 2/24), Toongabbie 125 (R Farley 45, DAndjelkovic 30m WZalesiak 25, DBiggins 4/21, TDuff 3/27) tied Moe125 (D Biggins 28, BBriscoe 3/31, DVeale 2/13,J Pearson 2/30),Mor well (washout) drew Centrals 103 (D Doble 28, MFreeman 3/14, CGiddens3/16, CJohnson 3/24), Churchill (washout) drew Mirboo Nor th 0/34, Rawson (washout) drew Ex Students 3/32.

CGrade Round 8(Saturday, December 6): WillowGrove 0/63 (N McIntosh 38*) def Imperials 9/62 (N McIntosh 3/9, J van der Stoep 2/13), Latrobe 3/55 drew Raiders (washout) Gormandale(washout) drew Jeeralang-Boolarra 0/10, Rovers drew Cats (washout), Traralgon West -bye

Women's Championship Round 8( Thursday, December 4): Morwell 0/131 (R Ball 30*, BClymo 30*, DCole 27*) def WillowGrove, Centrals 3/80 (K Doble 32*, TVallance2/13) def Churchill 4/76 (T Vallance31*), Raiders 3/92 (D King 30*, EWinkel 2/8) def Traralgon West 1/73, Toongabbie 0/84 (A Robinson 32*)def Rovers 2/83.

Women's Premier Round 8( Thursday, December 4): Centrals 2/93 (T Halkett 33*) def Latrobe3/75, Imperials 3/101 (R Reid 33*, JMillington 2/23) def Ex Students 2/47, WillowGrove 3/52 def Churchill 6/51 (K Richards 3/7, T Anderson 2/15), Raiders -bye

Under 16

Round 8(Sunday, December 7-one dayers): Rovers/

Gormadale 6/46 (K Micallef 3/9, BCake 2/7) def Moe8/37 (S Breddels 4/6, CBoyes 2/17), Mirboo Nor th/JeeralangBoolarra 1/71 (O O'Brien 27*, OStanton 26) def Raiders 7/68 (P Mills 29, LRober ts 3/11), Morwell/Latrobe 87 (J Doble 2/12, KMorrison 2/14,

GIPPSLAND cricketer Luke Ferguson has avoided jail time.

Fergusonwill however need to complete athree-year community corrections order after being sentencedinthe County Court last week.

He was found not guilty by ajury on four chargesofrapeand another of sexual assault, after leaving awoman with broken ribs and bruises all over her bodyfollowing an alcoholfuelled attack in September 2023, the Herald Sun reported.

Ferguson played at aCricket Latrobe Valley club last season, more than ayear after the incident.

The club maintains it was unaware of Ferguson’s situation.

He has sincemovedback home to the Warragul District Cricket Association.

The HeraldSun reported Ferguson (36) of Drouin, admitted achargeofrecklessly causing injury, when he punched the woman in the eye and kneed her in the chest during afight.

In her victim impact statement, the woman said her injuriestook several monthstoheal, and that she feared for her life, and that of her two children.

“I will neverforgive you for what you’ve done,” she said.

Ferguson told police he acted in self-defence after the woman punched him in the face first “She was alone and vulnerable and should have been entitled to feel safe. There can be no excuse for abusing and assaulting awoman,” Her Honour said.

Ferguson also played 16 senior games in the EllinbankDistrictFootball-NetballLeague last season,according to his PlayHQ profile. If you or awoman you know is in crisis, phone 1800RESPECT.

Payton’spoweronfull display

CRICKET

Goannas lose last match of ‘25

CRICKET VETERANS

GRAEME RANKIN

BY

GIPPSLAND Goannas played South East Metroaway in Round5ofthe Veterans Cricket Victoria Over 50s Division 1Saxon Sports Shields at the weekend.

The match, played at South Caulfield Cricket Club, Princes Park No 1(Turf) saw the home side win the toss and send Gippsland in (Gippsland wasplanningto bat anyway) for the Sunday fixture.

Catani's BradMcDonaldscored20, and Churchill's Simon Forbes made 16 opening up, getting the score to 40, before former AustralianOver55s captain, Richie Saniga, cleverly threw the stumps down at the bowler’s end, seeing McDonald short of his ground going for aquick single Asteady flow of wickets saw Gippsland 4/46, before Latrobe’s Anthony Bloomfield (38)dug in and combinedwithdebutant, Adnan Rasheed (40), getting the score to 105. Afurther partnership of 43 between Rasheed and Mirboo North’s Chris Anders (26 not out), progressed the Gippsland score to 8/158.

After asuperb afternoon tea, the Gippsland bowlerstoiled hard,but the SouthEastbatters were never really troubled, passing the Gippsland score in the 31st over. Rasheed bowled wellwith1/13 fromsix overs.

Gippsland’s next game will be against BallaratatEastern Oval (Turf), Ballarat East in the new year.

CRICKET

Centuries

Dale Fleming (CATS) 107

Evan Sheekey (Moe) 107

RobSemmler (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*

MarkSmallwood (Gormandale) 105*

Five wickets

Jie Armstrong (Gormandale) 5/30

SonnyDarby(Raiders) 5/10

Jake Zappulla (Ex Students) 8/11

Kade Hebbard(Latrobe) 5/22

Craig Boswell (Moe) 6/30

ShevanFernando (Toongabbie) 5/5

Shane Breddels (Rovers/Gormandale) 5/10

Lee Stockdale (Ex Students) 7/14

Ben Edebohls (WillowGrove) 6/11

Ben Fleming (Traralgon West) 5/3

MattStoaddart (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

GCL BY LIAM DURKIN

MUST be the superior league.

CricketLatrobe Valley brushed Warragul District aside in the Gippsland CricketLeague at the weekend.

Travelling to Hallora, the visitors closed at 9/281 after 45 overs batting first in Round 4action.

Conditions were such thatthe match was reduced by just five overs following heavy rain the previous day.

Willow Grove big-hitter Luke Payton smacked 89 off just 51 balls, sending seven into the long grass.

Openers Ryan Morley (55) and Matt Dyke (40) provided astrong platform, while Rhys Noble was able to keep the scoreboard ticking with 33 off 39

batting at seven (his innings featured two sixes).

One-season Moe player Layten Smith took 1/38 for Warragul, but went at nearly 10 an over in the face of the Payton onslaught.

The home side never really threatened the target, although Moe premiership player Aiden George (now with Trafalgar) stood out with amagnificent 61 off 70 rocks.

He was the only Warragul player to get past 16, in an average final score of 142.

Latrobe Valley bowled well as agroup, evidenced by four players taking two wickets.

Amal Athulathmudali (2/14) and skipper Jimmy Pryde (2/16) collected scalps, as did Noble, who took 2/26 with the new ball.

In the other senior men’s game,Bairnsdale defeated Leongatha by three wickets at Bairnsdale City Oval.

Sale-Maffra had the bye.

 LATROBE Valley was also victorious in junior GCL.

The under 13s defeated Leongatha by seven wickets at Leongatha Secondary College in Round 4. Given 104 to chase, the visitors got there pretty well unscathed.

Todd Ferguson led the way with 35 opening the batting, while Hayden Rawson playedabusy hand of 34 not out off 46 cherries.

Earlierinthe day, new ball bowlers, SonnyDarby and Rainer O’Brien, each took apair of wickets. Bairnsdale beat Sale-Maffra by 34 runs in the other match at Sale’s Stead Street Oval. Warragul had the bye.

The junior GCL fixture is cramped before school finishes on December 19, with games scheduled right up to the main break.

Morecricket-Pages 44-45

Racing clubs have communityatheart

HORSE RACING

By LIAM DURKIN

THERE'S much more to country racing than just the horses.

Local racing clubs Moe and Latrobe Valley (Traralgon) haveheld anumberofcommunity engagements this year.

Moe recently hosted its inaugural 'Tools Down, Heads Up' session, bringing Gippsland employers together to put apprentice andtraineemental health and wellbeing front of mind.

The club provided breakfast, before important discussionssurrounding mentalhealth took place, sparking meaningful conversations.

Moe RacingClubplanstohold additional sessions in 2026.

It is hoped thesessionswill help build safer workplaces and provide employees with important life skills.

AGL Loy Yang Health and Safety Manager, Mark 'Dougie'Walshpraised the racing club'sinitiative "The understandingaround mental health is definitelythere and Ithinkpeopleappreciate that it is an important topic and an important issue, especially among young apprentices," he said.

Moe has its final meetingfor the year this Sunday (December 14), holding its Christmas Party race day. Gates open from 12pm.

White part of thrilling FIBA win

Qualifiers earlier this year, which included two games in Traralgon, the Boomers weren’t offered an easy run out of the gate.

NOW that’s away to start aFIBA campaign. The AustralianBoomers wenttwo-for-two in their openingwindow against New Zealand, finishing with abuzzer-beating win to open the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

After an equally as closevictory over the Tall Blacks to begintheir doubleheader,84to79on November 28, the Boomers followed that up with Dave Hickey banking in atough three-pointer as the final buzzer sounded to win by two points on December 1.

As opposed to Australia’s FIBA AsiaCup

The Asia Cup Qualifiers, and then eventually the Asia Cup itself, was something of acakewalk for the Boomers, whereasthe World CupQualifiers have instantly shown the increase of competition for Australia.

Much of the team playing in these early stage matches (who will inevitably be replaced by returning NBA players once the actual tournament rolls around in 2027) featured in the Asia Cup winning side from August, including Traralgon’s Jack White.

The NBA champion, who missed out on the 2020 (played in 2021 due to the pandemic) and 2024 Olympics, the former resulting in ahistoric bronze medal, will be pushing hard to remain on

the Boomers roster by the time of the World Cup.

In the first match against New Zealand, White produced strongly off the bench, piling in 10 points, four rebounds and asteal in 18 minutes of action and featuring in clutch time.

In the following Hickey-ledwin,the Traralgon staraddedfivepoints and five rebounds in 16 minutes of play.

For the New Zealand showcase, the Boomers were led by Melbourne United coach and Warragul’s DeanVickerman,who coached WhitelastNBL season, as Australian coach Adam Caporn continued his duties with NBA franchise Washington Wizards.

2026 against Guam.

The Boomers next World Cup Qualifier comes on February 26,

Fun: Theraindidn’tstopthe kids having aball on Traralgon Cup day. Six-year-olds Estelle(from Flynn), Harlow(Melbourne/originallyTraralgon), Hudson(Hazelwood North) andfive-year-old Adele (Hazelwood North) take abreak from splashing around in the mud. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Leaders: Member forMorwell, Martin Cameron and MoeRacing Club ChiefExecutive, Cass Rendell. Photograph supplied

Hospitality: AttendeesatMoe Racing Club’s‘Tool Down, HeadsUp’ event supporting employees mental health. Photograph supplied

Moe, Morwell into grand finals

BASKETBALL

CBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE stage is set.Two Latrobe Valley teams will be playing off in this year’s CountryBasketball League grand finals with achancetocrownedchampions

After claiming top spot on the ladder in the final round of the regular season, Moe gained all the momentum headinginto the Gippsland semi-finals.

Playing at Latrobe Leisure Newborough,the Meteors rode past Maffra with relative ease, 100 to 82, moving into its second championship decider in the past three years.

Despite the score reading aone-way affair, the game still didn’t play out as simple as that.

The Eagles got out to aquick five-point lead to begin proceedings, with Phoenix Cox (son of former Hawthornplayer and Heyfield’s Adrian Cox) swishing in athree-pointer to open well for the visitors.

The home side swiftly responded,and even more so went ahead, after Rohan Demczuk had ahot passage of play where he nailed long-range three, and on the next possession, snuck his waythrough the lane with some handy footwork and finished with astepback midrange shot dropping in.

Achippycontest consistedofnoeasybaskets from either side, especially in the paint, which also resultedinsomeearly free throw shooting and eventual foul trouble, especially for Maffra.

Moe managed to create agap by the end of the

Siddle plays for Albo’sXI

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

MORWELL'S Peter Siddle suited up for the Prime Minister's XI recently.

The fast bowler got some overs in under his belt before the Big Bash.

Admitting he was "surprised" to get the call-up at age 41, he took the opportunity to play in Canberra and bowl with the pink ball nonetheless.

Siddle bowled seven overs during the two-day match (November29-30), returning figures of 0/29.

He playedagainst afew namesthat might featureinthe EnglandXIduring the Ashes, evenmoresonow given thetourists are down 2-nil.

Jacob Bethell,Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue all played,and are prime candidates for promotion at some stage.

Siddle'sselection wasalsointendedto provide mentorship to young Australian bowlers.

The PM's team also featured some of the rising stars of Australian cricket, such as Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway.

Siddle teamed up with Victorian mate Peter Handscomb, who captained the side, as well as forgotten Test player Nathan McSweeney, surely oneofTestcricket's most hard-done-by players.

Fancy tellingsomeone "you've never opened before, you're on debut, go out and face Jasprit Bumrah in Perth."

first quarter, with star player Austin Shelley scoring the 14 of the final 17 points for the term, as the Meteors went into the break ahead 27-21.

As play returned,the opening stretch of the second quarter displayedworryingsigns forthe Eagles, as they had to call atimeout just over a minute into the term after allowing Moe veteran Jayden Van Dyk to score eight quick points, including two threes.

Maffra returned, responding profoundly with a10point unanswered run, bringingthe deficit back down to four.

Meteors big man Stephen O’Brien stretched the floor with atriple to break their cold streak, and additional drivesfrom Josh Parkinsonpushedthe lead back out to double digits.

The main break arrived with Moe ahead, 48-38, which isn’t an insurmountable score line to come back from, but with the quarter they were about to deal, it proved difficult for Maffra.

Aflat period openedthe secondhalf, with Shelley the only player from either sideabletofind the

bottom of the net in the first two minutes.

Shortlyafter, with Maffra feelingthey were getting the short end of the stick with the whistle, JamesWhelanwas issuedwith asecond technical foul,meaning he exited not only the court, but the stadium in its entirety.

Already down 15 points, now losing their star shooter, the Eagles were on the ropes and on the precipice of elimination.

On the other hand, Moe persevered by increasing its intensity in transition and getting easy, quick scores.

Maffra rotation big Owen Booth was handed two unsportsmanlike fouls,meaning he also had to leave the building, almost nailing the coffin shut on the Eagles' season as the rest of the game played out at adistance.

Shelley was at his very best when it mattered most,scoring 36 points alongwith three triples, followed by Parkinson (19) and Van Dyk (16).

Cox gave his all for Maffra, finishing with 34 points and four three-pointers.

Amuch closermatch wasseen in theopposite bracket,withPakenham passing Warragul in a grand final rematch by seven points. Moenow playthe side theybested in thefinal round of the season to leapfrog aheadofonthe ladder.

The men’s grand final starts at 8pm this Saturday (December 13) at CardiniaLife Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Pakenham.  DESPITE only playing once in the previous three weeks, in which they suffered their first loss of the season, Morwell made light work of Warragul in the women’s semi-final.

The Magiccame out on top over the reigning champs, 73-59 at Latrobe LeisureMorwellon Saturday night.

After apoor start to the game, where the home side trailed by seven points at the end of the first quarter, Morwell responded emphatically with a22-9run to head into the main breakwith a six-point lead.

The Magic buckled down as play returned, ramping up their defensive pressure, forcing the Warriors to make turnovers and then scoring on the other end.

By the time of the finalbuzzer,Morwell had their largest lead of the game.

The Magic led strongly with three 20-point or more scorers, through Olivia Ouchirenko (22), Kayla Welsh (21) and Abbey Noblett (20).

Kailey Neave gave her all for Warragul, scoring agame-high 32 points.

Morwell will play Korumburra in the grand final after the Wildcatsdefeated Pakenham in theother semi-final by 18 points.

In abattle of first and second on the ladder, Korumburra wasthe only team to defeatthe Magic during the season, coming afew weeks ago in a thriller by asingle point.

The women’s grand final begins at 5.15pm on Saturday, also at Cardinia Life.

Phoenix in town this week

BASKETBALL

NBL BY BLAKE

METCALF-HOLT

PHOENIX fever arrives once again in the Latrobe Valley.

Avid local basketball fans will be treated to not one but two NBL regular season games this week, when theSouthEastMelbourne Phoenix take on Tasmania JackJumpers tonight (Wednesday, December 10) and New Zealand Breakers on Saturdaynight at Gippsland RegionalIndoor Sports Stadium (GRISS).

This now makes it the fifth and sixth Traralgon ventures for the NBL, and more so, the third game held in the Latrobe Valley this year alone after Phoenix took on Brisbane Bullets last January.

South East Melbourne, who’ve been adopted by Gippsland as the region’s team giventheir frequent appearances and close proximity, currently sit as one of the favourites of the competition, sitting third on the ladder.

Phoenix players travelled down to the Valley in the lead-up to the pair of matches, visiting local schools for some basketballclinics andevena friendly game of frisbee golf.

Latrobe Valley spectators witnessed possibly the

greatest NBL game in the league’s history when Phoenix took on Sydney Kings in 2022 -amatch that went to ascarcely believable double overtime.

State Ministerfor Tourism, Sportand Major Events Steve Dimopoulos spoke to the excitement of seeing Phoenix return to the region once more.

“Victorians love basketball, and the connection the Phoenix havewith LatrobeValley is wonderful to see,” he said.

“The Latrobe Valley deservetohost elite level basketball, andit’ssoexciting that the South East MelbournePhoenixwill bringNBL matches against Tasmania and New Zealand to the Latrobe Valley.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the investment into community and elite sport in Latrobe Valley is crucial.

“The GRISS allowsbasketballers of all ages and levels to enjoy their favourite sport and gives young people in the Latrobe Valley an opportunity to see their basketball heroes up close,” she said.

In addition to all this NBL action, Traralgon also welcomed the WNBL last month, with ashowdown between BendigoSpirit and Perth Lynx, which was the first time the top women's basketball league had featured in the area for two years.

Magic time: Morwell women’s clinched aGrand Finalber th at the weekend in CBL finals action. Photograph supplied